Weekly Update - April 28, 2023

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HUD Grant to Address Homelessness in Contra Costa

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $5.3 million grant to help address unsheltered homelessness in Contra Costa.

The grant is one of 62, totaling $468 million, awarded since February. The federal program addresses unsheltered and rural homelessness by helping communities implement coordinated approaches that connect outreach, permanent housing and health/supportive services

Contra Costa’s Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) will use the one-time, 3-year grant to bring people who are currently unsheltered in our community into permanent housing.

This grant funding is in addition to the $17.3 million that HUD awarded in March to fund homeless services in the County. That funding, awarded annually, fuels the homeless services provided by the County, community-based organizations, and other service providers in the Continuum of Care. Between the two awards, 50 additional units of permanent supportive housing have been added to Contra Costa County.

Moraga Community Faire and Car Show this Saturday, April 29

This Saturday, April 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga is the much-loved Community Faire & Car Show, sponsored by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce.

It is back with oodles of fun for the kids, lots of spectacular cars, and food and music.

It is a family-friendly fun event bringing business and community together.

For more information and to see the schedule of events, click the button below.

Moraga Kiwanis Club Breakfast Meeting

Supervisor Andersen was up bright and early to speak to the Moraga Kiwanis Club at their breakfast meeting on Thursday, April 27th.

Pictured on the left, are Moraga Kiwanis Club President Gloria Eive, long-time club member John Haffner and Supervisor Andersen.

Medi-Cal Renewals

The Medi-Cal continuous coverage requirement that was implemented as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic sunset in March. This month, the processing of annual redeterminations of eligibility, discontinuances, and negative actions for the Medi-Cal programs resumes. 

This means Medi-Cal recipients need to take action to ensure they and their family members keep their Medi-Cal coverage. Starting with June renewal dates for beneficiaries, Medi-Cal recipients must complete their Medi-Cal renewals in the month they are due. They must report any changes to their contact information (name, address, phone number or email) or household situation. 

Autonomous Shuttle Service Opens

To The Public in San Ramon

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) launched the Bay Area’s first autonomous shuttle program to be open to the public. The Bishop Ranch Autonomous Shuttle Program will run through fall 2023, providing free, electric shuttle service to four key destinations within Bishop Ranch in San Ramon.

CCTA’s groundbreaking shuttles will service the area Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. This marks the launch of CCTA’s PRESTO—a new suite of mobility options that will include bike share, scooter share, and express bus service in addition to autonomous shuttles. PRESTO will prepare the Bay Area for the future of transportation and increase transit options for all, including transportation-challenged and underserved communities in Contra Costa County.

CCTA is also partnering with Beep, which specializes in operating autonomous shuttles to create and manage stress-free and self-sufficient autonomous mobility solutions. Beep has operated autonomous shuttles around the country, including in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and even at Yellowstone National Park. PRESTO shuttles do not have drivers, pedals, or a steering wheel, but an attendant is always on board to make sure riders have a safe and pleasant experience. The Beep Command Center also remotely monitors the shuttles at all times to ensure the shuttles are operating safely.

The Bishop Ranch PRESTO shuttle will take passengers along a route with four stops throughout Bishop Ranch and City Center. PRESTO shuttles hold up to eight passengers plus an attendant and have a maximum speed limit of 15 miles per hour. The service is family-friendly, but riders under the age of 16

must be accompanied by an adult.

CCTA plans to bring shuttles to several public events across the county this summer to make it easier for people to see and experience autonomous shuttles first-hand.

More information on how to use the shuttles can be found by clicking on the button below.

Several local officials were in attendance for the Shuttle Service launch, from left to right: Danville Town Councilmember Karen Stepper, Joe Moye, CEO of BEEP, Tim Haile Executive Director of CCTA, San Ramon Vice Mayor Mark Armstrong, Pleasant Hill City Councilmember Sue Noack, Danville Town Councilmember Newell Arnerich, Hercules City Councilmember Chris Kelley, Jennifer Rizzo, District Representative for Senator Steve Glazer, Gayle Israel, Chief of Staff for Supervisor Andersen, Dom Aliano, District Director for Steve Glazer and Concord City Councilmember, and Alex Mehran, Jr., President, and CEO at Bishop Ranch by Sunset Development Company.

Contra Costa Special Districts Association

30th Anniversary Celebration

Supervisor Andersen, along with Supervisor Ken Carlson, presented a Board of Supervisors resolution to the Contra Costa Special Districts Association at the celebration of their 30th Anniversary on April 27th at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. In the photo below they are presenting the resolution to Chapter President Chad Davisson.

Special districts are limited-purpose local governments – separate from cities and counties. Within their boundaries, special districts provide focused public services such as fire protection, sewers, water supply, electricity, parks, recreation, sanitation, cemeteries, and libraries.

For more information about the Contra Costa Special Districts Association, click on the button below.

Cleaner Contra Costa May Actions

Get sustainable with the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge if you haven’t already! Go to the free website by clicking on the button below; you will be provided a list of actionable steps you can take to save water, energy, waste and money. You can also earn prizes along the way. Why not check it out?

Town of Danville Offers Civil Marriage

Ceremonies at Town Offices 

The Town of Danville is now offering civil marriage ceremonies at the Town Offices. City Clerk Marie Sunseri performs the weddings -- the only City Clerk in Contra Costa to offer this service, and one of only a few county municipalities offering civil ceremonies. Weddings can be held either indoors in the lobby rotunda in Danville’s new City Hall or outdoors on the patio. 

In California, City Clerks are authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies throughout the State of California. In Danville, you must make an appointment for the City Clerk to officiate at a wedding ceremony, which are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays and last approximately 10 minutes. Reservations for the ceremony can be made no more than 90 days in advance. Couples must obtain a marriage license through the Contra Costa County Office of the Clerk-Recorder prior to having a ceremony. Wedding parties are limited to a total of 10 guests. 

City Hall weddings are increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Couples who do not practice any particular religion – or those blending religious backgrounds – often find that a civil marriage ceremony provides neutral ground for a memorable occasion. Some couples also like the simplicity of a meaningful simple ceremony that close friends and family members can participate in and attend. 

For more information, and to complete an application, click on the button below.

Eagle Scout Jazz Benefit Concert

Free Virtual Home and Worm Composting Workshops

The Contra Costa County Department of Conservation & Development is sponsoring free composting workshops. All Contra Costa County residents are welcome. Make sure to reserve your place today! You can view the details and register via Eventbrite, which is accessible by clicking the date of the workshop below. 

April 29 Vermicomposting (Worm) 

Virtual via Zoom

June 10 Home Composting

Virtual via Zoom

August 12 Home Composting

Virtual via Zoom

October 14 Vermicomposting (Worm)

Virtual via Zoom

These events will be hosted live online via Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link the week prior to the event. 

Get Ready for Bike to Work Day

Save the date! Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 18. For maximum fun, prep now for a smooth two-wheeled commute. 

• Prep Your Bike. Start with the ABC’s – Air, Brakes, and Chain. Our guide will get you started. Visit a local bike shop if you need help with a complete tune-up.

• Plan Your Ride. The route you drive to work may not be ideal for commuting by bike. Map out your ride using quiet streets, bike lanes, and trails for a more comfortable, safer ride.

• Test Your Plan. Take a test run to explore your route and locate bike racks or lockers at your destination. Practice loading your bike on a bus or taking it on BART. Commit to biking one day a week and you may be eligible for a $20 BikeLink locker card.

• Find a bike buddy. Ask coworkers to join you on May 18. Plan where and when to meet so you can all ride in together. (Bike party!)

• Cash in on an e-bike. If you’ve purchased an e-bike within the last six months, you may be eligible for a $150-$500 cash rebate.

CCC Sheriff Hosts Junior Women's Academy

When: June 13th, 14th and 15th

Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm each day

Where: Law Enforcement Training Center Range

12000 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton, Ca 94517

Transportation will be provided if needed. Pick up/drop off points throughout the County. Lunch and snacks will also be provided.

Danville Denim & Diamonds - State of the

Chamber & Community Awards

Supervisor Andersen attended the Danville Area State of the Chamber and Community Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 26th at the Blackhawk Country Club.

Pictured on the right, Supervisor Andersen with Renee Morgan, Danville Town Councilmember and Citizen of the Year honoree.

The entire list of honorees recognized :

• Kristen Phillips - Best Construction, Design, Landscape
• Uday & Nisha Kumar - Best Restaurant, Bakery, Catering
• Lara George - Best Promotional Marketing, Photo, Video
• Steve Koel, Business Person of the Year
• Tonya Colton - Best Real Estate, Banking, Escrow Services
• Marianne Iversen - Employee of the Year
• Sara Fendrich - Best Health, Wellness, Beauty, Fitness
• Amy Lundberg - Best Business Services
• Lisa Pellegrini - Non-Profit of the Year
• Jeff Sutherland - Best Retail, Boutique Sales & Service
• Scott Bigelow - Ambassador of the Year

Congratulations to all of the honorees and nominees. To learn more about the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, click on the button below.

Garden Tour for AAUW (Danville Alamo Walnut Creek branch) "Gardens that Inspire"

After a two-year’s hiatus, The Danville Alamo Walnut Creek (DAW) Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is preparing for their Gardens that Inspire Tour on Friday and Saturday, May 12 & 13, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Five homeowners in Danville and Alamo will open their spectacular private gardens through which participants may enjoy self-paced, self-guided walking tours. Each garden space is unique and beautiful.      

The DAW AAUW Garden Tour 2023 is the principal branch fundraiser and supports local scholarships for women and girls. This tour marks the twenty-first year of the organization’s garden event. DAW AAUW has awarded over $121,000 in scholarships over the last ten years to help local college women complete their degree programs. 

Tickets are $40.00 per person. Registrants will receive a link to an online Gardens that Inspire detailed ticket, guide, and map. Children must be over 12.  No pets, please.  

To learn more and to purchase tickets, click on the button below.

AANHPI Celebration - May 9, 2023

Operation Documentation for Veterans

Veterans are invited to bring their DD 214 (discharge paperwork) to the County Clerk-Recorder's office and they will record it at no charge for safekeeping and peace of mind. Whenever the Veteran needs a certified copy of the form, they can get one from the office at no charge.

The Veteran Service Office will be on hand to meet with Veterans who need additional assistance, and additional agencies will also have information and resource tables. 

Would You Like To Serve on the Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity? 

The Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity (ACEEO) has one (1) vacant Disability seat open to applicants. The successful candidate must reside or work within Contra Costa County, be an active participant in the disabled community, and have an interest in equal employment matters. The ACEEO meets the fourth Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. except for holidays.

The ACEEO assists with the implementation of the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Contracting Programs and serves as an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors. The ACEEO reviews the Equal Employment Opportunities Program and recommends actions to facilitate the attainment of the County’s goals for equal employment opportunities regardless of gender, and race/ethnicity.

The Board of Supervisors established the ACEEO on July 9, 1991. The Council has 13 seats representing the following groups: 4 Community seats; 2 Labor seats; 2 Management seats; 1 Educational seat; 1 Disability seat; 1 Business seat; 1 Veteran seat; and 1 Labor/Trade seat.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655- 2000 or by clicking on the button below. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, 1025 Escobar St., 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553. Applications can also be emailed to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us.

Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews. For further information about the ACEEO, please contact Antoine Wilson at antoine.wilson@riskm.cccounty.us or (925) 335-1455. See past agendas or find out more about the Council by clicking on the button below.

Volunteer Opportunities

Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board- https://cchealth.org/aod/board/

District 2 Seat Term is expiring. To advise the Board of Supervisors in collaboration with the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, providing input and recommendations as they pertain to alcohol and other drugs prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

Measure X Community Advisory Body - Measure X Information

An individual who represents broad and diverse voices and perspectives is needed to fill the District 2 Alternate Seat. To be considered for this seat, candidates must either live or work in District 2. The Measure X Community Advisory Board currently meets monthly. Please contact our office at (925) 655-2300 if you are interested in applying.

Measure X is a countywide 20-year, ½ cent sales tax approved by Contra Costa County voters on November 3, 2020. Collection of the tax began on April 1, 2021. The ballot measure language stated that the intent of Measure X is “to keep Contra Costa’s regional hospital open and staffed; fund community health centers, emergency response; support crucial safety-net services; invest in early childhood services; protect vulnerable populations; and for other essential county services.”