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Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Proclaim
African American Mental Health Awareness Week
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In the matter of: Resolution No. declaring February 12-18, 2023 as African American Mental Health Awareness Week, February 15th as Miles Hall Day of Remembrance and March 8th as Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance
WHEREAS, in the African American community, there is a need to support the recovery process of peers/clients/consumers and family members impacted by mental health and substance use issues through the delivery of well-funded, culturally-responsive, community-defined and honoring services, including but not limited to, the incorporation of identified spiritual/faith practices and beliefs when requested; and
WHEREAS, mental health and substance use issues and the devastating impact of COVID-19 are among the leading causes of health challenges for African Americans in this County; and
WHEREAS, scientific studies show that when the services are delivered by individuals reflective of those served and faith/spiritual practices are included and embraced as a part of the recovery plan, the peer/client/consumer along with the behavioral health system experiences shorter recovery times, fewer relapses, and fewer hospitalizations; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County Behavioral Health and Provider Services, in an effort to better reflect and celebrate the diverse populations of the county, has been one of the pioneering counties to heed the voice of the peer/client/consumer and family members in building collaborations with various faith based/spiritual communities to explore all resources and tools that will enhance mental health wellness in the African American Community; and
WHEREAS, NAMI Contra Costa, it’s African American Uplift Program,
peers/clients/consumers, family members, providers, spiritual leaders, Conscious Contra Costa, and The Miles Hall Foundation are working hard to support and protect families by educating communities about mental illness and by protecting those living with mental illness from unjust practices and harm by supporting the Miles Hall Crisis Line and the A3 24 hours-7 days a week non police response program, and
WHEREAS, all interested stakeholders can participate in the February
16th Mental Health Awareness Black History Virtual Event providing an update for the African American Uplift Program, the Miles Hall Foundation Bicycle Give-away and ongoing efforts to replace misinformation about mental health, erase prejudice, fear and blame thereby reducing stigma and disparities to unserved, underserved and inappropriately-served communities by helping restore mental health wellness, and reimagining safety for ALL in Contra Costa County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors proclaims February 12-18, 2023 as acknowledgement of African American Mental Health Awareness Week and February 15, 2023 as the Miles Hall Day of Remembrance, March 8th as Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance and encourages everyone to participate.
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FEMA Storm Disaster Assistance for Contra Costa County Residents & Businesses
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Individual Assistance for Contra Costa County residents. FEMA provides Individual Assistance to eligible individuals and households who have sustained losses as a direct result of a disaster that receives a federal disaster declaration. Contra Costa residents who have property or business damage from the series of winter storms December 31, 2022, through January 30, 2023, can seek assistance directly from FEMA.
Contra Costa Storm Response information and updates are available on the County website, including Disaster Recovery FAQs (also in Spanish). The County’s social media notifications about FEMA’s Individual Assistance are reposted on EHSD’s Twitter @ContraCostaEHSD.
Residents can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1 (800) 621-3362.
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East Contra Costa Habitat Conservancy Seeking Applicants for Public Advisory Committee. Closes February 13th! | |
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East Contra Costa Habitat Conservancy is Seeking Applicants for four seats:
- 1 private permit seeker from the development community
- 1 representative from the conservation community
- 1 private landowner and/or agriculturalist (or their representatives)
- 1 suburban or rural resident from the Plan Area
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Resource Families Can Change a Child’s Life
Article contributed by Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services
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Our children and youth are our most precious resource. Unfortunately, in Contra Costa County, we have more than 500 children and youth in foster care who are dealing with the harsh reality of abuse, neglect or lost family connections.
More resource families (also known as foster families) can be part of the solution to help fill the County’s immediate need for caregivers. You have the opportunity to offer a loving home to a child or youth who may be feeling confused, alone and unloved because, by no fault of their own, they were born into difficult circumstances.
Like many aspiring foster parents, Ramon and Diana Viscarra did not think they had what it takes to accommodate a teen in need of a place to call home. Their home was modest, and they didn’t have the resources for lavish trips and experiences. Still, this Pittsburg family stepped up to care for Javier, Ramon’s younger cousin, and soon found out the only thing he wanted was a safe and stable environment with someone who loved him.
“He came to us with the hoodie on. Very withdrawn,” says Diana. “Eventually, the hoodie came off. He’s a completely different kid. He’s outspoken. He’s engaged. He’s smiling. He jokes.”
Foster parenting is a calling heeded by people who make a commitment to offer love and understanding. The caregivers often find out that the blessing is all theirs. Resource families – whether or not related to the child or youth they take in – can change a child’s life and their own.
“This has turned out to be the most rewarding experience of my life,” says Ramon. “My only regret is that I didn’t step up sooner.”
Javier continues to make strides, and decided during his first semester at college to change his major so he can become a social worker who can help other kids in need.
“He wants a career that allows him to use what he's been through to make an impact in a young person’s life,” explains Ramon. “His story is a special one, and I couldn't be more proud!”
Currently, our community is looking for foster parents who have the ability to understand and accommodate teens, LGBTQIA+ youth, and children with developmental and medical needs.
While Contra Costa County’s priority is to reunify foster youth with their biological families when it is safe and in the child’s best interest, some cases may result in adoption. If you believe you have the unique and loving skills to become a foster parent, simply attend a Resource Family Orientation by clicking here to sign up for a free virtual orientation (in English and Spanish) and learn how you can be a part of the solution.
Viscarra Family video: Vimeo
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent in Contra Costa County, click the button below.
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County Accepting RFIs Related to
Measure X Youth Centers
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The Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department is accepting Requests for Interest (RFIs) "seeking qualified individual(s) or agency to provide project management and public engagement facilitation services for the purpose of developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select an organization to develop, administer and operate the East Contra Costa County Youth Center Project and/or the Central Contra Costa County Youth Center Project in collaboration with WDBCCC."
The deadline to submit an RFI is Feb. 16, 2023.
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Valentine's Day
“Destination Weddings” offered at
Martinez Cobra Museum
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The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office will be hosting a “Destination Weddings” event at the Martinez Cobra Museum on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Sixteen marriage ceremonies will be performed at the museum by Clerk staff between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Couples may have up to 20 guests to witness their ceremony. To schedule, please contact our office at 925-335-7900 and our staff will help book your appointment.
Read more here:
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Was your business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Eligible Antioch small businesses can receive a grant payment of up to $15,000, and facade upgrade reimbursement of up to $25,000 through the City of Antioch Small Business Programs. | |
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The California Office of the Small Business Advocate has awarded funding to the Chabot - Las Positas Community College District for the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to provide grants to microbusinesses in the counties of Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, and El Dorado.
This program will provide grants of $2,500 to microbusiness (businesses that have fewer than 5 employees and earn less than $50,000 per year) that were in operation in 2019, still in operation, and were impacted by the COVID-19 public health restrictions. See below for additional eligibility requirements.
APPLICATIONS: ROUND 2 OPEN JAN 18, 2023
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Contra Costa Health Opens Online Survey About Emergency Ambulance Service
Contra Costa Health (CCH) seeks public participation in an online survey this month to help gather opinion and experience related to emergency ambulance service in the county.
Data collected will help CCH evaluate the current state of Contra Costa’s emergency medical services in advance of writing and issuing a request for proposals for a new emergency ambulance services contract in a large section of the county.
The survey, conducted by consultant Fitch & Associates, includes questions about the responsiveness and quality of county emergency medical services, both for residents who have used them and who have not. The survey only takes a few minutes and does not ask for names or other personal identifiers.
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What to do with unwanted medications | |
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Do you have expired or unwanted prescriptions that you don’t know what to do with?
Pre-paid, pre-addressed mail-back packages are available at Supervisor Burgis’ office, located at 3361 Walnut Blvd, Suite 140, Brentwood, CA. Specialized packaging for inhalers and sharps are also available. Instructions for disposal will be provided with all mail-back services.
If there are any specific instructions on the label, package, or package insert, please follow those instructions.
Do not flush any medication down the sink or toilet unless the information on the packaging specifically instructs you to do so.
To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicines.
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Family Justice Institute
Virtual Learning Opportunities
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We’re very excited about our upcoming Resource Fair! With so much interest, we want to make sure that we spread the word far and wide to our participants, their family members, and the community-at-large about all the great resources, services, and contacts attendees will walk away having gained.
This is a FREE event featuring many local programs and social services from organizations offering information on:
- Medical Services
- Healthcare & Benefits Information
- Employment & Job Search Assistance
- Educational Opportunities
- Vocational Training
- Family Support
- Child Care Assistance
- Civil Legal Aid
- Reentry Services
- AND SO MUCH MORE!!!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to anlopez@healthright360.org.
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Cleaner Contra Costa February Actions
It’s time to get sustainable and join the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge if you haven’t already. This free website (available in both English and Spanish) provides a list of actionable steps you can take to save water, energy, waste and money. When we work together as a community, we can hit some impressive goals- like saving over 1100 tons of CO2 to date! Bonus- you can also earn prizes along the way. Why not check it out?
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Cleaner Contra Costa: ¡Acciones de Febrero!
Sea sostenible con el Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, nuestro sitio web gratuito (disponible en inglés y español) que proporciona una lista de pasos prácticos que puede tomar para ahorrar agua, energía, desperdicio y dinero. También puedes ganar premios en el camino. ¡Échale un vistazo!
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Unwanted mattress?
You’ve got options!
There are many ways to get rid of an old mattress, and each state has different options.
At Bye Bye Mattress, we’re here to help you easily dispose of your mattress in a way that’s good for your community and great for the environment.
Make a difference with your mattress,
and help us #StopIllegalDumping nationwide!
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UPDATE on Board of Supervisors Meetings
The Board meeting will be accessible in-person, via television, and via live-streaming to all members of the public. Board meetings are televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, Astound Channels 32 & 1027, and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.
Persons who wish to address the board during public comment or with respect to an item on the agenda may comment in person or may call in during the meeting by dialing 888-278-0254 followed by the access code 843298#. A caller should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item, by pushing "#2" on their phone. Access via Zoom is also available using the following link: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/87344719204. Those participating via Zoom should indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item by using the “raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app. To provide contact information, please contact Clerk of the Board at clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us or call 925-655-2000.
Meetings of the Board are closed-captioned in real time. Public comment generally will be limited to two minutes. Your patience is appreciated. A Spanish language interpreter is available to assist Spanish-speaking callers.
See information about parking and access to the County Administration Building at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553.
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Hazardous Materials Commission Seeks Applicants for Environmental Justice Alternate Seat | |
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DO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POLICY ISSUES INTEREST YOU?
The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission is seeking applicants to fill an Environmental Justice Alternate Seat.
You may apply if you …
- Have an understanding of, and a commitment to, the principles of Environmental Justice, as defined in County policy;
- Are a layperson from a community in Contra Costa County that is highly impacted and burdened by hazardous materials facilities and releases, and will be able to represent community interests;
- Have an interest in hazardous materials issues; and
- Can attend monthly Commission and committee meetings when needed.
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County Commission Openings | | |
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County Service Area Citizen Advisory Committee
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Description:
The County Service Area P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee creates reports and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on extended police protection services which includes, but is not limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code where authorized by law, crime prevention, and litter control.
Meetings:
Quarterly- Second Wednesday of the Month
6:00 PM
Discovery Bay Community Center
1601 Discovery Bay Boulevard, Discovery Bay, CA 94505
Emergency Medical Care Committee
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Description:
The Emergency Medical Care Committee reviews the County's ambulance and other emergency services as required in State law; and serves in an advisory capacity to the County Board of Supervisors, and to the County EMS Agency, on matters relating to emergency medical services as directed by the Board.
Meeting Time and Location:
Quarterly meetings will normally be held at the Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administrative Office, 777 Arnold Drive, Martinez, CA, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
https://cchealth.org/ems/committee-emcc.php
Assessment Appeals Board
1 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.
Tri-Delta Transit
1 Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
To own, operate and maintain a public transit system in an effort to meet public transportation needs in Eastern Contra Costa County.
Learn more about Tri-Delta Transit here:
http://trideltatransit.com/board.aspx
Meeting Time and Location:
All board meetings are held at 4:00 pm at Tri Delta Transit's Administrative offices located at 801 Wilbur Avenue in Antioch. The public is welcome to attend and will be provided an opportunity to address the board.
Measure X Community Advisory Body
1 Seat
1Alternate Seat
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
The Measure X Community Advisory Board was established by the Board of Supervisors on February 2, 2021 to advise the Board of Supervisors on the use of Measure X transactions and use tax funds.
Traducción en español: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/70900/Traducción-Española
Meeting Time and Location
The meetings are normally scheduled for Wednesday's at 5:00 PM. Meetings are currently held virtually.
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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 Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen, and Discovery Bay.
Find out more by visiting the Board of Supervisors
Appointed Bodies, Committees & Commissions
webpage.
Download application here:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database
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 to clerkoftheboard@cob.cccounty.us
For more information, including on how to apply, contact District 3 Representative Alicia Nuchols at Alicia.Nuchols@bos.cccounty.us.
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Contra Costa Senior Legal Services Seeking Volunteers | |
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Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS) in Concord ( www.ccsls.org ) is seeking volunteers to help answer phones, screen clients, make referrals, and schedule attorney appointments. CCSLS’ volunteers have a key role in advancing CCSLS’ mission of helping low-income seniors facing eviction, elder abuse, scams, debt collections and contract disputes so that they can stay independent and vital as they age. Volunteers generally work 3 to 8 hours per week at CCSLS’ office at 2702 Clayton Road, a short walk from the Concord BART Station.
Contact legalhelp@ccsls.org or call 925-609-7900 if you are interested in helping our community’s seniors address their legal needs.
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Pass2Class offers free bus passes to Contra Costa students at the beginning of the school year to encourage the use of bus transportation to and from school. Pass2Class reduces traffic congestion and air pollution by reducing the number of cars being driven to school.
The 2022 program offers free County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, or AC Transit bus passes for up to two (2) students per household for up to two months.
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Mobile Citizen App
Have you noticed a pothole or graffiti and wanted a quick and easy way to report it?
The Contra Costa County Public Works Department now uses a versatile and user-friendly Smart Phone (Android, iOS) application called Mobile Citizen to help.
Residents can report concerns such as potholes, graffiti, illegal dumping, and other service requests simply by taking a photo, providing comments, details about location, and submitting it directly to the Public Works Department.
The Mobile Citizen application is free and can be downloaded from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
“We’re excited to provide a fast and easy tool that makes it more convenient for our customers to report many types of service concerns for our unincorporated communities,” said Brian Balbas, Public Works Director.
To learn more about the Mobile Citizen application, please visit us at contracosta.ca.gov/7875/Mobile-Citizen.
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Board of Supervisors' meetings are held in person at the County Administration Building 1025 Escobar Street, 1st floor, Martinez.
The public is encouraged to attend the meetings. However, the call-in or Zoom options will still be available for those who do not wish to attend in person.
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Call 888-278-0254 followed by the access code 843298#
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Zoom by visiting contra-costa.granicus.com (Zoom link is in meeting agenda)
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Watch live online at Contra Costa Television.
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CCTV broadcasts live on Comcast 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and WAVE 32.
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“It is the mind that makes the body."
-Sojourner Truth
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Supervisor Diane Burgis
3361 Walnut Boulevard, Suite 140
Brentwood, CA 94513
925-655-2330
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