Welcoming the New Co-Directors of the Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice

On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Board of Supervisors appointed two Co-Directors to lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ): Dr. Kendra Carr and Peter Kim.

In 2020, the Board of Supervisors authorized the development of the ORESJ to enact and sustain principles, policies, practices, and investments that are racially just and socially equitable across all departments and divisions.

I'm excited to add an office that will always have an eye for equity and justice in our policies, and I am confident that they can help us focus on practices that will undo historic wrongs and create an opportunity for every member of our community to thrive.

Similar offices have been created in San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and the County of San Diego, but Contra Costa County is the first jurisdiction to develop and launch an office of racial equity and social justice through a community engagement process rather than a top-down process.

Please join me in welcoming Kendra Carr and Peter Kim!

Dr. Kendra Carr was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Inter-Agency Engagement and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work within and across county agencies and departments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and ethnic studies from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in education, equity, and social justice, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Her experience includes Chief Program Officer, Senior Director of Research with Girls Leadership and Principal with Holy Names High School.

“I am excited about the opportunity to co-lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and ensure that all community members have equitable access to and thrive as a result of engaging with the programs and services offered by county agencies,” Carr said.

Peter Kim was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Community Empowerment and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work in the community. He holds multiple ethnic studies degrees from the University of California Berkeley including a bachelor’s and a master’s and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree.

His experience includes the roles of Program Coordinator at Responsibility, Integrity, Strength, Empower (R.I.S.E.) and Managing Director at East Bay Asian Youth Center in East Oakland. Kim also worked for the City of Oakland as a Division Manager in the Department of Human Resources, and Department Manager/Interim Director with the Department of Violence Prevention. His most recent work has been with the Bright Research Group as a Senior Consultant.

Celebrate Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month at Your Local Library

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15th to October 15th, is a vibrant and significant celebration of the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States.

At the Contra Costa County Library, we're excited to join in this nationwide observance by inviting you to immerse yourself in the vibrant mosaic of Hispanic culture and heritage with our carefully curated collection of library materials in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Discover captivating novels that transport you to Latin American landscapes, insightful documentaries shedding light on the history and achievements of Hispanic communities, movies that bring stories to life, enriching music that resonates with the soul, flavorful cookbooks offering a taste of tradition, and a wide array of books delving into the depth of cultural richness. Explore these books, films, music, cookbooks, digital resources and more to embark on a journey of learning, connection, and cultural exploration throughout this special month and beyond.

Learn more about the library's Hispanic Heritage Month collection and events at: https://ccclib.org/blogs/post/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-exploring-diversity-and-culture/

Image: Planting Stories, The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, by Anika Denise and illustrated by Paola Escobar

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and it's a reminder

of the importance of safe streets for everyone. In 2021 there was a pedestrian fatality every 71 minutes and an injury every 9 minutes in traffic related crashes. In fact, just yesterday a 12 year old was hit by a car and seriously injured while riding their bike in Brentwood. That's why the Contra Costa County Vision Zero team is working tirelessly to change these numbers.

Our message is clear: "Slow Down for Our Families. Get there Safely!” You'll find our banners on buses and at 11 local elementary schools, spreading the word throughout our county. Join us in making our roads safer for ALL. Learn more about our efforts at: www.contracosta.ca.gov/visionzero. For more

pedestrian safety resources visit: bit.ly/3LFNYtw

Community Events

Bethel Island Health & Safety Fair Coming October 7

ALL are welcome to the Bethel Island Health & Safety Fair on Saturday, October 7. More than 30 service providers and agencies will be providing screenings, referrals and information for children, adults, veterans, people with disabilities and seniors.

Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023

Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Scout Hall & Community Park, 3090 Ranch Ln, Bethel Island, CA 94511

Refreshments & Free Raffle!

For more information contact: Mark Whitlock at 925-351-3759

Presented by Supervisor Diane Burgis, East Bay Senior Coalition and Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council.

Community Kickoff to Welcome Afghanistan Veteran Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia

Please join Homes for Our Troops to kick off the building of a specially adapted custom home for Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia in Byron.

Homes for Our Troops is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted, custom homes nationwide for severely injured post 9/11 Veterans.

They are building a home in Byron for Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia. He joined the Marines shortly after high school, serving two tours in Iraq in 2007 and 2009. He deployed a third time to Afghanistan in 2011, as a scout sniper with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. Then, on Nov. 7, 2011, Sgt. Garcia was on a foot patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). He immediately lost his left leg in the blast and sustained severe damage to his right leg. If you would like to learn more about him, please visit this link: https://www.hfotusa.org/kgarcia/

Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023

Time: Check-in begins at 9:30 am. Event begins at 10:00 am.

Location: Delta Community Presbyterian Church. 1900 Willow Lake Rd, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

Ceremony will be followed by a light lunch and an opportunity to meet Sgt. Garcia.

Event volunteers needed! For more information or to get involved, please contact Jocelyn Phipps, Community Engagement Director at jphipps@hfotusa.org or 508-789-3501

Take the Restorative Justice Survey Today!

The Office of Reentry and Justice is seeking community input on the needs and priorities for restorative justice practices in Contra Costa County.

With Measure X funds, the Probation Department, through its Office of Reentry & Justice, is looking to hear from county residents to better understand community needs and priorities for exploring opportunities to introduce restorative practices within our local systems and communities.

Take this 5 min survey (provided in English and in Spanish) and let your voice be heard!

Join Engagement Sessions for Proposed Youth Centers funded by Measure X

You're invited to join engagement sessions to shape the proposed youth centers funded by your Measure X tax dollars.

To take the online survey, learn about upcoming in-person community sessions or attend a virtual community session, visit: linktr.ee/SocialChangePartners

Questions? Comments?

Reach out to community@socialchangepartners.com

The Area Agency on Aging wants to hear from you!

Help shape how we meet the needs of seniors and disabled adults in our community while supporting their caregivers.

Participate in a focus group to help develop Contra Costa County’s 2024-28 Area Plan on Aging.

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) wants to hear from:

• Seniors age 60+
• Adults with disabilities age 18-59
• Family or informal caregivers

Upcoming East County Focus Group Sessions:

Friday, October 6 • 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm • Oakley Senior Center • 215 Second St, Oakley



Friday, October 13 • 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm • Antioch Senior Center • 415 W. 2nd St, Antioch

Questions?

Call (925) 655-0774 or visit ehsd.org

Nominate a Student or Adult for Humanitarian of the Year

Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony.

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is Monday, Oct. 23.

The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16. In the spirit of Dr. King’s work, this year’s theme is “Beloved Community.”

The Board of Supervisors plans to recognize two individuals, (1) a community member and (2) a student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.

Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity.

To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.

Apply Now to First Ever Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition

Introducing the first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition!

Win $1,000 to launch or grow your business. No idea is too small!

The competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities.

Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more and apply.

Winners selected by a panel of judges on February 6, 2024 at the Lafayette Library.

Deadline to apply is November 15th!

Would you like to serve on the Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee?

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee.

Requirements:

• Civic-minded
• Interested in volunteering for public service
• Experience with auditing principles and financial management best practices

If you have the skills and experience required, we want to hear from you!

How do I apply?

Submit an application online here: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database

For more information, contact Adam Nguyen at 925-655-2048 or Adam.Nguyen@cao.cccounty.us

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.

“If you’re weak on the facts and strong on the law, pound the law. If you’re weak on the law and strong on the facts, pound the facts. If you’re weak on both, pound the table.”

- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Supreme Court Justice