News from Around the District  - June, 2016
In This Issue
Candace's Committee Appointments



She serves as an alternate on the following :

 
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District 2 Staff
Gayle Israel
Gayle Israel
Chief of Staff
Field Representative;
San Ramon & Danville

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Jill Ray
Jill Ray
Field Representative; Canyon, Moraga & Orinda

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Lauri Byers  
Lauri Byers
Scheduler, Field Representative; Lafayette

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Jennifer Quallick
Field Representative; Alamo & part of Walnut Creek, including; Parkmead, Rossmoor & Saranap
 


District Offices

San Ramon Valley Office   

309 Diablo Road

Danville, CA  94526

 

Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Phone: (925) 957-8860

FAX: (925) 820-3785

  

Danville Office
 _______________

   

Lamorinda Office

  Fire Station #15

3338 Mt. Diablo Boulevard

Lafayette, CA  94549

 

Hours:

Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   

and by appointment, please call

 

Phone: (925) 646-6067

FAX: (925) 646-6068
 
 
Quick Links
City of Walnut Creek

City of Lafayette

City of Orinda

Town of Moraga

Rossmoor

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

San Ramon Valley CERT Training

Lamorinda CERT Training

 

Secretary of State - Register to Vote 


Contra Costa County Sheriff

Contra Costa County Public Works Dept.

Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority

Mosquito and Vector Control

Contra Costa Crisis Center

Contra Costa Sanitary District

Contra Costa Water District

East Bay Regional Park District

Bay Area Air Quality Management District

California State Association of Counties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day Remembrances

Supervisor Andersen attended ceremonies in Danville and Walnut Creek to honor and remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day.
Mike Doyle, Danville City Councilmember, Supervisor Andersen and Assemblywoman Catharine Baker honoring Veteran's at the Danville Memorial Day Event.
East Bay Leadership Small Business Awards
Supervisor Andersen poses with Moraga Town Councilmember Phil Arth, awardees Ron & Janelle Schumacker of Moraga Motors, and Moraga Chamber Vice President Bob Fritzky

Each year the East Bay Leadership Council honors the region's Chambers of Commerce Businesses of the Year.  The honorees are selected by East Bay Chambers of Commerce and the event serves as a way to recognize the outstanding regional contributions that both the Chambers and the honorees provide to their communities.

Honorees from District 2 included:
  • Comerica Bank of California - Danville Chamber of Commerce
  • California Shakespeare Theatre - Orinda Chamber of Commerce
  • De La Housaye & Associates - Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce
  • Moraga Motors - Moraga Chamber of Commerce
  • Venture Quality Goods - Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
To learn more about the East Bay Leadership Council  click here.
Community Courts Help Our Justice System
How do we save costs and create a more effective justice system? Contra Costa County's District Attorney's Office and several local police agencies have begun a Community Courts program.  The program provides a person who has been arrested or cited by the police for a low level crime, the opportunity to quickly resolve their matters without incurring a criminal "conviction." 

With the approval of the District Attorney's Office, a police agency refers individuals with low level infraction or misdemeanor offenses to the program.  Invitations to participate in the Community Court are then sent to eligible offenders (typically first-time offenders). If they decide to participate, the person is scheduled to appear at a hearing administered by Community Court Services, a private entity comprised of experienced, licensed attorneys who have been trained in the community court model.  These lawyers are independent hearing officers and unaffiliated with the District Attorney's Office or law enforcement.

The offender has an opportunity to present his or her recitation of facts after hearing a summary of the offenses.  At the conclusion, the hearing officer issues "directives" which can include restitution to victims, paying a fine, participating in community service, and/or attending other programs related to the offender's specific issue, with completion required by a certain date.

If the offender successfully completes the directives, the case will be deemed satisfactorily closed, with no subsequent request for prosecutorial review.  The hearings are intended to encourage candor and accountability and because these are not "judicial proceedings," there are no court reporters or attorneys present. 

Community Court is a voluntary process, and at every step of the way, eligible offenders are advised that the charges for which they were arrested may be resolved either in Community Court or, should the offender not wish to participate, via the traditional criminal justice process where the case will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.  

Offenders who choose to participate in Community Court pay an administrative fee to the hearing officers separate and apart from any fines that may later be established.  Law enforcement also has a liaison or representative present during the hearings to track the progress and results of the referrals. 

By using this model, justice is quickly restored to victims individually and within the larger community.  There are currently four cities in Contra Costa County that have implemented the use of Community Courts with the District Attorney's Office oversight: Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, and San Ramon.  A proposed Community Court in the Lamorinda area (Lafayette-Moraga-Orinda) is in the works for the summer.  All of the participating cities exclude felony offenses or those cases involving violence, weapons, driving under the influence, domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual assault.     

Community Court is an alternative to the traditional method of filing criminal cases by the District Attorney's Office.  Early accountability, plus the opportunity for other resources or social services that could be an underlying cause for poor decision-making, is an incentive for eligible offenders to participate in this system.  Local courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies are able to use their limited resources for those defendants who belong in the traditional criminal justice system.  Community Courts encourage early resolution, address the concerns of victims and witnesses, and hold offenders accountable to their communities  -- a "win-win" for Contra Costa County.
 
A special thanks to Nancy Georgiou of the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office for her contributions to this article.
People Who Make a Difference Awards

At the May 24th Board of Supervisors meeting, the "2016 People Who Make a Difference Award" recipients were honored.  These individuals, identified by the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board, have contributed towards significantly reducing substance abuse in Contra Costa communities. For more information about the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board, click here.
Free Movie Nights in Moraga and Orinda
On Friday, June 3, at 8:50 P.M., the Town of Moraga is offering free family movie night. The Incredibles will be showing at the Moraga Commons, 1425 St. Mary's Road. Bundle up with blankets and friends, enter the raffle, and enjoy delicious concessions sold by the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee.
 
 
In Orinda, free movie nights begins at dusk, in the park at 28 Orinda Way.  The schedule for the summer is as follows:


June 23 - Minions
July 7 - Hotel Transylvania 2
July 21 - Cinderella
August 4 - Inside Out
August 18 - Good Dinosaur
Movies Under the Stars in Alamo
The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents the 2016 Movies Under the Stars  night.  The movies will be at Livorna Park in Alamo, located at the corner of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue.  Admission is free. The movies will begin at 8:45 p.m.

Friday, June 10th, is "Retro Night", the movie Babe will be shown. 

Friday, July 22nd, is "Family Night", the movie
Minions will be shown.


Bring blankets, chairs, flashlights, snacks, family and friends. For more information or questions call recreation staff at (925) 313-2272.
Moonlight Movies and Summerfest in Danville
The Town of Danville is pleased to present their summer time movies at the Town Green in front of the library on Front Street, with crafts and activities beginning at 6:30 p.m. and movie time at approximately 8:15 p.m.

The movies scheduled movie dates are:   
June 10 - Aladdin
June 24 - Little Rascals
July 15 - The Muppet Movie
July 29 - Ant Man
August 12 - Inside Out

And don't miss out on the Danville Summerfest on June 18 & 19 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Hartz/Prospect Avenues.

To learn more about these fun family events  click here.
Summer Concerts Around District 2
Several communities in District 2 are offering free concerts this summer.  See the list below to find your favorite band.

Alamo

The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council is pleased to present the Friday night concert series, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Livorna Park, located at the corner of Miranda Avenue and Livorna Road.

June 17 - Stealin' Chicago
June 24 - Bost Family Traditions
July 1 - Party Monsters
July 8 - The Houserockers
July 29 - Mixed Nuts

For information call (925) 313-2272.

Danville

MUSIC IN THE PARK!
6:00 pm-8:00pm
Oak Hill Park (or on Town Green as noted)

July 9 - Woody and the Longboards
July 23 - The Hella Good Party Band
August 6 - JimBo Trout and the Fishpeople (Town Green)
August 20 - Journey Unauthorized

For more information click here.

Lafayette

Rock the Plaza!   Lafayette Plaza Park  - intersection of Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo Blvd. for live bands each Friday in June from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

June 10 -  Ticket to Ride
June 17 -  The Big Jangle
June 24 -  2016 Lamorinda Idol Finalists

Bring a picnic and enjoy the band!

For more information  click here.


Moraga

Thursday evenings at the Moraga Commons Park for a relaxing free concert in the park. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the band shell. Enjoy the music while your children enjoy the park. The volunteers of MPF will cook dinner for you with the Snack Bar opening at 6:00 pm.
Concerts start at 6:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm

June 23  - Apple Z - Rock & Roll
June 30 - Moonalice - Bay Area 60's
July 4 - Floorshakers - Dance party & show (7pm concert)
July 14 - Spill the Wine- Jackson 5 to Maroon 5
July 21 - Foreverland - Electrifying tribute to Michael Jackson 
July 28 - Kings of 88 - Piano rock e.g. Elton John, Billy Joel, etc
August 4  -Fleetwood Mask - tribute to fleetwood Mac
August 11-  Mixed Nuts - decades of rock
August 18 - Beatles Flashback - tribute to the Beatles 
August 25 - FUNdamentals - Finale cover & dance band
Sept 24  -Pear Festival concert 2:00-4:00 Tune Riders

To learn more  click here.

Orinda

Free concerts in the Park, 28 Orinda way, will be held on Tuesdays, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

June 14 - Bay Bridge Beat
June 21 - Stratify
June 28 - 3 Day Weekend
July 5 - Floorshakers
July 12 - What the Funk!
July 19 - Lamorinda Idol with Arts in Bloom (5PM)
July 24 - Opera in the Park (Sunday 4-6PM)
July 26 - Blind to Reason
August 2 - Spill the Wine
August 9 - Dave Alt 18 piece Big Band Jazz

Sponsored by Orinda Parks and Recreation Foundation, supported by Orinda Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Orinda and City of Orinda.

For more information  click here.

San Ramon

Free concerts, 5:30 p.m. unless noted
Central Park Amphitheater
12501 Alcosta Blvd.

June 26 - Opera in the Park, 4 p.m.
July 4 - The Boys of Summer, 5-8 Eagles tribute
July 10 - Super Huey, Huey Lewis & the News tribute
July 17 -The Fabulous Cruisetones, Oldies
July 24 - Busta Groove, R&B, pop
July 31 - The Fundamentals, Old Skool, party
August 7 - Whiskey Dawn, Country Crossover

Bring the entire family for a beautiful summer evening in Central Park. Enjoy great music and dance the night away while visiting with friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic.

For more information click here.
Supervisors Recognize Foster Care Month

The Board of Supervisors recognized May 2016 as National Foster Care Month in Contra Costa County  and urged all citizens to come forward and do something positive that will help change a lifetime for children and youth in foster care. 

There are numerous individuals, and public and private organizations who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children in and leaving foster care as well as the enduring and valuable contribution of foster, kin and non-kin parents.  To learn more about foster care  click here .
County Child Support Services - Special Moments
Special moments...Baseball practice, dance recitals, tutors, music lessons, birthday parties and adventures with their parents create wonderful memories in the minds of our children.  In families, where co-parenting by separated and divorced parents is often a reality, the issues of child support often cloud the joy of watching children grow. The Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services offers a wide range of services that can help take some of the pressure off managing the financial part of co-parenting, allowing parents to focus on important things like their children.
 
If you pay or receive child support, the Department of Child Support Services can help make the process easier.
 
The department offers a variety of services including obtaining child and medical support orders, assisting in the enforcement of those orders, locating parents, and DNA testing to establish paternity.  When a significant change of circumstances occurs, a modification of the child support order may be appropriate.
 
The Contra Costa Department of Child Support handles the accounting, ensuring that interest on unpaid support is calculated and that payments are properly credited to maintain accurate balances.  By having a third party maintain those records accurately and consistently, it often alleviates some of the financial tension that can exist in divided families.
 
In addition to basic accounting, the department can also assist with the calculations and collections on more complex court orders for child and/or spousal support.  These orders can contain a base support amount plus additional support from bonuses, commissions and income earned over a set amount. 
 
Payments are generally collected by way of income withholding orders, reducing the need for manual payments to be made.  When an income withholding is not possible, customers have several convenient online payment options as well as cash only payment choices available.  The payments are processed within 48-hours and can be received by direct deposit into your bank account, on an electronic payment card that can be used at an ATM, as a debit card, or by check.
 
Opening a case is easy. Applications may be submitted electronically, free-of-charge, at www.TurboCourt.com.  Hardcopy applications are available at the Department of Child Support Services office in Martinez or can be requested by calling (866) 901-3212. 
 
A nominal annual service fee of $25 will be assessed on October 1st of each year for each case where at least $500 is collected annually for the prior federal fiscal year. 
 
Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services strives to work together with all parties on the child support case.  Customers can drop into the office at 50 Douglas Drive, Suite #100 in Martinez Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to meet with a Child Support Professional to discuss their child support case.  A Family Law Facilitator, an attorney of the Court, who provides limited free legal assistance for customers with an open case, is available in the office Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.  No appointment is necessary.
 
Our children grow quickly and we want to enjoy every moment. Let the Contra Costa Department of Child Support Services assist you with the handling of your child support case so that you have the extra time to enjoy what being a parent is all about; spending quality time with your children and making memories that will last a lifetime. 

For more information about Contra Costa County Child Support Services, click here
Danville Residents: Help Shape the Future of Recreation
The Town of Danville is updating its Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan, and is looking for input from the community. Join Town officials and staff Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 6 :30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect Avenue, for a Community Workshop to discuss the future of parks and recreation. 
 
Community members will be able to leave feedback and voice their priorities. Residents, businesses, youth, and community groups are all invited, to provide their input about parks, recreation, arts and cultural opportunities. This is a great chance to have an impact on one of the most important resources our community has to offer. 

Participants can expect an interesting and interactive 2-hour workshop with the opportunity to provide input and ask questions.  For more information, contact Henry Perezalonso at (925) 314-3454 or click here  to email. 
Lafayette Music Director Honored
Bob Athayde, Music Director for Stanley Middle School in Lafayette, was honored with the 1st Annual Ann Denny Memorial Award on Tuesday, May 31st during a concert at the school.  Bob was surprised by the award which had been kept a secret.

On hand to honor the long-time musical director was Dennis Garrison, President of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Don Tatzin, Lafayette Councilmember and "honorary" band participant, Mike Anderson, Vice-Mayor of Lafayette, Teresa Gerringer, District Director for Senator Steve Glazer, Cameron Deal from Assembly Woman Catharine Baker's office, Michael McRae from Congressman Mark Desaulnier's office, Lauri Byers, Staff to Supervisor Candace Andersen, Honoree Bob Athayde, his wife Julie,  Kyle Athayde and Ginni Reynolds.
Danville Residents: Help Shape the Future of Recreation
Connor Sinclair of San Ramon Valley High School, winner of the RecycleSmart/Mt Diablo Recycling Waste Reduction Student Scholarship, poses  with Supervisor Andersen, Danville Mayor Karen Stepper and Danville Council Member Newell Arnerich. For more information about the scholarship award and other school recycling programs offered by RecycleSmart, click here
ABOUTFACE: Building Veterans Understanding Through Self-Portraits

ABOUTFACE Self-portrait Exhibit officially opened May 24 at the County Administration Building as part of a special Memorial Day presentation for the Board of Supervisors.  The exhibit is in the hallway on the main floor.  You are welcome to visit - 651 Pine Street, Martinez, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The exhibit will run through June 10.

The exhibit includes recent self-portraits created by veterans who attended an ABOUTFACE painting workshop.  The paintings will be exhibited throughout Contra Costa County over the next year.  To learn more  click here .
Around San Ramon
Looking for a fun way to start the July 4th holiday in a healthy and family friendly environment? Then join the City of San Ramon for its annual 4th of July Run San Ramon 10K Run and 5K Run and Walk this Independence Day starting from the San Ramon Community Center. This is a fun, flat, paved route that is dog and stroller friendly. The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K Fun Run & Walk starts at 8:20 a.m.

The Run San Ramon race is open to all ages. The Mayor's Cup is awarded to the winning pre-registeredSan Ramon resident, male & female (5K & 10K). Trophies will be awarded to the winning male and female of both races and medals will go to the top three in each division, male and female. The Mayor's Crown trophy will be awarded to the lowest combined times of the 2015 Bah Humbug and 2016 Run San Ramon pre-registered 5k runner (male and female).  Race day registration begins at 6:45am and the first race starts at 8:15am. Registration forms and online registration can be accessed by clicking here, Search "Run San Ramon", or click here.

More Happening in San Ramon.....
 
Just in time for summer park fun!  As a part of the City's annual Capital Improvement Program Budget, the play equipment and play surface at Mill Creek Hollow Park (located at 2100 Deerwood Dr.) are being upgraded in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The existing play structure is in sound condition but will be refurbished, including powder coating the painted surfaces and replacing sun blemished components. The major portion of the renovation, however, centers around the removal and replacement of the existing resilient tile with a softer and more play-friendly, cushioned synthetic turf surface.  The project was approved by both the Parks Commission and the City Council, and renovations began in May 2016.  The project is scheduled to be complete, and the play area re-opened to the public, in June 2016.   
Walnut Creek Real Estate in Motion 

Supervisor Andersen stands with Michael Lee, 2016 President of Contra Costa Real Estate in Motion, an organization composed of real estate professionals with a common focus on developing the regional real estate industry. The group meets meets weekly in Walnut Creek.  The Supervisor spoke to the crowd about current issues in Contra Costa County that affect the Real Estate Industry. 
Killer Bees in Contra Costa?
Last month we had a bee scare in our County when a swarm of bees was discovered in Concord.  The bees were aggressive and two small dogs died after being stung.  While initial media reports indicated that the swarm included Africanized Honeybees (AHB), also known as "killer bees," additional testing indicated that the bees were not killer bees.  Further DNA tests with CDFA Labs are underway to ensure that the swarm in question was not.

Bees have always played a valuable and important role in agriculture in Contra Costa County.  Besides the honey they produce, we depend on them to pollinate fruits, vegetables and flowers.  Killer bees first arrived in California in 1994, and since then they have pushed their way north.  Their movement has slowed since 2004 when they found their way to Southern Tulare County.  Killer bees do not survive well in colder temperatures, which may explain the decreased rate of spread.  As the average temperatures continue to rise in California, killer bees have been slowly moving more to the north.  

Killer Bees are nearly indistinguishable from European Honeybees without DNA testing.  Their sting is no different from the European Honeybees; it is their aggressive behavior when defending their hive that sets them apart from the European variety.  The killer bees tend to aggressively defend their hive with vibrations and noise 100 feet from the hive or if something moves within 50 feet of the hive.  They will chase someone up to a quarter of a mile away, while the European Honeybees will only chase someone for about 100 feet.  Killer bees will remain agitated for up to 8 hours after being disturbed whereas the European Honeybees will normally calm down after an hour or two.
Killer bees were found in Contra Costa County in 1997 and 2008 in Crockett.  The bees hitched a ride on a ship from Guatemala in 1997.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) came out and treated those swarms.  Since then, a suspected killer bee was discovered last year in Lafayette.

Any swarm of bees can be dangerous.  If you find a bee swarm you can call the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture at (925) 646-5250, or the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District at (925) 685-9301.  Volunteers with the count Diablo Beekeepers Association offer sward removal services by city for a $50 donation.  To go to their website click here.

You can also find information on Beekeeping on UC Davis's website by clicking here.

Thank you to Matthew Slattengren, Assistant Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner for his contributions to this article. 
Rheem Theater Events

To learn more about the Rheem Theater,  click here.

San Ramon Holds Grand Opening for New City Hall
Supervisor Andersen stands with San Ramon council member Phil O'Loane and Vice Mayor Scott Perkins 

Hundreds were on hand as San Ramon city officials unveiled the new City Hall with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 7.

City staff and volunteers led attendees on guided tours of the new City Hall, which officially opened its doors April 27 in a soft-opening, though move-in and final touches continued in the following weeks leading up to Saturday's ceremony. 
Stone Valley Middle School Groundbreaking

The construction of Stone Valley Middle School is officially under way following a groundbreaking celebration on May 12, 2016. San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) Board President Greg Marvel and Superintendent Mary Shelton were joined by Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen and Stone Valley Middle School Principal Jon Campopiano in turning the first shovels of dirt on the construction zone.

Stone Valley Middle School was originally built as a K-8 school in 1959 on 9.9 acres. Today, the school serves about 600 students in grades 6-8. 

For more information about all Measure D funded projects  click here . Community members with questions about this project can email by  cilcking here .
Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Wellness and Recovery is a relevant social concern for millions of adults, adolescents, children and families. R ecovery is possible through appropriate medical, social and culturally responsive support services. 

Commitment must begin at the local community level to increase awareness, replace misinformation, and eliminate stigma about mental illness and to promote the understanding that people with mental health issues can and do lead productive and satisfying lives.

The Board of Supervisors proclaimed May 2016 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Contra Costa County and encourages all citizens to promote the restoration of mental wellness in the community. To learn more about Mental Health Services, consider attending one of the Mental Health "Crash Courses" held weekly in Concord, sponsored by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health. Click here to register for the courses. 
Bella Vista Elementary School Dedication
Supervisor Andersen, pictured above with Board of Education member Greg Marvel, Bella Vista Principal Barb Mallon, San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson, and outgoing District Superintendent Mary Shelton, helped to dedicate San Ramon Valley Unified School District's newest elementary school on May 31st. 

Bella Vista Elementary is expected to open in time for the start of the 2016-17 school year. The new school is funded primarily through Measure D.  Bella Vista is designed to include two-story classroom buildings, a library, a multipurpose room, an administrative building, a child care facility, playgrounds, public ballfields, and state-of-the art technology and equipment. The ballfields on campus will double as future city parkland, and the site is adjacent to a planned 30-acre public park.  It is set to become the 36th school in the District and the fifth elementary campus in eastern San Ramon.
May Board Actions
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 May which impact the residents of District 2:   

Approved the building of a new Fire Station 16 in West Lafayette.
 
Approved/Authorized the Fire Chief to execute a Program Development Agreement with Opterra Energy Services, Inc. for integrated energy assessment services and identification of potential energy conservation measures at Contra Costa County Fire Protection District facilities.
 
Recognized the month of May as "Community Action Month".
Designated the week of May 15-21, 2016 as National Emergency Medical Services Week, with the theme of "Called to Care".
Acknowledged what the Youth Summit offers Contra Costa County's young people with the resources and strategies for self-improvement and attaining educational, career and financial goals.
Proclaimed May 2016 as Foster Care Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Proclaimed May 13-21, 2016 as the "20th Annual East Bay Affordable Housing Week" in Contra Costa County, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
 
Recognized May 2016 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Contra Costa County, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
 
Approved the Fiscal Year 2016/17 Recommended Budget.
 
Received update on the status of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority's development of a Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) for a possible sales tax measure in 2016; Considered actions necessary to communicate Board of Supervisors' input on the TEP.
 
Awarded/Authorized the Public Works Director to execute a construction contract with GradeTech Paving & Grading, Inc., for the Camino Tassajara Shoulder Widening Project, San Ramon.
 
 
Approved the Hemme Station Park Project and related actions under the California Environmental Quality Act; Authorized the Public Works Director to advertise the Project and approved the associated design and bid documents, Alamo.
 
Designated May 18, 2016 as Emergency Medical Services for Children Day, with the theme "EMS Called to Care for Children".
 
Proclaimed the week of May 15-21, 2016 as "National Public Works Week" in Contra Costa County.
 
Proclaimed May 12, 2016 as "Bike to Work Day"; Requested County Department Heads to participate in outreach efforts for Bike to Work Day for their employees.
 
Recognized the Grand Opening of the San Ramon City Hall, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Approved Appropriations and Revenue Adjustment authorizing new revenue for the Sheriff Emergency Services Division and appropriated it to the Community Warning System for the purchase of new equipment.
 
Approved/Authorized the Conservation and Development Director to submit the Measure WW Local Grant Program Project Application to the East Bay Regional Parks District for Tice Valley Linear Park and take related actions under the California Environmental Quality Act.
 
Continued the emergency action originally taken by the Board of Supervisors on November 16, 1999 regarding the issue of homelessness in Contra Costa County.
 
Recognized the "How to be a Conservator Workshop" and the volunteers who support this program, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
 
Received a presentation of the "People Who Make a Difference Awards 2016" acknowledging individuals that have significantly contributed towards reducing substance abuse in Contra Costa communities.
 
Acknowledged the AboutFace: Building Veterans' Self-understanding through Self-portraits Program and the collaboration of the Arts and Culture Commission, Veteran Services Office and the Office of Communication and Media.
 
Accepted the report from the Health Services Department Public Health Division on policy options to protect youth from tobacco influences in the retail environment; Received input on possible modifications to the County's tobacco ordinance.
 
Conducted a hearing to consider adoption of Ordinance to regulate wireless telecommunication facilities in the unincorporated area of Contra Costa County.
 
 
Reappointed Stacey Howard to the District II seat on the Contra Costa Commission for Women, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
 
Reassigned Jason Dudum from the 1st Alternate Seat of the County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee to the Appointee 6 Seat; Declared a vacancy in the Alternate Seat on the County Service Area P-5 Citizens Advisory Committee; Directed the Clerk of the Board to post a vacancy, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
 
Approved Appropriation and Revenue Adjustment authorizing additional revenue in the District Attorney's Office for the Human Trafficking Advocacy Program Grant from the State of California.
 
Adopted a "Support" position on  AB 2642 (E. Garcia):  Removing Barriers to Employment Act, a bill that would create a grant program to help individuals receive the remedial education and work readiness skills to successfully participate in training, apprenticeship or employment opportunities.
 
Authorized the Sheriff-Coroner to apply for and accept a U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice grant for the purchase of bullet proof vests.

Approved/Authorized the Public Works Director to execute a contract with Loving Campos Associates, Architects, Inc. to provide architectural services for the New Fire Station No. 16 Project, 4007 Los Arabis Road, Lafayette.
 
Amended the Master Property Tax Exchange Agreement between the County of Contra Costa and the City of San Ramon; Approved/Authorized the Chair, Board of Supervisors, to execute the Third Amendment to Master Property Tax Exchange Agreement for Allocation of Property Tax Between the County of Contra Costa and the City of San Ramon Upon Annexations.
 
Accepted the Canvass of Votes for the May 3, 2016 special election, showing that the measure for police services in County Service Area P6, Zone 1515, Supervisorial Districts 2 & 4 unincorporated area of Walnut Creek, passed.
 
Approved/Authorized the Director of Animal Services Department to conduct a biennial License Amnesty event to allow residents without valid dog licenses to comply with state law without facing any back penalties or late fees.
 
Received Civil Grand Jury Report entitled "Caring for the Victims: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Contra Costa County.
 
Authorized the County Administrator to participate in a regional effort to evaluate the feasibility of a countywide taxicab regulation process; Directed the County Administrator to make regular updates to the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee as the process moves forward.
 
Received Civil Grand Jury Report entitled "Protecting Our Groundwater Resources".

I nterested in Participating in Government?
Volunteers are Needed Throughout
District Two
To follow is a list of vacancies on a variety of advisory bodies to share your time and talents for the betterment of your community:

District 2 vacancies available:

  • Contra Costa County Disproportionate Minority Contact Task Force - seeking residents interested in reviewing data and discussing issues regarding disproportionate minority contact within the local criminal justice system ­ Seats available for District 2 residents are: Community-based organization representatives with at least one representative from the faith and family, Mental Health representative, Public Member. Application deadline is June 15th.      
  •  
  • Economic Opportunity Council - expiring seat
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
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board
  • Countywide Bicycle Advisory Committee
  • County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee
  • Developmental Disabilities Area Board
  • East Bay Regional Park District - Advisory Committee
  • CCC Local Planning Advisory Council for Early Care & Education
  • Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Juvenile Justice Commission/Delinquency Prevention Commission
  • Managed Care Commission
  • Contra Costa Commission for Women

To apply for any of these seats,  click here .