Weekly Update - January 16th

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Board of Supervisors 48th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

Supervisor Diane Burgis Takes Helm as

Board of Supervisors Chair

Supervisor Ken Carlson to Serve as Vice Chair

Diane Burgis, who represents Contra Costa County’s Third Supervisorial District, has been sworn in as Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors during the Board’s annual reorganization meeting. Ken Carlson, from District 4 has been selected as Vice Chair.

Burgis, first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently re-elected in 2024, leads the five-member body that sets county policy and oversees a multi-billion-dollar budget serving more than 1.2 million residents. Her district includes Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and other East County communities.

In her new role as Chair, Burgis emphasized her commitment to addressing key issues facing the county, including strengthening emergency preparedness and public safety, expanding access to mental health services, and ensuring that county government remains equitable and responsive to all residents.

For more information about the Board of Supervisors, visit:

Contra Costa Board of Supervisors

Transfer of Command Ceremony for New Chief at

San Ramon Valley Fire

On January 10 Supervisor Andersen joined local leaders from across the San Ramon Valley to observe the “transfer of command” as Chief Jonas Aguiar was sworn in as the new Chief of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.

Chief Aguiar has been with San Ramon Valley Fire for 20 years, rising through the ranks.  Most recently he served as deputy fire chief, overseeing emergency medical services, training and communications. 

The event celebrated a smooth leadership transition and reaffirmed confidence in the District’s continued strength and preparedness under Chief Aguiar, as he begins this next chapter of service to the San Ramon Valley.

Supervisor Andersen pictured above with retired Chief Paige Meyer, San Ramon Valley Fire District Chief Jonas Aguiar, members of the San Ramon Valley Fire District leadership team, the San Ramon City Council, and the Danville Town Council.

San Ramon Valley Diversity Coalition's MLK, Jr. Celebration

To learn more about the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek and San Ramon Branch of AAUW visit HERE.

Volunteers Needed for Point in Time Count

Contra Costa County is seeking volunteers from Canyon, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek for the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count, a one-day, countywide effort to count individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This HUD-required count helps determine critical funding for homelessness services in our County.

Volunteers work in pairs to collect data using a mobile app and may either drive or assist with data collection. The count itself will be held on Thursday, January 29th, from 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

To learn more, register, or share this opportunity, visit the Point in Time Count Hub or Volunteer Registration page.

Questions? Contact contracostacoc@cchealth.org

Board of Supervisors Adjourns January 13th Meeting

in Honor of Betty Reid Soskin

Contra Costa County proudly remembers Betty Reid Soskin, the nation’s oldest National Park Ranger and a beloved local icon whose life helped change how America tells its story.

At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Board Chair Diane Burgis adjourned the meeting in honor of civil rights leader and national park ranger legend Betty Reid Soskin. A trailblazer, activist, and gifted storyteller, Betty devoted more than a century to truth, justice, and inclusion. Her voice reshaped the national narrative, ensuring that African American and underrepresented communities were seen, heard, and honored in our shared history.

📺 🎥Watch Betty Reid Soskin in her own words HERE.

On September 22, 2025, the Betty Reid Soskin School proudly celebrated its namesake as she turned 104. Renamed in her honor in 2021, the school paid tribute to her extraordinary legacy as a civil rights leader and historian, recognizing her pivotal role in expanding the mission of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to reflect the full breadth of the American experience.

Throughout her remarkable life, countless moments shaped and enriched Betty’s journey, but above all, she leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and truth that will continue to inspire generations.

We will never forget her powerful voice or the way she shared history with such clarity, courage, and honesty. Her ability to inspire understanding and change was a rare and remarkable gift. We could have listened to her for hours, her wisdom, love, and strength are exactly what the world needs right now. Even in the time we had, she made it unmistakably clear why she is, without question, a national treasure.

Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Susun Kim’s Retirement

from the Family Justice Center

After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, Susun Kim, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center, was honored in a heartfelt retirement celebration marking the conclusion of her 11-year tenure at the helm of the organization. Kim, a seasoned family law attorney who has served as the Center’s leader since 2014, announced she would step down later in 2025 to pursue a new community initiative and support a planned leadership transition.

The retirement party brought together staff, community partners, and local officials to celebrate Kim’s commitment to trauma-informed care and community healing. Attendees reflected on her impact in shaping the Family Justice Center into a model of coordinated, compassionate support for families in crisis. In remarks shared at the event, colleagues praised her vision, resilience, and the deep relationships she built across sectors.

Kim leaves a legacy of service that has touched countless lives and laid a strong foundation for the Family Justice Center’s future work in promoting safety, justice, and healing throughout the region.

Soon to be retired Richmond Police Chief, Bisa French, will be stepping into the Executive Director position beginning in March.

Click here for more information about the Family Justice Center

PIctured above are Juliette Kelly, Susun Kim and Supervisor Andersen

Share Your Voice: Contra Costa Food Security Community Survey

A short, 3-minute survey to help improve food access in our community.

Your feedback will help the Food Security Collaborative understand community needs and strengthen programs across Contra Costa County.

✔ Takes only 3 minutes

✔ Available in 8 languages

✔ Open until January 31

✔ Optional entry into a drawing for 20 Safeway gift cards ($50 each)

Take the Survey:

El Cerro Boulevard Southbound I-680 On-Ramp Closure

January 20th through June 2026

Caltrans has scheduled emergency repair work on southbound Interstate 680 in Danville, requiring a temporary closure of the El Cerro Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-680.

This work is necessary to address roadway and soundwall conditions that require immediate attention to maintain safety. Construction activities will include emergency roadway repairs, soundwall repairs, and related work.

The closure will begin at 9pm on Tuesday, January 20th, through 5am on Wednesday January 21st. While one night is anticipated, the closure could continue for a second night if necessary.

Emergency repair work is expected to continue through June 2026, weather permitting. The daily work is anticipated to occur Monday through Friday 7am to 3:30pm, and over night work will be 9pm to 5am.

To read full Press Release visit HERE.

John Muir Health Announces 2026 Public Webinar Series

John Muir Health has launched its 2026 Webinar Series, a free educational program open to the public and designed to promote health, wellness, and informed decision-making across the community. The series runs from January through November and features monthly, expert-led webinars covering a wide range of topics, including heart health, mental health, blood pressure management, AI in healthcare, menopause, cancer screening, and more.

Each session is led by John Muir Health physicians and clinical leaders and provides practical, easy-to-understand information for patients, families, and community members. Webinars are held midday and are accessible online, making it convenient to participate from anywhere.

Registration details and a QR code are included on the

attached flyer HERE.

Holiday Tree Collection Schedule

Republic Services picks up holidays trees for all homes and multifamily properties throughout January. Place your tree at the curb on your regular garbage collection day.

Visit RecycleSmart.org for additional information.

Racial Justice Oversight Body - Community Town Halls

The Contra Costa Racial Justice Oversight Body (RJOB) is hosting a series of Community Town Halls to hear directly from residents and engage the community in shaping a more fair and just future. Attendees are invited to share their voices and help guide RJOB’s next steps. Light dinner will be provided at in-person events, and virtual translation services will be available at all town halls.

Town Hall Dates & Locations:

East County: Monday, January 26th, 6-8 PM

Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 3415 Oakley Rd, Antioch

West County: Thursday, February 12th, 6-8 PM

RYSE Center, 3939 Bissell Ave, Richmond

Virtual Session: Thursday, February 19th, 6-8 PM

RSVP required for meeting link

Register here: http://bit.ly/49im8yj

The series is co-sponsored by the Contra Costa Office of Racial Equity & Social Justice.

🎬 Lights, Camera, Safety! Join the "Be Reel" Video Contest

Street Smarts Contra Costa invites you to get creative for our "Be Reel" Video Contest! Show us what "Safety First!" looks like to you by creating your own original video for a chance to win great prizes. 

Theme: "Safety First!" 

Deadline: February 13th by 4:00 PM. 

Get Started: Visit www.Street-Smarts.com for full rules and guidelines. 

Show off your skills and help keep our community safe!

To learn more about Street Smarts Contra Costa and the programs they offer

visit Street-Smarts.com.

Scam Alert: Lafayette Residents Targeted by Fake City Invoice Emails

Lafayette officials are alerting residents and property owners to a recent increase in scam emails falsely posing as City of Lafayette departments.

These fraudulent messages may appear official, using City logos or formal language, and often request payment. The City advises that these emails are not legitimate and encourages recipients to exercise caution.

The fraudulent emails typically ask recipients to reply for wire transfer instructions and to return a signed invoice along with payment. Some messages falsely state that payment is required in order to proceed with a City application. Officials note that scammers often imitate legitimate government communications, a tactic commonly used in many types of fraud.

Residents are reminded that official City of Lafayette emails will only come from addresses ending in @ci.lafayette.ca.us or @lovelafayette.org.

If you have received any of these emails, please know that you can always contact the City directly to verify their authenticity at (925) 284-3169.

City of Lafayette website can be found HERE.

Explore Children's Books, Young Adult Literature and Their Authors

Contra Costa County Library is pleased to introduce TeachingBooks, which is for anyone who reads, teaches, or enjoys books for children and teens, preK-12. Students can listen to book readings and author recordings, while educators can discover virtual teaching ideas and reader’s advisory options.

Visit the Digital Resources page at ccclib.org to get started.

Seeking Nominations for Contra Costa County

Youth Hall of Fame

Contra Costa County is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Youth Hall of Fame Awards, honoring outstanding county residents ages 12–18. Awardees will be recognized at the 32nd Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 31st, in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez, with the event also streamed on Contra Costa Television and the County's website.

Nominees should demonstrate exceptional character in one of six areas:

Good Samaritan

Volunteerism

Teamwork

Leadership and Civic Engagement

Perseverance

Innovation and Empowerment.

For more information and the application to nominate youth in our community, click Nomination Form. Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 20th.

To read full Press Release visit HERE.

Contra Costa County Expands Access to Free

COVID-19 Test Kits

As winter respiratory illnesses rise, Contra Costa County is expanding access to free at-home COVID-19 test kits. District 2 residents can now pick up kits at the Supervisor Andersen's Danville Office, 309 Diablo Road.

County Health officials remind the community that at-home testing is an easy way to identify infections early, especially for those with symptoms, visiting vulnerable individuals, or returning to work or school. Contra Costa Health also continues to share guidance on staying healthy, including staying home when sick, frequent handwashing, and seeking care if symptoms worsen. By making testing more accessible, the County aims to help residents stay safe and informed throughout the winter season.

Test kits available at:

309 Diablo Road, Danville

(925) 655-2300

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

January 17th, 5:00pm

Moraga Lions Crab Feed Fundraiser

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, Moraga

January 22nd, 1:00pm

Alamo Women's Club Food Drive for the Monument Crisis Center

Alamo Women's Club - 1401 Danville Blvd. Alamo

January 24th, 6:00pm

San Ramon Historic Foundation Crab Feed

San Ramon Community Center

12501 Alcosta Blvd. San Ramon

January 31st

American Legion Crab Feed 2026

Danville Veterans War Memorial Building

February 5th and 6th, 10:00am

Alamo Women's Club Jewelry Fundraiser Faire for Scholarships

Alamo Women's Club - 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo

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.

District 2 Volunteer Opportunities



Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee - 1 Alternate Seat, and 1 Youth 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

County Wide Volunteer Opportunities

AB 109 Community Advisory Board (CAB)

Apply to join the AB 109 Community Advisory Board (CAB) and help shape programs that support reentry, reduce recidivism, and strengthen public safety. The CAB focuses on housing, employment, behavioral health, education, and post-release services. Anyone who lives or works in Contra Costa County may apply, with young adults ages 18–25 strongly encouraged. Apply here.

Family Justice Center Community Fellowship Opportunity

The Family Justice Center is now accepting applications for its Community Fellowship, a 3.5-month paid leadership program focused on building leadership skills, fostering collaboration, and developing community projects that promote long-term safety, healing, and well-being. The program launches January 21, 2026. Applicants must live in Contra Costa County, be 18 or older, and have an interest or lived experience related to community safety and healing. Fellows receive a stipend. Applications are due Friday, January 16th. Apply here.