Weekly Update - August 27, 2021 |
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When we Test Matters: New Options for
Quarantine in Contra Costa
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Contra Costa residents exposed to someone with COVID-19 can now narrow down the number of days they must spend in quarantine by testing for the virus at the right time.
Most people who are not fully vaccinated are required to spend 10 days in quarantine if they’ve had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, staying apart from others while waiting to see if symptoms develop and getting tested themselves.
But according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and now a new countywide health order, people in quarantine can resume their normal lives sooner – as soon as seven days after exposure – if they remain symptom-free and a COVID-19 test taken on the sixth day of quarantine or later comes back negative.
It may seem counterintuitive to shorten quarantine during a pandemic surge, but it comes down to what we have learned about the Delta variant of COVID-19, which is now the dominant strain in our area.
One reason quarantine takes so long is we must wait several days to test. Test too soon, and the virus might not yet be detectable in your body. But Delta reproduces more quickly than other COVID variants, so we can detect its presence sooner in people who become infected with it.
If you are exposed to COVID-19 in Contra Costa, the right time for a COVID-19 test is whenever you feel symptoms that could be COVID. But if you have no symptoms on Day 6, take a test – if it comes back negative, you should be fine to end your quarantine early. Do be watchful for symptoms for two weeks after your exposure, though, and get tested right away if you do develop symptoms.
It is recommended that you schedule a test as soon as you know you were exposed or feel symptoms as it could take a few days to get an appointment.
People who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine if they are exposed, in most cases, unless they develop symptoms of illness. That’s another benefit to getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Employers must continue to follow the Cal-OSHA health guidance for COVID-19, including the requirements for quarantine and work restrictions for employees.
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FDA Gives Full Approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
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On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older. People ages 12-15 can still receive the vaccine under the previous emergency use authorization.
This is the first vaccine to move beyond emergency use status in the U.S. Moderna also applied to the FDA for full approval of its vaccine and Johnson & Johnson hopes to do so later this year.
The full approval could spur more employers, universities, and local governments to make vaccinations mandatory – and may give more people confidence in getting the vaccine. More than 84% of Contra Costa residents have received their first vaccine and 76% are fully vaccinated.
The FDA’s full approval reaffirms the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) urges everyone ages 12 and older to get vaccinated if they have not already done so.
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COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Now Available for Some Immunocompromised People |
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Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is now offering COVID-19 booster vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people, following new state and federal health guidelines.
CCHS recommends checking with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, and to schedule your booster appointment through your healthcare provider if possible.
An additional dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine may be a healthy choice for people with certain health conditions, such as patients receiving cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, people with advanced HIV or severe primary immunodeficiency, or people using medicines that suppress the immune system. We ask anyone seeking a booster in Contra Costa to attest that they have a qualifying medical condition.
Contra Costa County has appointments and plenty of the vaccine available, both for booster doses and for residents who are 12 or older and still thinking about getting vaccinated, which remains the single most effective protection against COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have issued a statement that booster doses may be available for more people as soon as September, 8 months after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. “At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster. We would also begin efforts to deliver booster shots directly to residents of long-term care facilities at that time, given the distribution of vaccines to this population early in the vaccine rollout and the continued increased risk that COVID-19 poses to them”, said the CDC in their statement. The CDC is still awaiting additional information before making an announcement about those who had Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
People with one of the health conditions listed above seeking booster doses can schedule online or phone 1-833-829-2626 for an appointment. Click here for more information about vaccination and appointments.
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Bay Area Health Officers Reaffirm Support for In-Person School |
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As Bay Area Health Officials, we are excited that more than a million Kindergarten - 12th grade students are returning to school for in-person learning this fall across the wider San Francisco Bay Area. In the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley, many children are back in the classroom for the first time since early 2020.
This summer’s surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization due to the spread of the Delta variant is causing people to feel cautious about the return to school. We know that when rates of COVID are high in our communities, cases will appear at schools, just as they do in other settings. However, with effective protocols in place – including universal indoor masking, vaccinations of eligible persons, testing, good hand hygiene, staying home when sick and proper ventilation – the data shows that these multiple layers of defense can stop the spread of COVID in school settings.
The lack of in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic not only disrupted education, but it also weakened social supports and harmed the mental health of students. The risks and benefits of returning to in-person learning are clearer now than any other time during this pandemic – we must all continue to do everything possible to keep kids safely attending their schools.
While children can get COVID-19, severe disease among kids is uncommon and deaths are exceedingly rare. Transmission can happen in any setting, including in schools, but children are often exposed to COVID-19 at home or in social settings where safety practices vary. Cases identified by school testing programs may often be unrelated classroom exposure. In Contra Costa County, we are seeing COVID-19 cases among children but at rates generally lower than among adults and lower than last winter’s surge.
The State’s K-12 Schools Guidance for the 2021-22 School Year is practical guidance that emphasizes universal application of the most important safety measures while also offering flexibility for different approaches to meet the needs and capacities of a broad range of schools and districts seeking to safely keep children in classrooms.
School leaders have worked hard to implement this Guidance and are ready to welcome students back. Health Officials continue to monitor the data closely and we will work across the region and the state to adapt when needed.
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Please Continue to Wear Your Mask Indoors |
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Masks are an important part of protecting ourselves, especially when layered with other forms of protection such as vaccination, physical distancing and avoiding close contact with people who do not live with us. Contra Costa County continues to follow the latest masking orders, read the full Aug. 2 order here.
Unlike the previous COVID-19 surge, last winter, everyone who is 12 or older has ready access to safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine – our single most powerful protection from the virus. While about four in five adults in Contra Costa have already gotten vaccinated, it’s more important than ever to talk to a healthcare professional you trust, if you still have unanswered questions or concerns.
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COVID Status of Contra Costa County
Cases per day per 100,000 for unvaccinated is
approximately 55
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Staffing Changes in Our Office |
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Supervisor Andersen is pleased to announce, Jennifer Quallick has re-joined the District 2 team. Many of you remember Jen, when she worked in our office 2 1/2 years ago. We are all very happy to have her happy and dedicated personality back in our office!
Dom Pruett, who has been serving as a staff member to Supervisor Andersen for 2 1/2 years has moved on to a new job in Sacramento. Dom was a hard-working member of the District 2 team who assisted many constituents through a challenging time. We will miss him and wish him all the best in his new adventures.
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How the Public Can Help the Afghan Refugees
Coming to the East Bay
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Contra Costa will soon receive Afghan refugees with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) resettling in the county. Non-profit organizations are assisting with the intake and resettling. If you would like to help, use the QR codes below or visit the Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) website for more information.
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Behavioral Health Service Provider Individualized
Recovery Intensive Training
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Due to the current community health concerns and social distancing guidelines, the SPIRIT classes may be delivered in an online or hybrid format beginning in January 2022 with Contra Costa College, San Pablo CA. via Zoom Video Conferencing or Contra Costa College Confer Zoom.
SPIRIT is a 9 - unit college course taught in collaboration with Contra Costa College. The course teaches students how to develop core skills to empower themselves by attaining and maintaining recovery and resiliency through self-awareness and peer/family support, while learning to assist others in doing the same. The completion of this class leads to a Certificate.
This program is intended for individuals who fit at least one of the following criteria:
• A person who has self-identified as having lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both.
• A transition-age youth or young adult 18 - 26 who has self-identified as having lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both.
• A person with lived experience as a self-identified family member of an adult experiencing a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both.
• A person who is parenting or has parented a child or adult experiencing a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both. This person may be a birth parent, adoptive parent, or family member standing in for an absent parent.
The Behavioral Health Service Provider Individualized Recovery Intensive Training (SPIRIT) includes two components; the comprehensive classroom training and support program, followed by the individualized Work-Study placement.
This program is a collaboration between Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services (CCBHS), Office for Consumer Empowerment (OCE), and Contra Costa College (CCC).
To learn more about the Spirit Courses, or to access the application go to SPIRIT Application
Application Deadline and Mailing Information Application Process:
This APPLICATION is due by October 8, 2021
Please submit your completed application to:
Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services Office for Consumer Empowerment 1340 Arnold Drive, Suite 200
Martinez, CA 94553
Fax (925) 957-5156
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Information for Voting in the Upcoming
Recall Election of Governor Newsom
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The upcoming California Gubernatorial Recall Election is September 14, 2021. See below for a list of Official Ballot Drop boxes in District 2:
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Alamo Plaza Shopping Center 190 Alamo Plaza Alamo
- Danville Maintenance Service Center 1000 Sherburne Hills Rd Danville
- Danville Park & Ride Sycamore Valley Rd and 680 Exit
- Lafayette School District Office 3477 School St Lafayette
- Saint Mary’s College 1928 Saint Mary's Rd Moraga
- Orinda City Hall 22 Orinda Way Orinda
- San Ramon Community Center 12501 Alcosta Blvd San Ramon
- Dougherty Station Community Center 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd San Ramon
- Grace Presbyterian Church 2100 Tice Valley Blvd Walnut Creek
Indoor Ballot Boxes available during business hours only:
- Alcosta Senior and Community Center 9300 Alcosta Blvd San Ramon
- San Ramon City Hall 7000 Bollinger Canyon Rd San Ramon
If you would like to vote in person, there will be a number of polling places open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on September 14th. Click here to find a polling place in your neighborhood.
For all of the information on Contra Costa elections and the upcoming recall election go to coco.vote/election
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Recommendations for Voting Safely in the
Upcoming Recall Election
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Contra Costa County is taking great steps to make voting in the September 14th Recall Election as safe as possible. Voters will be able to use a number of methods and are encouraged to protect their health and the health of others while doing so.
Health officials say that voting by mail is the safest voting option, as it limits contact with others. The County is making voting by mail easy by sending every voter a mail-in ballot and paying for first-class return postage.
Those accessing in-person services will be required to wear face coverings. If voters don't have PPE available, the County will provide it. All Elections staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks. Sanitizer will be available at in-person voting locations and equipment will be sanitized regularly.
"We know some people feel it's important to cast their votes in person, but with COVID still around and new variant complications, the safest choice this election is to vote by mail," said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Health Officer for the County. "For folks who choose to go to their polling places to vote, we ask that they follow the same basic precautions they would as if they were going to the grocery store: wear face coverings, practice physical distancing and wash or sanitize your hands before and after you go."
For more information on COVID-19 in English and Spanish, residents can visit the COVID-19 website.
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Senior Covid-19 Town Hall |
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The Town of Danville and the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley Getting Set for Labor Day Weekend Parade |
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The Town of Danville and the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley are getting set for the Kiwanis September 4, Labor Day Weekend Parade in downtown Danville. The parade is due to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the north end of Hartz Avenue near San Ramon Valley High School. The route will then move down Hartz Avenue, turn south on San Ramon Valley Boulevard and end near Sycamore Valley Road. An estimated 60+ groups have registered to take part in the parade.
Community safety is a priority and spectators are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated, and wear a face covering. Because it will not be possible to check everyone’s vaccine status or recent covid test results, all attendees are asked to please wear a mask. Community members are also reminded to stay home if they are not well, or could have been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19. The parade route is 1 ½ miles long, so there will be plenty of space to spread out along the route.
Information on the parade and the latest updates can be found on the Kiwanis of the San Ramon Valley’s website srvkiwanis.parade.
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Learn How To Reduce the Risks of Falls |
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Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 9/11 Remembrance |
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Contra Costa County Seeks Nominations for
Humanitarian of the Year
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Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony
Contra Costa County will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, this year’s theme is, “One People, One Nation, One Dream.” The County now seeks nominations for a Student and Adult Humanitarian of the Year.
Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, as individuals whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.
We welcome your nominations of a community member or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to community, and personal integrity.
The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Friday, November 5, 2021. To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, including previous ceremonies and winners, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.
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Contra Costa County Redistricting Process |
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Redistricting is the once-a-decade process of redrawing the boundaries for Supervisorial districts after the U.S. Census.
The Board of Supervisors held its first Public Hearing for the County’s Redistricting process on August 10, 2021. The Public Hearing provided an overview of the Redistricting process, reviewed the new Redistricting website, provided information about communities of interest, explained how to submit draft maps once U.S. Census data is available, and described robust, planned public outreach and availability of mapping software training. The hearing received input from the public and direction from the Board of Supervisors.
The County’s second Redistricting Public Hearing will be held on October 5, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. It will be available via Zoom, online, and on Contra Costa Television channels. Learn more, including how you can provide input, at www.CoCoRedistricting.org.
Save the Date! District 2 Forum is scheduled for Saturday, October 23, 2021
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Veterans Stand Down on the Delta |
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The Alzheimer's Association Presents a Virtual Evening Forum |
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Contra Costa County Public Works to begin Construction on Pinehurst Road Sinkhole and Culvert Repair Project |
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Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction of the Pinehurst Road Sinkhole and Culvert Repair Project starting on Monday, August 30, 2021 through Friday, October 29, 2021, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. Work will take place approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Canyon Road, at the first hairpin turn, in the Canyon area. Restrictions will be in place to minimize impacts during commute hours. Drivers should expect delays. A portion of Pinehurst road will be fully closed during culvert replacement for approximately 14 days. The closure is expected to begin at the end of September. In the event of an emergency, access will be provided through the area to emergency responders. Message boards providing notice of upcoming road closure will be placed near the project site prior to road closure. Road users should expect delays near the project site due to alternate routes.
Work includes replacing a portion of drainage pipe under Pinehurst Road, as well as improvements to aid in fish passage upstream. Work will also include temporary water diversion and dewatering, stabilizing the embankment using rock slope protection, roadway excavation and reconstruction, establishing a roadside ditch, traffic control and roadway striping and signing.
Funding for this project is provided by Gas Tax (SB1) funds and Emergency Relief (Federal Highway Administration) Funds. For more information on this project visit: http://www.cccounty.us/pwprojects.
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Contra Costa Public Works to Upgrade Streets in the Unincorporated Castle Hill Area of Walnut Creek
and Parts of Alamo
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Contra Costa County Public Works will apply asphalt rubber chip seal covered with slurry to various residential roads in the unincorporated areas of Castle Hill in Walnut Creek. Work will continue through September 3, 2021, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, weather permitting. Restrictions will be in place to minimize impacts to drivers during commute hours. Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Funding for this project is provided by the SB1 Road Repair and Accountability Act. For more information about this project visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/2021surfacetreatment.
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Public Works will also be applying asphalt rubber chip seal followed by a slurry seal to various residential roads in Alamo. Work will begin on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 through Thursday, September 30, 2021, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, weather permitting. Restrictions will be in place to minimize impacts to drivers during commute hours. Please note this schedule is subject to change.
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Measure X Community Advisory Board Updated
Schedule of Meetings
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Measure X, Contra Costa’s new countywide, half-cent sales tax, is expected to raise $112 million for the new fiscal year that began July 1.
The Measure X Community Advisory Board was formed to identify unmet community needs and recommend spending priorities to the county Board of Supervisors.
Community members are welcome to provide public comments verbally. Comments can also be submitted in writing to [email protected]. If you submit written testimony by noon on Friday prior to the following week’s meeting, it will be included in the agenda packet that is published for Advisory Board members and the public.
The presentations have been completed and the committee is now in deliberations.
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Interested in Serving on the Public Safety Realignment
Community Advisory Board?
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Where is CAB's application?
Applications are on the CAB website at:
When should I apply?
Apply now as applications are continuously reviewed. Refer your questions to CAB's Outreach & Community Engagement Subcommittee:
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Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee Seeking Applicants
for the Alternate Seat
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The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council is comprised of seven members and one alternate who serve as an advisory body to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the County planning agency. Members are appointed to the council by the Board of Supervisors to serve the unincorporated area of Alamo.
The Alamo MAC advises on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within its boundary, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation.
There is currently an Alternate Seat Available, you must be an Alamo resident to apply.
Click below for application:
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Contra Costa County
Hazardous Materials Commission Seeks
Environmental Engineer Seat and Alternate Seat Applicants
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DO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POLICY ISSUES INTEREST YOU?
The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission is seeking applicants to fill an Environmental Engineer Alternate Seat and also seeking applicants to fill an Environmental Engineer Seat.
You may apply if you …
- are nominated by an environmental engineering organization or firm;
- live or work in Contra Costa County;
- have demonstrated knowledge of hazardous materials issues; and
- can commit to attendance at monthly Commission meetings and a monthly Committee meeting, in the event the seat holder is unavailable.
The Commission is a voluntary body appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and makes policy recommendations to the Board and County staff on issues concerning hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
The Commission’s 14 members and alternates serve four-year terms and include representatives of industry, labor, civic groups, environmental organizations, environmental engineers, the general public, and the Mayors Conference.
To obtain an application form, or for further information, contact Michael Kent, Executive Assistant to the Commission, at (925) 250-3227 or [email protected]
Applications may also be obtained from the Clerk of the Board located at 1025 Escobar Street 1st Floor, Martinez CA 94553.
You may also submit an application by mail, e-mail or on-line:
Filing Date: Applications must be received by August 31, 2021 and be sent to the Clerk of the Board.
Interviews for qualified applicants will take place from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on September 10, 2021 on Zoom.
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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 is continuing well into 2021. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people are able to 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 Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC)
Alternate seat
To advise on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within Alamo, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation.
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-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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