Lafayette Recognizes Robin and Dick Holt as
Citizens of the Year
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 On Friday, March 23rd, Supervisor Andersen attended the Lafayette Citizen of the Year event at the Lafayette Park Hotel honoring
Dick and Robin Holt. The Holts have been giving back to the community both individually and collectively since they moved to Lafayette in 1975.
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Carr Ranch Land Preservation Celebration
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Alex Coates, Executive Director of EBMUD, Supervisor Candace Andersen, Marguerite Young, EBMUD Board Member representing the Town of Moraga, Richard Sykes of EBMUD, Linus Eukel, Executive Director of the John Muir Land Trust, and Mayor of Moraga Teresa Onoda.
On Wednesday, March 15, Supervisor Andersen joined representatives from EBMUD, the John Muir Land Trust and the Town of Moraga to celebrate the preservation of Carr Ranch.
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) formed a partnership that saves 604-acres of gorgeous Lamorinda land for future generations.
John Muir Land Trust and EBMUD agreed to protect the property in perpetuity, with EBMUD holding title and JMLT providing public access and recreation. EBMUD's role will be to preserve the watershed land, protect wildlife habitat, maintain open spaces and natural scenery, and preserve the historical ranching heritage. JMLT will manage permanent public access to Carr Ranch for light recreation such as hiking, wildlife viewing, dog walking and equestrian activities.
Carr Ranch is an essential addition to the watershed lands owned by EBMUD that drain into the Upper San Leandro Reservoir, and a vital connection point to the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness nearby.
The undeveloped Carr Ranch property provides habitat for endangered reptiles and amphibians - and for large animals such as deer, American badger, golden eagle, and mountain lion. Its creeks and streams drain into the Upper San Leandro Reservoir - a drinking water supply for tens of thousands of East Bay families. Carr Ranch exemplifies the best of Contra Costa landscapes, an area known for beautiful scenery. Terrain varies from hillsides and ridge tops to meadows and bottomlands and features coastal live oak, riparian woodlands, coastal scrub and annual grasses.
EBMUD and JMLT along with other stakeholders look forward to officially celebrating the partnership at a signing ceremony at Carr Ranch in January 2017.
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Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month
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Pictured above, Public Health Director Dan Peddycord, April Rovero Chair of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, Supervisor Burgis, Supervisor Glover, Isabelle Kirske from Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, Supervisor Andersen, Jamie Rich from the Center for Human Development and Patty Hoyt.
On Tuesday, March 21st, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation to observe Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month, part of a statewide effort to draw attention to an epidemic that causes thousands of deaths nationwide every year.
At the meeting, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) issued a health advisory regarding prescription opioid misuse. CCHS works closely with local medical providers and community partners to combat the prevalence and misuse of opioid painkillers such as hydrocodone (Norco), oxycodone (OxyContin), morphine and fentanyl.
The advisory urges all local medical providers to follow the prescribing guidelines developed by the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association and already in use at all county hospitals and urgent care clinics.
Contra Costa is also working to expand the availability of substance abuse disorder treatment programs and medication-assisted treatment to combat opioid addiction, and working with community partners to offer training and access to Naloxone, a drug that can reverse life-threatening opioid overdoses.
The most recent data from the California Department of Public Health show that annual incidents of accidental drug overdose deaths have surged in Contra Costa County, from 53 in 2003 to 111 in 2014. Prescription drugs were involved in the majority of those cases in 2014.
Read the health advisory by
clicking here.
Up-to-date information about California's opioid epidemic, including county statistics for deaths, overdose-related visits to emergency departments, and per-capita prescriptions for opioid medications, is available through the California Department of Public Health's new Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard which you can view by
clicking here.
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Dose of Awareness Walk Brings Communities Together
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April Rovero, Chair of the National Coalition Against Drug Abuse,
stands with Nancy Juraska, the Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord representative for the MEDS Coalition
at the
March 26th Dose of Awareness Walk recognizing the victims of prescription drug overdose.
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Danville Area Chamber State of the Town Address and
Community Awards
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Supervisor Andersen, Danville Mayor Renee Morgan, Chamber President Tim Argenti, and Chamber CEO Shelley Despotakis are pictured above with the Charitable Organization of the Year - Canine Companions for Independence.
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Free Confidential Service
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Annual Sentinels of Freedom Gala
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Supervisor Andersen and Assembly Member Catharine Baker stand with Sentinels Jason Church, Michael Thompson, and Wayne Waldon, who were thanked for their service at the annual event.
The Annual Sentinels of Freedom Gala is a yearly event where community members, local businesses and community leaders come together and celebrate the Sentinels. Sentinels of Freedom Foundation is a national non-profit organization that serves veterans who have been severely wounded and injured in a post 9/11, service related event as they transition into civilian life attending college or a vocational school.
As each Sentinel has a unique story to tell, this annual event honors not only their sacrifices for this country but their journey towards civilian success as well.
This year, the event was held on Saturday March 11th, at the
Blackhawk Automotive Museum in Danville. The
guest of honor was
Admiral Paul Zukunft, US Coast Guard.
Admiral Zukunft
assumed the duties of the 25th Commandant of the US Coast Guard on May 30, 2014. He leads the largest component of the Department of Homeland Security, composed of 88,000 personnel including active duty, reserve, civilian, and volunteer Auxiliarists. Prior to this, Admiral Zukunft served as Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, where he was the operational commander for all US Coast Guard missions. His senior staff assignments included Chief of Operations, Coast Guard Pacific Area and Chief of Operations Oversight, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, where he directly supervised all major cutter operations in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He also served as Chief of Staff at the Fourteenth Coast Guard District in Honolulu, Hawaii.
To learn more about Sentinels of Freedom click here.
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2017 Lafayette Earth Day Festival
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 Whether you want to create a garden in a box or make a sculpture out of straws, don't miss Lafayette's 11th annual Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
This year's theme is "Sustainable Youth" with lots of ways for kids of every age to learn how to make our community more sustainable and have fun doing it.
Check out the bike rodeo, petting zoo, adventure playground, community art project, repair cafe, and meet master gardeners, energy advisers, sustainable food producers and many more. Plus enjoy all of the great food and entertainment.
The Lafayette Earth Day Festival is a partnership of Sustainable Lafayette, the City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
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Danville Town Hall Meeting
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 On Saturday, March 25th, Supervisor Andersen joined Senator Steve Glazer, Danville Mayor Renee Morgan and Assemblywoman Catherine Baker at the Veterans Hall in Danville for a joint Town Hall Meeting. Each legislator took their turn giving updates from their branch of government, and afterwards answered questions from the audience on topics ranging from local parking to immigration to affordable housing.
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Family and Children's Trust (FACT) Committee
Needs to Fill Three Seats
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 The Family and Children's Trust Committee (FACT) needs to fill three openings on the committee. Openings are for a representative from District one, a representative with a background in mental health, and a child advocate representative.
The FACT committee of volunteers makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors to fund child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment in Contra Costa County. The funds are for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect and supportive services for families and children.
If you are interested, please contact Julie Mondragon at Children and Family Services, (925) 313-1696, or
click here to email.
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Street Smarts "Be Reel" Video Awards
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Supervisor Andersen congratulated the 2nd place winners, 7th graders Carson Foster and Darian Pak from Charlotte Wood Middle School, of the Street Smarts "Be Reel" Video Awards at the Thursday, March 16th event in Danville. Their video is titled "Adventures of Super Safety."
The Street Smarts "Be Reel" Video Contest gives San Ramon Valley middle school students (grades 6-8) the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of traffic safety by producing public service announcements (PSAs) that educate their friends, family, and community. As a component of the Street Smarts Program, the contest aims to raise awareness about traffic safety issues to both the students participating in the contest and those who see their work.
Participants, who can be individuals or a group of up to four middle school students, can win prizes by creating a 60-second (or shorter) PSA on a specific traffic safety theme.
The video contest is just one of the many great programs that the Street Smarts Program offers to the community. Other programs include: The Storybook Poster Contest for elementary school students; "CHP Start Smart" traffic safety campaign for teens; Traffic safety assemblies and bike rodeos in the elementary schools; and, as a new addition this year, "BMX" Bike Safety Assemblies to middle school students held on their school campus during lunch. For more information about Street Smarts San Ramon Valley,
click here.
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Moraga Gardens Farm Plant Sale
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Students Recognized by County Leaders for Outstanding Contributions to their Communities
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This year's Martin Luther King Commemoration Committee received so many outstanding student nominees that they decided to honor two additional students for their contributions to the community. Both students met Supervisor Andersen at her Danville office to receive congratulatory certificates from County, State and Federal leaders.
Alanah Winston Is the president of the California High Black Student Union (BSU)
. She Is also the president of the Cal High Leadership class. This school year, Cal High has had four incidents
of racist graffiti on campus. As a student of color, Alanah was the leader of the BSU and student movement to respond to the graffiti. Her club grew to over 150 students of all races. She spoke at a school rally, multiple club activities, a school-wide
assembly, and parent night. Alanah speaks up for her peers and represents them In her leadership roles on campus. She Is a passionate leader and activist. The Cal High community has been forever changed by her dedication and drive.
Shaan Sharma is an inspiring student, peer, and community member at  Monte Vista High School. He is the rally chair, is a member of the senior leader
ship class, and is a student contact at extracurricular activities for staff supervisors in attendance. During the schoo
l-wide assembly held last November to address racially discriminatory messages
written on bathroom walls, Shaan spoke along with staff to students and media with positive messaging and a
call to action for the community to do better and begin the healing process. He is an upstanding young man whose efforts have improved the community for all.
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Supervisor Tours Martinez Animal Shelter
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Steve Burdo and Supervisor Andersen stand outside the
Martinez Animal Shelter.
On March 29th, Supervisor Andersen toured the Contra Costa County Martinez Animal Shelter. Animal Services Community Relations Manager, Steve Burdo led the tour, explaining the different categories of care for the animals. Everything from roosters to rabbits, cats, dogs and horses are cared for at the shelter. There is a full-time veterinarian and 8 relief veterinarians who come in to help with medical care. The shelter has over 200 volunteers, many of whom can be found there on any given day assisting in the surgery room, cleaning kennels, walking the animals or helping to find foster care. The number of pets brought to the shelter is overwhelming but animal services works hard to find them homes. The importance of spaying or neutering your animal is critical, there are too many unwanted animals that end up in the shelter. To learn more, or to find out how you can help
click here.
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The Town of Danville and local community volunteers will once again join together from 8:00 am. To 1:00 p.m. on April 29th to assist Senior Citizens with no-cost yard work and minor home repairs. As part of the annual Lend A Hand Day, over 200 local volunteers will be raking, mowing, trimming and sprucing up local residences.
The Town is looking for community-minded individuals who would be interested in helping the Town's seniors. Seniors who would like to have help with yard work and home project or those interested in volunteering to be part of a work crew can contact the Danville Senior Center. This event is for adults but youth 14-17 can volunteer if they are accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, younger children are not allowed. More folks will be needed this year as there will be more growth due to the rain.
'Adopt a Yard':
Register a crew of 4-8 people (over 14yrs with at least one adult) and you will get your own yard to clear. Click here to email if your group is larger or younger. Each individual will need to register. Families are assigned together.
A mandatory Orientation to get your assignment, 8 a.m. the morning of the event, will be held at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, before heading out to various homes in Danville. Additionally, 8 people are needed to help with set up and volunteer registration in the morning between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Bring gloves, hand tools, water, sunscreen, and snack/lunch, loppers, hand pruners. If you have other garden equipment such as lawnmower, weed wacker, trimmer, edger etc. indicated when you register.
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Redefining Mobility Summit
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Supervisor Andersen gave welcoming remarks to attendees at the Gomentum Station Redefining Mobility Summit at Bishop Ranch on March 30th. G
overnment and industry leaders spoke about how innovative research and cutting edge technology are revolutionizing transportation. Attendees also had the chance to experience the technology firsthand with live demonstrations. Candace is photographed above taking her first ride on the Bishop Ranch driverless shuttle.
For more information about Gomentum Station in Concord and new innovative mobility ideas and programs, click here.
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Danville Police Department Holding 'Drug Takeback'
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Prescription drug abuse is a rising problem and one that can be  addressed through simply and safely disposing of your unwanted or unneeded prescriptions.
Danville residents looking to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs will have the opportunity to do so April 29th 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. 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, citizens 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 disposal.
"This event encourages residents to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals, reducing the possibility of abuse or theft of drugs," said Danville Police Chief Steve Simpkins.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to prescription drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, residents are advised that disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash poses potential safety and health hazards.
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 Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Kan at (925) 314-3707 or email by
clicking here.
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Blackhawk Chorus 25th Anniversary
Recognized at Board Meeting
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The Board of Supervisors recognized the Blackhawk Chorus at their March 21st meeting on the occasion of the choir's 25th anniversary of contributions of music to the community.
The Blackhawk Chorus began in 1991 when 12 women sought voice lessons from acclaimed former soprano coloratura Diane Gilfether. M
ore than two decades later, and still under Diane's direction, many of the original 12 are still with the group, although membership has swelled to around 130 singers and now includes men as well as women.
Pictured above along with the Supervisors are Diane Gilfether, Director of Blackhawk Chorus,
Jayne Hegenbart-Blackhawk, Chorus Business Manager,
Linda Kralik, Chorus Operations Manager, and
Thomas Kanar, Chorus Vice-President and Scholarship Foundation Chairperson.
To learn more about the Blackhawk Chorus click here.
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Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board is Holding a Fair Chance Employer Summit
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National Crime Victims' Rights Week Recognized
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The Board of Supervisors received a presentation from the Contraa Costa District Attorney's office highlighting honorees who assist crime victims or have shown great courage as victims themselves.
Every year in April, communities throughout the country participate in their annual observances of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), which will be observed in 2017 on April 2-8.
This year's theme, "Strength. Resilience. Justice." reflects a vision for the future in which all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges, and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing.
NCVRW is an opportune time to commit to ensuring that all victims of crime, even those who are challenging to reach or serve, are offered culturally and linguistically accessible and appropriate services in the aftermath of crime.
These honorees and more will be recognized at the Crime Victims' Rights week ceremony from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on April 7th at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.
Some of the honorees are volunteer advocates in the Victim Witness Assistance Program. The intent of the program is to reduce the trauma and insensitivity that victims and witnesses sometimes suffer following a crime. Advocates guide victims through the legal system and direct them to agencies and organizations that offer assistance and emergency services.
Click here for more information about NCVRW or the District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance Program.
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Young Children's Issues Forum
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Supervisor Andersen joined local elected officials, business leaders, early childhood educators, families, and the community in a dialogue about the current movement to elevate the quality of Early Care and Education services for all children at the 2017 Young Children's Issues Forum. The forum was held on March 12th in Pleasant Hill and was coordinated by the Contra Costa County Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education (LPC).
The LPC is committed to promoting quality early care and education through community assessment, advocacy, resource development, and collaboration with other agencies in Contra Costa County. For more information about the LPC, click here.
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Mobility Matters - Matching Riders With Providers
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Volunteers Needed!
Mobility Matters (MM) is a nonprofit mobility management center that, since 2005, has been providing a free, one-on-one, door-through-door, escorted volunteer driver program for otherwise homebound, ambulatory older adults (age 60+) who cannot take other forms of transportation. Riders must meet certain criteria and be enrolled in the program in order to request and receive rides. The award-winning program, called Rides for Seniors, currently has 130 screened trained volunteers driving over 180 older adults who cannot take other forms of transportation primarily for medical appointments and grocery shopping.
Another vital service provided by Mobility Matters is their Transportation Information & Referrals Helpline [925-284-6109 or toll free 1-855-234-RIDE (7433)]. This service matches individuals with the appropriate transportation provider that meets their mobility needs. Mobility Matters partners with public and private transportation providers throughout Contra Costa County for cross referrals.
In May 2017, Mobility Matters will launch a new volunteer driver program called Rides 4 Veterans for disabled and older veterans. They will be applying best practices and lessons learned from the Rides for Seniors program, except will be recruiting veterans to drive veterans and there will be no lower age limit for riders. The service area for this program will be all of Contra Costa County, which is the same for all their programs and services. This new service is being funded through a grant from the Livable Communities Trust sponsored by Supervisor Andersen and Supervisor Karen Mitchoff and approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Programs and services that are free to participants are not free to run, and human resources (volunteers) are scarce. In order to carry out this important mission and continue serve vulnerable populations, there are two ongoing needs: volunteers and financial support.
If you are a caring, mature individual between the ages of 25-75, have an excellent driving record, criminal free background, access to a reliable, safe car that is registered and insured, and are willing and able to give escorted rides, please call Laurie at 925-284-6161, and find out more about how you can help. She will send you an application and schedule you for a three-hour training class. Also, let her know if you are also a veteran and want to help with the new Rides 4 Veterans program.
If you are not able to volunteer, but would like to make a tax-exempt donation, please call Joan at 925-284-2207 to discuss ways to donate or send a check to:
Mobility Matters
1035A Carol Lane
Lafayette, CA 94549
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East Bay EDA Innovation Awards
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Pictured
above
are Carlyn Obringer of the Concord City Council, Supervisor Candace Andersen, Keith Carson Alameda County Supervisor, Ed Del Becarro, and Karen Stepper of the Danville Town Council.
Supervisor Andersen helped present awards to regional leaders in innovation at the 2017 East Bay Innovation Awards on March 9th at the Fox Theater in Oakland.
The East Bay Innovation Awards celebrates the cutting-edge innovators in business that make the East Bay one of the preeminent regions of innovation in the nation.
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance along with the San Francisco Business Times celebrated and awarded companies that most contribute to the East Bay's culture of innovation. The Awards produce a prestigious cohort of award recipients each year also recognized the up-and-coming innovators who will have opportunities to be leaders in the East Bay in future years.
This year's winners included:
Catalyst of the Year Award
,
Kapor Center for Social Impact (
Oakland
); Advanced Manufacturing,
Lam Research
(
Fremont/Livermore
);
Clean Tech,
Microvi Biotechnologies, Inc. (
Hayward
); Education, Vets to Tech Program - LLNL & Las Positas College (
Livermore
); Engineering and Design, Alphabet Energy (
Hayward
); Food, Ripple Foods (
Emeryville
); Information and/or Communications Technology,
Captricity, Inc.
(
Oakland
);
Life Sciences,
Aduro Biotech
(
Berkeley
) and
Bayer
was the 2017 Legacy Award Honoree!
Click here to watch a fascinating video highlighting the 2017 Innovation Awards winners.
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Express Lanes Project Update
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SRVRWF Scholarship Awards
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Supervisor Andersen's Chief of Staff, Gayle Israel, along with other local representatives, presented congratulatory certificates to three high school Senior $1000 scholarship winners. Pictured
above
from left: Cindy Chin, District Director for Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, Gayle Israel, Danville Mayor Renee Morgan, Sophia Colello, Carondelet High School, Christina Adams, San Ramon Valley High School, and Mechelle Phillips, San Ramon Valley High School.
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2017 College Essay Scholarship Competition
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 The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley
is hosting their annual college essay scholarship competition. A college scholarship for $1,500 will be awarded to the first-place winner, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. High school students will have an opportunity to hear and interact with outstanding speakers as they discuss this year's essay topic:
"The U.S. Constitution - First Amendment -
What restrictions should be placed on individuals and the media as the 4th branch?
"Viewpoint discrimination" refers to allowing speech by some speakers while restricting or prohibiting speech by others, based on the views expressed. What circumstances, if any, justify restrictions on speech based on the views being expressed by
either individuals or the media
? Does the government have an obligation to protect the expression of all views?
Speakers Cheryl Cook-Kallio and John Murphy
will discuss the First Amendment and its impact on the rights of individuals at a Constitutional Forum on
Wednesday
,
March 22, 2017
from
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
at the
Canyon View Golf Course & Brewery,
640 Bollinger Canyon Way in San Ramon.
Video of the live presentation will be posted on-line; click here to view.
All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to write an essay after attending or watching the taped video of the speakers' presentation
. Essays are due on
Friday, April 21st
. The Exchange Club wishes to extend its appreciation to PG&E for donating scholarship grant monies for this worthwhile program. Please email Donna Kerger by
clicking here
or (925) 838-9272 with any questions.
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Orinda Action Day of Community Service - April 22nd
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On Saturday April 22nd from 9:30 a.m. to noon, the City of Orinda will be beautified and cleaned during the ninth annual Orinda Action Day of Community Service by residents and friends of all ages.
Check-in time is 9:30 a.m. at the Orinda Library Plaza on 26 Orinda Way. The first 300 volunteers will receive a free tee-shirt, snacks and coffee upon registration. D.J. and "Voice of Orinda", Steve Harwood, will be presenting prizes for unusual "finds" and pizza will be served.
For more information regarding the event and those interested in being a Project Manager, please
click here to visit the Orinda Community Foundation website, or inquire by email by
clicking here.
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 The
Board of Supervisors is pleased to extend congratulations to Kiara Chatman, Camila Morales-Jimenez and Wesley Little for placing first, second, and third in the Contra Costa County "Poetry Out Loud" 2017 Competition.
Over 2,500 students countywide memorized a poem for this year's program, which was started by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and run by the California Arts Council in the State, and locally by the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5), to engage high school students in the presentation of poetry through memorization and performance.
The "Poetry Out Loud" program seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by recognizing the latest trends in poetry: recitation and performance.
To excel as these student winners have done, a young person must demonstrate, in addition to a great deal of natural ability, an outstanding spirit of dedication, enthusiasm and hard work.
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Dogtown Downtown Lafayette
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 On Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., join other dog owners at the Lafayette Plaza Park for a Police Escorted Doggie Parade from the Lafayette Library up Golden Gate Way to Lafayette Plaza. At the Plaza, enjoy demonstrations, exhibits, marketing and swag! Contests include Looks Most Like Owner, Best Costume and Best Team Trick. Be sure to register your pet for the contests at the Library Plaza beginning at 9am.
Dogs must be social, friendly and on a leash at all times.
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Supervisors Recognize March as
American Red Cross Month
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 American Red Cross Month is a special time to recognize and thank our heroes - those Red Cross volunteers and donors who give of their time and resources to help community members.
The month of March is dedicated to all those who support the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission.
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Central San "Citizens Academy"
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 Curious where water goes after it goes down the drain? The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's six-week "Citizens Academy" will provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the community's core services, the wastewater industry. This FREE academy will be held on Tuesdays from April 4th to May 9th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and will include a tour of the treatment plant, laboratory and recycled water fill station. For more information and to apply, visit the Central San website by
clicking here.
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Become a Certified Mediator
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Conflict is an inevitable part of life. Unfortunately, conflict can deeply impact a business in both obvious and subtle ways. The Center for Human Development offers conflict resolution training that is tailored to your business. Their training does not eliminate conflict, but equips employees to manage conflict, identify problems early, and use conflict to grow and improve relationships.
Gain skills in conflict management, problem identification, and strategies for achieving agreement. Learn the structure, design, and practice of dispute resolution. Practice acquired skills through simulations and specially-designed exercises. The Center for Human Development's (CHD) Mediation programs have provided mediation services and conflict management training to Contra Costa County residents and business groups since 1984. Early Registration (before April 1, 2017) is $ 485. After April 1st registration is $535.
Mediation Training Dates: May 18th - 21st; June 1st - 4th; June 8th - 11th.
If interested, call Steven Cross, Mediation Program Coordinator at (925) 349-7344 or email by
clicking here
.
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City of San Ramon Upcoming Events and Activities
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Sheep Shearing Day
April 22, 2017 11:00am-3:00pm
Forest Home Farm
Sponsored by the San Ramon Historic Foundation
Celebrate spring and see the sheep get their annual haircuts. Watch demonstrations of blacksmithing, lace making, wood carving and quilting as well as sheep dog demonstrations. Children will be entertained by 4-H animals, crafts, games and tractor rides. Enjoy live music and shop for unique items in the Gift Shoppe. Food available for purchase. Visit srhf.org for admission fees and to purchase tickets via PayPal. Tickets also available at the gate.
Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins 
April 29, 2017 at 6:30pm
Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center
Sponsored by the San Ramon Arts Foundation
Tickets: $15 Adult/$12 Youth under 12
Step in time with Mary, Bert and the rest of the memorable characters from the Disney classic Mary Poppins at this sing-a-long screening at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center. You'll receive a complimentary bag of props to use and there will be a costume parade for all the chimney sweeps and nannies in the audience. Chock-full of classic songs like "A Spoonful of Sugar," supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and "Chim Chim Cheree" and more, this story of a "practically perfect" nanny with a touch of magic still delights. The audience is encouraged to dress as their favorite characters and compete for costume prizes.
Come early and have your picture taken with everyone's favorite nanny and chimney sweep!
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Gary Conner and Bob Carpenter stand with
Supervisor Andersen before the tour.
Supervisor Andersen, along with other County officials, toured the new Sufi temple in Walnut Creek on March 16th.
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Staying Safe Video - Important Information on Safety
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 Following an armed robbery that occurred in an Orinda residential driveway last fall, community members asked Orinda Association President, Cindy Powell, to bring together Orinda safety officials to address community concerns, resulting in a November 2016 Safety Forum. Open to the public, the forum featured police, fire, and emergency preparedness officials, who shared important information and answered questions about safety.
Produced and created by Susan Garell, the video Staying Safe in Orinda~Comprehensive Guidance from Orinda's Top Safety Officials, is based on the forum and further in-depth interviews.
While this video was created by and for Orindans, the safety tips are relevant no matter where you live. T
o view the video,
click here
.
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Daughters of the American Revolution State Conference
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 Supervisor Andersen spoke at the State Convention of the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution on March 16th in San Ramon.
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Contra Costa County Volunteer Opportunities
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Spring is upon us; our clocks have changed and our days are lighter for longer - are you looking for a volunteer opportunity to give back to your community? Here are some opportunities waiting for you!
District 2 vacancy available:
Agricultural Advisory Task Force
Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (formerly CSA P-2B)
County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee
Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee - Alamo Seat, click here for more inform
ation about the committee
In addition, Supervisor Andersen would like to draw your attention to the following list of countywide advisory bodies that currently have seats available:
Advisory Council on Aging
Affordable Housing Finance Committee
Countywide Bicycle Advisory Committee
County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee
Juvenile Justice Commission/Delinquency Prevention Commission
Commission for Women
To apply for any of these seats,
click here
.
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March Board Actions
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Ever wonder what your Supervisor does at the Board of Supervisors Meeting held on most Tuesdays? Here are some of the board actions from the month of March which impact the residents of District 2:
Accepted the County's Industrial Safety Ordinance Annual Report.
Proclaimed March 2017 as National Social Workers' Month in Contra Costa County.
Proclaimed March 8, 2017 as International Women's Day in Contra Costa County.
Appointed Sanjiv Bhandari to the Appointee 6 seat, Clark Johnson to the Alternate seat, and Kate Salisbury to the Youth Representative seat on the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Appointed Drew Woodruff to the Appointee 4 seat on the Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Appointed Marija Bleier to the District II seat on the Arts & Culture Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Adopted a position of "Support" on SB 3 (Beall): Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2018.
Approved/Authorized the Health Services Director to submit a grant application to the California Department of Public Health for the County's Comprehensive Tobacco Control Plan Program.
Approved/Authorized the Public Defender to apply for and accept the 2017 Smart on Juvenile Justice grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to assist with recidivism reduction and representation of juveniles.
Authorized the Sheriff-Coroner to apply for and accept the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, DNA Program Backlog Reduction Grant to reduce the number of backlogged DNA tests in the Sheriff's Criminalistics Laboratory.
Authorized the Sheriff-Coroner to apply for and accept the FY 2017 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement grants program to replace outdated forensic laboratory equipment.
Accepted the AB 109 Annual Report for FY 2015-16.
Accepted report regarding the mid-year status of the FY 2016/17 County Budget.
Terminated/Abandoned an Offer of Dedication - Road Purposes for Lomas Verdes Place and a portion of Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette.
Accepted an Offer of Dedication - Road Purposes for Subdivision developed by Seclusion Development Group, LLC, Lafayette.
Recognized the 109th State Conference of the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Recognized March as American Red Cross Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Recognized the winners of the Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud 2017 Competition.
Recognized Dan Rich for his heroic actions in saving the life of a car accident victim, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Recognized Clayton Wiedemann for his heroic actions in saving the life of a stranger, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Appointed Victoria Smith to the District II seat and Reid Edwards to the District II Alternate seat on the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Adopted a "Support" position on SB 167 (Skinner): Supplemental Security Income & CalFresh: Pre-enrollment, a bill that would allow a person incarcerated in a correctional institution to apply for and receive a replacement social security card and to allow the Social Security Administration to provide SSI claims under the pre-release program and require the Department of Social Services to request a waiver to allow for the pre-enrollment of otherwise eligible applicants to the CalFresh program up to one month prior to the applicant's reentry into the community from county jail or state prison.
Adopted a "Support" position on AB 42 (Bonta): Bail Reform, as amended, and a position of "Support" on SB 10 (Hertzberg): Bail: Pretrial Release, as amended, two bills that would require the court to release a defendant being held for a misdemeanor offense on his or her own recognizance unless the court makes an additional finding on the record that there is no condition or combination of conditions that would reasonably ensure public safety and the appearance of the defendant if the defendant is released on his or her own recognizance.
Approved/Authorized the Conservation and Development Director to execute a contract with Mobility Matters to support the implementation of the "Rides 4 Veterans" Program, as recommended by Supervisors Candace Andersen and Karen Mitchoff.
Accepted the Fiscal Year 2016/17 Community Facilities District Administration Report on County of Contra Costa Community Facilities District No. 2001-1.
Accepted completion of private improvements for minor subdivision developed by Discovery Builders, Inc., Lafayette.
Approved the fourth extension of the subdivision agreement for a project by Shapell Homes, Danville.
Recognized the Blackhawk Chorus on its 25th Anniversary, as recommended by Supervisors Andersen.
Recognized Barbara Preston, M.D., as the Moraga 2017 Citizen of the Year, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Recognized Dick and Robin Holt as the 2017 Lafayette Citizens of the Year, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Recognized March 2017 as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month in Contra Costa County.
Appointed Cindy Wright to the District II Alternate seat on the Contra Costa County Library Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Declared vacant the Board of Supervisors Appointee seat on the East Bay Regional Parks District Park Advisory Committee held by Colin Coffey; Directed the Clerk of the Board to post the vacancy.
Approved/Authorized the Health Services Director to execute a contract with the City of Walnut Creek to pay the County to provide homeless outreach services.
Conducted a workshop on Community Choice Energy, including presentation of the Final Technical Study for Community Choice Energy prepared by the firm MRW & Associates and program presentations by MCE and East Bay Community Energy.
Held the 24th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Celebration
Accepted the 2016 Annual Report for the Iron Horse Corridor Committee, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon-Dougherty Valley.
Proclaimed April 2-8, 2017 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in promotion of victims' rights and to recognize crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
Recognized the 2017 Youth Hall of Fame honorees of the 24rd Annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Celebration.
Recognized the City of San Ramon, the San Ramon Library Foundation and the Contra Costa County Library upon the reopening of the newly renovated San Ramon Library, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Accepted resignation and Declared a vacancy in the Appointee 3 seat on the County Service Area P-5 Citizens Advisory Committee; Directed the Clerk of the Board to post the vacancy, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Authorized staff to send a letter to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction regarding the reform of school siting practices.
Adopted a position of "Support" on the following five bills:
- AB 210 (Santiago): Homeless Multidisciplinary Personnel Team, a bill that authorizes counties to establish a multidisciplinary team to facilitate the expedited identification, assessment, and linkage of homeless individuals to housing and supportive services and to allow provider agencies to share information for the purpose of coordinating services
- AB 211 (Bigelow): State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fees, a bill that reinstates annual reporting requirements regarding the expenditure of state responsibility area (SRA) fire fees
- AB 236 (Maienschein): CalWORKs: Housing Assistance, a bill that adopts changes to CalWORKs housing assistance for temporary shelter to remove the requirement that the assistance only be available for a consecutive period of time, increase the daily assistance amount, and make the assistance available to certain families receiving reunification services through the child welfare services system
- AB 435 (Thurmond): Child Care Subsidy Plans: County of Contra Costa, a bill that authorizes the County of Contra Costa to develop and submit an individualized county child care subsidy plan
- SB 222 (Hernandez): Inmates: Health Care Enrollment, a bill that requires the suspension of Medi-Cal benefits to end on the date a person is no longer an inmate of a public institution or is no longer otherwise eligible for benefits under the Medi-Cal program
Rescinded existing Land Conservation Contract, approving and authorizing the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to execute new Land Conservation Contract for Property in the Tassajara Valley area, and authorizing related actions under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Continued the emergency action originally taken by the Board of Supervisors on November 16, 1999, and most recently approved by the Board on March 7, 2017, regarding the issue of homelessness in Contra Costa County.
Continued the emergency actions originally taken by the Board of Supervisors on January 26 and February 14, 2017, and most recently continued by the Board on March 14, 2017, regarding the hazardous conditions caused by a series of severe rainstorms in Contra Costa County.
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