Weekly Update - October 31

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Be Spooky, Not Speedy! Keep an eye out for children in the neighborhood this Halloween night.

Daylight Savings Time Ends on November 2nd!

It is almost time to 'Fall Back'!

At 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 2nd, remember to set your clocks back one hour and enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

Board of Supervisors to Consider this Tuesday Taking Action to Assist the 107,020 County Residents Losing CalFresh/SNAP Benefits Because of Federal Government Shutdown

This Tuesday the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors at its regularly scheduled meeting plans to discuss options for assisting the 65,318 Contra Costa County households, including 107,020 individuals, 55% (58,861) of whom are children and seniors, who are going to be impacted by the Federal Shutdown and Federal government declining to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the shutdown.  

SNAP is a 100% federally funded benefit for households with incomes below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Benefit amounts are based on income and household size. In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.  This program was once known as “Food Stamps.”

On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors will consider taking formal action to:

1)    Adopt a resolution proclaiming a local emergency caused by the disruption of funding for CalFresh food assistance benefits, including the activation of County disaster service workers.

2)    Allocate up to $21 Million to purchase debit cards for distribution to CalFresh eligible households for the month of November 2025 

3)    Authorize the distribution of debit cards to November CalFresh Eligible Households.

The proposed plan includes:

1) Providing CalFresh recipients who have and will miss their CalFresh benefit beginning November 1, with food boxes purchased from the the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.  10,000 food boxes will be purchased, which can serve 40,000 people for two weeks.  Distribution would begin on November 3, 2025.  These food boxes will augment existing food distribution at County Employment and Human Service pantries which are funded by local philanthropy.

2) To ensure that CalFresh households have continued resources to purchase food, EHSD will purchase debit cards, with spending limited to grocery items, and begin distributing them to November CalFresh-eligible households beginning the week of November 10, 2025.

Because the federal government has declined to fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, the USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has suspended all SNAP benefits, prohibited states from paying for benefits, and also prohibited states from sending any funds to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) vendors contracted to put money on each month on CalFresh recipients' cards.  

Unfortunately, this action not only threatens the food security of the 107,020 County residents but it also threatens the financial sustainability of the 706 county retailers who made sales to CalFresh recipients totaling $16,299,089 in just September 2025.

In past federal government shutdowns, the State of California has temporarily covered the federal costs of SNAP benefits and been reimbursed upon approval of the federal budget. This time, the federal government has prohibited states from funding the SNAP benefit amount. 

California has taken several steps to limit the impact including:

1) Advancing $80 million in FY 25/26 CalFood allocations to food banks, including $2.2 million to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano; 

2) Authorizing California Volunteers and National Guard to provide people power and logistical support for food banks;

3) Opening the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Department Operations Center (DOC) to provide coordination and support to counties and other partners; and 

4) Joining 19 other states in filing a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

For more detailed information about this proposed action by the Board of Supervisors this Tuesday, please see the Agenda Item here at ContraCosta.ca.

The Board of Supervisors meeting this Tuesday begins at 9 am.  The public may attend the Board meeting in person at 1025 Escobar Street and remotely via call-in or Zoom. Board meetings are televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, and WAVE Channel 32, and can be seen live online at contracosta.ca.gov. Meetings of the Board are closed-captioned in real time.

If you need immediate food assistance, visit CAFoodBanks.org.

 to locate a nearby food bank.

Contra Costa County Will Honor 80 Years Since World War II at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will hold a special ceremony, Remembering Our Heroes, at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 4th, in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honors the courage and sacrifice of the generation who served. Contra Costa County is home to more than 38,000 veterans.

The ceremony will recognize groups such as the Tuskegee Airmen, Rosie the Riveters, and the Code Talkers, along with local World War II veteran “Papa Jake” Larson. Board Chair Candace Andersen expresses gratitude to all who served, their families, and local Veteran Service Organizations.

A live performance of the National Anthem by the Swingin’ Blue Stars and special presentations will be featured.

Residents are invited to attend in person or watch live online at ContraCostaMedia or ContraCostaTV. The program will also air live on Contra Costa Television (CCTV): Comcast Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 and 1027.

For more information about the Veterans Day Ceremony, visit VeteransDayCeremony  or contact Veterans Service Officer

Joshua Zebley at (925) 313-1481.

Diablo Road Trail Project Breaks Ground

Supervisor Andersen joined the Danville Town Council, staff, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the long-anticipated 0.9-mile paved multi-purpose Diablo Road Trail Project. 

It will be located along the south side of Diablo Road, from Fairway Drive to approximately 400 feet west of Avenida Nueva.  The trail will connect the existing 0.5-mile Diablo Road Trail, also known as the Barbara Hale Trail, to the new 0.7-mile trail built as part of the Magee Preserve development. 

The project creates the final section of a 2.1-mile, 8-foot-wide paved Class 1 multi-use trail along the southern shoulder of Diablo Road, improving connections between Green Valley Road and Blackhawk Road, and expanding access to Mount Diablo State Park. 

The project budget is $5.2 million, with $4.7 million provided through the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Measure J Transportation Sales Tax fund. Initial project work in 2025 will focus on removing old fencing and installing construction fencing, which is not anticipated to impact traffic on Diablo Road. This work will continue through December 2026, with work paused from November through March to avoid the rainy season. Message boards will be posted 72 hours in advance to notify the public of scheduled work.  

Supervisor Andersen joined members of the Danville Town Council and Contra Costa Transportation Authority at the recent trail event, celebrating local partnerships that support outdoor recreation and connectivity.

 For questions or more information, contact Development Services

Development-Services.Danville or at (925) 314-3310 or visit the project page at danvilletowntalks.org/diablotrail.

San Ramon Valley State of the School District

Supervisor Andersen was pleased to attend an engaging and insightful update on the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, presented by Superintendent CJ Cammack in partnership with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation. His remarks highlighted the district’s strong academic outcomes, responsible financial stewardship, and continued momentum in advancing educational excellence for all students.

The event also celebrated 30 outstanding alumni whose achievements reflect the district’s enduring impact. The morning opened with a beautiful performance by the Monte Vista High School Chamber Singers, setting an inspiring tone for the program.



Supervisor Andersen and San Ramon Valley Superintendent of Schools, CJ Cammack

Ballots for the Upcoming Statewide Special Election are in the Mail

Registered voters in Contra Costa County should have received their Official Ballots for the November 4th Statewide Special Election. If you have not yet received your ballot, call the Elections Office at 925-335-7800.

Key Dates:

• Oct 6: Early voting began at the Elections Office (555 Escobar St., Martinez)
• Oct 31: Regional Early Voting sites open
• Nov 4: Election Day – Polls open 7AM to 8PM (ballots must be postmarked by this date)

Ways to Vote:

• By mail (no postage required)
• Drop off at any of the 45 secure drop boxes in the county
• In person at the Elections Office or Early Voting sites

For details, visit ContraCostaVote or call 925-335-7800.

Community Unites for Domestic Violence Awareness

The San Ramon Valley community came together for a powerful Domestic Violence Awareness event that left a lasting impact. Survivors shared courageous stories, advocates offered vital resources, and attendees stood in solidarity to break the silence around abuse.

The event featured moving performances, educational booths, and a short walk to bring awareness. Supervisor Andersen joined the event to help raise awareness, inspire change, and remind us that interpersonal violence does not have a place in our community. The Family Justice Center located in Danville, provides a safe resource for victims of interpersonal violence. Other organizations at the event were: Rewire Community, Danville/San Ramon Valley PFLAG, STAND! and Project Morph.

Parent Liaison Collaborative

Hosted by the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Wellness in Schools Program, the Parent Liaison Collaborative connects school staff who support families to share best practices, access community resources, and strengthen partnerships between families, schools, and local organizations.

The next virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 1:00–2:30 PM via Zoom.

Featured Presentations:

• Owen Hershey, San Pablo Economic Development Corporation – Employment services that promote family stability and prevent housing loss.
• Anna Ramos, Mt. Diablo USD, Youth Development & Support Services – Overview of the YES (Youth Empowerment Services) Program for at-risk youth.
• H3 (Health, Housing & Homeless Services) Team – CORE Education TAY Team and resources for families, youth shelters, and local data on children and unaccompanied minors.

Contact: Edmund Arnold – Earnold@cccoe.k12.ca.us

For more information and visit Parent Liaison Collaborative

Click here to register

Support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has an urgent need for your support today. With the Federal Government shut down, CalFresh/SNAP benefits are delayed for the month of November. Tens of thousands of people rely on SNAP to help cover their grocery bills every month. Every $1.00 donated provides two meals. If you are able, please consider donating to the Food Bank to help our neighbors fill the gap. If you would like to volunteer at the Food Bank, volunteer shifts are available during the day, in the evenings and on Saturdays.

If you need food now, visit the Food Bank's interactive Find Food Map

For more information visit Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

Scouting America Launches Annual “Scouting for Food” Drive

As November’s season of giving begins, Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, is once again rallying the community for its annual Scouting for Food drive. Now in its 37th year, the effort stands as the nation’s largest single-day food collection campaign, providing vital support to families in need.

On Saturday, November 15th, Scouts across the Greater Bay Area will collect non-perishable food donations left curbside by 9 AM, following door hanger reminders distributed the week before. All items will go to local food banks and pantries, while monetary donations, thanks to bulk purchasing power, can stretch even further to fight hunger.

Last year, Golden Gate Area Council Scouts collected nearly 300,000 pounds of food. This year, they’re aiming even higher, proving once again that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the community.

To read full Press release visit HERE.

Board of Supervisors Community Impact Fund Discussion Rescheduled to November 18th

Thank you to everyone who has actively participated in the Community Impact Fund process.

To allow for additional outreach and community input, the Board of Supervisors has rescheduled the Community Impact Fund discussion to November 18th. At that meeting, the County Administrator’s Office will also provide an update on the Community Survey and share preliminary information on State and Federal budget impacts.

This extension from October 21st to November 18th allows for broader community input, ensuring the process captures a full and accurate picture of our communities, the current needs, strengths, and aspirations. By allowing additional time, we can better engage all areas of our County to ensure that every voice is heard. The Board remains committed to a transparent, community-driven approach that aligns future investments with the priorities of Contra Costa County residents.

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.

Contra Costa County Public Works to Perform Road Work on Pinehurst Road

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will continue performing road work on Pinehurst Road near mile marker 4.8, located approximately 750 ft southeast from the intersection with Skyline Boulevard and Manzanita Drive, through Thursday, November 6, 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting.

Pinehurst Road will be closed to all traffic between Canyon Road and Skyline Boulevard during working hours. Electronic Message Boards will be used to alert drivers and cyclists to the work. Road users will need to use alternate routes.

To read full Press Release visit HERE.

Free Microchip and Vaccine Clinic for Dogs and Cats

Sunday, November 16 • 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.

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

Friday, October 31st:

Moraga Trick r' Treat (Rheem & Moraga Centers)

Tuesday, November 4th:

Board of Supervisors Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

Thursday, November 6th:

Light Up Orinda at the Orinda Library Plaza

Tuesday, November 10th:

Family Justice Center Virtual Learning Opportunity: Criminal Legal System 101

Lamorinda Movers Thanksgiving Dinner for First Responders

Tuesday, November 11th:

Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony

Wednesday, November 12th:

AAUW Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch Fundraiser!

Friday, November 14th:

Alamo Women's Club One Warm Coat Drive

Saturday, November 15th:

Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley 16th Annual Food Drive

Sunday, November 16th:

Dublin San Ramon Women's Club - Murder Mystery Theater - ticket sales close November 5th

Tuesday, November 18:

CHP - Age Well Drive Smart in Orinda

Saturday, November 22nd:

John Muir Land Trust Walk - Fabulous Fernandez Ranch

Saturday, November 29th:

John Muir Land Trust Walk - Franklin Ridge Thanksgiving

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.

Public Law Library Board of Trustees

Contra Costa County is accepting applications for one volunteer position on the Public Law Library Board of Trustees. The Board oversees the policies, finances, and operations of the County Law Library in Martinez. Eligible applicants must be County residents and members of the State Bar. The one-year term runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026.

Applications are due November 7th by 5 PM, with virtual interviews on Monday, November 24th. More information is available at ccpllib.org or by contacting Amreet Sandhu at (925) 655-4600.

Submit an Application.

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.

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

(Blackhawk residents only)

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

County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (terms expiring, 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