March 3, 2023
illegally terminate my benefits because I was living longer than they anticipated .... so I fought back. As the articles included herewith illustrate, rarely are battles like these won by people like — I was taking on a $35B dollar company with hundreds of lawyers on their side.
However, after contacting over 100 different attorneys who informed me that I was "crazy" and didn't have a chanced of winning, I found an attorney that truly believed in me and what I was capable of helping him achieve — so he took up the fight. At the conclusion, once again, I established yet another precedent with the help of the Honorable Judge Conti.
The Honorable Judge Conti went so far as to publically point out Chevron Corporation even attempted to lie in order to win their case. They were probably angry that they had lost the last case with me. "ERISA plan administrator's decision to terminate long-term disability benefits of employee was abuse of discretion; administrator departed from plan's delineated guidelines by failing to notify employee of investigation to terminate his benefits, failing to obtain vocational evaluation and Independent Medical Evaluation (IME), leaving discrepancies in employee's medical documentation unresolved, and failing to tailor review schedule in light of severity of condition of employee afflicted with AIDS, and administrator's conclusion was based on ambiguous evidence and discrepancy in record which in context, including multiple determinations by different doctors that employee was totally disabled, and did not justify conclusion that plaintiff was no longer disabled." (EXHIBIT B) With my award, I again donated the funds to CHARMED, Incorporated to enable staff to help others facing similar claims and/or circumstances.
Too, the Lesbian/Gay community included in their "Lesbian/Gay Law Notes," the citation of my case as a framework to help attorneys.
Despite my disability, I found further hope for my survival when confronted with a deluge of SPAM emails, especially involving pornography. My volunteers were being overwhelmed by it, my children, my family, and my friends.
So with the help of my volunteer staff, I did my research and in 2008 filed my first case against the culprits and the organizations circulating the SPAM. During 2007 to 2012 I raised over $700,000 in resources that in part I passed along to Children's Hospital in Oakland, and similar organizations who addressed the plight of children and adults battling AIDS and cancer. Too, I also donated income to the widows and orphan funds of the Walnut Creek Police Department as well as the Concord Police Department.
We have probably done more for the community at large than probably any organization listed in your recent publication; while at the same time we have also been the firm many in Concord residents have turned to when their employers and others discriminated against them. So I am left perplexed by the choices your office has made.
March 3, 2023
Page4
Finally, this city, this county, this State would not exist if it were not for the sacrifices that my fellow men and women of the ARMED FORCES put forth. Yet a sense of gratitude for their sacrifices are not listed anywhere in this document. Instead, only organizations whose payrolls are greater than the services they provide is.
HGADG:cw
Enclosures
Respectfully yours,
Rare Employee Benefits Win Page 1 of 3
AppliancesBuyPhone
click here
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 441 OCT 30 - NOV 5, 2003
NATION/HEALTH
Rare Employee Benefits Win
Federal court upholds claim against Chevron of
man living with AIDS
By ARTHUR S. LEONARD
Administrators of employee benefits plans enjoy significant discretion under federal law, so it is rare for a claimant to prevail in court in a dispute over benefits. But, on October 20, Antonio Di Giovanni of San Francisco, who is living with AIDS, prevailed, winning a motion for summary judgment on his claim that Chevron Corporation's long-term disability plan violated his rights by cutting off his long-term disability benefits without following it own 'procedures.
Senior Federal District Judge Samuel Conti ordered the benefits plan officials to reconsider their decision and calculate the back benefits owed to Di Giovanni.
Employee benefit plans are governed by the federal Employee Retirement ncome Security Act, or ERISA.
Giovanni was hired as an administrative assistant by Chevron in 1988. wo years later, he left work, "complaining of stress and depression," and as diagnosed the same year as being HIV-positive. Chevron approved his pplication for long-term disability benefits in writing in mid-1991, based on diagnosis of "major depression."
en the initial 18 months period of benefits was set to expire, the plan nvestigated whether Di Giovanni was entitled to continued benefits. Medical fficers obtained a letter and medical documentation from Di Giovanni's actor, and approved the extension.
I •
owever, Chevron also notified Di Giovanni that he was responsible for ubmitting regular updates from his doctor, despite the fact that he had earlier rovided documentation that his symptoms— severe progressive peripheral europathy-were "truly incapacitating" and that his "prognosis for return to fly occupation is zero." (At this time, more than a decade ago, treatments for S-related conditions were limited in effectiveness.)
# i Giovanni provided some updated physician's statements, but his various actors showed an irritating lack of consistency in how they filled out the orms. Several, however, indicated that he would "never return to work" due lb
We also publish:
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http://www.gaycitynews.com/gcn_244/rareemployeebenefitsehtml 10/2/2006 Page 48 of 119
obtain vocational evaluation and Independent
Medical Evaluation (IME), leaving discrepancies in
employee's medical documentation unresolved, and
failing to tailor review schedule in light of severity
of condition of employee afflicted with AIDS, and
administrator's conclusion was based on ambiguous
evidence and discrepancy in record which in
context, including multiple determinations by
different doctors that employee was totally disabled,
did not justify conclusion that plaintiff was no
longer disabled. Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, § 2 et seq., 29 U.S.C.A. §
1001 et seq.
Geoffrey V. White, Law Office of Geoffrey V.
White, San Francisco, CA, for Plaintiff.
Carolyn A. Knox, Christopher J. Pirrone, Seyfarth
Shaw, San Francisco, CA, for Defendant.
Slip Copy
(Cite as: 2803 WL 22416416 (N.D.CaL))
Only the Wesdaw citation is currently available.
United States District Court,
N.D. California.
Antonio DI GIOVANNI, Plaintiff,
V.
CHEVRON CORPORATION LONG-TERM
DISABILITY PLAN ORGANIZATION, a
Delaware
corporation, and its Plan Committee, Defendants.
No. C-02.2835 SC.
Oct. 20, 2003.
Employee brought action challenging termination
of long-term disability benefits under Employee
Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plan.
Employee and plan administrator moved for
judgment on administrative record. The District
Court, Conti, J., held that decision to terminate
benefits was abuse of discretion.
Plaintiffs motion granted and benefit claim
remanded.
[1] Pensions it)=139
296k139 Most Cited Cases
Decision to terminate employee's long-term
disability benefits under ERISA plan would be
reviewed by District Court for abuse of discretion,
since plan reserved for administrator discretionary
authority to determine eligibility for benefits or to
construe terms of plan. Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, § 2 et seq., 29
U.S.C.A. § 1001 et seq.
[2] Pensions 4C=126
296k126 Most Cited Cases
ERISA plan administrator's decision to terminate
long-term disability benefits of employee was abuse
of discretion; administrator departed from plan's
delineated guidelines, by failing to notify employee
of investigation to terminate his benefits, failing to
ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S
CROSS-MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE
RECORD AND DENYING
DEFENDANTS' MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON
THE RECORD
CONTI, J.
I. INTRODUCTION
*1 This action arises out of the ChevronTexaco
Long-Term Disability Plan Organization's and its
Plan Committee's ("Defendants" or "Plan
Organization") termination of Antonio Di
Giovanni's ("Plaintiff') long term disability
("LTD") benefits. Plaintiff brought this action
seeking reimbursement and reinstatement of his
LTD benefits pursuant to Employee Retirement
Income Security Act (ERISA) § 502(a)(1)(B). Both
parties have filed motions for judgment on the
administrative record. Having reviewed the record
and all the papers submitted by the parties, and for
the reasons articulated below, the Court grants
Plaintiffs cross-motion for judgment on the record
and denies Defendants' request for judgment on the
record.
II. BACKGROUND
The events leading up to this case are too lengthy
and detailed to be given a complete rendition. The
Court will do its best here to summarize the relevant
facts. Like many companies, ChevronTexaco offers
Copr. © West 2004 No Claim to Orig. U.S. Govt. Works
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PO Box 5084
Walnut Creek CA 94596
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Deluxe Corporation 1-800-328-0304 or www.deluxe.com/shop PRINTED IN U.S.A.
V1 ST.ORG VETERANS FIRST
CHARMED INCORPORATED • • • • • • • ,
Children's Health Advocacy, Research, Medical Education and Development, Incorporated
MAILING
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
2070 North Broadway, #5084
2975 Treat Boulevard, Suite B2
Walnut Creek, California 94596
Concord, California 94518
Office: (925) 933-3357
Facsimile: (925) 239-8883
URGENT FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION
Day / Date Friday, 3 March 2023
To THE HONORABLE DOMINIC ALIANO
Title Mayor of Concord, California
Company CITY OF CONCORD
Address 1950 Parkside Drive, MS/01
City, State, Zip Code Concord, California 94519
Telephone Number
Facsimile Number (925) 798-0636
Facsimile Subject CITY OF CONCORD GRANT PROGRAM
Total Number of Pages Transmitted 9
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FAX ( TX)
# DATE START T .' RECEIVER COM. TIME PAGE TYPE/NOTE
001 MAR/03 _ 12:24 19257980636 Q:04:46 MEMORY OK
TILE
ECM 3537
ViST ORG al , VETERANS FIRST
C.H.A.R.M.E.D INCORPORATED
Children's Realth Advocacy, Resestolip Medical Zducation and Development, Incorporated MAILING PHYSICAL ADDRESS
2070 North Broadway. #5084 2975 Treat Boulevard, Suite 132 Walnut Creelc, California 94596 Concord, California 94518 Office: (925) 933-3357 Facsimile; (925) 239-8883
URGENT FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION
Day / Date Friday, 3 March 2023
To THE HONORABLE DOMINIC ALIANO
Title Mayor of Concord, California
CITY OF CONCORD Company
Address 1950 Parkside Drive, M8/01
City, State, Zip Code Concord, California 94519
• Telephone Number . .
Facsimile Number (926) 798-0636
Facsimile Subject CITY OF CONCORD GRANT PROGRAM
Total Number of Pages Transmitted 9
ADDITIONAL MESSAGE
An original copy of this transmission will be sent under separate cover An original copy of this transmission will NOT be sent under separate cover Transmitted as an FYI (For Your Information Only)
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From: Christian Arana <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 6, 2023 11:05 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Eduardo Garcia <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment In Support of American Rescue Plan Funds for Monument Impact March 6, 2023
Concord City Council
Civic Center
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
Dear Concord City Council Members:
On behalf of the Latino Community Foundation, California’s sole philanthropic organization focused on unleashing the civic and economic power of Latinos in the state, I write in support of the proposal to fund Monument Impact’s Families Recovering Program with $1.5 million of American Rescue Plan resources.
Emerging research has demonstrated that a guaranteed basic income, especially for those who are parenting young children, can mitigate and prevent the crises caused by income volatility and provide the security and ongoing family economic stability needed to achieve increased economic mobility. This work is more important today in the face of rising food, gas, and rent prices hitting cities like Concord.
Monument Impact is a trusted organization in the region, and it is why the Latino Community Foundation has long supported their leadership and advocacy in the community. Last year, they became a vital partner of ours to ensure the equitable distribution and implementation of the American Rescue Plan.
We hope, and know, their work in implementing this initiative will bear fruit for the community.
About the Latino Community Foundation
The Latino Community Foundation is on a mission to unleash the civic and economic power of Latinos in California. We fulfill our mission by building a movement of civically engaged philanthropic leaders, investing in Latino-led organizations, and increasing civic and political participation by Latinos in California. To date, we have invested more than $25 million to build Latino leadership in the state.
With respect,
Christian Arana
Vice President of Policy
Latino Community Foundation
____________________________________
Christian Arana (he/him/his), Vice President of Policy
Latino Community Foundation | [email protected]
235 Montgomery St., Ste. 1160, San Francisco, CA 94104 | T: 415-236-5145 Follow Us! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram
From: Dan Dorsett <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 6, 2023 2:37 PM
To: Ezell, Justin <[email protected]>
Subject: Request for tomorrow's council meeting
Hi Justin,
Hope you are doing well. I know a lot has been said about this award list being recommended. Is it possible to add this and send it to the council members? I will be attending tomorrow’s meeting to share the story behind this request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dan Dorsett
Executive Director / Cofounder
Address:
649 Main St Suite 102-142
Martinez, CA 94553
Training Center:
880 Howe Rd Suite F
Martinez, CA 94553
Contact us:
www.feetfirstnp.org
The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient specified in the message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party, without the written consent of the sender. If you received this message by mistake, please reply to this message and follow with its deletion, so that we can ensure such a mistake does not occur in the future.
Feet First Foundation. 880 Howe Rd Unit F. Martinez, CA 94553. www.feetfirstnp.org. 833-339-9111 Dan Dorsett
Feet First Foundation
649 Main St Suite 102
Mail Stop # 142
Martinez, CA 94553
March 6, 2023
Concord City Councilmembers
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
Re: ARPA Nonprofit Grant Award Recommendations
Dear City Councilmembers:
Hope your day is going well. In 2019, your council awarded a City Proclamation for the work that Feet First Foundation does for children. Councilmember Obringer visited the Feet First program in schools and found the program helping at-risk youth.
The story behind the foundation has a lot do with a man that took a chance on a 8 year old little girl. In 2019, I met Ray Mitchell with the Terrapins Swim Team. At the time, I had my daughter 5%. I explained to him I do not have custody for her to swim, no means to pay, and the mother will not approve her swimming. Mr. Mitchell wrote a letter to the courts that opened doors for not only my daughter, but for my family. I understand you have made your recommendations for this grant; however, my story is real. If it was not for Mr. Mitchell, I would not have my daughter or son. The courts could not believe that Mr. Mitchell offered my daughter a lifetime scholarship to pursue her dreams to be an Olympic swimmer. Since Mr. Mitchell did this for my daughter Aubrielle, she has met UCLA Swim Team and Coach (invitation by UCLA), competed at Junior Olympics, National Swim Meets, Trained with Olympic Athletes, and most of all swimming has helped with her mom leaving her behind. I can’t tell you how much swimming has changed the direction of my daughter, she has straight A’s, and is top of her class. She understands the importance of being a good teammate and person to other kids at school and in her community. I am asking that you find a way to allow more stories like this for other kids like Aubrielle who had nothing, surviving a broken home, and abandonment. I understand many organizations applied for this grant, please consider the facts: without the Terrapins Swim Team
Feet First Foundation. 880 Howe Rd Unit F. Martinez, CA 94553. www.feetfirstnp.org. 833-339-9111 my family would not be where we are today helping kids struggling with mental health.
Currently, my daughter has a letter from the Olympic Committee and that is all because of Mr.
Mitchell taking a chance on my daughter. The funds that are available would help other at-risk kids like Aubrielle. If Mr. Mitchell said, I can’t help you, there would be no Feet First Foundation. This program showed me that anyone from any background can make their life great. Being a single parent now 24/7 on my own has required to have a village, and that village for my daughter is the Terrapins organization. Please hear my testimony as this is real as it gets.
The pandemic had a significant effect on the health and well-being of youth in California and across the United States. My kids who I have full time now was able to manage their life all because of the Terrapins family and culture they provide year-round. I know her swimming will have her have less anxiety and depression which can have implications for mental health later in life. Thank you for allowing me to share and hope you reconsider the Terrapins for funding.
Very truly yours,
Dan Dorsett
Executive Director
From: Ezell, Justin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 6, 2023 4:27 PM
To: Barone, Valerie <[email protected]>; McAuley, Wendy <[email protected]>; Fockler, Joelle <[email protected]> Subject: Re: ARPA nonprofit grant information requested by Vice Mayor Birsan
This email is being shared with all Councilmembers.
Council, please note that the below information was shared with all councilmembers (not just the ad hoc committee).
- Justin
Justin Ezell
Assistant City Manager
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
(925) 671-3155
[email protected]
From: Ezell, Justin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 6, 2023 4:15 PM
To: Barone, Valerie <[email protected]>; McAuley, Wendy <[email protected]>; Fockler, Joelle <[email protected]> Subject: ARPA nonprofit grant information requested by Vice Mayor Birsan
This email is being shared with the ARPA Ad Hoc Committee.
Vice Mayor Birsan,
You requested to know which two organizations were unable to make their interview for the ARPA nonprofit grant; the two organizations were:
Community Violence Solutions
La Clinica de La Raza, Monument Medical
My understanding is that the Ad Hoc was able to learn more about the La Clinica proposal via the second La Clinica interview (there were two La Clinica proposals).
You also asked for an overall rating sheet containing the scores of all the applicants. That information is found as Attachment 2 to the staff report found at the link below (see the last column showing combined scores).
https://stream.ci.concord.ca.us/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/Supporting%20Docu ment%20for%20-%20%20-%20Attachment%202%20-
%20Award%20Recommendations%20(15282).pdf?meetingId=939&documentType=Agenda&itemId=152 82&publishId=19456&isSection=false
Regards,
-Justin
Justin Ezell
Assistant City Manager
City of Concord
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
(925) 671-3155
[email protected]
From: Denisen Hartlove <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 6, 2023 9:45 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter to City Council in Advance of 2/7/23 Meeting re ARPA Grant Funding
Dear Mayor Hoffmeister and Members of the City Council,
My name is Denisen Hartlove. In addition to being a 26 year long proud resident of the City of Concord, and a member of the Board at Rainbow Community Center, my husband Jay and I are parents to two amazing kids – Max and Em. Max is 17 years old, attends Clayton Valley High (GO UGLY EAGLES!) with a current GPA of 4.0, and is a musical theater and dance performer.
Em is a graduate of Clayton Valley High School, works as both an EMT and a professional tattoo artist in Chicago, and is a newlywed getting ready to move back to Concord.
Both of our children are also transgender/gender non-conforming. I’m writing to you as their mom.
December came out as gay, then as transgender, before newspaper headlines and Facebook posts were as full as they are today of families announcing their childrens’ newly realized LGBTQ+ status. He was bullied mercilessly in middle school. School administrators did nothing to help as he was ostracized. As his parents, we were in a panic over what to do while our teen became increasingly depressed and at times suicidal.
That was where the Rainbow Community Center stepped in. They offered acceptance and support groups for Em, so many resources, and a community for our entire family.
The Rainbow Community Center was founded in 1995, long before our family needed their support. Since then, the world has changed in so many ways. We see tweets, Facebook posts, social media influencers sending messages of support for kids like ours every day.
Nevertheless, LGBTQ+ children remain at risk in so many places throughout even our own communities.
The RCC offers invaluable help to families like ours. Programs include summertime Camp Fierce for 3rd through 9th graders, a social and support group for parents of transgender and gender non-conforming youth, programs to help house homeless youth, as well as education for corporations on how to be accepting and inclusive of their LGBTQ employees and communities.
Sadly, these efforts can’t be offered without financial support. And that’s why I’m writing to you today.
I learned recently that the American Rescue Plan Act offered a total of seven million dollars to be awarded to various organizations that serve the citizens of Concord. Twenty-two groups were selected by Mayor Hoffmeister and Councilmember Aliano of the Ad Hoc Committee to receive these monies.
Surprisingly, given our Council’s verbal support of the LGBTQ community, annual Pride flag raisings, and attendance by City leaders at openings and fundraising activities, our application to receive funds was denied.
I was disappointed to hear this news. Appearances, flag raisings, and symbolic shows of
support are appreciated, but not nearly enough to help the LGBTQ+ community and families like ours who live in Concord.
As your constituent, I’m asking for you to fulfill the Rainbow Community Center’s request of $270,604 to sustain and grow the truly life saving youth and family programming we offer.
Please take a moment to consider the safety of our children and the wellness of families with LGBTQ+ young people in deciding which organizations the City will invest in.
I am a proud mom to two LGBTQ+ children, a longtime resident of the great City of Concord, and a person whose family has joined in with Rainbow Community Center to help make the world a safer, more inclusive space for families like ours. As such, I can assure you that this grant award would significantly contribute to the success of this goal.
Your offering this financial support is a worthy investment for the families of the City of Concord.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Denisen Hartlove
--
The Hartlove Family
925-673-1966 (Home)
925-408-7901 (Denisen)
925-408-3557 (Jay)
From: Valerie Crowell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 9:02 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: ARPA funding
I am writing today in my capacity as a Director at the Rainbow Community Center.
Last fall, RCC applied for a portion of $7,000,000 in federal funding for non-profit organizations through the American Rescue Plan Act.
We applied for funding to support several of your youth programs, including Camp FIERCE, the little Unicorns and our Parents and Guardians of Trans and Gender non conforming youth.
I was surprised to learn that the city found none of these programs worthy of funding. Not one. The City funded 22 other organizations but couldn’t find any funding for the Rainbow Community Center. According to my math each of the organizations is receiving an average of $318,000. We asked for $270,000. I’m shocked that our city couldn’t see fit to fund our programs that serve our most vulnerable.
RCC has been serving the community in Concord for 28 years. I’m at a loss as to why the city has chosen to ignore our request for funding through the ARPA.
Homelessness is a scourge affecting our entire society, yet it disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ youth, with 28% of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Programs that support those youth help alleviate some of the factors that contribute to that housing instability. RCC provides that.
LGBTQ+ youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Youth suicide is a scourge enough on it’s own but to be battling a statistic like that is daunting. Programs like the programs provided by RCC help kids through the rough patches and maybe even save a kids life.
82% of transgender youth have considered taking their own lives and 40% have attempted it. I have friends whose children killed themselves because they could not comprehend where their space was in this world. Transgender people are under attack from the GOP. They are being demonized nightly on the evening news. This week Tennessee Governor the unprecedented step to ban drag shows, which we know is not the same thing, it is in the eyes of the bigot. RCC provides services to these kids.
I would ask the city to reconsider their position as the work that RCC does is vital to our community.
--
Valerie Crowell She/Her
Director
DONATE HERE
Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County
2380 Salvio Street, Suite 301 Concord CA 94520 | 925-692-0090 x X www.rainbowcc.org
OUR VALUES: Authenticity. Bravery. Education. Healing. Liberation.
From: Cherise Khaund <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 9:19 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 9. a Considering - a recommendation from the ARPA Ad Hoc Committee
Dear Concord City Council,
As a Mt Diablo School Board member and parent, I'm writing to thank you for all the support you are planning to give to local nonprofit groups through the ARPA funds, and to ask you to consider funding one additional organization in that list: Rainbow Community Center.
Rainbow Community Center requested $270,604 to sustain and expand youth programming, including; Camp FIERCE, summer camp for rising 3rd-through 9th graders Little Unicorns, new program for youth ages 7-11
support and advocacy of local GSAs
& most prolific social and support group, Parents and Guardians of Trans and Gender Non Conforming Youth.
This support is needed now more than ever, as bullying has increased in our schools at the same time as elected representatives are proposing bills nationwide to limit LGBTQIA+ youth access to healthcare, education and human rights.
Here in Concord, our community and schools depend on the Rainbow Community Center to build a sense of community, reducing the rate of suicide/suicide ideation as well as anxiety, depression, etc for LGBTQIA+ youth. Any contribution the City of Concord can make towards these efforts will greatly help in supporting the wellbeing of these youth and their families.
Sincerely,
Cherise
Cherise Khaund
MDUSD School Board Trustee
www.mdusd.org
"Together We Can" ¡Todos juntos sí se puede!
Connect: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Pronouns: she / her / hers (what's this?)
From: Melitta Rorty <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 10:31 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: City of Concord funding for non-profits (Rainbow Community Center)
Dear Concord City Council: I am one of the co-founders of Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County, and I am writing to you to express my disappointment that the City of Concord did not fund Rainbow’s youth programming, and in fact the City of Concord did not fund any LGBTQI+ programming. Rainbow Community Center is the only LGBTQI+ center in Contra Costa County, and services for youth are needed now more than ever, for the many reasons outlined in Rainbow’s proposal.
In my many years of working with Rainbow, I have had the great honor to observe firsthand the benefits of support for Rainbow youth and their families. For example, the group Parents & Guardians of Trans and Gender Nonconforming Children is a long-running program that allows parents to come together in support and allows children to be free to be their authentic selves amongst their peers. And a parent whose child attended Camp Fierce in 2022 told me it was the first time her child was able to attend camp, and her child was uplifted to be in a free and supportive environment. These benefits for the neediest youth are incalculable.
I hope that you will reconsider your funding priorities and address the needs of LGBTQI+ youth in Concord.
Sincerely, Melitta Rorty
From: Kent Sack, MD <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 11:10 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]; Kelly Ferguson <[email protected]>; Melitta Rorty <[email protected]>
Subject: ARPA GRANTS PROCESS
Dear Concord Councilmembers and ARPA Ad Hoc Committee Members:
I am sharing my support of the Rainbow Community Center's ARPA grant.
The information and outcomes accrued from scientific studies over the past decade provide solid evidence that toxic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACES) in family, school and community life can be devastating to youth and adolescent development. Unless interrupted during these formative years, a lifetime of disabling physical, emotional, academic and social problems may result. The probability is greater in LGBTQIA+ youth whose development may be outside family and school sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) norms.
Toxic stress is an important background issue in the many challenges faced by PRIDE youth. The Rainbow Community Center (RCC) here in Concord has established well attended programs to support wellness in kids and their families. It is structuring new programs to expand healthy and happy growth while simultaneously diminishing the traumas of growing in adverse environments. Providing programs to break continuous stress, as provided by RCC, are proven beneficial in mitigating abnormal childhood growth. These expanded and new programs need external funding to become a reality. Concord's ARPA granting project for non-profit City agencies was identified as a possible resource. RCC's application placed just below the cutoff point for the many deserving 501.c.3s in Concord.
I urge reconsideration of the Ad Hoc Committee's denial of the Rainbow's grant request for PRIDE youth programming with the prompter that generous loving, hugging and praise of ALL kids is an investment with high well-being returns for our society in both the near and distant decades.
Thanks for considering my comments and b/well,
Kent L. Sack MD
Retired Concord pediatrics, HIV and family medicine MD
Volunteer MD - Concord and Richmond Rotacare Free Clinics Board Treas - Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation
Charter Director - Rainbow Community Center
--
Sincerely,
Kent Sack, M.D.
From: Holly Tillman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 12:53 PM
To: Concord City Council Email <[email protected]> Subject: Rainbow Community Center's request for ARPA funds
Good afternoon, Mayor Hoffmeister, Vice Mayor Birsan, and Councilmembers Alioto, Obringer, and Nakamura.
I am writing in regards to agenda item 9a, and requesting you reconsider rejecting the Rainbow Community Center’s (Rainbow) grant request for ARPA funds for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Rainbow requested $270,604 to sustain and expand their youth programming, including; Camp FIERCE, a summer camp for rising 3rd-through 9th graders Little Unicorns, a new program for youth ages 7-11
their support and advocacy of local GSAs
& their most prolific social and support group, Parents and Guardians of Trans and Gender Non Conforming Youth.
Their overall application advocated for building community, reducing the rate of suicide/suicide ideation as well as anxiety, depression, etc. for LGBTQIA+ youth.
As a member of the Clayton Pride Parade committee (for which Rainbow serves as fiscal sponsor) and parent of LGBTQIA+ children, I have seen first-hand the positive impact Rainbow has had for our youth in the community and lives are literally being saved. In the past two weeks alone I have been assisting families whose trans children are being bullied in Concord/MDUSD schools. Rainbow’s expertise is a vital resource for our county that should not be overlooked when tallying up a rubric. As an elected official I understand the difficulties of separating emotions from the decision-making process, but as fellow marchers with me and other local-electeds in the Clayton Pride Parade, and as allies for our LGBTQIA+ community please reconsider allocating ARPA funds for the Rainbow Community Center during your discussion tonight.
I would also ask that you consider granting funds to those entities doing business in Concord first, then allocate funds to entities from other neighboring cities. Perhaps this will shift the rubric scores so Concord non-profits aren’t penalized.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards,
Holly
Holly Tillman
LGBTQIA+ Parent
Clayton City Councilmember
From: Jamee Longacre <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 2:37 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Comment - Agenda Item 9a ARPA Committee Disbursement Results
City Clerk - Please include with tonight's agenda packet:
Good evening Concord City Council -
I am writing to ask for you to please review the recommendations of the groups being considered to receive funding from ARPA. I saw the page with how the groups were ranked based on their scores by Hoffmeister and Aliano (out of a possible 100), but the actual scoring sheets were not released. I question how some groups were deemed better for the community, or in most need of funding, over the others that applied.
It seems in the title that the spirit of the disbursement of funding should have gone to non-profit groups that were needing help recover to pre-pandemic levels, or get a leg up to continue their mission that was briefly paused due to pandemic downturns during 2020 and 2021. A dollar can go a long way for several of the groups that applied, but unfortunately it looks like some pet projects are receiving large pieces of the pie.
For example:
The Concord Heritage Society (Application 14) is recommended to receive almost a half of million dollars for a project that has been sitting dormant for over a decade - long before the pandemic was here. Of the funds, they would like $64K for landscaping, $37K fencing, $69K concrete walkways, $64K on irrigation, $55K on paving, plus more expenses. Concord will never get their ROI for these facilities. Five other groups that applied on the list could receive full funding with greater impact to the community rather than creating a whole new outside for some buildings.
Visit Concord (Application 67) is recommended to receive $200K in funding for planning and marketing for events. Reviewing their balance sheets as part of their applications, their group has several thousand dollars in the bank, and already received PPP Loan Forgiveness in the amount of $115K. This group seems to be doing OK already with their funding and seems like this is case of 'Concord helping Concord out'.
I am glad to see, for example, the Mindful Life Project and Monument Impact groups receiving funding. Those groups will continue to support our residents in a city where Families Come First. I wish that groups supporting youth activities such as the Concord High School Instrument Band, the Rainbow Community Center, and MDUSD enrichment programs were able to receive greater consideration.
If there is a chance to please reconsider this report tonight, please do.
Thank you-
-Jamee Longacre
Concord Resident and Voter
From: Nicki Gwizdak <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 2:40 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Regarding The Community Youth Center (CYC)
To Whom It May Concern,
I came to CYC 20 years ago as a parent. At that time, CYC had only 2 buildings and approximately 400 students. Since that time, CYC has grown to 4 buildings, a soccer field and has just about 2000 students.
My own family has benefitted from what CYC has to offer. Between my children, I have been involved in 6 sports, Recreational and Competitive. As a family on a strict budget, we could not have done any of that without a facility such as CYC.
I began coaching at CYC in 2005. As a coach, I have watched more students than I can count, start their time at CYC at the age of 3, and grow into mature, well-rounded young adults. Many students go on to volunteer in classes and at events. Most of our coaches are former CYC students.
Our coaches work tirelessly to provide an atmosphere that teaches students respect for others and themselves, passion for their chosen sport/s and what it takes to accomplish their goals. We also work very hard to bring in the funds needed so that every student has the opportunity to succeed in their given sport whether in a Recreational class, on a Competitive Team or in Academics.
--
Thank you,
Nicki Gwizdak
CYC Head Gymnastics Coach
925-771-5923
From: Sara Tucker <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 2:44 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public comment item 9.a
To the members of the city council of Concord,
I serve on the board of Rainbow Community Center and I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, as is one of my children. We have resided in Contra Costa County since 2005. I am a foster care social worker, serving some of the most vulnerable children in the Bay Area.
In my personal and professional life, I have seen the need for supportive services for LGBTQIA+ youth rise in our county, our state, and our country. Rainbow Community Center is a crucial service provider in this area for these youth, providing a sense of safety and belonging.
My child has participated in clinical services and youth drop-ins with RCC, connecting with both professionals and peers who understand his struggles of being a queer kid facing bullying and discrimination at school and in the community. The connection with Rainbow has helped him to become a vocal advocate for others while embracing his own identity. He is greatly looking forward to participating with Camp Fierce in some capacity this summer.
Additionally, being connected with RCC has allowed me and my wife to meet other members of our community, providing additional stability and friendship for us.
I am writing to ask you to please consider funding the RCC grant request for youth services. Given the turbulent times and discrimination the LGBTQIA+ community has been facing, particularly in the last couple of years, supporting the youth program at RCC will send a strong message about how welcoming and affirming the city of Concord is.
Thank you,
Sara Tucker she/her
Board of Directors
Rainbow Community Center
2380 Salvio Street, Suite 301, Concord, CA 94520
Main office: 925-692-0090
www.rainbowcc.org
From: Jenn <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 2:51 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: CYC Letter
To whom it may concern,
Community Youth Center of Concord has been such a positive factor in our lives! They have become our second family and my kids would not have had the opportunities to grow and find their passion without CYC in our community.
Attached is a letter of how CYC has impacted our lives as a Bay Area and Concord resident.
Thank you,
Jennifer Diepstraten
Jennifer Diepstraten March 7, 2023
1766 Oakmead Dr
Concord, CA 94520
(925)849-2067
[email protected]
Community Y outh Center,
Our family has been a member of CYC for the last eight years. Our time at CYC has given our kids opportunities they would have never had anywhere else.
Our daughter started at CYC at the age of three, attending Gymnastics and Soccer classes. Over the years she has participated in Dance (ballet and tap), Taekwondo, and Cheer. CYC has given us the opportunity to try out many di
fferent sports and find where our kids' interests were. This is not something we would have been able to do anywhere else. The cost of the program and the variety of di
fferent types of activities offered at CYC is unlike anything else around.
This is our daughter’s fourth year on CYC’s competitive cheer team. She has found her passion. She loves cheering at CYC and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. The amazing coaches and staff make this a true Cheer Family! And seeing as we spend so much of our time together (at the gym four days a week plus many weekends throughout the year at competitions and traveling) it is SO important to feel connected to not only other families but the sta ff as
well. We have all made lifelong friends at CYC!
Our son also attends CYC and has gained so much from his time there as well.
He was able to try out different sports and found his home with the Wrestling program. He didn’t start wrestling until right after the pandemic started. We were very impressed at how CYC handled COVID guidelines and took precautions. He is in his third year of Wrestling and truly enjoys going to every class.
Our son has also attended a few of the non-sports related activities that CYC has held. In one such class they were creating a vision board. It was because of this class that was able to learn about and
find a college he wants to attend.
He has never given much thought to life after high school (a little scary for us considering he is a senior this year) but he now has a goal and a plan on how to achieve that goal! He has also attended various classes building some basic life skills, such as automotive maintenance. It is a little sad for us to know that he will be eighteen soon and aging out of the programs o ffered at CYC.
We are more than grateful for everything that CYC has to offer not only our family but our community as well.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Diepstrate
From: Lindy Johnson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 2:53 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment - ARPA
Good afternoon,
On behalf of the East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC), an advocacy organization representing hundreds of local employers, and the Contra Costa Economic Partnership (CCEP), I write to express our support for the ARPA Ad Hoc committee’s recommendations. We are excited to see local organizations - including Earn and Learn - receive these grant funds and look forward to seeing how they help our community thrive.
Thank you for allocating these funds to great organizations directly serving concord residents.
We look forward to continued partnership.
Thank you,
Lindy Johnson
Policy Director
From: Kelly Ferguson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 2:55 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Parisa Zamanian <[email protected]>; Laura Cartwright <[email protected]>
Subject: Statements from RCC Youth for ARPA Funding Consideration
Hello,
Below please see direct quotes from Rainbow Community Center youth who chose to add a perspective and their voice to the issue of funding allocation for ARPA by City Council. We are sending quotes on their behalf to protect their personal information from being visible. Thank you,
Kelly
Tori, 17 years old and Valedictorian at Mt Diablo High School
"I first learned of opportunities for LGBTQIA+ in 2019, when I first started high school. Though I had known I was queer for years before that date, I was not aware of the programs, events, and other possibilities that were open for people like me. At first, I was shy. I spoke when needed but kept quiet otherwise, worried about what other people had thought of me. Then, I realized an obvious truth. Those who came to these programs were like me and I had no reason to be afraid. They've gone through similar struggles and successes, and they were here for the same reason: this was a place where they could be themselves. I stopped overthinking, knowing that if there was anywhere I could be free with no fear of consequence, it would be here.
I later became a camp counselor for the LGBTQIA+ summer day camp called Camp Fierce. It was here where the campers (and the counselors too) had become open and true to themselves. Conversations on gender and sexuality were spoken as casually as one would talk about the shows they enjoy watching. There was no fear of rejection in this space, and they were well aware of this, taking advantage of the opportunity they were given, meeting people from different backgrounds, but shared the same sentiment for LGBTQIA+ community: we were all equal. I wonder if I had been aware of these programs from an earlier age, would I even have had the fear I had in the first place?
Quinn, local High School Student
"Hello, my name is Quinn and I am a queer youth living in contra costa county. I’ve identified as LGBTQ+ since about 2016, and as Trans since about 2019. I’ve experienced a lot of harassment and isolation due to this fact, but eventually I was able to find a sense of community, and a large part of that was through Rainbow Community Center. At the center I’ve been able to make new friends and grow closer with old ones, while also learning and understanding more about myself. I am lucky enough to have an accepting family, but many people aren’t, and I’ve heard many stories about people dealing with a lack of acceptance finding home in RCC. I ask you to please allocate funding to this amazing organization and helping youth just like me find community and home."
--
Kelly Ferguson She/Her
Director of Development
DONATE HERE
Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County
2380 Salvio Street, Suite 301, Concord CA 94520 | 925-692-0090 x 5 www.rainbowcc.org
OUR VALUES: Authenticity. Bravery. Education. Healing. Liberation.
From: Alexis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 3:44 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: CYC
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my profound gratitude for the Community Youth Center (CYC) 's support throughout my journey. At the tender age of eight, I discovered CYC and was thrilled to learn about its offerings. Despite residing in Bay Point, I commuted to Concord, where the facility was, to participate in its programs and sports.
Initially hesitant, my mother encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in these programs for my overall well-being. Through Taekwondo, the first- ever sport I attended at CYC, I learned the meaning of discipline and staying focused on the task at hand. With time, I attended additional programs such as boxing, strength, and conditioning, where the coaches instilled invaluable lessons that I have carried throughout my journey.
Moreover, CYC has been instrumental in my educational journey. Whenever I faced academic challenges, the center's tutors provided assistance with homework and meaningful projects. Without their help, I could not have succeeded academically. The AE program, in particular, has been vital to my progress from elementary through high school.
I am forever grateful to CYC for its unwavering support through both good and challenging times. The center provided me with a sanctuary where I could escape the trauma I faced back at home and in my neighborhood. I am continually amazed at the Benched Correspondence (Received
After 3 p.m. on March 7, 2023)
Agenda Item No. 9.a
March 7, 2023
generosity of CYC and its commitment to serving the Concord community and those less fortunate.
Thanks to CYC, I have not only succeeded academically but also attended Diablo Valley College and currently attend San Francisco State University, where I major in Theater/Theater tech. I continue to apply the CYC value system of sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, honor, respect, desire, dedication, and discipline in my daily life, giving back to my community and loved ones.
In conclusion, the impact that CYC has had on me is immeasurable, and I am confident that its influence will continue to positively impact current and future members. Once again, thank you for providing a safe haven where young people like me can thrive and reach their full potential.
Sincerely,
Alexis Zaragoza Diaz
From: Xintli Rivera <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 3:47 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: CYC
To whom it may concern,
My name is Xintli Rivera and I am a twenty-year-old who has attended CYC for over a decade. I came to CYC as a three-year-old after my family’s social worker referred us and helped us get started. I started through the gymnastics program then went off to Boxing and finally ended up in cheerleading in which I found a love for the sport. As many know, cheerleading is a very expensive sport nationwide, so it was a relief to learn that CYC was a nonprofit organization that gets funds from donors. Coming from a low-income family this was something attainable for my parents. I witnessed a lot of my own friends pass away or go routes that I could’ve easily became a part of. But CYC has been a great distraction and kept me from going through the wrong paths in life. Throughout my childhood, I never received the resources I needed to excel in different aspects of life. Growing up with dyslexia and high-functioning anxiety was hard and I wasn’t able to get help in school. This led me to act out causing a lot of anger issues and anxiety attacks throughout my childhood. Thankfully CYC had plenty of resources that helped me cope in healthy ways.
Something that really pushed me to change my ways of thinking were my coaches. If I did not have the grades that meant there was no cheerleading. Another thing they taught me was discipline in myself and to not dismiss my abilities. Due to the resources at CYC, I was able to go from a 2.0 all the way to a 4.3 and graduate with honors thanks to the discipline and academic center that gave me tutoring. As many know tutoring can be very expensive and was surely something that my parents could not afford for me growing up, so this was a big help. I know
you guys will probably read a lot of these but I cannot emphasize how much this place has impacted me. I went from someone who thought they were not meant for school and sports to someone who found peace and joy in something that I thought was not made for people like me.
Through my time in cheerleading, I have gone to Disney World and competed at ESPN a total of three times. I have also gone to Vegas, southern California, and Arizona. I never even thought I would leave the Bay Area. To add to all the wonderful ties I have to this facility I have also been working at CYC for a total of four years and also coach cheerleading. I have found my love for helping youth and am now aiming for a bachelor’s in Psychology and hopefully, a master’s in Counseling. Thank you for giving me the time to talk about CYC and I hope this gives you an idea of what this place means to people like me.
Sincerely,
Xintli Rivera
To whom it way concern,
.
At the Community Youth Center we empower local youths by cultivating transferable life skills through academic and athletic performance. We are passionate about creating a safe environment to develop dedication, discipline, desire, and the confidence to pursue excellence in all endeavors. Our vision at the Community Youth Center has always been to provide the young people in our community the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and academic support regardless of economic means. In today’s world, that vision has taken on extra meaning and importance. In order to meet our vision, we have created an institution that provides high quality academic and athletic programs with no financial barriers for all young people.
Before attending the CYC as a soccer student in 2014 I was just like any other high school student who had nothing to do after school. My mother saw this problem and enrolled me at CYC without my knowledge until my first day of soccer class. Of course I was very hesitant, anxious, and nervous because I had no information about what my mother got me into, but as soon as I entered and finished my soccer class, I knew I wanted to stay at CYC as long as possible. Not only were my coaches knowledgeable, certified, and would eventually becomes my future mentors, but my classmates and future friends were the most welcoming, friendliest, and supportive bunch of people I have ever meet! Through out my years as a student, not only have I substantially improved my soccer skills, but I also gained life skills as well such as: an ability to communicate details in a clear, cohesive, manner, and have multiple effective collaborations with my colleagues. When I transitioned into becoming a soccer coach at CYC, I carried those same skills with me and used them to create newer, attitional life skills as well such as: becoming a positive role model for team participants, students and the community, exercising self-control
and patience in every interaction with utmost professionalism, and the opportunity to teach a range of sport-specific skills in a clear, safe manner.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and seek to remove the barriers that prevent many young people from participating in activities that help create well rounded adults.
Our programs emphasize character, discipline, and respect through dynamic and challenging classes. We encourage our members to try several different programs, building flexibility, strength, self esteem and confidence as they participate. Our academic centers provide subject specific tutors, study strategies, and time management skills. As our members grow in academic success, so does their confidence. Through the development of mind and body, our members create infinite possibilities for their future.
Sincerely,
Steven Andrade
Alicia Nicks
1179 Raymond Dr
Pacheco, CA 94553
(707)599-7393
[email protected]
March 7, 2023
To Whom It May Concern,
Nine years ago I moved to the East Bay with my family and began the process of trying to find activities to put my children in. In searching around I started to get discouraged because I was priced out of pretty much every activity I could find. Until my neighbor highly recommended the Community Youth Center of Concord (CYC) and I am forever grateful to her for that. Once I looked further into the different sports offered in addition to the affordable price point, I knew that we would be members for quite a long time.
Our CYC journey began with my son, he didn’t know what he was interested in but I knew I needed to find him something that would peak his interest and keep him active. So, we started trying out a couple of different sports. First, he tried taekwondo and eventually switched over to wrestling.
Unfortunately, he isn’t a member anymore due to his lack of interest in athletics in general, but I was thrilled that there was a place for him to try out a few different things and it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. Another added bonus was that there was no long term commitment for him.
As soon as my youngest turned three years old we started enrolling her in activities at CYC as well. She has taken classes in dance (tap/ballet), soccer, gymnastics, wrestling and a few years ago she found her passion in cheer. Now my daughter is in her fourth year on one of CYC’s competitive cheer teams. In addition to practice, she takes a tumbling class, flyers class, a strength and conditioning class and gets private lessons from one of her fantastic coaches twice a month. We are at CYC four days a week, you would think that would be enough, but it's not! She eagerly awaits the two Fridays a month she can go to an open gym that is hosted by the cheer program. She has also attended several summer camps for cheer. She absolutely loves being at the gym and spending time with her CYC family, whether it is hanging out before, after or during her activities or while we are on the road at their competitions. It is truly that, a family.
Not only does the Community Youth Center of Concord have a great selection of classes to choose from but they also care about their members as a whole. The staff and coaches are so kind and helpful. Every interaction I’ve had with any member of the staff has been positive. And I am so impressed by how they try to learn of all the members' names, so they can address them personally. It really makes you feel like your child is a part of their family.
In addition to everything I’ve said above, I love that kids can come here and get help with their schoolwork. Although my children have never utilized the AE (Academic Excellence) programs I have always been thrilled that it was there as an option. Tutoring is expensive and not all families can afford to get their kids that kind of help so I think it is really special that CYC offers that to their members.
I could go on and on about why I love the Community Youth Center of Concord, in fact I kind of did! But this center plays such a pivotal role in our community. In a time when things were uncertain and crazy, CYC remained a constant in my family’s lives. The staff at CYC did an amazing job pivoting when everything closed down due to the Covid pandemic and found a way to continue to foster the love of sports in the lives of the children they serve.
Without the awesome programs offered here I can honestly say my kids wouldn’t have had the opportunity to try out different sports to see what would light a spark in them.
I love how the staff here continues to try and introduce new activities for its members, from adding new sports, like flag football to offering enrichment classes, like cooking and auto maintenance in addition to fun events like the Trunk or Treat and showcases. I really would be elated to see the gym continue to expand and bring more extracurriculars to the communities they serve.
I regularly pass on the very same recommendation I received many years ago from my neighbor to anyone that I can. CYC is worth checking out, as it offers so much to our youth and at such a reasonable price that you cannot find anywhere else. There truly is no other place like CYC.
Sincerely,
Alicia Nicks
From: Anmol Awasti <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 4:27 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Community Youth Center
Whom it may concern,
I have been going to cyc since I was 4 and I am 14 which means I have been going to cyc for 10 years. While being there i have done many sports. I’ve done soccer, cheer, gymnastics, taekwondo, judo, wrestling, dance, boxing, two hand touch football, and work out classes. Right now I am doing cheer and two hand touch football. I have two coaches in cheer and one in football and all three of them have taught me very important lessons. I’ve learned how to be respectful, responsible, listen, learn fast, and never stop after failure. Having the AE room as a resource is amazing. Being able to get help right away was also nice when I had very little time to finish homework and needed the answers quick. The tutors were very nice and always made sure I understood what I was learning. Cyc has shaped me into a better person everyday.
From,
Anmol Vilass
From: Jonathan Hx Lee <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 4:31 PM
To: Concord City Council Email <[email protected]> Cc: Carlyn Obringer <[email protected]>; Nakamura, Laura <[email protected]>
Subject: Urgent re: Support of Concord's Rainbow Community Center's request for ARPA funds
Hello Mayor Hoffmeister, Vice Mayor Birsan, and Councilmembers Alioto, Obringer, and Nakamura,
I hope you are doing well. I know many will speak in support of the Rainbow Community Center's request for ARPA funding, so I will not reiterate the direct services that Rainbow provide to the BIPOC LGBTQQIA+ youth of Concord. Instead, I'm writing to express my support for the Rainbow Community Center's request for ARPA funds. Rainbow provides much needed services that focus on improving the lives of BIPOC LGBTQQIA+ residents in Concord and beyond. Many of them are BIPOC LGBTQQIA+ youth. The services they provide—direct and tangential—are a lifeline for many.
While I know there are many worthy non-profits who applied for ARPA funding, I do believe there are enough funds for a racially and economically equitable distribution of those funds. I hope you all reconsider allocating and awarding the Rainbow Community Center's request and communicate to the BIPOC LGBTQQIA+ community in Concord that you care. This is the only LGBTQQIA+ nonprofit in Concord (and East Contra Costa County) that serves residents who are historically underserved and underprivileged and unfortunately, under attack.
Please show your support for the LGBTQQIA+ community, in particular the BIPOC members.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Lee
--
I'm multitasking and parenting, so please excuse the brevity, spelling and punctuation. ***
Jonathan Lee, Ph.D.
Pronouns: he, him, his
Professor
San Francisco State University
Department of Asian American Studies
1600 Holloway Ave, EP 103
San Francisco, CA 94132
Office: 415-338-2279
Fax: 415-338-7593
Cheddar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEcWBiV5ids
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ARPA Nonprofit Grant
Award Recommendations
Justin Ezell
Assistant City Manager
March 7, 2023
1
Background on ARPA
2 •American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
• $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package
• Signed into law on March 11, 2021
•Concord received a $27 million allocation
• One-time funds must be obligated by Dec. 2024, spent by Dec. 2026 • Approximately $8 million immediately appropriated
• $19 million was reserved for future appropriation
Public
Participation
Process for the
$27 million
3 Date Description
August 2021 First public meeting
January 2022 Community surveys
February 2022 Community meetings
April 2022 Council meeting
May 2022 Formation of Ad Hoc Committee
September 2022 Council meeting
November 2022 HED meeting
February 7, 2023 Council meeting
Allocation of the $27 million ARPA Funds
4 • Community outreach $0.111 million
• CORE Team $0.183 million
• COVID testing for City employees $0.35 million
• Small business relief program $1 million
• Replacement of lost revenue $6.4 million
• Support for the Unhoused $3 million
• Support for Small Businesses $2 million
• City Projects, Public Safety, and Special Events $7 million • Support for Nonprofit Organizations $7 million
$8 M
$19 M
Support for Nonprofit Organizations
5 •Funding in the amount of $7 million
•Distribute one-time funding through grant program for
housing and non-housing projects and programs
• Concord-serving, tax-exempt organizations as set forth by IRS • Grants to be $50,000 minimum and $2,000,000 maximum
• Utilization of a simplified CDBG style application
• Ad Hoc Committee to review and rank applications, recommend awards • Ad Hoc to use Council adopted ranking and scoring criteria
Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation Process
6 •Total of 73 applications; three deemed ineligible
• Two did not provide services to Concord residents
• One was not a tax exempt organization
•Ad Hoc directly interviewed 68 of the organizations
• Two organizations were unable to participate in the interview •Ad Hoc members independently scored each organization’s application using criteria adopted by the City Council
Eligibility Criteria
7 •Organizations must be organized and operated exclusively for tax-exempt purposes as set forth in Internal Revenue Code •Only projects and programs that benefit Concord’s residents were considered
Scoring Criteria
8 •Total of 100 points
•Criteria adopted by Council on September 27, 2022
Ad Hoc Recommendations
9 Bay Area Crisis Nursery - $75,000
• Funding to add Staff in order to expand the program.
Friends of Camp Concord - $180,000
• The funds will provide pre-COVID level scholarships to underserved populations of school aged students to attend camp at Camp Concord through the Friends of Camp Concord program. It will also expand programming to include high school youth and young adults.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
10 White Pony Express - $200,000
• The funds will support The Food Rescue Program to increase by 12,000+ pounds of surplus food daily and supply it to needy neighbors at no cost.
The need for services has continued to grow, so more funds are needed to address food insecurity and decrease waste and provide more equitable access to healthy and organic food. This program will assist businesses and the City in compliance with new, unfunded State law (SB 1383) regarding edible food recovery, and help to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
11 Cancer Support Community - $50,000
• The funds will help Cancer Support Community expand capacity for free psychosocial, integrative care for people facing cancer and their loved ones.
This includes counseling, support groups, nutrition, exercise, emergency financial assistance and patient education programs including special programs for teens and children. This will keep cancer support services accessible for all, including those from underserved communities.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
12 Community Youth Center - $1,500,000
• The funds will be used to help fund renovations of the Former Big C building which was donated to service Concord youth through the CYC programs. This will allow program expansion to serve more youth and add swimming and basketball programs to the CYC offerings. All entitlements have been completed and building permits are in process.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
13 Blue Devils Performing Arts - $100,000
• The funds would solely go to support Concord area participants in participating in elementary/middle school drum corps (ages 8-14), high school aged drum corps (ages 15-18), developmental disabilities (special needs) color guard (ages 12 and higher), and the Diablo Wind Symphony (ages 14-22) program. The funds will allow bringing more local/Concord participants into the programs and add a new drumline for participants with developmental disabilities (special needs), as well as an elementary based music program to supplement MDUSD district programs.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
14 La Clinica Monument Medical Project - $58,000
• This project will fund the purchase and installation of a lactation pod, freeing up an exam room, for both patients and staff as well as new exam tables and vitals monitors & stands for La Clínica’s medical clinic at La Clínica Monument.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
15 Meals on Wheels, Diablo Region - $700,000
• The Breakfast Bag Program will provide a total of 51,800 breakfast meals over the 18-month grant period (7/1/2023 – 12/31/2024). The Cultural Cuisine Program will provide a total of 49,000 Latin American inspired lunch/dinner meals over the 18-month grant period (7/1/2023 – 12/31/2024).
Ad Hoc Recommendations
16 La Clinica Monument Optometry - $500,000
• This funding will allow the purchase of a combination retinal and optical coherence tomography camera, which will enable La Clínica to monitor patients for changes with more accuracy and efficiency. Secondly, a new Medical Assistant will be funded to increase ability to schedule patients and take images. Finally, the funding will cover uninsured patient fees for this imaging test ensuring no patient is unable to access care due to cost. La Clínica anticipates reaching 7000 patients with an eye screening.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
17 Visit Concord - $50,000
• Funding the launch of Accessible Concord program (autism friendly/sensory sensitivity) is for 9 trained hotel locations (plus new construction locations as they come on-line), equipped with sensory kits with at least 5 of these properties offering program-specific room rates. Over 1000 families will be served.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
18 Mt. Diablo Education Foundation - $58,000
• Funding will support MDEDF and Exploring New Horizons to provide 300 disadvantaged Concord students with a life-changing week of outdoor education. The funds will help with transportation, travel, consulting, and program fees.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
19 Concord Historical Society - $496,000
• The project aims at completing the Concord Heritage Center construction and restoration and securing it as a safe place for people to gather. The projects include landscaping, irrigation, secure fencing, painting, walkways, and lighting. In addition, the new History Museum needs modern fixtures and equipment. The funding will also allow the Galindo Home and the History Museum to be open and staffed (versus having to reduce the number of days open to the public.)
Ad Hoc Recommendations
20 Visit Concord / Creative Concord - $200,000
• The funds will be used to create dynamic Creative Concord (public murals, music, and related activities) events for 2023 and 2024. Funds for this will include purchasing supplies, materials, programming, marketing, and advertising, and project management. The project will increase visitors to Concord and resident access to arts and cultural experiences.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
21 Mindful Life Project - $111,000
• The funding will allow MLP to continue to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of students and educators through direct service programming at El Dorado Middle School and Meadow Homes Elementary School, and to add three new schools (i.e. one middle and two elementary) in Concord to the Mindfulness 360 hybrid program which is a virtual and in person service.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
22 Japanese American Religious and Cultural Center - $215,000 • This funding will support building renovations and the creation of a 1-hour documentary film with interviews of the elders in the community and their history with the City and organization. The documentary will show footage of the Festival and the various other activities and community events that happen throughout the year and culminate in a showing of the film and a ceremonial event.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
23 Leaven Kids - $105,000
• Funding for Leaven Kids after school program (K-5) to expand impact on children at the Virginia Lane site in Concord to help them recover from the academic impacts of COVID-19. Funding will allow for adding two additional days of programming per month (equal to an additional month of programming per year). Funds will also go towards technology equipment and supplies, the quarterly community events, and a new van for transporting children. Leaven Kids emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) and Healthy Learning Eating Active Learning (HEAL) initiatives.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
24 Monument Impact - $1,500,000
• The funds will launch a limited duration guaranteed income program which will disperse $500 dollars a month for a year supporting approximately 120 community members from families in Concord. All participants will be low income, priority will be given to families with children 12 or younger. In addition, initial emergency cash awards of up to $2,500 will be available to help stabilize families facing past due rent or bills at the onset of the limited duration program. This project will include collecting and analyzing data to evaluate the program’s impact.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
25 Yours Humanly - $213,000
• This grant will be used to improve reading proficiency of 4,216 children in Concord’s 10 highest needs elementary schools (Cambridge, El Monte, Fair Oaks, Holbrook, Meadow Homes, Mountain View, Sun Terrace, Westwood, Wren, and Ygnacio Valley) (Concord Early Literacy Project). The two major activities for this project are 1) add English language and bilingual books to school classrooms and libraries and 2) implement “Family Literacy Nights” which are school-wide events that bring all students and their parents to campus for an evening of family time and reading fun, capitalizing on the benefits of parent engagement which has been identified as a large contributor to children’s success in school.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
26 Dentists on Wheels - $200,000
• The grant will eliminate the waitlist for Dentists on Wheels services in Concord. With this funding, capability to provide free dental services will increase. New equipment purchased with the grant will enable being able to serve three times more patients by creating their own crowns and bridges immediately onsite, thus eliminating outsourcing and required second visits. With this additional equipment the clinic will be able to serve three patients per hour rather than one, thus serving patients that are on the waitlist, which currently includes over 450 patients.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
27 Contra Costa Economic Partnership - $200,000
• The funds will help to develop and implement a program geared towards career exposure and work-based learning activities to help young Concord residents connect to quality careers with local employers. The program will include a series of in-person field trips (8 total from 4 targeted industries:
manufacturing; allied health; information technology and communications; building trades), as well as a virtual guest speaker series (8 each from each of the 4 sectors – 32 total guest speakers).
Ad Hoc Recommendations
28 Futures Explored - $150,000
• The grant funding would help support adult Concord artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving them the opportunity to acquire new skills and generate income using creative arts. The project will facilitate the development and sale of artwork at the Artist Den at 1913 Salvio Street through the purchase of new art equipment tools and technology, including 3D printers. It will host gallery exhibits, artistic events and activities, in collaboration with other organizations such as the Concord Chamber of Commerce and Visit Concord.
Ad Hoc Recommendations
29 Diablo Ballet - $139,000
• The funding will support a list of activities slated for 2023-24. Diablo Ballet will also provide and enhanced PEEK (Performing Arts Education & Enrichment for Kids) program which serves Title-I schools and at-risk teenagers incarcerated at Juvenile Hall and John Muir Hospital in Concord.
Funds would increase educational activities, including service to over 750 Concord residents each year. Funding will also cover 20 spaces each for Concord residents in the Diablo Ballet School and the Dance for Parkinson’s classes (dance therapy support).
Action Item
30 Adopt a Resolution authorizing disbursement of $7 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to nonprofits and
authorizing the City Manager to execute grant agreements with awarded nonprofits in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
Photo credit: Diablo Gazette
Council Questions and
Public Comment
31 ARPA Grant Award Recommendations