For the complete event program click, here.
Mangia!!!! Tips for Change Italian dinner fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Jan. 20
On January 20th, you can enjoy a fabulous Italian meal and support both Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and a local restaurant at the same time! Tips for Change is a generous program offered by Gianni’s Italian Bistro in San Ramon to help support local nonprofits.
Here’s how it works – MOW Diablo Region will receive all tips and 10% of sales on take-out orders, but meals must be preordered by Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM. To place an order, go to www.giannissanramon.com or call 925-820-6969. For online orders, click the “order online” button, then click on deliver or pick-up (delivery is limited). Be sure to click on the appropriate date – Wednesday, Jan. 20th, then choose your menu items (wine and cocktails are also available for take-out) and your desired time for pick-up at Gianni’s Italian Bistro, 2065 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon.
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is the only meals on wheels that delivers both meals and services in the entire county. Since March, the agency has seen a 40% increase in clients needing delivered meals, but with the support of the community, no senior has missed a delivered meal or a needed life-improving service. Participating in Tips for Change is a win-win-win. It helps support a local restaurant, helps support Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and funds raised impacts the lives of vulnerable seniors.
Orders can be placed as early as today! Preorders must be in no later than Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM for pick-up on Wednesday!
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region awarded Food Insecurity Grant from PG&E
By Rachel Heggen, Community Relations & Development Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is pleased to announce that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has awarded the organization a grant of $7,500 that will help combat food insecurity impacting vulnerable seniors. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population in the country and the county, and while food insecurity has been an ongoing problem it has become more pronounced since the pandemic.
“Since March, we have been delivering meals to 40% more seniors,” said MOW Diablo Region’s Executive Director, Caitlin Sly. “The problem of food insecurity will continue into the future, but with the help of PG&E we can continue to deliver more meals to more seniors. That will help them continue to remain at home with dignity.”
The awarding of this grant was made possible with the help of PG&E’s Tom Guarino, who recently passed away. He was a strong advocate for nonprofits and his work on their behalf has had a profound impact on the lives of so many individuals.
MOW Diablo Region, in addition to delivering meals, provides life-improving services, such as Fall Prevention, Care Management, Health & Wellness classes and Friendly Visitors, Callers and Helpers. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is an independent nonprofit and is the only meals on wheels that delivers both meals and services in the entire county. If you know someone who needs a delivered meal or a wraparound service, or would like to find out how to become involved, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org.
Raley’s Food For Families raises over $3 million for California, Nevada food banks
Raley’s non-profit sets new record with 43% increase in total year-over-year donations; $483,825 raised for Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano
By Kevin Buffalino, Public Relations & Partnerships Manager, Raley’s
Raley’s Food For Families Annual Holiday Drive raised over $3 million throughout the 2020 holiday season, the largest amount ever donated in the organization’s 35 years of hosting the event. The donations, which came from customers in-store and online between November 2 and December 31, will provide more than three million meals for those suffering from food insecurity in northern California and Nevada.
One of Raley’s 12 regional food bank partners is the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, and $483,825.00 was raised for them during this year’s Annual Holiday Drive. The customers at the Raley’s and Nob Hill stores in Contra Costa County donated the following amounts to provide meals for their food insecure neighbors.
Raley’s
- Antioch – $17,932
- Brentwood – $23,100
- Oakley – $17,393
- San Pablo – $21,516
Nob Hill Foods
- Martinez – $26,025
- San Ramon – $17,662
- Walnut Creek – $25,431
“The generosity we have seen this past year within the communities we serve is incredible,” said Becca Whitman, Executive Director of Raley’s Food For Families. “It is no secret that 2020 was an especially difficult year, so we cannot thank our customers enough for their outpouring of support to help their neighbors in need during even the toughest of times. They are the ones who truly deserve the recognition.”
Raley’s Food For Families works every day to alleviate hunger locally by partnering with 12 regional food banks across the company’s footprint in northern California and Nevada. This year’s Annual Holiday Drive was especially important because these partners, which typically serve 1.4 million food insecure individuals each month, saw an increase of an average of 95% in those using their services in 2020.
Although this year’s Annual Holiday Drive has ended, Raley’s accepts donations year-round at check stand pin pads at all store locations and online to support Food For Families. Donations stay local to aid the communities in which they were made, and Raley’s covers all administrative costs for Food For Families, ensuring one hundred percent of donations benefit food bank partners and those in need.
To learn more about Raley’s Food For Families or to donate, visit raleys.com/foodforfamilies.
About Raley’s Food For Families
Raley’s Food For Families is a registered 501(c)3 organization providing food to Feeding America food banks and their network of partner agencies. The year-round program serves the communities of Northern California and Western Nevada through Raley’s, Bel Air Market, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source stores.
Raley’s Food For Families began as a holiday food drive in 1986 and was founded by Co-Chairman and Owner Joyce Raley Teel and CEO emeritus Charles Collings. In the past 35 years, the organization has raised over $42 million and 40 million pounds of fresh, wholesome food. With a long-standing commitment to local communities, Raley’s Food For Families continues to grow and thrive as an organization dedicated to health and happiness for those experiencing food insecurity. Raley’s covers 100% of the administrative costs for the non-profit, meaning 100% of donations go directly to the food bank partners.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Contra Costa 43rd Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarians of the Year to be honored Jan. 19
By John Fout, Community & Media Relations Specialist, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
In 2021, fifty-three years will have passed since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That sobering reminder will serve as a backdrop to Contra Costa County’s 43rd Annual Commemoration of Dr. King’s life and legacy. The Board of Supervisors welcomes the public to watch a virtual community celebration on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 11 am.
“Contra Costa County welcomes the public to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and help us honor a Humanitarian and Student Humanitarian of the Year. These honorees serve the residents of Contra Costa with dedication and heart. Together, we will commemorate Dr. King and commit to continuing our work together to address issues of racial injustice and inequality in our communities,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Diane Burgis.
The theme of the event is “Silence is Not an Option.” Countywide recognition will be given to the Adult Humanitarian of the Year, Velma Wilson from Antioch, and the Student Humanitarian of the Year, Kimyatta Newby, a recent graduate of Middle College High School in San Pablo. Their stories of leadership, advocacy, and service have impacted Contra Costa County, its residents and communities, and reflect the spirit of Dr. King’s work and achievements.
The celebration will feature the voices of inspirational speakers from the community, including Mike Anderson, former Mayor of Lafayette, Iris Archuleta, Co-founder Emerald HPC International, Merl Craft, Mayor of Pittsburg, Reverend Phillip Lawson, retired pastor and civil rights activist, and Shanelle Scales-Preston, Pittsburg City Council Member. The program also includes entertainment from the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts.
About Velma Wilson
In her actions, her words, and her example, Velma Wilson lives her life as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called us to live.
Velma is a selfless, tireless volunteer in the community and the county. She has served by leading her community and many organizations to promote and foster diversity, equality, and justice. She organized food distribution, school supply, and other drives in service to our county’s most vulnerable.
Velma has coordinated the annual Antioch MLK Day Celebration, the Antioch Veterans and Memorial Day observances, in addition to many other events. Her leadership skills and creativity bring together local, state, and federal elected officials, as well as the community-at-large.
Her list of leadership and volunteer roles includes serving as the parent and student engagement liaison for Antioch United School District, Vice President of Legislation and Education for the 32nd District PTA, 1st Vice President of East Contra Costa County NAACP, and Community Member for African American Male Achievement Initiative. Local service organizations have also benefitted greatly from her membership and involvement.
Her commitment to the Census 2020 effort led her to become a Census Bureau field supervisor. Her relationships and understanding of Antioch and Contra Costa County helped to ensure that both our homeless and unsheltered populations counted and our hardest-to-reach residents in some of the toughest neighborhoods.
About Kimyatta Newby
Kimyatta Newby serves on the San Pablo Youth Commission (SPYC). The Commission is a youth leadership and civic engagement program that increases youth participation in local government. During her tenure with the SPYC, Kimyatta demonstrated her passion to lead her peers and impact the community. Her passion is most evident during her facilitation of youth-led workshops.
Commitment to SPYC led to an election to multiple leadership roles, serving as Chair, Vice Chair, Interim Chair, and Event Coordinator. She grew the work of the Youth Commission by proposing ambitious goals to the City Council and worked diligently to fulfill each one. Through the expansion of ongoing youth recruitment, she brought in eight new members.
While at Middle College High School, Kimyatta was an active member of the Associated Student Union, Metas, Black Student Union, Latino Student Union, Leadership, the Dance Team, and Current Events & Debate.
In 2020, she became the West County young leader and organizer for Black youth and accelerated her efforts during the pandemic. She and her peers asked high school administration to address violence, injustice, and inequities for students of color. She began peaceful protests around the Bay Area. Kimyatta organized the George Floyd Solidarity Protest, which attracted over 1,000 participants in Pinole. Her interests include journalism. She wrote articles for the Richmond Pulse to cover black mental health, transitioning from high school to college, and the recent presidential election results.
Kimyatta is currently a freshman, studying remotely, at Howard University
The public can watch the virtual live-stream at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6086 or www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will also be broadcast live on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) channels, Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and WAVE 32. To learn more about the Dr. King Ceremony and past ceremonies, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/5307 in the Community section of Contra Costa County’s website.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Contra Costa from The Herald!
2021 Contra Costa County Fair canceled
ANTIOCH – As a major event facility, The Contra Costa Event Park has been weighing all of its options, as we monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. There is no higher priority than the safety of our Fairgrounds family, patrons, vendors, promoters and sponsors at the Contra Costa Event Park. It is with heavy heart and great regret due to this ongoing situation the Contra Costa Event Park Board of Directors met last night and unanimously voted to cancel the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair scheduled for May 13 – 16.
We understand that this decision has both financial and emotional impact on all of our Fair partners. After thoughtful consideration, we do not feel it would be a responsible decision to continue with the planning of the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair, when it could potential be canceled at the last minute.
The Contra Costa County Fair has been an annual event for over 80 years, and has operated uninterrupted, with the exception of a few years during World War II. The Fair is a large part of our communities’ history and tradition, and the decision to cancel the 2021 Fair did not come lightly.
We thank the community and all of our partners for your continued support during these challenging times.
We look forward to seeing you all safe and healthy for the 2022 Contra Costa County Fair May 12 – 15.
Kaiser Permanente awarding $1.1 million in grants to non-profits to improve community health
Grants increase access to health care, improve economic security and address mental health and wellness
By Kerri Leedy, PR and Media Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Dec. 7, 2020 – To address the health needs of the community, Kaiser Permanente in the Diablo Area has awarded $1.1 million in grants focused on increasing access to health care and coverage, improving economic security and addressing mental health and wellness.
The Kaiser Permanente funding to 28 non-profit organizations will help low-income, at-risk communities in Central and East Contra Costa County, and the Tri-Valley area of Alameda County.
The 28 grants are aligned with Kaiser Permanente’s mission of improving the health of our members and the communities we serve. Kaiser Permanente recognizes that many factors impact health including social, economic and environmental conditions in the community. Through support of local non-profit organizations, Kaiser Permanente is working toward improving health for all.
“Our communities are facing significant and unprecedented challenges,” said Marty Ardron, Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Diablo Service Area. “These organizations are committed to helping by providing vital health and mental health care, housing, and food assistance. We are proud to support them.”
The following nonprofit organizations received support from Kaiser Permanente:
Increasing Access to Care:
Axis Community Health | Supporting Complex Patients with Case Management Services |
Brighter Beginnings | Increasing Access to Healthcare in Antioch |
Contra Costa County | COVID-19 Ambassadors Project |
District Council Contra Costa County Society of St. Vincent de Paul | RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic at St. Vincent de Paul |
La Clinica de La Raza, Inc. | Connecting Families to Health Care |
Planned Parenthood: Shasta Diablo Inc., DBA Planned Parenthood Northern California (PPNC) | Promotores: Increasing Access to Health Care |
RotaCare Bay Area | Provision of Healthcare to Contra Costa County’s Uninsured Population |
Improving Economic Security:
Alameda County Community Food Bank | Farm Fresh Produce Program |
Contra Costa Crisis Center | Thrive Local Contra Costa: Follow up services for homeless 211 callers |
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano | Food Distribution in Contra Costa County |
FRESH APPROACH | Access to Nutritious Foods in East Contra Costa County |
Hope Solutions (formerly Contra Costa Interfaith Transitional Housing, Inc.) | Key steps: Path to Permanent Housing and Healing |
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa | Nourishing Lives Through Food |
Monument Crisis Center | Ingredients for a Healthy 2020-21 |
Open Heart Kitchen of Livermore Inc | Hot Meals Program |
Opportunity Junction, Inc. | Administrative Careers Training to Improve Economic Security for Low Income Adults |
SHELTER, Inc. | Supporting the Behavioral Health of Homeless Families |
Trinity Center Walnut Creek | Youth Wellness Advocacy |
Addressing Mental Health and Wellness:
Family Justice Center of Contra Costa | Thrive Local Contra Costa |
Antioch Unified School District | Mental Health & Wellness Initiative |
Counseling Options & Parent Education, (C.O.P.E.) | Road to Recovery |
Fred Finch Youth Center | Contra Costa County School Based Services |
Lincoln | Trauma-Informed Care |
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District | Parent Outreach Coordinator |
Mindful Life Project | Countering ACE’s with Innovative Mindfulness Programming in East Contra Costa County |
Monument Impact | Mentes Positivas En Acción |
Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa | Educating the ARC of ACEs within out LGBTQ+ Communities through and Intersectional Lens |
Rubicon Programs Inc. | Wellness, Work, and Mobility |
About Kaiser Permanente
For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org.
Pearl Harbor veterans to be honored in virtual “Eye of Diablo” Beacon-Lighting Ceremony December 7
Commemorative Pictorial Postmark Announced
By Laura Kindsvater, Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo
This December 7th, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, three local survivors of World War II’s “Day of Infamy”—the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941—will share their stories as part of a virtual ceremony filmed primarily atop Mount Diablo.
Sponsors of the yearly event, including local land trust Save Mount Diablo, California State Parks, Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 5, and California State University– East Bay, are proud to present a virtual celebration this year beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Monday, December 7th.
In a 45-minute video, three local East Bay survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack will recount their experiences that fateful day. Speakers will then pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives and honor those yet living, “Lest We Forget” the tragedy that befell the country nearly six decades ago and the way we came together after the attack.
“When that beacon light is turned on, that’s a tribute to those individuals who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor,” said Pearl Harbor survivor Earl “Chuck” Kohler from Concord.
Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director Ted Clement noted, “This year it is especially important that we come together as a nation to honor National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and those who served. Reflecting on that day and the aftermath reminds us of the strength of our nation when we come together even amidst great adversity. Our December 7th virtual event will enable more people to come together on this important day.”
Eddie Guaracha, California State Parks Diablo Range District Superintendent, stated, “As we reflect on this historic event, it is not only critical to remember the many lives that were lost, but also to remember the selfless acts undertaken by many on this fateful day. This is the spirit of our country in critical times. It is an honor to represent California State Parks on this momentous occasion, and I hope we can all remember to radiate kindness toward one another, as we remember those who gave all on this day.”
“As we pass through difficult, often divisive times ourselves, the sacrifices borne by the American people following that fateful morning some 79 years ago should give us all an enormous sense of pride, and most importantly, hope for the future. Cal State East Bay is honored to once again participate in this annual act of remembrance,” said Robert Phelps, Director of the California State University–East Bay (Concord Campus).
The U.S. Postal Service, in commemoration of this year’s National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, is issuing a special pictorial postmark. The postmark can be obtained by following the instructions here.
Those interested in witnessing this year’s virtual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony can find the video link on Save Mount Diablo’s home page at 4:30 PM on December 7th at www.savemountdiablo.org.
Background
Every year since 1964, the Pearl Harbor survivors and their families have memorialized Pearl Harbor Day by relighting the historic Beacon atop Mount Diablo’s summit.
The Beacon was originally lit by Charles Lindbergh in 1928 to assist in the early days of commercial aviation. The Beacon shone from the summit of Mount Diablo each night until December 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
It was not relit until December 7, 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, attended a ceremony on Mount Diablo’s summit in commemoration of the survivors of Pearl Harbor. He suggested that the Beacon be lit every December 7th to honor those who served and sacrificed.
Save Mount Diablo, California State Parks, the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 5, California State University–East Bay (Concord Campus), and others organize the annual lighting ceremony of the Beacon every December 7th in honor of the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
One of the bright lights provided to the San Francisco Bay Area during this pandemic is the Mount Diablo Beacon, which Save Mount Diablo staff and volunteers light every Sunday night after sunset so that the Beacon can shine brightly through the darkness until it is rested after sunrise on Monday.
Save Mount Diablo’s lighting of the Beacon every week is a way to thank our heroes in these troubling times, to help our communities come together, and to remind people to lift their eyes to the light and nature.
Save Mount Diablo began this weekly lighting of the Beacon on Sunday, April 12th, Easter Sunday. However, the Beacon will not be lit on Sunday, November 29th and Sunday, December 6th to build anticipation for and honor the coming National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. After the December 7th ceremonial lighting of the Beacon, Save Mount Diablo will resume the weekly lighting of the Beacon for as long as the pandemic rages here.
Commemorative Pictorial Postmark Announced
As a community service, the U.S. Postal Service™ offers pictorial postmarks to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation.
Those who wish to obtain the postmark may submit a mail order request. Requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial postmark date.
All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail® postage. Items submitted for postmark may not include postage issued after the date of the requested postmark. Such items will be returned unserviced.
Customers wishing to obtain a postmark must affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others, insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: Pictorial Postmarks, followed by the Name of the Station, Address, City, State, ZIP+4® Code, as listed next to the postmark.
Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for postmark, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial postmark, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.
About Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors
It is the mission of the SDPHS to create programs that inspire youth and adults to learn and document the history of the beginning of WWII and the days that followed from people who experienced it and from their ancestors. Learn more at www.sdphs.org.
About Save Mount Diablo
SMD is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, and watersheds through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide recreational opportunities consistent with the protection of natural resources. Learn more at www.savemountdiablo.org.
About California State Parks
To provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.
About California State University–East Bay
Cal State East Bay welcomes and supports a diverse student body with academically rich, culturally relevant learning experiences that prepare students to apply their education to meaningful lifework, and to be socially responsible contributors to society. Through its educational programs and activities, the university strives to meet the educational needs and to contribute to the vitality of the East Bay, the state, the nation, and global communities. Learn more at www.csueastbay.edu.
Drive-thru Thanksgiving food and backpack giveaway by Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa in El Sobrante Tuesday
Contra Costa kids and families will have the opportunity to have a safe and socially distant Thanksgiving food drive-thru with local community members.
Moose Lodge 550 – With the holiday season approaching Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa decided to host a Thanksgiving drive-thru event. On Tuesday November 24, 2020, Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa will be taking over the Moose Lodge 550 parking lot and making it a family friendly drive-up Thanksgiving meal and backpack giveaway in a socially distant way! The event is a drive-thru event ONLY and will open to Contra Costa County families from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
“We know times are tough right now for families throughout Contra Costa. Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa is committed to doing whatever it takes to support kids and families,” said Keirstan Faulkner, Director of Education of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa.
Our Thanksgiving event will include packages of turkey’s, mashed potatoes, vegetables, mac & cheese, bread, and some fun additional snacks! Families must drive in and remain in the car as they come to pick up their food.
Extra precautions have been put in place by Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa to help ensure the health and safety of all guests wishing to participate in this year’s Thanksgiving Celebration.
If you are interested in participating or donating any food or supplies, please contact Keirstan Faulkner via email at kfaulker@bgccontracosta.org. Any monetary donations to the organization will go towards our COVID-19 relief fund so we can continue to support our community when they need us the most.
Thanksgiving Holiday Food Giveaway with Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa is scheduled for Tuesday November 24th from 3pm to 5 PM PST.
Event Details:
What: Thanksgiving Holiday food giveaway with Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa
When: Tuesday, November 24th, 2020
Where: Moose Lodge 550 at 4674 Appian Way, El Sobrante
For any additional information, please contact us at kfaulkner@bgccontracosta.org
We believe every kid has what it takes to be happy and successful. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. For more information, please visit and get involved at https://www.bgccontracosta.org
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