Contra Costa Herald

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

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors San Ramon girl as National Youth Advocate of the Year

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Agamroop Kaur. Source: LinkedIn

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Agamroop Kaur of San Ramon, CA, has been named the Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Agamroop will be honored on May 5, 2022, for her leadership in the fight against tobacco at the Tobacco-Free Kids’ annual Youth Advocates of the Year Awards celebration in Washington D.C.

Now, a senior at Dougherty Valley High School, Agamroop Kaur’s advocacy work began in middle school when she noticed that every bathroom smelled like a candy store and many of her classmates were already hooked on Juul e-cigarettes. She made it her mission to educate her peers about the dangers of vaping and to stop the tobacco industry from targeting her generation. She has also authored op-eds and produced a documentary on the youth e-cigarette epidemic – titled “BIG Tobacco BIGGER Epidemic” – that won a prize in C-SPAN’s student documentary contest. Agamroop also worked on successful campaigns in five California cities and Contra Costa County to end the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, expand smoke-free policies and limit tobacco retailers in youth centered areas.

“We are thrilled to honor Agamroop Kaur as the Barry Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Seeing first-hand the impact of tobacco use, Agamroop has become a passionate advocate for the health of her peers and community. She exemplifies the qualities of a new generation of leaders who are standing up to the tobacco industry and fighting with us for a healthier and more equitable future.”

The National Youth Advocate of the Year Award is named after Barrie Fiske, a tireless champion for the right to breathe smoke-free air and a longtime member of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Board of Directors, who passed away in 2019.

Every year, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors a National Youth Advocate of the Year, four Individual Youth Advocates of the Year and a Group Youth Advocate of the Year. The winners receive scholarships to continue their tobacco prevention efforts and serve as youth ambassadors for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

“I am an ambitious high school student, venturing through the world with an open mind,” Agamroop wrote on her LinkedIn page. “With my passion for policy, research, human biology and behavior, I seek to expand the realm of public health with innovative solutions.”

Last year, she served for four months as a Policy and Media Intern for the Contra Costa Health Services Tobacco Prevention Project and has been a Teen Research Advisor for the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media since February 2021. Agamroop is also a Stanford University Research and Policy Intern serving as a Youth Action Board member of Stanford’s REACH Lab where she’s working to build and review curriculum reaching 2 million youth.

Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States, killing over 480,000 Americans and costing the nation $226 billion in annual smoking health care costs.

In California, tobacco use claims 40,000 lives annually and costs $13.29 billion in health care bills each year. Currently, 1.2% (24,400) of California high school students smoke cigarettes, and 8.2% use e-cigarettes.

Additional information about the youth award winners can be found at tfk.org/awards and more resources and information about tobacco can be found at www.tobaccofreekids.org

 

Kaiser Permanente behavioral health professionals mentor students at Antioch’s Dozier-Libbey Medical High School

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Dozier-Libbey students (from right) Emma Mauri, Syncere Jordan, Saniya Maka, Arena Armin. Source: Kaiser Permanente

To inspire, educate and impart life skills to future mental health professionals

By Alex Madison, Content Marketing Writer III, Kaiser Permanente

Like many high schoolers, students at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School in Antioch, California, are unsure about their career moves post-graduation. With the help of a mentorship program led by Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Mental Health Training Program, these students are getting a window into the behavioral health medical profession.

“Everyone has a different path in life, and my mentor allowed me to see the huge variety of pathways available to me,” said 18-year-old Syncere Jordan. “She told me what it took to get where she is today and what the day-to-day responsibilities of a health care worker are.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California partnered with the 800-student high school last year to create a mentorship program in which 12 students meet virtually every week for 30 minutes with a mental health provider to talk about career pathways, resumes, college, and the realities of working as a mental health professional.

“I really appreciate the diversity the program allows,” said 16-year-old Emma Mauri. “My mentor and I have talked about everything from life skills, to education, to just telling stories. She’s inspired me to stop being so nervous about the decisions I’m facing about the future of my career.”

Giving back to student and mentor

Reflecting Kaiser Permanente’s core commitment to support mental health and wellness in the communities it serves, every mental health trainee of the Mental Health Training Program is required to complete over 30 hours of community outreach. The outreach focuses on improving the mental health of the local community in some important respect, beyond treating Kaiser Permanente members.

The mentors said educating young people on the importance of mental health and helping guide their future has been very fulfilling.

“My mentor and I have talked about everything from life skills, to education, to just telling stories. She’s inspired me to stop being so nervous about the decisions I’m facing about the future of my career.” – Emma Mauri

“As a first-generation Mexican American and first in my family to graduate college, I’m incredibly passionate about supporting these young people and creating awareness around the complex experiences of being a first-generation student,” said Irais Castro, PhD, a psychology postdoctoral resident at Kaiser Permanente Antioch.

“It’s important to foster these student’s interest in mental health or whichever field they are interested in,” said Nicole Wilberding, PhD, a psychology postdoctoral resident at Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek. “We encourage them to talk about their concerns and fears so they don’t feel overwhelmed about their future.”

Increasing awareness of mental health care

A goal of the 8-week mentorship program is to increase awareness about the field of clinical psychology and mental health among diverse youth populations. Kaiser Permanente shares in the U.S. challenge to meet the demand for mental health care that has been greatly exacerbated by the national shortage of trained mental health professionals.

Although many of the students involved in the mentorship program had not considered a career in mental health, some of them said they are now interested in learning more about the profession as a possible career choice.

Kathryn Wetzler, PsyD, regional director of Mental Health Training Programs, said, “It’s really valuable to identify the young people who are interested in mental health as a career and provide them with the understanding of what being a mental health professional is all about.”

Castro explained that it’s a vital time to educate people about the importance of mental health as a profession.

“We need more clinicians of color and diverse populations in the field, so I am grateful to have the opportunity to create awareness of the need.”

For Jordan, who is 3 months away from graduating high school, her relationship with her mentor is a “bond I will never forget and hope to continue after I graduate.”

Learn more about the Northern California Mental Health Training Program.

 

CHP: Open your eyes to the dangers of distracted driving – California Teen Safe Driving Week, April 4-10

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Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

By Sarah Richards, Commander & Fran Clader, Director of Communications, CHP Office of Community Outreach & Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Any time drivers take their eyes off the road to look at or use a phone, they are driving blind. For example, looking down at a cell phone to read a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds – at 55 mph, that is the equivalent of driving the length of a 300-foot football field without looking.

As part of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and Impact Teen Drivers (ITD) are working together to increase education and enforcement efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

Many distractions interfere with safe driving, but cell phones continue to be the most common distraction.

“Nothing on your phone is worth endangering a life when you drive,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Your primary focus should always be on the road and the task of driving your vehicle safely.”

In 2021, the CHP issued more than 55,800 citations for distracted driving. According to preliminary data compiled in the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, that same year driver inattention resulted in over 13,000 crashes. Sadly, at least 56 distracted drivers were involved in fatal crashes and nearly 6,300 other distracted drivers were involved in injury crashes throughout California.

“Silence your phone and put it away while driving,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “It is a simple, yet significant action that keeps yourself and others on the road safe.”

While officers enforce distracted driving and other violations daily, on April 7 and 20, they will pay close attention to citing distracted drivers caught engaging in this dangerous driving behavior as part of statewide enforcement campaigns. From April 11-24, the OTS will run a new education campaign encouraging drivers to stay off the phone and ditch the distractions.

Car crashes are the number one killer of teens, and the monthlong traffic safety campaign will include a special emphasis during California Teen Safe Driving Week, April 4-10, on educating the state’s newest drivers about the dangers of reckless and distracted driving.

“Remember to be the driver you want your kids to be – eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and your mind focused on the drive,” said ITD Executive Director Kelly Browning. “Parents, you are the number one influencer of your kids’ driving attitudes and behaviors.”

With grant funding provided by OTS, the CHP has partnered with ITD, a Sacramento-based nonprofit, to help spread the message of safe, distraction-free driving. The ITD program uses a multifaceted approach to deliver evidence-based education to teens and parents across the nation.

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

2022 Contra Costa Youth Hall of Fame Award winners announced

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Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl dancers perform accompanied by Mariachi Monumental in 2021. Source: Contra Costa County

Contra Costa Supervisors to honor the middle and high school students during 28th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration March 29

By Susan Shiu, 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 28th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration will be on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

“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 Karen Mitchoff. “We recognize our 2022 Youth Hall of Fame awardees whose commitment to service and community are to be applauded.”

The theme for this year’s celebration is Advancing Our Generations with Unity – Avanzando Nuestras Generaciones con Unidad. Joining the celebration will feature speakers who make a difference in Contra Costa County including Ruth Fernandez, Executive Director, First 5 Contra Costa and Marivel Mendoza-Matheu, President & Co-Founder, Hijas del Campo.

The event will include presentation of the 2022 Youth Hall of Fame Awards to students who make outstanding community contributions, live musical performances from Mariachi Monumental and Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl, and celebratory remarks from members of the Board of Supervisors.

Mariachi Monumental musicians perform at the County’s César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration in 2021. Source: Contra Costa County

Here are the County’s 2022 Youth Hall of Fame Award winners:

High School Awardees:

Good Samaritan: Carolyn Considine, Campolindo High School

Volunteerism: Jake Hammerman, Campolindo High School

Perseverance: Mark Rainier Catapusan, Ygnacio Valley High School

Teamwork: Namratha Kasalanati, Campolindo High School

Leadership & Civic Engagement: Seena Farhadi, Northgate High School

Middle School Rising Stars:

Good Samaritan Rising Star: Sohan Emani, Diablo Vista Middle School

Volunteerism Rising Star: Alice Zeitler, Montessori Family School (El Sobrante)

Leadership & Civic Engagement Rising Star: Krish Veluthakkal, Sequoia Middle School

The annual celebration honors the diversity and richness of our community. To learn more about César E. Chávez Ceremony, visit https://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.

 

El Cerrito female Taekwondo student athlete raises funds for trip to World Championship

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Source: GoFundMe

Almost to goal of $5,000

By Nicole Santos, Spokesperson, GoFundMe

Samantha Skye Valdez lives in El Cerrito, is a 17-year-old high school junior and straight A student who has been doing Taekwondo since she was six years old. On February 20, Samantha won the qualifier in Colorado Springs to be a part of TeamUSA for the Goyang 2022 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea. She is a member of Team BoHyeon.

Samantha Skye Valdez (left) with her teammates.

To help Samantha represent the USA from April 21-24 at the World Championship, a GoFundMe has been launched by Kristel Cosio and donations will help her pay for her plane ticket and accommodation. To view the GoFundMe please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/4d4w/help-sam-represent-usa-at-worlds-korea

Samantha Skye Valdez trains.

The fundraiser states, “She practices at three studios in the Bay Area six days a week while taking SAT prep courses! Earlier this year she won Gold for women’s teams under 30 in the United States.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Community Crab Feed to support the East County Diehards on road to Cooperstown for Allstar Baseball Tournament

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BRENTWOOD — The East County Diehards Baseball Club is hosting a Crab Feed on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Veterans Hall, located at 757 1st Street in Brentwood.  Doors will open at 6PM.  Tickets are limited, so get yours today!

The Crab Feed will include several delicious options, including crab, tri-tip steak, and side dishes. A silent auction, games, and raffle drawings will also be part of the festivities.  Proceeds will support the Diehards 12U road to Cooperstown Allstar game, in July of 2022.

“The East County Diehards baseball club has a history of hosting great events,” said James Joachim, team manager, Diehards 12U.  “This will, no doubt, be a very fun event, with great food and friends.  Furthermore, this crab feed is for a great cause, supporting youth sports.”

To purchase tickets to the Crab Feed you can scan the QR Code found on the Diehards Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DieHards12U.

The East County Diehards 501c charitable organization was established in 2012 in Oakley, CA.  They offer competitive travel softball and baseball for boys and girls throughout Contra Costa County.

To learn more about the Diehards organization, you can visit: https://eastcountydiehards.org.

Oakley’s East County Diehards 12U baseball team raising funds for Cooperstown, NY All Star Tournament

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Oakley’s East County Diehards 12U team.

The East County Diehards 12 and Under travel baseball team is in the process of raising funds for a trip to compete in the July 2022 All Star tournament in Cooperstown, NY.

The East County Diehards organization was established in 2012 in Oakley, Calif.  The Diehards offer competitive travel softball and baseball for boys and girls. The East County Diehards are a 501c charitable organization, and donations are tax deductible.

The 12U Diehards are actively seeking corporate and individual sponsors and donations to help fund their dream of competing in Cooperstown, NY.

“We are extremely excited to compete in Cooperstown against some great teams from around the country,” said James Joachim, team manager, Diehards 12U.  “Our boys are super-pumped to play in Cooperstown, home of the baseball hall of fame.  We are incredibly appreciative of the very generous support we have already received.”

The Diehards 12U baseball team has its own Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DieHards12U.  You can donate directly to the Diehards 12U @ https://infoblox.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/44373.  In addition, there will be several exciting events, including a Crab Feed on February 5, 2022, with the proceeds going to the Diehards Cooperstown fund.

To learn more about the Diehards organization, you can visit: https://eastcountydiehards.org.

Contra Costa County seeks applicants for five vacancies on Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council

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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on its 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). The JJCC currently has the following five (5) vacancies:

  • At-Large Representative (3)
  • Community Based Organization Representative (2)

The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is a multiagency advisory body that informs the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan composed of several critical parts, including, but not limited to an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drug and alcohol and youth services resources, which specifically target both at-promise as well as system-involved youth, and their families.

The JJCC will also coordinate on a countywide basis the work of those governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community, develop information and intelligence-sharing systems to ensure that county actions are fully coordinated, and provide data and appropriate outcome measures.

The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is composed of the following 20 members:

Ten (10) Ex‐Officio Members: 

  • Chief Probation Officer, as Chair
  • District Attorney’s Office representative
  • Public Defender’s Office representative
  • Sheriff’s Office representative
  • Board of Supervisors’ representative
  • Employment and Human Services Department representative
  • Behavioral Health Services representative
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Division representative
  • Public Health representative
  • Juvenile Justice Commission Chair

Ten (10) Additional Members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, as follows: 

  • City Police Department representative
  • County Office of Education or a School District representative
  • Four (4) At-Large members, residing or working within County of Contra Costa
  • Two (2) Community-Based Organization representatives
  • Two (2) At-Large youth, fourteen to twenty-five years old and residing or working within County of Contra Costa

Appointments to the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council will be for a term of two years. The JJCC meets monthly October through April, and bi-monthly the remainder of the year. Members have the option to serve on two (2) subcommittees that each currently meet on a monthly basis.

Applications will be due by 5 p.m. on December 3, 2021, and all timely applicants will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee:  Supervisors Candace Andersen, District II, and Federal Glover, District V. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for Board of Supervisors to appoint to the Racial Justice Oversight Body.

Below is a complete timeline of this recruitment process to fill the five (5) vacant JJCC seats: 

  • December 3: Final Day of the Application Period, due by 5:00 p.m.
  • December 16: Public Protection Committee Meeting: Interviews
  • January 11: Board of Supervisors Appointments

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/. Completed applications should be emailed to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us. Applications can also be mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553.

 

Enrollment for Poetry Out Loud 2021-22 competition for high school students now open

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Poetry Out Loud (POL) is an exciting National competition started in 2005 by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The contest challenges high school students to memorize and recite poetry, a chance to showcase their talents, build self-confidence, and gain both an appreciation and understanding of poetry.

The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County has been an official local partner of California Arts Council’s for Poetry Out Loud since 2007. Every Contra Costa County high school is encouraged to participate. Local arts non-profit organizations and libraries are welcome and encouraged to participate as well. Each year ten to fifteen high schools representing East, West, and Central County have participated. These include public schools, private schools, charter schools, alternative schools, court schools, and homeschool groups.

Poetry Out Loud is a free program!

There is no cost to either the school or the students.

HOW DOES POL WORK?

Poetry Out Loud is a tiered competition structure that begins in the classroom. High school teachers use the free Poetry Out Loud teacher toolkit (https://www.poetryoutloud.org/teachers-organizers/lesson-plans/) to teach poetry recitation and run classroom competitions. Class winners advance to the school-wide competition, then one school champion enters the county competition. The County winner is eligible to compete in the state competition, and the state winner competes in the national finals in Washington D.C. for a grand prize of $20,000.

Poetry Out Loud has been made accessible to accommodate in-person and virtual teaching environments at the school level. Additional information on this year’s hybrid model will be shared with participating schools.

Please complete the form by 12/15/21! POETRY OUT LOUD 2021-22

Please feel free to email our county coordinator, Brennan DeFrisco, at bdeeppoetry@gmail.com or call (925) 984-4031 for any questions you may have.

Thank you for your interest in supporting Poetry Out Loud!

 

CHP focuses on eliminating teen distracted driving

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Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

By Jaime Coffee, Information Officer II, California Highway Patrol

Source: NHTSA

Using cell phones, eating or drinking, adjusting a radio, or simply talking with friends are all activities teens engage in every day, but these activities become life-threatening hazards while driving.   Unfortunately, many of these distractions will lead to crashes resulting in an injury or death. 

To address these concerns, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is partnering with traffic safety organizations promoting safe driving behaviors for teens.  The grant-funded Teen Distracted Drivers campaign consists of an education component that will allow for CHP officers and traffic safety partners to make appearances at schools and community events throughout the state. Distracted driving enforcement operations for this grant began October 1, 2021, and will continue through September 30, 2022.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there are nearly 750,000 licensed teenage drivers in California.  Data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicated that in 2019 there were nearly 44,000 crashes involving teen drivers between 15 to 19 years of age, including 231 fatal crashes.  Although preliminary figures for 2020 indicated a drop in total crashes involving teen drivers in California, the number of teen driver-involved fatal crashes increased to 258.

“The combination of inattention and inexperience behind the wheel can lead to tragedy,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.  “This grant will assist our officers in keeping California’s roads safe, while addressing California’s distracted driving crisis among the state’s teens.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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