Weekly Update - July 01, 2021
All fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County, except professional public displays put on by cities or other jurisdictions.

Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors voted on an updated fireworks ordinance strengthening regulations on the possession, manufacture, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks. 

The ordinance covers both "dangerous" fireworks and those labeled "safe and sane."

Violating the ordinance may result in a fine of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation within one year, and a fine of $500 for each additional violation of the ordinance within one year.

Here are some safer ways to celebrate the July 4th Holiday in District 2 cities:
Contra Costa County Library Increases Hours at 17 Libraries
Contra Costa County Library is celebrating an increase in open hours at 17 community libraries beginning today, July 1, 2021. Nine libraries have increased hours thanks to funding from city partners. The County has also increased the number of base hours it funds at each library from 35 to 40, allowing for an increase in hours at eight libraries. In total, libraries will be open an additional 121 hours per week, 16.5 hours more per week than before the pandemic began. 

Five libraries will also change their hours of operation as of July 1. The new schedules help to align staffing at libraries across the county and address a goal in the Library’s Strategic Plan, to deliver a consistent, high-quality, and inviting experience at all points of contact. 

Following the Independence Day holiday, three additional libraries will open to the public for the first time in more than 15 months. On July 6, the Pinole Library, which has been serving as a COVID-19 test site since May of 2020 will open. The Rodeo Library and the Crockett Library will reopen on July 6 and July 7, respectively. Two of the smaller libraries in the county, the outlets have offered only Front Door Service in recent months due to social distancing requirements.  

The Ygnacio Valley Library in Walnut Creek is no longer serving as a COVID-19 test site. The parking lot will be replaced this summer and the library is scheduled to reopen in early fall. No exact date is available at this time. 

For the complete list of library locations and hours, click here

Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to (925) 290-7627. 
Contra Costa Library Sponsoring Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading runs through Saturday, July 31. Visit ccclib.org/summer for all the details or to sign up.
San Ramon Mayor Hudson Delivers State of the City
The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce hosted Mayor Dave Hudson's State of the City presentation on June 30th at the San Ramon Marriott. Supervisor Andersen joins Mayor Hudson and former Mayor Abram Wilson in the photo below.
 
When do You Still Need to Wear a Mask?
Fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in most settings.

Unvaccinated people must still wear masks in indoor public settings and businesses.

Places Where Everyone, Regardless of Vaccination Status, Must Still Wear a Mask:
  • Public transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares)
  • K-12 schools, childcare facilities, and other youth settings (indoors)
  • Healthcare settings (including long-term care facilities)
  • Homeless shelters, emergency shelters, and cooling centers
  • Correctional facilities and detention centers
  • Businesses that choose to require masks for all customers
  • Fully vaccinated people may also choose to continue to wear face coverings if that makes them more comfortable
  • Travelers: follow CDC recommendations and CDPH Travel Advisory
  • Vaccine verification/negative COVID-19 test: required for indoor mega-events (5000+ attendees) and recommended for outdoor mega-events (10,000+ attendees). The State of California is supposed to be coming out with a verification system soon.
For more information, see the Beyond the Blueprint webpage.
Regulations for Masks in the Workplace
Employers may allow fully vaccinated employees not to wear face coverings indoors but must document their vaccination status. Workers may self-attest to having been vaccinated, but employers may also require it as a condition of employment.

Unvaccinated employees still must wear masks indoors except when alone in a room or vehicle or when eating or drinking.

Contra Costa County will align and follow the Cal-OSHA guidance; the health officer will not be imposing and additional restrictions.

Businesses seeking assistance to provide N95 respirators for unvaccinated employees as required by the revised Emergency Temporary Standards can find distribution locations for state-provided N95 respirators here. 
 
The full text of the executive order can be found here.
Requiring Masking and Testing of Unvaccinated Personnel Working in High Risk Settings
Hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities for the elderly, homeless shelters and detention facilities in Contra Costa County must require personnel to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or wear face coverings on the job and get tested weekly for the virus, beginning on July 27. 
This health order does not apply to other facilities or businesses beyond those specified. Patients and residents are at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 infection in these facilities, where a high number of documented outbreaks and COVID-related deaths have occurred in Contra Costa throughout the pandemic.
Click Health Order Summary to learn more.
Superior Court Masking and Social Distancing Changes
As the state commences its reopening, certain masking and social distancing requirements have been relaxed pursuant to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as implemented by Governor Newsom, the California Department of Public Health, and Cal-OSHA.

In line with these changes, effective June 21, 2021, the Court will no longer require social distancing in its facilities. Additionally, and also effective June 21, 2021, the Court’s masking requirements will change:

• Members of the public will not be required to wear facemasks if they are fully-vaccinated. An individual is “fully-vaccinated” two weeks after the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Members of the public who are not fully-vaccinated must continue to wear a compliant facemask. Compliant facemasks must completely cover the nose and mouth, and do not include neck gaiters (regardless of double-layering), masks with valves or other holes, bandanas, or face shields.

• Jurors will not be required to wear a facemask if they are fully-vaccinated and attest to this in writing on an attestation form provided by the Court. Jurors who are not fully-vaccinated, or who are fully-vaccinated but choose not to execute the form, must wear a compliant facemask.

• The Court will provide compliant facemasks upon request.
State Vaccine Verification System 
Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a digital verification tool that allows people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine to access their immunization record.

To sign up, Californians can go to the state website, enter their name, date of birth, a phone number, and create a PIN. The digital record shows the same information as a paper vaccine record card: name, date of birth, dates of vaccinations, and vaccine manufacturer. Under state guidelines, fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks indoors, although unvaccinated people do. Businesses can ask patrons for proof of vaccination before entering their facilities, although this is optional.

Vaccine verification or testing is required for entry into indoor “mega-events” (e.g. large concerts, sporting events) in California and strongly recommended for outdoor mega-events.

If the information on your digital vaccine record is not correct, for instance missing a dose or the wrong dates or brand, you may need to correct or update your immunization record. Follow the troubleshooting tips at cdph.ca.gov/covidvaccinerecord or call 833-422-4255.

If the information you submitted does not return a link, you can re-enter your information making sure to use an email or phone associated with your vaccine record, and double-check that your name and birthdate are correct. If your record still isn’t found, you may contact the COVID-19 Hot Line at 833-422-4255.

Anyone who needs a new vaccination record card may request one when they get their second dose. 

If a patient was vaccinated at a site run by Contra Costa County and needs a replacement card, they can call 1-833-829-2626. If a person was not vaccinated at a county-run site, they should contact the provider where they received the vaccine. 
78% of Contra Costa Residents Have Received at least one Vaccine Dose, Those who are Unvaccinated Remain at Risk, with 8.2 per 100,000 Unvaccinated People Contracting COVID 

For those who are not fully vaccinated, the case rates are 16 times as high, which would put our County in the purple tier under the old system. Of those who have been vaccinated, .5 per 100,000 are still contracting COVID. Those breakthrough cases tend to be significantly less serious. 
Bring Vaccinations to Your Workplace or Organization: Contra Costa Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Service
Businesses and community organizations can now request visits from Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) mobile COVID-19 vaccination van to workplaces, community centers and other locations where five or more members of a group want to receive vaccine.

The free mobile vaccination service began Monday June 14. Any business or organization can request a mobile vaccination clinic using an online form if they are in the county and CCHS will send a mobile health van to provide free vaccinations on site within one week after completing the request.

This service operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will only travel to locations within the county, though they will vaccinate anyone eligible regardless of where they live. There is no cap on the number of people who can be vaccinated during a visit.

The state’s pandemic health orders ended on June 15, allowing fully vaccinated people to visit businesses and enjoy communal activities without the need for face masks or physical distancing. Visit the CCHS Beyond the Blueprint page for details. But the health guidelines for people who are not vaccinated will remain largely unchanged – now is a great time to consider a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already gotten one.
Free COVID-19 Vaccines Being Offered at
Local School Campuses
Contra Costa Offers Required School Immunizations at
Some of its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) and Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with the Contra Costa Office of Education and several school districts, are operating mobile vaccine clinics across the county. Everyone 12 and older who needs a vaccine is welcome – students from any school, their family members, and the whole community.

No appointment is necessary, but appointments are also available through the county’s scheduling page or by calling 1-833-829-2626.

People younger than 18 need permission from a parent – send in the consent form for your child, located here, or come in person, especially if you need a vaccine too!

More information about coronavirus and vaccine is available at cchealth.org/coronavirus and, for Kaiser Permanente members, at kp.org.

Current School Campus Vaccine Clinics Schedule
The following school-based vaccine clinics are currently scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Clinic dates and locations are subject to change.

  • July 1-3: De Anza High (Richmond), California High (San Ramon), Las Lomas High (Walnut Creek), Liberty High (Brentwood)
  • July 6-10: Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon), Helms Middle School (San Pablo)
  • July 13-17: San Ramon Valley High School (Danville)

Contra Costa Offers Required School Immunizations at its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics:

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) school-based COVID vaccination clinics will also offer children Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio vaccine) immunizations. Tdap is available at Acalanes High School (Lafayette), Dallas Ranch Middle School (Antioch), and Kennedy High School (Richmond). Tdap is a required immunization for students entering 7th grade in California.

It’s recommended that children ages 7 and older get the Tdap immunization. Everyone ages 7+ can get a Tdap vaccine at select school clinics – even if they do not receive a COVID vaccine.
Contra Costa County Public Works to begin Construction of the Happy Valley Road Embankment Repair Project
Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction of the Happy Valley Road Embankment Repair Project starting on Thursday, July 15, 2021 through Saturday, October 31, 2021, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. Work will take place on Happy Valley Road approximately 0.2 mile east of Bear Creek Road near the City of Lafayette. Happy Valley Road will be fully closed, from Bear Creek Road to the “hair-pin” turning area near 4924 Happy Valley Road, for 50 consecutive working days or approximately 70 days during construction, 24 hours per day. Access on Happy Valley Road through the road closure area will be provided to emergency responders, local residents, and businesses within the closure limits during construction. Message boards will be placed prior to road closure. Drivers should expect delays.
 
The project will reconstruct the northbound lane and restore two-way traffic to the portion of Happy Valley Road that washed out during the 2017 storm events. Work consists of repair and restoration of a 250 foot stretch of northbound Happy Valley Road, including installing a 70-foot long soldier pile retaining wall with necessary safety railing and barrier on the east side of the roadway and repairing settled roadway affected by the eroded embankment.
 
Funding for this project provided by SB1, Local Road Funds and Emergency Relief Funds (FHWA). For more information about this project visit: contracosta.ca.gov/8093/Happy-Valley-Road-Embankment-Repair
RecycleSmart Annual Compost Giveaway July 17 
"Sculpture in the Garden" at the Ruth Bancroft Garden
Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women has reserved 2 evenings at the world-famous Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, to experience their 27th annual sculpture show. The Garden will be open to ticketholders only! Please join us!  This annual art show and sale marries stunning sculptural art with natural sculptural beauty of the Garden. This year's show will feature the works of over 20 renowned Northern California artists. 
  
Your $40 Ticket includes: 
• Wine sampling offered by Sky Terrace Vineyards 
• Welcome packet: Self-guided tour brochure with map and current blooms descriptions 
• Quilt and Garden basket raffle opportunities 
• Refreshments thanks to event sponsor Crafts for a Pretty Penny 
• Support for Scholarships for local women 
  
Choose your date and order your tickets by clicking 
or purchase at East Bay Flower Company in the Danville Livery. Check or cash only.  
MTC Policy Advisory Council Recruitment
This week MTC opened up the recruitment process for the next 4-year term of its Policy Advisory Council. Beginning in January 2022, the 27-member body of Bay Area residents will weigh in on a wide range of issues critical to our region's future. Key questions include how can we best restore, maintain, and replace our region's aging transportation infrastructure; what new technologies can improve the capacity and efficiency of our public transit and highway network; and who benefits from these programs?

Council Members are provided with a $50 stipend per meeting, plus transportation support. While currently meeting remotely, it's expected that the Council will return to in-person monthly meetings at MTC headquarters in San Francisco (depending on state law, remote attendance may still be an option).
The application portal is now live and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2021.

MTC is looking to develop a robust applicant pool with diverse representation from across all nine Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma).

Please spread the word about this opportunity through your networks and community members.
Contra Costa Wildfire Safety Regional Webinar
PG&E hosts online webinars throughout each year for anyone who is interested in learning more about our Community Wildfire Safety Program. These virtual gatherings allow community members to learn more about wildfire safety and emergency preparedness, meet with PG&E representatives, ask questions and share feedback.
 
For anyone who is not able to join a live webinar, we've made our presentations and video recordings of our past webinars available below. View past presentations.
 
Customers may access the webinar up to 30 minutes before it starts. Participants who do not have access to internet are highly encouraged to use the toll-free dial-in feature (details provided below) to listen to the presentation and hear from PG&E subject matter experts.

07/08/21* - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Wildfire Safety Regional Webinar
Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo
Toll-Free Attendee Dial-In: 1-866-501-6088
Conference ID: 4449479
Wildfire Risk to Communities Website
Wildfire Risk to Communities is a free, easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and data to help communities in the United States understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. Maps and data are available at the community, county, and state levels. Wildfire Risk to Communities is a project of the USDA Forest Service, under the direction of Congress in the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 1625, Section 210).

On the website, wildfirerisk.org, you can see information that allows you to understand risk, explore risk (including an easy-to-use mapping tool); and, learn about ways to reduce risk.
Explore Your Town by Bike
Looking for a free summertime activity that’s fun for the whole family? The Summer Bike Challenge runs now through August, providing adventure, prizes, and healthy outdoor exercise for riders of all ages.

How to play: Register free, download your hometown gameboard, then bike to destination squares anytime this summer. Try to clear the board!

In-person, outdoor prize events are back, so mark your calendar to pick up free prizes on select dates. Plus, receive Weekly Bonus Challenges on Mondays which give you the chance to win one of five $35 Amazon gift cards every week, all summer long.

Registered participants will also be entered in their city's iPad Grand Prize Drawing. Let’s roll!
Contra Costa County Extends Eviction Moratorium
Through September 30
At a Board meeting on June 22, 2021, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-20 that continues a temporary eviction moratorium for certain residential tenants and a moratorium on certain residential rent increases through September 30, 2021. The Urgency Ordinance also continues a temporary eviction moratorium for certain commercial tenants through September 30, 2021. Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-20 supersedes Ordinance No. 2021-11 and takes effect immediately.

Read the full document Ordinance No. 2021-20 (PDF). Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this ordinance on the County website.

The Board of Supervisors’ eviction moratorium is consistent with the State of California's, which was also extended to September 30, 2021. https://housing.ca.gov/tenant/protection_guidelines.html.

For information and resources like the County’s Rent Relief Program that can help eligible renters and landlords impacted by COVID-19 with rent and utilities, visit the Contra Costa County website at www.contracosta.ca.gov. The Rent Relief Program application through the state’s website portal is now easier and available in many languages.

For health updates on COVID-19 and where you can get a free, protective vaccine, visit Contra Costa Health Services at cchealth.org/coronavirus. If you have questions about COVID-19, contact the multilingual Call Center at 1-844-729-8410, open Monday – Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. For assistance after hours in multiple languages, call 211 or 800-833-2900 or text HOPE to 20121.
Contra Costa Rental Relief Program
If you need help paying rent and utilities due to COVID-19's impact on your finances, you can check eligibility and apply for assistance at HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122.
2021 Stand Down on the Delta Seeks Volunteers
Stand Down on the Delta 2021 Volunteer Registration is open. This year's theme for the event taking place September 10-13 is "Unity". In addition, the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, will be recognized with a special ceremony. Homeless Veterans will be housed for four days at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch. Veterans will receive a variety of services. Sign up to volunteer here.

For more information, contact Kim Holmes, Community Engagement Coordinator, at missholmes007@gmail.com.
Measure X Community Advisory Board Seeks Public Input
Measure X, Contra Costa’s new countywide, half-cent sales tax, is expected to raise $112 million for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

The Measure X Community Advisory Board was formed to identify unmet community needs and recommend spending priorities to the county Board of Supervisors. 

The Advisory Board meets at 5:00 pm every Wednesday via Zoom: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/81176769191

Each meeting features a panel of presenters who have expertise in the need or issue being discussed. Panel members include county staff, community-based organizations, and residents.

Community members are welcome to provide public comments verbally after each panel presentation. Comments can also be submitted in writing to Lisa.Driscoll@cao.cccounty.us. If you submit written testimony by noon on Friday prior to the following week’s meeting, it will be included in the agenda packet that is published for Advisory Board members and the public.

Schedule of issues and needs to be discussed:

July 7 - Community safety: Justice systems
July 14 - Safety net (jobs, public benefits, economic security)
July 21 - Immigration, racial equity across systems
July 28 - Library, arts & culture, agriculture, environment, transportation
August 4 - Develop draft priorities & recommendations
August 11 - Finalize recommendations to submit to Board of Supervisors
Contra Costa County Seeks Applicants for At-large Youth Representatives for the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council 
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on its 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). The JJCC currently has vacancies for two (2) At-Large Youth Representatives.

The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is a multiagency advisory body that informs the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan composed of several critical parts, including, but not limited to an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drug and alcohol, and youth services resources, which specifically target both at-promise as well as system-involved youth, and their families. More information about the Council can be found here.

Appointments to the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council will be for a term of two years. The JJCC meets monthly from October through April, and bi-monthly for the remainder of the year. Members have the option to serve on two (2) subcommittees that each currently meet on a monthly basis.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on July 9, 2021, and all timely applicants will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee: Supervisors Candace Andersen, District II, and Federal Glover, District V. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for Board of Supervisors to appoint to the Racial Justice Oversight Body.

Below is a complete timeline of this recruitment process to fill the two (2) vacant JJCC seats:
  • July 9: Final Day of the Application Period, due by 5:00 p.m.
  • July 26: Public Protection Committee Meeting Interviews
  • August 10: Board of Supervisors Appointments

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/ Completed applications can be submitted online or by email to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us. Applications can also be mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553.
Arts and Culture Commission Alternate Seat Opening
Do you live in Contra Costa County? The Arts and Culture Commission has an Alternate Seat opening.

Alternates participate in the Arts and Culture Commission meetings and assist with the achievement of quorum. The alternate may sit and vote for any absent member or a vacant seat. Apply here.

The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation, and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.
Other District 2 Volunteer Opportunities
Now is a great time to consider ways you might want to give back to your community. 2020 saw our advisory bodies pivot to virtual meetings, which is continuing well into 2021. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people are able to participate than ever before.

If you are interested in participating in government, then perhaps one of these volunteer opportunities are of interest to you:

Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)
Alternate Seat
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.

County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (Roundhill Residents only. one alternate seat available)

The P-5 Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.

In-Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee (IHSS) https://ehsd.org/elderly-disabled/public-authority/ihss-public-authority-advisory-committee/

Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418. To apply online go to www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/.