In brief: Nonprofit group opens Antioch health care career center

ANTIOCH

Nonprofit organization Opportunity Junction recently celebrated the expansion of its services with the grand opening of its Healthcare Career Pathways Training Center. The May 15 ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the opening of the new facility, where the organization will launch a new medical assistant training program on June 3.

Opportunity Junction’s acquisition and preparation of the new classroom and lab space represents a significant investment in addressing local health care workforce needs. Made possible by Community Benefit Project funding championed by U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, this initiative will help meet the growing demand for skilled health care professionals while fostering diversity in the health care workforce.

The program will train and graduate cohorts of medical assistants who are in demand in hospitals, clinics and medical offices of all sizes. Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe also recognized Opportunity Junction for its impactful contributions to the community during the ceremony, thanking students for their commitment to the health care field and acknowledging the important work they are about to undertake.

Hernandez-Thorpe then declared May 15 “Opportunity Junction Day” in honor of the organization’s dedication to empowering individuals and building brighter futures. For more information about Opportunity Junction and its programs, visit opportunityjunction.org online.

— Opportunity Junction

Rotary hosting bean bag toss tournament fundraiser in July

The Rotary Club of the Delta is hosting a bean bag toss tournament fundraiser at 9:30 a.m. July 27 in Gentrytown Park at 1698 Monterey Drive. The cost is $100 per team (two people).

Sponsored by Republic Services, proceeds will benefit community projects, student scholarships and outreach to seniors. Visit bit.ly/3V3KO6K online to sign up.

— Rotary Club of the Delta

CONCORD

School district to provide free summer meals to area kids

The Concord-based Mount Diablo Unified School District will again host its summer program that serves nutritious meals to all children ages 18 or younger. Meals will be served Monday through Friday at no cost under the Summer Seamless Meal Program.

Meal service will begin June 10. For a list of locations and serving times, go online to mdusd.org/departments/business-services/food-nutrition-services. For any questions, call 925-682-8000, ext. 3775.

— MDUSD

DeSaulnier, others honor East Bay park district’s 90 years

Democratic U.S. Reps. Mark DeSaulnier (Concord), Eric Swalwell (Dublin), Josh Harder (Tracy), Barbara Lee (Oakland), John Garamendi (Walnut Grove) and Ro Khanna (Fremont) recognized the 90th anniversary of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) by introducing a Congressional resolution May 16 celebrating this milestone and recognizing the district’s service to the entire East Bay.

“I’m grateful for EBRPD’s leadership in working to improve quality of life and community well-being through a steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and maintenance of our local public parks,” said DeSaulnier. “I’m proud to celebrate 90 years of the East Bay Regional Park District and look forward to continuing to partner with them for years to come.”

The EBRPD is the largest regional park district in the nation, spanning 126,000 acres of parklands, 55 miles of shoreline and more than 1,300 miles of trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The park district was established through a 1934 ballot measure that passed with 71% of the vote. Since its creation, the EBRPD has worked tirelessly to protect the East Bay’s open spaces and promote recreational opportunities for Bay Area residents.

“We are honored that Representative Mark DeSaulnier recognized the 90th anniversary of the East Bay Regional Park District on the floor of the House today,” said Sabrina Landreth, the EBRPD’s general manager. “Thank you, Rep. DeSaulnier, for celebrating with us the park district’s 90 years of milestones, environmental conservation and positive experiences in nature as we continue vital work that will impact generations to come.”

— U.S. Rep. DeSaulnier’s office

BRENTWOOD

Goats return to assist city with its vegetation management

The goats have returned this year to help the city of Brentwood with its weed abatement efforts. As you drive or walk around the city, you may notice them grazing along storm channels and retention basins.

Using goats reduces the use of chemicals in the environment that can leave the banks bare and lead to erosion. Goats are also nimble on uneven terrains and hillsides and like to eat a lot of vegetation. Stop to enjoy and take a picture, but please do not touch the fences or try to feed them.

— city of Brentwood

SAN RAMON

Schools’ manager recognizes a 2024 Teacher of the Year

Steven Nguyen (goddardschool.com/schools/ca/san-ramon/san-ramon/our-teachers) from San Ramon’s Goddard School for Early Childhood Development was recognized as a 2024 Teacher of the Year by Goddard Systems LLC, which manages the Goddard School franchise system.

As a mentor and role model, Nguyen is a source of inspiration for his students. His uplifting personality, ingenuity and dedication to fostering a positive learning environment have left a lasting impact on the lives of countless children. Thanks to his engaging and interactive teaching methods, families are in awe of how much their children learn at school each day.

“I’m deeply grateful for the families that nominated me for this award,” said Nguyen. “To be recognized among such esteemed educators is a tremendous honor. I’m committed to continuing to create meaningful and rewarding experiences for my students, guiding them towards a future filled with endless possibilities.”

Nguyen joins 15 other teachers nationwide who were selected from more than 6,600 nominations for their embodiment of competence, leadership, creativity and a nurturing demeanor.

— Goddard School of San Ramon

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