Weekly Update - August 8th

View as Webpage

Measure X Innovation Fund Awards are Making a Difference

In 2022 the Board of Supervisors established an Innovation Fund which utilizes Measure X (Contra Costa County's half cent sales tax) dollars. It is intended to stimulate and seed pilot programs and innovative public service projects for the benefit of our County's residents.  $2 million was allocated for the first round of innovation projects two years ago.

 

This past Tuesday the Board of Supervisors received an update about each of these “First Round” Innovation Projects which included:

 

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County has purchased food lockers to enable eligible individuals to retrieve food anonymously and at their convenience. Like the Amazon Hub Locker model, banks of 20 climate-controlled lockers can be placed either inside or outdoors at locations around the county. Food orders are placed electronically, and user codes are granted for food pick-up. Distributions will begin with a standard set of food staples, with a long-term goal of customizing selections for dietary preferences or restrictions. There is capacity for up to three locker fills daily, so each 20-locker bank can potentially serve 60 families/households daily. See a video about this project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9S6HpVs66c


The Pittsburg Mobile Family Resources (PMFR) brings resource coordination and direct services together with community engagement. Through a network of service providers, the PMFR promises to provide youth and families with coordinated intake, direct services, resource navigation, and strengthened informal support/community engagement. For the project to succeed, the PMFR requires a strong community champion to lead the project. See a video about this project here: ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reuC8Snd-6g


Support4Recovery created a program to facilitate addiction treatment in the Hispanic community. It is modeled off BiBett's Pueblo del Sol program, which offers a residential detoxification program to Spanish speakers. The program goals are to increase awareness that recovery services are available in Spanish and help individuals overcome barriers to getting substance abuse treatment, such as obtaining U.S. identification. See a video about this project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqhERIB-JOo


The Tech Exchange Digital Inclusion Program sources used computer devices from businesses and individuals and refurbishes and distributes the devices to persons who receive public benefits and also complete 8 hours of free digital skills training, and to nonprofit organizations that serve disadvantaged groups. Training is offered in multiple languages. The program employs STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) interns. See a video about this project here://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezb5v-3W0SA


White Pony Express Food Rescue Hero (FRH) Program created an FRH phone App which connects food producers’ surplus with available volunteer food-runners. It works like Uber, only for free food distribution. FRH provides real-time food delivery, connecting volunteers with smaller food donors like restaurants, caterers, schools, and cafeterias. The app allows food donors to signal when they have excess food. Available volunteers are then pinged via the app and can claim the run, electing to pick up and deliver the food immediately to a matching recipient organization registered in the program. This ground-breaking technology facilitates the dual goals of feeding hungry people and reducing food waste. See a video about this project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgPFZ-2gI6o&t=1s

To learn more about the Innovation Fund, go here.


August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day

This past Tuesday, in an effort to raise awareness about the ongoing opioid crisis and overdose deaths, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day.


Observed each August 31, the intent is to eliminate the stigma associated with overdose, remember loved ones who have died from drug overdose, and support those left behind with their grief. The resolution also reaffirmed the Board's commitment, in partnership with Contra Costa Health Services and our many other community health partners, to work to reduce the number of overdoses which continue to claim the lives of Contra Costa residents.


Supervisors Carlson, Andersen, Burgis, Scales-Preston and Gioia pictured with Phia Halleen with Contra Costa County MEDS Coalition and April Rovero of National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse.

ContraCostaMEDSCoalition


NCAPDA.org

911 Remembrance Ceremony

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley invites the public to its 24th Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 PM at the All-Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Road in Danville, CA. The ceremony honors the bravery and sacrifice of the fire, police, and military personnel who responded to the 9-11 attacks.

Board of Supervisors Recognizes National

Breastfeeding Awareness Month

This month, the Board of Supervisors has officially recognized National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of supporting and promoting breastfeeding as a critical component of infant and maternal health. In their proclamation, the Board underscored the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and children, including improved health outcomes, emotional bonding, and enhanced development during a child’s early years.


National Breastfeeding Awareness Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the barriers many mothers face when trying to breastfeed, such as lack of workplace support, limited access to lactation resources, and societal stigma. By emphasizing these challenges, the Board of Supervisors is calling for enhanced community support, education, and policies that better serve mothers and families.

Contra Costa Board of Supervisors poses with Contra Costa Medical Center CEO and staff for

National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

National Night Out Brings Neighbors Together in Danville

Supervisor Andersen hosted a vibrant National Night Out celebration in her Danville neighborhood, bringing together approximately 75 neighbors to strengthen community ties. The event was a wonderful opportunity for residents to connect, enjoy dinner, and build relationships with each other and with local police and fire.


Special thanks to the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Town of Danville Police, Mayor, and Town Manager or joining in and making the evening extra special, especially for the kids, who loved meeting their local heroes!

Supervisor Andersen with Danville Town Manager Tai Williams and Town of Danville Mayor Renee Morgan.

Tassajara Ranch community joins Supervisor Andersen, Town of Danville PD, Contra Costa Sheriff and ConFire at

Tuesday's NNO event.

Wildcat Canyon Road (Orinda) Slope Failure Repair Construction Begins

Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction of the Wildcat Canyon Road Slope Failure Repair Project starting Monday, August 11, 2025, through December 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays), weather permitting. Work will take place on Wildcat Canyon Road approximately 500 feet west of the intersection with San Pablo Dam Road.


Wildcat Canyon Road will remain fully closed to all users between San Pablo Dam Road and Inspiration Point during construction, 24 hours per day.  Message boards will alert drivers about the work.

Funding for this project is provided by Federal Emergency Relief Funds and Local Road Funds. 

To learn more information about this project, visit

Wildcat Canyon Road Slope Repair Project.

Traffic Advisory 55 hr. Full Highway Closure

Caltrans has scheduled work on northbound Interstate 680 (I-680) at the Mission San Jose (SR-238) Separation/Overpass in Fremont the weekend of August 8, 2025. Lane closures are scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM with the full closure and work scheduled to begin at 10:00 PM and be completed by Monday, August 11 at 5:00 AM. This closure is necessary to perform critical bridge and pavement repairs.


During these weekend closures, only one direction of travel on I-680 will be closed at a time with detours set in place. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative routes.

NB Local I-680 DETOUR: Motorists traveling northbound on I-680 will need to exit right onto Mission Blvd/SR-238 Off-Ramp; Left towards NB Mission Blvd/SR-238; Continue on Mission Blvd/SR238; Make a right onto Niles Canyon Rd (SR-84) and continue; Right onto NB I-680/SR-84 On-Ramp; Merge and continue onto NB I-680 towards Sacramento.

For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://x.com/511SFBay

For real-time information, please visit Caltrans QuickMap: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Food Rescue App by White Pony Express Streamlines Food Donations


White Pony Express, a nonprofit food recovery organization, has streamlined the process of connecting food donors with a network of volunteer food-runners through its Food Rescue Hero Initiative, funded by the County’s Measure X Innovation Fund. The White Pony Express Food Rescue App works like rideshare for free food distribution. Food donors like restaurants, caterers, schools, and cafeterias can use the app to signal when they have excess food. Available volunteers are notified via the app when a run is available and can claim the run to pick up and deliver the food to a recipient organization.

If your business or event is looking to donate excess food or if you would like to volunteer for the Food Rescue Hero Initiative, download the app or

learn more here.

Pass2Class & SchoolPool

Pass2Class: Apply now for up to two months of free rides on County Connection. Passes are available for students in grades 1-12 and are going fast.


Apply HERE while supplies last.

Building a More Inclusive Future

Celebrating the many efforts to enhance child care programs' ability to include children with delays, disabilities, or socio-emotional concerns.

Over the last two years, First 5 Contra Costa has taken strategic, community-centered steps to advance inclusion for young children and their families through Measure X-funded efforts. From launching new capacity-building and mental health consultation program to strengthening community partnerships, our work has been wide-ranging and impactful.

These milestones we reach reflect our commitment to building systems that truly support all children and families and this past year’s accomplishments lay a strong foundation for the inclusive future we’re working toward together.


To learn more about First Five Contra Costa and the programming provided visit first5coco.org.

Back-to-School Safety


As summer winds down and kids start heading back to school, remember these key tips to help keep students safe and healthy.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) offers several back-to-school transportation initiatives. To read more about them please visit 511contracostaschools.

San Ramon Teen Centers

School Days from August 13, 2025 - May 25, 2026

Register your middle school student for the 2025-2026 school year at a San Ramon Teen Center.  The Teen Centers are located on the Iron Horse & Pine Valley Middle School campuses and are open every school day from when the bell rings until 6pm. Each site has laptops and printers for homework use and its very own Wii system. Too much homework and you don't know where to start? No worries! We have time for you to work on your homework every day! The centers are open early on minimum days and closed non-school days and holidays. 


Register with the links below or find more information at SRTeen.org.

PebbleGo Science


The Library’s newest digital resource, PebbleGo Science is specifically designed for K-2 students. This platform engages young students with narrated text, animated highlighting, easy-to-read articles, games, and educational videos to teach them about math, engineering, technology, and life, earth, and space sciences as they learn to read.


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

East Bay Leadership Council Holds 2025 Installation Awards Ceremony

East Bay Leadership Council hosted its 2025 Legacy of Leadership Awards, recognizing outstanding regional leaders. Honorees included Tamia Brown (Workforce Development Board CCC), recipient of the Ellen O. Tauscher Distinguished Service Award; Rebecca Rozen (Hospital Council of Northern & Central California), named Advocate of the Year; and AssetMark, awarded the East Bay Leadership Medal.


Through these honors, EBLC not only celebrates the accomplishments of individuals and organizations but also reinforces a culture of community engagement and regional collaboration.

Tamia Brown, Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County honored with the

Ellen O. Tauscher Distinguished Service Award and pictured with Contra Costa Employment & Human Services Director Marla Stewart and Carol Mascali, District Representative for Supervisor Andersen.


To learn more about EBLC and their organization visit EastBayLeadershipCouncil.

Countywide Transportation Plan to be Updated


The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is updating the Countywide Transportation Plan, and they want to hear from you!


Whether you drive, bike, walk, ride transit, or scoot around our county, how you get around matters. Your input will help them plan for safer streets, connected communities, and smoother commutes.


Step inside their new 3-D Online Open House to see what tomorrow’s transportation improvements could look like in your own neighborhood. Then spend five quick minutes on the survey embedded in the site. Your feedback will guide 25 years of transportation investments and solutions.

As a thank you, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card!


Explore the Open House and take the survey at:

 OpenHouse.CCTA

Forrest Home Farms New Docent Orientation

Recruiting NEW adult volunteers to guide educational tours, introduce students to local history, and lead hands-on learning activities. Join a diverse group of people who share a passion for preserving and teaching people about the history of the San Ramon Valley. 


Visit San Ramon Volunteers scan the QR code above for more information.

Hands Only CPR Class - Help Save a Life!

San Ramon Regional and SRVFPD

In partnership with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, San Ramon Regional

Medical Center is offering a free Hands-Only CPR class. This life-saving technique

involves performing CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths until paramedics

arrive. It is recommended when someone collapses in an “out-of-hospital” setting

and can be just as effective as conventional CPR.

Thursday, August 21st

12pm to 2pm

Roundhouse Conference Center

(Tenaya Room)

2600 Camino Ramon

During the class, attendees will learn:

• How to check for a detectable pulse

• How to access 911 paramedics

• How to perform Hands-Only CPR


Scan the QR code to reserve your spot today!

211 Here to Help

Rising costs, unexpected bills, and job changes can create serious anxiety. If you or someone you love is worried about how to make ends meet, 211 is here to help.


Just dial 211 anytime, 24/7 to connect with free, local resources like:



  • Food assistance
  • Rent and utility support
  • Employment services
  • Childcare and transportation help
  • Mental health resources - and more


You’ll speak with a real person who listens without judgment and helps you find the support you need.


To learn more please click HERE.

RESTORING HOPE COCO: A New Web-based Service Directory Now Available!


RESTORING HOPE COCO is an online service directory made available through the Contra Costa County Probation Department to connect individuals and families impacted by the justice system to existing local resources.


Enter your zip code to find free and reduced-cost programs in your community where you can get help. You can also search by program or agency names to find multiple resources in one place or use keywords to locate exactly what you're looking for. 


Search for services like adult and juvenile justice reentry programs, youth services & mentorship, employment/job training, education, housing/living assistance, legal aid, mental health supports, and many more.


Check out our Restoring Hope CoCo | Findhelp Search webpage for more details.


 **If you have a program or know of one you'd like to see added to this directory, contact admin@orj.cccounty.us.

Annual Moraga Pear Festival

The Moraga Park Foundation and Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley are sponsoring the annual Moraga Pear Harvest on Saturday August 16. Volunteers are needed from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the JM School orchard. Check-in at the corner of Canyon Rd and Camino Pablo.

 

Harvesting tools, instructions, water and snacks will be provided for volunteers. Sturdy shoes or boots and protective clothing are recommended. 

 

The pears are picked, boxed and sent to the Contra Costa County Food Bank for sharing with hungry families. This is a fun family activity that benefits our local food bank!

To read more about the 20 year tradition visit

MoragaParks - PearHarvest.

Contra Costa County Business Questionnaire

Please use the link Contra Costa County Business or scan the QR code above to access the survey.

 Contra Costa Resource Conservation District is Recruiting

Are you passionate about agriculture, natural resource stewardship and watershed conservation in Contra Costa County? Now is your chance to make a meaningful impact in your county.


The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District is seeking a dedicated community member to fill an open seat on the Board of Directors, with a term running through November 30, 2028. CCRCD is a state legislated special district with a mission to inspire, support and educate conservation efforts protecting the natural beauty and resources in our county.


Deadline to apply: Friday, August 29, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.


How to apply:

By mail at: 2001 Clayton Road, Ste. 200, Concord, CA 94520-2405

or

Email: Patty Pell at ppell@ccrcd.org

Application Forms Available: HERE.


Visit www.ccrcd.org for additional information or reach out to

Patty Pell at ppell@ccrcd.org with any questions.



Contra Costa County Probation Seeks Applicants for Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council 

Applications are now open for individuals interested in serving on the 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). The JJCC is a multi-agency advisory body that contributes to the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan. It is composed of several critical parts, including, but not limited to, an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drugs, alcohol, and youth resources, which specifically target both at-promise as well as system-involved youth, and their families.

 

The JJCC will also coordinate the work of governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community. Further, the JJCC will develop information and intelligence sharing systems to ensure county actions are fully coordinated and equipped to provide data and appropriate outcome measures.


The following position is vacant and will be held for a two-year term:

 

One (1) At-Large Community Representative seat, residing or working within Contra Costa County.


Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025. All applicants who submit by the deadline will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Public Protection Committee. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for the Board of Supervisors to appoint. Interviews with the Public Protection Committee will occur on October 20, 2025, and appointments with the Board of Supervisors will occur on November 4, 2025.


Click here to apply


To read more on the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council visit CCProbation.

To learn more about Contra Costa Health Department and services provided visit CCHealth.org.

AB109 CAB Looking for Members from Central County!


The Community Advisory Board (CAB) for AB 109 Public Realignment was established by the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) Executive Committee in December 2012 to provide input on community needs; assess implementation of the realignment plan; review data on realignment outcomes; advise the CCP on community engagement strategies; offer recommendations for ongoing realignment planning; advise County agencies regarding programs for implementation in the County; and encourage outcomes that are consistent with the County’s Reentry Strategic Plan.


The CAB is composed of Members with expertise in workforce development, behavioral health issues, post-release reentry services, services for reentering women, criminal and drug court, crime survivors, domestic violence prevention, adult education within a correctional setting, law and policy related to issues of the formerly incarcerated, and anyone interested in public safety issues. All CAB members either live or work in Contra Costa County.


Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of each month from 10am to 12pm at the Probation Department: 50 Douglas Drive, Second Floor, Martinez.


For more information and the application, click here.

District 2 Volunteer Opportunities

Measure X Community Advisory Board - Alternate Seat

Supervisor Andersen is looking for an individual from the Lamorinda Area who represents broad and diverse voices and perspectives to fill the District 2 Alternate Seat. To be considered for this seat, candidates must either live or work in District 2. The Measure X Community Advisory Board currently meets quarterly.

 

Measure X is a countywide 20-year, ½ cent sales tax approved by Contra Costa County voters on November 3, 2020. Collection of the tax began on April 1, 2021. The ballot measure language stated that the intent of Measure X is “to keep Contra Costa’s regional hospital open and staffed; fund community health centers, emergency response; support crucial safety-net services; invest in early childhood services; protect vulnerable populations; and for other essential county services.”


To learn more about the Measure X Advisory Body visit click here.

Alamo Municipal Advisory Council - Youth Representative 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.

County Service Area P-2A (Blackhawk) Citizen Advisory Committee - Alternate Seat (Blackhawk residents only)

The P-2A 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. Police Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6PM, Blackhawk County Club, Lakeside Room, 599 Lakeside Drive, Danville

Submit an Application


Click here for information on volunteering for an advisory board