November 5, 2020
The 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.
Supervisors Recognize Disabled American Veterans
Supervisor Burgis presented a resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of Disabled American Veterans, at the Antioch Veterans Memorial to Commanders JR Wilson and Paul Scannell.

This year DAV celebrates 100 years of serving veterans of the Armed Forces, their families and survivors, and communities.

Thank you to DAV for empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Read More...
Contra Costa Responds Quickly to Climbing COVID-19 Cases 
With data from the past week showing a marked increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Contra Costa County, health officials are taking steps to protect the community with modest changes to local health orders.

Contra Costa entered the orange tier of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy on Oct. 27, triggering an expansion of community reopening activities in the county. But since that date, the average daily number of new cases in the county has grown substantially higher.

If the trend continues, the county is at risk of moving backward into the more-restrictive red tier of the state’s reopening plan as soon as next week. In the meantime, Contra Costa has amended its health orders to rein in some of the riskier indoor activities permitted under the orange tier in hopes of preventing outbreaks and keeping the county out of the red.

For more information, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.
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
WDBCCC TO AWARD GRANTS TO HELP MICRO BUSINESSES AVERT LAYOFFS 

If you’re a small business in Contra Costa County facing potential layoffs due to the financial impacts of the pandemic, we want to help you keep your workers! The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) is awarding grants to small businesses experiencing an adverse financial impact due to COVID-19. The goal is to help employers avert layoffs and/or closure.

The WDB has $100,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding for layoff aversion grants to small businesses within Contra Costa County. The funds will reimburse expenses directly related to preventing layoffs or facility closures due to COVID-19, such as personal protective equipment or equipment that makes it possible for employees to work remotely. Businesses may not use funds to pay employee wages, benefits, or support services, such as rent, childcare or transportation.

Priority will be given to these types of women and minority-owned micro-businesses: retail, restaurants, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, day spas and fitness studios.

Join us for a webinar Nov. 17 at 3 p.m., where we will provide more in-depth information about this grant opportunity. Visit the Employer section of our #BounceBackContraCosta website starting Monday (Nov. 2) to register for the webinar. 

If you have questions, call the WDBCCC COVID-19 Resource Hotline at 833-320-1919, or email bouncebackcoco@ehsd.cccounty.us.


RESOURCES TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS THROUGH THE PANDEMIC 

WDBCCC has received $1.4 million in funding to help Contra Costa County workers and employers through the pandemic, including $100,000 for layoff aversion grants.

Our partner, Rubicon Programs, is administering funding to support training and re-employment for individuals impacted by COVID-19, as well as for emergency supportive service (ESS) payments directly to individuals impacted by the virus. 

Individuals may be eligible for ESS payments if they were impacted due to being:

  • Laid-off or wage impacted
  • Unable to work due to COVID-19 school/childcare closures
  • Unable to telework due to lack of technology equipment
  • Unable to work due to caring for a COVID-19 family member
  • Immunocompromised and unable to work

You could receive assistance to help pay for:

  • Rent, utility bills, insurance 
  • Childcare
  • Equipment to telework
  • Other assistance, as needed
  • Training-cost assistance up to $8,000

For more information, call 510-323-1104.

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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