Weekly Update - September 2, 2021
Live Performers Can Drop Their Masks in Fully
Vaccinated Venues 
Actors, public speakers, musicians and others who perform in indoor public spaces may now do so unmuffled by face coverings in Contra Costa County – if everyone present is fully vaccinated.

The county’s current COVID-19 surge is fueled by the highly contagious Delta variant and has resulted in continued elevated case rates and hospitalizations in Contra Costa. But data show that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization, which was a determining factor in this slight easing of the current indoor masking mandate.

Based on that data, we have updated the countywide health requirement that everyone wear face coverings inside most indoor public spaces so that the people on stage can take off their masks during the show. Members of the audience are required to keep their masks on for the duration of the performance.

Theaters and other indoor venues planning to host unmasked performers will need to verify that everyone present – including audience and backstage staff – are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Audience members and non-performing workers will also need to continue wearing face coverings.

It’s important to remember that our data does show that COVID-19 is circulating widely in our community, and our hospitals are still heavily impacted by patients, most of whom are unvaccinated, who are seriously ill because of the virus.

But the healthy choices that Contra Costans are making to reduce the spread of COVID-19, from wearing masks when required to getting vaccinated against the virus, are helping our county’s progress through the pandemic. 
Most County and State Covid Testing Sites Closed on
Monday, September 6th, Except for Pleasant Hill
The Pleasant Hill DVC Overflow Parking Lot is the only testing site that will be open in Contra Costa on Monday, September 6th.

The Overflow parking lot  is located across the street from the Diablo Valley College campus, at the corner of Golf Club Rd and Stubbs Rd at the stop light.

It is a drive-thru only location, open Monday - Saturday, 8am - 3:30pm. Patients without an appointment are accepted up until 11:30am.

Updated Information for Quarantining in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa residents exposed to COVID-19 can now reduce the number of days they must quarantine by testing for the virus at the right time.

A countywide health order allows people in quarantine to resume their normal lives as soon as seven days after exposure if they remain symptom-free and a test taken on the sixth day of quarantine or later comes back negative.

Other unvaccinated people who have had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days while they wait to see if symptoms develop and get tested.

People who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine if they are exposed unless they develop symptoms.

The health order reflects federal and state health guidance that is changing as we learn more about Delta variant, the dominant strain of COVID-19 in our region. Delta reproduces more quickly than other COVID variants, so it can be detected sooner in people who are infected.
If you’re exposed to COVID-19, it is a good idea to test whenever you feel symptoms.

Visit coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-tested for information about how to get a COVID-19 test.
COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Now Available for Some Immunocompromised People
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is now offering COVID-19 booster vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people, following new state and federal health guidelines.

CCHS recommends checking with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, and to schedule your booster appointment through your healthcare provider if possible.

An additional dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine may be a healthy choice for people with certain health conditions, such as patients receiving cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, people with advanced HIV or severe primary immunodeficiency, or people using medicines that suppress the immune system. We ask anyone seeking a booster in Contra Costa to attest that they have a qualifying medical condition.

Contra Costa County has appointments and plenty of the vaccine available, both for booster doses and for residents who are 12 or older and still thinking about getting vaccinated, which remains the single most effective protection against COVID-19.

People with one of the health conditions listed above seeking booster doses can schedule online or phone 1-833-829-2626 for an appointment. Click here for more information about vaccination and appointments.
Bay Area Health Officers Support In-Person School
In considering the many benefits to children, Bay Area Health Officials reaffirm the joint Bay Area Health Officials’ statement from June, endorse the recent statement from Bay Area County Superintendents of Schools, and continue to firmly support a safe return to the classroom.
 
The State’s K-12 Schools Guidance for the 2021-22 School Year is practical guidance that emphasizes universal application of the most important safety measures while also offering flexibility for different approaches to meet the needs and capacities of a broad range of schools and districts seeking to safely keep children in classrooms.
 
School leaders have worked hard to implement this Guidance and are ready to welcome students back. Health Officials continue to monitor the data closely and we will work across the region and the state to adapt when needed.
COVID Status of Contra Costa County
Cases per day per 100,000 for unvaccinated is
approximately 55
For more data and information about current COVID rates in California, please go to coronavirus.cchealth.org
Federal Unemployment Benefits End September 4, Available Resources to Help With Food, Healthcare & Housing
Suicide Prevention Community Forum on Youth and Suicide
Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services will be hosting the Suicide Prevention Community Forum on Youth and Suicide
 
The forum will be held via Zoom on Thursday, September 9th, 2021, from 4pm to 7pm. 
 
At this event, participants will learn how to support themselves, a friend, or a loved one; and what to do before, during, and after a crisis. The target audience is youth, young adults, and those who want to help them.

The event will also include self-care sessions, sharing of personal stories, and opportunities to discuss how to best support youth in our community. Information and resources on the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and crisis supports in Contra Costa County will be shared as well. 

Register by clicking the link HERE .
Contra Costa County Redistricting Workshops
Redistricting is the once-a-decade process of redrawing the boundaries for Supervisorial districts after the U.S. Census.

The Board of Supervisors is seeking input about Communities of Interest. State law defines a “Community of Interest" as "a population that shares common social or economic interests that should be included within a single supervisorial district for purposes of its effective and fair representation. Communities of interest do not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, or political candidates."
One of the guidelines for drawing district boundaries is to learn about communities across the County. To the extent practicable, the County will aim to keep each community of interest together in a district. Learn more about Communities of Interest.

A series of Online Mapping Workshops will be held to assist residents in drawing and submitting Communities of Interest to be considered in the County’s Supervisorial Redistricting Process. The workshops will be hosted by DistrictR, the online mapping tool the County is making available to provide an easy way to draw and submit maps and comments.

The Online Mapping Workshop dates are:
September 15, 2021 at 2 PM – RSVP for the September 15th Workshop
October 14, 2021 at 2 PM

Date and Time Coming Soon – Spanish Language Online Mapping Workshop

The County’s second Redistricting Public Hearing will be held on October 5, 2021 at 9 am. 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 9am at San Ramon City Hall.

Immigration Inclusion Welcoming Plan
Measure X Community Advisory Board Meeting Schedule Update
Measure X, Contra Costa’s new countywide, half-cent sales tax, is expected to raise $112 million for the new fiscal year that began July 1.

The Measure X Community Advisory Board was formed to identify unmet community needs and recommend spending priorities to the county Board of Supervisors. 

The Advisory Board meets every Wednesday via Zoom: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/81176769191

Community members are welcome to provide public comments verbally. Comments can also be submitted in writing to Lisa.Driscoll@cao.cccounty.us. If you submit written testimony by noon on Friday prior to the following week’s meeting, it will be included in the agenda packet that is published for Advisory Board members and the public.

The presentations have been completed and the committee is now in deliberations.

The updated meeting schedule:

September 8 - 5PM
The Town of Danville and the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley Getting Set for Labor Day Weekend Parade
The Town of Danville and the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley are getting set for the Kiwanis September 4, Labor Day Weekend Parade in downtown Danville. The parade is due to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the north end of Hartz Avenue near San Ramon Valley High School. The route will then move down Hartz Avenue, turn south on San Ramon Valley Boulevard and end near Sycamore Valley Road. An estimated 60+ groups have registered to take part in the parade.

The event will follow current State of California and Contra Costa County COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Community safety is a priority and spectators are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated, and wear a face covering. Because it will not be possible to check everyone’s vaccine status or recent covid test results, all attendees are asked to please wear a mask. Community members are also reminded to stay home if they are not well, or could have been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19.  The parade route is 1 ½ miles long, so there will be plenty of space to spread out along the route.

Information on the parade and the latest updates can be found on the Kiwanis of the San Ramon Valley’s website srvkiwanis.parade.
Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley 9/11 Remembrance
Information for Voting in the Upcoming
Recall Election of Governor Newsom
The upcoming California Gubernatorial Recall Election is September 14, 2021. See below for a list of Official Ballot Drop boxes in District 2:

  • Alamo Plaza Shopping Center 190 Alamo Plaza Alamo
  • Danville Maintenance Service Center 1000 Sherburne Hills Rd Danville
  • Danville Park & Ride Sycamore Valley Rd and 680 Exit
  • Lafayette School District Office 3477 School St Lafayette
  • Saint Mary’s College 1928 Saint Mary's Rd Moraga
  • Orinda City Hall 22 Orinda Way Orinda
  • San Ramon Community Center 12501 Alcosta Blvd San Ramon
  • Dougherty Station Community Center 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd San Ramon
  • Grace Presbyterian Church 2100 Tice Valley Blvd Walnut Creek

Indoor Ballot Boxes available during business hours only:
  • Alcosta Senior and Community Center 9300 Alcosta Blvd San Ramon
  • San Ramon City Hall 7000 Bollinger Canyon Rd San Ramon

If you would like to vote in person, there will be a number of polling places open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on September 14th. Click here to find a polling place in your neighborhood.

For all of the information on Contra Costa elections and the upcoming recall election go to coco.vote/election
Learn How To Reduce the Risks of Falls
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.
Veterans Stand Down on the Delta
Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee Seeking Applicants
for the Alternate Seat
The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council is comprised of seven members and one alternate who serve as an advisory body to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the County planning agency. Members are appointed to the council by the Board of Supervisors to serve the unincorporated area of Alamo.

The Alamo MAC advises on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within its boundary, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation.

There is currently an Alternate Seat Available, you must be an Alamo resident to apply.

Click below for application:
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 Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC)
Alternate 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/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) 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/.