Friends,
This week’s reopening brings a deep sigh of relief for many.
Some people will still wear masks because they haven’t been vaccinated (for lots of reasons) or because it makes them feel more comfortable. That’s OK.
As someone that is fully vaccinated, I will still wear a mask at any business where employees are wearing masks in solidarity with them, and I will thank them.
Because there is still enough of a significant spread among the unvaccinated, Contra Costa didn’t qualify to go down in tiers like other Bay Area counties. The spread and the low vaccination rates are both significant in East Contra Costa County STILL, despite the reopening.
So, this week we reopen & it is wonderful. I urge all of you that haven’t been vaccinated to get vaccinated. Find the closest vaccine. My intention is to keep us moving forward in this reopening.
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Contra Costa Brings Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Service
to Businesses, Organizations
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Businesses and community organizations in Contra Costa can now request visits from Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) mobile COVID-19 vaccination van to workplaces, community centers, and other locations where five or more members of a group want to receive a vaccine.
The free mobile vaccination service begins Monday. Any business or organization can request a mobile vaccination clinic using an online form if they are in the county and CCHS will send a mobile health van to provide free vaccinations on-site within one week after completing the request.
“The state pandemic health orders that have affected businesses, public spaces, and community activities for more than a year are changing on June 15 – especially for people who are fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, deputy health officer for Contra Costa County. “If you do not already have the best protection available against COVID-19, now is the time to get a vaccine. We will come to you.” Read More...
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Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you
Use Vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.
Walkups are available.
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Free Rides to Get Vaccinated From Uber
Uber is offering FREE rides to get vaccinated now until July 04, 2021!
Uber has teamed up with the White House to provide free rides to and from vaccination centers across the country. Tell your friends and family—these rides are available to everyone.
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Prepare for Extreme Heat, PSPS, Fires, etc.
- Have your power outage and emergency supplies ready to go.
- Charge your devices and have extra batteries and water.
- Make a plan for your animals.
- If you are asked to leave...GO.
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IF YOU USE A CELL PHONE YOU MUST
REGISTER TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS
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Places to COOL OFF During Extreme Heat |
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The Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) will open several of its locations as cooling centers this week through Friday, June 18th, 2021.
The protocol for Cooling Centers requires that community and staff members MUST wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, upon entering EHSD cooling centers.
Water and face coverings will be available, as well as lobby seating (without a social distancing requirement). Each office will also provide access to charging station kiosks in the public lobbies.
Community members should NOT go to this EHSD office if exposed to or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
Community members may visit during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get relief from the high temperatures in *EHSD District Offices* at the following locations:
- Antioch - 4545 Delta Fair Blvd.
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Pleasant Hill - 400 Ellinwood Way
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Martinez - 40 Douglas Drive
** Other Cooling Locations in East Contra Costa County **
June 16-18 - 12 pm – 6 pm
- Antioch Senior Center, 415 W. 2nd St
- Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way
June 16-18 – 9 am – 4 pm
- Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave (925) 625-7041
June 16-18 – 12pm – 7pm
- Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. (925) 516-5444
- Pittsburg Senior Center, 300 Presidio Lane (925) 252-4890
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The Contra Costa County Library is getting colorful with Summer Reading starting in June.
The program is the Library’s annual effort to keep kids reading during the summer months, preventing “brain drain.” This year’s theme is “Reading Colors Your World” and celebrates everything about color. Summer Reading will include programming, activities, and challenges designed to bring a wide spectrum of bright and fun colors into your life.
Special programming will include a craft demonstration, sign language storytime, nature journaling, Happy Birds Performing Parrot Show, Magical Nathaniel, watercolor for beginners, a live drawing tutorial, and a class on how to repurpose jewelry. All programs will take place via Zoom and registration is required to attend.
Readers of all ages can participate online or use a paper reading passport available at any community library. Completed paper passports should be returned no later than Saturday, July 31. All finishers will receive a book and a pin or sticker and be entered into a drawing to win big prizes.
Summer Reading runs from Tuesday, June 1 to Saturday, July 31. Visit ccclib.org/summer for all the details or to sign up.
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The FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit helps individuals, families, and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The E Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying
Tribal lands.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
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COVID-19 Rent Relief Program
Starting March 15, 2021, Contra Costa County tenants and landlords impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance from the COVID-19 Rent Relief program. Over $75 million is Contra Costa County’s allocation of federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which allocated $2.6 billion to Californians in need of rental relief.
“This funding for COVID-19 relief cannot come any sooner to help provide the hardest-hit individuals and families in Contra Costa with financial assistance with rent and utility payments and help them gain back financial and housing stability,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Diane Burgis. “My colleagues on the Board and I remain committed to helping residents get back on their feet, especially now that we have safe, effective vaccines that will help end this pandemic.”
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Call 211 for Resources
The nonprofit Contra Costa Crisis Center runs the 211 call center for Contra Costa County, answering calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and suicide prevention counseling, and referrals for disaster assistance, food, health care, and insurance assistance, stable housing and utility payment assistance, employment services, veteran services, and childcare and family services.
The Board supports the Contra Costa Crisis Center’s efforts to broaden awareness about the vital services provided through its 211 call center and encourages residents to utilize the free, confidential services to seek support for themselves and their loved ones.
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COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
In the last year, millions of people across the country suffered the heartbreaking loss of a family member to COVID, and at the same time, many are struggling financially because of the pandemic.
Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), people who lost loved ones to COVID will soon be able to apply for a reimbursement for funeral costs. I want to share a few important details about this program.
The maximum reimbursement offered through FEMA will be $9,000 per burial. In order to apply, you will need to provide documentation that includes a funeral contract, receipt, and more. The program will begin on April 12, 2021. For more details, please click here.
I began working on this effort with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez last spring when the pandemic was at its worst. Families that are struggling during this challenging time should not have to worry about the cost of properly grieving their loved ones.
Any applicant must provide the following documents:
- Official death certificate attributing the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Funeral expenses documents, such as receipts or a funeral home contract, includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the number of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Hot Line: 844-684-6333 or TTY: 800-462-7585
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Tri Delta Transit now offers free WiFi on all buses.
All fixed route, paratransit, and Tri MyRide buses are equipped with WiFi.
In addition, Tri Delta Transit is seeking partnerships with community organizations to launch their summer program “WiFi on Wheels.” Tri Delta Transit buses will be driven to community organizations and parked for time slots of 3 hours in requested locations, providing free WiFi connection for devices within a 200-foot radius around the bus.
To become a Tri Delta Transit community partner and request a WiFi bus, please email comments@eccta.org with the subject line “WiFi on Wheels.”
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Leadership in Sustainability Award Nominations Open
Do you know an individual, nonprofit, government program, school, or business that should be honored for their great sustainability work here in Contra Costa?
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Measure X Community Advisory Board seeks public input |
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Measure X, Contra Costa’s new countywide, half-cent sales tax, is expected to raise $112 million for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.
The Measure X Community Advisory Board was formed to identify unmet community needs and recommend spending priorities to the county Board of Supervisors.
Each meeting features a panel of presenters who have expertise in the need or issue being discussed. Panel members include county staff, community-based organizations, and residents.
Community members are welcome to provide public comments verbally after each panel presentation. Comments can also be submitted in writing to Lisa.Driscoll@cao.cccounty.us. If you submit written testimony by noon on Friday prior to the following week’s meeting, it will be included in the agenda packet that is published for Advisory Board members and the public.
Schedule of issues and needs to be discussed:
May 12 - Seniors, disabled people, veterans
May 19 - Community safety: Fire protection
May 26 - Early childhood
June 9 - School-aged youth & young adults
June 16 - Healthcare
June 23 - Mental health and behavioral health
June 30 - Housing & homelessness
July 7 - Community safety: Justice systems
July 14 - Safety net (jobs, public benefits, economic security)
July 21 - Immigration, racial equity across systems
July 28 - Library, arts & culture, agriculture, environment, transportation
August 4 - Develop draft priorities & recommendations
August 11 - Finalize recommendations to submit to Board of Supervisors
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
DRAFT GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
East Contra Costa cities, water districts, and the County, known as the East Contra Costa (ECC) Groundwater Sustainability Working Group, have joined together to prepare a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The draft GSP will comply with recent laws that have changed the way Californians are required to manage their groundwater and will assist the region in maintaining a sustainable groundwater basin.
Please join us On-Line on June 23, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
During this public meeting participants will:
1. Learn what the new law (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act [SGMA] is and how it affects East Contra Costa;
2. Receive an overview of what is in the draft GSP;
3. Learn more about Key Topics, Technical Work, and Findings to Date;
4. Discuss the potential for undesirable results (in the context of SGMA) that the GSP will work to prevent;
5. Learn how to provide input on the draft GSP.
The workshop will include opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback on the discussion topics. Due to ongoing public health considerations, this will be an online-only meeting.
For additional information about SGMA, the draft ECC GSP, to provide more detailed comments, or to be included on the email list, please send us an email, groundwaterinfo@dcd.cccounty.us
“Planning a secure groundwater future”
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PUBLIC MEETING
East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Regional Park District is developing a new Regional Park at the former Roddy Ranch Golf Course in Antioch, CA.
Please join us at this second public meeting to:
• Learn about progress on habitat restoration, recreation, and public access planning
• Preview and comment on Draft Alternative Park Designs
• Ask questions and provide input to the design team
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021
6:30-7:30 P.M.
Roddy Ranch is a 230-acre former golf course in Antioch, CA that was purchased by EBRPD, in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy in 2018.
In 2020, EBRPD hired Restoration Design Group (RDG) to produce a habitat restoration and public access plan for the former golf course. This project is funded by EBRPD, ECCC Habitat Conservancy, and the CA Wildlife Conservation Board.
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District 3 Commission Openings
Assessment Appeals Board
1 Alternate seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Assessment Appeals Board conducts impartial hearings on property assessment disputes between taxpayers and the county assessor. Based on the evidence presented at these hearings, the appeals board determined the value of the disputed property or determines other matters of property tax assessment within the board’s jurisdiction.
Qualifications:
Applicants should possess five or more years of professional experience in California as one of the following: licensed real estate broker, attorney, certified public accountant (CPA) or public accountant, property appraiser accredited by a nationally-recognized professional organization, property appraiser certified by the Office of Real Estate Appraisers, or property appraiser certified by the State Board of Equalization.
Compensation:
This is a volunteer position. Assessment Appeals Board members are compensated for their time at hearings and reimbursed for their mileage to attend assessment appeals hearings.
The Assessment Appeals Board meets every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. located at 651 Pine Street, Room 107 in Martinez.
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Advisory Fire Commission
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Commission is 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 a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community served by the fire district.
Meetings are typically held on the second Monday of even months @ 7:00 PM. The location of the meeting has been changed to 4005 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250, Concord, CA 94520.
County Service Area, P-2A Citizen Advisory Committee (Blackhawk)
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The County Services Area, P-2A Citizens Advisory Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Blackhawk community for extended police services which shall include, but not be limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code, crime prevention, litter control, and other issues.
You must reside within the Blackhawk community to serve on this board.
Police Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and are held on the
2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM, at the Blackhawk Police Service District Office at 1092 Eagle Nest Pl.
Countywide Bicycle Committee
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Countywide Bicycle Advisory Committee provides input to the County and the cities of the County on bicycle projects for Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds to construct bicycle/pedestrian projects and also provides advice to cities and the County on bicycle planning matters.
Knightsen Town Advisory Council
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Applicants must reside within the Knightsen TAC boundaries to serve on this board.
The Council advises the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Knightsen and may represent the Knightsen community before the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, and the Zoning Administrator on such issues as land use, planning, and zoning. The Council may also represent the community before the Local Agency Formation Commission on proposed boundary changes affecting the community.
The Council may advise the Board of Supervisors on services that are or may be provided to the community by Contra Costa County or other local government agencies. Such services include, but are not limited to, public health, safety, welfare, public works, and planning. The Council may also provide input and reports to the Board, County staff, or any County hearing body on issues of concern to the community.
However, it is understood that the Board of Supervisors is the final decision-making authority with respect to issues concerning the community and that the Council shall serve solely in an advisory capacity.
The Council meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm located at the Knightsen Farm Bureau in Knightsen.
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 pm located at 777 Arnold Drive in Martinez.
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Background: The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation from numerous citizen advisory boards on a range of issues. Boards usually meet monthly regularly.
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. Find out more by visiting the Board of Supervisors Appointed Bodies, Committees & Commissions webpage.
Download an application here:
Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s office located at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553 or by email clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us
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
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