|
Weekly Update - November 14th
View as Webpage
| |
Industrial Association Hosts Board of Supervisors
The Industrial Association (formerly known as the Contra Costa Industrial Association) hosted a luncheon with the Board of Supervisors, bringing together business leaders and county officials to discuss economic development, infrastructure priorities, and workforce initiatives.
The event provided an opportunity for Association members to highlight key challenges and opportunities facing local industry, while county supervisors shared updates on policies, public works projects, and initiatives supporting business growth across Contra Costa.
Supervisor Andersen, along with other Board members, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in fostering a strong local economy and maintaining critical industrial infrastructure. Attendees valued the chance to connect directly with decision-makers and exchange ideas on strategies to strengthen the county’s business environment.
| Supervisors Ken Carlson, Diane Burgis, Candace Andersen and Shanelle Scales-Preston provide county updates for their districts. | To learn more about the Industrial Associations mission and vision visit their website HERE. | |
Honoring Our Veterans Across District 2
Supervisor Andersen joined community members across District 2 this Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who have served our country.
Danville, Moraga, and Walnut Creek all held their annual Veterans Day ceremonies, where local veterans, Scouts, and residents gathered to pay tribute to those who have worn our nation’s uniform.
Supervisor Andersen extends her sincere gratitude to all our service members, past and present, for their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms.
| | Supervisor Andersen joined former and current Walnut Creek City Council Members Loella Haskew, Cindy Silva and Mayor Cindy Darling in Walnut Creek, and Moraga Mayor Steve Woehleke, Karl Davis, John Haffner, Senator Tim Grayson, Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, and Michael Gelson in Moraga | | |
Supervisor Andersen joins “Lamorinda Movers” in Honoring
First Responders
On Monday, November 10, Supervisor joined the “Lamorinda Movers” in thanking local police and fire heroes at their annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
The Lamorinda Movers is a non-profit group of seniors (around 125 members and growing). Each month 70 to 120 gather on the second Monday of every month at the for dinner and entertainment. The three goals of the organization are:
1. Staying connected to dear friends and making new ones,
2. Having fun, and
3. Enriching the community in which we live and love.
They sponsor activities such as Bocce Ball in the Spring and Summer, and through charitable grants they strive to enhance the vitality of the Lamorinda community.
To learn more about the Lamorinda Movers, please
visit their website HERE
| | Supervisor Andersen joining the Lamorinda Movers for their annual dinner honoring local first responders. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the dedication and service of firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel. | | |
Save the Date - District 2 Holiday Open House
December 15th
| |
|
The Board of Supervisors to Discuss the Community Impact Fund this Tuesday, November 18th
At the November 18th Board of Supervisors meeting, the County will consider several major items, including adoption of the updated 2025 California Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code, annual reports on Head Start and Aging & Adult Services, and next steps for the Community Impact Fund following community survey results.
This year’s Community Impact Fund review will include a presentation on key findings from the countywide survey (found HERE), stakeholder feedback, and an initial framework for refining funding priorities. Staff will outline recommendations to increase transparency in the selection process and better align any future allocations with priority needs identified through community input. The Board may provide direction on program improvements and timelines for the next funding cycle.
The Board will also review large investments in behavioral health services, youth programs, public health technology, and major Public Works projects across the County, including approval of an urban lot split in Alamo and authorization of road closures for the annual Alamo Tree Lighting Festival. Numerous contract updates supporting health care, public safety, conservation efforts, and critical County infrastructure will also be on the agenda.
All Board meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live at contracosta.ca.gov or on Comcast Channel 27, WAVE Channel 32, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
Find Board of Supervisor's meeting agendas HERE.
| |
Update on SNAP/CalFresh Benefits in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County continues to navigate the ripple effects of recent disruptions to federal SNAP funding, which temporarily jeopardized food assistance for tens of thousands of local households. While November benefits have now been issued, county officials remain on alert as uncertainty continues at the federal level.
More than 65,000 Contra Costa households, representing roughly 107,000 residents, including many children and seniors, depend on CalFresh each month to afford basic groceries. When federal funding stalled earlier this fall, the County prepared for the possibility that recipients would not receive their monthly benefits.
To respond quickly and safeguard local families, the Board of Supervisors authorized up to $21 million in emergency funds to provide pre-loaded grocery debit cards if federal benefits failed to arrive. The plan was paused once the state was able to release November benefits, but County officials have kept funding authority in place should the need re-emerge.
In the days surrounding the disruption, demand for in-person assistance surged. The County’s Employment & Human Services offices saw more than double their typical daily foot-traffic, and staff distributed over 6,600 food boxes to help families bridge the gap. Local food banks have also reported increased need as residents continue to brace for further instability.
While this month’s benefits ultimately reached EBT cards, the situation remains fluid. County departments continue to monitor federal actions closely and maintain contingency plans to support residents should additional delays occur. Households enrolled in CalFresh are encouraged to check their EBT accounts regularly and reach out to their nearest service center if benefits do not appear as expected.
Contra Costa County remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable families have access to food assistance during this uncertain time, and further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
| |
If you are not a CalFresh recipient, and are in need of food resources, you can search by city or zip code to locate food distribution sites on the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano’s Find Food in my City. You may also call (855) 309-FOOD (3663).
Find food near you by scanning the QR code above.
| |
Support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has an urgent need for support. Although the federal government has now reopened, the recent shutdown caused delays in CalFresh/SNAP benefits for the month of November, creating immediate hardship for tens of thousands of residents who rely on this support to help cover their grocery bills.
Every $1.00 donated provides two meals. If you’re able, please consider donating to help the Food Bank meet the increased demand and support our neighbors still feeling the effects of the disruption.
Supervisor Andersen is actively seeking donations to the Food Bank through the Annual “Holiday Food Fight” between Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
If you would like to donate to the Food Bank, click HERE.
If you need food now, visit the Food Bank's interactive Find Food Map.
For more information visit Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano.
| |
White Pony Express Launches Countywide Food Drive
Amid CalFresh Suspension
White Pony Express (WPE) has announced a large-scale, countywide food drive running through November 30th, to support neighbors impacted by the temporary suspension of CalFresh (food stamp) benefits.
Although the federal government has now reopened and CalFresh funding is resuming, the earlier disruption created an immediate spike in need. WPE has already seen longer lines at food distribution sites across Contra Costa County, and many of their nonprofit partners have requested increased food supplies and more frequent deliveries. With the holidays approaching, the organization anticipates continued elevated demand for food and support.
To read full Press Release visit HERE.
| |
Contra Costa Fruit Rescue
Do you have a tree or orchard in need of harvesting? Contra Costa Fruit Rescue is a local non-profit that started harvesting residents trees in January 2023. They harvest fresh backyard fruit for donation to local soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters and the food bank.
If you would like to be added to their list of fruit donors, click Contra Costa Fruit Rescue to register your trees. You may register trees at any time of the year, even if they are not yet ready.
Fruit Rescue-Forestr.org is Empowering communities to build hyper-local programs dedicated to cleaning, greening, and gleaning of private and public spaces.
| | 🌟 Seeking a Youth Representative for the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council! 🌟
Do you know a student who wants to make a difference in their community?
The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) is looking for a dedicated Youth Representative to join the council and bring a student voice to local issues, events, and community planning.
Requirements:
✔️ Must live in Alamo
✔️ Must be a current high school student
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
✨ Develop leadership and public service experience
✨ Learn how local government works
✨ Represent the interests of Alamo’s youth
✨ Earn valuable experience for college and beyond
If you or someone you know is interested, please email Cameron Collins or call the District 2 Office (925.655.2300) for details on how to apply.
Help shape the future of Alamo - your voice matters!
| | |
Try Transit and Win!
Pledge to try transit instead of driving alone to work or college and you will receive a pre-loaded $25 Clipper card. When you take transit, you help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while relaxing, reading, or even taking a quick nap. That’s a win!
Bonus: You could also win $511. Sign up for Big Win on Transit and ride the bus, rail, or ferry, then log your rides. You could be our next weekly winner!
| | Vote by November 30th for a $3,000 Community Waste Reduction Grant | |
Republic Services and RecycleSmart are awarding one waste prevention or reduction project with $3,000!
There are eight final projects that need your vote! From November 1st-30th, the RecycleSmart community can cast their vote for one project to receive a $3,000 waste reduction community grant. Learn more and vote at www.ContraCostaRecycles.com.
As you vote, you can also take our annual pledge to always dispose of Hazardous Waste properly!
| |
Free Microchip and Vaccine Clinic for Dogs and Cats
Sunday, November 16th • 9:00 AM
Concord City Hall Parking Lot, 1950 Parkside Drive
Contra Costa Animal Services, the City of Concord, and Joybound People & Pets are partnering to offer a free community clinic for pets. Services will include rabies vaccines (dogs/cats), DHPP (dogs), FVRCP (cats), and free microchipping to help pets stay healthy and safe.
Additionally, free pet food will be available courtesy of Joybound People & Pets. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
For more information, visit www.ccasd.org.
| |
San Ramon Valley Village
San Ramon Valley Village has launched with the mission of enabling adults aged 55 and older to age with dignity, remain safely at home, and stay meaningfully connected to their community by offering compassionate non-medical care and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
The scope of services provided to members include:
- Socialization opportunities: gathering and meeting with others for coffee, lunch, dinner and happy hours along with educational presentations, game playing, arts and crafts and exercise activities. The goal of these activities is to address all aspects of people, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
- Services provided to individual members by trained volunteers who will drive them to appointments, go shopping for them, pick up prescriptions, perform simple home repairs and gardening help, computer and phone tech assistance, friendly visits and companionship, check-in calls, pet care and more.
- Referrals to service providers.
The San Ramon Valley Village is planning a soft launch of its socialization services in January. The first event will be a plant-potting activity, with hors d'oeuvres served on the side.
Click here to Learn more about the San Ramon Valley Village.
| | |
There are plenty of exciting opportunities this fall to connect, learn, and celebrate throughout District 2!
Saturday, November 15th:
Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley 16th Annual Food Drive
Monday, November 17th:
Fentanyl Overdose Awareness: Critical Information and Prevention Talk
Tuesday, November 18th:
CHP - Age Well Drive Smart in Orinda
Friday, November 21st:
Walnut Creek on Ice Opens
Tuesday, November 28th:
East Bay Regional Park District FREE Green Friday Activities
Saturday, December 6th:
Contra Costa County Flood Control District's 12th Annual Giving Natives a Chance event
Mark your calendars and join in these wonderful community gatherings happening across our district!
Stay Connected with Your Community - Be sure to check your local community, town, or city calendar regularly for upcoming events. It’s a great way to stay informed, get involved, and support the activities that bring neighbors together.
| | District 2 Volunteer Opportunities | | | | |
