In brief: LWV Diablo Valley to host ‘Reality of Immigration’ webinar

LAFAYETTE

More than a fourth of Contra Costa County residents are immigrants from all over the world. Join the Lafayette-based League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley for a Community Conversation webinar on the topic from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 21 entitled “What is the Reality of Immigration?”

The webinar will offer information about national, state and local immigration laws and about a large, new immigration court that is coming to the heart of Contra Costa. Hear distinguished experts focus on demystifying myths that contribute to misunderstanding and false information about immigrants and on the challenges immigrants face with courage and resilience.

The webinar will feature moderator and panelist Ali Saidi, a Contra Costa public defender and the founder of Stand Together Contra Costa; the Rev. Deborah Lee, of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity; Sandy Valenciano, of the Urban Peace Movement; and Yoel Haile, who directs the American Civil Liberties Union’s Northern California criminal program.

Register for the Zoom webinar online at bit.ly/3EzDI1G. Information on how to access the Zoom webinar will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the program. Audience questions will be collected and answered through the Zoom chat.

Look for another important Community Conversation about immigration in March 2024 sponsored by the LWVDV, the LWV of West Contra Costa County, CCTV and the Contra Costa County Library system.

The county library system will provide closed captioning for this event and simultaneous Spanish translation. This program will be recorded and uploaded to the library system’s YouTube channel after the event. Email programs@lwvdv.org for more information.

— LWVDV

ANTIOCH

Park district to lead Somersville history hike on Sept. 17

Learn about the untold stories of the former town of Somersville at the History Hike Above the Mines from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at Antioch’s Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. From the 1850s to the early 1900s, the Mount Diablo coal field was Contra Costa County’s population center and the largest coal mining operation in California. Deep within the earth, miners excavated the valuable namesake of what is now the park — “black diamonds” (coal) — for 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.

East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) naturalists will lead the 2-to-3-mile History Hike Above the Mines and provide information about the area’s coal and sand mining history. The program is best for ages 7 and older. Meet at the Upper Parking Lot, wear sturdy shoes, bring a snack and bring plenty of water. More programs are scheduled in October. For further details, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “mines.”

— EBRPD

Local sports Hall of Fame to induct Class of 2023 on Oct. 7

The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2023 on Oct. 7 at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center in Antioch. The Hall of Fame gala starting at at 5 p.m. will honor several top athletes and coaches from the past at Antioch and Deer Valley high schools.

Being celebrated will be Devon Almarinez, All-Around Male Athlete (Deer Valley 2001-02); Lynn Lohmeier, All-Around Female Athlete (Antioch High School 1990-91); Erica Helms, Individual Female Athlete, basketball (DV 2006-07); Cassie Mann, Individual Female Athlete, softball (AHS 1999-00); Eddie Miller, Individual Male Athlete, basketball (AHS 2006-07); Eddie Loretto, Individual Male Athlete, football (AHS 1983-84); Ashley Hodges, Individual Female Athlete, track (DV 2006-07); Lisa Ma’ake, Individual Female Athlete, track (DV 2006-07); Matt Baugh, Individual Male Athlete, baseball (DV 2003-04); Clark Davidson, Individual Male Athlete, football (AHS 1979-80); Mason Hibbard, Individual Male Athlete, baseball (AHS 1991-92); Bob Olds, Individual Male Athlete, golf (AHS 1956-57); Andy Sample, Individual Male Athlete, track (AHS 1987-88); Mike Amorosa, Outstanding Coach, cross country (AHS 1996-2008); and Joanne Bilbo, Community Leader, (AHS 1947-48).

Also being honored will be the 1986-87 Antioch High School golf team, which includes head coach Joe Gambetta and players Dave McCoy, Kevin Sullivan, Rob Heaton, Sam Raines, Scott Olds and Brian Viera.

Tickets for the dinner are $85 and can be purchased from the Antioch Historical Society’s Hall of Fame office at 1500 West Fourth St. For more details, e-mail sportslegends@comcast.net or call 925-238-0565.

— Trine Gallegos, correspondent

LAFAYETTE

Acalanes schools to continue serving free meals to students

The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) has announced the continuation of its policy of serving meals to students under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program for the 2023-24 school year.

In conjunction with the state-mandated Universal Meal Program, all enrolled students will be served two meals, breakfast or brunch and lunch, at no charge at the following sites: Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette; Campolindo High, 300 Moraga Road in Moraga; Las Lomas High, 1460 S. Main St. in Walnut Creek; Miramonte High, 750 Moraga Way in Orinda; and the district’s Del Valle Campus at 1963 Tice Valley Blvd. in Walnut Creek.

— AUHSD

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