State Updates Maps Showing Fire Severity Hazard Zones

This week, the state released updated Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps. Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ConFire), San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD), and Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) have made updates to their websites, adding both access to the map and a place for public comments

The ConFire link is: CCCFPD LRA MAPS

The SRVFPD link is: SRVFPD LRA MAPS

The MOFD link is: MOFD LRA MAPS

Also included below is a link to an interview that ConFire Assistant Chief, Chris Bachman participated in with KCRA, which includes the State Fire Marshal at the end of the news clip regarding the maps and their non-use by the insurance industry. KCRA Interview with Chief Bachman

Diablo Road Trail Project - Tree Removal & Traffic Impact

The Town of Danville will begin a portion of a capital improvement project next month along the Diablo Road corridor near the Diablo community, between Fairway Drive and Alameda Diablo (see map). The Diablo Road Trail Project is aimed at enhancing safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists, and tree removal to make way for the trail which will impact daily traffic in the area for 1-3 weeks.

• Work is scheduled to begin Monday, March 3, 2025, and is expected to last 1–3 weeks. They anticipate completion by March 7, 2025, with a firm end date no later than March 20, 2025.
• Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, to reduce interference with school bell schedules.
• Traffic Notification: Lighted message signs will be placed at two locations along Diablo Road starting one week prior to March 3 to alert drivers of the upcoming project and potential traffic changes.
• Traffic Impact: Expect occasional delays or lane adjustments during work hours. Only one lane is expected to be closed when necessary to minimize disruption.
• For background on the Diablo Trail Project, visit the project page at https://danvilletowntalks.org/diablotrail. 

February is Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month!

Supervisor Ken Carlson, Chair Candace Andersen, Supervisor Diane Burgis, Supervisor John Gioa, Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston are joined by Contra Costa Grand Jury Members.

The Board of Supervisors was pleased to recognize and thank our County’s Civil Grand Jury for their commitment and dedication to our County’s legal system.

The Grand Jury of Contra Costa County is composed of 19 members. Every year, a new Grand Jury is appointed. As agents of the Court, grand jurors operate independently under the direction of a Superior Court Judge.

Grand Juries in each county choose what they will investigate in addition to the investigations required by the California Penal Code. Investigations may be started in response to citizen letters, news stories, or firsthand information.  The Grand Jury then may be tasked with looking into complaints and issues of concern.

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is now accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 term. 

Application for Civil Grand Jury Service

Contra Costa County District Map

Government Communications Day in Contra Costa County

Supervisor Ken Carlson, Supervisor John Gioa, Kristi Jourdan, Director of the Office of Communications & Media, Chair Candace Andersen, Supervisor Diane Burgis, and Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston are joined by Public Information Staff

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors recognized our cities, county, and community communicators, as well as our Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media staff by Proclaiming Government Communication Day in Contra Costa County.

The purpose of Government Communicators Day is to honor and celebrate the vital work that public communicators do all over the country. The chance to highlight the tireless efforts of government communicators who work hard behind the scenes is provided by this special day, which falls on February 21, 2025.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention

Melody Saint-Saens, Division Manager of the CC Alliance to End Abuse, Chair Candace Andersen, Marla Stuart, Director of Employment & Human Services Department, Supervisor Diane Burgis, Supervisor Ken Carlson, Supervisor John Gioa, Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, and Alliance to End Abuse staff.



February 2025 was recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Because childhood exposure to violence can have long lasting impacts, it is incredibly important to stop violence before it starts. We can decrease the impact of sexual violence and stop future victimization by assisting survivors and encouraging social norms that guard against violence.

Adults play a key role in teaching young people about relationships, making it essential for them to model healthy partnerships and practice seeking consent, both in person and online. By teaching parents, caregivers, and others about healthy relationships and how to practice everyday consent, advocates can help to reinforce what consent looks like and reduce violence in our relationships and communities.

Ready Contra Costa County

Contra Costa Health Expands Notification System for Hazardous Materials Alerts

The Community Warning System (CWS) will enable anyone to sign up to receive community awareness text messages about Level 1 incidents at industrial facilities regulated by Contra Costa County, including the county’s four oil refineries. For more information click here.

Electric Bike and Scooter Laws

When selecting an e-bike or e-scooter for your child, or when enjoying motorized bikes yourself, it is important to know the state and local laws that govern use of different classes of bikes and scooters. In the Town of Danville, it is illegal for anyone to ride any bicycle, electric bicycle, electric skateboard, or electric scooter on the sidewalk in any business district. For more information click here.

Recycle Smart "Waste Capture" Study

During the weeks of March 3-7 and March 10-14, RecycleSmart is conducting a residential ‘Waste Capture’ study. During the mornings, ahead of the collection trucks, our contractor, HDR, will be in residential neighborhoods gathering samples from trash, recycling, and organics carts. The samples will be brought to the Republic Services Transfer Station in Martinez where they will be sorted and weighed. The goal of the study is to help RecycleSmart plan for outreach and education, to make program improvements, and reduce contamination. If you have concerns or questions, please contact RecycleSmart at Authority@RecycleSmart.org.

The Cleaner Contra Costa 2025

Reduce, Reuse, Repair Challenge

Combat our wasteful 'throwaway' culture by taking our REDUCE, REUSE, REPAIR Challenge! Just by playing, you'll be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card to a store of your choice! Bonus: Earn an extra entry to the drawing by attending one of our Repair Events, noted in the Challenge (and get something fixed for free!). The Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge makes it simple to take action and save money, energy, water, reduce waste and build strong, connected communities. 

Click here to take the challenge

Contra Costa Welcomes New Child Support Services Director

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Matthew Brega as the new Director of the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) on Tuesday.

DCSS plays a vital role in securing the well-being of children by helping parents and guardians and establishing, collecting, and distributing child and medical support. The department’s efforts contribute to California’s broader mission of fostering stable, self-sufficient families and ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive.

“Mr. Brega has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the well-being of children and families in Contra Costa County,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “His experience and dedication will be invaluable in guiding the Department of Child Support Services as it continues supporting parents and caregivers and ensuring children receive the resources they need.”

Mr. Brega brings extensive experience to his new role. For over 25 years, he served in the child support services programs in San Diego, Alameda and Merced counties. More recently, he has served as Contra Costa County’s Supervising Attorney and Assistant Director for the past seven years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego, and a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego.

“I am honored to continue our mission of supporting children and families in Contra Costa County,” Mr. Brega said. “Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and our team remains committed to helping parents and guardians access the resources they need to build stable, self-sufficient futures.” 

He replaces Lori Cruz, who retired in January 2025.

Contra Costa County Office of

Reentry & Justice at Probation

Job Opportunity!

Applications will be accepted at CCC Job Opportunities | Program and Projects Coordinator until March 9, 2025, at 11:59pm.

For more information about the Office of Reentry & Justice at Probation, visit our website.

Contra Costa County Extends Application Period for Auditor-Controller 

Contra Costa County has extended the application period for its next Auditor-Controller following the retirement announcement of Robert Campbell, who will step down in March 2025 after more than three decades of service. Campbell has held the elected position of Auditor-Controller since January 2011.

The Board of Supervisors is required by Government Code Section 25304 to appoint a qualified candidate to complete the remainder of the current term, which runs through 2027. 

Qualifications for the Auditor-Controller Role

The successful candidate must be a registered voter in Contra Costa County and qualified to vote for that office at the time of appointment. To qualify for appointment to the office, a person must also meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• The person possesses a valid and active certificate issued by the California Board of Accountancy under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 5000) of Division of the Business Professions Code showing the person to be, and a permit authorizing the person to practice as, a certified public accountant.

• The person possesses a baccalaureate degree from a accredited university, college or other four-year institution with a major in accounting, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 5081.1 of the Business and Professions Code, as that section read on December 31, 2009, or a business-related degree that includes at least 24 semester units, or equivalent quarter units, in accounting-related subjects, including, but not limited to accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and taxation, and has served within the last five years in a senior fiscal management position in a county, city or other public agency or a non-profit organization, dealing with similar fiscal responsibilities, including, but not limited to, public accounting or auditing responsibilities, for a continuous period of not less than three years. 

• The person has served as County Auditor, Assistant County Auditor, Chief Deputy County Auditor or an equivalent position for a continuous period of not less than three years.

Contra Costa County is committed to racial equity, inclusion, and social justice within all county operations and is dedicated to the advancement of key initiatives and efforts in support of this essential mission. The ideal candidate will also possess a value system that engenders trust and confidence and embodies a commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Application Process

Please direct any questions to the Contra Costa Human Resources Department at (925) 655-2100 or jobs@hrd.cccounty.us

The City of San Ramon is thrilled to announce the return of the Annual Juried Art Exhibition: Locals Only! This special exhibition celebrates the creativity of San Ramon residents of all ages, providing a platform to showcase their artistic talent.

This year's theme, Perspective, invites artists to explore viewpoints—whether literal, personal, or conceptual. How does perspective shape our understanding of the world around us? From striking visual angles and depth to cultural interpretations and personal reflections, we encourage artists to bring their unique vision to life.

Open to both 2D and 3D artwork, this juried exhibition will be judged by artist Aqsa Shakil across six age categories. Selected works will be displayed at the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center from May 9–23.



Apply now! Submissions are open through March 23. For full details and to submit your application, visit cityofsanramon.info/artist.

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

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