Antioch Teen Skate Night Friday, Sept. 29
Monday, September 25th, 2023![](http://antiochherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Teen-Skate-Night-Sept-29-821x1024.jpg)
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— With the unofficial end of summer approaching this Labor Day holiday weekend, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding boaters and water enthusiasts to take extra precautions to stay safe and prevent tragedies on the water. Taking a boating safety course, wearing a life jacket while recreating in the water and actively supervising children when in or near a body of water are simple actions all can take to help improve safety on California’s waterways.
Here are some key safety tips:
Download helpful boating apps to your phone. The BoatCA App is a free mobile app with information on boating facilities, life jacket loan stations, laws, boat registration and more.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
With more than 60 events at over 40 California State Parks
More activities taking place week of September 2-10
California State Parks invites the public to become community scientists and celebrate California Biodiversity Day, September 7. More than 40 parks statewide will be hosting more than 60 special events and engaging activities all week long from September 2 to 10. The public is also invited to a friendly bioblitz competition to see who can record the highest number of species of plants and animals in California’s State Park System. Humboldt Redwoods State Park currently holds the record of 380 species identified in 2022.
This year marks the fifth annual celebration of California Biodiversity Day since it was first established in 2018. Since then, several executive orders and other actions by the Newsom Administration – such as the Pathways to 30×30 strategy, California’s initiative to conserve 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030 – have built on this foundation to understand and protect California’s unique and precious natural resources.
In 2023, the public can choose from a variety of activities like “Perk Up in the Park” where visitors can enjoy a hot beverage and learn about Mount Tamalpais State Park’s unique biodiversity or appreciate birds with an environmental scientist at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, or they can go on self-guided bioblitzes. Using the free iNaturalist app, participants can use their smartphones to record the different species of animals, insects, plants, fungi and more thriving within the parks. The photographs and locations of species captured during the bioblitzes in iNaturalist will help monitor the presence and range of species and contribute to an overall understanding of California’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Below are additional activities taking place throughout the week of September 2 to 10:
Past events in celebration of California Biodiversity Day have included a wide range of activities that help the public observe, understand, appreciate, and protect the amazing diversity of life in California’s State Park System. Some favorite activities have included guided nature hikes, birding walks, tide pool tours, nighttime forays, creek sampling and virtual events. The public can find this year’s full list of events at parks.ca.gov/Biodiversity and additional events at California Natural Resources Agency’s Biodiversity Day website.
What will you find during California Biodiversity Week? Observe and record the unique diversity of life within California’s State Park System using the iNaturalist app.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
News from the East Bay Regional Park District
Learn about the untold stories of Somersville at the History Hike Above the Mines on Sept. 17 at Black Diamond Mine
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Park District
Peak fire season – September and October – is fast approaching. The East Bay Regional Park District and its professionally trained fire department have been working throughout the year to reduce wildfire risks, including thinning and removing hazardous vegetation from parks and using cattle, sheep, and goats to keep grass in check.
Park District firefighters are always on the lookout for potential fires, and park visitors can help by practicing basic fire safety and reporting any suspicious or dangerous activity.
Fire safety visitor tips:
• Do not smoke in the regional parks, including vaping.
• Be aware of Red Flag Warnings and fire danger levels.
• Follow all fire safety rules.
• Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust manifolds can start a fire.
• Be alert for any potential fire hazards and report them. If you see a fire, call 911 immediately.
Days of the Pioneers at Lake Del Valle in Livermore Friday, September 1. What was Del Valle like before the lake? Discover the valley’s history through hands on activities and stories during this family campfire.7:30-9pm, Friday, September 1st. Meet at Del Valle Amphitheater. Drop-in program, no registration. $6 Parking Fee.
For train lovers, join us at the Ardenwood Rail Fair in Fremont on Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy train rides, operating model trains, historic railroad equipment displays, and live music September 2-4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Rail Fair is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Railroad Museum at Ardenwood Historic Farm, which is operated by the Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources. Entrance fee is $15/adults, $13/seniors, $12/children ages 4-17. Children ages 3 and under are free.
It’s calving season in East Bay Regional Parks. Be mindful of interactions that can create a danger to both calves and people. Grazing cattle play an important role in wildfire protection by reducing flammable vegetation and fire risks. Calving season runs from August to October in Regional Parks.
What to do around cattle for your safety and theirs:
An Orchard-inary adventure awaits at the annual Garin Apple Festival on September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Take a bite out of local history and nature as you explore the historic apple orchard, enjoy live music, attend special talks and presentations, and participate in hand-on demonstrations at Garin Regional Park in Hayward. Parking is $5 per vehicle. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar.
Learn about the untold stories of the Somersville at the History Hike Above the Mines on September 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Black Diamond Mine. From the 1850s to the early 1900s, the Mount Diablo Coal Field was the largest coal mining operation in California and the population center of Contra Costa County. Deep within the earth, miners excavated the valuable namesake of the park – “black diamonds” or coal – to support the state’s growing energy demands.
Somersville was one of five mining towns in the area and supported a thriving community of almost 1,000 residents. Although no buildings from the coal mining era remain, there is still evidence of the Somersville community, including artifacts, photographs, census records, newspaper articles, and oral histories.
Naturalists will lead the two-to-three-mile History Hike Above the Mines and provide information about the area’s coal and sand mining history. The program is best for ages seven and up. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a snack and plenty of water. Meet at the Upper Parking Lot. More programs are scheduled in October. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “mines.”
Join the Park District in commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 with programs and events celebrating the contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. Programs include a Hispanic Heritage Month Hike on September 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Garin Regional Park. For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month activities, visit www.ebparks.org/hispanic-heritage-month.
California’s 39th annual Coastal Cleanup Day is set for September 23. Each year, over 70,000 volunteers help clear debris and remove trash from California waterways, including lakes, creeks, rivers, and shorelines. The Park District has identified 10 cleanup sites within its parks: Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Robert W Crown Regional Shoreline, Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, Del Valle Regional Park, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, and Hayward Regional Shoreline. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/get-involved/volunteer/coastal-cleanup.
Celebrate International Day of Peace with the Park District at a community event at Lake Chabot Regional Park on Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals – a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. The UN established International Day of Peace in 1981 to encourage 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire, and to practice kindness and compassion.
Sign up for the Park District’s monthly e-newsletter for more information about park events, programs, and openings. To sign up, visit www.ebparks.org/form/newsletter-sign-up.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sign up by Aug. 30 to receive a T-shirt
By Deanna Rundall
The 2nd Annual Stroll For Gold 5k/10k Fun Run and Walk will be held Saturday, September 23rd at beautiful Contra Loma Reservoir, starting at 9am. 100% of the net proceeds will benefit children and families affected by childhood cancer. Dillon’s Dream A World Without Cancer is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to childhood cancer, as well as supports children and families affected by childhood cancer by donating art supplies, crafts, activities the kids can do in the hospital, gift cards, and toys around the holidays.
Stroll For Gold Fun Run and Walk will offer a 5k and a 10k option around Contra Loma. All participants who sign up by August 30th will receive a t-shirt. Day of there will be some music, booths, snacks will be provided as well as a bag with some goodies.
For more information about the run or to register you can go to the website at https://dillonsdreams.simpletix.com/. If you would like to volunteer, you can call the race director Deanna Rundall at 925-852-7457 or email dillonsdreams@gmail.com.
Half marathon, 10K, 5k and 1-mile Family Fun Run fundraiser for Delta Realtors Community Service Foundation
By Patti Shaner
Runners and Volunteers are needed to participate in the 12th Annual Delta Harvest Run. 100% of the net proceeds goes to the Delta Realtors Community Service Foundation. The DRCSF is a non-profit organization run by local Realtors and affiliates. Since its establishment in 2005, the DRCSF has been offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors at each of the high schools from Pittsburg to Discovery Bay. It is estimated that the Foundation has awarded over $100,000 in high school scholarships since its inception. In addition to scholarships, the Foundation consistently donates money to local food banks, Community Chests, Homeless Shelters, Elderly Make A Wish, and other charitable organizations in East Contra Costa County.
The Delta Harvest Run offers a half marathon, 10K, 5k and a 1 Mile Family Fun Run. The DHR begins and ends at the beautiful City Park in downtown Brentwood at the corner of Oak and 2nd Streets. The flat route meanders thru the tree lined city streets and on the peaceful and scenic Marsh Creek trail. The run is facilitated by a professional race and timing company. All participants will receive a finishers metal, a custom performance-shirt, a swag bag and snacks at the finish line. Back by popular demand the runners will receive a token for a free beer, an ice cream or a coffee. The DHR will also award age group metals as well as overall male and female trophies.
The half marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., with a prerace warm-up lead by a professional instructor prior to race time. The awards ceremony will take place at The City Park immediately following the race.
For more information about the run or to registration as a runner or a volunteer go to the website at www.deltaharvestrun.com. You can also call the race director Patti Shaner at 925-584-1614.
Applications for scholarships will be available at each of the high school career centers by early December. Interested seniors can also call Tonia at the Delta Associate of Realtors at (925) 757-8283 to receive an application. The Delta Realtors Community Service Foundation is proud to support our community.
UPDATE: Rebel Without a Cause movie will not be shown at El Campanil Theatre
For more information visit www.celebrateantioch.org.
To Aug. 22 meeting with one change; won’t have to start over
By Allen D. Payton
The renters in Antioch who have been seeking an ordinance on anti-harassment and retaliation from landlord will have to wait a little longer for it to pass and be implemented.
During their meeting Tuesday night, August 8, 2023, the Antioch City Council, with District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson absent and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica recusing himself, voted 2-1 to continue the second reading of the tenant anti-retaliation and harassment ordinance with one change, so the process won’t have to begin again. That occurred after Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker refused any additional proposed changes by District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, who again cast the only no vote as she did during the July 25th council meeting.
One change was requested by a representative of the California Apartment Association (CAA) and it was included in the motion.
Ogorchock also asked for changes saying, “I don’t want to start from scratch and see everyone come back.”
“I do think we need a due process when we’re talking about the burden of proof,” she stated.
“The burden is always with the tenant,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe responded.
“There are some things we wanted changed that weren’t changed,” he pointed out. “At this point I think we need to continue. If we make any changes outside of that, then we need to start over.
However, Acting City Attorney Ruthan Ziegler, who was contracted to serve in City Attorney Thomas L. Smith’s absence, rebutted the mayor.
“You can direct staff to make changes and then those can be brought back for another second reading,” she said “What you would be doing is treating this evening as another first reading.”
“Oh, then in 30 days it would be starting, anyway,” Thorpe responded.
Torres-Walker spoke next saying, “I spent my last, three years on the council, and have been in the process that have butchered some really strong policies. I do not plan to be a part of any more processes where we sit in front of the public…to participate in the process that butchers an ordinance.”
“Can you walk us through that one change?” Thorpe asked the CAA representative.
She offered a “clean-up item” regarding “the mandatory acceptance of rent in direct violation of state law…when a landlord is in the process of eviction.”
“I’m not supporting any new exceptions,” Torres-Walker reiterated.
Thorpe asked for a motion to postpone.
Ziegler explained the options of continuing the item or adding the one change and bringing back the ordinance for a second reading at the next meeting on August 22.
Torres-Walker chose to make a motion to amend the ordinance and continue the item for a second reading until the next meeting. It was seconded by Thorpe.
“There’s a lot of frustration in trying to get this done,” he then stated. “I think we need to get something down on the books as soon as possible. If there’s something that concerns me, I’m willing to sit down and talk.”
Torres-Walker then asked the acting city attorney to clarify how the council can approve the motion with two council members not available to vote.
“A resolution or ordinance must be passed by a majority of the council members,” Ziegler explained. “But a motion like this only requires the passing on a majority of a quorum.”
The motion was able to be passed 2-1 with Ogorchock voting against.