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Weekend Storm Causes Anchor Marina Dock to Break Loose

 A section of dock resting on the Jersey Island side of Taylor Slough. It moved further downstream Wednesday.

On Sunday, February 4, winter storm conditions caused a dock to unmoor from Anchor Marina, a privately owned property on Bethel Island with a 15-year history of dangerous conditions. The 300-foot dock floated into Taylor Slough, and then split into two segments that were each over 100 feet long. One section of dock ran aground at Jersey Island Sunday, but then loosened Wednesday afternoon and returned to the Bethel Island side of the slough. A second section collided with at least one neighboring dock.

 

Read news coverage in the East Bay Times

 

Watch ABC 7 News coverage

 

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa Department of Conservation and Development have been monitoring the situation and are working with a local contractor to remove the sections of dock from the waterways, dismantle the dock and dispose of the material. On Thursday, workers moved the smaller of the two sections of dock back to Anchor Marina and began dismantling it. The second section is currently tied up against private docks on Bethel Island and is stabilized for now. The next step will be to bring this second section back to Anchor Marina as well so it can also be dismantled.

 

It’s frustrating that a delinquent property owner with a history of mismanagement has caused further damage through unsafe conditions. At the same time, this could have been worse without the County’s cleanup of the site last year, when boats, fuels, chemicals and other pollutants were removed. Without the County’s work, those pollutants could have made their way into the Delta.

 

In July 2023, Contra Costa County abated the property at 1970 Taylor Road citing:

“1) Operation of an RV park, boat and boat trailer storage, RV and trailer parking with hook-ups, campgrounds, mini storage, convenience store, U-Haul rental business, and a boat repair facility without a land use permit; 

2) Illegally occupied boats and RV’s lacking proper sanitation and utilizing unpermitted electrical systems consisting of generators and extension cords, cumulating in fire damage, insanitary/hazardous conditions unsafe for human habitation; and

3) a residential property nuisance including trash and debris, car parts, tires, and construction equipment.”

 

During the July 2023 abatement, 24 truckloads of trash and debris were extracted, totaling 44 tons. The property owner, BI Properties, was billed $100,858 for the actual cost of the abatement and all administrative costs in November 2023 and has not paid. Unrelated to this weekend’s storm damage, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to place a lien on the property for $100,858. The County plans to bill the property owner for any new costs for abating the newest hazard created by the dock.

Board of Supervisors Declares African American Mental Health Awareness Week

Tuesday, the Board declared February 11-17, 2024 as African American Mental Health Awareness Week, recognizing the need for well-funded, culturally responsive and community defined services to address mental health and substance use issues in the African American community.

 

There are many organizations and individuals working to support families and protect from the harms of mental illness and substance abuse, including NAMI Contra Costa, its African American Uplift Program, peers/clients/consumers, family members, providers, spiritual leaders, 40 Voices, Village Keepers, and The Miles Hall Foundation. Representatives from many of these organizations joined us in the board chambers.

 

The Board also declared February 15, 2024 as Miles Hall Day of Remembrance and March 8, 2024 as Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance. Both young men were killed by police while experiencing mental health episodes.

 

Miles’ legacy lives on as the namesake of the A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center, a 24/7 hotline for people in need of mental health support. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health or substance use support, call 844-844-5544.

Delta National Heritage Area Management Plan Released: Public Comment Requested

The Delta Protection Commission has released a public-comment draft of the Management Plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (Delta NHA).

 

All interested parties are encouraged to view the plan here, and submit comments on the Plan by 5 p.m. March 6, 2024. Comments can be emailed to submit@delta.ca.gov, or mailed to the Delta Protection Commission, 2101 Stone Blvd., Suite 200, West Sacramento, CA 95691.


In addition, members of the public may attend one of two scheduled meetings to comment in person: Feb. 21 in Walnut Grove and Feb. 22 in Antioch, both 6-8 p.m. An additional virtual meeting will be scheduled as well.


“We’re excited and pleased to be at this juncture – a critical point in the development of this National Heritage Area,” said Commission Executive Director Bruce Blodgett. 


“A great deal of work has gone into the plan in consultation with a broad group of stakeholders and tribes,” he said. “But this public comment process is key to ensuring that the voices of the Delta and all who depend on it – whether for work, recreation, historical and cultural appreciation, or spiritual connection – are represented well in the final plan.” 


The Delta NHA was created in 2019 by Congress (PDF). It is California’s first, and so far only, National Heritage Area. 


The NHA’s boundary extends from Sacramento to Stockton to Vallejo with the junction of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers at its heart. The history of California’s Delta and Carquinez Strait is a rich tapestry of indigenous peoples and immigrants from around the world, natural beauty and wildlife and engineering marvels, bustling metropolitan areas and picturesque rural towns. The native peat soils provide for fertile cropland and its water supports 29 million Californians. 


The Delta Protection Commission, a California state agency, was designated the local coordinating entity for the Delta NHA. It has drafted the Management Plan in cooperation with the commission’s Delta NHA Management Plan Advisory Committee, the National Park Service, California State Parks, tribes, and stakeholders. 


The Delta Protection Commission is scheduled to vote on the plan March 7, 2024, after which it will be submitted to the Secretary of the Interior for approval. After approval, implementation of the plan can begin.

Election Season is Here. Your Vote Matters!

The Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 

The Contra Costa County Voter Information Guide should be in your mailbox now.


The Voter Information Guide provides useful information on the candidates and ballot measures. Each measure in the Voter Information Guide is accompanied by an impartial analysis of the measure and the potential costs to taxpayers prepared by the Legislative Analyst’s Office. The arguments in favor and against each measure are prepared by proponents and opponents to that measure.  

The Official Contra Costa County Ballot Envelopes will be arriving soon and will look different this year. The ballot envelope still has the “Official Election Mail” insignia on it, but it is blue. Your ballot envelope should arrive in the blue envelope. The “Incoming/Return” ballot envelope is now purple. You must mail your “Vote By Mail” ballot back using the purple envelope. 

 

If you need additional information regarding elections, voter registration, getting the Official Contra Costa County Ballot Envelopes, etc., visit ContraCostaVote.gov or call the Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder at (925) 335-7800.

Community Info

Contra Costa County Public Works to Perform Paving Work on Vasco Road

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will be performing paving work for emergency road repairs on the north bound lane of Vasco Road, between the Alameda County line and Camino Diablo, beginning on Monday, February 12, 2024, through Wednesday, February 14, 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances. The work will take place between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. Message boards will be posted to advise drivers before scheduled work begins. Drivers should expect up to 15-minute delays. The work will be scheduled to minimize impacts to commute traffic.

Make a Difference in Your Community. Serve on the 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications through March 24 to serve on the Civil Grand Jury for the 2024-2025 term.


The Civil Grand Jury comprises 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.


If you are interested, contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621 or visit https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/grand-jury.aspx to receive more information.

El Tribunal Superior del Condado de Contra Costa está aceptando solicitudes hasta el 24 de marzo para formar parte del Gran Jurado Civil durante el período 2024-2025.


El Gran Jurado Civil está compuesto por 19 miembros que sirven durante un año, de julio a junio, para monitorear, revisar e informar sobre los gobiernos de la ciudad y el condado, los distritos especiales y los distritos escolares.


Si está interesado, comuníquese con la Oficina del Gran Jurado Civil al (925) 608-2621, o visite https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/grand-jury.aspx para recibir más información. La fecha límite para aplicar es el viernes 24 de marzo de 2024.

Would you like to serve on the Measure X Community Advisory Board?

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking diverse representation from individuals with broad experience with programs that align with the Measure’s voter-approved purpose “to keep Contra Costa’s regional hospital open and staffed; fund community health centers, emergency response; support crucial safety-net services; invest in early childhood services; protect vulnerable populations; and for other essential county services.” The Measure X Community Advisory Board (MXCAB) was established on February 2, 2021 following passage of Measure X – a countywide sales tax measure providing general purpose revenue for County programs.


The main responsibilities of the Measure X Community Advisory Board are: 


  •  Providing input on the scope and methodology of the regular written assessment of community needs and priorities;
  •  Using the assessment findings to develop general funding priorities to be recommended to the Board of Supervisors on Measure X net revenues available for allocation;
  • Receiving annual status reports on the implementation, milestones, impact, and outcomes of Measure X funded programs; 


Appointments for seven (7) At-Large and five (5) At-Large Alternate seats will be considered at the Board of Supervisors Finance Committee, with public interviews scheduled March 4, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. To have your application considered at the March Finance Committee meeting, please submit an application online by February 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.


For further information, please call Emlyn Struthers, Deputy County Administrator, at (925) 655-2045 or Emlyn.Struthers@cao.cccounty.us.

Seeking Youth Representatives for Council on Homelessness

The Contra Costa Council on Homelessness (COH) is seeking applicants for their Youth Representative Seat. 

 

Details

  • Applicant must be between the ages of 17 and 24 and have lived experience of homelessness in Contra Costa County.
  • Monthly in-person meetings in Central County, $23/hr (3-15 hrs/month) plus Uber to meetings
  • Help available with application process


Accepting applications until Thursday, February 15, 2024.


Apply Here


For more complete information about the Council and the application process, please see our Frequently Asked Questions document. 

 

If you have questions, please contact email cchomelesscouncil@cchealth.org or call Jaime Jenett, Staff to the Council at 925-464-0152. 

Seeking Nominations for Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame

Jered E. Clark of Antioch won the 2023 Youth Hall of Fame Award for Perseverance.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between 12 and 18 years old. Students will be recognized at the 30th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 11 am in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.


Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of five categories:

  • Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
  • Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
  • Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of the team
  • Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
  • Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success


For more information and the application form to nominate youth in our community, visit

https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/FormCenter/Contra-Costa-County-Cesar-E-Chavez-Youth-42/2024-Contra-Costa-County-Youth-Hall-of-F-364

 

We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

 

Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 16, 2024. Recipients will be recognized at the March 26, 2024, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.

County Commission Openings

Contra Costa County Seal

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.

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. 

 


Contra Costa County Fire Protection District – Advisory Fire Commission 

1 Seat 

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Advisory Fire Commission reviews and makes recommendations on Fire District goals and objectives; monitors citizen complaints stemming from

the District’s weed abatement program; exercises oversight of the approval process for the disposal of surplus property; and serves as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community

served by the District.



Discovery Bay Service Area P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)

2 Seats

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

 


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.



FIRST 5 – Contra Costa Children & Families Commission 

1 Seat/1 Alternate Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission works to support early childhood development through a strategic plan developed pursuant to the California Children and Families

First Act of 1998.



Fish & Wildlife Committee 

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The Fish & Wildlife Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on fish and wildlife issues in Contra Costa County, including use of funds from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund pursuant

to Fish and Game Code Section 13103.


Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council

4 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The JJCC is a multi-agency advisory body that contributes to the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan. It is composed of several critical parts, including, but not limited to, an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drugs, alcohol, and youth services resources, which specifically target both at-promise, as well as system involved youth, and their families.


Knightsen Town Advisory Council (KTAC)

2 Seats

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.



Measure X Community Advisory Board

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The Measure X Community Advisory Board was established by the Board of Supervisors on February 2, 2021 to advise the Board of Supervisors on the use of Measure X transactions and use tax funds.


Qualifications

Committee members shall either live or work in Contra Costa County, with a majority being residents of the County. There is no requirement for Supervisorial District seat appointees to live or work within a specific Supervisorial District. Public officials, including both elected and appointed, are not eligible to serve on the MXCAB.



Mental Health Commission

1 Seat (Seat 2 - Consumer)

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.


 

To apply, click on this link: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database

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.

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us."

- Wilma Rudolph

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