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In brief: Author to discuss ‘Why We Swim’ in Walnut Creek library event

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In brief: Author to discuss ‘Why We Swim’ in Walnut Creek library event

WALNUT CREEK

Author to discuss ‘Why We Swim’ in virtual library event

The Walnut Creek Library Foundation’s “Live! From the Library” series will host journalist and author Bonnie Tsui as she shares stories from her recent book, “Why We Swim.” Tsui will detail the evolution of human swimming from learning for survival to testing our limits, and will highlight swimmers from around the world. Free and open to the public, this virtual event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 9. Reservations can be made online at wclibrary.org/live or by phone at 925-935-5395.

Tsui, a swimmer herself, dives into the deep in her book from the San Francisco Bay to the South China Sea, investigating what seduces us to water, despite its dangers, and why we come back to it again and again. Tsui says swimming is an introspective and silent sport in a chaotic and noisy age that is therapeutic for the mind and body and an adventurous way to get from Point A to Point B. It’s also one route to that elusive, ecstatic state of flow. She offers an immersive and unforgettable perspective on swimming — and of human behavior itself.

Tsui attended Harvard University, where she rowed crew, snowboarded and graduated magna cum laude in English and American Literature and Language. In addition to authoring books, Tsui is a longtime contributor to the New York Times and has performed numerous times at Pop-Up Magazine and other live storytelling events. “Why We Swim” is one of Time magazine’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2020 and was released in paperback in April. “Live! From the Library,” produced by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation (WCLF), features free public lectures, literary events, and cultural programs for the Walnut Creek and Ygnacio Valley libraries.

— WCLF

PLEASANT HILL

Newsom staffers, food rescue group celebrate milestone

On May 1, officials representing California Gov. Gavin Newsom came to Concord, where food rescue and recovery nonprofit group White Pony Express (WPE) celebrated having saved and delivered 15 million pounds of free food since 2013. During the later Drive Thru Giveaway, WPE served about 400 families in need with 28,400 pounds of fresh groceries and 2,400 items of new clothing. California’s chief service officer, Josh Fryday, CalRecycle’s director, Rachel Machi Wagoner, and other state leaders attended to congratulate WPE.

“Brotherhood is not something to be brought into existence through laborious efforts. It is the supreme FACT. White Pony Express is built on the understanding that, in this beautiful world we share — love knows all, does all and is the most powerful force in the universe,” said Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, WPE’s founder. “We hope White Pony Express’s new paradigm for solving mankind’s age-old problem of marginalization, hunger and want will be adopted everywhere as our way forward toward the realization of the basic unity of all life.”

— WPE

ORINDA

Artist, business founder’s work devoted to saving oceans

Sydney Chaney Thomas, a Moraga resident, has been hard at work supporting her small businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and patiently waited for the past 15 months to display her oil painting at the Orinda Library Art Gallery. The time has finally come, and her paintings are available for viewing at the library.

In addition to her paintings, Thomas has a social impact brand, Ocean SF (oceansf.co), all of the products of which are made through a 100% sustainable supply chain. Thomas has committed to donating 10% of all profits to supporting our oceans. Her oil paintings and Ocean SF are dedicated to promoting ocean conservation and sustainability.

The United Nations World Oceans Day is coming up on June 8, and Thomas feels it is crucial that consumers understand the harm that some of the materials they choose to wear have on our oceans. She works to build awareness through her painting, writing and sailing apparel brand. Visit the Orinda Library to view her artwork, and visit her website to learn more about the environmental impacts of fast fashion.

— Ocean SF

CONCORD

City offers small businesses $1M in rent relief funding

The Concord City Council has approved $1 million in funding to create a commercial rent relief program for local businesses. The Measure V Commercial Rent Relief Program will provide one-time grants of $10,000 to local small businesses that have experienced considerable financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funded by Measure V sales tax revenue, the program will provide a total of $1 million in commercial rent relief for up to 95 small businesses within the city. To apply for the program funds, small businesses must have at least $10,000 in commercial rent arrears accumulated due to the pandemic and meet the eligibility requirements listed online at bayareane.ws/3xDaOt1.

The applications is open now through 5 p.m. May 14. Applicants will receive a status notification by email on May 21. For more information on the program and to stay up to date on all the latest news and resources available, visit the Commercial Rent Relief Program’s website above or concordfirst.com/local-business/covid-19-resources online.

— Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce

MARTINEZ

On May 15, learn about ‘Earthquake Hazard Mitigation’

Martinez Area CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) presents online training via Zoom with helpful tidbits from CERT basic training hosted by Martinez Library. Their next class on May 15 is “Earthquake Hazard Mitigation.” From 10 a.m. to noon, learn how to prepare yourself and your family in the event of an earthquake. An ounce of prevention (mitigation) is worth a pound of cure.

The class topics covered will be “Why you need to Secure Your Space — Sources of non-structural earthquake hazard risk within living spaces,” approaches to reducing and mitigating the risk of nonstructural earthquake hazards, examples of products to help you secure your space, installation do’s and don’ts and do-it-yourself resources. To register, go online to martinezcert.org/training/earthquake-hazard-mitigation-class.

— Martinez Area CERT

WALNUT CREEK

Thrift shop needs more volunteers, supports crisis center

Leftovers Thrift Shop has survived the pandemic and is looking for additional volunteers who are interested in working for a worthy cause. Proceeds from the sale of donations go primarily to the Contra Costa Crisis Center. This year Leftovers is celebrating 45 years of service to the community. Volunteer applications can be picked up in the shop at 2281 Olympic Blvd. in Walnut Creek, near the corner of Tice Valley Boulevard. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and can be reached at 925-930-9393.

— Leftovers Thrift Shop

To submit an item for our “In brief” section, please email it, at least a week before publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com and jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words, include the name of the group or individual to whom it is to be credited and should also include a brief headline.

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