Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

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Step Back in Time: Celebrate FDR’s legacy and the USS Potomac’s 30th Anniversary

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The USS Potomac on the San Francisco Bay and President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the boat. Source: USS Potomac Association

Historic Open House at Jack London Square Jan. 30

By Marci Bracco Cain, The Buzz PR and Jennifer Pettley, Executive Director, USS Potomac Association

Oakland, CA – Two historic milestones come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, as the USS Potomac honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 143rd Birthday and commemorates the 30th Anniversary of its reopening to the public after a stunning 14-year restoration.

Held at Jack London Square in Oakland, this free, family-friendly open house invites attendees to explore history aboard FDR’s presidential yacht—famously known as the “Floating White House.” Featuring dockside tours, an inspiring keynote address, and interactive activities, this event is a can’t-miss opportunity to step into the legacy of one of America’s most transformative leaders.

Opportunities

1. A Presidential Milestone with Local Ties – Honor FDR’s enduring legacy as the 32nd President of the United States and his unique connection to the Bay Area through the USS Potomac.

2. A Tale of Redemption: The Potomac’s Restoration Journey – From a DEA drug bust and near-sinking to a $5 million restoration and revival, the USS Potomac’s dramatic rescue and preservation stand as a testament to the value of historical conservation.

3. Exclusive Free Tours of a National Treasure – The USS Potomac is the only site west of the Mississippi dedicated to FDR’s legacy. Dockside tours offer a rare chance to connect with this floating piece of history.

4. A Community Celebration with a Modern Twist – Engaging elements like vintage-themed activities, a trivia challenge, and a selfie station bring history to life for all ages.

Event Highlights

• Dockside Tours (10:00 AM–1:30 PM): Step aboard the USS Potomac and explore the historic presidential yacht that carried FDR through pivotal moments in history.

• Keynote Presentation (12:00 PM): Hear from Walter Abernathy, retired CEO of the Port of Oakland, as he shares the gripping story of how the USS Potomac was rescued from destruction, restored, and transformed into a community treasure.

• Birthday Celebration (1:00 PM): Enjoy a ceremonial cake cutting and coffee toast to honor FDR’s 143rd birthday.

• Interactive Elements:
o FDR Trivia Challenge: Test your knowledge for a chance to win prizes.
o Selfie Station: Snap photos with vintage props and share them using #FDRBirthdayBash.
o Era Attire Contest: Dress in 1930s–1940s fashion for a chance to win exclusive USS Potomac merchandise.

From Sunk to Celebrated

The USS Potomac’s history is as compelling as the man it served. Once a key presidential retreat, the yacht’s story took a dramatic turn when it was seized in a DEA drug sting, sank in San Francisco Bay, and was ultimately rescued by the Port of Oakland. This open house marks 30 years since its public reopening, celebrating its transformation into a cherished historical landmark and a must-see destination.

Community Engagement

• Free Swag Raffle: Visitors can sign up for the USS Potomac e-newsletter for a chance to win FDR-themed gifts like mugs, T-shirts, and posters.
• Historical Short Film: A 10-minute documentary shown in the museum will capture the fascinating story of the USS Potomac and its role in FDR’s presidency.
• Community Groups & Clubs: Partnerships with local historical societies, veterans’ organizations, and college history clubs will enhance the event and bring together diverse audiences.

Event Details
• Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: USS Potomac Museum & Yacht, 540 Water St, Jack London Square, Oakland
• Admission: Free and open to the public

About the USS Potomac

Built in 1934, the USS Potomac served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht until 1945. Known as the “Floating White House,” the vessel provided FDR with a sanctuary and a strategic meeting place during a transformative era in American history.

After a dramatic fall from grace—including its time as a Coast Guard cutter and a drug-running vessel—the yacht was rescued and meticulously restored. Operated today by the nonprofit USS Potomac Association, it offers educational programs, public cruises, and private charters, preserving a vital piece of America’s past.

For details on the 2025 season and booking, visit www.usspotomac.org.

Brentwood Police to hold Town Hall Meeting on Prop. 36 and organized retail theft Jan. 30

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If you’re interested in learning more about Proposition 36 and efforts to address organized retail theft, we invite you to join us at our next Town Hall Meeting:

Date: Thursday, January 30th, Location: Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

This is a great opportunity to engage with the Brentwood Police Department, learn about these critical topics, and ask questions.

White Pony Express launches gift card campaign to support victims of L.A. fires

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By Steve Spraitzar, Public Relations, White Pony Express

Heralded nonprofit White Pony Express (WPE) has launched a campaign to collect and distribute gift cards to the survivors of the Los Angeles fires. Gift cards will offer recipients the flexibility to address unique needs and circumstances during this challenging time. Each gift card will be accompanied by a heartfelt, hand-written message of love and support.

While many supplies are being collected and offered to those impacted by the fires, meeting specific needs—such as correct clothing size/style or food appropriate to culture and dietary requirements—can be difficult. WPE’s gift card campaign provides an adaptive, customizable solution that addresses people’s unique needs and preferences.

Says WPE CEO Eve Birge, “A gift card empowers individuals to make their own choices about what they truly need. Many people receive gift cards over the holidays they’d like to donate; others will provide practical gift cards they feel are most needed at this time. Including a heartfelt message along with the gift card is a way to share our love and solidarity.”

This is not the first time White Pony Express has aided survivors of natural disasters. In 2018, at the urging of WPE’s Founder Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, the organization sent vans full of high-quality food and clothing, along with cash donations, to help the survivors of the devastating Camp Fire. This continued for 10 months, as needs remained long after federal aid and the cameras pulled back.

Gift cards for those impacted by the Los Angeles fires can be mailed to the attention of Eve Birge or dropped off at WPE’s headquarters, 2470 Bates Ave Suite D, Concord, CA 94520. Contact WPE’s Volunteer Coordinator to learn about card-making opportunities and other volunteer projects: Volunteer@whiteponyexpress.org.

We encourage the public to spread the word about WPE’s gift card campaign to benefit those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles.

About White Pony Express (WPE): Founded in 2013 by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, WPE is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to eliminate hunger and poverty by delivering the abundance all around us to those in need—with love. WPE’s Food Rescue Program operates seven days a week, recovering a daily average of 12,000 pounds of high-quality, surplus, fresh food from over 80 local food outlets. This nutritious food is redistributed within 24 hours to 100+ nonprofit recipients who feed the hungry. Since its inception, WPE has rescued and delivered more than 27 million pounds of nutritious food—equal to 21 million meals—and prevented more than 39,000 tons of CO2 emissions from entering the air we breathe.

Martin Luther King Day Community Event in Vallejo Jan. 20

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Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Living the Dream – FREE Admission!

Solano County, CA –The Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce proudly invites the community to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at our annual MLK Jr. Community Event, taking place on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo. This free event promises to be a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s vision for a society rooted in equality and justice, bringing together individuals committed to civil rights, leadership, and working together for positive change.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement, we embrace the call for unity and collaboration within our community. This year’s event will feature inspiring speakers, engaging performances, and thought-provoking discussions that highlight the importance of leadership in the ongoing fight for equality.

“Our aim is to not only celebrate Dr. King’s legacy but also to invigorate our community with a renewed sense of purpose and togetherness,” said Tamuri Richardson, President of the Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce. “By coming together, we can continue to work towards fulfilling the dreams he envisioned for all people.”

The MLK Jr. Community Event will include:
• Inspirational Speakers from local leaders
• Spoken Word Artists
• Performances by local artists and youth groups
• Opportunities for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue about leadership and collaboration
This event is open to all ages, and we encourage everyone in the Solano County area to attend. Together, we can honor Dr. King’s legacy and take actionable steps towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Event Details:
Date: Monday, Monday January 20, 2025
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Location: Solano County Fairgrounds – McCormick Hall – 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, Ca
Admission: FREE (Registration is Required) go to www.solanoblackchamber.com

For more information about the event and registration details, please visit www.solanoblackchamber.com or contact us at 707-673-2148 or info@solanoblackchamber.com.

Let us come together in the spirit of unity and continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as we strive for a brighter future for all.

About Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce:
The Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the growth and success of African American businesses and fostering economic empowerment within our community. Through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities, we aim to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Solano County.
Follow Us: Facebook/Instagram: SolanoBlackChamber

Chabad of the Delta invites public to annual Grand Chanukah Celebration in Brentwood Dec. 29

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You are invited to join us for a grand Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 4:30pm!

Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad of the Delta and our surrounding communities as we light the grand Menorah in Brentwood City Park. A reception will follow inside the adjacent Brentwood Community Center.

Our local community leaders will participate in kindling the giant “Menorah of Freedom”. There will be fun activities for everyone including:

  • Epic LED Light show
  • Giant Menorah Lighting with Dignitaries
  • Chanukah Donuts
  • Latkes
  • Chocolate Gelt
  • Chanukah Crafts
  • Festival Indoors, Lighting Outdoors
  • Win Chanukah Gifts
  • Security Presence
  • Free Fidget Dreidel for the first 50 Children

For many of us, Chanukah prompts warm, loving memories from our childhood. We light the Menorah every night of the 8-night holiday. These lights offer warmth, joy, strength, inspiration and renews our sense of identity.

This year, Chanukah begins at sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 25th and ends at nightfall on Thursday, Jan. 2nd.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, director of the Chabad of the Delta Jewish Center, describes Chanukah as “a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”

As we celebrate in East Contra Costa, we join millions the world over, promoting the universal message that good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness!

Make sure not to miss this opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends! Brentwood City Park is located at 790 2nd Street and the Brentwood Community Center is located at 35 Oak Street.

For more information, contact Chabad of the Delta at (925) 420-4999 or online at JewishDelta.com/Chanukah.

 

22nd Annual Discovery Bay Parade of Lights Dec. 7

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See Super Heroes with Magical Super Powers beginning at 6:00 PM

Join us on Saturday, December 7th for the 22nd Annual Discovery Bay Parade of Lights!

This year’s decorating theme is inspired by the event date of Pearl Harbor Day, and by the amazing heroes we have in our community, the iconic toys and characters that delight us, and of course the Super Hero with Magical Super Powers who IS the ‘reason for the season’.

The Parade-of-Lights theme is ALWAYS about delighting children, creating memories of this community that they will treasure, and of an age-friendly community in which everyone is served.

The Parade-of-Lights is presented by local nonprofit, ROAR California, and their mission is to encourage and facilitate age-friendly communities, and supported by generous community sponsors.

Street Route: From Marina Road to Discovery Bay Blvd. (and the site of Discovery Bay’s Community Tree!)

Con Fire to hold 2024 Annual Open House in Concord Saturday, Oct. 19

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By Chris Toler, Fire Captain, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Contra Costa Fire) is excited to announce the 2024 Contra Costa Fire Annual Open House. The media and community are welcome and encouraged to attend this family-friendly event to see Contra Costa Fire up close. Multiple live demonstrations are scheduled. The live demonstrations are designed to display many of the services provided by Contra Costa Fire. The public will also have access to fire engines, meet firefighters, learn how to be fire safe and have the opportunity to ask questions.

All attendees, please adhere to parking signage and instructions. Free parking for the event is being provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2930 Treat Blvd. The church is located directly across the street from the training grounds.

WHERE: Contra Costa Fire Training and Safety Division, 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord

WHEN: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

About Con Fire – Contra Costa Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than 770,000 residents in 12 cities (Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo and Walnut Creek) and 10 unincorporated areas across our expanded 553 square-mile jurisdiction. The District comprises 34 fire stations, 40 companies and more than 500 employees. Through our unique ambulance Alliance, the District delivers EMS and ambulance transport services to much of Contra Costa County. Contra Costa Fire remains dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.

CoCoTax Luncheon with BART Director Debora Allen Oct. 25

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District 1 BART Board Director Debora Allen. Herald file photo.

The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Luncheon and Board  and  Members Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday October 25, 2024, from 11:45 am to 1:10 pm.

Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door-$25 for members, $30 for guests.

About Our Speaker: Debora Allen

Debora Allen was first elected to the BART Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in November 2020, representing eight cities in central Contra Costa County’s District 1. She leaves the BART Board at the end of this year having led the charge for improved fare gates, safe and reliable transit, and fiscal sanity.

In her lunch time remarks to CoCoTax, Debora will look back on her time on the BART board and discuss the transit district’s future.

Debora has over 30 years of financial and business management experience in both private and public sectors, primarily in construction and real estate industries. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting) from CSU Sacramento and completed numerous continuing professional education courses in the areas of financial audit, taxation, accounting systems, institutional investing, and pension administration. She practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in California for almost 20 years and currently still holds an inactive CPA license.

Prior to election to BART, Debora spent decades volunteering on boards in youth sports programs, taxpayer oversight groups, and other non-profits including six years as a pension board trustee for the Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association.

Since 2016, she served on regional transportation boards including Capitol Corridor JPA, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, CCTA Accessible Transportation Strategic Policy Advisory Committee, and the Pleasant Hill BART Leasing Authority.  She has also served on several BART Board subcommittees.

For more information call (925) 289-6900 or email info@cocotax.org.