News from Around the District - January, 2019
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Alamo Town Hall Meeting Set for January 19th
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Please join us for Supervisor Andersen's first 2019 Town Hall at 11:00 a.m. on January 19th at Alamo Elementary School. Items to be discussed at the Town Hall include the Downtown Roundabout, Public Safety, Recent Alamo Park improvements, and traffic safety, especially around our schools. Please RSVP
SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us, or call our office at (925) 957-8860.
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Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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County Administrator Wins Statewide Award
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County Administrator David Twa, has received statewide recognition as the winner of the 2018 Distinguished Service Award from the California Association of County Executives (CACE). The prestigious award was presented at the General Assembly of the California State Association of Counties Conference last month in San Diego.
Pictured (L to R): Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, Contra Costa County Board Chair-Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Award Winner-Contra Costa County Administrative Officer, David Twa, Contra Costa County Chief Assistant Clerk of the Board and Senior Deputy County Administrator Jami Napier, Contra Costa County Public Works Director Brian Balbas, Contra Costa County Public Works Deputy Director Warren Lai, and Contra Costa County Public Works Chief Deputy Director Stephen Kowalewski.
The top award for County Administrator or County Executive for Distinguished Service is only handed out for truly outstanding and meritorious work. The annual award is given to an individual CAO or CEO who has demonstrated respected leadership, shown exemplary work to benefit the community through long term positive results, and serves as a role model for others in cities, counties and the state.
The Board of Supervisors honored him at the December 4, 2018, Board of Supervisors meeting.
County Administrator Twa was recognized with a similar award for his CAO accomplishments in Minnesota where he served in multiple counties before coming to California. He was appointed to his current role in Contra Costa in 2008, and is responsible for the overall administration of County government.
He currently serves on multiple committees and associations, including the California State Controller’s Office Advisory Committee on County Accounting Procedures, the Executive Committee for East Bay Economic Development Association, and the East Bay Regional Community System Authority (EBRCSA) Joint Powers Authority of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and 30+ Cities providing Regional Communication Channels for Emergency Services.
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Find your Holiday Tree Pick-up on the Schedule Below
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Convenient Options to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in San Ramon
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Volunteer for Homeless Point in Time Count
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We're gearing up for our annual homeless Point in Time Count for late January and we are seeking volunteers to help us conduct this very important project!
Each year in late January, Contra Costa's homeless Continuum of Care (CoC), conducts a federally required comprehensive Point-In-Time (PIT) count of families and individuals experiencing homelessness in our County. Every CoC in the Country is required to do this survey and the data used by the federal, state and local government to determine funding resources for homeless services.
We gather data in a number of ways including trained volunteers who will conduct the short survey at service and community sites throughout the Contra Costa. Volunteer trainings will take place the week of January 21st and the actual count will take place the week of January 28th.
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Streets, Highways, Traffic; Who Manages What?
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Our office frequently gets inquiries about our local roads. Contra Costa County is committed to safe roads and does what it can to improve streets wherever possible. But did you know that there are several agencies maintaining our roads, enforcing our traffic laws, and overseeing traffic programs that all impact you locally?
The Contra Costa County Public Works Traffic Engineering Division strives to move people safely throughout the County and manages nearly 600 miles of County roadway. On unincorporated roads, those that are not part of a local City, County Public Works manages and maintains the local roadway. However, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) usually manages the signal operation and signage near freeways, and the litter and landscape maintenance of the on and off ramps.
Traffic enforcement is another matter. The California Highway Patrol is the primary agency for issuing citations for moving violations along county roads. However, our Contra Costa County Sheriff deputies regularly patrol the community to keep our residents and businesses safe and free from crime. If they see a traffic violation, they are also authorized to issue a citation. We are all partners in keeping our roadways and community safe.
Traffic safety in our neighborhoods is a concern for many, particularly when they see speeding vehicles going through their residential neighborhood. Preventing this dangerous behavior is not as simple as placing a STOP sign, speed bumps, or even increasing traffic enforcement -- which helps but can’t be guaranteed each day. Certain warrants and criteria must be met to implement specific traffic calming measures. This often will require a coordinated effort among neighbors to determine how best to resolve the issue.
To help, the County developed the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP), which is designed to help educate and empower local residents with the necessary tools to manage their own traffic calming solutions within their own neighborhood. A copy of the plan can be found at www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/668/Final_NTMP?bidId. It illustrates the types of traffic management calming measures that can be used to control traffic on residential streets throughout our County. The Town of Danville and City of San Ramon have similar programs.
The beauty of our roadways is another area of concern to local residents. Caltrans maintains the freeway on and off ramps within the County and cities, including all pavement, landscaping, and litter cleanup. Caltrans has an online service request form to report poor conditions. It can be found at https://csr.dot.ca.gov.
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Reminder: Property Owners are Responsible for Maintenance of
Creeks and Storm Drains
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The maintenance of creeks and storm drain systems running through private properties is the responsibility of the property owner. Creek maintenance requires removing overgrown vegetation along the banks and bottom of creeks and obstructions such as fallen trees that block or restrict the flow of the creek. If there is another property on the other side of the creek, each property owner's responsibility extends to the middle of the creek. Storm drain maintenance requires removing debris from inlets, concrete drainage swales, and pipes. The latter may require a professional pipe rooter to clear out plugged drains. A poorly maintained creek and private storm drain system can cause a blockage that could potentially cause damage to your property and property owners up and downstream from your location.
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New - Safely Dispose of Unwanted Pharmaceuticals at Local Pharmacies
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Anyone in Contra Costa can now find a nearby drop-off kiosk to safely dispose of unwanted prescription or non-prescription drugs by visiting
med-project.org. A mail-back service is also now available for people who have disabilities that affect their mobility. These new safe disposal services are made possible by the Safe Drug Disposal Ordinance that is in effect in Contra Costa.
Your local police department also accepts unwanted pharmaceuticals. Contact them for more information.
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Menorah Lighting at City Center Bishop Ranch
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Supervisor Andersen was delighted to join San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson and Rabbi Schmuli Raitman of Chabad of Danville at the first ever Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at City Center Bishop Ranch on December 9th.
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On Sunday, December 2, Supervisor Andersen made welcoming remarks at the annual Alamo Tree Lighting, held each year at the Andrew H. Young Memorial Park in downtown Alamo. Performers from Alamo Elementary, Monte Vista High School and San Ramon Valley High School shared their talents with the crowd. Supervisor Andersen is pictured with emcee Bill White.
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Juvenile Hall Auxiliary Helps At-Risk Youth
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The Juvenile Hall Auxiliary is a non-profit organization giving young men and women in the juvenile justice system a second chance. Through donations and the efforts of volunteers, the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary provides scholarships, internships, career development, and financial assistance. Their programs reduce recidivism by forming positive relationships with the young people who need it most, arming them with the skills they need to start over, and offering assistance at every step of their re-entry into society. Since 1955, this support has enabled them to follow their dreams to become pilots, teachers, business owners, and even members of law enforcement.
If you are interested in helping the Auxiliary, you can donate your gently used clothing and small household goods to The Hall Closet. Clothing drives are also a great and easy way for your business, school, church, or organization to support The Hall Closet. The proceeds directly benefit youth in the Contra Costa County juvenile justice system through scholarships, life skills training, and internships. Donate clean clothing and kitchen items, good books, small household items, kitschy stuff, wall art, and jewelry during Store Hours.
Because the Auxiliary is a volunteer-driven organization, over 90% of its funds and donations go directly to helping at-risk youth. For more information, visit
www.reachingouryouth.org.
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Candace Visits Kiwanis of San Ramon Valley
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Supervisor Andersen spoke to the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley on December 6th, updating the group on current County issues and discussing challenges and concerns for the upcoming year.
To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley, visit their website
www.srvkiwanis.org
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Supervisor Andersen Honors and Thanks Outgoing
Councilmembers in District 2 Communities
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Outgoing Walnut Creek Councilmember Rich Carlston, who did not run for re-election, was thanked by Mayor Justin Wedel for his service to the community at the December 4th City Council meeting. Field Representative Lauri Byers attended the meeting on behalf of Supervisor Andersen and presented Councilmember Carlston with a proclamation thanking him for his service to the community.
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Supervisor Andersen stands with Danville Councilmember Robert Storer after he is sworn in by the Honorable Wade Rhyne. Storer was reelected for a second term and voted in as Mayor for 2019 at the December 4th council meeting.
Danville Councilmember Newel Arnerich was honored for his service as Mayor of Danville for 2018.
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Outgoing Councilmember Don Tatzin of Lafayette, who elected not to seek re-election after almost 4 decades of serving on the council, honors retiring City Manager Steve Falk at the December 10th Lafayette City Council meeting. Ivor Sampson was also recognized for his service to Lafayette as he leaves the council.
Teresa Gerringer and Susan Candell were sworn in as the newest members of the Lafayette City Council.
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At the December 12 Moraga Town Council meeting, Supervisor Andersen thanked outgoing Mayor Dave Trotter and outgoing Councilmember Teresa Onoda for their dedication and long-standing service to Moraga.
Mike McCluer and Steve Woehleke were sworn in as the newest members of the council.
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Supervisor Andersen recognizes outgoing Orinda Town Council Members Eve Phillips (pictured on left) and Dean Orr for their service at the council meeting on December 12th.
Newly elected
council members
Dennis Faye and Nick Kosla were sworn in at the meeting.
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Supervisor Andersen Swears in Orinda Unified School District Members
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Supervisor Andersen had the honor of swearing in Carol Browne and Jason Kaune (who was sworn in remotely via video) to their second term on the Orinda Unified School Board, and new board member Liz Daoust at their meeting on December 12, 2018.
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Contra Costa Budget Coalition Workshop
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About 50 people attended a public workshop on December 5, 2018 to learn about the basics of the County budget.
A closer look at funding for services for the homeless and how affordable housing gets developed and funded was discussed.
Supervisor Andersen was a guest speaker at the event, along with Dan Geiger, Budget Justice Coalition Coordinator, Lavonna Martin, Director of Health, Housing and Homeless Services, and Kristen Lackey, Affordable Housing Program Manager, Department of Conservation and Development.
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Many locations have sandbags available for pick-up in District 2. Noted below are a few of those locations.
The City of San Ramon has placed sand and sandbags for residents to use in three different locations; at Central Park – located along the Alcosta Blvd. main entrance; Athan Downs Park – located on Montevideo Drive (nearest cross street is Davona Drive); and San Ramon Sports Park in Dougherty Valley – located on Sherwood Way (nearest cross street is East Branch Pkwy.)
Please look for the blue “Sandbag Station” signs at these parking lots. Sandbag stations are self-monitored, so please bring your own shovel to fill the bags.
In Moraga, there are sandbags at the Moraga-Orinda Fire District Station #44 located at 295 Orchard Road (nearest cross street Moraga Way); and in Orinda, Wagner Ranch Sports Field off Camino Pablo has sandbags available.
The County has established 6 locations in unincorporated County where we provide sand and sandbags. It is recommended to bring a shovel, gloves, and another person to help with bagging of the sand. Follow the link below for a map of the sandbag locations, a list of the Cities’ sandbag information, and a video on how to fill sandbags:
http://www.cccounty.us/sandbags.
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Economic Development Growth in the East Bay
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We are fortunate to live in an area where we continue to see significant job growth and businesses prosper. The recent Tri-Valley Rising Report, released in July of this year and available
online, calls the Tri-Valley region, which includes Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon, a “Bay Area Economic Juggernaut.” The report, sponsored by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute in partnership with Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group analyzes the Tri-Valley’s role in the growing Bay Area’s mega-region economy.
While the report highlights our strengths, it also recognizes the challenges that we face as a region such as the rising costs of housing as demand surges faster than supply, increases in road traffic, and a greater strain on public transit systems.
Strong jobs and economic growth of the region are fueled by a multitude of factors. Tri-Valley jobs are growing at 35 percent, which is faster than other regions, the State and the country, with business and science professional sectors leading the growth. The Tri-Valley leads its peers in worker productivity - higher than Austin, Boston, Nashville and Portland. We have a highly educated population with more than 60% having a bachelor’s degree or higher education, making the region significantly more highly educated than California or the Bay Area as a whole. With a regional GDP of $42 billion in 2016, the Tri-Valley’s GDP per worker is about $225,000. This is much higher than California’s $160,000, and the U.S.’s $132,000.
Another factor is the connectivity of the Tri-Valley to the Bay Area as a whole. The Tri-Valley’s advantageous position at the juncture of I-580 and I-680 and proximity to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, and the Central Valley have allowed us to attract new and growing businesses, in addition to a very large pool of workers.
Outstanding quality of life is another major factor for business growth here. The region’s natural beauty, abundance of parks, tight-knit communities, high performing schools, and charming downtowns are key reasons that businesses choose to locate in the Tri-Valley.
Another key reason for growth here is that the Tri-Valley has been an appealing place for companies to locate due to relatively inexpensive commercial real estate. Commercial real estate prices have grown more slowly over the past few years in the Tri-Valley than in nearby areas, with some businesses paying half of the cost in San Francisco.
Although some workers in the region experience long commute times, fifty percent of Tri-Valley residents who work outside their homes have a commute of 30 minutes or less. The Tri-Valley also excels at offering opportunities for work-life balance. People who both live and work in the Tri-Valley maximize the time they are able to spend with their families.
While both housing and commercial real estate have become increasingly expensive in the Bay Area altogether, the Tri-Valley has remained more affordable, attracting businesses and people to move here. Though Tri-Valley homes are expensive compared to California as a whole, they are relatively inexpensive compared to many other parts of the Bay Area.
Two national laboratories, incubators, accelerators, venture capital funding entities, the headquarters of more than 450 technology companies and world class business parks such as Bishop Ranch and Hacienda, create an innovation ecosystem that is key to the success of region’s business climate.
Right in our backyard is the Bishop Ranch Intelligence Innovation Accelerator (BRIIA). A few weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting it. BRIIA guides entrepreneurs in launching their tech start-ups. BRIIA's 12-week program with intense, hands-on mentorship from BRIIA Mentors and industry experts is designed to assist early stage companies and entrepreneurs quickly get from "prototype to fundability." BRIIA provides working and meeting spaces, kitchenettes, snacks, collaborative areas and wireless internet, with access to many of the perks of being a tenant at Bishop Ranch. During weekly workshops, participants hear experts speak about a wide range of topics. Afterwards, the participants work with each other and with these experts to turn concepts into actions.
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) is another organization that plays a major role in the success of the Tri-Valley region. I am honored to serve on the Executive Committee of the East Bay EDA. It is the regional voice and networking resource for strengthening the economy, building the workforce and enhancing the quality of life in the East Bay. East Bay EDA represents a broad network of local business, government and community leaders who promote the resources of our region to facilitate business opportunities and growth.
East Bay EDA employs many strategies for stimulating economic development in the region. One of our focuses is to develop and champion the Early Childhood Math campaign with regional partners and promote STEM skills for local jobs. We regularly sponsor education forums featuring panelists and speakers with diverse perspectives on crucial infrastructure needs such as housing, transportation, water and broadband. We organize business meet-ups, broker breakfasts and mixers to promote economic development resources and opportunities in the region. We also market the innovation of the region through the popular annual East Bay Innovation Awards. For more information about economic development and our various initiatives, go to
eastbayeda.org.
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District 2 Annual Holiday Open House
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Supervisor Andersen and her staff enjoyed visiting with all of those who stopped by the annual holiday open house on December 12th.
Many generous residents stopped by to say hi and donate to the Food Bank of Contra Costa.
Pictured with Supervisor Andersen are, from the left, Nat Rojanasathira, Administrative Services Director for the Town of Danville, and Lt. Jason Haynes of the Sheriff's Valley Station in Alamo,
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Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Seeks Individual to Serve on Ad Hoc Salary Committee
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On December 18, 2018, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors created an ad hoc committee to review the Board’s compensation. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking one individual to serve as the at large Representative on this committee of five, which will begin meeting in February, 2019. The charge of the Committee is to review the compensation of the Board of Supervisors; recommend any adjustment to the compensation; recommend a methodology and process by which any future increases would occur; and prepare recommendations in time for consideration by the Board of Supervisors by no later than its April 9, 2019 meeting.
While not a prerequisite, ideally, the selected at large committee member will have some background and experience in employee compensation, human resources, or finance. County staff will facilitate the meetings, but the committee will determine the final recommendations to the Board. The necessary time commitment for committee members will be determined by the committee. Each committee member will be paid a per diem of fifteen dollars for each day on which the committee meets plus reimbursement for mileage for attendance at meetings at the same rate as that paid to other county commissions.
Committee meetings will be held at the County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 101 in Martinez. All committee meetings will be open to the public and advertised on the County’s website. All committee meeting materials will also be made available to the public on the County’s website.
The Ad Hoc Committee will dissolve effective 30 days after acceptance by the Board of Supervisors of the Committee's final report, which we expect to occur by no later than the April 9, 2019, Board of Supervisors Meeting.
Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 335-1900 or by visiting the County webpage at
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Room 106, County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553 or emailed to
ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us no later than by close of business at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 11, 2019. Applications will be reviewed, and selection of the at large member will be made by the County Administrator by Tuesday, January 25, 2019.
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Interested in Participating in Government?
Supervisor Candace Andersen is Seeking Volunteers for
County Advisory Boards
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Supervisor Candace Andersen is looking for interested, motivated residents to serve on a few Contra Costa County citizen advisory boards. These volunteer boards usually meet monthly and advise the Board of Supervisors on a variety of issues. They play a vital role in county government, and the input provided is invaluable.
Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B)
To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.
County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee (Roundhill Residents only)
To advise the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services for Roundhill.
To advise the Board of Supervisors on ways to protect and enhance public health, County resources, and the environment; Minimize risks and maximize benefits to the general public, staff and the environment as a result of pest control activities conducted by County staff and contractors; Promote a coordinated County-wide effort to implement IPM in the County in a manner that is consistent with the Board-adopted IPM Policy; Serve as a resource to help Department Heads and the Board of Supervisors review and improve existing pest management programs and the processes for making pest management decisions; Make policy recommendations upon assessment of current pest issues and evaluation of possible IPM solutions; and Provide a forum for communication and information exchange among members in an effort to identify, encourage, and stimulate the use of best or promising pest management practices.
The following are special conditions for the Environmental Organization Seat:
- An environmental organization is defined as an organization that has as its main focus the protection, enhancement, and enjoyment of the environment and/or the education of the public about the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of the environment.
- The organization must have 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status.
- An individual must apply to represent a specific organization, and in order to apply, must have a letter of support from the organization.
To educate the community and advise the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and other entities as necessary on issues relating to the changing social and economic conditions of women in the County, with particular emphasis on the economically disadvantaged. The CCCW’s mission is, “to improve the economic status, social welfare, and overall quality of life for women in Contra Costa County.”
To find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body, click here click here.
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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 December which impact the residents of District 2:
Considered accepting the report on Winter Storm Preparedness in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Chief Engineer, Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Countywide.
Authorized the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter to the 23rd Agricultural Association to convey the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors' support of a policy prohibiting the possession and sale of firearms on the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds.
Considered Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee recommendations on the polystyrene ban provisions, gave committee direction to include certain provisions for an ordinance to ban polystyrene food and beverage containers.
Passed a Resolution recognizing Kathleen Conroy Famulener for her service on the Moraga Orinda Fire Department Board of Directors.
Passed a Resolution recognizing Bernard Bradley Barber for his service on the Moraga Orinda Fire Department Board of Directors.
Passed a Resolution recognizing Stephen Anderson for his service on the Moraga Orinda Fire Department Board of Directors.
Passed a Resolution recognizing Dominique Yancey for being selected as the 2018 San Ramon Citizen of the Year.
Passed a Resolution Recognizing Dave Trotter of the Moraga Town Council.
Passed a Resolution recognizing Dean Orr of the Orinda City Council.
Passed a Resolution recognizing Eve Phillips of the Orinda City Council.
Passed a Resolution recognizing Rich Carlston of the Walnut Creek City Council.
Appointed Katherine Gillen to the
Youth Representative seat of the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen.
Appointed Mark Forrette
to the District II Seat of the Emergency Medical Care Committee for a two year term as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen.
Allocated funds from the Livable Communities Trust to Public Works to participate in the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Program, San Ramon.
Accepted Renewable Resource Potential Study and provided direction.
Received presentation on the status of Census 2020 and next steps.
Adopted Resolution No. 2018/615, which amends the Land Development Fee Schedule to adopt inclusionary housing in-lieu fees and adopt fees for the review processing of commercial cannabis permit proposals and directed staff to file a CEQA Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk.
Reappointed David Dolter to the Appointee 6 seat on the Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee for a two-year term as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen.
Appointed the following individuals to the indicated seats on the County Service Area P-5 Citizens Advisory Committee for two-year terms, as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen: Appointee 1 Gordon Ball, Appointee 6 Jason Dudum, Appointee 7 Robert Besse.
Moved Mark Cordone from the Appointee 5 Seat to the Round Hill Country Club Seat on the Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee, and declared a vacancy in the Appointee 5 Seat, and directed the Clerk of the Board to post the vacancy, as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen.
Agendas and videos of Board of Supervisors meetings can be found
here.
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Chief of Staff
Field Representative;
San Ramon & Danville
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Field Representative:
Canyon, Moraga & Orinda
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Scheduler, Field Representative;
Lafayette
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Field Representative;
Alamo & part of Walnut Creek,
including; Parkmead, Rossmoor & Saranap
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San Ramon Valley Office
309 Diablo Road
Danville, CA 94526
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (925) 957-8860
FAX: (925) 820-3785
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Lamorinda Office
Fire Station #15
3338 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
Lafayette, CA 94549
Hours:
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
and by appointment, please call
Phone: (925) 646-6067
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Candace's Committee Assignments
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Pleasant Hill BART/Contra Costa Centre Joint Powers Authority Board of Trustees
She serves as an alternate on the following:
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District II Supervisor Candace Andersen
309 Diablo Road | Danville | CA | 94526| (925) 957-8860
3338 Mt. Diablo Blvd. | Lafayette | CA | 94549 | (925) 646-6067
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