Weekly Update - May 31, 2024

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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.

“The 4th of July sees more pets becoming lost than any other time of the year,” said Ben Winkleblack, Director of Contra Costa Animal Services. “Licensing your pet can be the difference between losing your pet and getting them back, so there’s no better time to offer this program to help people protect their pets.”

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.

Homelessness rose in Contra Costa during 2023 - The 2024 Point In Time (PIT) documented 471 more residents experiencing homelessness in our county (2,843) compared to 2023 (2,372).

PIT is a tool that provides a rough estimate of community need on any given day, used by HUD to determine local funding, it is not a true census of the unhoused population.

But we can tell from our PIT data that, compared to 2023:

• More were counted in East County (+152), fewer in West (-161)
• People experiencing long-term or persistent (chronic) homelessness make up a smaller share of the overall population (57% vs. 67% in 2023)
• There was no change in the share of the overall population that was sheltered (31%) vs. unsheltered because CCH and partners have worked hard to rapidly increase available shelter beds in recent years, and because Contra Costa increased its number of temporary and shelter beds by 26% between 2023 and 2024

Some cities that sustained or strengthened efforts to address homelessness, particularly outreach, showed significant improvement, Richmond (-99) used an $8.6 million state grant to transition nearly 100 residents of a large encampment into housing. Concord (-68) has a homeless strategic plan and well-developed services for residents experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness, including case management, housing navigation, household budgeting, and short-term rental assistance.

To learn more go to CCHealth.org.

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 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.

Join us for Contra Costa County’s 6th Annual Summer Block Party from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, at Civic Center Plaza, 27th and Nevin St., Richmond.



In partnership with the City of Richmond, Contra Costa County will bring you a one-stop shop to share more about what programs and services are available. Avoid having to make multiple stops to government offices or wait in long lines to take care of important tasks. Instead, bring the family and just stop by the County Services Summer Block Party!

Contra Costa County, the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department, the Employment & Human Services Department, the County Library and County Public Works along with the City of Richmond are collaborating to provide a fun, festive event that offers a wide variety of on-the-spot government services at one single location. This will be the sixth year of the increasingly popular event, providing opportunities throughout the County to learn what’s available to you as a Contra Costa County resident.

Available services at the Summer Block Party include:

• Sign-ups for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWorks, information about childcare and preschool options, Records within Reach from Clerk-Recorder's Office, Library Card Signups, Voter Registration, Clean Slate Program information, Contra Costa Television (CCTV) -- and many more County programs.
• County Departments Providing Services and Information
• Clerk-Recorder-Elections
• Contra Costa County Library
• Employment & Human Services
• Health Services 
• Probation
• Public Works
• Office of Communications and Media & Contra Costa Television
• Join us for raffles, prizes, story time and MORE! 

For more information, visit https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7625/Contra-Costa-County-Summer-Block-Party 

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. 

Are you concerned about the risks of mis- and disinformation in our media? Or the potential impact of AI-generated images and video? Are you worried about the impact of mis- and disinformation on our culture, our communities, our election, and ultimately on our democracy? 

If so, please join the League of Women Voters Diablo Valley for a presentation on Mis- and Disinformation -- how to spot it, stop it, and report it, with a special focus on the 2024 election. The presentation is open to all and will be held at the Walnut Creek Library's Oak Room on Tuesday, June 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Parking is available at the library.

Click here to register in advance. Drop-ins are also welcome.  

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are proposing the Interstate 680 (I-680) Northbound Express Lane Completion Project to address the existing express lanes gap, relieve congestion, reduce travel delays, and improve operations. You can learn more about the project and share your thoughts at ccta.net/expresslane.

The public comment period is from May 8, 2024, through June 24, 2024. All comments must be postmarked by June 24, 2024.

Beginning in late June, BART will begin a project to replace 16 interlockings between MacArthur Station and 19^th 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 19^th 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 19^th 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.

Do you love animals? Are you seeking employment in a field that will allow you to apply your passion and skills to serve the community? CCAS is currently seeking applicants for the position of Animal Services Officer. 

The challenges and rewards of a career in Animal Services are extensive. Contra Costa County's Animal Services Department (CCAS) is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of all people and animals in our community. We shelter homeless, abandoned, and lost pets; work to keep and place animals in safe, caring homes; and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions.  

Contra Costa County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Contra Costa County not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation, or other unlawful discrimination.



To view the announcement, check out our Job Opportunities page or click the link below. 

Animal Services Officer (Open through June 3, 2024)

Caltrans has scheduled a partial closure of southbound Interstate 680 between Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon and the I-580/I-680 connector in Pleasanton Friday, May 31 through Monday morning, June 3.

Three left lanes of southbound Interstate 680 will be closed between Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon and the I-580/I-680 Connector in Pleasanton from 9 p.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Monday morning.

Two right lanes of I-680 will remain open during both closures. However, we encourage motorists to take alternative routes to alleviate traffic congestion within the construction work zone on southbound I-680 in the cities of San Ramon and Dublin.

In addition to these closures on southbound I-680, the far-left lane (Express Lane) and left shoulder will be closed on northbound I-680 between Amador Valley Boulevard in Dublin and Alcosta Blvd in San Ramon.

Though lanes will be open, it’s best to avoid the area if possible. If you do access the freeway. Please be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting the construction zone and slow for the Cone Zone.

For more information, please visit the Alameda County Transportation Commission website at https://bit.ly/43dKwg1.

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.