Standing With Our Pittsburg Police Department

As a lifelong member of the Pittsburg community, I was heartbroken to learn that a Pittsburg police officer was shot in the line of duty yesterday.

My thoughts and prayers remain with the officer and their loved ones as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. I am also keeping the entire Pittsburg Police Department, City staff, all our First Responders, and all those impacted by this incident close in my thoughts.

Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day in service to our communities. An act of violence against those who work to keep our residents safe affects us all.

Pittsburg is my home, and I know the strength and compassion of this community. I ask that we come together in support of this officer, their family, and the entire Pittsburg Police Department as we hope and pray for healing and recovery.

— Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston

What If One Day Could Change the Way a Young Person Sees Their Future?

For some students, the hardest part of planning for the future isn’t a lack of ambition. It’s simply not knowing what is possible.

That is one of the reasons the 2026 District 5 Youth Summit means so much to Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston.

Growing up in Pittsburg, Scales-Preston remembers being told by a high school counselor that college might not be in her future. She could have allowed someone else’s expectations to define what came next. Instead, she kept going.

She went on to attend college, earn her degree from California State University East Bay, build a career in public service, serve her hometown as a City Councilmember and Mayor, and ultimately become Contra Costa County’s District 5 Supervisor. 

Her story is part of the reason she believes so strongly that young people need opportunities to see beyond what they may believe is possible today.

But the message of the Youth Summit isn’t that every student needs to go to college.

It’s that every student deserves the opportunity to find a pathway that works for them.

That pathway could be a four-year university or community college. It could be a trade, apprenticeship, certificate program, public service, technology, entrepreneurship, the arts, or a career a student hasn’t even discovered yet.

Young people don’t need to have their entire lives figured out in middle school or high school. They need exposure. They need encouragement. They need people willing to tell them, “Here are some possibilities. Let’s help you discover what fits you.”

That is what the Youth Summit is designed to provide.

On Saturday, September 19, students in grades 6–12 will come together at Los Medanos College for a free day built around exploring their strengths, developing practical skills, meeting people who can connect them with opportunities, and thinking differently about what their future could look like. 

And yes, there will be music, activities, giveaways, raffles and plenty of fun. But what we hope students take home is something much bigger: a new idea, a new connection, a new sense of confidence, or even one moment that makes them think, “Maybe I can do that.”

Sometimes that is all it takes to change the direction of a young person’s life.

For Supervisor Scales-Preston, investing in young people isn’t simply about preparing the next generation of leaders. It’s about making sure young people know that their circumstances, setbacks, grades, ZIP code—or someone else’s opinion of what they can accomplish—do not have to determine where their story ends.

Parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors and educators: if there is a young person in your life who is still figuring out what comes next, bring them.

They don’t need to arrive with a plan.

Maybe they’ll leave with the beginning of one.

The 2026 District 5 Youth Summit: Explore. Elevate. Lead. takes place Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg.

The event is free and open to students in grades 6–12, and parents are welcome to attend. 

Register for the 2026 District 5 Youth Summit

Celebrating 150 Years of Martinez: Honoring the Past and Looking to the Future

Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston joined residents, families, local leaders, businesses, and community organizations at the Martinez Waterfront for a once-in-a-generation celebration marking the City of Martinez’s 150th anniversary.

The Martinez Sesquicentennial Festival brought the community together across Waterfront Park, Joe DiMaggio Field, and the Marina for a day filled with live music, food, family activities, community exhibits, and opportunities to celebrate the people and organizations that make Martinez special. More than 50 local organizations and businesses helped bring the celebration to life, reflecting the strong community spirit that has shaped Martinez throughout its history. 

Throughout the festival, families enjoyed free activities ranging from water games, arts and crafts, and a kids’ zone to bike activities, face painting, climbing experiences, and more. A special community drone photo captured residents gathered together to commemorate the milestone, creating a snapshot of Martinez at 150 years. 

The celebration was part of a yearlong commemoration guided by the theme “Past, Present, Future, Together”—honoring the generations who helped build Martinez, celebrating the community that calls it home today, and looking ahead to its future. 

For Supervisor Scales-Preston, whose District 5 includes Martinez, the celebration was also an opportunity to recognize the residents, community organizations, businesses, City staff, and local leaders who continue to invest their time and energy in making Martinez a vibrant and welcoming place to live.



Congratulations to the City of Martinez and the entire community on 150 years of history, resilience, and community pride—and here’s to the next 150!

Turning Potential Into Possibility for

Contra Costa Youth

Supervisor Shanelle Scales Preston recently met with Artavia B. Berry, President and CEO of Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), and Collin Ford, Director of Policy, to learn more about the organization’s work supporting young people impacted by the justice system and discuss its work in Contra Costa County.

Founded in 2000, FLY serves young people ages 11 to 25 throughout the Bay Area, including Contra Costa County. Through legal education, mentoring, leadership development, and other programs, FLY works with young people to help them reach their goals, build pathways to success, and reduce involvement in the justice system.

The meeting provided an opportunity to learn more about FLY’s programs, its work with young people in Contra Costa County, and the challenges facing justice impacted youth. Supervisor Scales Preston appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from FLY’s leadership and learn more about its approach to supporting young people and families across the county.

Visiting the Antioch Veterans Memorial Building

Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston joined Representative Josh Harder, J.R. Wilson of Delta Veterans Group, and Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal for an in-person tour of the Antioch Veterans Memorial Building, located at 403 W. 6th Street in downtown Antioch, also known locally as the American Legion Hall.

The building has a longstanding history of serving local veterans and the broader community. For generations, it has provided a place for veterans’ organizations, community gatherings, and activities. Today, the facility continues to serve as a community resource and hosts programs that support local residents, including food pantry services in partnership with Loaves & Fishes.

During the tour, Supervisor Scales-Preston and the group had an opportunity to learn more about the building’s history, current condition, community uses, and future needs. The discussion also focused on the challenges facing the facility and opportunities for local, state, and federal partners to work together to identify resources and potential solutions.



Supervisor Scales-Preston is committed to listening to veterans and community leaders, understanding the needs of important community facilities, and working collaboratively to help preserve and strengthen resources that serve residents throughout District V.

Supervisor Scales-Preston Attends

Bay Point MAC Meeting

Supervisor Scales-Preston attended the Bay Point Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting to hear directly from residents, receive updates on important community issues, and discuss projects and services affecting the Bay Point community.

The meeting featured reports and updates from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Code Enforcement, Golden State Water Company, and other community partners. These updates gave residents an opportunity to learn more about ongoing efforts in the community and raise questions about issues affecting their neighborhoods.

The County’s Department of Conservation and Development Sustainability Team also provided an informative presentation on sustainability programs and resources available in the Bay Point area. The discussion highlighted opportunities for residents to participate in sustainability initiatives and learn about programs designed to support a more sustainable community.

A presentation on the upcoming Bay Point Library was another key part of the meeting. The discussion provided residents with information about the project and an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about the future library and the services it will provide to Bay Point families and residents.

The Bay Point MAC continues to provide an important forum for community members to stay informed, engage with County representatives and local agencies, and share their priorities and concerns.

Slow Down: Help Keep Our Students Safe

With students back in school, Contra Costa County Public Works is reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution around schools, crosswalks, bus stops, and neighborhoods where children are walking and biking.

The beginning of the school year can be especially busy as families adjust to new schedules and students become familiar with new routes and traffic patterns. Drivers are encouraged to leave a little extra time, avoid distractions, follow posted speed limits, and be prepared to stop for students and crossing pedestrians. 

Through the County’s Vision Zero efforts, Contra Costa County is working toward the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and creating safer streets for everyone. 

The enhanced crosswalk pictured above at Rio Vista Elementary in Bay Point is one example of the safety measures helping make students more visible as they travel to and from school. 

A few extra seconds behind the wheel can make all the difference. Slow down, stay alert, and help every child get to school—and home again—safely.

Learn More About Contra Costa County Vision Zero

Road Improvements Coming to

Crockett and Port Costa

Contra Costa County Public Works will repave several residential streets in Crockett and Port Costa from Monday, August 31, through Wednesday, November 25, 2026, weather permitting. Work will generally take place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Traffic controls and message boards will be in place. Drivers should expect delays through active construction zones and consider alternate routes during work hours. The project is funded through the SB 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act and will improve local road conditions while extending the life of the County’s roadway network.



Read the full press release and view the work-area map.

Read Press Release.

District 5 Measure X Advisory Board Vacancy

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has declared District 5 Seat #1 on the Measure X Community Advisory Board vacant. The Board helps assess community needs and recommends general funding priorities for Measure X revenues to the Board of Supervisors.

District 5 residents interested in serving their community are encouraged to apply. For application information, contact the District 5 Office at (925) 608-4200 bos5@bos.cccounty.us.

Learn more about the Measure X Community Advisory Board.

Applications Open for the Rodeo

Municipal Advisory Council

District 5 is currently accepting applications for an open seat on the Rodeo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), providing community members with an opportunity to help shape local priorities and provide input on issues impacting the unincorporated community of Rodeo.

The Rodeo MAC serves in an advisory role to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, offering recommendations and community perspective on County services, programs, and local concerns affecting Rodeo residents.

Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Rodeo Senior Center.

Serving on the MAC is a meaningful way for residents to get involved in local government, elevate community voices, and help inform decisions that impact the Rodeo community.

Apply HERE

For additional information, please contact the District 5 Office at

(925) 608-4200.

Connect With Your County at the Annual Contra Costa County Block Party!

Contra Costa County invites residents and families to come together for the Annual County Block Party on Tuesday, September 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue.

The annual celebration is an opportunity to connect with County departments and community partners, learn more about programs and resources available to residents, and enjoy an afternoon of community connection.

Whether you have questions about County services, want to discover resources available to you and your family, or simply want to spend some time connecting with neighbors and County staff, everyone is invited to stop by.

📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026

⏰ 4:00–7:00 p.m.

📍 Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Ave., Pleasant Hill

Bring your family, meet your County team, and learn more about the services and resources available throughout Contra Costa County.

Learn More About the Contra Costa County Block Party

Help Shape the Future of Fish and Wildlife in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County is accepting applications for two At-Large seats on the Fish and Wildlife Committee. County residents with an interest in protecting local fish, wildlife, and natural resources are encouraged to apply by Monday, November 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The committee meets six times each year and advises the Board of Supervisors on matters affecting fish and wildlife throughout the county. Existing members seeking reappointment and new applicants are welcome to apply.



Apply online or read the full news release.

Stand Together Contra Costa Mobile Legal Clinic

A new Mobile Legal Clinic is launching countywide to bring free, trusted legal assistance directly into Contra Costa County neighborhoods. Operated by the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office through Stand Together Contra Costa, the clinic is designed to reduce barriers such as transportation, work schedules, childcare needs, language access, and fear around seeking legal help.



Staffed by public defender attorneys and support staff, the mobile clinic will offer guidance on immigration-related legal issues, navigating the legal system, and connections to additional resources such as housing support, public benefits, and clean slate services. Deployments are expected to begin in early February and will rotate through all five supervisorial districts. Dates and locations will be announced by the Public Defender’s Office and Stand Together Contra Costa.

Click HERE for more information.

Stay Connected

Office Hours & Contact:

Location: 190 East 4th St., Pittsburg, CA 94565

Phone: 925-608-4200 | Email: bos5@bos.cccounty.us

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Sign up for the weekly newsletter HERE
• Follow us on Facebook HERE
• Email us HERE

Ways to Get Involved:

• Advisory Boards & Commissions: Join a board and help shape policies. View open positions here.
• Community Feedback: Participate in surveys and virtual town halls to share your input.

District 5 Advisory Boards – Apply Now!

**1 Seat Available for the Marathon Community Advisory Panel!

Residents of the unincorporated areas of Martinez.

• Meetings: Typically held monthly.
• How to Apply: Visit the Board of Supervisors website to download and submit your application via email: clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us or in person at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez.

Board of Supervisors Meetings – Attend In-Person or Online

• In-Person: County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez
• Virtual Access: Watch live on Comcast 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, Astound 32 & 1027, or stream at www.contracosta.ca.gov.
• Public Comments: Call 888-278-0254 (Access Code: 843298#) or join via Zoom. Spanish interpretation available.

For more details, contact clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us or call 925-655-2000.

Your voice matters—stay engaged and help shape the future of District 5!

Read in Spanish/Lea en español

The Office of Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, District 5