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By Joe Brengle, CEO Contra Costa County Event Park

ANTIOCH – As a major event facility, The Contra Costa Event Park has been monitoring the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. There is no higher priority than the safety of our Fairgrounds family, patrons, vendors, promoters and sponsors at the Contra Costa Event Park. Due to this ongoing situation the Contra Costa Event Park Board of Directors met last night and unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 Contra Costa County Fair scheduled for May 14 – 17.

The Fair Board realizes that the individual’s most affected by this cancellation is the youth livestock exhibitors of our county. The Fair Board did approve to let a committee of Contra Costa County 4H and FFA parents work on a Youth Fair where these youth livestock exhibitors could show and auction their animals. The Fair Board agreed to provide support to this committee as needed. If the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Contra Costa County Health Department, or the Governor of California lengthen the current restrictions and orders, it is possible that a Youth Fair will not take place. At this time dates for Youth Fair are yet to be determined.

We thank the community for your continued support during these challenging times.

Mark your calendars for the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair May 13 – 16.

March 19, 2020

Dear Antioch community:

I would like to share with you that your City Government is actively working through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health pandemic to continue to maintain Antioch safety, to limit the spread of the virus, and to sustain vital City services, including the Police Department.  I have been on calls with State, County and Local officials.

Yesterday, the Mayor’s and City Managers of East Contra Costa County met on a conference call regarding measures to help the elderly get the essential resources while staying safe and supporting our local hospitals with supplies.

Our City staff has been working vigorously to enforce policies and arrangements recommended by the State of California and the Contra Costa County Public Health Department. Such actions include but are not limited to the cancellation or rescheduling of non-governmental City events and meetings, and limitation or deferral of non-essential services, to minimize the exposure to COVID-19, and to focus our City’s resources on meeting fundamental needs.

In response to this pandemic and the Contra Costa County Health Officer’s order, On March 17th, City Manager Ron Bernal, enacted a Local State of Emergency. By taking this action, we have positioned our city to potentially be able to access state and federal funds in the event financial losses occur a result of COVID-19.

Under the current health order, and our State of Emergency, all non-essential commission and board meetings will be postponed until after April 7th, unless otherwise noted, while all City Council meetings will be held via technology to allow remote Council, staff and public participation.

COVID-19 has evolved into a threatening worldwide pandemic, reaching numerous communities and effecting everyday life. The City of Antioch will continue to provide essential services, doing whatever we can to help, while also following the shelter in-place order in an effort to continue protecting our community.

Although, this is a daunting time, together we will prevail. Now more than ever, we must come together as a community. We must do all we can to help with social distancing to protect our loved ones that may be in danger.  As many are confused and worried about the health of the community and the impacts to our families.  I have attached a Resource page with links with information to keep us all up to date regarding the County, State and programs set up to help us through to a healthy future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Sean Wright

COVID-19 Resources

The City of Antioch understands that the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order instituted by Contra Costa County in collaboration with five other Bay Area counties and the City of Berkeley may present financial challenges for local businesses and out of work families. To help mitigate these challenges and help you stay as informed as possible, the City has highlighted a variety of resources that you can pursue during this difficult time.

Contra Costa County latest updates-

For the latest updates and answers to Frequently Asked Questions

http://cchealth.org/coronavirus

State Updates

For the latest updates from the State of CA

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/cid/dcdc/pages/immunization/ncov2019.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-

For the latest updates from the CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

Resources and Guidance for Employers and Workers

California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA)

The Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) wants to keep workers, employers, co-workers, and families safe. What employees are entitled to may be confusing. This site is trying to make it easier and spread awareness through a centralized source of info. Use the guidance on this site to determine what is best for you, your family, and your workplace.

https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/

https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. The program offers an interest rate of 3.75 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for non-profit organizations, with long-term repayments up to a maximum of 30 years. The deadline for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan is December 16, 2020.

Businesses can apply on the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance website (http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela)  For application assistance, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may dial (800) 877-8339.

 

 

By Allen Payton

Antioch resident Erika Ortiz, her family and co-workers, who operate Ortiz Wholesale Flowers in the San Francisco Flower Mart, are offering a literal truck load of free flowers to anyone who wants them, as long as supplies last.

With the shelter in place order in San Francisco, Contra Costa and four other Bay Area counties, they can’t operate their “non-essential” business. Instead of just throwing away their flowers, they’re giving them away.

If you want a bundle, stop by 1013 Burwoood Way in Antioch and pick one up on your way to or from the store, today.

Ortiz Wholesale Flowers is located in Stalls #24 and # 31A at the flower mart located at 644 Brannan St Ste 24, San Francisco, CA 94107 you can reach them at (415) 724-4967.

 

Despite school closures

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, almost all Contra Costa County schools are now closed for the protection of students. Despite this, White Pony Express (WPE), the food rescue nonprofit based in Pleasant Hill, will continue to deliver food to students and families being served by WPE’s “School Food Pantry Program.” Under this Program, WPE has been delivering fresh, surplus food to eleven free-lunch schools in the county. Since the schools are now closed, WPE will deliver the food to a nearby community center or church where families can still obtain it. Many of these families rely on this food to make ends meet.

Need for School Food Pantry Programs

Over 100,000 students in Contra Costa County, or 40%, qualify for the free lunch program. The goal of the School Pantry Program is to help eliminate hunger and increase students’ academic success so they can contribute more fully to the communities in which they live. Helen Jones, WPE’s Food Rescue Operations Manager says, “The families we serve through this program have

demanding challenges throughout the month. Many of the participants receive food stamps which only cover a portion of a month’s worth of food. The food that WPE provides to the schools we serve not only provides nutrition. It provides hope.”

Currently, WPE’s eleven school pantries are set up in schools located in Antioch, Bay Point, Martinez, Pittsburg, Richmond, and San Pablo. This year WPE’s school pantries will deliver in excess of 415,000 meals of quality, nutritious food. WPE plans to open new pantries in 2020, but

continuing the Program will depend on finding sustainable funding.

Institution of New Health Protocols

Based upon guidelines issued by the state and county, WPE will be incorporating new health guidelines to support state and local efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. These protocols (hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, gloves, social distancing, etc.) will be made a part of all aspects of WPE’s food and clothing operations.

“It is important for the public and our volunteers to know that WPE will be implementing strict cleanliness standards so that our valuable programs can continue safely,” says Mary Brooks, WPE’s Executive Director. “And the families at the schools we are serving should know that WPE is preparing and delivering this surplus food in accordance with these high standards.”

ABOUT White Pony Express: WPE is a volunteer powered 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Pleasant Hill, CA, which helps people move from the margins to the mainstream by providing free food and clothing in a loving and respectful manner.

Dr. Carol Weyland Conner founded WPE in September 2013 when she was troubled that with such as an abundance of food, many thousands were going hungry, while at the same time food retailers were throwing out huge quantities of healthy, fresh food. Out of this insight, the Food Rescue program was born. In a little over 6 years, WPE has rescued and delivered more than 10.5 million pounds (equivalent to 8,750,000 meals) of fresh, nutritious food, free of charge, that would otherwise go to waste.

In 2014 the White Pony General Store was added to provide high quality clothing, toys, and books to the underserved in our communities – all free of charge. Since that time, the General Store has given away over 512,000 items to those in need.

If you’d like to contribute to WPE’s School Food Pantry Program or its other programs, you can do so by visiting WPE’s website at www.whiteponyexpress.org/donate-funds. Those who wish to volunteer can sign up at www.whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer.

For more on WPE, visit www.whiteponyexpress.org.

The following announcement was issued by Marie Issa Gill, Rocketship Public Schools’ Bay Are Regional Director on Sunday afternoon, March 15, 2020:

COVID 19 UPDATE: Rocketship schools will be offering free healthy meals at our schools starting tomorrow at 8am on a first-come, first-serve basis. Food service is open for students, family members or community members who are hungry. We want to thank our food sponsor Revolution Foods for their support in this endeavor.

Rocketship Delta Prep is located at 1700 Cavallo Road in Antioch. For more information visit https://www.rocketshipschools.org/.

The following was sent out by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon:

Dear Chamber Supporters and Friends of the 2019 Awardees,

It is with understanding and regret that we must reschedule the March 13, 2020 Inaugural Gala.  We have been closely monitoring the State and County updates with regard to the COVID-19 Virus.  In order for us to participate in the health and safety of our community, and comply with the state recommendations, we have made the decision to postpone this incredible event.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to celebrating with you on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Lone Tree Golf Course to honor our award recipients.  We hope that you will allow us to apply your tickets to the upcoming event.  This will help us cover the cost of food and flowers associated with cancelling the March 13th event and for the September 25th celebration.

Sincerely,

Richard Pagano, President and CEO

Antioch Chamber of Commerce

Spring Hospital Day Saturday, March 21

By Antioch Friends of Animal Services

During the period of Saturday, March 14th through Saturday, March 21st Antioch Friends of Animal Services (FOAS) will sponsor reduced adoption fees of $17 for all dogs. Antioch residents will need to purchase a one-year dog license at time of adoption. Antioch FOAS will also sponsor reduced adoption fees on all kittens under one-year-old.

Qualified Adopters will be responsible for the $17 adoption fees, which include: spay/neuter, microchip and age appropriate vaccinations.

Cats one-year-old and over have a $10 Adoption Fee the entire month of March sponsored by Antioch Animal Services.

Antioch FOAS will be hosting a Spring Hospitality Day in the shelter lobby, 300 L St in Antioch, on Saturday, March 21st from 1 to 4 pm. Antioch FOAS President and Founder, Barbara Sobalvarro will be on hand to greet the public. Refreshments will be served.