Board of Supervisors Proclaim February 16-22 African American Mental Health Awareness Week | |
|
Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, Gigi Crowder, NAMI Contra Costa Executive Director, Supervisor Ken Carlson, Chair Candace Andersen, Supervisor John Gioa are joined by County Staff and community members
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors declared February 16-22, 2025 as African American Mental Health Awareness Week, and February 15, 2025 as Miles Hall Day of Remembrance, and March 8, 2025 as Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance.
In the African American community there is a need to support the recovery process of peers, clients, consumers and family members impacted by mental health and substance use issues through the delivery of well-funded culturally responsive, community defined services. Scientific studies show that when the services are delivered by individuals reflective of those served, and faith and spiritual practices are included as a part of the recovery plan, the peer, client, consumer along with the behavioral health system experience shorter recovery times, fewer relapses, and fewer hospitalizations.
To learn more about NAMI click here.
| |
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.
| |
Lunar New Year Celebration at City Center Bishop Ranch | |
|
Alex Mehran, Jr., Supervisor Candace Andersen, Danville Vice-Mayor Newell Arnerich, San Ramon Valley Unified School Board Trustee, Susannah Ordway, and San Ramon Councilmember Marisol Rubio
The City Center at Bishop Ranch hosted a spectacular Lunar New Year Celebration on February 2nd. The community came together to welcome the Year of the Snake with captivating performances and festive traditions. Supervisor Andersen joined with other elected officials and community leaders to experience the artistry of Chinese dancers, the rhythm of live music, the energy of the iconic dragon dance to celebrate the beauty, excitement, and traditions of this special occasion.
| |
Andrew and Xiaopei Gelb, who leads Xiaopei Chinese Dance, Supervisor Andersen, Danville Councilmember Karen Stepper | |
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!
| |
Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury Seeks Members | |
|
Every year, in all 58 California counties, a group of citizens takes an oath to serve as civil grand jurors. Their function is to investigate the operations of the various officers, departments, and agencies of local government. Each Civil Grand Jury determines which officers, departments, and agencies it will investigate during its term of office.
To learn more and apply to serve on the Civil Grand Jury, visit: https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/grand-jury.aspx
| |
Red Cross Partner Recognition Event | |
|
For more information on Red Cross click here above: Contra Costa Red Cross Leadership Council Chair Stan Massie, and Chief of Staff Jennifer Quallick
Supervisor Andersen’s Chief of Staff Jennifer Quallick had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Red Cross Partner Recognition Event in Martinez, Friday, January 31st.
Each year the American Red Cross recognizes the many community partners and leaders, donors and volunteers who have shown continued support for the Red Cross’ mission of preventing an alleviating any human suffering in the face of emergencies.
For more information on the Bay Area Chapter of the Red Cross click here
| American Red Cross Blood Drive in Alamo | |
San Ramon Valley Education Foundation Hosts State of the District Address |
The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) Major Gifts and Endowment Fund will host its Celebrate Innovation in Education luncheon at Diablo Country Club. The entire community is invited to join and hear about the State of the District address by San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) Superintendent, CJ Cammack and to learn about the initiatives the Endowment Fund has supported this school year.
WHAT: SRVEF Celebrate Innovation in Education Luncheon
WHERE: Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo, CA
WHEN: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm; Wednesday, February 12, 2025
For more information about Celebrate Innovation in Education and to register, visit bit.ly/srvefcie2025. If your organization would like to become a sponsor for this event, please email us at sponsors@srvef.org.
| Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder's Annual Valentine's Day “Destination Weddings” Event |
Start your love story or renew your vows in an unforgettable way this Valentine’s Day! The Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office is thrilled to announce its annual Valentine’s Day Destination Weddings, hosted this year at the iconic Cobra Experience Museum in Martinez on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025
Location: Cobra Experience Museum, Martinez, CA
Appointments: Limited appointments available—secure your time by calling 925-335-7900.
For more information about this event or other Clerk’s Office services, please visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925-335-7900.
| |
East Bay Economic Development Alliance Tour of Roof and Realm
| |
Tamia Brown, Workforce Development Board Executive Director, Stephen Baiter, East Bay EDA’s Executive Director, Patience Ofodu, East Bay EDA’s Head of Community Relations, Supervisor Candace Andersen, Chair of East Bay EDA, Fatima Shahid, Roof & Realm CEO & CoFounder, and Carlyn Obringer, Concord Mayor
Supervisor Andersen joined several East Bay Economic Development Alliance members in touring Roof and Realm in Concord on Friday, January 31st. Roof and Realm is the leading provider of high-quality, steel-built modular residential and multi-use structures. Their designs offer the benefits of steel frames and fire-retardant modular construction, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to building. Click here to learn more about Roof and Realm.
The East Bay EDA is a 150+ member organization that serves as the regional voice and networking resource for strengthening the economy, building the workforce and enhancing the quality of life in the East Bay.
| Orinda BART Updates Fare Gates | |
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.
| District Attorney Community Academy Now Accepting Applications | |
The District Attorney’s Office is committed to informing Contra Costa County residents about our office's work in seeking justice for victims of crime.
To achieve this, we've established the Community Academy, a no-cost, 10-week program designed specifically for adults residing or working in Contra Costa County. This learning opportunity aims to foster stronger community relations and provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of our criminal justice system. This includes understanding how cases are filed, exploring the various types of crimes we investigate and prosecute, and delving into our multifaceted role, which extends beyond prosecuting cases.
In addition to weekly classroom sessions, the Community Academy offers unique experiences, including tours of the Martinez Detention Facility, and Superior Court, and participating in a mock trial. This approach allows participants to gain practical insights into the inner workings of our criminal justice system.
This spring's sessions are held Wednesdays, 6-8:30pm, March 12 to May 14.
Visit the District Attorney's website to learn more and fill out an online application. Applications must be received by the end of February.
| Contra Costa County Fire’s 3 Steps to a Safer Fire Season | 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.
| Explora – MasterFILE Complete |
The Explora Master File Complete research database includes full-text articles from magazines and journals along with reference books, encyclopedias, and an eBook collection containing titles from top educational publishers and university presses. Find videos from the Associated Press, primary source documents, biographies, and an image collection of more than 2 million photos, maps and flags. Visit the Digital Resources page at ccclib.org to get started.
| 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!
| District Attorney's Neighborhood Restorative Partnership Community Program Seeking Community Safety Panelists | 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 Services Mobile Adoption Events | Animal Advocates Auction and Fundraiser | 2025 Transition Conference & Resource Fair | |
You are invited to attend the 2025 Transition Conference & Resource Fair, 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
|
Contra Costa County Now Accepting Applications for Auditor-Controller
Contra Costa County has begun the search 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.
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.
For more information on qualifications, and application process, click here https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4875
|
Employment and Human Services Department Contracting Opportunities
Currently, EHSD has the following open requests for proposals for services in Contra Costa County. Information on otheir open bids is available on their Contracting Opportunities page on ehsd.org.
| |
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.
| |
Behavioral Health Board Has Open Seats! | |
County Volunteer Opportunities | |
|
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
| | | | |
