Contra Costa Herald

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

CA Rental Housing Association opposes Bay Area Air District’s gas appliance ban amid affordability concerns

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Said at yesterday’s meeting amendments don’t go far enough to address costs of mandated appliance renovations

By Keegan Coleman, Director, Actum

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA) issued a statement after the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Board of Directors yesterday voted to adopt amendments to Rule 9-6, the district’s ban on the sale and installation of new natural gas water heaters.

According to a post on the Air District’s X account Wednesday afternoon, “The Air District Board approved updates to the zero-NOx water heater rule that delay implementation to January 2028 and allow exemptions for low-income homeowners, properties with electrical limitations and space-constrained homes.” (See meeting agenda and presentation, watch video and see related article)

CalRHA was joined by hundreds of Bay Area residents including housing and property organizations, such as Better Housing Policies, Business and Housing Network, Santa Clara Association of Realtors, San Mateo County Association of Realtors, East Bay Rental Housing Association, Berkeley Property Owners Association, South County Business Alliance, Silicon Valley Business Alliance, and Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute, in opposing the gas appliance ban and testifying at the Air District’s September, October and November board meetings. CalRHA will continue to advocate for policies that protect residents, small rental property owners and the renters who depend on them.

“Today’s vote to delay implementation by one year happened despite concerns from Board members over costs, impact to seniors and families on fixed incomes, and electric grid blackouts,” said Adam Pearce, President, CalRHA. “We are grateful to every member, affiliate and coalition partner who spoke out at the September, October, and November Board meetings, and took time away from their families and businesses to make their voices heard. But a delay and set of unworkable exemptions don’t fix the core problem. A hard sales ban tied to replacement cycles still puts the financial and logistical burden on housing providers.

Under the amended rule, a gas water heater that fails after the compliance date must be replaced with an electric model, which in many Bay Area buildings constructed before 1980 means new circuits, upgraded electrical panels and often new service lines from the street. Upgrading panels and service lines alone can cost from $11,500 to more than $120,000 per building, according to a 2023 California Public Utilities Commission report.

“We have asked the Air District for a new cost analysis that reflects what conversion really costs in older buildings,” added Pearce. “We have also asked for alternative financial incentives, so mom-and-pop housing providers already dealing with rent control, rising insurance premiums and thinning margins aren’t left to absorb those costs on their own. We share the goal of clean air, and we will keep working with the Air District to reach it without making housing more expensive or pushing small housing providers out of the industry.”

For a small property owner with a duplex or fourplex, compliance could cost six figures across the property and wipe out years of net operating income, and where rent control applies, capital improvement pass-throughs are slow, contested and often capped far below actual costs.

About the California Rental Housing Association

The California Rental Housing Association represents 14,000+ members totaling more than 805,000+ units, made up of small, medium, and large rental housing owners throughout the State of California. Our purpose is to advocate for the best interests of the rental housing industry and collectively address industry needs.

Garamendi, DeSaulnier react to GAO watchdog report claiming ‘Trump’s EPA broke the law’, demand return of $19 million to North Richmond project

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Congressmen Garamendi and DeSaulnier official photos

Funding cancelled because of its “DEl initiatives, ‘environmental justice’ initiatives, and conflict with the Agency’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence” – EPA

Also, later rescinded by Congress in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

By Cameron Niven, Communications Director, Office of Congressman John Garamendi

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), who each represent portions of Contra Costa County, issued the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the government watchdog, published Garamendi’s requested report finding that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to block a $19 million Community Change Grant to Contra Costa County violated the law.

This news comes more than one year after Reps. Garamendi and DeSaulnier confronted the EPA for violating federal appropriations law and federal court injunctions by canceling a $19.1 million Community Change Grant awarded to Contra Costa County for its North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative.

“The GAO confirmed what we knew all along: President Trump’s EPA broke the law, and now I’m demanding they pay us back,” said Garamendi. “This funding was, and still is, not a suggestion. Congress mandated years ago that these funds be delivered to frontline communities like North Richmond, which, because of President Trump’s blatant abuse of the law, has continued to suffer the health impacts of extreme pollution. Not only has Trump’s EPA acted in ways that break the law, but because of its callousness and disregard for the American people, it is endangering the health and wellbeing of some of our nation’s most vulnerable residents. The people of North Richmond deserve better. Trump took away their money, and now they need to give it back.”

“Over a year ago, I was proud to stand with Congressman Garamendi in calling on the Trump Administration to reverse course as they illegally clawed back over $19 million in federal funding for environmental protection efforts from Contra Costa County,” said DeSaulnier. “Now the GAO, an independent government watchdog agency, has confirmed the Administration violated the law in stealing this money and we demand it be reinstated immediately.”

Background

In spring 2025, the EPA terminated a $19.1 million Community Change Grant awarded to Contra Costa County for its North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative. The initiative is one of 105 applications selected for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Community Change Grants (CCG) Program announced by the Biden Administration in December 2024, just at the end of his term, which was the largest national investment in environmental and climate justice (ECJ).

The $19.1 million in funding was allocated directly to the community for the initiative, which aimed to build a resilience center for emergencies and natural disasters and to plant 65 trees along the Verde Elementary schoolyard to shield students from pollution caused by a new distribution center.

In response to the news of the cancellation, Congressman Garamendi and Congressman DeSaulnier sent a letter to Trump-appointed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stating that the agency flagrantly violated the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act without any explanation or due process.

In response to Garamendi and DeSaulnier’s letter, the EPA provided little to no justification for the cancellation, saying only that the agency does not support programs or organizations that promote or take part in DEI or “environmental justice” initiatives.

Congressman Garamendi then requested a report on the Trump Administration’s actions from the GAO, which published its decision on the termination of the Community Change Grants on October 7. The GAO found that the EPA violated the law and noted that Garamendi and DeSaulnier’s letter to the EPA and the agency’s response also helped inform its determination.

GAO Claims EPA Broke the Law, Congress Later Rescinded Funding

According to the GAO’s report, “In early 2025, EPA decided to terminate the ECJ subprograms, including the CCG Program, paused payments to grantees, and later terminated the CCGs. Congress subsequently rescinded the unobligated balances of amounts made available to the ECJ Program as part of Public Law 119-21 – commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

“Unless Congress has enacted a law providing otherwise, executive branch officials must take care to ensure that they prudently obligate appropriations during their period of availability. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA) allows the President to withhold funds from obligation or expenditure, but only under strictly limited circumstances and only in a manner consistent with that Act.

“We find that EPA violated the ICA when the agency, without submitting a special message to Congress: (1) withheld funds from expenditure for the CCG Program after deciding to terminate the program; and (2) withheld funds from obligation by terminating the CCGs. These withholdings were impoundments subject to the ICA and not programmatic delays.

“GAO is aware of ongoing litigation involving the termination of ECJ Program grants, including CCGs. We have included the most up-to-date information related to the litigation in this decision.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

No on 45 campaign ad spreads “blatant lies” about data centers says Yes campaign

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Claim “defenders of the unaffordable status quo are resorting to scare tactics to distract from the costly delays driving up California’s cost of living”

By Yes on 45

Sacramento, CA — A new ad from the No on 45 campaign are intentionally misrepresenting Proposition 45, relying on blatant lies that are easily refuted by the plain language of the ballot measure.

Prop 45 streamlines approvals for eight defined categories of essential projects Californians need to lower costs and improve our quality of life: housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, transportation, hospitals and health care facilities, schools, broadband, and wildfire prevention.

Data centers, warehouses, and other heavy industrial projects are not included in any of the measure’s eight essential project categories. Yet the No on 45 campaign is attempting to deceive voters into believing they are. Here are the facts:

  • Data Centers are NOT Included in Prop 45: There isn’t a single reference to data centers in the proposed ballot measure nor the Legislative Analyst’s Office analysis. Opponents instead try to shoehorn them into the measure’s definition of “essential broadband Internet access projects” as evidence, but that language is borrowed almost verbatim from existing California law defines broadband Internet access as a “mass-market retail service” provided to customers. (Gov. Code § 53167(a)) Simply put, broadband Internet access is a service provided to customers, not a facility that merely uses or relies on the Internet. The fact that a data center — or any other facility — uses Internet access doesn’t make it a broadband Internet access provider any more than a hospital becomes an electric utility because it uses the power grid.

Rachelle Chong, a former Commissioner of both the Federal Communications Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, reviewed the measure and concluded unequivocally that “Proposition 45 does not cover a conventional data center merely because the data center is connected to, uses, stores information from, or helps support the Internet. That distinction is both technologically sensible and consistent with the language regulators have used for broadband Internet access for more than fifteen years.”

Her conclusion is shared by the Data Center Coalition, the industry’s own trade group, and by other outside experts who have reviewed the measure and definitively concluded data centers are not included.

  • “Industrial Warehouses” are NOT included in Prop 45: No on 45’s claims about industrial development are just as misleading. Industrial warehouses are not among Prop 45’s eight categories of essential projects, and the measure expressly excludes heavy industrial, extractive, port, refinery and hazardous-materials uses. Section 21028(y)(2) of Prop 45 clearly states: “nonresidential uses shall not include any heavy industrial, extractive, port, refinery, or hazardous materials uses or designations.”

“Prop 45 opponents are lying to voters, plain and simple,” said Amelia Matier of the Yes on 45 campaign. “They know Californians are fed up with an unaffordable status quo that makes it too slow and too expensive to build the basics, driving up our cost of living. Instead of defending years of costly delays, they’re resorting to scare tactics about projects that aren’t even included in Prop 45. The measure is right there in black and white: Prop 45 streamlines essential projects like housing, water, clean energy, hospitals, schools and wildfire prevention so we can build faster, lower costs and improve our quality of life.”

Prop 45 streamlines approvals for housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, transportation, hospitals and health care facilities, schools, broadband, and wildfire prevention. It sets clear, enforceable timelines and greater accountability so California can build faster and more affordably while maintaining strong environmental, labor, and tribal cultural resource protections and preserving local decision-making.

California’s affordability crisis is tied directly to how long and how much it costs to build essential projects. Years of unnecessary delays drive up the cost of housing, energy, water, transportation and other essentials, costs ultimately passed on to families, ratepayers and taxpayers. Experts estimate Prop 45 could cut costly delays by 2 to 10+ years, lowering costs, getting critical projects built sooner, and improving quality of life for Californians.

BACKGROUND: Prop 45, the Building an Affordable California Act, modernizes California’s project approval and permitting process for essential projects — including housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, transportation infrastructure, hospitals and health care facilities, schools, broadband, and wildfire prevention projects — by establishing clear timelines, improving accountability, and reducing unnecessary delays, while preserving strong environmental, labor, and tribal cultural resource protections. Prop 45 is supported by a broad and growing coalition of 160+ organizations, including affordable housing advocates, civil rights leaders, clean energy builders, water providers, agricultural groups, and business organizations statewide. Learn more at YESonProp45.com 

See videos about Prop 45 by the League of Women Voters of Marin and Sonoma Counties and about CEQA by the Association of Corporate Counsel, San Diego.

September is National Preparedness Month

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This year’s theme: “Americans Stand Ready”

By Martinez Police Department

Emergencies can happen anytime, and being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference.

According to Ready.gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign celebrates National Preparedness Month…to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. This year’s theme is, “Americans Stand Ready.”

FEMA’s Ready Campaign educates and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including those from natural hazards and man-made disasters. Ready asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and appropriate responses. Everyone should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive several days if an emergency occurs.

This list of emergency supply kit items is only a starting point. It is important that individuals review this list and consider the unique needs of their family, including pets, for items to include. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.

Take a few simple steps this month to help keep you and your family ready:

  • Know your risks
  • Make an emergency plan
  • Build a 72-hour kit (See FEMA’s Ready.gov Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit checklist)
  • Get involved in your community

About Martinez CERT

Organized under FEMA, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates residents about disaster preparedness and equips them with practical skills for handling emergencies in residential settings. The program’s training covers essential skills such as emergency first aid, fire suppression, basic search and rescue, radio usage, command structure

Trained CERT members are prepared to assist their families and neighbors during disasters when professional responders might be delayed. Developed originally by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, CERT became a national initiative in 1993. Today, with more than 3,200 local programs across all 50 states and over 600,000 trained individuals, CERT is an essential component to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States.

Our partners with Martinez CERT play an important role in helping make our community stronger, safer, and more prepared. Whether it’s learning lifesaving skills, helping neighbors, or supporting first responders, CERT volunteers make a difference.

For more information visit Martinez Community Emergency Response Team.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

East Bay Regional Park District hosts Annual Coastal Cleanup Day Sept. 19

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Source: EBRPD

During 42nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day

OAKLAND, Calif. — Volunteers and East Bay Regional Park District staff will come together to clean and protect local shorelines and waterways during California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9am to noon. The Park District is facilitating cleanup events at nine sites across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including bayside beaches, shoreline trails, and inland lakes. Staff and volunteers will work together to collect and dispose of litter and recyclables, beautify the shorelines, and help maintain delicate ecosystems. At last year’s event, volunteers collected an estimated 9,295 pounds of trash from East Bay Regional Parks.

Volunteers are welcome in all locations listed below, although registration is appreciated. Sign up at ebparks.org/coastal-cleanup or call 510-544-2229 for more information.

Source: California Coastal Commission

Park District Coastal Cleanup Day Sites

Contra Costa County

  • Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Giant Staging Area. More info.
  • Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, end of Rydin Road, Richmond. More info.
  • Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, main parking lot off N. Court Street. More info.
  • Waterbird Regional Preserve, near the pavilion by the parking area, Martinez. More info.

Alameda County

  • Del Valle Regional Park, lakeside cleanups at the Visitor Center & Fiesta Grande Picnic Area. More info.
  • Robert W. Crown Regional Shoreline, near the Native Plant Garden and Bath House. More info.
  • Hayward Regional Shoreline, West Winton Avenue. More info.
  • Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, Isherwood Way – Ensenada North Picnic Area. More info.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Arrowhead Marsh Staging Area. More info.

The Park District will provide garbage bags and gloves, and volunteers are welcome to bring their own additional trash-hunting gear such as long-handled grabber tools. Participants are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, hats, gloves, and sunscreen, and must wear closed-toe shoes. Layered clothing is recommended. The Park District will also provide snacks and water throughout the event. Please note that parent participation is required for children under 18.

Source: California Coastal Commission

Each year at Coastal Cleanup Day, volunteers discover unusual items during cleanup events. Past items include a boombox, statues of Ganesh and Shiva, a sparkly high heel, and a functioning 1980s-era ThighMaster. Participants who find an odd or interesting item will receive a Park District-themed cooling towel (while supplies last).

This year’s Coastal Cleanup Day also marks the 50th anniversary of California’s Coastal Act, the 1976 law that established a lasting commitment to protecting California’s coast and ensuring it remains accessible to everyone. Over the past 50 years, the Coastal Act has helped protect thousands of acres of open space and habitat, create public access to the coast, and open hundreds of miles of the California Coastal Trail. Coastal Cleanup Day is a chance for all to play a small part in caring for the land and ensuring it remains healthy and accessible for generations to come.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.ebparks.org

Diablo Range officially becomes a California conservation priority

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Hikers explore Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve in the Diablo Range. Photo: Scott Hein. Source: Save Mount Diablo

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

SACRAMENTO, CA—On August 13, the California legislature did something historic when they recognized and approved the Diablo Range as an official California conservation priority deemed critical to helping the state meet its 30×30 initiative to address the climate crisis.

A California condor soars over Pinnacles National Park in the Diablo Range. Photo: Scott Hein. Source: Save Mount Diablo

Last year, Save Mount Diablo sponsored an Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR), authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, officially recognizing the Diablo Range as a California conservation priority.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution, ACR 107, was reviewed and approved by the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife on September 10, 2025, after we provided testimony to the committee addressing the need for the resolution.

Our Diablo Range resolution then went before the Assembly, where it was reviewed and approved on September 13, 2025.

On June 9, 2026, we provided testimony in support of ACR 107 to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, and thereafter they approved our Diablo Range resolution.

Then on August 13, 2026, the Senate approved ACR 107 unanimously (33-0). With that final approval, our Diablo Range resolution was adopted, thereby officially recognizing the Diablo Range as a California conservation priority critical to helping the state meet its 30×30 initiative.

Introducing the resolution to the Senate floor for a vote, Senator John Laird remarked, “On behalf of Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, I rise with alacrity to present ACR 107 . . . which recognizes the importance of the Diablo Range, one of California’s most significant overlooked natural landscapes. This covers 4 million acres, 12 counties, some of which I represent. It was a trivia question at the Senate Democratic Caucus, and not many people knew where the Diablo Range was. Now they do, because this resolution celebrates the ecological, historical, and economic significance of the Diablo Range and encourages continued stewardship of the landscape.”

Tule elk in the San Antonio Valley, part of the Diablo Range. Photo: Sean Burke. Source: Save Mount Diablo

The Diablo Range is over 200 miles long, contains more than 4 million acres that are largely intact and undeveloped, and is less than 30 percent conserved. And this mountain range runs through 12 counties, with Mount Diablo in its northernmost county of Contra Costa.

The Diablo Range is an immense and important wildlife habitat corridor, teeming with biodiversity. It is home to hundreds of rare and endangered species, such as the California condor and blunt-nosed leopard lizard.

More than 10 million people reside in communities immediately surrounding the Diablo Range, so protecting more lands and creating more parks within the range has been identified as a fantastic way to help more people get access to nature.

The Diablo Range provides California with one of its best opportunities to meet multiple goals in its 30×30 initiative set up to help the state address the climate crisis.

California’s 30×30 initiative aims to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030, promoting biodiversity, climate resilience, and access to nature.

California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (center) is joined by (L-R) Save Mount Diablo Board member Jim Felton, Board President Robert Phelps, Executive Director Ted Clement and Board member Phil O’Loane. Photo: Dylan Finley. Source: Save Mount Diablo

We thank Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan; Senator John Laird, who gave ACR 107 a great introduction on the floor of the Senate before the Senate vote; and the rest of the California legislature that approved our Diablo Range resolution.

We also give thanks to our Save Mount Diablo team who worked hard on this historic effort, including a small group of staff, Board members, and leadership donors to our Diablo Range Campaign.

Further, we thank our legislative advocate, Douglas D. Houston, and his team at Houston Magnani and Associates who assisted us throughout this process. Finally, we thank all our partner organizations, agencies, and supporters who sent ACR 107 support letters to the legislature.

The California legislature’s historic approval of our resolution has just given much needed visibility, attention, and momentum to protecting the previously little-known, yet hugely important, Diablo Range.

MTC/ABAG award $8 million for environmental and community projects

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McNeil Park Project. Source: City of San Pablo

$500K for San Pablo park

Grants support Plan Bay Area goals

By Metropolitan Transportation Commission

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission in June awarded $8 million to 16 Bay Area projects through the Priority Conservation Area (PCA) Grant Program. These grants support the goals of Plan Bay Area, the region’s long-range plan for housing, the economy, transportation, and the environment.

The PCA Grant Program is a key tool used by MTC and ABAG to protect and enhance natural and agricultural lands, expand public access to open space, and invest in climate resilience and community-driven environmental stewardship. The 2026 awardees reflect a diverse mix of planning, restoration, acquisition, and access projects across all nine Bay Area counties.

These 16 projects were awarded after a multi-step application and evaluation process that initially received over 50 proposals requesting nearly $36 million in funding.

  • McNeil Park (City of San Pablo) – $500,000 to transform a vacant school site into a multi-benefit community park with recreation amenities, green infrastructure, and inclusive design features.
  • Wooden Bridge Replacement Feasibility Study (City of Alameda) – $500,000 to plan replacement of a critical Bay Trail connection threatened by sea level rise and aging infrastructure, serving over 1,000 daily users.
  • Restoring Connections: Deep East Oakland Community Stewardship, Creeks, & Shoreline Access (Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation) – $450,000 to advance community-led stewardship, outdoor learning, and improved shoreline access in urban neighborhoods.
  • Canal Boatyard Urban Park Connection (City of San Rafael) – $800,000 to plan a new shoreline park and pedestrian bridge in the Canal neighborhood, improving access to open space in an Equity Priority Community.
  • Resilient Suscol Creek: Climate-Ready Habitat Planning (Napa County RCD) – $440,000 to develop restoration designs to improve climate resilience and ecological function across approximately 100 acres of habitat.
  • Twin Peaks Promenade – Bay Area Ridge Trail Connection & Habitat Restoration (San Francisco Recreation & Park Department) – $500,000 to convert a former roadway into a multi-use trail with habitat restoration and improved Ridge Trail connectivity.
  • Fire & Flora: Resilient Foothills Initiative (Grassroots Ecology) – $210,000 to reduce wildfire risks and restore native plant communities while training volunteers and workforce participants.
  • Bay Trail SFO Gap Closure Project – Phase 1 (San Mateo County Transportation Authority) – $600,000 to advance design and environmental review for a 2.5-mile segment closing a major gap in the Bay Trail.
  • Highway 17 Wildlife & Ridge Trail Crossings and Connections (Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District) – $750,000 to reconnect wildlife habitat and close a critical gap in the Ridge Trail with new crossings and trail construction.
  • North Coyote Valley Wildlife & Trails Study (Peninsula Open Space Trust) – $250,000 to evaluate trail alignments that balance recreation access with wildlife connectivity in a regionally significant corridor.
  • Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Outreach & Awareness Campaign (UC Cooperative Extension) – $200,000 to build public support for agricultural land conservation through storytelling, education, and community engagement.
  • Farm to Market Phase 4 (Solano County Department of Resource Management) – $800,000 to improve multimodal access to agricultural areas, supporting local farms and active transportation options.
  • South Fork Gualala River Acquisition (Western Rivers Conservancy with Kashia Band of Pomo Indians) – $750,000 to protect 298 acres of river corridor and redwood forest, supporting habitat restoration and Tribal cultural uses.
  • Petaluma River Park (Petaluma River Park Foundation) – $550,000 to advance design and construction of a new riverfront park featuring habitat restoration and expanded recreational access.
  • Osprey Hill Ranch (Sonoma Land Trust) – $450,000 to plan a public trail network across a 365-acre coastal property while protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources.
  • Improving Habitat Quality and Bike/Ped Connectivity on PCA Creeks (City of Sonoma with Sonoma Ecology Center) – $250,000 to enhance creek ecosystems while improving regional trail safety and connectivity.

The PCA Grant Program—funded through the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program and administered by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership—has supported more than 85 projects and invested over $46 million in conservation and access improvements across the region since its inception in 2013.

 

Rep. DeSaulnier secures over $16 million for projects to benefit Contra Costa, Alameda Counties

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Includes $1.1 million for CC District Attorney’s Office to fight organized retail theft, labor trafficking

By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District.

Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:

  1. $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion.
  2. $1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
  3. $1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
  4. $850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
  5. $850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
  6. $850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.

Public Health and Safety Projects:

  1. $1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
  2. $1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
  3. $1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
  4. $1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
  5. $600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
  6. $500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:

  1. $2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
  2. $1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
  3. $273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.

“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County. “Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, former Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.

“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).

“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”

“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).

“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.

“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department. “The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County.”

“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”

Transparency and Accountability

The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

 

Celebrate John Muir’s 188th birthday and 56th Earth Day in Martinez April 18

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By John Muir Association

Come celebrate John Muir’s 188th birthday and Celebrating John Muir’s 188th birthday, the 56th Anniversary of Earth Day plus the 71st Anniversary of the John Muir Association Earth Day at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA!

Here you will see “John Muir”, visit numerous exhibitors with children’s activities, an auction, live music, enjoy a tour of the home and even get to enjoy birthday cake. We can’t wait to see you.

The John Muir National Historic Site is located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue.

For more information about the event visit https://johnmuirassociation.org/birthday-earth-day.

Rep. DeSaulnier advances over $46.7 million for local projects in Contra Costa, Alameda counties

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Budget requests for infrastructure, transportation, community development, public and environmental health and safety

$10 million for Vasco Road safety & mobility improvements

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he advanced over $46.7 million for 20 projects to benefit Contra Costa and Alameda Counties for consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. These projects would help to improve quality of life for the people of California’s 10th Congressional District by upgrading infrastructure and transportation accessibility and increasing public and environmental safety.

“Simply put, my number one priority in Congress is to make life better for the people I represent, and the $46.7 million we are advancing will help to do just that by investing in safety and easing congestion for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike, housing, emergency preparedness, crime prevention, and more,” said DeSaulnier. “I am continuously grateful to our local governments and organizations for their thoughtful project submissions, and I look forward to fighting to see the projects through the legislative process to bring this important funding home.”

Infrastructure Upgrades, Transportation Accessibility, and Community Development Projects:

  • $5,000,000 for the County of Contra Costa to design a new roadway connection that will improve regional mobility between Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties using a connector route that shifts interregional traffic from Byron Highway and local roads in the Town of Byron to Vasco Road, to accommodate higher traffic volumes.
  • $5,000,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct safety countermeasures along a 12.1-mile segment of Vasco Road between Marsh Creek Road and the Alameda County line in unincorporated Byron, California to decrease the number of accidents on this busy thoroughfare.
  • $4,000,000 for the City of Brentwood to construct infrastructure and site improvements to prepare a site to house the Brentwood Agricultural Technology Innovation Center.
  • $2,800,000 for the City of Lafayette to construct the Brown Avenue to Pleasant Hill Road segment of the Aqueduct Pathway, a fully accessible Class I separated bicycle and pedestrian facility located within the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) aqueduct corridor in downtown Lafayette, California.
  • $2,000,000 for East Bay Regional Park District to construct a dedicated bus staging and drop-off area designed to accommodate regional transit agencies and other visitors, and remove aging rail infrastructure to replace it with accessible, multi-use pathways as part of the second phase of a project to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.
  • $2,000,000 for the City of Lafayette to construct a 48-unit development of supportive and affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • $2,000,000 for the City of San Ramon to continue buildout and close gaps in the citywide fiber optic network supporting transportation operations, public safety, and future smart city technologies.
  • $1,750,000 to the City of Walnut Creek to install a new traffic signal at the intersection between Treat Boulevard and Arkell Road in Walnut Creek, California, which is currently controlled by stop signs.
  • $1,500,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct separated wheeled (bicycle, e-bike, and scooter) and pedestrian pathways in the Iron Horse Corridor from Bollinger Canyon Road to Crow Canyon Road in the City of San Ramon to separate wheeled and pedestrian modes and improve user safety.
  • $1,300,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct a new youth center in Brentwood, California that will provide academic counseling and employment training in the culinary field.
  • $1,296,000 for the City of Orinda to complete pavement rehabilitation work and widening on the Camino Pablo Pathway in Orinda, California to expand and maintain aging infrastructure that currently sees heavy pedestrian use.

Public and Environmental Health and Safety:

  • $5,000,000 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the City of Concord’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure that it can continue to function as a critical hub for regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
  • $3,150,000 for Central Contra Costa Sanitary District to add Densified Activated Sludge (DAS) technology to Central San’s existing large-scale Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) demonstration site and share results with wastewater agencies across the region. DAS and MABR are complementary, cutting-edge technologies that could enhance nitrogen removal and environmental protection while leveraging existing treatment facilities.
  • $2,000,000 for the City of San Ramon to replace the Police Department’s aging Records Management System (RMS), associated software, and supporting equipment. The project will modernize the City’s public safety technology infrastructure by implementing a next-generation RMS, preserving and migrating existing police records, and integrating with electronic files. The project may also incorporate a unified interface that allows officers and investigators to securely access data from multiple regional law enforcement systems within a single platform, improving efficiency, and reducing the need to switch between separate applications.
  • $1,800,000 for the County of Contra Costa to build two mobile communications sites to enhance the resiliency of first responder radio communications in the event of a natural disaster or other widespread threat.
  • $1,684,990 for the City of Antioch to establish a Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) to serve as the Antioch Police Department’s central hub for intelligence and information-sharing, integrating existing technologies—including gunshot detection, public safety cameras, and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)—into a unified, citywide system that enhances crime monitoring, investigative efficiency, and officer response.
  • $1,650,000 for the County of Contra Costa to expand Contra Costa County’s ability to prioritize and investigate unsolved nonfatal and fatal violent crime, prevent future crimes, and enhance victim/witness safety through coordinated, data driven investigations, focused prosecution, and survivor support services.
  • $1,000,000 for the City of Orinda to maintain and improve the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break to reduce the probability of catastrophic fire spread while improving firefighter access and operational effectiveness, specifically by maintaining previously treated areas, conducting hazard tree identification and abatement, and expanding interagency coordination.
  • $936,930 for the Town of Moraga to replace and upgrade existing police radios, a combined total of 65 handheld portable radios and 44 vehicle mounted mobile radios, used by the Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda police departments.
  • $923,000 for Mt. View Sanitary District to initiate pump station and collection systems upgrades by studying the root causes of system stress and the most efficient and effective repair methods.

“For over 135 years the Iron Horse Trail has connected communities in Contra Costa, with the railroad running from 1891-1978, followed by its use as the much-beloved pedestrian and bicycle trail we enjoy today. This $1.5 million investment in the Iron Horse Trail Double Tracking Pilot is about improving safety and enhancing its use as an active transportation corridor. Creating trail separation allows pedestrians to enjoy their walks on the trail without safety concerns related to faster moving bikes. Bicyclists will be able to use their separated bikeway to get to and from work, school, and transit centers more efficiently,” said Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Supervisor (District II).

“We are deeply grateful to Mark DeSaulnier for selecting the Downtown Aqueduct Pathway Project for Community Project Funding consideration. The Congressman’s support is instrumental in helping Lafayette advance a transformative project that will create a safe, continuous, and car-free route between neighborhoods, downtown destinations, and regional transit,” said Carl Anduri, Mayor of Lafayette.

“We are deeply grateful to have the Congressman’s support of these projects, which reflect San Ramon’s commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and investing in technology that improves the daily lives of our residents,” said Mark Armstrong, Mayor of San Ramon. “We value the Congressman’s continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of the San Ramon community and appreciate the opportunity to advance to Committee review of these transformative investments that will strengthen mobility, resilience, and public safety citywide.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing innovative solutions to one of the Bay Area’s most critical regulatory challenges: reducing nitrogen discharges to the Bay while keeping costs manageable for wastewater customers. The MABR and DAS Bay Area Regional Demonstration Site will advance technologies aimed at better protecting our beautiful Bay, while potentially saving billions of dollars across our region and beyond. We’re grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s vision, leadership, and commitment to clean water infrastructure that benefits our communities and the environment both now and, in the future,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support in strengthening community safety and supporting survivors of violence. The Contra Costa Unsolved Violent Crime & Victim Safety Initiative expands the county’s ability to prioritize and investigate unsolved shootings and increase clearance rates – which is the percentage of crimes that result in an arrest or other official resolution. Moreover, the initiative pairs data-driven investigations with survivor-centered services to keep victims and witnesses safe, rebuild community trust, and make sure families affected by violence received the justice and attention they deserve,” said Diana Becton, Contra Costa County District Attorney.

“We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier for championing investments that expand opportunities for young people in East County. The Brentwood Youth Center Project will create a new 15,000 square foot facility offering culinary training in healthcare, culinary arts and skilled trades, academic support, and mental health counseling spaces—providing local youth with safe, modern, and accessible resources right in their community. This project strengthens workforce development into career pathways, supports whole person development, and ensures Brentwood’s young residents have the tools they need to thrive,” said Tamia Brown, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board.

“On behalf of Contra Costa County, I want to thank Congressman DeSaulnier for his steadfast support of Contra Costa County projects that will provide wide-benefits to the community—from transportation safety improvements on Vasco Road and the Byron Highway, to critical investments in youth development, public safety communications, and solutions that strengthen justice for victims and families. His continued partnership ensures we can deliver safer roads, stronger emergency response, expanded youth opportunities, and improved community safety for residents across all of Contra Costa and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and his commitment to bringing meaningful federal resources home to Contra Costa,” said Diane Burgis, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

“We are grateful to Representative DeSaulnier and his team for their support of this critical wastewater infrastructure work,” said Lilia Corona, Mt. View Sanitary District General Manager. “The Next-Generation Pump Station and Collection System Projects will bolster the process of replacing equipment at the end of its service life. We’re excited by this major step forward for sanitary operations in Contra Costa County, which will allow Mt. View Sanitary District to continue delivering exceptional service quality to our customers.”

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for supporting these important infrastructure and wildfire mitigation projects. The Camino Pablo Pathway will enhance pedestrian mobility and connect key parts of our community, while the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break will significantly reduce wildfire risk and strengthen emergency response capabilities across the broader Lamorinda region. These projects represent critical investments in Orinda’s safety, sustainability, and quality of life,” said Brandyn Iverson, Mayor of Orinda.

“We are grateful for the support of Congressman DeSaulnier in advancing the Lamorinda Public Safety Radio Replacement project for funding.  Through replacing and upgrading the radios used by the Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Police Departments, this project will enhance public safety throughout the region and ensure that law enforcement officers are equipped to address emergency situations, evacuations, and other critical incidents. Congressman DeSaulnier’s efforts are helping to keep our communities and law enforcement officers safe with this critical investment in public safety communications equipment,” said Jon King, Chief of Police for the Moraga Police Department.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for supporting our community’s continued efforts to make Vasco Road safer for all who rely on it. The Vasco Road Safety Improvements – Phase 3 Project delivers targeted, community‑supported safety upgrades along the corridor, including proven Federal Highway Administration countermeasures designed to reduce collisions and improve visibility. These improvements will help protect commuters and enhance regional mobility along this critical East County route,” said Warren Lai, Director of Public Works, Contra Costa County.

Lai continued, “We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his continued leadership and support of vital East County transportation investments. The Vasco Road–Byron Highway Connector Project will reduce cut-through traffic in Byron, improve regional mobility between Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties, and enhance safety by providing a more efficient route for commuters and goods movement. This project represents an important step toward long term connectivity and economic opportunity for the region.”

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for advancing Antioch’s Real-Time Operations Center project for federal consideration. This investment reflects the kind of forward-looking public safety infrastructure cities need to serve growing communities, improve coordination across government functions, and deliver smarter, more effective services to the public,” said Bessie Marie Scott, Antioch City Manager.

“Brentwood has a robust agricultural history, and a long-standing legacy of providing fresh produce and products from our locally-owned farms to tables across America. This funding investment represents the next chapter in this story and the future of farming. The Agricultural Technology Innovation Center will bring together agriculture, education, and technology to create jobs, support workforce development, and strengthen our nation’s food systems. Federal investment in critical infrastructure is the key to unlocking this opportunity, and we are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership and vision in advancing a project that delivers both regional and national impact,” said Susannah Meyer, Mayor of Brentwood.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his strong support of Concord’s Emergency Operations Center upgrades. This investment strengthens our ability to protect residents, coordinate a regional response, and ensure our community is prepared when it matters most,” said Laura Nakamura, Mayor of Concord.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for his commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response across the East Bay. The East Bay Regional Communications System – Mobile Communications Sites on Wheels Project will provide deployable, towable mobile towers that ensure backup radio coverage during disasters, domestic terrorism, or large-scale incidents—significantly enhancing the resiliency, reliability, and interoperability of communications for first responders in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. This investment ensures that when emergencies strike, our communities and safety personnel can rely on a stable, redundant system that keeps critical communications operational when they’re needed most,” said David Swing, Executive Director of the East Bay Regional Communications Authority.

“The City of Walnut Creek greatly appreciates Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership and continued support in advancing safety for our residents. This critical infrastructure project for a new traffic signal will improve the efficiency of regional traffic, emergency vehicle response times, and safety for all modes of transportation,” said Kevin Wilk, Mayor of Walnut Creek.

Selection and submission of projects to the Appropriations Committee is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. Each project submitted must meet the criteria set forth by the Committee, which can be found here, and must then be passed in the Committee and by both the House and Senate before it becomes law. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.