PITTSBURG

State Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, has named the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County his district’s 2023 Nonprofit of the Year, honoring the organization recently at its Pittsburg headquarters.

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St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has played a critical role for 59 years in the county’s efforts to provide basic assistance to thousands of vulnerable families. Since 1964, the St. Vincent de Paul chapter has helped families who have fallen on hard times or are in the midst of crises.

Its programs help feed, clothe, shelter and heal the county’s most vulnerable residents. In 2022, St. Vincent de Paul distributed $1.9 million in direct financial aid, (rental/utility assistance) and more than $3 million of in-kind aid, (food, clothing, furniture, medical and dental care etc.).

“I am proud to honor St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County for helping families in desperate situations,” Glazer said. “St. Vincent de Paul’s support over the last six decades has meant that families who have nowhere else to turn can get back on their feet, with food, clothing, health care and financial help.”

For more details, visit svdp-cc.org or sd07.senate.ca.gov online.

— state Sen. Glazer’s office

12th annual East Contra Costa Fall Job Fair set for Oct. 25

The Pittsburg Adult School and America’s Job Centers of California will proudly present the 12th annual East Contra Costa Fall Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25.

The job fair is free, open to all and will host more than 40 employers seeking to fill 250 open positions. Join with others on the school campus at 1151 Stoneman Ave. in Pittsburg. Be sure to bring your resume and dress for success!

For those seeking information as to how to get the most out of a job fair there will be a free special one hour presentation entitled “Succeeding at Job Fairs.” The presentation will be held at the same location at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in room No. 23.

For more information contact Event Manager George Provol at [email protected].

— Pittsburg Adult School

Group from center for visually impaired visits art gallery

The blind and visually impaired clients of Pittsburg’s Lions Center for the Visually Impaired (LCVI) visited the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek on Sept. 15 to experience “Sight Unseen — International Photography by Blind Artists.”

The group of 30, many of whom were visiting the gallery for the first time, were inspired to learn about the artists from Gallery Docent Jane Enders, who gave the group a wonderful tour. Enders professionally described the photos, and shared insights about the individual artists, their motivations and methods. The seniors asked lots of questions and appeared actively engaged in the tour with curiosity about how the artists overcame lack of sight in the very visual medium of photography.

“LCVI creates special opportunities like today for clients to get out in the community, socialize with peers, and expand their horizons,” said Richard Grange, the LCVI event’s organizer.

LCVI provides free supportive services for blind and visually impaired seniors in Solano, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties. For more information call 925-432-3013 or visit lcvi.org.

— LCVI

BETHEL ISLAND

Meals on Wheels holding Oktoberfest fundraiser Oct. 22

Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa County (MOWCC) will hold an Oktoberfest fundraiser Oct. 22 at the Delta Sports Bar and Grill on Bethel Island.

Tickets are $25 for adults and include beer, bratwurst, potato salad and more. For ages 4 to 12, tickets are $10 and include hot dogs, chips and a beverage. Contact Patricia for tickets or more details at 510-396-6937 or [email protected].

— MOWCC

BRENTWOOD

City launches alternate workspace Tech MeetUp at facility

The city of Brentwood has launched the Brentwood Tech MeetUp at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. The city’s economic development team is spearheading this effort to provide an alternative workspace for the hundreds of hybrid and remote tech workers living in the city.

“The Tech MeetUp will serve to provide hybrid and remote tech workers a break from working at home and an opportunity to network with others in similar industries, seek new jobs or ventures with like-minded individuals,” said Ricardo Noguera, a city economic development manager.

The Tech MeetUp will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in a casual drop-in setting, offering free Wi-Fi service and complimentary coffee, refreshments and snacks. To learn more, visit brentwoodca.gov/tech-meetup or contact Noguera at [email protected] or 925-516-5118.

City attorney to retire at year’s end; replacement is sought

With the retirement of long-serving City Attorney Damien Brower at the end of the 2023 calendar year, the city of Brentwood has started the recruitment process for a new city attorney. Working with the executive search firm of Peckham & McKenney, the City Council hopes to have a new city attorney onboard by early 2024.

“My family and I are fortunate to have found Brentwood over 18 years ago,” Brower told the council earlier. “We could not have asked for a better community to raise our sons, and our efforts were made so much easier by the strong support that I have received over the years from the mayors, city councils, city managers and staff with whom I have worked. And for that, I am so very grateful.”

— city of Brentwood

OAKLEY

Applicants sought for affordable housing advisory panel

Applications are being taken now for residents interested in becoming part of the Oakley City Council’s newly formed Affordable Housing Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee.

The city of Oakley is seeking two residents from The Oaks and a member of its management team with decision-making authority for appointment to the committee, which the Oakley City Council formed earlier this month after a number of habitability issues came to light at the apartment complex.

The Affordable Housing Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee will also include Mayor Aaron Meadows and Councilmember Shannon Shaw. The committee’s purpose is to review and discuss resident issues at the apartment complex and advise the City Council on those issues, according to staff.

The Oaks is a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) complex that was developed by the Corporation for Better Housing in stages beginning in 2006. It now has about 500 units and is managed by WinnCompanies.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Sept. 29. The council will consider applications Oct. 10 at its regularly scheduled meeting, which applicants are encouraged to attend.

To apply, visit bit.ly/4635Fv6 online. For more information or to request a paper application, contact Danielle Navarro, assistant city manager, at 925-625-7162 or [email protected]. Paper applications can be returned to the City Manager’s Office at Oakley City Hall, 3231 Main St., Oakley, CA 94561.

— city of Oakley

PITTSBURG

Ground to broken on ‘Dream Courts’ sports complex

Discovery Homes, in partnership with the city of Pittsburg, was set to break ground recently on the much-anticipated “Dream Courts” — a state-of- the-art, 41,000 square-foot multi-court sports complex in Pittsburg.

Located at Stoneman Park, the Discovery Homes Dream Courts are set to redefine the city’s sports infrastructure, providing residents and sports enthusiasts alike with world-class facilities and amenities. Designed meticulously with the latest in sports technology, the courts promise to offer a premier sporting experience.

“I am thrilled to see the construction of the Dream Courts begin,” Pittsburg Mayor Shanelle Scales-Preston said. “This project headlines the immense efforts of my colleagues on the City Council and I to bring new opportunities to the youth and young adults in our Pittsburg community. We are also greatly appreciative to Discovery Homes for their efforts and contributions to see this project come to life.”

The groundbreaking is set to take place next week at John Henry Johnson Park (790 W. Leland Road), with a host of city dignitaries, and community leaders in attendance. To learn more about the project, contact Jordan Davis at [email protected].

— city of Pittsburg

WALNUT CREEK

Break a Sweat for Education 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 30

The 2023 Yours Humanly Break a Sweat for Education 5K Run & Walk and Free Kids Fun Run will be on Sept. 30 starting at 8 a.m. in Walnut Creek’s Heather Farm Park.

Funds raised by this popular, family-friendly event will support the local and global programs of Yours Humanly, a Walnut Creek nonprofit providing children in need with access to quality education and equitable resources.

Yours Humanly is partnering with the Mount Diablo Education Foundation, with part of the proceeds directly benefiting students and schools in the Mount Diablo Unified School District. Participating in this event is a great way to enjoy a fall day with family and friends while raising money to help others.

Registrants for the 5K Run & Walk will receive a finisher medal and event T-shirt (optional), and Kids Fun Run registrants will receive a finisher medal. Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers and first place male and female finishers in eight age groups.

Festivities will include music, face painting, a balloon artist, and more. For details and event registration, visit breakasweat.run online, where you can learn more about Yours Humanly at yourshumanly.org.

— Yours Humanly

Apply by Oct. 6 to receive $50K smile makeover for free

Muir Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery in Walnut Creek has launched its third annual Share A Smile program, which will provide one East Bay resident who is in failing oral health with a free smile makeover.

About 178 million U.S. resident are missing at least one tooth, and around 40 million are missing all of their teeth. East Bay residents with difficulty eating, smiling or speaking because of missing or failing teeth, along with the confidence and self-esteem issues that go along with it, are encouraged to apply for a life-changing full-arch restoration procedure that would normally cost about $50,000.

The application period for Share A Smile runs through Oct. 6. Applicants simply need to answer a few simple questions and submit digital photos of their current smile and teeth. For more information or to apply visit muiroralsurgery.com/shareasmile online. This year’s recipient will be selected based on his or her compelling story, financial need and health history.

— Muir Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery

Learn about bonsai trees Oct. 9 at garden club’s meeting

The Walnut Creek Garden Club (WCGC) will hold its free monthly meeting Oct. 9 in the Elks Lodge at 1475 Creekside Drive in Walnut Creek. Join the club for a special program, “Bonsai View for Beginners.”

Registration will start at 9:30 a.m., followed by a brief meeting, social time and an educational program. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available.

In the program, Janet Nelson’s passion and skill with bonsai gardening can be appreciated as she guides participants step-by-step in the process of creating the bonsai structure.

Nelson has more than 30 years’ experience working with bonsai trees, is a past president of the East Bay Bonsai Society (eastbaybonsai.org) and has exhibited her trees at many local club shows, state bonsai conventions, and the recent Pacific Bonsai Exhibition.

The WCGC welcomes the public to their meeting and join the club. For more information, please visit walnutcreekgardenclub.org online.

— WCGC

ANTIOCH

Local sports Hall of Fame to induct Class of 2023 on Oct. 7

The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2023 on Oct. 7 at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center in Antioch. The Hall of Fame gala starting at at 5 p.m. will honor several top athletes and coaches from the past at Antioch and Deer Valley high schools.

Being celebrated will be Devon Almarinez, All-Around Male Athlete (Deer Valley 2001-02); Lynn Lohmeier, All-Around Female Athlete (Antioch High School 1990-91); Erica Helms, Individual Female Athlete, basketball (DV 2006-07); Cassie Mann, Individual Female Athlete, softball (AHS 1999-00); Eddie Miller, Individual Male Athlete, basketball (AHS 2006-07); Eddie Loretto, Individual Male Athlete, football (AHS 1983-84); Ashley Hodges, Individual Female Athlete, track (DV 2006-07); Lisa Ma’ake, Individual Female Athlete, track (DV 2006-07); Matt Baugh, Individual Male Athlete, baseball (DV 2003-04); Clark Davidson, Individual Male Athlete, football (AHS 1979-80); Mason Hibbard, Individual Male Athlete, baseball (AHS 1991-92); Bob Olds, Individual Male Athlete, golf (AHS 1956-57); Andy Sample, Individual Male Athlete, track (AHS 1987-88); Mike Amorosa, Outstanding Coach, cross country (AHS 1996-2008); and Joanne Bilbo, Community Leader, (AHS 1947-48).

Also being honored will be the 1986-87 Antioch High School golf team, which includes head coach Joe Gambetta and players Dave McCoy, Kevin Sullivan, Rob Heaton, Sam Raines, Scott Olds and Brian Viera.

Tickets for the dinner are $85 and can be purchased from the Antioch Historical Society’s Hall of Fame office at 1500 West Fourth St. For more details, e-mail [email protected] or call 925-238-0565.

— Trine Gallegos, correspondent

LAFAYETTE

Acalanes schools to continue serving free meals to students

The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) has announced the continuation of its policy of serving meals to students under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program for the 2023-24 school year.

In conjunction with the state-mandated Universal Meal Program, all enrolled students will be served two meals, breakfast or brunch and lunch, at no charge at the following sites: Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette; Campolindo High, 300 Moraga Road in Moraga; Las Lomas High, 1460 S. Main St. in Walnut Creek; Miramonte High, 750 Moraga Way in Orinda; and the district’s Del Valle Campus at 1963 Tice Valley Blvd. in Walnut Creek.

— AUHSD

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