Contra Costa Herald

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

Memorial Day service at Oakmont Memorial Park Monday

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By Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary

Memorial Day is a time for our communities and families to come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served and protected our beautiful nation across many generations.
We look forward to seeing you here on Monday, May 27, 2024m at 10:00 AM, as we pay tribute to and remember our heroes with a service officiated by Pastor Shane.

The Redwood Chapel, Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary, 2099 Reliez Valley Road in Lafayette.

After the service, enjoy complimentary Hot Dogs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Martinez: Briones Trails Pilot Project Community Dig Day Saturday, June 1

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Source: EBRPD

Briones Regional Park, Alhambra Creek Staging Area 9 AM – 2 PM

By East Bay Regional Park District

The Briones Trails Pilot Project is a unique opportunity to give back to the parks you love! Help us maintain and enhance Briones Regional Park and create exciting new recreational opportunities on single-track trails and repair impacted natural resources during our Dig Days. The next one will be on Saturday, June 1, 2024. We will make improvements to the P9 Trail (AKA the Desert Hiking Trail) including establishing a more sustainable trail route and restoring a steep and eroding segment.

The two-yearpilot project is intended to test a variety of trail management strategies. The pilot project is limited to a portion of Briones Regional Park in the northeast corner of the park. See Project Map (or below). The pilot project was launched on Friday April 21, 2023.

The Briones Pilot Project establishes specific rules limiting trail use within the Pilot Project Zone and for two trail segments adjacent to the Pilot Project Zone, such as hiking only, biking only, or biking/hiking only and direction of travel. On weekends, trail use within the Pilot Project Zone will alternate days between bicycle and equestrian use based on even and odd calendar dates (see table). A key component of the Project is the restoration of illegally built “bootleg” trails to protect natural habitat for wildlife.

Please make sure to bring a water bottle and be prepared to work! There is poison oak in the area, so please wear work pants, long sleeves and good close-toed work shoes.

You are welcome to ride in, but you will need to provide your own bike and helmet.

June 1st Dig Day – 9:00 AM meet-up and post-dig lunch at Alhambra Creek Staging Area, 273-181 Brookwood Drive in Martinez.

Registration and Info: ebrpd.samaritan.com/custom/501/opp_details/6729

  • Age Restrictions: Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Description: Join us to maintain and improve select trails and restore habitat! Learn the basics of restoration and trail work during our dig-days lead by Regional Parks staff.
  • What to Bring: water bottle, helmet, mountain bike, gloves, and PPE.
  • What is Provided: Necessary tools. We will have work gloves and protective eye wear for participants.
  • Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.

The Briones Pilot Project reached its one-year mark on April 21, 2024. The two-year pilot project was planned and created to test new ways to safely share trails and improve the trail experience for all users while protecting habitat, wildlife, and watersheds. The pilot project is limited to a portion of Briones Regional Park in the northeast corner of the park. Share your thoughts and feedback on the past year of progress at the next in-person check-in meeting on June 15. Members of the community are invited to Briones to discuss the pilot project’s progress and share ideas with District staff and other trail users.

Briones Pilot Project Zone Map. Source: EBRPD

Why a Pilot Project?

Over the last decade, the number of visitors to District parks has increased significantly. The rise in numbers of visitors getting out onto trails has increased the potential for conflict between different types of trail users. Although the Park District is seeking to open new parks and provide more trails to reduce crowding on trails, the trail development process takes time. The pilot project will test some new ways to safely share trails and improve the trail experience for all users while protecting habitat, wildlife, and watersheds.

Project Objectives:

  • Protect Resources, Habitat, Wildlife, and Watersheds: The expansion of illegal bootleg trails is a significant issue for Briones and other East Bay regional parks. These user-built trails are often not built to sustainable trail standards with appropriate drainage and avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. Illegal trails can have negative impacts on wildlife and watersheds. The project will include a robust monitoring and patrol program to document and prevent the expansion of bootleg trails in the pilot project zone.
  • Restore Natural Habitat by Closing Illegal Bootleg Trails in the Pilot Project Zone: A primary objective of the project is to engage with the trail user community to join park staff in restoring natural habitats already impacted by illegal bootleg trails.
  • Enhance the Trail User Experience: The trail management strategies being tested during the two-year pilot project are intended to allow users to safely enjoy trails by providing specific days when certain user types are limited to create more space on trails.
  • Increase Volunteer Engagement in Trail Maintenance and Habitat Restoration: Community volunteers play an important role in helping park staff monitor and maintain park trails. The pilot project provides volunteer opportunities for trail users to join in trail maintenance and habitat restoration activities.

For more information visit Briones Trails Pilot Program or call Volunteer Services at (510) 544-2229.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Danville today and tomorrow, May 4 & 5

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By Town of Danville

Can’t decide where to go for Cinco de Mayo? Visit Downtown Danville for restaurants, shops, and fun along Hartz Avenue. There is plenty of free parking along the street or in our municipal lots, which also make for great rideshare pickup/dropoff locations! We’ve been making improvements Downtown, so come check it out while enjoying live music and food specials at our local restaurants. And celebrate the end of National Small Business Week by stopping in one of our many charming shops along your Cinco de Mayo stroll.

#NationalSmallBusinessWeek #livelocallydanville #shopsmall #dinelocal #cincodemayo

National Day of Prayer East County Prayer Breakfast Thursday, May 2

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Deadline for tickets: Monday, April 29

Join in on the 73rd National Day of Prayer as prayers are offered for our nation, state, cities & communities, schools, churches, families & youth, homeless & others in need, military & veterans, first responders, hospitals & medical personnel and businesses.

Space is limited to the first 85 attendees. RSVP and purchase tickets for $32.50 which includes tax and tip, at eventbrite. No profit is being earned from the sale of tickets as all proceeds will be paid to the restaurant.

STAND! for Families Free of Violence to hold panel discussions on preventing domestic violence April 30, May 7

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Interrupting a lethal moment: A multi-disciplinary panel discussion highlighting collaborative approaches to intervene in potentially lethal domestic violence in Contra Costa.

In Brentwood and San Pablo

This informative event will be held in three locations throughout the county to share information on how STAND!, law enforcement, and medical professionals are working together to interrupt high-risk events and interactions between intimate partner victims and offenders.

Panelists include Ashley Palomino, STAND! Intervention Support Services Manager, local law enforcement representatives, and medical experts in emergency treatment of domestic violence patients.

Registration is free. Register at http://standforfamiliesfreeofviolence.ticketspice.com/lap-speaker-series.

Oakley to celebrate 25th anniversary of cityhood beginning with Birthday Party May 4

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The City of Oakley, incorporated in July 1999, is one of California’s youngest cities. Residents enjoy a charming area with an abundant housing supply, quality schools, and a friendly atmosphere that truly make Oakley, “A Place for Families in the Heart of the Delta.” Learn more at either www.ci.oakley.ca.us or www.facebook.com/CityofOakley.

Community Ready Corps to hold Positive Pull-Up Initiative to address crime, blight in Pittsburg, Antioch April 7

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Oakland-based Black self-determination organization to cleanup streets, provide free food, prizes

Community Ready Corps (CRC), based in Oakland, California, supports low-income families by participating in the Positive Pull Up Initiative this weekend, promoting cleaner and safer neighborhoods by finding solutions to local problems throughout the East Bay. CRC will organize street cleanups, provide free food, and prizes.These events are scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday at various locations, and the media has been invited to attend.

Pittsburg/Antioch
Sunday, 12:30 PM –  2 PM – W. 10th & Black Diamond Street, Pittsburg

Sunday, 3:30 PM –  5 PM –  Sycamore & Peppertree, Antioch

“CRC is committed to debunking the doom loop narrative as part of our Positive Pull-Up Initiative advocating for solution-focused strategies. As I’ve said before, every city has problems however, Oakland’s legacy is about showing the world that whenever something goes wrong, our communities will pull together to fix the problem,” said Tur-Ha Ak, founder of CRC. “The impacts of the pandemic have spiked crime, homelessness, and blight.  Let’s not forget food insecurities for struggling families in disenfranchised neighborhoods mostly who are Black and Brown. This Saturday and Sunday, CRC is dedicating critical services and having fun while doing it.”

Information on CRC’s Positive Pull-Up Initiative can be found on CRC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. The group’s social media posts, showing dozens of Black community members cleaning up the streets with a large Black garbage truck (affectionately called “Big Black”), have been shared hundreds of times and inspired others to join them. It also includes CRC members providing gift cards, fresh produce and prizes to support low-income families in Oakland.

About CRC

CRC is independently funded and has taken no government subsidies to provide necessary materials and equipment, such as their garbage truck, to tackle public safety concerns. Community Ready Corps (CRC) is a Black self-determination liberation organization that combats white supremacy and works to build capacity in nine specific areas: Self Defense & Safety, Economics & Prosperity, Family Systems & Stability, Traditions & Ways, Technology & Efficacy, Education & Competence, Art & Media, Politics & Governance, and Health & Well Being.

30th Contra Costa Annual César E. Chávez commemorative celebration & 2024 Youth Hall of Fame Awards presentation March 26

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Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl dancers will perform accompanied by Mariachi Monumental. Photo from Contra Costa County District 5 Chief of Staff David Fraser.

Únase a nosotros el martes 26 de marzo de 2024 para la 30ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez.

During Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors meeting

This year’s theme: Perseverance & Progress – Perseverancia y Progreso.

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will honor César E. Chávez in a celebration recognizing his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity. The 30th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez.

“We honor César E. Chávez and recognize his legacy of fighting injustice and improving the lives of farmworkers, their families, and so many others. We are inspired to once again commit ourselves to service to others,” said Board Chair Supervisor Federal Glover. “We also recognize our 2024 Youth Hall of Fame awardees whose commitment to service and community are to be celebrated and are the force moving forward Cesar Chavez’s legacy.”

The theme for this year’s celebration is Perseverance & Progress – Perseverancia y Progreso. The festival will feature keynote speaker Contra Costa Community College District Trustee Fernando Sandoval who was raised in the City of Pittsburg where he also attended school. Fernando joined the U.S. Navy like Cesar Chavez. Fernando played an instrumental role aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War, where his expertise in data systems previewed the vital importance of STEM education, a field he continues to support passionately. Fernando’s book, “From Tortilla Chips to Computer Chips,” is a testament to his life’s work and an educational and motivational touchstone for students and educators alike. Fernando continues to embody the value of education, community, and family like Cesar Chavez.

The event will include presentation of the 2024 Youth Hall of Fame Awards to students who make outstanding community contributions, live performances by Mariachi Monumental and Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl, spoken word performance by Jose Cordon, and celebratory remarks from members of the Board of Supervisors.

County’s 2024 Youth Hall of Fame Awards winners:

High School Awardees:

Volunteerism: Mariella Cajina, Carondelet High School

Teamwork: Neil Chandran, Monte Vista High School

Perseverance: Aditya Narayan, Dougherty Valley High School

Leadership & Civic Engagement: Morelia Gil-Cubillo, Antioch High School

Good Samaritan: Nitya Varanasi, California High School

Innovation and Empowerment: Alice Zhou, Miramonte High School

Middle School Rising Stars:

Volunteerism Rising Star: Samhita Chikoti, Gale Ranch Middle School

Leadership & Civic Engagement Rising Star: Dhruv Subramanian, Windermere Ranch Middle School

The annual celebration honors the diversity and richness of our community. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

To learn more about the César E. Chávez Ceremony, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/6039 on the Contra Costa County website. The community can also watch the event live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov/6086 or www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels: Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and Astound 32 & 1027.