District 3 Newsletter for June 22 | |
Speaking up for our local economy | |
It’s no secret to East County residents that our population is booming while the majority of good-paying jobs require commutes. Last Friday, I presented to the nine-county Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) at their annual General Assembly conference to describe the economic development work we’re doing in East County and what more needs to be done.
In a panel discussion with economic leaders from Fremont, Berkeley and Solano County, I highlighted our work to develop the Northern Waterfront’s economy and bring trailblazing unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) testing to Byron Airport. Contra Costa County is lucky to have staff leadership from folks like George Carter of the Department of Conservation and Development (pictured below), who focuses every day on how to develop jobs along the Northern Waterfront, including Antioch and Oakley.
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At the same time, I repeated a refrain that regional leaders hear from me over and over again; East County needs more jobs and better transportation systems. We have too many people spending too much of their time commuting to jobs outside our East County communities. With more economic development along the Northern Waterfront and shifts in regional transportation funding, we can continue to make steady progress. | |
Contra Costa Animal Services Seeks
Adopters and Foster Homes
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All animals at Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be free to adopt during the month of June in an effort to clear kennel space with the county shelter reaching near capacity. CCAS is also seeking qualified foster homes – specifically those that can accommodate large dog breeds – to help alleviate the current shelter population.
CCAS has reached a fever pitch. With an already crowded shelter and an average daily intake of nearly 20 animals each day, they're asking for the community’s help in getting as many pets out of the shelter as they possibly can through adoption and foster. CCAS currently has over 100 pets seeking permanent or temporary homes.
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To support individuals and families in cancer journeys, we are partnering with Equiva Health to:
- Help your household enroll in the ACP
- Coordinate monthly internet service
- Give you a cellular-enabled tablet device (preloaded with valuable cancer resources)
You can readily access Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area services from your home or on the go – at no cost to you:
- Join online support groups and discussion boards
- Attend online classes: nutrition, exercise, treatment options, mindfulness, etc.
- Connect socially via virtual video calling, online photo albums, and virtual coffee groups
- Relax: enjoy the radio, play games, read a newspaper or magazine
- Get referrals to our partners in local and national communities
You are eligible if someone in your household is already enrolled in one or more of the following: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Tribal-specific programs, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Lifeline and other government assistance programs. Note that households that have already accessed the ACP award are NOT eligible
Equiva Health covers the one-time fee of $10.01 to activate the tablet. We are available to assist you with the enrollment process and with coordinating this payment.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Please call us at (925) 933-0107
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Everybody Loves a Free Ride! | |
In partnership with The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Contra Costa Crisis Center, Tri Delta Transit is participating in the East County Ticket Program.
ADA paratransit riders using Tri Delta Transit Services may be eligible for FREE paratransit rides! Households eligible for assistance programs should call 211 in Contra Costa County to see if they qualify.
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Looking for free summertime activities, fun for the whole family? Check out 511 Contra Costa’s Summer Bike Challenge. June-August, riders of all ages will explore their hometowns on two wheels. Simply bike to each destination and cross off the squares as you go. Pick up free prizes on select dates, take weekly Bonus Challenges, and enter the iPad Grand Prize Drawing just by signing up. Ready to roll? Visit 511cc.org/sbc to get started.
Pick up your free SBC gamecard at the library, City Hall, and Community Centers.
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The Summer Youth Pass is a three-month bus pass that gives kids a great way to get around town, all summer long. For just $30, passholders ages 6-18 can take unlimited bus rides on County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT from June through August. On sale now at 511cc.org/youthpass | |
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The Contra Costa County Library wants to hear from you. The Library is conducting a survey to collect responses from both cardholders and people who don't use the Library. The results of the survey will help the Library to focus their strategic goals and provide programs and services that will directly benefit our communities.
The survey will be open until Mon, June 26.
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Application Period For 2023 Fall
Community Academy Now Open
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Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is opening
applications for the 2023 Fall Community Academy.
The free, 9-week course will be held at the DA's Office in downtown Martinez from 6:00-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting September 6th.
“One of my goals as District Attorney is to be more transparent with the community about what our office does in the criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Becton. “The Community Academy is an integral program that strengthens our community through education, information, and understanding.”
Participants in the academy will get an in-depth view of the criminal justice system by hearing from deputy district attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, support staff, community-based organizations, and justice partners. Moreover, people will learn firsthand how the DA’s Office files cases, will meet with a Superior Court judge during a court tour, gain knowledge about prosecutions and investigations, visit the Martinez Detention Facility, and understand the office’s outreach efforts for children, parents, and victims.
The Community Academy is open to residents 18-years-old and older who live or work in Contra Costa County. To apply, go to contracostada.org by June 30th.
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The East Contra Costa Historical Museum is becoming a more and more popular as a place to visit. Last year, they welcomed 284 week-end visitors, which is a 500% increase over previous years!
Do you have a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or two between now and the end of October that you could be a friendly face that welcomes visitors to the museum?
Greeters do not lead tours, but help guide visitors around the grounds.
Background information is provided and new Greeters are always paired
with someone who is experienced.
The museum is open every Saturday and third Sunday 2:00-4:00pm.
April through October
If you can help fill the schedule, email here or call 925-206-5087.
Your ECCHS Museum needs you! Let's keep the doors open and visitors coming!
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County Commission Openings | | |
Contra Costa County Seeks Applicants for Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council | |
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on its 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). The following positions will be held for a two-year term residing or working within the County of Contra Costa:
- Two At-Large representatives residing or working within Contra Costa County
- Two At-Large youth, 14 to 25 years old and residing or working within Contra Costa County
The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is a multiagency advisory body that informs the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan composed of several critical parts, including,but not limited to an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health,
health, social services, drug and alcohol and youth services resources, which specifically target both at-promise as well as system-involved youth, and their families.
The JJCC will also coordinate on a countywide basis the work of those governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community, develop information and intelligence-sharing systems to ensure that county actions are fully coordinated, and provide data and appropriate outcome measures.
The JJCC meets monthly March and April, and bi-monthly the remainder of the year. Members have the option to serve on two subcommittees.
Applications are due by 5 p.m., Monday, July 17, and all timely applicants will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee: Supervisors John Gioia, District I, and Federal Glover, District V. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for the Board of Supervisors to appoint.
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 http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/.
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Public Advisory Committee Members Needed for the
East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy
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The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy is seeking four (4) individuals or organization representatives to serve on the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) to provide input on the implementation of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP or Plan). The PAC is composed of members representing a variety of interest groups, including three members from the development community, three representatives from the conservation community, three private landowners and/or agriculturalists, three representatives of suburban and/or rural residents within the Plan area, as well as staff members from interested public agencies. PAC members are appointed for a four-year term and are expected to attend all PAC meetings. The PAC meets (remotely) on the 2nd Thursdays at 1 pm of February, May, August, and November. The May meeting is typically an in-person field trip.
The current vacancies are for:
• 1 private permit seeker from the development community
• 1 representative from the conservation community
• 1 private landowner and/or agriculturalist (or their representatives) • 1 suburban or rural resident from the Plan Area
The PAC currently meets quarterly (remotely three times a year and once for an in-person field trip) and is responsible for reviewing and commenting on the general implementation processes of the HCP/NCCP including providing input on implementation policies, budgeting, workplan, restoration projects, a small research grant program, the operation of preserves, and the adherence to plan commitments. For more information on the HCP/NCCP and the role of the PAC visit cocohcp.org .
To be considered, applications must be received no later than August 1, 2023 at 5 p.m. either by mail or email at the following address (hard copy or electronic):
Maureen Parkes
East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy
30 Muir Road
Martinez, CA 94553
Email: Maureen.Parkes@dcd.cccounty.us
Background information on the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy: The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy is a joint exercise of powers authority formed by the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley and Pittsburg and Contra Costa County to implement the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP or Plan). The HCP/NCCP provides a framework to protect natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County, while improving and streamlining the environmental permitting process for impacts on endangered species. The Plan will allow Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the East Bay Regional Park District and the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley, and Pittsburg (collectively, the Permittees) to control endangered species permitting for activities and projects in the region that they perform or approve. The Plan also provides for comprehensive species, wetlands, and ecosystem conservation and contributes to the recovery of endangered species in northern California. The Plan avoids project-by-project permitting that is generally costly and time consuming for applicants and often results in uncoordinated and biologically ineffective mitigation.
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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.
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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
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.
Mental Health Commission
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.
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.
Knightsen Town Advisory Council (KTAC)
1 Seat
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.
To apply, click on this link: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database
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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.
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“We know summer is the height of being alive.”
-Gary Shteyngart
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Supervisor Diane Burgis
3361 Walnut Boulevard, Suite 140
Brentwood, CA 94513
925-655-2330
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