Contra Costa Herald

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

West County: District 1 Open House on Contra Costa Draft General & Climate Action Plans Feb. 21

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Casa Abierta sobre el Borrador del Plan General del Condado y el Plan de Acción Climática

At El Cerrito City Hall

By District 1 Supervisor John Gioia

I invite you to join us for an upcoming open house to learn about the Draft Contra Costa County General Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan Update!

When: Wednesday, February 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: El Cerrito City Hall Lobby, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito

Learn about proposed land use policies for the unincorporated areas of West County – Kensington, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rollngwood, Montalvin Manor/Bayview and Tara Hills; and provide input.

Click on my video explaining the importance of participating in the General Plan!

The Draft Contra Costa County General Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update are part of the Envision Contra Costa 2040, the County’s plan to address land use, transportation, housing, climate change, environmental justice and other important issues over the next 20 years. They update is available for public review at envisioncontracosta2040.org. (See related article)

Community feedback has been the driving force behind our planning efforts. Now, we invite you to explore our work and ensure it reflects our collective vision for Contra Costa County’s future.

We’ll be taking questions, providing answers, and encouraging you to share feedback in-person or through our online commenting tool.

View the event flyer here.

Thank you, and we hope to see you there!

En Español

¡Lo invito a unirse a nosotros en una próxima jornada de puertas abiertas para conocer el borrador del Plan General del Condado de Contra Costa y el borrador de la actualización del Plan de Acción Climática!

Cuándo: Miércoles 21 de febrero de 5:00 a 7:00 p.m.

Dónde: Vestíbulo del Ayuntamiento de El Cerrito, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito

Conozca las políticas de uso de suelo propuestas para las áreas no incorporadas del oeste del condado: Kensington, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rollngwood, Montalvin Manor/Bayview, Tara Hills; y proporcionar información.

El borrador del Plan General del Condado de Contra Costa y el borrador del Plan de Acción Climática (CAP) 2024 están disponibles para revisión pública en envisioncontracosta2040.org

Los comentarios de la comunidad han sido la fuerza impulsora detrás de nuestros esfuerzos de planificación. Ahora, lo invitamos a explorar nuestro trabajo y asegurarnos de que refleje nuestra visión colectiva para el futuro del condado de Contra Costa.

Responderemos preguntas, brindaremos respuestas y lo alentaremos a compartir sus comentarios en persona o a través de nuestra herramienta de comentarios en línea.

Vea el folleto del evento aquí.

¡Gracias y esperamos verte allí!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Supervisor Burgis honors long-time Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee member

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Ron Reagan, accompanied by his wife Pat Reagan, was honored for his 11 years of service to Byron Airport and the Contra Costa County Aviation Advisory Committee. Photo: Office of Supervisor Diane Burgis

Brentwood resident Ron Reagan thanked during her annual District III open house

By Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis

I was joined by several dozen community members at my 2024 Office Open House on Monday, and had a chance to catch up after the holidays, introduce my newest staff members, and share my plans for the new year.

If you weren’t able to attend, here are some of the highlights:

  • East County has twice the number of firefighters on duty at any time than we did three years ago. With two fire stations planned to break ground in Brentwood this year, we’ll have triple the coverage we did in 2021.
  • In the coming months, the Delta Protection Commission, which I chair, will submit its management plan for the Delta National Heritage Area, the only National Heritage Area on the West Coast. This will be the biggest step forward for the Delta National Heritage Area since its creation by Congress in 2019.
  • Industry-leading aviation testing continues to occur at Byron Airport and Buchanan Field, with companies like Pivotaland Elroy Air leading the way.
  • The County is bringing more services to East County, including a County Resource Center, Youth Centers and an African-American Wellness Hub, all of which are in stages of study or planning.

I also had the opportunity to present Brentwood resident Ron Reagan a signed resolution from the Board of Supervisors honoring his work on the Contra Costa County Aviation Advisory Committee.

Ron began serving on the Aviation Advisory Committee in 2012 as the District III representative. Through 11 years of service, he successfully advocated for many of the major improvements to Byron Airport and Buchanan Field, including the establishment of the Bay Area Test Site for drone testing, the 4.14-acre Byron Phase I Development, and the completion of the Byron Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting/Maintenance Storage Building.

My thanks to Ron for his years of service to our airports and our community, and thank you to everyone who attended the open house.

Contra Costa Board of Supervisors to hold Annual Retreat in Pittsburg Jan. 30

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Open to the public

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Office of Communications & Media, Contra Costa County

Improving the quality of life for Contra Costa County residents through diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible programs and services will be the center of the Board of Supervisors annual retreat discussion Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Pittsburg City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue in Pittsburg.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

“Ensuring we’re meeting community needs is always our focus,” said Board Chair Federal Glover, District 5 Supervisor. “The retreat offers an opportunity for us to anticipate economic factors and continue prioritizing resources accordingly to make sure we’re having the greatest impact through our services.”

Supervisors will receive an economic forecast from Beacon Economics. Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ) Co-Directors Dr. Kendra Carr and Peter Kim will present a summary of ORESJ priorities for the coming year including new initiatives toward expanding equity, building office infrastructure and staffing, developing the Lived Experience Advisory Board, and proposed costs. Pittsburg City Manager Garrett Evans is also scheduled to speak.

The Board of Supervisors sets the direction of the County government and oversees its $5.5 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of this diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating.

The Board meeting will be accessible in person at Council Chambers, Pittsburg City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg. The meeting will be televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, Astound Channels 32 & 1027, and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.

For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov or the webpage: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7283/Board-of-Supervisors.

Supervisors honor Contra Costa Humanitarians of the Year

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Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover with Humanitarians of the Year Willie Mims, Vedant Kathrani, Robi ToZulAhmad and Noor ToZulAhmad. Photo by Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

Willie Mims of Pittsburg and three Dougherty Valley High students recognized during annual Martin Luther King, Jr. ceremony

By Allen D. Payton

During their 46th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. themed “Beloved Community” ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored Humanitarian of the Year, Willie Mims for his tireless commitment and Student Humanitarians of the Year, Vedant Kathrani, Robi ToZulAhmad, and Noor ToZulAhmad for improving the lives of Contra Costa County residents and all for reflecting the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mims has been a community activist since 1963 and helped found the East County NAACP and Pittsburg’s Black Political Association. He has been a constant presence in the community and in public meetings, where he has always been ready to weigh in with his perspective. A retired teacher, Mims has been an advocate for quality education, especially, making sure students know history, particularly the history of the African-American experience. See video of and about Mims.

The three honored students were recognized for founding PlatetoPeople, a non-profit committed to ending hunger, preventing food waste and positively impact the environment. They partnered with White Pony Express and RecycleSmart to distribute meals. See video of the three students.

“Our students are remarkable young people who do remarkable things,” said San Ramon Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Malloy. “These three students have followed a path of exemplary service to their community, and we are so proud.”

Noor and Robi Tozulah are brothers from Rohingya, Myanmar, and Dougherty Valley High School students. Hunger is personal for the Tozulahmad brothers; they were born and Myanmar and had to live parts of their childhood begging on the streets in Malaysia to get their next meal.

At six years old, the brothers took a harrowing 11-day boat journey to Malaysia, where they faced moments when they feared their fate. In 2016, the Tozul Ahmad brothers arrived in America and gained a deeper understanding of global issues, with one problem standing out prominently – food waste and its environmental impact.

Vedant Kathrani, a Dougherty Valley High School junior, is an aspiring computational environmentalist committed to community improvement through STEM, innovation, and environmental sustainability. He has been acknowledged locally and globally for his academic achievements and community service, and he is also a Global Youth Ambassador for the Gates Foundation. When he discovered that food from restaurants often went to waste at the end of the day rather than being given to those in need, he joined forces with Robi and Noor to make a difference.

PlateToPeople collects food from restaurants, schools, and other businesses to provide food for the homeless. Their mission is to fight hunger and provide food for those in need in their community and beyond. The organization believes that everyone deserves access to healthy and nutritious food.

“Through our journey from Rohingya to America, I’ve learned the value of food, resilience, compassion, and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity,” said Noor Tozul Ahmad, Co-Founder of PlateToPeople.

“Our initiative involves saving surplus food and serving it to the homeless, one plate at a time,” shared Robi Tozul Ahmad, Co-Founder of PlateToPeople.

Learn more about PlateToPeople at https://platetopeople.org/. 

Ilana Israel Samuels, Director of Communications, Family and Community Engagement, SRVUSD contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Supervisors install Glover in final year as Chair, Andersen as Vice-Chair

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New Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover (District 5) and Vice Chair Candace Andersen (District 2) following their oaths of office ceremony. Photo: CoCoCounty

(Martinez, CA) – Supervisors Federal D. Glover and Candace Andersen are taking on new leadership roles for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in 2024. During their Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, meeting, Contra Costa Superior Court Presiding Judge Honorable Edward G. Weil administered the Oath of Office to Glover as Chair and Andersen as Vice-Chair of the Board.

District 5 Supervisor Glover, who represents Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett, Martinez, Bay Point, Pacheco, Clyde, Pittsburg, and parts of Antioch and Marsh Creek, is the Board’s first and only African American Supervisor. He was elected to the Board in 2000, served four previous terms as Chair, and is the fourth longest-serving Supervisor in California. Supervisor Glover announced that he would retire at the end of his current term in December 2024, thus ending six consecutive terms as the District 5 supervisor.

Standing between his wife and son, Supervisor Federal Glover takes his oath of office administered by Contra Costa Superior Court Presiding Judge Edward G. Weil on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Photo: CoCoCounty

“As we head into 2024, we will focus on improving the quality of life for all County residents with the Board’s theme of “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access” guiding our efforts,” said Supervisor Glover. “And as I reflect on my time as supervisor, I’m honored and humbled to continue representing the diverse communities of District 5 in my final year on the Board. I’m excited about Contra Costa County’s future and look forward to our work ahead.”

Over the years, Supervisor Glover has served as chair of the Public Protection Committee, Equity Committee, Los Medanos Healthcare Operations Committee, Sustainability Committee, Northern Waterfront Ad Hoc Committee, and Industrial Safety Ordinance/Community Warning System Ad Hoc Committee.

Contra Costa Superior Court Presiding Judge Edward G. Weil administers the oath of office to Supervisor Candace Andersen on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Photo: CoCoCounty

District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen represents Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Tassajara Valley, and parts of unincorporated Walnut Creek. She was first elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in June 2012. She ran unopposed in 2016, 2020, and once again has no opponent in the March 2024 election. Supervisor Andersen currently sits on 28 local and regional boards and commissions addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety.

“I am proud to represent the residents of District 2 and continue my work as an advocate for the most vulnerable and for the health and safety of all residents in the County,” said Andersen.

Supervisors Glover and Andersen will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $5.5 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of this diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating.

For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/or the webpage: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7283/Board-of- Supervisors.

For more information about Supervisor Federal D. Glover, visit his County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5- Supervisor-Federal-D-Glover.

For more information about Supervisor Candace Andersen, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4668/District-2-Supervisor-Candace-Andersen.

 

Opinion: County Assessor says Supes hypocritical in new Treasurer-Tax Collector appointment

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Dear Editor:

Once more the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has made fools of themselves and embarrassed the rest of the citizens of our county by its recent appointment to fill the vacancy of the County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

The Board of Supervisors, after months of pontificating, chest beating and self-congratulating each other for creating a new department with two department heads called the Department of Racial Equity and Social Justice, proved how hypocritical they truly are.

During the same board meeting, the board held public interviews for the County Treasurer-Tax Collector position, even though two of the candidates were current, high-level managers, with many years in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office, and both women of color, who were eminently qualified and credentialed. Predictably, the board instead picked a white man from Yuba County.

Why should any of us ever believe anything these board members say or do about racial or social justice?

Sincerely,

Gus S. Kramer, Assessor

Supervisors seek nominations for Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame

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César Chávez. Photo source: Contra Costa County

To be honored during 30th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration March 26; deadline Feb. 16

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding county residents between 12 and 18 years old.

Students will be recognized at the 30th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of five categories:

  • GoodSamaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
  • Volunteerism:Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
  • Teamwork:Works unselfishly for the good of the team
  • Leadershipand Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
  • Perseverance:Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success

For more information and the application form to nominate youth in our community, visit Form Center • 2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards

We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 16, 2024. Recipients will be recognized at the March 26, 2024, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.

Board of Supervisors appoints next Contra Costa Treasurer-Tax Collector

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Dan Mierzwa. Source: Contra Costa County

Yuba County Treasurer & Tax Collector Dan Mierzwa will replace Russell Watts who is retiring Dec. 31

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dan Mierzwa as the next Treasurer-Tax Collector effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Mierzwa’s appointment follows the announcement of Russell Watts’ retirement in December. He is currently Yuba County’s Treasurer & Tax Collector and must submit proof of residency and voter registration in Contra Costa County before he assumes the office.

Mierzwa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Finance and Business Administration minors from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. He also holds a Certified California Municipal Treasurer certification.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to help during this transition in leadership and am committed to maintaining the levels of transparency and accountability with sound financial practices that serve the best interests of the public,” Mierzwa said. “We will also continue improving our online payment and business license application services and explore ways to save and recover costs to deliver our services.”

The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office acts as the bank for the County, providing financial services to County departments, schools, and special districts and managing more than $4.9 billion in the County’s investment pool. The office also collects various taxes – including business taxes from those operating in the unincorporated areas, and property taxes. While the Treasurer-Tax Collector mostly provides services to the County and taxing districts, the office also invests public funds and collects business related taxes, namely business licenses and transient occupancy taxes, as well as short-term rental and cannabis taxes.

“The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office holds a key position of trust in the financial affairs of local government,” said Board Chair District I Supervisor John Gioia. “Dan’s experience and knowledge of both the treasury and tax collection functions will continue the County’s efforts to protect, invest, and disburse funds in a prudent and safe manner.”

The current term for the elected office expires on Jan. 4, 2027. Government Code section 25304 requires that the Board of Supervisors appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. The annual salary for the position is $254,901.24.

Watts, who is leaving office to spend more time with family, has served as the elected-Treasurer-Tax Collector for 13 years.

Federal Glover announces he won’t run for seventh term on Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

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Endorses Pittsburg councilwoman to replace him; filing period extended until Wednesday, Dec. 13

Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. Official photo

Supervisor Federal Glover has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2024, thus ending six consecutive terms as the District 5 supervisor. During his tenure, Supervisor Glover has been a tireless advocate for the people of Contra Costa County, working to improve the lives of residents in District 5 and beyond.

Supervisor Glover’s accomplishments are many and varied. Before being elected to the Board of Supervisors, he served as a council member for the City of Pittsburg. During his tenure as a council member, and while serving as mayor of Pittsburg, Supervisor Glover led the council in its opening and dedication of its current municipal building for public service.

In 2000, Supervisor Glover began his tenure as a supervisor holding the distinction of being the only African American and only person of color to have been elected to and serve on the County’s Board of Supervisors since the County’s incorporation in 1850 as one of the first 27 counties when California gained statehood. Today, he remains the only African American to have served on the Board in the County’s 173 years.

In recognition of his leadership, Supervisor Glover was elected by his peers as chairman of the Board in 2004, 2008, 2013 and 2017. Over the years, he has also served as chair of the Public Protection Committee, Equity Committee, Los Medanos Healthcare Operations Committee, Sustainability Committee, Northern Waterfront Ad Hoc Committee, Industrial Safety Ordinance/Community Warning System Ad Hoc Committee, and on several joint/regional committees and commissions including, but not limited to, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Local Agency Formation Commission, Tri-Delta Transit Authority, Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Costa Health Plan Joint Conference Committee, and Medical Services Joint Conference Committee.

He has been a strong supporter of the urban limit line, which aims to rein in suburban sprawl and preserve open space. He has also been a champion of transportation initiatives, securing over $1 billion in funding for improvements to highways and public transit in the region.

In addition to his work on these important issues, Supervisor Glover has been a passionate advocate for youth-related services. He initiated County youth conferences which give young people a chance to air their views to community leaders and get valuable information about careers and education. He also convened our area’s first Youth Summit and Gang Task Force, both aimed at supporting youth and providing good role models, so they don’t join gangs.

In April 2015, Supervisor Federal Glover had a life-altering surgical procedure performed where he received a new heart and a new kidney. In spite of this, he continued to serve on the board of supervisors throughout his period of illness and subsequent recovery.

Source: Facebook

Earlier this week, Glover endorsed Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston to replace him. In a Dec. 6 post on her campaign Facebook page, she touted the endorsement with a quote from Glover which reads, “She’s the candidate that gets things done.” Scales-Preston also wrote “I can’t wait to follow in the path of Supervisor Federal Glover and hit the ground running to GET THINGS DONE as Supervisor. Thank you, Federal, for your support.”

Supervisor Glover’s leadership will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched during his time in office. His retirement from the Board will come at the end of the current term in December 2024. And during the last year of his term, he will serve as chair of the board again. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

So far, Scales-Preston will face Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings and Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica in the March primary election. Because Glover is not running again, the filing period that would have ended Friday at 5:00 p.m. has been extended five days until next Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Supervisor Gioia to hold annual Holiday Party & Community Open House Dec. 7

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By John Gioia, Supervisor, District One, Contra Costa County 

I want to invite you to my annual Holiday Party and Community Open House to support Verde School on Thursday, December 7th at 5:30 PM at my District Office, 11780 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, Suite D.

Let’s chat about what we’re grateful for and what we can do together next year to make an impact. We’ll enjoy desserts, appetizers, and refreshments with neighbors.

Thanks to the great work of parents, educators, and students, Verde School is a shining light in North Richmond. We are proud to support the success of these children. We need your help again this year to provide every student with a new book and rain jacket.

Please help us raise $2,000 by the end of the week, towards our total goal of raising $7,000. Your donation will allow us to order the rain jackets in time to spread holiday joy at Verde School.  

Your donation can be mailed to my office at 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D, El Cerrito, CA 94530 with a check payable to the non-profit “CHDC of North Richmond” c/o Verde School Drive. You can also donate online, click here.

A warm thanks in advance for your help and support! See you at our party on December 7th!

All donations must be received by Friday, December 8th.

If you have questions, please contact Tania Pulido in my office (510-942-2225) or tania.pulido@bos.cccounty.us