DANVILLE
At its spring Grants Breakfast, the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley (Kiwanis SRV) distributed $38,650 to 27 local and regional nonprofits through its affiliated foundation, the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation. Since 1995, Kiwanis SRV has presented more than $1,150,000 in grants to more than 120 Tri-Valley nonprofits.
This year’s recipients address a host of individual and social challenges including hunger, homelessness, mental health, literacy, foster care, prescription drug abuse, cancer diagnoses and living with physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Recipients spoke of the many partnerships among the group, which doubled and tripled the impact of their grants. Many spoke of the importance of Kiwanis SRV’s financial support, especially in these uncertain times for nonprofits.
“This is the essence of who we are and what we do,” said Kiwanis member David Stegman. “And while the recipients are thankful to us for the grants, we are so grateful to them for their work on behalf of thousands of children, youth, adults, and families in need.”
Find a list of 2025 Kiwanis SRV grant recipients at srvkiwanis.org.
— Kiwanis SRV
LAFAYETTE
Las Trampas brings the community joy, growth, belonging
For Lafayette residents Mark and Tammy Mahaney, their “happy hour” is the hour they spend each Friday afternoon leading a music class at the Las Trampas school, a nonprofit empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more than three years, the Mahaneys have brought music to Las Trampas, witnessing incredible transformations. One participant, Stephenie, who was once withdrawn, suddenly danced with delight. Darren, formerly shy, now joins confidently in the middle of the room.
These are small moments with big meaning, showing the power of inclusion and joy in a nurturing environment. For the Mahaneys, that class is the highlight of their week. Mark Mahaney’s connection to Las Trampas runs even deeper. He’s also the school’s board chair and father to Noah, a 25-year-old in the day program.
Noah, who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, thrives on routine, with Las Trampas at the heart of it. To the Mahaneys, Las Trampas is more than just a program — it’s a safe, joyful community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can grow, connect and thrive.
— Las Trampas
CONCORD
Mount Diablo schools amend policy on free student meals
The Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) has amended its policy for serving meals to students under the USDA National School Lunch/School Breakfast Programs for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
All district schools, as well as Eagle Peak Montessori, now participate in a federal provision known as Community Eligibility Provision. Students enrolled in these schools can receive one free breakfast and lunch each school day in the 2025-26 school year.
Your enrolled student is already set up to receive these meals, and no action is required. For additional information, please contact Food & Nutrition Services at 925-682-8000, ext. 3775, or foodservicessec@mdusd.org.
— MDUSD
Registration open for youth baseball league fall program
Registration for Concord’s Junior Optimists Baseball League (JOBL Concord) Fall Ball program is now open for boys and girls ages 4 to 12 years old. All games start at 9 a.m. Saturdays and are played at Concord’s JOBL complex.
The program runs from Sept. 6 to Oct. 25 and costs $85. For more details, visit joblconcord.com online.
— JOBL Concord
To submit an item for the East and Central Contra Costa County weeklies’ “In brief” section, which is now published in print on each month’s first Friday, please email it, at least one week before print publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words and include a short headline along with the name of the group or individual to credit for it.