Ends midday call-ins, reduces number of jurors summoned, and aligns Contra Costa County with most Bay Area courts

By Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Beginning January 4, 2027, the Contra Costa County Superior Court will transition to a weekly jury summons model. Residents will be summoned for jury service less often under this new model, which is projected to reduce the number of jurors summoned each year by approximately 20%. The change also eliminates midday call-ins. Instead, jurors will know the day before whether they need to report. The first summonses under the weekly model will be mailed beginning November 9, 2026.

The change results, in part, from the Court’s strategic planning process and the feedback residents provided about their experience with jury service in Contra Costa County. The Court reviewed its jury operations and historical data, identifying weekly summonsing as a practical way to make jury service less disruptive. Weekly summonsing also brings the Court in line with most other Bay Area courts, which already summon jurors by the week.

What the Change Means for Jurors

Residents will be summoned for a service week instead of a single day. Under the Court’s new model:

• A full day’s notice. Jurors will check their reporting instructions by 5:00 p.m. beginning the court day before their service week. Jurors who are not asked to report must continue to check their reporting instructions each court day until their service week ends.
• Service is complete if not asked to report during service week. Jurors who are not asked to report during their service week will have fulfilled their jury service and will not be summoned again for at least 12 months.

Service weeks will begin on Monday, or Tuesday when Monday is a court holiday. Under the current system, jurors are often instructed to call in at 11:30 a.m. and then asked to report by 1:00 p.m. that afternoon. The new weekly model eliminates midday call-ins and same-day reporting. However, it does not change what happens when jurors report. Under the statewide “one day or one trial” policy, jurors

who report and are not assigned to a courtroom will complete their jury service that same day. Jurors assigned to a courtroom for jury selection or impaneled on a trial will return as directed by the judge.

Expected Impact

In 2025, the Court mailed over 305,000 jury summonses to support more than 250 criminal, civil, and probate jury trials. Weekly summonsing allows Jury Services to better match the number of jurors asked to report with courtroom needs on a given day. Based on its analysis of 2025 data, the Court projects the model will:

• Reduce the number of annual summonses by approximately 61,000.
• Save approximately $31,000 a year in printing and postage costs.

The Court will evaluate actual results following implementation, including summons volume, failure-to-appear rates, juror utilization, and courthouse operations.

“Jury service is an important civic responsibility, but we also recognize that it can be challenging to fit into work, family, and other obligations,” said Sarah Lind, Court Executive Officer and Jury Commissioner. “This new model is a meaningful step toward making jury service more predictable and manageable for residents, while continuing to meet the needs of our courtrooms.”

Jurors will continue to have the option to receive their reporting instructions by text message or email. Additional information about the Court’s new jury summons model and instructions for signing up for text message and email notifications are available on the Juror Service Center page of the Court’s website: contracosta.courts.ca.gov/jury. Jury Services may be contacted by phone at (925) 608-1001.

By Contra Costa County Community Warning System

The Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) is recognized as one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard public warning systems. The CWS is a partnership of the Office of the Sheriff, the Health Services Department, other government agencies, industry, news media and the non-profit Community Awareness & Emergency Response (CAER) organization, all striving to deliver time-sensitive and potentially life-saving information to the people of Contra Costa County.

How will we notify you?

Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

The CWS is designed to provide specific information directly to the media through the Emergency Alert System. The EAS interrupts TV and radio broadcasts to deliver major local, regional, and national emergency alerts. Following the initial alert, TV and Radio stations provide ongoing status reports and information.

The CWS uses a federal system that sends text alerts to your smartphone during major emergencies, no registration needed! Check with your cell phone service provider to see if your cell phone can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Voice, Text, and Email Alert Messages

The CWS is able to send compatible wireless devices voice, text, and email alerts in an emergency.  Unlike with a WEA or EAS alert, you will need to register with the CWS to receive these additional messages. 

Sirens

The CWS may use sirens to alert you to a possible industrial hazard in your area. Sirens are sounded to draw your attention away from your daily activities. When you hear a siren, the best first protective action is to Shelter, Shut and Listen.

Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am. For the remaining Wednesdays, a more quiet and low-volume “growl” test is performed at 11:00 am. For a siren location map click here.

NOAA Weather Radio

CWS uses the National Weather Service to provide emergency alerts and information for major non-weather related emergencies. Weather radios are an inexpensive and reliable way to receive these alerts. These devices can be battery powered to provide a means of receiving emergency alerts if your power is out. Learn more about NOAA Weather Radios here.

Learn more at https://cwsalerts.com.

Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

Deadline: Nov. 6

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

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony.

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is November 6, 2026.

The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, one adult and one student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.
Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity.
To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.

By Dan Radovich, ADA Coordinator & Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court

The Contra Costa County Superior Court has released its Strategic Plan for 2027–2029.  This three-year roadmap focuses on improving access to justice, developing and retaining a skilled workforce, expanding community outreach and partnerships, maintaining secure court facilities and information systems, and streamlining operations through technology and data.

The plan is built on key input gathered earlier this year from Contra Costa County residents and court users through a public survey, as well as from County partners, justice partners, and members of the bench and court staff.

The plan includes five Strategic Priorities with three goals for each:

• Accessible Justice
• Workforce Excellence
• Trusted Courts
• Safe & Secure Courts and
• Operational Excellence & Innovation

The Court thanks everyone who took the time to contribute their perspectives and ideas, especially the residents and court users who completed the survey.  This feedback was essential to shaping the plan’s priorities and goals.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Application deadline: Nov. 23

By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees. County residents age 18 and older are encouraged to apply. The appointment, made by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, will be for a two or four-year term beginning January 7, 2027.

Established in 1927, the District provides public health services throughout Contra Costa County by controlling mosquitoes, rats, skunks, yellowjackets and other vectors that can transmit disease. These efforts help protect public health and prevent outbreaks that could disrupt recreational, residential, agricultural and industrial activities.

The District Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every other month in Concord. Trustees receive a $100 monthly expense stipend, contingent on meeting attendance.

Applications are available by calling the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at (925) 655-2000 or by visiting https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418. Completed applications must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, by 5 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2026.

Applicants should be available to participate in public interviews conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 23, 2026.

For more information about the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, visit http://www.contracostamosquito.gov.

By Chrystine Robbins, Deputy, County Administrator’s Office

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls is currently recruiting for vacant At-Large member seats and the District IV seat. Successful candidates must reside or work within Contra Costa County. The Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. except for holidays.

The Board of Supervisors established the Commission in 1984. The Commission has 15 member seats and one alternate seat composed of 5 District Members and 10 At-Large Members. In addition to attending monthly meetings, members will serve on sub-committees and meet with district representatives. The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls (CCCWG) was formed to educate the community and advise the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on issues relating to the changing social and economic conditions of women in the County, with particular emphasis on the economically disadvantaged. The Commission’s mission is, “to improve the economic status, social welfare, and overall quality of life for women in Contra Costa County.”

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418. District-specific applications should be submitted directly to the respective Supervisor’s Office. All applications can also be emailed to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us.

For further information about the Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls, please contact Chair Marilyn Lucey at cccwomenscommission@gmail.com. You can also visit the web page at https://www.cccwomenscommission.com/.

Starting September 1 through approximately February 15, 2027

With funding from County’s Measure X, State Library. Plus, new furniture from donation by Friends of the Antioch Library

By Contra Costa County Library

The Antioch Library on E. 18th Street is preparing for a major transformation. The facility will temporarily close starting September 1, through approximately February 15, 2027, to undergo significant infrastructure and accessibility improvements designed to enhance comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

As part of Contra Costa County Library’s ongoing facilities improvement efforts, the scheduled renovation will include:

Electrical & Lighting Improvements: Upgrades to internal electrical networks, along with energy-efficient LED lighting installations.

ADA Parking Lot Modifications: Upgrades to accessible parking spaces and surrounding pathways to ensure full compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and seamless entry for all community members.

This renovation project is made possible through funding from Measure X — Contra Costa County’s voter-approved sales tax measure passed in 2022 — alongside grant support from the California State Library.

And thanks to a very generous donation from the Friends of the Antioch Library, the branch will also debut new tables and chairs, lounge furniture, computer carrels, children’s furniture and a children’s interactive play cart.

The final day to pick up existing holds is Saturday, August 29.

Any uncollected holds will be moved to the nearby Prewett Library, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.

The book drop will be closed, but physical materials can be returned or borrowed at any Contra Costa County Library branch.

For account questions during the closure, please call (800) 984-4636.

Adopts AI-powered weapons detection at medical facilities ahead of state law compliance deadline

By Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations

Toronto, ON –Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) announced recently multiple SmartGateway deployments across California healthcare facilities, reflecting growing demand from health systems across the state ahead of the March 2027 compliance deadline for California Assembly Bill 2975. Deployments are underway at Contra Costa Health in Martinez and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, with expected completion by mid-August, in addition to the previous San Mateo Health deployment.

AB 2975 requires hospitals across California to implement enhanced security measures at high-traffic public entrances by March, 2027. The mandate reflects a broader recognition among healthcare administrators and state regulators that emergency departments and other public-facing hospital entrances require dedicated screening to protect staff and patients from weapons-related violence.

“California health systems are making real procurement decisions right now, and the facilities selecting Xtract One are doing so because the technology fits the environment,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “SmartGateway was built for high patient and visitor volumes, diverse populations, and clinical staff who need to focus on care. What we’re seeing across Hazel Hawkins, Contra Costa Health, and San Mateo – and more broadly with healthcare systems in general – is that once an organization sees accurate, high-throughput detection running in a real hospital environment, expanding the solution across the facility becomes an obvious next step.”

Xtract One’s presence in California healthcare predates the AB 2975 mandate. San Mateo Medical Center deployed SmartGateway at its main campus in 2025 following extensive testing of available solutions, with plans to expand to all satellite clinics. The Contra Costa Health deployments build on that established footprint as health systems across the state accelerate their procurement timelines ahead of the March 2027 deadline.

Xtract One’s SmartGateway is designed specifically for high-throughput environments with lower volumes of personal belongings. The system identifies concealed guns and knives while allowing individuals to walk through at a natural pace without divesting personal items, distinguishing it from traditional walk-through metal detectors that alert broadly on any metal object. For healthcare environments where speed and accessibility are

Contra Costa Health, Martinez, CA

Contra Costa Health has also selected three SmartGateway systems for deployment across its main entrance, emergency department, and psychiatric entrance in the primary hospital facility. The deployment is driven by a clear security mandate of detecting and intercepting firearms and bladed weapons before they reach clinical environments. Contra Costa Health has prioritized detection accuracy above all other operational considerations, implementing a bag check protocol alongside SmartGateway screening at its main entrance to ensure the most thorough possible security posture across all three entry points.

To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

About Xtract One

Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

About Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health is the integrated public health system serving Contra Costa County. The system operates a network of hospitals, clinics and public health programs serving hundreds of thousands of residents across the county, with a focus on accessible care for all community members regardless of ability to pay. For more information, visit www.cchealth.org.

About Threat Detection Systems

Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance and customer contracts, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law