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.
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.
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.
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.
The SmartGateway weapons detector. Graphic source: Xtract-One
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.
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
To discuss Sheriff’s Office response to ICE civil immigration enforcement activities
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County & Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.
The forum discussion will present Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office 2025 data on responses to ICE Requests for Notification for serious and/or violent offenders currently in custody, in compliance with state law. The annual forum has been held since 2017 in accordance with California’s Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act, which requires local jurisdictions to hold a public forum and report on certain interactions with federal immigration authorities.
Jourdan and Lee were asked why they are referred to as, “civil immigration enforcement activities” when the forum will discuss “responses to ICE Requests for Notification for serious and/or violent offenders currently in custody” and shouldn’t they be considered criminal immigration enforcement activities.
Jourdan responded, “we use ‘civil immigration enforcement’ in alignment with the definition of ‘ICE access’ under section 7283(d).”
“The annual TRUTH Act forum reflects our commitment to strengthening trust through open dialogue,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “By creating a space for the public to ask questions, hear information directly from local law enforcement, and share their concerns, we ensure these conversations are grounded in transparency that keeps our community informed and engaged.”
Before subjecting an individual in its custody to an interview by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a local law enforcement entity shall provide the individual with a written consent form, in a language that is understandable to the individual, that explains all of the following:
The purpose of the interview;
That the interview is voluntary; and
That he or she may decline the interview or may choose to be interviewed only with his or her attorney present.
Upon receiving any detainer, notification, or transfer request, the local law enforcement agency shall:
Provide a copy of the request to the individual; and
Inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request.
If a local law enforcement agency chooses to provide ICE with notification that an individual will be released from custody on a certain date, the local law enforcement agency must promptly provide the same notification in writing to the individual and to his or her attorney or other person designated by the individual being held.
All records relating to ICE access provided by local law enforcement agencies, including all communication with ICE, are public records for purposes of the California Public Records Act, but to protect the privacy of individuals, personal identifying information may be redacted prior to public disclosure.”
Ways to Participate:
Attend the forum in person on August 25 at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez
Provide comments or questions in person, by phone, or Zoom during the meeting, or provide public comment in advance by emailing it to TRUTHAct@cob.cccounty.us or mailing it to the Clerk of the Board, 1025 Escobar St., 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553.
Photos: Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Martinez, CA – Love is hitting the fast lane this summer. The Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office is excited to announce a special Destination Wedding Event at the iconic Cobra Experience Museum in Martinez on Friday, August 7, 2026. Ride into forever at this very special location.
The Cobra Experience Museum, known for its stunning collection of Shelby American classics—offers a bold, elegant automotive backdrop for couples ready to begin their journey together. Amid beautifully restored cars and the museum’s dynamic atmosphere, couples will exchange vows in a venue that blends romance with horsepower.
Event Details
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Location: Cobra Experience Museum, Martinez, CA
Appointments: Limited appointments available — call 925‑335‑7900 to reserve.
“Weddings mark the beginning of a lifelong adventure, and this year’s event at the Cobra Experience Museum captures that spirit perfectly,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder and Commissioner of Marriages. “Our team is excited to partner with this very special location in our county to provide an affordable, unique wedding experience.”
Whether planning an intimate elopement or a vow renewal, the Clerk‑Recorder’s staff will ensure a seamless, memorable experience for couples and up to 20 of their friends and family. Spaces are limited and filling quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your appointment.
How to Reserve
To schedule your wedding or vow renewal, contact the Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office at 925‑335‑7900. Staff will assist with appointment scheduling and answer any questions.
Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk‑Recorder’s office in Martinez.
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:
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.
