Supporting our Trans, Intersex, and Gender Non-Conforming Siblings! | |
Dear friends,
Over 6,000 people met at the CA State Capital Buildings on President’s Day.
• 400+ people showed up in Benicia
• 50+ people showed up in Fairfield
• and over 100 people showed up in Vallejo
Thanks for joining us in standing up against the illegal overreach of the President and his Oligarchs!
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See the support of those who could be out in support of our community and standing up against the abuses of this fascist administration, and all of it's abuses targeting immigrants, veterans, the poor and so many more of us.
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We know that these times may get tougher for those of us who rely on federally funded programs, as many such non-profits are finding their funding in jeopardy. We are fortunate that our contracts come through the state.
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Just know that we are working to make sure you get the help you need, so please call us for help or a referral through our Case Managers in the meantime. Join us the next time we are in the streets, or send your support to those who can. Call or write your elected leaders every day, ensuring that they are speaking up now while it is most important.
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We have found a way to raise money for the Center that doesn't involved you sending a check or buying a thing!
HundredX Causes is an online agency that provides feedback to companies or brands. They say, "we believe in "listening to the crowd" – that is, real customers who share unprompted feedback with HundredX – to inform the outlook for businesses and industries. Every time your supporters submit feedback on a brand they've interacted with over the last 6 months, they are providing insight into their customer experience with the leaders of those companies." Here is a link to their FAQ for supporters!
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Contribute without cash! Can you opt in? It's all online, and we need 125 people from among our supporters, volunteers, allies and program members to see what brands are being reviewed, and share your honest opinions about the products online. This will help raise funds for our General fund that helps us pay for all of the things our county contracts don't cover, such as Pride, our social programs, and hard costs like rent, insurance and more!
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You can watch a short video from them here. Our campaign goes from Feb 3rd to March 4th, and you can go online anytime you desire to share your thoughts. You don't have to go to any shops, just share based on past experience. This process works best for us if we can get 125 people all giving 75 responses, so please invite your friends and family to join you inside the website. You can get started at this link: https://hundredx.com/impactwithfeedback
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They are looking for quality feedback for their brand and product clients, so be as thorough as possible on up to 75 products. They even give feedback on the website! We will even share some of the new swag we are creating for our best performers! This opportunity runs from Feb 3rd to March 4th, and can be done at any time of the day.
"HundredX will only pay for feedback that it can use; and HundredX can only use feedback that helps its clients make informed, thoughtful decisions. HundredX is only able to provide $ to your organization in exchange for "Eligible Feedback" as further defined in our terms."
Watch the 17 minute introduction video here!
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We had a meeting with Congressman Mike Thompson on Tuesday, Feb 18th at our Center. He promised to stay supportive of us, and we asked him to speak out more, especially in support of our Trans, Intersex, and Gender Non-Conforming communities.
| If you would like an action to accomplish today, please write to your congressman and ask him why he won't meet with members of our community! Ask them when they will start speaking out to protect us, as they have promised. | |
Here is some suggested text for a phone or message through his website if Rep. Garamendi is your representative. https://garamendi.house.gov/contact, or at his Fairfield office: (707) 438-1822, Vallejo office: (707) 645-1888
Dear Congressman John Garamendi,
I'm calling today to thank you for voting against the bill last year that stripped health care from military families with Trans kids. What can you do to restore that funding?
Our Solano Pride Center has been attempting to schedule a time to talk with you about the 600+ anti-Trans bills since October 2nd, 2024. When will you schedule a meeting with representatives of our community? We need you to stand up more for us against the discrimination from our own government. Please be outspoken! We need to see you raising your voice on our behalf!
Sincerely,
[your name, address and phone]
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Save the dates for these upcoming events:
Thursday, March 13th from 5-7 pm will be a Supper Club at BackRoads Winery in Fairfield. We will share a brief presentation on our work! Contact brigid@solanopride.org for more info.
Friday, March 28th from 6-8 pm, special event in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrating the creativity of TIGNC people from around the county! See above. Contact cristina@solanopride.org for more info.
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Rainbow Wonderland Adult Prom! Saturday, April 26th from 6-10 pm, a Prom for Adults 18+ of all identities & Allies hosted at The Saturday Club of Vacaville, 125 West Kendal Street, Vacaville! Sponsored by Travis Credit Union!
We are planning a fun night with food, dancing, drag queens and kings, and you! Email me at will@solanopride.org to join the planning team.
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Will McGarvey
he/they
Executive Director
Solano Pride Center
will@solanopride.org
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Solano Pride Center offers counseling and psychotherapy to the LGBTQ+ community of Solano County.
There are openings available for those who wish to be seen for counseling services right now! We can even talk to you if you just want to make sense of the times we live in. We are able to see clients for up to six months at no cost to clients, helping you make sense of life as a queer person, get support coming out, or deepening your self confidence by talking about your past. Please call our confidential line to make an appointment at: 707-389-4520. Please contact our Clinical Director Colin Amato at colin@solanopride.org for more information.
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Here is the link to our Solano County LGBTQIA2S+ Community Needs Assessment. We have only had 23 people respond so far, so we need to hear from more of you to learn what you feel are the biggest needs you have given our new post election political and legal reality. Please take the 3-6 minutes to share your voice! Last
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We have prepared a new Parent's Survey here to help us know when works best to be able to gather parents of LGBTQ+ children for social and support needs. Please fill it out, or share it with those you know who have queer children.
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Senior Programs!
Our next Senior Lunch will be Friday, February 21st in the Conference Room at the Center. Contact Cristina@solanopride.org for more info.
We will be having our next Senior Zoom meeting on February 28th. Contact marlette@solanopride.org to get the link to join the fun!
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Upcoming Social & Support Groups! | |
LGBTQ2S+ Men's Support Group (3rd Wednesdays – Tonight! February 19th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm – at the Center's Lobby – come to the south doors and knock to be let in).
We will be watching Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin and discussing it. This group is for all those who identify as Male or Trans Masc, and is trans inclusive, led by Will McGarvey & Milton Heath Solórzano. Contact us by email for more info at will@solanopride.org or miltonheath@solanopride.org.
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The HIV Positive Support Group will continue as a zoom group on the 3rd Thursdays of the month, but now from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. The next group meeting is this Thursday, February 20th. Contact cristina@solanopride.org for more information. This is the first meeting, so plan on attending to share what you'd like to see in future meetings!
Facilitated by Cristina Zaldana and Jim Jones. Future dates below.
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The Gender Expansive Circle will meet again on Friday, February 21st at 5:30 pm, in the Conference Room.
GEC meets on the first and third Friday's of each month unless noted.
This group is for Trans, Intersex, Non-binary, Gender Non-Conforming, 2 Spirit and those questioning their gender identity or expression. The group is led by Kacen Cosmos and Cristina Zaldana! Questions can be directed to Kacen Cosmos at kacen@solanopride.org.
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A supportive gathering for those who experience Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain is temporarily on hiatus.
Ray MacIntosh will be rejoining us for another semester, and we are pleased this group will be restarted soon. Next group will be Monday, Feb 24th at 5:30 pm on zoom, and 1st and 3rd Fridays at 10:30 am in person in our Lobby.
Contact Ray for more info, and know that you are not alone. Ray can be contacted at ray@solanopride.org or by phone or text at 707.408.2458.
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Pan-Pagan/Magickal Support Group is normally the 4th Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm, and will meet in our Lobby on Wed, Feb 26th. For those with any form of neo-pagan, polytheistic, or non-abrahamic practice, to explore the intersections of queerness and pagan spirituality. Led by members of SPC Staff. Bring something from your altar to share about.
Led by members of SPC Staff. Bring something from your altar to share about.
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Grief Support Group will next meet at an in-person gathering on Friday, February 28th & March 14th from 10-11:30 am in the conference room at the Center’s building. Rachel Wilson and Timothy Meyer will be the facilitators for the group that will meet in person on the 2nd and 4th Fridays, and will find another time in the early evening on another day of the week for zoom meetings. Rachel can be contacted at rachel@solanopride.org or by phone or text at 707.681.1887.
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The QR code: Queer Recovery
A secular 12-step LGBTQ+ group for those in recovery for any addictions. The next meeting will be Sunday, March 2nd at 7 pm. The group will meet in person at the Solano Pride Center’s Lobby on the 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings at 7 pm. Come to the south doors near our offices and knock to be let in. Hosted by Christopher Cortes (christopher@solanopride.org) with shared leadership from other members of the group. Anonymity will be protected.
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Military/Veterans LGBTQ+ Social & Support Group
(The group is moving to the 2nd Tuesdays of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm). Next meeting is Tuesday, March 11th at the Heretic Brewery and Distillery (1052 Horizon Drive, Fairfield). We hope this group becomes a great social and support group for all active duty military or retired veterans in the queer community.
Contact the facilitators by email by following these links: Will McGarvey and Jim Dailey.
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Our next Queering Faith group will be Wednesday, March 5th at 7 pm when we will watch the Documentary called "A Jihad for Love". This is an important film about Muslim LGBTQ+ people, and their struggle.
This film first released in 2007, continues to be one of the first and clearest films on the plight of LGBTQ+ people who are Muslim.
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We are adding another Social opportunity for our whole Intergenerational community this spring!
Arts & Crafts Nights will be the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Conference Room in even numbered months, and Gayme Nights will be on the same nights in the odd months.
Our next gathering will be Gayme Night on Thursday, March 6th at 7:00 pm!
If you'd like to share an art project, please contact us. Just bring any games you'd like to play or share. These will be go through May, and we will take the summer off.
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Drop in Parent's group has been discontinued for now. We have prepared a Parent's Survey here to know when works best to be able to gather parents for social and support needs.
If you know you'd like to attend a Parent's Support Group, please email our Clinical Director, Colin Amato, at colin@solanopride.org, we may be able to start in mid January in the closest town to the participants. Colin and board member Stephan Clifford have created a beautiful 8-week program for the families and friends of those transitioning.
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Updated Youth Programming | |
Next Up for Youth & Young Adults around the county! | |
Friday, Feb 21st from 4-6 pm at the Fairfield Center for teens and transitional aged youth (12-24). We will be watching the "Paris is Burning" film to watch and discuss for Black History Month. Come learn the history of where the Ballroom Scene and Voguing came from! | |  |
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Tues, Feb 25th from 3:45-5:30 pm – Queerios (for 13-17 year olds) at the Kyle Hyland Foundation, 1135 Church St. Benicia.
We will be creating valentines for Seniors in our community.
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HIV Prevention Awareness
Did you know you can get STI testing mailed to your home?
Did you know that PreP and PeP can help you remain HIV negative?
Contact me for more info! Thank you. Cristina Zaldana
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Calling all volunteers! If you want to be a volunteer at Solano Pride Center, please let us know!
Our next Volunteer Training is scheduled for Thursday, February 20th at 6 pm on Zoom. If you are interested in volunteering, just for special events or on a more regular basis at the Center, please email cristina@solanopride.org with the best times that work for you to be trained. These trainings are necessary for anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Center, in one of our Programs, or even for short term events like our Pride celebrations being planned now! Don't miss this informative background on how to help, knowing our best practices and Community Agreements!
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
There is a volunteer opportunity in the HIV Prevention dept. It involves going out to off site locations where we can table and provide free testing.
The County will do the testing and we will table at these locations such as a club (like the Townhouse in Vallejo) or youth drop in spaces. I have been looking for someone that can help me with this.
In the same department of HIV Prevention, we have the Safe Sex Packets that are put together. They involve 2 condoms, 1 lube packet & a slip of paper with info on SPC. These packets are put together at home. Pick up supplies at the center & bring back completed packets 4 days later or can depend when needed. We generally need 100 to 200 to 300. You can do 100 or 200 or 300. It is up to you. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity.
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For the Youth Dept Volunteers:
We need Team Leaders for youth with With Q-Scouts (a special after school program for LGBTQIA2S+ middle schoolers, beginning in Vallejo/Benicia). We need 2-4 adult volunteers to help with youth ages 8-12, helping with activities as team leaders. Training provided.
After 3 pm, Weekdays the Q-Scout meetings are planned and the weekends as that allows for kiddos to participate after school.
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Volunteers needed for the Senior Luncheons:
Senior luncheons are every 1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month at 12 noon.
Volunteers would come in at 11 am and help with setting up the food as it comes in, making sure everyone has what they need, helping with the presenter doing presentations, closing up making sure we leave the conference room as we found it.
Gathering the utensils needed: Forks, napkins, plates, etc
You will have help with all this so you won't be doing everything yourself.
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Admin Tasks & Holding Space: There are also some admin jobs which include organizing the office a little. Consolidating some items so we have more space, etc. Welcoming folx when multiple groups are meeting at the Center.
Our next Volunteer Orientation will be on Thursday, Feb 20th from 6pm-7pm at the SOLANO PRIDE CENTER, 1234 Empire Street, suite 1560, Fairfield, CA. Library Lounge Room (come to the south doors and knock to be let in.).
I will be covering all these volunteer opportunities. If you have already attended an orientation, there is no need to attend again.
Let me know if you need more specifics! Contact:
cristina@solanopride.org
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Future Programs around the Bay and Beyond! | |
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Let’s Talk About Black/African Mental Health
Mental health matters in every community, but the Black/African community faces unique challenges that often go unspoken. It’s time to break the silence and start the conversation!
Join host Tamuri Richardson for an eye-opening Virtual Mental Health Webinar on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6 PM - 7 PM. This transformative session will focus on the unique mental health challenges faced within the Black/African community. It’s time to share our stories, find healing, and create lasting change—together.
What You’ll Learn:
The stigma surrounding mental health in Black/African communities
💬 How cultural expectations impact emotional well-being
✨ Strategies for overcoming mental health stigmas
💡 Tools to build resilience and emotional well-being
💔 Real conversations about trauma, healing, and growth
This is more than just a conversation—it’s a movement toward understanding, support, and transformation.
📢 Don’t Miss Out!
✅ Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
✅ Time: 6 PM - 7 PM (Virtual Presentation)
✅ Host: Tamuri Richardson
✅ Topic: Black/African Mental Health
💻 Where: Join from anywhere in the world!
CALL TO ACTION:
Registration is COMPULSORY: Register Here: bit.ly/4hy6Ng8
Follow Tamuri Richardson: Facebook & Instagram - TeeTalkTamuriRichardson
Subscribe on YouTube: Tamuri Richardson
Let’s create a safe space to uplift, empower, and heal. Don’t miss this transformative session!
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Thursday, March 13th from 5-7 pm will be a Supper Club at the Backroad Vines Winery in Fairfield.
$40-50 per person. We will share a brief presentation on our work! More info to come after Feb. 13th. Contact brigid@solanopride.org for more info.
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Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom, 800 Texas Street, Fairfield. | |
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Equality California is thrilled to announce the official date of our annual LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day. Please save the date and be prepared to join us at the State Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 26, 2025!
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day is a critical opportunity for community leaders, activists, and allies from across the state to come together to raise awareness about the growing threats facing the LGBTQ+ community — especially transgender youth and their families — and build collective power to advance change.
Register to join us today!
Participants will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and their staff to advocate for priority bills to safeguard our rights and ensure that California remains a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community.
We will share more details about LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day soon — including our policy priorities and logistics. Make sure you sign up before the February 28 deadline!
If you have any questions, please contact us at legislation@eqca.org.
See you in Sacramento!
We will share more details about LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day soon — including our policy priorities and logistics. Make sure you sign up before the February 28 deadline! https://go.eqca.org/a/advocacy-day-2025
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Dear partner,
Please see the attached fact sheet developed by a group of LGBTQ+, civil rights, and health care advocates in California. The document is intended to clarify what rights LGBTQ+ people still have in California in the wake of the recent executive orders and who to contact if problems arise. As the federal landscape evolves, we will be updating this fact sheet to keep our families and community informed of their rights.
Thanks,
Craig, Equality California
https://solanopride.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-07-Anti-Trans-EOs_Community-Fact-Sheet.docx-Google-Docs-1.pdf
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We rely on every donation to the Solano Pride Center to not only keep our doors open, but to serve you and those you love. Please consider how you can help support your LGBTQ+ Center today! Please mail checks to the address below, or send donations via PayPal at PayPal.me/SolanoPride.
Ever ask yourself, “I really want to help, but I don’t know what to do?”
Did you know that Solano Pride Center provides outreach and support. What fun things should we do this fall? These experiences are among the most important for many young people as they struggle with coming out, finding their voices, and becoming happy adults.
You can still give at the link above, through the end of the year. Or you can give through our portal on Zeffy at https://tinyurl.com/Give2SolanoPride.
A one-time donation of $100.00 or $200.00 will provide decorations, pizza, help us pay for the DJ, or other costs of our next big youth event. Donations can be made via Paypal, cash, or check.
Donate
Solano Pride Center is a 501 c (3) non-profit.
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Every year BAQWA produces an anthology of members' writing as a benefit for a Bay Area Queer charity. This year proceeds from sales of TOGETHER, the 2024-25 benefit anthology, go to the Solano County Pride Center, which provides support for LGBTQ+ people in the county, offers free HIV testing, and creates Queer Pride events in cities across the county.
If you'd like to order the book online, the proceeds also help fund our important work here.
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Vallejo Gay Network Events! | |
See Movie Night below in cooperation with the Benicia LGBTQ+ Network.
#VGNForAll #VGN #LGBTQNetworking #GayVallejo #CommunityPride
Save the Dates: If you want to host, please email tom@vallejogaynetwork.com
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Need a host for March, April and May
🌈June - Pride Weekend 6-8th🏳️🌈
July - Wendell & Manny
August - Ric Duran
September - Michael Harris
October - Peter and Adam
November - Tom & Chris (Food Bank Fundraiser)
Vallejo Pride Weekend Planning
June will be here before you know it! As in 2017, we want to host a Pride Waterfront event here in Vallejo. We need your help to plan, promote and run the event. If you are interested in being part of the planning committee, please email us at info@vallejogaynetwork.com. We have already reseved the Vallejo Waterfront Green (aka Barbara Kondylis Park) for Saturday of our traditional 2nd weekend in June 6th - the 8th. We will also be having our annual picnic on Sunday. So as you can see there's lot going into making Vallejo's Pride Weekend special for our community. The first planning meeting has happened and more to come..
Coming Back! Vallejo Gayme Night!
Join Billy and Erik as they host the return of the Vallejo GAYME night on March 7th at 6 pm until 10 pm. More details to come but Save the Date!
Recurring Events in the Community
GVRD Host Mothly Senior Social Event for People Ages 55+
From the organizers: Join us for a fun and relaxed morning of socializing, coffee, and light activities! Our Senior Social takes place once a month on the second Wednesday, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, delicious pastries, and a variety of puzzles and games while meeting new friends. It's a wonderful way to start your day and make new connections in a welcoming environment. Best of all, it’s completely free! We hope to see you there! Coffee is sponsored by a local Starbucks, pastries from local businesses, and games and puzzles are provided by GVRD.
Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month - Wed, 8:30am-10:30am
Vallejo Community Center, 225 Amador St
How will you support and be part of our community?
If you would like to host a VGN event at your home or business or even an open space like a local park contact us. The main thing is that we maintain current safety guidelines and make a safe space for everyone to feel at ease. It's all about building & sharing with the community.
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Benicia LGBTQ+ Network Events! | |
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On March 1st, we’ll be hiking the Table Rock Trail in Calistoga! This is a scenic, uphill trail located in the beautiful, undeveloped Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Please note, dogs are not allowed in this park.
We’ll meet at the trailhead at 11:00 AM. The trail is 4.4 miles (out-and-back) and is generally considered challenging, taking about 2 hours and 38 minutes to complete on average. Along the way, there’s a nice spot to stop for lunch, so bring something to eat! I will bring some extra snacks and water but it's important to bring water for yourself.
The route begins by climbing through a fir forest and leads to the Table Rock Overlook. From there, it gently descends through manzanita areas to a small stream, passing a fascinating rock labyrinth complex along the way. This is where we will stop to eat for lunch and if you are not a confident hiker you can stay here if you choose as the trail is moderate at this point. After this the trail crosses a stream and then climbs again to the rocky top of Table Rock itself with some awesome views.
The trail starts at the crest of SR 29 between Calistoga and Clear Lake. The trailhead is across the highway from Mt. St. Helena trailhead, at 4625 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515. https://www.alltrails.com/.../table-rock-trail-palisades...
If you need a ride up or want to caravan up please message me otherwise we will meet at the trailhead. Also if you are not on facebook a lot let me know your email and I will add you to our email list. If you like the sound of this but you are unsure you can do this hike I will be having another hike in April that will be easier, flatter and dog friendly.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Black Embrace: A Podcast Supporting Black Families Navigating LGBTQIA+ Challenges
By Charlotte Richardson, DSW-C, LCSW and SPC Board Member
This podcast is dedicated to discussing the hard issues at the intersection of Black Family and LGBTQIA+ Youth. Historically the Black Community and LGBTQIA+ issues have been a point of disagreement and Black Family relationship breakdown. This podcast seeks to heal the wounds of family breakdown, create positive communication within Black Families with LGBTQIA+ Youth, and overall improve relationships and connection with Black Families and Community.
Our Clinical Director, Colin Amato, was one of Charlotte's first interviews! Don't miss it!
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/charlotte-richardson4
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This week marks the release of "Survey of LGBTQIA+ Older Adults in California:
From Challenges to Resilience", the first statewide survey exploring the current and future health and wellbeing of the state's mid-life and older LGBTQIA+ population. This 2024 baseline survey aligns with the goals of California’s Master Plan for Aging, a blueprint for state and local governments and their philanthropic and private-sector partners to prepare for California’s growing population of older adults. https://lnkd.in/gRm4jYQP
Many of your centers participated in getting the word out and asking their older adult clients to take part in the survey. Thank you for being instrumental to this historic endeavor.
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PRIDEnet (https://pridenet.org), based at Stanford University and the University of California at San Francisco, conducts LGBTQIA+ health research and engages LGBTQIA+ community in creating health research that meets our needs. PRIDEnet is conducting online Community Listening Sessions, akin to focus groups, this month with Black and African American transgender and gender nonbinary community members. The goal is to learn more about the current healthcare concerns and solutions, barriers to research participation, and needs of this community. Participants get a $50 gift card. Learn more and sign up at https://tinyurl.com/CLSBAATGNC.
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Ever wondered if the Center is open, or how to contact the staff member you need? | |
Attorney General Bonta and 12 Attorneys General Issue Joint Statement on Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Care
News Release
February 4, 2025
OAKLAND – Attorney General Bonta today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general to reaffirm their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care in the face of the Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order. The coalition released the following statement:
“As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people. Health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms. Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves.
The Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order is wrong on the science and the law. Despite what the Trump Administration has suggested, there is no connection between “female genital mutilation” and gender-affirming care, and no federal law makes gender-affirming care unlawful. President Trump cannot change that by Executive Order.
Last week, attorneys general secured a critical win from a federal court that directed the federal government to resume funding that had been frozen by the Trump Administration. In response to the Court’s Order, the Department of Justice has sent a notice stating that “federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” This means that federal funding to institutions that provide gender-affirming care continues to be available, irrespective of President Trump’s recent Executive Order. If the federal administration takes additional action to impede this critical funding, we will not hesitate to take further legal action.
State attorneys general will continue to enforce state laws that provide access to gender-affirming care, in states where such enforcement authority exists, and we will challenge any unlawful effort by the Trump Administration to restrict access to it in our jurisdictions.”
Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island and Vermont.
You may view the full account of this posting, including possible attachments, in the News & Alerts section of our website at: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-12-attorneys-general-issue-joint-statement-protecting
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Attorney General Bonta Reminds Hospitals and Clinics of Anti-Discrimination Laws Amid Executive Order on Gender Affirming Care
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today reminded California hospitals and federally-funded healthcare providers of their ongoing obligation under California anti-discrimination law to provide gender affirming care amid confusion resulting from President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive on freezing or pausing federal funding and his executive order on gender affirming care. Attorney General Bonta also issued a letter putting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on notice of its obligations under state anti-discrimination law, following reports that the hospital is pausing the initiation of hormonal therapies for all gender affirming care patients under the age of 19 and gender-affirming surgeries on minors.
“California supports the rights of transgender youth to live their lives as their authentic selves,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We will not let the President turn back the clock or deter us from upholding California values. I understand that the President’s executive order on gender affirming care has created some confusion. Let me be clear: California law has not changed, and hospitals and clinics have a legal obligation to provide equal access to healthcare services.”
The California Department of Justice is aware of concerns about gender-affirming care being impacted by recent federal government actions attempting to restrict federal funds to recipients of federal grants, including the availability of federal financial assistance regarding the provision of gender affirming care to minors.
On January 28, 2025, Attorney General Bonta, along with 22 other state attorneys general, filed suit in federal district court to halt the federal government’s illegal efforts to freeze such federal funding. The court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on January 31, 2025, prohibiting federal agencies from taking any action that would “pause, freeze, block, cancel or terminate” such funding. As a result of the TRO won by Attorney General Bonta and 22 other state attorneys general, federal agencies must continue to comply with existing grants, awards, and obligations, except as authorized by law.
In a notice sent to federal agencies and filed with the court on Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) indicated its intent to comply with the court order and affirmed that the TRO blocking the illegal funding freeze applied to all federal funding awards or obligations, including those made to recipients such as hospitals, and federally funded healthcare providers. The U.S. DOJ stated that federal agencies “cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” As such, the recent executive order pertaining to gender-affirming care for minors does not provide federal agencies with any basis to threaten or revoke federal funding from hospitals and federally funded healthcare providers.
Furthermore, California law, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Civil Code section 51 and Government Code section 11135, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Electing to refuse services to a class of individuals based on their protected status, such as withholding services from transgender individuals based on their gender identity or their diagnosis of gender dysphoria, while offering such services to cisgender individuals, is discrimination. California families seeking gender-affirming care, and the doctors and staff who provide it, are protected under state laws.
RESOURCES
California has a number of resources for transgender youth and the broader LGBTQ+ community:
If you believe your rights are being violated as part of the enforcement of the President’s executive order, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office here or with the California Civil Rights Department here.
A copy of the letter to Children's Hospital Los Angeles is available here.
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February 2025 Solidarity Days & Monthlong Observances
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February Monthly Observances
Not in my lifetime has there been such a frontal assault on Black people, and celebrations of Black people's accomplishments as we are seeing in the Trump administration. By calling anything that isn't ableist or white supremacist DEI, lumping the needs of every marginalized community together, Trump is attempting to restore mediocre white men to leadership positions, just as he has been. This country was built by the working class, and let's celebrate Black people's contributions every day. Will
February Also Has these health reminders:
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American Heart Association: During American Heart Month, thousands of American Heart Association volunteers raise awareness about and raise funds to fight cardiovascular disease, our number one killer. A federally designated event for more than half a century, American Heart Month reminds people to focus on their hearts and encourages them to get their families, friends, and communities involved.
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American Sexual Health Association: National Condom Month. If one of Cupid’s arrows finds its way to you this month (or any other time), the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) wants you to be safe. Each year in the United States, there are approximately 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are inexpensive and reduce the risks for STIs.
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HIV.gov: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is the oldest national HIV/AIDS awareness campaign designed and coordinated by a voluntary coalition of local and national organizations/agencies serving African Americans. The campaign has four major objectives: to increase testing for HIV; to improve community education about HIV/AIDS; to increase public advocacy of HIV prevention; and to elevate treatment levels, whether HIV positive or negative.
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National Eating Disorders Association: National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDAwareness) Week puts the spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders in an effort to improve public understanding of their causes, triggers, and treatments. By increasing awareness and access to resources, we can encourage early detection and intervention, which can improve the likelihood of full recovery for millions.
Smithsonian African Americans and Labor Link: https://www.si.edu/events/black-history-month
Feb Health Observances :ink: https://www.shsmd.org/2025-health-observances-calendar
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