EAST BAY
U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, D-Oakland, released the statement below after walking out of President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday evening.
“I attended the joint session because I felt it was my duty to uphold Congress’ power of checks and balances and be a witness to truth. There was no truth to be found. After hearing President Trump’s lies about Social Security and his celebration of firing dedicated federal workers, I walked out of his joint address to Congress.
“Over 60 million Americans rely on Social Security. As someone who previously relied on Social Security disability income benefits and waited for hours in a local Social Security office to file survivor benefits after my husband, Kevin, died of cancer, I know firsthand how devastating the administration’s cuts to Social Security will be.
“I don’t need to listen to more of the president’s lies or blatant celebration of racism and transphobia — and I’m focused on the real work for our communities in California’s 12th Congressional District.”
Simon’s district includes the cities of Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, Piedmont, Alameda, Emeryville and most of San Leandro. Simon’s district was previously represented by longtime U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee. For more information, visit simon.house.gov.
— U.S. Rep. Simon’s office
BERKELEY
Volunteers needed for city’s monthly waterfront cleanups
Individuals, families, or groups can volunteer to be part of monthly cleanups at Berkeley’s waterfront and Aquatic Park. On the third Saturday of each month through August, volunteers start by gathering at the Shorebird Park Nature Center at 9 a.m. for a service-learning presentation and safety talk. City staff will provide all the supplies you’ll need.
When possible, staff and volunteers sort, tally, and weigh collected plastic to assess its impact. We recommend that everyone – especially large groups – register in advance so we can plan accordingly. Individuals or small groups can register in person upon arrival. Come out to the city’s next cleanup on March 15, and visit bit.ly/3D5lgRK online for details.
— city of Berkeley
ALBANY
Celebrate new, improved dog park’s grand reopening March 13
Come celebrate the Albany dog park’s grand reopening! The section of Albany’s Memorial Park at the corner of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Carmel Avenue reopened Feb. 21 with new additions installed including a new sidewalk along Carmel Avenue, a new entrance with a holding area, a new small dog area, a new bottle filler, new benches, trees and other amenities. Irrigation and drainage improvements were also completed.
Join in on the festivities starting at 4 p.m. March 13 in the dog park, where refreshments and dog treats will be served. This project is made possible by the Proposition 68 Recreational Infrastructure Revenue Enhancement grant program.
— city of Albany
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