In a series of significant developments, Concord has appointed Margaret O’Brien as the city’s new finance director, bringing nearly two decades of municipal finance expertise. Meanwhile, in East Contra Costa County, Civicorps has expanded its job training programs to cater to more young adults. Additionally, various community events and initiatives are taking shape across the region, including garden club meetings and charity galas aimed at supporting children in need.
New Leadership for Concord's Financial Future
Margaret O’Brien has taken on the role of finance director in Concord, bringing with her extensive experience in municipal finance. With a background that includes leadership positions in several California cities, O’Brien is set to play a crucial role in shaping Concord's financial strategy. Her appointment marks a significant step towards ensuring the city's long-term fiscal health.
O’Brien’s career spans nearly two decades, during which she has managed substantial budgets and implemented policies that enhance efficiency and transparency. In her previous role as finance director for the city of Alameda, she oversaw a $140 million general fund budget and a $355 million all-funds budget. Her expertise in financial strategy, budget management, and community-focused fiscal planning will be instrumental in strengthening Concord's financial foundation. City Manager Valerie Barone expressed enthusiasm about O’Brien's arrival, emphasizing her potential impact on the city's future. O’Brien holds advanced degrees in organizational leadership and business management, further enhancing her qualifications for this pivotal role.
Expanding Opportunities for Youth in East Contra Costa County
Civicorps, an Oakland-based workforce development program, has significantly expanded its services in East Contra Costa County. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for young adults aged 18 to 26, preparing them for careers in climate resilience and environmental conservation. The addition of a second crew and a new Job Training Supervisor allows Civicorps to serve twice as many participants in Pittsburg.
The expansion was made possible through generous support from the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation and the Walter S. Johnson Foundation. Since October 2022, Civicorps has been addressing the needs of youth living in East County who face long commutes. One crew has already been performing conservation services for land management agencies like the Contra Costa Water District and the East Bay Regional Park District. A new contract with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District enables Civicorps to increase wildfire resilience efforts across the county. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also provides valuable training and employment opportunities for young adults, fostering a brighter future for both the community and its members.
Supermodel Bella Hadid has recently taken social media by storm with her five-minute makeup routine, showcasing a blend of affordable and high-end products that deliver a stunning yet effortless look. In an engaging video filmed in her car, Hadid walks viewers through her skincare preparation before diving into the application process. She begins by moisturizing her skin with Rhode Barrier Butter and Clinique’s SPF-infused tinted moisturizer, which imparts a natural, sun-kissed glow. Using her fingertips, she then applies a corrective palette from Make Up For Ever to even out her complexion. The star product of her base makeup is Milani’s Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer, praised for its versatile coverage and budget-friendly price tag.
Following the base, Hadid adds dimension to her face with Fenty Beauty’s contour stick and sets her makeup with Laura Mercier’s translucent powder. To achieve a radiant finish, she incorporates Armani’s setting powder, Fenty Beauty’s highlighter, and Hourglass Cosmetics’ bronzer. For her eyes, Hadid opts for CoverGirl’s eyebrow pencil and mascara, both drugstore finds under $10, along with a sold-out Kylie Cosmetics eyeshadow palette for defining her lash line. Completing her look, she uses Make Up For Ever’s lip liner and a discontinued Kendall x Kylie Cosmetics gloss. Finally, she spritzes on her own perfume brand, Orebella, emphasizing that confidence comes from within, regardless of makeup.
Bella Hadid’s makeup tutorial not only highlights the power of accessible beauty products but also underscores the importance of self-assurance. Her message resonates deeply, reminding us that true beauty stems from feeling comfortable and happy in our own skin. Whether it’s a full face of makeup or going bare-faced, embracing one’s natural self is the ultimate key to radiance and happiness.
In today's world, many individuals face challenges in maintaining secure and healthy relationships. This story focuses on a 66-year-old woman who has found love with an attentive and kind partner but struggles with deep-seated insecurities. Her concerns stem from her partner’s interactions with other women, particularly during social activities like pickleball games. These interactions trigger feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, leading to emotional turmoil. Despite recognizing that these feelings are hers to address, she grapples with how to foster trust and security within the relationship without burdening her partner.
The heart of this issue lies in the dynamics between the couple and their social circle. The woman feels sidelined when her partner engages in close conversations with another female friend, especially since they share common experiences related to alcoholism. She finds herself watching their interactions closely, feeling a sense of exclusion. Additionally, comments about other women by her partner further exacerbate her insecurities. Instead of addressing these concerns directly, she internalizes them, fearing that voicing them might strain the relationship.
This situation highlights the importance of understanding one's own emotional triggers. The woman recognizes her tendency towards insecure attachment but labels it as a personal flaw rather than seeing it as a signal for deeper reflection. Her therapist suggests that while some anxiety can serve as a protective mechanism, excessive worry may be rooted in past experiences and not necessarily reflect current reality. By learning to differentiate between helpful and harmful anxiety, she can begin to build healthier patterns of thinking and behaving.
To move forward, the woman is encouraged to explore ways to strengthen her sense of self-worth and trust in her partner. This involves acknowledging her feelings without immediately assuming the worst. Engaging in open communication with her partner about her needs and fears could also pave the way for mutual understanding and support. Ultimately, overcoming insecurity requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to challenge negative thought patterns. Through this process, she can cultivate a more secure and fulfilling relationship.