Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Supervisor Piepho seeks residents to serve on county commissions

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Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho is seeking qualified, motivated candidates to serve on the following county advisory committees:

County Library Commission

2 seats

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian. They provide a community linkage to the County Library and establish a forum for the community to express its views regarding goals and operations of the County Library. The Commission assists the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian to provide library services based on assessed public needs and develops and recommends proposals to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian for the betterment of the County Library including, but not limited to, such efforts as insuring a stable and adequate funding level for the libraries in the County.

The Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of every other month at 7:00 p.m. located at 75 Santa Barbara in Pleasant Hill.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The board assesses family and community needs regarding treatment and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse problems and provides input and recommendations on prevention, intervention, and treatment services to the Contra Costa Health Services Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the communities they serve.

The Board meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 3:45 p.m. located at the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Division, 1220 Morello Avenue, Suite 200 in Martinez.

Emergency Medical Care Committee

2 seats

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) function is to review the operations of each of the following at least annually:

  1. Ambulance services operating within the county.
  2. Emergency medical care offered within the county,
  3. First aid practices in the county.

Regular meetings of the EMCC shall be held at least four (4) times per year or more often as deemed necessary. Meetings will convene at 4:00 p.m. on the Second Wednesday of March, June, September, and December unless otherwise directed by the EMCC or its Executive Committee. Location: Contra Costa County Schools Insurance Group, 550 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA.

Family & Children’s Trust Commission

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission conducts a bi-annual needs assessment on family and children’s services in the County.

The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. located at the Employment and Human Services Dept., 40 Douglas Drive, in Martinez

Discovery Bay P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee

1 seat – Ravenswood Development

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

To make reports and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on extended police protection services which shall include, but not limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code where authorized by law, crime prevention, and litter control.

The Committee meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. located at 1800 Willow Lake Road in Discovery Bay.

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Fire Advisory Commission

1 Alternate seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission shall review and advise on annual operations and capital budgets; to review district expenditures; to review and advise on long-range capital improvement plans; pursuant to district ordinance to serve as the Appeals Board on weed abatement matters; to advise the Fire Chief on district service matters; to meet jointly with the Board of Supervisors and provide advice to the board as needed; to communicate with the other fire district advisory commissions on services and functional integration; to assist in the Fire Chief’s selection process as required; to serve as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community served by each district; to perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned and as directed by the Board of Supervisors.

The Commission meets on the 2nd Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December located at the Administration Building, 2010 Geary Road in Pleasant Hill.
Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Committee

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Council shall advise the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Bethel Island and may represent the Bethel Island community before the Board of Supervisors, the East County Regional Planning Commission and the Zoning Administrator on such issues as land use, planning and zoning. The Council may also represent the Bethel Island Community before the Local Agency Formation Commission no proposed boundary changes affecting the community. The Council may advise the Board on services which may be provided to the Bethel Island Community by Contra Costa County or other local governmental agencies.
The Council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. located at Scout Hall, 3190 Ranch Lane in Bethel Island.

Background

The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation from numerous citizen advisory boards on a range of issues. Boards usually meet monthly on a regular basis.
Candidates for these positions must live in District III or any specified boundary area for special districts.  District III is comprised of the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley, and the unincorporated communities of Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Byron, Diablo, Discovery Bay, and Knightsen.

For more information visit http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/753/Resident-Advisory-Councils.

Click here to download an application from the County’s website.  Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s office, 925.335.1900, located at 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553.

For more information, including on how to apply, you may contact Supervisor Piepho’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Lea Castleberry at 925.820.8683.

STAND! for Families Free of Violence awarded grant for work in Contra Costa County

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Blue Shield of California Foundation recognizes STAND! for Families Free of Violence as a critical leader in California’s domestic violence field

Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) announced on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 a grant of $15,000 to STAND! for Families Free of Violence (STAND!) to support its capacity to provide essential services and shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their families. These core operating funds offer the flexibility to respond to new demands and opportunities so that STAND! can continue to reach many of the most vulnerable Californians.

“Domestic violence can happen to anyone, and impacts everyone. Though we all have a role to play, it is organizations like STAND! that are there when women, children, men, and families need help the most,” said Peter Long, Ph.D., president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation. “STAND! is making our communities safer and healthier every single day, and we remain committed to ensuring that they – and the entire field – have the resources and adaptability to support survivors and bring us closer to ending domestic violence in California.”

“We are really grateful that Blue Shield California Foundation has awarded us this grant. This will help strengthen our ability to save lives, rebuild families, and change the future for our clients. We are truly proud and happy to partner with BSCF in the movement to end domestic violence in California,” expressed Gloria Sandoval, CEO of STAND!

This unrestricted funding is part of a group of grants designed to strengthen and empower domestic violence service providers and enable them to adjust to unexpected changes and challenges. As California’s largest private funder of domestic violence prevention and services, the Foundation is proud to support STAND! through this grant.

About Blue Shield of California Foundation

Blue Shield of California Foundation is one of the state’s largest and most trusted philanthropic organizations. Our mission is to end domestic violence and improve health equity for low-income and underserved Californians. To learn more, visit www.blueshieldcafoundation.org.

About STAND! for Families Free of Violence

STAND! for Families Free of Violence is a catalyst for breaking the multi-generational cycle of violence, promoting safe and strong relationships, and rebuilding lives.” It is the oldest and the only agency in Contra Costa County that works to save lives, rebuild families, and change the future. To learn more, visit www.standffov.org.

Highway 4 cameras possible among $1.5 million in community benefits from Keller Canyon Landfill fund

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After a rigorous review of 117 applications, Supervisor Federal Glover announced the recipients of the $1.5 million in grants from the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation Fund. The Board of Supervisors approved the expenditures on Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016 at their meeting in Martinez.

Among the Keller grants this year was $100,000 for electronic surveillance of Highway 4 from Bay Point to Antioch where gang-related shootings have occurred the past year. It will be shared with the law enforcement agencies that line that roadway segment.

In all, the grants for the fiscal year 2016-2017 were awarded to 82 recipients providing a wide range of activities from a Christmas party for Bay Point’s children to a full-time resident deputy to crossing guards for Bay Point schools.

“The allocation set aside for to monitor Highway 4 – possibly including cameras and license plate readers – will be used by law enforcement to keep our residents safe,” says Glover.

The amount of available funding varies from year to year because the Keller fund is based on the tonnage delivered to the Keller Canyon Landfill located in the hills off of Bailey Road south of Pittsburg and Bay Point.

The county supervisors created the mitigation fund when voters in the early1990s approved the location of a landfill site in the hills south of Bay Point and Pittsburg. Since the landfill was located in District 5, the district 5 supervisor was given the responsibility of administering the fund. The fund helps alleviate some of the landfill’s impacts to the neighboring community.

In 2011, at the recommendation of the Auditor, Supervisor Glover reformed the distribution of the funds by limiting its use to the impacted area and instituting a fully transparent system for determining who is granted the awards and to ensure that the money is used for what it is intended.

The grants will be awarded August 18 after the recipients sign their contracts with the county. The programs or events that will benefit from the grants include:

  • Bay Point holiday celebrations
  • Field trips from Bay Point teenagers
  • Antioch Rivertown Jamboree and Delta Thunder Boat Race
  • A full-time deputy as a school resource officer in Bay Point schools.
  • Bay Point Spring Derby Memorial Day Parade and Festival
  • World Music and Arts Festival for Bay Point and Pittsburg elementary school students
  • RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic
  • Ambrose Park Aquatic Center Project.

This year’s fund of $1,507,000 is based on the anticipated tonnage that will be delivered to the landfill for the fiscal year 2016-2017.

This is the second year in a row that the Keller fund has shown an increase, which might be an indication of an improving economy, said Glover.

“The grant awards are always difficult decisions because there are so many good services being provided by local agencies,” he added.

Richmond Citywide “Alive & Free” Ceasefire Night Walk, Friday, July 22

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Citywide Walk - RichmondThe Ceasefire Lifelines to Healing Community invites you to come out and help us spread the message that we want everyone in our community to be alive and free.  Join us for this Citywide Walk to continue to share our love across the City of Richmond.

Let’s make this our best year ever as we walk to express our message: “Alive & Free.”

The East Bay Performing Arts Center will be walking with us to bring sounds of joy and hope, as we walk through our communities that have experienced pain because of the gun violence and crime. Come join us in an expression of love.

Ceasefire NightwalkCEASEFIRE NIGHT WALK

Friday, July 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

  321 Alamo Ave., Richmond

  COMING UP

Friday July 29th New Hope Missionary Baptist 321 Alamo Ave., Richmond

For more information contact Rev. Donnell “Rickey” Jones:  510-331-3605  or donnell@ccisco.org

Health & Wellness Fair in Pittsburg today, to help men in East County

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WHAT:  The first East County Men’s Health & Wellness Fair will offer free screenings, health education, promote re-entry work and link men from the area and their families to medical services. Attendees will be able to get shingles and pneumonia immunizations, Tdap booster shots, glucose testing, blood pressure checks, rapid onsite testing for HIV and hepatitis C, health education on substance abuse and addiction, prostate awareness, benefits of cardiovascular exercises, CPR education and even haircuts. The men’s health fair is being held in conjunction with the 7th annual Juneteenth Celebration in Pittsburg.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 18

WHERE: Pittsburg City Park, 17th & Railroad Avenue

WHO: The health fair is being sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services in partnership with Souljahs, the American Heart Association, Walgreens and 1st Nor Cal Credit Union. Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, Los Medanos Community Healthcare District and Supervisor Federal Glover provided funding support for the event.

John Muir Health gives $10,000 to support high school “Safe and Sober Grad Night” celebrations in Contra Costa County

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John Muir Health announced this week, the donation of $10,000 to local high schools across Contra Costa County. The funds will support programs and services related to the schools’ 2016 “Safe and Sober Grad Night” celebrations, which are held to honor the graduating senior class in a safe environment.

Twenty high schools each received a $500 check from John Muir Health to help finance graduation night festivities hosted by the schools, including professional entertainment such as hypnotists, magicians, karaoke, casino games and live DJs.

“Graduation is one of the most celebrated and yet potentially dangerous nights in a teenager’s life,” said Marci Jones, co-chair of the 2016 Grad Night celebration for Ygnacio Valley High School. “Our primary goal is to keep our graduating seniors in a safe and sober environment. Having John Muir Health’s support is a huge testament to our shared interest and concern with keeping our kids out of harm’s way.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of John Muir Health’s trauma center, which cares for critically injured patients in Contra Costa County and parts of Solano and Marin counties. In addition to treating critical injuries, John Muir Health actively works to prevent them. Trauma physicians, nurses and staff are participants in the Every 15 Minutes program to educate high school juniors and seniors about drinking and driving and the impact their decisions have on family, friends and other members of their community. John Muir Health also participates in Beyond Violence, an intervention program for trauma patients treated at the medical center between the ages of 14-25 who are victims of intentional injuries (e.g. gunshot, knife assault) and reside in West or East Contra Costa County. Support for Safe and Sober Grad Nights is another form of injury prevention.

“As a health care provider in the community with the county’s only trauma center, we’re well aware of the dangers involved with teens driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Kacey Hansen, executive director of Trauma and Transfer Services at John Muir Health.  “This is an important time in their lives and we appreciate the efforts by local high schools to provide an appropriate environment for them to celebrate. The last place we want to see members of the class of 2016 on their graduation night is in one of our hospitals.”

The high schools receiving donations included: Acalanes High School, Alhambra High School, Antioch High School, California High School, Campolindo High School, Clayton Valley Charter High School, College Park High School, Concord High School, Deer Valley High School, El Cerrito High School, Freedom High School, Heritage High School, Las Lomas High School, Liberty High School, Miramonte High School, Monte Vista High School, Northgate High School, Pittsburg High School, San Ramon Valley High School and Ygnacio Valley High School.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, nearly 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with San Ramon Regional Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health to expand its capabilities, increase access to services and better serve patients. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care.

Glover to host 16th annual Y.ASSEMBLE Youth Conference, Saturday; free concert added

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Website: YASSEMBLE.CO

Register: YASSEMBLE.eventbright.com

Everything from how to find a job or preparing for college to how to make a film to dating relationships will be offered to the youth who attend the 16th Annual Youth Conference & Empowerment Summit. Formerly known as the Youth Summit, this year’s countywide gathering of young people from 6th grade through high school, will discover that have a plethora of new offerings for their workshops, an integral part of the summit, which will be held at Pittsburg High School on Saturday, May 21st, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shaun Derrick will return as the Master of Ceremonies for the conference.

Shaun Derrick will return as the Master of Ceremonies for the conference.

The first 250 youth who walk through the door will get a free summer bus pass. A tasty lunch  will also be offered. The entire day is free. Plus a musical concert has been added to cap the daylong event.

“We are changing the flavor of the summit this year,” says Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, who sponsors the conference. “We are updating some of the workshops and offering new ones to make them more relevant to today’s youth. There’s a stronger emphasis on the STEM fields and how the new technology affects our everyday lives.”

The charismatic Shaun Derrick will be returning for the third year to emcee the proceedings and to guide the youth through the day’s activities.

“He connects with young people through straight talk and music,” says Glover.

The youth summit will start the day with a team of Deer Valley High School graduates who will give the keynote presentation.

Lenard "The KYD" Jackson will be the Keynote Speaker at the conference.

Lenard “The KYD” Jackson will be the Keynote Speaker at the conference.

Lenard The KYD Jackson, who graduated Deer Valley High School two years ago, is being joined by Team KYD, which includes fellow DVHS alumni Lawrence Eyo White, Jr., Cherokee White and Ledell Jones. Performing at the annual youth conference is a way of giving back to their community. The interactive presentation called Talkback will consist of comedy skits, standup comedy and a personal testimony from KYD members and a Q&A with the students.

Since he left Antioch, KYD has worked in film, stage and in comedy clubs. As an actor and a musician, he has worked with Kevin Hart, Paul Mooney, Dick Gregory, Sinbad, Charlie Murphy and Condoleeza Rice.

Eyo White and Ledell Jones are still students at LMC and Cherokee White is a student at San Francisco State University.

Singer Samaria will perform during a concert for the students who attend the daylong conference.

Singer Samaria will perform during a concert for the students who attend the daylong conference.

Following the conference, students who stay for the entire conference will be treated to a free, live concert featuring up and coming artist Samaria, a 19­‐year-old singer from Oakland who is on the verge of breaking out. Her music has a 1990’s R&B vibe to it but her sound is so distinct that it extends beyond just R&B or soul. Her sound cannot be placed into a box. Samaria said her musical style is heavily influenced by her heritage ­‐ Jamaican and Puerto Rican.

One of the more intriguing workshops will talk about the results of a research project by Rising Youth for Social Equity, based in Richmond. It will explore the coping strategies for stress caused by living in an environment where friends and family are shot and killed is an everyday experience of growing up. The young people growing in such a stressful environment are showing signs of PTSD, a malady usually associated with veterans of warfare.

Here’s a sampling of the other 40 workshops being offered:

  • Dance movement
  • Developing trust
  • Navigating the media maze
  • Healthy relationships
  • Empowering youth to change communities
  • Find your voice, find your ‘hustle’
  • Building a rocket
  • How to cope with violence
  • Access to new technologies
  • How to build a robot
  • The alcohol industry’s marketing towards youth
  • Trademarks of an effective leader

With Team KYD, Samaria and emcee Shaun Derrick, almost 40 workshops, resource tables, fun activities and a free lunch Y.ASSEMBLE will be a full day for young people. Doors will open at 8 a.m. For the day’s schedule and a list of the workshops, go to YASSEMBLE.CO or YASSEMBLE.eventbrite.com. The free concert starts about 4:15 p.m. and is open only to YASSEMBLE participants.

“I hope the event opens the eyes of the young people,” said Glover. “Through the inspirational speakers, resources and opportunities that we’re offering and the impact of the day will help them make some critical choices in their lives. That’s what it’s all about.”

Y.ASSEMBLE Youth Conference & Empowerment Summit

Saturday, May 21, 2016

9 a.m. ­‐ 4 p.m.

Pittsburg High School

1750 Harbor Street, Pittsburg

 

Get a job at the Contra Costa County Fair Job Fair, Saturday, May 7th

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CONTRACOSTAFAIR2016There will be lots of positions to be filled!

WHAT: The Contra Costa County Fair will be holding a Job Fair and interviews on Saturday May 7th.  Applications and interviews will take place for the 2016 Contra Costa Contra Costa County Fair which will be held Thursday June 2nd – Sunday June 5th.  Available positions include but are not limited to: parking and ticket sellers, ticket takers, parking attendants, customer service representatives, janitorial staff, maintenance staff, security guards and more. Fair Management and Department Supervisors are looking for people with a strong work ethics and a high level of customer service who want to be part of the Contra Costa County Fair event.  Interested applicants must bring their photo ID and a social security card to the Job Fair.  Applications will be available to fill out on-site or are available on-line in advance under the “About Us” tab at www.contracostafair.com

WHEN: Saturday, May 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Contra Costa County Fairgrounds Office, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch

WHY: Each year the Contra Costa County Fair hires roughly 50 – 100 people to work at the annual event, not including the local employees hired directly by our individual food vendors, carnival providers and Livestock department. We are looking for top-notch workers who believe in keeping the Contra Costa County Fair a place where families can expect superior customer service.  The goal with the Job Fair is to create a greater level of awareness among Contra Costa County residents that these job opportunities exist at the Contra Costa County Fair.  The fact that we are hiring hard working local residents creates a big opportunity for those looking for work

Applicants needed for Contra Costa County Disproportionate Minority Contact Task Force

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County Supervisors are seeking residents interested in reviewing data and discussing issues regarding disproportionate minority contact within the local criminal justice system. On April 12,

2016, the Board of Supervisors approved the 17 member Disproportionate Minority Contact Task Force composed of the following members:

  • County Probation Officer
  • Public Defender
  • District Attorney
  • Sheriff-Coroner
  • Health Services Director
  • Superior Court representative
  • County Police Chief’s Association representative
  • Mount Diablo Unified School District representative
  • Antioch Unified School District representative
  • West Contra Costa Unified School District representative
  • (5) Community-based organization (CBO) representatives (at least 1 representative from each region of the County and at least one representative from the faith and family community)
  • Mental Health representative (not a County employee)
  • Public Member – At Large

Following passage of Assembly Bill 109, commonly known as Public Safety Realignment, significant program infrastructure, both within the County and in the community, were put into place to support returning citizens with successful reentry into the community following incarceration; however, there remain factors that contribute to minority residents experiencing disproportionate levels of arrest, prosecution and incarceration. Cities and counties across the nation are grappling with the same issue, but precipitating factors and solutions are unique to each jurisdiction.

In Contra Costa County, the Board of Supervisors has charged the newly established Task Force with identifying these unique factors and recommending solutions to improve the experience of minority residents across the County. The Board is seeking applications for seven (7) of the seats above; five (5) community based organization seats, one (1) Mental Health representative seat and one (1) Public member At-Large seat at this time. Applicants for community based organizations seats must be affiliated with a community based organization operating within the County. Applicants for the Mental Health representative seat must be involved in the mental health community within the County, but cannot be a County employee.

Applicants for the Public Member At-Large seat may be any individual that resides or works within the County.

Applicants will be interviewed by the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee (Supervisors Candace Andersen, District II and John Gioia, District I) with appointment recommendations being sent to the full Board of Supervisors for action. Below is a timeline for the recruitment:

  • June 15th: Application Deadline (7 week application period)
  • June 27th: Public Protection Committee Meeting: Interviews
  • July 12th: Board consideration of PPC nominations

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 335-1900, or by visiting the County webpage at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us. Applications should

be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Room 106, County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Applications can also be faxed to (925) 335-1913.