| Supervisor Mitchoff's Committee and Board Assignments |
|
|
|
Sunvalley Shopping Center
Opens New Food Court
On May 4th, I joined the Concord Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of the new Sunvalley Shopping Center Food Court. The new food court is located on the lower level near JCPenney. The diverse array of dining options include: Charleys Philly Steaks, Chicken Connection, Cilantro Fresh Mex, Pizza Studio, Suki Hana, and Yeung's Lotus Express.
The 23,000-square-foot food court was designed to provide ample seating and a warm refreshing atmosphere. The project also introduced new "tech tables", and bar seating with charging stations where shoppers can recharge their electronic devices. The shopping center's original food court closed in 1979, and I am excited to see how the new food court better fits the needs of our modern day consumers.
|
Celebrating 45 Years of NOW
The National Organization for Women, known as NOW, is the largest grassroots organization of feminist activists in the United States. The Contra Costa County NOW was founded in 1971 by four local women and is dedicated to issues such as reproductive rights, marriage equality, ending violence against women and promoting equal opportunity for girls and women.
I sponsored a resolution from the Board of Supervisors recognizing their 45th anniversary and presented the resolution at their event on May 6. The lovely event, hosted at Hacienda de las Flores in Moraga, included recognitions from federal, state and local leaders. It was also a pleasure meeting Terry O'Neill, president of NOW, who was an honored guest at the event. I am inspired by the commitment of this organization and the work they have done to include the younger generation of women in their efforts. I look forward to many more years of partnership.
If you're interested in learning more about Contra Costa NOW, click here.
 Supervisor Mitchoff with Terry O'Neil, NOW
|
Walnut Creek Chamber
Installation Luncheon and UXL Awards
I attended the Walnut Creek Chamber's Installation Luncheon and UXL Awards ceremony. This was also the celebration of the Chamber's 90th anniversary.
At the event we celebrated the incoming Chamber Chairwoman, Linda Rimac Colberg, while also recognizing some of the Chamber's longstanding members. Those members include: John Muir Health (1965), Contra Costa Association of Realtors (1957), Kaiser Permanente (1956), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (1954), Broadway Plaza (1952), and Schroder Insurance (1932).
Kathleen Odne and Angela De La Housaye were also honored at the UXL Awards ceremony. Kathleen Odne was named Citizen of the Year and Angela De La Housaye was awarded Business Person of the Year. Congratulations to Kathleen Odne and Angela De La Housaye.
Supervisor Mitchoff with Patience C. Ofodu,
Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County.
|
East Bay Leadership Council
Small Business Awards
On May 6, the East Bay Leadership Council hosted its 16th
Annual Small Business Awards. At the event, we honored employers chosen by their local Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding contributions to the East Bay in culmination of National Small Business Week.
I also had the pleasure of listening to keynote speakers Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Alex Wilcox, CEO of JetSuiteX.
Honorees
Brookvale Pharmacy
,
San Pablo Economic Development Corporation
Comerica Bank of California,
Danville Chamber of Commerce
Connolly & Taylor
, Martinez Chamber of Commerce
California Shakespeare Theatre
, Orinda Chamber of Commerce
De La Housaye & Associates
, Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce
La Strada Italian Cuisine
, Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Moraga Motors
, Moraga Chamber of Commerce
Tower Grille
, Concord Chamber of Commerce
UPS Store
, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce
Wealth Management Associates
, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce
Venture Quality Goods
, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
925 Collision Repair
, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Supervisor Mitchoff with Stephen Baiter and Patience C. Ofodu, Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County.
|
On May 15, the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Parks District hosted their third annual
Contra Costa County Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser at the Pleasant Hill
Community Center. This year's community organization to benefit from a portion of
the proceeds was Rehabilitation Services of Northern California, with the remaining proceeds benefiting and the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District.
"We are very excited to host one of the fastest growing luxury event series created for women by women in the U.S. Now in its eighth year with events in in twenty-four cities, Wine Women & Shoes has helped net $9 million nationally for the various women's and family-related causes. We want to do our part to raise funds for these causes in our own community." stated Kendra Luke, local event coordinator and Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Supervisor.
Guests had the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind auction items, enjoy wine from top winemakers, and
shop the latest trends in the multi-designer marketplace.
Rehabilitation Services of Northern California provide services
to the
community's frailest members, providing
a range of services that include: physical, speech and occupational therapies, social work, dedicated music and horticulture therapies, transportation, stimulation and a sense of community in a club setting, all disguised as fun.
For more information on Rehabilitation Services of Northern California, please click here.
|
|
Kennedy King Awards Celebrates Local Scholars
This month I attended the annual Kennedy King Scholarship Awards Banquet. Founded in 1968 memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, the Kennedy King Scholarship Fund provides $10,000 college scholarships to students from minority groups under-represented at California's four-year colleges and universities. To apply, students must have financial need and have demonstrated academic success at one of the three community colleges in Contra Costa County.
At the Awards Banquet, recipients tell their stories in a video presentation and selected personal remarks. Each story is an inspiring mix of hard work, determination, personal struggle and an overwhelming desire to further their education for themselves, their families and their communities.
During the 42 years since its founding the Kennedy King Scholarship Fund has granted nearly $3,000,000 in scholarships to almost 600 students. I am proud to support this generous organization and celebrate the dedication of Contra Costa students.
|
|
California Transportation Foundation
27th Annual Transportation Awards
In May, the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) hosted its 27th Annual Transportation Awards. This event recognizes a range of people, projects, programs, and organizations across California who achieved excellence in California Transportation in 2015. I am proud to share that our very own Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) - where I serve as a Commissioner representing your interests - was awarded with the Organization of the Year, making this year's event exceptionally special.
Supervisor Mitchoff joined with other CCTA commissioners and staff.
|
|
Memorial Day Events
I was honored to attend two Memorial Day Ceremonies on May 30. The morning service in Clayton showcased vintage military vehicles, along with an impressive performance from Concord High School's chorus and the Mt. Diablo High School JROTC rifle squad and color guard. The event was hosted by VFW Post 1525, its auxiliary and the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 264.
In the afternoon I attended the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Veterans' Remembrance Committee. This event was at the County's Veterans' Monument located in Pleasant Hill at the corner of Boyd Road and Contra Costa Boulevard. If you haven't seen the monument, I invite you to make a point to visit it in the future.
These observances remind me of how fortunate we are to live in the United States, where millions have paid a sacrifice (physically, mentally and emotionally) to ensure our freedom. I hope you, too, were able to remember these brave men and women over the holiday weekend.
|
 |
America will be celebrating its 242nd birthday this year! And with that, there is no shortage of fun events for all ages! Here's a quick rundown of the events happening in the local communities:
Clayton
10:00 a.m. - Parade - The City sponsored event's theme this year is "Hats Off to Clayton!" The parade begins at the intersection of Center and Oak Streets. To register for the event, please click here.
Concord
8:00 a.m. - 7th Annual Stars & Stripes 5k Run & Walk - This 5k benefits both the Monument Crisis Center and the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Last year's Fun Run included over 800 participants! Entry into the run is free and you'll receive a goody bag and a race t-shirt.
10:00 a.m. - Parade - The parade route begins at Mt. Diablo High School and will head south on Willow Pass Road, looping around Todos Santos Park and then heading up Mt. Diablo Street.
4:00 p.m. - Festival - Mt. Diablo High School will be the location of the Third Annual 4th of July Festival and Fireworks. There will be a kids carnival, food booths, vendor exhibits and live entertainment.
9:00 p.m. - Fireworks - Starting around dusk, the fireworks will bring the festival and the celebration to a close. Be sure to grab a seat early so you don't miss the fireworks spectacular.
For more details, please visit the Concord 4th of July Commission here. This is a community-driven event that is not sponsored by the city.
Pleasant Hill
8:00 a.m. - Firecracker 5k Fun Run - this event supports local schools and includes a commemorative t-shirt and prizes. There's even a 100-yard dash for the little ones! Click here for more details.
9:30 a.m. - The Parade - The parade route travels right through the downtown area with floats, bands, marching units and plenty of noise and excitement.
10:30 a.m. - Fun at the Park - Immediately after the parade there's more fun for all ages at Pleasant Hill Park with games, food, live musical entertainment, races, education displays, and so much more.
9:00 p.m. - Fireworks - While you can see the fireworks from various locations around the City, why not get a front row seat for free at College Park High School! You can arrive as early as 7:15 p.m. and enjoy live music. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on, plus a sweater or jacket for the cool night air. Fireworks begin at dusk, around 9:10 p.m.
For more details, please visit the Pleasant Hill 4th of July Commission here. This is a community-driven event that is not sponsored by the city.
|
|
Protecting Youth from Tobacco Influences In the Retail Environment
On May 24, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors discussed policy options provided by Contra Costa Health Services to protect youth from tobacco influences in the retail environment.
The policy options addressed: the pack size of little cigars and cigarillos, tobacco products in pharmacies, signage laws and drug paraphernalia laws, and the condition of license suspension if a violation of law occurs. Also included, was the prohibiting of new tobacco retailers from operating within 1000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds, and libraries, and even prohibits the sale of menthol flavored cigarettes at least within 500 feet of schools.
Initially Public Health staff presented the Board of Supervisors with the option of prohibiting the sale of menthol flavored cigarettes at least within 500 feet of schools, but I was happy to motion the amendment of that policy option (with unanimous support from my colleagues) to 1000 feet because the health of our youth is at stake. If the ordinance is passed in the upcoming months, Contra Costa County will be the first county in the nation to enforce such a tobacco policy. The credit of advocacy really goes to the many youth groups taking leadership positions on this cause and educating their communities.
Tobacco products are still being promoted to children through marketing tactics of youth-friendly flavored tobacco products exposed in retail environments near schools and other youth-sensitive areas. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that tobacco use to be "fundamentally a pediatric disease," because 90% of smokers begin smoking by the age of 18. I am committed to embrace policies that promote healthier communities.
|
|
County Clerks Office to Stay Open
Late on Thursday Nights
Contra Costa residents soon won't have to rush to purchase copies of important documents before the normal close of the business day, as the County's Clerk-Recorder Division will stay open late one day a week during the summer months. I applaud County staff for their volunteerism and commitment to the residents of Contra Costa County!
From June 2 - September 29, the County Clerk-Recorder's office will be open late on Thursday evenings. The office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez.
"We want to provide a courtesy for our residents who work and find it difficult to make it here before 4:30PM," said Joe Canciamilla, the County's Clerk-Recorder.
The Extended Hours program debuted last August and proved to be very popular during its two month run. Based on its popularity, the Clerk-Recorder staff decided to continue the program for a longer period of time.
By holding longer hours in the summer, customers are able to take advantage of the extra daylight. Last August - September, 248 customers were helped during the 8 weeks of extended hours, an average of 31 customers per evening.
Summer is an important time for parents to obtain birth certificates for school, those seeking documents for traveling and a popular season for weddings.
Services provided during the extra hours will include copies of marriage licenses, copies of birth certificates and death certificates, document copies, and professional filings.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 925-335-7900 or visit their website here.
|
Contra Costa County Library's
Summer Reading Program
This summer, Contra Costa County Library is powered by STEAM. Our brand new Summer Reading game, which runs Wednesday, June 1 - Saturday, July 30, is all about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
Summer Reading is Contra Costa County Library's yearly effort to keep kids reading all summer long, preventing "brain drain."
Summer Reading is for everyone! Readers of all ages can play online here
or grab a paper record, available in libraries starting June 1. Complete all the activities and return the record or completion certificate to a library by July 30 to get a free book and enter a raffle.
|
Contra Costa recognizes May 2016 as
National Foster Care Month
On May 10, the Board of Supervisors received a presentation proclaiming May 2016 as Foster Care Month. The presentation featured local foster care families who shared their stories of love and perseverance. As our Employment and Human Services Director, Kathy Gallagher explained, "their dedication is extraordinary and often leads to lifelong commitment to a child".
In Contra Costa County there are approximately 1,000 children and youth in foster care and over 300 licensed foster care families. These children and youth are provided with safe, secure and stable homes thanks to the nurture and compassion of kin and non-kin foster families. Foster and adoptive families, who open their homes and hearts and support children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect.
By declaring May as National Foster Care Month, the Board of Supervisors hopes to convey its gratitude to foster families and inspire citizens to come forward and do something positive for children and youth in foster care.
If you are interested in learning more about foster care click here.
|
The Contra Costa Reentry Resource Guide
Contra Costa County has developed an online Reentry Resource Guide to assist our re-entry population with identifying resources within the community. Incarceration affects a substantial number of individuals in our state and county, the majority of which will eventually be released back into their communities. It's important that we help these individuals integrate with respect and support. This user-friendly portal serves as a first-step and can be accessed through our local 211 database website. The database provides information about a vast array of resources throughout the County including housing, mental health and financial assistance.
The PDF version of the Reentry Resource will continue to be updated each quarter, with the most current version of the document available here.
|
|
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Academy #49 Graduation
Congratulations to the graduating class of Academy #49 and welcome to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District. It has been a year since our last academy graduation and thanks to the economic recovery, we have been able to welcome more firefighters to the ConFire family.
CONGRATULATIONS ACADEMY #49
|
|
County 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 as follows:
1. Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board
2. Contra Costa Centre Municipal Advisory Committee
3. Fire Protection District, Alternate Seat
4. In Home Support Services
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.
|
|
District IV Supervisor Karen Mitchoff
2
151 Salvio Street, Suite R
Concord, California 94520
(925) 521-7100
|
|
|
