August 21, 2017
Community Service in the Name of Resistance 
Let's build something positive to counter hate
The events in Charlottesville, President Trump's reaction to them, and the growing public rhetoric of hateful right-wing organizations are dividing our country, and leaving all of us wondering the best way to stand up to these despicable beliefs. 

Do we show up at their events to counter-protest, or is this exactly what they want, feeding into their attention-getting plan?

I believe we need to strongly speak out against hateful, racist, neo-nazi, and anti-semitic groups. The Southern Poverty Law Center's "Ten Ways to Fight Hate:  A Community Response Guide" is a useful resource on how best to respond. 

Last week, I joined Courageous Resistance & Indivisible El Sobrante/Richmond members who held up signs of peace and unity on San Pablo Dam Road to passing motorists.  I felt the positive energy of those who held up signs and the many who honked their horns in support.

This coming weekend, August 26 and 27, right-wing groups are planning events in San Francisco and Berkeley.

One way to respond is to participate in a non-violent, community-building event -- a day of service at the North Richmond Farm. This community farm, run by local nonprofit Urban Tilth, has monthly Saturday work days - gardening, planting, etc.

And they always need help! 

The farm, which I'm proud to have helped found along with Urban Tilth, is a place where people of all ages work together learning about healthy living and environmental stewardship, and developing community.

Helping build this community farm is one way to stand up to hate and bigotry.  Many of my staff, friends and neighbors will be there Saturday in a warm and strong show of support.  Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment Saturday that I was unable to change, but will be attending events on Sunday.  I hope this is the first of many, similar peaceful community protests, where we come together in service. 

Send me your ideas for future community work projects.  My office will help organize, and I look forward to seeing you at the next one!

WHAT: Day of Service and Solidarity at the North Richmond Farm. There will be light snacks, music and activities for children. 

WHEN: Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Urban Tilth's North Richmond Farm, 
323 Brookside Drive off Fred Jackson Way

MORE: Click here or reach Doria Robinson at  doria@urbantilth.org

You can also choose to participate in other positive events in our community: 

* El Cerrito Shows Up on August 23. Click here.

* Indivisible East Bay events. Click here.

* Poinsett (El Cerrito) Indivisible Group: Click here.

* Soulful Softball Sunday on August 27 (I'll be there!)  Click here.
Sincerely, 
John  
John Gioia
Supervisor, District One 
Contra Costa County 
11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D 
El Cerrito, CA  94530 
510-231-8686 Phone