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October Spotlight:
for a Local Boy
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| Supervisor Mitchoff's Committee and Board Assignments |
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Supervisor Mitchoff on
Supporting Contra Costa Cares
The Board of Supervisors has voted (4-1) to support Contra Costa Cares, a one-year pilot program that will help those who are low income but do not qualify for Medi-Cal but can't afford Covered California, the program under the Affordable Care Act, and undocumented individuals. I wanted to share with you why I support this program.
First, the $500,000 share from the County is coming from the $12.5 million rebate from the State of California to repay unfunded mandates. Second, another $500,000 will come from the hospitals in our area; if that money does not become available, the county will not put up its $500,000.
Third, the $1 million pilot program will provide preventive health care to 3,000 individuals. The pilot program doesn't cover the population described above, but it's a start. Fourth, the County must treat any individual who comes into our Emergency Room, and the cost by that time is much more expensive. So I see this as a fiscally-sound way to be a good steward of County resources while at the same time providing preventive health care to individuals who otherwise wouldn't receive it and, thereby, may become a public health concern to the rest of the population.
And fifth, and what I consider the most important, it is the right thing to do. I have received a few negative telephone calls and emails indicating that tax dollars should not be used to address the needs of undocumented individuals. The situation facing our nation today around immigration must be solved at the federal level. I, however, must deal with real concerns here at the local level.
Let me give you a personal example, and I hope you can relate it to your own lives: I have a weak respiratory system and must be careful during flu and cold season. Where someone else may be able to fight off those airborne germs, I am more likely to end up with the sniffles. I can deal with that, but I have a very close friend who has survived a transplant (not to mention our own Supervisor Glover, who is also a transplant survivor). These individuals must be extremely careful not to come in to contact with anyone who could compromise their immune system. All one needs to do is reflect on the recent measles outbreak in Disneyland to see how easily communicable diseases are transmitted without any of us being aware that it is happening.
The reality is that there are individuals living in our communities who are undocumented. Some have lived here for years, and many of them perform jobs that help keep our economy going. We can debate the merits of these facts, but the bottom line to me is assuring the public's health to the extent I can and doing that in the most fiscally-responsible way possible.
That is why I voted to support Contra Costa Cares.
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Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
Re
cognized as Elite for Cancer Care
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center's (CCRMC) Cancer Program was recently recognized
by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer. They presented the 2015 Outstanding Achievement Award to CCRMC, which was the only hospital in California to win this prestigious award this year!
The Chicago-based Commission on Cancer recognizes accredited cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. The Commission recently recognized what it described as an "elite group" of 20 cancer programs in the United States (click here for the full Commission on Cancer 2015 Award list)
including CCRMC. CCRMC's Cancer Program also won the Commission's Outstanding Achievement Award in 2009.
Among those grateful for the exceptional care he received at CCRMC is 67-year-old Frank Bills of Concord. In November 2011, Bills was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that impairs the body's immune system. Bills credits the Cancer Program's medical staff for not only giving him "amazing and wonderful" care, but also for giving him hope.
The Cancer Program gets about 350 new patients each year and about 4,000 total patient visits annually to its outpatient infusion clinic. Colon cancer and breast cancer are the most commo
n cancers among patients who have been diagnosed.
CCRM
C actively participates in clinical trial
s, giving its primarily low-income p
atie
nts
ac
ce
ss to cutting edge treatme
nts.
The Cancer Program has been recogni
zed
on multiple occasi
ons for its high patient participation rates in clinical trials.
CCRMC's program earned high marks from the Commission on Cancer this year for, among other things, its navigation or coordination-of-care services that help patients with appointments, referrals, transportation, accessing community resources and support services in the county.
Dr. Jane McCormick, the medical director for the Cancer Program, said providing proper care to the hospital's cancer patients goes beyond medical treatments. It must include other elements, such as financial assistance, counseling and, in some cases, end-of-life planning. I am proud to share that public hospitals, just like ours, certainly can provide first-class cancer care!
CCRMC's Cancer Program was accredited in 1987 and is part of Contra Costa Health Services
the county health department,
http://cchealth.org/
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National Alcohol
and
Other Drugs
Addiction
Recovery Month
On September 15, the Board of Supervisors declared September as National Alcohol and Other Drugs Recovery Month in Contra Costa County. During the month of September we recognized how important it is to assess family and community needs regarding treatment and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse problems. We highlighted the Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Division, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board, Support 4 Recovery Inc., and all other organizations that help those with alcohol or drug abuse problems.
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Tom Aswad, District IV Appointee to AOD Advisory Board and Katherine Webster, the District I Appointee to AOD Advisory Board
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In honor of National Alcohol and Other Drugs Recovery Month, Support 4 Recovery Inc. was recognized as an outstanding organization providing services in the local community. Support 4 Recovery Inc. was spotlighted in the presentation in order to highlight the extensive work they have done in advocating for alcohol and drug free communities by promoting individual and family responsibility, hope, and self-sufficiency. Since 2005, this grass roots non-profit organization has helped individuals in recovery. They have been noted as providing an essential service to our local communities because of the special care, support, and guidance provided to their client's who are often struggling to receive recovery services. The organization strives to assess the needs of the recovery community and develop action plans to educate and empower people towards their own success. Additionally, they seek to develop programs that help people prepare for the job market thus enabling them to take ownership of their own recovery process by finding the tools and resources to rebuild their lives. Some of the services they provide include dental and health, housing, and counseling.
Click here
to learn more about Support 4 Recovery Inc.
The County's Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Division provides administrative and clinical services to those that are in need. Their objective is to help people prevent and overcome mental, alcohol and other drug related disorders. Some of the services they provide are detoxification, outpatient drug-free counseling, residential programs that also include counseling, and many more. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board works in collaboration with the County's A
lcohol and Other Drugs Services Division providing input and recommendations to the County Division.
Click here
to access the County webpage where you can learn more.
AOD 11th Annual Recovery Walk and Celebration
District IV has a vacancy on the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board. If you are interested in applying for a seat on this commission please contact Dominic Aliano at (925) 521-7100 for more information.
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Stand Down on the Delta, which took place from September 11 to September 14, was an event hosted by the Delta Veterans Group. The Delta Veterans Group was created in 2012 by Gerald Wilson and since its beginning, this Group has been a beacon for veterans who have trouble navigating through the Department of Veterans Affairs' claims and benefits systems. The overall goal and objective of the Delta Veterans Group is to tear down the walls and barriers that stand between veterans and the services they could receive.
Stand Down on the Delta, which took place at the Antioch Fair Grounds, brought together all the organizations that provide services to veterans in the Pittsburg and Antioch area, specifically those that provide shelter, food, and medical services. Some of the organizations that attended included Contra Costa County Veterans Services, Shelter Inc., U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services, Bay Area Legal Aid, and many other generous local business providing basic needs services. During the four-day event, over 350 veterans were assisted.
Stand Down's opening ceremony occurred on a day that will always be remembered
in
the hearts of America
n
s, September 11, 2015. The opening ceremony was
emotional, as we watched t
he homeless veterans standi
ng at attention
as the America
n Flag was hoiste
d at half mass in honor of the lives we
lost on this day in 2001. Stand Down on the Delta was a success a
nd that success was in part attributed to Gerald W
ilson and the Delta Vete
rans Group.
Photo from the Opening Ceremony
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National Voter Registration Day
Tuesday, September 22 was National Voter Registration Day. This is a day to encourage people to register to vote. If you haven't already, you may register to vote online by clicking here or in person at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez. Forms are also available at your local library, post office and even the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Contra Costa County Elections Department also put together a voter registration kit that was handed out in every high school within the County in honor of this day. If you are 17 years old, you can pre-register to vote with the Elections department, so that once you turn 18 you are automatically registered to vote in the next election.
As a result of their efforts, the Elections Department saw four times more people registering online on Tuesday, October 22nd than the prior Tuesday. That number went up to eight times on Wednesday compared to the number of registrations on the prior Wednesday.
This is great news! Everyday another person becomes eligible to vote and participa
te in our democratic process.
VOTER
REGISTRATION IS A CLICK AWAY!
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Around the District
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October Spotlight Article
A Wish Comes True for a Local Boy
The Buchanan Field Airport Tenant Recognition Award was created by the Airport Advisory Committee as part of its community outreach strategy and was launched in 2007. This Tenant Recognition Award recognizes tenants of the Airport who stand out in their contribution to the airport's success in aviation, commerce or community service. This year Scott Achelis, Richard Johnson, and Roland Williams were awarded this award for going above and beyond by helping a boy, who struggles with Williams Syndrome, make his dream come true.
A local soon-to-be 9 year-old boy suffering from
Williams Syndrome (a genetic condition that is present at birth characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities)
and a love for planes
had a dream to ride in an airplane. Initially, the boy's mother reached out to Buchanan Airport to ask if they could help make his wish come true as a surprise for his 9th birthday. Airport staff reached out to some of the ten
ants to see if anyone would help out and Scott Achelis, Richard Johnson, and Roland Williams stepped up to the task of helping to make the boy's dream come to fruition.
Roland Williams was able to give the boy the experience of riding in the flight simulator.
The flight simulator is owned and operated by Sterling Aviation, a local Fixed-Base Operator at Buchanan Airport. Richard Johnson was then able to donate his plane so that the boy and his mother could hit the skies for an actual plane ride. Even though the boy's dream of riding in an airplane was fulfilled, the Operations Staff at Buchanan Field Airport took it one step further by giving the boy and his mother a tour around the airport which also included a stop to see the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting vehicle.
Touching the life of another, especially in their time of need, is one of the most powerful gifts we can give, it's truly an act of love and kindness. These generous acts of human kindness deserve recognition and praise. We are wishing the best for the young boy and his mother and are humbled to know that the County could be a part
of this special moment in his life. Making this dream come true would not have been
possible if it wasn't for Scott Achelis, Richard Johnson, and Roland Williams and our own County Airport staff, specifically Russell Milburn (Operations staff), Jake Allred and Beth Lee, all g
oing above and beyond in the life of a child. Thank you!
Photo of Scott Achelis, Richard Johnson, and Roland Williams with Mike Bruno, the Vice-Chair of the Airport Advisory Committee, receiving the Tenant Recognition Award.
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Veteran's Centers
coming to
C
ontra Costa Community Colleges
The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation is partnering with the Contra Costa Community College District and local organizations to fund on-campus Student Veterans' Resource Centers. These new centers will be designed to offer assistance with the transition from military service to civilian life and into higher education and new careers. Dedicated student veterans at Diablo Valley College (DVC), who were interested in acquiring a designated space where veterans could receive academic and benefit counseling specific to veterans, originally brought the concept for the centers forward
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The Sentinels of Freedom have committed to
outfitting and furnishing the Veteran's Centers, but have asked that the College District identify designated space on each campus. The Los Medanos College and DVC centers will be finished this year and the center at Contra Costa College will be completed in 2016.
The Sentinels of Freedom presented their proposal to the College District on September 9th and I was proud to provide a letter of support for this important project. I am optimistic that a dedicated space will increase veteran student's success, wellness and sense of community.
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HomeAid and STAND!
for Families Free of Violence
Collaborate on Renovation
My colleagues and I recently celebrated the renovation of STAND!'s Rollie Mullen Center, a family shelter and transitional housing program for victims of domestic violence. The renovation was beautiful, and it was comforting to know the facility is now more secure and able to provide more on-site services. This renovation would not have been possible without the hard work of the non-profit HomeAid Northern California. HomeAid builds and renovates multi-shelter units for homeless families. As the charity arm of the building industry, HomeAid's work is made possible through the generosity of homebuilders, their trade partners, and financial institutions.
The Rollie Mullen Center serves more than 200 women and children each year. The center offers housing as well as supportive programming on-site to all residents including domestic violence support group, parenting group, vocational/life skills and community meetings.
I was grateful for the opportunity to visit the renovated center and to present a resolution from the Board of Supervisors to HomeAid for their work on this much-needed project. It's always inspiring to see collaborations between non-profits that benefit our local community and those in need.
District Supervisors Andersen, Mitchoff, and Piepho with HomeAid Executive Director
Cheryl O' Connor presenting the Board of Supervisors resolution to Dave and Lori Sanson
of DeNova Homes
on
HomeAid of Northern California.
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Free Shuttle
Coming to the
Monument Corridor
The Monument Corridor is one of the most densely-populated neighborhoods in Contra Costa County and also ranks as one of the most ethnically diverse. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the population in the Monument Corridor is below the federal poverty line. A lack of transportation services continues to be one of this neighborhood's key issues. Studies have identified an array of transportation gaps for residents of the Monument Corridor including infrequent bus service; high transit fares; lack of access to medical facilities, nutritious food stores and other shopping amenities; and insufficient access to BART and employment centers.
Since 18% of the households in this neighborhood do not own a vehicle, creating alternative transportation options is critical to the full utilization of vital community services.
In 2007, a shuttle service in the Monument Corridor was launched through County Connection but ended in 2009 with the expiration of a 3-year funding period for the project. The new proposed shuttle program will build off of the lessons learned from the previous shuttle project and will be a partnership between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, the City of Concord and our local non-profit Monument Impact.
The shuttle service will be subsidized with Measure J (the transportation half-cent sales tax) funds so that it can be free to all residents living in the project service area. In addition, the City of Concord will provide nominal in-kind contribution in the form of staff time to assist Monument Impact with project oversight.
Monument Impact will be responsible for day-to-day oversight and administration of the project. The shuttle service will provide direct transportation from high density residential areas of the Monument Corridor to the downtown Concord BART station, major employment centers on Willow Pass, La Clinica, John Muir Medical Center, the County Regional Medical Center, bus stops, as well as the Concord Senior Center and other social service agencies.
I was proud to support this project as a Contra Costa Transportation Authority Board member. Transportation is a critical need in the Monument Corridor, and I am grateful to Contra Costa residents for supporting Measure J, and providing innovative projects such as this.
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Speaking Engagements
in the Community
I always welcome the opportunity to spend time with local community groups. This month I spoke to the Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista as well as the Concord-Diablo Rotary.
The Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista helps to improve the lives of women and girls in our local community and throughout the world. For more information on their group, please click here.
The Concord-Diablo Rotary focuses on service projects and they also sponsor annual scholarship programs. For more information on their group, please click here.
Supervisor Mitchoff speaking to the Concord-Diable Rotary Club
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Contra Costa Association of Realtors
District IV staff was honored to attend the annual
Contra Costa Association of Realtors elected officials reception on September 17. Thank you to Heather Schiffman for organizing such a wonderful event!
From Left to Right:
The entire District IV Staff- Dominic Aliano, Krystal Hinojosa, Lisa Chow, Lia Bristol and Lindy Lavender with Pleasant Hill Councilmember Tim Flaherty and Greg Souza.
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Community
Announcements
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PLEASANT HILL'S ART, JAZZ AND WINE FEST
It's time once again for the 13th Annual Art, Jazz and Wine Fest in Downtown Pleasant Hill on Saturday October 3rd from 10:00am to 6:00pm, followed by an evening concert at 6:30pm, and Sunday October 4th from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Pleasant Hill and Downtown Pleasant Hill is proud to present a weekend of live music, fun entertainment and activities for children, arts and crafts vendors, as well as featuring local wines and craft brews. Best of all, general admission is FREE!
For more information and to keep up to date on the events schedule, wine and beer list, art vendors, and special offers visit the chamber's website here!
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Es ist eine Zeit, um deutsche Erbe zu feiern
("It is a time to celebrate German heritage")
Clayton Business & Community Association invites you to experience Oktoberfest "Munich Style" in picturesque Clayton, CA. Set under beautiful Mt. Diablo, it evokes a feeling of Bavaria. Come and enjoy traditional Biergarten, great German food and beer, premium California wines, arts and crafts, carnival, street performers, and live music featuring The Internationals.
Saturday October 3rd
11am to 8pm
Sunday October 4th
11am to 6pm
Parade 12 p.m. Saturday
Tapping of the Keg 12:30 p.m. in the Biergarten
Music by the Internationals
Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Bavarian Dancers
Saturday (times to be announced)
Carnival
Friday, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 am. - 6 p.m.
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Walnut Creek Community Service Day
Volunteers Needed!
Online registration is still open for Walnut Creek's Community Service Day. Come help out a local school, organization or project in your community on Sat., October 10, as part of Walnut Creek's Community Service Day 2015. There are over 50 projects planned for the day. Many projects include working in the open space, planting gardens, creating art projects, and cleaning and sorting the books in school libraries. You can find projects available for every age group, interest and skill level.
Community Service Day begins at 7:30 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast at Heather Farm Park, hosted by the Walnut Creek Lions Clubs. Project work will begin at the location of the project you sign up for, which is displayed at check-in at Heather Farm Park. Project sites across the community will start their work between 8:45 and 9 a.m. Project work will be done no later than 1 p.m. A few projects offer late shifts.
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City Of Pleasant Hill
Announces Anti-Hazing Awareness Month
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Successful Entrepreneurship-The Essentials Everywoman Needs to Know
On Wednesday, October 28th from 5-7:30 pm, the Contra Costa Women's Commission, in partnership with JFK University's Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, will present a dynamic panel discussion on how to become a successful entrepreneur. Five women entrepreneur's from various fields will share their personal insights gained along the way and highlight how they became successful. Panelists include Dina Finta, Associate Director of IEL Programs, Mary Stoddard, President/co-owner of Lincoln Insurance Services, Vaneese Johnson, Personal Brand Strategist/Coach, Robin Wirthlin, Independent Business Consultant and Melissa Donald, LDI Growth Partners. "This panel discussion is a must for any woman considering entrepreneurship because anyone can gain from these experts' advice", said Dr. Julianna Hynes, Commission Chair.
The event starts at 5pm with networking and refreshments and the panel will present from 5:30 to 7pm with time for questions and discussion at the end. It will be held at JFK University Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership located at 2151 Salvio Street, Ste 350 in Concord.
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Friends of the Ygnacio Valle
y Library
Book Sale
The Frien
ds of the Ygnacio Valley Library is an organizati
on
dedicated to improving library services
at the Ygnacio Val
l
ey Library. In order to assist in this, the Friends group will have a book sale on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is open to the public. Books start as low as 50 cents. If you'd lik
e to gain early access on Friday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can become a member of the Friends' Group at the door. Membership is only $10 annually.
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COMMISSION AND BOARD Vacancies
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Advisory Board Needs New Members
The Community Advisory Board (CAB) of Contra Costa County's Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) is seeking applications from community members who are interested in serving as CAB members for 2016 to support reentry efforts in Contra Costa County.
The CAB is a 12-member body designed with an explicit commitment to include those who have been affected by crime, incarceration, and reentry, including formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, crime victims and their families, and other people with demonstrated experience or expertise in these issues. This is an unpaid, voluntary position.
CAB provides input on community needs; assesses implementation of the realignment plan; offers recommendations for ongoing realignment planning; advises county agencies regarding programs for implementation in the county; and encourages outcomes that are consistent with Contra Costa County's Reentry Strategic Plan.
Application forms must be received by 5 PM on Friday, October 16, 2014. If you are interested in joining the Community Advisory Board (CAB), please email my staff member Lindy Lavender at
lindy.lavender@bos.cccounty.us.
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County Fish and Wildlife Committee Vacancy
The Contra Costa County Internal Operations Committee of the Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications from individuals to fill two At-large seats on the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee. Existing members seeking reappointment and individuals seeking a new appointment may apply.
The Fish and Wildlife Committee has ten members: five District representatives nominated by individual members of the Board of Supervisors, four At-large positions and one Alternate At-large position nominated by the Internal Operations Committee. The Internal Operations Committee considers applications from all interested individuals and conducts interviews even when an existing At-large member seeks reappointment.
Fish and Wildlife Committee meetings are held on the third Wednesdays of each month from 3 to 5 p.m. For more information regarding the Fish and Wildlife Committee or to apply, please visit the Committee's website here.
Applicants must be a resident of Contra Costa County and submit an application by Monday, November 16, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. to the Clerk of the Board at 651 Pine Street, 1st Floor, Room 106, Martinez, CA 94553, fax to (925) 335-1913 or by email at clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us.
The Internal Operations Committee will review applications and interviews will be scheduled in December. If you have any questions please contact Maureen Parkes, staff to the Fish and Wildlife Committee, directly by phone at 925-674-7831 or email at
maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us
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East Contra Costa County
Habitat Conservancy PAC Vacancy
The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy is a joint exercise of powers authority formed by the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley and Pittsburg and Contra Costa County to implement the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP or Plan). The HCP/NCCP provides a framework to protect natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County, while improving and streamlining the environmental permitting process for impacts on endangered species. The Plan will allow Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the East Bay Regional Park District and the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley, and Pittsburg to control endangered species permitting for activities and projects in the region that they perform or approve. The Plan also provides for comprehensive species, wetlands, and ecosystem conservation and contributes to the recovery of endangered species in northern California.
The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy seeks one (1) private landowner and/or agriculturalist to serve on the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) to provide input on the implementation of the Plan to the Conservancy's Governing Board. The applicant will reside within the "inventory area" of the map below.
The PAC meets quarterly and will be selected by the Conservancy Governing Board. Completed applications must be received by Friday, October 16th, 2015. Materials are available on the Conservancy's website here (look in the "latest news/updates" tab). Applications may be mailed or emailed to the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553, Attn: Maureen Parkes or emailed to
maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us.
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County Commission Vacancies
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has established many boards, committees, and commissions to which it appoints Contra Costa residents to serve, on a volunteer basis, to advise the Board on the myriad of programs and issues under the Board's jurisdiction. Contra Costa residents are encouraged to participate in their County government, and to put their expert knowledge and experience to work in their communities by applying to serve on a Board advisory body. Supervisors appoint individuals to various boards within their district. Currently there are vacancies for District IV representatives on four different boards, as follows: 1. Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board 2. Contra Costa Centre Municipal Advisory Committee 3. Emergency Medical Care Committee, Alternate Seat 4. Local Planning Council If you or someone you know might be interested in applying for a seat on one of these commissions, please visit my website for further information or contact my office at (925) 521-7100.
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District IV Supervisor Karen Mitchoff
2
151 Salvio Street, Suite R
Concord, California 94520
(925) 521-7100
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