El Cerrito Historical Photo Contest Submission Form.
For more information visit El Cerrito Historical Society
News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California
El Cerrito Historical Photo Contest Submission Form.
For more information visit El Cerrito Historical Society
By Sabrina Schaefer, Development & Communications Coordinator, YES Nature to Neighborhoods
On Saturday November 4th, Richmond-based nonprofit YES Nature to Neighborhoods (YES) will host the second-annual Rich City Kickback at the Richmond Recreation Complex Social Hall. In addition to YES, local organizations including Urban Tilth, The Watershed Project, Young Women’s Freedom Center, and Alcohol Marijuana Prescription Drug (AMPD) Coalition, will lead hands-on healing and wellness activities at the event. Young adults from YES’s Teaching Racial Environmental Empowerment Series (TREES) program will call on City of Richmond officials to invest in adult mental health by creating safe spaces that empower residents with alternate coping strategies to substance use. Residents of all ages are invited to enjoy the featured wellness and art activities and musical entertainment. This event is free and open to the public.
WHO: Young adults from YES Nature to Neighborhoods’ TREES program; City of Richmond Mayor, Eduardo Martinez (attending)
WHY: The rate of substance use condition among young adults age 18 to 25 is nearly double that of older adults and more than three times that of younger teens. Young adults from the TREES program are advocating for increased access to government-funded mental and emotional health supports as a means to decrease substance use among their age group.
WHEN: 1:00 – 4:00PM, Saturday November 4th, 2023
WHERE: Richmond Recreation Complex Social Hall, 3230 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony.
The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Monday, Oct. 23.
The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, this year’s theme is “Beloved Community.”
The Board of Supervisors plans to recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.
Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity.
To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.
By Office of District 3 Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis
Please join Homes for Our Troops to kick off the building of a specially adapted custom home for Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia in Byron.
Homes for Our Troops is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted, custom homes nationwide for severely injured post 9/11 Veterans.
They are building a home in Byron for Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia. He joined the Marines shortly after high school, serving two tours in Iraq in 2007 and 2009. He deployed a third time to Afghanistan in 2011, as a scout sniper with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. Then, on Nov. 7, 2011, Sgt. Garcia was on a foot patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). He immediately lost his left leg in the blast and sustained severe damage to his right leg. If you would like to learn more about him, please visit this link: https://www.hfotusa.org/kgarcia/
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: Check-in begins at 9:30 am. Event begins at 10:00 am.
Location: Delta Community Presbyterian Church. 1900 Willow Lake Road, Discovery Bay
Ceremony will be followed by a light lunch and an opportunity to meet Sgt. Garcia.
Event volunteers needed! For more information or to get involved, please contact Jocelyn Phipps, Community Engagement Director at jphipps@hfotusa.org or 508-789-3501
Learn more, here.
Presented by Supervisor Diane Burgis, East Bay Senior Coalition & Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council.All are welcome to the Bethel Island Health & Safety Fair on Saturday, October 7. More than 30 service providers and agencies will be providing screenings, referrals and information for children, adults, veterans, people with disabilities and seniors.
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Scout Hall & Community Park, 3090 Ranch Lane, Bethel Island
Refreshments & Free Raffle!
For more information contact: Mark Whitlock at 925-351-3759
By J.R. Wilson, Founder/ President, Delta Veterans Group
The next Stand Down on the Delta will be held in September 8-11, 2023, at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) located in Antioch, CA presented by Delta Veterans Group (DVG).
DVG was proud to bring the first homeless and at-risk of becoming homeless veteran “Stand Down on the Delta” of its kind to Contra Costa County in September 2015. Stand Down on the Delta was a four-day, three-night event in which veterans were provided full medical treatments, court and legal services, DMV, chaplain services, housing, addiction and mental health counseling, employment and a myriad of other community services. During the event, veterans were also provided with clothing, meals, showers, sleeping tents, live entertainment and a safe place to “stand down” for the duration.
We will do the same for our veterans, this year as well.
Volunteers are needed to help serve our military veterans because VETERANS SERVED THEIR COUNTRY AND VETERANS SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES!
Most services on Saturday, Sept. 9 will be open to the general public. You do not need to be a veteran to receive services that day.
Veterans and volunteers can register and obtain more information by visiting www.deltaveteransgroup.org.
Delta Veterans Group is comprised of both veteran and civilian volunteers who wish to serve veterans in their community. We strive to bring our veterans the four pillars of success – Housing, Employment, Health and Education – one which will not work without the other three. Through the four pillars of success as a veteran myself, I was able to find peace and balance in my life, and a chance to bring about positive changes for veterans in our community. Our goal is simple – to bring together all of the Veteran Service Organizations in our communities and champion support for our nation’s finest men and women veterans.
Delta Veterans Group 501(c)3 was founded in Contra Costa County in 2012 by Army veteran J.R. Wilson, DVG has now grown to provide services to surrounding Northern California areas including Alameda, Monterey, Napa, San Joaquin, San Francisco, and Solano counties.

As we gear up for the new school year, 4 Ever Me Foundation is excited to announce the 11th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, a beloved event dedicated to supporting families in need of school essentials. We cordially invite the community to join us for a day of fun, entertainment, food, and invaluable resources.
Date: August 5th, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Dallas Ranch Middle School
Address: 1401 Mt Hamilton Drive, Antioch
For over a decade, our mission has been to ensure that every child embarks on their academic journey fully prepared and equipped with the necessary tools for success. Thanks to the generous contributions from our community and local sponsors, we have been able to provide crucial resources for students year after year. This event, which started in 2012, has grown immensely and garnered support from influential organizations such as the Golden State Warriors, who have been steadfast partners for nearly eight years.
The Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway initially began as an AUSD-targeted initiative, identifying the need among students attending Black Diamond Middle School. Originally held at Ivancich and Costis Law Firm in Antioch, the event occurred twice a year – once at the beginning of the school year and another midway – ensuring that students had ample supplies to last the entire academic year. As word spread and families from various school districts began attending, the event transitioned to a one-day gathering serving students from across Contra Costa County. We embrace our commitment to meeting the community’s needs, and this event will continue as long as the need exists.
The 4 Ever Me Foundation is committed to supporting the socio-emotional well-being of youth by providing resources for success, encouraging youth involvement within the community, and nurturing youth leaders. Founder, Claryssa Wilson, recounts how the event became the catalyst for establishing 4 Ever Me Foundation, recognizing the opportunity to make a broader impact on the community. The foundation’s name originated from a longstanding Instagram handle created in 2012, symbolizing the importance of staying true to oneself despite challenges faced during middle school. With the foundation in the process of being established in 2021, after prioritizing personal education, including graduating from Antioch High School in 2019 and recently earning a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, Wilson leads a dedicated executive team, including former peers and family members.
At the event, attendees can expect the following:
FREE School Supplies: We have stocked up on a wide range of school essentials, including backpacks, binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and more. These supplies will be available for students to pick out, ensuring they get items they will truly love and use. We provide supplies for Pre-K through College!
Entertainment: Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including games, face painting, and live performances. We guarantee a day full of joy and smiles!
Food: A delicious assortment of food vendors will be available for everyone to enjoy throughout the event.
Resources: Beyond school supplies, we understand the importance of addressing other essential needs. Our event will feature resource booths offering FREE information on health services, community programs, and other support services.
To ensure a smooth check-in process for all attendees, we kindly request that families register in advance by filling out the online form at: [Registration Link]. Additionally, for those interested in donating or volunteering, the QR code on the attached flyer provides convenient access to relevant information and opportunities.
We are determined to make this year’s Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway the most impactful one yet! For media inquiries, interviews, or further information about the event, please reach out to Claryssa Wilson at 4evermefoundation@gmail.com or 925-281-7507
Together, let’s create a positive impact on the lives of our children and build a brighter future for our community. We look forward to welcoming you on August 5th at Dallas Ranch Middle School!