Celebrate our Independence in Your Town

Cities in District 2 are offering some very exciting activities for Independence Day. In Danville, the annual parade sponsored by  Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley. The City of San Ramon will feature a live music dance band and an armed forces tribute. The Lamorinda area has lots of fun events planned for the entire day.  Come  enjoy your 4th of July!  

Help Update the Contra Costa County  

Community Wildfire Protection Plan   

With a summer of drought ahead, it's time to prepare for wildfires.

• Help update the community wildfire protection plan for Contra Costa County.
• We want your input on wildfire risks and hazards.
• Share your concerns and local knowledge
• Give us your opinion on recommended strategies to reduce risks.

July 4th Run San Ramon 

Get a healthy start to your 4th of July with this Independence Day Classic. Enjoy the measured, paved and looped course. The 10K course is a double loop of the 5K course. Participants will receive a short sleeve run shirt and goodies provided by local sponsors. Start & Finish: San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. 10K race starts at 8:15am; 5K Run & Walk and 3K Walk starts at 8:20am. Registration Fee: $40 on Race Day for everyone. Race day registration tables open 6:30-8:00am. Awards: Mayor's Cup awarded to the winning pre-registered San Ramon resident, male & female (5K & 10K). Trophies will be awarded to the winning male and female.

New Regulations on Rodent Poisons

Rodents, such as the Norway rat, the roof rat, and the house mouse, are an issue of public health and safety. These rodents can directly and indirectly transmit a number of diseases to humans, including bacteria that cause food poisoning. Rodents damage walls, ceilings, and floors with their burrowing and gnawing activity. They regularly gnaw on pipes and electrical wiring causing indoor flooding, equipment malfunctions, and fires.

In addition to the District 2 vacancies listed below, Supervisor Andersen would like to draw your attention to the following list of countywide advisory bodies that currently have At Large Seats available, such as the Advisory Council on Aging, Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity, Agricultural Task Force Committee, Countywide Bicycle Committee, County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee, Emergency Medical Care Committee, Family & Children's Trust, Fish & Wildlife Committee, Hazardous Materials Commission, Homelessness Advisory Board, Local Child Care & Development Planning Council, Managed Care Commission, Public & Environmental Health Advisory Board, Commission for Women, and the Workforce Development Board. To apply for any of these seats, you can click on this link: click here.  

•  Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board -  click here

•  In Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee - click here

• County Library Commission (1 Alternate Seat) - click here

•  Mental Health Commission (1 Consumer Seat) -click here

•  Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (1 youth representative-Alamo resident) - click here

•  County Service Area P-5 Citizens Advisory Committee (1 Alternate Seat - Residents of: Roundhill, Regency Woods or Windsor Green)

Board of Supervisors Actions  

Ever wonder what your Supervisor does at that weekly Tuesday Board of Supervisors Meeting? Here are some of the board actions from the month of June which impact the residents of District 2:    

Recognized fifteen local high school students who were selected to receive the California Arts Scholarship award and to participate in the 28th California State Summer School for the Arts program.

Introduced an ordinance amending the County's Secondhand Smoke Ordinance to prohibit smoking in outdoor areas of County facilities, fixed June 17, 2014 as the date for adoption.

Introduced an ordinance amending the County's Industrial Safety Ordinance, fixed June 17, 2014, for adoption.

Received the FY 14-15 Tentative Annual Report on assessment charges in County Service Area M-30 (Alamo Springs), confirmed the Tentative Annual Report, and assessed the charges specified in the report, Danville.

Authorized a public opinion poll to determine voter preferences and support for a potential countywide sales tax; Authorized working with Contra Costa's legislative representatives to obtain legislation to enable Contra Costa County to place a sales tax measure on the ballot (Supervisors Andersen and Piepho voted against this).

Confirmed the Tentative Report for County Service Area Emergency Medical Services EM-1 and declared intent to levy specified assessments to be collected with the FY 14/15 property taxes.

Received the final Emergency Medical Services Modernization Study report from Fitch & Associates, LLC; Directed return to the Board of Supervisors, with recommended provisions to be included in a request for proposal for emergency ambulance services addressing the report's pertinent findings and recommendation.

Adjourned in memory of Dwight Meadows, Director for Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, Andrew T. Hass Jr. from Alamo, and Curtis Kinney, former Mayor of San Ramon.

Adopted Traffic Resolution to establish a speed limit on Collier Canyon Road, San Ramon.

Awarded/Authorized a construction contract with Grade Tech, Inc. for the Camino Tassajara Shoulder Widening Project, San Ramon.

Approved the purchase of 1193 Danville Blvd., Alamo, from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District; Authorized the Purchase and Sale Agreement on behalf of the County as recommended by Supervisor Andersen at the request of the Alamo Municipal Advisory Commission.

Acting as the Blackhawk Geologic Hazard Abatement District Governing Board, Adopted Blackhawk GHAD budget for FY 14/15 and updated GHAD Manager payment limit under Consulting Services Agreement, Danville.

Acting as the Wendt Ranch Geologic Hazard Abatement District Governing Board, Adopted Wendt Ranch GHAD budget for FY 14/15 and updated GHAD Manager payment limit under Consulting Services Agreement, Danville.

Acting as the Wiedemann Ranch Geologic Hazard Abatement District Governing Board, Adopted Wiedemann Ranch GHAD budget for FY 14/15 and updated GHAD Manager payment limit under Consulting Services Agreement, San Ramon.

Acting as the Canyon Lakes Geologic Hazard Abatement District Governing Board, Adopted Canyon Lakes GHAD budget for FY 14/15 and updated GHAD Manager payment limit under Consulting Services Agreement, Danville.

Acting as the Wiedemann Ranch Geologic Hazard Abatement District Governing Board, Accepted Petition for Annexation of the Elworthy Ranch development into the existing Wiedemann Ranch GHAD; Accepted the draft Elworthy Ranch Development Annexation Plan of Control; Fixed a public hearing for July 29, 2014 at 9:00am to consider the proposed annexation; Direct the Wiedemann Ranch GHAD Clerk to provide notice of the hearing.

Recognized June 1-7, 2014 as National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Awareness Week.

Appointed Roger Bass to the District II seat of the Contra Costa County Aviation Advisory Committee, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Reappointed Primo Facchini to the Trustee 2 seat on the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District Board of Directors, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Authorized a letter presenting the County's comments on the Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan and associated Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement, Direct staff to submit the letter and detailed comments to the California Natural Resources Agency prior to the June 13, 2014 deadline.

Approved/Authorized the Veterans Services Director to apply for and accept funding from the California Department of Veterans Affairs for mental health outreach and support services.

Approved/Authorized a contract with California Psychiatric Transitions Incorporated to provide residential care and mental health services to severely emotionally disturbed adults.

Referred to the Public Protection Committee a review of Ordinance Code Chapter 82-38 entitled "Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activities", to determine whether the Code should be amended to address certain alcoholic beverage products that may contribute to nuisance activities in the County.

Recognized dispatchers and emergency responders for their roles in managing a multi-casualty incident.

Accepted report on the status of the Fire Station 46 project proposal and a concept for cost sharing between ConFire and Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District for the construction, maintenance, operation and staffing of the fire station; Directed the Fire Chief to take steps necessary to formalize an agreement with Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District for the construction, maintenance, operation, and staffing of Fire Station 46, for subsequent review and approval by the Board of Directors.

Accepted a report from the Fire Chief providing a status summary for ongoing ConFire District activities and initiatives.

Received presentation on the implementation of "Ban the Box," officially known as AB 218 (California Labor Code Section 432.9).

Approved a property tax transfer agreement between the County and the West Contra Costa Healthcare District for the transfer of up to $8.2 million of property tax revenues from West Contra Costa Healthcare District to the County; and considered appropriation and transfer of up to $6 million of County general purpose revenues to West Contra Costa County Healthcare District to support continued health care services to the community served by Doctors Medical Center.

Amended the County's Industrial Safety Ordinance; Approved related actions.

Amended the County's Secondhand Smoke Ordinance to prohibit smoking in outdoor areas of County facilities.

Reappointed Renee Zeimer to the District II Public Sector seat on the Economic Opportunity Council, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Reappointed Erling Horn to the District II Alternate seat on the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Fire Advisory Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Reappointed Diane C. Riise to the District II seat on the Contra Costa County Library Commission, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Appointed Jill Winspear to the Appointee 3 Seat on the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.

Appointed Nina Clark as the Orinda Local Committee Representative on the Advisory Council on Aging.

Approved/Authorized the Fifth Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between Contra Costa County, the City of San Ramon and the Contra Costa Community College District, for the operation of the Dougherty Station Library located at 17017 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, to enable the County to operate the Library for FY 14/15.

Approved/Authorized a Library Services Technology Act "Pitch An Idea" grant from California State Library to produce a Veterans Community Story/Exhibit.

Approved the County Social Media Policy and take related administrative actions.

Proclaimed the month of June as National Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

Recognized the 50th Anniversary of the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Presented the People Who Make a Difference Awards, acknowledging individuals that have significantly contributed towards reducing substance abuse in Contra Costa communities.

Considered the presentation on the Contra Costa County Library's Strategic Plan 2014-2017.

direction to County Administrator on any follow-up actions.

Awarded/Authorized a construction contract with Breneman, Inc. for the Stone Valley Road Bike Lane Gap Closure Project, Alamo.

Accepted bid from Francis James and Stephanie J. Regan for the purchase of 1420 Livorna Road, Alamo; Approved/Authorized the Option Agreement and any necessary extensions and the Grant Deed, Alamo.

Vacated/quitclaimed portions of Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District easements along San Ramon Creek encumbering Quail Court, Walnut Creek.

Approved/Authorized the annual Drainage Area Benefit Assessments for FY 14/15 for Drainage Areas: Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon.

Amended 1/14/14 Board action (item D.3), which adopted the 2014 Federal Legislative Platform, to include support for improved funding and care for U.S. military veterans and families.

Approved/Authorized a contract amendment with ECS Imaging, Inc. for increased production of indexing electronic land use project and building permit files to enable internet access for the public.

Approved/Authorized "Read Your Fines Away at the Library" program to provide teens an opportunity to "read down their fines" during Teen Read Week, for the period October 12-18, 2014.

Accepted report on the planning and preparations for the Bi-annual East Bay Stand Down for Homeless Veterans.

Recognized the first Tuesday in August as National Night Out, "America's Night Out Against Crime," Supported efforts of unincorporated communities in Contra Costa County to participate in National Night Out; Directed issuance of no fee permits for road closures for National Night Out events providing certain criteria are met.

Celebrate our Independence in Your Town

Cities in District 2 are offering some very exciting activities for Independence Day. In Danville, the annual parade sponsored by  Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley. The City of San Ramon will feature a live music dance band and an armed forces tribute. The Lamorinda area has lots of fun events planned for the entire day.  Come  enjoy your 4th of July!  

Danville

9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4th-The parade runs from the corner of Hartz Avenue and Railroad Avenue, continues down Hartz and San Ramon Valley Boulevard, and ends at the corner of San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Sycamore Valley Road. For more information click here.   

San Ramon

The festivities begin in the morning with a fun 5k or 10k run starting at 8:15 a.m. In the evening enjoy a concert in the park from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. in San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd - The  San Ramon Symphonic Band will play followed by David Martin's House Party. The armed forces tribute will honor local veterans and active duty military. For more information click here.

Orinda

There are events for every age group starting with the annual Pancake Breakfast, flag raising ceremony, fun run, parade, live music, food, games and booths in the park following the parade at the Orinda Park/Community Center, 26 Orinda Way. Click here for a schedule and more information. 

Moraga

Walnut Creek

Help Update the Contra Costa County  

Community Wildfire Protection Plan   

With a summer of drought ahead, it's time to prepare for wildfires.

• Help update the community wildfire protection plan for Contra Costa County.
• We want your input on wildfire risks and hazards.
• Share your concerns and local knowledge
• Give us your opinion on recommended strategies to reduce risks.

Participate in the survey by clicking here. 

Share your knowledge, test your wildfire awareness and learn more about what you can do to reduce the threat of wildfire. A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a collaboratively developed plan that identifies wild land fire hazards, prioritizes ways to reduce those hazards and recommends measures for homeowners and communities to reduce ignitability of structures.  The Diablo Fire Safe Council is working with local fire departments, agencies, homeowner groups and others to update the 2009 Contra Costa County CWPP. For more information contact  

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Contra Costa County Library  

Draft Strategic Plan 2014-2017 

The Contra Costa County Library Strategic Plan continues the Library's  remarkable legacy as a community-driven organization dedicated to bringing people and ideas together. Using extensive input from community members, the plan identifies a vibrant vision of library services along with goals and objectives taken directly from research findings. 

To see strategic plan presentation shown to the Board of Supervisors on June 24, click here.   

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New Regulations on Rodent Poisons

Rodents, such as the Norway rat, the roof rat, and the house mouse, are an issue of public health and safety. These rodents can directly and indirectly transmit a number of diseases to humans, including bacteria that cause food poisoning. Rodents damage walls, ceilings, and floors with their burrowing and gnawing activity. They regularly gnaw on pipes and electrical wiring causing indoor flooding, equipment malfunctions, and fires.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EEPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation have recently put serious restrictions on rodent poisons.  For more information on these restrictions from the EPA click here, and for more information on California regulations click here.

So how do I protect myself from rodents?

The best defense against rats and mice is using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM focuses on prevention and tries to make use of simultaneous, multiple control tactics. For the control of rodents, the most important actions are eliminating access to the structure by pest-proofing, and reducing food and harborage through sanitation. If a rodent infestation occurs, trapping should be used to remove the animals. To read the full version of this article click here click here.  

Prepared by Tanya Drlik, IPM Coordinator, Contra Costa County

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