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Memorial Day weekend 2026 events in Contra Costa County
Ceremonies & Remembrance
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Danville Memorial Day Ceremony: Hosted by the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley. Music begins at 10:30 AM, and the formal tribute starts at 11:00 AM. Located at the All Wars Memorial in Oak Hill Park (3005 Stone Valley Rd, Danville)
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Danville Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony: Gather at 8:00 PM near the flagpole at the Veterans Memorial Building (400 Hartz Ave, Danville). The historic beacon atop Mount Diablo will be remotely lit at 8:20 PM, accompanied by a flyover of WWII-era vintage aircraft from Valiant Effort.
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San Ramon Memorial Day Program: Starts at 9:00 AM at Memorial Park (5001 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon). The 1-hour program features patriotic music by the Olympia Fields Brass. Community members can place flags in the Commemorative Field of Flags from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
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Walnut Creek Memorial Day Ceremony: Begins at 11:00 AM at Civic Park (corner of Civic Dr and N Broadway). It includes remarks by Mayor Kevin Wilk, a keynote by retired Army Lt. Col. Davis, and music by the Walnut Creek Concert Band. The event wraps up across the street at City Hall's Veterans Memorial
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Pleasant Hill Ceremony: Program starts at 1:00 PM at Soldiers Memorial Monument (At the corner of Boyd Road and Contra Costa Boulevard in the Hyatt House Hotel parking lot).
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Board of Supervisors Adopts Fiscal Year
2026-2027 Budget
This week the Board of Supervisors approved the County’s $7.248 billion Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget during its regular meeting in Martinez.
The budget reflects the County’s continued commitment to maintaining essential public services while preparing for financial challenges caused by reduced state and federal funding.
The budget is balanced through a mix of ongoing revenue and one-time allocation of departmental reserve funds as county departments respond to rising costs and policy changes. Programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh are expected to face funding reductions and eligibility changes under new federal policies, placing added pressure on County services. To review the impact on our county visit H.R. 1 and State Budget Impacts.
The budget includes more than 11,000 County positions and continues efforts to manage costs and staffing needs efficiently.
County leaders also noted ongoing financial challenges, including rising operational costs, slower local revenue growth, and uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding. A proposed five-year sales tax measure on the June ballot could help generate additional funding to support County services in the years ahead.
Click here to view the FY 26-27 adopted budget visit
To watch Tuesday's BOS meeting in its entirety visit HERE.
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Contra Costa County Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month
The Board of Supervisors proudly recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of supporting mental wellness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Mental health affects individuals and families across every community, and the Board remains committed to ensuring residents have access to compassionate care, supportive services, and critical resources. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available in Contra Costa County through crisis services, counseling programs, behavioral health resources, and community-based support organizations.
Residents can access services through the Contra Costa Crisis Center or the Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services Department. In an emergency or mental health crisis, individuals can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
No one should face mental health challenges alone, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
| | Members of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors joined the Contra Costa Behavioral Health team and dedicated community advocates in support of Mental Health Awareness Month and continued efforts to expand access to care, wellness resources, and community-based support services throughout the county. | If you or someone you know may need support, click HERE for resources that are available throughout Contra Costa County. | | |
A Proud Sendoff for Local Military Bound Students
Last Sunday Supervisor Andersen attended the American Legion Mount Diablo Post 246’s post-graduation military swearing-in ceremony, honoring local students who have chosen to enlist in the United States Armed Forces following graduation and those who have been admitted and plan to the Service Academies.
The ceremony, hosted by American Legion Post 246, recognized the commitment and dedication of young recruits as they formally took their oaths of service, and honored those who have been admitted to military academies where they will be sworn in. Families, community members, and veterans gathered to celebrate this significant milestone and show support for the next generation of service members.
Supervisor Andersen offered congratulations to the students and their families, expressing appreciation for their willingness to serve and acknowledging the sacrifices that military service entails. The event underscored the strong tradition of service and patriotism within the local community, as well as the importance of supporting those who step forward to serve our country.
| | Military recruits received congratulations and words of encouragement from local dignitaries during Saturday’s special ceremony at the Danville Town Green. | | Supervisor Andersen and Mayor Newell Arnerich, Danville | |  | Supervisor Andersen and Councilmember Renee Morgan, Danville. | | | |
Supervisor Andersen Joins a Joyful Celebration of
Korean Culture at the Hansamo Showcase
Supervisor Andersen attended the Hansamo Showcase at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center on Sunday evening, joining community members in celebrating a vibrant display of cultural performance and artistic expression. The event highlighted a range of talent, bringing together performers and attendees in a lively showcase of music, dance, and tradition from Korea.
Hansasmo is a Korean American non-profit organization made up of middle and high school students and their parents, committed to promoting the beauty of the Korean language and traditional culture.
Supervisor Andersen expressed appreciation to the organizers and participants for creating an engaging and well-attended community gathering that continues to strengthen cultural understanding and connection across Contra Costa County.
| | Supervisor Andersen with Sam Chung, Director of the Performance Team with Hansamo. Sam plays a significant role in supporting the organization's mission to promote Korean culture through performances and community engagement. | | Supervisor Andersen, San Ramon Mayor Mark Armstrong, and other elected officials are pictured with the talented performers and dancers of Hansamo. | | Click here, to learn more about Hansamo. | | |
Honoring Bold Ideas at the Game Changers Awards
Supervisor Andersen attended the Innovation Tri-Valley Game Changers Awards this week, joining regional leaders, innovators, and community partners in celebrating individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across the Tri-Valley.
The annual awards program highlights creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration driving economic vitality and technological advancement in the region. Attendees recognized this year’s honorees for their contributions to innovation, workforce development, and community growth.
Supervisor Andersen expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the event and to celebrate the continued spirit of innovation that strengthens the broader Bay Area economy and supports future-focused opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
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Katie Marcel, CEO of the Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group, and Supervisor Andersen enjoyed the Innovation
Tri-Valley Leadership Group’s Game Changer Awards on Thursday evening at Bishop Ranch, celebrating innovation and
regional leadership across the Tri-Valley.
Click here, to learn more about Innovation Tri-Valley.
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New CalFresh Requirements Start
June 1st
More CalFresh participants will need to work or participate in a community engagement activity to keep getting their food benefits.
Work requirements for able-bodied adults ages 18-64 receiving CalFresh will resume June 1st. This is known as the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rule.
To meet this new requirement, Contra Costa County CalFresh customers may need to:
- Work or volunteer an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month)
- Attend school or participate in a job training program
These changes do not affect all CalFresh recipients. To determine if your benefits are being impacted, to apply for benefits, or to learn more, visit CalFresh.
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Join Supervisor Andersen at the Move Bay Area East Bay Summit on Friday, May 29
East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) is excited to partner with Move Bay Area and invite you to the Move Bay Area East: Connecting the Bay on Friday, May 29 from 8:30 AM to 3 PM at the Don Tatzin Community Hall in Lafayette.
Move Bay Area is looking ahead to define the innovative funding strategies and bold transit improvements needed to truly connect the Bay. Supervisor Andersen will be participating in a morning panel discussion. Join other community leaders, transportation advocates, business leaders, and local partners on May 29, 2026 at the Move Bay Area East Bay Summit, where you will:
* Learn from speakers' successes and challenges
* Take part in lively discussion activities
* Network with others passionate about transportation
* Help shape the future of transportation in the Bay Area
Who Should Attend:
The people who know the system best -- transit riders, transportation professionals, planners, advocates, local officials, community organizations, students, and anyone invested in improving transportation in the East Bay.
This FREE event brings together public officials, businesses, community advocates, and transportation leaders.
REGISTER HERE for this FREE event. Breakfast and lunch included.
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Dine out and Support Contra Costa Senior Legal Services
Wednesday, May 27th
11am - 11pm
Lazy Dog Restaurant
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It's a Fundraiser - 15% of check proceeds will support CCSLS!
Visit Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and enjoy a great meal while supporting Contra Costa Senior Legal Services. Before paying your bill, simply tell your server the code “02Concord” and let them know you are there to support Contra Costa Senior Legal Services.
The funds raised will be used to provide legal services to seniors in our county.
Click here, to learn more about Contra Costa Senior Legal Services.
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Youth Ride Free is Back - No application. No ID. No passes. Get on and go!
Level up this summer with Youth Ride Free! Getting around Contra Costa County just got a whole lot easier (again). County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT are bringing back Youth Ride Free for summer 2026, giving youth 18 and under the freedom to ride any County Connection bus fare-free from June 1 through July 31.
Coming soon: Youth Ride Free Leaderboard
We’re gamifying Youth Ride Free and asking participants (13-18) to log their trips on County Connection. When passengers participate, their trip count and miles traveled will post on the main leaderboard. Logging rides leads to prizes. More on that soon!
Simple, Easy, and Made for You(th)
Youth Ride Free is designed to be as easy as possible. Whether you’re heading to a job, meeting up with friends, or exploring your community, hopping on the bus is all it takes. No paperwork, no lines, no hassle, just ride.
Why Youth Ride Free?
This program is about more than free fares—it’s about opening doors and creating opportunities for young people across our community.
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Enhance Mobility – Give youth the freedom to travel independently and confidently.
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Access Opportunities – Connect to jobs, libraries, parks, shopping centers, and more.
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Build Connections – Encourage social interaction while helping youth develop transit skills and confidence.
- Improve Service – Better understand how young riders travel to help shape the future of transit in Contra Costa County.
Remove Barriers, Roll Out the Welcome Mat
We’re rethinking what it means to access transit. By eliminating fares, applications, and ID requirements, Youth Ride Free creates a truly open invitation for young riders. No fees. No forms. No catch. Just freedom to move.
Get on and go - we’ll see you on board this summer!
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Celebrating Small Business Month
May is Small Business Month, and the East Bay has a wide range of resources available to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Throughout the month, the East Bay Small Business Development Center offers no-cost or low-cost workshops, advising sessions, and networking events designed to support business owners at every stage.
Topics often include access to capital, marketing strategies, business planning, and navigating permitting and compliance requirements. These programs provide practical tools and one-on-one guidance to help local businesses remain competitive and resilient in a changing economy.
Business owners are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and connect with regional experts and peers.
Visit CalOSBA for statewide small business resources and opportunities.
Visit East Bay EDA for networking and small business resources.
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Community Health Assessment 2026
Across Contra Costa, community partners are coming together to better understand how residents are doing, what helps boost well-being, and what may be making well-being harder to reach. At the heart of this Community Health Assessment is a commitment to ensure voices from across our communities are heard, valued, and reflected in what is shaped, prioritized, and invested in next.
Contra Costa Health is working with our community partners as a network to ensure that voices from across our communities are heard and reflected.
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Make your voice heard and help shape future public health programs and services. Survey is available in several languages.
Visit HERE to start health survey and for your chance to win a $50 gift card!
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Siesta Valley Bowl Season Kick Off Event
The Siesta Valley Bowl is tucked into the Orinda hills, home to the former Cal Shakes and Bruns Amphitheater. The Siesta Valley Foundation is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing this unique East Bay watershed and its historic amphitheater, ensuring it remains a place of environmental stewardship, cultural expression, and public benefit.
Siesta Valley Bowl's inaugural season kicks off on May 30th, with a performance featuring Talking Heads tribute band, Burning Down the House.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
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Reference Solutions Database Availabe at Contra Costa Libraries
Attention job seekers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs: the Library offers free access to Reference Solutions, a powerful research database that provides in-depth information on more than 86 million businesses across the United States and Canada.
Users can search detailed company profiles, including financial data, sales estimates, industry classifications, news articles, employee statistics, and potential job openings. This resource can be especially valuable for those exploring career opportunities, conducting market research, identifying business leads, or developing strategies for growth.
Available at no cost with a library card, Reference Solutions is a valuable tool to help the community make informed decisions, discover opportunities, and better understand the regional and national business landscape.
Visit the Digital Resources page at ccclib.org to get started.
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FREE ADMISSION
Food Trucks Available
All Concerts Are Friday's 6:30-8:30 @ Livorna Park
July 10... SUN KINGS Beatles tribute
July 17... FOURJOUR Foreigner/Journey tribute
July 24... HIGHWAY VAGABONDS Miranda Lambert tribute
July 31... FOG CITY SWAMPERS Classic rock covers
Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner to this concert. If special accommodations are required to participate, contact Alamo Recreation Staff (925) 313-2181
For more information about Alamo's Concert Series visit HERE.
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District 2 Volunteer Opportunity
Behavioral Health Board
One District 2 Family Member Seat Available
Proposition 1, passed in April 2024, included legislation mandating transformation of the public behavioral health system. Provisions of SB 326 included implementation of an integrated Behavioral Health Board. This integrated advisory body is to include designated members of the community prepared to address community mental health and substance use treatment services.
The mandated functions of the Behavioral Health Board include to:
- Review and evaluate the local public mental health system, the local public substance use disorder treatment system, the community’s public behavioral health needs, services, facilities, and special problems where services are being provided
- Advise the Board of Supervisors and the Behavioral Health Director on community mental health and substance use disorder services.
- Review county agreements, adopted Behavioral Health Services Act plan and make recommendations to the local behavioral health agency.
- Ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages
- Submit an annual report.
- Review and recommend appointment of the local director of behavioral health services.
- Review and comment on county’s performance outcome date
- Assess the impact of the realignment of services.
- Conduct a public hearing on the draft three-year program and expenditure plan and annual updates at the close of the 30-day comment period required by subdivision.
- Provide an annual report of written explanations to the local governing body and Department of Health Care Service.
Submit an Application.
Click here for information on volunteering for an advisory board.
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County Wide Volunteer Opportunity
Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council
The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC) is a multi-agency advisory body that contributes to the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan. It is composed of several critical parts: an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drugs, alcohol, and youth resources, which specifically target both at-promise, as well as system involved youth, and their families.
The JJCC will also coordinate the work of governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community. Further, the JJCC will develop information and intelligence sharing systems to ensure county actions are fully coordinated and equipped to provide data and appropriate outcome measures.
There is one At Large Seat and one Youth Representative Seat available. Applicants must either live or work in Contra Costa County. Applications are due by 5PM on Monday, July 6th, Interviews will be either in person, or via zoom, at the July 20th Public Protection Committee.
Click here to submit an Application.
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