Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee and Delta Dental to be recognized for outstanding contributions at 29th Annual Gala

Now in its 29th year, the Red Cross Gala is a volunteer-led fundraiser dedicated to recognizing local heroes and supporting the Red Cross mission. This signature fundraising event, themed “Building Bridges of Hope,” will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Pier 27 in San Francisco and will celebrate its 2023 Honorees: Delta Dental and the Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee.

 “As Co-Chair of this year’s Gala, I am honored to stand alongside individuals and organizations committed to making a difference” said Pat Hayes, who is serving alongside fellow Co-Chair Elizabeth J. Folger. “We hope you can join us for an unforgettable night where we not only applaud the accomplishments of the Red Cross but also inspire each other to continue the journey of positive change.”

THE HONOREES 

During the black-tie event, the Red Cross will present new and seasoned volunteers Michael Gregory, Kathryn W. Holmes, Nichole Jordan and Jasper Smith with the 2023 Red Cross Humanitarians of the Year Award for their work as members of the Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee. Collectively, this committee has dedicated their time and talent to the Red Cross and supported Blood Services by donating blood, hosting blood drives, providing financial contributions and innovative ideas. This team is wholeheartedly committed to the Red Cross mission and serves as an inspiration to the organization.

“The committee’s commitment to our mission and their tireless dedication to saving lives is truly remarkable,” shared Justin Mueller, Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “We are honored to recognize their selfless efforts, and we extend our heartfelt thanks as they serve as an inspiration to make an impact within our community.”

The Red Cross will also recognize Delta Dental as the 2023 Red Cross Philanthropic Company of the Year. “Delta Dental is proud to support the mission of the American Red Cross and honored to receive the 2024 Red Cross Philanthropic Company of the Year Award,” said Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President of Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. “Our partnership not only underscores our commitment to building resilient communities but also amplifies the efforts of the Red Cross in times of need.”

A major financial supporter for 34 years, Delta Dental has been a Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program partner since 2017, pledging $500,000 in annual giving, ensuring that the Red Cross is ready to respond whenever disaster strikes. But their dedication doesn’t stop there: they’re involved in other meaningful ways, including hosting blood drives and employee engagement events, building personal hygiene kits, providing skill-based volunteers for our Code4Good program, a first-of-its-kind volunteer workforce that gives software engineers and engineering leaders an opportunity to support the Red Cross, and engaging board members.
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Hosted by Co-Chairs Patrick “Pat” Hayes and Elizabeth J. Folger, the 2024 Red Cross Gala will feature a cocktail reception, a three-course dinner curated by Componere Fine Catering, a live auction and entertainment. Since its inception, this fundraiser’s purpose has remained steadfast: to celebrate and sustain the lifesaving programs and services of the Red Cross. All proceeds raised through this event will support Red Cross Blood Services. The Gala is made possible by Gold Sponsor Delta Dental and Honorary Committee Members, Juan Benitez, Kathryn W. Holmes and Nichole Jordan.

To view our full list of Gala committee members and additional event details, please visit redcross.org/redcrossgalasf.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/bayarea or find us on Facebook.

This year’s Veterans Day Parade route in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown is a bit different than in the past. It will begin at the intersection of L Street and W. Second Street, travel east and turn south on G Street to W. 3rd Street, travel west back to L Street and turn north past the Antioch Police Station. The parade will begin at 11 AM following the annual Ceremony at 9:30 AM in the Marina/Boat Launch Parking Lot next to the Antioch Veterans Memorial. (See more at Antioch Veterans Day Breakfast, Ceremony, Parade & Concert Saturday, Nov. 11 | Antioch Herald)

For more information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.

Deadline today for parade entries

City and FORWARD to administer $450,000 from federal COVID funds to Antioch small businesses

For tenants and building owners

Applications for the City of Antioch Small Business Façade Upgrade Program are now open for small businesses within the City of Antioch. FORWARD, the trusted partner in program administration for local governments, has partnered with the City of Antioch to administer the Small Business Façade Upgrade Program. This program is designed to provide a façade upgrade reimbursement payment for eligible small businesses who have experienced a negative financial impact from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The City of Antioch has allocated $450,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through its Small Business Façade Upgrade Program to help Antioch small businesses alleviate the economic challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering them much-needed assistance to maintain and repair their business’ façade.

“The City of Antioch is dedicated to investing in Antioch small businesses through its Façade Upgrade Program and in providing an easy application process for applicants,” said Kwame Reed, Acting Antioch City Manager. “This program further solidifies the City of Antioch’s continued partnership with FORWARD and the shared commitment to financially empower and assist the Antioch small business community.”

To be eligible for the program, Antioch small businesses must meet the eligibility criteria: 

• Must operate within Antioch City limits;
• Must be located within a Qualified Census Tract 2023;
• Must be a small business, not publicly traded;
• Must have a current Antioch Business License (active or delinquent);
• Can be a for-profit or non-profit organization;
• Must NOT have an active Code Enforcement case;
• Minimum of three years remaining on lease agreement;
• Must have “ACTIVE” status with the California Secretary of State; and
• All contract work conducted must abide by federal contract provisions for federal awards (2 C.F.R. § 200.327) and the City’s proposed Small Business Grant program and the Façade Upgrade Program shall be administered in compliance with those federal provisions.

The City of Antioch approved FORWARD as the program administrator contractor to assist with community outreach, application support, and screening for eligibility in a way that uses taxpayer dollars efficiently. Applicants can expect the following:

• To apply though FORWARD’s online application portal, available in 68 languages
• Access to application support available in multiple languages via phone, text and email
• To meet geographic area requirements
• To submit proof of active UBI, EIN, or ITIN; or proof of UEI or application in process
• To submit proof of requested work and itemization of planned work
• To present a recent pay stub, a completed W-9 form, and a copy of photo ID

“FORWARD is committed to strengthening our continued work with the City of Antioch through the Façade Upgrade Program,” said Adnan Mahmud, CEO of FORWARD Platform. “Our team has worked closely with the City of Antioch to continue to assist the small businesses of Antioch by ensuring that the application process is equitable, secure, and accessible.”

Antioch small businesses who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to learn more and apply at: forwardplatform.com/city-of-antioch-small-business-programs/

ABOUT FORWARD PLATFORM

FORWARD partners with governments and organizations to deliver resources and funding to communities using human-centered technology and customized solutions. Over 80% of the team members have worked in government and understand the unique challenges and what it takes to execute, enabling the team to operate with speed, precision, and competency. FORWARD automates complex program administration processes that increase back-office capacity, improve transparency and trust with data, and break down silos to unlock coordination and service delivery quickly and securely — all while maintaining compliance.

To learn more, visit: www.forwardplatform.com.

At former Mimi’s Café location

One Planning Commissioner voted against because he disagrees with causes the restaurant chain’s owner donated to

By Allen D. Payton

If you’re wondering, as I am, what’s going in where the Mimi’s Café building was just torn down at 5705 Lone Tree Way in Antioch’s Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, the rumors are correct. It’s going to be a Chick-fil-A fast-food restaurant. Like their popular Pittsburg location, it will have two drive-through lanes.

According to Acting Community Development Director Kevin Scudero, the Planning Commission approved the Design Review for the chain’s new location during their meeting on March 15, 2023. (Sorry, folks. But I missed this one and no one told me, either!)

According to the city staff report for Item 8.1, “The applicant is seeking Design Review approval for the construction of a new 4,594 sq. ft. restaurant with two lane drive through at 5705 Lone Tree Way. The subject site is an existing 1.33-acre parcel with a vacant 6,886 sq. ft. restaurant built in 2003 (formerly Mimi’s Café). The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing building and construct a new 22 ft. tall restaurant with a double drive through for Chick Fil A. The restaurant will provide eighty-two (82) seats for on-site dining, a two-lane drive-through, and fifty-four (54) on-site parking spaces. Other site improvements include new canopies for the drive-through, lighting, landscaping, and parking lot improvements. Business hours are proposed to be 6am-11pm Monday-Saturday.”

The project includes a “Queue Management Plan. The applicant shall comply with the Queue Management Plan, specifically Recommendation #2 as described in the Lone Tree Way Chick-fil-A Transportation Impact Analysis Report dated March 6, 2023. The project shall operate two drive-through lanes during any period of high operational demand as needed in order to accommodate the vehicle queues or the drive-through demand.”

That will offer the potential for 30 vehicles to queue on site.

Commissioner Warren Lutz, among others, shared concerns about traffic. But he was the only no vote because the owner of Chick-fil-A donated to causes he didn’t agree with.

According to the meeting minutes, “Commissioner Lutz expressed concern regarding traffic related to Chick Fil A businesses in other cities and how the additional traffic would impact Lone Tree and Highway 4. He questioned who performed the traffic analysis and if there were assurances that it was done correctly.

Director of Community Development Ebbs explained that this project was for Design Review and traffic was a function of the land use. He noted drive through restaurants were allowed by right in this shopping center. He further noted the entrance was far removed from the major arterial, so if traffic problems occurred, it would be within the shopping center. He stated they did not anticipate getting to a point where traffic backed up vehicles moving along Lone Tree Way.

Commissioner Lutz questioned if the other businesses in this shopping center had provided input regarding this use. Director of Community Development Ebbs explained that those complaints would be within the tenant landlord relationship. He noted there were obligations and rights between the tenants. He stated that the hope was that more traffic would create more customers for those businesses.

Commissioner Lutz stated he had no doubt that this project would be approved; however, the owner donated to causes that he did not agree with so he would be voting no. He wished the applicant the best of luck, if approved.”

The commission approved the Design Review for construction of the new restaurant with an amendment to the Queue Management Plan on a 5-1 vote with one member absent.

For more information click here.