Contra Costa County voters will see an additional language on their voting materials starting this year, as the Contra Costa Elections Division adds Chinese to the current English and Spanish. This means that the official ballot and Voter Information Guide will appear in all three languages.

Voters in the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and the Diablo Community Services District have a special vote-by-mail election on March 6 and will be the first to see the trilingual materials when they receive their ballots in the mail. Incorporation of Chinese will appear on all voting materials beginning in June. Written material will be in traditional Chinese and the Elections Division will provide audio language assistance in Cantonese and Mandarin.

The addition of Chinese comes as a result of the county’s population growth and corresponding shift in demographics. As the population changes, so do the language needs of local voters. When 10,000 voters or 5 percent of the county’s voting age citizens speak a specific language, the Federal Voting Rights Act requires that language be included on all election materials. At the end of 2016, the Department of Justice informed us that we crossed that threshold for Chinese.

The Contra Costa Elections Division looks forward to meeting the needs of all of their voters and continues to engage with local community groups to ensure language access for everyone. For more information, visit the website by clicking here.

The I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes are now fully operational. Carpools, eligible clean air vehicles and motorcycles must use a Fastrak Flex toll tag set to 2 or 3+ to travel toll-free in the lanes weekdays between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Solo drivers can use either a standard FasTrak toll tag or a FasTrak Flex toll tag set in the "1" position to pay the toll. 

FasTrak is a way to pay tolls at Bay Area bridges and on express lanes electronically using a toll tag. To get a toll tag, open a FasTrak account  online  and a ready-to-use toll tag will be mailed to you. If you're already a FasTrak account holder and need additional toll tags, login to your account at  bayareafastrak.org . Order additional toll tags from the Manage Tags & Vehicles menu and they will be mailed to you.  Or you can buy the toll tags at some Costco, Walgreens and Safeway stores. Get a a FasTrak Flex toll tag to use the new lanes.  Click here  for more information about express lanes or to go to bayareafastrak.org   to order a toll tag.

We’ve had many inquiries about how the toll lanes are operating. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), which operates these toll lanes, has provided us with the following information as they track usage of the lanes:

Accidents

The number of traffic accidents from day to day and month to month is highly variable, and typically requires data over a long period of time to draw conclusions. That said, MTC is monitoring accident data. While the number of accidents in October 2017 (when the toll lanes opened) was higher than in the summer months, the number of accidents has generally decreased month over month since then.

 

Congestion

Performance data for the lanes in November is as follows: 

Camera Accuracy

The toll system knows when to charge a vehicle and when not to charge based on the car's FasTrak toll tag setting; not cameras. If carpoolers are being charged tolls, they need to get a FasTrak Flex toll tag and set it in the 2 or 3+ position. 

Hansamo held their annual Korean Cultural Showcase and Awards Night on February 10, 2018 at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center. Supervisor Andersen enjoyed the beautiful performances of music, dance and Tae Kwon Do. 

Pictured at left are Jae W. Oh, Executive Director of Hansamo, Stephen Kang, President of Hansamo, Supervisor Andersen and San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors introduced Brian Balbas as the new Contra Costa County Public Works Department Director at their February 6th Board of Supervisors meeting. Mr. Balbas began his career with the Contra Costa County Public Works Department in July 1989 as an Entry Level Engineer. He has spent nearly 29 years serving the residents of the County in various capacities.

In addition to working in all aspects of the full service Public Works Department, Mr. Balbas had the opportunity to serve one year as the first City Engineer for the City of Oakley when it incorporated in 1999. He promoted within the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to a Deputy Director in 2007, Chief Deputy in 2016 and now the Director.

On Friday, February 2nd, Supervisor Andersen joined a sold- out crowd at the Lafayette Park Hotel to honor and congratulate long-time Lafayette resident Dana Green for being named the 2018 Business Person of the Year.

Dana has not only built a successful real estate business, but she has volunteered in the community; helping with the Lafayette Juniors, Lafayette Chamber, Lafayette Library and

Learning Center, Lafayette Partners in Education, Boy Scout Troop 204, Children’s Hospital in Oakland, and the Lafayette Holiday Tradition, “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette.

Don Tatzin, 2018 Mayor of Lafayette, also gave the annual state of the city address at the sold-out event.

On February 15th, the Golden Rain Foundation of Rossmoor celebrated the grand re-opening of the Tice Creek Fitness Center after a $10 million renovation.

Tice Creek Fitness Center and pools is Rossmoor’s fitness facility complete with cardiovascular and weight machines, exercise and dance studios, a covered pool facility with a lap pool, an exercise pool and a spa.

City Lights Volunteers make meaningful connections with others, help strengthen the community, and create a partnership with the City to actively assist in our many programs and services. Use our online portal at www.SanramonVolunteers.com to find the right opportunity for you! Pre-registration is required in order to volunteer.

Become a Volunteer:

* click here to join

* Volunteer opportunities for all ages – Parent participation is required for volunteers under age 14

* Single day and ongoing volunteer activities available

* Opportunities for groups, service clubs, and corporations

What is the San Ramon Youth Police Academy?

The San Ramon Police Department's Youth Academy provides youth with an inside look at local law enforcement. The Academy, which meets daily for two weeks, is designed to inspire good citizenship through criminal justice education. This is a great opportunity for youth who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

What is the curriculum?

During the Academy, students will be introduced to the services that law enforcement provides to our community. Some of the training topics include: Laws in schools, search and seizure, drug and alcohol recognition, crime scene investigation, K-9 demonstration, traffic stops, DUI enforcement, officer use of force, officer safety, community policing, and defensive tactics. All classes are taught by police officers and department personnel in their area of expertise.

When is the Youth Academy?

The next Youth Academy will be held in June 2018, dates to be determined. Applications are now being accepted.

Is there a fee?

There is no charge to participate in the Youth Academy.

Who can attend?

The San Ramon Police Department's Youth Academy is offered to 8th to 12th grade students who reside in San Ramon and have not previously attended the Youth Academy. Students must not have any FELONY convictions and no MISDEMEANOR arrests within TWO YEARS. Final selection will be made by the Chief of Police or his designee.

For information on how to receive an application, please call School Resource Officer Jeff Kim at (925) 973-2747 or email him by clicking here.

On February 21 Supervisor Andersen joined the Moraga community in honoring Sal and Susan Captain as the businesspeople of the year. 

Captain Vineyards is a family-owned and operated business, and Susan and Sal. It is one of the first green vineyards and winery in Contra Costa County. They were also instrumental in establishing the Lamorinda American Viticulture Area (AVA).

Chief of Staff Gayle Israel presents a Board of Supervisors resolution to Xiaopei He Gelb of the Huaxing Arts Group on February 10th at the 4th East Bay Lunar New Year EL GALA at the Dublin Performing Arts Center.

In recent years, many local Asian communities have collaborated to celebrate the Lunar New Year and share their diverse cultures and cultivate lasting friendships. The US Chinese Dance Association-Huaxing Arts Group San Francisco, based in the Tri-­‐Valley, is an ambassador of cultural exchange between the US and China.

The EL GALA included dazzling performances featuring international award-­‐winning musicians, dancers, and singers. This year they invited various professional performing groups to help ring in the Year of the Dog. 

The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation through a variety of advisory boards, covering many different issues. It is very likely you have skills and experience that the whole county could benefit from. Won’t you consider volunteering today?

 

To follow is a list of advisory bodies that currently have vacant seats:

 

District 2 vacancies available:

 

County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee

Advise the Board of Supervisors regarding community desires in the area of extended police protection for the Roundhill area of Alamo.

 

Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board  click here

Provides input and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and the Health Services Department concerning family and community needs regarding prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug related problems.

 

First 5 – Contra Costa Children and Families Commission click here

The commission works to support early childhood development through a strategic plan developed pursuant to the California Children and Families First Act of 1998.

 

Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee - Alamo Seat  click here for information

Provide citizen input for a management program for the Iron Horse Corridor.

Library Commission click here

Provides a forum for the community to provide input concerning Library operations, and recommends proposals to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian which may improve the Library.

 

In addition, Supervisor Andersen would like to draw your attention to the following list of countywide advisory bodies that currently have seats available: 

 

Advisory Council on Aging

Arts & Culture Commission

Aviation Advisory Committee

CCTA Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee

County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee

Economic Opportunity Council

Early Care and Education, Local Planning and Advisory Council for

Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Council

Family and Children’s Trust Committee

Hazardous Materials Commission

Contra Costa Council on Homelessness

Affordable Housing Finance Committee

In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority Advisory Committee

Juvenile Justice Commission/Delinquency Prevention Commission

Local Enforcement Agency Independent Hearing Panel

Managed Care Commission

Treasury Oversight Committee

Workforce Development Board

 

To find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body, and to apply online, click here.

Ever wonder what your Supervisor does at the Board of Supervisors meeting held on most Tuesdays? Here are some of the board actions from the month of February which impact the residents of District 2:

Considered the adoption of Urban Farm Animals Ordinance regulating the raising and keeping of farm animals in residential zoning districts and the keeping of roosters in agricultural zoning districts.

Considered a discussion of Adult Protective Services (APS) and challenges for aged and disability populations, including APS financial scams information.

Reported on the establishment of the Countywide Oversight Board to oversee the final dissolution of Redevelopment Areas.

Resolution recognizing Dana Green selected as Lafayette's 2018 Marquis Business Person of the year, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Appointed Jennifer Carter to the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Resolution honoring the Chinese American Cooperation Council, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Accepted update from the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) on work previously authorized by the Board to review existing land use regulations related to agriculture and to identify for future Board consideration specific actions the County could take to further promote and incentivize agricultural sustainability and economic vitality; and authorized DCD to convene a series of public meetings with people and parties interested in agricultural sustainability and economic vitality in Contra Costa County to review existing land use regulations and provide input on potential modifications to these policies, in lieu of coordinating with the Contra Costa County Agriculture Advisory Task Force (Ag Task Force) which is currently dormant.

Accepted completion of improvements for road acceptance for a project developed by Pacific-Mountain Contractors of California, Inc., as recommended by the Public Works Director, Alamo area.

Resolution recognizing Susan & Sal Captain as Moraga Business Persons of the year, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Reappointed Leland Mlejnek, Jr.  for a two-year term with an expiration date of December 31, 2019, as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen.

 

Presentation recognizing the winners of the Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud 2017 Competition.

Reported on Options for Short-Term Rental Regulation within Unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.

Adopted Ordinance No. 2018-07 to prohibit smoking in all dwelling units in any multi-unit residence and to prohibit smoking in all guest rooms in any hotel or motel.

Held a hearing on the adoption of an ordinance authorizing an increased special tax for extended police protection services in County Service Area (CSA) P-5 (Roundhill Area of Alamo), and a resolution directing the ordinance to be presented to the CSA P-5 voters for approval at the June 5, 2018, primary election and received oral and written comments.

Recognized February as American Heart Month.

Resolution recognizing James Phillip Wright as the 2018 William Mott Environmental Award Winner, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Resolution recognizing Janet Riley as 2018 Orinda Citizen of the Year, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Reassigned Cindy Wright from the District II Alternate seat to the District II seat of the Contra Costa County Library Commission for a one year term with an expiration date of June 30, 2019, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Reappointed Roger Bass to the District II seat on the Contra Costa County Aviation Advisory Committee for a three-year term with an expiration date of March 1, 2021, as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen.