Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Opens

58-Year-Old Time Capsule 

(From left to right) Vice Chair, Supervisor Federal Glover, Supervisor Diane Burgis, Board Chair, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Supervisor Candace Andersen, and Supervisor John Gioia hold items to be placed in a time capsule that will be opened in 50 years.

On October 4, 2022, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors opened a 58-year-old time capsule that was buried on September 26, 1964 under the prior Administration Building at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.

“We were excited to see what items were preserved in the old time capsule and to accept materials from all five Board Members as well as County departments for the new Administration Building time capsule,” said Board Chair Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “The new time capsule will be placed in a vault at 1025 Escobar Street and opened in 2072.”

The 1964 capsule contained a diverse collection of artifacts. Some of the unearthed items included the County’s 1964 annual report, predictions from the City of Martinez, emergency numbers for fire, police, and the County, a picture of the building maintenance staff, a County office telephone directory, directions on how to operate a push-button telephone, a photo of the first Contra Costa Courthouse built in 1855 and demolished in 1903, a copy of the special edition dedication of the Administration Building published in the Morning News-Gazette on September 25, 1964, and a letter from the 1960s County Administrator Joseph P. McBrien. The items will be placed on a history wall in the new Administration Building at 1025 Escobar Street.

At the October 4, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting, the County Board of Supervisors and departments also included items for the new time capsule to be opened in 50 years.

Board Chair, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff included a letter highlighting the significant impacts of the pandemic and commenting: “My hope and wish are that 50 years from now, we will have returned to a time when people are respectful, more courteous, and more understanding of different points of view.” Her letter also identified major issues affecting Contra Costa County including the Delta, transportation, housing, and public service. Supervisor Mitchoff included letters from each city in her district and photos of their council members. All cities provided pins, Clayton provided a pen, and Pleasant Hill provided a stamp from this year’s library opening.

Vice Chair, District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover said, “This is an opportunity to reflect where the County has been in the last several decades. So, I included some history in terms of myself, in that I am the first African American to be a part of the Board of Supervisors.” Some items that Supervisor Glover included were pins from the cities, brochures, and information on the widening of Highway 4, BART coming into the County system, E-BART, community colleges, refineries, the Zero Tolerance initiative against Domestic Violence, electrifying of housing through the Sustainability Committee, the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, and the Youth Summits.

District 1 Supervisor John Gioia’s letter to the future indicated, “We faced enormous challenges. We persevered. We had faith in our young people and future leaders to protect and fight for our future. We know you will have the wisdom and the will to continue the fight for our planet and our communities.” Supervisor Gioia included a CD about the Contra Costa Historical Society, a COVID home test kit, an N-95 mask, a San Francisco Bay Trail Map with a note hoping the trail would be fully built, a T-Shirt from the 5th annual Richmond Indigenous Peoples Walk to show respect for our native inhabitants, a T-Shirt from a recent Coastal Clean-Up Day, a “Racism is a Public Health Crisis” lapel pin, and a lapel pin of the original El Cerrito High School which Supervisor Gioia attended.

District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen’s items included letters from Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and San Ramon. She also wrote a letter describing her role as County Supervisor, as well as the priorities and issues confronting District 2. Supervisor Andersen included a Blackhawk Bulletin, photos of the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, and a PowerPoint presentation about District 2. “I also included our holiday card, which is a picture of my staff because they are an integral part of what we do in serving the community,” said Supervisor Anderson.

District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis said, “This is a moment where you get to talk to people in the future, and it made me philosophical and introspective. The capsule that we are opening today was set up a year before I was born, and so much turbulence was going on in the world at that time, and as much as things have changed, they haven’t.” Supervisor Burgis included a letter addressing the current situation in District 3, the County, and the world, background on District 3 and far east County, and the priorities and issues in 2022. Supervisor Burgis added, “I closed the letter with a message to my future loved ones and encouraged people to continue to give and serve to make the world a better place. We must be optimistic and look forward to the progress that has gone on in the world.” Supervisor Burgis also included a bio, a photo with her staff, and information from Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. Recent editions of local papers, brochures of the Future of the Diablo Valley Conference, and the Delta Counties Coalition memorabilia were also included.

To see all the items the Board of Supervisors placed in the new time capsule and opened from the 58-year-old time capsule, visit contracosta.ca.gov/Contra-Costa-County-Time-Capsule. The new time capsule is scheduled to be buried at 1025 Escobar Street and opened in 2072. For more information, you can visit www.contracosta.ca.gov.

Pictured above is the County Administration Building which was built in 1964 and housed the time capsule opened by the Supervisors.

This photo shows the  1964 building as it is currently being demolished.

The new County Administration Building, completed in March of 2019, sits across the street from the old building and will be the site of the newest time capsule.

Contra Costa County Entering New Phase of COVID-19 Response

Some COVID-19 Testing Sites have closed, Including the San Ramon Site, Many Other Testing Options Available

Omicron Booster Shots Available at

County Vaccination Sites

Contra Costa Health (CCH) is offering the Omicron booster shots at its COVID vaccination sites in Antioch, Concord, and Richmond.

People can schedule a booster appointment at County-run vaccination sites online at covidvaccine.cchealth.org or by calling 833-829-2626. Walk-ins are also accepted. Community members also can get the Omicron boosters through their regular healthcare providers or local pharmacies.

For more detailed information about the new booster, see the “Booster Doses” section of the Vaccine Q&As.

To Read the Latest Contra Costa Covid-19 Information and To See the Data Summary, Visit COVID-19 updates

Contra Costa Health Secures $1.5 Million Federal Violence Prevention Grant

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a $1.5 million grant to Contra Costa Health (CCH) to assist in a countywide effort to develop evidence-based, public health strategies for reducing community violence.

Funding from DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) will support a CCH-led program focusing on the evidence-based application of social services in populations disproportionately affected by violent crime to improve outcomes, particularly in the eastern and western regions of Contra Costa County.

"Contra Costa Health has been working to prevent community violence since 1983,” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “This grant will inform the strategic vision of the Violence Prevention Program going forward. On behalf of Contra Costa County, I thank the Department of Justice for this investment in decreasing violence-related injury, increasing perceptions of safety, and building strong partnerships and relationships within the community.”

A team including community stakeholders will assess the causes of violent crime in communities in the county that are disproportionately affected by it, and work with partners including cities, law enforcement and community-based organizations to develop a strategic plan to reduce violence-related injury and death, and improve physical and behavioral health, health equity, perceptions of safety and community partnerships.

“Contra Costa Health is committed to eliminating violence and inequities in our communities. We applaud the efforts of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Program for this investment in our communities that suffer from the epidemic of violence,” said Gilbert Salinas, CCH’s chief equity officer. “This funding will be used to save lives across our county.”

Contra Costa’s multi-year plan will focus on developing social-emotional learning programs for at-risk youth, building workforce development opportunities and career paths, and working with communities to improve the physical environment, neighborhood appearance and community engagement.

CCH will partner with the nonprofit National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) nicjr.org during the first year of the grant for research and planning assistance, including a landscape analysis of the county’s existing violence prevention efforts.

The grant secured by CCH’s Public Health division is among $100 million in awards announced by the DOJ last month ojp.gov to support community violence intervention efforts.

Retirement Send Off for Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jay Lifson

The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the community of Lafayette celebrated the well-earned retirement of Jay Lifson at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa on Monday, October 3rd.  Jay has served as the Executive Director of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce for seventeen years.

Supervisor Andersen was in attendance to listen to the praises of Jay's commitment to Lafayette and to thank him for the many years of dedication to his community, its businesses and residents.

San Ramon Valley Education Foundation 39th Annual

Run For Education

This weekend is the 39th Annual Run for Education being held on Sunday, October 9th. The 10K run starts at Charlotte Wood Middle School, in Danville, and the 5K starts on Camino Ramon, near 2700 Camino Ramon, across from City Center Bishop Ranch. 

Can't join in on the race weekend? You can still support your school and SRVEF by registering as a Virtual Runner!

The Run for Education, as part of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, supports the education of all students in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. For more information visit the website.

Great Shake Out

This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 20, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!

At 10:20 am (local time) on 10/20, you can join millions of people across California practicing earthquake safety. You are encouraged  to participate with everyone, or you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.

While some areas of California are more likely to have earthquakes than others, all of California is at higher risk compared to the rest of the country. 

November 8 is General Election Day in Contra Costa, Ballots Coming to your Mailbox Next Week

To learn more about early voting sites, lists of candidates and measures, official drop boxes, polling places, and many other topics related to the November 8 general election, go to  contra costa general election

Do not miss this important opportunity to vote!

Street Smarts of San Ramon Valley

Supervisor Andersen speaks to an attentive crowd at Rancho Romero Elementary School in Alamo at a Street Smarts Assembly on October 7th.  Street Smarts is a traffic safety education program to change driver, cyclist and pedestrian behavior.

Elementary school assemblies provide children with a fun and entertaining environment through which they are educated about the basic tenets of traffic safety. Assemblies are a way to get children excited about being safe while riding their bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.

To learn more about the Street Smarts programs go to street-smarts.com

Moraga-Orinda Fire Department Open House

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District hosted its annual Fall Open House and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, October 1^st.

The community enjoyed pancakes made by the firefighters, perused a variety of tables containing great information on how to make your home firesafe as well as what to do in the event of an emergency.

Veterans’ Voices Show to Talk with Chaplains

On Monday, October 10th, at 7 pm (PDT), the Veterans’ Voices show will host a LIVE panel of military chaplains. The “Chaplains” show will take an in-depth look at the service and experiences of military chaplains in their own words. Guests will include chaplains Paul R. Sauer and Carl Rhoads and representatives from the Military Chaplains Association, Razz Waff and Retired Brigadier General, Chaplain Robert Pleczowski.

Viewers can share their own experiences or ask a question by calling the program at 925-313-1170. They can also use the phone number to record a message for the panel any time before the show, as well as leave questions and comments at facebook.com/veteransvoices1 or email to veteransvoices@contracostatv.org before or during the live television show.

The Veterans' Voices program is broadcasted live on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) on the second Monday of every month at 7 pm. It can be seen live online at facebook.com/veteransvoices1. You can find an archive of past shows and show resources at contracosta.ca.gov/Veterans-Voices or on our YouTube channel, Veterans’ Voices of Contra Costa. The show is re-run multiple times on CCTV on Comcast Channel 27, Astound Channels 32 and 1027, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.

Join in as Veterans' Voices hosts this conversation that will provide a rare look at the lives and service of chaplains, the spiritual guides for those who serve.

Celebrate the Fall Season at the October Hootenanny

Completed Funding Applications are now Being Accepted for Consideration for the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund

The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee is pleased to announce that completed funding applications are now being accepted for consideration for the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January  5, 2023

The Fish and Wildlife Committee strongly encourages applications related to:   

•  improving habitat 
• scientific research 
• public education
• threatened and endangered species
• resolving human/wildlife interaction issues

In addition to the above areas of interest, the Fish and Wildlife Committee wishes to fund one or more projects that increase collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community cultural organizations on enforcement issues and education focusing on communities that may be unaware of local fish and game laws. Projects that provide multilingual signage and educational materials are encouraged.  

Due to the current drought conditions, proposals should seek to minimize water usage and address the project’s water requirements in the grant application.

Click here to access more information and the application: contracosta.ca.gov/Fish-and-Wildlife-Propagation-Fund-Grant

Should you have any questions about the Fish and Wildlife Committee or this funding program, please contact Maureen Parkes at 925-655-2909 or maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us.  

Hemme Station Park Maintenance

Contra Costa Public Works Department has scheduled conditioning and maintenance for the Pour In Place (PIP) rubberized surface at Hemme Station Park in Alamo. The service will take place on Wednesday, October 12 - Friday, October 15. There will be orange temporary fencing left in place around the play structure until Monday, October 17 to allow time for curing. 

Danville Expands Outdoor Restaurant Dining

The Danville Town Council unanimously voted to extend the temporary operation of expanded outdoor restaurant dining on public and private property, including “Parklets” until January 2, 2025, subject to the adopted design and development standards. These standards focus on the overall design for the outdoor dining areas, offering options for modular prefabricated designs or custom design build options, as well as establishing safety, maintenance, and operation standards. 

Previously issued Temporary Land Use Permits (TLUPs) allowing expanded outdoor dining is set to expire on January 3, 2023. Should a restaurant operator wish to continue to utilize expanded outdoor seating areas, it would be necessary to apply for a new TLUP and a Building Permit. All TLUP applications would be required to adhere to adopted design guidelines and development standards.  

All temporary tents, canopies, signs, electrical hookups, metal barricades, etc., are required to be removed from both public and private property by January 3, 2023. 

To avoid a delay in securing a new TLUP and continuing the operation of expanded outdoor dining, restaurant/property owners are encouraged to review the recently adopted design guidelines and development standards and contact the Planning Division at 925-314-3349 or visit Temporary-Outdoor-Permits for more information about this program. 

Lafayette Res Run for Education

Click here to register for Res Run

Run/walk downtown Lafayette in the 2-mile fun run/walk or 5k, or strive for your best 10k time which includes going around the Lafayette Reservoir on race day, Sunday, October 23. The virtual option is around the paved trail of the reservoir, October 13-22.

Race Start Times

• 5K Race      October 23, 8:00am
• 10K Run      October 23, 8:15am
• 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk     October 23, 8:45am 

Reservoir Challenge: October 13-22, 2022, during Lafayette Reservoir open hours 6:30am-7:00pm. 

Learn more about the Lafayette Res Run for Education as well as find the link to register at https://lafayettechamber.org/resrun.

Alamo Cemetery Tour - Saturday, October 22nd, 10:00 a.m.

Have you ever wanted to tour the Alamo Cemetery?

Docents from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley will talk about Valley residents buried in the cemetery. Historical re-enactors will provide stories about Charlotte Wood, Mary Ann Jones, and R.O. and Mary Cox Baldwin.

Meet in front of the cemetery at 130 El Portal, one block east of Danville Boulevard. The tour will last about an hour.

Make Reservation

Town Hall on the Future of Water in Central Contra Costa

Planned for October 26

With drought the new norm in California, how can we ensure Central Contra Costa County has a reliable water supply for the future? What are the opportunities and challenges for using recycled water to help meet our community’s water needs?

Join community leaders along with our local water, wastewater, and recycled water utilities for a town hall forum exploring the future of water in the central county area. Representatives of East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) will share what they are planning and doing to make the most of our precious water resources.

The town hall will take place Wednesday, October 26, 11:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. at Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center, 3780 Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette. Lunch will be provided.

All are welcome. The event is free, but space is limited, so pre-registration is requested by October 19th.

To register, go to townhallwater or contact (925) 988-7780 or e-mail  kberto@rossmoor.com.

The town hall is sponsored by Rossmoor in partnership with EBMUD and Central San to benefit the local central county communities of Alamo, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Walnut Creek that do not have access to recycled water.

Contra Costa County Seeks Nominations for

Humanitarians of the Year

Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at

45th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony 

Contra Costa County will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 45th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, this year’s theme is “The Future Belongs to All.” The County now seeks 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, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event. 

We welcome your nominations of a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity. 

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Friday, November 4, 2022. To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration and past honorees, visit the  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website. 

The Ins & Outs of the College Admission Process

Seeking Applicants for Arts Council Steering Committee 

Volunteers Needed for New Court Appointed

Special Advocates for Children (CASA) Program

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) is filling its first tutor training cohort and is looking for volunteers who want to make a lasting difference in the lives of local children who have been abused or neglected. 

Children and youth in foster care face many additional academic hurdles. Finding ongoing, quality academic support at no cost can be a challenge, so CASA is taking a big step to help fill that need. CASA Tutors will provide consistent and accessible educational support to local children in grades TK-12 who are already working with a CASA Volunteer Advocate. CASA volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children and youth in foster care to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate placement.

If you have a background in teaching, tutoring, or as a paraeducator, have approximately 6-12 hours a month to give, and are interested in learning more about the CASA Tutor Program, they invite you to contact CASA. 

For more information click here to E-MAIL CASA

Would You Like to Serve on a Contra Costa County Committee, Commission or Board?  There are Many Opportunities Available

The Measure X Community Advisory Board - Supervisor Andersen is seeking an individual from District 2 that represents broad and diverse voices, perspectives, and expertise, including but not exclusive to: children’s services, community health, consumer budgets, advocacy, faith leadership, senior services, fire and public safety protection, housing and homelessness, employment, legal advocacy, local businesses, mental health services, non-partisan civic organizations, policy organizations, public health, racial justice and equity, safety net services, substance abuse services, taxpayers, and youth services.

To be considered for this seat, candidates must either live or work in District 2. The Community Advisory Board currently meets monthly. Currently, the meetings are via online conferencing.

Members of the Community Advisory Board will receive no compensation for their service and must complete State required ethics training as well as County training on the open meeting laws, including the Ralph M. Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance. Initial members of the Committee shall serve staggered terms of two or three years, with subsequent appointments serving three-year terms, with a maximum of six years served consecutively by any member. Currently elected or appointed public officials, including, but not limited to, Mayors, City Council Members, City Managers, and Fire Chiefs are not eligible for appointment.

Racial Justice Oversight Body (RJOB) - The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the Racial Justice Oversight Body's (RJOB) nine (9) Community-based Representatives Seats. 

The RJOB is an 18-member multi-agency advisory body established by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to oversee the implementation of the recommendations made by the Racial Justice Task Force to reduce racial disparities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

For more information on RJOB membership duties and activities, please visit their website - here . Applications due Monday, October 10th. 

Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418. To apply online go to www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/.

District 2 Volunteer Opportunities in Alamo

Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)

To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.

1 Regular Seat

1 Alternate Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo community for police services.

Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC)

Alternate Seat

To advise on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within Alamo, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation.

Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418. To apply online go to www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/.