Nominations Open for the 48th Annual Humanitarian of the Year! | | |
Each year, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honors two Humanitarians of the Year:
- A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT who inspires others by living out the values of kindness, justice, and leadership, and
- An ADULT who exemplifies Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy through service, leadership, and compassion.
The Humanitarian of the Year award recognizes individuals who bring people together, act for justice, and inspire others to make positive changes, whether through community work, advocacy, mentorship, or everyday acts of kindness.
This year’s theme:
✨ “Democracy as a Verb: Building on Dr. King’s Legacy in Contra Costa” ✨
Your nomination helps shine a light on the individuals who make Contra Costa County stronger, fairer, and more connected. Thank you for helping us honor those who lead by example and live Dr. King’s dream every day.
🔗 High School Student Nomination Form can be found HERE.
🔗 Adult Nomination Form can be found HERE.
📧 Email: melissa.hickok@cr.cccounty.us for any questions.
To read more on the nominations process visit
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony.
All nominations are due by October 31st, 2025.
| |
Blackhawk Autumn Festival Brings Seasonal Fun
to the Community
The Blackhawk Museum hosted its annual Autumn Harvest Festival 2025, a vibrant celebration of the season and the rich cultural traditions that make our community so unique. The festival brought together hundreds of families to enjoy spectacular music, dance, and traditional performances from around the world. Guests experienced colorful displays, cultural exhibits, and festive activities that honored the spirit of togetherness, gratitude, and the beauty of the harvest season. The Autumn Festival celebrates the full moon, a symbol of reunion and harmony, with mooncakes, lanterns, and family gatherings.
| Pictured above: Kay Wang, Community Volunteer, Andy Li, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board, Jeff Behring, Behring Foundation Board, Dyan Rhodes, Behring Foundation Board, Cherise Khaund, Field Representative for Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, Susanna Ordway, SRVUSD Trustee, Karen Stepper, Danville Town Council, Shouan Pan, Yuba Community College District Chancellor, April Chan, EBMUD Board of Directors, and Carol Mascali, District Representative for Supervisor Candace Andersen. | |
Missed a Board of Supervisors Meeting?
Watch the Board of Supervisors meeting online or on Thursday at 6 pm on Contra Costa Television Channels (CCTV): Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and Astound 32 and 1027.
Meetings also can be viewed online the same week they are held, usually within 48 hours. To watch the recorded meetings online, visit the
Streaming Media Archive.
| | |
Movie Night at Livorna Park!
Join us on Friday, October 10th at 6:45 p.m. for an outdoor showing of Hotel Transylvania. Bring your chairs, blankets, and favorite snacks, and enjoy this fun animated film under the stars. The movie follows Count Dracula as he runs a lavish resort for monsters, only to have things turned upside down when a human unexpectedly arrives. Don’t miss this family-friendly evening at the park!
| | | |
Ballots for the Upcoming Statewide Special Election are in the Mail
Registered voters in Contra Costa County will soon receive their Official Ballots for the upcoming November 4th Statewide Special Election. If you do not receive your ballot by October 13th, call the Elections Office at 925-335-7800.
“The Statewide Special Election was not approved by the California State Legislature until late August, and I want to make sure that all registered Contra Costa County voters know what they can expect as we get closer to Election Day,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “Our office wants to ensure that every Contra Costa County Voter is fully informed about how to participate in this election.”
The Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department offers many ways for voters to cast their ballot early and ensure it is included in the first report on Election Night. Voters can send their ballot through the US Mail in their postage pre-paid ballot envelope. They can put it in one of 45 secure Contra Costa Dropboxes located throughout the County, or they can bring it to 555 Escobar Street in Martinez between 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. The Elections Division also offers Regional Early Voting sites for those who need to register and/or vote in person.
- Contra Costa Elections Office opens for early voting on October 6th
- October 20th is the Deadline for registering to vote online via RegisterToVote.ca.gov
- Regional Early Voting opens on October 31st
- Polling places will be open on Election Day, November 4th (7AM to 8PM)
- Vote-by-Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before November 4th
For more information about the November 4th Statewide Special Election, go to the Contra Costa County Elections Office, your trusted source of nonpartisan election information, at ContraCostaVote.gov, or call 925-335-7800.
| | |
Celebrate Fall with the Annual Danville Scarecrow Stroll
Fall has arrived, and with it comes one of the Town’s most beloved traditions: the annual Scarecrow Stroll, taking place October 10 through November 10 throughout the Town of Danville.
Each year, Danville businesses, organizations, and community groups showcase their creativity by designing and decorating scarecrows that bring seasonal spirit and charm to the heart of town. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided stroll through the displays — many of which are concentrated in the downtown area, with additional “bonus locations” found at spots throughout Danville.
Participants are invited to vote for their favorite scarecrow online. A digital map and voting link are available now at Danville Scarecrow-Stroll. At the end of the stroll, one lucky voter will win a grand prize basket filled with goods from local shops, while the business or group that earns the most votes will receive a special recognition prize from the Town.
In addition to creative displays, many participating businesses are offering exclusive promotions and seasonal specials for strollers throughout the month, making this event the perfect reason to shop local, dine out, and enjoy Danville’s small-town charm.
The Scarecrow Stroll is free to explore and open to all ages. Whether you visit for a fun family outing, a photo opportunity with friends, or a festive fall day downtown, there’s no better way to celebrate the season in Danville.
For more information, to view the map, or vote for your favorite scarecrow,
visit DanvilleCA.gov
| | |
E-Bikes & E-Scooters: What Parents Should Know
E-bikes are increasingly popular among teens, offering benefits like reduced car trips, more independence, and exercise. However, they also come with safety concerns since they are heavier, faster, and more complex to operate than regular bikes. Parents should consider whether their child truly needs an e-bike, whether they are mature enough to handle it, and ensure they understand the differences between e-bikes and e-motos.
| | |
Laws require riders of Class 3 e-bikes to be at least 16, helmets for all riders under 18, and driver’s licenses for e-scooters. E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited on sidewalks, and certain trails restrict higher-powered models. Training courses and strong safety habits are recommended to keep young riders safe.
To learn more visit DanvilleTownTalks.
| | |
Street Smart Bike Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2025
Bring the whole family to the Community Bike Festival on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Iron Horse Middle School (blacktop) in San Ramon. This free, fun-filled event is designed for children ages 3–12 and includes bike and pedestrian safety instruction, guided helmet fittings, CPR training, bike maintenance tips, and a safety bike skills course (bike and helmet required). Kids can also enjoy live music, crafts, and face painting, with snacks available for purchase.
Pre-register for a chance to win great prizes, including $300 toward a new bike!
Learn more at Street-Smarts.com.
| | |
Don’t Flip your Lid!
SB 1383 requires local jurisdictions to monitor contamination and proper sorting of organics by performing annual route audits. RecycleSmart or its contractor may be in your neighborhood throughout the year performing ‘lid-flips’ and looking into your carts including, organics, recycling, and landfill (residential and commercial). RecycleSmart is only looking for proper sorting and may leave outreach on your carts with helpful tips and suggestions.
During the week of November 10th, you may see an inspector in your neighborhood performing 'lid-flips' and looking into your organics, recycling, and landfill carts. Inspectors may leave outreach on your carts, including a “Good Job” or “Oops” tag, with helpful tips and suggestions.
As part of these visual route reviews, RecycleSmart will not be imposing any fines. Additionally, the inspectors will not be touching materials in the carts or dumping the contents of the cart.
For information about proper waste sorting, visit RecycleSmart.org
| | |
Discover More with PressReader: News, Magazines,
Puzzles & More!
PressReader isn’t just your gateway to the world’s news anymore, it now offers crosswords, sudoku, and other puzzles to keep your mind sharp, plus access to MIT Technology Review!
With PressReader, you can enjoy unlimited access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from over 120 countries, available in 60 different languages. Explore top titles like The Economist, The New York Times, La Opinión, World Journal, Times of India, La Razón, China Daily, Newsweek, and The Boston Globe.
Whether you’re catching up on global headlines, diving into in-depth analysis, or unwinding with a puzzle, PressReader has something for everyone.
Visit the Digital Resources page at CCLibrary.com to get started.
| | Contra Costa HICAP Medicare Update & Enrollment Events | | |
Medicare Changes for 2026: What You Need to Know
Contra Costa County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is hosting a variety of informational presentations to review the basics of Medicare and also discuss what’s changing with Medicare plans for next year. Detailed information will be presented about the specific Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans available in Contra Costa County.
Registration is required for most talks. See registration information
on the chart, below.
| |
Annual Enrollment Period Counseling Events
HICAP holds special counseling events during the fall annual enrollment period. During these events you can receive help reviewing and changing your drug or health plan to make sure it’s the best fit for you as well as help with any regular Medicare issue. See the chart, below, for a list of all events.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15th through December 7th.
| | To register for a counseling session, visit HICAP. | |
Nominations Open for the Women Making a Difference Awards
Nominations are now open for the Women Making a Difference Awards, presented by Kaiser Permanente in partnership with the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
The awards will celebrate three extraordinary women who positively impact the East Bay. Nominations are due by Friday, October 31st, and winners will be honored at the 2026 East Bay Women’s Conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Award categories include:
-
Innovation Award: Recognizes a woman who achieves measurable results through innovative solutions, advancing well-being in the East Bay.
-
Leadership and Empowerment Award: Honors a woman with exceptional leadership and a dedication to empowering others, fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
-
Rising Star Award: Highlights a woman with outstanding early-career achievements, leadership potential, and a vision for meaningful impact.
To submit a nomination and learn more about the awards,
Visit EBWC 2026 Awards to learn more.
| | |
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) Final Class of 2025!
The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District will host its final Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) class of the year on Wednesday, October 22, from 6–9 p.m. This free, 3-hour course teaches individuals and families how to prepare for disasters, assemble emergency kits, and create home plans to be self-sufficient for at least seven days.
| |
Open to ages 10 and up (youth 10–15 must attend with an adult).
Register at FireDept.org.
| | |
There are plenty of exciting opportunities this fall to connect, learn, and celebrate throughout District 2!
Saturday, October 11: Moraga Pancake Breakfast hosted by MOFD
Saturday, October 11: Lafayette Rotary "Keep on Truckin"
Sunday, October 12: San Ramon Valley Education Foundation’s 42nd Run
for Education
Monday, October 13: Lamorinda CERT Great ShakeOut
Thursday, October 16, 2025: AAUW Civic Engagement Check-in: What Can I Do?
Sunday, October 19: Lafayette Res Run for Education
Tuesday, October 21, 2025: John Muir Health Breast Cancer Awareness Webinar
Wednesday, October 22, 2025: Alamo Women's Club 10th Annual Author's Faire and Fundraiser
Saturday, October 25, 2025: San Ramon Street Smarts Bike Festival
Saturday, October 25 2025: Domestic Violence Awareness Walk in San Ramon
Tuesday, November 4: Board of Supervisors Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
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.
| | |
Affordable Housing Finance Committee Seeking Applicants
Applications are now being accepted from individuals to fill four vacant positions for the Affordable Housing Finance Committee (AHFC):
- West County (City) Representative
- East County (Unincorporated) Representative
- Central County (Unincorporated) Representative
- Community/At-Large Representative
Applicants must live in one of the eligible districts and have professional experience in affordable housing finance, design, development, or property management. The Affordable Housing Finance Committee (AHFC) advises on funding recommendations for affordable housing programs in Contra Costa County, including HOME, CDBG, and Measure X Housing funds. The committee usually meets once a year in the spring to review funding proposals, with occasional additional meetings as needed.
Application deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, October 27th. Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews via Zoom on Monday, November 24th at the Internal Operations Committee.
For more information or to apply, please visit AHFC
| |
Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commission Seeking Applicants
Contra Costa County is seeking individuals who are interested in serving on Contra Costa County’s Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). The purpose of an ALUC is to conduct airport land use compatibility planning. ALUC's protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the orderly expansion of airports and the adoption of land use measures that minimize the public's exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards within areas around public airports to the extent that these areas are not already devoted to incompatible uses.
Commission members are expected to attend at least one meeting a month. Regular meetings of the ALUC are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Zoning Administrator Meeting Room at 30 Muir Road, Martinez.
For more information visit the ALUC website
To apply, visit the Advisory Body Page
Application are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, October 17th. Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews at the Internal Operations Committee meeting via Zoom on Monday, October 27th at 10:30 a.m.
| | 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. For more information go to ContraCosta-Alamo.
| | | | |
