Today on The Bay Area Beat we sit down with Elaine Johnson who works with the DA's office in Santa Cruz County and spearheads The Neighborhood Courts Program..  The Neighborhood Courts program is a community driven, pre-filing diversion program designed to divert low level misdemeanor offenses from entering the criminal justice system.

First time offenders are given an opportunity to take responsibility and repair the harm they caused through a community-based process using restorative justice principles instead of a courtroom.

Neighborhood Courts address criminal violations that impact the quality of life in the community and are an alternative to entering into criminal court.

The purpose of the program is to: reduce recidivism by understanding why offenders offend, address the harm the offense had on the victim (if applicable) and the community and, using restorative principles rather than punitive principles, effectively and efficiently restore the local community, victim and offender back into community.

We are thrilled to share this revolutionary program right here on The Bay Area Beat.

Learn more at https://datinternet.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Home/neighborhoodcourts.aspx

Today we are delighted to talk with award-winning author of Money Matters Brian Finny. Whose new novel Dangerous Conjectures really hits home as it takes place in the East Bay during the start of Covid. It's an explosive family drama set in the Bay Area during the early months of the pandemic: a suspenseful tale of transgressions, betrayals, and the rise of outrageous conspiracy theories.  Learn more and pick it up today at https://www.bhfinney.com/

Today we talk to Trina Jackson of Sisters in Solidarity.
Sisters in Solidarity/Hermanas en Solidaridad is an annual public gathering hosted by the Richmond City Council Office in collaboration with the community.  Celebrating achievements by women in the community.  Empowered women empower women.

Find them at https://www.facebook.com/SistersInSolidarityRichmondCalifornia

Today we sit down with David Arriaga, Steve Alameda and Jennifer Arrouzet of West Contra Costa Salesian Boys and Girls Club.
At the West Contra Costa Salesian Boys and Girls Club  we continue to provide programs to the kids of your communities. We have done our best to support our children this summer through learning activities that are both educational and entertaining to the kids of. Examples of these virtual learning programs are as follows: Art, Reading, Life Skills and STEM (a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - science, technology, engineering and mathematics) . We hope to continue and expand these virtual learning options by partnering with local schools either as part of their regular school day or as an extended school day. We have been producing athletic training videos as well as podcasts with local athletes which can be viewed on our YouTube channel. We would like to be able to continue and expand these services when school begins and grow the number of families that we serve. 
If you own a business or corporation  sign up on the website with the contact name & phone number  that we can send flyers so they can put out in their news to their employees, family & friends. In fact why not have a drive in your business to support this special club. Learn more at http://WWW.WCCSBGC.ORG

Today we speak to Matt Smith about the amazing recording project that is Intercontinen7al.  During 2020, when people all over the world became impacted by the pandemic, 22 musicians using the service BandLab were able to collaborate virtually to create 12 original songs and prove music can thrive in the COVID era. All proceeds* for the album will go towards the COVID-19 Relief Fund. (*after taxes/store fees)
Learn more at https://intercontinen7al.com/

Today we talk with Co-Founder Keith McHenry of Food Not Bombs.  Food Not Bombs is trying to inspire the public to participate in changing society and focus our resources on solving problems like hunger, homelessness and poverty while seeking an end to war and the destruction of the environment. Also showing by example that we can work cooperatively without leaders through volunteer effort to provide essential needs like food, housing, education and healthcare. When over a billion people go hungry each day, how can we spend another dollar on war?

Today we talk to Christie Lynn Achor of www.badmimi.com.   
"OUR DESIGNS ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WOMAN—TO LOVE OURSELVES, LOVE OUR BODIES, AND WEAR OUR VAGINAS PROUDLY." Learn more about Christie's amazing journey to help empower woman and embrace their sexuality today on The Bay Area Beat

This week we sit down with Michele Murphy, a Santa Cruz County resident who has started a Facebook group, "Throw Away People", whose focus is on bringing light to the stories of so many individuals who have been displaced and are facing the challenges of being without a home. Throw Away People is dedicated to all the men, women, children and pets who don’t have a safe comfortable home to go to sleep, cook, bathe or even just be. We are so thrilled to be featuring the work Michele and her friends are doing and look forward to participating is more activities that will spark real systemic change, one beautiful soul at a time. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/throwawaypeople 

This week on The Bay Area Beat, we speak to 3 amazing young entrepreneurs who have started there own business venture known as Konect.
They are developing AI technology to ensure safe reopening for public venues,
businesses, and office spaces. They’ve even launched there own software, SpaSpect, which conducts real-time analytics of existing camera feeds, providing insightful data pertaining to current social distancing and proper face covering
guidelines. By collaborating with reopening businesses and local governments, their goal is to allow them to use this data to make smart and informed policy decisions.
Learn more at https://sites.google.com/view/konect-co/home

Today we are excited to feature Kathleen Nestler, Executive Director of Girls On The Run, Silicon Valley. A wonderful organization which inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through a research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event. This year GOTRSV has created a Virtual 5K during SIP. You can STILL sign up at https://www.gotrsv.org/5K-Detail#show-reg-details
Learn more about the event at https://www.gotrsv.org/5K-Detail#show-reg-details

Learn all about Girls on the Run Silicon Valley at https://www.gotrsv.org/
Also Girls on the Run Bay Area outside of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties.
https://www.gotrbayarea.org/