¡El Supervisor Federal Glover lo invita a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024! Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover is thrilled to invite you to the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference – a transformative, day-long event dedicated to empowering our youth and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. With a deep commitment to our community’s future, Supervisor Glover has put together an incredible experience designed to equip young people with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to succeed.
This year’s conference is more than just an event – it’s a call to action. Through powerful keynote speeches, dynamic workshops, and interactive sessions, young attendees will explore vital topics such as career development, mental health, digital wellness, and social justice, all within a framework of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA). The event features industry leaders and experts who are eager to share their insights and help guide our youth toward meaningful and impactful futures.
But it’s not just about learning – it’s about connection, community, and fun! With networking opportunities, engaging activities, a live DJ, and an array of food trucks, the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether your child is passionate about technology, the arts, activism, or simply discovering new possibilities, this event is designed to ignite their potential and empower them to make a difference.
Supervisor Glover, who is deeply dedicated to the well-being and success of our youth, personally invites all parents to bring their children and for all young people to attend this impactful conference. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an event that will inspire, educate, and uplift our community’s future leaders.
This is a free event sponsored by Supervisor Federal Glover, District 5. We can’t wait to see you there!
El Supervisor Federal Glover se complace en invitarlo a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024, un evento transformador de un día de duración dedicado a empoderar a nuestros jóvenes y formar a los líderes del mañana. Con un profundo compromiso con el futuro de nuestra comunidad, el Supervisor Glover ha reunido una experiencia increíble diseñada para equipar a los jóvenes con las herramientas, los recursos y la inspiración que necesitan para tener éxito.
La conferencia de este año es más que un evento, es un llamado a la acción. A través de poderosos discursos de apertura, talleres dinámicos y sesiones interactivas, los jóvenes asistentes explorarán temas vitales como el desarrollo profesional, la salud mental, el bienestar digital y la justicia social, todo dentro de un marco de Diversidad, Equidad, Inclusión y Acceso (DEIA). El evento cuenta con líderes y expertos de la industria que están ansiosos por compartir sus conocimientos y ayudar a guiar a nuestros jóvenes hacia futuros significativos e impactantes.
Pero no se trata solo de aprender, ¡se trata de conexión, comunidad y diversión! Con oportunidades para establecer contactos, actividades atractivas, un DJ en vivo y una variedad de camiones de comida, la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024 promete ser una experiencia inolvidable. Ya sea que a su hijo le apasione la tecnología, las artes, el activismo o simplemente descubra nuevas posibilidades, este evento está diseñado para encender su potencial y empoderarlo para marcar la diferencia.
La Supervisora Glover, quien está profundamente dedicada al bienestar y éxito de nuestra juventud, invita personalmente a todos los padres a traer a sus hijos y a todos los jóvenes a asistir a esta impactante conferencia. No se pierda esta oportunidad de ser parte de un evento que inspirará, educará y elevará a los futuros líderes de nuestra comunidad.
Este es un evento gratuito patrocinado por el Supervisor Federal Glover, Distrito 5. ¡No podemos esperar a verte allí!
By Isiah Thompson, Departmental Community & Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Probation Department
Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants interested in serving on its 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). Regular meetings of the Council and other standing committees are held at least quarterly based on a schedule adopted by the Council; that schedule may be changed or augmented as needed. The following positions are vacant and will be held for a two-year term:
Two (2) At-Large youth seats, 14 to 25 years old residing or working within Contra Costa County
One (1) At-Large member residing or working within Contra Costa County
The JJCC is a multi-agency advisory body that contributes to the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan. It is composed of several critical parts; including, but not limited to, an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drugs, alcohol, and youth resources, which specifically target both at-promise, as well as system involved youth, and their families.
The JJCC will also coordinate the work of governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community. Further, the JJCC will develop information and intelligence sharing systems to ensure county actions are fully coordinated and equipped to provide data and appropriate outcome measures. The body is composed of the following members:
Twelve (12) Ex‐Officio Members:
Chief Probation Officer, Chair
District Attorney’s Office representative
Public Defender’s Office representative
Sheriff’s Office representative
Board of Supervisors’ representative
Employment and Human Services Department representative
Behavioral Health Services (Mental health) representative
County Alcohol and Drugs Division representative
Public Health representative
Juvenile Justice Commission Chair
City Police Department representative (rotating between Richmond, Antioch, Concord)
County Office of Education or School District representative
Eight (8) Additional Members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors:
Four At-Large members residing or working within Contra Costa County
Two Community-Based Organization representatives
Two At-Large youth, 14 to 25 years old residing or working within Contra Costa County
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, September 20. All applicants who submit by the deadline will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Public Protection Committee. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for the Board of Supervisors to appoint. Interviews with the Public Protection Committee will occur October 7, and appointments with the Board of Supervisors will occur on October 22.
Applications can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or visiting the County webpage at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/. Completed applications should be emailed to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us or mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553.
George Washington Elementary School Principal Gina Lopez, in Lodi, welcomes students on the first day of school on July 30. Photo credit: Diana Lambert / EdSource
Include requiring menstrual products in elementary boy’s bathrooms – supported by all of Contra Costa’s state legislators; allowing kids 12 or older to consent to mental health care without parental consent, keeping transgender student secrets from parents, climate change instruction,more
California students, including those in elementary school, will have better access to mental health care, free menstrual products and information about climate change this school year. The expansion of transitional kindergarten also means there will be more 4-year-old students on elementary school campuses.
These and other new pieces of education legislation will go into effect this school year, including a bill that bans schools from suspending students for willful defiance and another that offers college students more transparency around the cost of their courses and the materials they will need to purchase for them.
Here are a few new laws that may impact students in the 2024-25 school year.
Climate change instruction required
Science instruction in all grades — first through 12th — must include an emphasis on the causes and effects of climate change, and methods to mitigate it and adapt to it. Although many schools are already teaching students about climate change, all schools must incorporate the topic into instruction beginning this school year.
Content related to climate change appears in some of the state curriculum frameworks, according to an analysis of Assembly Bill 285, the legislation that created the requirement.
Assemblymember Luz Rivas, D-Arieta, the author of the bill, said the legislation will give the next generation the tools needed to prepare for the future and will cultivate a new generation of climate policy leaders in California.
“Climate change is no longer a future problem waiting for us to act upon — it is already here,” Rivas said in a statement. “Extreme climate events are wreaking havoc across the globe and escalating in severity each year.”
Menstrual products in elementary bathrooms
A new law in effect this year adds elementary schools to the public schools that must offer a free and adequate supply of menstruation products — in order to help younger menstruating students.
Last school year, the Menstruation Equity for All Act went into effect, requiring public schools serving sixth- through 12th-grade students to provide menstruation products. It affected over 2,000 schools.
The new law expands the requirement to public schools that serve third- through fifth-grade students. A Senate analysis of the legislation notes that 10% of menstruation periods begin by age 10, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
The new law requires affected schools to offer free menstrual products in all-gender bathrooms, women’s bathrooms and at least one men’s bathroom on each campus. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes,D-San Bernardino, includes one men’s bathroom on each campus to offer access to transgender boys who menstruate.
Supporters of the bill note that menstruation isn’t always predictable and can strike at inopportune times, such as during a test. Menstruation products can also be pricey — especially for students who might also be struggling with food insecurity.
Girl Scout Troop 76 in the Inland Empire advocated for the bill. Scout Ava Firnkoess said that menstruation access is important to young girls, like her, who started menstruating early.
“I have another friend who also started at a young age. She had to use toilet paper and paper towels because she did not have access to menstrual products,” Firnkoess said in a statement. “We think young students who start their periods need to have access to products, not just those who start in sixth grade or later.”
According to the California Legislative Information website, State Senators Steve Glazer (D-SD7, Orinda) and Nancy Skinner (D-SD9, Berkeley), and Assemblymembers Tim Grayson (D-AD15, Concord), Lori Wilson (D-AD11, Suisun City), Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-AD16, Orinda) and Buffy Wicks (D-AD14, Oakland) all voted for the bill.
Younger students on campus
Elementary students may seem to be getting a little smaller this year, as transitional kindergarten classes are expanded to children who will turn age 5 between Sept. 2 and June 2.
Transitional kindergarten, an additional grade before kindergarten, was created for 4-year-old children who turn 5 before Dec. 2. It has been expanded each year since 2022 to include more children aged 4. All 4-year-old students will be eligible in the fall of 2025.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond have celebrated the expansion of transitional kindergarten, pointing to numbers that show enrollment doubled over the past two years, from 75,000 in 2021-22, to 151,000 in 2023-24. However, a recent analysis by CalMatters found that the percentage of children eligible for transitional kindergarten who actually enrolled had gone down 4 to 7 percentage points.
Colleges must disclose costs
The typical California college student is expected to spend $1,062 on books and supplies in the 2024-25 academic year, according to the California Student Aid Commission.
The exact costs can be hard for students to predict, leaving them uncertain about how much money to budget for a given class. Assembly Bill 607, which Newsom signed last year, requires California State University campuses and community colleges to disclose upfront the estimated costs of course materials and fees for some of their courses this school year. The bill asks University of California campuses to do the same, but does not make it a requirement.
The schools must provide information for at least 40% of courses by Jan. 1 of next year, increasing that percentage each year until there are cost disclosures for 75% of courses by 2028. This year, campuses should also highlight courses that use free digital course materials and low-cost print materials, according to the legislation.
Proponents of the law, which was co-authored by Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, D-San Jose; Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles; and Sabrina Cervantes, D-Inland Empire, said it will promote price transparency. The bill covers digital and physical textbooks as well as software subscriptions and devices like calculators.
A student speaking in support of AB 607 in May 2023 said she felt “helplessly exposed and vulnerable” when she had to appeal to a professor for help covering the surprise costs of a textbook’s online course content.
“If I would have known that a month ahead of time, I could have organized and evaluated my budget in an effective manner for the entire semester,” said Rashal Azar. “This would have prevented my financial anxiety and not triggered my mental health as well.”
TK exempt from English language test
Students enrolled in transitional kindergarten, also known as TK, are no longer required to take the initial English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC). The test, which measures proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English, is required to be taken within 30 days of enrollment in kindergarten through 12th grade, if parents indicate in a survey that their children speak another language at home.
Previously, transitional kindergartners also had to take the ELPAC when enrolling. But many school district staff and advocates for English learners said the test was not designed for 4-year-old children and that it was not identifying English learners accurately, because the children were too young to answer questions correctly.
The California Department of Education has directed school districts to mark children’s English language acquisition status as “to be determined” in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System, if their parents indicate on the home language survey that their primary or native language is a language other than English. These students will take the initial ELPAC when they begin kindergarten the following year.
Californians Together, which advocates for English learners, and Early Edge California, which advocates for quality early education for all children, were among the organizations that celebrated the bill.
“As the parent of bilingual children and a dual language learner myself, I deeply appreciate Governor Newsom, Assemblymember (Al) Muratsuchi, and California’s legislators for supporting our young multilingual learners by championing AB 2268,” said Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California in a news release. “This bill will create more support tailored to their needs and strengths, so they can learn and thrive from the early years onward.”
Kids can consent to mental health care
A new law that took effect in July makes it easier for children on Medi-Cal who are 12 or older to consent to mental health treatment inside and outside of schools. Children older than 12 on private insurance can already consent to mental health care without parental consent.
Previously, students in this age group could only consent to mental health treatment without parental approval under a limited number of circumstances: incest, child abuse or serious danger, such as suicidal ideation.
“From mass shootings in public spaces and, in particular, school shootings, as well as fentanyl overdoses and social media bullying, young people are experiencing a new reality,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, author of the bill. “The new law is about “making sure all young people, regardless if they have private health insurance or are Medi-Cal recipients, have access to mental health resources.”
Children who need mental health care but do not have consent from their parents could potentially seek help from social media and other online resources of sometimes dubious quality, according to the legislation.
The legislation allows mental health professionals to determine whether parental involvement is “inappropriate” and also whether the child in question is mature enough to consent.
California Capitol Connection, a Baptist advocacy group, opposed the bill, stating, “In most cases, a parent knows what is best for their child.”
This is not strictly an education bill, but it does affect schools. The law notes that school-based providers, such as a credentialed school psychologist, find that some students who want to avail themselves of mental health resources are not able to get parental consent.
No willful defiance suspensions
Beginning this school year, and for the next five years, California students across all grade levels cannot be suspended for willful defiance.
Acts of willful defiance, according to Senate Bill 274, include instances where a student is intentionally disruptive or defies school authorities. Instead of being suspended, these students will be referred to school administrators for intervention and support.
SB 274 builds on previous California legislation that had already banned willful defiance suspensions among first-through-eighth-grade students, and had banned expulsions for willful defiance across the board.
Los Angeles Unified, Oakland Unified, San Francisco Unified and other school districts have already banned the practice.
SB 274 would apply to all grades TK through 12 in both traditional public schools and charters. The bill would also prohibit schools from suspending or expelling students for being tardy or truant.
Schools can’t ‘out’ students
After Jan. 1, California schools boards will not be permitted to pass resolutions requiring teachers and staff to notify parents if they believe a child is transgender.
Newsom signed the Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth, or SAFETY Act, in July in response to the more than a dozen California school boards that proposed or passed parental notification policies in just over a year. At least seven California school districts passed the policies, often after heated public debate.
The policies require school staff to inform parents if a child asks to use a name or pronoun different from the one assigned at birth, or if they engage in activities and use facilities designed for the opposite sex.
The new law protects school staff from retaliation if they refuse to notify parents of a child’s gender preference. The legislation also provides additional resources and support for LGBTQ+ students at junior high and high schools.
“Politically motivated attacks on the rights, safety and dignity of transgender, nonbinary and other LGBTQ+ youth are on the rise nationwide, including in California,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward, D-San Diego, who introduced the legislation along with the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
Vega Stars Elite placed first and second at the Nfinity Champions League and earned bids to the Florida competition. All photos: Vega Stars Elite
Will hold garage sale fundraiser Sunday, Aug. 11
By Allen D. Payton
Publisher’s Note: This information was in an email that was misplaced earlier this year and was resent and received this week. Apologies for the delay in publishing it.
On April 6, 2024, Antioch’s Vega Stars Elite cheerleading teams attended the Nfinity Champions League in Las Vegas. The 4th Degree team, ages 9-14, won first place and received a bid to Florida. The Firestar team, ages 5-8, won second place and also received a bid to Florida.
“A bid to Florida is huge deal,” said gym owner and program Director Jazmine Vega Zanders. “It’s like making it to the Superbowl!”
“We have won national titles in Florida and Arizona,” she added.
The gym, located at 1211 Auto Center Drive in Antioch, offers competitive cheer and dance teams. They also offer recreational classes for cheer, dance and tumbling and are open to girls and boys ages 4-14!
The teams will hold a fundraiser tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 11 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the gym.
Pass2Class offers free bus passes to Contra Costa students at the beginning of the school year to encourage the use of bus transportation to and from school. Pass2Class reduces traffic congestion and air pollution by reducing the number of cars being driven to school.
The 2024 program offers free County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, or AC Transit bus passes for up to two (2) students per household for up to two months. Learn more at https://511contracosta.org/schools/pass2class-program/
4 Ever Me Foundation set to impact youth in Contra Costa County
Antioch, CA – As we gear up for the new school year, 4 Ever Me Foundation is excited to announce the 12th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, a beloved event dedicated to supporting families in need of school essentials. We cordially invite the community to join us for a day of fun, entertainment, food, and invaluable resources.
For over a decade, our mission has been to ensure that every child embarks on their academic journey fully prepared and equipped with the necessary tools for success. Thanks to the generous contributions from our community and local sponsors, we have been able to provide crucial resources for students year after year. This event, which started in 2012, has grown immensely and garnered support from influential organizations such as the Golden State Warriors, who have been steadfast partners for nearly 9 years.
The Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway initially began as an AUSD-targeted initiative, identifying the need among students attending Black Diamond Middle School. Originally held at Pegnim and Ivancich law firm now, Ivancich and Costis in Antioch, the event occurred twice a year – once at the beginning of the school year and another midway – ensuring that students had ample supplies to last the entire academic year. As word spread and families from various school districts began attending, the event transitioned to a one-day gathering serving students from across Contra Costa County. We embrace our commitment to meeting the community’s needs, and this event will continue as long as the need exists.
The 4 Ever Me Foundation is committed to supporting the socio-emotional well-being of youth by providing resources for success, encouraging youth involvement within the community, and nurturing youth leaders. Founder, Claryssa Wilson, recounts how the event became the catalyst for establishing 4 Ever Me Foundation, recognizing the opportunity to make a broader impact on the community. The foundation’s name originated from a longstanding Instagram handle created in 2012, symbolizing the importance of staying true to oneself despite challenges faced during middle school. With the foundation in the process of being established in 2021, after prioritizing personal education, including graduating from Antioch High School in 2019 and in 2023 earning a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, Wilson leads a dedicated executive team, including former peers and family members.
At the event, attendees can expect the following:
FREE School Supplies: We have stocked up on a wide range of school essentials, including backpacks, binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and more. These supplies will be available for students to pick out, ensuring they get items they will truly love and use. We provide supplies for Pre-K through College!
Entertainment: Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including games, face painting, and live performances. We guarantee a day full of joy and smiles!
Food: A delicious assortment of food vendors will be available for everyone to enjoy throughout the event.
Resources: Beyond school supplies, we understand the importance of addressing other essential needs. Our event will feature resource booths offering FREE information on health services, community programs, and other support services.
To ensure a smooth check-in process for all attendees, we kindly request that families register in advance by filling out the online form. Additionally, for those interested in donating or volunteering, the QR code on the attached flyer provides convenient access to relevant information and opportunities.
We are determined to make this year’s Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway the most impactful one yet! For media inquiries, interviews, or further information about the event, please reach out to Claryssa Wilson at 4evermefoundation@gmail.com or Velma Wilson at (925) 250-3051
Together, let’s create a positive impact on the lives of our children and build a brighter future for our community. We look forward to welcoming you on August 3rd at Dallas Ranch Middle School!.
Registration is now open for the free youth 4th Annual Kendall Smith Basketball Camp on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Improve your basketball skills this summer. Co-ed basketball camp for youth 7-17 years old athletes and non-athletes. Doors open at 8:30 am, the camp starts at 9:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm.
The event will be held in the gym at Smith’s alma mater, Deer Valley High School, 4700 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, where he played hoops before heading on to play for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, then into the pros, where he’s played for international teams and the Warriors G League team in Santa Cruz. (Learn more about his career).
Sponsored by Smith’s My Brothers Keeper 1K, to register visit Kendall Smith Basketball Camp. To be a sponsor, donate or volunteer email mybrotherskeepers925@gmail.com.
