Weekly Update - June 10, 2021
Vaccinated People Do Not Need Masks in Most
Public Spaces Starting June 15th
Fully vaccinated people will no longer be required by law to wear masks in most indoor public spaces beginning June 15, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which on Wednesday updated its pandemic health guidance requiring face coverings.

Masks will still be required on public transit, in school and childcare settings, in healthcare and long-term care facilities, and in jails and shelters.

Cal/OSHA, the state regulatory agency for workplace safety, is separately considering an update to workplace masking rules that would affect many employers and employees. See current status in the article below.

Businesses may implement their own COVID-19 safety policies, according to the guidance, such as requiring all visitors to wear masks, allowing unmasked visitors who self-attest to their vaccination status, or implementing a verification process to determine whether visitors can enter unmasked.

Masks will continue to be required by the State for people who are not fully vaccinated in indoor public places and businesses.
    
No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business.
Cal/OSHA Reconsiders its Workplace
Face-Covering Recommendation
Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings
The state’s Occupational Health and Safety Standards Board is reconsidering a recommendation from earlier this week that would have relaxed current workplace masking rules only if all people present in the workplace were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The policy approved by the board earlier this week timed to coincide with the June 15th sunset of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, would have required employers to keep vaccination records for all workers on file in order to permit a maskless workplace.

The policy would not have applied to workplaces where employees have contact with the public, such as retail stores and restaurants, meaning workers there would be required to wear masks even if they were vaccinated.

The proposed standard appears to conflict with new health guidance released Wednesday by the CDPH that permits fully vaccinated people to eschew masks in most indoor public places beginning June 15th.

Cal/OSHA on Wednesday withdrew the pending regulation, which was under review by a state administrative board, to allow the agency to consider changes to its proposal at a June 17th meeting that could potentially go into effect by the end of June.

In the meantime, the current policy remains in effect. Workers must wear face masks in the workplace in most settings, and employers must provide them. Workers must maintain physical distancing and employers must take measures such as staggering shifts or adding cough barriers, to make that possible.
California Launches New Site for School-Related
COVID-19 Information
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office this week debuted the Safe Schools for All Hub, which provides COVID-related information and resources for both the public and schools and health departments.

Current data dashboards on the hub include statewide information about reopening status and summer instruction for public, private and charter schools.
  • 89% of school districts that submitted data to the state are offering summer learning.
  • 99% of public school districts that submitted data plan to fully reopen for in-person instruction this fall.

The hub also includes current state health guidance for schools on topics such as contact tracing, outbreak reporting, COVID-19 testing resources, cleaning, ventilation, reopening grant information, sports and extracurricular activities

The new site also allows schools and local health departments to request technical assistance from state health experts, and a COVID-19 School Hotline for parents and school staff to report COVID-related concerns at local schools to the state.

Additionally, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is planning a summer-long campaign funded through AB 86 (school reopening funds) aimed at building confidence in school safety, particularly focused on people of color with school-age children who live in communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
Still Not Vaccinated Because You Worry About
the Safety of the Vaccine? 
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It, Ask the Experts!
County’s Two Largest Private Healthcare Providers to Offer Vaccine Answers 

As COVID-19 vaccination rates slow down, the county's two largest private healthcare providers, John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente, are teaming up on a campaign to help the community find answers to their concerns about the vaccine. 

The “Get Answers” campaign, launched today by Kaiser Permanente and John Muir Health provides free information about the COVID-19 vaccines directly from medical experts. The website, GetAnswersContraCosta, includes answers to the most common vaccine questions and issues as well as an online portal where questions can be submitted and answered. Social media posts will be shared to help inform the public. 

About 67% of Contra Costa County residents 12 and older have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to county health department data, about 70% of White residents and 85% of Asian residents are now fully vaccinated. Black residents and residents of other ethnicities lag behind in vaccination rates. 

Both health care providers are making their physicians available through a host of forums to provide information about the vaccine. In addition to the website and online Question and Answer portal, John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente doctors will work with local employers and community and service groups. 

The GetAnswersContraCosta.org website is open to anyone, regardless of where they get their medical care and will be updated daily. In addition to posting their own questions, people can view previously answered questions and video testimonials from John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente physicians. 
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.

  • June 8-June 12: Antioch Middle, California High (San Ramon), Concord High, De Anza High (Richmond), Las Lomas High (Walnut Creek), Liberty High (Brentwood)
  • June 15-June 19: Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon), Edna Hill Middle (Brentwood), Pinole Valley High (Pinole), Pittsburg High, Ygnacio Valley High (Concord)
  • June 22-June 26: Acalanes High (Lafayette), Dallas Ranch Middle (Antioch), Freedom High (Oakley) no clinic on 6/26, San Ramon Valley High (Danville), Mt. Diablo High (Concord), Kennedy High (Richmond)
  • June 29-July 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 Health Officer Supports Full
In-person School this Fall
Bay Area Health Officers are united in their deep support for full in-person school instruction when the 2021-22 school year begins.

They believe that the lack of in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education, weakened the social supports provided by school communities, negatively impacted mental health, and prevented participation in the rituals and shared milestones that tie our communities together.

Public health researchers, the CDC, the California Department of Public Health, and local health departments have learned from the research and experiences of classroom instruction that the risk of COVID-19 transmission among children wearing masks is very low.
How Will California Open Up After June 15?
When California “fully reopens”, the state will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. While we are still awaiting additional details, preliminary information indicates that beginning June 15, nearly every sector listed in the current Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart may return to usual operations but will still be subject to some Center for Disease Control (CDC) or California Department of Public Health (CDPH) masking requirements.
 
Contra Costa County does not intend to have any guidelines different from the State’s.
County Tier Metrics
 Contra Costa County Amends Fireworks Ordinance- 
Emphasizes Public Safety and Wildfire Prevention 
At their meeting on June 8th, the Board of Supervisors amended Contra Costa County's fireworks law.

Passed unanimously, the new ordinance strengthens regulations on the possession, manufacture, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.

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.

"The use of illegal fireworks caused a recent fire in our county that destroyed two apartment buildings and displaced 30 residents," said Fire Chief Lewis T. Broschard III, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. "Playing with illegal fireworks is dangerous and poses the very real possibility of causing wildland fires that could easily destroy homes and threaten lives in this time of critically high fire risk. We urge everyone to follow the regulations and stay safe."

To see the full document go to Ordinance No. 2021-19, amending Chapter 44-2 of the County Ordinance Code on Fireworks 

It covers both "dangerous" fireworks and those labeled "safe and sane."

Property owners and boat owners are responsible for ensuring that the use of illegal fireworks does not happen on their property. Owners may be liable for violations if illegal fireworks are used on their property or vessel. Homeowners who rent out their properties on AirBNB and other sites should be aware of the law.
Wildfire & Public Safety Power Shutoff Season
We are officially in the 2021 wildfire and PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) season. It’s time to get prepared and be on alert for whatever emergencies may arise. The California Office of Emergency Services is preparing for a heavy wildfire season and PG&E is prepared to increase the number of PSPS events in order to prevent more wildfires as well.
 
What does this mean for us? This means that we need to: 

  1. Sign up for Contra Costa’s Community Warning System - cwsalerts.com.
  2. If you live in another county, sign up for your county’s alert system – calalerts.org/signup, GET AND STAY INFORMED. 
  3. Sign up for PG&E PSPS Address Alert - PGE.com/addressalerts.
  4. Pack your emergency supply kits/go bags and have them in accessible locations in the event that we will need to evacuate.

The Contra Costa Fire Protection District advises mowing your lawn before noon as every year there are several fires that start by mowing in the afternoon during the summer months.

If you live within a tier 2/3 fire threat district, it is not a matter of if you will need to evacuate, it is a matter of when. Please get prepared now, do not wait. Visit readyforwildfire.org to view CalFire's Get Ready website, where you can access a variety of home and personal emergency preparedness resources.
Attend a 1-Hour Training on Emergency Preparedness
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!
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services is a partner in the Contra Costa Elder Abuse Prevention Project which is hosting a series of events to honor Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

The four free events will cover the following topics:

Elder Financial Abuse, Scams & Identity Theft; Elder Criminal Justice and Elder Abuse; Elder Justice Lunch & Learn: Bringing Light to Elder Abuse; and Coming Out of COVID-19 -- Connecting After Isolation.
Click here to register
Contra Costa County Active Transportation Plan
Contra Costa County is creating an Active Transportation Plan. The Plan will focus on improving walking, biking, and rolling (i.e., wheeled mobility devices used by people with disabilities, strollers, scooters, skateboards, etc.) in the unincorporated areas of the County.

Input from community members will help develop this Plan. You are invited to will share your experiences, challenges, and vision of walking, biking, and rolling. At the end of the project, the Plan will have a list of prioritized project recommendations that will:

  • Improve infrastructure conditions and create new routes for people to walk, bike, and roll
  • Make walking, biking, and rolling to parks, schools, stores, and other community destinations safer and more comfortable
  • Prioritize community engagement efforts and project recommendations in disadvantaged communities
  • Develop a list of implementable projects to help the County improve safety and comfort for people walking, biking, and rolling

To learn more and find out how you can participate go to activecontracosta.
Contra Costa Library Sponsoring Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading runs from Tuesday, June 1 to Saturday, July 31. Visit ccclib.org/summer for all the details or to sign up.
Red Cross Sponsored Blood Drives Near You
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:

June 16 - Healthcare
June 23 - Mental health and behavioral health
June 30 - Housing & homelessness
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
Mental Health Commission Family Member Seat Opening
The primary purpose of the Contra Costa Mental Health Commission is to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and to the Mental Health Division and its staff.

Commissioners are appointed by members of the County Board of Supervisors from each of the five districts for a term of three years. Each district has a consumer of mental health services, family member, and an at-large representative on the Commission, for a total of 15 members plus a representative from the Board of Supervisors.

The Family Member Seat is for parents, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, or adult children of consumers who are receiving or have received mental health services, preferably in Contra Costa County.

The Mental Health Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Please see the meeting schedule for a list of meeting locations, as well as the dates and times for committee meetings.

In addition to the monthly Mental Health Commission meetings, committees, workgroups, and task forces are formed as needed.

If you are eligible for the Family Member seat, click here to apply.
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.

Assessment Appeals Board - co.contra-costa.ca.us/2924/Assessment-Appeals
Alternate Seat Available
The Assessment Appeals Board conducts impartial hearings on property assessment disputes between taxpayers and the county assessor. Based on the evidence presented at these hearings, the appeals board determines the value of the disputed property or determines other matters of property tax assessment within the board’s jurisdiction.

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/.