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The Family Justice Center is Open!
The Central County Family Justice Center held its grand opening on March 19th in Concord. The Board of Supervisors has adopted Family Justice Centers as a best practice, and I am proud to support this initiative. I joined Concord Police Chief Guy Swanger, Concord Mayor Tim Grayson and Executive Director Susun Kim in welcoming community partners at the Grand Opening. I was in awe of the outpouring of community support, thank you to all who attended!
The Contra Costa Family Justice Centers serves all victims of violence in our community. Each Family Justice Center client works with an expertly trained, culturally and linguistically-competent Navigator who serves as the client's single and trusted point of contact. They provide guidance that supports clients to make viable and safe case plans and connect with the services they need to establish their safety and identify long-term solutions. If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic, family or community violence please visit the Family Justice Center at 2151 Salvio Street, suite 201, Concord, CA 94520 or call 925-521-6366.
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11th Annual Young Children's Issues Forum Speak Out for Children: Educate and Advocate
On Saturday March 28th, I had the pleasure of participating as a panelist at the Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education's 11th Annual Young Children's Issues Forum. It was a lively discussion on the importance of investing in quality early care and learning environments for children. Supervisor Candace Andersen and I presented on current trends and county initiatives that impact the lives and economic stability of families in Contra Costa County.
The importance of having access to quality care and early learning for children ages 0-5 is beneficial for ALL in our community, not just those with children. These two critical areas are extremely important issues that we spend a lot of time focusing on addressing, but there are other important issues that impact children and families that deserve our equal attention.
One initiative that the County Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) has been working on is streamlining the process for people to apply for CalFresh benefits. California has one of the lowest rates of CalFresh (food stamps) participation in the nation. In Contra Costa an estimated 58% of people eligible for CalFresh receive the benefit. Our goal is to increase the percentage of people receiving the benefit from 58% to at least 75% by May 2016. EHSD has been working along with a group of public and private partners, to increase outreach, streamline the County application process, work more closely with school districts, increase community partner agencies that can help people with the application process and improving technology to support customers.
First, success will mean fewer children and families struggling to put food on the table but an added benefit is a more robust local economy as a result of increasing enrollment in the program. Each month more than $10 million in CalFresh benefits are spent locally. If we reach our enrollment goal, another $25 million will flow into Contra Costa's economy each year.
This is just one example of some of the issues that were discussed at this year's forum. Making sure children have a roof over their head, food in their stomach, feeling safe in their environments, have access to quality and affordable health care- these are all critical to supporting young children and their ability to learn and succeed in early care and learning environments. If you have not attended this forum in past years, I strongly encourage you to do so in the future!
To learn more about the Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education, please click here.
For more information on CalFresh benefits and enrollment, please click here.
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Prescription Drug Awareness Month
On March 3rd, the Board of Supervisors recognized March as Prescription Drug Awareness Month in Contra Costa County. The Board received an alarming presentation from the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse
and the Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board.
Prescription drug abuse is considered a national epidemic. Only by increasing awareness and educating our community about the dangers can we begin to combat this issue. This is the 4th year our County has recognized March as Prescription Drug Awareness month, which is one step towards promoting public awareness, but there is still much work to be done.
April Rovero, a resident of Contra Costa County and founder of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, shared that there were 88 accidental overdose deaths in 2014. This brings the number up to 542 for accidental overdose deaths between the years of 2008-2014. Of the total, 438 of these deaths were related to prescription drugs. This means close to 80% of drug overdose deaths in our County are related to prescription drugs. April explained that this data is just the tip of the iceberg as not every death has a toxicology screening or is processed by the Coroner's office, so the rate could in fact be higher. These startling statist
ics are in part why public outreach on this issue is central to helping people make better-informed decisions for their health. Too often, it is assumed prescription drugs are safe because a doctor prescribes them, but they can be just as dangerous as other drugs.
The National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse along with Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board (AOD) are working on a number of education campaigns including the Up and Away campaign. This campaign reminds us to keep our medications locked up and away from where children, pets, and others can easily access them. My office has been assisting AOD in organizing tabling events at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center as well as some of our local County clinics. We are also reaching out to John Muir and Kaiser in hopes of tabling at their local hospitals.
Another essential piece of this issue is the proper disposal of medications once you no longer need them. It is important to dispose of these properly so that they do not end up in the wrong hands, or contaminate our water. This is a critical component of preventing accidental overdose and prescription drug abuse. Taking these safety measures saves lives.
To find your nearest proper medication disposal drop off site, please click here.
I am thankful to April Rovero and the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, and
also the AOD Advisory Board for their leadership and advocacy at the local, state and national level. They are looking to establish more community groups similar to what they have done in San Ramon and Lamorinda cities. They are hoping to find people interested in helping in these efforts in the communities of
Concord, Antioch and Richmond.
If you or anyone you know may be interested in getting involved in this cause, please contact my office. District IV also has a vacancy on the Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board. I encourage you to contact my staff, Lia Bristol at (925) 521-7100, if you are interested in learning more about this advisory board and applying.
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Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Implements Improved Access Initiative
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) & Health Centers is implementing a new initiative to improve its patients' access to care. In February, the Martinez Health Center and George and Cynthia Miller Wellness Center began piloting advanced-access efforts that attempt to get the most out of each appointment through a team-care approach. The idea is that if patients can get all they need during one visit, they won't need to come back as often for a follow up, increasing the number of appointments available to other patients. Some of the improvements being tested include pre-appointment screenings, ordering labs in advance, offering alternate care options like telephone appointments, standardizing intake by medical assistants and simplifying provider schedules. Even before the beginning of the pilot in February, some improvements were rolled out. For instance, the George and Cynthia Miller Wellness Center has been on the simplified schedule for several months and they have seen steady improvement in access. The plan is to gradually roll out these improved access measures at all our health centers over the next year. For more information, contact Ambulatory Care Medical Director Dr. Chris Farnitano by clicking here. |
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County Administrator Appointed to California In-Home Support Services Authority
Our own County Administrator, David Twa, has been appointed by Governor Brown to the California In-Home Supportive Services Statewide Authority. Twa is a member of the California State Controller's Advisory Committee on County Accounting Procedures and is the former president of the County Administrators Association of California. Twa earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University Of Minnesota School Of Law. This appointment to the California In-Home Supportive Services Statewide Authority does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Congratulations to Mr. Twa for serving on this valuable board. He will do an excellent job representing Contra Costa County's interest in this very important role. |
Around the District
Women of Distinction
On March 25, we participated in the Women of Distinction event hosted by Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista in Pleasant Hill. The mission of this organization is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world and in the words of Dona Gaddis-Wolf, the past Governor of the Founder Region, "soroptimist is a calling." Not only does the organization strive to transform the lives of women and girls through education and empowerment via multiple avenues, but also by helping to provide the resources that assist them in living out their dreams.
The event honored several women in the community that either spearhead or are the grassroots organizers of programs or initiatives that enhance the social or economic welfare of the community. The personal stories and convictions each of the honorees shared about their work in the community and how they found the inspiration to perform such great work was thoroughly inspiring. Whether it is living your dream, helping people live with dignity, creating awareness around violence against women and girls, or working on the streets of your community to fill the basic needs of children; these women being honored all have one thing in common. They demonstrate a commitment and willingness to serve their community. Louise Bourassa, was among the women honored at this event for her work with homeless and poverty issues in Contra Costa County and additionally recognized as the Women of the Year 2015. Louise said, "distinguished women get there with friends, family, and community" support.
Congratulations to the honorees and in your continued efforts to promote the interests of women and girls both locally and internationally. You are a role model to us all.
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Caring for Our Creeks: Creek Clean Up Events in our Watershed
On Thursday March 19th, the Walnut Creek Watershed Council held a community meeting: "Caring for our Creeks." This was a successful event! There was a great deal of interest generated from attendees with all the exciting projects the various creek groups and the Contra Costa County Flood Control District are involved in. There were volunteers from community creek groups in the watershed, as well as local environmental organizations all coming together to share what their respective groups do as well as to recruit folks to get more involved in what is happening in our local creeks and open space.
One of the main issues discussed at the event was the need to recruit volunteers to help with local creek projects and in forming a community creek group in the City of Concord. There are a few residents currently interested in volunteering, but the hope is to engage more individuals, especially those interested in assisting with setting up and being a part of a community creek group. Currently there is no existing creek group in Concord, though there are in many other surrounding cities. If you or anyone you know may be interested in volunteering in local creek projects or in joining a Concord community creek group, I encourage you to contact my office for more information and we can help connect you to the appropriate people in Concord.
Creek Clean-Up Events:
The City of Concord has organized a creek cleanup event on Saturday, April 25th at Hillcrest Park in Concord. A short morning of projects will include a creek cleanup and general cleanup of park grounds. The staging location is: 2060 Olivera Road and cleanup begins at 7:45 AM.
There is also a Grayson Creek clean up day in Pleasant Hill being organized by Friends of the Pleasant Hill Creeks. This will take place on Sunday, April 19th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They will meet at the Second Street bridge by the Country Square shopping center (by Big Five). This will include litter pick up along the stream bank between Second Street and Chilpancingo. Please bring water, gloves and sturdy shoes. For more information, please contact Anne Baker at abaker@republicservices.com or (925) 671-5806.
Friends of the Creek will also be hosting a creek clean up in Walnut Creek on Saturday, May 9th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Volunteers will help remove trash and improve habitat in our downtown creeks. They will meet at the gazebo at Civic Park in Walnut Creek. There will be a continental breakfast for all participants at 8:45 AM so arrive early! Please wear old sneakers, bring gloves and plan to get wet. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please visit: www.FriendsoftheCreeks.org
I encourage you to volunteer at one of these events. It is a wonderful way to help improve the quality of life in our creeks and our community!
If you would like to learn more about the Walnut Creek Watershed Council and when meetings are held, please click here.
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Fly on the Ford: Experience the Golden Age of Aviation
From April 30-May 3, you can experience the early years of aviation on the first all metal, multi-engine commercial airliner at Buchanan Field in Concord. The Ford Tri-Motor led to the construction of the first airline terminal for passengers and was the first regularly scheduled passenger airliner to operate. Among its places in history, the Ford Tri-Motor led to the creation of the first paved runway and to the first hotel, designed and built for the air traveler. For more information about the Ford Tri-Motor tour, Tri-Motor history or to book your flight in advance for $70 adult/$50 child visit their website here. Tickets will also be available at the event for $75. |
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New Community Space in the Monument
The Palm Terrance Apartments in Concord have a new community center that is available to advocacy and networking groups within the Monument Community. The new community room can hold up to 40 people and there is a small cleaning fee. If your group is active in the Monument Community and needs a meeting space, call the manager, Jessice Lawhorn at 925-685-4246. |
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Community Announcements
Help Employ Our Local Youth
The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County has kicked-off their Earn and Learn 2015 initiative, an effort to create summer youth employment and enrichment experiences. The goal for Earn & Learn East Bay is to connect hundreds of eligible youth ages 16-21 to summer jobs, internships and other high-quality work-based learning experiences, such as industry-led summer camps. To create these opportunities for youth, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County and the Contra Costa Economic Partnership rely largely on the support of local employers and community-based organizations. If you can assist by providing a summer job to a local youth please pledge your support today by clicking here.
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Community Recidivism Reduction Grants Available
Do you know of an organization that is providing crime prevention or re-entry services? They may be eligible for a new grant! The Contra Costa County Administrator's Office is pleased to announce, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, the availability of up to $250,000 ($50,000 per grant) to provide Community Recidivism Reduction Grants to nongovernmental entities or a consortium or coalition of nongovernmental entities to provide community recidivism, crime reduction and other reentry-related services. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Additional information and the RFP are available at the County website here. |
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Vacancy on Contra Costa County Affordable Housing Finance Committee
Contra Costa County seeks qualified applicants to fill vacancies on the nine-member Affordable Housing Finance Committee. This Committee works with the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development to develop recommendations for the Board of Supervisors concerning the allocation of Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Act funds among eligible affordable housing programs and projects in the County. Currently, the County receives an annual allocation of approximately $3 million in funds for affordable housing development. Representatives on the Affordable Housing Finance Committee must live or work in Contra Costa, and have expertise or an identified interest in affordable housing issues and the provision of additional housing for lower-income and special needs populations. The committee meets annually in February or March and additional times during the year as needed. An application form may be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 335-1900 or by visiting the County webpage here. Completed applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Room 106, County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553, postmarked by Friday, May 15, 2015. Further information about the Affordable Housing Finance Committee can by obtained by contacting Kara Douglas, Affordable Housing Program Manager at (925) 674-7880 or by email in the Department of Conservation and Development. |
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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 six 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. Family and Children's Trust Committee 5. Fire Advisory Commission, Alternate Seat 6. 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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