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Board of Supervisors to Host AANHPI Heritage Celebration
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors invites everyone to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities at its 4th Annual AANHPI Heritage Month event. The celebration will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 12th, in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St., Martinez.
This year’s theme, Journey of Joy, Hope & Connection, celebrates how our cultural heritage and lived experiences shape who we are today. It encourages younger and future generations to embrace, honor, and carry forward their AANHPI roots with pride and purpose.
The multimedia event will feature live performances representing traditions from Nepal, Mongolia, India, Vietnam, and other AANHPI cultures.
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To learn more about the County’s 2026 AANHPI celebration, visit the
AANHPI page on Contra Costa County's website.
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Get Ready to Vote - June 2nd
Election Info
Ballots for the June 2nd Statewide Direct Primary Election are now on the way to all registered Contra Costa County voters.
Voters should have already received their County Voter Information Guide. If your ballot does not arrive by May 18th, contact the Elections Office at 925-335-7800 or ballot@vote.cccounty.us.
All registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot with prepaid postage. Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped at an official drop box, or turned in at a voting location. To be counted, mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 7 days of the postmark.
Prefer to vote in person? You can do so at early voting sites or on Election Day. You can also register or update your registration online by May 18th, or in person after May 18th.
Voters can find a list of convenient drop-box locations and early voting locations by clicking June 2nd Voting locations. Ballots must be dropped off no later than 8 pm on Election Day.
Ballot tracking is a service provided by the Secretary of State that will send voters a notice about their ballot, including when it’s mailed, received, and counted. Voters can know where their ballot is every step of the way at Wheres my ballot.
For more information about the June 2nd Primary Election, go to ContraCostaVote.gov.
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Girls on Fire: Empowering the Next Generation
Last weekend, ConFire hosted an inspiring Girls Empowerment Camp, giving girls a hands-on look at careers in fire service and emergency response. Participants connected with firefighters and mentors, tried out real equipment, and took part in team-based challenges that built confidence, leadership skills, and resilience.
County Supervisors and local elected leaders were also in attendance to show their support, underscoring the community’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young women. The event highlighted the importance of representation in public safety, encouraging girls to see themselves in these critical roles while fostering a sense of community and possibility. Programs like this help open doors, spark interest in public service careers, and empower the next generation of leaders.
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Supervisors Scales-Preston, Andersen and Carlson are pictured with participants from the Girls Empowerment Event, celebrating leadership, confidence, and opportunities for young women across Contra Costa County.
To learn more about Contra Costa Fire Foundation Girls Empowerment event visit HERE.
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Celebrating Courage at the Family Justice Center Gala
Supervisor Candace Andersen joined community leaders, advocates, and supporters this evening at the Contra Costa Family Justice Center (FJC) gala, celebrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse.
The gala highlighted the important work of the Contra Costa Family Justice Center, which provides comprehensive services and safe spaces for families across Contra Costa County through its centers in Concord, Antioch, Richmond, Danville, and Fairfield. Guests gathered to honor the organization’s mission of healing, safety, and community while raising support for programs that assist vulnerable individuals and families throughout the region.
| Supervisor Andersen is pictured with Dana Filkowski, Deputy District Attorney over Contra Costa Juvenile Division and FJC Board Member; Bisa French, Executive Director of the FJC; and Mireille LaFont, FJC Site Director in Danville. | To learn more about how the FJC serves families across Contra Costa visit FamilyJustice.org. | | |
Congressman DeSaulnier Host Community Town Hall at Stanley Middle School
Supervisor Candace Andersen introduced Congressman Mark DeSaulnier in Lafayette on Tuesday night at Stanley Middle School for a community meeting with local residents. The event provided an opportunity to hear directly from the congressman as he answered questions and discussed key regional issues, including transportation, public safety, education, and other priorities affecting East Bay families.
The meeting highlighted the importance of continued collaboration across all levels of government to address community needs and improve quality of life in the region.
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To connect with Congressman DeSaulnier via email, newsletter
or with his staff visit HERE.
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Wildfire Preparedness Week Recognized in California Senate
On May 7th, Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Jill Ray, attended a special presentation on the Senate floor in Sacramento as Senator Tim Grayson recognized the week of May 3rd as Wildfire Preparedness Week in the State of California through Senate Concurrent Resolution 165 (SCR 165).
The recognition highlighted the important work of Senator Grayson's East Bay Regional Wildfire Task Force and its continued efforts to improve regional wildfire prevention, preparedness, and public safety through collaborative discussions and partnerships throughout Contra Costa County and the East Bay.
Supervisor Andersen appreciates the ongoing collaboration among local agencies, fire districts, elected officials, and community partners working together to strengthen wildfire resilience and help keep residents safe.
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Deputy Chief of Staff Jill Ray joins members of the California State Senate, legislative delegates, and staff during Thursday’s Senate session at the State Capitol, reflecting a shared commitment to wildfire collaboration, and advancing priorities
for communities across California.
To learn more about Senator Grayson and SD09 visit HERE.
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Prescribed Fire - Orinda Woods Area
Fire crews from the Moraga-Orinda Fire District and Contra Costa County Fire will be burning piled material Friday, May 8 in the Orinda Woods area. The project is scheduled to begin around 9:30 AM and will be completed by 4:30 PM.
MOFD is coordinating the burns with Contra Costa County Fire and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The shaded fuel break maintenance project is funded by Contra Costa County Measure X. Our goal is to ensure the project objectives are met and operations are conducted safely, with minimal impact to the community.
If burning conditions become unfavorable the work will be rescheduled. Residents with views of the Hwy 24 corridor and motorists in the area may see or smell smoke.
MOFD will continue to provide information related to the project on
MOFD's Facebook page.
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'Beautiful Moraga Orinda' Highlights Attractive and Affordable Wildfire-Resilient Landscapes
As Bay Area homeowners begin receiving wildfire compliance notices from their fire districts, Beautiful Moraga Orinda offers residents inspiration and practical next steps for making their properties safer, without sacrificing beauty.
As part of Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda (FSMO), a nonprofit working to reduce wildfire risk and improve preparedness across the Moraga-Orinda community, Beautiful Moraga Orinda addresses key questions home owners have about wildfire resilient landscaping, including: “Will it look good?” “Can I do it on a budget?” And “How do I get started?” By showcasing local examples of attractive, wildfire resilient landscaping, decks and fences, the goal is to show residents how yards that reduce wildfire risk can also be beautiful, approachable, and achievable across a range of budgets.
The need is urgent. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), embers cause up to 90% of home ignitions during wildfires. But creating an ember-resistant buffer around a home can cut its risk of igniting from wildfire in half. Beautiful Moraga Orinda translates that guidance into visible, local examples residents can learn from and adapt.
Supervisor Andersen provided funding from the District 2 Community Impact Grants to Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda to help our most vulnerable residents work toward wildfire resilience on their properties.
Learn practical tips and design ideas at Beautiful Moraga Orinda
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May is Military Appreciation Month
May's Military Appreciation Month is a good time to recognize the invaluable contributions of our senior veterans who have selflessly dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms.
Senior Helpers is helping senior Veterans to understand how they can qualify and apply for the VA’s Aid & Attendance Benefit, which pays seniors for the in-home senior care they need to live comfortably and safely. Veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for this benefit, which is a tax-free pension benefit that provides financial aid to help offset the cost of long-term, non-medical in-home care.
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Summer Bike Challenge
Explore your town from the seat of a bike!
Looking for free summertime activities, fun for the whole family? Check out 511 CCTA’s Summer Bike Challenge: a no-cost and non-competitive biking program for people of all ages.
Each Contra Costa city has its own unique gameboard filled with bikeable destinations. Simply ride to each location and cross off the squares as you go – like BINGO! Plus, weekly Bonus Challenges will send you on extra rides to capture new Challenge Themes with chances to win $20 gift cards. 10 winners every week!
Ready to roll? Visit 511.ccta.ca to download your gameboard and get started.
511 CCTA is a program of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority
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Contra Costa Clean Water Program Launches Community Survey
The Contra Costa Clean Water Program has launched a short, countywide survey to learn what residents think about local environmental issues.
The survey takes about five minutes and will help the agency better understand what people know about stormwater systems, infrastructure, and climate change. Results will guide future outreach and education efforts.
All residents, homeowners, renters, and business owners, are encouraged to participate. The goal is to hear from people across all five Supervisorial Districts. The survey is available in English and Spanish.
Residents can take the survey online at HERE.
For more information about the survey or the Contra Costa Clean Water Program, please visit cccleanwater.org.
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Contra Costa Libraries are pleased to introduce LearningExpress Library
Achieve your goals in school, at work, and in life with an easy-to-use e-learning platform: LearningExpress Library. It is designed to support learners of all ages. Whether you’re looking to strengthen core academic skills, prepare for college admissions exams, earn your high school equivalency, or enter the workforce, LearningExpress offers the tools you need to succeed.
Explore a wide range of resources, including practice tests, quizzes, tutorials, micro-lessons, e-books, articles, and flashcards, all designed to help you build confidence and reach your goals.
Visit the Library's Digital Resource Page to get started.
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Paws-itively Fun May - Adopt, Connect & Care with
Animal Services 🐾
Contra Costa County Animal Services is hosting a series of upcoming community events this May, including mobile dog adoption pop-ups across Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Pinole, and Martinez, as well as a free vaccination and microchip clinic and an Animal Services Officer Town Hall. These events offer great opportunities to meet adoptable pets, access essential services, and connect with Animal Services.
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Building Stronger Connections
in Child Care
Come Celebrate, Connect, and Reflect on Child Care
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Are you a family chid care provider in Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Tassajara Valley, and parts of unincorporated Walnut Creek?
Come learn about CocoKids and connect with fellow family child care providers for an evening of community, conversation and dinner.
| | | |  | Please register by clicking the QR code above. | | | |
To learn more about CocoKids and their mission to support early childhood education visit CocoKids.org.
Funded by a District 2 Community Impact Grant
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Ridge to Ridge Challenge 2026
The Ridge-to-Ridge Challenge is an annual fundraiser supporting Sustainable Contra Costa and its youth program, Sustainable Leaders in Action (SLIA). Each year, high school and college students collaborate to raise awareness about climate issues and inspire meaningful, non-political sustainability efforts throughout Contra Costa County.
Choose Your Ridge-to-Ridge Experience!
Fossil Hill Scavenger Hunt (~1.4 miles)
A fun, interactive walking loop around Fossil Hill. Individuals or teams follow puzzle-style clues to locate scavenger points along the course. Participants photograph each location and race back to the finish once all points are found.
Indian Valley Nature Walk (~1.4 miles)
A relaxed, educational walk featuring short talks from local experts on topics such as: Geology of Shell Ridge, Indian Creek restoration, History of Quarry Hill and Fossil Hill, Native plants and habitat restoration and Wildlife of the open space.
Ridge-to-Ridge Challenge Run (5K / 3.1 miles)
A challenging and scenic trail run through the hills and valleys of the open space.
Saturday, May 9th
9 AM – 1 PM
Shell Ridge Open Space, Walnut Creek
Click here to register!
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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 Opportunities
Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Association
Individuals with a sound business background, experience in pension fund investment or administration, or in equity investments or banking, are being invited to serve on the Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Association (CCCERA) Board of Trustees. Candidates must be Contra Costa County residents and cannot be members or retirees of CCCERA. Applicants also may not market investment or consulting services to any 1937 Act Retirement Board.
The Board meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9 AM, with meetings sometimes continuing into the afternoon. Application deadline is Friday, May 8th at 5 PM. Public Interview, in person or via zoom, will be Tuesday, May 26th.
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.
The seat available currently is an At Large Seat. Applicants must either live or work in Contra Costa County. Interviews will be either in person, or via zoom, at the May 19th Public Protection Committee.
Click here to submit an Application.
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