Con Fire: Be Battery-Smart and Fire-Safe

Over the last two years, Con Fire investigators have noted a trend of increasing risks of lithium-ion batteries causing fires across the county. 

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many devices including phones, laptops, electric scooters, smoke alarms, and even cars. With the rapid rise in popularity of these electric power supplies over recent years, many residents are only just learning of their dangers, and how to use and dispose of them. 

With a significant amount of power being held in such a confined compartment, they can overheat, catch fire, and explode. In the month of June, in our district alone, there were three reported fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Two of these resulted in extensive damage to the homes where they were located.

Con Fire advises residents learn proper and safe usage of lithium-ion batteries. 

Here are some tips that can prevent a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery: 

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions exactly
• Only use batteries designed for the device being used
• Put batteries in the right way
• Only use the charging cord and charger that came with the device
• Do not charge any device under a pillow, on your bed, or on a couch, or in any other confined space 
• Do not continue charging once the device is fully charged 
• Keep batteries at room temperature 
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash; take them to proper recycling locations 
• Charge batteries in a flat, dry area away from children, and direct sunlight
• Stop using any device immediately upon noticing problems with the battery 
• Whenever possible, store lithium-ion batteries in the garage or in an outdoor shed or other location outside your home

For more details about lithium-ion battery safety and e-bike battery safety, download Con Fire’s information by clicking the buttons below.

Community Info

Mark your calendars for August 2

Supervisor Burgis will welcome STAND! For Families Free of Violence and Brentwood Police Department for a community information program highlighting the Lethality Assessment Protocol Program - preventing domestic violence deaths in East County. Come learn about the success of this national project right here in our community and celebrate eight years of local non-profit and law enforcement partnership on this project.

Venue:

Brentwood Community Center

35 Oak St.

Brentwood, CA

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

4:00 – 5:30 PM

Free Admission – Registration is required.

For information, contact STAND!’s business office @ 925-676-2645 or visit their website, www.standffov.org

The First Mosquitoes of 2023 Test Positive for West Nile virus in Contra Costa County

The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) reports two groups of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Contra Costa County. The mosquitoes were collected from a trap in the town of Discovery Bay. These are the first mosquitoes to test positive for WNV so far this year in Contra Costa County.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. As mosquitoes may transmit WNV with a single bite, it is important for Contra Costa County residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, particularly now, as the summer heat increases.

"This week's increasing temperatures can increase both mosquito production and West Nile virus risk because mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult more quickly in hot weather, and West Nile virus can grow more efficiently when temperatures are consistently warmer than 55 degrees. With the increasing risk of West Nile virus, the District recommends Contra Costa County residents wear insect repellent and report mosquito activity to the District," said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., Scientific Program Manager.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective. The District recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients:

·     DEET

·     Picaridin

·     Repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

·     IR3535

Always follow the instructions on the label when using repellent.

Another way to reduce the risk of mosquitoes is to dump out containers holding any amount of standing water and scrub the inside of the containers to remove mosquito eggs. Containers can include buckets, cans, toys, plant saucers, bird baths, rain barrels, and any other items that may hold water for an extended period of time. It is important to dump out any amount of water because mosquitoes can develop from egg to biting adults in as little as a bottle cap full of water. Also, make sure window and door screens do not have any rips or tears and that screens fit properly to prevent mosquitoes indoors.

Contra Costa County residents can report dead birds by phone at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online. County residents can also request mosquito service for residential property by calling (925) 685-9301 or online.

Since 2005, 75 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. For human case information, please visit the California Department of Public Health Vector-Borne Disease Section online. 

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA volunteers) are regular people who do great things for children in need, and are often the only voice for a child that’s experienced distress and mistreatment. Community members have the ability to provide an amazing service by providing a stable and loving presence in a foster child’s life by volunteering as a CASA volunteer. Children who find themselves in unfamiliar situations may appear tough or angry, but are often breaking with sadness inside. Their family is gone. Their living situation has changed. Nothing is what it used to be, and they’re often left feeling as though it’s their fault. Imagine taking these children to the park. Eating ice cream together. Laughing after a movie or a soccer game. Encouraging them in school. Showing up to advocate for them in court. Watch as they begin to experience excitement and joy again. Picture their face lighting up when you’re there for them when others aren’t. You are that support they need.

You have the powerful opportunity to impact the life of a child in your community when you volunteer with CASA of Contra Costa County as an advocate for foster children in Concord and the surrounding areas. Foster children come from homes where they were abused and neglected. This is never the child’s fault, but children in the foster system are left to experience the trauma of their past situation as well as this new change in their life. Over 800 children in Contra Costa County feel scared, confused, and lonely every year as a result of being placed in foster care. Children such as these crave hope and support. They long for someone they can trust and depend on and someone who cares.



Are you that person?

2023 Contra Costa County Creek and Watershed Symposium Call for Award Nominations

The Awards Subcommittee of the Symposium Planning Committee is currently seeking nominations of individuals and projects that have provided exceptional contributions to the creeks and watersheds of Contra Costa County between December 2019 and July 2023. Past awardees are listed here.

Nominations must be received by August 11th, 2023 at midnight.

Public Works road maintenance scheduled

Have you ever wondered what is involved in the Chip Seal process? You can find out on Episode 2 of “Inside Public Works”, which features a segment on our Chip Seal team & gives you the opportunity to “ride along’ with them.

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will be applying a chip seal on roads in unincorporated Brentwood (along with unincorporated Clayton and San Ramon), with work scheduled from Monday, July 17 through Monday, August 14, barring unforeseen circumstances.

The work will occur Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., conditions permitting. For scheduled dates and locations, please visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/surfacetreatmentinfo

Should this schedule change, residents will be notified accordingly. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians may experience minor delays due to this work, but no permanent lane closures are anticipated. The purpose of this surface treatment work is to extend the useful life of the roads, as well as to protect pavements from the damaging effects of water and natural weathering.

Contra Costa Animal Services Seeking Adopters and Fosters Amidst Increased Intake Over 4th of July Holiday

CCAS and Bissell Pet Foundation team up to provide free adoptions during the month of July with shelter near capacity 

All animals at Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be free to adopt during the month of July in an effort to clear kennel space due to increased intake over the 4th of July holiday. This free adoption promotion is being sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation as an effort to create needed space with the county shelter near capacity. CCAS is also seeking qualified foster homes – specifically those that can accommodate large dog breeds – to help alleviate the current shelter population.

“Coming out of the 4th of July holiday, we’ve seen a sixteen percent increase in our animal intake and we’re close to reaching our capacity,” says Dr. Katherine Mills, DVM, CCAS Chief of Shelter Medicine. “With an already crowded shelter and an average intake of nearly 20 animals each day, we’re asking for the community’s help in getting as many pets out of the shelter as we possibly can through adoption and foster.”

CCAS currently has over 100 pets seeking permanent or temporary homes. Interested adopters and fosters can view CCAS’s available pets at www.ccasd.org, or come to meet them at the CCAS adoption center in Martinez. A $25 licensing fee may apply for pet adoptions.

CCAS Adoption Center

4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM – 5PM

Wednesday 10AM – 7PM

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Public Information Officer, Steve Burdo, at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us. 

Become a Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor at your Local Library. Why? Read on...

Antioch resident Ali (right) kept coming up against failing a test that would have gotten him a job promotion. After working with a few big-hearted community volunteers like Jim (left), Ali did better than passing the test—he found a new job that aligns more closely with his professional goals, and his new job is paying for him to go to community college!

Ali improved his English reading and writing skills at his local library through Project Second Chance, Contra Costa County Library's free, confidential adult literacy program. Did you know that 1 in 5 Contra Costa County adults lack the reading and writing skills they need to get ahead? In under 20 hours a month, volunteer adult literacy tutors help improve this statistic.

Registration for August training is open!

Everybody Loves a Free Ride

In partnership with The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Contra Costa Crisis Center, Tri Delta Transit is participating in the East County Ticket Program.

ADA paratransit riders using Tri Delta Transit Services may be eligible for FREE paratransit rides! Households eligible for assistance programs should call 211 in Contra Costa County to see if they qualify.

The Summer Youth Pass is a three-month bus pass that gives kids a great way to get around town, all summer long. For just $30, passholders ages 6-18 can take unlimited bus rides on County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT from June through August. On sale now at 511cc.org/youthpass

Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed

Speaker Event

Thursday, July 20th (7:00-8:30PM)

LUHSD Boardroom

20 Oak St, Brentwood, CA 94513

And on Zoom!

* Link sent to registered attendees

About the Dutch Slough Wetlands and Tidal Marsh Restoration Project:

• The 1,100 acre project will provide East County residents with unique recreational opportunities including hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and nature programs.
• The City of Oakley is planning a 55 acre Community Park bordering the project to the North with trail and water way accessibility to the Dutch Slough open space.
• A completed Dutch Slough project restores critical migratory bird, as well as Delta fishery habitat.

This event will be a hybrid lecture/speaker event where you are welcome to attend either in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees prior to the event.

At this hybrid speaker event:

• Katie Bandy, Dutch Slough Project Manager with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) will present an overview of this impressive restoration project that is restoring the natural estuary formed by Marsh Creek's outlet into the San Joaquin Delta.

Father- Friendly Family Justice Network Training Series

This presentation is a part of a webinar series designed for service providers working with men, fathers, father figures and their families, with a focus on trauma-informed and healing- centered practices.

This session serves as a proactive guide with the-overarching goal of fostering a reflective dialogue that leads to the creation of a more father-friendly system of care. Additionally, the webinar will explore strategies to support the Family Justice Centers in becoming more father-friendlv.

Registration Open for Kids Fishing Derby

The annual Kids Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, August 12th. The derby is for children up to age 15 and registration is FREE. This is a “catch and release” derby so children will be assisted to release the fish after they have been logged.

Registration and check-in is from 8 AM – 9 AM. The Derby runs from 9 AM – 11 AM, followed by a complimentary snacks and awards. The Derby will be held at the Antioch/Oakley Pier off Bridgehead Rd. in Oakley.

Peer Connection Centers- July Calendar

Click image for larger PDF

Peer Connection Centers (PCC) offers programming to support those with mental health challenges. Groups, one on one support, links to resources, outings to museums, parks and other points of interest are offered to support wellness. PCC also volunteer in our local communities, and offer lunch. Services are free to anyone 18 years and older.

Contra Costa Commission for

Women and Girls to Host

California Commissions Appointments Workshop

The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls is partnering with California Women Lead to host a State of California Commissions Appointments Workshop on July 29.

The workshop will provide information on state and local commissions, the application process, and tips for strong applications. The Commission encourages participation of active community members seeking to learn about public governance, preparing for elected office, or aiming to make more significant community impact. Learn about the value of serving on boards and commissions and why there needs to be more women at the table.

Date and Location:

Saturday, July 29 – 11 am to 1:30 pm

Brentwood Library – 104 Oak Street, Brentwood

The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls was formed in 1984 as an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission provides information and advice to the Board relating to the health and welfare of women and girls in the County. The Commission strives to increase awareness of women’s and girls’ issues, celebrate achievements of local deserving women, champion opportunities for women and girls, and recommend legislative solutions at the city, county, state, and federal levels. 

For further information about the California Commissions Appointments Workshop and the Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls, please email cccwomenscommission@gmail.com.

Public Advisory Committee Members Needed for the

East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy

The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy is seeking four (4) individuals or organization representatives to serve on the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) to provide input on the implementation of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP or Plan). The PAC is composed of members representing a variety of interest groups, including three members from the development community, three representatives from the conservation community, three private landowners and/or agriculturalists, three representatives of suburban and/or rural residents within the Plan area, as well as staff members from interested public agencies. PAC members are appointed for a four-year term and are expected to attend all PAC meetings. The PAC meets (remotely) on the 2nd Thursdays at 1 pm of February, May, August, and November. The May meeting is typically an in-person field trip.

The current vacancies are for:

• 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

The PAC currently meets quarterly (remotely three times a year and once for an in-person field trip) and is responsible for reviewing and commenting on the general implementation processes of the HCP/NCCP including providing input on implementation policies, budgeting, workplan, restoration projects, a small research grant program, the operation of preserves, and the adherence to plan commitments. For more information on the HCP/NCCP and the role of the PAC visit cocohcp.org .

To be considered, applications must be received no later than August 1, 2023 at 5 p.m. either by mail or email at the following address (hard copy or electronic):

Maureen Parkes

East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy

30 Muir Road

Martinez, CA 94553

Email: Maureen.Parkes@dcd.cccounty.us

Background information on the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy: The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy is a joint exercise of powers authority formed by the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley and Pittsburg and Contra Costa County to implement the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP or Plan). The HCP/NCCP provides a framework to protect natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County, while improving and streamlining the environmental permitting process for impacts on endangered species. The Plan will allow Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the East Bay Regional Park District and the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley, and Pittsburg (collectively, the Permittees) to control endangered species permitting for activities and projects in the region that they perform or approve. The Plan also provides for comprehensive species, wetlands, and ecosystem conservation and contributes to the recovery of endangered species in northern California. The Plan avoids project-by-project permitting that is generally costly and time consuming for applicants and often results in uncoordinated and biologically ineffective mitigation. 

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.

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.

The Board meetings are also accessible 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.

“A life without love is like a year without summer.”

-Swedish Proverb