News from Around the District  - November, 2017
In This Issue
Candace's Committee Appointments








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District 2 Staff

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

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

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Lauri Byers  
Lauri Byers
Scheduler, Field Representative; Lafayette

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Jennifer Quallick
Field Representative; Alamo & part of Walnut Creek, including; Parkmead, Rossmoor & Saranap
 


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 

 

 
Quick Links
City of Walnut Creek

City of Lafayette

City of Orinda

Town of Moraga

Rossmoor

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

San Ramon Valley CERT Training

Lamorinda CERT Training

 

Secretary of State - Register to Vote 


Contra Costa County Sheriff

Contra Costa County Public Works Dept.

Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority

Mosquito and Vector Control

Contra Costa Crisis Center

Contra Costa Sanitary District

Contra Costa Water District

East Bay Regional Park District

Bay Area Air Quality Management District

California State Association of Counties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veterans Day Events Around the Community
Each November, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors pays special tribute to the men and women who have served in the military. Join us this year at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7th in the Board of Supervisors Chamber, 651 Pine Street in Martinez, as we honor the significant contributions made by our Veterans Service Organizations.  This year's ceremony will be capped off by a Color Guard pass and review that you won't want to miss! 
Fancy Blue Divider

Many of the communities in District 2 are holding Veterans Day events on Saturday, November 11th, to honor those who have served.  Please see a few of the annual ceremonies listed below:

Alamo/Danville/San Ramon: San Ramon Valley High School auditorium, begins at 11:00 a.m., honoring veterans and active duty military from 1975 to present.

Moraga: Moraga Commons Park, at 9:00 a.m., join local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops and community members to honor veterans.

Walnut Creek: Lesher Center for the Arts, at 11:00 a.m., keynote speaker Mike Conklin, founder of Sentinels of Freedom.

Fancy Blue Divider

Help honor our veterans by participating in some of the activities in Danville this Veterans Day, November 11th.  A special tribute video and slide show will be shown honoring Vietnam Veterans and other veterans service organizations in the San Ramon Valley. 

Throughout Veterans Day Weekend- Friday, November 10th through Sunday, November 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the veterans service organizations will be hosting an extended open house at the Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Avenue, showcasing the military displays, military vehicles and more.

For more information, contact Administrative Services Director Nat Rojanasathira by  clicking here or (925) 314-3328.  

Fancy Blue Divider 

San Ramon Valley Fire Officially Opens New Alamo Station 32
After nearly 7 years of community input and review, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District was delighted to host the grand opening on Saturday, October 28th, of their newest fire station, located at the intersection of Miranda Avenue and Stone Valley Road in Alamo. The new station replaces the former Station 32, which  was the smallest and oldest station in the district, and was located just east of I680 on Stone Valley Road.
 
Neighbors, safety officials and local elected leaders turned out to tour the new facility and meet the Fire District representatives and fire fighters that will call the new station home. After the ribbon cutting, a 100-year time capsule was placed in the cornerstone ceremoniously set next to the station flagpole by the Freemasons of California on March 28th. 
Mental Health First Aid Introduced in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services is pleased to announce that they have added 19 new instructors to the Mental Health First Aid team this past Spring. 
 
They are excited to bring Mental Health First Aid to communities throughout the county. Most people know how to recognize and appropriately react to medical emergencies, but there is little knowledge in the general public about what to do in a mental health crisis.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The new instructors will be certified to teach the 8-hour program to a variety of audiences in all regions of the county. The instructor certification training was conducted by the National Council for Behavioral Health, who manages the program in the United States along with the states of Maryland and Missouri. 
 
The new instructors join more than 9,000 U.S. instructors already certified by MHFA-USA as instructors in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Instructors come from a variety of backgrounds, including behavioral healthcare, law enforcement and public safety, universities, faith communities, and primary care.
  
Studies show that training in Mental Health First Aid builds confidence in helping an individual experiencing a mental health challenge, reduces negative or distancing attitudes towards individuals with mental illnesses, and increases mental health literacy - being able to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.  This training was made possible by the Mental Health Services Act.  

If you are interested in scheduling a Mental Health First Aid training, please contact Adam Down, Ethnic Services and Training Coordinator by  clicking here , or call (925) 957-5121.  
Attend a Contra Costa Mental Health Commission Meeting

Save the Date - Please Join Us for Our 
Annual Holiday Open House
Please join Supervisor Andersen and her staff for a Holiday Open House from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at our office located at 309 Diablo Road in Danville.

We will also be gladly accepting monetary donations to the Food Bank of Contra Costa County.  No family should be without food for the holidays.

We hope you can stop by for some appetizers and hot chocolate.  If you plan to join us, please RSVP to (925) 957-8860, or click here to email. 
Danville Old Oak Tree Lighting and  District 2 Open House
The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville present the Annual Lighting of the Old Oak Tree from 5:15 - 8:30 p.m. on The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24th at Diablo Road in Danville.

Stroll downtown and enjoy refreshments, entertainment, and holiday shopping through the festively decorated streets. Don't miss out on this Danville tradition.

If you go, be sure to stop by Supervisor Andersen's office for some hot cocoa and a holiday treat while enjoying the tree lighting. The office, located just west of the tree at 309 Diablo Road, will be open from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Retail Hydrogen Fueling Station Opens in San Ramon
On October 10th, the California Fuel Cell Partnership  along  with The Linde Group, the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board, the City of San Ramon, and Toyota Motor Corporation celebrated the opening of the 29th retail hydrogen station in the State at the corner of Norris Canyon Road and Bishop Drive in San Ramon. 

The California Fuel Cell Partnership is an industry/government collaboration aimed at expanding the market for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV's) powered by hydrogen to help create a cleaner, more energy-diverse future with no-compromises zero emission vehicles.

A fuel cell creates electricity from a chemical reaction, not combustion. With a hydrogen-powered vehicle, you get high performance, an incredible ride and a carpool sticker that tells the world you're aiming for zero emissions. You can go a long way on a small amount of hydrogen. Fuel cells are 2-3 times more efficient than combustion engines, and making hydrogen is an energy efficient chemical process. You'll drive as far as you drive today on about 1/3 as much fuel.

For more information about fuel cell electrical vehicles and other station locations, click here.
Help Local Families in Your County with a Donation to the Counties Care Holiday Food Fight

Since 2004, employees of Contra Costa and Solano counties have competed during the holiday season to raise funds for the Food Bank. It's a friendly competition, with the county that raises the most funds per employee winning the Big Apple trophy for one year. The trophy and bragging rights pass back and forth, but the real winners are the hungry of both counties. In the 14 years since the Counties Care challenge began, the total amount raised by employees of both counties is $1,586,102.88.  To learn how you can help or to donate,  click here .
Housing Town Hall in Alamo
Supervisor Andersen partnered with Ensuring Opportunity and the Multi-faith ACTION Coalition to present a Housing Town Hall in District 2, held at the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, Alamo, on October 14th. 

Tim O'Keefe, CEO of the Golden Rain Foundation and former CEO of Shelter, Inc moderated the Town Hall. The panelists included Lafayette Vice Mayor Don Tatzin, Danville Councilmember Robert Storer, Woody Karp, Senior Project Developer at Eden Housing, and Mia Carbajal from East Bay Housing Organizations. 

The panelists spoke about  the main factors that come into play when they are considering expanding the supply of affordable housing in their communities and discussed the barriers and opportunities for building affordable housing in Contra Costa County.
Come for the Film - Stay for the Discussion about Homelessness in Contra Costa County

San Ramon Bah Humbug! 5k Run & Walk - December 2nd
Start the holiday season off with a healthy fun run or walk through San Ramon on December 2nd. Participants will receive a holiday long sleeved t-shirt and the famous Bah Humbug! ornament. The Bah Humbug! is a chip timed race.
 
Registration Fee is  $35 for online and postmarked registration by Saturday, November 25th. Registration fees increase to $45 starting Monday November 27th through race day. Pre-registration family rate for 3 or more is $30 per person and increases to $45 on November 27th. Must be immediate family only, and all entry forms must be submitted at the same time. Race day registration tables are open 7:30am to 8:45am. 

Runners are asked to bring a can of food to be donated to the Contra Costa County Food Bank to assist those in need during the holidays. Canned food donations will be collected near the registration table.

For more information about awards, packet pick-up (which will be at Sports Basement, San Ramon), the costume contest, or to register,  click here. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted.
National Council of Jewish Women
Supervisor Andersen spoke to very interested members with the Contra Costa Section of the National Council of Jewish Women on October 25th in Rossmoor. They asked many very pertinent questions about everything from recycling to the new Express Lanes. 

The National Council of Jewish Women Contra Costa Section is a volunteer organization that  promotes women's and children's rights around the globe by lobbying state and national government officials to end human trafficking and to allow medical treatment for women in outlying areas. They also strongly support the efforts of their National Organization with programs in Israel, such as Day Care Centers, Schools, Shelters for Women and children, and general educational programs for all women and children living in Israel.

Pictured with Candace is their President, Rose Jackson.
39th Annual Lafayette Community Breakfast
Lafayette's 39th Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017 at the  Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center .

Keynote speaker will be Deanne Pearn, MPP, Executive Director of  Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. The event will be catered by Jeff Assadi of La Finestra, with music provided by Wendy Tamis, Harpist.  To register  click here .
International Consulate Summit

The East Bay Economic Development Alliance in partnership with CalAsian Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2nd Annual International Consulate Summit on October 26th at the Oakland Marriott, where Supervisor Andersen delivered the welcoming remarks to a packed house. Consuls General, Consulate staff, elected officials, and business leaders representing twenty countries participated in the Summit. Supervisor Andersen is pictured above with Chris Lo from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
13th Annual Holiday Home Tour
The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) presents their 13th Annual Holiday Home Tour on Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 if purchased by November 30, $40 thereafter. Five Festive Danville and Alamo homes are featured.  
Mail your check payable to: "Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW" with a business size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: AAUW Holiday Home Tour, PO Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. 

Starting on November 6, tickets will be at East Bay Flower Company at 206 Sycamore Valley Rd W. Danville (Livery Shopping Center) with cash or checks only. Or you can purchase them online by clicking here.  No children under 12. 

The profits from the Holiday Home Tour go to Tech Trek, a week long, residential summer camp for ten middle school girls with interest in science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM) at Sonoma State University and to local scholarships for women to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. 
Racial Justice Task Force  Community Forums


There will be one forum in each of the five supervisorial districts:

Danville Forum in District 2
November 8th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville

Concord Community Forum in District 4
November 6th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant Street, Concord

Pittsburg Community Forum in District 5 
November 13th at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The Youth Development Center, 1001 Stoneman Avenue, Pittsburg

Richmond Community Forum in District 1 
November 16th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at DeJean Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, 3400 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond 

Antioch Community Forum in District 3 
November 21st from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch
New Passenger Drop off Information 
for Walnut Creek BART Station
BART is making improvements to parking and access at the Walnut Creek Station and beginning step two of construction. A new passenger drop off area will be constructed on the North side of the existing garage as part of updates to facilities that improve access and safety for pedestrians, cars, bikes, and buses.
 
The project includes a new 900+stall-parking garage and amenities including a new bus facility, new passenger drop-off, enhanced bike and pedestrian paths, a new BART police station, and artwork by Dan Corson. Construction of the new parking garage is anticipated to be completed by late 2018.
 
During the project, access to the existing garage, parking lots and access roads around the station will change in order to accommodate construction. Two of the three entrances to the existing garage will remain open at all times and there will be no loss of parking during construction. Station access for pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and buses will be maintained throughout construction.
 
Step two of construction will reopen the West entrance of the existing parking garage and close the North entrance to the garage. A new entrance to the North fee parking lot will be opened on Riviera Avenue on the Western side of the lot and two entrances to the North fee parking lot will be closed. See the construction access map on the reverse of this notice for specific closure information.
 
Please follow instructions from work crews, BART employees, and comply with signs and fencing around work areas. There will be no interruption in BART service, and the same amount of existing parking will be available during construction.
 
For additional project information, frequently asked questions, and construction updates please click here. If you have comments or questions about the project, email by clicking here or call the hotline at (925) 262-2030.
Rossmoor Senior Safety Awareness Workshop
Supervisor Andersen teamed up with Assemblywoman Baker to present a Senior Safety Awareness Workshop to Rossmoor on October 3rd. 

Assemblywoman Baker welcomed the crowd and gave a brief legislative update.  After updating the group on current County issues, Supervisor Andersen welcomed Crime Prevention Specialists from the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office.  The specialists went over safety tips and precautions for seniors, who are often targets of telephone and email fraud relating to home repair, identify theft, finance scams, auto repair and more.

Pictured above, Le'Reina Skidmore, Crime Prevention Specialist, Christina Lind-Winters, Crime Prevention Specialist, and Supervisor Andersen answer questions from the audience.
San Ramon Senior Foundation Holiday Boutique
On Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the  Alcosta Senior & Community Center,  c rafters and artists will come together with the San Ramon Senior Boutique Group for the annual San Ramon Senior Foundation's Holiday Boutique. Shop early for holiday gifts and décor crafted by 50 vendors selling all types of handmade items. There will be knitted and crocheted clothing for people of all ages, hats, totes, kitchen items, jewelry, various decorations, and many more items. 

Proceeds will benefits Meals on Wheels in San Ramon, the Wish Tree. and the Alcosta Senior and Community Center. For more information or to receive a vendor application, please contact May at (925) 587-5171.  This event is free.
Family Justice Center Job Opportunities
The Family Justice Center, a one-stop center for families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse and human trafficking, has several opportunities to get involved at both County Centers.
 
The two locations are: 

Central Family Justice Center
2151 Salvio St., Ste. 201
Concord, CA 94520
925 521-6366

West Family Justice Center
256 24th Street 
Richmond, CA 94804 
510 974-7200

If you are interested, please see the open positions below:

To apply for this position, please email a resume and cover letter by clicking here, no later than November 20, 2017.

Volunteer/Internships
Deadline to apply:  Ongoing
Please fill out the  Volunteer Application Form by   clicking here and email it with your resume and cover letter by clicking here.
CASA Welcomes Supervisors
Master of Ceremonies Dan Ashley, Ann Wrixon Exec. Dir. of CASA, Supervisors Andersen and Burgis.
The Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) voted to honor the Board of Supervisor s with their Light of Hope Award for outstanding work to help abused and neglected youth in the foster care system. 
 
CASA has awarded the Light of Hope Award every year since 2001. Past recipients include Congressman George Miller, the Honorable Judge Lois Haight, and the Lesher Foundation. 
 
The award was presented at CASA's Evening of Promise Gala on Oct. 14, 2017 at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo.
Coming in 2018: Trilingual Ballots

Starting in 2018 all ballots in Contra Costa County will be trilingual in English, Spanish, and, for the first time, Chinese.

When 10,000 voters or 5% of the county's voting age citizens speak a specific language, we must include that language on all election materials, including the ballot.  At the end of 2016, new Census data determined that we crossed this threshold with the Chinese language.  This is not the first time we've added a language.  Contra Costa first included Spanish in 2002 and offered voters a choice between an English or Spanish written ballot.  In November 2014, we moved to a single, bilingual ballot.  We will do the same with the addition of Chinese, making the new ballot one trilingual document all voters can use. The AutoMARK will also be able to communicate with voters in Chinese (The AutoMARK® ballot-marking system provides autonomy to voters who are blind, visually impaired, or have a disability or condition that makes it difficult to traditionally mark a ballot), and the Voter Information Guide will include all three languages.

Multilingual poll workers allow us to serve voters needing language assistance.  If you, your friends, or family members would consider being poll workers, please contact the elections department by clicking here, or call (925) 335-7800 option 1, and let them know which languages you speak and of your willingness to serve.
Vestia Holiday Helpers Warehouse

Holiday Helpers Warehouse is coming to town... The holidays are celebrated in a multitude of ways, but some families in our Contra Costa communities are not able to enjoy the time as they struggle to provide "the basics" to survive.

Contra Costa County has, for the last 30 years, helped thousands of families not only survive the holidays, but feel some of that warmth and compassion we all hope for. The Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) sponsors the Holiday Helpers Warehouse which connects donors in the community with people in need. Donors include service groups, corporations, churches, schools and individuals from all over the county. This program is organized by the Volunteer & Emergency Services unit. Families are referred to this program by their social workers within EHSD earlier in the season. A new holiday season is around the corner. In the spirit of the season, perhaps instead of thinking of what I want for Christmas, we should think of what people in need want for Christmas. 

Now is our time to donate gifts and goodies to make their dreams become real. The best way to know what to donate is very simple: Ask your own kids what they want for Christmas. No Kids? Don't worry. You can ask other children, or do the easiest thing and buy a gift certificate. Gift cards are always welcome, especially by preteens and teens. Volunteer & Emergency Services has been working with more than 200 volunteers for over 30 years providing gifts, food and warm clothes to thousands of people in need. You can help them to continue their happy task of providing joy to families, especially children, at the holidays.  

Supervisor Andersen will be collecting unwrapped new clothing and toys for VESTIA at her Danville office through December 1st. To learn more or to donate  click here.
Annual Alamo Tree Lighting Festival

The Community Foundation of Alamo presents the Annual Alamo Tree Lighting Festival on Sunday, December 3rd, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., at the Andrew H. Young Park, 3000 Danville Blvd. in Alamo.

Join community members and Supervisor Andersen for beverages and snacks while enjoying music by local talent. Don't miss out on Alamo's annual lighting of the tree!
Recognizing October as Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month
At the October 17 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Supervisors recognized domestic violence as a prevalent social problem not confined to any group of people but significantly impacting all groups regardless of economic, racial, or societal barriers.

Contra Costa supports the national "No More" public awareness program occurring in communities nationwide and encourages all residents to become part of the solution to end domestic violence. For more information or to find out how to join Contra Costa's "No More" campaign, click here
10th Anniversary of the Dougherty Valley
 Performing Arts Center
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center and the partnership with San Ramon Valley Unified School District that made it possible with a performance by Blood, Sweat & Tears on November 18th.

With World Class vocals, musicianship, & a multitude of solid gold hits, Blood Sweat & Tears is at the top of their game. Vocal dynamo & pop phenomenon Bo Bice fronts the band with a self-assured voice & good looks. They are the band that fused rock, blues, pop music, horn arrangements and jazz improvisation into a hybrid that came to be known as "jazzrock". Bobby Columby, original founder & drummer of BS&T, has fielded a team of the best contemporary musicians to create an All-Star powerhouse of a band.  Click here  for more details, or call the box office at 925 973-3343.
Contra Costa Health Services' Nurse-Family Partnership Recognized on their 5th Anniversary
The Supervisors honored the Contra Costa Health Services' Nurse-Family Partnership on the occasion of their 5th Anniversary and celebration of the 100th client graduate.

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)  is a nationally recognized, evidence-based home visiting program for first-time mothers who are eligible for Medi-Cal or WIC and are committed to giving their babies the best possible future. NFP builds on the strengths of families, and empowers new mothers to become confident parents able to prepare their children for successful futures.

Each mother is partnered with a Public Health Nurse early in her pregnancy and receives ongoing nurse home visits that continue through her child's second birthday. Through individualized goal planning, life coaching, and education, NFP nurses support our mothers to successfully transform their lives and that of future generations. For more information about the Nurse-Family Partnership program, click here
Supervisor Andersen Informs the San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club about County Issues
Supervisor Andersen enjoyed speaking to the San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club at their October 19th luncheon in Danville. She is shown above with 2nd VP Programs Adrienne Hodson and member Robin Yancey.

The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club is a social organization for adults in the communities of the San Ramon Valley and the Tri-Valley areas that began in 1967. For those who are new to the area, newly retired, new empty nester or just starting a new routine, the Club is a wonderful resource for developing friendships. The club holds quarterly new-member coffees. For more information, click here
Central San Celebrates 20 Years of 
Hazardous  Waste Collection
Supervisor Andersen congratulated the Central Contra Costa Sanitation District at the celebration recognizing the 20th Anniversary of their Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility on October 18th.

The Central San Board of Directors established the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (HHWCF) as a community resource for central Contra Costa County residents and businesses. The HHWCF provides a safe, cost-effective, reliable and convenient method of disposing of common household items - batteries, cleaners, paint - that are toxic to the environment.

Residents may drop off household hazardous waste at no charge.  Small businesses pay a small fee to dispose of their hazardous waste.  You can just drive up and the facility staff will take the waste out of your car or truck. Since opening in 1997, the facility has collected more than 36 million pounds of household hazardous waste, more than 90% of which (30.7 million pounds) was recycled, recovered as resource conserving fuel, or reused.  To learn more about Hazardous Waste Collection,  click here .
Juvenile Justice Center Holds Grand Opening
Supervisor Andersen and her husband Phil Andersen, along with Judge Rebecca Hardie and Judge Jill Fannon.

On August 14, 2017 the Court's Juvenile Division, which hears delinquency and dependency matters, moved from Martinez to Walnut Creek. This move allows better access to Juvenile Court for people throughout the County. Buses and BART are within walking distance and there is also ample parking. 

Additionally, detained minors will now be transported through private entry points and will no longer have to walk shackled down public hallways.  This move re-opens three courtrooms and clerks' offices that were vacated in 2012 as a result of significant budget cuts. 

The Juvenile Court Departments presided over by Hon. Rebecca C. Hardie, Supervising, Hon. Lois Haight, and Hon. Barbara C. Hinton as well as the Juvenile Clerk's Office are now housed at 640 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Juvenile Hall in Martinez will continue to house the department which is currently presided over by Hon. Susanne M. Fenstermacher.
 
The Court held an Open House on October 11th to showcase this new location. Presiding Judge Fannin and Supervising Juvenile Judge Hardie expressed their gratitude for the support that the Court has received from the County Board of Supervisors, the City of Walnut Creek, county justice partners, and the juvenile bar. Their combined efforts helped to make the move a resounding success. 

To learn more about the Juvenile Justice system in Contra Costa County  click here.
Tri-Valley Heroes Awards Dinner
On October 23rd, Supervisor Andersen attended the annual Tri-Valley Heroes Award Ceremony honoring recipients from the Amador, Livermore and San Ramon Valley.  Each year, individuals and groups are recognized for making a difference in their communities and the lives of their neighbors.


From the San Ramon Valley, Gary Alpert and Heidi Kenniston-Lee received the Community Spirit Award for serving as the volunteer co-chairs of San Ramon 150, coordinating everything associated with the year-long celebration of San Ramon's sesquicentennial.

Pictured with Supervisor Andersen are Danville residents Jasmine Steele and her mother, Julie. Jasmine received the Innovation Award; as a junior in high school, Jasmine created a smart phone application, "Allergy Blast," to help people easily and quickly share allergy and medication information. Jasmine's App won the 2016 congressional App Challenge for the 11th Congressional District.
Annual "It's a Wonderful Life Celebration" in Lafayette
Join the Lafayette community for "It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette" Holiday Celebration on December 1st from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at Lafayette's Plaza Park, located in downtown Lafayette.

This fun and festive free event includes visits with Santa, official holiday tree lighting ceremony, one-of-a-kind photo ops, live musical entertainment, crafts, holiday treats and a holiday sing-a-long.

Santa is scheduled to parade along Golden Gate Way on Lafayette's treasured Old Betsy fire engine, along with a police escort. This caravan will start from the Lafayette Historical Society and arrive at Lafayette Plaza Park at 4:30 p.m. A must-not-miss for the little ones.

Throughout the event there will be activities for the kids, light refreshments and lots of photo opportunities, including posing with Santa and Old Betsy.  There will also be live entertainment throughout the event, including local student musicians and singers.

Already a popular Lafayette holiday tradition, the "It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette" holiday event is designed as a time to share holiday cheer to celebrate the wonderful community of Lafayette. For more information, click here
Supervisor Andersen Speaks to Moraga Kiwanis Club
On October 12th, Supervisor Andersen rose early to update  the Moraga Kiwanis Club  on current issues and activities in District 2 and the County.

The Kiwanis Club meets at 7:15 a.m. every Thursday at the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, Fireside Room, located at  10 Moraga Valley Lane. 

Supervisor Andersen is pictured here with Kiwanis member and past president of the Moraga Rotary, Sam Sperry.
Webelos Visit the Supervisor

On Tuesday, October 17th, Webelos Packs 547 and 548 met with Supervisor Andersen to learn about county government, the role of the Supervisor and what you can do to help in your community.
Carr Ranch Opening
John Muir land Trust and the Town of Moraga celebrated the property dedication and public opening of 604-acre Carr Ranch on Saturday, October 14th. The day included guided hikes, a family square dance, food trucks, and many more activities.

Permanently preserved in partnership with EBMUD and the generous contributions of thousands of people, Carr Ranch serves the community as vital wildlife habitat, a source of clean drinking water, and beautiful public open space for recreation. Click here to learn more about visiting Carr Ranch. 
Annual Hospice Tree of Lights 
Ceremony  Around District 2

The Annual Tree of Lights ceremonies  over the past thirty years have served the dual roles of comforting members of the community who have incurred a loss, as well as raising funds to support Hospice East Bay's patient care services. Join in on one of the many Tree of Lights celebrations this season:

Alamo Tree
Tuesday, November 21, 5:30 pm
Alamo Women's Club, 1401 Danville Blvd.

Blackhawk Tree
Friday, December 1, 5:00 pm
Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive
 
Danville Tree
Friday, November 17, 5:30 pm
Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front Street

Moraga Tree
Sunday, November 12, 5:30 pm 
Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Drive

Orinda Tree
Saturday, December 2, 4:30 pm
Orinda Village by Bank of America
This ceremony is part of Orinda's community holiday celebration. 

Rossmoor Tree
Tuesday, November 28, 4:30 pm
Creekside Clubhouse, 1010 Stanley Dollar Drive, Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek Tree
Wednesday, December 6, 5:00 pm
John Muir Medical Center, Main Entrance, Ygnacio Valley Road
November 1, 2017 Declared Contra Costa County Shelter-in-Place Education Day 

Contra Costa Community Awareness Emergency Response Group (CAER) is sponsoring the 16 th Annual Shelter-in-Place Drill on November 1st and assisting schools with their emergency preparedness. CAER encourages every school and daycare within the County to participate to expand everyone's knowledge of what to do in an emergency. E mergency response agencies including fire, sheriff and health officials all recommend Shelter-in-Place as the immediate action to take in case of a hazardous release.

The County Office of Education has endorsed the Shelter-in-Place Drill and encouraged all sites to participate. For more information about the County Shelter in Place Drill, click here.
Family Justice Presents Interpersonal Violence 101 
Contra Costa County Volunteer Opportunities
Fall is in the air, children are back in school, are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? To follow is a list of vacant seats which will allow you to learn more about county government and offer your expertise to improve services within Contra Costa County:

District 2 vacancy available:
County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee
Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board  click here
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District - Fire Advisory Commission  click here
First 5 - Contra Costa Children and Families Commission  click here
Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee - Alamo Seat click here
Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, alternate position click here
Contra Costa Commission for Women click here

In addition, Supervisor Andersen would like to draw your attention to the following list of countywide advisory bodies that currently have seats available:

Advisory Council on Aging
Affordable Housing Finance Committee
Arts & Culture Commission (AC5)
Aviation Advisory Committee
Bicycle Advisory Committee
Community Corrections Partnership, Community Advisory Board (AB109) 
County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee
Developmental Disabilities Board
Economic Opportunity Council
Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Council
Family and Children's Trust Committee
Contra Costa Council on Homelessness
Affordable Housing Finance Committee
In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority Advisory Committee
Juvenile Justice Commission/Delinquency Prevention Commission
Managed Care Commission
Workforce Development Board

To apply for any of these seats, 
click here .
October Board Actions
Ever wonder what your Supervisor does at the Board of Supervisors Meeting held on most Tuesdays? Here are some of the board actions from the month of October which impact the residents of District 2: 
 
Presentation recognizing October 2017 as Domestic Violence Awareness month in Contra Costa County.
 
Presentation honoring Contra Costa Health Services' Nurse-Family Partnership on their 5th Anniversary and 100th Client Graduate.
 
Accepted the annual report from the Health Services Department on the implementation of Laura's Law - Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program during the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
 
Adopted the proposed 2018 meeting schedule for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, including the cancelation of those meetings at which it is anticipated there will not be a quorum of Board members present, as well as noting the following scheduled special events: the Board's Annual Reorganization on January 9; the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 16; the annual Board retreat on January 30; the Cesar Chavez Commemorative Celebration on March 27; Annual Budget Hearings and Adoption on April 17 and May 8, respectively; a 9-11 Day of Remembrance on September 11; and the Veterans Day Recognition on November 13.
 
Adopted Resolution No. 2017/342 approving the fourth extension of the Subdivision Agreement (Right-of-Way Landscaping) for subdivision SD05-09037, for a project being developed by Shapell Homes, a Division of Shapell Industries, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, as recommended by the Interim Public Works Director, Danville area. (District II)  
 
Adopted Resolution No. 2017/355 approving the Road Improvement Agreement, for road acceptance RA17-01252 (cross-reference LP09-02026), for a project being developed by San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District and constructed by Pacific-Mountain Contractors of California, Inc., as recommended by the Interim Public Works Director, Alamo area. (District II) 
 
Adopted October 22 - 28, 2017 as Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
 
Adopted resolution recognizing October as Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. This resolution will encourage all residents of Contra Costa County to learn the signs of cardiac arrest, know to call 9-1-1, and learn critical lifesaving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. The resolution encourages businesses and other organizations to provide publicly-accessible AEDs and to identify AED Responders to assist in bringing an AED to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest to improve survival. It will also encourage communities to become HeartSafe Communities - making them heart-safe places to live, work, visit and play. 

Presentation proclaiming November 1, 2017 as the Contra Costa County
Shelter-in-Place Education Day.
 
Hearing on the adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-26 prohibiting commercial  cannabis uses and outdoor cannabis cultivation for personal use; Accept report  from HdL Companies on the Fiscal Analysis of the Potential Commercial  Cannabis Industry in Contra Costa County; Accept update from staff on  Preliminary Working Draft Framework for Regulating Cannabis in the  unincorporated area; providing direction to staff on refining the Regulatory  Framework, developing a tax measure and conducting additional public outreach  on the matter.
 
Accepted the resignation of Beth Mora, and declared a vacancy in the District II  seat on the Contra Costa Commission for Women, and directed the Clerk of the  Board to post the vacancy, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
 
Reappointed Rand Swenson to the District II seat on the Contra Costa County  Planning Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.