Contra Costa Herald

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

Village Community Resource Center to host 2nd Annual Kermés Festival in Brentwood Aug. 23

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By Stefanie Sylvester, Annual Giving Coordinator & Hind Lalami, Leadership & Community Building Coordinator, Village Community Resource Center

BRENTWOOD, Calif. — The Village Community Resource Center (VCRC) will host its 2nd Annual Kermés on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Brentwood. The family-friendly community festival is free, open to the public, and aligns with VCRC’s 30th anniversary milestone of serving East Contra Costa County.

Building on the success of its inaugural event, VCRC is partnering with Cornerstone Fellowship Church to expand this year’s market. The upgraded venue accommodates more local small business vendors, interactive entertainment, artisan goods, and diverse food options to deepen community impact.

“Every purchase at Kermés is an investment in our community,” said Hind Lalami, Leadership & Community Building Coordinator for VCRC. “When families shop with local vendors, they’re not only supporting small businesses—they’re helping create opportunities for children, families, and future community leaders right here in East Contra Costa County.”

Inspired by traditional cultural neighborhood fairs, the festival brings community members together for charitable purposes. Proceeds and awareness raised during the event support VCRC’s ongoing community-strengthening programs.

Photo: VCRC

Event Information

About Village Community Resource Center

Village Community Resource Center (VCRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving East Contra Costa County since 1997 by empowering children, strengthening families, and building community through education, leadership development, wellness initiatives, and family support services. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, VCRC continues to cultivate a thriving village where every member of the community can succeed.

Walmart donates 40 kids’ bicycles to Martinez Police Officers during Grand Re-Opening

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Boys & Girls Club to help with distribution

By Martinez Police Officers Association

The Martinez Police Officers Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to Walmart for their generous donation of 40 children’s bicycles during the Walmart Martinez Grand Re-Opening celebration.

Community partnerships like this make a real difference. We are proud to accept this donation on behalf of the Martinez Police Department and grateful for Walmart’s continued commitment to supporting the Martinez community.

The MPOA has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Martinez to identify children and families who will benefit most from these bicycles, ensuring they are placed in the hands of local kids who need them.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, safer, and more connected community.

Thank you, Walmart, for investing in Martinez and helping create smiles that will last far beyond today.

Partners in Purpose: Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day event in Walnut Creek June 26

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By Alexandra Rubin, Director of Communications, Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

On Friday, June 26, 2026, Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area in Walnut Creek celebrates the national Partners in Purpose: Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day. We offer support at no cost for people impacted by cancer, online and in person, and would love to host you for quick interviews and visuals.

Please join us to celebrate ‘Community is Stronger Than Cancer Day’ on Friday, June 26th at 4pm!

Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day raises awareness of the free support, resources and care provided by Cancer Support Community, Gilda’s Club locations, and healthcare partners for everyone impacted by cancer.

The BACC Mobile Resource Van will be onsite providing boutique appointments throughout the day. (Appointment required, please call CSC at 925.933.0107 for availability).

Our partners, Brady Thomas Photography, HerbNJoy and Comfort Keepers, will also be joining us to share helpful resources and information with attendees.

Why this matters:

  • Cancer support close to home. People impacted by cancer in northern California can access no cost emotional support, navigation, education, healthy lifestyle programs, and social connection online and in person.
  • Inequities and need. Many in our community still face barriers to care. We are working to close the gap through partnerships, navigation, and culturally responsive programs.

Event details:

When: Friday, June 26, 4-6 PM

Where: 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Who: CEO Lucinda Bazile, community partners, program participants

For more information about Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area visit https://cancersupport.net.

Contra Costa County Historical Society receives $45,000 donation from California Foundation for Stronger Communities

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By Contra Costa County Historical Society

Martinez, CA – June 17, 2026 – The Contra Costa County Historical Society (CCCHS) proudly announced a generous donation of $45,000 received in April 2026 from the California Foundation for Stronger Communities (CFSC). This vital funding fuels the Society’s mission to preserve, protect, and provide public access to the rich records and heritage of Contra Costa County.

The CFSC donation is made possible by the Board of Directors of the California Foundation for Stronger Communities, a California non-profit public benefit corporation that acts as the Board of Directors for the California Municipal Finance Authority (“CMFA”). Their goal is to strengthen local communities by assisting with the financing of economic development and charitable activities throughout the state. The donation received by CCCHS is a direct result of the services CMFA provides to local governments, non-profits, and businesses.

The CMFA offers financing for public infrastructure and development projects.

According to the CMFA website, their “mission is to support economic development, job creation and social programs throughout the State of California while giving back to California communities. By supporting our member communities and their local charities with a portion of the revenue generated through the issuance of taxable and tax-exempt bonds for public, private and non-profit entities, the CMFA is able to directly contribute to the health and welfare of the residents of California.”

“The CMFA shares 25% of all issuance fees directly with its member communities. In addition, a grant equal to 25% of the issuance fee is made to the CFSC to fund charities designated by the member communities. A portion of the annual fees received by the CMFA will also be directed to charitable activities within California communities.”

As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Historical Society relies heavily on the generosity of philanthropic foundations and the ongoing involvement of the community. Gifts like this do much more than simply fund daily operations; they serve as a lifeline that keeps the County History Center running. This critical support allows the Society to ease the strains of month-to-month expenses and focus on long-term goals.

Thanks to this impactful donation, CCCHS can continue to expand its digital collections, improve online access, and increase staff-guided archival workstations. Furthermore, this support empowers the Society to expand public programming, such as the new “Archive Yourself” program, and push forward with a capital campaign to acquire a larger, more modern facility to accommodate ever-growing collections.

“Community partnerships and foundation grants are the backbone of our organization,” said LeighAnn Davis, Executive Director of the Contra Costa County Historical Society. “Support like this not only keeps our doors open and our archives accessible today, but it ensures we can preserve our local history for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful to CFSC and CMFA, and we invite the public and local businesses to join them in supporting our ongoing mission.”

Founded in 1951, the Contra Costa County Historical Society serves as the steward of the County’s archives and the administrator of the County History Center. The History Center houses the largest collection of historical records in the County, serving as an invaluable resource for journalists, scholars, genealogists, and students.

Community support is essential to keeping these historical doors open. To learn more about visiting the History Center, volunteering, or making a donation to support local history, please contact the Center at (925) 229-1042 or visit the Contra Costa County Historical Society website.

Brentwood’s Harvest Time celebrates 50th anniversary

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Photo: Harvest Time

In the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area and World!

By Harvest Time

Since 1976, Harvest Time in Brentwood has connected families and visitors to the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area, and now, of the World! This year we celebrate 50 years of supporting local farms, farm stands, and agritourism across East Contra Costa County.

Fifty Years of Roots and Resilience: Celebrating a Half-Century of Harvest Time in Brentwood

For five decades, the spirit of Brentwood has been defined by more than just our borders; it has been defined by our soil. As Harvest Time in Brentwood marks its 50th anniversary, we find ourselves looking back with immense pride and looking forward with even greater excitement.

What started as a shared vision to protect our agricultural heritage has blossomed into a legacy that defines our city’s soul. We are honored to serve as the bridge between our hardworking farmers and the community, ensuring that our local farms don’t just survive—they thrive. It is because of this enduring partnership that Brentwood is recognized globally as the “U-Pick Capital of the World.” We also champion our farms through the annual Farm Trail Map to help visitors discover, support, and return to our local growers, season after season. And through our social media channels, we share the unique farm experiences that make this region special, shining a light on the people, places, and traditions that continue to make our region stand out.

Photo: Harvest Time

The Heartbeat of Our Fields: A Century of Legacy

When you look across a cherry orchard or a field of summer corn, you aren’t just seeing crops; you are seeing the tireless dedication of local families. While Harvest Time is celebrating 50 years of service, the families behind these farms represent a legacy that stretches back over a century. Many of these families were stewards of this land long before Brentwood was even incorporated as a city, and their roots run deeper than the oldest trees in our valley.

The impact of these multi-generational families stretches far beyond the fence line of the farm:

Investing in our Future: They are the quiet benefactors of our schools, ensuring our children have the resources they need to grow alongside our crops.

Empowering our Youth: From sponsoring local sports teams to providing first jobs for our teenagers, our farmers invest in the character of the next generation.

Building the Community: They serve on our city boards, support our local small businesses, and have been the bedrock of our civic life since the very beginning.

These families have shaped the very identity of Brentwood. Their commitment to the land and each other is the reason so many people choose to move here. People come for the beauty, but they stay because of the values—the unique sense of place that only a deep-rooted agricultural community can provide.

Photo: Harvest Time

A Legacy We Share With You

Whether you are a neighbor who has lived here for forty years or a visitor traveling from across the globe to experience the magic of a Brentwood harvest, you are part of our story. To our residents: Thank you for your fierce pride and for choosing to shop local. You understand that when you support a Brentwood farm, you are supporting a neighbor’s dream.

To our visitors: Thank you for making Brentwood a destination. Your appreciation for the “U-Pick” experience helps ensure that this land remains green and productive for the next fifty years and beyond.

As we celebrate this golden milestone, Harvest Time remains committed to our mission. We are proud of where we’ve been, we are inspired by the families who lead us, and we are more ready than ever for the growth to come.

Here’s to 50 years of Harvest Time, and over a century of farming excellence.

Photo: Harvest Time

About Harvest Time

Harvest Time is a Non-Profit Organization, Mutual Benefit organized under the laws of the State of California, that is dedicated to educating the general public and “foodies” about farming and its products while improving Agri-tourism education in the Brentwood, California Region of East Contra Costa County. Each year, we produce an educational farm trail map that directs you to more than 65+ growers who sell direct to the consumer!

For more information visit https://harvestforyou.com/harvest-time-50th-anniversary/ or www.facebook.com/HarvestForYou/.

See the U-Pick farms’ Interactive Map – Harvest Time in Brentwood.

Source: Harvest Time

U-Pick Capital

U-Pick Capital, proudly presented by Harvest Time in Brentwood! We invite you to discover the incredible U-Pick experiences that make Brentwood the ultimate destination for fresh produce and cherished traditions.

Experience the vibrant tradition of Harvest Time in Brentwood, the U-Pick Capital that captivates hearts year-round! With over 65 farms offering a delightful array of U-Pick options, it is no wonder we’ve captivated the hearts of visitors near and far.

Join us as we share the magic of Brentwood with visitors seeking the freshest produce, vibrant farm experiences, and the abundance of our harvest. U-Pick isn’t just an experience; it’s a cherished tradition that farmers and visitors anticipate year after year.

For more information visit upickcapital.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Bay Area Street Food Festival & Easter Sunday Mela at Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg April 5

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By Matthew Nazir, Founder & President, Bay Area Warriors Foundation

Join us April 5, 2026, for a day of authentic Karachi Street food, family fun and community celebration at our Easter Sunday festival at Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of food, fun and community while supporting a meaningful cause.

Enjoy an indoor & outdoor festival experience featuring:

Authentic Karachi Street Food

  • Karachi Biryani
  • Pakistan Chowk Bun Kabab
  • Clifton ki Fried Fish
  • Burns Road Pani Puri & Chaat
  • Kabab Rolls and more

Fun, Music & Games

  • Tambola (Housie)
  • Games & PlayStation
  • Face Painting
  • Easter Egg Hunt for Kids
  • Photo Booth with the Easter Bunny
  • Music & Karaoke
  • Community Vendor Stalls

Food, games and activities will be available through donation tickets.

Event Details

Mehran Restaurant

3841 Railroad Avenue – Pittsburg

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Starting at 1 PM

FREE ENTRY

UPDATE: However, if you plan to attend, RSVP by marking yourself as “Going” on this event page by March 20 so we can plan food and activities accordingly: Bay Area Street Food Festival & Easter Sunday Mela.

Why We Are Doing This.

All proceeds from the festival will support the Bay Area Warriors Foundation, helping provide treatment support and comfort care for cancer patients.

The foundation was created in loving memory of Chris Nazir, the late owner of Mehran Restaurant, whose spirit of generosity and community continues to inspire this mission.

Vendor Opportunities

Limited vendor spaces are available.

Non-Food / Promotional Booth:
$250 booth fee (includes $50 worth of festival tokens)

Food Vendor Booth or Food Truck:
$500 booth fee (includes $100 worth of festival tokens)

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact us soon as space is limited.

Call (415) 513-9577 or email info@bayareawarriorsfoundation.org.

 

Supervisor Gioia to be honored at NAACP Richmond Branch annual banquet March 7

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By Allen D. Payton

Join the NAACP Richmond, CA Branch for its annual Community Engagement Recognition Banquet at Contra Costa College this Saturday, March 7th. Refreshments at 3:30 p.m., Program at 4:30 p.m.

Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia will be among those  honored during the event.

“I’m honored to be one of the individuals to be recognized for my work in advancing equity and justice,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The Richmond NAACP has been fighting discrimination and working for equity and justice since 1944. For more information visit NAACP – RICHMOND BRANCH.

First Annual Bay Rideout event by Najee Harris’ Da Bigger Picture Foundation March 8

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Co-founded by NFL running back Najee Harris and his mother, Tianna Hicks, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is a reflection of family, perseverance and giving back. What started as a vision between mother and son has grown into a mission focused on service, youth empowerment and creating real impact where it’s needed most.

Donations fuel every foundation program — from Get Fitted to youth camps, fun events like the Bay Rideout and community drives.

Da Bigger Picture Foundation – Where Confidence Meets Opportunity! Creating access and opportunity for youth through community programs, school partnerships and events that build confidence. For more information or to donate visit https://dabiggerpicture.com

Supervisor Gioia announces $1 million grant program for non-profits to improve West Contra Costa

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Photo source: Office of Supervisor John Gioia

Anuncian un programa de subvenciones de 1 millón de dólares para mejorar la equidad en West Contra Costa

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

Las solicitudes de subvención vencen en febrero 27, 2026

WHAT: Up to $50,000 grants for local nonprofits to improve equity in West Contra Costa County

WHEN: Applications open from February 1 through February 27, 2026

WHY:  Support innovative and impactful work to reduce health and economic disparities in West County

By Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia

I’m pleased to announce the opening of a Community Impact Fund Grant Program for Supervisorial District One. This program provides $1 million to support important projects that advance equity and reduce health and economic disparities in West Contra Costa County.

Grant amounts will be up to $50,000 each!

This grant program was established by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in June 2025, allocating $5 million countywide, with $1 million designated for each Supervisorial District. The goal is to invest in initiatives that strengthen community well-being and create long-term benefits for residents.

Our community shaped this grant program through ideas and priorities expressed at several Townhall meetings we held throughout West County. These funds will be used to improve health, housing, education, economic and environmental needs to achieve greater equity and reduce disparities.

Together, we’re building a stronger and more resilient future for all residents.

Nonprofit community-based groups are invited to apply for grant funds. Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, February 27. Grant awards will be made by the end of March 2026.

This Grant Program was shaped by robust community input, including five town halls and a focus group, engaging over 275 residents, youth, organizational leaders, and advocates across District 1 in West Contra Costa County. These sessions provided a roadmap for equitable investments, emphasizing health, education, housing, economic and environmental improvements. Residents also called for transparency, local control, and sustainability.

To see the final report from the community Townhalls, please click here.

For more information on this grant program and how to apply, click here.

Español

QUÉ: Un millón de dólares en subvenciones para organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales con el fin de mejorar la equidad en el condado de West Contra Costa.

CUÁNDO: Las solicitudes estarán abiertas del 1 al 27 de febrero de 2026.

POR QUÉ: Para apoyar iniciativas innovadoras y de gran impacto que reduzcan las desigualdades en salud y economía en el oeste del condado.

Me complace anunciar la apertura del Programa de Subvenciones del Fondo de Impacto Comunitario para el Distrito Uno. Este programa destina 1 millón de dólares a apoyar proyectos importantes que promuevan la equidad y reduzcan las desigualdades sanitarias y económicas en el oeste del condado de Contra Costa.

¡El monto de las subvenciones será de hasta $50,000 cada una!

Este programa de subvenciones fue establecido por la Junta de Supervisores de Contra Costa en junio de 2025, asignando $5 millones para todo el condado, con $1 millón destinado a cada distrito supervisorial. El objetivo es invertir en iniciativas que fortalezcan el bienestar de la comunidad y generen beneficios a largo plazo para los residentes.

Nuestra comunidad dio forma a este programa de subvenciones a través de las ideas y prioridades expresadas en varias reuniones comunitarias que celebramos en todo el oeste del condado. Estos fondos se utilizarán para mejorar la salud, la vivienda, la educación, la economía y el medio ambiente, con el fin de lograr una mayor equidad y reducir las desigualdades.

Juntos, estamos construyendo un futuro más sólido y resiliente para todos los residentes.

Se invita a las organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro a solicitar fondos de subvención. Las solicitudes deben completarse y presentarse a más tardar el viernes 27 de febrero. La adjudicación de las subvenciones se realizará a finales de marzo de 2026.

Este programa de subvenciones se diseñó con una sólida participación de la comunidad, incluyendo cinco asambleas públicas y un grupo focal, en los que participaron más de 275 residentes, jóvenes, líderes de organizaciones y activistas del Distrito 1 del condado de West Contra Costa. Estas sesiones proporcionaron una hoja de ruta para inversiones equitativas, haciendo hincapié en la salud, la educación, la vivienda y las mejoras económicas y ambientales. Los residentes también solicitaron transparencia, control local y sostenibilidad.

Para consultar el informe final de las reuniones comunitarias, haga clic aquí.

Para obtener más información sobre este programa de subvenciones y cómo solicitarlo, haga clic aquí.

Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office and Stand Together Contra Costa launch mobile legal clinic

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Photo: Stand Together Contra Costa

To expand access to justice countywide

By Brian Nash, PIO, Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office

MARTINEZ, CA — Stand Together Contra Costa (STCC), a program of the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office (CCPD), will unveil a new Mobile Legal Clinic at a press conference at 1026 Escobar in Martinez, California on Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 am. This marks a major step forward in bringing trusted legal advice directly to communities across Contra Costa County.

The Mobile Legal Clinic is designed to remove barriers that often prevent people from accessing legal help — including transportation challenges, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, language access, and fear of state violence by federal immigration agents. Staffed by CCPD attorneys and support staff, the clinic will provide free legal guidance on immigration legal issues, navigating the legal system, and culturally responsive assistance. It will also provide navigation to other holistic services such as public benefits, housing support, clean slate, and more — helping residents address concerns early, before problems escalate into crises.

“This mobile legal clinic reflects a simple but powerful idea: justice works best when it’s accessible,” said Ali Saidi, a Deputy Public Defender in the CCPD and the Director of Stand Together Contra Costa. “By showing up directly in neighborhoods across the county, we’re removing barriers, building trust, and making sure people know they’re not alone when legal issues arise.”

The office is planning upcoming mobile legal clinic deployments throughout all five Contra Costa County supervisorial districts beginning in early February, with dates, times, and locations to be announced soon through Contra Costa Public Defender and Stand Together Contra Costa channels.

A Countywide Effort

“Our commitment to serving community members in Contra Costa County goes beyond our vigorous advocacy inside of the courtroom,” added CCPD Public Defender Ellen McDonnell. “Access to justice means making sure every community member — no matter their income, background, or neighborhood — understands their legal rights and is able to find help when and where they need it.”

The Mobile Legal Clinic was made possible through collaboration across county departments and community partners, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to justice.

“This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when county leaders and departments work together with the community,” Saidi continued. “We’re grateful to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and community partners for making this possible and want to particularly thank Supervisor Ken Carlson — whose support and leadership helped turn this idea into a critical service that will have real impact for families across the county.”