Dear Friends,
This Monday, April 22 marks Earth Day, an opportunity to celebrate the health of our environment and to reflect on how our society and daily actions can preserve our planet’s health for future generations.
Communities across our own Assembly District 18 are getting the party started early on April 20, hosting events like the California Climate Action Corps’ Community Action Day in Oakland, Alameda’s Crown Beach Clean-up, the Shoreline Clean-up in Emeryville, and many others included in Section 1 of our newsletter. What began as a labor of love from environmental activists across the country has grown into an international movement to put the health of our environment and community first.
And our elected officials are listening. This year I was proud to introduce AB 2851, a landmark bill that sets new environmental standards on metal shredding facilities – keeping harmful emissions contained, and preserving clean air for some of California’s most vulnerable communities. Additionally, my office introduced AB 2535, with support from the National Resource Defense Council, to shift funding from California’s diesel fuel tax towards investments in zero-emission shipping. This is critical to protecting communities near the highway, like Oakland Chinatown, East and West Oakland, and Alameda from semi-truck pollution that force many residents to breathe some of the highest levels of diesel emissions in the state.
California plays a leading role in protecting Earth’s future. I encourage you all to volunteer in our district’s upcoming Earth Day events listed below, and I hope to see you all there in person as we give back to our community and our planet.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
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Section 1: Earth Day Community Events
Section 1A: California Community Climate Action Day in Oakland
Join us for Community Climate Action Day in Oakland on April 20, 2024! This event and celebration is in recognition of Earth Day and is organized by California Volunteers, the Office of the Governor, the City of Oakland, HandsOn Bay Area, and various community partners.
Sign up and participate in one of many Earth Day events at venues like Lake Merritt and the Rotary Nature Center and with community organizations like Acta Non Verba, and the Oakland Academy of Knowledge. For questions, please email info@cv.ca.gov. We look forward to seeing you out in the community!
Where: Oakland
When: Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Section 1B: City Oakland Earth Day Interactive Event Map
On Saturday, April 20, the City of Oakland's Environmental Services Stewardship Team is celebrating an early Earth Day in Oakland with environmental volunteer events such as tree plantings, weeding and pruning, and habitat restoration across the city. Volunteers can also pick up litter, remove graffiti, and participate in other service events!
With over 50 Earth Day activities happening across Oakland, there are numerous opportunities to help beautify The Town, advocate for greater environmental health, and learn more about how to keep our communities thriving for future generations.
These events include:
I Heart Oakland Estuary Cleanup
When: Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Jack London Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero, Oakland
For more information contact maryspicer222@gmail.com, text (510) 283-4224, or click here.
Clinton Park Clean-up with Trybe
When: Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Clinton Park, 655 International Blvd, Oakland
For more information contact Chien Nguyen at Chien@oaklandtrybe.org.
California Writers Club Circle
When: Sunday, April 21, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Joaquin Miller Abbey, 3081 Joaquin Miller Rd, Oakland
For more information contact wir.cwc.berkeley@gmail.com or click here.
And many more! See the full interactive map of Earth Day 2024 events near you here.
Section 1C: 6th Annual Old Oakland Creative Expo
Stop by the 6th Annual Creative Expo in Oakland! The event features a wide variety of vendors and businesses including 20 Oakland creative industry and community collaborators, 30 Old Oakland restaurants and merchants, 12 OUSD schools, and hundreds of OUSD and Peralta Colleges students.
When: Saturday, April 20 from 12 - 5 p.m.
Where: 9th and Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Section 1D: Emeryville Shoreline Earth Day Clean Up April 21, 2024
Looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day and beautify the community? Look no further – come on out to the annual Emeryville Earth Day Shorebird Park Cleanup any time from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Snacks and refreshments are provided, we look forward to seeing you out there!
When: April 21 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: W Frontage Rd & Access Rd, Emeryville
Section 1E: Alameda Earth Day Crown Beach Clean-up
The East Bay Regional Park District is hosting a spring volunteer clean-up event at Crown Memorial State Beach to celebrate an early Earth Day and give back to the environment. Materials will be provided, but bringing your own bucket and gloves is encouraged. For general information, call the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove at 510-544-3187.
When: Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Crown Memorial State Beach Main Parking Area: 8th and Outis Drive
Register to participate in the Crown Beach clean-up.
Section 1F: Alameda's Spring Shindig
Enjoy fun for the entire family at Alameda’s annual Spring Shindig celebration. Celebrate an early Earth Day at Alameda Point Gym and Field with games, crafts, community vendors, bounce houses, food and much more!
When: Saturday, April 20, 12 - 3 p.m.
Where: Alameda Point Gym and Field: 1101 West Redline Avenue, Alameda
To learn more about the event, contact the ARPD team at 510-747-7529 or at arpd@alamedaca.gov.
Section 1G: Alameda Bike Festival 2024
Stop by Love Elementary School Saturday, April 27, for Alameda’s Bike Festival, including free cycling activities like bike repair, helmet fittings and giveaways, bike rodeos, and food trucks. The event will feature craft stations and workshops teaching kids how to ride a bike, family cycling, and urban cycling tips for adults and teens.
When: Saturday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Love Elementary School Blacktop, 2025 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda
Register for a workshop or learn more about Alameda’s Bike Festival here.
Section 2: State of California Resources and Grants
Section 2A: California Association of Veterans Service Agencies Grant
Over the next three years, the California Association of Veterans Service Agencies has over $2 million in grants to increase the representation and involvement of Veterans Communities in the development and implementation of statewide local mental health programs, policies, and legislation.
Learn more about the California Association of Veterans Service Agencies Grant.
Section 2B: California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s Order to Sigue Corporation to Cease Money Transmission Activity
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has announced that it has entered into a consent order with Sigue Corporation. The order requires Sigue to cease all money transmission activity in California. Sigue is a licensed money transmitter operating in the state and maintains its headquarters in Sylmar, California.
Consumers with outstanding, unpaid transactions with Sigue should visit dfpi.ca.gov/sigue/ to learn more and are encouraged to submit a complaint to the DFPI to assist in tracking unpaid transactions. Consumers without internet access may call (866) 275-2677 to receive a complaint form by postal mail in English or Spanish.
Learn more about the Sigue consent order here.
Section 2C: Affordable Connective Program (“ACP”) until May 2024
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides internet service discounts to low-income households, is ending due to exhausted federal funding.
Enrolled households will continue receiving credits until May 2024, but at a reduced amount in the final month. Constituents should contact their internet provider to explore low-cost plans, different service packages, or plan cancellation options.
View more information on the Affordable Connectivity program here.
Section 2D: Housing and Community Development Community Needs Survey
California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is updating California’s fair housing plan, also known as the Analysis of Impediments (AI) to fair housing choice. Hearing the lived experiences of Californians is crucial to building a comprehensive housing plan that meets the needs of residents where they live.
HCD is encouraging Californians to participate in their Community Needs Assessment survey to identify the state's housing, community development, and supportive service needs. Additionally, it helps determine where HCD should spend resource allocations, and the program activities and supportive services communities need the most.
Share your housing story today. The deadline to submit is May 1, 2024.