Banner with a photo of Supervisor Diane Burgis and the Seal of Contra Costa County

District 3 Newsletter for May 23

"How You Can Be Wildfire Ready!"

Pre-Season Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall in Brentwood on May 29

Contra Costa County Fire logo

Please join us for a special fire safety Town Hall focusing on the unique concerns of Contra Costa County residents.


The in-person event, hosted by Con Fire, will feature fire service leaders giving a presentation on, “How You Can Be Wildfire Ready!”


In addition to allowing ample time for your questions, we'll address protecting your home, family, and neighbors from wildfire danger:

Preventing: It takes a community approach to prevent wildfires; learn how you can make a difference.

Planning: Planning for evacuation, signing up for Community Warning System alerts, using the new Zonehaven digital evacuation tool, and steps to take during and after a fire emergency.

Preparing: Learn about weed abatement deadlines, creating defensible space around your home, and the importance of having an emergency Go Bag ready.

Responding: Learn about our public safety resources that will be responding to wildfires within Contra Costa County.


When: Wednesday May 29, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Brentwood Senior Center

193 Griffith Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513


Can’t Join Us?

Watch the Town Hall meeting the next day on the Con Fire Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/contracostafire


For additional Wild Fire Preparedness information please visit our website: https://www.cccfpd.org/wildfire-prep/

Remembering Willie Mims

A giant of East County activism passed away on Wednesday. Willie Mims was a community activist for more than 60 years, helping found the East County NAACP and Pittsburg's Black Political Association.


In January, the Board of Supervisors presented Mr. Mims with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Adult Humanitarian of the Year award. I encourage you to watch the short video produced for that event to understand just part of his tremendous impact on the community.

Improving Ambulance Availability in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County ambulance

After Contra Costa Fire Chief Lewis Broschard and I discussed ambulance availability during the March 14th Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board of Directors meeting, multiple news outlets wanted to know more.


To reiterate what Chief Broschard and I said both during the meeting and in discussion with the media, ambulance availability is a nation-wide challenge. Contra Costa County is addressing the problem by adding more ambulances, staffing every Con Fire crew with a paramedic, and partnering with some emergency departments to better coordinate with ambulances. However, as Chief Broschard said, there is no instant solution.


While Con Fire and medical providers work to improve systems, what can you do as an individual?

  • Use 911 and hospital emergency departments for true emergencies, as outlined by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
  • Build your relationship with your primary care physician and use their advice nurse service, if available.
  • Manage chronic conditions with your prescribed medications and treatment to help avoid the need for emergency care.


You can read and watch more coverage of the issue from NBC Bay Area, KTVU, and Contra Costa News.

Community Events

Free Community Screening of Judging Juries May 30th in Antioch

Judging Juries title

Please join the Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice for a free community film screening series of Judging Juries, a short film that explores how to expand equity and diverse representation in our criminal legal system court proceedings.


Directed by filmmaker Abby Ginzberg, Judging Juries is a short documentary focusing on the challenges that low-income communities and communities of color often face when wanting to participate on juries for trials and court proceedings. The film also highlights the work Bay Area advocates and public systems are doing to remove financial barriers and increase participation of marginalized people in jury processes. Watch the trailer here.

 

After each screening, we will have a community conversation with District Attorney Diana Becton and Public Defender Ellen McDonnell, moderated by community researcher/activist Dr. Kerby Lynch. (Community advocate Antoine Watt will join the East County event.)


East County Screening:

Thursday, May 30 (5:00 - 6:30 pm)

Delta Bay Community Church (1020 East Tregallas Rd, Antioch)

Pre-register on EventBrite

Co-sponsors: Safe Return Project, Delta Bay Community Church, and Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ)


The event is free, all ages are welcome, and light food and refreshments will be provided.

Affordable Housing Community Meeting Scheduled for June 5 in Brentwood

Four images of housing being built and people moving into housing

Please join Contra Costa County staff for a presentation on Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA), including the BAHFA-proposed $10 to $20 billion Bay Area wide affordable housing regional bond planned to be included on the November 2024 ballot.


If approved by voters across the Bay Area region, the bond measure would support affordable housing production, preservation, and protect at-risk households. Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development is hosting five in-person and two virtual public informational meetings to discuss the Contra Costa expenditure plan.


District 3 Event: Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 6:00 pm

Brentwood Community Center - Main Hall, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood

Register Here

Apply Today for the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Junior Women's Academy

Junior Women's Academy Flyer

This year, the Office of the Sheriff will host its third annual Junior Women’s Academy from June 11-13 at their range in Clayton. This 3-day camp is for young women aged 14-18 to create positive interactions with law enforcement while exposing them to various career opportunities. The theme of this year’s event is Dream. Believe. Achieve. It is free to all participants, and the Sheriff's Office offers transportation from pick-up locations throughout the county. 


Apply today at: www.JoinCoCoSheriff.org

Community Info

Intern in My Office This Summer

Apply today for an internship this summer in my Brentwood office. The opportunity is open to high school and college students who live in or attend school in East Contra Costa County. Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/d3interns

Youth Homelessness Research Summer Internship Opportunity

Youth with lived experience of homelessness are invited to apply to a 7-week hybrid summer internship for youth homelessness research in the Bay Area.


Apply by May 28 to join the UC Berkeley research team. Learn more at bit.ly/bayareayaahinterns.

New MentalHealth.CA.Gov Website Helps Californians Access Support

mental health for all logo

It is now easier for Californians to connect with mental health services, including crisis services, counseling and treatment, real-time support, and specialized resources for children, youth, and older adults.


Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced MentalHealth.CA.Gov, a new state website offering life-saving resources, links to mental health support hotlines, and resources for all Californians - from youth and young adults, to older Californians, parents and families, veterans, and everyone in between.


It also includes key information on California’s behavioral health system transformation and links to program and policy specifics.

Visit MentalHealth.CA.Gov

Summer Bus Passes and Bike Challenges from 511 Contra Costa

summer youth pass
summer bike challenge

511 Contra Costa has two great opportunities for getting around town this summer.


The Summer Youth Pass with unlimited bus rides on Tri Delta Transit, County Connection and WestCat is available for youth ages 6-18 for only $30. For details, visit 511cc.org/youthpass.


The Summer Bike Challenge will get you outside and on the move. Throughout summer, you’ll bike to points of interest featured on your city’s gameboard, visit our in-person prize events, and share your pictures in our online Photo Gallery. Weekly Bonus Prize drawings and an iPad Grand Prize add to the fun. The Summer Bike Challenge is free, fun, and healthy – the perfect summertime activity for people of all ages. Learn more at 511contracosta.org/sbc/.

Apply Now for an Antioch Community Foundation Program or Impact Grant

Antioch Community Foundation logo

The Antioch Community Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now available for Antioch Fund Program and Impact grants to support programs and initiatives serving the Antioch community and occurring at any point between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. 


Eligible organizations must be a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization or be under a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Organizations my apply for either a Program grant or an Impact grant, or both. 


Grant applications are due no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, June 7, 2024.

Applications must be completed and submitted online:

https://acfcommunityimpact.org/antioch-community-2024-2025-grant-cycle-application/


For questions regarding the Antioch Community Foundation and/or the application/grant award process, please contact Keith Archuleta, Executive Director, at 925-584-5944 or at info@acfcommunityimpact.org

Aging 360 Workshops: Making Your Home a Partner in Caregiving

At Home with Growing Older logo

Nonprofit organization At Home With Growing Older is hosting a three-session workshop to help you, as a caregiver, make the home the care receiver is living in more dementia and aging friendly. An architect and a social worker will co-lead the workshop sessions and discuss both simple, and more complex adaptations to the home to improve safety and livability while keeping the needs of someone with dementia in mind.


During this interactive workshop participants will evaluate where the home might present challenges and will experiment with one small change to make both caregiving easier and the person living with dementia more successful in his/her environment.


Participation in all three sessions is recommended to benefit from the individualized feedback of the facilitators and to learn from insights and solutions from other participants. Participation is limited to 20 participants. Aging 360 is for homeowners and renters.


When: May 23, May 30 and June 6, from 10 am to 11:30 am (PT)

Cost: No charge

Registration: https://tinyurl.com/FCA52024

Contact: 415-434-3388 or info@caregiver.org

Register Here

County Fish and Wildlife Committee Accepting Grant Applications

Contra Costa County Seal

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.

Apply Now: 2025 Delta Science Fellows Program

Delta Science Program Logo

The Delta Science Program and California Sea Grant are pleased to announce the 14th round of Delta Science Fellowships to provide research support for the 2025-2026 academic years.


The fellowships fund research projects by early-career scientists for up to two years that:

- will advance the state of knowledge underlying high-priority science issues identified in the 2022-2026 Science Action Agenda and

- that affect the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its management as an integrated socio-ecological system.


Eligible applicants include postdoctoral researchers, Ph.D. students, and master’s students.


Notices of Intent are due June 24, 2024. Applications are due August 26, 2024.


Visit the research funding and fellowships web page for more information about the Delta Science Program’s research awards.

View the Request for Applications

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 and 1 Alternate 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 Alternate 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.


County Service Area Citizen Advisory Committee

3  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


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 7:00 pm. Meetings are still being held virtually and will be subject to change.


Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee

1 Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled


The Measure X Community Fiscal Oversight Committee was established by the Board of Supervisors on May 16, 2023 to advise the Board of Supervisors on financial audits of Measure X tax funds. 


The Committee has the following duties: 

1. Review, on an annual fiscal year basis, the expenditure of tax revenue generated by Measure X, to ensure it conforms to (i) the stated intent of the ballot measure, and (ii) the Board’s direction for specific allocations. 

2. Oversee an annual audit of expenditures of tax revenue generated by Measure X. 

3. Prepare an annual report of expenditures of tax revenue generated by Measure X.


Mental Health Commission

1 Seat (Seat 2 – Consumer)

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.

“Quietness is an essential part of all awareness. In quiet times and sleepy times, a child can dwell in thoughts of his own, and in songs and stories of his own.”

– Margaret Wise Brown

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