Weekly Update - January 14, 2022 |
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All Covid-19 Test Kits and N95 Masks
Have Been Distributed From Our Office
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We have distributed all the COVID-19 at-home test kits from our office. We hope to keep getting shipments, but they are dependent upon availability.
We will email this list again when more kits become available to us.
More reliable PCR testing continues to be available for free at various County sites. More information about where to get tested can be found here: coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested.
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Contra Costa County's Superintendent of Schools and Deputy Health Officer Urge Schools to Remain Open
During Omicron Surge
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Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey and Contra Costa County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli reaffirmed this week the importance of keeping students in full-time, in-person learning environments during the latest COVID-19 surge.
Students learn best when they have access to school resources and can physically interact with their peers, evidence from the pandemic has shown.
“We have seen that students are better off in school than in distance learning,” County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “The county office of education continues to work with the health department and our school districts to maintain in-person learning and do it safely. The safety of students, staff, and families remains our top priority during this pandemic.”
Unlike earlier in the pandemic, public schools in California may no longer offer remote or virtual learning in lieu of in-person instruction. Schools in the county are working with CCCOE and CCHS to implement the latest California Department of Public Health school guidance and are practicing the best risk mitigation strategies.
“We have learned a lot of hard lessons over the last two years as we have worked through this pandemic,” said Dr. Tzvieli. “For many students, remote learning does not support student mental health, emotional health, and academic well-being the way that in-person learning does. There are very few instances where closing schools is the best option from a public health perspective.”
Contra Costa County, the state, and the nation are seeing a record number of new COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant. While the omicron variant is highly contagious, it seems to cause milder symptoms than earlier strains of the virus, Dr. Tzvieli said. He added that children are less likely to be infected in supervised settings such as schools with masking and testing requirements.
Both Superintendent Mackey and Dr. Tzvieli acknowledge that each individual school and community is different, and the response to an outbreak depends on a number of factors, including vaccination rates, and access to health resources.
“We stand ready to support local school board members and superintendents with the information and resources they need to take the steps necessary to keep students in school safely,” Superintendent Mackey said.
Ultimately, the key to safety is a multi-pronged approach, Dr. Tzvieli said.
“The best way to keep people healthy during this latest surge is to continue all the proven layers of protection: vaccinations and booster shots for eligible people, masking, testing, hand washing, and remaining home when sick,” Dr. Tzvieli said.
For more information regarding COVID-19 testing, vaccines and boosters please visit www.cchealth.org
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Appointments Continue to be Required at Contra Costa Health Services COVID-19 Testing Sites |
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Appointments are required to get a COVID-19 test at CCHS test sites in Richmond & San Ramon.
Due to staffing shortages at the Call Center and high call volume, people trying to make vaccination appointments by phone may experience delays or be unable to reach an agent. Please click here to schedule an appointment online or call 833-829-2626.
Due to a sharp increase in demand this month, appointments are now required at Contra Costa Health Services' (CCHS) community COVID-19 testing locations in Richmond and San Ramon.
CCHS is working to build COVID-19 testing capacity throughout the county. The State has significantly increased capacity at its sites in Pleasant Hill, Antioch, Brentwood, and San Pablo.
CCHS previously offered testing to those without appointments as capacity permitted.
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Indoor Mask Mandate Dashboard |
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COVID Status of Contra Costa County |
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The San Ramon Valley Diversity Coalition
Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Humanitarians of the Year Awards to be Presented at 44th
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Event
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In 2022, fifty-four years will have passed since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His spirit of hope, peace, and resilience serve as the backdrop to Contra Costa County's 44th Annual Commemoration of Dr. King's life and legacy. The Board of Supervisors welcomes the public to watch a virtual community celebration on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. The event's theme is "One People, One Nation, One Dream."
"Contra Costa County invites the public to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and help us honor a Humanitarian and Student Humanitarian of the Year. These honorees serve the residents of Contra Costa with dedication and heart. On this MLK Day, let us all re-dedicate ourselves to continuing Dr. King's work towards love, liberation, and justice," said Board Chair Supervisor Karen Mitchoff.
The celebration will feature keynote speaker, former San Ramon Mayor H. Abram Wilson, who was the City of San Ramon's first elected African American mayor. This year's program will also feature special guest Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and a Richmond resident.
Humanitarian of the Year honorees will be recognized at the ceremony for their leadership, advocacy, and service to Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities in the spirit of Dr. King's work and achievements. Countywide recognition will be given to the Adult Humanitarian of the Year, Gigi Crowder, who is Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Contra Costa and an Antioch resident, and the Student Humanitarian of the Year, Kaia Morgan, a senior at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord and a Pittsburg resident.
The celebration will also include dances from Grown Women Dance Collective, a group comprised of retired dancers from world-renowned companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Dance Theatre of Harlem, and a Spoken Word performance from the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts.
The community can watch the event online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org. The ceremony will also broadcast live on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) channels Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and WAVE 32. To learn more about the MLK Ceremony, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/5307 on the Contra Costa County website.
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Supervisor Mitchoff Takes Over as Chair of The Board of Supervisors for 2022 |
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At the January 11th Board of Supervisors meeting, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, who represents Pleasant Hill and much of Walnut Creek and Concord, was elected as chairperson of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, replacing District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis.
Mitchoff took over as Chair after vice chairperson and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover stepped aside. Glover will remain vice chairperson for 2022. Supervisor Glover would have been named chair, however he very graciously agreed to serve again as vice chair so Supervisor Mitchoff could be chair in her last year of public service.
To read the agenda or watch the video of the 2022 Board of Supervisors reorganization meeting go to BOS meetings and agendas.
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Contra Costa County Public Works Will Perform Tree Removal Work on Danville Boulevard in Alamo |
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The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will perform work to remove multiple trees along Danville Boulevard, near its intersection with Orchard Court, in Alamo. The trees are being removed in preparation for the Danville Boulevard/Orchard Court Complete Streets Improvement Project. To learn more about this project, visit Danville-BoulevardOrchard-Court-Complete. The work is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, 2022, through Wednesday, January 19, 2022, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. Appropriate traffic control measures will be implemented to safely direct pedestrians and vehicles through the work area. Drivers may experience some delays and may want to consider alternative routes during this period.
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Food Bank Needs Volunteers - Hunger Happens Year-Round
Not Just at the Holidays
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January is a great time of the year to volunteer at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. As you may know, food banks see many volunteers (and groups of volunteers) during the holiday season, but then there is a drop-off when the calendar turns to January. Hunger happens year-round, not just during the holidays.
The Food Bank follows all recommended public health guidelines for COVID-19, such as mask-wearing and social distancing. If you are interested in helping, sign up here to volunteer.
Also, if you know someone who has lived experience with food insecurity or has a passion for ending hunger, the Food Bank encourages them to apply to the 6th annual Speaker Series. This six-week course will take place virtually between late March and early May of 2022. Click here to Learn more.
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Alzheimer's Association Invites the Latino/Hispanic Community to Their First 2022 Virtual Brain Healthy Workshop in Spanish |
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Ygnacio Valley Library Re-Opening |
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511 Contra Costa’s Free and Healthy Winter Walk Challenge |
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Fun, free, and healthy: 511 Contra Costa’s Winter Walk Challenge will get you outside and on the move. Sign up and receive a new challenge each Monday throughout March. Complete challenges to earn entries in weekly drawings for $35 Amazon gift cards and be entered to win the iPad Grand Prize. Start 2022 on the right foot and sign up today.
About 511 Contra Costa
511 Contra Costa is a countywide program that strives to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by providing the public with information, resources, and tools that promote mobility options beyond driving alone. Funding for 511 Contra Costa commute reduction programs is provided by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
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Do You or Someone You Know Need a Safe
Place to Stay for the Night?
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San Ramon Valley Unified School District application for Facilities Oversight and Advisory Committee - Deadline Extended |
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San Ramon Valley Unified School District needs volunteers to serve on the Facilities Oversight and Advisory Committee (FOAC). The application is simple to fill out, and the deadline has been extended to Saturday, January 22, 2022.
The Facilities Oversight and Advisory Committee (FOAC) fulfills the promise to voters that the expenditure of Measure D funds is scrutinized by an independent citizens’ oversight. These volunteer community members meet regularly throughout the year to review projects and expenditures as well as provide input to the Board of Education on the design process of Measure D-funded projects.
All information about the FOAC including the group’s charge and details about committee membership, as well as a list of current members, can be found here: www.srvusd.net/foac.
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Family and Children's Trust (FACT) Committee |
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The Family and Children’s Trust committee (FACT) is looking for new members. Applicants should be committed to promoting the safety and well-being of children and families in our community. FACT makes funding recommendations to the County on the allocation of specific funds for the prevention of treatment of child abuse and neglect for families and children.
The FACT committee also provides oversight of the use of those funds. Attendance at monthly meetings is important. Currently the meetings are being held virtually on the first Monday of each month at 9:30am. To learn more please go to family-and-childrens-trust-fund-fact
Recruitment will continue until the seats are filled.
Applications are available from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at (925) 655-2000 or online via the County Website.
Completed applications can be submitted online, emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Clerk of the Board, 1025 Escobar Street 1st Floor, Martinez, CA. 94553. |
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Homeless Point in Time Count Postponed to February |
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The annual Homeless Point in Time Count will now take place on the night of February 23rd and the unsheltered count will take place in the early morning hours on February 24th. This delay is due to the current omicron surge. Point-in-time counts usually occur in January.
Given the recent COVID-19 surge in positive cases and hospitalizations across our community as well as the impact that COVID-19 has had on staff capacity across our homeless service providers, the Count has been postponed to ensure a safe, reliable, and valid count of all people experiencing homelessness.
The County is seeking volunteer teams of two (people in a "pod"/comfortable being in a car together) to assist with the unsheltered count on Feb 24th, between the hours of 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. To register to volunteer, please complete the survey here.
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District 2 Volunteer Opportunities |
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Now is a great time to consider ways you might want to give back to your community. 2020 saw our advisory bodies pivot to virtual meetings, which has continued throughout 2021 and into 2022. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people can participate than ever before.
If you are interested in participating in government, then perhaps one of these volunteer opportunities are of interest to you:
Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)
Alternate Seat
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.
County Service Area, P-2A Citizen Advisory Committee (Blackhawk)
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The County Services Area, P-2A Citizens Advisory Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Blackhawk community for extended police services which shall include, but not be limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code, crime prevention, litter control, and other issues.
You must reside within the Blackhawk community to serve on this board.
Police Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM, at the Blackhawk Police Service District Office at 1092 Eagle Nest Pl.
County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (Roundhill Residents only. One alternate seat available)
The P-5 Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.
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