sharonksobotta

A summertime favorite for many of us is the ritual of attending weekly music and market events which happen each Thursday at Todos Santos Park in Concord in the summer and year-round on Tuesdays. While accompanying my neighbor who is a senior citizen, I learned about a match program that's meant to make the market accessible to EVERYONE across the economic spectrum. This week, I spoke with the vendor from what is arguably the most popular spot at the market--Rodriguez Organic Strawberries, the Market Manager, the assistant manager, who also happens to be a remarkable artist. 

On this edition of the Weekend Evening News, iconic East Bay Muralist Edyth Boone weighs in about art, Comedy Headliner Greg Asdourian talks about Laugh-ayette and we remember the fathers who were not with their children on Father's Day. 

In honor of George Perry Floyd whose life was cut short by the weight of the knee of a former Minneapolis Police Officer and the complacency of three officers. George Floyd's life may have ended on May 25, 2020, but his name and story live on in America's longest standing protest memorial. 

When the Lafayette School District opted to acknowledge Transgender Day of Visibility, which happens each year on March 31st, with the rising of a Transgender Flag. It's part of the district's affirmative efforts towards making its schools inclusive and safe for ALL children regardless what their gender identity is. 

 

For the past few years, this effort has attracted a protester carrying signs with messages like 'hormones don't cure depression' and 'natural bodies are perfect' that have a transphobic tone. This woman, who is occasionally joined by 1-3 other protesters, has been repeatedly been met by dozens of allies trans-identifying people from other communities, members of the local chapter of PFLAG, doctors, parents and residents who carrying rainbows and the message that all children should be unconditionally loved.

 

This piece includes trans-identifying community members, doctors and psychologists and community allies who chime in about lived experience, while debunking myths and offering thoughts about allyship

History is made, told and remembered by who is at the table making it, telling it and remembering it. This is why 102 year old dedicated a half century of her time to telling a more inclusive version of history as a powerful orator and member of the Rosie the Riveter National Park. A part of her own story that has been far less amplified is that of her time as a musician during her first half-century of life. Listen to this powerful interview that includes three generations of women including Betty, her daughter and her granddaughter. You'll also get a sneak peak at the forthcoming film and the soon to come to stage play.