Weekly Update - December 5th

San Ramon Police

Chief Denton Carlson Retires

San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson has announced his retirement, marking the close of a distinguished career in public safety and community service. Chief Carlson, who has served San Ramon with dedication and integrity, is widely respected for his collaborative leadership style, strong commitment to public engagement, and focus on building trust between law enforcement and the community.

During his tenure, he prioritized transparency, modernized departmental operations, and strengthened partnerships with residents, local organizations, and regional law enforcement agencies. His steady leadership has helped ensure San Ramon remains one of the safest cities in the region.

On December 15 Becky Chestnunt will officially begin her role as San Ramon’s Police Chief. She has been a Captain with San Ramon Police since 2023 and began her career with the agency in 2015. Prior to that she worked for the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department.

Supervisor Andersen extends her appreciation for Chief Carlson’s many years of service and wishes him the very best in his well-earned retirement and future endeavors.

Supervisor Andersen Recognizes Outgoing Walnut Creek

Mayor Cindy Darling and the late Mayor Gwen Regalia

Supervisor Candace Andersen joined community leaders this week to recognize outgoing Walnut Creek Mayor Cindy Darling for her dedicated service and steady leadership throughout the past year. Mayor Darling was thanked for her thoughtful stewardship of key city initiatives, her commitment to public engagement, and her focus on keeping Walnut Creek a vibrant, welcoming community. Supervisor Andersen expressed appreciation for the Mayor’s collaborative spirit and her long-standing contributions to the city. As Walnut Creek transitions to new leadership, the community extends its gratitude to Mayor Darling for her exceptional service. The Council voted Kevin Wilk as the new Mayor and Matt Francois as Mayor Pro Tem.

The City of Walnut Creek also recognized the passing of Gwen Regalia with a touching tribute shown at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The video honored her decades of service as a former mayor and Council Member, highlighting her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the community. Gwen’s legacy continues to resonate throughout Walnut Creek.

Supervisor Andersen along with outgoing Walnut Creek Mayor Cindy Darling and Council, family of Gwen Regalia, and Kaylee DeLand staff to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Gwen Regalia made a lasting impact through dedicated service, strong leadership, and a commitment to improving the community. Her work strengthened programs, built partnerships, and leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit others.

To read Mrs. Regalia's exemplary service to the City of Walnut Creek visit here.

To watch the video on the Life of Gwen Regalia visit YouTube.

44th Annual Town of Danville Mayor’s Installation and

Community Service Awards

Supervisor Candace Andersen joined community members and civic leaders for a memorable evening at the 44th Annual Town of Danville Mayor’s Installation and Community Service Awards. The event, held in celebration of public service and community spirit, featured performances by the Monte Vista Chamber Singers and a presentation of colors by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Honor Guard.

The evening also honored outstanding community members for their service and contributions. A highlight of the ceremony was the formal transition of leadership as Mayor Renee Morgan passed the gavel to incoming Mayor Newell Arnerich, who will be serving in this role for the 8th time.

Supervisor Andersen joined outgoing Danville Mayor Renee Morgan and incoming Mayor Newell Arnerich to recognize the Town’s leadership transition and thank both for their dedication to the community.

Celebrating San Ramon’s 2025 Business &

Community Award Honorees

Supervisor Andersen was pleased to attend the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business & Community Award winners, honoring local leaders whose contributions strengthen the San Ramon Valley.

This year’s awards celebrated a wide range of community members and organizations:

Citizen of the Year: Alec Hurd
Business Person of the Year: Danielle Croghan (TheyMade)
Community Educator of the Year: Jennifer Tejada
Educator of the Year (K–12): Sandy Kontilis
Employee of the Year: James Spielvogel
Green Company of the Year: Stanford Health Care – Tri-Valley
Nonprofit of the Year: Fostering Wishes
Ambassador of the Year: Robert Downum
Teen Citizen of the Year: Danya Prakash

A heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, whose exemplary leadership, dedication, and service continue to make a lasting impact on the San Ramon Valley communities. Your contributions inspire others and reflect the very best of civic engagement, innovation, and community spirit.

Supervisor Andersen stands with Citizen of the Year, Alec Hurd, who has led Scouts of America Troop 834 for over two decades, mentoring youth and adults through hands-on experiences that build character, leadership, and teamwork. His dedication extends to the San Ramon Education Foundation, the Meridian District, and the City’s Climate Action Committee, making Alec a true pillar of community service.

To read about all honorees, visit SRChamber.

To learn about the Chamber visit

sanramon.org.

Danville Celebrates the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree

On November 28th, the Town of Danville welcomed the holiday season with its cherished tradition, the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree. Families, friends, and community members gathered downtown as the historic tree, a beloved symbol of Danville’s heritage, was illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights.

The event featured festive music, merchant open houses, and joyful holiday spirit as residents came together to celebrate community, tradition, and the start of the season.

Supervisor Andersen’s office served over 750 cups of hot cocoa and 500 butterscotch brownies and candy canes. The lighting of the Old Oak Tree continues to be one of Danville’s most treasured annual gatherings, bringing warmth and connection to the heart of the town.

Supervisor Andersen joined by 2025 Danville Mayor Renee Morgan, 2026 Mayor Newell Arnerich and

Councilmembers Karen Stepper, Mark Belotz and Robert Storer.

Contra Costa County Opens Recruitment for Four Seats on African American Wellness Hub

Advisory Body

Recruitment is open for four seats on the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub Transitional Community Advisory Body (TCAB), a community-driven group guiding the development of a new countywide wellness and support network for vulnerable African American residents.

The TCAB advises the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ) on selecting an independent lead entity to manage the hub and identifying community-based organizations to provide rapid-response services.

The TCAB includes 13 members and three alternates, all county residents with lived or professional experience serving vulnerable African American communities. The group seeks broad demographic and district representation. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 5:30 PM, with additional ad hoc meetings as needed.

Contra Costa County is seeking to fill the following vacancies:

One TCAB member
Three alternate members.

Residents with lived or professional expertise supporting vulnerable African American communities are encouraged to apply, particularly in the following areas:

Behavioral Health services, particularly for African American males
Housing Navigation services and supports, particularly for those at immediate risk and those with young children, including African American males
Preventative Health Care, check-ups, and screenings, especially for elders and young children
Infant and Maternal Health care services and supports
Resource Navigation to enroll in Medi-Cal, Cal Fresh, and other public benefits
Reentry Support and Restorative Alternatives for those transitioning from incarceration, especially African American males.

To read full Press Release visit HERE.

Applications are due by 5 PM on Monday, December 15th. Applicants will interview with the Board of Supervisors’ Equity Committee, which will recommend candidates for appointment. To submit an application, click here

CCTA Hosting a Virtual Town Hall on

December 9th

Do you live, work, or play in the communities identified in the map? CCTA wants to hear from you about what projects, connections, and upgrades would make the biggest difference in making your daily trips safer, smarter, and more accessible.

CCTA is developing a countywide Community-Based Transportation Plan (CBTP) to identify areas where targeted improvements, such as safer street crossings, smoother walking and biking routes, better bus connections, and more reliable transit could meaningfully improve daily life across Contra Costa County.

Virtual Town Hall: Tuesday, December 9th at 6PM

This online event is the best opportunity to learn what has been shared so far, preview what’s being developed, and share your ideas directly with the project team. Your input will help shape a locally informed plan that connects and supports communities throughout the county.

To learn more about the plan visit CCTA.

Alamo Holiday Tree Lighting

Kick off the festive season with the annual Alamo Rotary Tree Lighting! This cherished community tradition brings neighbors together to celebrate the holidays with music, treats, and plenty of holiday cheer. Families can enjoy a cozy, nostalgic evening as the plaza comes to life with lights and laughter. Be sure to bring loved ones and join us as we welcome the start of the holiday season in Alamo!

Sunday, December 7th

4 PM

Oak Tree Plaza

3000 Danville Boulevard, Alamo

Save the Date - District 2 Holiday Open House

December 15th

Support those in need this holiday season by donating to the Food Bank of Contra Costa County. Every gift helps provide meals and essential supplies to local families facing food insecurity.

Donate HERE!

Family Justice Center Welcomes New

Executive Director

The Family Justice Center is proud to announce Bisa French as its new Executive Director. With nearly 30 years of community-focused law enforcement experience, Bisa has devoted her career to supporting survivors, youth, and families. She was instrumental in establishing the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center and will begin her new role on March 4, 2026, after retiring as Richmond’s first woman Chief of Police.

Bisa joined the Richmond Police Department in 1998, serving in community policing, training, and investigative roles, including the Family Services Unit, where she found her passion for helping vulnerable families. She rose through the ranks, becoming the department’s first African American and Latina Captain, then Assistant Chief - before being appointed Chief of Police in 2020. Her leadership emphasized community partnership, racial equity, and trauma-informed approaches, contributing to the lowest homicide rates in Richmond in over 50 years.

A Bay Area native, Bisa resides in the area with her husband and three children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University. She is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). Additionally, she has served on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Community Policing Committee and on the boards of the Contra Costa County Youth Services Bureau and the Richmond Police Activities League.

To learn more about the Family Justice Center and is programs visit cocofamilyjustice.org.

Apply to APAPA's Summer Internship Program!

The application to APAPA Tri-Valley’s Leadership and Internship Program is now live! Throughout the summer of 2026, Interns will work alongside and learn from leaders at every level of government, developing policy knowledge, professional experience, and personal confidence, all while contributing to the Tri-Valley's success.

Click here to apply to this exceptional opportunity, and contact juliezrd@gmail.com with any questions.

The application is due on December 31st. Please forward this to anyone who might be interested!

To read more about APAPA and their Summer 2026 Leadership & Internship Program visit APAPA.org.

Consumer Reports Online Makes Holiday Shopping Easier

Consumer Reports Online is a great source for gift ideas, deals, and holiday shopping on a budget. Save money and time by comparing products and brands before making a purchase. Consumer Reports includes in-depth reviews and buying advice across many categories including electronics, appliances, home and garden, babies, health and wellness, travel, and pets.

Visit the Digital Resources page at ccclib.org to get free access with

your library card.

Holiday Safety Tips

As you prepare for the holiday season, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff encourages everyone to take a few simple steps to keep your home, mail, and vehicles secure.

If traveling, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home, pause mail and newspaper delivery, and ensure windows, doors, cameras, and outdoor lighting are all functioning properly.

To prevent package and mail theft, track deliveries closely, avoid leaving packages on your porch, and consider using signature-required delivery or a locking mailbox.

When out shopping, don’t leave valuables visible in your vehicle, always lock your doors, and park in well-lit areas.

A few precautions can go a long way toward keeping your holidays safe and stress-free.

Get Involved in County Government: Take the

10-Minute Survey

The Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice in partnership with Bright Research Group is planning three community workshops in 2026 to help residents learn how county government works and how to have their voices heard.

Before they plan the details, they would love to hear from YOU:

What topics or skills would be most helpful?
What would make it easier for you to attend?
What local issues matter most to you right now?

Your ideas will help us design workshops that truly reflect our community’s needs.

TAKE SURVEY HERE

The survey will remain open until December 12th.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Mapping Climate Vulnerability and Air Pollution in Contra Costa County

Join PSE Healthy Energy next week for an exclusive webinar that looks at Mapping Climate Vulnerability and Air Pollution in Contra Costa County: Identifying Hot Spots and Targeting Interventions from 12-1:30PM PT on Wednesday, December 10th.

During this webinar, a team of PSE Healthy Energy scientists will share findings and key takeaways from our latest study, which:

characterizes air pollution concentrations using a low-cost air monitoring network,
examines extreme heat,
explores where people might be more sensitive to climate hazards, and
considers people’s abilities to effectively respond and adjust.

Together, these analyses reveal climate vulnerability “hot spots” across the county that can inform intervention planning and rollout.

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

Friday, December 5th

Alamo Women's Club Jewelry Faire

WINTERFEST, Orinda

Saturday, December 6th:

Contra Costa County Flood Control District's 12th Annual Giving Natives a Chance event

Santa Claus is Coming to San Ramon!

Sunday, December 7th:

Alamo Holiday Tree Lighting at Oak Tree Plaza

It's a Wonderful Life 4pm-6pm in Lafayette Plaza

Wednesday, December 10th:

CenterREP Presents A Christmas Carol (12/10-21)

Saturday, December 13th:

Santa Claus is Coming to Danville!

Santa’s Jolly Landing is Returning to Buchanan Field Airport in Concord

Wreaths Across America Alamo and Lafayette Cemeteries

Siesta Valley Bowl & Foundation Open House

Monday, December 15th

Festival of Lights Chanukah Menorah Lighting, Moraga

December 21st

Alamo Plaza Menorah Lighting

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.

Green Empowerment Zone Governing Board Recruiting Members

The Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) Governing Board is seeking applicants to fill seven (7) newly created Board positions for individuals who live or work in the Green Empowerment Zone representing environmental or environmental justice organizations or interests.

The seats are appointed by the GEZ Governing Board. The Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ), established pursuant to state law, includes the Northern Waterfront communities in Contra Costa County, specifically the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Martinez, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Pablo, and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Bayview, Clyde, Crockett, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Montalvin Manor, Mountain View, North Richmond, Pacheco, Port Costa, Rodeo, Rollingwood, Tara Hills, and Vine Hill.

The purpose of the GEZ is to build upon the comparative advantage provided by the regional concentration of highly skilled energy industry workers by prioritizing access to tax incentives, grants, loan programs, workforce training programs, and private sector investment in the renewable energy sector. The GEZ focuses its efforts on attracting high-impact projects that boost the local economy and help California continue to be a leader in clean energy-related industries with tangible economic benefits to the region.

The GEZ Governing Board will appoint the seven (7) board members for a two-year term. The Governing Board normally meets every third Friday every other month in Martinez.

Applications are due 5PM on Friday, January 9, 2026.

For more information or to apply visit GEZ

District 2 Volunteer Opportunities

Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee - 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-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (one seat available) (Roundhill residents only)

To advise the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.

Submit an Application.

Click here for information on volunteering for an advisory board