Californians Find Their Way Forward: 20 Inspiring Stories Of 2020

CALIFORNIA — The coronavirus shutdown brought civic life and commerce to a standstill for months. These stories of revival show how communities, businesses, schools and essential institutions in California are finding ways to reopen, recover and move forward.

As we finally say goodbye to 2020, here are 20 inspiring stories from across California:

As RivCo Youth Prepare To Leave Foster Care, Gifts Arrive

• "These gifts show us the community cares."

Who's Getting The Coronavirus Vaccine First In California?

• The vaccine is here. Plus, Gov. Newsom announced Tuesday how many more doses are already on the way. What to know.

Vista Teen Surprises Sister With Quarantine Prom Amid Coronavirus

• Jared Bender, a senior at Vista Visions Academy, surprised his little sister, Aubree Bender, with a "quarantine prom" at their Vista home.

Santa's Helpers Deliver Toys In Castro Valley

• This huge pile of toys was donated to the fire department's annual toy drive.

Free Pizza For Teachers At North Bay Mountain Mike's

• Mountain Mike's Pizza gave a free carryout pizza to educators Wednesday, Dec. 23 at its North Bay locations.

'Hella Happy Holiday Special' Benefits Monument Crisis Center

• The team from Concord Couch Concerts is putting on the livestreamed benefit event.

Napa County Farm Bureau Receives County Of The Year Award

• The California Farm Bureau commended Napa County Farm Bureau for taking action during the coronavirus pandemic and the North Bay wildfires.

SMART Hosts Last Chance Sonoma County Holiday Toy Drive

• In a pandemic, it takes a village to get the toys and food to those in need.

Small Business Saturday Livens Downtown Martinez

• Downtown Martinez is nothing but small businesses, and before the COVID-related health orders, the long-sleepy downtown was on the upswing.

Sonoma County Buys Hotel To House Homeless Vulnerable To COVID

• The state of California provided $7.95 million for the purchase through its Project Homekey program.

Marin's Veterans Day Celebration Goes Virtual Amid Pandemic

• "To those who served their country in uniform, you protected us, and now it is our duty and obligation to protect you."

Marin Nonprofit Feeds Poor, Hungry Elderly Amid Pandemic

• Novato-based Respecting Our Elders hasn't allowed COVID-19 or power outages to stop it from feeding Marin's poor and hungry older adults.

Foundation Provides $5M In COVID-19 Relief Throughout Napa Valley

• Napa Valley Community Foundation most recently OK'd $1.2 million in aid for farmworkers and others who are quarantined but can't miss work.

Wear Your Mask, Win A Prize: Napa Radio Personalities Hit Streets

• Lucky mask-wearing winners were given prizes as DJs took a road trip around Napa Valley to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

LAFD Receives Enough Coronavirus Vaccines For Most Firefighters

• Half of LAFD firefighters and paramedics can be vaccinated by Wednesday, while the other half can get it by Jan 6.

LAFD To Distribute Coronavirus Care Kits To Patients

• LAFD will pass out care kits to coronavirus patients living in multi-generational homes to make it easier to self-isolate.

A Billion Dollars In Federal Relief Is Coming To California’s Community Colleges And Their Students

• California’s community colleges are expected to receive a massive infusion of federal relief money.

Meal Voucher Program Helps Restaurants, Residents Amid Pandemic

• The Meals To Martinez program launched by a law firm and a nonprofit is "like an angel coming out of the woodwork," one restaurateur said.

North Bay Volunteers Sew Masks For Essential Workers

• The group seamlessly fell into place and has donated 1,000 masks to protect workers from the coronavirus — with 4,153 more masks on the way.

Salvation Army Provides Emergency Relief In Contra Costa County

• The Salvation Army is distributing food to those in need in Contra Costa County as part of its COVID-19 relief effort.