In This Issue

New Director of Department and Conservation

Engineer of the Year

CCC Superintendent of Schools

Caution against Wood-Burning

Tax Assistance

County Homeless Program

CASA of Contra Costa County

Fire Station 11 Reopens

Family Justice Center

Connect with Our Community Series

11th Annual Young Children's Issues Forum

Civil Grand Jury Applications

Internship Programs

Commission Vacancies

Dear Friend,

On January 6, 2015, I was sworn in to my second term on the Board of Supervisors by the Honorable Joni Hiramoto, Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge. The ceremony was part of the annual reorganization of the Board of Supervisors. This was the conclusion of my term as Chair of the Board and the appointment of Supervisor John Gioia to Chair of the Board for 2015.

As l look back on 2014, I would like you to know it has been an honor and a privilege to represent you on the Board of Supervisors for the past four years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you for the next four years.

Warmest regards,

Karen Mitchoff

Contra Costa County Adopts Laura's Law/Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program

At the February 3, 2015, meeting of the Board of Supervisors, my colleagues and I voted unanimously to implement Laura's Law making Contra Costa the eighth county in California to support assisted outpatient treatment as a tool for individuals with severe mental illness.

First enacted in 2002, Laura's Law provides for court-ordered outpatient treatment for individuals gravely disabled by mental illness who may deny or are not be aware of the seriousness of their condition. Consequently, they tend to continue to deteriorate, refuse treatment, and inevitably may cause serious harm to themselves, their loved ones, and the community.

I have worked closely on this issue as it has moved through the process of research and analysis. I appreciate all of the work put into this important dialogue by the various departments and stakeholders involved, especially the dedicated mental health advocates in our community who have invested so much time and effort into seeing this through to adoption. This is a collaboration of agencies coming together to ensure there is an option for intervention for people who are disproportionately at risk for homelessness, violence, incarceration and death.

We are hopeful that by enacting Laura's Law we will not only save money by providing the right level of treatment for individuals that are currently cycling through psychiatric emergency responses, but more importantly, we are hopeful that we will save lives.

The Board of Supervisors Commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This year marked the 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration & Humanitarian of the Year Awards.

The 2015 Humanitarian of the Year is Dr. Edwina Perez-Santiago. She is a woman of prayer, faith and empowerment. Dr. Santiago is known for her hard work throughout the world on behalf of women and families in need. Locally she has been instrumental in the opening of Naomi's House, a first-its-kind transitional home in North Richmond for formerly incarcerated women and their young children. Dr. Santiago began her career more than 30 years ago, after serving time in the federal prison in Alameda County. While there, Dr. Santiago saw women become institutionalized and lose their sense of independence, self-worth, and their children and family connections. It was during this time that she pledged to spend the rest of her life helping incarcerated women take steps to improve their lives. It is quite apparent that Dr. Santiago has lived out that pledge.

The 2015 Student Humanitarian of the Year is Tyler Page. Tyler is an exceptional senior at Heritage High School in Brentwood. At the age of 9, Tyler founded a program called "Kids Helping Kids" which initially focused on rescuing children sold into human trafficking in Ghana. He continues to raise funds for programs aimed at helping kids less fortunate than he has been. In addition to his compassion and dedication to others, Tyler has a 3.37 grade point average, is involved in school sports, high school theater productions and a leader in the Junior ROTC program at Heritage High School. It will be exciting to see the impact Tyler will have on his community and the world as he becomes a leader of tomorrow.

The Board of Supervisor's Appoints New Director of the Department of Conservation and Development

On February 3, 2015 the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the promotion of John Kopchik to the position of Director of Conservation and Development. Mr. Kopchik holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Science from the University of California, Berkeley. John started with Contra Costa County 20 years ago as a Planning Intern and has held progressively responsible positions in the Department until his recent appointment as Director. Prior to his role as the Interim Director of the Conservation and Development Department, he served as the Executive Director of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. John has been an integral part of the Department over the past 20 years, including his leadership on the award winning Habitat Conservation Plan.

Contra Costa Public Works Director Named Engineer of the Year

Julie Bueren, Contra Costa County's Public Works Director, was recently named the 2014 Engineer of the Year by the County Engineers Association of California (CEAC).

Director Bueren was the first female president of the organization and is also involved in the National Association of County Engineers. The Board of Supervisors recognized Director Bueren for this honor at the January 13th board meeting. We're so proud to have her as part of our team!

Karen Sakata Assumes Role as CCC Superintendent of Schools

Congratulations Karen Sakata, Contra Costa County's new Superintendent of Schools. Karen was sworn in January 5th by Dr. Joseph Ovick who retired as the Contra Costa County Superintendent after 18 years. District IV staff, along with hundreds of others, were on hand to celebrate.

Sakata was elected June 2014 after serving as Contra Costa County's Office of Education's (CCCOE) Deputy Superintendent, directing its Human Resources Department. Before transferring to Human Resources, she was the CCCOE's associate superintendent of student programs and services. Prior to joining the CCCOE, she spent 14 years as principal of Ayers Elementary School in Concord.

American Lung Association in California Cautions Against Wood-Burning and Urges Cleaner Alternatives for Winter Heat

With the arrival of cooler temperatures and build-up of air pollution in many areas of the state due to stagnant air, the American Lung Association in California is urging the public to avoid wood burning and to consider cleaner burning alternatives. Burning wood emits harmful toxins and fine particles into the air that can worsen asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"Breathing particle pollution - or soot - can shorten life and send those most at risk to the emergency room," said Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD, researcher and volunteer physician for the American Lung Association in California. "Wood smoke particles are so small, they can bypass the airway defenses and enter directly into the lung and bloodstream and can cause damage to cells, and lead to lung disease and heart attacks."

As with any pollution, children are especially at risk. Their lungs do not fully form until the age of 18 and exposure to higher levels of wood smoke can lead to reduced lung function and risk of future lung disease. For children with asthma, breathing wood smoke can lead to serious asthma attacks and breathing emergencies.

What Residents Can Do To Breathe Easier This Winter

Enjoy the glow without the smoke - natural gas, propane and electric devices are all cleaner alternatives.
Convert a wood-burning fireplace or stove to use either natural gas or propane to eliminate exposure to the dangerous fumes wood burning generates. Any wood burning emits harmful particles that can contribute to dangerous air pollution.
Directly vent heating devices outside the home to reduce exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other emissions produced by these energy sources.
Contact the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to learn more about their programs to reduce wood smoke pollution. http://www.baaqmd.gov/

For more information about the health effects of particle pollution from wood burning and ways to improve lung health, please visit www.lung.org/california or call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872).

Need Assistance With Your Taxes?

There are an array of organizations offering assistance this tax season! We've provide a few below:

The Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St., will host AARP tax help workshops on Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 6 through April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are available by calling (925) 405-5135.

There is also assistance available from AARP's Tax-Aide which can be reached at 925-726-3199) and the United Ways Earn it, Keep it, Save it program (www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org)

Around the District

District IV Staff Assisted the County's Homeless Program

Each year Contra Costa County conducts an annual homeless count with the help of the community. By administering a point-in-time count (PIT) of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons living in Contra Costa, we are able to deliver better services to our homeless population. The count gives service providers, advocates, and other stakeholders a better understanding of the state of homelessness and allows us to craft more tailored responses and effective solutions to the issues facing our most vulnerable community members.

Staff members Lindy Lavender and Lisa Chow assisted with this by going to a local soup kitchen and talking with those receiving services. This was the first year that the PIT count was more than just a count, it was a survey asking questions about a person's homelessness (i.e. where they slept, how long have they been homeless, how many times they have been homeless, etc.) to better understand the big picture. This count happens every year in January across the nation. If you'd like more information on how to volunteer for next year, or to get involved in other ways, please contact the County's Homeless Program at (925) 313-7700 or visit their website here.

Skate for Hope with CASA of Contra Costa County

On January 10, 2015, I was honored to join Walnut Creek Mayor Bob Simmons and the Walnut Creek community in recognizing all of the wonderful volunteers with CASA of Contra Costa County. CASA volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates who do extraordinary work for abused, neglected and abandoned children and youth in foster care in our community.

As a sworn officer of the court, volunteers are appointed by a juvenile dependency court judge to speak up for the best interests of a child or youth while they are under the court's care. Many times, the CASA volunteer may be the only consistent and caring adult presence in the child or youth's life.

This was a wonderful afternoon of ice-skating and activities to show the community's deep appreciation for CASA volunteers and the positive impact they have on children's lives. To learn more about CASA of Contra Costa County and how you can volunteer, please visit their website here.

Clayton Celebrates the Reopening of Fire Station 11

On Saturday, January 31, 2015 I had the pleasure of joining the City of Clayton as they celebrated the reopening of the fire station in their city, Station 11.

In January of 2013, Station 11 was no longer staffed full-time due a decrease in revenues caused by a drop in property taxes. The re-opening of the station is now possible because of the improving economy and the receipt of a Federal Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. Fire Chief Carman believes this is the beginning of strategically rebuilding the organization that provides much needed services to the communities served by ConFire.

The celebration included a BBQ, information on Fire Safety, Bicycle Safety, Child Finger Printing, First Aid/CPR, a presentation by the Community Emergency Response Team, and a chance for community members to see fire and emergency medical equipment up close. It was especially exciting to see the children enthusiastically exploring the fire truck and ambulance as well as learning hands only CPR.

This was truly a community event. The food was provided by Republic Services and was skillfully cooked by the International Association of Fire Lighters, Local 1230, who brought the BBQ's and their cooking expertise. The Clayton Business and Community Association provided the additional funding for the event and many community members donated their time and talents.

Upcoming Events

Welcome the Central County Family Justice Center!

Family Justice Centers are one-stop multi-service centers for anyone who has experienced family violence. Contra Costa County is committed to making it easier for victims to get the assistance they need to stay safe and thrive. The Central County Family Justice Center is the second Family Justice Center to open in Contra Costa (the first is in West County and plans are in the works to get an East County Center open) and will host its open house on March 19th.

The Family Justice Center will be an integral part of our community, and I am proud of our commitment to end domestic and family violence. Our office will be participating in the Grand Opening event and we welcome the public to attend.

CARING FOR OUR CREEKS: A Gathering Hosted by the Walnut Creek Watershed Council

Are you interested in your local creeks?
Would you like to help with the stewardship of your local watershed?
Do you care about keeping your creeks healthy and clean?

This is your chance to join in a fun, free community creek event!

The Walnut Creek Watershed Council has been bringing together communities from San Ramon to Concord to develop a common vision for healthy creeks since 2012. We are hosting an evening gathering to introduce the community to local creek groups, including Friends of the Creeks, Friends of San Ramon Creek, the Lafayette Creeks Committee, and Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks. Learn about professionally-designed restorations planned for Lower Walnut Creek, Lafayette Creek, and Pine/Galindo Creeks, and find out how you can care for YOUR local creeks!

Distinguished California landscape photographer Stephen Joseph will present beautiful new photos of the Walnut Creek Watershed from the summit of Mount Diablo to the mouth of Walnut Creek at Suisun Bay. The program will begin with a virtual tour of Walnut Creek Watershed presented by Rich Walkling of Restoration Design Group.

FREE Refreshments! Doors open at 6:45 pm. Program begins at 7:00 pm

Walnut Creek Watershed "Caring for Our Creeks" Gathering - Pleasant Hill

DATE: Thursday,March 19th, 2015

TIME: 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm (Doors open at 6:45 pm. Program begins at 7:00 pm)

LOCATION: Pleasant Hill Community Center, Perera Pavilion, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

Contact Lia Bristol from our office at (925) 521-7100 or email WCCreekGroups@ccrcd.org for more information.

11th Annual Young Children's Issues Forum

The Young Children's Issues Forum 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.

The purpose of the event is to:

Provide a forum for discussion among state legislators, local officials, and the community regarding current children's issues
Provide the community with tangible advocacy tools, resources, and opportunities to become active in the policy-making and legislative process

Our state is challenged with many budgetary, systemic, and policy issues that impact children and families. The annual forum acknowledges the paramount importance of dialogue among stakeholders in a community as the vehicle to widen the breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of key issues in the areas of education, health and social welfare which directly impact young children and their families.

"Speak Out for Children: Educate and Advocate"

A forum for discussion among State Legislators, local elected officials, business leaders, and the community regarding current children's issues.

Saturday, March 28, 2015, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Pleasant Hill Community Center

320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA

This is a FREE event, but space is limited. For more information please visit their website here.

Committee Openings & Other Ways to Get Involved

Applicants Sought for Civil Grant Jury in Contra Costa County

Applications for pro�spective members of the Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury for its 2015-16 term are now being accepted, with a deadline of March 27. The Civil Grand Jury is tasked with moni�toring, reviewing and reporting on city and county governments, school districts and special districts such as fire protection, health care/hospital and park and recreation districts, among many others. The jury is made up of 19 people who serve one-year terms, July through June.

Approximately 75 ap�plicants will be selected to be interviewed by the Grand Jury Selection Committee, made up of Contra Costa Superior Court judges. The judges will select about 30 appli�cants from which the 19 jurors will be selected by random drawing on June 12. The 19 selected will be sworn in that same day.

Grand jurors must be U.S. citizens 18 years old or older, and must have lived in the county for at least one year. They need reliable transportation to and from Martinez and must be able to give 20 hours a week to jury service.

For more informa�tion about applying, go to their website here or call 925-957-5638.

College and High School Summer Internship Program

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office is now accepting applications for the College and High School Summer Internship Program.

If interested please submit a cover letter and resume to Deputy District Attorney Dominique Yancey at dyancey@contracostada.org by March 31st.

If you are interested in the program and would like to learn more about the impact of the District Attorney's Office on public safety you can visit their website here.

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 on five different boards, as follows:

Contra Costa Centre Municipal Advisory Committee
Emergency Medical Care Committee, Alternate Seat
Family and Children's Trust Committee
Fire Advisory Commission, Alternate Seat
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.