Supervisor Burgis Introduces Revised Fireworks Ordinance |
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Supervisor Diane Burgis introduced a revised Countywide Fireworks Ordinance regulating the possession, manufacture, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County this week.
“Illegal fireworks are a drain on our system,” said Supervisor Burgis. “We simply don’t have the resources to address this continued problem. I would encourage cities and towns to adopt stronger ordinances and send the message that illegal fireworks will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”
The Sheriff and fire departments in the County receive numerous calls for service each year stemming from illegal fireworks, including calls to address vegetation fires, structure and exterior fires, personal injury or death, and noise or other public nuisances.
“Illegal fireworks in our county continually pose a threat to the safety of our communities,” said Fire Chief Brian Helmick. “On behalf of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, we would like to thank Supervisor Burgis for taking these necessary actions to curb the use of illegal fireworks and for helping to protect all citizens who have been impacted by illegal fireworks.”
The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 44-2 and authorize the Sheriff to arrest and cite a responsible party... Read More
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Supervisors Raise Progress Pride Flag at County Admin Building |
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In a vote to approve a resolution brought by Supervisor Diane Burgis, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously declared June 2021 LGBTQ+ Pride Month and for the first time in history approved raising the Progress Pride Flag at the County Administration Building in Martinez.
The flag will be flown for the month of June to demonstrate the County’s commitment to inclusivity and being a welcoming and safe place for all Contra Costa County residents.
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This week CCHS is blanketing a census tract in Antioch with outreach workers, vaccination opportunities, and health information as part of a focused effort to improve the local COVID-19 vaccination rate.
The CDPH recently reached out to local health departments, requesting they focus on vaccine education and outreach in specific tracts where vaccination rates were especially low.
- Less than 40% of eligible residents have been vaccinated in the census tract identified in Antioch, north of Highway 4 between the Sommersville and L Street exits.
- Countywide, more than 75% of eligible Contra Costans have received at least one dose of vaccine.
CCHS outreach workers will canvas the area all week, knocking on doors, answering questions about COVID-19 and the vaccines, arranging rides to nearby free vaccination clinics, and encouraging residents to get vaccinated with small incentives such as movie tickets, passes to the Antioch Water Park and grocery gift cards.
CCHS will have a free, no-appointment vaccination clinic Tuesday-Saturday at nearby Antioch Middle School, 1500 D St., supplementing the Tuesday-Saturday service at the Nick Rodriquez Community Center.
Normal clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., no appointment is required. On Thursday 6/10 the school clinic will remain open until 7 p.m.
On Friday, 6/11, a mobile vaccine van will be available to provide vaccinations directly in the neighborhood.
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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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Supervisors proclaim June 2021 as
Elder Abuse Awareness Month
WHEREAS, older adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers, and vital participating members of our communities; and
WHEREAS, as our population lives longer, we are presented with an opportunity to honor older adults as we consider our collective needs and future as a nation; and WHEREAS, women are 66 percent more likely to be affected by Elder Abuse than men; and
WHEREAS in Contra Costa County, Adult Protective Services (APS) receives more than 4,000 elder and dependent adult abuse reports per year, and, in California, there are an estimated 202,549 cases of reported elder and dependent adult abuse annually... Read More
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Older Adults & Opening Up - COVID-19
You are invited to attend a special event hosted by the West County Senior Coalition starring Ms. Debbie Toth, Choice in Aging to give an update on the State Master Plan for Aging, and Dr. Sara Levin who will be speaking about re-opening after Covid, including:
- Masking
- Social Distancing
- Going to senior centers and community rooms - Can they require vaccination?
- Restaurants, cafes
- Shopping
- Public Transit
- Socializing with non-vaccinated people
- Protocol/ethics around asking others if they are vaccinated. Rules/regulations around requiring vaccination.
- Risks for variants for the vaccinated
- Travel, air, train, bus
Zoom Meeting Details:
Agenda:
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Older Adults & Opening Up -COVID-19; Sara Levin, Contra Costa Health Services with Q&A
- Sharing news and updates
June 16, 2021
2:00 PM
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
Password: 283651
Or Telephone: 888-278-0254 (US Toll-Free)
Conference Code: 783437
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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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IF YOU USE A CELL PHONE YOU MUST
REGISTER TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS
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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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District 3 Commission Openings
Countywide Bicycle Committee
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Countywide Bicycle Advisory Committee provides input to the County and the county's cities on bicycle projects for Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds to construct bicycle/pedestrian projects and provides advice to cities and the County on bicycle planning matters.
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.
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.
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 the liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community served by the fire district.
Meetings are typically held 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 Planning Commission
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Planning Commission was established under State law to implement the planning power of the county. The Planning Commission develops or approves land use plans, development initiatives, planning programs, and permit applications, among other duties.
Economic Opportunity Council
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Economic Opportunity Council makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on all program proposals and budgets related to Community Services Block Grant and the Weatherization program and performs other functions as specified in the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
The EOC meetings are held every second Thursday of every month at 1470 Civic Ct. Suite 200, Concord, CA 94520 from 6:00-8:00 PM.
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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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