April 3rd - Weekly Update

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Groundbreaking Marks Major Investment

in East County Services


The Board of Supervisors gathered in Brentwood to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new East County Service Center, an important milestone for Contra Costa County and the rapidly growing East County region.


The new three-story facility, planned at Technology Way and Brentwood Boulevard, will bring together multiple County departments under one roof, making services more accessible and efficient for residents. Once complete, the approximately 120,000-square-foot building will serve as a centralized hub for programs including health, employment services, elections, and more. 


Designed to serve one of the fastest-growing areas in the county, the center is expected to house hundreds of county employees while providing a welcoming, modern space for the public. Plans also emphasize sustainability and community integration, with features such as energy-efficient systems and public-facing spaces.

 

The groundbreaking signals a long-term investment in East County, bringing government closer to where people live and ensuring residents have improved access to essential services for years to come.

County Board of Supervisors John Gioia, Candace Andersen, Chair Diane Burgis, Vice Chair Ken Carlson and Shanelle Scales-Preston break ground in Brentwood Tuesday afternoon in anticipation of the new East County Service Center.


To read the full Press Release visit HERE.

April 10th is Last Day to Pay 2nd Property Tax Installment Without Penalty


Payments received after April 10th will be considered late, and a 10% penalty plus a $20 delinquent cost will apply. The Contra Costa County Treasurer–Tax Collector’s Office offers several convenient ways to pay:


💻 Online: Pay securely on our Tax Portal: CCCtaxportal/payment


📞 Phone: Quick and easy payments by calling our automated system – (925) 608-9500


✉️ Mail: Return your payment by check using the envelope provided. We honor USPS postmarks.


🏢 In Person: Visit us Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Contra Costa County Finance Building, 625 Court Street, Suite 100, Martinez, CA 94553


🚗 NEW! Drive-Thru Drop Box: Conveniently located at 625 Court Street (Main Street side), Martinez, CA 94553 (secure 24/7 drop box for check payments only)


📧 Go Paperless: Sign up for Paperless Billing to receive email reminders, enjoy secure access, and reduce clutter.


For any other inquiries please visit CCCTreasurer-TaxCollector.

Developing a Restoration Plan for the Walnut Creek Watershed


Join the Friends of San Ramon Creek at the Danville Library to learn more about the Walnut Creek Restoration Plan and offer your feedback on how to repair/restore problem areas along our streams on Tuesday, April 14th at 6PM.


Guest Speaker, Emma White, Environmental Planner with Montrose Environmental, will discuss the following subjects:

▪ How a list of potential creek restoration projects was developed

▪ How those projects have been prioritized

▪ How restoration project designs are developed

▪ How restoration projects are funded


Click here to learn more about the Friends of San Ramon Creek.

Click her to read the Walnut Creek Watershed Restoration Plan.

Lights, Camera, Safety:

Students Take the Wheel on Street Smarts


Supervisor Andersen joined local leaders this week at the Street Smarts Be Reel Awards, which brought together community members and local officials to celebrate student-produced public service announcements focused on safe driving, bicycle safety, and pedestrian awareness. The contest continues to serve as an engaging platform for students to highlight real-world safety issues affecting their schools and neighborhoods.


Supervisor Andersen congratulated participants for their creativity and commitment to public safety messaging. She emphasized the importance of youth engagement in prevention efforts and the role of education in reducing roadway incidents.


Throughout the program, finalists showcased short videos that combined storytelling, data-driven messaging, and compelling visuals to encourage safer behavior on streets and intersections. Winners were recognized for their originality, clarity of message, and overall impact.


The Street Smarts Video Contest continues to grow as a valued partnership between schools, local governments, and traffic safety advocates, reinforcing a shared commitment to keeping Contra Costa County roads safe for all users.


For a list of the evening's 2026 “Be Reel!” Video Contest winners visit HERE.

Pictured with Supervisor Andersen (center) are; San Ramon Transportation Division Manager Chris Weeks, Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich, Danville Town Manager Tai Williams, San Ramon Valley USD Superintendent CJ Cammack, San Ramon Valley USD Board Member Rachel Hurd, San Ramon Mayor Mark Armstrong, San Ramon Valley USD Board Members Jesse Vanzee and Shelley Clark, San Ramon Councilmember Richard Adler, Street Smarts Program Coordinator Dolores Pita, and Contra Costa Transportation Authority Executive Director Tim Haile.


To learn more about Street Smarts and their program visit HERE.

Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing Wins State-Level Awards


On February 26, the Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road Project received the 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), League of California Cities (Cal Cities), and County Engineers Association of California (CEAC).


These awards highlight local government projects that demonstrate innovation and cost efficiency while protecting long-term investments in California’s streets, roads, and bridges. The 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award is the highest-level honor, and only one trophy is awarded each year.


To learn about the history of the project and its full scope visit HERE.

Danville Student Summer Arts Programs Available!


The Town of Danville is inviting middle and high school students, including graduating seniors from the Class of 2026, to participate in summer arts opportunities. This year’s offerings include the 2026 Student Film Festival and the Danville Community Pianos projects. These programs provide students with opportunities to showcase their creativity through film and public art while helping enliven Danville’s summer arts scene.  


Student artists are encouraged to submit original designs for the Danville Community Pianos for summer 2026.   

 

Design proposals must be submitted by 5 PM on May 8th. Selected artists will be notified by May 15th. Painting of the pianos will take place from May 25th through May 31st at the Danville Community Center and Danville Senior Center. 

 

The completed pianos will be displayed outdoors in downtown Danville for public enjoyment throughout the Summer. 

 

For more information on submitting a design visit Danville.ca.gov/arts or contact artgallery@danville.ca.gov. 


To read full Press Release visit HERE.

32nd Annual Celebration of Farmworkers'

Rights Movement &

2026 Youth Hall of Fame Awards


The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will host the 32nd Annual Celebration of Farmworkers’ Rights Movement at 11 AM Tuesday, April 14th, in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. The event will be broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County's website.


This year, the event name focuses on the broader Farmworkers’ Rights Movement, reflecting a more inclusive recognition of the diverse communities and histories that have shaped and continue to drive this work.


The theme for this year’s celebration is Rooted in Resilience – Enraizados en la Resiliencia. The celebration will feature keynote speaker Jane Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of La Clínica de la Raza.


The 2026 Youth Hall of Fame Awards will be presented honoring students who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. Congratulations to Adya Gupta, 11th Grader at Dougherty Valley High School, for receiving the Innovation & Empowerment Award!


To learn more about the Farmworkers’ Rights Movement Celebration, visit

Annual-Farmworkers-Rights-Movement on the County's website.



To read full Press Release visit HERE.

Tree Removal Work on Stone Valley Road 


Contra Costa County Public Works Department will perform work to remove four (4) trees along Stone Valley Road, near the intersection of Smith Road, The work will take place from 8:30 AM-4 PM starting Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th. 


These trees are being removed to enhance public safety. Traffic control will be used to safely direct travelers through the work area. Up to 15-minute delays are expected due to temporary lane closures on the eastbound lane of Stone Valley Road. 

For more information about CCCPWD, please visit CCCPublicWorks.ca.gov.

Power Up Young Minds with Britannica School!


The Contra Costa County Library now offers free access to Britannica School, expanding digital learning opportunities for students, educators, and families across the community.


Britannica School delivers fast research, accurate answers, and streamlined lesson planning. Three portals separate access for elementary, middle, and high school levels, making it easy for learners of all ages to find trusted, age-appropriate content.


Visit the Digital Resources page at ccclic.org to get started.

Contra Costa County Animal Services Department is Looking for Volunteers!


Volunteers support and supplement the shelter programs and are an integral part of the team at Contra Costa Animal Services. If you would like to provide compassionate care for the animals that enter the shelter, then you have come to the right place! Volunteer positions are available for adults age 18 years and older. A minimum commitment of eight (8) hours per month for six (6) months is preferred. Volunteers must be able to follow directions and communicate with staff, volunteers, and the public with a positive attitude to support an inclusive environment in which everyone feels respected and valued.


Have questions about volunteers please visit Animal Services FAQ's HERE.


Are you ready to sign up to volunteer, visit HERE for more information.

High School Students: Apply Today for the

Bay Area Summer Academy 2026


High school students across the Bay Area are invited to apply for the 2026 Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy, a paid summer program designed to introduce young people to careers in public service and regional leadership.


This four-week academy offers students a chance to explore how decisions about transportation, housing, air quality, and environmental justice shape everyday life in the Bay Area. Space is limited, applications deadline is April 27th at 10 PM.


More information and the application can be found HERE.


To read full Press Release visit HERE.

Girls Empowerment Camp Ignites

Confidence and Leadership


The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District will host its Girls Empowerment Camp May 2nd-3rd, giving young women the opportunity to explore careers in the fire service while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.


Participants spend the day learning directly from firefighters and first responders, gaining hands-on experience with equipment, rescue techniques, and emergency response training. The camp also provides a chance for participants to hear personal stories from women currently serving in the fire service, offering valuable insight into the profession and the many career paths within public safety.


Programs like this help inspire the next generation of leaders by encouraging young women across Contra Costa County to consider careers in firefighting and emergency services while strengthening their sense of empowerment and community connection.


To learn more about Girls Empowerment Camp visit HERE.

Congressional Art Competition


Each year, Congressman DeSaulnier hosts the 10th Congressional District High School Art Competition and Exhibition. The exhibition is a judged art show, open to high school students from public and private schools in the Tenth Congressional District of California, as well as high school students home-schooled within the district.


The exhibition will be displayed publicly and will culminate in a closing awards event. The winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. Additionally, the winner will receive two round-trip airline tickets to join the exhibition in Washington, D.C. The winning artwork will also be featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page.


Submissions will be accepted until April 9th at 5:00 PM PT


For more information and the rules, visit Congressman DeSaulnier.

Home Match - Home Owners Connecting to Home Seekers


Home Match connects community members seeking housing with people with extra rooms in their homes, ADU's, or in law units on their property. Each match is personalized with the process overseen by program staff at no cost to participants.

Home Match benefits everyone. It decreases isolation, provides housing security, and above all, builds community. To learn more visit HERE.

There are plenty of exciting opportunities this winter to connect, learn, and celebrate throughout District 2!


February 1st-May 31st

Museum of the San Ramon Valley's The Anza Expedition -

A 250th Commemoration Exhibit


April 4th

Danville's Eggstravanza

Lafayette Candy Scramble

Orinda Rotary Annual Spring Egg Hunt

Lafayette Library AARP Tax Preparation


April 7th

San Ramon Library Healthy Tuesday Yoga


April 11th

Love Never Fails 'Journey to Freedom' Gala Fundraiser

Orinda's Touch a Truck Event

Moraga Rotary E-Waste & Shredding Event

Lafayette Friends Corner Book Shop Sale

Moraga Library Textile Drive


April 15th

Joybound People & Pets Mix & Mingle at the Lafayette Library


April 16th

San Ramon AAUW Event


League of Women Voters Diablo Valley


April 17th

Alamo Women's Club Sneakers Collection

Culture and Community Circle at the Dougherty Station Library


April 18th

Walnut Creek Community Service Day


April 19th

San Ramon AAUW Shredding Event


April 22nd

California Legislative Women's Caucus


April 25th

Danville's Lend a Hand Day to Seniors

EBRPD Earth Day Clean Ups

San Ramon Historic Foundation Sheep Sharing Day

Orinda Action Day

Moraga Library Book Sale

Ruth Bancroft Garden Waterwise Garden Tour


April 26th

Lafayette's Earth Day Festival


April 28th

John Muir Land Trust Wagner Ranch Nature Area Community Meeting


April 30th

John Muir Health Stroke Prevention


May 2nd

Moraga-Orinda Fire District Open House


May 16th

Truck Time San Ramon


May 19th

Taste of Lafayette Restaurant Stroll


Mark your calendars and join in these wonderful community gatherings happening across our district!


Stay Connected with Your Community - Be sure to check your local community, town, or city calendar regularly for upcoming events. It’s a great way to stay informed, get involved, and support the activities that

bring neighbors together.

County Wide Volunteer Opportunities


Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission

Applications are being accepted to fill two (2) at-large seats on the Sustainability Commission. One Representing environmental justice issues and who lives in an impacted community, and one representing commercial groups or organizations whose business focuses on sustainability and/or environmental issues. Deadline to submit an application is Sunday, April 12th at 5PM. Click here to submit an Application.


Civil Grand Jury

Contra Costa County Superior Court is now accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury service for FY 26-27. The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts, and school districts. 



Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Individuals selected for service will be expected to be available from June 15th to June 18th and June 22nd to June 26th to attend an orientation where they will meet with department heads, become familiar with their colleagues, learn about juror responsibilities and procedures, and select committees on which they will serve. Grand jurors must be United State citizens, 18 years of age or older, who have been a resident of Contra Costa County for at least one year prior to selection. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform their jury duties. Deadline to Submit is April 3rd. Grand Jury Application.