Contra Costa Herald

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

East Bay: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin Sat. & Sun. March 18 & 19

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Photos: City of Dublin

Dublin’s 39th St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be held Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2023. The festival activities and entertainment will run 10am-5pm both days and is held rain or shine.

The 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Festival’s visitors will enjoy a variety of events such as:

  • Firefighters Pancake Breakfast.
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
  • Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk.
  • Food and Drinks – International food stalls.
  • Shopping – More than 250 booths selling crafts, food, jewelry and more.
  • Carnival Rides & Games – Enjoyment for the whole family.
  • Music – Live concerts.
  • Entertainment – Irish Music and Dance.

Annual Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

Green pancakes anyone? Enjoy a delicious hot pancake and sausage breakfast served fresh off the griddle by the firefighters from Local 55.  The cost is only $5.00 per person and the funds are used to support charitable efforts funded by Local 55.  It’s a perfect way to start the morning before finding a seat for the parade or heading over to the festival!

  • Saturday, March 18, 2023
  • 7:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m.
  • Fire Station #16, 7494 Donohue Drive in Dublin
  • (At the corner of Donohue Drive and Amador Valley Blvd.)
  • $5 per person 

39th St. Patrick’s Day Parade

After a hearty breakfast at the Firefighters’ Local 55 Pancake Breakfast, residents and guests can find a spot in Downtown Dublin to watch the Dublin Lions Club St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins Saturday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. The parade kicks-off at Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza Road, traveling east on Dublin Boulevard, north on Village Parkway, and west on Amador Valley Boulevard, ending near the Dublin Senior Center. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to watch from along the parade route. The parade features more than 80 entries, including festive marching bands and floats, Irish bagpipes, local dance troupes, equestrians, and more.

This is a rain or shine event, so be prepared with rain gear in case of foul weather!

2023 Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods

Join in the fun and festivities of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration by participating in the Shamrock 5k Fun Run and Walk.  Lace up those running shores, put on your favorite green, and head out to run or walk.

  • Sunday, March 19, 2023
  • 8:30am race start time
  • 1 Mile 5K course.
  • Commemorative event t-shirt for all participants registered by March 3, 2023.
  • First three finishers in each age group in the Competitive Division will receive a medallion and a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificate.
  • Open to everyone! Run or walk our 5K route.
  • Enjoy a post-race celebration with refreshments, entertainment, and prize drawings!
  • Join the over 2,000 participants in this fun event!
  • This is a rain or shine event!

The Shamrock 5K Fun Run and Walk is part of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration which features three stages of Irish music and dancing; over 250 festival booths; and plenty of Irish food and drink!

For more information on the Fun Run including route map, parking and directions, and how to register, please visit the Event Registration Page. For questions, please contact Anthony Calvo at anthony.calvo@dublin.ca.gov.

Other Things to Do at the Festival

Entertainment – Three Stages of Irish Music and Dance! (See schedule)

You’ll find everything from traditional Irish folk music to Celtic Rock and bagpipes performing throughout Saturday and Sunday on two stages. And don’t miss the Irish Dancers performing continuously on the Dance Stage.

Food and Drink – An International Food Court!

An expanded Irish menu will feature corned beef sliders; Irish bangers and mash; Guinness-marinated tri-tip on Irish soda bread; boxty; and, of course, fish and chips! Traditional festival favorites like kettle corn and corn dogs, along with international choices, such as teriyaki chicken and beef kabobs, will also be served.

Shopping – Over 250 Booths!

The Irish Marketplace will feature unique Celtic artwork, Irish tartans, hand knit wool sweaters, shawls, beautiful Celtic jewelry, and more! Other vendors will include arts and crafts booths, commercial vendors, non-profits groups, and sponsors.

Carnival Rides

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Irish Tea Cottage

Enjoy lively Irish music along with a steaming cup of Irish tea, served with delicious shortbread and scones. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For the festival’s program, directions and parking, parade route and more details visit the festival’s website at www.DublinStPats.com.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Concert in San Ramon Friday night March 17

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The San Ramon Community Chorus is performing a free St. Patrick‘s Day Concert on Friday, March 17 start at 7:00pm at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center at 9300 Alcosta Blvd. This annual show will also feature performances by the McBride School of Irish Dance. We hope to see you there!

Source: YouTube video screenshot

Source: McBride School of Irish Dance

The Community Chorus is open to those who enjoy recreational singing in a friendly, stress-free atmosphere. We sing familiar tunes from Broadway classics and folk.  No experience or auditions are required. Sessions end with a performance (optional participation).

Chabad of the Delta celebrates Purim 2023 with Mexican fiesta

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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.

County offices closed for Presidents’ Day Monday, Feb. 20

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Disaster Recovery Center in Danville to remain open

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Emergency services and law enforcement will be available.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Contra Costa County Disaster Recovery Center will remain open from 10 am to 7 pm at 510 La Gonda Way in Danville to help residents impacted by recent winter storms. For more information, please see www.contracosta.ca.gov/9761.

 

The Wright Social Spot celebrates the Bay Area’s best 2023 Pre-Valentine’s Party

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Dinner & Live Music Show & Celebrating February Birthdays.

Get your tickets now!

Presented by Wright’s Catering and The Wright Social Spot

Saturday, February 11, 2023, 4:00 – 11:00 PM

509 W. 2nd Street, Rivertown, Antioch

$75 per person. Purchase your tickets today on EventBrite.

The Wright Social Spot welcomes our first event of 2023 with The Best Indoor Pre-Valentines Dinner & February Birthday’s Event of the Year with Live Music Performances & 4-Course Dinner.

Please Join Us in celebrating LOVE at a Classy, Upscale, Fun-Filled Pre-Valentine’s Day “2023” Event.

COME AND GET YOUR LIFETIME GLASS ROSE!!!!!!

Live Music, DJ, Dancing, 4-Course Dinner included with the $75 cover.

DON’T MISS THIS AWESOME DINNER MUSIC EVENT!! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD OUT!!!

  • HOSTED BY: Paul & Maggie Wright from The Wright Social Spot & WrightCatering.net
  • WHERE: 509 W. 2nd Street, Antioch, CA
  • DATE: Saturday, February 11, 2023
  • TIME: 4:00 PM -11:00 PM
  • WHAT’S INCLUDED: Singing 🎼🎵🎼♪ Dancing 💃🕺4-Course Dinner 🍽😋Beverages🍸 🍹 🍸
  • INCLUDES DINNER SERVICE: 7:00PM – 8:30PM (Choice of Chicken, NY Steak, Salmon, Shrimp) – included with $75 Admission. Dinner Options available for Oxtails (+ $25), Lamb (+$25), King Crab Legs (+ $50), Lobster (+$50)
  • RSVP BY: February 11, 2023, Pre-paid Reservations Required so get your tickets early.
  • PAYMENT OPTIONS: Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, Debit/Credit or PayPal to 415-971-8776 Or Eventbrite, Credit/Debit (NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS)
  • DOORS OPEN: 4:00 PM
  • PARKING: Lots of free parking (FIRST COME FIRST SERVE) THEME: Black & Gold & Red
  • MORE INFORMATION: Call or Text Paul at (415) 971-8776 or Maggie at 209-896-7131
  • YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/W0QgsYc2DEo
  • WEB: WrightCatering.net
  • FB: #WrightSocialSpot
  • FB/IG: #RightsCatering
  • PAST EVENTS PHOTOS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TnMVF8fCJitKAtpr6
  • THEME: Black, Gold & Red
  • VENUE VIDEO: https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxuhKD3v6bDqgpXy3nukv1RaxissbySzeE

DONT MISS THE BEST INDOOR PRE-VALENTINE’S & FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS PARTY IN THE EAST BAY!!!

OUR EVENTS ARE ALWAYS FUN FILLED AND SOLD-OUT!!

Please share this link with your friends and family.

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

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(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

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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

 

Ring in the New Year responsibly – designate a sober driver

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Photo: CHP

Maximum Enforcement Period Friday night 12/30/22 – Monday night 1/02/23

Multi-state DUI Enforcement Campaign 12/30/22-1/01/22

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) urges everyone to ring in 2023 responsibly by designating a sober driver.

The CHP will conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) starting at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023.  During that time, all available CHP officers will be out on patrol with a focus on removing impaired drivers.

“Every year, people’s lives are impacted forever by making the decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Driving impaired is never worth it and certainly not the way to ring in the new year – always designate a sober driver.”

During the previous new year’s MEP, 29 people were killed and CHP officers arrested 495 impaired drivers.  Additionally, the CHP issued over 2,300 citations for speeding and 26 citations for seat belt violations during the same time period.

To help bolster this year’s holiday traffic safety effort across state lines, the CHP will again coordinate with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and law enforcement partners from all over the Western United States.  With this year’s “Eyes on the Interstates” initiative, officers from Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana will be teaming up with the CHP to increase awareness about driving under the influence and removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

IORF holds 16th annual Christmas pajama and toy giveaway in Brentwood

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Pajamas are sorted and ready to be packaged for the 2022 giveaway. Photo: IORF

Thanks donors, supporters and volunteers

BRENTWOOD, CA – The International Orphan Relief Foundation of Brentwood held their 16th annual children’s pajamas, toy and grocery gift card giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Led by organizers former Councilwoman Claudette and her husband Johnny Staton, they partnered with Toys for Tots by the U.S. Marines and helped about 150 families, this year.

The families signed up for the giveaway through three organizations, Sisters of Immaculate Heart, Delta Community Services and Village Community Resource Center of Brentwood. The giveaway was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brentwood.

“It was heartfelt to see people, especially the children with smiles on their faces and so grateful to receive the gifts,” Johnny shared.

“We want to thank Fremont Bank branch in Brentwood, specifically branch manager Deborah Willis and Community Outreach Manager Julie Moore who supported us throughout the years as well as McNally Insurance Company, as they are our major donors.”

“We also want to thank all those who donated toys and pajamas, Toys for Tots, Got Kicks and Tammy Young of the Streets of Brentwood, the volunteers, JoAnn Klement, Surah and Shaddin Abukishk, Dawn Bass, mother Gloria and daughter Gloria Pantoja, Claudia Rodriguez, Allen Payton, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Carol Ilch-Rojo,” Claudette said.

Organizers Johnny and Claudette Staton were joined by several volunteers for the 2022 giveaway event. Photo: IORF

The Statons also thanked last year’s donors including Dub 4 Kids and past volunteers Jilda Fairhurst, Roy and Elma Richards, Villa Millan Serrano, for helping on distribution day, as well as all the past volunteers over the years including Glen Combs.

Finally, they thanked their legal counsel, Hon. Elihu Harris, former Mayor of Oakland, and Dr. Sheila Wells.

Johnny said, “I also want to thank my wife, Claudette for being such caring person.”

“We do it all for the praise and glory of God,” he added.

For more information and to donate to IORF visit International Orphan Relief Foundation (www. iorf.org).