Weekly Update - June 24, 2021 |
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Contra Costa County Continues to Align with California’s
Grand Reopening
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Contra Costa County aligned with the state’s guidance - meaning there are far fewer restrictions on business and social activity, although things still won’t be exactly like they were before the pandemic.
While there won’t be capacity limits on businesses in Contra Costa County, masking will still be required for everyone in several settings. Some businesses may choose to maintain masking or distancing requirements for their patrons in their facilities, which is their right. Also, no one can be denied service if they choose to wear a mask.
Here's a quick breakdown of the new rules for outdoor and indoor settings in Contra Costa and across the state:
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Capacity limitations: No restrictions
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Physical distancing: No restrictions for attendees, customers, and guests. Workers on the job must maintain physical distancing and schools should keep student desks at least 3 feet apart.
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Masking: 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:
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Public transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares)
- K-12 schools, childcare facilities, and other youth settings (indoors)
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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
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Travelers: follow CDC recommendations and CDPH Travel Advisory
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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.
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State Unveils New Vaccine Verification System |
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Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a digital verification tool on Friday that allows people who have gotten 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.
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Regulations for Masks in the Workplace |
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Cal/OSHA, the state regulatory agency for workplace safety, approved new workplace rules on June 17 that allows most fully vaccinated workers in many workplaces to stop wearing masks and ends physical distancing requirements for all workers. Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order last week implementing this policy immediately.
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.
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Superior Court Masking and Social Distancing Changes |
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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.
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78% of Contra Costa Residents Have Received at least one Vaccine Dose, Those who are Unvaccinated Remain at Risk, with 6.8 per 100,000 Unvaccinated People Contracting COVID
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For those who are not fully vaccinated, the case rates are 13 times as high, which would put our County in the red, almost purple tier. |
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There are Still Many Opportunities to Get Your Questions Answered about Covid Vaccines
and to Get Vaccinated
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Hear from Dr. Patrick Joseph About the Safety of the Covid Vaccines by playing the video below: |
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County’s Two Largest Private Healthcare Providers to Offer Vaccine Answers
Now that California has opened up, the county's two largest private healthcare providers, John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente, have teamed up on a campaign to help the community find answers to their concerns about the vaccine.
The “Get Answers” campaign, launched 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.
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.
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Hear from High School Junior Stephanie Boustani about why she got vaccinated by clicking on the video below: |
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Bring Vaccinations to Your Workplace or Organization: Contra Costa Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Service
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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.
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Free COVID-19 Vaccines Being Offered at
Local School Campuses
Contra Costa Offers Required School Immunizations at
Some of its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
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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!
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.
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June 25-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)
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June 29-July 3: De Anza High (Richmond), California High (San Ramon), Las Lomas High (Walnut Creek), Liberty High (Brentwood)
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July 6-10: Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon), Helms Middle School (San Pablo)
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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.
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Contra Costa Rental Relief Program |
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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. |
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PG&E Financial Assistance Programs Available |
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Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) updated customer support website, launched earlier this month, provides information on all the financial assistance and support programs currently available to qualified customers in one easy to use page.
June 30 is the anticipated end-date for the moratorium on non-payment shutoffs. This does not mean shutoffs will happen July 1 – but the clock does restart. PG&E is prepared to help customers with arrearages, but the customer must initiate the contact. To learn more options about various programs go to payment assistance.
Customers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now find new and updated information and web resources on various programs available to those who are behind on their bills and/or needing financial assistance due to the ongoing pandemic by going to PGE financial support
To access additional information for more ways for customers to receive support, you can go to PG&E's Medical Baseline Program as well as various external programs such as the California COVID-19 Rent Relief Act helping income-eligible households pay rent and utilities, both for past due and future payments.
Renters and landlords are eligible to apply.
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Make Your Plans for a Safe 4th of July Without Illegal Fireworks
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With the significant risk of fires this year, and many fires being caused by illegal fireworks, the Board of Supervisors amended Contra Costa County's fireworks law.
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.
It covers both "dangerous" fireworks and those labeled "safe and sane."
Here are some safer ways to celebrate the July 4th Holiday in District 2 cities:
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MTC Policy Advisory Council Recruitment |
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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.
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LISTOS Basic Emergency and Disaster Training in Spanish |
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Contra Costa Wildfire Safety Regional Webinar |
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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
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Wildfire Risk to Communities Website |
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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. |
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BART Overnight Construction Work in Lafayette and Orinda |
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BART is repairing electrical lines and a substation in Lafayette that are critical for maintaining train service in that part of the system. BART has already been replacing traction power cables at different locations across the system.
This work will also be underway soon in Orinda and BART has sent a notice regarding the work to those who live within ¼ mile from the trackway. This project will continue through December 2021.
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Explore Your Town by Bike |
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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!
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All Aboard as Totally Trains Returns to the
Museum of the San Ramon Valley
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The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is happy to announce that model trains have returned for their ninth year. This always-popular event opened on June 19 at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley located at 205 Railroad Ave. Danville.
Totally Trains is one of the most popular exhibits. They will again be offering the Totally Train's Family pass which for $15.00 allows you to visit the exhibit as many times as you like.
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave Danville CA 94526. The hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-1, and, Sunday 12-3. You can contact the museum at museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
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Contra Costa Library Sponsoring Summer Reading Program |
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Summer Reading runs through Saturday, July 31. Visit ccclib.org/summer for all the details or to sign up.
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Affordable Internet and Computer Offers for
Eligible County Residents
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2021 Stand Down on the Delta Seeks Volunteers |
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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 [email protected].
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Measure X Community Advisory Board Seeks Public Input |
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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.
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 [email protected]. 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 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
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Contra Costa County Seeks Applicants for At-large Youth Representatives for the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council |
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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 [email protected]. Applications can also be mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553. |
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Arts and Culture Commission Alternate Seat Opening |
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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.
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Other District 2 Volunteer Opportunities |
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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.
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.
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