Banner with a photo of Supervisor Diane Burgis and the Seal of Contra Costa County

District 3 Newsletter for October 12

New Fire Stations will make Brentwood Safer

Rendering of the future Fire Station 94

A potential rendering of the future Fire Station 94 coming to Downtown Brentwood

The past three years have brought massive improvements to fire protection services in East County. As your District III County Supervisor and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board Member, I want to share with you the progress made up to now and information about two new Brentwood fire stations set for construction in 2024.


Two major changes in recent years have increased our firefighting capacity: voters passed Measure X, a half-cent sales tax to improve public safety and other County services in 2020, and East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) was consolidated into Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire) on July 1, 2022. 


With the increase in financial resources and the efficiency gains of joining a larger agency, we have opened one new Oakley fire station, added two new fire crews for faster responses, and upgraded our crews to provide paramedic-level care so they can carry out more complicated medical tasks than EMTs.


The next improvements coming are a new Brentwood station on Empire Road and the return of a fire station in its Downtown Brentwood location on First Street. Fire Station 54 downtown served Brentwood for 57 years before ECCFPD’s budget problems forced it to close in 2014. Thankfully, ConFire has the resources to build a new modern fire station that is capable of housing 21st century fire engines, which are larger than any engine the original fire house designers could have expected in the 1950s.


The requirement for larger garages, modern earthquake standards and other firefighting necessities means that the new Station 94 will need a larger footprint. The County, which owns the parcels on either side of the station, has pledged approximately 3,500 square feet of undeveloped land to Con Fire to make room for this lifesaving community resource. Most of that land would come from the south side of the station, but 1,212 square feet would come from land on the north side next to the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building.


Some in the Brentwood veterans community have expressed concerns about the new construction, but the fire station would be built on a part of the County-owned land currently used as an unpermitted gravel parking lot and temporary storage units. Neither of the two permanent structures that the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building uses would be impacted; in fact, Contra Costa County has invested more than $100,000 improving those structures in recent years, and the County is pursuing nearly $200,000 in future funds to improve the building’s fire alarm systems, air conditioning, exterior siding and more.


In the coming months, ConFire will hire design-build teams for the new fire stations, and the projects will go through the City of Brentwood’s planning and permitting process, complete with CEQA compliance and public hearings. If designs are approved in a timely manner, construction of both new stations will break ground in 2024. When they open, Brentwood and the rest of East County will have the highest level of professional fire protection in our history, and our entire community will be safer for it.

"Tested in Byron": Personal Flying Electric Vehicle Announced, Goes on Sale in 2024

Helix eVTOL

George Jetson would feel right at home if he visited Byron Airport.


That's because in recent years, companies like Pivotal have been testing their innovative personal flying electric vehicle prototypes at Byron. Last week, Pivotal unveiled the Helix, a new eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle in development since 2011. The Helix will be priced at $190,000 when it goes on sale in 2024.


Testing innovative technologies at Byron was our goal when I worked with the Contra Costa County Airports Division to partner with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies to make our Contra Costa County airports official unmanned aerial system test sites. Byron Airport and Buchanan Field are in perfect locations to test drones because of the open testing areas and their proximity to the various aviation companies headquartered in the Bay Area (Pivotal is based in Palo Alto). Learn more about our Bay Area Test Site, a.k.a. "Drone Town USA" on the Contra Costa County Airports website or by watching the video below.


Having groundbreaking testing facilities in Contra Costa County is just the first step. In the medium and long term, we're working to have the vehicles of the future developed and even manufactured locally. In the meantime, I'm proud to have products tested in District III ready for sale to aviators everywhere.

Supervisor Diane Burgis Discusses UAS (Drones) at the Byron Airport

Bethel Island Health and Safety Fair Delivered Screenings and Services

Bethel Island Health and Safety Fair

More than 50 community members from Bethel Island and beyond visited the Bethel Island Health and Safety Fair last Saturday. They had the opportunity to receive health services and learn more about local resources. Dozens of residents received this season's flu and Covid shots, and health screenings were offered for memory, blood pressure, fall risk and sexually transmitted infections like hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis.


Thanks to the dozens of agencies and nonprofits who helped make the day a success!

Community Events

Join Engagement Sessions for Proposed Youth Centers funded by Measure X

Flyer: Youth Center Community Engagement Sessions

You're invited to join engagement sessions to shape the proposed youth centers funded by your Measure X tax dollars.


To take the online survey, learn about upcoming in-person community sessions or attend a virtual community session, visit: linktr.ee/SocialChangePartners


Questions? Comments?

Reach out to community@socialchangepartners.com

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Discovery Bay

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day flyer

Remove unneeded medications and drop them off with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office.


Saturday, October 28: 10 am - 2 pm

Sandy Cove Shopping Center

14840 Highway 4, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

(Look for us between CVS and Safeway)

Community Info

Take the Restorative Justice Survey Today!

ORJ_logo

The Office of Reentry and Justice is seeking community input on the needs and priorities for restorative justice practices in Contra Costa County.


With Measure X funds, the Probation Department, through its Office of Reentry & Justice, is looking to hear from county residents to better understand community needs and priorities for exploring opportunities to introduce restorative practices within our local systems and communities.


Take this 5 min survey (provided in English and in Spanish) and let your voice be heard!

The Area Agency on Aging wants to hear from you!

Area Agency on Aging Flyer

Help shape how we meet the needs of seniors and disabled adults in our community while supporting their caregivers.

Participate in a focus group to help develop Contra Costa County’s 2024-28 Area Plan on Aging.


The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) wants to hear from:

  • Seniors age 60+
  • Adults with disabilities age 18-59
  • Family or informal caregivers


Upcoming East County Focus Group Sessions:

Friday, October 6 • 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm • Oakley Senior Center • 215 Second St, Oakley



Friday, October 13 • 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm • Antioch Senior Center • 415 W. 2nd St, Antioch


Questions?

Call (925) 655-0774 or visit ehsd.org

Nominate a Student or Adult for Humanitarian of the Year

Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony.


The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Monday, Oct. 23.


The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, this year’s theme is “Beloved Community.”


The Board of Supervisors plans to recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.


Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity.


To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.


Apply Now to First Ever Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition

Shark Tank Youth Competition

Introducing the first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition!


Win $1,000 to launch or grow your business. No idea is too small!


The competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities.


Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more and apply.


Winners selected by a panel of judges on February 6, 2024 at the Lafayette Library.


Deadline to apply is November 15th!

Get Involved!

Would you like to serve on the Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee?

Join Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee.


Requirements:

  • Civic-minded
  • Interested in volunteering for public service
  • Experience with auditing principles and financial management best practices


If you have the skills and experience required, we want to hear from you!


How do I apply?

Submit an application online here: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database


For more information, contact Adam Nguyen at 925-655-2048 or Adam.Nguyen@cao.cccounty.us

County Commission Openings

Contra Costa County Seal

The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation from numerous citizen advisory boards on a range of issues. Boards usually meet monthly regularly.

Candidates for these positions must live in District 3 or any specified boundary area for special districts. 

District 3 is comprised of the cities of Antioch, Oakley, and Brentwood, and the unincorporated communities of Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen, and Discovery Bay.


Find out more by visiting the Board of Supervisors 

Appointed Bodies, Committees & Commissions 

webpage.


Download application here:

https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database


Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s office located at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553

or by email to clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us 



For more information, including on how to apply, contact District 3 Representative Alicia Nuchols at Alicia.Nuchols@bos.cccounty.us.

Aviation Advisory Committee

2 Seats (1 for Airport Neighbor, 1 At-Large)

Closing Date: Friday, October 20, 2023

 

Description:

The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to the Contra Costa County Airports. The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport. Upon appointment by the Board of Supervisors the new appointees would serve a term expiring on February 28, 2027.

 

Qualifications:

One position is at large and open to anyone who workss or resides in Contra Costa County. The Airport Neighbor position is designated for someone who works or resides in Byron, Brentwood, Knightsen or Discovery Bay.

 

County Service Area Citizen Advisory Committee

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

 

Description:

The County Service Area P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee creates reports and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on extended police protection services which includes, but is not limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code where authorized by law, crime prevention, and litter control.

 

Meetings: 

Quarterly- Second Wednesday of the Month

6:00 PM

Discovery Bay Community Center

1601 Discovery Bay Boulevard, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

 

 

Assessment Appeals Board

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

 

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 determined the value of the disputed property or determines other matters of property tax assessment within the board’s jurisdiction.

 

Qualifications:

Applicants should possess five or more years of professional experience in California as one of the following: licensed real estate broker, attorney, certified public accountant (CPA) or public accountant, property appraiser accredited by a nationally-recognized professional organization, property appraiser certified by the Office of Real Estate Appraisers, or property appraiser certified by the State Board of Equalization. 

 

 

Mental Health Commission

1 Seat (Seat 3 – Family Member)

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


To review and assess the community's mental health needs, services, facilities, and special problems, in order to advise the Board of Supervisors concerning local mental health services and programs.


The Mental Health Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at 550 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill. Note: The Commission may not meet during the month of December. Check the Meeting Schedule page for a complete list of meetings.

 

 

Emergency Medical Care Committee

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The Emergency Medical Care Committee reviews the County's ambulance and other emergency services as required in State law; and serves in an advisory capacity to the County Board of Supervisors, and to the County EMS Agency, on matters relating to emergency medical services as directed by the Board.


Meetings will normally be held at the Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administrative Office, 777 Arnold Drive, Martinez, CA, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

 

Knightsen Town Advisory Council (KTAC)

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

 

The Council advises the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Knightsen and may represent the Knightsen community before the Board of Supervisors, the East County Regional Planning Commission, the Zoning Administrator and the Local Agency Formation Commission on proposed boundary changes affecting the community.

 

The Knightsen Town Advisory Council (KTAC) consists of five (5) members, each of whom must reside within the boundaries of the Knightsen TAC. KTAC meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm. Meetings are still being held virtually and will be subject to change.

 

 

To apply, click on this link: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database

Board of Supervisors' meetings are held in person at the County Administration Building 1025 Escobar Street, 1st floor, Martinez. The public is encouraged to attend the meetings.


The Board meetings are also accessible via television, and via live-streaming to all members of the public. Board meetings are televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, Astound Channels 32 & 1027, and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.


Persons who wish to address the board during public comment or with respect to an item on the agenda may comment in person or may call in during the meeting by dialing 888-278-0254 followed by the access code 843298#. A caller should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item, by pushing "#2" on their phone. Access via Zoom is also available using the following link: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/87344719204. Those participating via Zoom should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item by using the “raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app. To provide contact information, please contact Clerk of the Board at clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us or call 925-655-2000.


Meetings of the Board are closed-captioned in real time. Public comment generally will be limited to two minutes. Your patience is appreciated. A Spanish language interpreter is available to assist Spanish-speaking callers.


See information about parking and access to the County Administration Building at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553.

“When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.”

- Edward F. Croker, Chief, Fire Department of New York (1899-1911)


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