New information about COVID-19:

Press conference: Reducing COVID-19 Risk - 11/17/2020

Media advisory: Media Conference Tuesday to Discuss Reducing COVID-19 Risk in Contra Costa - 11/17/2020


Press release: State Response to COVID-19 Spike Returns Contra Costa to Purple Tier - 11/16/2020

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for local information about COVID-19.
For questions about details of state or local health orders in Contra Costa County,
visit our online FAQ or call 1-844-729-8410.
Lower Your Risk. Enjoy Traditions with a Twist.
Safer Holiday Celebrations During COVID-19
Holiday celebrations may look a little different this year, but the spirit of the season remains the same. Embracing gratefulness, connection, resiliency and hope are more important than ever, as is protecting the ones you care about and are thankful for.

As you plan for and enjoy the holidays, take steps to keep yourself and others safe while enjoying traditions with a twist.
Contra Costa is Offering Free Flu Shots at COVID Testing Sites

Making flu shots available at COVID testing sites is part of the County’s larger effort to get more people vaccinated before flu season arrives.

Getting vaccinated is more important than ever this flu season.

Vaccination will help keep hospitals from being overwhelmed by flu patients while they also care for those with COVID-19.

Contra Costa Health Services is hosting 

No appointment needed
  • Vaccinations available to everyone age 6 months and older
  • All are welcome, regardless of insurance or immigration status
  • No ID required
  • No social security number needed
  • Flu shots are not included in a public charge assessment
  • Please wear face coverings

For more information, call (925) 313-6767 or visit cchealth.org/flu
The first National Drone Safety Awareness Week in 2019 was a great success! This year we are looking to build on that and continue the conversation about drone safety.

The second National Drone Safety Awareness Week will be in November 16-22, 2020 and will be completely virtual. We invite everyone to participate and Drone@Home!
Ready to get started? Download our Guidebook to learn more about the event and how you (or your organization) can get involved.


The FAA will be partnering with the Know Before You Fly educational campaign, and the Unmanned Aircraft (UAS) Safety Team to get the word out about National Drone Safety Awareness Week and encourage all drone operators to fly safe!


New for students! Have your artistic depiction of a drone-related theme displayed in the Virtual Student Art Gallery. Review the Submission Themes and Guidelines (PDF). The Virtual Student Art Gallery will be open soon.

New for photographers! Submit your best photo taken by a drone or a photo with a drone to the National Drone Safety Awareness Week Photo Challenge. Review the Submission Guidelines (PDF) and follow us on Instagram to see if your photo is nominated for voting.

Be sure to use the #DroneWeek hashtag in your social media posts,
and follow @FAADroneZone on Twitter and Facebook.

WDBCCC Small-Business Layoff Aversion Grant Program
The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County is now accepting applications for layoff aversion grants through its Small-Business Grant Program, providing up to $5,000 in assistance for micro-businesses within Contra Costa County.

Priority will be given to these types of veteran-, woman- and minority-owned micro-businesses: retail, restaurants, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, day spas and fitness studios. Also, priority will be given to businesses that have not received any COVID-19 related grants, such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or city grants.

“Small businesses across our county, especially micro-businesses that typically have very little in the way of reserves to withstand an on-going crisis, are struggling to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said WDBCCC Executive Director Donna Van Wert. “These grants are intended to support local businesses’ overall efforts to retain their employees and keep their doors open.” Grants will be awarded as reimbursement on approved purchases only.

To be eligible for the grant, a business must meet the following requirements:
• Have a physical location within Contra Costa County.
• Have a current business license.
• Be currently open or have the intention of re-opening.
• Be current on their unemployment taxes and in good standing with the State of California.
• Demonstrate a need for support due to the impact of COVID-19 on their business.
• Have not received a micro-grant from another local government agency.

Home-based businesses are not eligible for the grant, which is intended for physical, commercial storefronts.

Grant funds must be used to create solutions directly related to preventing potential layoffs or facility closures due to COVID-19.

Examples of allowable reimbursable expenses include:
• Paying for services or tools for restaurants or retail establishments to convert to online sales or delivery, as a result of COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders and/or on-site and in-person service restrictions.
• Purchasing remote access equipment or software that allows employees to work from home rather than being laid off (e.g., computers, printers, telephones, headsets, video conferencing software, etc.).
• Purchasing cleaning/sanitation supplies and/or services that will allow an essential small business to maintain an on-site workforce and reduce risk of exposure.
• Other creative approaches and strategies to reduce or eliminate the need for layoffs.

Grant funds cannot be used for mortgage payments, payroll or employee support services, such as rent, childcare or transportation. Purchases must be made after the date of the signed executed award agreement. Funding is provided from the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and are subject to WIOA regulations and allowable cost expenses.

The deadline to apply for the grant is Dec. 2, 2020, at 5 p.m., with no exceptions. Applications may be submitted online or mailed to WDBCCC, 4071 Port Chicago, Concord, CA 94520 and must be received no later than the deadline.

Award/agreement letters will be emailed to the email address on the application by Dec. 9, 2020.

To learn more about the grant, visit our website, call the WDBCCC COVID-19 Resource Hotline at 833-320-1919 or email bouncebackcoco@ehsd.cccounty.us

For more information, call 510-323-1104.
Contra Costa One of Three California Counties to Win Challenge Award 
Contra Costa County is among 19 Localities to Join a Network Deploying Economic Research and Multi-sector Welcoming Plans for Promoting Inclusion and Economic Opportunity for All 
 
In light of the scale and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gateways for Growth Challenge this year prioritized localities that demonstrated a public-private commitment to better integrating immigrants into recovery efforts and emergency management systems. 

“The Gateways for Growth Award is a timely boost to Contra Costa County’s efforts of welcoming and immigrant inclusion, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to enhance our work,” said Candace Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
 
The immigrant community in Contra Costa is wide and diverse, representing 25 percent of the county’s population. The partners involved in the Gateways for Growth effort will include both new arrivals and longtime residents, and a number of previously unengaged groups. In addition to seeking out language minority and immigrant communities, the County will bring in more small community-based and faith-based organizations to support this work. 

As the country looks to rebuild and set a more inclusive path forward nationally, Contra Costa County, as part of the G4G 2020 cohort, will lay the groundwork and build the infrastructure for economic, civic, and social inclusion at the local level. Read More...
The East Contra Costa STRONG Nonprofits Fund Initiative (administered by the East Bay Community Foundation) was created in 2016 by a committed group of funders with the long-term goal of strengthening the ecosystem of organizations addressing poverty in the East Contra County (ECCC) region.

During the second phase of this initiative the STRONG Emerging Leaders of Color of ECCC was launched with an initial cohort of 15 people.

The goal of the STRONG Emerging Leaders of Color of ECCC, which is facilitated by LeaderSpring Center, is to provide a cohort of emerging leaders of color in the nonprofit and government sectors, with self-determined knowledge, skills, tools and experience needed to lead social change in ECCC that addresses the needs of low-income communities.

The Initiative is now recruiting for our next cohort! For more information and a link to apply, please visit https://www.leaderspring.org/strong-emerging-leaders-of-color.
BOS Seeks Humanitarian of the Year Nominations
Student and Adult Humanitarians
to be Recognized at 43rd
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

Contra Costa County will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony and invites the community to a virtual live-stream of the community event on Tuesday, January 19, 2020.

In the spirit of Dr. King’s work and the theme, “Silence is Not an Option,” the County is now seeking nominations for a student and adult Humanitarian of the Year.

Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, as individuals whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.

We encourage East Bay residents to nominate an adult or a student whose accomplishments and service impact Contra Costa County, its residents and communities, and reflect the spirit of Dr. King’s work and achievements. The nomination period is now open.

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Monday, November 30, 2020. To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, including previous ceremonies and winners, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.
If you have any questions, please contact Committee Member Manny Bowlby.
District 3 Commission Openings

Arts & Cultural Commission
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County was established to advise the Board of Supervisors on matters related to promoting arts and culture as a vital aspect of community engagement.

The Arts and Culture Commission is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.

Assessment Appeals Board
1 District seat
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.

Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council
5 Seats
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Applicants must reside within the Bethel Island MAC boundaries to serve on this board.

The Council advises the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Bethel Island and may represent the Bethel Island 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 which 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 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm located at the Bethel Island Municipal Improvement District Office in Bethel Island.

Byron Municipal Advisory Council
5 Seats
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Applicants must reside within the Byron MAC boundaries to serve on this board.

The Council advises the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Byron and may represent the Byron 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 which 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 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm located at the St. Anne’s Church in Byron.


County Service Area, P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee (Discovery Bay)
3 seats
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Applicants must reside within the Discovery Bay P-6 boundaries (Zone 501-505) to serve on this board.

The County Service Area P-6 Citizens Advisory Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Discovery Bay community for 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 twice a year on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00p.m. located at the Discovery Bay Community Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd. in Discovery Bay.

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.

First 5, Contra Costa Children and Families Commission
1 Alternate seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

First 5 Contra Costa helps young children start school healthy and ready to learn. They invest in programs and advocate for policies focused on children during their first five years, the most important time in children's development.

The commission meets on the second Monday of each month at 6pm located at 1485 Civic Court, Suite 1200 in Concord.

Knightsen Town Advisory Council
5 Seats
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 which 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 7:30pm 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 7pm located at 777 Arnold Drive in Martinez.

Mental Health Commission
1 Consumer 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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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 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.
 
Download an application here:

 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  
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