Advice
Keep Safety in Mind for That Winter Walk at East Bay Regional Parks
Public safety personnel and equipment may not be able to respond easily to emergencies due to road and trail conditions, The Richmond Standard reported. The majority of East Bay Regional Parks have been closed since Jan. 4 due to recent storms and conditions. Only some shoreline and delta parks are currently open. See list at EBParks.org.
PARK IT
By Ned MacKay
Because of the series of heavy storms that have battered the region in recent days, this is a good time to emphasize winter season safety measures for park visitors.
According to the Richmond Standard, the East Bay Regional Parks District is urging the public not to enter closed parks or areas with caution tape due to storm-caused safety hazards such as downed trees, falling branches, flooding and mudslides.
Public safety personnel and equipment may not be able to respond easily to emergencies due to road and trail conditions, The Richmond Standard reported. The majority of East Bay Regional Parks have been closed since Jan. 4 due to recent storms and conditions. Only some shoreline and delta parks are currently open. See list at EBParks.org.
Entering closed parks not only risks your safety, but also those of first responders.
“Help keep yourself and first responders safe by staying out of closed parks,” East Bay Regional Park District Fire Chief Aileen Theile told The Richmond Standard. “It may not seem unsafe, but the dangers and the potential for injury or loss of life are real.”
Anyone entering Regional Parks when closed is subject to citation or arrest for violation of the Park District’s Ordinance 38.
Here are some safety tips for winter activity in the parks:
- Check the weather before you go. And go with a friend, so someone can seek help if there’s an emergency. If you go alone, be sure to tell a responsible person where you are going and when you will be back. Then inform them when you have returned. In an emergency, call 911 or 510-881-1121, 24 hours a day.
- Be prepared for changeable weather. Dress in layers, carry extra warm clothing, and wear sturdy footgear. It’s better to carry clothing you may not need than it is to need clothing you do not have.
- Bring a map and stay on the official trails. Don’t take shortcuts on unmarked paths. Maps can be downloaded from the park district website, www.ebparks.org.
While you are on the trails, watch for rockslides, fallen trees and any other hazards. The rangers try to keep on top of these situations, but there are many trails and there’s likely to be considerable storm damage. Abide by any signs warning of closure or dangers and cooperate with instructions from park district staff.
- Take a snack for an energy boost. A thermos full of a hot beverage works well, too.
- Trails will likely be muddy. Leave a pair of dry shoes in the car, along with a cardboard box for those muddy boots.
- For up-to-date information on park hazards and closures, click on “Visit a Park” at the top of the home page, then click again on “Alerts & Closures.”
With the new year comes the 30th annual outing of the East Bay Regional Park District’s always-popular Trails Challenge program. It’s free of charge, fun for all ages and levels of ability, and easy to join.
The goal is to complete any five Trails Challenge trails or 26.2 miles (same distance as a marathon) of non-challenge trails. Record the trail names and distances and submit your log to reservations@ebparks.org by Dec. 1, 2023. You’ll be rewarded with a 2023 Trails Challenge pin, while supplies last.
The program is a great way to become reacquainted with familiar regional parks or explore new ones. It’s also an incentive for enjoyable and healthy outdoor exercise.
You can download the Trails Challenge guidebook at ebparks.org/TC. It contains a list of 20 trails, graded as easy, moderate or challenging. There are trails open to hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and dog walkers. Trails Challenge 2023 also offers increased accessibility, with trails that are usable by people with mobility limitations.
Here are some examples. There are easy hikes listed for Bay Point Regional Shoreline in Bay Point and Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline in San Leandro.
For a moderate hike, there’s a trail at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County, and one at Lake Chabot near Castro Valley.
Challenging hikes include trails at Morgan Territory north of Livermore and Wildcat Canyon in Richmond.
Besides the detailed trail descriptions, the Trails Challenge guidebook contains useful information about trail safety, etiquette, and essential equipment.
The 30th Anniversary Trails Challenge program is made possible by support from Kaiser Permanente and the Regional Parks Foundation.
The cultural history of the Ohlone Peoples is the theme of a program from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in the visitor center at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve with naturalist Kristina Parkison.
Drop by the Ohlone cultures informational table to learn about the rich culture and thriving present-day lifestyle of the first people who lived in what is now the park.
Sunol Regional Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road, about five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle; the program is free of charge. For information, call 510-544-3249.
With the rains come mushrooms and other fungi. Learn more during a naturalist-led “Funky Fungi” program from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.
Find out why mushrooms grow in circles, why mushroom rings have been historically associated with fairies, and other mushroom lore. Then make your own fairy craft.
The program is free of charge and registration is not required. Ardenwood admission fees apply.
Ardenwood is at 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., just north of Highway 84. For information, call 510-544-2797.
“Old Skool Skillz” is the title of a program from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the Environmental Education Center in Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley with naturalist Anthony Fisher.
Make an elderberry flute and gain appreciation for the accomplishments of the first people to inhabit the lands of the East Bay and beyond.
The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive, accessible via Canon Drive from Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley. For information, call 510-544-2233.
Topics related to the ecology of the Delta will be explored during a hands-on, naturalist-led “Afternoon Adventure” program from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Big Break Regional Shoreline near Oakley. The program is free, and registration is not necessary.
Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 510-544-3050.
It’s a good idea to check the park district website before heading out, to be sure your park is open. And stay safe when out enjoying the parks. For a full list of activities and programs planned in the regional parks, visit www.ebparks.org/things-to-do.
The Richmond Standard contributed to this report.
Advice
Mortgage Rates Are Dropping: What it Means for California Homeowners and Homebuyers
The Federal Reserve (the Fed), the U.S.’ central bank that dictates interest rates, continues to indicate that a potential rate cut is on the horizon. Not only can this impact affordability for prospective buyers, but it could be advantageous for current homeowners that are locked into higher interest rates. But, what does this all mean? Chase Bank answers some of your questions as it relates to prospective homebuyers and homeowners:
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
Homeownership is more than just a lofty American dream—it’s how many can build generational wealth. For the Black community, 90% of wealth gains come from homeownership, meaning that owning a home continues to be a crucial method for Black and Latino households to build and accumulate wealth.
The Federal Reserve (the Fed), the U.S.’ central bank that dictates interest rates, continues to indicate that a potential rate cut is on the horizon. Not only can this impact affordability for prospective buyers, but it could be advantageous for current homeowners that are locked into higher interest rates.
But, what does this all mean? Chase Bank answers some of your questions as it relates to prospective homebuyers and homeowners:
What role do interest rates play in buying a home?
Mortgages respond to market conditions, including the Fed’s monetary policy. As interest rates climb, so do the interest on new mortgages and mortgage payments. Conversely, if rates fall, so does the interest on mortgages. So, buying at a lower rate can save you money in mortgage payments.
Should I wait to buy a home once interest rates fall?
Timing the market perfectly is not only challenging, but near impossible to do. While we hope the Fed will cut rates this year, it’s never guaranteed. Lower interest rates can save you money, but they’re not the only factor affecting affordability. So, instead of focusing on perfectly timing the market, we recommend leaning into what you can control: being financially prepared to buy a home.
Outside of readying your finances for homeownership, you can look for options that can lower costs and promote savings such as low down payment mortgages, down payment assistance programs and grants. And don’t forget you always can buy a home now and refinance in the future once rates drop.
How do I prepare myself to buy a home in this current environment?
We not only want consumers to attain homeownership but to sustain it. That’s why it’s important to understand what exactly you can afford before getting into the market. There are a variety of resources to help you prepare financially for buying a home to see how much you can afford in the areas you’re looking to buy, compare loan options and obtain a free credit score. You’ll also want to start compiling all of your necessary documents for pre-approval, such as W2s, bank statements, income documentation, etc.
What about the down payment? Do I need to have 20% of the home cost saved up?
Most first-time home buyers are singularly focused on saving for a down payment. However, long gone are the days of putting down 20% of the purchase price – low down payment loan options are available with some requiring as low as 3% down. Plus, there are a variety of incentives and grants that can lower your costs. For instance, Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $7,500, where eligible, to help with the interest rate, closing costs, and the down payment. These grants are offered in low- to moderate-income communities and neighborhoods that are designated by the U.S. Census as majority-Black, Hispanic and/or Latino.
Should I only work with one lender for my mortgage?
Studies show that 45% of borrowers who shopped around for mortgages received lower offers. Make lenders compete for your business – many have varying fees and closing costs that can add up. Also, interest rates can fluctuate daily, so lock in your rate with your lender if they offer that option for extra peace of mind.
I’m an existing homebuyer. How does a rate cut impact my situation?
It can be a good time to refinance when interest rates are going down, especially for those with rates above or at 7%. For current homeowners looking to refinance, we advise them to keep their end goal in mind as they consider whether refinancing makes sense for their personal situation. Work with your local advisor or using a Refinance Savings Calculator to understand when it makes sense for your specific situation to refinance.
Why should I refinance when rates are lower?
When interest rates are lower, you may be able to refinance your loan for a shorter term without seeing much of a change in your monthly payment. Even if your payments are higher, you may see significant savings over the life of your loan by making fewer interest payments. For example, you may decide to refinance a 30-year loan into a 15-year loan. While it has higher monthly payments, you’ll pay the loan down faster and pay less in interest.
Whether we’ll see a rate cut or not, there are many tools for first-time homebuyers and experienced owners to keep homeownership affordable and sustainable. For more information visit Chase.com/afford to start your journey, invest in your future and save in the long run.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy.
Deposit products provided JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
© 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Activism
Leading with Action, Love and Data Points: Six Questions for the California Black Women’s Collective
“Black Women in California have always had to be active participants in the labor market, but this report showcases the need for fair and just wages even for those of us with higher educational attainment,” said Kellie Todd-Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Black Women’s Collective.
By Edward Henderson | California Black Media
The California Black Women’s Collective (CABWC) is a sisterhood of women from different professional backgrounds aiming to uplift and address the issues impacting Black women and girls in the state. They approach problem-solving with a range of expertise — from politics, business, and community advocacy to the arts, entertainment, social justice activism, and more.
Earlier this month, the organization released a wage report focused on Black women’s earnings in California titled “Pay Me What I am Worth.”
“Black Women in California have always had to be active participants in the labor market, but this report showcases the need for fair and just wages even for those of us with higher educational attainment,” said Kellie Todd-Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Black Women’s Collective.
“Black Women in California wages are below the state mean wage and make less than most of their female counterparts in every category,” continued Todd-Griffin. “We must take action now.”
CABWC’s Black Girl Joy Festival is an event designed to uplift Black Women and Girls in a safe space while learning and having fun. The festival includes free workshops that prepare women for college, dancing, self-defense training, health screenings, yoga, arts & crafts, and food vendors.
The Collective’s Empowerment Institute, launched in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based research firm EVITARUS, produces the annual California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey.
California Black Media spoke with Todd-Griffin about the organization’s impact, challenges it faces and some of its near-term plans.
What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?
The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s uplifts the issues and voices of Black Women and Girls in California through our programming. That includes the Black Women’s Worker Initiative that helps Black Women prepare for public section and non-traditional careers. Other initiatives are the CA Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate program at CSU Dominguez Hills; Black Girl Joy Festival for middle and high school students; Conversations for Black Women, etc. Our targeted research also uncovers solutions to the toughest challenges Black women and girls face.
What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?
We released the first-ever California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This study collected insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their economic state, most pressing concerns, their attitudes toward policymakers, and their experiences and issues in California.
In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Black Californians, especially Black Women, continue to be left out of the conversation when it comes to building meaningful change to improve the lives of those who struggle the most.
What was your organization’s biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge over the last year was transitioning from a volunteer driven entity, the California Black Women’s Collective, to creating a non-profit organization, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute.
Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?
Absolutely!
How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?
We are on all the social media channels. They can also visit our website, www.CABlackWomensCollective.org.
Activism
The Silent Struggle of Pregnancy Loss
It is a tragedy that Black women’s odds of pregnancy loss are much higher than the general population. It’s even more tragic that there is a Black woman reading this article who has experienced pregnancy loss and has suffered in silence. There are an array of feelings associated with pregnancy loss, and women often feel alone and isolated in these feelings believing that no one understands what they are going through.
By Narissa Harris, LMFT
The topic and contents of this article may be difficult for some readers. Yet, it is of paramount importance to shed light on the silent struggle of pregnancy loss experienced by countless women.
During the holiday season, we often assume everyone is in a festive, happy mood. However, this time of year is filled with mixed emotions and can be especially difficult for Black women, who are 2-3 times more likely to experience a pregnancy loss compared to other women. Pregnancy loss (the death of an unborn baby/fetus during pregnancy) is experienced by 10-15% of women and doubles to 20-30% for Black women. Additionally, Black women are 3 times more likely to have a stillbirth in comparison to other women.
It is a tragedy that Black women’s odds of pregnancy loss are much higher than the general population. It’s even more tragic that there is a Black woman reading this article who has experienced pregnancy loss and has suffered in silence. There are an array of feelings associated with pregnancy loss, and women often feel alone and isolated in these feelings, believing that no one understands what they are going through.
Whether you are aware that someone has experienced pregnancy loss, or you have experienced pregnancy loss yourself, we must be sensitive and supportive to the women in our lives during this time of year. I encourage the following:
#1 – Don’t ask a woman about her uterus!
Yes, I know this is blunt and harsh, but it is important to be mindful of the trauma that may be triggered when asking a woman when she plans to have a baby. I will never forget being at a holiday party when a family member asked me when I was planning on having kids, unaware that I experienced my 3rd pregnancy loss just 6 weeks prior. It was triggering, upsetting, and annoying. While my husband and I were eventually blessed with 2 healthy children, I share my experience to reiterate the immediate and long-term harm caused by these types of invasive inquiries.
#2 – Connect with a supportive community!
If you are someone who has experienced a pregnancy loss or know a woman who has, it is vital to connect with a safe and supportive community even when everything is telling you (or that woman) to isolate. While no one in the chapter knew that I was dealing with pregnancy loss at the time, my connection with the Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists (Bay-ABPsi) served as a healing and uplifting space for my grief/loss. I learned from Baba Dr. Wade Nobles, who describes babies as divine and the closest beings to God. I want you to remember that connecting with our spiritual community and ancestors can offer healing and support.
#3 – Never lose hope!
To the women who have experienced pregnancy loss, it’s easy to believe that a successful pregnancy will not happen but keep the hope. Take the time you need to grieve and release the baby (or babies), allowing your womb to heal. View the lost pregnancy in terms of a spirit with a Divine purpose, even if it was short-lived, with you being the vessel for that Divine purpose. Believe and prepare for your baby, who will survive and succeed beyond the womb to fulfill their Divine purpose!
Bay ABPsi is a healing resource committed to providing the Post Newspaper readership with monthly discussions about critical issues in Black Mental Health. Readers are welcome to contact us at bayareaabpsi@gmail.com and join us at our monthly chapter meetings every 3rd Saturday via Zoom.
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