Palo Alto Online / Palo Alto Weekly
By Staff
In the latest Around Town column, news about groups receiving recognition from a state senator for their work in assisting locals during the COVID-19 pandemic and Palo Alto High student publications that stood out in a national journalism contest.
STEPPING UP ... As we navigate our way through the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of numerous organizations across the Peninsula since early 2020 hasn't gone unnoticed. State Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, took the time to thank groups that have become a lifeline during a critical time of need during a virtual April 29 town hall meeting when he recognized "COVID Community Champions'' across Senate District 13.
"Individuals and organizations from all across the Peninsula have stepped up. In doing so, they reminded us what it truly means to be a community," he said. Becker gave a shoutout to a couple of groups, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley, Project We Hope and JobTrain.
Some organizations were featured during the hourlong event, including the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. In conversation with Silicon Valley Community Foundation CEO Nicole Taylor, who co-hosted the event, Midpen general manager Ana María Ruiz discussed the countless benefits of open spaces during the pandemic. The district's open spaces have provided "much-needed respite," as seen through a 200% increase in visitors. "People who are able to ground themselves and recharge in nature have the tools to then present the best version of themselves to the people they love," Ruiz said.
Local elected officials also joined the meeting, including East Palo Alto City Council member Lisa Gauthier, who commended locals Boys & Girls Clubs for providing meals for people in need during the pandemic. "We live in a region where we care about others and that is so important," Gauthier said.