Contra Costa Herald

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

Health & Wellness Fair in Pittsburg today, to help men in East County

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WHAT:  The first East County Men’s Health & Wellness Fair will offer free screenings, health education, promote re-entry work and link men from the area and their families to medical services. Attendees will be able to get shingles and pneumonia immunizations, Tdap booster shots, glucose testing, blood pressure checks, rapid onsite testing for HIV and hepatitis C, health education on substance abuse and addiction, prostate awareness, benefits of cardiovascular exercises, CPR education and even haircuts. The men’s health fair is being held in conjunction with the 7th annual Juneteenth Celebration in Pittsburg.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 18

WHERE: Pittsburg City Park, 17th & Railroad Avenue

WHO: The health fair is being sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services in partnership with Souljahs, the American Heart Association, Walgreens and 1st Nor Cal Credit Union. Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, Los Medanos Community Healthcare District and Supervisor Federal Glover provided funding support for the event.

John Muir Health gives $10,000 to support high school “Safe and Sober Grad Night” celebrations in Contra Costa County

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John Muir Health announced this week, the donation of $10,000 to local high schools across Contra Costa County. The funds will support programs and services related to the schools’ 2016 “Safe and Sober Grad Night” celebrations, which are held to honor the graduating senior class in a safe environment.

Twenty high schools each received a $500 check from John Muir Health to help finance graduation night festivities hosted by the schools, including professional entertainment such as hypnotists, magicians, karaoke, casino games and live DJs.

“Graduation is one of the most celebrated and yet potentially dangerous nights in a teenager’s life,” said Marci Jones, co-chair of the 2016 Grad Night celebration for Ygnacio Valley High School. “Our primary goal is to keep our graduating seniors in a safe and sober environment. Having John Muir Health’s support is a huge testament to our shared interest and concern with keeping our kids out of harm’s way.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of John Muir Health’s trauma center, which cares for critically injured patients in Contra Costa County and parts of Solano and Marin counties. In addition to treating critical injuries, John Muir Health actively works to prevent them. Trauma physicians, nurses and staff are participants in the Every 15 Minutes program to educate high school juniors and seniors about drinking and driving and the impact their decisions have on family, friends and other members of their community. John Muir Health also participates in Beyond Violence, an intervention program for trauma patients treated at the medical center between the ages of 14-25 who are victims of intentional injuries (e.g. gunshot, knife assault) and reside in West or East Contra Costa County. Support for Safe and Sober Grad Nights is another form of injury prevention.

“As a health care provider in the community with the county’s only trauma center, we’re well aware of the dangers involved with teens driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Kacey Hansen, executive director of Trauma and Transfer Services at John Muir Health.  “This is an important time in their lives and we appreciate the efforts by local high schools to provide an appropriate environment for them to celebrate. The last place we want to see members of the class of 2016 on their graduation night is in one of our hospitals.”

The high schools receiving donations included: Acalanes High School, Alhambra High School, Antioch High School, California High School, Campolindo High School, Clayton Valley Charter High School, College Park High School, Concord High School, Deer Valley High School, El Cerrito High School, Freedom High School, Heritage High School, Las Lomas High School, Liberty High School, Miramonte High School, Monte Vista High School, Northgate High School, Pittsburg High School, San Ramon Valley High School and Ygnacio Valley High School.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, nearly 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with San Ramon Regional Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health to expand its capabilities, increase access to services and better serve patients. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care.

Glover to host 16th annual Y.ASSEMBLE Youth Conference, Saturday; free concert added

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Website: YASSEMBLE.CO

Register: YASSEMBLE.eventbright.com

Everything from how to find a job or preparing for college to how to make a film to dating relationships will be offered to the youth who attend the 16th Annual Youth Conference & Empowerment Summit. Formerly known as the Youth Summit, this year’s countywide gathering of young people from 6th grade through high school, will discover that have a plethora of new offerings for their workshops, an integral part of the summit, which will be held at Pittsburg High School on Saturday, May 21st, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shaun Derrick will return as the Master of Ceremonies for the conference.

Shaun Derrick will return as the Master of Ceremonies for the conference.

The first 250 youth who walk through the door will get a free summer bus pass. A tasty lunch  will also be offered. The entire day is free. Plus a musical concert has been added to cap the daylong event.

“We are changing the flavor of the summit this year,” says Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, who sponsors the conference. “We are updating some of the workshops and offering new ones to make them more relevant to today’s youth. There’s a stronger emphasis on the STEM fields and how the new technology affects our everyday lives.”

The charismatic Shaun Derrick will be returning for the third year to emcee the proceedings and to guide the youth through the day’s activities.

“He connects with young people through straight talk and music,” says Glover.

The youth summit will start the day with a team of Deer Valley High School graduates who will give the keynote presentation.

Lenard "The KYD" Jackson will be the Keynote Speaker at the conference.

Lenard “The KYD” Jackson will be the Keynote Speaker at the conference.

Lenard The KYD Jackson, who graduated Deer Valley High School two years ago, is being joined by Team KYD, which includes fellow DVHS alumni Lawrence Eyo White, Jr., Cherokee White and Ledell Jones. Performing at the annual youth conference is a way of giving back to their community. The interactive presentation called Talkback will consist of comedy skits, standup comedy and a personal testimony from KYD members and a Q&A with the students.

Since he left Antioch, KYD has worked in film, stage and in comedy clubs. As an actor and a musician, he has worked with Kevin Hart, Paul Mooney, Dick Gregory, Sinbad, Charlie Murphy and Condoleeza Rice.

Eyo White and Ledell Jones are still students at LMC and Cherokee White is a student at San Francisco State University.

Singer Samaria will perform during a concert for the students who attend the daylong conference.

Singer Samaria will perform during a concert for the students who attend the daylong conference.

Following the conference, students who stay for the entire conference will be treated to a free, live concert featuring up and coming artist Samaria, a 19­‐year-old singer from Oakland who is on the verge of breaking out. Her music has a 1990’s R&B vibe to it but her sound is so distinct that it extends beyond just R&B or soul. Her sound cannot be placed into a box. Samaria said her musical style is heavily influenced by her heritage ­‐ Jamaican and Puerto Rican.

One of the more intriguing workshops will talk about the results of a research project by Rising Youth for Social Equity, based in Richmond. It will explore the coping strategies for stress caused by living in an environment where friends and family are shot and killed is an everyday experience of growing up. The young people growing in such a stressful environment are showing signs of PTSD, a malady usually associated with veterans of warfare.

Here’s a sampling of the other 40 workshops being offered:

  • Dance movement
  • Developing trust
  • Navigating the media maze
  • Healthy relationships
  • Empowering youth to change communities
  • Find your voice, find your ‘hustle’
  • Building a rocket
  • How to cope with violence
  • Access to new technologies
  • How to build a robot
  • The alcohol industry’s marketing towards youth
  • Trademarks of an effective leader

With Team KYD, Samaria and emcee Shaun Derrick, almost 40 workshops, resource tables, fun activities and a free lunch Y.ASSEMBLE will be a full day for young people. Doors will open at 8 a.m. For the day’s schedule and a list of the workshops, go to YASSEMBLE.CO or YASSEMBLE.eventbrite.com. The free concert starts about 4:15 p.m. and is open only to YASSEMBLE participants.

“I hope the event opens the eyes of the young people,” said Glover. “Through the inspirational speakers, resources and opportunities that we’re offering and the impact of the day will help them make some critical choices in their lives. That’s what it’s all about.”

Y.ASSEMBLE Youth Conference & Empowerment Summit

Saturday, May 21, 2016

9 a.m. ­‐ 4 p.m.

Pittsburg High School

1750 Harbor Street, Pittsburg

 

Get a job at the Contra Costa County Fair Job Fair, Saturday, May 7th

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CONTRACOSTAFAIR2016There will be lots of positions to be filled!

WHAT: The Contra Costa County Fair will be holding a Job Fair and interviews on Saturday May 7th.  Applications and interviews will take place for the 2016 Contra Costa Contra Costa County Fair which will be held Thursday June 2nd – Sunday June 5th.  Available positions include but are not limited to: parking and ticket sellers, ticket takers, parking attendants, customer service representatives, janitorial staff, maintenance staff, security guards and more. Fair Management and Department Supervisors are looking for people with a strong work ethics and a high level of customer service who want to be part of the Contra Costa County Fair event.  Interested applicants must bring their photo ID and a social security card to the Job Fair.  Applications will be available to fill out on-site or are available on-line in advance under the “About Us” tab at www.contracostafair.com

WHEN: Saturday, May 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Contra Costa County Fairgrounds Office, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch

WHY: Each year the Contra Costa County Fair hires roughly 50 – 100 people to work at the annual event, not including the local employees hired directly by our individual food vendors, carnival providers and Livestock department. We are looking for top-notch workers who believe in keeping the Contra Costa County Fair a place where families can expect superior customer service.  The goal with the Job Fair is to create a greater level of awareness among Contra Costa County residents that these job opportunities exist at the Contra Costa County Fair.  The fact that we are hiring hard working local residents creates a big opportunity for those looking for work

Applicants needed for Contra Costa County Disproportionate Minority Contact Task Force

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County Supervisors are seeking residents interested in reviewing data and discussing issues regarding disproportionate minority contact within the local criminal justice system. On April 12,

2016, the Board of Supervisors approved the 17 member Disproportionate Minority Contact Task Force composed of the following members:

  • County Probation Officer
  • Public Defender
  • District Attorney
  • Sheriff-Coroner
  • Health Services Director
  • Superior Court representative
  • County Police Chief’s Association representative
  • Mount Diablo Unified School District representative
  • Antioch Unified School District representative
  • West Contra Costa Unified School District representative
  • (5) Community-based organization (CBO) representatives (at least 1 representative from each region of the County and at least one representative from the faith and family community)
  • Mental Health representative (not a County employee)
  • Public Member – At Large

Following passage of Assembly Bill 109, commonly known as Public Safety Realignment, significant program infrastructure, both within the County and in the community, were put into place to support returning citizens with successful reentry into the community following incarceration; however, there remain factors that contribute to minority residents experiencing disproportionate levels of arrest, prosecution and incarceration. Cities and counties across the nation are grappling with the same issue, but precipitating factors and solutions are unique to each jurisdiction.

In Contra Costa County, the Board of Supervisors has charged the newly established Task Force with identifying these unique factors and recommending solutions to improve the experience of minority residents across the County. The Board is seeking applications for seven (7) of the seats above; five (5) community based organization seats, one (1) Mental Health representative seat and one (1) Public member At-Large seat at this time. Applicants for community based organizations seats must be affiliated with a community based organization operating within the County. Applicants for the Mental Health representative seat must be involved in the mental health community within the County, but cannot be a County employee.

Applicants for the Public Member At-Large seat may be any individual that resides or works within the County.

Applicants will be interviewed by the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee (Supervisors Candace Andersen, District II and John Gioia, District I) with appointment recommendations being sent to the full Board of Supervisors for action. Below is a timeline for the recruitment:

  • June 15th: Application Deadline (7 week application period)
  • June 27th: Public Protection Committee Meeting: Interviews
  • July 12th: Board consideration of PPC nominations

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 335-1900, or by visiting the County webpage at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us. Applications should

be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Room 106, County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Applications can also be faxed to (925) 335-1913.

Get Moooving to enter an exhibit in the 2016 Contra Costa County Fair – deadlines this week

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County Fair 2016Imagine the thrill of winning a blue ribbon at the Fair for a special talent. Think you own the best pig, bake the most delicious apple pie, made a beautiful quilt, or have an uncanny knack for making crafts? Want to see who’s the best in all of Contra Costa County? Then be sure to enter the Contra Costa County Fair’s competitive exhibits. There’s something for everyone. Download our Exhibitor Handbook and find the best division for your special talent.

All entries must be entered online or postmarked by April 30th.  Walk in entries must be received by April 29th by 4 pm at the fair office.

Check our website for entries instructions and more information on entry requirements.
Don’t wait, enter early, and often……..

http://contracostafair.com/become-an-exhibitor-today/

This year’s fair will be held Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5 at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch. For further information, please visit www.contracostafair.com.

 

West County girls’ leader part of panel at extraordinary women documentary screening, April 30 in Berkeley

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Join us at a free community screening of The Empowerment Project, a documentary film of extraordinary women from pilot to astronaut, mathematician, four-star admiral in US Navy and many more.  They did not let fear or struggle and especially not gender stand in the way achieving their dream.  The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Tiffany Harris the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County, film director Sarah Moshman and Wei Ling Huber, President of Unite Here Local 2850.  In partnership with the Community Organizing Institute of Organizing for Action and Indieflix, the OFA Greater East Bay Alliance is hosting this event.  The organizer’s goal is to bring young women together to begin a conversation around women’s empowerment in our world today.

The screening  will be held on April 30, 2 to 5 pm, in Berkeley Adult School, 1701 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley.  Space is limited.   Please RSVP to:  my.barackobama.com/empowerment-project-berkeley.

For more information about Girls, Inc. West Contra Costa County, visit www.girlsinc-wcc.org.

County Sheriff, CHP, others to participate in Community Safety Saturday in San Ramon, tomorrow

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April is Earthquake Preparedness Month! Feel like you’re being shaken up a bit? Over the past 6 months, you have been rocking and rolling due to a swarm of over 600 small earthquakes centered in San Ramon and Danville that continue to occur in the region. What are the latest strategies to safeguard yourself and your family in the event of a major earthquake or other disaster? It’s smart to plan ahead.

To help you and your family better prepare for a larger earthquake that could occur as well as plan for other safety challenges, attend the CIG Community Safety Saturday on April 16th. This fun, free family-friendly community safety event, sponsored by Capital Insurance Group, will provide important information about earthquake and disaster preparedness, and offer many more resources, demonstrations and important information to help keep the community safe.

Date:  Saturday, April 16, 2016

Time:  10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location:  Onstads Insurance Agency, 3130 Crow Canyon Place #250, San Ramon, CA 94583

The event will feature many fun activities and demonstrations focusing on child, teen, family and community safety.

Free games, prizes, food and a wealth of safety information and resources at many different booths staffed by local and regional organizations, including KlaasKids’ Foundation, CHP Child Car Seat Inspections, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff demonstrations, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), East Bay Parks, California Office of Emergency Services, Boy Scouts, PG&E, FBI, and many more.

For more information, go to cigsafetysaturday.com.

East County communities join to fight hunger with annual CROP Walk, Sunday

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East County Shared Ministry, along with many other individuals and organizations across the country, will join the annual CROP Walk on Sunday, April 17. The walk will begin at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 2507 San Jose Drive, Antioch. Registration is at 2:30 p.m., and the walk begins at 3 p.m.

The CROP Hunger Walk annually raises thousands of dollars to help stop hunger and poverty here in East Contra Costa County and around the world through self-help initiatives. Up to 25 percent the funds raised here will go to local groups: The Antioch Food Pantry and Pittsburg’s Loaves and Fishes. The remainder is donated around the world to provide food and water, as well as resources to empower people to meet their needs.

From seeds and tools to wells and water systems, the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities, their strengths and their needs – something Church World Service has learned through 70 years of working in partnership around the world.

This year, Antioch and Pittsburg join well over 2,000 communities nationwide in over 1,300 CROP Hunger Walks. More than five million people in the last two decades alone have participated the CROP’s goal of “ending hunger one step at a time.”

East County Shared Ministry’s efforts are being coordinated by Judie Moore, a member and local advocate for feeding the hungry. Her advice is “Get sponsors to sign up for this great cause and get some exercise to boot!”

Church World Service is the parent organizer of the CROP Walks, which has been raising money to help stop hunger for decades, both locally and internationally. CROP actually began in 1947 and was an acronym for the Christian Rural Overseas Program. The name remains to acknowledge the efforts of the long-time commitment to feeding the hungry world.

To register for the walk or to make a donation online, please visit https://www.crophungerwalk.org/pittsburgca/.

Pittsburg Yacht Club to celebrate 69th annual Opening Day on the Delta, Saturday, April 9

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The Pittsburg Yacht Club is hosting their 69th annual Opening Day on the Delta Parade of decorated boats and Blessing of the fleet on Saturday, April 9th.  All boat owners in all three  marinas are invited to attend.  The theme is flags and banners.

Currently, there are 21 boats are signed up including Delta Bayliners Y.C and Sea Ray Y.C.

A captains meeting will be held at the Yacht Club, located at 3 Marina Boulevard, at 10:00 a.m., the parade will start at 11:00 a.m.

The parade will start directly across from the Yacht Club at the west end of Brown’s Island and proceed to beyond the POSCO steel mill and return.  Staff Chaplain, Father Robert Rien of St. Ignatius Church in Antioch, will be stationed on the Commodore’s yacht to bless the fleet as it sails past.

The best public viewing will be from the gazebo area and along the shoreline between the center basin and the George Lowey Basin.

First, second and third place awards will be presented during lunch at the yacht club following the parade.

PYC_Opening_Day_2016