Contra Costa Herald

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

Transparent California completes 2024 compensation data collection

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Background graphic: Transparent CA

State’s largest free database of public employee pay and pension information

New website is live – faster, mobile friendly and 100% ad free, giving 10 million users a clearer look at government pay and spending.

By Transparent California Staff

Transparent California, the state’s largest database of public pay and pension data, has now obtained 2024 data covering over 93% of employee compensation and pension payments in our state. This includes state, county, city, school district, and special records. Our team has collected almost 3 million compensation records documenting $278 billion in total pay and benefits, and 1.5 million pension records with $64 billion in payments. Since launching over a decade ago Transparent California has now collected and posted over 50 million compensation and pension records. All available free at http://transparentcalifornia.com.

This year we’ve made that site easier to use. Users report they love our site changes and web traffic has seen a tremendous increase, to over 2 million page views a month.

Did you know in 2024 149,065 public employees made total compensation exceeding a quarter-million dollars a year? For more detail on what we’ve found in this data, go to our website and click on News and Updates for a summary.

And if you have a specific interest in an agency of our government, click “Get notified” on that agency’s page and you’ll get a notice when new data is posted.

Transparent California’s data collection schedule is determined by the State Controller’s Office reporting requirements. The inordinate delays allowed by the state, as well as significant resistance from some of the agencies involved, is why we’re just now wrapping up 2024.

Assembly Bill AB1821, if passed, would extend the time for a response from 14 calendar days to 14 “business days”, effectively be three weeks. This may sound small, but that deadline only applies to a “response”, not to provision of the actual records requested. Our legislature continues to ignore the current legislation has no defined deadline for production of the actual records, nor does it impose any penalty on agencies for delaying the process (or declining to respond altogether) even if the requester files a lawsuit and wins.

Transparent California’s Director of Research, Todd Maddison, notes “As we see more tax increase proposals appearing, we’re focused on giving the People the data they deserve to see how their existing tax dollars are being spent, so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box.”

Photo: Transparent CA

On July 10, the organization announced its new website.

A faster, ad free tool that makes government salaries and spending easier to find, and harder to hide.

Ten million people a year visit Transparent California to look up a city salary, a pension payout, or an overtime number that doesn’t add up. For a decade, that’s been the only way for regular taxpayers to see where their money actually goes.

The old site made that harder than it needed to be. It was cluttered with ads, slow to load, and difficult to use on a phone. Worse, the public records it published were often months out of date by the time they reached the public. That delay served the bureaucrats who’d rather keep taxpayers in the dark. It didn’t serve anyone else.

What’s New

Transparent California just relaunched with a complete redesign, and the improvements go far beyond a new coat of paint.

The new site is ad free, for now, thanks to generous donors who believe taxpayers shouldn’t have to dig through banner ads and pop ups just to see how their money is spent. That means no clutter standing between users and the data. It’s also built for mobile, so anyone can search a government employee’s salary or an agency’s budget from their phone in seconds. And the records themselves now publish faster, cutting down the months long lag that used to separate a public record from the public.

The result is a search tool that actually works the way taxpayers need it to: quick, clean, and current.

Why It Matters

Government salary and pension data has always been public information. The problem was never access on paper, it was access in practice. Burying records in a slow, ad choked, outdated system is its own kind of opacity.

A faster, cleaner Transparent California means a reporter can find a story in minutes instead of hours. It means a parent, a small business owner, or a retiree checking on their local government doesn’t need special skills to find what they’re looking for. Good government starts with the public actually being able to see what government is doing, and this update closes a gap that had been open for years.

A Decade of Results, Backed by Nevadans and Californians

Transparent California isn’t new. For twelve years, its salary and pension data have been cited by major news outlets across California and the United States to expose government waste. That reporting has helped identify hundreds of millions of dollars in questionable spending, money that taxpayers have a right to know about.

The project has never taken a dollar of government funding. It’s funded entirely by people who believe the public has a right to see how public money is spent, which is exactly why it answers only to the truth, not to any agency it covers.

What’s Next

The redesigned platform isn’t just built for California. It’s built as a modular blueprint that can expand to other states, creating a wider network of public salary and spending data that taxpayers everywhere can use.

Take a look at the new Transparent California and see what ten million users already know: when government spending is easy to find, it’s a lot harder to hide.

Explore the new Transparent California website

Keep It Ad Free

The ad free experience only lasts as long as donors keep funding it. Every gift helps cover the cost of running the platform without selling space to advertisers, so the site stays focused entirely on public accountability, not corporate banners.

Transparent California depends on the generosity of individual donors to enable this collection. Anyone with a specific interest in a particular agency can sponsor collection of their data and support the effort to provide the public with this service.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA Dep’t of Tax & Fee Administration to host Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights meeting August 19 

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Source: CDTFA

Share ideas, raise concerns, provide suggestions online or in person

By David Hafner, Office of Public Affairs, CDTFA

What: The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Meeting, on August 19, 2026, is an opportunity for taxpayers to provide valuable feedback on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s (CDTFA) programs and procedures. Presided over by the Department’s Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate, Alfred Buck, the annual meeting encourages taxpayers to share ideas, raise concerns and provide suggestions. This meeting is open to everyone.

DATE: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

TIME:  9:30 a.m.

ONLINE: https://cdtfa.ca.gov/tra/tbor-meetings.htm

IN PERSON: May Lee State Office Complex Auditorium, 651 Bannon Street, Sacramento, CA 95811-0299
Those unable to attend in person can also participate by:

  • Telephone, toll-free at 844-767-5651, access code 8014689.
  • Submitting comments by email.

To learn more about the rights provided under the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, visit CDTFA’s Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (TRA) website or contact the TRA Office at taxpayer.rights@cdtfa.ca.gov or +1.888.324.2798. You can also view the TRA’s  2024/25 Annual Report.

About the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights

Enacted in January 1989, the Harris-Katz California Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights ensures that the rights of California taxpayers are protected during the assessment and collection of sales taxes. The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights was expanded in 1993 to include special tax programs such as environmental fees, fuel taxes, and tobacco taxes.

According to the California Franchise Tax Board, “As a California taxpayer, your rights are protected. The California Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights requires us to adequately protect the rights, privacy, and property of all California taxpayers when we assess or collect tax.

“Your rights include:

  • Privacy and confidentiality: The privacy of your tax information.
  • Professional and courteous service: Our employees should treat taxpayers courteously and complete tasks (such as audits) within a reasonable amount of time.
  • Representation: You may represent yourself, or with proper authorization, have someone else represent you.
  • Pay no more than the correct amount you owe: You should promptly pay the full amount of taxes that you owe. In general, we do not take collection action on an amount you owe until after we give you an opportunity to pay.
  • Protests, appeals, and judicial review: You have protest and appeal rights as a taxpayer. If you disagree with a decision, you have the right to file a protest with us. If you disagree with FTB’s determination of your protest, you have the right to appeal your case to the Office of Tax Appeals.

For more information:

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California’s sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis taxes, as well as other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs accounted for more than $97.8 billion in the 2024/25 fiscal year, supporting essential local services such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars directly to local communities.

Public Transit Revenue Measure District formed, governed by MTC Board

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Photo, agency & map graphics: MTC

To oversee process for Bay Area transit tax on Nov. ballot

By Metropolitan Transportation Commission

OAKLAND, CA – Updated Aug. 17, 2026 – The Public Transit Revenue Measure District (PTRMD) was established under Government Code Title 7.85, by Senate Bill 63 (2025), which also authorizes a regional transportation revenue measure to be placed on the November 2026 ballot, known as the Connect Bay Area Transit Initiative.

District Members

The Public Transit Revenue Measure District is comprised of the same individuals that govern the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).

The PTRMD on Jan. 16, 2026, received a notice of intent from the Connect Bay Area Transit Committee to place a citizen’s initiative on the November 2026 ballot. Senate Bill 63, authored by state senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, authorized a qualified voter initiative to impose a retail transactions and use tax ordinance applicable to the entire district for a duration of 14 years, in an amount of 0.5% in each of the counties located within the district and 1% in the City and County of San Francisco, subject to voter approval at the November 3, 2026, statewide general election.

On July 1, 2026, the District Elections Official issued a Certificate to Initiative Petition, certifying that proponents of the Connect Bay Area Transit Initiative submitted sufficient valid signatures for the measure to qualify for placement on the ballot.

The District at its July 24, 2026, meeting formally approved a resolution accepting the District Elections Official’s certification of the Connect Bay Area Transit initiative measure and requesting the Boards of Supervisors in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to call a special election on the measure and to consolidate this special election with the November 3, 2026, statewide general election.

Impartial Analysis of Regional Transit Measure 

Legal counsel for the Public Transit Revenue Measure District has prepared an impartial analysis of the  Regional Transit Measure pursuant to subdivision (d) of Government Code 67740. This text will also be included in each county’s voter information guide per state law.

Notices of Election Provided by Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters provided the following notices of election:

Election-Related Deadlines 

Established election dates related to the measure can be found on the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters (ROV) website. Please reference the most recently published Public Transit Revenue Measure District (PTRMD) calendars, which may be accessed at the SantaClaraCounty.gov website.  If you are unable to access the link, please contact the Santa Clara County ROV directly for assistance.

Staff Contact

Kimberly Ward, District Elections Official
Phone: 415-778-5367
Email: kward@bayareametro.gov

請求協助! | ¡Solicita ayuda! | Request assistance! 

您是否需要我們翻譯其中一份文件的內容? 您是否需要大字體或盲文印刷的書面資料? 您是否需要手語或您所說語言的口譯服務才能參與?

如需協助，請致電 (415) 778-6757。若需使用 TDD 或為聽障人士，請致電 711，加州轉接服務，或 (800) 735-2929 (TTY) ，(800) 735-2922 (語音)，然後要求轉接至(415) 778-6700。請至少提前三個工作日提出申請，以便我們能為您提供適當的安排。

¿Necesita que alguno de nuestros documentos sea traducido? ¿Necesita nuestras comunicaciones escritas en letra grande o en Braille? ¿Necesita un intérprete del lenguaje de señas o un intérprete que hable su idioma para poder participar?

Para solicitar asistencia, por favor llamemos al (415) 778-6757. Para telecomunicaciones para personas sordas y discapacitadas, favor de llamar al 711, el Servicio de Retransmisión de California (CRS) para TTY/VCO/HCO a Voz o para Voz a TTY/VCO/HCO al (800) 855-3000 y pedir que lo conecten al (415) 778-6700. Necesitamos aviso de al menos tres días hábiles de anticipación para proporcionar la asistencia adecuada.

Do you need one of our documents translated? Do you need written materials in large type or in Braille? Do you need a sign language interpreter or an interpreter who speaks your language in order to participate?

To request accommodation, please call (415) 778-6757. For TDD or hearing impaired, call 711, California Relay Service, or (800) 735-2929 (TTY), (800) 735-2922 (voice) and ask to be relayed to (415) 778-6700. We require at least three working days’ notice to accommodate requests.

For more information visit Public Transit Revenue Measure District.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Former Pleasant Hill Tourism district V.P. faces felony grand theft embezzlement, bribery charges

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Viola Ncube. Source: LinkedIn

Following $55,000 loss, year-long investigation; worked remotely

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

After a year-long criminal investigation, felony charges have been filed against a former employee for the Pleasant Hill Tourism Improvement District, known as Visit Pleasant Hill, in connection with an embezzlement and bribery scheme.

In July 2025, the City of Pleasant Hill received a report from a contracted company regarding possible fraud involving former Tourism Improvement District Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sibongile Viola Ncube. The Pleasant Hill Police Department subsequently began an investigation.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department determined that Ncube overcharged invoices and bills paid by the Tourism Improvement District (PHTID) and received unauthorized monetary kickbacks. The fraudulent activity occurred between September 2022 and July 2025 and resulted in an estimated loss of approximately $55,000.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department requested assistance from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, including a forensic review of bank statements and related financial records. Following its review, on July 24, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed two felony charges against Ncube, 641.3(a) PC – Commercial Bribery and 508 PC – Grand Theft Embezzlement.

Ncube is scheduled to be arraigned in court later this month.

The PHTID was formed by the City Council in January 2017. According to the Visit Pleasant Hill 2024-25 Annual Report the District assesses all lodging businesses available for public occupancy located within the boundaries of the City of Pleasant Hill. According to the organization’s LinkedIn profile, it is the “Destination marketing organization advancing Pleasant Hill’s visitor economy,” which, according to their Facebook page, “provides official visitor information and promotes local businesses, experiences, and events in Pleasant Hill, CA.”

According to her LinkedIn profile, Ncube worked in the position with Visit Pleasant Hill remotely from May 2023 to August 2025, after starting as Director of Sales & Marketing from April 2020 to April 2023. She has since worked remotely on a contract as Director – AI, Sales & Marketing for Aspire Hospitality from Aug. to Oct. 2025 and now works as Director of Sales & Marketing Omni Hotels & Resorts, full-time since Oct. 2025.

She earned a MBA in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management from Oxford Brookes University in 2003 and an Associate’s degree in Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management from City St George’s, University of London in 2000. Ncube also earned a credential in Advanced AI in Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute in 2025 and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Certified Professional from Destinations International Issued in 2022.

Her Facebook page shows Ncube’s last post was in June 2025. It also shows she lives in Los Angeles, is the Founder and CEO of My Black Beauty Box and The Black Book Consultant, still works for Visit Pleasant Hill, and references the Bible verse Isaiah 55:5.

According to an undated report by Black Meetings & Tourism, “Viola has held VP and Director roles specializing in the luxury hotel brands, holding key positions such as Regional Sales Manager with Accor Hotels (3200 hotels), then moving to Director of Sales with the prestigious hotel group Red Carnations (16 global hotels) before joining US based L.E. Hotels (400+hotels) as Director of Business Development – EMEA. Viola then joined the luxury Pineapple Hotels firm as Director of Corporate Sales before being head-hunted in 2011 to set-up Global Hospitality Services for a private investor, a hotel sales & marketing representation company, where she held the position of Vice President.

“Viola Ncube founded The Black Book Consultant in 2017, a boutique full-service management, sales & marketing consulting agency specializing in a curated selection of luxury hotels and DMO’s worldwide. The Black Book Consultant has since acquired several contracts within its first few years of operation, including managing the $300 million dollar opening of Svart.no and Melody Maker Cancun. Viola is currently contracted as VP of Sales & Marketing with Stay Pleasant Hill, the tourism district for the city of Pleasant Hill, CA.

“In 2012, Viola founded iROCK! UK, a social enterprise, an empowerment program, mentoring women into employment & business enterprise.”

The Pleasant Hill Police Department extends its appreciation to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for its thorough forensic review and assistance throughout the investigation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance to hold press conference in support of ICE non-cooperation ordinance Tuesday

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Source: Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance

By Jess Jollett

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance (CCIRA) is hosting a press event to urge the Board of Supervisors to pass a strong countywide ordinance creating the necessary barriers to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies from pillaging and looting Contra Costa County resources.

For over a year, immigration attorneys, advocates, and community members have worked to propose language and advocate for a strong ordinance. Contra Costa is one of the few Bay Area counties without this protection. Neighboring counties of Alameda, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma all have non-cooperation ordinances in effect. And the draft proposed by county counsel is insufficient to protect our residents and not in compliance with the recent guidance issued by the CA Attorney General.

Inspired by the Summer 2025 TRUTH Act and ICE’s expanding presence in Contra Costa, the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance, Lift Up Contra Costa, and its allies have been advocating for a non-cooperation ordinance that:

  • Prohibits the usage of our county’s resources and funds for ICE operations.
  • Calls for the creation of county-wide policies to protect county workers.
  • Safeguards our county data from being raided by ICE agents.
  • Ensures that county contractors do not comply or cooperate with ICE agents.
  • Demands that the Sheriff Department report its contact with federal agencies.

Since January, over 50 people have died in ICE custody. We have also witnessed ICE’s rogue extrajudicial killings in Minnesota, Houston and Biddeford. Local ordinances are one answer to these deadly federal immigration enforcement tactics. These unprecedented times require brave leadership and action. We’re calling on the Board of Supervisors to do their duty and to stop delaying. Contra Costa deserves better.

What: Press Event Demanding the Passage of a Strong ICE Non-Cooperation Ordinance in Contra Costa County

Confirmed Speakers: 

Danny Espinoza, Director, Lift Up Contra Costa

Rev. Deborah Lee, Executive Director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity

Brandon Dawkins, VP of Organizing, SEIU 1021

Cameron Sasai, Mayor of the City of Pinole

Miosotti Tenecora, Staff Attorney, Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Betty Gabaldon, Concord Organizer Manager, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy

Tony Bravo, Executive Director, United Latino Voices

Devin Williams, 3rd Vice President, East Contra Costa County NAACP Executive Committee and Vice Chairperson, Antioch Police Oversight Commission

Marifer Marina, Organizer, Monument Impact

Katie Ricklefs, Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa

Where: 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez

When: 9:30 am on Tuesday, August 11th

By law California is already a sanctuary state as, according to iceoutofca.org, “California has long enacted laws that restrict state and local law enforcement from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration enforcement actions. The most significant of these is the California Values Act (SB 54), which took effect on January 1, 2018,” which “protects the safety and wellbeing of all Californians by limiting use of state and local resources for mass deportations and ensures that important institutions such as schools, health facilities, and courthouses remain accessible to everyone. SB 54 remains legally binding state law, and states and localities continue to have the constitutional right to opt out of federal immigration enforcement.

In addition, the County complies with other state laws regarding law enforcement dealing with undocumented immigrants illegally residing in the U.S. They include:

  • “TRUTH Act (AB 2792, 2017) – Requires local law enforcement to provide “Know Your Rights” information and copies of ICE holds, notifications, or transfer requests to individuals affected.
  • “TRUST Act (AB 4, 2014) – Prohibits local jails from holding individuals beyond the time ICE requests, with some exceptions.”

As previously reported, the Board of Supervisors will hold its annual state TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities during their regular meeting at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Over $900K scammed from City of Pittsburg in phishing attack

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Investigation, recovery effort results in return of almost $700K

Suspect based in Nigeria

By Toni Baldazo, City of Pittsburg Community Engagement Officer

The City of Pittsburg is reporting a February 2026 phishing incident that resulted in a single unauthorized ACH payment totaling $913,839.81 being sent to a fraudulent account spoofing as a known City vendor. The incident occurred on February 12, 2026, and was identified by City staff on February 17, 2026, prompting immediate action. The City informed the Pittsburg Police Department who expanded the response team to include the County of Contra Costa and Federal Bureau of Investigations.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, phishing is when scammers use email or text messages to try to trick people into giving them personal and financial information to steal passwords, account numbers or Social Security numbers. They are then able access to email, bank and other accounts.

“The instant this incident was identified as fraudulent by City staff, the City’s Police Department acted quickly and immediately froze the account to which the funds were electronically wired,” said Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer. “Given the nature of this cybercrime, we contacted related agencies and the FBI to tap all available resources.”

The swift action of the Pittsburg Police Department resulted in the initial recovery of $696,241.00 dollars.  The City is pursuing insurance coverage payment for the remaining $217,598.00, through its cyber and crime insurance policies. The investigation involved several sensitive and intricate components, requiring a number of complex investigative steps over a period of time, to maximize the recovery of funds and to seek identification of the perpetrators.  It included 18 search warrants involving 116 accounts across major technology companies, financial institutions and telecommunications providers. Evidence identified the primary overseas suspect responsible for compromising the City’s email system is based in Nigeria with at least two criminally affiliated U.S.-based suspects. The investigation remains active as the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have accepted the case for continued investigation domestically and overseas.

“The Pittsburg Police Department remains committed to pursuing every available lead and ensuring the highest level of protection for our city operations,” Chief Galer added.

While the investigation is ongoing with the FBI and related agency partners, it has now reached a point where public disclosure will not compromise the investigation.

In response to the incident, the City immediately implemented new processes to further strengthen internal controls related to financial processes. This includes improvements to digital and human procedures including ACH payment verification processes, and controls within financial workflows, as well as modifications to IT staffing. These enhanced measures reflect significant internal analysis and reinforce the City’s commitment to strong cybersecurity practices that protect public resources.

“Sadly, Pittsburg has joined a long list of public agencies successfully targeted by international crime rings with cyber-based financial crimes. This crime is both upsetting and a hard lesson for how we can improve our security. I share the community’s disappointment that criminals were able to exploit our systems,” said Mayor Dionne Adams. “While this was a difficult moment, the City acted immediately to recover as much of the stolen funds as possible and tightened cybersecurity measures and procedures. I thank Pittsburg PD for their swift action and the law enforcement agency partners that helped us throughout this process.”

The city encourages residents and partners to remain vigilant about cybersecurity threats. City leadership will continue to evolve its internal systems in response to the expanding threats of cybercrime attacks to safeguard public funds and operations.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CalHR selects Spring Health to assume statewide employee mental health support

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Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, extends personalized mental health care to more than 245,000 California state employees across 153 departments

By Kristina Piersanti, 5W PR for Spring Health

SACRAMENTO, Calif., — California’s firefighters, police officers, parks departments, correctional staff and many others spend their careers keeping communities safe and helping people through their worst days. Nationally, first responders develop PTSD at up to ten times the rate of the general population, according to a 2025 meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychology Review[1]. It’s a toll that builds quietly over the routine weight of emergency response and is compounded during high-intensity stretches like fire season.

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is now providing the state’s employees and their families access to Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, CalHR’s new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential, personalized support for care, crisis needs, work-life challenges, and everyday wellbeing. A lifelong mental health platform, Spring Health will deliver mental health care to more than 245,000 California state employees across 153 departments, and their eligible family members.

First responders receive the most extensive tier of care under the new program, delivered by trauma-informed providers with direct experience in first responder roles. Support staff within CalFire, the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also receive an elevated level of support, reflecting the higher-stress nature of their roles. The State’s 153,000 administrative or desk-based staff will also receive support under the new program.

CalHR was drawn to Spring Health’s proven outcomes, not just improved access. According to research published in OJPHI and JAMA Network Open, 92% of members reliably improve or recover from depression or anxiety, and members recover 5.9 weeks faster than the leading competitor, with appointments available in less than two days on average, compared to a 48-day average with traditional EAPs.

“First responders put themselves in harm’s way over and over again to protect the communities they serve. That takes a toll not just on them, but on their families too,” said George Michaels, Chief Revenue Officer at Spring Health. “Partnering with CalHR to support more than 245,000 state employees is exactly the kind of large-scale, public-sector commitment we built Spring Health to deliver on, and we’re honored to help deliver the mental health support they and their families deserve.”

“When people go to work, they shouldn’t have to leave their hearts at home,” said Shannon MacGregor, Statewide Employee Assistance Program Manager at the California Department of Human Resources. “Our first responders carry things most of us never have to. Whole You is our commitment that when they need support, it’s there — fast, confidential and built around what they’ve actually experienced.”

Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, is available now to California state employees and their eligible dependents through their department’s benefits resources. For more information on Spring Health’s lifelong mental health platform, visit our webpage.

About Spring Health

Spring Health is a global mental health company built on one AI-native platform so care follows individuals across every job, move, health plan, and life stage. Independently validated by JAMA Network Open and the Validation Institute, with 92% of members reliably improved or recovered from depression or anxiety and employers seeing a 52% reduction in total mental health claims costs, Spring Health provides personalized lifelong mental health support across self-guided tools, coaching, therapy, medication management, and specialty care. More than 170 million people worldwide have access to Spring Health, which is trusted by leading employers, health plans, and channel partners, including Highmark, Target, The Coca-Cola Company, BlackRock, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Wawa.

[1] Arena, A.F., Gregory, M., Collins, D.A.J., Vilus, B., Bryant, R., Harvey, S.B., & Deady, M. (2025). Global PTSD prevalence among active first responders and trends over recent years: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 120, 102622.

 

 

Help ensure fairness in property taxes – join the Contra Costa County Assessment Appeals Board

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By Laura Cassell, Assessment Appeals Board Secretary

(Martinez, CA) — Are you an experienced real estate, appraisal, accounting, or legal professional looking for a meaningful way to give back? The Contra Costa County Assessment Appeals Board is seeking qualified individuals to serve as board members and help ensure property tax assessments are fair, accurate, and impartial.

As a board member, you’ll hear and decide property tax assessment appeals, playing an important role in protecting the integrity of the County’s property tax system while serving the community.

Board Member Compensation

Board members receive:

  • $200 for a half-day meeting
  • $300 for a full-day meeting
  • $400 for each additional consecutive meeting day
  • Mileage reimbursement

Meeting Schedule

Meetings are typically held Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., except the first Thursday of each month. The Board recesses during May and June while the Assessor closes the assessment roll. Because many appeals are resolved through negotiations or withdrawals before a hearing, some scheduled meetings may be canceled.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants do not need to live in Contra Costa County or represent the district in which they reside.
Qualified candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in California in one of the following fields:

  • Certified Public Accountant or Public Accountant
  • Licensed Real Estate Broker
  • Attorney
  • Property Appraiser accredited by a nationally recognized professional organization
  • Property Appraiser certified by the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers or the State Board of Equalization

Applicants must submit documentation verifying their qualifying experience with their application to the Clerk of the Board. Individuals who have worked in a county assessor’s office within the past three years are not eligible to serve.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re committed to public service and bringing your professional expertise to an important community role, we encourage you to apply. Interested individuals may apply online application link, request an application by emailing the Clerk of the Board at clerkoftheboard@cob.cccoounty.us, or visit the Clerk of the Board office at:

County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor Martinez.

For more information about the application process, call the Clerk of the Board at (925) 655-2000. Additional information is available through the California State Board of Equalization.

For more information about the Appeals Board visit Assessment Appeals | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.

City of Pittsburg to celebrate Central Harbor Park Grand Reopening and Kickoff Party July 26

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Over $3.5 million in improvements completed

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Pittsburg invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Central Harbor Park with a family-friendly kickoff party on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Central Harbor Park officially reopened to the public on July 1, 2026. The improvements include:

  • New docks and berths — Increasing marina capacity and access.
  • Expanded restrooms, parking and green space — Creating a more welcoming experience for visitors and families.
  • Shoreline stabilization and ADA pathways — Enhancing resilience and accessibility for all.
  • Modernized event facilities — Encouraging year-round gatherings and civic pride.

With over $3.5 million in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy funding, and after years of planning and construction, Pittsburg’s premier waterfront event space is ready for fishing, sunset walks, gatherings and everyday enjoyment of the Delta.

The improvements were made possible with funding support from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, a California state agency whose grant funding helped bring this park to life, and the City of Pittsburg’s Waterfront Fund. The City’s Waterfront Fund is funded by lease revenues generated by users of Pittsburg’s granted submerged tidelands.  This is a reinvestment of locally generated non-tax dollars from the private sector, and so far, has totaled over $500,000.

Video screenshots source: City of Pittsburg

Guests will enjoy an evening of community activities along Pittsburg’s beautiful waterfront, including a s’mores experience, fishing demonstration, Public Safety Meet & Greet, DJ, refreshments and a preview of the park’s new event space.

The celebration provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to explore the reopened park, connect with neighbors and local public safety personnel, and learn more about the recreational and event amenities available at Central Harbor Park.

WHAT: Central Harbor Park Grand Reopening and Kickoff Party

WHEN: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Central Harbor Park, Cutter Avenue off Marina Blvd., Downtown Pittsburg

  • S’mores bar – enjoy classic treats with a waterfront view.
  • Fishing demonstration – learn from local experts.
  • Preview of the new event space – see the upgraded facilities and seating areas.
  • Public Safety Meet & Greet – meet local law enforcement and emergency services.
  • Live DJ – for a festive evening atmosphere.
  • Refreshments – provided throughout the event.

The event is free and open to the public. Families and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Photos: City of Pittsburg

Boat Launch and Fish Cleaning Station Now Open

The public launch ramps are open and the City is happy to bring with it new restrooms and a fish cleaning station, now open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Whether you’re heading out early for a day on the water or wrapping up your evening catch, these launch ramp amenities are available to support your experience.

The Pittsburg Marina harbor and fuel dock is closed on Sundays. For questions contact the Marina Office at (925) 439-4958 or email marina@pittsburgca.gov.

Background

In 2021 and 2022, City staff conducted outreach to local residents, users of the boat launch, and City waterfront event-goers to determine the community’s priorities for the Central Harbor Park and boat launch area.  These facilities, while aged, are well loved and full of recreators every weekend and often throughout the week.  Via online and in-person surveys, a town hall style community meeting at the park, and many interviews at the facility, staff gathered community input resulting in three major observations:

1) The community values and enjoys the Delta access provided by Central Harbor Park and the boat launch facility. Other than youth-centered park features, the park and launch facilities provide ample opportunity to enjoy the Delta and outdoors.

2) Members of the community often feel unsafe in the project area which impacts their visit frequency.

3) Public infrastructure in the project area is old and worn down, discouraging use and dissuading people from bringing family and friends to enjoy the facilities.

On August 19, 2024, the Pittsburg City Council awarded the construction contract for the project to NTK Construction, and construction began in the fall of 2024 following the groundbreaking on Nov. 15th that year.

For more information about the Pittsburg Marina visit www.pittsburgmarina.com.

Toni Baldazo, City of Pittsburg Community Engagement Officer contributed to this report.

City of Pittsburg to hold Data Centers Virtual Community Workshop July 30

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Rendering of proposed AVAIO Digital data center in Pittsburg. Source: City of Pittsburg

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg City staff are hosting a virtual community engagement workshop about data center development. Residents are encouraged to participate in the workshop and to submit their questions ahead of time to ensure all resident inquiries are addressed during the meeting.

The AVAIO Perseus Data Center is a proposed data center project within the Pittsburg Technology Park approved by the City Council in 2024. The project is intended to support advanced technology infrastructure, create long-term economic development opportunities and help activate strategically planned employment-generating land in Pittsburg. For more information visit Pittsburg Technology Park | City of Pittsburg.

Proposed data center in the Pittsburg Technology Park Specific Plan. Source: City of Pittsburg

The Technology Park Specific Plan envisions redevelopment of the eastern half of the former municipal Delta View Golf Course, on Golf Club Road off W. Leland Road, which is closed and currently vacant.

“After hearing from many concerned residents, it is clear we need to have a deeper conversation with our community about data center development in Pittsburg,” said Council Member Killings. “City Council has asked the City Manager and Staff to host a workshop educating residents on the City’s data center development policies, procedures and projects, and providing an opportunity for our community to receive answers to their questions.”

Pittsburg Technology Park Site Plan Concept with location of proposed data center. Source: City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg Data Centers Virtual Community Workshop

Date: Thursday, July 30

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81157292257

Submit Questions: datacenters@pittsburgca.gov

In addition to the Workshop, the City has updated the Data Center project webpage and is considering ongoing community engagement to ensure the public is informed on data center projects and impacts in Pittsburg. There will be an update to the City Council during the regular City Council meeting on Monday, August 3.

“Residents have raised thoughtful questions about water, energy, noise, and long-term neighborhood impacts, and the City takes them seriously,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “I appreciate the Council’s direction and look forward to supporting this engagement effort on behalf of the Council and our community.”

For those unable to attend the virtual workshop, the meeting will be recorded and posted to the City’s website for later viewing. For workshop questions, please contact datacenters@pittsburgca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.