Saturday, March 30, 2013

Dream Team Community Event



The Matt Garcia Foundation and several community minded folks all got together to reclaim a neighborhood and host a nice bbq and get together with the neighbors.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

On Your Mark, Get Set, RACE!

Can you handle racing for 4 hours?!!



Driven Raceway will be teaming up with The Matt Garcia Foundation to make a difference in the local community. Together, Driven Raceway and The Matt Garcia Foundation will host the “Drive to Keep the Dream Alive” fundraising event to support selected local youth programs. The Matt Garcia Foundation, for 4 years, has made it their mission to Support Youth, Stop Crime, and Strengthen the Community.

The Matt Garcia Foundation has successfully been able to give thousands of dollars annually, back into Fairfield and its surrounding areas. The Matt Garcia Foundation has made an impact in the local community through sponsorships, scholarships, bringing awareness to issues like cancer, gun violence, and getting involved in the local school system. Benefiting Programs are L.E.G.A.C.Y. youth mentoring program at Green Valley Middle School, Pete Padilla’s Boxing Team at the Fairfield P.A.L, and The Matt Garcia Foundation.

Event

Event Date:
Wednesday, April 10th from 5pm to 9pm

This event allows you to race as many times possible within a 4 hour window. Spots for this event are limited to 30 racers, and ticket price is $75. Mini golf will also be free for all attendees. Goal for this event is $1,100.

Rules
Racers must be members at Driven Raceway to participate. If you are not a member, memberships must be purchased before event at Driven Raceway. Cost of membership is $5.95.Must be purchased before event, or you will not be permitted.

* Event is strictly Adult Racing. Must be 55 inches or taller, age 13 or older.
*Adult Racing Event, if you aren’t experienced, racing is at your choice
*Racers must complete their race before getting in another race.*
*Another event just for kids racing is coming soon, date to be determined.

Tickets  Available HERE

For more information about The Matt Garcia Foundation,please visit:  www.MattGarciaDreamTeam.org
 
For more information about Driven Raceway,please visit:  www.DrivenRaceway.com

Monday, March 25, 2013

The Mat Garcia Foundation Presents the 5th Annual Cinco De Mayo Fiesta!


5th Annual Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 
Dinner & Dancing 
Live music presented by 
DJ Khaos

Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield
2200 Gateway Ct.
Saturday, May 4th, 2013
6pm - 11pm

Tickets $65. Available online at  http://mgfcincodemayo.eventbrite.com

Proceeds to benefit The Matt Garcia PAL Youth Summer Jobs Program

To nominate someone for the Billy Yarbrough Spirit of Community Award, go to

Friday, March 22, 2013

Importance of After School Programs

In the US today, there is an extremely strong, ever-growing need for quality after school programs primarily due to the good that these have done the children of this country. However, it has also resulted directly from numerous fundamental changes that have occurred in the lives and work schedules of the American parent today. In the last few decades, the proportion of families with single parents and working, two-parent families has grown significantly.

According to statistics that were recently compiled by the US Bureau of the Census, nearly 70 out of 100 children attending school come from households with a single working parent or in a home where both the mother and father are employed. In either situation, the parent or parents need for their children to be safely supervised once the traditional school day has concluded and up until about 6:00 pm. Whenever a parent does not have the financial means to afford an after school program, they have to wonder about their child's security.

Why after school programs are so beneficial to children and their parents

One of the primary benefits to putting a child in an after school program is that it broadens your child's interests and enables them to discover an innate and maybe unknown talent for a certain activity. It also provides them with the opportunity to develop that talent as well. Additionally, constant practice breeds more self-confidence and improves their self esteem in the process.

There are certain psychological and social benefits as well, such as reducing the juvenile delinquency rate. There is a direct correlation between the time that the child gets out of school unsupervised until their parents get home and a spike in the crime rate. These after school programs do not allow the child to participate in criminal or deviant behavior when they find one to attend.

There is a significant reduction in the amount of risk-taking that occurs especially where alcoholism and drug abuse as well as the dropout rate are concerned, just to name a few. Typically, the child will fall into bad company when they do not participate in some engaging activity after school. It is a well known fact, according to vast research on the subject, that the leading cause for alcohol use and substance abuse result from peer pressure.

Participation in after school programs enhances the child's self esteem by helping them to develop their talents in a particular art or sport. The more skilled they become at the activity or sport, they receive the appreciation and recognition needed to boost their self esteem. Many of these programs also coach and instruct towards competitive events. It is well known that the best motivator for excellence is a sense of achievement.

You will be doing your child a big disservice by not enrolling them in one of the numerous after school programs that are currently available. Just make sure that you research them thoroughly before selecting one. Take into account the child's aptitude and interest before you select one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6611780

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

About the Matt Garcia Foundation

Matt Garcia was a man with a vision. He was the youngest city councilman elected in the state of California in November 2007, and a great young leader and inspiration to all who knew him. He was sworn in December 2007 and was on the council for nearly 10 months when he was killed. Matt was only 22 years old… but he lived more in those short years than many adults can even imagine. He led by inspiration, with integrity and ambition. Matt’s dream involved supporting the youth and creating places for them to go and things for them to do; fighting the violence and crime in the city; and uniting the community so that all people will have a sense of belonging and responsibility to the city of Fairfield. Matt’s life was cut short, but his legacy, work and heart live on.

The Matt Garcia Foundation non-profit 501 (c) (3), was established to carry out Matt’s dream. We are dedicated to the work and efforts that Matt started, and hope that we can inspire others to do more, just as Matt inspired us.

Our Mission is to 
  •  Support Youth 
  • Stop Crime Strengthen 
  • Our Community 
Our Vision Statement is

“Everyday we learn something new. Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day… It doesn’t have to be an “A” the next day, but let’s hope it improves.” – Matt Garcia 

Our Values Are: 
  • To understand before being understood 
  • Leadership centered 
  • Hope in others 
  • Centered on servanthood 
  • Respect for individuality 
  • Excellence in all we do 
  • Support change 
  • Be a blessing to others

Saturday, March 16, 2013

First Time Ever County Wide Gun Buy Back Was Huge Success

by Kira Klapper

Solano County officials say their first ever, county-wide gun buyback event on Saturday was a resounding success. Vallejo police say 344 weapons were turned in, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, and even a military rocket launcher.
It was a resounding response to the call-to-action -- get unwanted guns off the streets of Solano County.

Cars lined at the fairgrounds in Vallejo as early as 7:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. event. Officers started the buyback an hour early.

"Basically with all the gun violence that's been going on, not just in Solano County, but, just everywhere," Vallejo resident Latonnia Johnson said. "It just compelled me to want to turn my gun in and get rid of it. I didn't want my gun to end up in the wrong hands."

Raymond Courtemanche can appreciate that sentiment. His son, Matt Garcia, was just 22 when he was mistaken for someone else and shot in the head in 2008. Garcia was Fairfield's youngest elected city official. The gun used to kill him was purchased illegally from a garage sale.

The Matt Garcia Foundation, a non-profit organization named in the slain city councilman's memory, co-sponsored Saturday's buyback.

"Our point is that had there been a gun buyback event in the great city of Fairfield or in Solano County prior to Matt's death, maybe we wouldn't be grieving the loss of him today," Courtemanche said.

The guns were disassembled and destroyed on the spot. The sheriff's department had $80,000 set aside for Saturday's buyback. Sellers got $100 for handguns and shotguns and $200 for assault rifles.
"We received some donations, and we also used money from our prior asset seizures to fund this program," said Vallejo Police Department Lt. Kenny Park.

Money was paid in the form of cash and gift cards to area stores. But for some, simply getting rid of their unwanted firearms was priceless.

"I know that guns don't kill people, people kill people," Johnson said. "But you know, just to know my gun is off the streets makes me feel better."

courtesy of KGO-TV. See video here:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=9021548  

(Copyright ©2013 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Fairfield-Suisun Chamber Mixer Is Tonight In Fairfield


Happy St. Patrick's Day Celebration Mixer
Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce at:
 
Integrity Auto Collision Center Inc.

March 14th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Appetizers by Azevedo's
 
Green Drinks
 
Have Fun! Wear Green!!

If you would like additional exposure for your business, please feel free to bring a raffle prize with your business card on it to the mixer. 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

After-School Program Offers Support to Struggling Youths

By

FAIRFIELD — Paula Vargas and Shawna Serpas know that middle school can be a tough time for many students.

Vargas and Serpas see evidence of this every day as teachers at Green Valley Middle School.
Students from all walks of life are dealing with academic, social and familial pressures at this age, Vargas and Serpas said.

To help give them direction, Vargas started up the after-school program Legacy Youth Incorporated in 2009 while she was still teaching at Sullivan Middle School and moved it to Green Valley Middle School after Sullivan closed. Vargas explained that Legacy is an acronym that stands for Learn, Educate, Goals, Aspire, Courage, Youth.

Vargas helps students with a variety of problems, though she doesn’t like to label them as “at-risk” youth. These are students who have academic or behavioral problems, she said. Legacy offers students who are “overlooked and underserved” a safe haven and sense of family as well as support.

Vargas asked Serpas about helping with Legacy while they were teaching at Sullivan.

“I wanted to have leaders with that love in their hearts,” Vargas said. “She had that heart.”

Vargas also enlisted the help of college student Dwight Lundy, who she believes can relate to and speak to the students as a young person.

Legacy meets once a week after school with about 40 Green Valley students. They often bring in guest speakers to talk about their life stories. In the past, Legacy has hosted Fairfield Police Chief Walt Tibbet, community advocate Raymond Courtemanche, former NFL player Quinton Ganther and former gang members. Serpas said they want students to hear both sides of life’s story to help them choose the right direction.

To stay in Legacy, students must keep their grades up. Vargas, Serpas and Lundy keep track of the students’ academic standing and offer tutoring when necessary.

The group also takes the students on field trips to college campuses and sports games. Lundy said he once took a group of Legacy members out to breakfast and they were shocked he paid for their meals.

“They asked why I would pay for them,” Lundy said. “I said, ‘Because I love you guys.’ ”

The love and support Legacy gives its students is one of the main reasons Vargas started the group.

“It’s just about kids nobody wants to love,” she said. “We want to be able to help.”

Legacy hopes to extend its reach in the community by achieving nonprofit status. To learn more about the program or its upcoming events, find Legacy on Facebook.

Article Source: Daily Republic 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Drive to Keep the Dream Alive! Driven Raceway & Matt Garcia Foundation Team Up To Help Local Youth

Can you handle racing for 4 hours?!!



Driven Raceway will be teaming up with The Matt Garcia Foundation to make a difference in the local community. Together, Driven Raceway and The Matt Garcia Foundation will host the “Drive to Keep the Dream Alive” fundraising event to support selected local youth programs. The Matt Garcia Foundation, for 4 years, has made it their mission to Support Youth, Stop Crime, and Strengthen the Community.

The Matt Garcia Foundation has successfully been able to give thousands of dollars annually, back into Fairfield and its surrounding areas. The Matt Garcia Foundation has made an impact in the local community through sponsorships, scholarships, bringing awareness to issues like cancer, gun violence, and getting involved in the local school system. Benefiting Programs are L.E.G.A.C.Y. youth mentoring program at Green Valley Middle School, Pete Padilla’s Boxing Team at the Fairfield P.A.L, and The Matt Garcia Foundation.

Event

Event Date:
Wednesday, April 10th from 5pm to 9pm

This event allows you to race as many times possible within a 4 hour window. Spots for this event are limited to 30 racers, and ticket price is $75. Mini golf will also be free for all attendees. Goal for this event is $1,100.

Rules
Racers must be members at Driven Raceway to participate. If you are not a member, memberships must be purchased before event at Driven Raceway. Cost of membership is $5.95.Must be purchased before event, or you will not be permitted.

* Event is strictly Adult Racing. Must be 55 inches or taller, age 13 or older.
*Adult Racing Event, if you aren’t experienced, racing is at your choice
*Racers must complete their race before getting in another race.*
*Another event just for kids racing is coming soon, date to be determined.

Tickets  Available HERE

For more information about The Matt Garcia Foundation,please visit:  www.MattGarciaDreamTeam.org
 
For more information about Driven Raceway,please visit:  www.DrivenRaceway.com

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Negative Influences: Lucia Wallace at TEDxYouth@Omni



Lucia Wallace is a 7th grader at Omni Montessori School. She loves to give back to the community, her favorite thing to do is to volunteer at the dog shelter. She has been acting at Imaginon for five years. She is very caring and creative. A good adjective to describe her is passionate.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Monday, March 4, 2013

Detention or Eco Club: Choosing your future - Juan Martinez



View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/detention-o...

Growing up surrounded by gangs in South Central Los Angeles, Juan Martinez wasn't exposed to the great outdoors. One day in high school, he was given the life-changing choice between detention or Eco Club. He chose nature and has since devoted his life to getting kids back to the outdoors as a National Geographic Explorer and director of the Natural Leaders Network.

Talk by Juan Martinez.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Matt Garcia Learning Center



A wonderful video produced by the Fairfield Suisun School District about The New Matt Garcia Learning Center. www.fsusk.k12.ca.us Matt Garcia, a former student of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, became the youngest city councilman in the state of California in November 2007.

On September 1, 2008, Matt Garcia was murdered in a tragic case of mistaken identity. His death brought about a new commitment to furthering his cause of community service.

Note: The Matt Garcia Learning Center is supported by The Matt Garcia Foundation, but is not a part of the foundation. We are very proud of the wonderful things happening at The Matt Garcia Learning Center.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Welcome To Our New Blog

Thank you for stopping by. Our new work in progress is the Matt Garcia Foundation Blog. We plan to provide information about what is going on in the foundation and around our community moving toward a safer, healthier, and encouraging environment for our youth. We hope you stop by again soon.