Contra Costa Herald

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

“César Chávez: Honoring a Legacy” Awards ceremony at Los Medanos College Friday night

By Leave a Comment

College board president, Brentwood non-profit leader, Antioch and Brentwood educators to be honored

By Juliet V. Casey, Direct of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College (LMC) is proud to announce the return of its annual awards to honor the legacy of César Chávez. The event had been on hiatus to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will be in person once again.

This community event celebrates the life of the labor leader and human rights activist. The celebration also recognizes East Contra Costa County community members who embody Chávez’s great tradition of voluntary service, civic activism, and non-violent social change.

The festivities, which are free and open to the public, will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 in the Student Union Conference Center, Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg.

This year’s honorees:

César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service Recipient

Fernando Sandoval, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board president, for work as president of Latino Voices of East Contra Costa County Chapter; community activist and education advocate; author; veteran; and Pittsburg resident.

East County Educator Award Recipient

Violeta Orozco, Jack London Elementary school counselor, for her work as head counselor at Antioch High School (AHS); and leadership for Puente at Antioch High School.

Chávez Spirit Award Co-Recipients

Diana Hidalgo for volunteer work at One Day at a Time (ODAT) and as president of ODAT Leadership Council.

Norma Guadalupe Zamora Arreguin, a human trafficking case specialist and certified investigator, for work as a paraprofessional at Garin Elementary School special education program (Brentwood); her own afterschool program for children with special needs; and as a part-time student at LMC.

The César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service, established in 1995, is presented to local residents who represent the core values modeled by César Chávez: “Service to Others, Sacrifice, A Preference to Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge, and Innovation.”

The East County Educator Award honors members of the educational community who demonstrate a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.

The Chávez Spirit Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders who have made a difference in the local community through advocacy and social justice.

For more information about all of LMC’s activities celebrating César Chávez, visit www.losmedanos.edu/chavez/events.  Questions about the events or awards may be directed to Jennifer Adams at jadams@losmedanos.edu or (925) 473-7302.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC 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. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

 

East Bay Good Friday Seder at Campos Family Vineyards April 7

By Leave a Comment

Public meeting for all churches: Traditional Seder feast in true Jewish style

Join with members of East Bay churches at a Jewish-style Seder on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:30pm.at Campos Family Vineyards located at 3501 Byer Road in Byron.

The traditional Passover meal includes reading, drinking four cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions.

It is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the anniversary of the Jewish nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago, as per Biblical command. In 2023, the Seder meal will be held after nightfall on April 5 (and 6 in the Diaspora).

Former pastor Ralph Rechnitz (a messianic Jew) and pastor Saed Awwad (a Palestinian by birth) will host the Good Friday Seder event. It will include a meal as well as a time of fellowship and community centered on Jesus’ message in the Passover.

For tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.

Commemorate the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt during Passover with Chabad of the Delta

By Leave a Comment

Pesach (Passover) The Festival of Freedom 2023 is from April 5 to April 13.

Begins with Erev Pesach (‘Eve of Passover’) Community Seder Dinner in Brentwood Wed., April 5 – TONIGHT!

By Chabad of the Delta

Join our community for an inspirational Passover Seder and experience the deeper meaning of Passover in a warm and motivational environment, complete with a delicious traditional Seder dinner, insights, singing, four cups of wine, and Matzah galore! Whether you are a Seder veteran or a curious explorer, the Chabad Seder offers a stimulating and satisfying experience. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Apple Hill Clubhouse, 700 Apple Hill Drive in Brentwood. Space is limited. RSVP is necessary. No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. For details visit The Passover Community Seder | Facebook and for tickets click, here.

Art by Sefira Lightstone from Chabad of the Delta.

About Passover

Passover is celebrated by Jews every year, commemorating the anniversary of our miraculous Exodus from Egyptian slavery, as told in the Bible. The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 5th through the 13th of the Hebrew month of Nissan. Passover (Pesach) commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Pesach is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus

On the first two nights of Passover (just the first night in Israel), we hold a Seder. After candles have been lit, we enjoy a ritual-rich 15-step feast, which centers around telling the story of the Exodus.

Some highlights include: Drinking four cups of wine, dipping veggies into saltwater, children kicking off the storytelling by asking the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah), eating matzah (a cracker-like food, which reminds us that when our ancestors left Egypt they had no time to allow their bread to rise) and bitter herbs, and singing late into the night.

Beginning on the evening preceding 15 Nissan, Passover lasts for 8 days in the Diaspora and 7 days in Israel (here’s why).

On Passover, Jews may not own or consume chametz, anything containing grain that has risen. This includes virtually all breads, pastas, cakes and cookies. Prior to the holiday, homes are thoroughly cleaned for Passover, kitchens are purged (here’s how to kosher the kitchen), and the remaining chametz is burned or sold.

Following the intermediate days, when work restrictions are somewhat relaxed but chametz remains forbidden, we celebrate the final two days of Passover (just one day in Israel), during which we look forward to the future redemption through Moshiach (Messiah).

Passover is important to Jews, as it celebrates our birth as a nation.

Learn more at jewishdelta.com/pesach.

Chabad of the Delta celebrates Purim 2023 with Mexican fiesta

By Leave a Comment

Children enjoy Mariachi music at the “Purim in Mexico” fiesta on March 7, 2023. Photos by Chabad of the Delta.

Commemorates deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them and Queen Esther’s actions to save her people

By Mashie Goldschmid

On Tuesday, March 7th marked Purim a festive holiday for the Jewish people. It was a fun fiesta as a happy throng of the Brentwood Jewish community of all ages gathered with Chabad of the Delta to celebrate Purim! The theme was Purim in Mexico, and everyone had a blast, eating traditional three-cornered Hamantaschen cookies, and a Mexican feast. The sound of the mariachi band transported us right to Mexico.

The kids enjoyed lots of activities and prizes.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid (2nd from right) and attendees celebrate Purim during a Mexican fiesta on March 7, 2023.

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy every Jew. It is celebrated by reading the Scroll of Esther (known as the Megillah), gifts of food, charity, feasting and merriment.

As we all know, joy is best when it is shared. To that end, a dedicated group of volunteers packaged and delivered beautifully wrapped Share the Joy packages to many Jewish homes in the area. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers.

For more photos and to learn more about Chabad of the Delta visit: JewishDelta.com.

6th Annual Black Joy Parade in Oakland Sunday, Feb. 26

By Leave a Comment

By Harlo Pippenger, Consultant, San Francisco Bay Ferry

San Francisco Bay Ferry is proud to sponsor the 6th Annual Black Joy Parade in Oakland, a hyper-positive celebration of the Black experience and community during Black History Month. Visit their booth at the festival to learn more about getting around the Bay Area and California by ferry.

San Francisco Bay Ferry offers daily service connecting San Francisco to Oakland’s Jack London Square, a short distance from the Black Joy Parade and Festival.

Black Joy Parade. Photo from 2020

WHAT: The Black Joy Parade is an annual event featuring a festival and procession that brings together the community to highlight Black joy past, present, and future. The parade includes live music, art, vendors of all kinds, food, games, sponsor activations, dance, and more.

WHO: Black Joy Parade, sponsored by San Francisco Bay Ferry

WHEN: Sunday, February 26, 2023. Parade starts at 12:30pm, festival starts at 12pm.

WHERE: Downtown Oakland, CA. The parade begins at 14th and Franklin Streets in downtown Oakland. Festival entrance is at 19th and Franklin Streets.

Contra Costa County offices closed Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

By Leave a Comment

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Emergency services and law enforcement will remain available. Visit www.contracosta.ca.gov to find information about County services.

Las oficinas del condado de Contra Costa estarán cerradas el lunes 16 de Enero en conmemoración del Día de Martin Luther King Jr. Los servicios de emergencia y las fuerzas del orden seguirán disponibles. Visite www.contracosta.ca.gov para encontrar información sobre los servicios del condado.

 

 

Virtual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Monday evening

By Leave a Comment

Monday, January 16, 2023  5PM-6:30PM PST

Virtual Zoom Meeting ID: 883-1219-9047

Passcode:104854

The Congressional Coalition of Africans in the Diaspora (CCAD), cordially invites you to our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration under the theme: “Bridging the gap between Africans & African Americans in our quest for a better society, justice, and equity.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Special guest speakers include community leaders, activists and youth from the African and African American communities discussing issues that matter in honoring the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For Information, contact Dr. Veronica Ufoegbune or Ms. Lovetta Tugbeh (925) 727-8291

UBUNTU (UNITY)

REGISTER at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africans-commemorate-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-tickets-501393430247

 

CC Health Dep’t asks DA for legal action against Martinez Refining Company for hazardous materials release 

By 3 Comments

Source: Martinez Refining Company

Released more than 20 tons of metal-laden dust on Thanksgiving, CC Health not notified, no public warning issued

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, Contra Costa Health (CCH) formally requested that the District Attorney consider taking legal action against the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) for not notifying the County after the refinery released more than 20 tons of metal-laden dust into the community over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The accidental release of “spent catalyst” from the refinery during multiple flarings, began around 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day) and continued into the early hours of Nov. 25, showering the surrounding community in the dust-like substance. Samples of the dust taken later showed it had elevated levels of aluminum and other metals, which could have potentially caused respiratory symptoms in people who breathed it. Prolonged exposure to these metals can lead to health concerns.

MRC did not report the release via the county’s Community Warning System or directly to CCH, as required by the county’s notification policy. CCH learned about the release from media accounts two days after it began. Had MRC followed the notification policy, the Community Warning System would have been activated to notify the community about the hazard at the time of the accident.

“It is unacceptable that the refinery did not notify County Health Services of their chemical release and that the County learned about it through the media,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “By failing to notify the County in a timely manner, the refinery delayed an emergency response that could have reduced harm to the surrounding community.”

“We rely on our industrial businesses to follow the rules and be good neighbors – and most of the time, they are. But when an industrial facility doesn’t follow the rules and possibly puts its neighbors in harm’s way, as in this case, then they must be held accountable,” said Supervisor Federal Glover, whose district includes the Martinez refinery.

The District Attorney’s Office has approximately 30 days to decide whether to accept the enforcement case referral from CCH.

In a separate but related move, CCH is also recommending an independent investigation and risk assessment be done of the accidental release of spent catalyst from the refinery. The Contra Costa Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) Ad Hoc Committee, which is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, will consider that recommendation at its Jan. 12 meeting at 1 p.m., which is open to the public.

A Nov. 30th post on MRC’s Facebook page reads, “On November 30, 2022, Contra Costa County Health Services held a news briefing regarding the Martinez Refining Company spent catalyst release that occurred overnight last Thursday, November 24th. You can watch a video of the County’s briefing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PovDvIq7IQ

This incident is still under internal and external investigations, and we appreciate the cooperation and responses of the Contra Costa County Health Services and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. MRC will continue working with the agencies on this matter. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience this incident has posed to our neighbors and community.”

In that video, Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzveli said, “Contra Costa Health does not believe that there is an immediate risk to the community from this event. Breathing the air containing this material could have caused temporary respiratory symptoms…during the incident. Anyone who experienced those or are continuing to experience those should contact their healthcare provider. Exposure during a single event like this would be unlikely to cause any major health problems.”

“We will be working with the facility to make sure exposures like this don’t happen again,” he added.

MRC is owned by New Jersey-based PBF Energy. According to the parent company’s website, it “is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States.”

Asked for comment about CCH’s request, MRC’s Community Relations Advisor, David Schoenthal responded, “While this incident is still under internal and external investigation, MRC will continue cooperating with all agencies.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

East County Grand Community Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting in Brentwood Dec. 18

By Leave a Comment

Biggest Menorah in Eastern Contra Costa!

You are invited to join us for a grand Chanukah Celebration

Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad of the Delta and our surrounding communities as we light the Grand Menorah on Sunday, December 18 at 4:30 pm in Brentwood City Park.

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

  • Chanukah crafts, glitter art and a photo op!
  • Delicious traditional latkes and donuts!
  • A Grand Raffle!
  • Fire and LED performer Aaron Zamarron

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.

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 Jersusalem 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! Outdoor event, please dress accordingly.

This is a FREE event. All donations are appreciated! Register by clicking here.

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