Supervisor Candace Andersen
                            
                       News from Around the District
September 2014  return 
In This Issue
San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair
Veterans' Voices on CCTV
Free BART Tickets
Autos of Alamo Car Show
9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
Senior Care Facility Evacuation Video
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Danville's Hot August Nights
Family Day in Orinda
Alamo Music & Wine Festival
Countywide Transportation Plan
Lafayette Library Event
East Bay Regional Parks Anniversary
Fandango for the Moraga Adobe
East Bay Stand Down
Moraga Pear & Wine Festival
CHP Start Smart Program
Tassajara Valley Hike
Fall Prevention Week
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
CERT in Orinda
Rotary International Comes to Moraga
Fundraisers for Veterans
Wildlife Risks and Hazards Update
Historic Danville Walking Tours
Drought Update from EBMUD
Volunteers Needed for Advisory Boards
Board of Supervisors Actions
MOFD Chief Lee Retires
 
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District 2 Staff

Gayle Israel
Gayle Israel
Chief of Staff
Field Representative;
San Ramon &

Danville

Email Gayle
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Jill Ray
Jill Ray
Field Representative;
Canyon, Moraga & Orinda

 

   Lauri Byers

Lauri Byers
Scheduler, Field Representative;
Lafayette

 

   

Donna Maxwell
Field Representative;
Alamo & part of Walnut Creek, including; Parkmead, Rossmoor & Saranap

Email Donna

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 District Offices 

San Ramon Valley Office

 

309 Diablo Road

Danville, CA  94526

 

Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Phone: (925) 957-8860

FAX: (925) 820-3785

  

Danville Office   

Lamorinda Office

Fire Station #15

3338 Mt. Diablo Boulevard

Lafayette, CA  94549

 

Hours:

Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   

and by appointment, please call

 

Phone: (925) 646-6067

FAX: (925) 646-6068


Lafayette Office
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Get Ready at the San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair        
 
The Napa earthquake was a sharp reminder of how important it is to be prepared for emergencies. If you are looking for a fun event to help get your family ready for disasters, come to the September 13th San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair at the San Ramon Community Center and Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, in San Ramon. 

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Veterans' Voices

An exciting new, live television and webcast talk show Veterans' Voices made its debut in Contra Costa County on July 18, 2014.

 

The monthly show, a joint production of Contra Costa Television and the County's Veterans Service Office, features a range of guests and topics. Viewers can watch on CCTV, or online, and can ask questions during the show via email, phone or online chat.

 read more 

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Free BART Passes from 511 Contra Costa and the Contra Costa County Library

Contra Costa County Library and 511 Contra Costa are teaming up again to promote the use of public transportation by offering free BART tickets to Contra Costa County Library cardholders with Discover & Go reservations for use during the months of September and October. Patrons can submit their request for up to three $10 BART tickets.
 
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Las Trampas 5th Annual Walk n' Roll

Since 1958 Las Trampas has helped individuals with developmental disabilities discover their capabilities and lead full lives in their homes, at work, and in the community.

On Saturday, September 27, 2014, from 8:30am to 12:00pm Las Trampas is holding their 5th Annual Walk n' Roll 1 mile or 5K.  Everyone is welcome and the trail is wheelchair friendly. For event location and parking, registration information or to learn how you can donate to Las Trampas click here

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 2nd Annual
"Autos of Alamo" Car Show


The Alamo Improvement Association (AIA) will  hold its second annual car show on Thursday, September 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center.  Please join the fun and enjoy locally owned Vintage, Classic, Custom, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars and more from the years of 1970 and older.   If you are interested in entering your vintage auto, you can register with Jim by clicking here. Auto Registration is only $5 per vehicle.
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9-11 Remembrance Ceremony


The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley will hold its annual commemorative 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony along with local veterans' organizations, at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 at the All Wars Memorial, Oak Hill Park, 3000 Stone Valley Road in Danville. This event will feature prominent guest speakers, hundreds of Scouts, Honor Guard and many other patriotic contributions. Call (925) 275-2412 or click here for more information.
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San Ramon Valley Citizen Corps Council

The Board of Supervisors recognized the San Ramon Valley Citizens Corps Council on August 12 for their work on creating an award-winning Residential Care Facility Evacuation Training video.

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Volunteer Your Time - Support our Community

 

Registration is now open for the fourth annual Walnut Creek Community Service Day, set for Saturday, September 27.  

 

read more 

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Prescription Drug Take Back Day
 
September 27, 2014 -10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, secure, and environmentally responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and trafficking of medications.  

 

read more 

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 Moraga-Orinda
Fire Recognizes 30 Years of Service


On Saturday, August 2, after 30 years of service, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District honored Fire Chief Darrell Lee at a retirement dinner held at Saint Mary's College.
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Hot August Nights Enjoys
Another Successful Year


Arnie Levy, AKA Fast Arnie, flanked by Danville Mayor Robert Storer and Supervisor Andersen, accepts his plaque for bringing one of the winning cars to the Hot August Nights Car Show on August 14th, in Danville.
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Fun-filled Family Day in Orinda  

 

Don't forget!  On Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., enjoy over 200 American and European classic cars as well as modern exotics. The admission is free to this year's show, being held at Orinda Motors, 63 Orinda Way. It's an event for the whole family to enjoy!  For more information on all of the weekend's activities, click here.

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32nd Annual Alamo
Music and Wine
Festival


Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alamo

The event is Alamo's Largest Block Party


The Rotary Club of Alamo will be sponsoring the 32nd Annual Alamo Music and Wine Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2014, from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Alamo Plaza.

 read more 

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Your Input Needed: Help Us Keep  

Contra Costa Moving

 

The Board of Supervisors and local City Councils work closely on transportation issues and serve together on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA).  CCTA is responsible for maintaining and improving Contra Costa's transportation system. It works to improve our local transportation systems by planning and funding key projects. It also helps maintain our local streets, reduce traffic congestion, and make Contra Costa safe for bikes and pedestrians.

 

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Lafayette Library Special Event 

Join the Lafayette Library and Learning Center in September as they kick off this year's Lamorinda Kids Read. On September 11, 2014 Marissa Moss will be featured  along with her newest book, Mira's Diary: Bombs over London. Stop by the library for a free copy and pick up the activity guide. It's a month full of fun events. Read the Book! Join the Fun!  To learn more about the event or other activities at the library click here.
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East Bay Regional Park
District Anniversary

 
The Board of Supervisors joined East Bay Regional Park District Board Member Beverly Lane and General Manager Robert Doyle at the August 5, 2014 Board of Supervisors meeting for a presentation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the East Bay Regional Park District in Contra Costa County, and 80th Anniversary of the Park District.  To learn more about upcoming activities in the EBRPD, click here.
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Fandango for the Moraga Adobe at
Frank Lloyd Wright Buehler House 

The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe invite you to A Fandango! This Fandango will support the restoration of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe at Orinda's Frank Lloyd Wright Buehler House on Saturday, September 13, 2014.  There will be live music, Tapas and Bebidas. 
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 East Bay Stand Down

 

The East Bay Stand Down, a four day event held every two years helping homeless Veterans access the resources needed, will take place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds from September 11 - 14.  

 

read more 

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Alamo Elementary Gets a Crossing Guard

Students and parents walking or bicycling to and from Alamo Elementary School now have a Crossing Guard to assist them across the crosswalk at Wilson and Livorna Roads.  This enhanced safety for our school children was made possible through the support of Alamo's Police Service District and our partnership with Alamo Principal Stan Hitomi and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Staff.  

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Moraga Pear & Wine Festival

Moraga Pear and Wine Festival
The 16th Annual Moraga Pear & Wine Festival will be held Saturday, September 27, at the Moraga Commons Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a family event with activities for all ages celebrating the heritage of the Moraga Valley that was once covered with pear orchards.


read more

Also in Moraga on September 27th.....
Toast To Moraga  

40th Anniversary Celebration

 

Join the community Saturday, September 27, for a picnic-style dinner to celebrate the Town of Moraga's 40th  anniversary!

 
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   Street Smarts Presents the 

CHP "Start Smart" Program

  

 

Street Smarts is bringing the popular CHP "Start Smart" program back to the San Ramon Valley on October 15, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the San Ramon Valley High School Theater, 501 Danville Blvd, in Danville.

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San Ramon Residents Organize
 Tassajara Valley Hike
 

On Saturday August 16th, Supervisor Andersen's staff joined community members as they hiked the  beautiful countryside next to the sites of the proposed Creekside Memorial Cemetery and Tassajara Parks projects.  

 

read more 

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Fall Prevention Week

The Board of Supervisors presented Elaine Clark, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services, with a resolution recognizing "Fall Prevention Week" at their August 12 meeting.

 

 

read more 

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Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Lafayette art & wine
Reminder.....Don't miss Lafayette's biggest event of the year, the 2014 Art & Wine Festival on Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21. For complete details about this year's event click here.
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Be Prepared! Sign up for CERT in Orinda  

 

The "Community Emergency Response Team" has scheduled all-hazard training courses in Orinda. The courses are part of FEMA's Citizen Corps program.  

 

read more 

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New San Ramon City Hall Ground Breaking

The City of San Ramon will be hosting a special ceremony celebrating the ground-breaking of the new City Hall on September 9, 2014 at 5:00 p.m., at San Ramon's Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. A brief reception will follow the ground-breaking ceremony which will be held near the Skate Park; enter the parking lot from Bollinger Canyon Road.  If you are interested in attending, kindly rsvp by clicking here or call 925 973-2539.


Commute Options for  

San Ramon Residents

 

Interested in starting a carpool or vanpool?   Or, considering using public transportation? There's an incentive for that! Contact the Transportation Division for more information on commuter incentives for carpooling, vanpooling or transit at (925) 973-2650 or by clicking here. The San Ramon Transit Center is located on Executive Parkway, and the Bark and Ride Lot is located on 1120 South Wedgewood Road. These Park & Ride lots provide parking, so you can meet your carpool, vanpool or take transit.


Amador Rancho Community Center  

and Rancho San Ramon Park  

 

Construction has been completed on the Amador Rancho Community Center and Rancho San Ramon Park. The new facility features a sound proof music room (Harlan Room), a smaller multi-use room (Russell Room), a large multi-use room (Bella Vista Room), as well as several small classrooms, all of which will be available for future classes and event rentals. A celebration and dedication of the facility and playground will take place on Saturday, October 18th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be on-site activities and entertainment for all ages. The playground and facility will also be open to explore.

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Rotary International Comes to Moraga

Supervisor Andersen presented Ravi Ravindran, a member of the Rotary Club of Columbo, Western Province, Sri Lanka, and incoming President of Rotary International 2015-16, with a proclamation honoring him for his commitment to Rotary and the work they do throughout the world.  "Ravi" was the visiting guest speaker at the Moraga Rotary Dinner at Saint Mary's College on August 12, 2014.
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Joint Fundraiser for Wounded Veterans

Two popular local fundraisers, the 3rd Annual Veteran's Victory Velo (V3) and the 2nd Annual Hopfest, are being combined on Saturday, September 20 into a full day of activities that will benefit local and international nonprofits.  Registration for both events is now open; click here for more information.

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Diablo Fire Safe Council Wants Your  

Input On Wildfire Risks and Hazards

 

The Diablo Fire Safe Council is working with local fire departments, homeowner groups and other stakeholders to update the 2009 Contra Costa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). 

read more
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Take a Walking Tour of
Danville's Historic Downtown

 

 

Take a walking tour of Danville's historic downtown in September or October.  Learn more about the 156 year history of the community and visit interesting sites throughout the downtown.  

read more
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Drought Update from East Bay MUD
 

California remains in a severe drought and EBMUD has declared a water shortage emergency that prohibits certain uses in the EBMUD service area. Statewide mandatory limits on outdoor water use went into effect July 28th and will remain in effect until further notice.  

 

read more 

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Volunteers Needed to Sit on District 2 Advisory Boards

 

In addition to the District 2 vacancies listed below, Supervisor Andersen would like to draw your attention to the following list of countywide advisory bodies that currently have At Large Seats available, such as the Advisory Council on Aging, Agricultural Task Force Committee, Countywide Bicycle Committee, County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee, Economic Opportunity Council, Emergency Medical Care Committee, Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity, Family & Children's Trust, Fish & Wildlife Committee, Hazardous Materials Commission, Homelessness Advisory Board, Affordable Housing Finance Committee, Local Child Care & Development Planning Council, Managed Care Commission, Public & Environmental Health Advisory Board, and the Workforce Development Board.

 

To apply for any of these seats, click here:  

Board of Supervisors Actions boardactions  

 

Ever wonder what your Supervisor does at that weekly Tuesday Board of Supervisors Meeting? Here are some of the board actions from the month of August which impact the residents of District 2:    

 

Acknowledged Child Support Awareness month. 

 

Recognized "Veteran's Voices", a joint production of Contra Costa Television and the County's Veteran's Service Office, to facilitate monthly outreach efforts for East Bay veterans and their families. 

 

Commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Contra Costa County joining the East Bay Regional Parks District. 

 

Approved response to Civil Grand Jury Report entitled "County Employee Evaluations"; Directed response to the Superior Court no later than August 12, 2014. 

 

Authorized contract renewals with the Non PERS Health Plan, Dental Plan and Life Insurance Plan carriers. 

 

Authorized Emergency Medical Services Agency to prepare a request for proposals for emergency ambulance services for Emergency Response Areas I, II, and V, and submit the final RFP to the Board for approval no later than February 2015. 

 

Established a speed limit on Miranda Avenue, Alamo. 

 

Approved the Livorna Road and Wilson Road Intersection Improvements Project (Installation of a traffic signal), Alamo. 

 

Considered the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa's New Flat Rent Policy and approved a Significant Amendment to the Public Housing Agency Plan for 2014/15 and accompanying revisions to the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy. 

 

Received report from the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association on the negative effects of the continued decline in Housing Choice Voucher administrative funding. 

 

Recognized September 21-27, 2014 as Fall Prevention Awareness Week, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

 

Recognized the 54th Contra Costa Annual Swim Meet Championship, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

 

Recognized the San Ramon Valley Citizen Corps Council, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

 

Presentation from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority on the 2014 Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) update; Provided preliminary comment to Authority staff on the process and CTP; Directed County staff to work with the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee to develop detailed comments for subsequent consideration by the Board of Supervisors.

 

Approved response to Civil Grand Jury Report entitled "Deferred Maintenance"; Directed the Clerk of the Board to forward the response to the Superior Court no later than August 29, 2014.

 

Accepted the report regarding Inmate Health Insurance Enrollment Program and designated the Employment and Human Services as the department responsible for coordinating the provisions of AB720.

  

Appointed Terese 'Tess' Paoli to the District II Seat on the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

 

Approved/Authorized a novation contract with the City of San Ramon, to pay the county to provide home-delivered and congregate meal services for County's Senior Nutrition Program.

 

Approved/Authorized a contract with Golden Rain Foundation of Walnut Creek, to pay the county to provide congregate meal services for the County's Senior Nutrition Program.

 

Adopted Resolution confirming the corrected Final Report for CSA EM-1 (County Service Area Emergency Medical Services) and declaring intent to levy specified assessments to be collected with the Fiscal Year 2014/15 property taxes. 
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EmerprepfairGet Ready at the San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair        
 
The Napa earthquake was a sharp reminder of how important it is to be prepared for emergencies. If you are looking for a fun event to help get your family ready for disasters, come to the September 13th San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair at the San Ramon Community Center and Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, in San Ramon. 

In 2006 the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, the City of San Ramon, the Town of Danville, and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District joined forces to increase citizen preparedness through training and education. This coalition known as the San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Citizen Corps Council, along with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, set out to raise awareness with a community wide event.  For the past five years, the Emergency Preparedness Fair has drawn an attendance of 5,000 to 7,000. The event includes interactive booths, child fingerprinting, a Kids Fire Safety House, fire and life safety demonstrations, emergency preparedness classes, child car seat inspections, pet preparedness, emergency supply vendors, and much more.  

There will be a free BBQ lunch and a free emergency supply gift for the first 500 guests.  For more information click here.

vetsvoicesVeterans' Voices

An exciting new, live television and webcast talk show Veterans' Voices made its debut in Contra Costa County on July 18, 2014.

 

The monthly show, a joint production of Contra Costa Television and the County's Veterans Service Office, features a range of guests and topics. Viewers can watch on CCTV, or online, and can ask questions during the show via email, phone or online chat.

 

Nathan Johnson, Contra Costa County's Veterans Service Officer, serves as host; other staff members and veterans organization representatives take turns as co-hosts. Johnson sees the show as a unique way to reach veterans who might not otherwise know what types of services are available.

 

Contra Costa County is home to more than 65,000 veterans. By using TV and the web, the Veterans Service Office reaches a potential audience that may not have otherwise been reached.

 

The show is underwritten by a grant from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, which invited Veterans Service Offices from around the state to apply for mental health outreach funding.

 

Recognizing that the transition from veteran to civilian life is increasingly more complex, the goal of the grant program is to allow local offices to design innovative outreach efforts that meet their community needs.

 

"Veterans' Voices" airs live every third Monday of the month on CCTV. The show is also uploaded online and replayed on CCTV Wednesday nights at 11 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., and can be found on Comcast Channel 27, Astound Channel 32 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 throughout Contra Costa County. The show is also streamed live online at www.ContraCostaTV.org.

 

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discovergoFree BART Passes from 511 Contra Costa and the Contra Costa County Library

Contra Costa County Library and 511 Contra Costa are teaming up again to promote the use of public transportation by offering free BART tickets to Contra Costa County Library cardholders with Discover & Go reservations for use during the months of September and October. Patrons can submit their request for up to three $10 BART tickets.
 
The free Discover & Go promotional BART tickets are available to library cardholders who have September or October reservations for the following venues: Asian Art Museum,  The Beat Museum, Bedford Gallery, California Academy of Sciences, California Historical Society, California Shakespeare Theater, Cartoon Art Museum , Chabot Space & Science Center, Children's Creativity Museum,  Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum,   Exploratorium,   Freight & Salvage, GLBT History Museum, Habitot Children's Museum,  Lawrence Hall of Science, Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment, Oakland Museum of California, Pacific Pinball Museum, UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive,  UC Botanical Garden,  and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. BART tickets will be mailed to cardholders' homes via standard 1st Class U.S. Postal Service within five business days of their request. The BART ticket offer is limited to one request per household and the offer is available while supplies last.  For more information click here. 

 
citcorpcouncilSan Ramon Valley Citizen Corps Council 
The Board of Supervisors recognized the San Ramon Valley Citizens Corps Council on August 12 for their work on creating an award-winning Residential Care Facility Evacuation Training video.

The San Ramon Valley Citizen Corps Council (SRVCCC) is a coalition of the City of San Ramon, Town of Danville, Contra Costa County, the San Ramon Valley Fire District and San Ramon Valley Unified School District who collaborate and partner to improve emergency readiness within all aspects of the San Ramon Valley

To learn more about Senior Safety and to watch the evacuation video, click here. To learn more about the Citizen Corps Council click here.

 

wccleanupVolunteer Your Time - Support our Community

 

Registration is now open for the fourth annual Walnut Creek Community Service Day, set for Saturday, September 27. This year's lineup features 55 projects, including projects at nearly every local school, at public libraries, in the open space and creeks, at Rossmoor and in gardens and parks.

 

Community Service Day kicks off with a free pancake breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Heather Farm Park Community Center, courtesy of the Lions Clubs of Walnut Creek. From there, volunteers will fan out across Walnut Creek to work on a variety of projects. Space is limited in many of the projects; volunteers are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

 

For a list of projects and online registration,  click here or call the Community Service Day hotline, 925-256-3505.  

 

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prescripdrugPrescription Drug Take Back Day
 
September 27, 2014 -10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, secure, and environmentally responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and trafficking of medications.  This is important because the non-medical use of controlled substance (CS) medications is at an all-time high, with 6.8 million Americans reporting having abused prescription drugs in 2012, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released in 2013.  That same study revealed more than 54 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet. 

 

Take-Back Days are presently needed because the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as originally written did not provide a way for patients, caregivers, and pet owners to dispose of such CS medications as painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants like ADHD drugs. Leftover or expired medications should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown into garbage bins. 

 

Please click here  to locate collection sites near you. Year round you can also dispose of prescription drugs in the lobby of all of the city police departments in District 2 (Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville and San Ramon).   

 

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mofdleeMoraga-Orinda
Fire Recognizes 30 Years of Service


Staff member Lauri Byers presents Chief Lee with a proclamation signed by the Board of Supervisors.
On Saturday, August 2, after 30 years of service, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District honored Fire Chief Darrell Lee at a retirement dinner held at Saint Mary's College.  Chief Lee also served as a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security as part of the National Disaster Medical System, and received the assignment to be part of the advance team for disaster medical response to the World Trade Center in New York City in 2001. He was also deployed to Houston, Texas for Hurricane Katrina, missions at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, Tropical Storm Allison in Houston, Texas in 2003, and 2004 Hurricanes, Charley, Frances and Ivan.

Chief Lee continues to serve as a volunteer Police Officer for the Town of Moraga.

alamoevent32nd Annual Alamo
Music and Wine
Festival

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alamo

The event is Alamo's Largest Block Party


The Rotary Club of Alamo will be sponsoring the 32nd Annual Alamo Music and Wine Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2014, from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Alamo Plaza.

 

The fun-filled event will benefit the Alamo community and the music programs at six local schools including Alamo and Rancho Romero Elementary Schools, Stone Valley Middle School, Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley High Schools and the Lucille Mauzy School.

 

The afternoon will also be filled with many activities for the entire family. Food, games and business booths will be set up throughout the Festival. Kids will especially enjoy the play zone.

 

Dinner will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. featuring selections from FAZ's Restaurant, Izzy's Place and the Rotary Burger Barn with hamburgers and gourmet sausages. Dinner tickets are $15.00.

 

The Festival will feature a selection of wines from the well-known Cline Cellars. Since the purchase of food, beer, wine, sodas and water help fund the community, international and school music programs, the Rotary Club of Alamo asks that attendees purchase their food and beverages from the Festival booths and NOT bring in outside food or beverages.  To learn more click here.

ccmovingYour Input Needed: Help Us Keep  

Contra Costa Moving

 

The Board of Supervisors and local City Councils work closely on transportation issues and serve together on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA).  CCTA is responsible for maintaining and improving Contra Costa's transportation system. It works to improve our local transportation systems by planning and funding key projects. It also helps maintain our local streets, reduce traffic congestion, and make Contra Costa safe for bikes and pedestrians.

 

Currently, the CCTA is updating the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP), which outlines their vision for improving how we travel throughout our County. It establishes goals, strategies, projects and other actions that will help achieve that vision. It's a plan for the next 25 years of transportation planning in Contra Costa County.

 

CCTA wants your input. This is your chance to share your ideas for new projects and programs in Contra Costa. There are several ways you can participate, including attending a public workshop, completing a survey online or by getting a copy mailed to you.

  • Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 7pm, Veteran's Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
  • Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 1:30pm, Richmond Convention Center, Bermuda Room (enter from Nevin St.), 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
  • Monday, September 22, 2014 at 7pm, West County Public Workshop,  Hercules Community Center (Gym), 2001 Refugio Valley Road, Hercules
  • Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 6pm, Telephone Public Workshop, Dial 877-229-8493 and pin #1126642 when prompted.
  •  Click here to fill out an online survey.
  • Call (925) 256-4720 to get a copy of the survey mailed to you.
Please use one of the ways listed above to participate in this important planning tool.  Your opinions and ideas matter and will help shape Contra Costa County's transportation planning for the next 25 years.

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fandangoFandango for the Moraga Adobe at
Frank Lloyd Wright Buehler House 

The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe invite you to A Fandango! This Fandango will support the restoration of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe at Orinda's Frank Lloyd Wright Buehler House on Saturday, September 13, 2014.  There will be live music, Tapas and Bebidas. 

This event includes a guided house tour and champagne reception, tours 5pm - 6pm. limited tickets. General admission, $100, 7pm-10pm.

The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe  is a non-profit organization committed to the restoration of the family home of Don Joaquin Moraga, grandson of early California explorer Jose Joaquin Moraga, founder of the City of San Jose, and first Commandante of the Presidio of San Francisco.  Located in Orinda and built in 1841, the adobe is the oldest surviving building in Contra Costa County.  The Friends' organization is dedicated to preserving the landmark and working to provide community access to the building and grounds.  Plans call for the development of a museum and learning center.  The adobe was recognized as a California State Historical Landmark in 1954 and designated as an Orinda City Landmark in 1995.

For reservations and information click here. For questions please call (925) 254-8260.

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ebstanddown East Bay Stand Down 
 

The East Bay Stand Down, a four day event held every two years helping homeless Veterans access the resources needed, will take place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds from September 11 - 14.  

 

The Stand Down is a consortium of community organizations bringing 500 homeless and at-risk military Veterans and their families living in the Bay Area together for the purpose of connecting them with services such as; VA HealthCare, Dental, Mental Health Services, Clothing, Meals, Emergency Shelter, Transitional and Permanent Housing, ID/ Drivers License's, Court Services and Legal Aide, Showers and Haircuts and myriad other services and resources.  

 

The primary goal of East Bay Stand Down is helping homeless Veterans access the resources needed, including housing, to regain their highest level of independence; its secondary goal is to bring our community and service providers together in a collaborative format that can build relationships throughout the year that positively benefit homeless Veterans.

Since the first Stand Down was held in San Diego, in 1988, Stand Downs have taken place in over 200 cities nationwide. Over 100,000 Veterans and their families have benefited from Stand Downs. These events have proved to be very effective in breaking the cycle of homelessness among Veterans and their families. For more information on how you can help, click here.

 

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moragapearMoraga Pear & Wine Festival

Moraga Pear and Wine Festival
The 16th Annual Moraga Pear & Wine Festival will be held Saturday, September 27, at the Moraga Commons Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a family event with activities for all ages celebrating the heritage of the Moraga Valley that was once covered with pear orchards. Join friends and neighbors for entertainment and fun at the band shell with DJ RyanO, wine tasting with Lamorinda Winegrowers Association, grape stomping; pear pies, jumpies, food, local artist booths, community and business booths, a pear recipe contest, and much more!  All ages are encouraged to enter. For more information and the recipe contest application, click here. For the Moraga Pear Festival Recipe Contest Winners recipe book, click here.

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Also in Moraga on September 27th.....
Toast To Moraga  

moraga40th40th Anniversary Celebration

 

Join the community Saturday, September 27, for a picnic-style dinner to celebrate the Town of Moraga's 40th anniversary! Celebrate by sharing a meal with friends, family and neighbors. Tables will be placed in the Moraga Commons Park under a canopy of lights with a toast to the wonderful community of Moraga at 6:30 pm! DJ RyanO and local musicians will provide the evening's entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck from home or pre-ordered food from a local restaurant. Shop Moraga First and be sure to check for specials at participating restaurants. Each table seats six and comes with a bottle of sparkling juice for $35. Click here for Pre-registration (required). Enter the Toast Contest and participate in the Table Decorating Contest.

   stsmartsStreet Smarts Presents the 

CHP "Start Smart" Program

  

 

Street Smarts is bringing the popular CHP "Start Smart" program back to the San Ramon Valley on October 15, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the San Ramon Valley High School Theater, 501 Danville Blvd, in Danville.  "Start Smart" is a two-hour driver safety education class given by the California Highway Patrol to new and future teenage drivers and their parents/guardians. At the event, CHP officers will discuss collision factors associated with teen drivers, collision avoidance techniques, and driver/parent responsibilities. Parents must attend with their teens. (Warning: Presentation contains extremely graphic images.)

 

The October 15 event is free and open to teens/parents in the San Ramon Valley and beyond. To register, click here. For more information, please contact Cathy DeLuca, Street Smarts Coordinator, at (925) 314-3382 or  click here to email.  

Can't attend the October event? Attend a "Start Smart" Class in Martinez. CHP offers the "Start Smart" class twice a month in their Martinez offices. For more information, call 925-646-4980.  

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tassajarahikeSan Ramon Residents Organize
 Tassajara Valley Hike
 

On Saturday August 16th, Supervisor Andersen's staff joined community members as they hiked the  beautiful countryside next to the sites of the proposed Creekside Memorial Cemetery and Tassajara Parks projects. Creekside Memorial Cemetery would be located at 7000 Camino Tassajara and occupy 58.7 acres of an approximately 222-acre space in unincorporated Contra Costa County east of the San Ramon city limits.  

 

Views along the hike included rural Tassajara Valley to the east and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the Black Hills of Mount Diablo State Park to the north.

 

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed the beautiful scenery while viewing the proposed sites. To learn more about the Creekside Memorial Park project click here.   To learn more about the Tassajara Parks Housing Development project click here.   

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fallpreventFall Prevention Week

The Board of Supervisors presented Elaine Clark, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services, with a resolution recognizing "Fall Prevention Week" at their August 12 meeting.

 

Falls are the leading cause of injury death among seniors; each year nationally, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls, and every 35 minutes an older adult dies from a fall. To learn more about senior outreach services click here.  

 

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CERTBe Prepared! Sign up for CERT in Orinda  

 

The "Community Emergency Response Team" has scheduled all-hazard training courses in Orinda. The courses are part of FEMA's Citizen Corps program. This valuable course is designed to help you take care of yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

 

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster preparedness where citizens learn to take independent actions that are critical to their safety. Many people will respond to others in need without training but the CERT course is designed to help them do so safely and effectively.

 

You can take CERT training at the Orinda Library beginning Thursday, September 11, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The 6 classes and a drill are presented by Lamorinda CERT, a FEMA accredited program. Register for the classes by clicking here.  

 

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woundedvetsJoint Fundraiser for Wounded Veterans

Two popular local fundraisers, the 3rd Annual Veteran's Victory Velo (V3) and the 2nd Annual Hopfest, are being combined on Saturday, September 20 into a full day of activities that will benefit local and international nonprofits.  Registration for both events is now open; click here for more information.

The sponsoring organization, the Dougherty Valley/San Ramon Rotary Club invites the public to participate in one or both events being held at 2600 Camino Ramon (previously the AT&T building) in San Ramon.

 

The Veteran's Victory Velo bicycle ride kicks off the day's activities.  This popular ride was at risk for not continuing for the third year until Dougherty Valley/San Ramon Rotary stepped up to adopt the event.

 

As in previous years, riders can choose from three routes - a 30, 60 or 100-mile bike ride.  Serious and recreational cyclists alike are welcome to participate to help severely wounded veterans through the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation.

  •   100-mile Devil Mountain Century Ride begins at 7:00 AM
  •   60-mile ride begins at 9:00 AM
  •   30-mile ride begins at 10:30 AM

At the conclusion of the ride, beginning at 1:00 p.m., participants will be invited to remain in the finishing area to be joined by other local residents for the second annual Hopfest Celebration benefiting the Dougherty Valley San Ramon Rotary Foundation.  The afternoon celebration will include fare from nearly a dozen Food Truck Mafia mobile canteens, music, and of course the opportunity to taste craft brews from 20 breweries from the local area and northern California.

 

For more information about the event, contact: Kris Viers, (925) 989.1511. For more information about DVSR Rotary, click here; for more information about the Sentinels of Freedom, click here.

 

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firesafeDiablo Fire Safe Council Wants Your  

Input On Wildfire Risks and Hazards

 

The Diablo Fire Safe Council is working with local fire departments, homeowner groups and other stakeholders to update the 2009 Contra Costa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).  A CWPP is a collaboratively developed plan that identifies wildland fire hazards, prioritizes ways to reduce those hazards and recommends measures for homeowners and communities to reduce ignitability of structures.

To review the Draft Contra Costa County CWPP Update, click here. Deadline for comments is September 15, 2014.  Your comments should be submitted in writing by emailing Diablo Fire Safe Council; to email click here or send by mail to Diablo Fire Safe Council, PO Box 18616, Oakland, CA  95610-0616.

Share your knowledge, test your wildfire awareness and learn more about what you can do to reduce the threat of wildfire.  For more information, contact Cheryl Miller at (510) 5356-0143.

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walkingtourTake a Walking Tour of
Danville's Historic Downtown

 

 

Take a walking tour of Danville's historic downtown in September or October.  Learn more about the 156 year history of the community and visit interesting sites throughout the downtown.   Saturday morning tours, led by experienced museum docents, take place on the second Saturday of each month, through October.  The final Saturday tours of 2014 take place on September 13 and October 11.  They start in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (Danville Train Depot), 205 Railroad Avenue, at 10 a.m.

               

Friday evening tours meet in front of the Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, at 6:15 p.m. and take place on the third Friday of the month. The final tours of this year include September 19 and October 17. Friday tours are led by Danville Council member Karen Stepper.        

   

Reservations for the tours are required. Call (925) 837-3750 to make a reservation at least two days in advance. A $4 per person donation is requested. Click here for additional information.

 

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droughtDrought Update from East Bay MUD
 

California remains in a severe drought and EBMUD has declared a water shortage emergency that prohibits certain uses in the EBMUD service area. Statewide mandatory limits on outdoor water use went into effect July 28th and will remain in effect until further notice. EMBUD applauds the Governor's leadership and the state's action to prohibit outdoor water waste to protect California's water supplies, and has adopted regulations to implement those restrictions. The restrictions support EMBUD's February 11th request that customers achieve a 10 percent reduction in water use.


Except where necessary for public health and safety, effective August 12, 2014 and continuing until further notice, EMBUD customers are required to:
  • Limit watering of outdoor landscapes to two times per week and prevent excessive runoff when watering;
  • Use a hose with a shutoff valve when hand-washing motor vehicles;
  • Use a broom or air blower, not water, to clean driveways, sidewalks, patios and other hard surfaces;
  • Turn off any fountain or decorative water feature that uses potable water unless the water is recirculated.

Many EBMUD customers are routinely conservation-minded and some customers may find it hard to meet the goal of voluntarily cutting back water use by 10 percent. EBMUD offers a wide range of conservation services at no cost to help customers find ways to reduce their water use. EBMUD promises water use reductions this year will not impact allocations if mandatory rationing becomes necessary in the future. For more information and EMBUD water conservation services please click here click here.   

 

Key Tips for Conservation

  • Water established shrubs and trees no more than once a week.
  • Prevent irrigation runoff by using three to four short rather than one ling irrigation cycle.
  • Check irrigation systems for leaks, broken spray-heads and run off.
  • Consider upgrading irrigation systems and converting lawns to sustainable landscapes, and start by learning about EMBUD landscape conversion and irrigation upgrade rebates.
  • Order a free WaterSmart Home Survey Kit from EBMUD to help find and fix leaks.
  • Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
  • Keep showers short, and consider recapturing water during warm-up to use for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and watering plants.

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