Banner with a photo of Supervisor Diane Burgis and the Seal of Contra Costa County

District 3 Newsletter for November 30

Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime: County Mental Health Call Center Offering Support 24/7

A3 Crisis Response banner

Beginning Friday, Contra Costa County's A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center will expand their operations to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People experiencing a behavioral health, metal health or substance use crisis can call 844-844-5544 for care over the phone or, if needed, from an in-person team.


Contra Costa Health first piloted the A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center in 2021 using Measure X sales tax dollars, and the center served over 2,900 people in 2022. The A3 response team (short for "Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime") is on pace to help more than 4,500 people this year.


About one in five adults in Contra Costa County struggles with behavioral health issues, but the stigma around mental health and addiction can make it hard to seek help. Too often, people suffer through a behavioral health crisis in silence. Expanding A3 to respond around the clock makes it easier for people experiencing behavioral health problems, and their loved ones, to get the professional, caring support they need.


For more information, read the full press release from Contra Costa Health, or watch Telemundo's reporting, for which I was interviewed.


If you or someone you care for is experiencing a mental health or behavioral health criss, call 844-844-5544.

Hosting Contra Costa's New Veterans Service Officer

New Veterans Service Officer Joshua Zebley

New Veterans Service Officer Joshua Zebley

Supervisor Burgis talking with a veteran

Speaking with one of the veterans in attendance

Wednesday evening I hosted a reception in my office for local veterans to meet the County's new Veterans Service Officer, Joshua Zebley. Joshua is a Marine Corps veteran with a degree in criminal justice. Before joining the County, he worked for six years in the California Department of Veterans Affairs.


If you or a family member has questions about how to access the benefits earned from military service, you can call the County Veterans Service Office at 925-313-1481. You can also schedule an in-person meeting at the temporary VSO outstation in the Brentwood Library, where the VSO holds Monday office hours by appointment only. For more details about how to reach the VSO, including their virtual office hours on Zoom, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6623/Our-Locations

'Tis the Season: How to Help Our Neighbors in Need

Help Feed Our Neighbors by Donating in the Annual Holiday Food Fight

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano serves one in four residents and provides more than 3,400,000 meals monthly. While the Food Bank feeds our neighbors seven days a week, the need is felt even more around Thanksgiving, when a nourishing meal is the centerpiece of the day. 


As you plan your Thanksgiving menu, I hope you’ll consider our neighbors and donate to make the 2023 Holiday Food Fight a success.

  

To donate, click the link below or mail a check to our office. 

 

https://give.foodbankccs.org/team/326115

 

Please make checks payable to:

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

 

Mail to:

Office of Supervisor Diane Burgis

Contra Costa County 

3361 Walnut Blvd. Ste 140

Brentwood, CA 94513

Contra Costa County Probation Department Hosts Toys for Tots Drop-Off Sites

Toys for Tots logo

The Contra Costa County Probation Department is partnering with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to host four public drop off sites for this year’s holiday drive. Established in 1991, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a nationally recognized 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit public

charity that collects and distributes an average of 18 million toys to less fortunate children annually.


The Contra Costa County Probation Department is proud to join the local campaign and provide community drop off sites for the third year in a row. Deputy Probation Officer Justin Badler has led the Probation Department’s Toys for Tots involvement during the holiday season the last few years. “It is a great opportunity to engage with residents and make a difference in children’s lives and in the community we serve,” said Deputy Badler.


Please bring donations of new, unwrapped toys to any of the following four locations:

4549 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch

• 50 Douglas Dr., Suite 200, Martinez

• 202 Glacier Dr., Martinez

• 3095 Richmond Pkwy., Suite 201, Richmond


These drop off sites are located within the Probation Department’s offices and are available to accept public donations Monday through Friday, Nov. 27 through Dec. 15, from 8 am through 5 pm. The offices will be closed daily from noon to 1pm and for all major holidays.

NAMI Contra Costa's Annual Holiday Sock Drive

NAMI Sock Drive

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Contra Costa County is holding its annual holiday sock drive. Unworn socks continue to be the most requested items for unsheltered people.


Please drop off unworn socks at the NAMI office during business hours: 2151 Salvio St., Suite V in Concord.


Email Shelly Ji at shelly@namicontracosta.org with any questions.

Community Info

No Paper Required: BART Transitions to 100% Clipper Payment Today

Gates at BART

BART has been transitioning its customers toward Clipper cards and the Clipper App for years, but today was the official end of paper tickets being accepted. As you can see in the above photo taken by BART Director Rebecca Saltzman, the slots for inserting paper tickets have been covered. According to the agency:


"BART has moved to a Clipper-only fare payment system because the region has prioritized the use of Clipper as the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. In calendar year 2024, the next generation of Clipper will be rolled out including open payment which provides the option to tag a credit/debit card at a BART fare gate, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, without setting up a card on your phone in advance. The next generation of Clipper also opens the door for new discount programs, promotions, and potentially fare capping for BART riders." 


If you still have paper tickets that you need refunded or have questions about how Clipper payments work, please refer to BART's service advisory.

Youth Engagement Session for Proposed Youth Centers

Contra Costa County is inviting youth to join an upcoming engagement session to shape the proposed youth centers funded by Measure X.


As we look to support the development of youth centers in Contra Costa, the most important voices are those of teens and young adults. 

 

To register for the upcoming Youth Engagement Session on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:00pm: Zoom Registration

 

All youth participants will receive a $20 Visa gift card for their contribution to the conversation. The gift card will be emailed after the listening session. 


Questions? Comments?

Reach out to community@socialchangepartners.com

Apply Today for the Food Bank Speaker Series

Food Bank Speaker Series

The Speaker Series is an advocacy-training program for community members with lived experience of hunger and for those passionate about food security along with those who are working professionals in the anti-poverty space. Participants of the program learn effective advocacy and public speaking skills while partnering with the Food Bank to create a hunger-free community.


The Speaker Series consists of six weeks of workshops that culminate with participation in California’s Hunger Action Week and a personal meeting with one of our elected officials. The series occurs annually from late March or early April until mid-May.


The Food Bank recognizes the time and efforts of Speaker Series participants and provides the following:

  • A $25 grocery gift card for each of the six workshops attended
  • Graduates who complete the full series receive a $100 Visa gift card as a thank you for their time, commitment and participation


In order to join, Speaker Series participants must commit to:

  • Commit to attending each of the six sessions, we work with all accepted applicants to find a time that works for you.
  • Historically, meetings have occurred on a weekday for two hours for six consecutive weeks between late March or early April and mid-May
  • Fully participate in group discussions, exercises, and public speaking presentations
  • We make every effort to cultivate a respectful environment among the participant cohort to facilitate a space where you can learn, grow, and share your story 


Applications Now Open Until December 12

Do Hazardous Materials Policy Issues Interest You? Join the Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission!

Contra Costa County Seal

Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission is seeking applicants to fill multiple seats, including a General Public Seat, an Environmental Organization Seat and an Environmental Organization Alternate Seat.


The Commission is a voluntary body appointed by the Board of Supervisors and makes policy recommendations to the Board and County staff on issues concerning hazardous materials and hazardous waste.


The Commission’s 14 members and alternates serve four-year terms and include representatives of industry, labor, civic groups, environmental organizations, environmental engineers, the general public, cities and Environmental Justice communities.


To obtain an application form, or for further information, contact Michael Kent, Executive Assistant to the Commission, at (925) 250-3227 or mkent@cchealth.org. Applications may also be obtained from the Clerk of the Board located at 1025 Escobar Street 1st Floor, Martinez CA 94553.


You may also submit an application by mail, e-mail or on-line: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions


Applications must be received by January 3, 2024 (new date) and if mailed, mailed to the Clerk of the Board.


Interviews for qualified applicants will take place from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on January 12, 2024 (new date) in person or by Zoom.

Introducing Stay Housed Bay Area, a New Resource to Help Renters

woman talking on phone

Introducing Stay Housed Bay Area, a new digital platform that helps Bay Area residents find the resources and services they need to stay in their homes. 


By answering simple screening questions, people can find practical resources, including rental assistance and legal services near them, with no registration required. Stay Housed Bay Area’s resources are curated, up-to-date, and available in both English and Spanish.


stayhousedbayarea.org

County Commission Openings

Contra Costa County Seal

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.

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. 

 


Contra Costa County Fire Protection District – Advisory Fire Commission 

1 Seat 

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Advisory Fire Commission reviews and makes

recommendations on Fire District goals and objectives; monitors citizen complaints stemming from

the District’s weed abatement program; exercises oversight of the approval process for the disposal

of surplus property; and serves as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community

served by the District.



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


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.


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.



FIRST 5 – Contra Costa Children & Families Commission 

1 Seat/1 Alternate Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission works to support early childhood

development through a strategic plan developed pursuant to the California Children and Families

First Act of 1998.



Fish & Wildlife Committee 

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The Fish & Wildlife Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on fish and wildlife issues in

Contra Costa County, including use of funds from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund pursuant

to Fish and Game Code Section 13103.



Knightsen Town Advisory Council (KTAC)

2 Seats

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

 

The Council advises the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Knightsen and may represent the Knightsen community before the Board of Supervisors, the East County Regional Planning Commission, the Zoning Administrator and the Local Agency Formation Commission on proposed boundary changes affecting the community.

 

The Knightsen Town Advisory Council (KTAC) consists of five (5) members, each of whom must reside within the boundaries of the Knightsen TAC. KTAC meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm. Meetings are still being held virtually and will be subject to change.



Measure X Community Advisory Board

1 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.


Qualifications

Committee members shall either live or work in Contra Costa County, with a majority being

residents of the County. There is no requirement for Supervisorial District seat appointees to live or

work within a specific Supervisorial District. Public officials, including both elected and appointed,

are not eligible to serve on the MXCAB



Mental Health Commission

1 Seat (Seat 2 - Consumer)

1 Seat (Seat 3 – Family Member)

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


To review and assess the community's mental health needs, services, facilities, and special problems, in order to advise the Board of Supervisors concerning local mental health services and programs.


The Mental Health Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at 550 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill. Note: The Commission may not meet during the month of December. Check the Meeting Schedule page for a complete list of meetings.


 

To apply, click on this link: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database

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.

“There is no normal life that is free of pain. It's the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.”

- Fred Rogers


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