WALNUT CREEK
At the Walnut Creek City Council’s Dec. 5 meeting, Mayor Cindy Silva passed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Loella Haskew.
The council unanimously approved the appointment of Haskew, who will serve through early December 2024. Councilmember Cindy Darling will serve as the city’s mayor pro tem. Before Haskew’s selection, outgoing Silva reflected on the past year of city operations.
“This has been a busy and productive year for Walnut Creek,” said Silva. “I appreciated the support and input from the community on issues of importance to our residents.”
Haskew was first elected to the council in November 2012 and has previously served as mayor in 2016 and 2020.
“I am looking forward to serving with my fellow Councilmembers to continue our work for the community,” she said. “We have many high-priority programs and services to deliver.”
Haskew has an extensive background in community service, having been on a wide variety of volunteer boards and commissions. She received her bachelor of science degree in accounting from Golden Gate University, where she also earned a master’s degree in taxation in 1986.
— city of Walnut Creek
ANTIOCH
Grants available from city for various facilities, activities
The city of Antioch offers one-time grants to provide funding that supports operations, marketing and promotions for Antioch special events, historic and cultural activities and facilities that enhance civic pride and strengthen community engagement within the city.
Grants are funded by revenues from city transient occupancy taxes and/or the general fund and are approved by the City Council. City officials will review applications, and the Antioch City Council will make final grant award decisions.
Funds may only be used for: activities performed directly for the benefit and enjoyment of all Antioch residents; facilities or activities open to the public and all citizens and/or underserved youth/communities; improvements to or operation of arts and cultural facilities; or general city beautification.
Applicants and grant recipients must meet certain reporting requirements and deadlines. This may include reports of how grant funds from previous fiscal years and or grantors were used. For more details online, visit antiochca.gov/recreation/civic-enhancement-grants.
— city of Antioch
MARTINEZ
Loaves and Fishes named Contra Costa’s Nonprofit of Year
State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, has recognized Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa as Contra Costa County’s Nonprofit of the Year for their outstanding dedication to combating food insecurity. Dodd commended the organization, emphasizing their decades-long commitment to ensuring that no one in the county goes hungry.
Founded in 1983 by Pauline Brisbin and Lucy Zendaez, Loaves and Fishes has served nearly 6 million free, hot and nutritious meals and groceries, evolving into a vital resource for the community.
Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the organization remains steadfast in providing hunger relief to those facing low income levels, including seniors, homeless individuals, veterans, at-risk youth and people with disabilities.
To address the growing issue of food insecurity, Loaves and Fishes has expanded its services, offering nutritious meals (hot entree, vegetables and salad, fruit, bread and dessert) and groceries from its five dining locations across Contra Costa County on weekdays and seven days a week in Martinez and Pittsburg.
In response to urgent needs, Loaves and Fishes launched its KI Mobile Unit, delivering food to where people are through partnerships with Delta Landing, West Pittsburg Community Church, facilitated by Bay Point Community All N One and Opportunity Village.
With plans to expand further, the organization aims to partner soon with one to three more organizations. For more information about the group, visit loavesfishescc.org online.
— Loaves and Fishes
PLEASANT HILL
Council OKs Rinn, Noack as city’s new mayor, vice mayor
On Dec. 4, the Pleasant Hill City Council held its annual reorganization meeting wherein the council selects the city’s mayor and vice mayor for the coming year. In Pleasant Hill, the mayoral seat rotates each year, with the council voting for one of its five members who will lead the city.
Mayor Tim Flaherty rounded out his 2023 term, receiving accolades for his leadership in a year when the council tackled items such as the introduction of district-based elections, the adoption of the general plan and housing element and various construction projects.
At Monday’s meeting, Councilmember Sue Noack nominated Vice Mayor Matt Rinn to succeed Flaherty as mayor, and outgoing Mayor Flaherty seconded. The nomination was approved unanimously. The council then voted unanimously to elect Noack as vice mayor. Rinn’s last term as the city’s mayor was in 2020.
— city of Pleasant Hill
CONCORD
Birsan, Obringer voted in as city’s new mayor, vice mayor
At the Dec. 5 Concord City Council meeting, outgoing Mayor Laura Hoffmeister turned over the gavel to Vice Mayor Edi Birsan after he was selected by fellow councilmembers as the city’s mayor for 2024.
Councilmember Carlyn Obringer was selected to serve as vice mayor for the year ahead. Birsan, Obringer and Councilmembers Dominic Aliano and Laura Nakamura thanked Hoffmeister for her service as mayor.
In addition, Hoffmeister recognized “Bike Concord” leader S.M. “Smitty” Ardrey with the mayor’s 2023 Community Service Award in honor of Ardrey’s work to support the bicyclist community. Hoffmeister also presented a proclamation to the Contra Costa Blue Star Moms.
— city of Concord
Junior Optimist Baseball League Spring registration open
Junior Optimist Baseball League (JOBL) registration is open for spring 2024 for boys ages 4 to 11 years old and girls ages 4 to 8 years. All games are played at the JOBL complex. Register online at joblconcord.com. For any questions, contact Mark Northrup at info@joblconcord.com.
— JOBL
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