Two WCCUSD board seats decided by default
Two seats up for election on the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education were uncontested for the November ballot so the two sole candidates will automatically assume office. Current board clerk Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy will serve a third term representing Area 4. Newcomer Caitlin Garibaldi, an El Cerrito resident, will join the board representing Area 5. The United Teachers of Richmond has endorsed both candidates.
Garibaldi, in a Facebook post expressing her excitement about serving office, said one of the issues she feels strongly about is “really pushing to significantly reduce our reliance on tech in schools.” She said she plans to set up park meetups to introduce herself to residents.
“I love this community so much, and I can’t wait to get to work,” she said.
Contra Costa County reports West Nile virus in El Cerrito birds
Contra Costa County health officials are reporting that seven birds and one group of mosquitos have tested positive recently for West Nile virus. Officials discovered four of the birds in El Cerrito. The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District has set traps in El Cerrito to catch birds and mosquitos. Mosquitos can become infected with West Nile virus after biting a bird with the disease and then passing the illness along to people.
This discovery is of particular note for at-risk populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said Thursday it is seeing the highest levels of West Nile virus activity in five years. As of Aug. 14, CDPH has reported 30 human cases statewide, including three fatalities, from 13 counties this year. That is higher than the five-year average number of human cases typically reported by this point in the year.
Health officials are encouraging residents to wear protective clothing and insect repellant that contains DEET while outside, especially at dawn or dusk, and to drain any standing water near their homes or businesses.
Flood prevention seminar preps residents for winter rains
Members of the Richmond Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have organized a community forum on steps residents can take to prevent flooding during the winter rainy season. The Flood Club: Preparing for Super El Nino seminar will provide residents with maps and scenarios on how to keep their neighborhood safe. CERT members are encouraging homeowners to clean gutters, slope the ground away from home foundations and extend downspouts away from residential buildings.
Flood Club seminar, Sat., Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, Burg Park, 2910 Clinton Ave. Free
RYSE Center opens membership for fall semester
The RYSE Center is accepting new members for its fall semester. The center offers free membership for teens and young adults ages 13 to 21. Members have access to the nonprofit center’s visual arts workshops, cooking classes, education and career support, gardening programs, recreational activities, video production facilities and health services. The center is open afternoons and early evenings during weekdays. The center will hold mandatory membership enrollment tours throughout September.
Contra Costa County offers grants for African-American health and wellness programs
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia is encouraging community organizations to apply for grants supporting health and wellness services for Black and African-American residents. The funding will support programs in behavioral health, maternal and child health, preventative health care, and other services. The Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice is distributing the money. The office will disburse $3.75 million over the next three years. The deadline to apply this year is Thur., Sept. 4.
News tips
Is something happening we should know about? An issue we need to look into? Our readers give us some of our best story ideas: Share yours using this form. Include photos, documents and videos if you have them.
