Weekly Update - December 15, 2022

Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

Stay Safe, Be Aware This Holiday Season

Fireplace Safety Tips

With low overnight temperatures and the desire to sit in front of a warm fire, now is a good time to think about fireplace safety. Have your flue inspected annually, never leave a fire unattended, ensure you have working smoke & CO2 alarms.

With Respiratory Viruses Circulating, 12 Bay Area Health Officials Recommend Actions to Stay Healthy for the Holidays

This holiday season, another surge in COVID infections, along with high levels of influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are straining healthcare systems and impacting families.


The good news is that there are easy actions everyone can take to stay healthy this season. Twelve Bay Area health officers recommend the following steps:


Get Vaccinated Against Flu and COVID.

  • The updated Omicron COVID booster, also known as the bivalent booster, targets the Omicron variant, as well as the original 2020 virus. The Omicron boosters are available for everyone six months and older. These improved vaccines are the best protection against severe symptoms of COVID and hospitalization.
  • Earlier in the pandemic, COVID vaccination rates in the Bay Area were high, shielding some communities from the worst outcomes. This vaccine protection has decreased over time, but an Omicron COVID booster can rebuild it. In most parts of the Bay Area, less than half of eligible people have received the updated Omicron COVID booster. 
  • More people in the Bay Area are getting the flu this year than earlier in the pandemic. Flu is not the same as the common cold and can lead to sudden, severe illness in the very young, seniors, and those with underlying medical conditions.
  • Now is the time to get your flu shot. Your doctor can give you the flu shot and the Omicron COVID booster in the same visit. COVID shots are free and other recommended immunizations are widely available at low or no cost.
  • There is no vaccine for RSV but simple measures like regular hand washing and covering coughs can help.


Stay Home if You Are Sick.

  • No matter which virus you have, if you are feeling sick the best way to keep from spreading it to others is to stay home until you have recovered. If you think it might be COVID, get tested. 
  • While there is no vaccine for RSV, you can decrease risk of RSV and other respiratory viruses by washing hands, covering coughs, and, most importantly, staying home when you are sick. 
  • People who need urgent or emergency medical care, including testing or treatment for influenza or COVID, should seek it. 


Wear a Mask in Indoor Public Places.

  • Masks can prevent transmission of COVID, flu, RSV, and other respiratory viruses all at once. 
  • Wearing a high-quality mask, such as a KN94, KN95 or N95, can prevent you from getting sick and missing out on life, work, school, and holiday parties. Masking is strongly recommended indoors in public settings to prevent the spread of viruses and reduce the risk of illness. 
  • Masks also lower the likelihood that you pass on an infection if you are already sick, even if your symptoms are mild. This helps protect people around you, especially those at higher risk of serious illness.
  • Improve ventilation indoors by turning on HVAC systems, filtering the air with a portable HEPA filter, pointing fans out open windows, or opening doors and windows when possible. These can all help viruses from spreading indoors. 


Get Tested Before an Indoor Gathering or if You Feel Sick.

  • Reduce the chances of infecting someone else with COVID by finding out if you have the virus before gathering with others. Remember, COVID symptoms may be mild or absent. Make sure to stock up on home test kits.


Get Treatment, if Needed.

  • Free treatments are available if you test positive for COVID. Free medication prevents hospitalization and is available to most adults and some teens with even mild symptoms. 
  • Talk to your doctor about treatment options or visit https://covid19.ca.gov/treatment/ or find a test to treat location near you: aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat. Treatments work best when started right after symptoms begin, and within 5 days of symptoms starting.


Health Officers from the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, and the city of Berkeley encourage the public to take these easy steps to protect themselves and others from missing holiday moments and to ease the burden on local health systems. Across the Bay Area, respiratory viruses impact the most vulnerable, including young children, the immunocompromised, people living in crowded housing or congregate living facilities, and seniors, especially at skilled nursing facilities.

Order Free COVID Test Kits from the County for the Holidays

COVID cases continue to rise in our County, and Contra Costa residents can now receive free at-home COVID test kits from Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) through a new mail-order program. 

 

People can order up to 4 free at-home test kits per household by filling out this online form or by calling 833-829-2626. There are two tests in each kit. CCHS will mail the kits directly to people’s homes within approximately 5-7 business days. You must be a Contra Costa County resident to be eligible. 

 

The County’s mail-order program will run through the holidays and perhaps longer depending on our supply of at-home test kits. 

 

Contra Costa residents also can pick up free at-home test kits at county libraries. People can also get free test kits through their healthcare providers. For more information, visit the Home Tests page.

To Read the Latest Contra Costa Covid-19 Information and To See the Data Summary, Visit COVID-19 updates.

The Orinda Union School District Welcomes New Members

Supervisor Andersen had the privilege of issuing the oath of office, to three new members of the Orinda Union School District Board of Directors.

 

Pictured on the right is Supervisor Andersen with Katie Shutte Shogan, Eve Phillips, and Edda Collins Coleman who will be doing great things to support students in Orinda!

Walnut Creek Mayor Recognized for his Service

At their December 12th meeting, the Walnut Creek City Council thanked outgoing Mayor Matt Francois for his service in 2022 and welcomed council member Cindy Silva, as the new Mayor for 2023.


Supervisor Andersen attended the meeting to express her gratitude for Mayor Francois, pictured on the right, and his dedication to the residents of Walnut Creek.

Supervisor Andersen Virtually Thanks Outgoing

Orinda Councilmembers

On Tuesday, December 13th, Supervisor Andersen attended the virtual Orinda City Council meeting and thanked outgoing members Amy Worth, Dennis Fay and Nick Kosla.


She also conveyed that she is looking forward to working with new members Janet Riley, Brandyn Iverson, and Latika Malkani who were sworn in at the meeting.

Lafayette Recognizes Outgoing Mayor

Lafayette Mayor Teresa Gerringer was honored at the December 12, City Council meeting for her services as Mayor in 2022.


Carl Anduri will take over as Mayor for 2023.


Pictured on the right, Supervisor Andersen thanks Mayor Gerringer for her dedication and support to the residents of Lafayette.

Supervisor Andersen Thanks Outgoing San Ramon Councilmember Sabina Zafar

On Tuesday, December 13, Supervisor Andersen’s Chief of Staff Gayle Israel attended the San Ramon City Council meeting to present a proclamation thanking outgoing Councilmember Sabina Zafar for her years of service to the City of San Ramon. She also congratulated recently re-elected Mayor Dave Hudson and Councilmember Mark Armstrong, and newly elected Councilmember Marisol Rubio.

Supervisor Andersen Thanks Outgoing Councilmembers Makker and McCluer in Moraga

On Wednesday, December 15, Supervisor Andersen was represented by staff member Jill Ray at the Moraga Town Council meeting, who presented a proclamation thanking outgoing Councilmembers Sona Makker and Mike McCluer for their service to the Town and welcoming recently elected councilmembers David Shapiro and Kerry Hillis.  


At the same meeting, the Town Council selected Renata Sos as Mayor and Teresa Onoda as Vice-Mayor.  

Lafayette is Offering a Shopping and Restaurant Shuttle for the Final Thursday in December

The City of Lafayette is pleased to announce a pilot program for a Shopping & Restaurant Shuttle in Lafayette’s business district. The shuttle is a white minibus that is part of the City’s year-round Lafayette Spirit Van Program and the vehicle will have “Lafayette Shopping & Restaurant Shuttle” on the sides.


The pilot program will be offered one final Thursday, on December 22nd.


  • The shuttle will run in a continuous loop from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The loop takes approximately 45 minutes and goes in a clockwise direction. (See stop location numbers on the route map.)
  • The shuttle is open to people of all ages and has a wheelchair lift.
  • No pets allowed.
  • Seats are limited. The Shuttle has 8 passenger seats. Standing is not permitted.
  • The shuttle will arrive at its first stop (Lafayette Chateau, 3512 Moraga Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549) at 10:00 a.m.
  • Passengers who are at a shuttle stop at or before 2:00 p.m. are ensured a return ride.
  • Copies of the route map will be available to passengers.



To see the route map, visit LoveLafayette.org/SpiritVan.

Help Local Families With a

Donation to the Food Bank

No one in our County should go to bed hungry. Each year Contra Costa and Solano counties raise funds for the Food Bank through a friendly competition. The county that raises the most funds per employee will win the Big Apple trophy, but the real winners are the recipients of the funds you raise, those who need the help the most in our communities.


To join Supervisor Andersen in helping fight hunger by donating to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County, click here.


There are also several other programs in Contra Costa County that can use your help during the holidays and all year in feeding those in need.


Meals on Wheels - Diablo Region provides meals to Contra Costa residents 60 years of age or older, who are homebound and unable to purchase or prepare regular nutritious meals for themselves and have no one else available to do so.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region.


Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa County is continuing to serve the Contra Costa Community through "to-go" meals and pre-filled bags with food pantry items. Loaves and Fishes.

White Pony Express Holds 3rd Annual Star Program

White Pony Express (WPE) is launching their 3rd annual Star Program with the help of local businesses. This unique holiday program uplifts lives throughout the county during a season where warmth is meant to be shared! Each star is hand-decorated and lists a specific item needed by an adult or child experiencing challenges.


Your business can display the stars in any creative way you choose. Your clients and friends can select a star and purchase the item listed on the star. White Pony Express will schedule a time to pick up the gifts which will be beautifully wrapped and then delivered with love to our neighbors in need. In this way, we can all make the holiday season sparkle a little brighter. 


To request your Star Program Kit, please contact Mandy at mandy@whiteponyexpress.org or call 925-322-0604 Option 4. All of us taking care of all of us! Learn more about WPE at whiteponyexpress.org.

VESTIA Angel Tree Program

It is estimated that roughly 1,800 children are in the foster care system in Contra Costa County. The holidays can be particularly rough on children displaced from their homes and their families.


VESTIA's Angel Tree program was created in 1990 to provide gifts in response to the specific wishes of children in out-of-home placement in Contra Costa County.


The generous “Angels” are individual donors who provide these gifts and they come from agencies and corporations all over the county. Children and Family Services social workers receive the gifts while working with the children on their caseloads. The Angel Tree program has evolved from wrapped gifts for each child, to gift cards for the children and families, to help with resource including the child’s wish list as well as possible basic needs.


To learn more about the Angel Tree Program and other ways you can volunteer or donate, visit VESTIA.

Seeking Nominations For Contra Costa County

Youth Hall of Fame

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between 12 and 18. The students will be recognized at the 29th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street 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:

Good Samaritan: 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

Leadership and 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 https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/FormCenter/Contra-Costa-County-Cesar-E-Chavez-Youth-42/2023-Contra-Costa-County-Youth-Hall-of-F-358.


Please 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 17, 2023. Recipients will be recognized at the April 4, 2023, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.

Cleaner Contra Costa December Tips

Haven't joined the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge yet? Now is the time to get sustainable! The Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge is an online platform promoted by Sustainable Contra Costa to save CO2, water, energy and build more resilient communities. This free website (available in both English and Spanish) provides a list of actionable steps you can take to save water, energy, waste and money. When we work together as a community, we can hit some impressive goals- like saving over 1000 tons of CO2 to date! Bonus- you can also earn prizes along the way. Our December Actions of the Month: 

Looking for Alamo Residents Interested in Police Services in their Community

Did you know that Alamo pays into a special police district (P2B) and Alamo residents get to help decide how the P2B money is spent? 

 

P2B covers the west side of Alamo, South of Hillgrade Avenue, all neighborhoods off of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue, and the Stone Valley Road neighborhoods up to Round Hill Country Club on the north side of Stone Valley, and all the way to Monte Vista on the south side. There are 3,400 homes in the P2B area.

 

Are you interested in serving your community, making decision about how to spend your police district tax dollars, and receiving updates from the Sheriff’s Department about what is happening in Alamo? There are currently two seats available. Please reach out to Cameron Collins at Cameron.collins@bos.cccounty.us or 925.655.2300 if you would like to apply.


The Community is Invited to Make Comments on The

County's Housing Element

Contra Costa County’s Housing Element is one of the required Elements of the General Plan and is mandated by the State of California. It will identify policy direction to meet the housing needs of the county, both by preserving existing homes and by clarifying priorities for housing creation.

 

The Housing Element will include an overview of housing policies and programs and will identify locations that can accommodate future housing in unincorporated Contra Costa areas. Due to State-required adoption deadlines, the Housing Element will be prepared on a separate but parallel track as the General Plan. 

 

The public comment period to review the Draft Housing Element is currently open until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022. Comments can be sent to Maureen Toms at Maureen.Toms@dcd.cccounty.us

Would You Like to Serve on a Contra Costa County Committee, Commission, or Board? There are Opportunities Available

District 2 Volunteer Opportunities 

Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC)

To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services.


You must reside in the P2B area of Alamo to serve on this committee


1 Regular Seat

1 Alternate Seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department on the needs of the Alamo community for police services.


The Measure X Community Advisory Board - Supervisor Andersen is seeking an individual that represents broad and diverse voices, and perspectives. To be considered for this seat, candidates must either live or work in District 2. The Community Advisory Board currently meets monthly. Currently, the meetings are via online conferencing. For more information about Measure X, please click here.


County Service Area, P-2A Citizen Advisory Committee (Blackhawk)

Expiring Seats - incumbents should reapply

 

The County Services Area, P-2A Citizens Advisory Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on the needs of the Blackhawk community for extended police services which shall include, but not be limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code, crime prevention, litter control, and other issues.

 

You must reside within the Blackhawk community to serve on this committee

 

Police Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM, at the Blackhawk Police Service District Office at 1092 Eagle Nest Pl.

 

Find out more information about volunteering for an advisory body here co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418. To apply online go to www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/.