County Debuts Powerful Tools Showing How It Supports Community Members

Data can be a powerful storyteller. In Contra Costa County, an exciting new set of data tools paint a rich picture of our support and engagement with the community we serve. 

The Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) has launched two new complementary public-facing data products: the Benefits Program Geographic Information System (GIS) Map and the EHSD Interactive Program Data Dashboard.

EHSD Benefits Program GIS Map 

The EHSD Benefits Program GIS Map provides enhanced insights into how we serve our community through key benefit programs – across the county and by individual districts. 

The EHSD team, along with County Department of IT (DoIT) staff, created robust maps that depict enrollment in major EHSD programs by Supervisor District, including:

• Medi-Cal

• CalFresh

• CalWORKs

• Child Protective Services (CPS)

• In-Home Supportive Services

• Adult Protective Services (APS)

• General Assistance (GA) 

Two versions of the map – count by number of “Individuals” and “Households” – contain data for the entire county; data by Supervisor District; data by city; and interactive shaded zip code blocks that depict program participants by geographic location. The dashboards demonstrate that our Social Services programs support people in every corner of the county. 

EHSD Interactive Program Data Dashboard

Since 2019, EHSD has publicly posted monthly data dashboards that show how many people we assist through key programs such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal and more. The next generation EHSD Interactive Program Data Dashboard has additional dimensions and analytical features.

The Interactive Program Data Dashboard is a leading-edge platform with easy-to-understand visualizations of our program activity. EHSD.org visitors can view and explore the monthly data in three ways: trend lines, mouse-over pop-ups, and bar graph color density to reflect volume.

The trend line for each program is an important new feature, especially in light of the varied impacts of COVID-19. For example, enrollment in CalFresh and Medi-Cal have risen dramatically since March 2020, but referrals to Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult Protective Services (APS) dipped initially before returning to a more normal pattern. Each dashboard contains a vertical line to indicate the beginning of COVID-19 for ease of reference. Through the years, users can also see the effect of other economic and policy factors – such as the decline in CalFresh and CalWORKs enrollment during the strong economy prior to COVID. 

Users interested in seeing the history and the trends also have the option of downloading the raw data behind the dashboards into an Excel spreadsheet, in order to create custom analyses. 

Our community members, community-based organizations, researchers, students, elected officials and policy makers – or anyone who is just curious - may find this data useful to include in reports to various audiences, view trends and the effects of external factors such as COVID, and understand the impact of economic and policy changes.



You can access the Benefits Program GIS Maps and Interactive Program Data Dashboard by visiting the EHSD Public Information Sharing Tools Landing Page.

Contra Costa Health Seeks Applicants

for Gun Violence Prevention Coalition

Contra Costa Health (CCH) is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join a new Gun Violence Prevention Coalition to support the County's efforts to reduce gun violence.

Coalition members will be asked to support the following activities: Research and planning efforts to address root causes of gun violence in Contra Costa; development of an evidence-based Gun Violence Prevention Strategic Plan; development of a final report that will include a gun violence prevention sustainability plan for areas of Contra Costa most impacted by gun violence, and coordinate and collaborate with other violence prevention efforts in the county.

The Coalition will help to set and achieve goals of CCH's Violence Prevention Project, work supported by a $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Coalition will be a diverse, community and multi-agency-driven collaborative. We are currently seeking applications from representatives of community-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, other health-centered and faith-based organizations, and those who were formerly incarcerated and justice-involved. We strongly encourage residents to apply with lived experience, diverse backgrounds, and perspectives.



To apply for the GVPC, please click the button below and submit your responses no later than Friday, February 24, 2023, by 5 p.m.

Contra Costa County Public Works to Perform Tree Removal Work along Marsh Creek Road

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will perform tree removal work along Marsh Creek Road near Bridges 143 and 145. The work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, through Thursday, February 23, 2023, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., barring unforeseen circumstances.

Bridge 143 is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community. Bridge 145 is located approximately 3.0 miles east of Deer Valley Road near the road transition to Camino Diablo. The work being done is in preparation for the Marsh Creek Road Bridges Replacement Project that is scheduled to start construction this summer.

There will be traffic control, including lane and shoulder closures, through the work area and drivers can expect delays. Road users are encouraged to consider alternative routes during these work hours. 

Funding Opportunity:

Partner with us to help make a difference in the lives of families with young children.

Request for Qualifications for First 5 Centers

February 22, 2023: RFQ Release Date

March 9, 2023 from 1-3pm: Online Informational Meeting 

We are seeking an aligned partnership with organizations to operate one or more of our five First 5 Centers (known also as Family Resource Centers) for a 3 year contract. Help us realize our vision where all of Contra Costa's children grow up healthy, ready for school, and supported in safe, nurturing families and communities.

Our centers have been operating in partnership with funded organizations and communities for more than 20 years to support pregnant and parenting families with children ages 0 to 5. Our First 5 Centers have evolved into somewhat of a “franchise” type model, that includes no-cost use of the Center, furnishings and program supplies, experienced pool of potential staff, an active client database, a play book and hands-on support and training for a successful Center. 



Explore this opportunity to partner with First 5 Contra Costa to offer critical early childhood services that are responsive to the needs of the community.

Contra Costa County Office of Education

Job Fair

Contra Costa County Office of Education will be holding a job fair on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9:00-11:30am located at Alhambra High School (150 E Street, Martineza, CA). Onsite interviews will be held and we highly encourage you to bring your resume when you attend. Please click the button below for more information about current open jobs. Questions? Please contact Morgan Broshar at 925-942-3489 or mbroshar@cccoe.k12.ca.us.

Applications for Civil Grand Jury Service Sought

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 term.

The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts and school districts.

Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Approximately 75 applicants will be selected to be interviewed by the Grand Jury Selection Committee, which is composed of Superior Court Judges. After interviews, the judges will nominate approximately 30 applicants to constitute a grand jury pool from which the final panel of 19 will be selected by random drawing.

The drawing is scheduled to be held on Friday. June 16, 2023.

Individuals selected for service will be expected to be available from June 20 to June 23 and June 26 to June 29, to attend an orientation where they will meet with department heads, become familiar with their colleagues, learn about juror responsibilities and procedures, and select committees on which they will serve.

Grand jurors must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older, who have been a resident of Contra Costa County for at least one year prior to selection. They cannot currently hold any elected position within the county. Applicants should have reliable transportation to Martinez, and must be prepared to devote at least 30 hours per week to Civil Grand Jury service. Applicants should have access to a computer, be familiar with Microsoft Word, and be able to send and receive email. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform the jury duties.

Applicants selected as one of the 30 nominees will be fingerprinted before the drawing. Jurors receive a stipend for attending full jury and committee meetings and are reimbursed 62.5 cents per mile for allowable jury travel.

Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621 , or visit the website at www.cc-courts.org/grandiury to receive additional information regarding service on the Civil Grand Jury. Application deadline is Friday, March 24, 2023.

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.

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

Community Info

Families: the California Earned Income Tax Credit can put up to $3,417 back in your pockets.

Put money back in your pockets and file your taxes for free. The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), state expanded Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), state Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) and the federal EITC can combine to put hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. That’s money you can use for rent, school tuition, utilities, groceries and other important expenses.



What is the CalEITC?

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a cash-back refund and California’s supplemental boost to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Research suggests the credit leads to long-term positive outcomes in health, financial stability, and education for working Californians.

What to do with unwanted medications

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.

Reminder: The Delta needs your voice!

Invitations to participate in the Delta Residents Survey have been sent via postal mail to all households in the interior Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and a sample of households in the urban and suburban Delta. These letters will provide instructions on how to access the survey online or request a hard copy by mail.

The Delta Residents Survey is a collaborative research effort led by the University of California’s Sea Grant, California State University, Sacramento, and the Bay-Delta Social Science Community of Practice, with funding from the Delta Science Program. It aims to help decision-makers better understand Delta residents’ livelihoods, well-being, priorities, and concerns for the region.

Family Justice Institute

Virtual Learning Opportunities

Veteran Resource Fair

Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities/

Padres de niños con discapacidades del desarrollo

Service & Resource Fair

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.

RSVP for a Community Discussion:

Guaranteed Income in Contra Costa County

Join us for a community discussion about guaranteed income and the impact it could make on Contra Costa residents.

The Contra Costa Working Group Presents: Guaranteed Income in Contra Costa County 

February 28, 2023 from 6-7:30PM

Location: Zoom 

·     $50 stipend for community members—Zoom registration and attendance is required for community members to receive stipend.

·     Certified Spanish interpretations provided

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!

Help Protect Your Community!

Would You Like to Serve on the Advisory Fire Commission?

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals to serve as an At Large Alternate member of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s (CCCFPD) Advisory Fire Commission. The Commission is responsible for confirming cost of abatement reports; conducting weed abatement appeal hearings; approving surplus equipment declarations; reviewing CCCFPD operations and budget reports; and advising the Fire Chief on District service matters. The Commission also serves as a liaison between the Board of Directors and the community and may be asked to perform other duties by the Board of Directors. Applicants must reside or work within the boundaries of the Fire District to be considered for appointment.  

Regular meetings of the Advisory Fire Commission are held on the second Monday of even-numbered months at 7:00 p.m. in Concord. The appointment will be to complete the current term of office that will expire on June 30, 2024. Commissioners are not compensated.

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 www.contracosta.ca.gov. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023. Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews in Martinez on Monday, March 13, 2023.

Further information about the Advisory Fire Commission can be obtained by contacting Latonia Ellingberg at lelli@cccfpd.org or (925) 941-3300 x1200.

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. 

Applications must be received by March 1, 2023

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.

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.

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.

“While we do our good works, let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.”

-Chinua Achebe