Weekly Update - October 20, 2023

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Contra Costa County Residents Invited to Participate in Community Preparedness Study

Contra Costa County residents and businesses can help the County update its emergency preparedness plans by participating in a voluntary online questionnaire. Feedback from the confidential 10‐minute survey will enable Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services to better serve residents and businesses before, during, and after an emergency or disaster.

Those who live or work in Contra Costa County are encouraged to share their experiences, knowledge, and concerns about local hazards by participating in the brief questionnaire. To complete the questionnaire, please visit Hazard‐ Mitigation‐Questionnaire. The questionnaire will remain open until January 30, 2024.

Information provided in Contra Costa County’s community preparedness questionnaire will help the County and local communities create strategies and implement actions to reduce future risk of death, injuries, and property damage from hazards.

To learn more about the Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan, disaster preparedness, and opportunities to get involved, visit https://www.cocosheriff.org/disaster-preparedness/emergency-services-division.

The United States Federal government requires local and state governments to have a FEMA-approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, as established by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, to qualify for hazard mitigation assistance grant dollars. These programs are critical sources of Federal funding, especially for a community that wants to proactively initiate mitigation projects using mitigation grant dollars.

Draft Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update are Ready for Public Review

The Draft Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan is the County’s primary policy tool to guide physical changes in the unincorporated areas of the county over the next 20 years. It serves as the basis for planning- and infrastructure-related decisions made by County staff and decision makers. It is built around the themes of environmental justice, community health, economic development, and sustainability.

The Draft 2024 CAP is the County’s strategic plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to adapt to changing climate conditions, such as heat, flooding, droughts, and wildfires, in the unincorporated areas of the county. The 2024 CAP implements the General Plan’s policy guidance and addresses behaviors, regulations, and investment decisions that directly reduce GHG emissions or promote climate resilience.

Community member feedback has been the driving force behind these planning efforts. County staff have held over 125 meetings with community members, advocates, stakeholders, and officials. This collaborative effort, including over 50 community meetings and over 20 with community-based organizations, has shaped the shared vision for Contra Costa County. Now, in the final stages, residents are invited to explore the plans and ensure they reflect the community’s collective aspirations for Contra Costa County’s future.

You can view the plans and provide comments on the project website: envisioncontracosta2040.org. 

The public review and comment period for the Draft General Plan and Climate Action Plan 2024 Update will extend through January 31, 2024. 

Stay Safe Contra Costa

When a gun is present in a domestic violence relationship, death is 20 times more likely to occur. These deaths are preventable. Contra Costa Family Justice Center has partnered with STAND! For Families Free of Violence and Bay Area Legal Aid to share life-saving information about gun violence and domestic violence, including the changes mandated by California’s recent law on domestic violence and Firearms, SB 320.

The Family Justice Center's campaign, Stay Safe Contra Costa, includes a new Contra Costa-focused website on domestic violence and gun violence in English and Spanish. This resource is for domestic violence survivors, people under restraining orders, and anyone who wants to learn more. You can also access the new site from the Family Justice Center’s website.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, across the US and in our county. The network of partners provides help in many forms, and Stay Safe Contra Costa is sharing that message with Contra Costa residents countywide through ads on public transit. Building community awareness about domestic violence/interperson violence and the work done together to help survivors heal and thrive is key to reducing violence for all of us. Learn more about the bus campaign here.

When families can access the resources and support they need, public health issues improve, and domestic violence is no exception. Let’s stay safe – together! 

STAND! Rebuilding Lives Luncheon

Supervisor Andersen attended the STAND! Rebuilding Lives Luncheon on October 19 at the Hilton Concord.

STAND! for Families Free of Violence is a catalyst for breaking the multi-generational cycle of violence, promoting safe and strong relationships, and rebuilding lives.

The annual event is always inspiring and this year's keynote speaker was Valarie Kaur, author of the #1 LA Times Bestseller See No Stranger.

In the photos with Candace are, left to right in the top photo, County Clerk Recorder Kristin Connelly, David Bowlby, Lafayette City Councilmember Teresa Gerringer, and Walnut Creek Mayor Cindy Silva. Bottom photo, left to right, Gloria McCullough, STAND! CEO Rhonda James, Diana Rosdahl, and Charlotte Howard.

Third Quarterly Sheriff's Report to Board of Supervisors at October 24 Meeting

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Board of Supervisors will receive the third quarterly Sheriff's Oversight Report through Sept. 30, 2023 from Sheriff David O. Livingston.

The quarterly report will provide an update and data regarding the activities of the Sheriff's Office and allow for questions and public discussion of operational issues.

The report strives to provide communication with the community while providing greater transparency. To provide feedback, attend in-person or remotely via call-in or Zoom. Participants can call in during the meeting by dialing 888-278-0254 followed by the access code 843298#. A caller should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item by pushing "#2" on their phone.

Those who wish to address the Board in person should complete the form provided for that purpose. Access via Zoom is also available using the following link: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/87344719204. Those participating via Zoom should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item by using the “raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app. To provide contact information, please contact Clerk of the Board at clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us or call 925-655-2000. A Spanish language interpreter is available to assist Spanish-speaking callers. 

East Bay Economic Development Alliance

Annual Membership Meeting

The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EBEDA) gathered for Resilient East Bay, their 2023 Annual Membership Meeting to learn more about the economic impact of the manufacturing sector in our region, including its significance for regional goods movement.

This event coincided with the launch of a new website Resilient East Bay, which highlights the opportunities for advanced manufacturing in the East Bay.

The event opened with a presentation of key findings and highlights from a recently released economic impact report about the Port of Oakland from Executive Director Danny Wan, followed by a panel of business leaders discussing opportunities and potential strategies to ensure the East Bay retains its competitive advantage in these important industries.

San Ramon Culture in the Community

Supervisor Andersen attended one of her favorite events, San Ramon’s Culture in the Community Celebration on October 15 at Central Park. She appreciated the interesting booths, outstanding dance performances, and great friends in the community celebrating cultures and the diversity of where we live.

County Mental Health Crisis Services

Anyone living in Contra Costa County who experiences a mental or emotional crisis can get help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

• If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911immediately. 
• If you are experiencing a mental or emotional crisis, call the County’s 24-hour Access Line at 1-888-678-7277. You can also call the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or text ‘HOPE’ to 20121.
• Between 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily, you can also call the A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center at 844-844-5544.
• For mental health resources, call the Contra Costa Crisis Center at 211 or 1-800-833-2900

Here are some additional resources:

• Services for Adults
• Services and Resources for Teens
• A3 Crisis Response – Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime

A3 is the County’s new innovative approach to provide timely and appropriate mental and behavioral health crisis services to anyone, anywhere at anytime in the county. When someone is in a crisis — a fire, crime, or medical emergency — they call 911, expecting immediate emergency services. However, when that emergency is a mental or behavioral health crisis, the lack of a timely and clinically appropriate response too often results in unnecessary suffering, loss of life, criminalization, or incarceration. A3 addresses this critical need by making mental and behavioral health a pivotal part of the emergency response system.

EBMUD Briefing at San Pablo Reservoir

EBMUD Director John Coleman gave a briefing on October 17th at the Lafayette Library. Cameron Collins from our staff attended.

And on October 19th, EBMUD Director Marguerite Young gave a briefing at the San Pablo Reservoir Oaks Picnic Site. Jill Ray from our staff was in attendance.

The briefings covered how EBMUD is approaching; the Challenge of Climate Change, Investing in Infrastructure, Financial Stability & Community Support, and the Future of Water. To learn more about water, wastewater and recreation, visit www.ebmud.com.

Overnight closure of westbound State Route 24 (SR-24) Caldecott Tunnel #3 bore due to maintenance work scheduled at 10:00 p.m., Monday, Oct. 23

The #3 bore will be closed for three consecutive nights

from 10:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Caltrans has scheduled overnight closures of the westbound State Route 24 (SR-24) Caldecott Tunnel #3 bore for three consecutive nights starting on Monday, October 23, 2023. The closure of the #3 bore will allow crews to conduct routine maintenance inside the Caldecott Tunnel. The closure will occur Monday, October 23 through Wednesday, October 25 starting at 10:00 PM each night until 4:30 AM the following morning. 

The remaining two eastbound bores and one westbound bore will remain open during nightly work. 

Changeable message signs will be in place to assist motorists traveling in the area. Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time. Please drive with caution through the construction zone. Slow for the Cone Zone. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBAY. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. 

Full Closure of Southbound I-680 in Pleasanton between I-580/I-680 Connector and Koopman Road November 3-6, 2023

Caltrans is scheduled to close southbound Interstate 680 in Pleasanton between I-580/I-680 Connector and Koopman Road on Friday, November 3 through Monday morning, November 6, 2023.

During the closure, contractor will replace a portion of the existing deteriorated roadway with new pavement on southbound I-680, between I-580/I-680 Connector and Koopman Road. This work will repair deteriorating existing pavements and enhance motorist safety while reducing the number of nightly closures needed on the project.

The I-680 freeway will be closed in the southbound direction between I-580/I-680 Connector and Koopman Road from 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 3 to 4:00 a.m. the following Monday, November 6.

In the case of rain or unanticipated developments, the closures will be rescheduled and the public will be notified.

Portable changeable message signs will be placed prior to closure advising motorists of this closure and will remain in effect throughout the weekend while work is being performed.

Northbound I-680 will remain open and will not be affected by the closure. For more information, please visit the Alameda County Transportation Commission website at https://bit.ly/43dKwg1.

Pet First Aid & CPR Training Hosted by San Ramon Valley Rotary

October is National Walk & Roll to School Month! For better fitness, a cleaner environment, and improved safety in the school zone, try an active commute to campus. It’s a fun way to start the school day and will help your student build a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.



How to participate:

• Organize a walking school bus or bike train in your neighborhood.
• If you live too far to walk the whole way, try parking several blocks from campus and walking from there.
• Teach students about safe biking and walking.
• As a driver, stay alert for cyclists and pedestrians and obey school zone speed limits.

The research is in, and it confirms what we've know all along - e-bikes are game changers. Without sweat or sore muscles, e-bikes let you zoom up hills and make longer trips without running out of steam. There's no easier or more enjoyable way to reduce your carbon foot print than by exchanging car trips for e-bike rides.

Contra Costa residents are eligible for e-bike rebates of $150, $300, or $500, depending on home city and income. If you purchase an e-bike, be sure to apply within six months. Click to Get Your Rebate.

Food insecurity is real, especially for our County's homeless population. Sometimes having a snack can help someone in crisis focus on the task ahead. You can help!

VESTIA, Volunteer & Emergency Service Team in Action, encourages you to create a SNACK PACK with small, ready-to-eat items to help alleviate immediate hunger for homeless seeking assistance. 

Fill a gallon Ziploc bag with any of the following new, unopened food items: bottled water, juice, canned tuna/meat, granola/protein bars, single serving fruit/vegetables, single serving peanut butter, cup o'noodles, trail mix, nuts, jerky, crackers/chips, cookies, pudding, plastic spoons.

Please do not include perishable or non-food items. Hygiene kits (socks, soap, toothpaste, etc) are also needed.

To schedule drop off of donated SNACK PACKS or for more information on hygiene kits please call: 925-655-1208. To learn more about VESTIA, click here.

$3,000 Grant Available for Waste Reduction

Next weekend, BART will perform preventative maintenance work in your area to protect the system from fallen trees. Work is occurring now so trees with the greatest potential to impact BART operations are removed well ahead of winter storms. Last year, fallen trees derailed two trains and delayed train service on multiple occasions.  

During the work, train service between the Pleasant Hill and Concord BART Stations will be replaced by a free bus shuttle, which could result in delays of up to 30 minutes.

In addition to tree pruning and removal, BART will perform track improvements and station maintenance. Tree work will take place from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and include the use of chainsaws and wood chippers. Other construction activities will require lights and equipment with backing alarms for worker safety.  

You can learn more about BART’s efforts to remove hazardous trees on their project website. 

Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors honors Veterans & their families at the Annual Veterans Day Celebration at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street, in Martinez.



This year, the ceremony will feature a special recognition for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

To learn more about the Veterans Day Ceremony, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov. The community can also watch the event live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels: Comcast Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 and 1027.

Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony. 

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Monday, October 23, 2023.

The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, 2024. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, the theme is “Beloved Community.” 

The Board of Supervisors plans to recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event. 

Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity. 

To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website. 

Annual Lafayette Res Run for Education

Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission

Seeks Applicants

The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission is seeking applicants to fill an Environmental Organization Seat, an Environmental Organization Alternate Seat, and a General Public Seat. You may apply if you:

• Live or work in Contra Costa County
• Can represent an Environmental Organization (for the Enviro Org Seats Only)
• Have demonstrated interest in hazardous materials issues
• Have an awareness of, and interest in, the principles of Environmental Justice as defined in County policy
• Can attend monthly Commission and Committee meetings

The Commission is a voluntary body appointed by the Board of Supervisors and makes policy recommendations to the Board and County staff on issues concerning hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

The Commission’s 14 members and alternates serve four-year terms and include representatives of industry, labor, civic groups, environmental organizations, environmental engineers, the general public, cities and Environmental Justice communities.

For further information, contact Michael Kent, Executive Assistant to the Commission, at (925) 250-3227 or mkent@cchealth.org.

Applications may be obtained via the Clerk of the Board’s website: 

https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions

Application Deadline November 28, 2023

Interviews for qualified applicants will take place from 10am–12pm on December 8, 2023 in person or via Zoom.

Would You Like to Serve on The Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee? 

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and confirming Measure X revenues and expenditures.

The ideal candidates will be civic-minded, interested in volunteering for public service, and have experience with and knowledge of auditing principles, financial management best practices, financial reporting, and government administration.  

Submit an application online here. The recruitment will be open until all of the seats are filled. Please apply now.  

For further information, please call Adam Nguyen, County Finance Director, at (925) 655-2048 or Adam.Nguyen@cao.cccounty.us.

Affordable Housing Finance Committee (AHFC)

The Contra Costa County Internal Operations Committee (IOC) of the Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications from individuals to fill vacant positions for the AHFC:

• Central County (Unincorporated) Representative,
• At-Large/Community Representative.

Applicants must:

• Be a resident of Contra Costa County in one of the above vacant residency membership categories.
• Have professional experience in the field of affordable housing finance, design, development, or property management.

To obtain an application for or further information, contact Kristin Sherk, staff liaison, at 925-655-2889 or Kristin.Sherk@dcd.cccounty.us. Applications may also be obtained from the Clerk of the Board located at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553. 

For more information, visit contracosta.ca.gov/AHFC. A fillable application is available on the website for your convenience.

Aviation Advisory Committee - https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3811/Aviation-Advisory-Committee

The Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC) was established in 1977 to provide advice and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on aviation issues related to the Contra Costa County Airports. The AAC works to advance aviation while giving those community members living and working near the Airports a chance to stay informed on Airport matters as well as voice their opinions and concerns. The AAC also provides a forum for vetting policy matters related to Buchanan Field and Byron Airports. The AAC meetings are held the second Thursday of every other month and rotate between the Concord and Byron Airports.

Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B) (terms expiring)

To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.

County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (Roundhill Residents only) (terms expiring)

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

Community Advisory Board (CAB) on Public Safety Realignment

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) on Public Safety Realignment was established by the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) Executive Committee in December 2012 to provide input on community needs; assess implementation of the realignment plan; review data on realignment outcomes; advise the CCP on community engagement strategies; offer recommendations for ongoing realignment planning; advise County agencies regarding programs for implementation in the County; and encourage outcomes that are consistent with the County’s Reentry Strategic Plan. 

The Community Corrections Partnership is seeking applications for (1) Voting Member and up to (3) Alternate Member seats on the CAB.

For more information on CAB membership duties and activities, please visit their website contracosta.ca.gov/4165/Community-Advisory-Board-CAB.

Submit an Application Online here. Questions? Contact: The Office of Reentry & Justice, by phone at (925) 313-4087.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)

Contra Costa County is seeking an individual to serve on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) as Public Representative on behalf of the County.

The individual will serve a four-year term in a volunteer capacity. The individual selected for this position must:

• Live in the unincorporated area of the County;
• Attend virtual committee meetings on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.; and
• Review agenda packets and develop input on agenda items beforehand.

The CCTA CAC reviews transportation programs and plans throughout the County, with the objective of advising and providing recommendations to the CCTA Board of Directors. This includes transportation projects and programs funded by the county half-cent transportation sales tax, which CCTA oversees. CCTA maintains its standing CAC in order to provide citizen perspective, participation, and involvement in the Measure J-funded and voter-approved Transportation Expenditure Plan and Growth Management Program. The CAC members have an opportunity to learn about and influence transportation and growth issues within Contra Costa County and in other jurisdictions through scheduled presentations by transportation experts, advocates, and CCTA staff.

Application forms are available from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors or by calling (925) 655-2000. Please submit completed applications to the Department of Conservation & Development, 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553 (Attn: Robert Sarmiento) or email transportation@dcd.cccounty.us with “CCTA CAC County Representative Application” in the subject line no later than November 30, 2023.