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Grand Lake Farmers Market Remains Open

Published

5 years ago

April 16, 2020

A sign outside J & J Ramos Farm’s booth at The Grand Lake Farmer’s Market emphasizes new social distancing and no touch policies that the market has instituted to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Zack Haber.

While local and statewide shelter in place orders have closed most businesses in Oakland, many farmers’ markets remain open with added safety regulations, including the Grand Lake Farmers’ Market, which operates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays near Grand Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard.

“We’re continuing to operate our markets, including the Grand Lake Market, as an essential and critical service for food security. We believe that farmers markets are important to the community so farmers can sell their products and people can buy healthy food,” said Andy Naja-Riese, CEO of the Agricultural Institute of Marin, the non-profit that runs Grand Lake and seven other farmers’ markets.

The farmers’ market at Grand Lake supports about 70 different vendors that sell vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, cheeses, flowers, breads, baked goods and other products out of booths. The business has implemented new safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Booths are farther apart to allow for social distancing, roped off with signs indicating customers should not enter booths. The market has a no touching before purchase policy.

“The only people touching the produce are the farmers who pick it and the sellers who hand it to you,” said Grace Countryman, who sells apples, jellies, wine cider and other fruit products at the market for Rainbow Orchards.

While in the past, vendors encouraged customers to reuse plastic bags to reduce waste, they now pre-bagging products. Customers can tell vendors what pre-bagged products they want. Countryman says customers have been understanding of the new rules.

“People are ready to do whatever’s possible to keep the market open,” she said.

Those waiting in lines at the market now stand on marks placed over six feet apart. Naja-Reise says the market encourages only one member per household to shop if possible, to reduce crowds and suggests that customers show up later in the day, since the market is especially crowded right after it opens.

Vendors are wearing masks and gloves. Naja-Reise says customers should wear masks as well. He encourages quick visits and discourages hanging out. The market formerly had music, arts and crafts, and cooked hot food for consumption on-site but has suspended these programs.

For customers that use CalFresh, the market has a matching program where for every $10 in purchases the market matches another $10 for fresh fruits or vegetables.

To help customers with health risks, the market offers “Bounty Box,” which allows the customers to order fresh vegetables and fruits from market vendors online at agriculturalinstitute.org/bounty-box until the end of the day on Thursdays. The boxes available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturdays at the market, which workers place inside vehicles.

The market is not currently limiting numbers of customers. Since there are so many entrance points, such a policy would be difficult to implement.

Both Countryman and Naja-Reise are encouraging people to support local farmers if they can, which especially crucial now. Many small farmers depend on restaurants, hotels, and catering companies for much of their sales. But most of those orders have been cancelled.

“For many of our farmers, the farmers’ market is really what’s creating that lifeline for them to ensure our local and regional food system remains intact,” said Naja-Reise.

Zack Haber

Posts by Zack Haber

California Black Media

Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation. During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

Published

2 days ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

Gov. Newsom visits the White House on Nov. 14. Photo courtesy of Gov.Ca. Gov

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation.

During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

“California is continuing our work to secure additional tools and resources to improve access to health care, clean air and water, and secure critical funding to support communities recovering from disasters,” said Newsom.

At the White House, Newsom met with President Joe Biden and key officials, advocating for disaster relief funding, healthcare expansion, and environmental protection. He also engaged in discussions with senior Biden-Harris officials, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, to address water quality improvements and the San Luis Dam project, which will support water supplies for two million Californians.

“Building on our strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, California is working closely with the White House over the next two months to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need,” Newsom said.

On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with other Congressional leaders, to emphasize the need to approve pending disaster funding, healthcare programs, and environmental protections. He also previewed California’s upcoming special session to proactively address potential federal challenges when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.

Newsom’s discussions also focused on securing Medicaid waivers from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance behavioral health services and reduce homelessness. The state seeks approval for the BH-CONNECT waiver, which would address behavioral health and homelessness, and the MCO Tax Waiver, which would provide over $20 billion for Medi-Cal to improve healthcare access.

Additionally, California is pushing for Clean Air Act waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are crucial for enforcing air quality regulations. These measures are projected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades, according to the Governor’s office.

Oakland Post

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California Black Media

California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that 311 California nonprofit and faith-based organizations, including those representing communities targeted by hate crimes, will receive over $43.7 million in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hate-based violence.

Published

2 days ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hate-based violence.

“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values. We will protect the ability of every Californian to worship, love, and gather safely without fear of hate or violent attacks. California is continuing to safeguard all communities, including those most at risk,” said Newsom.

California receives 10% of the national allocation, the highest of any state. This funding comes in addition to $76 million in state funding for similar security improvements announced in July 2024. In total, California has invested over $230 million since 2015 to safeguard vulnerable communities.

“California is dedicated to helping our communities stay safe from violent hate crimes and get access to essential financial funding to support those efforts,” said Cal Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Nancy Ward.

The grants are particularly important as hate crimes, especially against Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and Black communities, have seen an increase. In response, California has also launched initiatives like the CA vs Hate hotline and website, providing a platform for reporting hate incidents anonymously. Newsom’s administration continues to prioritize the safety of all Californians, with ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and hate violence.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

California Black Media

California Reports First Case of Mpox in the United States

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States. However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

Published

2 days ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States.

However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

“This case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa,” reads a statement the CDPH released.

According to the DDPH, “The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.”

Public health workers are also conducting a contact tracing exercise and reaching out to people who have been in close proximity to the affected person.

“The mpox specimens from the traveler are being sent to the CDC for further laboratory testing,” the CDPH press release continues.

Californians can take a number of steps to prevent Mpox. Here’s more information:

Preventing Mpox Infection

It appears clade I mpox spreads in a similar manner as clade II mpox, through close (skin-skin), intimate and sexual contact. The identification of a potentially more severe mpox version in the United States is a good reminder for individuals who have certain risk factors to take preventive action, including:

Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) near you.
Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
Talking to your sexual partner(s).
Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
Washing your hands often.
Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.