Contra Costa Herald

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

Congressman DeSaulnier to host Town Hall in Pleasant Hill Feb. 7

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Will speak about efforts to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, other matters

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

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced he will host a town hall in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, February 7th from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PT. At this event, the Congressman will speak to his efforts to rein in illegal actions by the Trump Administration, including his support for impeaching Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and his work in Congress to lower costs for American families. He will also take questions from constituents.

Town Hall in Pleasant Hill

Saturday, February 7th

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Pleasant Hill, CA

The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot and receive the address of the event, or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 257th town hall and mobile district office hour since first serving Congress in January 2015. The 10th Congressional District currently includes most of Contra Costa County.

Serve on the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury

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Investigate the operations of local government officers, departments and agencies

Application deadline: March 13, 2026

By Contra Costa County Grand Jurors Association

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 term.

Contra Costa County’s Grand Jury consists of 19 citizens. A new Grand Jury is impaneled each year. Grand Jurors are officers of the Court, and function as an independent body under the guidance of a Superior Court Judge. Jurors are impaneled in June and are expected to attend a two-week training in June. Each term serves through June of the following calendar year.

Every year, in each of California’s 58 counties, a group of ordinary citizens takes an oath to serve as grand jurors. Its function is to investigate the operations of the various officers, departments and agencies of local government. Each Civil Grand Jury determines which officers, departments and agencies it will investigate during its term of office.

Apart from the investigations mandated by the California Penal Code, each County’s Grand Jury decides what it will investigate. Investigations may be initiated in response to letters from citizens, newspaper articles and personal knowledge.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the application and review the timeline below.

https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/…/2026-2027-cgj…

https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/…/6-timeline-2026…

Source: Contra Costa County Superior Court

Application deadline is 5:00 PM on March 13, 2026.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors installs new leadership

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District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis is given her oath of office as the new Chair for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors by Judge Edward G. Weil as District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and her stepmother, Nancy Peterson, look on during ceremonies on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. Photos: CCCounty

Diane Burgis takes helm as Chair, Ken Carlson to serve as Vice Chair

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors held its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new chapter of leadership. District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis was sworn in as Chair, and District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson assumed the role of Vice Chair. Their oaths of office were administered by the Honorable Edward G. Weil, a Superior Court judge in Contra Costa County.

Supervisor Burgis represents the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes a portion of Antioch, plus, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Oakley. First elected in 2016 and reelected in 2024, she serves on over 30 local and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, and the Internal Operations Committee. She also leads California’s Delta Protection Commission and serves on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council.

“At a time when our communities are facing complex challenges, I look forward to advancing solutions that strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety, expand access to mental health services, and ensure County government remains responsive, equitable, and accountable to the residents we serve,” Chair Burgis said.

District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson takes his oath of office as the Board’s new Vice Chair for 2026.

Supervisor Carlson represents District 4, which includes the cities of Clayton, Pleasant Hill and a majority of Concord and Walnut Creek. He brings a strong background in public service and community engagement, with a focus on equity, mental health, and public safety.

“Serving as Vice Chair is an opportunity to help guide the County’s work with stability, collaboration, and a clear focus on results,” said Vice Chair Ken Carlson. “Alongside Chair Burgis and the full Board, my focus will be on delivering practical solutions that support public safety, promote mental health and well-being, and reflect the values of the diverse communities we represent.”

Chair Burgis and Vice Chair Carlson will lead the five-member Board, which oversees a $7.16 billion budget and serves 1.2 million residents across Contra Costa County.

For more information about the Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors. For more information about Supervisor Diane Burgis, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6437/District-3-Supervisor-Diane-Burgis. For more information about Supervisor Ken Carlson, visit: cccounty.us/Carlson.

 

City of Martinez kicks off Sesquicentennial Celebration: “Past, Present, Future, Together”

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150th Anniversary of Cityhood

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is proud to celebrate the beginning of its Sesquicentennial year, marking 150 years since the City’s incorporation on April 1, 1876. Under the theme “Past, Present, Future, Together,” the City will honor its rich history, vibrant community, and bright future ahead. The City will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary on April 1, 2026, and to mark this momentous occasion, the City will be undertaking initiatives and events throughout 2026.

The Sesquicentennial will be recognized throughout the entire 2026 calendar year with special events, community projects, and opportunities for residents to celebrate the community’s legacy and help shape its next chapter.
Milestone Events

As part of the Sesquicentennial year, the City will hold three official events to honor the 150th anniversary.

  • Early 2026 – District Community Sessions: To foster meaningful engagement and share the City’s forward-looking plans, Martinez will host Community Sessions in each district early in the year. These sessions will give residents a chance to learn about current City initiatives preparing Martinez for the future, offer input and ask questions, and connect with neighbors and City leaders.
  • April 1, 2026 – Sesquicentennial City Council Meeting: April 1st marks the official 150th anniversary of Martinez’s incorporation. To honor this historic date, the City Council will hold a commemorative meeting featuring historical reflections, special recognitions, and highlights of Sesquicentennial initiatives taking place throughout the year.
  • August 29, 2026 – Sesquicentennial Festival: To bring residents together in celebration of Martinez’s history and community spirit, the City will host a large-scale festival on August 29th featuring music, food, activities, and cultural showcases. The festival will highlight the people and stories that have shaped Martinez across generations.

Milestone Projects

As part of the Sesquicentennial, the City is launching three key initiatives designed to strengthen Martinez’s future while celebrating its identity.

  • Park System Master Plan Update: A comprehensive effort to re‑envision Martinez’s parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities for generations to come. Through community collaboration and thoughtful planning, this update will provide a roadmap to enhance existing spaces, expand opportunities, and strengthen connection between people and their parks.
  • Utility Box Art Program: A creative beautification project that will transform utility boxes throughout the City into works of public art celebrating Martinez’s culture, history, and community.
  • 150 Trees for 150 Years: More than 150 trees have been planted across the City in advance of the Sesquicentennial year along Alhambra Avenue, Marina Vista, Arnold Drive, and other key corridors throughout Martinez. Residents will see these new trees begin to flourish as part of the Sesquicentennial year.

A Community Celebration

Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the celebratory events and key projects throughout 2026.

“Martinez’s Sesquicentennial is a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Together, we will honor our past, embrace our present, and build a future that reflects the spirit and resilience of our community.”

District Community Sessions 

The City is hosting district Community Sessions to kick off the year! Meet your District Representative and the Mayor and learn about key City initiatives planned or already underway.

Topics at these Sessions include:

  • Sesquicentennial Celebration year
  • City 4-Year Strategic Plan
  • Waterfront and Marina Revitalization Project
  • Park Masterplan Update

We’re bringing these conversations directly to you by hosting one session in each district of the City. No matter which date or location you attend, the topics and discussions will be the same, so you can choose the session most convenient for you and still be part of this conversation about our shared future.

January 15, 2026 5:30-7:30pm – District 4

Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road

Hosted by District Council Member Debbie McKillop and Mayor Zorn

January 28, 2026 6:30-8:30pm – District 2

John Muir Elementary School, 205 Vista Way

Hosted by District Council Member Greg Young and Mayor Zorn

February 12, 2026 6-8pm – District 3

Location to be confirmed

Hosted by District Council Member Satinder Malhi and Mayor Zorn

February 25, 2026 6-8pm – District 1

Alhambra High School, 150 E Street

Hosted by District Council Member Jay Howard and Mayor Zorn

Additional events and details will be shared on the City’s official channels as the celebration year unfolds, including on the City website at www.cityofmartinez.org/150.

City of Brentwood, Police Department provide update on investigations regarding death of Yolanda Ramirez

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Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

Plan to release body cam, dash cam video footage of officer involved incident

City council votes to defend lawsuit from family

“Justice for Yolanda Ramirez” Facebook Page created, family issues list of demands

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA – The City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department are providing an update regarding the ongoing investigations into the incident regarding the officer involved death of 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez on Oct. 2, 2025.

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at a legally noticed special Council meeting, Mayor Susannah Meyer reported that the City Council and the Brentwood Police Department remain fully committed to cooperating with the independent investigation being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation is independent, and it is essential that it be allowed to proceed thoroughly, objectively, and without interference. Out of respect for the integrity of the investigative process and for the Ramirez family, the City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department will not speculate or comment on matters currently under review.

During the closed City Council session, the Brentwood City Council voted 4-0, with one council member absent, to authorize the City’s Legal Department to defend the lawsuit recently filed by the Ramirez family.

Police Chief’s Statement on Actions Taken and Cooperation with the District Attorney

Interim Police Chief Walter O’Grodnick stated, “On Thursday, October 2, 2025, I notified the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office that I formally invoked the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol. At the same time, I directed our Professional Standards Unit to initiate a separate administrative investigation focused on policy compliance and procedural review. That administrative investigation was later assigned to an independent third-party investigator to ensure independence and objectivity.

The District Attorney’s protocol team arrived the same day I initiated the protocol and were immediately provided with full access to relevant evidence, including:

  • 911 recordings
  • Body-worn camera footage
  • In-car camera footage
  • Police reports and related documentation
  • Police vehicle involved in the incident

The Brentwood Police Department has fully cooperated with the District Attorney’s Office. We have not restricted or limited the DA’s access to any information the DA has requested. I want the Ramirez family and the community to know that I am fully committed to professionalism, accountability, objectivity, fairness, and adherence to the law and constitutional rights.”

Planned Release of Footage

Consistent with the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, and given the progress of the investigations, Mayor Meyer announced that the Brentwood City Council has directed staff to release footage of the police contact with Ms. Ramirez first to the Ramirez family and then to the public, no later than February 28, 2026.

The Brentwood City Council and the Brentwood Police Department appreciate the community’s patience and respect for the investigative process during this time.

Anyone with additional information or documentation related to this incident is asked to contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigations at (925) 957-2200.

“Justice for Yolanda Ramirez” Facebook Page Created, Family Issues List of Demands

A Facebook page has been created entitled, “Justice for Yolanda Ramirez”. The description reads, “This is an open space where family, loved ones, and the community can share about Yolanda Ramirez. Please share any memories, updates about Yolanda Ramirez. Please use the Hashtag: #JusticeForYolanda or #JusticeForYolandaRamirez to help spread the word.”

A post on Nov. 21, 2025, shares the demands of the family. It reads, “Our family’s nightmare began when we learned from a neighbor that our beloved, Yolanda Ramirez, was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after being in the custody of the Brentwood Police Department in the morning of Friday September 26th. The nightmare became our reality on Friday October 3rd, when she passed in the hospital, because of the tragic and unnecessary actions of the Brentwood Police Department.

“Yolanda Ramirez, 72 years old, was the heart and soul of our family. She was a warm, kind, supportive and loving wife, mother/mother-in-law, grandmother, sister/sister-in-law, Tia, and friend. She would do anything for her family and friends, especially dropping anything she was doing to spend time with her grandchildren. She took great pride in helping others, as she was an avid blood donor. On the morning of Friday September 26th, she kissed and hugged her soulmate of 54 years for the last time as she went to pick up her brother to take him to the doctor. Her life was important, and she deserved to be treated with dignity and care, as any elderly adult, while in the custody of law enforcement. She had no previous trouble with law enforcement.

“Our family has many unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the events that contributed to her death. We were denied a copy of the police report because we are not involved in the incident. The only information we have come from several brave and outspoken neighbors that witnessed the police encounter. We fear for others in similar situations and demand a full, independent, and transparent investigation into what happened.

“We call on the Brentwood Police Department to provide immediate and complete answers to our family and the community.

“We are demanding:

  1. Assurances that Officer PEACHMAN and the unidentified female officer have been removed from active duty pending the investigation.
  2. Officer PEACHMAN to resign immediately from the police association president post. That position is for someone that displays true leadership, abides by the mission statement of the police department, and knows how to deal with the vulnerable population of our community, which he as obviously failed.
  3. The immediate release of all relevant documents, incident reports, all video footage (including body cameras, dash cameras, and any videos obtained from neighbors), dispatch records/logs related to her time in custody.
  4. An independent investigation by an outside agency that will remain impartial, transparent, and hold those of wrongdoing accountable!
  5. Revaluation of the police policies and procedures of law enforcement interaction with nonviolent incidents pertaining to the vulnerable population in our community. It is obvious that training is needed for some law enforcement officials even if they have 10 years’ experience. Also, the department being very transparent with the public from the onset of such incidents to retain the community trust.

“Our family will not stop fighting for Justice for Yolanda. She was failed by a system that should have ‘protected and enhanced the quality of life through uncompromised dedication, professionalism, and integrity’ as stated in the mission statement of the Brentwood Police Department. We demand accountability and systemic change to ensure that no other family has to experience something similar and yet preventable. #JusticeForYolanda”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez City Council approves exclusive negotiating agreement to advance Waterfront and Marina revitalization

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Front view aerial rendering by Tucker Sadler of the proposed Martinez Waterfront and Marina Plan presented to the city council on July 16, 2025. Source: City of Martinez

Private developer proposes vision, model, master plan for collaboration

By Eve Kearney, City Manager’s Office, City of Martinez

Martinez, CA — At their December 17, 2025, Regular meeting, the Martinez City Council unanimously approved an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Tucker Sadler Architects, marking an important milestone toward revitalization of the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. The agreement sets in motion a new phase of study and collaborative planning that will evaluate the project’s feasibility, refine design concepts, and lay the groundwork for decisions on the future of the Waterfront and Marina.

Revitalizing the Waterfront and Marina has been a top community priority for decades. With aging infrastructure, deteriorating facilities, limited resources, and a marina well beyond its useful life, the City has faced growing operational and financial pressures that necessitate a broader reimagining through a private-public partnership.

Tucker Sandler, a San Diego-based architectural planning, design and development firm, has decades of experience delivering private and public sector development projects in California and in other states, including waterfront projects.

Now, with the ENA approval, the City and Tucker Sadler begin a formal 24-month period to collaboratively refine a transformative vision for the waterfront, conduct environmental review, engage the community, and negotiate a potential Development Agreement.

“Tonight’s approval is an important step for unlocking the potential of our Waterfront and Marina. We are excited to refine the project vision in the coming months with input from our community,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “This partnership gives us a path to activate our Waterfront, rebuild the Marina, and create a regional landmark that reflects Martinez’s identity, without placing the financial burden on our residents.”

Side aerial view rendering. Source: City of Martinez

A Vision for a Reimagined Waterfront

In July 2025, Tucker Sadler presented a conceptual vision for a comprehensive revitalization of the Waterfront and Marina. After extensive public comment and Council discussion, the Council directed staff to pursue an ENA to further explore the opportunity. (See City staff report and PowerPoint presentation)

Pursuant to the ENA, the City will work exclusively with Tucker Sadler to develop a comprehensive plan to create a vibrant, accessible, sustainable, and community-serving waterfront. The project is envisioned to include a broad range of landside and waterside improvements reflecting the Martinez identity and including thoughtfully-scaled commercial elements necessary to support and sustain the long-term financial viability of the project.

During this next phase, the City and Tucker Sadler will engage the community to garner input on the project’s features and undertake detailed analyses, technical studies, and design evaluations to determine how best to bring these concepts from vision to buildable reality.

On the landside, the project envisions new recreation amenities such as sport fields, a dog park, kite area, and public art installations, along with expanded open spaces featuring plazas, pedestrian pathways, marshland restoration, and stronger connections to downtown. Hospitality and community facilities, including hotels, restaurants, a community/event center, a new Martinez Yacht Club and Sea Scouts’ facility, and an outdoor amphitheater, are also included. These project elements would complement new commercial and retail spaces and support boating, fishing, recreation, and other waterfront activities, and would be supported by upgraded infrastructure, including surface and underground parking, utilities, and lighting.

On the waterside, the plan calls for a full reconstruction of the Marina with new and upgraded boat slips, fueling stations, and improved access for both motorized and nonmotorized vessels. It also includes repairing or redesigning the aging northern breakwater and eastern seawall, as well as adding new public amenities such as launch points for nonmotorized watercraft, accessible promenades, viewing decks, open spaces along the waterfront, and an area reserved for potential future ferry service.

Rendering of the proposed Boardwalk design for the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. Source: City of Martinez

A Financially Sustainable Path Forward

The ENA also establishes that the proposed project must be privately financed and self-sustaining, with no City subsidy and no financial risk to Martinez taxpayers. Tucker Sadler will reimburse the City for all staff, legal, and consultant costs during the negotiation period.

If a future Development Agreement is approved, the project could:

  • Eliminate the City’s ongoing General Fund subsidy for Marina operations (savings of about $650,000+ per year)
  • Shift responsibility for Marina reconstruction, including dredging and seawall/breakwater replacement, to the developer
  • Generate new long-term revenue for the City through transient occupancy tax, sales tax, possessory interest tax, and lease payments

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of our Waterfront and Marina,” said City Manager Michael Chandler. “The ENA allows us to fully evaluate a revitalization effort that could eliminate ongoing subsidies, strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal health, and deliver an enhanced public asset the community can benefit from and enjoy for decades to come.”

Rendering of the proposed Marina design for the Martinez Waterfront. Source: City of Martinez

Next Steps: Community Engagement and Environmental Review

Under the ENA, the City and Tucker Sadler,  will manage and participate in a robust public engagement process that invites residents, businesses, waterfront users, and regional partners to provide input into the final vision. There will be multiple opportunities for community feedback as the project is designed and undergoes extensive studies and review processes.

The first round of outreach will begin in early 2026 as part of the City’s Sesquicentennial Community Sessions. These early conversations will help provide insight into the project process and initial concepts; dates and times of these sessions will be released later in 2025.

The City will also maintain ongoing information and feedback opportunities on its website at www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject, ensuring the community can stay informed and participate at every stage.

Following the community engagement efforts, the project vision will be finalized and the formal environmental review processes required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will commence. This analysis will evaluate potential environmental impacts, explore project alternatives, and ensure the planning process is grounded in transparency, data, and regulatory compliance.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward in partnership with the City and the community,” said Greg Mueller, Design Principal and CEO of Tucker Sadler Architects. “The ENA allows us to work collaboratively on a waterfront vision that honors the area’s history while creating new opportunities for the future.”

Rendering of the proposed Amphitheatre design for the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. Source: City of Martinez

History of the Martinez Marina

Constructed in the 1960s, the Marina has exceeded its useful life, with facilities closing due to safety concerns and environmental factors, such as sea level rise causing frequent flooding. Viewed as a unique and valuable community asset, the City Council has expressed a commitment to take measures to ensure it is safe and create a vibrant place for recreation and commerce benefiting residents and visitors alike.

The City assumed direct management of the Marina in August 2024 after the previous operator’s contract ended, revealing the need for a comprehensive rebuild rather than costly repairs. Maintaining the Marina has been a financial challenge for the City, which has been subsidizing the Marina for years, a scenario that is no longer sustainable. The Marina threatens to become a financial drain on the City’s general fund if a different course of action is not pursued.

“Our City’s Marina is a vital community asset that has faced decades of infrastructure deterioration and increasing financial strain on the City,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “An investment in Martinez by a private developer may offer a transformational opportunity to fund a comprehensive plan for our Marina and Waterfront.”

Additional background and the full scope of the ENA are detailed in the Staff Report included with the December 17, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting agenda. The complete ENA document is also available for public review as part of the meeting materials.

Resources:
Project Webpage – http://www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject

Agenda – https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/martinez/63ac58a09b7b4c207dfe66160741c6d90.pdf

Staff Report –
https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5410&t=639016149231794854

Council Resolution –
https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5414&t=639016460677029956

Exclusive Negotiating Agreement –https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5412&t=639016149625840171

Contra Costa preparing for Medi-Cal coverage loss, funding reductions

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By Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa County must prepare for significant reductions in Medi-Cal coverage and hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term funding loss as a result of recent federal and state policy changes, county officials said Tuesday.

New federal requirements under H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” combined with state Medi-Cal eligibility and reimbursement changes, will make it harder for many residents to enroll in or keep healthcare coverage. While final details are still emerging, county estimates indicate that as many as 93,000 Contra Costa residents could be affected by 2029.

At the same time, Contra Costa Health (CCH) projects more than $300 million in cumulative state and federal funding reductions through 2029, driven by Medi-Cal disenrollment and cuts to supplemental funding that public hospitals rely upon. These impacts are expected to grow year over year and reflect a broader trend affecting counties and public health systems across California.

“These changes mean fewer people covered and fewer dollars coming into the system at the same time,” said Candace Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “Our responsibility is to face that reality head-on, plan carefully, and ensure the county continues to provide essential care for residents who have nowhere else to turn.”

During a presentation to the Board on Tuesday, leaders of CCH and the county’s Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) emphasized that the projected impacts are a result of external policy decisions, not local performance, and that significant uncertainty remains around timelines, enforcement and the response from California.

Federal guidance on several provisions of H.R. 1 has not yet been issued, and California’s approach to mitigating coverage losses is still evolving.

The presentation outlined how specific provisions of H.R. 1 and recent state Medi-Cal policy changes are expected to reduce enrollment, increase administrative barriers to coverage, and lower reimbursement to safety-net providers. It also reviewed projected enrollment losses, funding impacts to CCH and Contra Costa Health Plan, and the anticipated timing of changes, along with areas of ongoing uncertainty.

The Board directed CCH to return in early 2026 with a proposal to update and strengthen the county’s existing supports for people who are not eligible for Medi-Cal and have no other healthcare options.

Contra Costa County will share additional updates as federal and state guidance becomes available and planning continues.

Supervisor Carlson announces $1 million in District IV Community Impact Fund grants

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25 organizations benefit on Giving Tuesday

By Victor Benedict Tiglao, Communications Associate, Office of Supervisor Ken Carlson

PLEASANT HILL, CA (December 2, 2025) – Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson announced 25 local organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund, following a review of more than 100 applications totaling $6.5 million in requests. Carlson noted his office spent over 160 hours evaluating proposals to ensure funds reached organizations making the greatest impact.

“I am proud to announce the 25 organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund grants,” said Carlson. “These grants reflect the strength and resilience of our community. By investing in local nonprofits, we are ensuring that families, students, and residents across District IV have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Mt. Diablo Education Foundation highlighted how the grant will benefit students:

“This program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me find my voice. Having access to this program has opened doors I never knew existed and brought me places I never thought I’d go.” – Gabrielle, 12th Grade student at Ygnacio Valley High School

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) also shared how funding will expand services:

“I never thought I’d be diagnosed with cancer, but after treatments and surgeries my life was turned upside down. Finding the Cancer Support Community gave me strength, and for seven years I’ve relied on their programs. This grant will make in‑person support even more accessible for people like me.”– Daryl, CSC participant and Pleasant Hill resident

Other awardees include: 18 Reasons, Assistance League of Diablo Valley, Care Parent Network, Child Advocates of Contra Costa County, Choice in Aging, Clayton Pride, CoCo Kids, Community Violence Solutions, Contra Costa County Historical Society, Contra Costa Humane Society, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, Empowered Aging, First Tee – Contra Costa, GANAS Community Organization, Hope Solutions, Joybound and Trinity Center, Meals on Wheels Contra Costa, Mental Health Connections, Monument First 5, The Network of Care, St. Vincent de Paul – St. Agnes, United Latino Voices of Contra Costa County, and Winter Nights Family Shelter.

“This Giving Tuesday, I encourage our residents to stand with these 25 organizations. Each one is doing extraordinary work. Your support amplifies the Community Impact Fund and helps these programs grow stronger, reaching more neighbors across Contra Costa County.”

First elected in 2022, Supervisor Carlson represents District IV on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and parts of Walnut Creek.

Rep. DeSaulnier to host Town Hall on improving transportation, education in San Ramon Dec. 6

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

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he will host a town hall in San Ramon to discuss improving transportation and education in the East Bay on Saturday, December 6th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT.

As a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman DeSaulnier will provide updates on his work to improve quality of life in the East Bay by reducing commute times and supporting families, students, and public education. He will also take questions from constituents.

“Two of the issues that impact people’s lives most are transportation and education,” DeSaulnier said. “I’ll highlight my work as a senior member of @EdWorkforceDems and @TransportDems and how I’m working to reduce commutes, make transportation safer, and invest in quality public education to make life better for our whole community.”

Town Hall on Improving Transportation and Education in the East Bay

Saturday, December 6th

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT

Live Oak Elementary School

5151 Sherwood Way, San Ramon

The event is open to the public and press. To RSVP or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. Please note that space is limited.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 253rd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

DeSaulnier votes against bill that ends longest government shutdown

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Issues statement calling it “reckless Republican funding bill” which passed 222-209

Reps. Garamendi, Harder, Senators Padilla & Schiff also vote “no”

Republicans called it a “damaging and unnecessary shutdown” and claim they “acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start”

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) released the following statement upon voting “no” on final passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) in the United States House of Representatives, which ended the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history.

“This Republican spending bill is an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing of the constituents I represent and the American people. Since the start of the year, I have promised to stand up against Republican attacks and protect Americans’ health care. Rather than work with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill that keeps care affordable, Republicans shut down the government. After playing politics with Americans’ lives and livelihoods for over a month, nothing in today’s so-called “deal” will make life better for working people than it was before the shutdown started. I continue to hear every day from people who are worried about how to get by and whether they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families. My vote today was in support of and solidarity with these members of our community and millions more across the country whose livelihoods and health will suffer as a direct result of this cruel and reckless bill. Despite this outcome, I will continue to fight on to lower costs, protect health care, and preserve the rule of law.”

The bill, known as a Continuing Resolution, passed the Senate Monday on a 60-40 vote following 13 previous votes, with eight Democrats joining 52 of the 53 Republicans. Both California’s U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D) and Adam Schiff (D) voted “no”. The original bill which passed the House in September was amended and had to return to the House for final votes.

It passed the House on Wednesday on a vote of 222-209 with six Democrats crossing the aisle to back the bill.  Contra Costa County’s other Members of the House of Representatives, John Garamendi (D, CA-8) and Josh Harder (D, CA-9) also voted against the bill.

The House Appropriations Committee issued the following press release about the vote:

House Republicans Restore Order: Congress Passes Clean Funding Extension and Full-Year Appropriations Bills to Reopen Government

“The House of Representatives passed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, with a vote of 222 to 209.

After a damaging and unnecessary shutdown that lasted 43 days, a funding extension that House Republicans called for and passed in September is finally headed to President Trump’s desk. Senate Democrats voted against this clean, nonpartisan measure 15 times over the course of the six weeks they held the government hostage.

In addition to the continuing resolution, Congress approved three full-year appropriations bills covering the Legislative Branch, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Passage of this first tranche of bills is strong Article I progress for Appropriators, who have already advanced all twelve bills through the full committee. With the rest of the federal government now funded through January 30, 2026, the Appropriations Committee will continue working to move our remaining nine full-year bills across both chambers. This regular order momentum ends the era of backroom omnibus deals and puts taxpayers first.

While Democrat leadership and their progressive caucus determined that inflicting pain on the American people was their pathway forward, reason overturned their obstruction in the end. Republicans acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start. Now, the Democrat shutdown is behind us, and Congress can refocus on the work the American people expect and deserve.”

Next, the bill will go to President Donald Trump, who plans to sign it tonight.