NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE
Shelter at Home Still Being Asked of All Contra Costa Residents
Thank you to each of you in our Contra Costa Community who are taking our recent Health Order to shelter in your home so seriously. Social distancing for all ages is very important to slow the spread of the virus. Please continue to support your friends, family and neighbors from a safe distance.  Technology is a wonderful way to stay connected!

Together, as a community, we will come out of this stronger than before.  

Warmly,
Candace
Updated Signature 06182013
Where to Get Information in Contra Costa County
 
  • Go to coronavirus.cchealth.org It provides the most updated and comprehensive information and answers to the most frequently asked questions about COVID19 and the County Health Officer’s order to Shelter at Home. 

  • There is additional resource information of all kinds on the County website at contracosta.ca.gov.

  • Call 1-844-729-8410. It is an information line to answer questions you may have about the order. The line operates 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

  • Email me at supervisorandersen@bos.cccounty.us or call my office at (925) 957-8860. My office is closed to visitors through April 7, but we are here to respond by phone or email to questions you have that cannot be answered at the County Health website or Information line above.
Board of Supervisors March 24th Special Meeting
will be Streamed Live
To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Health Officer’s Shelter Order of March 16, 2020, prevents public gatherings ( Health Officer Order ). In lieu of a public gathering, the Board of Supervisors meeting will be accessible via television and live-streaming to all members of the public as permitted by the Governor’s Executive Order 29-20. Board meetings are televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, and WAVE Channel 32, and can be seen live online at  contracosta.ca.gov .

Persons who wish to address the board during public comment or with respect to an item that is on the agenda may submit public comments to  publiccomment@cob.cccounty.us  either before or during the meeting. 
Some Ways to Help our Community During the Coronavirus Outbreak
As social distancing practices are being encouraged, many of us are grappling with the question: How does a community come together in a time when we can’t physically be together?

Here are a few things you can still do to help your family and your community:

  • Connect with your family, family, & neighbors by phone, text or on-line
  • If you are Young and Healthy, offer to deliver groceries to the most vulnerable
  • Volunteer or donate to a local food bank
  • Donate Blood


If you would like to volunteer time to support the emergency you can visit the 211 website:  www.211cc.org  to search for up to date information and opportunities.

There is a severe blood donation shortage across the country. The coronavirus outbreak has led to the cancellation of at least 2,700 blood drives nationally, which means 86,000 fewer donations.

The Red Cross has put new safety measures in place that will make donors confident in the safety of collection sites and ensure that all staff are protected. If you are eligible and healthy, you can find your nearest blood donation center by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or through the American Red Cross   website at redcross.org/local/california/northern-california.

The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano is remaining open. To learn how you can help or to donate go to www.foodbankccs.org. Food banks are designated “essential businesses” so this means they will remain open during this shelter in place. They will continue to serve the community.

The Food Bank needs healthy people not displaying any symptoms of being sick or living with anyone who is sick,  to sign up for volunteer shifts go to volunteer.foodbankccs.org/calendar.

If you have a neighbor or a friend or anyone you think is high-risk, ask them how you can help, possibly by picking up medications, or with their groceries.  If you're healthy, you can help you can be part of the solution.
Helping Businesses
East Bay EDA
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) has created a great list of resources for businesses during this critical time. Visit their site here  eastbayeda.org.

Continue to patronize your favorite local restaurants and businesses by ordering food items for pick up or delivery.

Property Taxes Still Due by April 10th
There is currently no extension for property taxes. Our Treasurer-Tax Collector Russell V. Watts does not have the legal authority to extend the date. Your options for paying your property taxes are by mail, by calling (925) 957-5280, or online at  www.cctax.us . Walk-in payments are not allowed because the office is currently closed to the public.

To communicate with the office, please use the email address taxinfo@tax.cccounty.us . A representative will reply as soon as possible.

If you need a receipt for proof of payment, a copy of your tax bill with the installment’s payment date is available in View Bill under Account Lookup.
 
Visit the Tax Collector’s Office at  www.cctax.us  for additional information.
Our Libraries are "Virtually" Open for Business
Even though our Contra Costa Library buildings are closed, you can still enjoy their many resources at  ccclib.org !
 
You can access resources on your computer, tablet or mobile device.
 
And don't forget about eBooks and eAudiobooks 
 
Movies and Videos
 
Visit  ccclib.org  for the full list of available resources.
 
The Libraries remain closed until further notice. Don't worry if your books or DVDs show as overdue on your account. Please keep all library materials until libraries reopen. There are no overdue fines.

IRS Allows Tax Payments to be Deferred until July 15, but Still Requires Returns to be filed by April 15
Taxpayers affected by COVID-19 will have until July 15, 2020 to file and pay income taxes. More information can be found at irs.gov/coronavirus.
Don't Forget to Be Counted in the Census
It is still vital that you participate in the 2020 Census. You should have received a letter in the mail instructing you how to respond online. For more information or for other ways to respond to the Census, visit contracosta.ca.govCensus-2020.