Contra Costa County releases newest data on homelessness and finalizes our housing element

Homelessness and housing affordability are two of the biggest challenges facing every community in the Bay Area, and this week, Contra Costa County released new homelessness data and voted to submit its housing element for state approval. 

Here are highlights from the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count, with data collected on a January morning and supplemented by later, more in-depth surveys:

• 2,372 people were experiencing homelessness across Contra Costa County on that morning in January, which is a 4 percent increase over 2020.
• Homelessness decreased 6 percent in East County, with Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg experiencing major decreases in homelessness.
• We’re seeing more children experiencing homelessness. Households with children were 5 percent of the unhoused population, which is a 12 percent increase since 2020.
• Our unhoused neighbors are, in fact, our neighbors: more than 3/4 of unsheltered individuals have lived in Contra Costa County for a decade or more.

With this data in hand, we can track our progress and identify next steps in solving the challenges of homelessness. 

Also this week, my Board colleagues and I voted to send the County’s 2023-2031 Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development for final certification. The Housing Element is a crucial document that provides direction for developing housing in our unincorporated areas and making sure we allot new housing in locations where jobs and services are available. At over 450 pages, it’s a long document that details the current state of housing in relation to jobs, schools, water and more, and identifies the exact parcels throughout unincorporated Contra Costa County that could handle future housing.

What sticks out to me is the figure below, which shows nearly all of unincorporated District 3 in red, meaning that our communities are some of the furthest away from jobs. For this reason, while other parts of the county have dozens of parcels targeted for new housing, unincorporated District 3 has only six parcels specified under the new housing element.

The housing element now goes to the State for approval.

Contra Costa County Establishes the

Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Committee

on Sea Level Rise

On May 16, 2023, the Board of Supervisors cemented Contra Costa County as a local leader in sea level rise adaptation and resilience efforts with the establishment of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Ad Hoc Committee on Sea Level Rise (“Committee on Sea Level Rise”).

The Committee on Sea Level Rise’s work will focus on developing Contra Costa County sea level rise adaptation and resilience project recommendations for the full Board’s consideration. The Committee on Sea Level Rise furthermore provides a dedicated space for Contra Costa County to consider how local sea level rise adaptation and resilience efforts can complement regional efforts happening across the San Francisco Bay. Supervisor John Gioia will serve as chair of the Committee on Sea Level Rise and Supervisor Burgis will serve as vice-chair. The Committee on Sea Level Rise will be staffed by Department of Conservation and Development staff and funded through Measure X.

The impacts of sea level rise are well-documented and projected to become more intense and frequent under changing climate conditions. Contra Costa County has been actively involved in sea level rise planning and vulnerability assessments since 2015 through regional planning efforts coordinated by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and Delta Stewardship Council.

Sea level rise, by its very nature, does not conform to jurisdictional boundaries. As such, regional sea level rise planning and implementation efforts are poised to benefit the whole region. However, the recent Sea Level Rise Adaptation Funding and Investment Framework study conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Association of Bay Area Governments, and BCDC revealed significant gaps in local jurisdictions’ adaptation planning efforts. The biggest adaptation implementation gap was identified in Contra Costa County.



With the passage of Measure X and the establishment of the Committee on Sea Level Rise, County staff is working to close this implementation gap. County staff have started seeking funds for adaptation and resilience planning projects that would complement existing planning and vulnerability assessment work. The County has begun building partnerships and support on sea level rise adaptation and resilience planning efforts with regional agencies and community-based organizations as an integral part of these funding applications. The County intends to continue partnering with regional agencies, community-based organizations, special districts, and Contra Costa shoreline communities to ensure sea level rise adaptation and planning efforts are collaborative.

The Committee on Sea Level Rise’s first meeting is anticipated to occur before the end of July.

Community Info

Traffic Advisory: Overnight Freeway Closure Planned for State Route 4 in Brentwood this Weekend

Friday, June 16 through Saturday, June 17, 2023

In partnership with the City of Brentwood, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing to provide safe access to cyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel, reconnecting two sides of the trail that were separated by the expansion of State Route 4. The overnight closure will enable the contractor to facilitate installation of the bridge deck as part of the construction work installing the pedestrian and bicyclist crossing over State Route 4. This closure will impact State Route 4 in both the Eastbound and Westbound directions. CCTA and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have scheduled the closure during the evening and early morning hours in order to minimize impacts to the motoring public.

Overnight Freeway Closure of State Route 4 between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road

In order to ensure crew and public safety during the planned construction work, a temporary nighttime freeway closure in both directions of State Route 4 will occur between Friday, June 16, 2023 and Saturday, June 17, 2023 on the following schedule: 

Eastbound and Westbound Highway 4 will be closed from 9:00pm on Friday, June 16 until 6:00am on Saturday, June 17, 2023. 

Detours

Detours will be in place to reroute drivers around the closure and are planned as follows:

 Eastbound traffic will be directed to exit at Lone Tree Way, go eastbound to Shady Willow Lane, then southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, before proceeding westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound State Route 4 on-ramp.

Westbound drivers having to detour will exit on Sand Creek Road and go eastbound on Sand Creek Road to Shady Willow Lane, then northbound on Shady Willow Lane to Lone Tree Way, and proceed westbound on Lone Tree Way to the westbound State Route 4 on-ramp.

Future Freeway Closures

Additional overnight closures may be needed over the course of the summer to aid construction of the future Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. Additional information regarding dates and detours will be provided as scheduled. This project is anticipated to be complete in late summer or early fall of 2023.

Contra Costa Animal Services Seeks

Adopters and Foster Homes

All animals at Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be free to adopt during the month of June in an effort to clear kennel space with the county shelter reaching near capacity. CCAS is also seeking qualified foster homes – specifically those that can accommodate large dog breeds – to help alleviate the current shelter population.

CCAS has reached a fever pitch. With an already crowded shelter and an average daily intake of nearly 20 animals each day, they're asking for the community’s help in getting as many pets out of the shelter as they possibly can through adoption and foster. CCAS currently has over 100 pets seeking permanent or temporary homes.

To support individuals and families in cancer journeys, we are partnering with Equiva Health to:

• Help your household enroll in the ACP
• Coordinate monthly internet service
• Give you a cellular-enabled tablet device (preloaded with valuable cancer resources)

You can readily access Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area services from your home or on the go – at no cost to you:

• Join online support groups and discussion boards
• Attend online classes: nutrition, exercise, treatment options, mindfulness, etc.
• Connect socially via virtual video calling, online photo albums, and virtual coffee groups
• Relax: enjoy the radio, play games, read a newspaper or magazine
• Get referrals to our partners in local and national communities

You are eligible if someone in your household is already enrolled in one or more of the following: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Tribal-specific programs, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Lifeline and other government assistance programs. Note that households that have already accessed the ACP award are NOT eligible

Equiva Health covers the one-time fee of $10.01 to activate the tablet. We are available to assist you with the enrollment process and with coordinating this payment.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Please call us at (925) 933-0107

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.

Looking for free summertime activities, fun for the whole family? Check out 511 Contra Costa’s Summer Bike Challenge. June-August, riders of all ages will explore their hometowns on two wheels. Simply bike to each destination and cross off the squares as you go. Pick up free prizes on select dates, take weekly Bonus Challenges, and enter the iPad Grand Prize Drawing just by signing up. Ready to roll? Visit 511cc.org/sbc to get started.



Pick up your free SBC gamecard at the library, City Hall, and Community Centers.

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

Family Justice Center Learning Opportunities

East County Juneteenth Celebration Planned

Originating in Galveston, Texas on June 19th,1866, following Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, where the executive order was issued to officially outlaw slavery, Juneteenth was created. This holiday, also known as Freedom Day, celebrates the emancipation of those enslaved in the United States. Although Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery, it was not until the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution when chattel slavery was abolished nationwide. This holiday is the “longest running African American holiday” and has been celebrated with the goal to educate and celebrate community. 

As we strive to celebrate and honor the diversity of all Contra Costa County cities and their history, Juneteenth is a celebration to be held with as much respect as 4th of July celebrations go forth. With that said, a host of community members have collaborated to create a Juneteenth celebration for our communities. Last year, we hosted an amazing event in Brentwood that consisted of, a full program with entertainment and speakers from throughout our community, and an array of food and craft vendors including health and wellness booths. 

This year's event will be a 3-day Festival style celebration starting on Saturday, June 17th and ending on Monday, June 19th, at the Contra Costa County Event Park formerly the Fairgrounds in Antioch. We will be supported by Delta Veterans Group, a nonprofit 501c3 organization as our fiscal agent therefore your sponsorship is tax deductible. Texas Rep. Al Edwards stated, “Every year we must remind successive generations that this event triggered a series of events that one by one defines the challenges and responsibilities of successive generations. That’s why we need this holiday”. We look forward to your support and participation in this year’s Let Freedom Ring: A Juneteenth Celebration, “Strengthening Our Village”. 

Free Senior Health and Resource Fair

Come join us at the City of Brentwood FREE Senior Health and Resource Fair. Thursday, June 15, 2023, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center 193 Griffith Lane. 

Seniors and Caregivers can expect great resources with 40+ vendors that are geared towards senior health and safety.

Door prizes and free hotdogs.

Free COVID Vaccine Clinic

CSC Antioch, 3505 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

10am - 12pm

Register today for the June 21

Children’s Leadership Council Convening

Come join this in-person event that will help service providers, professionals, elected officials, and others working to support children and their families to:

• Connect with others working to end the inequities facing children, youth and families
• Learn about collective work currently underway
• Be empowered to take action for change

The Contra Costa Children’s Leadership Council aims to intentionally develop and strengthen the ecosystem that recognizes and supports child, youth, family, and community resilience and wellbeing. The Council is led by First 5 Contra Costa, the Employment and Human Services Department, the Contra Costa Health Department, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education.

The in-person event will be on June 21 from 1:30-5 pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about several county-wide collaborative projects aiming to improve systems and outcomes for children and families focusing on topics such as:

• Trauma-informed practices and approaches
• Families’ economic security
• Oral health
• Guaranteed income for childcare workers
• Quality early learning programs 
• Black infant health 
• Perinatal health 
• Workforce programs for youth
• Resource Parents for foster youth 

Children’s Leadership Council Convening

Wednesday, June 21 from 1:30-5 pm

Pleasant Hill Community Center

Come connect, learn and be empowered!

Library Patron Survey

The Contra Costa County Library wants to hear from you. The Library is conducting a survey to collect responses from both cardholders and people who don't use the Library. The results of the survey will help the Library to focus their strategic goals and provide programs and services that will directly benefit our communities.

The survey will be open until Mon, June 26.

Application Period For 2023 Fall

Community Academy Now Open

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is opening

applications for the 2023 Fall Community Academy.

The free, 9-week course will be held at the DA's Office in downtown Martinez from 6:00-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting September 6th.

“One of my goals as District Attorney is to be more transparent with the community about what our office does in the criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Becton. “The Community Academy is an integral program that strengthens our community through education, information, and understanding.”

Participants in the academy will get an in-depth view of the criminal justice system by hearing from deputy district attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, support staff, community-based organizations, and justice partners. Moreover, people will learn firsthand how the DA’s Office files cases, will meet with a Superior Court judge during a court tour, gain knowledge about prosecutions and investigations, visit the Martinez Detention Facility, and understand the office’s outreach efforts for children, parents, and victims.



The Community Academy is open to residents 18-years-old and older who live or work in Contra Costa County. To apply, go to contracostada.org by June 30th. 

Museum Greeters Needed!

The East Contra Costa Historical Museum is becoming a more and more popular as a place to visit. Last year, they welcomed 284 week-end visitors, which is a 500% increase over previous years!

Do you have a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or two between now and the end of October that you could be a friendly face that welcomes visitors to the museum?  

Greeters do not lead tours, but help guide visitors around the grounds.

Background information is provided and new Greeters are always paired

with someone who is experienced.

The museum is open every Saturday and third Sunday 2:00-4:00pm.

April through October

If you can help fill the schedule, email here or call 925-206-5087.

Your ECCHS Museum needs you! Let's keep the doors open and visitors coming!

Contra Costa County Seeks Applicants for Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on its 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). The following positions will be held for a two-year term residing or working within the County of Contra Costa:

• Two At-Large representatives residing or working within Contra Costa County
• Two At-Large youth, 14 to 25 years old and residing or working within Contra Costa County

The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is a multiagency advisory body that informs the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan composed of several critical parts, including,but not limited to an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health,

health, social services, drug and alcohol and youth services resources, which specifically target both at-promise as well as system-involved youth, and their families.

The JJCC will also coordinate on a countywide basis the work of those governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community, develop information and intelligence-sharing systems to ensure that county actions are fully coordinated, and provide data and appropriate outcome measures.

The JJCC meets monthly March and April, and bi-monthly the remainder of the year. Members have the option to serve on two subcommittees.

Applications are due by 5 p.m., Monday, July 17, and all timely applicants will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee: Supervisors John Gioia, District I, and Federal Glover, District V. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for the Board of Supervisors to appoint.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/.

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.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

-E.E. Cummings