October 29, 2020
Contra Costa County Advances in California’s COVID-19 Reopening Plan
More businesses and community activities are able to reopen in Contra Costa after the county’s data indicators for COVID-19 transmission showed improvement in October. (10/27/2020)
 
California reassigned Contra Costa to the less-restrictive orange tier of its Blueprint for a Safer Economy, allowing for larger local gatherings for indoor worship services and dining, and the reopening of indoor pools, bars and bowling alleys.
 
But health officials caution that it is now more important than ever to follow the state health guidance for physical distancing and use of face coverings, to keep everyone safe and healthy during the holiday season and to avoid a return to the red tier.
 
Contra Costa’s adjusted per-capita case rate – the average daily number of new COVID-19 cases identified in the county per 100,000 population – stood at 3.7 on Tuesday, just qualifying the county to move into the orange tier.
 
The average daily percentage of COVID-19 tests that return positive in the county is 1.9%, with 4.9% or lower qualifying for the orange tier. That number for census tracts identified by the state’s health equity metric was 3.9% today, with 5.2% required for the orange tier.
 
Counties in the orange tier can allow:
  • Worship services and other cultural activities indoors at 50% occupancy or 200 people, whichever is fewer;
  • Indoor dining at 50% occupancy or 200 people, whichever is fewer;
  • Indoor swimming pools;
  • Bars and other businesses that sell alcohol without meals to open for outdoor operation;
  • Family entertainment centers to open indoors for “naturally distanced” activities, such as bowling alleys, escape rooms and climbing-wall gyms, at 25% occupancy;
  • Cardrooms to open indoors at 25% occupancy;
  • Small amusement parks to open at 25% of occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer;
  • Professional sports venues to open at 20% occupancy;
  • Live entertainment to open with no more than 50 people, if approved by the Health Officer.
 
The county will remain in the orange tier for at least two weeks.

The state could move Contra Costa into the less-restrictive yellow tier, or the more restrictive red tier, if its metrics qualify for one of those tiers for two consecutive weeks. The state updates the official numbers every Tuesday.

See Contra Costa County's Openings at a Glance.pdf (updated 10.27.2020)
To reduce the spread of the virus in Contra Costa County, and to continue its progress toward reopening, county leaders urge the public to get tested for COVID-19 regularly, including people who have no symptoms of illness.
 
Contra Costa would not have qualified for the orange tier this week had it not tested more residents than the state average. California adjusts the case rates of high-testing counties downward to reflect their work controlling the virus. Without that adjustment, Contra Costa’s per-capita case rate this week would have been 4.1, which would not qualify for the orange tier.
 
Following the heath guidance for physical distancing and face coverings, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home when you feel sick are also key to continuing Contra Costa’s progress against the pandemic.
 
About 3,500 people get tested every day for COVID-19 in Contra Costa. By ramping up to test at least 4,500 daily, the county can more quickly notify those infected – particularly people with the virus who do not have symptoms – to prevent outbreaks and better protect community members at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 because of their age or health.
 
Contra Costa recommends that workers in jobs that bring them in frequent contact with the public, including all essential workers, consider a COVID-19 test every 30 days. Anyone who has symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing should also consider a test.
 
Call 1-844-421-0804 to schedule a fast, free COVID-19 test in Contra Costa, or visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to schedule online.
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
Safer Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
Bay Area health officials remind residents that many commonly celebrated Halloween and Día de Los Muertos activities carry high risk for spreading COVID-19.

Focusing on decorations, limiting activities to the people you live with, and virtual costume parties or contests will help keep our communities safe this season, especially our children. Together, we all need to do as much as we can to protect ourselves and those around us. READ MORE...
Are You Ready To Vote?

All 37 of our secure outdoor drop boxes for the November election have been installed and open!

See the list of locations: http://cocovote.us/drop-boxes
Find out answers to all your questions on the elections process in Contra Costa County.

For resources about voter education in California please visit these sites:
Board of Supervisors Honors Veterans and Invites You to
Our Veterans Day Celebration November 10, 2020
Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors honors veterans and invites the community to a virtual live-stream of our Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 11:00 am.

The Social Distancing Order of September 14 prevents a public gathering to ensure public safety.

The keynote speaker is a Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Congressman Mike Thompson. Thompson served in combat with U.S. Army as a staff sergeant and platoon leader with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He also served as an instructor at the Army’s Airborne School.

“The Board of Supervisors thanks all veterans and their families and honor these heroes who protect the ideals of freedom and democracy,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Candace Andersen. “Our Veterans did not let us down during difficult times, and that is why we must honor them during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The celebration event will also feature a color guard ceremony by De Anza High School JROTC, California Poet Bill Nelson, and guest speaker Mike Hoffschneider. Hoffschneider retired from Contra Costa County as a Veterans Service Representative on October 1, 2020, and had over 43 years of combined federal and County public service.

The public can watch the virtual live-stream at www.contracosta.ca.gov/6086 or www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will also broadcast live on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) channels: Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, and WAVE Channel 32.

Please contact Contra Costa County Veterans Service Officer Nathan D. Johnson at (925) 313-1481 for any questions about this year’s event.
BOS Seeks Humanitarian of the Year Nominations
We invite you to be part of the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as Contra Costa County and the Board of Supervisors mark the 43rd annual celebration of his achievements. This year's theme is "Silence is Not an Option.” At the ceremony, the prestigious award for Humanitarian of the Year in Contra Costa County, will be presented to an adult and a student winner. 

We encourage you to nominate a community member whose accomplishments and service positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents and communities, and reflect the humanitarian spirit of Dr. King’s vision to promote equality, peace, and justice for all people. Nominate candidates with proven leadership, commitment to community, and personal integrity.

The nomination period starts Wednesday, October 21, 2020. 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.

Save the date for the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. This year’s celebration will be virtual. To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Health Officer’s Social Distancing Order prevents public gatherings. The ceremony will be televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, and WAVE Channel 32, and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.   

We hope to receive your nominations at Contra Costa County’s website for the MLK Ceremony at www.contracosta.ca.gov/5307. If you have any questions, please contact Committee Member Manny Bowlby.

District 3 Committee 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-2A Citizen Advisory Committee (Blackhawk)
3 seats
Closing Date: October 31, 2020

Applicants must reside within the Blackhawk community to serve on this board.

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.

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.

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.
 
You may also download an application from the County’s website at http://contra.napanet.net/maddybook/ 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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