The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is celebrating the 2021 UN International Day of Peace on September 18th at Lake Chabot Regional Park at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.  More details here.

Tyson Amir - Critical Race Theory Tyson Amir shared an interesting presentation on Critical Race Theory. As he noted, CRT is a topic for universities and law school, and it is being actively explored by scholars at that level. The “critical” in CRT refers to the critical thinking that they are doing. The main authors of CRT are Derrick Bell, Kimberle Crenshaw, and Richard Delgado. Bell’s book Race, Racism and American Law is a prime example. As the title suggests, CRT examines the intersection of race and law in the US.   CRT actually has nothing to do with K12 education. Unfortunately, 28 states have banned or are considering laws banning the teaching of CRT in public schools. For a significant fraction of the American population, the term “CRT” now stands for what it is not. It has been defined by its opponents.   Nevertheless, all of us can and should apply critical thinking to all matters and particularly race in America. There are many examples of using critical thinking to examine the status quo in US history. Thomas Jefferson used critical thinking to examine the American colonies with reference to King George III and found many shortcomings. De Tocqueville saw problems in the American treatment of African Americans and Native Americans. So many of these were critiques of race in American. They have long been opposed by those who are trying to preserve a romanticized view of white America.   In summary, he emphasized that there is no way to say that something is wrong when others refuse to see it. But we still need to say it.   Watch Tyson's presentation here.  Three links to information on Critical Race Theory:  Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3, but there are many more resources available.

Beth Cutter - Castro Valley Adult & Career Education Beth Cutter, Director of Castro Valley Adult & Career Education (CVACE) and Castro Valley Rotary member, described the wide range of programs at the CVACE including classes of community interest, career education, High School Diploma and GED, English as a Second Language (ESL).   She focused on STRIDES, which helps to find jobs for students with disabilities. The program has been very successful, but they can always use more employers. Beth encouraged Rotary members to see if they can hire some STRIDES students.   Be sure to use the above links to learn more about the CVACE programs and click here to watch Beth's presentation.

Brian Morrison Receives Paul Harris Fellow Recognition President Dwight Perry recognized Rotarian Brian Morrison for his support of The Rotary Foundation with a Paul Harris Fellow pin and certificate.  Brian becomes the newest Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotary Club of Castro Valley.  Learn more about the Paul Harris Fellow recognition here or contact President Dwight Perry.

September 14 at 12:00 pm - Update on the Castro Valley Marketplace & Other Projects in Castro Valley Craig Semmelmeyer, Founder and Principal of Main Street Property Services, Inc. Deadline to register is 9:00 p.m. on September 12   September 14 at 6:00 pm - Racial Discrimination Forum Contact Mark Poniatowski for details.   September 21 - Lunch Meeting Speaker TBD Deadline to register is 9:00 p.m. on September 19   September 21 - Castro Valley Restaurant Walk (6:00-8:00 pm) Contact Aaron Lewis or Chris Carr for tickets   September 28 - No Lunch Meeting   September 28 - Club BBQ (5:00-8:00 pm) Members and Invited Guests only Deadline to reserve a place is 5:00 p.m. on September 24