Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Continuum of Care seeks volunteers for Jan. 30th Homeless Point in Time Count

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By Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services

What is the Point in Time Count?

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count provides a comprehensive snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness—both sheltered and unsheltered—on a single night in late January. Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this annual count requires Continuums of Care to account for sheltered individuals who are in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and safe havens, as well as unsheltered individuals who live in places not meant for human habitation like cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings.

As a result, the Continuum of Care (CoC) must submit PIT Count data to HUD. This data is collected across the country to estimate homelessness and provide information about the demographics of people experiencing homelessness.

This information is used to decide how much funding communities get to help with homelessness.

Source: CCC CoC

Data collected from the Point-in-Time Count helps identify

  • The causes of homelessness
  • Create better policies, programs and funding allocations
  • Track progress in reducing homelessness

What Am I Being Asked To Do?

When Do You Need Me?

  • The week of January 13th for one (1) two hour IN PERSON Volunteer Training. You will select when/where you want to do the training when you register
  • Thursday, January 30th from 5:30 am – 9:00 am for the actual count!

How Do I Sign Up?

How do I learn more about the Point in Time Count?

  • Click hereto learn more

How do I tell my friends and family about this volunteer opportunity?

Volunteers must follow these three steps!

Questions?

Padilla announces $19 million grant for North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative

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Part of over $216 million for California from environmental and climate justice Community Change Grants from Inflation Reduction Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded 15 California projects a combined $216.5 million to advance local, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and strengthen workforce development. The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act as part of the Community Change Grants Program, the largest nationwide investment in environmental and climate justice in history.

The Community Change Grants Program addresses the diverse and unique needs of disadvantaged communities by reducing air, water, and soil pollution, building resilient infrastructure to extreme weather events, and bolstering workforce development.

“Overlooked communities across California have struggled for generations with air pollution and unaffordable water and energy bills. The climate crisis has only underscored these vulnerabilities,” said Padilla. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re delivering millions in environmental justice investments to reduce energy costs and improve air quality, while developing climate-resilient community workforces.”

Approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds were available for environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input.

“On day one of his Administration, President Biden promised to target investments to communities that for too long have been shut out of federal funding,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is delivering on that promise. These selections will create jobs, improve public health, and uplift community efforts in all corners of this country, regardless of geography or background.”

California projects selected for Community Change Grants Program awards include:

  • North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative — $19.08 million. The North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative will build a community resiliency center at the North Richmond Farm to serve the community in the event of an emergency or disaster and provide community services during normal operations. The project will scale up existing efforts to increase North Richmond’s urban tree canopy and will plant 65 new trees along the Verde Elementary schoolyard to shield students from pollution generated by a new distribution center.
  • Treasure Island Connects — $19.50 million. This project focuses on Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island in the San Francisco Bay Area. Treasure Island Connects aims to expand community access to clean public transportation resources through six projects. The project will launch a microtransit pilot to connect Treasure Island residents to key resources on mainland San Francisco and a community circulator shuttle. The project will also add one new electric bus to the Muni bus route servicing Treasure Island, create a bikeshare program, and install electric ferry charging infrastructure to support the planned conversion to zero-emission ferry service.
  • South Los Angeles All In – Good Jobs, Healthy Communities — $20 million. The Coalition for Responsible Community Development and the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College will support workforce development in South Los Angeles along four career tracks to reduce pollution, including lead abatement in buildings; welding for clean energy and transportation projects; hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance; and weatherization and energy auditing of buildings.
  • GREEN San Gabriel Valley — $20 million. In California’s San Gabriel Valley, Day One, Active San Gabriel Valley, and their partners will implement several environmental justice projects. They will mitigate extreme heat and build community resilience by expanding tree canopy and greening schoolyards with rain gardens and native plants. They will also provide incentives for the purchase of e-bikes, establish 60 public water stations, and reduce energy costs through the installation of solar, energy storage systems, and cool roofs.
  • Safe Drinking Water and Climate Resilience for Rural Pajaro Valley Disadvantaged Communities — $20 million. Focusing on households served by California’s Pajaro Water System (PWS), Sunny Mesa Water System (SMWS), and Springfield Water System (SWS), as well as households relying on private wells near the SWS in Northeastern Monterey County, this project will consolidate these water systems into a combined system with multiple compliant wells for redundancy and resilience to extreme climate events. Current systems do not have backup wells that meet water quality standards.
  • The San Diego Foundation — $20 million. Focused on San Diego’s historic central barrios, San Diego Foundation and the Environmental Health Coalition will take a holistic approach to improve local air quality, mitigate extreme heat, and expand green space. The project will improve residents’ access to clean and safe transportation, electrify homes, add energy storage, install air filters, and perform weatherization upgrades. It will also connect residents to clean energy job opportunities and apprenticeships in electrical and construction work.
  • Restoring Resilience: Enhancing Community and Environmental Sustainability through the Dos Pueblos Institute’s Climate Action Strategy — $19.99 million. The Restoring Resilience project will enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities for the residents of disadvantaged communities on California’s Gaviota Coast. The project will establish the Gaviota Coastal Cultural and Historical Center, a resilience hub that will serve as a central location for educational programs and community events during “blue sky” days and as an emergency shelter and staging area during wildfires and other disasters.
  • Southeast Strong — $19.98 million. The City of Bakersfield and Building Healthy Communities Kern will improve community connectivity in central and southeast Bakersfield by expanding residents’ access to safe, clean, and convenient active transportation and public transit options. To reduce pollution and energy costs, they will fund energy efficiency retrofits at 30 single-family residential units and retrofit another 60 homes with solar panels and battery technologies. The project will also provide 150 residents with training to install solar panels, repair electric vehicles, and enroll in electrician apprenticeships.
  • Building Climate Resilient Communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley — $18.76 million. This project will build four geothermal, solar-powered commercial greenhouses with geothermal energy for cooling and heating. The greenhouses will support vertical hydroponic farming and will offer free training and 15 living wage jobs to newly trained “Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) workers from the Eastern Coachella Valley community. The project also will build the Center for Community Development and Resilience (CCDR), which will integrate climate-smart building elements, such as solar and heat pumps, as well as green infrastructure.
  • Greening North Franklin — $17.84 million. La Familia Counseling Center and Community Resource Project will implement several projects to reduce pollution and build climate resilience in south Sacramento. They will develop a community resilience hub to serve as a cooling center during extreme heat events and provide services to meet community needs in an emergency. To reduce energy costs and pollution, the project will provide energy efficiency upgrades, install solar on qualifying homes, and provide workforce training in electrification, housing retrofits, and solar installation.

A full list of California projects and descriptions is available here.

EPA is on track to obligate the majority of selected Community Change grants by January 2025. More information on the Community Change Grants Program is available here.

Senator Padilla has helped secure hundreds of millions from the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce pollution in underserved California communities. Earlier this year, Padilla announced nearly $500 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which will help decarbonize the transportation and freight sectors and improve air quality for Southern California residents. Padilla also secured nearly $250 million for California’s Solar for All project to help deliver residential solar for low-income and disadvantaged communities across the state. Last year, he announced over $102 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service to combat extreme heat and climate change, plant and maintain trees, and create urban green spaces.

 

BART fares will increase 5.5% on January 1, 2025

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While working to increase ridership currently averaging on weekdays about 40% of pre-COVID figures

By Bay Area Rapid Transit District

As BART strives to increase ridership, which is averaging about 40% of weekday pre-COVID figures, BART fares will increase January 1, 2025, to keep pace with inflation so that the agency is able to pay for continued operations and to work toward restoring financial stability. BART’s current funding model relies on passenger fares to pay for operations.

Fares will increase 5.5 percent on New Year’s Day. The increase is tied to the rate of inflation minus a half-percentage point. It’s the second such increase – the first took effect January 1, 2024.

The average fare will increase 25 cents, from $4.47 to $4.72. BART’s fare calculator and Trip Planner have been updated with the new fares for trips with the date 1/1/25 and beyond. Riders can learn how the increase will affect their travels by entering a 2025 date for their trip.

“We understand that price increases are never welcome, but BART fares remain a vital source of funds even with ridership lower than they were before the pandemic,” said BART Board Vice President Mark Foley. “My Board colleagues and I voted in June 2023 to spread necessary fare increases over two years rather than catching up all at once. At the same time, we voted to increase the Clipper START means-based discount from 20 percent to 50 percent to help those most in need.”

The fare increase is expected to raise about $14 million per year for operations. Combined with the previous year’s fare adjustment, BART will use this $30 million per year to fund train service, enhanced cleaning, additional police and unarmed safety staff presence, and capital projects such as the Next Generation Fare Gates project.

Discounts available for those who are eligible

The regional Clipper START program is an important resource for low-income riders of BART and other Bay Area transit systems. The program is for adult riders with a household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less. Administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, program participants receive a personalized Clipper card that cuts half the cost of fares on more than 20 transit systems.

Regular, predictable increases a long-term strategy

January’s fare increase is the latest adjustment in a strategy to provide BART funding while providing riders predictable, scaled changes to the costs of riding. In 2004, BART first implemented this inflation-based fare increase program that calls for small, regular, less-than-inflation increases every two years, allowing fares to keep up with the cost of providing reliable and safe service.

BART is also much less expensive than driving on a cost per mile basis. The Internal Revenue Service standard mileage rate for driver is 67 cents per mile; BART riders pay an average of 27 cents per mile, 60% less than the cost of driving.

Outdated funding model

BART’s current funding model relies on passenger fares to pay for operations. Even with the fare increase, BART is facing a $35 million operating deficit in FY26 and $385 million in FY27. Since BART’s outdated model of relying on passenger fares to pay most operating costs is no longer feasible because of remote work, the agency must modernize its funding sources to better match other transit systems throughout the country that receive larger amounts of public funding. BART needs a more reliable long-term source of operating funding and continues to advocate at the federal, state, and regional levels for the permanent funding needed to sustainably provide the quality transit service the Bay Area needs.

Addressing BART’s ongoing financial crisis will take a variety of solutions including securing new revenue and continuing to find internal cost savings. BART costs have grown at a rate lower than inflation, showing we have held the line on spending. We have implemented a service schedule that better matches ridership and we are running shorter trains, reducing traction power consumption and maintenance costs.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Unnecessary toll hikes will strap middle income drivers in Contra Costa and beyond

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The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Photo: MTC

By Marc Joffe

As if the $1 toll hike on January 1, 2025, is not enough, commissioners at the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) plan to approve a series of five fifty cent increases starting in 2026. By 2030, tolls on the Bay Area’s seven state-owned bridges will reach $10.50 for FasTrak users and $11.50 for drivers paying by invoice. Included in the increase are these four bridges with landings in Contra Costa County:

  • Antioch (Senator John A. Nejedly) Bridge
  • Benicia-Martinez (George Miller) Bridge
  • Carquinez Bridge
  • Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

Aside from toll hikes, motorists are facing a gasoline price increase arising from the California Air Resources Board’s recent imposition of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. According to a research center at the University of Pennsylvania, LCFS could cost drivers up to 85 cents extra per gallon. And this is on top of California’s highly elevated fuel prices, driven by taxes that rise annually under SB1 (2018).

Despite increasing maintenance costs, the Bay Area bridges are quite profitable. BATA expects total revenue of $1.058 billion this year. The costs of operating the bridges, running FasTrak, and paying debt service are projected to total just $757 million, leaving $300 million to spare.

As BATA admits in its own FAQ on the toll increase, $3.00 of the current $7.00 toll is already being siphoned off for purposes other than bridge operations, maintenance, and seismic safety (this will increase to $4.00 of $8.00 on January 1). For example, almost $6 million is diverted annually to the Transbay Joint Powers Authority to operate its empty bus terminal and to pursue its hopeless plan to bring high-speed rail trains into the Salesforce Transit Center. Bridge toll money is also being used to subsidize Bay Area ferries, SF Muni, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, and the NAPA Vine bus service.

The toll hike on the Antioch Bridge is especially egregious. BATA is charging the same tolls on all its bridges despite their vastly different lengths. The Bay Bridge is 8.4 miles long while the Antioch Bridge is just 1.8 miles long. Also, unlike all other Bay Area bridges, the Antioch Bridge has just one lane in each direction.

And then there is the question of income. While many Bay Area drivers are wealthy enough to easily absorb the toll hike, that is less true of people living near the Antioch Bridge. According to Census Reporter, Antioch’s per capita income is only 56 percent of the average for the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metro region. Rio Vista, the first sizable community on the north side of the bridge, clocks in at just 67 percent of the metro area’s income per person.

At minimum, BATA should exempt the Antioch Bridge from its planned toll hikes. But better yet, the Authority should shelve its entire toll increase plan, stop siphoning off toll money for other purposes, and live within its means.

Marc Joffe is President of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.

CA State Parks’ Office of Historic Preservation announces start of State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program

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John Muir home in Martinez (Source: National Park Service) and El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. (Source: El Campanil Theatre)

Property owners can apply for the credit to rehabilitate and maintain their historical buildings and qualified residences

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks’ Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) announced today it will begin accepting applications for the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2025. California property owners can apply for the credit to rehabilitate and maintain their historical buildings and qualified residences, retaining Californians’ link to the past while keeping historic buildings and homes relevant in the present and beyond.

The tax credit program provides a 20% credit for qualified rehabilitation expenditures (or 25% credit if the structure meets specified criteria) for rehabilitation of a certified historic structure or a qualified residence, as provided, within the state to be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, in conjunction with OHP. A total of $50 million is available for allocation.

In preparation for this program, OHP is holding two virtual informational sessions on eligibility qualifications, completing the application and documentation requirements, with time allotted for questions and answers. The sessions will be held:

Application instructions, forms, frequently asked questions and program regulations can be found on the OHP’s State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit site. Potential applicants are recommended to read the program information in advance of the informational sessions. For information about the tax credit program, please contact Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Jody L. Brown at Jody.L.Brown@parks.ca.gov.

The OHP administers federal and state mandated historic preservation programs to further the identification, evaluation, registration and protection of California’s irreplaceable resources, and promotes the care, maintenance, relevance and reuse of California’s historic properties.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Legal earthquake: Federal jury in SF awards millions to BART workers denied religious accommodations

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Fired for not taking COVID-19 vaccine, one employee from San Pablo

San Francisco, CA. –  A federal jury on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, delivered a stunning blow to Bay Area officials who denied every religious accommodation requested by workers to its COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The eight-person jury deliberated for two days before unanimously awarding six former employees of San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) more than $1 million each, for a total of about $7.8 million. The employees have been represented by Pacific Justice Institute since 2022.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the jury first determined that BART failed to prove an undue hardship in denying any accommodations to the employees. Yesterday, the jury further concluded that all of the employees had met their burden of showing a genuine conflict between their faith and the vaccine requirement, which was implemented in late 2021. The jury then accepted the numbers calculated by the plaintiffs’ economic expert for lost wages and added $1 million to each of those figures.

Brad Dacus, president of PJI, commented, “These verdicts are seismic—a 7.8 San Francisco legal earthquake. This amazing outcome represents so much hard work by our team, perseverance by these clients, and fairness from our judicial system.”

Kevin Snider, PJI’s Chief Counsel who served as lead trial counsel, commented, “The rail employees chose to lose their livelihood rather than deny their faith. That in itself shows the sincerity and depth of their convictions. After nearly three years of struggle, these essential workers feel they were heard and understood by the jury and are overjoyed and relieved by the verdict.”

During the trial, jurors heard compelling testimony from dedicated employees. One of the plaintiffs had worked for more than 30 years for BART, with a stretch of 10 years perfect attendance, before being unceremoniously dismissed. Another had been out on workers comp for months, with no scheduled return date, when she was fired. BART had also argued that several of the employees’ conflicts with taking the vaccine were more secular than religious. The jury disagreed.

PJI’s trial attorneys in this case consisted of Kevin T. Snider, Matthew B. McReynolds, and Milton E. Matchak. PJI was joined at trial by co-counsel Jessica R. Barsotti. Nationwide, PJI continues to represent hundreds of dedicated employees who lost their jobs after they sought and were denied religious accommodations to the COVID-19 vaccines. This week’s verdicts are expected to impact many of those pending cases.

The BART employees’ case number is 3:22-cv-06119-WHA.

California Family Council Comments on Court Victory

In addition, the California Family Council wrote the following on their website (republished with permission):

Victory for Conscience: Fired BART Employees Secure Million-Dollar Settlement Over Vaccine Mandate

In a case that sends a powerful message on the importance of religious liberty, a San Francisco jury awarded more than $7 million to former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) employees who were terminated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds. Represented by the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), these employees sacrificed their careers rather than compromise their deeply held convictions—a stand that has now been vindicated in court, both legally and morally.

A Stand for Faith Over Career

This case, centered on BART’s refusal to accommodate employees’ sincere religious objections, highlighted the tensions between public health policies and individual rights to religious freedom. For these former BART workers, faith was not just a private belief but a guiding principle that defined how they lived and worked. In the face of mounting pressures, they made a difficult choice: to lose their jobs rather than violate their consciences. According to Kevin Snider, PJI’s Chief Counsel and lead trial attorney on the case, “The rail employees chose to lose their livelihood rather than deny their faith. That in itself shows the sincerity and depth of their convictions. After nearly three years of struggle, these essential workers feel they were heard and understood by the jury and are overjoyed and relieved by the verdict.”

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend in the courts, where cases involving COVID-19 mandates and religious objections are increasingly ruling in favor of those who held firm to their faith. The jury’s decision represents a milestone in affirming that religious accommodations cannot be set aside, even amid unprecedented health crises. As Reuters noted, similar cases across the country are starting to see victories for individuals who stood by their beliefs rather than comply with mandates they found objectionable on religious grounds.

Pacific Justice Institute Defends Religious Rights in Court

Brad Dacus, President of PJI, emphasized the wider impact of this ruling, saying, “This case sets a legal precedent ensuring that all government agencies honor religious exemptions.” His statement underscores that this case has implications far beyond California and BART; it signals a renewed commitment to protecting religious rights across all sectors, reminding government agencies and private employers alike that religious liberty is a constitutional right, not an optional privilege.

Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Employers have an obligation to respect their employees’ religious beliefs by providing reasonable accommodations whenever possible. Religious freedom is foundational, and this decision underscores the importance of honoring that freedom in all facets of public life.” Burt’s comments resonate in a climate where religious rights are often viewed as secondary to policy mandates, reinforcing the idea that true religious freedom requires active respect from employers and institutions.

Integrity and Conviction in the Face of Institutional Pressure

The jury’s award of over $7 million was not merely a financial victory but a resounding affirmation of the workers’ commitment to their principles. It serves as a powerful testament to the fact that religious liberty extends into the workplace and that individuals should not be coerced into choices that violate their faith. The workers’ triumph speaks to the courage it takes to defend one’s beliefs against institutional pressures. The defendants’ win also addresses a broader legal and societal question: How do we, as a nation, protect the conscience rights of individuals amid public mandates? By securing this verdict, the former BART employees underscore the critical importance of faith-based resilience in a culture that increasingly prioritizes compliance over conviction.

This case does more than validate the BART employees’ religious rights—it represents an undercurrent of resistance where faith and courage fuel social change. Their unwavering stance mirrors that of others in history who’ve faced institutional pressures for their beliefs, reminding us that when one group stands firm, they often pave the way for countless others to reclaim their rights. With this landmark decision, these workers have become symbols of integrity and resilience, showing us all that the call to live authentically—faith and all—can transform society in profound ways.

An effort to contact one of the six plaintiffs who lives in San Pablo was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any udpates to this report.

 

 

CHP receives $2 million federal grant to crack down on dangerous sideshows, street racing in state

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Sideshow in Antioch on May 29, 2021. Source: Antioch Police drone video screenshot

Helps fund the STREET III – Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce

By CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received $2 million in federal funding that will expand its major crackdown on dangerous sideshows and street racing statewide, holding participants and organizers accountable for reckless driving behaviors.

Federal funding for the Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce (STREET III) grant comes after the CHP received $5.5 million in state funding to combat illegal street racing and sideshow activities, resulting in a 40% decrease in illegal sideshow incidents from 2021 to 2022. The STREET III grant aims to reduce the number of fatal and injury traffic crashes attributed to reckless driving, street racing, and sideshows. The CHP will implement a public awareness campaign to tackle these unlawful activities and conduct specialized enforcement operations such as excessive speeding behaviors where motorists are traveling more than 100 mph on state highways. Last year, CHP officers participating in specialized speed enforcement operations from January 2023 to July 2024 issued over 30,000 citations to motorists exceeding 100 mph.

“Sideshows and street takeovers are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities and make streets less safe. We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these illegal events. California will continue to ramp up our efforts to crack down on sideshows. For anyone considering attending a sideshow: know that not only do you risk getting hurt at these events, but you also risk the potential loss of your vehicle,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Since February, the CHP has made 1,125 arrests, seized 110 illegal guns, and recovered more than 2,000 stolen vehicles in Alameda County and the East Bay alone. Last month, Governor Newsom signed four bills into law that impose stricter penalties and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and street takeovers.

“The CHP’s top priority is the safety of our communities. This new grant allows us to strengthen our efforts in addressing the growing issues of sideshows and illegal street racing, which endanger lives and disrupt neighborhoods,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By increasing patrols, deploying advanced technology, and partnering with local organizations, we are committed to making our roads safer and holding those responsible for reckless driving accountable.”

Alongside allied agencies, the CHP established task forces to tackle the challenges posed by street racing and sideshows.  In addition, social media initiatives have been introduced to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers associated with aggressive driving behaviors, including illegal street racing and sideshows. The STREET III grant allows for a campaign starting this month through September 30, 2025.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s INNOVATE 680 Program to receive over $166 million mega-boost

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U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier, Nancy Pelosi join CCTA Officials to announce DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant for improvements

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Yesterday, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier and Nancy Pelosi joined regional transportation officials from Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to announce CCTA will receive over $166 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to improve mobility along the Interstate 680 (I-680) corridor. This mega-boost is the largest 2024 transportation award earmarked for California.

The funds will upgrade I-680, which is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity—providing for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. The federal investments to CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 project were made through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program.

“As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”

“When President Biden signed Democrats’ historic Infrastructure Law in 2021, it was an opportunity to strengthen our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, fund projects to address equity issues and create millions of good-paying jobs throughout America,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration’s MEGA grant program made possible by the Infrastructure Law, $166 million in federal funding is coming to the CCTA’s INNOVATE I-680 project to improve quality of life for people throughout the Bay Area. Democrats remain relentlessly committed to investing in America, building a fairer economy and delivering For The People.”

The highly competitive Mega Grant program funds major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. More information on the program is available here.

The federal funding will go toward CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 Program to address the northbound I-680 express lane gap from California State Route (SR) 24 to SR-242 and to convert the existing northbound high-occupancy vehicle lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane. The project will also construct a braided ramp system between the North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of Northbound I-680.
“CCTA is grateful for the efforts our federal delegates made to secure much needed federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California infrastructure improvements,” CCTA Chair Newell Arnerich said. “Upgrading I-680 will truly improve our quality of lives as they ease congestion, make our roads safer, and boost our economy by creating 3,500 direct and indirect jobs per year for the duration of the projects.”

CCTA is Contra Costa’s congestion management agency. CCTA’s full project plan to alleviate congestion on I-680 may be found here.

“This is a monumental award for Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area,” CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile said. “Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. CCTA is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation.”

“I-680 is one of the major north-south corridors in the San Francisco Bay Area and frequently ranks among our most congested corridors,” MTC Executive Director Andy Fremier said. “This $166 million grant will support projects that improve safety, smooth traffic, and increase access while aligning with federal, state and local safety, equity, and emissions goals.”

About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority:

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding, and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

Contra Costa, Richmond, Antioch awarded state grants to house people living in homeless encampments

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Source: Office of the CA Governor

Governor Newsom awards $130.7 million in Round 3 of program to help 18 California communities

Also creating a collaborative program between the state and targeted communities to streamline the cleanup of encampments

SACRAMENTO – Oct. 4, 2024 — Expanding the state’s unprecedented support for local communities to create new housing and address homelessness, Governor Newsom announced Friday, the state is awarding $130.7 million to 18 local governments to clear homeless encampments and provide shelter, care and support. The grants are from Round 3 of the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) awards from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Governor also announced new accountability measures, requiring award recipients to adhere to all state housing and homeless laws — as well as remain in compliance with their Housing Elements — or risk losing funding and face other enforcement actions.

The Round 3 funds awarded Friday will go to 12 cities, four counties and two Continuums of Care (CoCs) and are intended to resolve critical encampment concerns and address the housing and health and safety needs of 3,364 people living in encampments, and permanently house 1,565 people.

Of the total amount the City of Richmond was awarded $9,336,746, the City of Antioch will receive $6,812,686 and the County of Contra Costa was granted $5,708,516. Of the 18 agencies, Contra Costa County scored the highest followed by Richmond.

“We’re supporting local communities’ efforts to get people out of encampments and connected with care and housing across the state. It’s important and urgent work that requires everyone to do their part. The state has committed more than $27 billion to help local governments tackle the homelessness crisis — and we want to see $27 billion worth of results,” said Governor Newsom.

Source: CA Dept of HCD

$1 billion in funding to clear encampments

Governor Newsom has made unprecedented investments to address the housing and homelessness crises, with $40 billion invested to help communities create more housing and $27 billion provided to communities for homelessness. Today’s new grants are part of the state’s $1 billion Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF), which help communities address dangerous encampments and support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

So far, the program has invested $737 million for 109 projects or encampments across 21 counties, 41 cities and 5 CoCs to help 20,888 people throughout the state, helping 20,888 people transition out of homelessness.

“These grants will ensure local communities take a person-centered, trauma-informed approach as they help their most vulnerable residents transition to safe and stable housing,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “The Encampment Resolution Fund grants are infusing critical resources in communities up and down California so that unhoused Californians can access the essential housing and supportive services they need to achieve long-term stability.”

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Greater accountability 

As a condition of receiving the funding, the awardees must agree to increased accountability and compliance measures. These new accountability measures build on the current requirements that all grantees adhere to state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to construction, health and safety, labor, fair employment practices, environmental protection, equal opportunity, fair housing, and all other matters applicable and/or related to the ERF program.

The Governor’s new measures expressly require local governments to maintain a compliant housing element, as well as adhere to all planning, permitting, entitlement, fair housing, and homelessness laws.

Non-compliance with these measures may result in the state revoking and clawing back awarded funds in addition to potential enforcement actions by the state’s Housing Accountability Unit. This ensures that grant recipients remain accountable and protects state funding.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Care, compassion, collaboration 

Today’s announcement follows the Governor’s executive order urging local governments to adopt policies and plans consistent with the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) existing encampment policy.

Prioritizing encampments that pose a threat to the life, health, and safety of the community, Caltrans provides advance notice of clearance and works with local service providers to support those experiencing homelessness at the encampment, and stores personal property collected at the site for at least 60 days.

Since July 2021, California has cleared more than 12,000 encampments and has removed 267,611 cubic yards of debris from encampments along the state right of way in preparation for Clean California projects.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Delegated Maintenance Agreements

The Governor also announced today a new collaborative program that will help streamline the cleanup of encampments by establishing agreements between the state and targeted local communities. The agreements will remove jurisdictional boundaries and allow locals to address encampments on state property and receive reimbursement for their efforts.

To help provide additional guidance and direction for local governments, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness has posted webinars and resources to help communities address encampments.

Below are the other 10 cities, three counties and two Continuums of Care awarded Round 3 ERF grants:

  • City of Berkeley – $5,395,637
  • City of Carlsbad – $2,994,225
  • City of Los Angeles – $11,351,281
  • City of Palm Springs – $5,106,731
  • City of Petaluma – $8,098,978
  • City of Redlands — $5,341,800
  • City of Sacramento — 18,199,661
  • City of San Jose —- $4,821,083
  • City of Victorville — $6,365,070
  • City of Visalia —- $3,000,000
  • County of Riverside — $12,612,779
  • County of San Bernardino — $11,000,000
  • City and County of San Francisco – $7,975,486
  • Humboldt County — Continuum of Care – $3,784,294
  • Pasadena –  Continuum of Care – $2,772,801

“Our team is energized by this opportunity to help bring people-centered, Housing First solutions to Californians who are unsheltered throughout the state,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which has administered ERF since the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year. “Combined with the investments in permanent supportive housing made possible by voter approval of Proposition 1, the state has unprecedented momentum to make monumental progress on a crisis of homelessness that has been growing for decades.”

The awards announced Friday utilize all remaining FY 2023-24 ERF funds. An additional appropriation of $150 million in the FY 2024-25 State Budget allowed HCD to award all eligible ERF Round 3, Window 2 applicants. The budget also included $100 million in ERF funds for FY 2025-26, bringing to $1 billion this investment to address encampments through proven housing solutions.

Each agency was required to apply for the ERF program.

The grants will provide stable, safe housing for individuals living in encampments in their respective communities. The awarded proposals will assist individuals living in encampments with compassion and dignity by providing a range of housing solutions: permanent housing; interim housing for individuals seeking coordinated entry system resources or housing vouchers; housing navigation services and rapid rehousing subsidies; support for accessing permanent housing by providing security deposits and other moving expenses; and allowing awardees to acquire property for housing.

Each agency was required to apply for the grant program

Pablo Espinoza, Deputy Director of Communications, CA Department of HCD Media and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

DeSaulnier announces over $166 million to modernize the region’s transportation systems along I-680 Corridor

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Funding for Contra Costa Transportation Authority through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Will benefit two projects on I-680

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director at U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – Today, Monday, September 23, 2024, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) will receive over $166 million in funding he advocated for to the Department of Transportation (DOT) that will help to improve safety, reduce congestion, and reduce air pollution along the I-680 corridor through Contra Costa County. This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” said DeSaulnier. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”

“The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his support in securing this monumental award. This federal grant speaks to the Congressman’s long-standing leadership in transportation and vision for our community,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director, CCTA. “Interstate 680 (I-680) is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity. It provides for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation. We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s dedication to improving quality of life and embracing innovation at both the local and national levels.”

Will Benefit Two Projects on I-680

This funding will go to two projects in Contra Costa County, which are part of the INNOVATE 680 Program, to complete the northbound I-680 express lane gap from SR-24 to SR-242 and convert the existing northbound High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane, construct a braided ramp system between North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving at this location, and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of NB I-680.

More information about this funding can be found in the letters Congressman DeSaulnier sent to DOT in support of this grant.

Congressman DeSaulnier has been a longtime champion of improving transportation in the Bay Area and along the I-680 corridor, including by consistently supporting CCTA in its work to advance projects that innovate our transportation systems, ease congestion, and make our roadways safer.