Weekly Update - June 7, 2024

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The purpose of National Elder Abuse Awareness Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th is to shed light on the abuse and neglect that elderly and vulnerable adults face in Contra costa County and around the world.

• In Contra Costa County, older adults make up the fastest growing segment of our population.
• According to 2020 U.S. Census estimates, we have 251,216 individuals who are age 60+ in our county, which represents 21.5% of our community members. 
• In 2023, Adult Protective Services (APS) received 6,870 reports of elder and dependent adult abuse in Contra Costa County.  
• Abuse can be physical, financial, emotional, or psychological. It can be due to neglect by a caregiver and abandonment or isolation from friends or care. 
• APS, like Child Protective Services for children, assesses and investigates reports of suspected abuse of older and dependent adults. However, as adults, APS clients have the right to refuse services unless a court determines they lack the capacity to make decisions.

Anyone can report suspected abuse by calling the APS hotline at (925) 602-4179 or (877) 839-4347. The reporting party’s name always remains confidential.



For 24/7 support, go to the Contra Costa Crisis Center 211.org or call (800) 273-8255, or text “HOPE” to 20121.

Information & Assistance hotline for community resources and support at (925) 510-2020 or Information & Assistance | EHSD.

At the June 4 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Supervisors recognized June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Contra Costa County.

Eme Williams, a student at Athenian High School in Danville, has written The Art of Mindfulness, which is a book highlighting practices to help support teenagers’ mental and emotional well-being, and navigate their emotions through creative art therapy.

On May 14 Eme presented her book to the Board of Supervisors as part of their recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The official launch of the book took place a few days later, at the Devil Mountain Run in Danville.

Eme wrote this book as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. 

After 26 years of dedicated service through volunteering and employment with the City of San Ramon, and with the Street Smarts San Ramon Valley Program, Mark Ballock will soon be retiring.

To celebrate Mark's contributions, a special Dessert Celebration was held on May 28th, in the City of San Ramon City Hall Training Room.

Pictured on the left, Gayle Israel, Chief of Staff to Supervisor Andersen, and Mark Ballock display the Certificate of Appreciation from Supervisor Andersen.  To learn more about Street Smarts, a traffic safety education program, please go here.

A new data dashboard is giving some clarity to the impacts of the countywide behavioral health program known as A3, which aims to provide timely and appropriate mental health services to “anyone, anywhere, anytime” in Contra Costa County.

The new resource centralizes A3’s reporting call volume, mobile response details, client demographics and other key metrics. Users can filter data by city, number of people served, total calls, or mobile responses, giving a snapshot of how much A3 is being used by residents in Walnut Creek. Click to View the A3 Data Dashboard.

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering a License Amnesty Program this June to help county residents protect their pets in advance of the 4th of July holiday. During the month of June, county residents who have overdue animal licenses, or who have never licensed their pets, will have all late and penalty fees waived. Pet owners who take advantage of the License Amnesty Program will also receive a free designer license tag equipped with 24/7 lost pet protection services, adding an additional layer of protection to ensure their pets find their way home if they ever become lost.

Contra Costa County residents are required by law to license owned dogs that are over four months of age. While not required, Contra Costa Animal Services recommends licensing of owned cats that are allowed outdoors. Licenses can be purchased online at CCAS’s website: www.ccasd.org. License fees are as follows:

• 1yr license for altered pet - $25.00
• 1yr license for unaltered pet - $65.00
• 3yr license for altered pet – $60.00
• 3yr license for unaltered pet - $180.00

Military veterans and senior citizens over 65 years of age – Free for first pet, if altered. CCAS partners with Docupet to provide pet licensing services for Contra Costa County residents. Through our partnership with DocuPet, Contra Costa County residents with licensed pets have access to an array of additional free services to keep their pets safe. For more information, visit www.ccasd.org.

Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team is having a presentation on Monday, June 10th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss resources available for homeowners to harden their homes against wildfire. The presenters will discuss free and low-cost resources and grants available. The presenters will be Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Chris Bachman of Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Fire Marshal Jeff Isaacs of Moraga-Orinda Fire District, and Outreach and Education Coordinator James Duff of City of Orinda.

To register for the meeting, send an email to: registrar@lamorindacert.org with your name, city, and email address. We will send a Zoom meeting link.



If you can’t attend on Monday evening, a recording will be available soon at https://lamorindacert.org/monthly-meetings/.

Moraga recently sent out a helpful reminder to its residents.

As we approach the fire season, emergency preparedness for our families is very important. Police and Fire agencies are constantly working to ensure that we can get information out to our residents during an emergency or critical incident. You can do your part by ensuring that you are signed up for the Community Warning System www.cwsalerts.com, which is what will be used in the event of an emergency to issue evacuation orders and warnings. The Community Warning System (CWS) allows us to notify people within individual evacuation zone areas, ensuring that notifications are directed to those who need them, rather than being sent out Townwide. CWS is the primary warning system that will be used and residents should register both mobile and residence phone numbers with CWS.

Additionally, the Genasys Protect program www.protect.genasys.com displays evacuation zones and will be used in conjunction with CWS to provide additional information to residents. This program is being used statewide and shows the status of each evacuation zone. For example, if you were concerned about an incident in your town or in another community, you could check the status of the individual evacuation zones via this program. Genasys Protect is being funded by the County’s Measure X funds.

To learn more go to CCHealth.org.

Alder Creek and Leatherwood Creek Restoration Project at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

This is the largest creek restoration project in the Park District’s 90-year history. This project restores 3,000 linear feet of previously culverted creek to more natural conditions. The Alder Creek and Leatherwood Creek Restoration Project, formerly known as the McCosker Project in honor of the last family who owned and worked on the property, provides natural habitat for special status or protected species. Cooper’s hawk, loggerhead shrike, northern harrier, and white-tailed kite. The project's water quality and streamflow improvements now also provide new habitat for rainbow trout, a native salmonid species.

The restoration area within Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is open to the public. It includes an 11-car staging area off Pinehurst Road, with connections to the McCosker Loop Trail and trails that follow the creeks on the property

Visit the Sibley Alder and Leatherwood Creek Restoration and Public Access project webpage for more information.

Being in a community that gives back fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, enhancing overall well-being. It creates a network of care. At the Contra Costa Crisis Center, they are dedicated to providing critical support and resources to those in need within our community.

Volunteering is always a great way to make a difference. Please visit https://www.crisis-center.org/volunteer/ or email Kaitlyn Coughran, Volunteer & Training Manager at kaitlync@crisis-center.org for more information or trainings.

Do you know an individual, nonprofit, government program, school, or business that deserves to be recognized for their good work? The Leadership in Sustainability Award nominations are open now and will close on June 30. Nominating is fast and easy.

All the details are here. The awards will be presented at the 16th Annual Sustainability Awards Event on September 18, 2024. Nomination form HERE.

With summer approaching, concerts in the park are on the horizon. Several communities throughout District II have put together a wide range of musical talents for everyone to enjoy. 

The concerts are held on different nights of the week, and the music reflects many different genres. The park settings and a picnic dinner are perfect compliments to an evening of music outdoors. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your own community or visit a new one. It’s also a nice way to support local businesses by purchasing your meal “to go” from one of our exceptional restaurants.

Alamo – Concerts are held at Livorna Park on Friday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Please call 925.313.2272 for information. Movies and bands are selected by the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council with input from the public. The events are paid for by the County Service Area (CSA) R7 fund, which is paid for by all Alamo residents. Each concert will have two food trucks available in the parking lot. Handicap spaces will still be available. 

Friday, June 28 – Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute Band)

Friday, July 12 – House Rockers (Rock and Soul)

Friday, July 19 – Other People’s Money (Rock)

Friday, July 26 – Tainted Love (80’s Tribute Band)

Danville – Concerts are held at Oak Hill Park on Saturday nights, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Call 925.314.3400 for information.

Saturday, June 22 – Momo Tombo (Latin Rock)

Saturday, July 6 – Jackson Michelson (Country)

Saturday, July 20 – Judd Hoos (Alternative, Indie, Rock)

Saturday, August 3 – The Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Classic Rock Tribute)

Lafayette – Rock the Plaza (at intersection of Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo Blvd.)

Friday nights, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. For information, please visit lafayettechamber.org/rock-the-plaza/.

Friday, June 7 – Other People’s Money (Rock) 

Friday, June 14 – Midnight Flyer (Eagles Tribute Band)

Friday, June 21 – Bay Bridge Beat (Funk)

Friday, June 28 – Lamorinda Idol

Moraga – Concerts are held at Moraga Commons Park, Thursday nights, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

For more information visit moragaparks.org.

Thursday, June 13 – East Bay Mudd (Classic Soul and R&B)

Thursday, June 20 – Jazzphoria (Jazz Rhythm & Blues Octet)

Thursday, June 27 – Midnight Flyer (Eagles Tribute Band)

Thursday, July 4 – Houserockers (Rock & Soul) (7:00pm concert)

Thursday, July 11 – Mumbo Gumbo (Genre-bending Americana & Musical Stew)

Thursday, July 18 – Steve Hanson & Carousel Cowboys (Modern Country)

Thursday, July 25 – Purple Ones (Prince Tribute)

Thursday, August 1 – Native Element (Reggae)

Thursday, August 8 – Traveling Wilbury Review (E.L.O., Oribinson, Harrison, Dylan Tribute)

Thursday, August 15 – 3 Day Weekend (Motown, R&B, Classic Rock)

Orinda – Concerts are held at the Orinda Community Park on Thursday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call 925.254.2445 for information.

Thursday, June 6 – Hipster Cocktail Party

Thursday, June 20 – Opera in the Park

Thursday, July 11 – Lamorinda Idol

Thursday, July 25 – August Reed Band

Thursday, August 1 – Tin Man

Thursday, August 15 – Vintage Jukebox

Thursday, August 29 – Spill the Wine

Thursday, September 12 – Patron

San Ramon – Concerts are held in the San Ramon Central Park Amphitheater on Sunday nights at 5:30 p.m. Call 925.973.3200 for information.

Sunday, July 14 – Flock of Seagirls (Ladies of the 80’s Tribute)

Sunday, July 21 – Sacred Fire Band (Santana Tribute Band and Latin Music)

Sunday, July 28 – Bombay Disco Co. (Bollywood Band)

Sunday, August 4 – Pride and Joy (Bay Area’s Favorite Party Band)

Walnut Creek – The city of Walnut Creek has a couple of different options for summer concerts. The Walnut Creek Arts and Recreation program has four concerts planned for Rudney Plaza (corner of Locust Street and Civic Drive) at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 27 – Miko Marks Trio (Country)

Thursday, July 11 – Tom Ridney and Flambeau

Thursday, July 18 – Chika Di (Fiesta Cultural)

Thursday, July 25 – Kyana Fanene (Pop/R&B)

Broadway Plaza hosts three concerts on Thursday nights on Broadway Plaza Street at 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday, August 1 – 24K Magic (Bruno Mars Tribute)

Thursday, August 8 – Evolution (Journey Tribute)

Thursday, August 15 – Kalimba (Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute)

The city of Walnut Creek puts on concerts at the Lesher Center for the Arts on Thursday nights at 5:30 p.m. 

Thursday, June 27 - Miko Marks Trio

Thursday, July 11 - Tom Rigney and Flambeau

Thursday, July 18 - Chika Di (Fiesta Cultural)

Thursday, July 25 - Kyana Fanene

All concerts are FREE and perfect for the whole family! No tickets are required, but seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) developed a 4.6-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar energy project on EBMUD-owned land in Orinda. Completed in 2024, the Orinda Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project is EBMUD's largest solar installation to date and will generate approximately 10 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean, renewable electricity a year – offsetting nearly 10 percent of EBMUD's energy costs. The Orinda PV project assists EBMUD in meeting its Energy Policy goal to be carbon-free for indirect emissions by 2030.

Ever wonder what happens to your dirty water after it disappears down the drain? Join Central San Academy this summer to explore the world of wastewater. Learn all about Central San's work, from collecting and cleaning millions of gallons of wastewater every day to preventing pollution, recycling water, piloting new technologies, and much more. Plus, you’ll have a chance to explore career pathways in the wastewater industry and meet like-minded community members who share your curiosity and passion for protecting the environment.

Participants will meet for four Tuesday evening sessions from June 25 to July 16 at the Roundhouse Conference Center in San Ramon, as well as a tour of Central San's facilities in Martinez. Central San Academy is free and open to anyone 18 years or older, but space is limited. Applications are due June 11. Learn more and apply at: centralsan.org/academy.

Local, state, and federal incentive programs can help you save money while making your home and transportation more sustainable. Improving your home's energy efficiency and transitioning away from natural gas appliances can save energy and improve indoor air quality. A number of these local, state, and federal programs can be layered to bring down the overall cost of home energy efficiency and all-electric upgrades. 

Watch the Contra Costa County Sustainability Exchange participate in restoration activities at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge and learn how you can implement practical sustainable habits in your own life through the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge and beyond! 



Watch the video by clicking here https://www.youtube.com/watch.

Visit the Contra Costa County Sustainability Resources webpage www.contracosta.ca.gov/Sustainability-Resources, the one-stop shop maintained by County sustainability staff, to learn more about current local, state, and federal incentive programs that can make sustainable choices more affordable. 

Caltrans has scheduled overnight closures of the eastbound State Route 24 (SR-24) Caldecott Tunnel No. 2 bore for three consecutive nights in June.

The closure of the No. 2 bore will allow crews to conduct routine maintenance inside the Caldecott Tunnel. The closure will occur Monday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 13 from 10 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. the next mornings.

The remaining two westbound bores and one eastbound bore will remain open during nightly work.

Changeable message signs will be in place to assist motorists traveling in the area.

For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBAY. 

For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Beginning in late June, BART will begin a project to replace 16 interlockings between MacArthur Station and 19th Street Station in Oakland. During construction, which will occur on irregular weekends throughout 2024, a free bus bridge will replace BART service between Rockridge, McArthur, and 19th Street stations. The current interlockings, which operate like interchanges between tracks, are more than 50 years old and in need of replacement.

Riders can expect delays of up to 40 minutes between these stations and less frequent service systemwide on work weekends. Work will occur between MacArthur and 19th Street BART stations one weekend a month, most months, through June 2026. The construction weekends in 2024 are as follows:

• June 22-23
• July 20-21
• August 17-18
• September 21-22
• October 19-20
• November 2-3 

More information about the service impacts can be found in our passenger bulletin.

Crow Canyon Road is closed to through traffic between Mile Marker (‘MM’) 5.25 and the County Line (Bollinger Canyon Road) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The road is being closed to facilitate reconstruction of the roadway and replacement of three cross culverts at MM 5.83, 5.91 and 6.10. The closure is in effect through August. 

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the construction area and use alternative routes. It is recommended that motorists use I-580 and I-680 as the detour route between Castro Valley and San Ramon. 

For more information on the project, visit the project page, email info@acpwa.org, or call the construction hotline at (510) 670-5591.

The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee is now accepting grant applications from non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies interested in enhancing the fish and wildlife resources of the County. 

Go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/grant for more information or call 925-655-2909.

Community Advisory Board (CAB) on Public Safety Realignment

Central County Residents Preferred

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) on Public Safety Realignment was established by the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) Executive Committee in December 2012 to provide input on community needs; assess implementation of the realignment plan; review data on realignment outcomes; advise the CCP on community engagement strategies; offer recommendations for ongoing realignment planning; advise County agencies regarding programs for implementation in the County; and encourage outcomes that are consistent with the County’s Reentry Strategic Plan. 

Submit an Application Online here. Questions? Contact: The Office of Reentry & Justice, by phone at (925) 313-4087.

For more information on CAB membership duties and activities, please visit their website contracosta.ca.gov/4165/Community-Advisory-Board-CAB. 

Mental Health Commission - https://cchealth.org/mentalhealth/mhc/

The primary purpose of the Commission is to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and to the Mental Health Division and its staff. Mission Statement: To influence the County's Mental Health System to ensure the delivery of quality services that are effective, efficient, culturally relevant, and responsive to the needs and desires of the clients it serves with dignity and respect; and to be the advocate with the Board of Supervisors, the Mental Health Division, and the community on behalf of all Contra Costa County residents who need mental health services.

Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418.