Make it a fabulous summer to remember! During the summer, platelet donations often drop as regular donors go on vacation. But the need for platelets never lets up, and right now, there’s a severe platelet shortage.
Will you give more life this summer?
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Prepare for Wildfire Season Now.
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IF YOU USE A CELL PHONE YOU MUST
REGISTER TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS
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Emergency and Disaster Training in Spanish |
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Contra Costa VOAD is hosting a virtual LISTOS Basic Emergency and Disaster Training in Spanish over two days.
July 24 and July 31
from 10 am to noon each day.
There is no cost associated with this course. Participants must attend class on both days to receive a graduation certificate.
Children over the age of 10 years are welcome to participate with a parent.
Please share the attached flyer, which includes a registration link. The flyer is in Spanish.
LISTOS is a basic emergency and disaster readiness public education program presented in Spanish that focuses on a grass-roots approach to reach populations through trusted networks. The goal of this program is to provide very basic resources to Spanish-speaking populations for emergency readiness in an environment in which they feel comfortable.
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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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Businesses and community organizations in Contra Costa can now request visits from Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) mobile COVID-19 vaccination van to workplaces, community centers, and other locations where five or more members of a group want to receive a vaccine.
Any business or organization can request a mobile vaccination clinic using an online form if they are in the county and CCHS will send a mobile health van to provide free vaccinations on-site within one week after completing the request. Read More...
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Temporary Eviction Moratorium |
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At a Board meeting on June 22, 2021, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-20 that continues a temporary eviction moratorium for certain residential tenants and a moratorium on certain residential rent increases through September 30, 2021. The Urgency Ordinance also continues a temporary eviction moratorium for certain commercial tenants through September 30, 2021. Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-20 supersedes Ordinance No. 2021-11 and takes effect immediately.
“Our County is reopening and ready to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, yet my colleagues and I recognize that many residents and small businesses are still struggling to regain their stability,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis, Board Chair. “Extending eviction protections will help residents and small businesses get back on the road to recovery and a stronger, brighter future.”
Read the full document Ordinance No. 2021-20 (PDF). Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this ordinance on the County website soon.
For information and resources like the County’s Rent Relief Program that can help eligible renters and landlords impacted by COVID-19 with rent and utilities, visit the Contra Costa County website at www.contracosta.ca.gov. The Rent Relief Program application through the state’s website portal is now easier and available in many languages.
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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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Rent Relief Flyers also available in:
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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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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 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.
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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Contra Costa County Library is celebrating an increase in open hours at 17 libraries beginning Thursday, July 1, 2021. Nine libraries have increased hours thanks to funding from city partners.
The County has also increased the number of base hours it funds at each library from 35 to 40, allowing for an increase in hours at eight libraries. In total, libraries will be open an additional 121 hours per week, 16.5 hours more per week than before the pandemic began.
“It is wonderful that so many cities and towns in the county see the immense value library services provide to our communities,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “Prioritizing an increase to library hours means more access to important services and resources for everyone.”
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Stand Down on The Delta Seeking Volunteers
Stand Down on the Delta, a four-day, three-night event for Veterans experiencing homelessness, is seeking volunteers.
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We ask that you fill out this survey prior to July 13, 2021.
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Grants Are Available Now
Request for Proposals:
Outreach, Application Support, and Stability Services
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Do you work directly with impacted communities?
Request for Proposals: Contra Costa County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Outreach, Application Support, and Housing Stability Service
What is it?
The new Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), over $100 million in federal funds, has been designated for rent and utility assistance to keep Contra Costa County residents stably housed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are targeted to households with incomes below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) that have experienced a loss in income related to COVID-19 and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
There is now a special opportunity for community-based organizations to support ERAP through funding from the County! Our goal with this funding is to engage trusted organizations with deep ties in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities, providing funding to support your outreach to Contra Costa residents who can most benefit from ERAP rental assistance funds. We want to make sure that the benefits of ERAP reach the most marginalized communities through targeted and multi-lingual outreach, application assistance, and housing stability services.
Grants are available for the following:
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Outreach: Up to $5,000 to market ERAP to tenants in marginalized communities.
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Application Assistance: Up to $30,000 to help tenants complete and submit ERAP applications.
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Housing Stability Services: $75,000 to help tenants with non-participating landlords understand their rights and access additional resources, including free legal aid.
HOW TO APPLY
We encourage all interested organizations to apply! Please feel free to forward this message to other partners who might not know about the opportunity; we especially hope to hear from organizations with a deep connection and trusted relationship with those experiencing the greatest challenges and barriers who could most benefit from the ERAP funding.
The Request For Proposals (RFP), which is relatively short, can be completed online in either English or Spanish.
RCF Connects will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. We hope to hear from you soon!
RCF Connects aims to make this opportunity as accessible as possible to the people who work directly with impacted communities. If you have questions or concerns -- including any barriers that you may face regarding eligibility, services, or the application process -- please contact Mariana Moore (mmoore@richmondcf.org) or Stacey Street (sstreet@richmondcf.org) for support and assistance.
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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
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.
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 a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community served by the fire district.
Meetings are typically held on 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 Service Area, P-2A Citizen Advisory Committee (Blackhawk)
1 seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
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.
You must reside within the Blackhawk community to serve on this board.
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.
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.
Knightsen Town Advisory Council
1 Seat
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 that 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 7:30 pm 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 7 pm located at 777 Arnold Drive in Martinez.
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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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