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Street Smarts Brings the CHP
"Start Smart" Driver Safety Education Program
Back to the San Ramon Valley
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Driving is dangerous for teens. Teen drivers are more likely to get into traffic collisions than any other age group. Even more troubling is the fact that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 19. What causes teens and teenage drivers to be at such risk?
read more
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Welcome Home Event
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Supervisor Andersen shakes the hand of Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Maxfield as his family looks on, as he was welcomed home from Kuwait/Afghanistan by
local officials, community members,
family and friends at the Welcome Home event organized by the Diablo Valley Flag Brigade on Saturday, March 14.
Click here for more information about Diablo Valley Flag Brigade and other Welcome Home events.
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Alamo Elementary School Celebrates New
Traffic Signal - Joint Project Completed in One Year
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A traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of Wilson and Livorna Road in Alamo, making it safer for students at Alamo Elementary School to get to and from school.
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New Garbage & Recycling Program Information
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The Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, now known as Recycle Smart, has been working tirelessly to upgrade your garbage and recycling services since the new contract with Republic Services and Mt. Diablo Recycling took effect on March 1.
Click here to read some FAQ's you may have about changes to your service. For more information about all of the 2015 new services,
click here.
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Three Moraga "ODYSSEY OF THE MIND"
Teams Advance To State Finals
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Moraga Rotary "C" Odyssey of the Mind teams performs at Regional Competition in Concord. L to R: Alianne Kastner, Brianna Rose, Charlotte Arnswald, Jacob Ahearn, Casey Dow, and Quinn Ahearn. Kneeling: Trevor Rose Three of the eight Odyssey of the Mind teams sponsored by Rotary Club of Moraga have advanced from recent regional competition to the State Final Competition being held in Riverside on March 26, 2015. read more |
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Veterans' Voices
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Tune in to the live television and webcas
t talk show "Veterans' Voices", which made its debut last July. The monthly show, a joint production of Contra Costa Television and the County's Veterans Service Office, features a range of guests and topics. Viewers can watch on CCTV, or online, and can ask questions during the show via email, phone or online chat.
"Veterans' Voices" airs live every third Monday of the month on CCTV. The show is also uploaded online and replayed on CCTV Wednesday nights at 11 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., and can be found on Comcast Channel 27, Astound Channel 32 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 throughout Contra Costa County. The show is also streamed live online.
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Board of Supervisors Recognize April as
Child Abuse Prevention Month
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The Board of Supervisors recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month at their March 31, 2015 Board meeting.
Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed for the past 24 years since it was first
proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
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Lafayette Honors Citizen of the Year
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Supervisor Andersen was honored to present a proclamation to Marechal Duncan, the Lafayette 2015 Citizen of the year, on Friday, March 20 at the Lafayette Park Hotel.
Marechal started volunteering in Lafayette 60 years ago when he first moved to the area with his wife, Doris, and at age 92, he has not slowed down. Marechal currently serves as the Vice President of the Lafayette Historical Society,
and is always telling everyone, "today's news is tomorrow's history."
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"Lost and Found" Art Exhibition in Danville
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Lost and Found, a collection of unique and artistic creations by John Barry, Larry Berger, Joe Bologna, Phillip Glashoff, Wes Horn, Cassandra Tondro and Josef Twirbutt will be on exhibit at the
Village Theatre Art Gallery at 233 Front Street, Danville. The exhibit will run Friday, March 13 through April 25, 2015
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atrueLatina Celebration and Expo
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Supervisor Andersen, pictured with Frances Palacios, President of Palacios Productions, was honored to speak about women in leadership and join others in celebrating the successes of Latinas during Women's History Month at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum on March 25. The event included guest speakers, networking with local community leaders, entrepreneurs and students, table exhibitors and a reception. Frances was also the keynote speaker on March 31 at the Board of Supervisor's 22nd Annual Cesar Chavez Commemorative Celebration.
Click here for more information about atrueLatina.
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April is Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month
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 Alcohol is a drug. It is a substance that changes the way the body or mind functions. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. One in every 12 adults (17.6 million people) suffer from alcohol abuse or dependencies. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or drinking problem. Moreover, 100,000 persons die each year from alcohol-related causes including drinking and driving crashes, other accidents, falls, fires, alcohol-related homicides and suicides.
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Las Trampas, Inc. Presents "What's In Our Hat?" Fundraising Event
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 Las Trampas, Inc., a day school in Lafayette that supports adults with developmental disabilities, presents its 27th annual What's in Our Hat? fundraising event on Sunday, April 26, 3:00-6:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. This year's theme is Luck Be A Lady and features ABC News' Dan Ashley as MC, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin entertaining to live music, a magician, a jewelry and Tesla raffle, fabulous silent auction, themed buffet, cocktails, and champagne. One "lucky" person will win the $10,000 Hat drawing!
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Learn Conflict Resolution at Annual
Community Mediation Training
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|  The Center for Human Development will offer its annual Community Mediation Training course beginning April 23 and running through May 3.The training is planned on Thursday evenings and week-ends to accommodate work schedules. The 30-hour training will prepare individuals to volunteer as community mediators through Conflict Resolution Programs (CRP). read more |
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Young Children's Forum
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Supervisor Candace Andersen, Pleasant Hill Mayor Ken Carlson, Assembly Member Susan Bonilla, County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, Assembly Member Catharine Baker, and Supervisor Karen Mitchoff attended the March 28 Young Children's Issues Forum. read more |
Danville's New Trail Mixers Season Begins in April
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| Town hiking program to kick off on Las Trampas Ridge  Hiking enthusiasts are invited to come out and enjoy area trails with the Town of Danville's Trail Mixers program. Trail Mixers provides residents with an opportunity to experience the many fantastic trails here in the East Bay.
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New Family Justice Center opens in Concord
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 Supervisor Andersen, along with several other city and County dignitaries and Police Chiefs from across the county, joined together to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Central County Family Justice Center in Concord on March 19.
read more
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"Conversation Village" Event in Oakland - Answer Your Questions About Advance Care Planning
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The City of San Ramon Camp Central Program
Receives Award Of Excellence
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 The San Ramon Parks and Community Services Department received a Creating Community Award of Excellence at the California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS) Awards Banquet on Friday, March 13, 2015.
read more
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Canyon Intersection Gets Much Needed Make-Over To Prevent Side Shows
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 As a result of community concerns regarding "side show" activity on Pinehurst Road in the quiet Canyon Community, the Contra Costa County Public Works Department added roadway buttons and reflective markers to deter the recent rash of "sideshows" in this location.
read more
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The Contra Costa Commission for Women is Seeking New Members Interested in
Advocating for Women
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The Contra Costa Women's Commission is inviting the public to an Open House and committee meeting at 6pm on April 21, 2015 in Supervisor Candace Andersen's Lafayette Office, located at 3338 Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Before the meeting begins, the public will have an opportunity to meet with Supervisor Andersen and commissioners to find out more about the purpose of the commission, its strategic objectives, as well as, how they can become involved. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Commission Chair, Dr. Juliana Hynes by clicking here.
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Ensuring Opportunity: The Campaign to
Cut Poverty in Contra Costa County
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St. Mary's College Dedicates New
Joseph Alioto Recreation Center
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Supervisor Andersen's staff member and St. Mary's College alumni, Jennifer Quallick, enjoys visiting with Brother Mel, while attending the opening of the new Joseph Alioto Recreation Center.
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Nearly three years after its proposal, a new recreation center that gives Saint Mary's students a place to exercise and hang out has opened its doors. Housing a pool, climbing wall, three indoor courts for basketball, soccer and volleyball, a fitness center, and rooms for yoga, dance and spinning classes, the new recreation center has plenty to offer its college community. The new center will also provide more than 100 on-campus student jobs. To learn more about the recreation center and St. Mary's College of California, click here.
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Street Smarts Storybook Poster Contest
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Supervisor Andersen and other elected officials with the winners of the Annual Storybook Poster Contest.
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In 2005, Street Smarts launched an annual Poster Contest that challenged San Ramon Valley elementary school students to create posters depicting traffic safety messages. Starting in 2008, the Poster Contest became the Storybook Poster Contest, in which the students' posters were now eligible to be featured in a valley wide storybook about traffic safety.
read more
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District Two Earth Day Festivities
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Sustainable Lafayette, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the Lafayette Library & Learning Center, and the City of Lafayette are proud to present Lafayette's 10th annual Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 26. Join in as they explore this year's theme of Transportation. For more information, click here
read more
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San Ramon Senior Foundation
Spring Fashion Show & Tea
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The San Ramon Senior Foundation is having its annual Fashion Show and Tea from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 11, 2015 at the San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard.
read more
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Orinda Honors Citizen of the Year
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Candace joins Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer (far right) in honoring Mark Roberts, with his wife Claire, as Mark was recognized as the 2015 Orinda Citizen of the Year on March 20, 2015 at the Orinda Community Center. Mark has a long history of community involvement.
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San Ramon City Council Recognizes March as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month
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San Ramon City Council unanimously approved a Proclamation Declaring March 2015 as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month. Mayor Clarkson presented the proclamation to April Rovero, Founder/CEO of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA), and others involved with Prescription Drug Abuse initiatives, including our staff member Jen Quallick. To learn more about NCAPDA and the fight against Prescription Drug Abuse, click here.
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T
he Museum of
San Ramon Valley Special Event
Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War
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Now showing at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley through May 1, a special exhibit: Lincoln - The Constitution and the Civil War - an American Library Association Traveling Exhibit.
read more
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March Board Actions
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Ever wonder what your Supervisor does at that weekly Tuesday Board of Supervisors Meeting? Here are some of the board actions from the month of March which impact the residents of District 2:
Recognized March 2015 as Prescription Drug Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Recognized March 2015 as National Social Workers' Month in Contra Costa County
Received update from the County's Stormwater Manager regarding efforts and costs to comply with the mandated 70% reduction in trash entering the storm drain network by 2017; Advised staff regarding the next set of actions to take.
Heard proposed implementation of the property tax cost recovery provisions of Revenue and Taxation Code 95.3; Adopted report from the Auditor-Controller filed on January 20, 2015, of the 2013/14 fiscal year property tax-related costs, including the proposed charges against each local jurisdiction with the exception of school entities.
Adopted Resolution implementing Revenue and Taxation Code 95.3 for fiscal year 2014/15.
Established a rate of $30 per Equivalent Runoff Unit for Stormwater Utility Area 17 (Unincorporated County) for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 and requested that the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District adopt annual parcel assessments for drainage maintenance and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program.
Accepted the resignation of Gary Kingsbury; Declared a vacancy on the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board of Contra Costa County; Directed the Clerk of the Board to post the vacancy, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Reappointed Nancy Flood to the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District Board of Directors, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Appointed Paul Mikolaj as the Danville/Alamo Local Committee Representative on the Advisory Council on Aging.
Appointed Rachel Etherington to the Youth Representative seat on the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Authorized staff to support the efforts of the California State Association of Counties-led coalition to provide funding for stormwater services.
Recognized County Assessor Gus Kramer for 40 years of service to Contra Costa County.
Recognized Patrick Roche for over 24 years of distinguished service in the Department of Conservation and Development.
Recognized the winners of the Contra Costa County "Poetry Out Loud" 2015 Competition.
Announced the Caring for Our Creeks event, a gathering sponsored by the Walnut Creek Watershed Council which was held on Thursday March 19th, 2015, 7pm- 8:45pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center.
Accepted report regarding the mid-year status of the 2014/15 County Budget. Click here for report.
Adopted Ordinance providing for a 7% salary increase, effective June 1, 2015, for members of the Board of Supervisors. Click here for salary ordinance and established the Ad Hoc Committee on Board of Supervisors Compensation and directed the County Administrator to report the Ad Hoc Committee's findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on July 7, 2015.
Approved/Authorized the Deferred Improvement Agreement for a project being developed by Ralf E. Gester and Candi C. Gester, Alamo.
Acting as the Governing Board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Approved/Authorized application/acceptance of a 2014 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an amount not to exceed $6,400,000.
Recognized Marechal Duncan as the 2015 Lafayette Citizen of the Year, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Announced the March 19, 2015 Grand Opening of the Central County Family Justice Center, which is located at 2151 Salvio Street, Suite 201, Concord.
Appointed Stacey Howard to the District II seat on the Contra Costa Commission for Women, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Accepted report entitled "Managing our County Facilities" prepared by the Public Works Department.
Recognized the 2015 Youth Hall of Fame honorees of the 22nd Annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Celebration, as recommended by the Cesar Chavez Committee.
Approved the 2015 Road Surface Treatment Project and Authorized advertisement of the project, Alamo.
Declared April 2015 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Contra Costa County.
Honored Elaine Prendergrast, Executive Director of the Center for Human Development, on her retirement.
Recognized April 3, 2015 as Contra Costa County Centennial Day and commemorating the Panama Pacific International Exhibition.
Reappointed Gordon Ball, Robert Saydah, Gordon Berke, Michael Marchi, Robert Besse, and Rick Kopf to the County Service Area P-5 Citizens Advisory Committee, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Appointed Diana MaKieve to the District II Member at Large seat on the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Approved/Authorized a lease amendment with 230 Alamo Plaza, LLC, to extend the lease for continued use of approximately 3,000 square feet of office space located at 150 Alamo Plaza, Suites B and C, Alamo, as requested by the Sheriff-Coroner.
Approved/Authorized a contract with the State of California, 23rd District Agricultural Association to pay the County provide law enforcement services at the Contra Costa County Fair for the period May 27 through June 1, 2015.
Approved/Authorized a contract amendment with the Town of Moraga to pay the County to provide police dispatching services and limited warrant services.
Amended the action of the Board of Supervisors on February 3, 2015 (item C.25) approving the application, acceptance and execution of a grant contract with the California Board of State and Community Corrections to correct the grant contract amount to continue facilitation of Proud Parenting Programs for young fathers and mothers involved in the criminal justice system.
Approved/Authorized a contract amendment with LSA Associates, Inc. to extend the term to complete work associated with the Camino Tassajara Shoulder Widening, 1.1 miles south of Highland Road to 0.30 miles north of Windemere Parkway Project, San Ramon.
Approved/Authorized a contract with ANKA Behavioral Health, Inc. for weed abatement in the Iron Horse Corridor Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville and San Ramon.
Supported the Visit Tri-Valley Tourism Marketing District (TVTMD) and consent to allow the City of Pleasanton to renew the TVTMD and include a portion of the unincorporated Contra Costa County Tri-valley area, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
Received the 2014 Annual Report for the Iron Horse Corridor Advisory Committee, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville and San Ramon areas.
Authorized the issuance and sale of "San Ramon Valley Unified School District General Obligation Bonds, Election of 2012, Series 2015" by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District on its own behalf pursuant to Sections 15140 and 15146 of the Education Code, as permitted by Section 53508.7(c) of the Government Code.
Continued the emergency action originally taken by the Board of Supervisors on November 16, 1999 regarding the issue of homelessness in Contra Costa County.
Approved revisions to Contra Costa County Neighborhood Preservation Program Policy and Guidelines.
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Volunteers Needed to Sit on
District 2 Advisory Boards
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Volunteer Opportunities:
District 2 vacancies available:
Alcohol & Other Drugs Advisory Board - click here
Countywide Bicycle Committee - click here
County Service Area P-5 Citizens Advisory Committee (Residents of: Roundhill, Regency Woods or Windsor Green)
In-Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee- click here
In addition, Supervisor Andersen would like to draw your attention to the following list of countywide advisory bodies that currently have At Large Seats available:
- Advisory Council on Aging
- Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity
- Agricultural Task Force Committee
- Ambulance Service Selection
- Arts & Culture Commission
- Commission for Women
- Contra Costa Employees Retirement Association
- County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee
- Developmental Disabilities Board
- East Bay Regional Park District - Advisory Body
- Economic Opportunity Council
- Fish & Wildlife Committee
- Hazardous Materials Commission
- Homelessness Advisory Board
- Local Child Care & Development Planning Council
- Managed Care Commission
- Workforce Development Board.
To apply for any of these seats, click here.
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The full text of the articles in this newsletter follow. We have provided a preview of the articles above for easier reading. Navigate by clicking on "read more" and "return to articles".
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Street Smarts Brings the CHP
"Start Smart" Driver Safety Education Program
Back to the San Ramon Valley
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Driving is dangerous for teens. Teen drivers are more likely to get into traffic collisions than any other age group. Even more troubling is the fact that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 19. What causes teens and teenage drivers to be at such risk? Register for the event on April 30 to find out, when Street Smarts hosts the California Highway Patrol's Start Smart program for the fourth time. Start Smart is a free two-hour driver safety education class given by the CHP to new and future teenage drivers and their parents/legal guardians. The Start Smart event will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on April 30, at the California High School Theater in San Ramon. At the event, CHP officers will discuss collision factors associated with teen drivers, collision avoidance techniques, and driver/parent responsibilities. Parent and child attendance is strongly recommended. (Note: The presentation contains graphic images.) The April 30 event is free and open to teens/parents in the San Ramon Valley and beyond. To register, click here. For more information, contact Amy Sekhon at (925) 973-2650 or email her by clicking here. To learn more about the Start Smart Program, contact CHP Officer John Fransen at 925-646-4980 or visit click here. Street Smarts is a traffic safety education program serving the San Ramon Valley. The program is a partnership between the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, the City of San Ramon, the Town of Danville, the County of Contra Costa, and the San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs. return to articles
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Alamo Elementary School Celebrates New
Traffic Signal - Joint Project Completed in One Year
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A traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of Wilson and Livorna Road in Alamo, making it safer for students at Alamo Elementary School to get to and from school. The traffic light was listed as a top priority by Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) members just a year ago and through some fortuitous circumstances, was quickly completed over the next 12 months. The community came together for a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 30 to celebrate. The County Public Works staff used some outside the box thinking to fast track this signal's installation by piggybacking it on to an existing nearby small residential homes project being developed by Mark Scott Construction. The installation of the signal that likely would not have been completed for two to three years, took just one. Supervisor Andersen emphasized she did not want to wait for a tragedy to occur at this intersection to compel the public and the County to move this project forward.
The Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee, Contra Costa Public Works, Alamo Elementary School students and families, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District and the Alamo community were all recognized at the ceremony and thanked for their cooperation, patience and support during the construction of the project.
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Three Moraga "ODYSSEY OF THE MIND"
Teams Advance To State Finals
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Moraga Rotary "C" Odyssey of the Mind teams performs at Regional Competition in Concord. L to R: Alianne Kastner, Brianna Rose, Charlotte Arnswald, Jacob Ahearn, Casey Dow, and Quinn Ahearn. Kneeling: Trevor Rose Three of the eight Odyssey of the Mind teams sponsored by Rotary Club of Moraga have advanced from recent regional competition to the State Final Competition being held in Riverside on March 26, 2015. There were 131 teams competing in regionals this year. The three teams were from different age groups; elementary, middle, and high school competitors. The World competitions will be held May 20-23rd on the campus of Michigan State University. Odyssey of the Mind is an international extracurricular educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students. Team members apply their creativity to solve one of 5 prepared problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the regional, state, and world level. Moraga Rotary teams have earned a reputation through the years as strong competitors, with teams going every year to state competitions, and sometimes to World and European competitions. The general coordinator for all of the teams and coaches this year is Evelyn Gee. The program in Moraga has grown from one team in 2006 (whose members are now in college), to 12 teams this year, with ages from kindergarten through high school. While most teams in the program are sponsored by schools, Moraga Rotary has been the sole sponsor in Moraga, and the success of the Odyssey of the Mind teams has led to Rotary Club sponsorships in Orinda, Lafayette, Alamo, and Danville. To learn more about the Odyssey of the Mind program click here return to articles |
Board of Supervisors Recognize April as
Child Abuse Prevention Month
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The Board of Supervisors recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month at their March 31, 2015 Board meeting.
Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed for the past 24 years since it was first
proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982. National statistics show that one in four children will be mistreated before the age of eighteen, while those with disabilities are three to seven times more likely to suffer from child abuse than children without disabilities.
Early intervention child abuse programs are critical for preventing abuse, and can positively impact at-risk families.
As part of prevention month activities, the Contra Costa County Child Abuse Prevention Council is hosting their 11th Annual "It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Child" Benefit Luncheon at the Orinda Country Club, on Thursday, April 16, 2015. Guests will enjoy a fabulous celebration with raffles, a silent auction, delicious food and presentations from CAPC partners who work to prevent child abuse in our schools and the local community. Last year's luncheon was a huge success, raising over $60,000 toward the prevention of mistreatment and the abuse of children. Click here for more information and to RSVP. click here for a list of programs offered in Concord and Contra Costa County by the Child Abuse Prevention Council. return to articles
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"Lost and Found" Art Exhibition in Danville
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Lost and Found, a collection of unique and artistic creations by John Barry, Larry Berger, Joe Bologna, Phillip Glashoff, Wes Horn, Cassandra Tondro and Josef Twirbutt will be on exhibit at the
Village Theatre Art Gallery at 233 Front Street, Danville. The exhibit will run Friday, March 13 through April 25, 2015
The Village Theatre Art Gallery in Danville is a community based non-profit cultural arts center that features six to seven rotating exhibitions per year with an emphasis on contemporary Bay Area Artists. Supplemental programs such as Art Chats, Young @ Art and participatory based artist workshops provide an engaging and educational opportunity for art lovers of all ages. With numerous award winning restaurants and shops all around, why not make the Village Theatre Art Gallery your next cultural destination? Planning a party or a fund-raiser? Think of the Art Gallery for your next party venue. To learn more click here or call (925) 314-3460.
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April is Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month
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Alcohol is a drug. It is a substance that changes the way the body or mind functions. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. One in every 12 adults (17.6 million people) suffer from alcohol abuse or dependencies. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or drinking problem. Moreover, 100,000 persons die each year from alcohol-related causes including drinking and driving crashes, other accidents, falls, fires, alcohol-related homicides and suicides.
Alcohol is also the number one drug of choice for teens. Approximately 9.7 million current drinkers in the United States are between the ages of 12-20, and is the most frequently used drug by high-school seniors. The consequences of underage drinking may have long term effects. New research shows that alcohol affects a teenager's developing brain differently than adults.
Clearly, parents, schools and communities can play a vital and proactive role in addressing alcohol use and abuse. Youth who talk to their parents about the negative consequences of alcohol and other substance use report lower rates of past and current alcohol use. Communities that discourage underage drinking via clear messages or "denormalize" drinking, promote environmental protective factors, to help youth make better choices. Parents can learn the signs of alcohol and other drug abuse, take action to help their children if they have a problem, and teach them that it is okay to get help if they have a problem.
For more information about prevention resources in Contra Costa County contact: Fatima Matal Sol at (925) 335-3307 or e-mail her by clicking here. Visit Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Alcohol and Other Drug Services by clicking here. To join volunteer efforts to reduce Underage Drinking, contact the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board at (925)335-3307.
read more
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Las Trampas, Inc. Presents "What's In Our Hat?"
Fundraising Event
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Las Trampas, Inc., a day school in Lafayette that supports adults with developmental disabilities, presents its 27th annual What's in Our Hat? fundraising event on Sunday, April 26, 3:00-6:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. This year's theme is Luck Be A Lady and features ABC News' Dan Ashley as MC, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin entertaining to live music, a magician, a jewelry and Tesla raffle, fabulous silent auction, themed buffet, cocktails, and champagne. One "lucky" person will win the $10,000 Hat drawing!
- Tickets: $100 include 1 free HAT drawing
- $75 Drawing only, event not included
- Additional Details: 925.310.2363
Theme: Luck Be A Lady
Date: Sunday, Apr 26, 2015
Time: 3:00-6:30 PM
Location: Lafayette Park Hotel
To buy tickets click here. For more information about Las Trampas, Inc., click here.
Proceeds support Las Trampas' innovative programs that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to expand their horizons an lead active lives in the community.
return to articles
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Learn Conflict Resolution at Annual
Community Mediation Training
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| The Center for Human Development will offer its annual Community Mediation Training course beginning April 23 and running through May 3.The training is planned on Thursday evenings and week-ends to accommodate work schedules. The 30-hour training will prepare individuals to volunteer as community mediators through Conflict Resolution Programs (CRP). Volunteers completing the course will receive Alternative Dispute Resolution Certification. Training will take place at 901 Sunvalley Blvd., Suite 220, Concord, CA 94520. Barbara Proctor, CRP director, says, "Our mediation services are available throughout Contra Costa County. To better meet our mission, we are seeking more bilingual volunteers, especially individuals who are bilingual in English and Spanish." Required registration forms are available upon request by email or calling (925) 349-7344. Enrollment fee for the 30-hour course is $395. CRP provides sliding scale community mediation services, court mediation programs, facilitation services, and conflict resolution training throughout Contra Costa County. Conflict Resolution Programs has been serving Contra Costa County for over 25 years and is the only community mediation program in the County. Conflict Resolution Programs is a program of Center for Human Development. CHD is a community-based organization that offers a spectrum of services for at-risk youth, individuals, families and communities in the Bay Area, including conflict resolution services, training, and group facilitations. CHD is known for its innovative programs and is committed to improving the quality of life in local communities. Visit their website by clicking here. return to articles |
Young Children's Forum
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Supervisor Candace Andersen, Pleasant Hill Mayor Ken Carlson, Assembly Member Susan Bonilla, County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, Assembly Member Catharine Baker, and Supervisor Karen Mitchoff attended the March 28 Young Children's Issues Forum. Supervisors Andersen and Mitchoff joined Assemblywomen Baker and Bonilla on a panel to discuss and answer questions regarding how the County and State can help improve early childhood education. This year's forum theme was "Speak Out for Children: Educate and Advocate". The Young Children's Issues Forum, held at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, is an annual community event sponsored and organized by the Contra Costa County Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education (LPC) and coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Click here for more information about LPC and the Young Children's Issues Forum. return to articles |
Danville's New Trail Mixers Season Begins in April
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| Town hiking program to kick off on Las Trampas Ridge Hiking enthusiasts are invited to come out and enjoy area trails with the Town of Danville's Trail Mixers program. Trail Mixers provides residents with an opportunity to experience the many fantastic trails here in the East Bay. This season's Trail Mixers begins with an April 11, 2015 climb to the top of Las Trampas Ridge. Hikers will start at the Bollinger Canyon Staging Area and hike to the top of the ridge. Once on top, the trail heads south and loops back to the staging area. This moderately strenuous hike is approximately 4.2 miles in length with an estimated elevation gain of 1000 feet. To register for the April 11, 2015 hike call (925) 314-3400 or go to the Recreation Services webpage on the Town's website by clicking here. For more information about Trail Mixers, contact Youth Sports and Facilities Program Coordinator Ian Murdock at (925) 314-3455 or click here to email. return to articles |
New Family Justice Center opens in Concord
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Supervisor Andersen, along with several other city and County dignitaries and Police Chiefs from across the county, joined together to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Central County Family Justice Center in Concord on March 19.
The service center, which joins the West County Family Justice Center to become the second Center in the County, houses law enforcement, social services and community organizations under one roof, creating a "one stop shop" for people who need help escaping domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking situations.
Future plans call for a Center in the eastern part of the county as well, which would result in the first such countywide network in the country. Partners in the Central Center include local police departments, the Contra Costa County District Attorney, the County's Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative and a host of community and governmental agencies. For more information about the Contra Costa Network of Family Justice Centers, visit their website by clicking here.
return to articles
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"Conversation Village" Event in Oakland - Answer Your Questions About Advance Care Planning
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Join the Alameda Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) for "Conversation Village" - a place to consider, communicate and document your health care wishes. The event will take place from 10 am to 3 pm on Thursday, April 16th in Frank Ogawa Plaza (in front of Oakland City Hall) and will bring together numerous resources to help members of the public with advance care planning, including trained and experienced coaches and facilitators who can answer questions and guide individuals through the process of advance care planning, and community organizations offering services and information related to advance care planning. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan, and others will appear at a brief noontime program. Conversation Village is being held as part of National Health Care Decisions Day to inspire, educate, and empower the public about the importance of advance care planning, and to encourage patients to express their healthcare wishes. Members of the public are encouraged to register in advance by
clicking here. To learn more about East Bay Advance Care Planning, a project of the ACCMA Community Health Foundation,
click here.
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The City of San Ramon Camp Central Program
Receives Award Of Excellence
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The San Ramon Parks and Community Services Department received a Creating Community Award of Excellence at the California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS) Awards Banquet on Friday, March 13, 2015. The award recognized the Camp Central Program for demonstrating innovative approaches to the delivery of recreation services. Camp Central is the Department's flagship summer camp program that allows participants to select from several different camp options including art, dance, theater, sports, and enrichment camps to build a full day experience.
CPRS is a membership organization with 3,300 members representing the 535 local parks and recreation agencies throughout the state. To learn more about the California Parks & Recreation Society, click here.
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Canyon Intersection Gets Much Needed Make-Over To Prevent Side Shows
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As a result of community concerns regarding "sideshow" activity on Pinehurst Road in the quiet Canyon Community, the Contra Costa County Public Works Department added roadway buttons and reflective markers
to deter the recent rash of "sideshows" in this location. Over the past year this wide, smooth intersection became the scene of several late night sideshows -- impromptu noisy and sometimes dangerous car exhibitions involving cars squealing, doing donuts, and other tricks. It is hoped that these textured safety improvements will deter the drivers from returning. County Public Works staff also refreshed the equestrian crosswalk, stop markings and limit lines at the intersection of Canyon Road and Pinehurst Road.
If you should come across side shows or speed contests, you should immediately call 911 or in the Canyon area (707) 551-4100 to give a "real time" report to the CHP. If a CHP unit is in the area they will have a better chance at stopping the violators actions and this will allow them to take the appropriate enforcement action. If you have further detailed information, i.e. vehicle descriptions with license plate numbers or driver descriptions, they can also send the registered owners of the vehicle(s) a letter letting them know errant driver actions were observed.
Since cell phone reception is an issue in this area of the County, please be aware that there is an emergency call box at the Canyon Post Office on Pinehurst Road.
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Street Smarts Storybook Poster Contest
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Supervisor Andersen and other elected officials with the winners of the Annual Storybook Poster Contest.
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In 2005, Street Smarts launched an annual Poster Contest that challenged San Ramon Valley elementary school students to create posters depicting traffic safety messages. Starting in 2008, the Poster Contest became the Storybook Poster Contest, in which the students' posters were now eligible to be featured in a valley wide storybook about traffic safety.
The Street Smarts traffic safety storybook showcases the artistic talent that exists in the San Ramon Valley while fostering the learning of traffic safety principles. Each storybook is written by local author Dana Mentink. The Street Smarts Storybook Poster Contest "lives on" throughout the year, as the storybook is distributed in the community at special events and venues in the San Ramon Valley. To learn more about Street Smarts and the Poster Contest, or to read the storybook, click here
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District Two Earth Day Festivities
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Sustainable Lafayette, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the Lafayette Library & Learning Center, and the City of Lafayette are proud to present Lafayette's 10th annual Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 26. Join in as they explore this year's theme of Transportation. For more information, click here
Earth Day on
Danville Town Green
11AM - 2PM April 19, 2015
Music, fun and green activities set for 5th annual event
Danville residents are invited to come to the Town Green, 420 Front St., to take part in the Town of Danville's 5th annual Earth Day event. Co-sponsored by the Town of Danville, Sustainable Danville Area and the San Ramon Valley Library, this event is intended to celebrate the planet through a variety of hands-on green activities for residents and visitors of all ages. Residents can come to the Town Green and enjoy eco-friendly activities. Bring a picnic lunch and eat on the Town Green while listening to wonderful musical performances from three local performers.
Orinda Action Day  of Community Service, sponsored by Orinda Community Foundation in partnership with City of Orinda, takes place from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18, 2015 Check in at Orinda Library Plaza beginning 9 am; light refreshments available before the beautification work begins. Volunteers receive free tee shirts. Report back successes at noon after projects are completed to Library Plaza, enjoy music and a light lunch. Click here to sign up as a volunteer.
Moraga Beautiful - Saturday, April 18
9:00 am to Noon
at Moraga Commons Park. The annual Moraga Beautiful event will be held rain or shine. Volunteers are requested to wear old clothes for weeding and the beautification of the park picnic benches. The Town will supply gloves, brushes and stain. Individuals and groups welcome! An additional work party will remove weeds at Mulholland Open Space Preserve from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Please meet at the open space gate on Donald Drive.
Click here for more information.
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San Ramon Senior Foundation
Spring Fashion Show & Tea
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The San Ramon Senior Foundation is having its annual Fashion Show and Tea from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 11, 2015 at the San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard. Welcome the spring season with an afternoon of fashion, food and fun for all ages. Fabulous door prizes and opportunity drawings will be included. Proceeds benefit the San Ramon Senior Foundation which supports senior programs. Fashions will be provided by Chico's of Stoneridge Mall. Register by Tuesday, April 7, at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center. Tickets are $20 per person. Contact the center at (925) 973-3250.
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T
he Museum of
San Ramon Valley Special Event
Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War
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Now showing at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley through May 1, a special exhibit: Lincoln - The Constitution and the Civil War - an American Library Association Traveling Exhibit.
The exhibit vividly evokes Lincoln's struggle to resolve the basic questions that divided Americans at the most perilous moment in the nation's history: Was the United States truly one nation, or was it a confederacy of sovereign and separate states? How could a country founded on the belief that "all men are created equal" tolerate slavery? In a national crisis, would civil liberties be secure? A variety of Civil War artifacts and local Bay Area stories add more substance to the exhibit. The museum is located at 205 Railroad Avenue in Danville and can be reached at (925) 837-3750. Click here to learn more.
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