Board of Supervisors Meeting Presentations

Supervisors honored Delta Veterans Group this week for their outstanding work in the community. 

Delta Veterans Group is a non-profit service organization that assists men and women Veterans with housing, employment, health, and education services.
 
Founded in Contra Costa County in 2012 by Army veteran J.R. Wilson, DVG brought the first homeless and at-risk of becoming homeless Veteran "Stand Down" of its kind to Contra Costa County in September of 2015.

Stand Down on the Delta is a four-day, three-night event in which Veterans are provided full medical treatments, court and legal services, DMV, Chaplain services, housing, addiction and mental health counseling, employment, and a myriad of other community services.
 
During the event, Veterans are also provided with clothing, meals, showers, sleeping tents, and a safe place to "stand down" for the duration.
 
The next Stand Down on the Delta will be held September 20-24, 2019 at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch, CA.

Some statistics of note from the 2017 Stand down event:  
  • 275 Veterans were triaged and given health checks.
  • 120 Veterans received Vision Care.
  • 80 Veterans received Dental care (worth $40,000.)
  • 50 Veterans accessed the Veterans Court.
  • 7,600 Meals were served.
  • 350 Pair Jeans provided (Donated by AT&T Pioneers)
  For more information about the 2019 Standdown on the Delta, 
Please visit the  DVG Website
Victims Rights Week

Supervisors proclaimed April 7-13, 2019 National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

Diana Bection, District Attorney recognized several domestic violence victims advocates including the victim/witness assistance team for their success on the recent "Golden Dragon" human trafficking case in Brentwood.


Building Safety Through Community Dinner

Family Justice Centers serve families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking.

Please support the work of building of a new 
East Center for  Contra Costa Family Justice Alliance.



Missed the Board of Supervisors Meeting?

You can see  the most recent Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors meeting  starting at 6:00 p.m. on the following Thursday on CCTV. 

You can view meetings online the same week they are held, usually within 48 hours. To find the recording online, visit the Video Library page.
 
Contra Costa Census 2020 Awareness Kickoff Event

Thank you to everyone who came out last week for the Contra Costa County 2020 Census Awareness Kickoff.

We had a great turnout for the media and volunteer event! 

Thank you to all of our speakers who shared the importance of ensuring that everyone is counted in Census 2020, and the importance of building partnerships - Supervisor Candace Andersen,  Supervisor Federal Glover, Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer, Larry Sly, Executive Director, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, Solomon Belette of John F. Kennedy University and the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, and David Tucker, CA Census Region 3 Director. 

A big shoutout to all of the Complete Count Steering Committee members, local, county, state and federal representatives, including our very own County Superintendent of Education, Lynn Mackey, who volunteered to bag potatoes and apples.  

With your help and that of a school group right before us over two tons of potatoes were sorted and bagged to feed those in need throughout Contra Costa County.

For more information about Census 2020, visit  www.cccounty.us/census2020 



Contra Costa Census 2020 Kick Off
Contra Costa Census 2020 Kick Off
To keep up with Census 2020 happenings, 
please complete the survey at 

We need YOU to help ensure that 
everyone is counted!

Not everyone can make it to the polls on Election Day, which is why you have the ability to vote early both in person and by mail.
 
Voting by mail gives you flexibility in casting and returning your ballot. It's simple too. Ballots are mailed 29 days before Election Day along with voting instructions and information on how to return your ballot. 

Place your marked ballot in the return envelope and seal it. Be sure to sign the addressed return envelope. Without a signature the ballot cannot be counted.
 
Become A Vote-By-Mail Voter!
You can become a permanent vote-by-mail voter and have a ballot mailed to you before every election. To become a permanent vote-by-mail voter: http://registertovote.ca.gov/ 
 
Complete the Online Registration Form and select "Yes" in the vote-by-mail box.
Agriculture Recognitions

Recognition of Wayne Reeves serving as President of the Contra Costa Farm Bureau for the past 6 years. 

Congratulations to John Viano, the new Farm Bureau President.  

Matt Slattengren Contra Costa's new Agriculture Commissioner in photograph.
Destination Weddings on Mount Diablo

When you're in love, you feel like you're on top of the world.
Contra Costa County is once again offering couples the opportunity to literally feel that way.

Back by popular demand, the Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder is offering a special venue this spring for couples who wish to exchange wedding vows atop the summit of Mount Diablo. In partnership with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation, the County Clerk-Recorder will officiate weddings at the iconic site from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, May 24th.
There are only 16 appointments available for this spring "Destination Wedding" event. Last year's event filled up quickly, as couples took advantage of the unique wedding experience.

"We're excited to once again offer this opportunity for couples to be married at this historic and beautiful location," Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla said. "Couples can experience their special day with a spectacular view of the entire Bay Area."

State Parks and Recreation officials also have expressed their excitement in once again partnering with the County to share this special event with local couples.

Weddings will be held on the summit's observation deck, with a dramatic backdrop of Contra Costa's rolling hills. On a clear day, the summit offers a view of San Francisco, the Sierras and beyond.

Couples interested in having their ceremony at the summit of Mount Diablo must make an appointment. Ceremonies can be scheduled online at www.contracostacore.us.

The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $86 or a confidential license for $90 from the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder in Martinez. A marriage license may be issued from a different county in California, but must be presented to the Clerk's office when the ceremony is purchased. 

The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder holds Destination Weddings each season at unique and picturesque locations throughout the county. 

For more information, contact Joseph Barton, Clerk-Recorder Services Supervisor at 925-335-7900.

Cherry Picking Season Coming Soon!

Cherries are one of the first Spring crops of the year.  For  Harvest Time in Brentwood , that means U-Pick season is about to begin where you get to pick cherries directly from a local cherry orchard.  

Today, if you drive through the outskirts of town, through the orchards, you will see gorgeous cherry blossoms spread throughout the landscape.  This beautiful view is a sign that cherries will be here soon. 

To get you ready for your cherry picking experience, here are some cherry picking tips from Harvest Time Brentwood that will help you get the juiciest, tastiest cherries of the season.
Prevent Mosquito Bites 

Rain, rain go away! 

If you listen closely, you just might hear your neighbors singing this song as winter,followed by spring rainfall placed Northern California at  104 percent of normal precipitation . And where there is water, there can be mosquitoes. 

All mosquitoes need water.  With so much rain having fallen over the last few months, there is plenty of water and moisture to spare. That means now is the time to take steps to reduce mosquito bites and the risk of mosquito-borne illness.
  1. Dump out standing water including water that has collected in cans, buckets and other containers on your property.
  2. Clean out vegetation and other debris that have collected in house gutters to allow water to flow freely and prevent mosquitoes. 
  3. Visit the District to pickup mosquitofish for residential ponds and non-functioning swimming pools. 
  4. Repair broken sprinklers now to prevent standing water when you turn on landscaping irrigation.
If you want to safely save rainwater to help maintain landscaping once the rain presumably stops this summer, then watch  this video on how to collect rain water without mosquitoes .

If, in spite of your best efforts you find you are being bitten by mosquitoes while on your property,  contact the District to request service for mosquitoes
 
The bottom line is, a little work now can go a long way to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illness including West Nile virus later. 
   
Reprinted from the MOSQUITO BYTES NEWSLETTER
 

Oakley to Host  Science  Week

The popular Science Week activities will be held daily.

The upcoming program will include past favorites and exciting new 
workshops.

Participants up to age 17 will receive a stamp on their "Passports" at each workshop they attend throughout the week. Participants with a minimum of 5 stamps at the conclusion of Science Week will receive a special prize; one winner per "Passport." 

For more information contact Cindy Coelho at coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us or 92-625-7044.

Passports will be distributed at local schools, and are available at City Hall located at 3231 Main Street, Oakley.  You can also CLICK HERE for a Passport!

Activities include:
April 11 - STEAM Day at Freedom!
April 12 -  Crazy Chemists!
April 13 -  Dinosaurs Rock!
Antioch 2019 State of the City

Envision Contra Costa Meetings Set for Discovery Bay and Byron

Manufacturing Job Fair

Earth Day at Upper Sand Creek - April 20th

Join EarthTeam , Contra Costa County Flood Control District,  Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and   Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed on Earth Day!

Bring your sturdy shoes, gloves and reusable water bottle!
Will your team win the trash pick up competition?
Help plant the volunteer nursery with Oaks and remove invasive species!

Learn how to protect your watershed.
Help us Sound the Alarm about Fire Safety * May 1st


Every day, 7 people die and another 36 people suffer injuries because of home fires. You can help change that and prevent these tragedies. 

To save lives and reduce fire-related injuries, the American Red Cross launched a nationwide Home Fire Campaign. The Red Cross is teaming up with fire departments, volunteers, and partners to Sound the  Alarm with home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events in communities across our county. 

Join us in one of the following roles: 
* Canvassers by phone or in person - this is done ahead of time
* Smoke Alarm Installer - Conduct home visits, test existing smoke alarms, replace batteries, and install smoke alarms using a drill. 
* Disaster Safety Educator - Provide live-saving education and assist residents in completing a home fire escape plan. 
* Documenter - Complete service acknowledgment forms and reports for campaign tracking, and assist educator and installer as needed. 
* Driver - Transport installation teams and supplies to and from headquarters and residences. 
* Restocking supply bags - this is done post event to get ready for the next session
* Data Entry - this is done post event to input all the necessary information

To volunteer for our event to be held in Antioch at Chateau Mobile Homes and Vista Diablo Mobile Estates on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 please contact Marcelle Indelicato from OES at: minde@so.cccounty.us | 925-313-9609


District 3 Committees and Commissions

The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation from numerous citizen advisory boards on a range of issues. Boards usually meet monthly on a regular basis.

Candidates for these positions must live in District 3 or any specified boundary area for special districts. District 3 is comprised of the cities of Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood, and the unincorporated communities of Blackhawk, Diablo, Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen and Discovery Bay.

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District III Committee Openings
 
Mental Health Commission
1 Consumer seat
1 Family Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
 
To review and assess the community's mental health needs, services, facilities, and special problems, in order to advise the Board of Supervisors concerning local mental health services and programs.
 
The Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. located at 550 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill.
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Contra Costa County Fire Protection District's Fire Advisory Commission
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
 
To review and advise on annual operations and capital budgets, review Fire District expenditures; advise the Fire Chief on district service matters; and serve as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community served by the fire district.
 
The Commission meets on the 2nd Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December located at the Administration Building, 2010 Geary Road in Pleasant Hill.
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County Library Commission
1 Alternate seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
 
The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian; 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.
 
The Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of every other month at 7:00pm located at 777 Arnold Drive in Martinez.
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Family & Children's Trust Committee
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
 
Conduct a bi-annual needs assessment on family and children's services in the County.
 
The Committee meets on the first Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. located at Employment and Human Services Dept., 40 Douglas Drive in Martinez.

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County Service Area, P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee (Discovery Bay)
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
 
To make reports and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on extended police protection services which shall include, but not limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code where authorized by law, crime prevention, and litter control.
 
The Committee meets quarterly at 6:00p.m. located at the Discovery Bay Community Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd. in Discovery Bay.

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Boards usually meet monthly on a regular basis.

Candidates for these positions must live in District 3 or any specified boundary area for special districts. District 3 is comprised of the cities of Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood, and the unincorporated communities of Blackhawk, Diablo, Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen and Discovery Bay.

You may also download an application from the County's website at  http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418.

Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board's office (925-335-1900) located at 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553.

For more information, including on how to apply, you may contact Supervisor Burgis' Deputy Chief of Staff, Lea Castleberry at 925-252-4500 or Lea.Castleberry@bos.cccounty.us
Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission Opening


The Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission has an opening for one member who represents a Contra Costa County commercial group or organization whose business focuses on sustainability and/or environmental issues. 

The Sustainability Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on development and implementation of the County's Climate Action Plan. The Sustainability Commission meets every other month, with occasional emails and working group meetings in between. 

For more information see  Sustainability Commission vacancy.  Applications are due no later than Monday, April 20.
Save the Date  -  May 10th  -  Northern Waterfront Forum