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Growing Good Things
Cultivating the Youth of Tomorrow,
Right Here with 4-H
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The 4-H Youth Development Program empowers young people by connecting head, heart, hands, and health to tackle life's challenges right in our backyards. Last week during our board meeting, I proudly brought forward a proclamation to formally recognize local youth members, dedicated adult volunteers, and program staff honoring National 4-H week.
By pairing county-level proclamations with statewide storytelling through California 4-H Grown, youth gain a platform to showcase projects including livestock husbandry, computer science, public health and urban farming. These kids prove that youth leadership is about a brighter future and comes from actively improving communities today.
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Paving the Way for Play
Old River Playground and Park is OPEN
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This playground is ready to roll!
Back in September, we announced the groundbreaking of the new play structure at Old River Elementary School and would you believe its complete? It is now fully operational and ready for our kids and families to enjoy and that's a big deal.
Because of our rural landscape, dedicated parks can be tough to come by, making safe places for kids to play and connect vital for healthy neighborhoods.
This project started with local advocacy. Superintendent Harvey Yurkovich and dedicated Parent-Faculty Club (PFC) moms brought their vision to my office. Working alongside the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD), we secured local Park Dedication Funds to purchase and install the new equipment.
In addition to serving students during the school day, this completed playground will give families a fun spot to gather on weekends and benefit the entire Knightsen community for years to come.
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Full Speed Ahead
Oakley Marks a New Era of Transit
with Gold Runner Groundbreaking
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I gathered with community members and regional leaders on October 14, 2026, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Gold Runner Station at 3486 Main St. in Oakley. This is a milestone for District 3, capping off years of rigorous planning and dedicated coordination to bring this long-awaited transit addition to life in Oakley.
By officially getting Oakley and its surrounding communities "on track," this station provides a crucial, long-term transit connection and ensures more reliable, accessible, and seamless travel for everyone who lives, works, and moves through the area.
Find some freedom aboard Gold Runner. With train and bus service to over 100 destinations, you can get almost anywhere in California, and discover everything from its most popular destinations to its best kept secrets, including Oakley.
RESOURCES:
Gold Runner Train website
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Rising Above Approaching Storms
Getting Storm Ready with Public Works
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Storms don’t wait for convenient timing, and they certainly don’t RSVP. They appear when they choose—fast, loud, and usually when least convenient. Here’s the good news: becoming storm‑ready isn’t complicated, and when a whole community commits to preparedness, the difference is powerful.
District 3 spans diverse terrain and includes several unincorporated pockets where storm impacts can vary widely. County crews and first responders work hard, but when a major storm hits, response resources can stretch thin. When households prepare in advance, it reduces strain on responders, speeds recovery, and helps neighbors support one another. Prepared communities are resilient communities.
The team at Contra Costa County Public Works, & Pacific Gas & Electric have prepared resources (below) for you to easily take action today!
Three Simple Ways to Stay Storm‑Ready:
- Pack Your Emergency Kit Before You Need It: A well-stocked kit is like insurance: you hope not to use it, but you’ll be grateful you have it. Include water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, medication, copies of important documents, and chargers. Don’t forget items for children, pets, or family members with medical needs.
- Know Your Plan and Share It: Identify where you’ll go if you need to evacuate, how you’ll communicate if cell service falters, and who your emergency contacts are. Encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. A community with a plan is a community that stays connected.
- Stay Informed, Not Surprised: Follow local agencies on social media, sign up for weather alerts, and keep a battery‑powered radio handy. Awareness is your first line of defense.
When one person takes readiness seriously, others follow. Talk about your emergency kit. Compare safety plans. Ask neighbors if they need help preparing. Resilience grows when communities share not just supplies, but knowledge and encouragement. Being storm-ready is more than just a checklist, it's a way of life. Plan today to beat out tomorrow's storm.
RESOURCES:
Contra Costa County Public Works (October 6, 2026) updates
Pacific Gas & Electric Storm Readiness website (October 14, 2026)
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Storm Readiness website (October 15, 2026)
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Ready to Vote
with Security & Confidence
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The general election is rapidly approaching, and we want to remind you to vote your way, with confidence.
Your Ballot for the November 3, 2026 General Election is in the Mail
Vote Your Way With Confidence and Vote Early
Su balota para las Elecciones Generales del
3 de Noviembre de 2026
Vote con confianza, de la manera que prefiera,
y vote anticipadamente
Ballots must be dropped off by 8 pm on Election Day.
Interested in getting involved? Become a Certified Election Observer (CEO). Positions are now open and you can find out more by visiting the Contra Costa County recruitment website.
Did you know you can track your ballot? A service offered by the California Secretary of State will send voters notices including when it’s mailed, received, and counted. Track your ballot every step of the way by signing up at https://WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
RESOURCES:
Press Release from Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Contra Costa County (October 5, 2026) - English
Press Release from Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Contra Costa County (October 5, 2026) - Espanol
Press Release from Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Contra Costa County (October 5, 2026) - Chinese
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Standing Tall for Those Who Served Us All
Celebrate Veterans on November 3, 2026
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On November 3, 2026, Contra Costa County will come together to express our gratitude and honor the brave men and women of our armed forces. Under the theme "The Service Ends, The Commitment Continues," we pay tribute to the dedication, sacrifice, and ongoing contributions of our military veterans.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
11:00 am
1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553
Let’s gather to say "Thank You" to our veterans. Celebrate the enduring commitment of our service members and show support for those who have served our nation. All community members, veterans, active-duty service personnel, and families are welcome to attend this free event.
RESOURCES:
"Did You Know...A Massive WWII Army Base Once Stood in Pittsburg" video series from Contra Costa County Office of Communication
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Refresh, Review, Renew
Make Sure Your Health Coverage Covers You
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Open Enrollment is coming soon and it's your time to buy, renew or change your health care plan for the upcoming year. Benefits can change, life can change and a quick review now can save surprises later.
Even if you're satisfied with your current healthcare coverage, now’s a great time to double‑check that your plan still aligns with you or your family needs for the year ahead. Some options have to be renewed annually even if there are no changes.
Schedule some time to speak with qualified specialist about your care needs.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program Event at Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services
Saturday, November 14, 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
500 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill (1st Floor board room)
Appointment Required (click to schedule)
Have more questions or just want to make sure you're making the most informed choice? Coverage providers and Human Resources teams are ready to help. Reach out to these teams now and consider your options today because even the smartest decisions get smarter with good guidance.
RESOURCES:
John Muir Health Open Enrollment & Newsletter (October 2026)
Open Enrollment Information from Covered California website
Contra Costa County employee open enrollment benefit information
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Pull Up a Chair
for Shared History & Heritage
"Delta as a Culinary Journey" Hosted by the Contra Costa County Historical Society
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It’s easy to drive past the orchards and waterways in District 3 without stopping to think about the generations of hands, traditions, and migrations that made them what they are. The Delta Heritage Forum isn't just about looking back, it's about gathering with neighbors, nurturing collaboration, and asking where our community goes from here.
Hosted by the Contra Costa County Historical Society, this year’s theme is “Delta as Culinary Journey.” This series of academic lectures is an invitation to understand the rich cultural tapestry of the Delta through the food on our plates.
RSVP and advanced ticket purchase REQUIRED ($55 each)
Thursday, November 5
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
Includes: Coffee & pastries, full lunch, & vintage cake tasting
Make your reservation today and bring an appetite for history and make your advanced reservation today.
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Steps of Solidarity
No One Walks Alone in Antioch
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October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To ensure no survivor feels isolated, the City of Antioch is gathering residents, advocates, and families for a morning of solidarity, recovery, and togetherness.
Empowerment & Healing Walk
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contra Loma Estates Park
Mahogany Way & Manzanita Way in Antioch
Following the walk, attendees are welcome to stay for a free lunch and resource fair.
Advance registration is strongly encouraged to assist organizers with lunch and activity preparations. Residents can sign up by scanning the QR code on event flyers or visiting https://bit.ly/https://bit.ly/3UNgiBB..
Community members are urged to turn awareness into action by sharing event details across social media, newsletters, and local networks.
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Clean House & Toss Your Trash
Bethel Island Community Clean Up
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Bethel Island Residents: Pack Up Your Trash & Head to the Bethel Island Community Clean Up
Take part in the 2026 Annual Clean-Up Day with the Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council in partnership with Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery and hosted by District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 - RSVP Required
BIMID Mitigation site, 7300 Bethel Island Road
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Requirements: Local Valid I.D. and current Disposal Bill
To RSVP, please contact Anna Cleese at 925-655-2336 or Anna.Cleese@bos.cccounty.us.
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Power Up Your Mission
Big News for East County Non-Profits
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The East Contra Costa Non-profit Capacity Building Initiative is a three-year effort dedicated to strengthening community organizations across East County through free professional development, leadership training, and $500,000 in total grant funding.
Conceived by Supervisor Burgis, approved by the full Board of Contra Costa County Supervisors and in collaborative partnership with Los Medanos College, this initiative utilizes Measure X funding to deliver crucial financial and structural support to local groups. Applications are now open for our 2026 sub-grant cycle. These funds will directly benefit non-profits serving Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Bethel Island.
Grant Highlights:
- Funding: $240,000 total allocated across 10–12 awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
- Categories: Capacity Building Projects (strategic planning, tech, operations) or Workforce Development Internships.
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored groups with operating budgets under $2 million primarily serving low-to-moderate income or marginalized East County residents.
- Deadline: October 18, 2026
If your organization is working to lift up our East County neighbors, we encourage you to learn more and submit an application. Please pass this along to any local leaders, partners, or friends in your network who could use a boost.
RESOURCES:
Capacity Building Grant Opportunity Information website
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A Space to Call Their Own
Investing in the Future of Our Youth
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Across all neighborhoods in District 3, our youth have needed a space built specifically around their lived experiences, creative interests, and physical and mental health needs.
The project behind this long-held vision is officially underway with the support of Measure X funding. At the corner of Lone Tree Way and Windy Springs Lane in Brentwood, Contra Costa County is developing the District 3 Youth Center. The county has launched a new project dashboard where you can bring yourself up to speed on all of the current happenings at the site.
This 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art flagship campus designed entirely for local youth ages 12 to 18 and is scheduled to open in 2029. More than a standard municipal facility, the center's preliminary blueprint reflects a home-like, collaborative atmosphere:
- Creative Expression: Architectural plans feature a full music and media recording studio, instructional classrooms, and quiet study nooks designed for academic support and creative exploration.
- Community & Connection: A central living room and lobby welcome visitors, anchored by multipurpose activity rooms, a community teaching kitchen, and open outdoor recreation areas.
- Holistic Wellness: Recognizing the unique pressures facing teens today, the facility includes dedicated wellness zones and private consultation rooms for youth therapy, mental health guidance, and peer support.
Follow the dashboard and messaging for exciting project updates and news for the District 3 Youth Center.
RESOURCES:
District 3 Youth Center Landing Page (Sept 2026): https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/10697/District-3-Youth-Center
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Get Prepared Before Buckling Up
Road Closures and Rerouting Cause Delays
Antioch Bridge, October 23, 2026 at 10 pm
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Navigating the roads safely and efficiently starts long before turning the ignition; by making pre-trip planning and detour awareness a routine habit, drivers shift from reactive driving to proactive hazard avoidance—lowering stress, preventing accidents, and ensuring a safer journey for everyone.
Current District 3 projects and closures list, 10/15/26
While we make every effort to keep the most current memos and messaging posted to the public, changes can happen at a moments notice. Always take a look at these resources before hitting the road, just in case.
RESOURCES:
For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on X
For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap
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Contra Costa County
Boards and Commissions
Open Seats and Applications
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CONNECT WITH YOUR
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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Did you know that areas of the county are categorized into 5 different districts? Each has its own amazing collection of community groups, resources, sites, activities, and of course...residents! Where there is continuity across the county on many matters, there are unique aspects to each that make them beautifully diverse.
Below you will find information on how to find your Supervisor, connect to their websites and offices, and learn about how to participate in the collective Board of Supervisors meetings held in Martinez throughout the year.
Finding your Supervisor:
To find your Supervisor using a simple address search, click this "Find My Supervisor" link which can be found on the County website.
Connecting to your Supervisor:
After you determine who your Supervisor is using the search tool above, click a link below to connect with their office.
District 1 - Supervisor John Gioia
District 2 - Supervisor Candace Andersen
District 3 - Supervisor Diane Burgis, 2026 Chair
District 4 - Supervisor Ken Carlson, 2026 Vice-Chair
District 5 - Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston
Participate in Meetings:
Whether you want to attend, comment, or just observe, all are invited and welcome to all public county meetings. You can find a full list of available meetings, including the Board of Superviors' by checking out the calendar here. While you are there, you can see an option to subscribe to updates and notifications from any or ALL of the meetings listed.
Board of Supervisors' meetings are typically held in person at the County Administration Building 1025 Escobar Street, 1st floor, Martinez. The public is encouraged to attend the meetings.
The Board meetings are also accessible via television, and via live-streaming to all members of the public. Board meetings are televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, Astound Channels 32 & 1027, and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.
Persons who wish to address the board during public comment or with respect to an item on the agenda may comment in person or may 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. 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.
Meetings of the Board are closed-captioned in real time. Public comment generally will be limited to two minutes. Your patience is appreciated. A Spanish language interpreter is available to assist Spanish-speaking callers.
See information about parking and access to the County Administration Building at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553.
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"Community is much more than belonging to something; it's about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”
— Brian Solis
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Supervisor Diane Burgis
3361 Walnut Boulevard, Suite 140
Brentwood, CA 94513
925-655-2330
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