Weekly Update - November 28th

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As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for our incredible District 2 community. Your kindness, resilience, and commitment to supporting one another are what make our region such a special place to call home.

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you, and I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and healthy Thanksgiving.

Warm Regards,

Candace

Diablo Vista “Snake Park” Opening

The Town of Danville celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new and expanded playground area at Diablo Vista Park Tuesday morning.

The park keeps its familiar layout but adds thoughtful new features designed to boost comfort and strengthen community connections for visitors of all ages. Families can look forward to shaded seating, game tables, larger picnic areas, and a completely reimagined playground with a modern, nature-inspired design, innovative play structures, and musical elements that encourage creativity and exploration.

Additional updates include new outdoor fitness stations and revitalized landscaping that preserves sweeping views of Danville’s rolling hills. The renovation also includes a thoughtful restoration of the park’s most iconic feature, the beloved “Large Serpent no Scarlatti” sculpture, ensuring its artistry is protected and its charm can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Read the full press release here. 

Supervisor Andersen celebrated the renovated park with Danville Mayor Renee Morgan, Town Manager Tai Williams, and Council Member Mark Belotz.

2025 Lighting of the Old Danville Oak Tree

Join Supervisor Candace Andersen and the Danville community for one of the most cherished traditions of the season, the annual Lighting of the Old Oak Tree.

Friday, November 28, 2025

Diablo Road, Downtown Danville

5PM to 8PM

Bring family, friends, and holiday cheer as we gather for music, festivities, and the magical moment when the historic Old Oak Tree is illuminated to welcome the season. Once again, Supervisor Andersen will be serving Hot Cocoa and homemade butterscotch brownies at her office. This community celebration is a highlight each year, and we hope to see you there!

For a schedule of the evening's entertainment, visit HERE.

To stay up to date on Danville Chamber events, visit HERE.

Save the Date - District 2 Holiday Open House

December 15th

Counties Care Holiday Food Fight!

The Holiday Food Fight is a friendly competition between Contra Costa and Solano County employees to raise funds for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. This effort, spearheaded by individual county departments, has raised nearly $2.7 million since 2004. The county that raises the most funds per employee will win the Big Apple trophy. The trophy and bragging rights pass back and forth annually, but the real winners are the recipients of the funds you raise: those who go hungry in our communities.

Donate today, and help your county win the Big Apple! 

Supervisor Andersen - District 2 Donate HERE!

County Urges Immigrants Eligible for Medi-Cal to Enroll Before the End of 2025

Contra Costa County strongly encourages adult undocumented residents without health insurance to enroll in Medi-Cal this year while they are still eligible.

Starting January 1st, people ages 19 and older with what the state defines as unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS), a category that includes undocumented residents and others who do not meet federal eligibility criteria, will no longer be able to enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal benefits, including seniors. The change in eligibility is the result of state budget cuts.

State residents with UIS status who are already enrolled in Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026, will be able to keep and renew most of their benefits, though adults 19 and older will lose dental coverage beginning in July 2026.

After the new rules take effect, immigration status will not affect Medi-Cal coverage for children under 19 and pregnant women and their infants. Adults 19 and older who are classified as UIS will still be able to receive Emergency Medi-Cal, which covers emergency medical treatment.

In Contra Costa, residents can call EHSD at (866) 663-3225 for information about enrolling in Medi-Cal or apply online at BenefitsCal.com. 

For more information, read the Department of Health Care

Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQ's

Holiday Safety Tips

As you prepare for the holiday season, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff encourages everyone to take a few simple steps to keep your home, mail, and vehicles secure.

If traveling, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home, pause mail and newspaper delivery, and ensure windows, doors, cameras, and outdoor lighting are all functioning properly.

To prevent package and mail theft, track deliveries closely, avoid leaving packages on your porch, and consider using signature-required delivery or a locking mailbox.

When out shopping, don’t leave valuables visible in your vehicle, always lock your doors, and park in well-lit areas.

A few precautions can go a long way toward keeping your holidays safe and stress-free.

Get Involved in County Government: Take the

10-Minute Survey

The Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice in partnership with Bright Research Group is planning three community workshops in 2026 to help residents learn how county government works and how to have their voices heard.

Before they plan the details, they would love to hear from YOU:

• What topics or skills would be most helpful?
• What would make it easier for you to attend?
• What local issues matter most to you right now?

Your ideas will help us design workshops that truly reflect our community’s needs.

TAKE SURVEY HERE

The survey will remain open until December 12th.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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!

There are plenty of exciting opportunities this fall to connect, learn, and celebrate throughout District 2!



Tuesday, November 28th:

East Bay Regional Park District FREE Green Friday Activities

Thursday, December 4th:

Alamo Women's Club Jewelry Faire

Snowbound: A Holiday Tale (12/4-12/20)

Friday, December 5th

Alamo Women's Club Jewelry Faire

WINTERFEST, Orinda

Saturday, December 6th:

Contra Costa County Flood Control District's 12th Annual Giving Natives a Chance event

Santa Claus is Coming to San Ramon!

Sunday, December 7th:

Alamo Holiday Tree Lighting at Oak Tree Plaza

It's a Wonderful Life 4pm-6pm in Lafayette Plaza

Saturday, December 13th:

Santa Claus is Coming to Danville!

Wreaths Across America Alamo and Lafayette Cemeteries

Monday, December 15th

Festival of Lights Chanukah Menorah Lighting, Moraga

December 21st

Alamo Plaza Menorah Lighting

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

Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee - Youth Representative Seat

To advise on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within Alamo, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation.

County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (one seat available) (Roundhill residents only)

To advise the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.

Submit an Application.

Click here for information on volunteering for an advisory board