Weekly Update - March 25, 2021 |
|
Governor Newsom Announces State to Make Vaccines
Available to All Californians 16 and Older Starting April 15th
|
|
Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that California will be expanding vaccine eligibility over the next two weeks. While Contra Costa County has already begun vaccinating residents age 50 and older, starting April 1, all California residents age 50 and older can get vaccines.
Starting April 15, all California residents age 16 and older will be able to get vaccinated. This is 15 days ahead of the timeline proposed by President Biden.
The number of doses flowing into California is projected to swell dramatically in the next few weeks, state officials said. Based on current estimates, California expects to be allocated about 2.5 million first and second doses per week over the first half of April — with that number growing to more than 3 million doses in the latter part of the month.
By comparison, the state was expected to receive only about 1.8 million total doses this week. Newsom also said if people go to a vaccine appointment with an eligible family member, even if they're not eligible, they can get inoculated at the provider's discretion. “No questions asked,” Newsom said.
|
|
Scheduling Your Vaccine Appointment |
|
Starting next week, you will be able to directly schedule your appointment on-line. This will be an easier and more user-friendly way of scheduling appointments, you will be able to go directly to choosing open appointments.
Vaccination appointments are currently available for residents who are 50 or older. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) recommends that eligible residents who have other health insurance also seek appointments from their own healthcare providers.
There are several ways to find a vaccine appointment.
At this point in time, there is no wrong door. Sign up everywhere you can and when you get an appointment, cancel your requests elsewhere.
1. Register with the State of California at myturn.ca.gov t o be notified when you are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccination at a State site.
2. Make an appointment with Contra Costa County at a CCHS site.
Vaccine Appointments for Residents 50 or older
3. Make an Appointment at a Partner site.
Healthcare systems, pharmacies, and other providers have different eligibility requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations. You can find information about each of these providers by scrolling down on the CCHS Vaccine page: coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-vaccinated
|
|
Supervisor Andersen to be Guest on
San Ramon "City Update" Tomorrow
|
|
San Ramon's "City Update," hosted by San Ramon Deputy City Manager Steven Spedowfski, will be streamed live on YouTube tomorrow, Friday, March 26 at 9:00 a.m., with COVID-19 updates for the community.
Guests include Supervisor Candace Andersen and Dr. Patrick Joseph, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
Watch Live Video:
The City Updates will be streamed live on YouTube. Note: The YouTube video will begin streaming a few minutes before 9:00 a.m. You may need to refresh your browser if it does not begin playing automatically
Listen by Phone by dialing: 1-669-900-6833. The webinar ID is: 393220
Submit your question via email to [email protected] with “City Update” in the subject line. The guests will answer as many questions as time allows. |
|
Mass Vaccination Site Beginning March 30th
Appointments Required
|
|
Contra Costa Health Services, the City of Concord, and Kaiser Permanente will open a drive-through vaccination site that can accommodate as many as 15,000 patients weekly beginning Tuesday, March 30, at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (formerly Water World), in Concord.
The site will ramp-up to full capacity over the coming weeks.
Kaiser, which serves more Contra Costa residents than any other healthcare provider, will provide clinical staff and vaccine from the supply it receives directly from the state to support the operation.
The U.S. National Guard will provide medical staff to support a Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) clinic at the site that will daily vaccinate as many as 1,000 eligible people who live or work in Contra Costa.
Appointments for the CCHS clinic will be scheduled through the county’s appointment system – visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to request an appointment.
Appointments will be required to get a vaccine at the site.
|
|
All Three COVID-19 Vaccines are Safe and Effective |
|
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety: Facts & Myths |
|
Vaccines are the strongest tool we have to end the COVID-19 pandemic. While all three FDA-approved vaccines are safe, effective and free – you may still have some questions or mixed feelings. When deciding whether to get vaccinated, it’s important to separate myths from facts.
Vaccines have a long history of being safe and effective. Right now, there are three authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines available: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three have been thoroughly reviewed for their safety. The best vaccine is the one you can get the soonest. All COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19.
- Vaccines teach your body how to fight COVID-19.
- The vaccines do not give you COVID-19.
- Some people may experience side effects after getting a vaccine. This is a sign your body is building protection against COVID-19 and symptoms should go away within a few days.
- COVID-19 vaccine studies are ongoing; however, the vaccines have been thoroughly reviewed for their safety.
|
|
Contra Costa County Passes Ordinance to Extend Protections
To Commercial Tenants through June 30, 2021
|
|
At the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 23, 2021, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an Urgency Ordinance to continue the temporary prohibition on evictions of certain small-business commercial tenants financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This protection now continues through June 30, 2021.
Protections for residential tenants were unchanged by the urgency ordinance and last through June 30, 2021.
On March 4, 2021, the Governor issued an Executive Order which extends, through June 30, 2021, the authority of local jurisdictions to suspend the evictions of commercial tenants for the non-payment of rent if the non-payment was a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest Ordinance also prohibits landlords from charging late fees to small business and nonprofit organization tenants, and extends to August 31, 2021, the grace period to pay back rent. Read the full document go to Ordinance No. 2021-11 .
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding this ordinance on the FAQs webpage.
|
|
How Far is Contra Costa from the Orange Tier |
|
It is difficult to predict when Contra Costa will qualify for the orange tier of the blueprint, even if COVID-19 transmission continues to recede in the community.
The State requires counties to remain in a new tier for at least three weeks after changing tiers. We are in our second week in the Red Tier. Once a County qualifies for the next lower tier, they must remain there for at least two consecutive weeks before moving into it.
To reach the Orange Tier, Contra Costa’s must reach these milestones in its COVID-19 transmission data:
- The adjusted daily case rate must fall below 4.0 We are currently at 5.5.
- The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests in the county falls below 5%. We are currently at 2.2%.
- The positivity rate for tests in the health equity quartile is less than 5.2%. We are currently at 3.9%
Once the State reaches a goal of vaccinating 4 million residents who live in the lowest Health Place Index (HPI) communities, the state also plans to relax the case-rate requirement for entering the orange tier from 4.0 cases per 100,000 daily to 6.0 cases per 100,000 daily,
These new standards would be applied retroactively, and we could move into the Orange Tier two days after this 4 million number is reached. Currently, the State has vaccinated 3,085,171 people in the lowest HPI communities.
While there is no guarantee, County Health is estimating that under this standard we could move into the Orange Tier as soon as the week of April 5.
|
|
Contra Costa Joins California & CDC in Recommending
3-foot Distance for Children at School
|
|
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its health guidance to recommend three feet of distance between students in the classroom, provided everyone indoors is wearing masks.
The state guidance, which is followed by Contra Costa County, now mirrors guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The CDPH and CDC previously recommended at least six feet of space between masked students in the classroom.
Six feet of physical distancing is still recommended between adults inside the school building and between students and adults, in common areas, such as lobbies and auditoriums, when masks cannot be worn, such as when eating, during activities when increased exhalation occurs (singing, shouting, band practice, sports, exercise) – these activities should be moved outdoors or to large, well-ventilated spaces whenever possible, and in community settings outside the classroom.
The Contra Costa County Office of Education website provides helpful information and resources regarding schools returning to in-person instruction www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/.
|
|
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief will help income-eligible households pay rent and utilities, both for past due and future payments. The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provides funding to support the program and tenant (renter) protection laws signed by Governor Newsom.
For additional information, to find a Local Partner Network organization near you, or for eligibility and application help, call our CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center: 833-430-2122.
|
|
Grab & Go Library Service to Launch April 26, 2021 |
|
Beginning Monday, April 26, Contra Costa County Library will reopen most community libraries to the public for Grab & Go service. The libraries will be open with limited occupancy and offer select services. Patrons will be asked to limit their time in the library to no more than one hour and to abide by all safety protocols including social distancing and mask requirements.
|
|
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is Open |
|
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley has reopened!
To celebrate this reopening they are having their model trains exhibit. This exhibit is one of the most popular for young and old alike. Multiple trains running through authentic models of the town of Danville and the old Village of San Ramon. Fun for the entire family!
In honor of the reopening they are offering Train Passes for $15.00. This will entitle you to visit the trains exhibit as often as you wish through April 11th. The train exhibit will return in the summer and you can still use your pass.
The museum is in support of the county Covid19 precautions. Please wear a mask when visiting the museum. Observe a minimum of six feet of social distance between you and other visitors and staff during your visit. There will be a limited capacity as per county restrictions. Your safety is the primary focus.
Please check the website museumsrv.org or call 925 837-3750 for exact days and times. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave Danville CA 94526.
|
|
Save the Date! Cesar Chavez Virtual Celebration |
|
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will honor César E. Chávez in a celebration recognizing his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity. The Board of Supervisors welcomes community members to join the 27th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Virtual Celebration on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 11 am.
They will also recognize the 2021 Youth Hall of Fame awardees, highlighting deserving teens and their commitment to community and service. The theme for this year’s celebration is Move Our Community Forward – Adelante Con Nuestra Comunidad.
The Youth Hall of Fame Awards presentation acknowledges outstanding Contra Costa County teens who demonstrate excellence in one of six categories. The 2021 Youth Hall of Fame Awardees are:
Good Samaritan: Chris Garcia, Antioch High School
Leadership & Civic Engagement: Ryan Raimondi, Liberty High School
Middle School Rising Star: Stephanie Boustani, Acalanes High School
Perseverance: Bianey Douglas, Carondelet High School
Teamwork: Haley Brathwaite, Carondelet High School
Volunteerism: Jonathan Castaneda, Pinole Valley High
|
|
Hope & Healing - Remembering Those
Lost in Contra Costa County
|
|
March 22nd marked one year since Contra Costa lost its first resident to COVID-19. Over the coming year, that tragedy was to repeat itself more than 744 times, each time claiming a beloved soul and leaving an ever-widening hole in our community.
A ceremony of hope and healing was held on March 22, where we had the chance to pause as a county, as cities, and as individuals to remember those we’ve lost, to comfort those left behind, and to collectively heal and begin the process of moving forward.
Remembrances, words of hope, testimonials, and musical tributes, including a beautiful rendition by the Monte Vista Choir, were played throughout the 30-minute memorial event. It can be seen here.
|
|
The Impact of Alcohol, Cannabis, and Prescription Drugs on Young People in Our Communities |
|
Contra Costa County Juvenile Justice Commission
Seeks Members
|
|
Are you interested in being involved in your community by providing citizen oversight for youth who are caught up in the juvenile justice system or placed in congregate care (i.e., group homes)? Joining the all-volunteer Contra Costa County Justice Commission is a rewarding opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth!
The Commission reports to the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court for the county and makes recommendations to the Probation Department related to public policy regarding in-custody and at-risk youth. Our primary responsibility is to provide citizen oversight of the juvenile justice system, which includes inspecting juvenile hall, police departments holding youth, and group homes in the county.
The Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6 PM at the Walnut Creek Superior Court, Department 38, 640 Ygnacio Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek, CA. Feel free to come and observe the public meetings.
Applications are always accepted for Commissioner vacancies. To apply, please visit Juvenile-Justice-Commission. Following a successful interview with members of the Commission, qualified candidates will be reviewed by the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge for an appointment to the Commission. |
|
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 meeting, which will likely continue 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)
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)
The P-5 Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
