Weekly Update - December 10, 2021 |
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Free Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic
in San Ramon on December 16th
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To register for the clinic, use this link and you will be directed to a series of preliminary questions. After you answer these preliminary questions, the appointment time selection for the San Ramon clinic will appear. |
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Safer Holiday Celebrations |
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Contra Costa Health Services encourages everyone to celebrate safely and protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is the best way to lower the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19, especially during holiday gatherings.
Let’s work together to keep ourselves, our family and our friends safe while enjoying the holidays.
To learn how to safely celebrate the holidays and precautions to take for safe travel go to Safer celebrations .
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Contra Costa Health Services Urges Vaccinations and Boosters Amid Discovery of Omicron Variant |
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With the holidays upon us and the emergence of a new, potentially more contagious COVID-19 variant, now is the time to get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is reemphasizing its efforts to vaccinate all residents ages 5 and older and provide booster doses to eligible adults.
Omicron, a variant first identified in South Africa on Nov. 24, and now identified in Alameda County, has been designated a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released a fact sheet about this variant.
COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and readily available in Contra Costa through community healthcare providers, drugstores, and CCHS.
If you’re fully vaccinated, the best way to strengthen your protection is to get a booster shot as soon as you’re eligible.
For a no-cost appointment at CCHS’ clinics in Antioch, Concord, or Richmond, you can schedule online or call 1-833-829-2626.
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Limited Number of COVID Test Kits Available in our Office |
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Even vaccinated people without symptoms can transmit COVID. An effective way to safely gather with vulnerable family members and friends during the holidays is to take a COVID test before attending the event.
If you are having trouble purchasing test kits, which are available at most drug stores, please contact our office as we have a limited number available at no cost.
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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FDA Expands Booster Authorization to Teens 16 Years and Up |
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday authorized booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for 16- and 17-year-olds, six months after they received their second shot of that vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Western States Scientific Review Board must also approve boosters for this group before they can be administered. Contra Costa Health expects these approvals to come soon.
While people ages 18+ can mix-and-match vaccines for their boosters, teens ages 16-17 will only be able to get Pfizer for their boosters. The Moderna and J&J vaccines are only approved for people ages 18 and older.
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Status of Contra Costa Health Services’ Enforcement of
Vaccine-Verification Order
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It has always been CCHS’ goal to gain compliance with the county's health orders without having to penalize business owners, and the vast majority of the 4,400 commercial food permit holders in Contra Costa do comply.
There has been no change to the health department's enforcement policies regarding health orders. Fines and other penalties have always been viewed as a last resort for those who repeatedly refuse to comply.
After the County's vaccine-verification order went into effect on Sept. 22, the volume of complaints from the public about violations at restaurants and food facilities rose as expected, similar to when previous new health orders were issued.
Additional enforcement at businesses not regulated by Environmental Health is done by other county and law enforcement agencies, including local police.
A department guideline outlines the process for issuing Notices of Violation and Notices of Fine to businesses that violate Contra Costa’s health orders. CCHS investigates reported complaints regarding health order violations involving restaurants and other food permit holders, typically within three to seven days of receiving the complaint, but no later than two weeks afterward.
If the inspector observes violations on a first visit, they typically educate the establishment’s management about health orders and work to come to an agreement on a plan to resolve the problem.
If CCHS receives subsequent complaints from the public about health order violations at a business previously inspected for the same issue, the inspector will reinspect the business and issue a Notice of Violation (NOV), if heath order violations are observed. Businesses that receive NOVs are always reinspected, typically within three to seven days after receiving the notice.
If health order violations are observed at a business that has already received a NOV, CCHS will issue a Notice of Fine (NOF). Businesses that receive NOFs are always reinspected, typically within three to seven days after receiving the notice.
Complaint management and notifications of violations are being overseen by the Health Services Office of the Director/Health Officer.
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Dashboard Shows Progress Toward Lifting
Indoor Masking Order in Contra Costa County
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Three criteria must be met to lift the order:
- The county remains in the CDC’s “moderate” (yellow) transmission tier for at least three consecutive weeks
- There are fewer than 75 COVID-related hospitalizations in the county
- And at least one of the following is achieved:
- 80% of the total county population (not just eligible people) are vaccinated
- 8 weeks have passed from the date vaccines are approved for children ages 5-11
Currently, we are only meeting the hospitalization target. It is hoped that in early 2022 we will have also met the other targets and the masking order will be lifted for those who are vaccinated. For more information, visit www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/mask-dashboard.
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COVID Status of Contra Costa County
(This chart reflects total population, earlier charts showed vaccination rates for those who were 12 and older).
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Delta Landing Interim Homeless Housing Opens
in Contra Costa County
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A 172-unit interim housing site in Pittsburg will be among the first in California to open thanks to the state’s Homekey program to build and sustain housing for residents experiencing homelessness.
Delta Landing, recipient of a $21.5 million Homekey grant in 2020, will open later this month after extensive site renovation. In addition to new paint, roof, furnishings, laundry and fire sprinkler system, clients can make use of a new wellness center for physical and behavioral health needs and co-located services to help them regain permanent housing.
The site at 2101 Loveridge Road was previously a motel, used since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as a non-congregate emergency shelter for county residents with funding from the state’s Project Roomkey program.
The Homekey award allowed Contra Costa to negotiate the purchase of the motel and provide the necessary renovations to make a state-of-the-art interim housing facility with services such as basic healthcare, housing navigation and case management provided on site.
The county’s most recent homeless point-in-time count, in January 2020, showed that one-third of residents living outdoors in Contra Costa were in eastern Contra Costa – more than 500 people. But, before Delta Landing, there were only 20 available shelter beds in the county east of Concord.
Contra Costa’s Public Works Department led nearly $6 million renovation project. Homekey will also $4.196 million toward operation of this permanent facility, which is managed by Bay Area Community Services (BACS), a contractor of Contra Costa Health Services’ Division of Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3).
Visit cchealth.org/h3 for information about services for people experiencing homelessness in Contra Costa County.
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Keep Danville Merry and Bright Campaign |
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This year, give the gift of support to small businesses that continue to be the heart of your local community. The “Danville Picks” Holiday Gift Guide is available to help inspire you!
There are so many reasons why shopping local is the way to go. Our businesses have created safe shopping experiences so that you can find everything on your holiday shopping list locally. Shopping local means most items can be purchased immediately, but many stores also provide online shopping, special orders, gift cards, and gift wrapping! With local retailers offering outstanding customer service and expert knowledge, plenty of free parking, and an astounding variety of dining options, Danville is the ideal shopping destination.
Whether you choose to visit a store in-person, shop online, or pick-up gift cards, please plan to spend locally this holiday season.
The Danville Holiday Gift Guide highlights hand-selected gift ideas and promotions to make it even easier to save money and time and shop local!
It’s a bright idea to support local as you Eat, Drink, & Be Merry!
This holiday season let’s all help to Keep Danville Merry & Bright by Supporting our Local Businesses.
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AAUW SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DANVILLE, ALAMO, WALNUT CREEK WOMEN - APPLY NOW! |
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The American Association of University Women - Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch will be providing another scholarship.
They have provided over $110,000 in scholarships over the last nine years to help local college women complete their degree programs.
The minimum scholarship award is $2000 or greater and will be paid no later than June 30, 2022.
To be eligible, applicants must be US citizens and entering into their junior year or higher, at an accredited 4-year college or university, no later than the fall of the upcoming school year after which they apply for the scholarship.
TO APPLY and for a complete description of requirements go to: aauw scholarship application. Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 11, 2022.
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Donate to the Holiday Food Fight - Don't Let Families Go Hungry |
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Once again, in 2021 Contra Costa and Solano counties will compete to raise funds for the Food Bank. This friendly competition, spearheaded by individual county departments, has raised nearly $1.6 million since 2003.
The county that raises the most funds per employee will win the Big Apple trophy. The trophy and bragging rights pass back and forth annually, but the real winners are the recipients of the funds you raise: those that go hungry in our communities. To donate go to District 2 Food Bank donate.
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Danville Seeks Input for Master Plan |
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While so much has changed in the past year, one thing remained the same in the Danville community - the innate desire to gather in our well-loved public spaces. As we transition through the pandemic, the Town has begun the process of updating the Downtown Master Plan. The Town has partnered with urban design firm SWA, to reimagine how we might use some of the public spaces within our downtown to provide essential connection, interaction, and engagement.
Building upon the strong framework of Danville’s small-town charm and to further enhance its village-like character, the aim is to create activated public spaces that are visually coordinated and balance the need for adequate public parking, drainage facilities, accessibility to all businesses and essential services such as trash pick-up.
In early 2022, the Town and its urban design team will be conducting outreach and seeking input on how each component of the community – from its businesses to its residents – envision how it wishes to live, work and play within its treasured downtown. To learn more about this effort visit the project page at danvilletowntalks.org/downtown-master-plan.
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District 2 Communities Welcome New Mayors for 2022 |
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Supervisor Andersen attended City and Town Council meetings, both virtually and live to thank the outgoing 2021 Mayors for their service and welcome the elected 2022 Mayors.
On the right, Candace thanks outgoing Danville Mayor Renee Morgan and welcomed in the Mayor for 2022, Newell Arnerich,
Moraga also held their meeting virtually, where Candace thanked outgoing Mayor Mike McCluer and welcomed 2022 Mayor, Renata Sos.
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Candace attended the Walnut Creek City Council meeting "virtually" and thanked Kevin Wilk for serving as Mayor in 2021, and welcomed in the new Mayor, Matt Francois for 2022. |
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The History and Story of the Caldecott Tunnel
A Free Virtual Program
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The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is presenting a free online program on The History and Story of the Caldecott Tunnel at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 16th.
Mary McCosker a local historian and author of a book expert on the Caldecott will share the history and story of this most interesting tunnel.
Learn about this very important tunnel that opened in 1937 that would start to change our area of small rural communities into one of growing suburbs. Today it is still very much a critical part of our transportation infrastructure.
To attend this free online presentation please visit the website at museumsrv.org and go to the Events section or call 925 837-3750.
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave Danville CA 94526. The museum is now open. Their hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-3 Saturday 10-1 and Sunday 12-3.
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Contra Costa County
Completes Redistricting Process and Adopts
New Supervisorial Districts
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On November 23, 2021, the County Board of Supervisors held its fifth Public Hearing for the County's Redistricting process. The final map was adopted and the new Supervisorial Boundaries were confirmed for the next decade. The new boundaries are effective immediately. To find your district on the updated map go to my district. |
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Volunteer & Emergency Services Team
Supports the Needy in Contra Costa County
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2021 continues to be a difficult year for children and families in Contra Costa County. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our community, with more than 100,000 cases in Contra Costa County alone since the pandemic began. Families continue to feel this impact with stress and uncertainty as they struggle to pay bills.
Please remember that your tax-deductible donations to VESTIA support children and families at risk in our community and will go a long way. VESTIA supports people in need locally and because they are affiliated with Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department, they have virtually no administrative costs.
Donations can be made by visiting their website at vestiainc.org. Click the red button "Donate Now" and select to donate to a specific program, "Holiday Helpers Warehouse", and then press the red button Donate to this Program.
You may also send your check to VESTIA, Inc., 400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. VESTIA’s tax ID # is 94-3017952.
Your generosity has brought joy to so many families living in Contra Costa County over the past 36 years.
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Family and Children’s Trust (FACT) Committee |
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FACT is seeking applicants to fill two At-Large Community Representative seats: Education/School Representative and Mental Health. The applicants should be committed to mitigating the risk of child abuse and 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 Committee meets monthly. See full details below.
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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Arts & Culture Commission has an At-Large Opening |
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Click here to apply for the At-large 2 Opening
The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation, and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.
The commission has 10 seats; five from each of the County's Supervisorial Districts, four at-large, and one alternate.
District Specific Seats: Are recommended by the applicable District Supervisor and then approved by the Board of Supervisors.
At-Large Seats & Alternate Seat process: Individuals are interviewed and nominated by the Arts & Culture Commission. After the Commission makes a recommendation, the item goes to the Family and Human Services Committee along with all applications that were received/reviewed by the Commission. This committee then nominates an applicant and the item goes to the full Board of Supervisors for approval.
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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 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 Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC)
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.
Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) The purpose of the Contra Costa County Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) is to advise the Board of Supervisors on matters relating to the identification and preservation of historical resources within the County, including identifying eligible sites and places to be listed in the County's Historic Resources Inventory (HRI). For more information, please contact HLAC staff, Dominique Vogelpohl
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