Weekly Update - September 24, 2021
Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record
To get your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record, you just need to go to the State of California Vaccine portal. By entering a few details, you can get a link to a QR code and digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record. If you want to share your proof of vaccination, you can use either the electronic version you’ll get from the portal or the card you were given at time of vaccination.

If you are a parent or guardian and have multiple vaccine records associated with a single mobile phone number or email address, enter each digital vaccine record request separately.

The portal provides only a digital copy of your vaccine record. If you received your vaccinations from a federal agency (e.g., Department of Defense, Indian Health Services, or Veterans Affairs), you will need to reach out to those agencies for assistance with your vaccination record.

Go to myvaccinerecord to get your vaccine record.

If you have questions about your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record, visit our FAQ.
New COVID-19 Health Order: COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or Test Required for Some Contra Costa Businesses
Everyone 12 years and older must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID result to enter restaurants, gyms, and other indoor businesses where there’s an increased risk of spreading COVID-19 in Contra Costa County.

The risk of transmission is highest in these spaces because people remove face coverings to eat or drink or breathe heavily because of physical exertion.

Here are easy ways to show proof of vaccination:
  • A CDC vaccination record card or a copy or photo of the card.
  • A digital vaccine record issued by the State of California.
  • Documentation from a healthcare provider stating you’re vaccinated.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result received in the past three days will also work. An at-home test will not be accepted for this purpose.

County Health created a toolkit for businesses that includes a window poster, flyers to help customers download their vaccination records, and information on how businesses can verify a vaccination status or test result. You can find this on the CCHealth website.
Kids Can Still Spread the Virus, Even if They Don't Get Sick
COVID Status of Contra Costa County
Cases per day per 100,000 for unvaccinated is
approximately 18
Case Rate for Fully Vaccinated vs Unvaccinated Populations
For more data and information about current COVID rates in California, please go to coronavirus.cchealth.org
Apply for COVID-19 Rent Relief
Apply TODAY for COVID-19 Rent Relief. Eligible renters and their landlords in Contra Costa can get assistance with rent & utilities. Don't wait, eviction protections expire on September 30, 2021. Visit housingiskey.com or call 1-833-430-2122 now for info and to apply in many languages.
The ABCs of Keeping Young Kids Safe During COVID-19
Join the County Health Officer, Dr. Chris Farnitano, and fellow First 5 Contra Costa Commissioner and Executive Director of CocoKids, John Jones, for a conversation about how parents and families can protect their youngest children during COVID-19.
 
Tune in from 6-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28 to hear Dr. Farnitano and John answer your questions about everything from vaccines, masking, and childcare to the steps we all can take to protect each other and our children.
 
Submit your own questions in advance or share them during the live Q+A. Spanish interpretation will be available.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFELY HOLDING PUBLIC MEETINGS
Each local government agency is authorized to determine whether to hold public meetings in person, online (teleconferencing only), or via a combination of methods. The following are recommendations from Contra Costa County Health Services to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during a public meeting:

1. Online meetings (teleconferencing meetings) are strongly recommended as those meetings present the lowest risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

2. If a local agency determines to hold in-person meetings, offering the public the opportunity to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option is recommended, when possible, to give those at higher risk of and/or higher concern about COVID-19 an alternative to participating in person.

3. A written safety protocol should be developed and followed. It is recommended that the protocol require social distancing – i.e., six feet of separation between attendees – and face masking of all attendees.

4. Seating arrangements should allow for staff and members of the public to easily maintain at least six-foot distance from one another at all practicable times.

5. Consider holding public meetings outdoors. Increasing scientific consensus is that outdoor airflow reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission compared to indoor spaces. Hosting events outdoors also may make it easier to space staff and members of the public at least six feet apart.

6. Current evidence is unclear as to the added benefit of temperature checks in addition to symptom checks. We encourage focus on symptom checks as they may screen out individuals with symptoms but no fever and help reinforce the message to not go out in public if you are not feeling well.

7. Consider a voluntary attendance sheet with names and contact information to assist in contact tracing of any cases linked to a public meeting.
Why is Redistricting Important to You and Your Community?
The County’s second Redistricting Public Hearing will be held at 9:00 a.m. on October 5, 2021. It will be available via Zoom, online, and on Contra Costa Television channels. Learn more, including how you can provide input, at www.CoCoRedistricting.org.

Save the Date! A District 2 Forum is scheduled for Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. at San Ramon City Hall.
Start Walking, Rolling or Running
for the 38th Annual Run for Education!
The Health & Wellness Expo will be in person on October 9-10, 2021!

The Health & Wellness Expo will be Saturday, October 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

When should I sign up for this Virtual Run?
NOW at www.srvef.org/the-run. The low registration price of $25 includes a mask! You can still order a shirt to keep your collection up to date - just order a t-shirt in your registration form.

This is a healthy and fun family activity we can all enjoy while observing local guidelines AND raising funds to support school programs. For questions, contact Karen Robman at [email protected].
The Park Theater Trust of Lafayette Working to
Restore the Iconic Park Theater
A group of dedicated volunteers formed The Park Theater Trust and have tirelessly worked to restore the iconic Park Theater in Lafayette. They are not only saving the iconic Park itself, but also renewing it into an accessible, inclusive, community-centered cinema, arts and culture hub for patrons of all ages. 

To learn more about their mission to bring this landmark back to life, or how to get involved or donate go to parktheatertrust.org
Free Virtual Composting Workshops
The CCC Department of Conservation & Development is sponsoring free, virtual composting workshops. You can view the details and register via Eventbrite, which is accessible by clicking the date of the workshop below. 

Date - October 16
Type - Worm Composting
Location - Virtual via Zoom

Date - November 20
Type - Home Composting
Location - Virtual via Zoom
 
All Contra Costa County residents are welcome. Make sure to reserve your place today. To learn more about composting or recycling, just go to our Recycling and Waste Reduction webpage.
Contra Costa County ‘Welcoming Plan for Immigrant Inclusion’ Survey - Feedback Needed by September 30, 2021
Contra Costa County has received a Gateways for Growth award to support the County’s proposed plan to integrate racial equity and immigrant inclusion work. The plan will embed and link the work of welcoming and immigrant inclusion into the community planning process underway to establish a County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.  
 
Contra Costa County is inviting immigrants or individuals born in the US and can speak to the immigrant experience to participate in a 10-15-minute survey on immigrant inclusion. The survey is available online, Click here to complete the survey by September 30, 2021.
 
Surveys are also available on the Contra Costa County Gateways for Growth website at standtogethercontracosta. Paper surveys are available upon request.  

Through this community-driven process, we are learning about what brings immigrants to Contra Costa County and positive ways our immigrant community contributes locally. We are also identifying common barriers and helpful resources. Your responses will be used to create a Welcoming Plan for Immigrant Inclusion to be presented to the Board of Supervisors. The plan will include ideas on how your local government can address barriers by developing resources and improving services. This is the beginning of a wider conversation about immigrant inclusion in Contra Costa County.  
 
For questions please contact one of the following: Claudia Lam, Employment and Human Services Department ([email protected]) or Miriam Rosa Orantes, Contra Costa Health Services ([email protected]).
One Warm Coat Donation - November 3rd in Alamo
Contra Costa County Seeks Nominations for
Humanitarian of the Year
Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony.

Contra Costa County will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, this year’s theme is, “One People, One Nation, One Dream.” The County now seeks nominations for a Student and Adult Humanitarian of the Year.

Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, as individuals whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.

We welcome your nominations of a community member 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 community, and personal integrity.

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Friday, November 5, 2021. To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, including previous ceremonies and winners, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.
Bay Day Trail Challenge
October 1 – 31, 2021
Connect, Explore, Discover San Francisco Bay
Save The Bay invites you to join the Bay Day Trail Challenge. This free month-long event is flexible and customizable with two engaging ways to participate. Whether you get out on the trail and complete 25 miles, or choose 5 activities to create your own Bay Day adventure, you can experience and celebrate our beautiful region when, where, and how you want to.

Participate on your own or form a team! This year, we have an exciting new feature that enables you to form a team with friends, family, or colleagues to compete and challenge one another.

Everyone who completes the Bay Day Trail Challenge will be entered to win a grand prize $300 gift certificate from our friends at REI and a 1 year membership to AllTrails Pro. 10 runners up will receive 1 year membership to AllTrails Pro and AllTrails swag to help guide their next trail adventure.

Join the Community Advisory Board on
Public Safety Realignment
Council on Homelessness (COH) Seeking
Applicants for Open Council Seats
The Contra Costa Council on Homelessness is seeking applicants for specific seats that will be opening at the end of the year!
 
All Council members must reside or be employed in Contra Costa County and be willing to sign and abide by the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policy upon being seated as a Council member and annually thereafter.
 
The following seats are seeking applicants: 
 
CoC/ESG Program Grantee Representative: Candidates must work with an agency receiving Continuum of Care and/or Emergency Solutions Grant funding in Contra Costa. In their role on the Council on Homelessness, the CoC/ESG Representative must be able to represent the perspective of CoC/ESG-funded providers in decision-making processes, as well as communicate essential information from the Council on Homelessness with individuals in this field in Contra Costa.

Community Member Representative: Candidates for this seat must live or work in Contra Costa.
 
Employment and Human Services (EHSD) Representative: Candidates must be employed by Contra Costa Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). In their role on the Council on Homelessness, the EHSD Representative must be able to represent the perspective of EHSD in decision-making processes, as well as communicate essential information from the Council on Homelessness with individuals in this field in Contra Costa.
 
Faith Community Representative: Candidates must have a deep connection with the Contra Costa faith community as an employee, volunteer, or congregant in Contra Costa. In their role on the Council on Homelessness, the Faith Community Representative must be able to represent the perspective of faith communities in decision-making processes, as well as communicate essential information from the Council on Homelessness with individuals affiliated with the faith community in Contra Costa. 
 
Public Housing Authority Representative: Candidates must be an employee of a Housing Authority of Contra Costa County. In their role on the Council on Homelessness, the Public Housing Authority Representative must be able to represent the perspective of housing authorities in decision-making processes, as well as communicate essential information from the Council on Homelessness with individuals affiliated with housing authorities in Contra Costa. 
 
Public Safety #2 Representative: Candidates must have a deep connection to the public safety field (specifically, law enforcement, probation, jails, prisons, etc.) in Contra Costa. In their role on the Council on Homelessness, the Public Safety Representative must be able to represent the perspective of public safety providers in decision-making processes, as well as communicate essential information from the Council on Homelessness with individuals in this field in Contra Costa.
 
Reentry Services Representative: Candidates must have a deep connection to the re-entry field (specifically, services providers and/or correctional staff supporting individuals re-entering the community after involvement with the criminal legal system) in Contra Costa. In their role on the Council on Homelessness, the Reentry Services Representative must be able to represent the perspective of reentry services providers in decision-making processes, as well as communicate essential information from the Council on Homelessness with individuals in this field in Contra Costa. 
 
For more information, including how to apply, click here
 
Applications must be received by Friday, October 15, 2021. 
Arts and Culture Commission Seeks Applications to
Youth Advisor Seat
Contra Costa County is seeking an individual to serve on the Arts & Culture Commission in a Youth Advisor seat. The Arts & Culture Commission was established to advise the Board of Supervisors on matters related to promoting arts and culture as a vital aspect of community engagement. The Arts & Culture Commission is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation, and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.

Applicants will be interviewed and recommended by the Commission for appointment by the Board of Supervisors for a one-year term. The Youth Advisor appointee will perform a Commission-approved service project during their term and will be expected to attend all Commission meetings and other Commission activities as needed.

  • 1 Position Available: Youth Advisor (non-voting)
  • Qualifications: Applicants can be a high school or college students and must reside in Contra Costa County.
  • Meeting Information: Meetings of the Arts & Culture Commission are held on the second Monday of every month at 6:00 PM.
  • How to Apply: Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418, calling (925) 655-2000, or emailing [email protected].

Deadline for Application: October 1, 2021 For further information about the Arts & Culture Commission, please visit www.contracosta.ca.gov or contact Jenny Balisle, Managing Director at (925) 646-2278 or [email protected].
District 2 Volunteer Opportunities
Now is a great time to consider ways you might want to give back to your community. 2020 saw our advisory bodies pivot to virtual meetings, which is continuing well into 2021. The benefit of these meeting platforms is that more people are able to participate than ever before.

If you are interested in participating in government, then perhaps one of these volunteer opportunities are of interest to you:

Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)
Alternate Seat
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. one alternate seat available)

The P-5 Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.

In-Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee (IHSS) Public Authority has an Advisory Committee whose membership is composed of individuals who are current or past users of personal assistance services paid for through public or private funds and professional representatives from the Community https://ehsd.org/elderly-disabled/public-authority/ihss-public-authority-advisory-committee/

Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418. To apply online go to www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/.