Contra Costa Herald

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

Tri Delta Transit to host annual community Shred-It Event in Oakley April 24

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Reminder!! Get ready for that shred-it time of year! Tri Delta Transit in partnership with the City of Antioch, City of Oakley and others, brings you the annual drive-thru Shred-It Event on Thursday, April 24th in Oakley.

Get out those papers and remove all large binder clips, plastic ring binding, bindings, binders and heavy folders. Event starts at 9:00 AM and is first come, first served until the trucks are full!

BE READY TO DRIVE UP AND HELP OUT

This is a drive-up event where you will enter at the Cypress driveway, wait in line in your vehicle (turn off car if can), then drive up to the truck.

Helpers will indicate which truck you are to pull up to.

Once you stop where the helpers tell you, please exit your vehicle safely. Give the helpers your shredding or indicate where your shredding is and which ones they are. Once the helpers review the materials, they will dump them into a bin for shredding.

If you want to watch your shredding be shredded, please let the helper know. You will need to pull your car over, exit the vehicle and walk to the far side of the truck to watch with the Shred-It employee.

ALL BAGS AND BOXES the shredding is brought it, must be taken away with you.
Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to keep it and dispose of it.

Cars will not be allowed to line up until all safety cones and precautions are in place.

Event is first come, first serve until the trucks are full.

Keep in mind that this could be anytime after 9:00 am. If large loads come, the trucks will reach capacity quickly.

If the truck is full, you will be asked to take all shredding home with you.

All bags, boxes and containers that you bring your shredding in, MUST be taken back with you.

For more information visit Community Drive Thru Shred-It Event -Tri Delta Transit.

 

Rep. DeSaulnier to host 226th Town Hall meeting in Concord March 20th

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RSVP to attend

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he will host a town hall in Concord to discuss how he and his Democratic colleagues are fighting back in Congress against the actions of the Trump Administration, including efforts to gut Medicaid and Social Security, on Thursday, March 20th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. PT.

At the town hall, Congressman DeSaulnier will share updates from Congress and information on early victories in the courts. He will also take questions from constituents.

Concord, CA – RSVP for Location
The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 226th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

LMC to host 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Feb. 26

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Three awards to be presented during luncheon including “Visionary Leadership” Award to Contra Costa DA Diana Becton

By Jennifer Adams, Senior Executive Assistant, President’s Office, Los Medanos College Los Medanos College will host its 2nd Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Three people will receive the 2025 Los Medanos College MLK Awards: • “Visionary Leadership” Award – Diana Becton | District Attorney for Contra Costa County • “Beloved Community” Award – Kolette Simonton | Director of Recreation for the City of Pittsburg • “Emerging Leadership” Award – Annisha Geran | LMC Alumna, School Site Council Chairperson at MLK, Jr. Junior High School & School Site Council Vice Chairperson at Pittsburg High School The awards will be presented during the luncheon that day. The “Visionary Leadership” Award recognizes a member of the eastern Contra Costa County community who embodies Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” This award recognizes local leaders who have demonstrated the courage to speak up when needed, to step up when no one else would, and to lift others whose efforts would serve the greater good. The “Beloved Community” Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service. As noted by The King Center, the “Beloved Community” is a global vision in which: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred.” Recipients of this award demonstrate agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.” The “Emerging Leadership” Award is given to an LMC student or alumna/us who exemplifies the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, within the last year, has made a significant impact on the LMC campus or in the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – and these emerging leaders are already demonstrating that commitment to service. RSVPs for the luncheon are no longer being accepted. About LMC Los Medanos College is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. • The Pittsburg Campus boasts 120 acres, a lake, advanced library, science, math and student union buildings. • The Brentwood Center, which opened May 2022, is nestled on 17.5 acres along the rolling hills of the City of Brentwood. • The college offers more than 90 transfer and career-technical programs of study to help students achieve a lifetime of higher earnings. • Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. LMC is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The Brentwood Center is located at 1351 Pioneer Square.

Bridging the Gap through Respectful Conversations webinar Feb. 20

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By Gail Murray, League of Women Voters

Americans feel concerned about the growing partisanship in our country and the difficulty it has created in communicating with one another. Join a Community Conversation webinar on February 20, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. titled Bridging the Gap through Respectful Conversation.

People are looking for tools to help them have civil and respectful conversations with one another. Expert panelists will offer resources, skills, and opportunities for individuals to help build bridges across divides in our families, communities, and country.

· Ellie Sears, Braver Angels organization
· Dick Patterson, Braver Angels organization
· Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar
· Cheryl Graeves, National Institute for Civil Discourse

Register for the webinar here: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/events/678976d6018bbb1c3de19a17

Information on how to access the Zoom webinar will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the program. Audience questions will be collected and answered through the Zoom chat.

The Library will provide closed captioning and simultaneous Spanish translation for this event. The program will be recorded and posted on the following sites after the meeting: Contra Costa County Library YouTube channel or https://www.youtube.com/c/LeagueofWomenVotersofDiabloValley.

Sponsors include the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and Contra Costa TV.

Contact programs@lwvdv.org for more information.

2025 Lunar New Year Celebration at The Veranda in Concord Feb. 2

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Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Happy New Year 2025 – The Year of the Snake!

The Year of the Snake 2025 brings the Snake’s wise and intuitive energy. The Snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, offers opportunities for personal growth and change. We are rising to the occasion with an incredible Lunar New Year event for all to enjoy!

Join us for our 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration. Attendees will be delighted with a Lion Dance Show by Tomizaki’s Champions Kung Fu Institute and more. Event activities will begin at 10am on the Fountain Pavilion Park, near Veranda LUXE theater. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special showing of Kung Fu Panda (2008). Event attendance is free, but reserve your limited-quantity goody bags in advance and/or reserve a seat for Kung Fu Panda for a donation to Monument Crisis Center.

Admission: Free
Location: The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord
Date: February 2, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

If you would like your child to receive a goody bag filled with themed goodies, we highly recommend bags be reserved ahead of the event. Please reserve ONE (1) bag per child in attendance. Bags cannot be guaranteed day-of event for anyone who does not have a reservation. Make your reservations HERE.

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