Contra Costa Herald

Thousands of people answered the call to help upended lives across the country

By Martin Gagliano, Public Affairs, American Red Cross, Northern California Coastal Region

Through it all this year, Red Cross volunteers provided shelter, food, emotional support and financial assistance for families in need. During the holiday season, many are on the ground delivering relief in hard-hit places like Hawaii and Florida, where families remain displaced from their homes, or they’re responding to other crises like home fires, which comprise most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually in the U.S.

Volunteers — who comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce — are critical to ensuring families receive care and hope in the face of more frequent and intense disasters. In fact, the annual number of extreme weather and climate disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion each has increased by 80% over the past decade.

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS: From coast to coast, the climate crisis took a devastating toll in 2023, sparking a record number of major disasters—many of which had a disproportionate impact on our neighbors already coping with vulnerable circumstances. From hurricanes to wildfires, atmospheric rivers to tornadoes, and other disasters of all kinds, the Northern California Coastal Region was there to:

• Serve more than 95,000 meals and 108,000 snacks with partners.
• Distribute $1.36 million in financial assistance to hundreds of people affected by local disasters.
• Provide more than 32,800 overnight shelter and emergency hotel stays with partners.
• Provide more than 44,600 relief supplies to over 16,800 households.

Visit our Year-In-Review page for more information about how the Red Cross helped people across the Northern California Coastal Region in 2023.

View our disaster response efforts on a national scale for calendar year 2023 through this infographic.

VOLUNTEERS. THE HEART AND SOUL OF OUR MISSION.

Here are some local stories sharing how volunteers have made a difference for communities reeling from this year’s disaster:

• From Training to Deploying: Farshad Fallah signed up to volunteer with the Red Cross in August 2023. In September, after attending at a one-day cram session that the Disaster Cycle Services team offered in San Jose, he deployed to Maui, to help those affected by the devastating wildfires. A couple weeks into his deployment, Farshad was sent to work alongside other organizations, including FEMA and the Salvation Army, at the Lahaina Civic Center. He described this as a very humbling experience.  He did not expect to have a Red Cross adventure so soon after he completed that volunteer application in August but is grateful he took advantage of the opportunity. Farshad highly recommends taking the cram session and the tasks as they come to anyone who wants to make a difference with the Red Cross. He will continue his work as a volunteer and hopes to have more opportunities in the future that allow him to travel and help others in need of disaster assistance.
• Six Lives Saved: The smoke alarms installed by Red Cross volunteers in Marie Monthier’s home after a Sound the Alarm installation event in Marin County saved her and five other family members from a home fire. The Red Cross role in home fire response does not end with smoke alarms. When firefighters on scene at the Monthier home reached out to the Red Cross for help, volunteers Kay Tsenin and Jody Wilson were on site within the hour.
• Resides Displaced by Storms: The Galvan Alvarez family was sound asleep in their South San Francisco apartment in the early hours of January 10 when they were jolted awake as the entire roof blew off their apartment building.  The family called the fire department, which quickly responded and referred them to the nearby Red Cross shelter that had been opened to provide refuge from the storm for all who needed it. The family arrived at about 4 a.m. and were provided supplies, such as diapers, food and toiletries, and cots. In the morning they had warm showers and breakfast.  “The Red Cross has been excellent,” Jose said. “I’ve got nothing but nice things to say about the Red Cross.” Jose said he had also been helped by the Red Cross years ago, when he had a fire in his apartment. Jose then excused himself to grab a broom and dustpan and clean up around his family’s cots. “The Red Cross is helping, so I can help, too,” he said.

HOW TO HELP

Our lifesaving mission wouldn’t be possible without generous volunteers and donors. This holiday season, turn your compassion into action by donating at redcross.org/gift. A donation of any size makes a difference. You can also register to become a volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.

HONOR ROLL: ANNUAL DISASTER GIVING PROGRAM AND DISASTER RESPONDER

Corporate, foundation and organizational members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder Program pledge essential contributions in advance of disasters, powering our organization with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide immediate relief and support to those in crisis. This support also means we can stand with survivors and their communities as they begin to recover, and help families and communities become better prepared and more resilient ahead of the next disaster.

Annual Disaster Giving Program Partners: Delta Dental, Google.org, Kaiser Permanente, PayPal, Salesforce, The Clorox Company, Visa and Visa Foundation, Wells Fargo.

Disaster Responder Program Partners: Adobe, Cisco Foundation, HP Foundation, Rodan+Fields Prescription for Change Project, Ross Stores Foundation, ServiceNow.

JOIN US TO MAKE AN IMPACT

Standing beside the Red Cross in this work demonstrates your company’s commitment to our humanitarian mission and leaves a lasting impression on employees, customers, and clients.

Visit our website and learn more about how a partnership with the Red Cross can help your company and our community at the same time.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Paid insertion.

Says state can borrow over $91 billion

By Allen D. Payton

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office issued a report on Dec. 7, 2023, that the state faces a $68 billion budget deficit for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. Entitled, “The 2024-25 Budget: California’s Fiscal Outlook”, the report’s Executive Summary read as follows:

“California Faces a $68 Billion Deficit.

Largely as a result of a severe revenue decline in 2022-23, the state faces a serious budget deficit. Specifically, under the state’s current law and policy, we estimate the Legislature will need to solve a budget problem of $68 billion in the upcoming budget process.

Unprecedented Prior-Year Revenue Shortfall Creates Unique Challenges.

Typically, the budget process does not involve large changes in revenue in the prior year (in this case, 2022-23). This is because prior-year taxes usually have been filed and associated revenues collected. Due to the state conforming to federal tax filing extensions, however, the Legislature is gaining a complete picture of 2022-23 tax collections after the fiscal year has already ended. Specifically, we estimate that 2022-23 revenue will be $26 billion below budget act estimates. This creates unique and difficult challenges—including limiting the Legislature’s options for addressing the budget problem.

Legislature Has Multiple Tools Available to Address Budget Problem.

While addressing a deficit of this scope will be challenging, the Legislature has a number of options available to do so. In particular, the state has nearly $24 billion in reserves to address the budget problem. In addition, there are options to reduce spending on schools and community colleges that could address nearly $17 billion of the budget problem. Further adjustments to other areas of the budget, such as reductions to one-time spending, could address at least an additional $10 billion or so. These options and some others, like cost shifts, would allow the Legislature to solve most of the deficit largely without impacting the state’s core ongoing service level.

Legislature Will Have Fewer Options to Address Multiyear Deficits in the Coming Years.

Given the state faces a serious budget problem, using general purpose reserves this year is merited. That said, we suggest the Legislature exercise some caution when deploying tools like reserves and cost shifts. The state’s reserves are unlikely to be sufficient to cover the state’s multiyear deficits—which average $30 billion per year under our estimates. These deficits likely necessitate ongoing spending reductions, revenue increases, or both. As a result, preserving a substantial portion—potentially up to half—of reserves would provide a helpful cushion in light of the anticipated shortfalls that lie ahead.”

Controller Cohen Calls for Calm

In a press release issued today, Tuesday, Dec. 19, State Controller Malia M. Cohen calls for calm in the wake of recent budget deficit announcements and issued the following statement after releasing the recent Cash Report on December 8:

“Despite reports from various sources indicating a budgetary deficit of approximately $68 billion, the state’s cash position remains strong, and, absent any unforeseen circumstances, the state has sufficient cash to pay its bills and meet its financial obligations through the end of the fiscal year.”

“As chief fiscal officer, one of my duties is to track and report on the state’s actual cash balance,” she continued. “In that regard, the state currently has more than $91.4 billion in available borrowable resources, due in large part to the Governor’s and Legislature’s foresight in building prudent rainy-day reserves in the Budget Stabilization Account. While legislators will have difficult choices to make in the new year, I am confident they will be deliberate in addressing the budget challenges before them, and I urge them to protect, to the extent possible, the health and social service programs designed to benefit those who are displaced, without shelter, or otherwise economically disadvantaged.”

About Controller Cohen

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.

About the Legislative Analyst’s Office

The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has provided fiscal and policy advice to the Legislature for 75 years. It is known for its fiscal and programmatic expertise and nonpartisan analyses of the state budget. The office serves as the “eyes and ears” for the Legislature to ensure that the executive branch is implementing legislative policy in a cost efficient and effective manner.

The office is overseen by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), a 16-member bipartisan committee. Currently, the office has a staff of 43 analysts and approximately 13 support staff. The analytical staff cover several budget and policy areas: Criminal Justice, State Finance, Education (including K-12 and Higher Education), Health and Human Services, Natural Resources and Environment, General Government (including Local Government), Transportation, and Capital Outlay and Infrastructure.

Smoke from the grassfire caused by the flaring at the Martinez Refining Company refinery on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Photo: BAAQMD

One for public nuisance, two for visible emissions, another for illegal fire on a no burn day

By Bay Area Air Quality Management District

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) inspectors responded to five air quality complaints related to a grass fire reported by Martinez Refining Company refinery in Martinez on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. On Monday, the Air District issued a Notice of Violation for public nuisance for this event. The Air District’s investigation is ongoing.

Three additional Notices of Violation have been issued for this event: two for visible emissions and one for illegal fire on a no burn day. This investigation is ongoing.

The updated incident report is as follows:

December 17

At 4:26 PM Sunday, the Air District received a Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) Level 1 alert filed by Martinez Refining Company (MRC) regarding a grass fire. The alert specifically stated that the smoke was from a grassfire. The alert did not mention flaring directly, but when Air District staff contacted MRC to discuss the CWS Level 1 alert, they said the grass fire was caused by “the heat of the flare.”

Air District Incident Response staff contacted MRC at 5:21 PM and were told that the grass fire had started at about 4:20 PM and was extinguished at approximately 5:10 PM. Two Air District staff were called out to the Martinez area to investigate. Five complaints alleging smoke and/or odor were filed between 4:30 PM and 5:07 PM. The adjacent photo of the grass fire was provided to the Air District by a complainant. The wind during the event was Northeast at 8-15 miles per hour. Based on the smoke plume observed, the Air District staff questioned MRC staff on a grass fire being the sole cause. At that time, an MRC representative told Air District staff that it was a grass fire.

December 18

On Monday, Air District staff, with Contra Costa County HazMat and Contra Costa County Fire personnel returned to MRC Refinery in the morning to jointly investigate the previous day’s event. The Air District investigation is ongoing and we will update this report as new information becomes available.

At this time, the Air District has issued the following Notice of Violations (NOV) to MRC for this event:

• Regulation 1, Section 301 – Public Nuisance
• Regulation 6, Rule 1, Section 301 – Visible emission standard exceeded
• Regulation 40 CFR 63.670(c) – Federal visible emissions standard exceeded
• Regulation 5, Section 301 – Illegal fire on a no burn day

For more information on the NOVs, click the link to the NOV web tool.

Martinez Refining Company Issues Statement:

On their website, MRC posted the following statement regarding the flaring and fire:

Intermittent flaring has continued at the Martinez Refining Company this weekend while we re-start equipment that was shut down during the operational incident that occurred on Friday, December 15.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on December 17, a ground flare was in operation as part of the re-start process that caused visible black smoke and a brush fire. The brush fire was promptly contained, and subsequently extinguished at approximately 5:00 p.m.

All appropriate agencies were notified, and we thank our responders for their safe, effective response. We apologize for the concerns we caused the community and will be conducting a root cause analysis of the incident. Looking forward, we expect the potential for intermittent flaring to last through most of this week; however, we are working hard to minimize flaring and to maintain clean combustion for any flaring that may occur.

You are welcome to view real-time air monitoring measurements at our fence line air monitoring website: https://www.fenceline.org/martinez/. Additionally, you can learn more about flaring on our website: https://martinezrefiningcompany.com/about-flaring/.

As always, we have a community inquiry phone number you can call 925-313-3777 or 925-313-3601 during off work hours. Thank you.”

When asked, an MRC spokesperson said the company didn’t have a comment on the NOV’s at this time as they had just received them.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Would create $10 million U.S. Dep’t. of Justice pilot program

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – On December 12, 2023, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Don Beyer (VA-08) announced the introduction of the Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act (H.R. 6697), a bill that would help bring life-saving gun safety technology to the market. Specifically, the bill would create a $10 million pilot program at the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice to support private-sector commercialization of gun safety technology. This legislation is supported by Brady’s United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety and Gifford’s Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

Gun safety technology—like smart guns, user-authorized handguns, childproof guns, personalized guns, and safes and locking devices that include personalized technology—are designed to reduce the likelihood of an accidental or unauthorized use of a gun. According to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, each year nearly 500 people die from unintentional firearm injuries, and unintentional firearm injuries account for 37% of nonfatal firearm injuries.

“With gun violence taking such a devastating toll on our communities, and as the son of someone who took his life by gun suicide, I strongly believe that we need to use every tool in the toolbox to address the gun violence epidemic,” said DeSaulnier (CA-10). “Gun safety technology will help reduce accidental shootings and gun suicides while protecting responsible gun owners, and this bill will help make that technology available to more people. I am grateful to join with my colleagues in introducing this important legislation.”

“We have a gun violence crisis in this country, and Congress should act on all fronts to help keep our communities safe. That includes by passing our Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act to boost innovators’ ability to market technology that can save Americans’ lives,” said Lofgren (CA-18). “My district was devastated by the Gilroy Garlic Festival and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority yard mass shootings, and I always value collaborating with colleagues committed to doing more to end the scourge of gun violence in America. This legislation is focused on safety and progress, and non-gun owners and gun owners alike should support this sensible bill.”

“Gun safety technology has the potential to save some of the tens of thousands of American lives lost to gun violence each year,” said Beyer (VA-08). “Many of those deaths are suicides and accidental shootings, which smart gun tech is designed to help prevent. Our legislation would help spur innovation to develop these technologies and bring products incorporating them to market, preventing gun violence and saving lives. I appreciate my colleagues Rep. DeSaulnier and Rep. Lofgren for their leadership on this legislation and look forward to building a coalition to advance it.”

“Innovators continue to advance gun safety technology, striving to minimize unauthorized access to firearms. However, additional funding is essential to bring these life-saving innovations to the market. An analysis of unintentional gun deaths suggests that 37% of fatal shootings could have been prevented by smart gun technology. Gun owners and non-gun owners alike stand to benefit significantly when firearms are manufactured, stored, and utilized with the utmost safety in mind,” said Gifford’s Federal Affairs Director Adzi Vokhiwa. “We applaud Representatives DeSaulnier, Lofgren, and Beyer for leading the charge for innovation in gun safety technology, and we strongly urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill.”

“Guns are now the number one cause of death for America’s children. If the same could be said for a type of medicine, toy, or anything else, action would be taken to save lives. To date, the gun industry has refused to invest in technology to make guns less dangerous, especially in the hands of children. The Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act will fill this gap and provide grants to entities looking to develop gun safety technologies. Stated simply, this investment will protect more Americans – particularly our children – from being irrevocably injured or killed by firearms. Brady is grateful to Reps. DeSaulnier, Lofgren, and Beyer for re-introducing this legislation,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.

The Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act was previously introduced by former Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA).

The De La Salle Soccer team helped load over 40,000 lb. of holiday meals to help feed people in need. Photo: SVdP of CCC

By Brian Boyle, Communications & Development Associate, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Knights of Columbus from St. Isidore Church in Danville, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP), and the De la Salle Boys Soccer Team joined hands to provide over 40,000 lb. in holiday meals to families in need.

The Knights of Columbus Council 4060 at St. Isidore Church in Danville generously donated and packed over 500 meal kits for families of eight with all the fixings for a delicious holiday meal. They even included a 20 lb. turkey with every kit! Each meal was then blessed by Fr. Matthew Murray, pastor of St. Isidore Church, with the hopes that the food would fill empty bellies and help heal people who need a little kindness this holiday season.

“If it wasn’t for the De La Salle Soccer Team, I don’t think we would’ve been able to distribute all of this food,” SVdP Representative Stephen Krank said. “Those young men made sure a lot of people will be able to celebrate the holidays with a full table and full bellies. It’s a wonderful thing they did. At SVdP, we’ll always be grateful to the Knights of Columbus and the De La Salle community for caring about their neighbors in need.”

The meal kits were loaded into the SVdP delivery van, and then delivered to families and organizations across Contra Costa County. The meal kits were delivered to SVdP Conferences in Richmond, El Cerrito and San Pablo, as well as to Ariel Ministries in Oakland and St. Joseph the Worker in Berkeley.

Each meal kit was blessed, with the hopes that they can bring healing to families in need. Photo: SVdP of CCC

“The holidays are about family and community,” Krank said. “And it just warms my heart to see so many people treat people in need like their family. There are a lot of people in need in the Bay Area, and by working together we can not only make a difference, we can make lasting change.”

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has provided safety-net services in the county for over 59 years, serving 100,000 people annually and distributing over $1.9 million in direct financial assistance and over $3 million of in-kind aid. More than 700 SVdP volunteers and a small staff lead operations in Contra Costa including the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 28 branches, and three Thrift Stores. One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, St. Vincent de Paul is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of more than 900,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 155 countries on five continents.

Brentwood PD’s new ERV was used Saturday night, Dec 16, 2023, by SWAT to assist Antioch Police in serving a search warrant on a murder suspect. Photo courtesy of Art Ray, Bay News Video

Enhancing community safety with our brand new Emergency Rescue Vehicle.

By Brentwood Police Department

Our recent acquisition of the Lenco Emergency Rescue Vehicle (ERV) marks a significant step forward in enhancing community safety and effective crisis management. After extensive efforts and planning, we’ve successfully integrated the ERV into our suite of resources.

At the core of our crisis management philosophy lies the commitment to peaceful resolutions, and this vehicle plays a vital role in providing our agency with the capability to foster dialogue and negotiation. Moreover, its advanced medical features, including secure litters, a fully equipped medical workstation, and onboard oxygen, ensure rapid and critical medical assistance in crucial moments.

See video of Brentwood PD’s new ERV.

Highland Road damage. Photos: CCC Public Works Dept

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

Contra Costa County Public Works will be performing geotechnical borings in preparation for the Highland Road Erosion Repair Project east of San Ramon on Friday, December 22, 2023, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will repair the roadway and road embankment along the eastbound shoulder of Highland Road, at a Tassajara Creek tributary crossing, approximately 50-feet west from the intersection with Collier Canyon Road.

The project will, approximately 50 feet northwest of the intersection with Collier Canyon Road.   Repair work will included construction of a soldier pile retaining wall to restore and stabilize the roadway embankment.  The project will also include installing guardrail along the retaining wall and backfilling and reconstructing the damaged roadway and shoulder.

Source: CCC Public Works Dept.

Drivers should expect 15-minute delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes.

For construction and project status contact Jorge Hernandez, 925.313.2346. For more information visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/Highland-Road-Erosion-Repair

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org

Fire Break by Rebeccah DeJesus, Daisies by Barbara Lind and Goodnight Mt. Tam by Rebecca Alarcon. Source. Main Street Arts

Main Street Arts Gallery in Martinez will be bringing in the New Year with beautiful watercolor paintings! The California Watercolor Association will display their pieces from January 5th – February 25th. A reception will be held on January 13th from 4-7.  Please join us as we celebrate the following artists:

Rebecca Alarcon    Goodnight Mt. Tam

Alexandra Connor    Blake Gardens Kensington

Judith Cunningham    January chill

Andrew J Dodd    Altar Rock at Blind Beach Sonoma Coast

Andrew J Dodd    Bodega Dunes Reverie

TIffany Ferreri    Succulents

John Giannotti    Dreamscape 1

Dmitry Grudsky    Old Niles Vintage

Juanita Hagberg    Synergy IV

Sharon Hind-Smith    Where the Otters Play

Glen Jarvis    Palms

Jessica De Jesus    Fire Break

Jessica De Jesus    Happy Cactus

Marion Leggett    Columbine

Barbara Lind    Daisies

Jana Lowe    Pebble Beach

Craig Moline    St George Statue

Craig Moline    Sonoma Fields

Jaladhi Pujara    Misty Morning Catch

Jaladhi Pujara    Moored Memories

Susan Routledge    Coastal Cypress 2

Judy Rowe    Home Grown

Heidi Schmidt    Secret Oak

Jane Sneed.   Lake Anza Youth

Bernie Stein    Up Little Lake Street

Kathleen Stumpfel    Cottage

Kathleen Stumpfel    Night Mist

Sujit Sudhi    Heritage

Joseph Tringali    Pohono Bridge

Rae Ann Williams    The Last of the Berries

Georganne Zaro    Break of Dawn

Georganne Zaro    Abstract

Georganne Zaro    Day at the Beach 

Main Street Arts is a co-op, with eleven members. Each member is responsible for hanging new artwork every two months. Our new January/February show will be open for you to enjoy beginning January 3^rd. Sadly, we have to say goodbye to Lynne McManus, one of our founding members.  A talented watercolorist, Lynne is retiring from the gallery. She will be missed! In February we expect to have a new Main Street Arts gallery member. Who will it be? We don’t know yet!  

We will resume our First Friday celebrations on February 2nd. Main Street Arts and many other shops on Main Street stay open and offer refreshments between 6 pm and 9 pm every first Friday of the month. Our free raffle continues into 2024 and in January you can have a chance to win art by Eric Carlstrom. In February Bonnie Fry’s artwork will be the free raffle prize. All you have to do is come in and fill out a raffle ticket, for free!

The gallery is located at 613 Main Street in Martinez. For more information visit www.mainstreetarts.net

All of us at Main Street Arts wish everyone a Happy New Year and we look forward to making lots of new art for the gallery.

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

Contra Costa County (County) is accepting applications for the upcoming Member at Large opening on the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC). This position is designated for someone who works or resides in Contra Costa County to represent all County stakeholders in matters related to Buchanan Field and Byron Airports. Upon appointment by the Board of Supervisors the new appointee would serve a term expiring on Sunday, February 28, 2027.

The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to the Contra Costa County Airports.  The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or at:  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions.  Applications should be submitted online or returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor in Martinez, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023.  Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews in person or via Zoom, tentatively scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:00 am at the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, Conference Room 110 A & B, Martinez, at the Airports Committee Meeting.

For more information on the Contra Costa County Airports or the AAC visit us at www.ContraCostaCountyAirports.org or by calling (844) Fly-ToUs or (844) 359-8687.