In brief: Pittsburg’s Black Diamond named Model Continuation High School
Tony Thurmond, the state's education chief, announced the designation for the campus, which has received it for the third time.
PITTSBURG
Black Diamond High School in Pittsburg has been named a 2024 California Model Continuation High School, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced.
Black Diamond is among 31 schools throughout the state selected for the award. It is the third time the school has received the Model Continuation High School distinction, following its recognition in 2020 and 2017.
“Having received the Model Continuation High School distinction three consecutive times is a tremendous honor for Black Diamond High School and the Pittsburg Unified School District,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “All students need a school community that supports, nurtures and helps teens see what is possible in the future. Students who haven’t found those things at traditional schools have found them at Black Diamond.”
Black Diamond High School was selected as a Model Continuation School based on a comprehensive and competitive application process, incorporating assessments, data analysis and an on-site evaluation conducted by a peer review panel.
Thurmond said schools receiving the California Education Department designation are model schools helping students thrive personally and academically and giving them a chance to not only succeed in high school but in life. For more details online, visit cde.ca.gov/sp/eo/ce.
— Contra Costa County Office of Education
CONCORD
Hilton hosts gala fundraiser to assist Black women, girls
Richmond organization RCF Connects hosted its first gala fundraiser March 1 for its Black Women and Girls Initiative at the Concord Hilton. Guests at the well attended event enjoyed Black women and girls performing musical selections and dramatic performances as well as works created specifically for the event by area artists.
The evening was co-hosted by Bisa French, Richmond’s police chief, and Tanise Smith, of the Equity for Black Women & Girls Initiative Taskforce.
The fundraiser help RCF Connects and its work to secure funding in West Contra Costa County to meet the educational, financial and mental health needs of Black women and girls. Three members of the group Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Incorporated have joined the RCF Connect network in different capacities: Dr. Melanie Spears, Mrs. Elaine Merriweather and Dr. D’Andrea Robinson.
Robinson was presented with the Equity Award, and RCF Board member Dr. Cynthia LeBlanc was presented at the event with the Lifetime Legacy Award for her instrumental work in launching the Equity for Black Women and Girls Initiative.
Paris Jordan, who owns the business Paris for Planning, was presented with the Empowerment Award and shared that she was overwhelmed with gratitude as she reflected on all the support she received as a stay-at-home mom to actualize her dream of entrepreneurship.
To donate to this RCF Connects program, visit give.richmondcf.org/checkout/8616 online and select “Black Women & Girls Initiative” under the “Personalization options” section of the form. For more details, visit rcfconnects.org.
— Dr. Melanie Spears
PITTSBURG
Residents can help shape future of city’s marina, Old Town
The city of Pittsburg will hold a community meeting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16 to explore concepts and ideas about enhancing the city’s downtown marina and improving connections to the Old Town district.
City staff and design consultants will discuss different development concepts and alternatives and solicit community input. Preliminary plans can be viewed online at bit.ly/49Vb60F.
For more information, contact Maurice Brenyah-Addow, the projects’ senior planner, at mbrenyah-addow@pittsburgca.gov, 925-252-4261 or 65 Civic Ave. in Pittsburg.
— Judith Prieve, Staff
LAFAYETTE
Troop 204’s newest Eagle Scouts to be honored March 16
Lafayette Scouts Troop 204 proudly announces the successful completion of Eagle Scout service projects by its newest Eagle Scouts.
Eagle Scout James Bymaster spearheaded a repair and restoration project at the Tilden Park steam train area for Golden Gate Live Steamers, preserving a beloved local attraction. Jace Carter oversaw the creation of a Lego activity table and conducted a Lego drive for Lafayette’s Springhill Elementary School, fostering creativity and learning among students.
Ronan Collins organized a toiletry drive for Project Open Hand in San Francisco, providing essential supplies to support the sick and vulnerable in the community. Lars Erickson led a project to restore a historic walnut huller and installed a sign sharing historical significance at Lar Rieu Park in Walnut Creek, preserving local heritage. Matthew Hoffman collaborated with Core Academy to build picnic tables, stump seats and shade coverage, enhancing outdoor recreational spaces for the students.
Ethan Lee worked with the special education classroom at Springhill Elementary by designing a sensory cart and alphabet bowling blocks, promoting inclusive learning experiences. Nicholas Owens managed the collection and shipped tennis equipment to Club de Tenis Las Cabras in rural Chile, expanding access to sports for underprivileged youth.
Griffin Rotundo partnered with Lafayette Nursery School to establish a vertical edible school garden, enriching preschoolers’ learning with a “Garden to Snack Table” experience. Luke Springer collaborated with Walnut Creek’s Lindsay Wildlife Experience to build perches for large birds at their animal hospital, contributing to the well-being of wildlife.
Naoto Watanabe conducted a music workshop for students at Maya Lin Elementary School in collaboration with the Bay Area Music Project, enriching their educational experience. Lawrence Zhang organized a fundraising initiative with Calvary Church to create Christmas gift boxes shipped worldwide to support less fortunate individuals.
Troop 204 will honor its new Eagle Scouts at the Troop’s 71st Eagle Court of Honor in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. March 16 in Lafayette. For more information about the troop, visit troop204.com online or email scoutmaster@troop204.com.
— Lynda Rotundo
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