SHARE:  

Weekly Update - February 14, 2025

View as Webpage

Contra Costa County offices will be closed on Monday, February 17th in observance of Presidents Day. Emergency services and law enforcement will remain available.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans.


Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Black History Month are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967; Mae Jemison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space in 1992; and Barack Obama, who was elected the first-ever African-American president of the United States in 2008.


Throughout the month of February, the Contra Costa Library will be hosting cultural events throughout the County. Please click here to find a celebration near you.

American Red Cross Blood Drive Today

Seeking Nominations for the Cesar E. Chavez

Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards.


These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between 12 and 18 years old. Students will be recognized at the 31st Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

 

We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

 

Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 25, 2025. Recipients will be recognized at the April 1, 2025, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.

2025 AARP Community Challenge Grants

Applications are being accepted across three different grant opportunities, focusing on a variety areas such as pedestrian safety, disaster preparedness and much more!


  • Flagship Grant
  • Capacity Building Microgrants
  • Demonstration Grants


Applications are due by March 5, 2025, 2pm, and all projects must be completed by December 15, 2025.


Additional information can be found by visiting https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2025/2025-challenge.html


Supervisor Andersen Engages with College Students
Supervisor Andersen, Noelle Lau, Sarah Chow, Sunny Beutler, Jennifer Kajiyama, and California attorney Audrey Perry-Martin with BYU-Hawaii pre-law students
Supervisor Andersen returned to her home state of Hawaii this past week, where she spoke to students and participated in roundtable discussions at BYU-Hawaii. She encouraged the students to get more involved in important issues in their community, and to consider running for office someday. The following day she spoke with other women lawyers on a panel about the benefits of attending law school, how to balance it with many other opportunities, and with raising a family.

UCSF Teen Wellness Summit on Mental Health


Registration for the 2025 Teen Wellness Summit is open!

When: Saturday, February 22, 2025 

Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: UCSF Mission Bay Campus: Genentech Hall

Schedule

  • FREE Breakfast
  • Welcome Session – featuring presentations from 1 Hundred Years and the TWC Team
  • Morning Breakouts – 7 different sessions to choose from!
  • FREE Catered Lunch and Resource Fair – SF Kebab, Photobooth, Galileo K-Pop, Art Competition, Crafts!
  • Afternoon Breakouts – 6 different sessions to choose from!
  • Closing Session – Raffle prizes, Art Competition Winners Announced, Dance Performance, Barbara Stuart from UCSF Psychiatry

Click here to register.

An Evening with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

Watch the New Episode of "Inside Public Works"


The Contra Costa County Public Works Department is excited to announce the premiere of the fifth episode of their popular series, “Inside Public Works, which is currently available to view on YouTube.


“Inside Public Works” provides viewers with an opportunity to learn about the various services and programs offered by the Public Works Department throughout Contra Costa County. Episode five focuses on Contra Costa County’s Airports. Viewers will receive an insider’s tour of the new terminal building at Buchanan Field Airport and learn about the individuals and teams responsible for the vibrant makeover of the viewing plaza.

Fare Gates are Updated at Orinda BART Station

As part of its most recent initiative to enhance customer satisfaction and modernize system safety, BART has made the historic purchase of brand-new fare gates to be installed throughout the system. The new gates will provide cutting-edge technology that will increase safety by decreasing fare evasion, improve accessibility for wheelchair users and those with bikes and strollers, and optimize the fare gates' dependability and maintenance requirements. The new fare gates also offer an improved experience.


On Friday, February 14th, BART will begin installing Next Generation Fare Gates at the Orinda Station. One fare gate array will remain open during construction, but riders are encouraged to allow for extra time entering and exiting the station during the work.



Click here to see the fact sheet and table of tentative dates for installations in 2025.

Self-Service Sundays at the Concord Library

The Contra Costa County Library is piloting a new program designed to give you access to the Concord Library on Sundays when the branch is normally closed.


Cardholders who sign up for the service in advance can enter the Concord Library between 12-4pm on Sundays. There is no staff on site, but two security guards are present to ensure that only those who have signed up for the service can enter the library.


You can browse the collection and check out books, return items, pick up holds, connect to Wi-Fi, and use the space for studying or reading. 


To sign up for the service, you must have a library card in good standing, a valid ID, attend an in-person orientation and sign the user agreement.


Once approved, you can scan your library card at the door and use a unique PIN code to enter on Sundays.


Services not available include computers, printing, scanning, and photocopying, restrooms, LINK+ pickups and returns, use of the community meeting room, and the Friends bookstore.


This service is available now, but you must sign up in advance. To get started visit, ccclib.org/self-service-sundays.

Get Ready for Tax Season with 211's Updated Resource Directory

As we enter tax season, 211 is pleased to announce the addition of tax assistance resources to our directory for January through April! Each year, we work to ensure our database is up-to-date with vital resources for community members, especially those navigating financial challenges. We recognize that preparing taxes can be stressful, particularly during tough times, and access to free tax preparation services is crucial for many families and individuals. 
Whether you're seeking assistance with your taxes or looking to support others, our updated resource directory is here to help you connect with local organizations and programs. Together, we can make this tax season a little easier for everyone!

Second Annual Contra Costa County Shark Tank Youth Competition!

Introducing the second annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition! Win $2,000 to launch or grow your business. No idea is too small! The competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County.
When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more and apply. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club, and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1, 2025 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is March 15th!

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

2025 Transition Conference & Resource Fair 

The 2025 Transition Conference & Resource Fair is designed for students and adults with disabilities, their families, and their circle of support. Presentations and Resources will be centered on Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. This is an opportunity to learn about transitioning to adult services and building independence.


Saturday, March 15, at Diablo Valley College (DVC) 

  • Educational Workshops that explore topics related to education, employment, accommodations, transition planning, recreation, healthcare, transportation, self-advocacy, and more!
  • Resource Fair: Meet and connect with up to 75 providers from Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.


For questions, or to request accommodations or partial scholarships, please contact vi.ibarra@cchealth.org

Register Here

AAUW Tech Trek Fundraiser & Scholarships

Exploring Issues of Identity in our Schools

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 pm 

Program begins at 6:15

Danville Congregational Church 

989 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville

   

All are welcome to join this informative session looking at gender and identity issues from different perspectives. Panel includes parents, a 2020 Cal High grad, and the president of the SRV Council of PTAs, who will share their viewpoints. There will be opportunity for Q&A from the audience.

  

Hosted by the Danville Alamo Walnut Creek (DAW) Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) in partnership with the San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs.

   

To learn more, click here  https://daw-ca.aauw.net/2025february/

Animal Advocates Auction and Fundraiser

Employment and Health Services Department Contracting Opportunities


Currently, EHSD has the following open requests for proposals for services in Contra Costa County. Information on our open bids is available on our Contracting Opportunities page on ehsd.org


Request for Proposal #1215 – Deliver Measure X-funded Youth Center Services for Ages 12-18

  • Addendum (published 1/31/25) – VIEW ADDENDUM
  • Applicant’s Conference – VIEW RECORDING
  • Submit proposal by Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 5pm


Request for Proposal #1217 – Promoting Safe and Stable Families

  • Submit proposal by Friday, February 21, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Leftovers Thrift Shop Looking for Volunteers

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community? Join the team at Leftovers Thrift Shop in Walnut Creek and make a difference! Seeking volunteers who can commit to just two shifts per month, for a total of six hours. As a volunteer, you'll help sort donations, organize shelves, and assist customers, all while supporting the vital programs of the Contra Costa Crisis Center. Every hour you give helps fund services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 211 Information and Referral Line, and grief counseling. Volunteering at Leftovers is a rewarding way to connect with others, make new friends, and contribute to the well-being of your community. Stop by the shop to fill out an application. 


Leftovers Thrift Shop is located at 2281 Olympic Boulevard, Walnut Creek. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Danville Citizens Police Academy Accepting Applications


The Danville Police Department is now accepting applications for its spring Citizens Police Academy, an in-depth program designed to provide residents age 18 and older with an inside look at law enforcement operations. This seven-week course, starting April 16, 2025. The program offers a comprehensive overview of various aspects of police work through a combination of hands-on learning and classroom instruction.


For more information and to access the application, please visit

www.danville.ca.gov/citizensacademy

Application deadline is April 1, 2025 at 5pm  

Behavioral Health Board Has Open Seats!

Healthcare for the Homeless Advisory Board Seeks Members

Are you passionate about improving services and making positive change in your community? Are you a current or former patient or client of Healthcare for the Homeless?


The Contra Costa Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) is looking for people to join our Consumer Advisory Board (CAB)!


What is the CAB?

The CAB gives HCH valuable feedback and recommendations on services to ensure our healthcare services are effective, inclusive and responsive to the community’s needs


Meeting Details

  • 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, 2:30 - 4 pm
  • Food and transportation are provided
  • Need a ride? Call or text Gabby at 925-357-7344


If you're interested

Aviation Advisory Committee Openings


The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to the Contra Costa County Airports. The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport.


Member at Large Seat is for someone who works or resides in Contra Costa County to represent all County stakeholders in matters related to Buchanan Field and Byron Airports.



Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions. Deadline to apply is 5pm on Friday, March 7, 2025.


For more information on the Contra Costa County Airports or the AAC, visit us at www.ContraCostaCountyAirports.org or by calling (844) Fly-ToUs or (844) 359-8687.

Behavioral Health Board

The newly created Board brings together the Mental Health Commission and the Alcohol & Other Drugs Advisory Board. The mission of the Board is to advise the Board of Supervisors regarding community mental health and substance use disorders, as well as to review the community’s public behavioral health needs and services of Contra Costa residents. The Behavioral Health Board is comprised of 15 volunteer members. All members are appointed by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors.


The following seats are available:

  • One consumer and/or family member younger than 25 years of age
  • One veteran or veteran advocate
  • One employee of a local education agency
  • One consumer from District 2
  • One family member from District 2
  • One at-large seat


Applicants must be 16 or older and in live in Contra Costa County. Individuals who have experience with, and knowledge of, the behavioral health system are encouraged to apply, and includes members of the community who engage with individuals living with mental health or substance use conditions in the course of daily operations.


Advisory board members meet once a month and are expected to serve on Subcommittees which meet every month or every other month. Meetings times and locations may vary to encourage participation from various segments of the community. Members serve three-year terms.


AB109 Community Advisory Board (CAB) on Public Safety Realignment 

Community Corrections Partnership, AB109 Community Advisory Board (CAB) was established by the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) Executive Committee in December 2012 to provide input on services for the those individuals reentering our community from jails and prisons, identify their needs; assess implementation of the realignment plan; review data on realignment outcomes; advise the CCP on community engagement strategies; offer recommendations for ongoing reentry planning; advise County agencies regarding programs for implementation in the County; and encourage outcomes that are consistent with the County’s Reentry Strategic Plan. 


County Service Area P-2A Citizen Advisory Committee

(Blackhawk residents only)

Alternate Seat

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 6:00 PM, Blackhawk County Club, Lakeside Room, 599 Lakeside Drive, Danville, CA.


County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee

(Roundhill Residents only)

Alternate Seat Available

Advise the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services in Roundhill.


Submit an Application Online here.


Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions