For more information visit www.goldenhills.org or www.teamjesusoutreach.org.

News from the East Bay Regional Park District

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

When Leaves Fall, Fire Risks Rise. Fall is peak fire season, due to dried-out vegetation from summer heat and offshore Diablo winds that historically occur September through November. Be aware of fire hazards, restrictions, and Red Flag Warnings. Wildfire safety remains one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s top priorities.

Fire Safety Tips

• Follow all fire safety rules.
• No smoking or vaping in parks.
• No fireworks.
• Report fire hazards and call 911 if you see an active fire.

667-Acre Fuels Reduction Project Complete. For the past three years, the East Bay Regional Park District has been thinning brush and hazardous trees on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot Regional Park to reduce fire risk. This groundbreaking effort — the first of its kind in California — included large-scale eucalyptus removal and the use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of debris with minimal emissions. Reducing fire fuels is essential to slowing wildfires and giving firefighters time to stop them before they grow out of control.

For more information see Park District investing $10.9 million to reduce fire fuels in the East Bay, East Bay Parks use groundbreaking technology to reduce wildfire risks, Park District completes 667-acre Fuels Reduction Project in East Bay Hills and visit ebparks.org/news.

Fall Is a Great Time for Birding. Fall and winter are prime seasons for birding in East Bay Regional Parks. From wetlands to woodlands, diverse habitats host migrating and nesting birds, as well as wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. It’s a perfect time to spot unique species and enjoy this beloved outdoor pastime.

The Park District offers birding programs for all experience levels, including hikes, kayak excursions, and community science events. Birdwatching is more accessible than ever with events like the Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 13-16, 2026) and apps like Merlin and eBird. For information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Birding.”

Looking for Love. With the onset of cooler fall weather, male tarantulas leave their burrows to find females. They tap on the burrow entrance to signal a mate, and if she emerges, they mate. Life isn’t easy for male tarantulas. After mating, the female can sometimes kill the male, though this is infrequent. Even if he survives, he will soon die. Male tarantulas only live for seven to 10 years, while females can live as long as 30 years.

Tarantulas in the East Bay range from dark brown to light tan and are spotted most often in the late afternoon or early evening, after the day’s heat fades. Join a naturalist program or hike to learn more about these fuzzy friends — or possibly even see one. For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Tarantulas.”

Celebrate Corn at Ardenwood’s Harvest Festival! The story of corn begins with a wild grass called teosinte, first cultivated in central Mexico around 9,000 years ago. Today, corn — also known as maize — nourishes communities around the globe. From popcorn and cornbread to polenta, hominy, cereal, and of course, corn on the cob, many popular foods trace back to this remarkable plant.

To learn more about corn, attend Ardenwood’s annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 11-12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where visitors can walk through the cornfields and participate in the ancient autumn ritual of harvesting maize — and even take home a few ears of corn (one-bag-per-person limit). Enjoy seasonal activities, including cider pressing, live music, and historic crafts, and ride a narrow-gauge train. Free for participants ages 3 and under.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Harvest Festival.”

Step Back in Time at the Sunol Heritage Festival. Celebrate the rich heritage of the Sunol wilderness at a lively, family-friendly festival on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., filled with hands-on history, live music, crafts, Ohlone stories, and fun for all ages. Visitors can connect with the past through activities that highlight the history, traditions, and cultures of the region — from crafting miniature tule boats, to making traditional pine nut bracelets and learning about ranching brands while creating a “branded” bandana.

Families can also try their hands at old-time laundry, play Ohlone and Victorian-era games, meet Poppy the wooden milking cow, practice lasso skills, and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the park’s natural setting while taking part in the festivities. Parking is $5.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/sunol-heritage-festival.

Ardenwood Halloween Festivities. Each year Ardenwood comes alive in October with the frightful Haunted Railroad and community pumpkin patch. Ardenwood offers nighttime train rides through its haunted forest. The ride is spooky — not scary — and is designed especially for children under 12. Tickets sell out fast! Registration required. For more information, visit spcrr.org.

Ardenwood’s annual pumpkin patch is operated by Dig Deep Farms, which also offers Halloween-themed arts, crafts, and games. Pumpkin patch admission does not include admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Pumpkin Patch”.

For more EBRPD events visit Calendar of Events | East Bay Parks.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

96% vote in favor of a strike, claim Sutter Health management refuses to bargain in good faith in order to fix working conditions and short staffing

“Sutter Health has been bargaining in good faith with SEIU–UHW since July and we remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.” – Sutter Health

By Renée Saldaña, Press Secretary, SEUI – United Healthcare Workers West

OAKLAND, Calif. – Frontline healthcare workers from eight different Sutter Hospitals and Medical Centers across Northern California have voted to authorize a strike over unfair labor practices. The workers overwhelmingly approved the strike with a 96% vote in support, citing bad faith bargaining by Sutter executives. Workers have not yet chosen dates and will continue trying to bargain with Sutter executives at upcoming sessions on October 9 and 10.

In August and September, these same caregivers held a series of rolling pickets at the sites of the possible future strike, including a march and rally at Sutter Health’s Sacramento Medical Center that drew over 1,000 frontline healthcare workers calling for safer staffing, fair pay, and investment in underserved communities across the giant healthcare system. 

“We don’t want to go on strike, but we feel like we have to,” said Nikki Moorer of Sutter Solano. “We need management to stop bargaining in bad faith and listen to us to fix working conditions and short staffing. Procedures get canceled, and patients are sent home because there aren’t enough staff to properly stock the equipment we need. That’s not care. That’s a crisis.”

Healthcare workers at Sutter Health facilities in Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Antioch, Castro Valley, and San Francisco say that despite their dedication to provide the best patient care, management refuses to invest in the staff who make that mission possible. Turnover has forced employees to take on multiple roles and work longer hours as experienced caregivers leave for higher-paying jobs. Staffing shortages are stretching the remaining workforce thin and putting patient care at risk. Despite this, Sutter executives refuse to listen to frontline healthcare workers to negotiate for a contract to help solve these problems.

At the same time, Sutter is paying its top executives millions each year, including Sutter Health CEO Warner Thomas, who earned over $11 million in 2023, while refusing to invest in staffing and patient care. The health system also plans to replace the aging Alta Bates Ashby campus with a smaller facility in Emeryville, leading to a loss of services in the communities that need them most.

The strike votes apply to a variety of job classes, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, environmental services, cooks, technicians, and more.

Sutter Health Responds

Sutter Health responded by issuing the following statement: “Sutter Health has been bargaining in good faith with SEIU–UHW since July and we remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.

“It’s common for unions to take a strike authorization vote as part of the bargaining process, but SEIU–UHW has not called a strike.

“We look forward to being at the table next week to continue working toward a resolution that’s best for our employees, our patients and the communities we serve.”

Sutter Health’s spokesperson also provided the following link to additional information on the 2025 SEIU-UHW and Sutter Health Labor Negotiations: Get the Facts | Vitals.

About SEIU-UHW

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Contra Costa County—Registered voters in Contra Costa County will soon receive their Official Ballots for the upcoming November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. Ballots are at the post office as of Monday, Oct. 6 and should arrive in mailboxes beginning this week.  If you do not receive your ballot by October 13th, call our office at (925) 335-7800.

“The Statewide Special Election was not approved by the California State Legislature until late August, and I want to make sure that all registered Contra Costa County voters know what they can expect as we get closer to Election Day,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “Our office wants to ensure that every Contra Costa County Voter is fully informed about how to participate in this election.”

In the coming days and weeks, the Contra Costa Elections Division will be sharing important logistical information about this election with local residents at ContraCostaVote.gov and on our social media.

Some key dates:

– State Voter Information Guide mailed out/online: by Sept 20

– County Voter Information Guide sent to Registered Voters: by September 25

-Vote-by-Mail ballots sent to registered voters: by Oct 6

– Contra Costa Elections Office opens for early voting: Oct 6

– Deadline for registering to vote online via RegisterToVote.ca.gov: Oct 20

– Regional Early Voting open: Oct 31

– Polling places open: Election Day, Nov 4 (7am to 8pm)

– Vote-by-Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov 4

The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department offers many ways for voters to cast their ballot early and ensure it is included in the first report on Election Night. Voters can send their ballot through the US Mail in their postage pre-paid ballot envelope. They can put it in one of 45 secure Contra Costa Dropboxes located throughout the County, or they can bring it to our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. The Elections Division also offers Regional Early Voting sites for those who need to register and/or vote in person.

For more information about the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election visit Proposition 50 | Official Voter Information Guide | California Secretary of State, or go to the Contra Costa County Elections Office, your trusted source of nonpartisan election information, visit the website at www.contracostavote.gov, or call 925-335-7800 M-F 8 am to 5 pm.

 By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

A mobile medical vehicle provides routine and urgent care for a community recovering from a flood.

A modern community food hub opens in a struggling neighborhood, so residents don’t go hungry.

And a high school wellness room offers teenagers a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life.

These are just three examples of programs that Kaiser Permanente recently supported as part of its mission to improve health in the communities it serves. The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health Snapshot includes brief stories about these programs and much more.

In 2024, Kaiser Permanente invested $1.7 billion in Northern California communities and $89 million in the Diablo Service area, which includes Antioch and Walnut Creek, to support community health. A major part of that investment helped people access high-quality health care through Kaiser Permanente’s participation in Medi-Cal and its own Medical Financial Assistance program.

Kaiser Permanente also worked with many local organizations throughout Northern California to address the biggest factors that shape people’s health. The report is titled “Connection is Everything,” in recognition of the connections we make in the communities we serve to improve health.

“We partnered with community organizations to address deep-rooted barriers that keep people from being healthy, such as not having a safe place to live, enough food to eat, or money to cover life’s essentials,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs for Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “When we help keep people and communities healthy, the health care system works better for everyone.”

You can learn more about our work to improve health in your community by exploring Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s 11 local Community Health Snapshots. Go to our Northern California page and scroll down to the “Communities we serve” section.

Celebrating seven years of tradition, trains will once again bring visitors to honor site central to California’s African American history

Established in 1908, it was the state’s first self-governed Black township

By Harlo Pippenger, Consultant, Amtrak San Joaquins

(Stockton, CA) – Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding its annual celebratory Rededication event on Saturday, October 11 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at exclusive half-price “Allensworth fares.”

Travelers from Northern California, the Bay Area and the Central Valley are invited to experience a scenic day trip aboard the Amtrak San Joaquins, arriving directly at the gates of this historic landmark and celebration. Attendees are encouraged to book now to secure their seats and to enjoy further savings by combining discounts, as detailed on the Amtrak San Joaquins Deals webpage.

Hosted by California State Parks, the Annual Rededication of Col. Allensworth State Historic Park honors the park’s original dedication in 1976. The event will feature food trucks, arts and crafts, guided tours of historic buildings, performances of music and dance, interactive experiences with time-period docents, and remarks from descendants of Colonel Allen Allensworth.

This year’s special Rededication train marks the seventh anniversary of Amtrak San Joaquins’ service to the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Rededication Celebration. Since that first ride in 2018, ridership to the event has grown dramatically, from just 97 passengers to more than 300 in 2024 and over 500 individuals traveling by train to the most recent Juneteenth 2025 Festival. Each year, more Californians are discovering the ease and joy of traveling by train to celebrate this historic community and the lasting impact it has had on the state’s heritage. With direct service and exclusive discounted fares, Amtrak San Joaquins is making it easier than ever for riders from across the state to be part of this meaningful celebration.

Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a former enslaved man, the town was designed to be a self-sustaining community where African Americans could live, work, and thrive. Today, you can witness the legacy of this trailblazing community come alive with captivating re-enactments, storytelling, and tours of the lovingly restored and reconstructed early 20th century buildings. Step into the Colonel’s house, walk through the halls of the historic schoolhouse and explore the church and library for an inspiring journey through a pivotal moment in history.

“California State Parks is proud to celebrate seven years of partnership with Amtrak San Joaquins in bringing visitors directly to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park,” said Lori Wear, California State Parks. “This special train service has helped thousands of Californians experience the rich history and enduring legacy of Colonel Allensworth in an accessible, affordable, and memorable way. We’re beyond excited for this year and continuing this progress into the future.”

The southbound trains running for the event include trains 702 (10:55am arrival), 710 (11:54am arrival), and 712 (2:54 arrival). Northbound trains include 713 (8:56am arrival), 715 (12:56pm arrival), 717 (2:56pm arrival). When purchasing train tickets, a discount will automatically be applied. If eligible, riders can then combine this reduced ticket with additional savings regularly available which include:

• Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
• Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
• Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
• Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
• Disabled riders save 15% off
• View deals

Visitors attending the Rededication Celebration via the Amtrak San Joaquins trains will arrive at the Allensworth station (CNL), which will serve as a special stop for this event. Upon arrival, a complimentary 35-passenger shuttle provided by Tulare County Area Transit will transport riders between the train platform and the historic schoolhouse. Typically, a whistle stop available only to pre-booked groups, the Allensworth station (CNL) will be fully activated for travelers on October 11, offering a rare and seamless opportunity to experience this historic park by rail.

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at the Colonel Allensworth landing page or contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at csetness@sjrrc.com.

About Allensworth State Historic Park

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. Boasting a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historical icon. In 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.

Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

Extension for grants of $3,000 to $7,000 aligns with California Great ShakeOut to boost earthquake preparedness awareness; now includes non-owner-occupied homes; more than $20 million available

Sacramento, CA – The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) today announced that it is extending the registration period for its Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program to October 17, 2025, adding more than two weeks to the original October 1 deadline. The extension ensures that the program’s closing date now coincides with the California Great ShakeOut drill on October 16, when millions of Californians will be focused on earthquake preparedness.

The program, which first opened this registration period on August 20, offers critical funding support for seismic retrofits that bolt houses to their foundations and brace crawl space walls—proven methods to reduce the risk of earthquake damage. With eligibility covering more than 1,100 ZIP Codes statewide, including 303 added earlier this year, the extension provides even more Californians with the opportunity to apply for up to $3,000 in grant funding. In fact, for the first time, CRMP has expanded EBB eligibility to include non-owner-occupied homes, allowing landlords to apply for this retrofit grant opportunity for their investment properties.

“Extending the deadline helps meet the high demand for earthquake retrofit assistance while drawing attention to the importance of preparedness as millions of Californians take part in the Great ShakeOut on October 16,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer of the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). “This extra time gives homeowners and rental property owners another chance to apply, choose a contractor, and begin strengthening their homes. Each retrofit improves safety not just for families but for entire communities.”

More than $20 million is available in this registration period to offset retrofit costs. Since the program’s launch in 2013, more than 33,500 California homeowners have received assistance through EBB.

Qualified income eligible households may also be eligible for supplemental grants of up to $7,000, which can cover as much as 100% of retrofit costs.

“Every retrofit makes California stronger and more resilient,” said Tom Welsh, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority. “By aligning with the Great ShakeOut, this extension ensures that more families are reminded of the simple but powerful steps they can take to protect their homes before the next big quake.”

The EBB grant program is administered by CRMP, a Joint Powers Authority between CEA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

Interested property owners can learn more and register at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com. The updated registration period runs through October 17, 2025.

About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB)

Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program, EBB offers up to $3,000 to help California homeowners retrofit their house to reduce potential damage from earthquakes. A residential seismic retrofit makes a house more resistant to earthquake activity, such as ground shaking and soil failure, by bolting the house to its foundation and adding bracing around the perimeter of the crawl space. For more information, please visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

About the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)

CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more information, please visit CRMP.org.

146 among 600 CHP officers sworn in so far in 2025 as the Department continues statewide push to enhance public safety.

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO—In the largest graduation since December 2009, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, proudly welcomed 146 new officers, underscoring the Department’s enduring commitment to public safety and public service in California.

After 26 weeks of rigorous training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, these newly sworn officers are prepared to carry forward the CHP’s mission of Safety, Service, and Security, which not only strengthens the Department today but also builds a stronger foundation for the generations of officers to come.

“Today’s graduates embody the heart of service and sacrifice that defines our profession. These men and women have chosen the path of dedication to others, and we are proud to welcome them into the ranks of law enforcement as they begin their journey to protect and serve California’s communities with integrity and compassion.” 

-Commissioner Sean Duryee

These new officers will now report to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across California to start their law enforcement careers, protecting and serving communities throughout the state’s 58 counties.

The graduates bring a broad range of skills and experiences to the Department, reflecting their diverse backgrounds. Among them are former college athletes, military veterans, and correctional officers, as well as others with prior public safety experience.

During academy training, cadets receive instruction in traffic enforcement, crash investigation, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and community policing. The curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics and cultural awareness to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population.

Following Friday’s graduation ceremony, nearly 300 cadets remain at the CHP’s live-in training facility, and an additional 160 cadets are set to start instruction on October 13 as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across the state.

See video of ceremony.

The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit www.CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

The CHP provides the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to everyone in California.