Weekly Update - March 31, 2022 |
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Second Booster Doses Available for
Contra Costa Residents Who are 50+
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Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) will offer second booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to people who are 50 and older or who are immunocompromised by certain health conditions, beginning Wednesday, March 30. It is recommended that you first contact your own healthcare provider to see if they are administering the second booster.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized second booster doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines for people in these groups after at least four months have passed since their first boosters.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now recommends a second booster dose for:
Anyone with questions about their eligibility should consult their healthcare provider.
Vaccination – including getting boosted whenever we are eligible – remains our most effective protection against serious illness from COVID-19. Appointments are available online or by calling 1-833-829-2626.
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Treatments are Available for People Recently
Infected with COVID-19
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If you test positive for COVID-19, free treatment may be available. Contact your healthcare provider right away after a positive test to determine if you may be eligible, even if your symptoms are mild right now. If you do not have a healthcare provider or health insurance, call the Contra Costa Health Services Advice Nurse at (877) 661-6230 option 1. Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective.
It’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible after getting a positive COVID-19 test result (either a PCR/lab test or home test).
Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Talk to your health care provider to learn if you qualify for a COVID-19 treatment that requires a prescription or referral.
Contra Costa Health Plan members and Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers patients who test positive (either a PCR/lab test or a home test) can contact the County’s Advice Nurse at (800) 495-8885 to get evaluated by a doctor over the phone and receive a prescription for an antiviral treatment.
Visit a Test to Treat Location
At Test to Treat locations, you will be tested for COVID-19. If you test positive and treatments are appropriate for you, you may receive a treatment prescription from a healthcare provider. These medications (oral antiviral pills) treat COVID-19 and are free of cost and available even if you don't have health insurance. Schedule an appointment at a Test to Treat location to get tested and get an antiviral prescription if recommended:
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COVID Cases Increasing in Contra Costa County |
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Free Covid-19 Home Test Kits
Available for Pickup at our Danville Office
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We still have a large supply of Covid-19 home test kits. If you have a need for tests, please come to our Danville office, 309 Diablo Road, Monday - Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to pick up test kits. They will be available as long as our supply lasts.
More reliable PCR testing continues to be available for free by appointment only at various County sites. More information about where to get tested can be found here: coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested.
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We have distributed all of our adult N95 masks. We have small, child-size expired N95 masks available for pick up. |
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Blackhawk Town Hall at 6:00 p.m. on April 26
at Tassajara Hills Elementary School
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28th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Celebration |
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On March 29th, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors held their first in-person meeting in two years, and the first meeting in the new Board Chambers in Martinez.
They were honored to share their "grand opening" with the annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Celebration and Youth Hall of Fame Awards.
Several outstanding youths were honored and the attendees were entertained by the wonderful Mariachi Monumental band and dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Netzahaulcoyotl.
Keynote speakers Ruth Fernandez, Executive Director, First 5 Contra Costa; Kiku Johnson, Executive Director, Rainbow Community Center; and, Marivel Mendoza-Matheu, President & Co-Founder, Hijas del Campo shared their appreciation for the advocacy of Cesar Chavez.
Carolyn Considine, a Junior from Campolindo High School was recognized for the "Good Samaritan" award, Jake Hammerman, also a Junior from Campolindo was recognized for "Volunteerism", and Namratha Kasalanati, a Senior from Campolindo was recognized for "Teamwork". Sohan Emani, an 8th grader at Diablo Vista Middle School was recognized as a Rising Star and received the "Good Samaritan" award.
The public is welcome to attend Board of Supervisors meetings at the new County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez. However, the call-in or Zoom options will still be available for those who do not wish to attend in person.
You can watch the meetings live via Zoom by visiting contra-costa.granicus.com and finding the link on the current meeting agenda, or watching Contra Costa Television (CCTV) online here. Or watch on your television - CCTV broadcasts on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and WAVE 32.
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Contra Costa County Awarded Clean CA Grant for Work on
Illegal Dumping Initiative
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Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement of $296 million in Clean California grants to underserved communities throughout the state, Caltrans will locally fund 16 projects in the Bay Area to remove trash, create jobs and engage communities to transform public spaces.
Projects include a wide range of community enhancements for cities, counties, transit agencies, and tribal governments to beautify public spaces, such as litter removal, landscaping, art installations, walking and bike paths, and other complete streets features that enhance safety and access to transportation.
The local projects are in addition to the $312 million for 126 beautification projects along the state highway system that were announced last month.
Bay Area Projects include the Contra Costa County Illegal Dumping Initiative: This project includes; renovating Montilvan Park in San Pablo, a 6-month Countywide Educational Public Outreach Campaign, a 2-year Countywide Graffiti Abatement/ Abandoned and Derelict RV/Boat Abatement, Proper Waste Collection, Prevention and Illegal Dumping reporting signage, a Countywide Community Clean-Up Event, and Wireless high-definition surveillance cameras for illegal dumping hot spot monitoring. For a complete list of projects and more information about Clean California, visit CleanCA.com.
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Supervisor Andersen Welcomed Tassajara Valley and Unincorporated Danville Residents at March 30 Town Hall |
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Candace provided updates on County issues and answered several great questions to a group of residents at the Tassajara Valley and Unincorporated Danville Town Hall on March 30 at Diablo Vista Middle School. She is shown in the photo above with her staff members, left to right, Jennifer Quallick, Gayle Israel, and Cameron Collins. |
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Walnut Creek State of the City Presentation |
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The State of the City address was given by Mayor Matt Francois on March 29 to share with the community an update on Walnut Creek’s priorities for the upcoming year. It was followed by Q & A moderated by Matt Guichard.
To watch the recording click on the video link below.
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Vineyard Stroll, Sipping and Supporting for
AAUW College Scholarships
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On Friday, April 22nd, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University (AAUW) Women will be raising money for one of their key programs: Scholarships for women and girls in the San Ramon Valley.
This is an opportunity to support women and girls while enjoying an evening in a local vineyard with fine friends, appetizers, and wine.
Contributions will be used entirely for scholarships for college women from the San Ramon Valley. Attendance tickets include:
• Parking at the Town Lot at the Museum of San Ramon Valley, with a continuous courtesy shuttle to and from the event between 3:45 and 7:30 p.m. There will be no parking at the event site.
• Wine tasting of current vintages from Sky Terrace Vineyards
• “Springtime Sparklers” Quilt by Mary Mix and Garden basket raffle opportunities
• Gourmet appetizers and sweets from the members of DAW-AAUW
Tickets are $40. Space is limited, so order your tickets SOON by visiting their event web page https://daw-ca.aauw.net/2022apr/ or purchase (check or cash only) at East Bay Flower Company in the Danville Livery.
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ABOUTFACE Veteran Painting Workshop |
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Join in for a fun journey filled with learning, laughter, love, painting, and great stories!
The Arts and Culture Commission is offering AboutFACE to encourage arts learning and the artistic expression of Veterans, and to contribute to public understanding of and appreciation for the diverse range of Veterans’ experiences.
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Danville Police to Host “Drug Takeback Day”
Residents can drop off prescription drugs at April 30 event
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Danville residents looking to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs will have the opportunity to do so on Saturday, April 30, 2022, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when the Danville Police Department joins with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to hold a drug disposal event at the Danville Town Offices, 510 La Gonda Way.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
At the event, officials will accept pills and other solids such as patches and liquids in consumer containers. Illicit drugs, intravenous solutions, needles, and other sharps will NOT be accepted. For ease of disposal, participants are asked to place the medications in a sealed bag for drop-off.
For the free and anonymous event, residents can bring their prescription drugs to the Town Offices from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and drop off their medications for safe disposal.
“One of the things that makes Danville a safe place is the partnership between police and the community,” said Danville Police Chief Allan Shields. “Events like this one encourage residents to get rid of their unneeded prescriptions, reducing the chance for abuse or theft of drugs.”
Individuals who cannot attend the Drug Takeback Day can still drop off pharmaceuticals, including sharps, in bins at the front desk of the Danville Police Department during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Lt. Jason Ingrassia at (925) 314-3700 or [email protected].
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Commission Volunteers Sought
Town of Danville Recruiting for Several Commission Positions
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The Town of Danville is looking for residents interested in serving on one of several commissions seeking new volunteers. City Clerk Marie Sunseri said the following commissions are in the process of accepting applications for two and four-year terms beginning July 1, 2022.
- Bicycle Advisory Commission - Youth Commissioner (2-year term)
- Bicycle Advisory Commission – 5 regular members (2 and 4-year terms)
- Contra Costa County Library Commission – 1 regular and one alternate member (4-year terms)
Applications are available on the Town website at www.danville.ca.gov/Commission-Recruitment. The deadline to file an application is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022. Applicants have the options to interview with the Town Council on May 31 and June 21, 2022.
For additional information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or [email protected].
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Now Accepting Proposals for Animal Benefit Fund Contracts |
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There are three areas of funding available to qualified groups: Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is soliciting proposals from qualified and experienced nonprofit agencies to receive Animal Benefit Fund funding to provide needed services for Contra Costa County pets.
Deadline for submitting RFPs: April 30, 2022
Medical Assistance Program ($21,000 Available)
This program is for medical assistance and emergency veterinary care for animals that are in Contra Costa County and/or animals that have been accepted into the shelter's care.
Shelter Intervention Program ($21,000 Available)
Often, Contra Costa County families in a crisis turn to surrender their pet to a shelter due to a lack of financial resources. The intervention program helps to provide resources to keep animals in their homes. Examples of intervention tools: spay/neuter, behavior training assistance, fence repair, and grooming. This program may also be used to help domestic violence victims or seniors on limited incomes to keep their pets in their lives when they may otherwise have had to consider relinquishment due to a lack of funds for basic daily needs or medical concerns.
Spay Neuter and Wellness Program ($150,000 Available)
This program would make spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchips more affordable and accessible in Contra Costa County. Contra Costa Animal Services will accomplish this by establishing partnerships and developing programs to reach into the areas of our county in greatest need, targeting the species/breeds of animals most likely to be found in our shelter, and supporting healthy community cats through TNR/RTF (Trap-Neuter-Return / Return- To-Field) and Working Cat Adoptions.
How to Apply
Application for FY 2022-2023 funding must be submitted ONLINE at www.citydataservices.net. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this RFP document completely before starting the application. If there are any questions you can contact City Data Services at (650) 533-5933 or via email at [email protected].
CURRENTLY FUNDED AGENCIES
Agencies that are currently funded by Contra Costa Animal Services in FY 2021-22 that wish to apply for FY 2022-23 funding will find a link to the application in the "Applications" column when they log in at www.citydataservices.net.
NEW APPLICANTS
Agencies that are not currently funded by Contra Costa Animal Services should log onto www.citydataservices.net and use CCAS2022 (case sensitive) as both their Username and Password. Applicants will be prompted for some basic information and then issued and emailed a unique Username and Password. By logging on with these new credentials, the FY 2022-23 Application will be available as a link in the "Applications" column.
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Contra Costa County Juvenile Justice
Commission Seeks Members
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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!
PURPOSE: The Commission’s purpose, as defined by state law, is to be a public conscience in the best interest of justice for youth in the county.
WHAT WE DO: 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.
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMMITMENT: You must be a Contra Costa County resident to be considered for appointment to the Commission, and you cannot be a current employee of the County. Commissioners must be willing to attend a monthly Commission meeting and will be expected to help conduct between four to six weekday inspections of juvenile institutions throughout the year with another Commissioner.
HOW TO APPLY OR LEARN MORE: 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 our public meetings.
Applications are always accepted for Commissioner vacancies. To apply, please visit www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/2335/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.
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Contra Costa County
Hazardous Materials Commission Seeks Applicants
Do Hazardous Materials Policy Issues Interest You?
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The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission is seeking applicants to fill an Environmental Justice Seat.
You may apply if you …
- Have an understanding of, and a commitment to, the principles of Environmental Justice, as defined in County policy;
- are a layperson from a community in Contra Costa County that is highly impacted and burdened by hazardous materials facilities and releases, and will be able to represent community interests;
- have an interest in hazardous materials issues; and
- can attend monthly Commission and committee meetings.
The Commission is a voluntary body appointed by the Board of Supervisors and makes policy recommendations to the Board and County staff on issues concerning hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
The Commission’s 14 members and alternates serve four-year terms and include representatives of industry, labor, civic groups, environmental organizations, environmental engineers, the general public, cities, and Environmental Justice communities.
To obtain an application form, or for further information, contact Michael Kent, Executive Assistant to the Commission, at (925) 250-3227 or [email protected]. Applications may also be obtained from the Clerk of the Board located at 1025 Escobar Street 1st Floor, Martinez CA 94553.
You may also submit an application by mail, e-mail, or online:
Applications must be received by May 31, 2022 and, if mailed, mailed to the Clerk of the Board.
Interviews for qualified applicants will take place from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on June 10, 2022.
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Opportunity to Serve on the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority Advisory Committee
IHSS Public Authority Poised to Fill Several Vacancies
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The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority Advisory Committee currently has four (4) volunteer vacancies for individuals who are current or past users of IHSS or Personal Attendant Services. Individuals who are in the following categories can fill the vacancies:
- Consumer 60 or Older - Two (2) vacancies
- Consumer Any Age - Two (2) vacancies
Additionally, there are two (2) District volunteer vacancies representing Districts II (Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, and Canyon), and District V (Hercules, Martinez Pittsburg, Antioch). Individuals residing or working in either of these two (2) Districts, with professional experience in the following categories, may apply:
- Senior Advocate
- Advocate for Younger Persons with Disabilities
- Representative from the Developmental Disability Community
- Social Worker
- Nurse
- Representative from a Community Based Organization
- Representative from a Home Health Agency
- Current or Previous IHSS Provider
Individuals who reside or work in Contra Costa County who are interested in applying for these Volunteer Vacancies on the IHSS Public Authority Committee can obtain an application from Monique Rodriguez by calling (925) 363-6670 or emailing [email protected].
Applications should be returned to the IHSS Public Authority as soon as possible. All applicants will receive acknowledgement in writing. Following the review of applications, the review committee will forward recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for appointment.
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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 has continued throughout 2021 and into 2022. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people can participate than ever before.
If you are interested in participating in government, then perhaps one of these volunteer opportunities is 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.
2 Alternate Seats
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo community for police services.
County Service Area, P-2A Citizen Advisory Committee (Blackhawk)
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The County Services Area, P-2A Citizens Advisory Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Blackhawk community for extended police services which shall include, but not be limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code, crime prevention, litter control, and other issues.
You must reside within the Blackhawk community to serve on this board.
Police Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM, at the Blackhawk Police Service District Office at 1092 Eagle Nest Pl.
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.
Contra Costa Commission for Women & Girls has Openings
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Commission’s mission is to improve the economic status, social welfare, and overall quality of life for women in Contra Costa County. The number one piece of actionable work the Contra Costa County Commission for Women & Girls is primarily dedicated to advising the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors as well as assisting with potential legislation or relevant topics. The Commission also conducts educational events for the community, which is where the commission has its primary impact. For more information, visit their website at women and girls commission.
In-Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee (IHSS)
1 Seat
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