Community Update: EHSD Responds to CalFresh Benefit Delay in Contra Costa County | | |
The Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) has activated its coordinated response to support Contra Costa County residents following the temporary lapse in CalFresh benefits. As of today, the department’s offices are open and taking steps to ensure that families and individuals affected by the interruption have access to essential food resources.
Immediate Food Assistance
To help meet the community’s needs, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano has delivered additional food boxes to EHSD’s food closets located at:
- 1305 McDonald
- 400 Ellinwood
- 4545 Delta Faire
- 151 Linus Pauling
These resources are being distributed under EHSD’s established food distribution protocols to ensure equitable and timely access for residents in need.
Food and Crisis Resources
Residents seeking food assistance are encouraged to access the following resources:
- Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano – Visit the Find Food in My City page to locate the nearest food distribution site by city or ZIP code, or call (855) 309-FOOD (3663).
- California Food Banks – CAfoodbanks.org provides a searchable directory of local food banks by county.
- Contra Costa Crisis Center – Visit crisis-center.org, call 988 or (800) 273-8255, or text “HOPE” to 20121 for immediate support.
- 211 Contra Costa – The Contra Costa Crisis Center’s 211 Database lists local health, food, and social services available to residents.
- EHSD CalFresh News Updates – Ongoing updates are posted on the EHSD website.
| | Employment Spotlight: How Targeted Support Helped a Veteran Thrive | | |
At Los Medanos College's annual Veterans Outreach Event, Chris Crisostomo, EDD's Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist, met Fernando Sanchez—a veteran eager to reestablish himself in the civilian workforce. From the start, Mr. Sanchez showed initiative and a clear vision for his next career chapter.
After discussing his background and career goals, Chris provided one-on-one support to help him prepare for opportunities in the security field.
Together, they refined his resume to emphasize his military experience, discipline, and leadership skills in ways that matched private security job requirements. To boost his interview confidence, the Jobs for Veteran Services Grant (JVSG) team conducted a mock interview, offering practical feedback and strategies for effectively communicating his strengths.
Recognizing his strong interest in protective services, the Local Veteran Employer Representative (LVER)connected him to several security openings, including with federal security contract Paragon Systems. Through dedication, preparation, and teamwork, Mr. Sanchez secured employment as a Protective Security Officer (PSO). He now works at multiple federal buildings across the Bay Area—including Antioch, Concord, Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, and San Rafael—supporting agencies such as the FDA, Social Security Administration, and the DEA.
Mr. Sanchez began training at $26 per hour and is on track to earn $40 per hour on assignment with the potential to reach $45 per hour for those opting out of benefits. His success reflects the power of persistence, adaptability, and guided support in helping veterans translate their service experience into meaningful civilian careers.
| | Building New Futures: Refinery Workers Pivot | | |
On October 13, 2025, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) joined a speaker panel in Martinez to support career transition planning for Refinery Workers from Laborers Union Local 324. With the oil and gas industry facing declining demand and anticipated plant closures—including the planned shutdown of Valero’s Benicia refinery by April 2026—many workers are preparing for significant changes.
Union Business Manager Eddie Espinoza encouraged attendees to consider careers in the Construction Craft Laborer (CCL) trades, noting that most of their 3,700 members work in that field. WDBCCC Director Brown presented funding, training, supportive services, and other assistance available to help workers retrain and transition into new careers.
Charles Brown III, WDBCCC’s Business Services Representative and Rapid Response Coordinator, shared information about support for plant closure, the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund (DOGWF), the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), and how refinery skills can transfer into new roles. The Solano County WDB and Director David Hubble also contributed insights on labor market trends and government incentives. Leonard Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Northern California Laborers Training Center, introduced the LIUNA/WDBCCC training program—a six-week, 240-hour course that prepares participants to become skilled CCL apprentices.
Together, these efforts reflect a strong commitment to helping workers navigate change and build new futures in the construction trades.
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Celebrating Workforce Connections:
A Ribbon Cutting Milestone
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On behalf of the WDBCCC, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to over 80 businesses and workforce leaders that attended our September 26, 2025, Workforce and Business Connections Open House event during Workforce Development Month. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place commemorating the Federal Glover Conference Room in our new suite at the America's Jobs Center at 4071 Port Chicago Highway in Concord.
We would like to recognize and thank Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, Supervisor Ken Carlson, Carol Mascali from the Office of Supervisor Candace Andersen, Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer, and WDBCCC Board Members Leslay Choy, Richard Johnson, and Douglas Lezameta. Together, we are creating pathways to opportunity and a more resilient, inclusive economy in Contra Costa County.
Visit our WDBCCC website to stay informed about business and economic development in Contra Costa County.
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Biotech Meets the Bay:
Exploring Careers in Cultivated Meat
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WDBCCC staff members Anisa Smith and Michael Katz had the opportunity to explore one of the East Bay's most innovative biotech facilities. Invited by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, the duo toured the UPSIDE Foods EPIC (Engineering, Production, and Innovation Center) Facility in Emeryville, CA. UPSIDE Foods is pioneering a transformative approach to food production—growing meat directly from animal cells.
During the tour, staff learned about the science and sustainability behind cultivated meat, a process that eliminates the need to raise and slaughter animals, while also reducing environmental impact. The visit provided valuable insights into the emerging field of cultivated meat and its potential to create a new wave of career opportunities in the East Bay. As the industry evolves and gains broader acceptance, it is expected to generate exciting jobs in biotechnology, food science, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
WDBCCC remains committed to staying ahead of future workforce trends and ensuring that East Bay residents are prepared to take advantage of the growing opportunities in cutting-edge industries, such as cultivated meat.
| | Trades Orgs Demo Skills for Students | | |
On September 30th, Jon Lawrence - the Employment Placement Counselor at Bay Point Works - attended the "Careers in the Trades Demonstration Day" event hosted by San Pablo Economic Development Corp., one of the 10 access points for WIOA services in the County. Both adults and high school students gathered to listen to unions representing painters, plumbers, steamfitters, welders, electricians, and sheet metal/ iron workers teach about career-training opportunities. Construction-oriented employers and trade-allied programs such as Tradeswomen, Bay Area Industry Training Fund, and Richmond Youthbuild were all present - catching the attention of curious onlookers.
Owen Hershey, the Workforce Program Coordinator at San Pablo EDC and main organizer of the event says, "Trades jobs will never go away, and racking up thousands in debt while gaining a four-year degree is just not possible for so many Bay Area families." Owen, San Pablo EDC, and the whole East Bay are happy to see a comeback in skilled trades training programs.
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Youth Summit Empowers
East Contra Costa County Students
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On September 20, 2025, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg came alive with energy and purpose as more than 400 students from across Contra Costa County gathered for the 2025 Youth Summit and East Contra Costa Youth & Young Adult Career Fair. Held as part of the District V Youth Conference and sponsored by Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, the event was a vibrant celebration of youth potential and community collaboration.
WDBCCC, in partnership with Supervisor Scales-Preston’s office, brought together employers, unions, and community organizations to provide career exploration and employment resources for youth and young adults. Attendees connected with representatives from organizations including Contra Costa County Health Services–AODS, MCE, Contra Costa County Library, Delta Diablo, C.O.P.E. Family Support Center, the City of Pittsburg, Los Medanos College Certificate Programs, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 159, and the Fire & Forestry Recruitment Program (FFRP).
Throughout the day, students participated in dynamic workshops on leadership, mental health, and technology. These sessions were led by dedicated facilitators who shared their expertise and passion, equipping students with practical tools and fresh perspectives. The students’ thoughtful questions and personal reflections made each session even more impactful.
The event also featured a lively Youth Innovation Fest and powerful keynote speakers who inspired attendees to envision bold futures. Supervisor Scales-Preston captured the spirit of the day, saying, “This Youth Summit was more than just an event—it was a celebration of possibility. From our incredible speakers to the hands-on workshops, every moment reminded us that the future of Contra Costa County is bright because of our youth.”
Thanks to a generous partnership with Phillips 66, students from West County were able to attend via charter bus, ensuring broader access to this transformative experience.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the partners, volunteers, and attendees who made this event possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our youth and our community.
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| Business Services Team Attends 2025 Contra Costa Business Conference | | |
Business Services Representatives Anisa Smith and Charles Brown represented the WDBCCC at the 2025 Contra Costa Business Conference held on Thursday, September 18 in Brentwood. The event was hosted by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce and brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from across the county.
This year's conference featured a robust agenda centered around key areas of business innovation and growth, including Interactive AI Demonstrations, Leadership & Culture, Strategic Growth, Social Media Mastery, Sales Acceleration, Entrepreneurship, and Risk Management. Attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaborative opportunities, and strengthen professional networks. Chamber members and local businesses engaged directly with Workforce Development board staff to learn more about the wide range of services and resources available to support business and workforce needs.
The 2025 Contra Costa Business Conference proved to be a dynamic and engaging event--combining education, networking, and innovation to empower the local business community.
| | Coming Up: Meet the Consultants | We're excited to participate in the upcoming Meet the Consultants Forum, taking place from November 5 to 7 in Concord! Hosted by Contra Costa County, this event brings together site selection experts, business leaders, and regional partners to explore the vast potential for investment and growth across California. Stay tuned for highlights in our December newsletter! | | |
*Full Board: Tuesday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Youth Committee: Wednesday, November 19, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
| | Jobseeker Events in November | | |
Looking to change careers this year? Check out EASTBAY Works' events, where you can gain certifications and other job-training skills. This month's events include:
DOGWF Program Participants Registration and Information Session for the Laborer's Training: Monday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at 4071 Port Chicago Highway, 2 floor, Concord, CA 94520
*WIOA In-Person Information Session: Wednesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
*Chase Bank Money Skills Workshop: Understanding and Building: Thursday, November 13, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*Opportunity Junction Information Session: Tuesday, November 18, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
*Native American Health Center: Information Session: Tuesday, November 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*SHELTER INC Employment Workshop: How to Follow Up with Employers: Tuesday, November 18, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
*Job Corps - On Site: Tuesday, November 25, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
| | | | California will delay the release of its September 2025 employment data, originally scheduled for October 17, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The State's labor market estimates rely on data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, which has suspended operations during the shutdown. EDD will publish the data after federal systems resume. | | Want to stay updated on WDBCCC news and upcoming events in Contra Costa County? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. | | If this email was forwarded to you, quickly sign up to receive future editions of this newsletter and other communications. | | | | |
