Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& M AY 2021
CONTRA COSTA FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER: CONNECTING THE ENTIRE COUNTY IN A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
By Jody Morgan
Hurt, terrified, confused, and in despair, victims of interpersonal violence (IPV) find safety, healing, and hope at the Contra Costa Family Justice Center. By creating a collaborative county-wide network of government, law enforcement, and non-profit agencies, the Center coordinates services victims need beginning
“BIG COOL STUFF” EXHIBIT AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY
The local Museum of the San Ramon Valley has reopened! The staff has gone into its archives and selected a fantastic array of eclectic items for your enjoyment. Never before or rarely seen treasures from the Museum’s collections will be on display. Some are BIG, some are COOL, and some are BIG and COOL, but all are interesting! This unique one-of-a-kind exhibit will run from April 24-June 6. The Museum’s hours are Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon -3PM. Please wear a mask when visiting, and observe social distancing. There will be limited capacity, per county restrictions. Please visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750 for more details. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville.
INDIAN LETTUCE
By Wally De Young, Board member and Outreach Chairman for the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, and docent for Mount Diablo State Park
Staff and Board members gathered for a chance to relax and relate in a 2018 backyard picnic. Photo courtesy of the Family Justice Center.
with immediate crisis intervention and continuing through long-term recovery. Clients participate in developing innovative programs based on their needs and aspirations, thereby empowering them to maximize their personal strengths. As victims become victors, the entire community becomes a better place to be. Launched in 2011 as a pilot program in a substation of the Richmond Police Department, the Contra Costa Family Justice Center incorporated as a non-profit in 2015. That year, the Central County Center opened in Concord, and the West County Center moved to a permanent Richmond location. In 2019, the East County Center opened in Antioch. Providing the same level of services and resources, all three centers welcome clients from throughout the county. Each year, more families are discovering this free one-stop solution to finding safe housing, legal aid, healthcare, and a supportive community. In 2015, the Centers served 1,217 families with 1,027 children. In 2020, 4,444 families with 3,421 children received help. Danville resident Elizabeth Premazzi joined the Family Justice Center Board after learning about the Center’s work from fellow Board member Diane Burgis, Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor. “I always wanted to be a part of a group that makes a difference in peoples’ lives,” Elizabeth says. She is especially motivated by cases involving children. “They are the most vulnerable.” Interpersonal violence is a
See Justice continued on page 8
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
“We ask people to never refer to this as miner's lettuce.” ~ Vincent Medina Claytonia perfoliata is a familiar and somehow comforting sight along shady areas of the trail, especially while soils are damp in springtime, earning its nickname, “spring beauty.” Most of us have become accustomed to calling i t “m i n e r s l e t t u c e ,” as it was a common fresh green providing vitamin C to miners in California during the Gold Rush to help prevent scurvy. But B e r k e l e y ’s Café Ohlone co-founder Vincent Medina is quick to set the record straight. “It seems so unfair to give miners all the credit of this delicious food when it’s
See Lettuce continued on page 16
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XXI Number 5
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News Instagram:@AlamoandDanvilleToday
Volume XII Number 5
The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.