Weekly Update - January 23rd

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Board of Supervisors Honors Humanitarians of the Year as Part of MLK Celebration

The 48th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Federal D. Glover Humanitarian of the Year Awards ceremony were celebrated at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting. The Board honored Supervisor Federal Glover's significant impact on our county as well as Dr. King's life work and lasting legacy.

The Board had the distinction of recognizing two outstanding community members, who continue to lead with compassion and service, elevating communities around Contra Costa County. The Student Humanitarian selected was Yenell Elena Velazquez, and the Adult Humanitarian chosen was Gabby Ghorbani, an Alamo resident who began Pledge to Humanity, a non-profit organization which engages youth and volunteers of all ages in meaningful, community based service initiatives. Attendees were encouraged by these honorees to "Believe in the power of humanity" and "Trust yourself to be the change you want to see in the world."

Dr. King had a strong belief in the ability of people to unite even in the most trying circumstances. His legacy serves as a reminder that we must listen with compassion, treat one another with respect, and collaborate in order to overcome today's more difficult problems.

We are grateful to Hercules Vice-Mayor Alexander Walker-Griffin, our keynote speaker, for inspiring us to keep going, to Grace Temple Choir for their lovely performance, and to Reverend Ed Harris for providing the invocation.

The Board of Supervisors with Ghabby Ghorbani and her son

For additional details, please visit the BOS page HERE.

Supervisor Andersen Attends Swearing-In of New Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Andrew R. Verriere

Last Friday Supervisor Andersen attended the investiture ceremony of Contra Costa County’s newest Superior Court judge Andrew R. Verriere. Judge Verriere was appointed to his position last year by Governor Gavin Newsom. The ceremony was held in Martinez in the Board of Supervisors Chambers.  

Judge Verriere is a Danville resident and a former member of its Planning Commission. He had also served as a Court Commissioner since May 1, 2023, handling traffic, unlawful detainer, small claims, and domestic violence and civil harassment restraining order matters. 

Prior to serving as Commissioner, Judge Verriere worked as a trial and appellate litigator in civil and probate matters. He is also a past member of the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa County Bar Association.

Judge Verriere graduated from UC Berkeley School of Law and obtained his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. He filled a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brian F. Haynes.

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

Zoox's Robotaxis: Supervisor Andersen and EB EDA Tour

All-Electric, Shared Mobility Manufacturing Site

Supervisor Andersen joined her East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EB EDA) colleagues and toured the Zoox manufacturing site in Hayward, CA, where she saw firsthand the company’s leadership in shared, all-electric autonomous transportation. Zoox is producing purpose-built, four-seat robotaxis with no steering wheel at the first U.S. factory dedicated to serial robotaxi production. With launches underway in San Francisco and Las Vegas, the tour underscored Zoox’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the East Bay’s role in shaping the future of mobility.

Supervisor Andersen visits Zoox along with EB EDA team and community leaders.

Share Your Voice: Contra Costa Food Security Community Survey

Please participate in 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)

Your voice helps shape a stronger, healthier

Contra Costa County.

Food Security Survey - English

Food Security Survey - Spanish

🎬 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.

Lafayette Residents Targeted by Fake City Invoice Emails

Lafayette officials are warning residents and property owners about an increase in scam emails impersonating City departments. These fraudulent messages may use official-looking logos and language and often request payments, wire transfer instructions, or signed invoices, sometimes falsely claiming payment is required to move forward with a City application. The City emphasizes that legitimate emails will only come from addresses ending in @ci.lafayette.ca.us or @lovelafayette.org and encourages anyone who receives a suspicious message to contact the City directly at (925) 284-1968 to verify its authenticity.

Flipster - Digital Resource Highlight from the Library

Flipster is a free digital magazine service available through the library, giving cardholders easy access to a wide range of popular magazines on their phone, tablet, or computer. Users can browse, download, and read current and past issues from well-known titles covering topics such as news, lifestyle, health, travel, business, hobbies, and entertainment.

Flipster is user-friendly and allows readers to download magazines for offline reading, making it convenient for use at home or on the go. All you need is a valid library card to get started, no subscriptions or wait times required.

Flipster is a great way to stay informed and entertained while taking advantage of the library’s growing collection of digital resources.

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

Contra Costa Accepting Applications for

Civil Grand Jury Service

Contra Costa County Superior Court is now accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury service for FY 26-27. The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts, and school districts. 



Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Individuals selected for service will be expected to be available from June 15th to June 18th and June 22nd to June 26th to attend an orientation where they will meet with department heads, become familiar with their colleagues, learn about juror responsibilities and procedures, and select committees on which they will serve. Grand jurors must be United State citizens, 18 years of age or older, who have been a resident of Contra Costa County for at least one year prior to selection. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform their jury duties.

Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621 or visit the website HERE.

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

Arts Contra Costa County would like to invite you to the Contra Costa Poetry Out Loud competition!

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. 

County Competition Information:

Date: Sat. Feb. 7, 2026

Time: 11am-1:00pm

Location: Pinole Valley High School, 2900 Pinole Valley Rd, Pinole, CA

In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program will focus on poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture. Click the “Find Poems” tab for an updated list of poems for this year’s competition. 

Refer to our FAQ page HERE more information about the 2025-2026 program

Constitutional Observers Training – February 5th

SAFE Center, in partnership with the Contra Costa Labor Council, Contra Costa Immigrants Rights Alliance, and Lift Up Contra Costa, is hosting a Constitutional Observers Training on Thursday, February 5th in Martinez.

The evening will begin with dinner at 6:00 PM, followed by the training from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Teamsters Hall, which is located at 2727 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez. Participants will learn about First Amendment and free speech rights, how to observe and document ICE activities, and how to connect individuals with community resources.

RSVP is required. Register online

For questions or more information, contact Sonia Bustamante at 510-331-5046 or sbustamante@immigrantactionnetwork.org

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. Light dinner will be provided.

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

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

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

Free Civic Engagement Workshop Series

Register Today

Contra Costa County’s Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice is hosting a free, three-part, in-person workshop series to help residents better understand county government and learn how to get involved. Topics include attending public meetings, providing public comment, serving on boards or commissions, and staying informed.

When: Wednesdays in March, 9:00am – 12:00pm

Where: In person, Martinez

• March 4: How Contra Costa County Government Works
• March 11: How to Participate in County Decision-Making
• March 18: How to Access County Services and Get Involved

Space is limited. Participants who can attend all three workshops

will be prioritized.

Please fill out this form to indicate your interest in registering for the

workshop series.

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

January 24th, 6:00pm

San Ramon Historic Foundation Crab Feed Fundraiser

January 26th, 5:00pm

Lafayette Downtown Mural Unveiling

January 30th

Campolindo Athletics Crab Feed Celebration

January 31st

American Legion Crab Feed 2026

February 4, 2026 - 5:00pm to 8:30pm

AAUW San Ramon Tech Trek Fundraiser

February 5th and 6th, 10:00am

Alamo Women's Club Jewelry Fundraiser Faire for Scholarships

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)

We are currently seeking community members to apply for the Community Advisory Board (CAB) and invite you to consider submitting an application or sharing this opportunity within your network.

The CAB plays a critical role in providing input on community needs, community engagement strategies, and program development, while supporting outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. CAB members bring lived experience, professional expertise, and community insight to help inform and strengthen this work.

CAB membership is a voluntary, unpaid position. We are especially interested in individuals who are committed to equity, community-led solutions, and system improvement.

If you are interested in applying, or know someone who may be a good fit, please review and share this application and CAB website.