In brief: Contra Costa names new manager for Concord, Byron airports
The county Board of Supervisors has appointed Greg Baer, who starts Monday and will also plan future facilities' development.
CONTRA COSTA
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has announced the appointment of Greg Baer as the county’s director of airports. In this role, Baer will manage the Buchanan Field (in Concord) and Byron airports and plan for the development of future airport facilities, developing and managing a capital improvement and maintenance program. He was to begin his position on Monday.
“Contra Costa County, our Public Works Department and our two airports are pleased and excited to welcome Greg Baer as our new director of airports,” said Brian Balbas, who directs the Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD). “We welcome Greg to our county family and anticipate he will continue the incredible work being done at our airports and provide the leadership to bring the airports to new heights in the years to come.”
Baer earned his bachelor’s degree in aviation from the San Jose State College of Engineering and went on to receive his master’s degree in public administration from Sonoma State University. In 2018, he received the Herman C. Bliss Partnership Award from the FAA Western Pacific Region. He is also a licensed private pilot. For more details, visit bayareane.ws/3y8J6XF online.
— CCCPWD
CONCORD
Mental health group to present fair, fundraiser on May 21
In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, please join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Contra Costa from 9 a.m. to noon May 21 at Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Road, for our Annual NAMI In Motion Countywide Mental Health Awareness Resource Fair and Fundraiser.
NAMI Contra Costa is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outreach, education, support and advocacy to people and families affected by mental illness in Contra Costa for more than 30 years. NAMI Contra Costa strives to build mental health-friendly communities one city at a time. We have invited local businesses, clergy, agencies and organizations to join our effort.
This event to promote mental health, stigma reduction and social justice awareness will be family-friendly and include a stroll for health, DJ, live music, dancing, snacks, awards, raffle prizes, interactive vendors and booths and a kid’s fun zone with activities for children of all ages. Through your partnership and financial contribution with us this year, we can continue to provide the resources and support to those with mental health needs and their communities.
— NAMI Contra Costa
ANTIOCH
Art, wine walk set for Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend
The Celebrate Antioch Foundation is proud to announce the return of our annual Mother’s Day weekend Rivertown Art & Wine Walk. This free, fun, family-friendly event from 12 to 4 p.m. May 7 on Second and G streets will feature art and handmade items from local artisans and live music with JuSusan Austin and The Company Band performing amazing jazz and soul.
Dine at one of our 11 downtown restaurants, and explore our shops. To participate in the Wine Walk, you must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID. The fee is $20 to sample up to 14 great local wines. This event makes a great Mother’s Day gift, and you can shop for more gifts while enjoying a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Tickets will be available on the day of the event or online now on Eventbrite at bayareane.ws/3Lt2ySO.
— Celebrate Antioch Foundation
WALNUT CREEK
Garden club invites public to second-Monday meetings
The Walnut Creek Garden Club (WCGC) welcomes you to visit our meetings and join us. You’ll find friendly members, with varying interests including:
- creating and improving our gardens with new plants and techniques;
- supporting garden education in local schools;
- supporting local environmental charities with community grants;
- learning about horticulture, the fun of growing flowers and flower arranging;
- volunteering to help local gardens, fundraisers and plant sales;
- group trips to local gardens.
Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. from September through June in The Gardens at Heather Farm. Those interested in membership can contact Janice Cattolica at 925-588-6247 or visit walnutcreekgardenclub.org.
— WCGC
OAKLEY
Tickets on sale now for May 14’s Taste of Oakley event
The annual Taste of Oakley will be held on May 14 at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave. This event gives Oakley-based restaurants and caterers an opportunity to highlight their cuisine and allows guests a chance to sample dishes from a variety of local businesses.
This event typically sells out, so organizers suggest buying tickets early. The following restaurants, caterers and grocers will be participating, serving delectable appetizers, sample entrees and desserts: Girard’s Catering, Wanna Waffle?, Polar Bear Rolled Ice Cream, Sabrina’s Pizzeria, Lucia’s Baked Delights, Skipolini’s Pizza, Stacy’s Cakes, Sprinkle Cookie Co. and Hella Mas.
Tickets are $12 and are available at secure.rec1.com/CA/oakley-ca/catalog. Tickets can also be purchased at the Recreation Center during regular business hours (weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed the first and third Friday of each month).
Nearly $200,000 in grants available to Oakley nonprofits
The city of Oakley encourages local nonprofit organizations to apply for $180,000 in grants of up to $15,000 each that are now available to groups that serve a wide range of needs.
The grants are funded by the city’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Last year, Oakley received $10.2 million in ARPA funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic crisis. Of that the City Council set aside $180,000 to support local nonprofits.
The city is now accepting applications from registered nonprofits for projects that meet grant guidelines and are aligned with the city’s goals and priorities. The deadline is May 19. For details, go to ci.oakley.ca.us/grants-for-nonprofits.
— city of Oakley
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