Proposed Plan for housing, transportation, the economy and environment in the nine counties will go to committee for review on Friday, March 13

Offers strategies, investments and outcomes for Contra Costa County

By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications & Leslie Lara-Enríquez Assistant Director, Public Engagement, Metropolitan Transportation Commission

After nearly three years of public discussion, technical analysis and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments last Friday released the proposed final Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Plan Bay Area 2050+. 

Plan Bay Area 2050+ is the latest long-range plan to guide growth and investment across the region’s nine counties and 101 cities. The plan seeks to advance an integrated vision for a Bay Area that is affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant for all by 2050. It focuses on the four areas of housing, transportation, the economy and environment.

The plan and its related reports will be presented for review and consideration at a joint meeting of the MTC Planning Committee with the ABAG Administrative Committee on Friday, March 13, before the documents are referred to their respective approving bodies. The ABAG Executive Board will consider certification of the Final EIR and adoption of the final plan at its March 19 meeting. At its March 25 meeting, MTC will consider certifying the Final EIR and adopting the final plan, as well as adopting the accompanying Air Quality Conformity Analysis and an amendment to the 2025 Transportation Improvement Program. 

The release of the proposed final Plan Bay Area 2050+ follows a 59-day public comment period for the Draft Plan and the Draft EIR that closed on December 18, 2025. The proposed final plan and Final EIR have been updated to reflect feedback received during the public comment period.

The Plan includes Partner Resources: Regional Tools for Local Action that local jurisdictions and partner agencies can use to develop plans, seek funding and take action to make a better Bay Area. It offers a fact sheet for each county, including Contra Costa, which spotlights strategies, investments and outcomes.

Plan Bay Area 2050+ is the latest long-range regional plan for the nine-county Bay Area. The plan lays out a series of funding and policy strategies that can create a more affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant future for all Bay Area residents in 2050. Unique to this plan cycle is the parallel Transit 2050+ planning effort, which culminated in the first-of-its-kind plan to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit, in partnership with transit agencies across the region.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Recreation Department

WE’RE HIRING!

The Antioch Water Park is hiring for the summer season!

Apply to become a lifeguard, swim instructor, facility maintenance team member, building attendant or cashier and help create fun, engaging experiences for our community!

We’re looking for positive, hardworking individuals who enjoy being part of a team and contributing to a fun, and safe water park experience.

Apply today: Scan the QR code and visit antiochca.gov/recreation or stop by the front desk at the Antioch Community Center for a physical application.

The Antioch Water Park is located in Prewett Family Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way.

Building two tiny home ADU’s

By Antioch Unified School District

It’s community building at its best. In partnership with Antioch High School and Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, the Big Skills Tiny Homes program is a hit.

Brandy Mazariegos, site manager, said the project (which started in the fall) is “going wonderfully! The students are doing an amazing job and showing off their new skills every day.”

Big Skills students build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as part of their hands-on learning experience, gaining real-world construction skills while contributing to affordable housing solutions. These student-built ADUs are then placed in local communities, showcasing the power of youth, craftsmanship and community impact.

The program provides students with “meaningful skills while also creating affordable housing for low-income community members,” she shared. The goal for Brandy and the 26 AHS woodshop students is to finish the two wee homes by June of 2026.

Brandy said “As site manager, I have the privilege of supporting the students on the job site, guiding them through hands-on learning, and keeping the project running smoothly. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their growth — not just in technical abilities but also in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.”

We look forward to following this amazing construction project over the next few months and sharing the final product with everyone this summer.

About Rebuilding Together East Bay Network

Rebuilding Together East Bay Network is a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, California serving the San Francisco Bay Area. We coordinate donors and volunteers to meet critical needs for our neighbors to receive repairs, renovations, safety modifications, housing and workforce development.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Hiring fairs Oct. 30 & Nov. 13

ALAMEDA, CA – The U.S. Postal Service requires skilled automotive technicians to keep the largest fleet of vehicles among federal agencies, on the road. If you know your way around a vehicle (or know someone who does), you can diagnose and complete complex repairs & maintenance, then applying for our driver and automotive positions could be your start to a new career with the Postal Service.  

In-person hiring fairs will continue to fill much-needed vacancies; a specialist will be available to answer questions about the application process and help candidates build a profile to apply for positions. 

Date	Location	Positions	Times
10/30/2025	Alameda Post Office 2201 Shoreline Dr Alameda, CA 94501	Automotive Technician Lead Automotive Technician	9:00 am – 1:00 pm
11/13/2025	Alameda Post Office 2201 Shoreline Dr Alameda, CA 94501	Automotive Technician Lead Automotive Technician	9:00 am – 1:00 pm

As part of its innovative 10-year transformation and modernization plan, the Postal Service aims to build a more stable and empowered workforce. Postal employees are our greatest asset, and we are investing in our new employees by providing robust training and on-the-job support. 

Starting annual salary for automotive technicians is $63,658; starting salary for lead automotive technicians is $71,056; both paid bi-weekly. 

The Postal Service offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision as well as the ability to accrue vacation and sick leave; see online job announcements for full details. 

Each position requires examination requirements depending on the position, review job announcements for full details.  

At the time of appointment, applicants must have a valid driver’s license from the state in which they live.  

Applicants must also demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. Applicants selected under this qualification standard must successfully complete the required Vehicle Familiarization and Safe Operation training, including demonstration of the ability to safely drive a vehicle of the type used on the job. 

Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service’s requirement to be drug free. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status. 

For additional information on how to apply for positions, visit us online at How to Apply for a Postal Service Jobs. 

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands. 

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. 

By City of Antioch

The City of Antioch is looking for a visionary leader ready to make a difference as the Housing Manager. If you’re passionate about housing stability, equity and public service, this is your opportunity to lead transformative change in our community.

• Salary: $120,168.00 – $146,076 (DOQ)
• Full benefits including CalPERS retirement

Empathy, leadership, and collaboration required.

Apply now: Housing Manager | Job Details tab | Career Pages

Don’t wait—help us build a better Antioch.

Job Details

Under direction from the Public Safety and Community Resources Director, serves as the City’s principal authority on housing policy, strategy, and program implementation. Provides strategic leadership in planning, developing, and managing the City’s housing portfolio, including affordable housing development, homelessness response, tenant protections, and federally funded programs. Oversees and advances the City’s housing goals in alignment with state mandates, regional plans, and local priorities, ensuring regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship, and community impact.  The Housing Manager manages, supervises, develops, maintains, directs and coordinates the activities of the Housing Division whose functions include providing direct public service. This position is responsible for embedding an equity lens, harm reduction, housing first, and cultural responsiveness throughout the Division’s programs and staff leadership, ensuring services are delivered with empathy, cultural competence, and respect for residents of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Manage the operations of the Housing Division, including planning, developing, and administering housing programs, homelessness response initiatives, affordable housing projects, tenant/landlord mediation, and community funded activities, utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funding, Housing Successor state funding, Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) state funding, and other federal, state and local funding sources.
2. Lead strategic planning, organization, and management of the Housing Division, implementing practical, long-term solutions to housing needs and affordable housing developments.
3. Provide leadership in embedding principles of equity, cultural responsiveness, harm reduction, and housing first across all Housing Division programs and policies, ensuring staff are trained and programs are implemented with empathy and cultural competence.
4. Oversee preparation, implementation, and compliance for community grant programs with local, state, and federal agencies; maintain accurate records for all program activities and monitoring for compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
5. Administer the City’s Fair Housing Program and Tenant/ Landlord and Rental Programs, including compliance with state and federal laws, and implementation of renter protections including tenant protection ordinances, rent stabilization, and anti-harassment and eviction protection programs.
6. Direct the City’s Unhoused Resident Services Program, including bridge housing, shower and laundry services, food distribution partnerships, and shelter referrals.
7. Monitor current and proposed legislation, codes, and policies affecting the City’s housing programs; recommend changes to City programs and policies as needed.
8. Identify and pursue funding opportunities; prepare and administer CDBG and Housing Successor Agency funds; ensure compliance with all funding requirements.
9. Oversee and monitor housing assistance programs such as the Antioch Home Ownership Program, Fair Housing Services, Rental Assistance, and Eviction Protection Programs.
10. Establish and manage performance metrics to evaluate housing program outcomes, ensuring data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
11. Negotiate and administer contracts with consultants, contractors, and developers related to Housing Division activities.
12. Coordinate community outreach and education activities; maintain positive relationships with residents, nonprofits, developers, lenders, and real estate professionals.
13. Prepare staff analyses and reports for City Council, the CDBG Standing Committee, and the Planning Commission; attend and present at public meetings.
14. Coordinate housing program activities with other City departments; represent the Housing Division at community and regional meetings; address citizen complaints and concerns.
15. Manage the Division’s budget, monitor expenditures, and maintain established service levels and objectives.
16. Represent the City in regional housing discussions with other agencies and community groups.
17. Develop, train, and implement new or revised housing policies, standards, and regulations.
18. Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
19. Maintain strong working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of excellent customer service.
20. Perform related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, practices, and regulations related to affordable housing program administration and development.
• Principles of harm reduction, housing first, and equity-centered program administration, and their application in supervising staff and designing housing and homelessness policies.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program requirements, including eligible activities, compliance, and reporting as evidenced by HUD.
• Principles of housing development, rehabilitation, and construction.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing public housing development and rehabilitation programs.
• Best practices for addressing homelessness, including trauma-informed care and housing-first models.
• Affordable housing program finance and administration, including grants, budgets, and feasibility analysis.
• Research methods, data analysis, and needs assessment techniques related to housing trends.
• Legislative processes at the county, state, and federal level related to housing and homelessness.
• Principles and methods of community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and public communication.
• Budget development, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Project and contract management principles and negotiation strategies.
• Management, supervision, training, and employee development techniques.

ABIITY TO:

• Plan, organize, and administer complex housing programs and projects within established requirements and guidelines.
• Lead with empathy and cultural responsiveness, fostering a team culture that respects diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, lived experiences, and varying abilities.
• Develop and implement affordable housing strategies that address community needs.
• Analyze and interpret housing finance data to evaluate program costs and benefits.
• Interpret, apply, and explain housing-related laws, regulations, and policies clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Identify and pursue grant and funding opportunities from multiple sources; prepare competitive applications and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, agencies, developers, and internal City departments.
• Negotiate and manage contracts and agreements effectively.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally, including delivering clear and persuasive presentations.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Prepare accurate, clear, and concise written reports, budgets, and correspondence.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Represent the City professionally in meetings, negotiations, and public events.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Model and enforce safe work practices. 

Education and Experience Guidelines

Education/ Training:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Housing Studies, or a related field.

Experience:

1. Five years of progressively more responsible experience in housing program development and implementation, with 
2. At least two years in a supervisory capacity.

License or Certificate:

1. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.  An out-of-state valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License will be accepted during the application process, but a valid California license must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment to the position.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: 
Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.

Physical: 
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Commission-sponsored bill

By Yating Campbell, Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG)’s co-sponsored legislation, SB 642 (Limόn) Pay Equity Enforcement Act, has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. CCSWG co-sponsored SB 642 along with the California Employment Lawyers Association and Equal Rights Advocates.  

“SB 642 signifies an important victory in advancing gender equity in the workplace on the 10-year anniversary of the California Fair Pay Act, while also recognizing that there is still much to be done to achieve true progress,” said Chair of CCSWG Dr. Rita Gallardo Good. “We thank Governor Newsom and Commissioner Limόn for their leadership and continued commitment to California’s women and girls.”

SB 642 revises outdated gender binary language, allows workers to recover for up to six years of lost pay, harmonizes the statute of limitations with other wage and anti-discrimination statutes, and limits how wide pay ranges may be in public job postings

“With many families continuing to stretch to make ends meet, we reinforce our commitment to equal pay laws that strengthen the economic security of California families and communities,” said Senator Monique Limón. “On Latina Equal Pay Day, I am incredibly proud that Governor Newsom is building upon our pay equity legacy here in California. The Pay Equity Enforcement Act will help narrow the wage gap by providing workers with more negotiation power at the start of their career, while also strengthening workers’ rights to recover lost wages – this is a win for workers and an even bigger win for California families.”

“As a proud co-sponsor of SB 642, we thank Governor Newsom for his signature of SB 642, which will advance pay and gender equity in the state of California for millions of women and girls,” said CCSWG Executive Director Darcy Totten, “SB 642 addresses several critical pay transparency gaps and revising references to gender to be more inclusive and reflective of California’s values. We also thank the author, Senator and Commissioner Limón, for her relentless support of women’s rights and protections in the workplace.”

Research demonstrates that women continue to make 79 cents for every dollar made by their male counterparts. Women of color are shown to be even more severely and disproportionately impacted. Studies also show that, on average, women nationwide lose a combined total of almost $1.7 trillion every year due to the wage gap, impacting the ability to afford basic needs like housing, food, childcare, and preventing women from building long-term financial security. SB 642 remedies these obstacles by enabling women to build long-term economic security and wealth. The provisions of the bill will go into effect January 1, 2026.

“The gender wage gap costs California women billions in lost wages each year—money that could otherwise go toward rent, groceries, childcare, and other essentials that families depend on,” said Jessica Ramey Stender, Policy Director & Deputy Legal Director of Equal Rights Advocates. “SB 642 ensures California remains at the forefront of advancing pay equity. Ensuring women and all workers are paid fairly is not only critical for their financial stability, but also for the economic security and well-being of families across the state.”

“One of the biggest barriers to advancing pay equity is that workers often don’t know that they are being paid unfairly until it is too late,” said Mariko Yoshihara, Policy Director for the California Employment Lawyers Association. “We applaud Governor Newsom for signing SB 642, which will comprehensively strengthen our equal pay laws and extend the ability to recover lost wages due to pay discrimination.”

For more than 50 years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has identified and worked to eliminate inequities in state laws, practices, and conditions that affect California’s women and girls. Established as a state agency with 17 appointed commissioners in 1965, the Commission regularly assesses gender equity in health, safety, employment, education, and equal representation in the military, and the media. The Commission provides leadership through research, policy and program development, education, outreach and collaboration, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Learn more at www.women.ca.gov.

By Karla Davis, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, California’s Credit Unions

Ontario, CA (Oct. 9, 2025): California’s Credit Unions today announced a broad package of financial relief options for employees of the federal government impacted by the government shutdown.

Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperative financial institutions that offer services like checking and savings accounts, auto loans, debit and credit cards, low-cost or free financial counseling, and much more.

How Federal Employees Can Get Help Today

According to Congressional Research Services, over 155,000 federal employees work in California. This does not include the thousands of employees who work for federal contractors and may also be impacted.

During the shutdown, credit unions throughout California are offering various support services, which may include:

• Loan Relief: Loan payment deferrals and temporary hardship modifications.
• Emergency Assistance: Short-term, low- or no-interest loans to cover essential expenses.
• Fee Waivers: Waiving late fees, overdraft fees, and penalties.
• Financial Counseling: Access to financial wellness counselors to provide budgeting and debt management guidance.
• Online Resources: Tools and information on our website to help with everyday expenses such as food, utilities, housing and healthcare.

“Credit unions are financial institutions focused on their mission of ‘people helping people.’ This includes times of need and emergencies, such as the government shutdown,” said Stephanie Cuevas, Senior Vice President of Federal Advocacy for California’s Credit Unions. “Credit unions are moving quickly to offer support to federal workers — from TSA agents to air traffic controllers, service members, and more. The goal is to support families during these times of uncertainty while the shutdown is resolved in Washington, D.C.”

Contact, Ask, and Explore

Federal employees can get help today by:

• Contacting a credit union. Those reaching out should mention shutdown-related assistance. You can find a local credit union here.
• Asking about eligibility. Every credit union has its own unique method to serving the community. Be sure to ask about how you can receive support.
• Exploring options. The credit union will want to tailor financial solutions to your needs and circumstances.

California’s Credit Unions

Headquartered in Ontario, CA, California’s Credit Unions exists to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy, and philosophy. Our trade association helps local credit unions in California serve more than 14.4 million members. Credit unions are for people, not profit.

Work for the Post Office and earn up to $35.95/hour

OAKLAND, CA — The U.S. Postal Service is hosting a free hiring event to help future employees create their online profile and immediately start applying for jobs in Maintenance.

As part our innovative 10-year-plan, Delivering for America, the Postal Service is focused on building a more stable and empowered workforce. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are investing in our new employees by providing robust training and on-the-job support.

The Postal Service is a great place to work, with job security, career advancement opportunities and benefits. The Postal Service has an immediate need for the following positions to be filled:

• Electronic Technician – $35.95/hour
• Building Equipment Mechanic – $34.16/hour
• Maintenance Mechanic (Mail Processing Equipment) – $34.16/hour
• Maintenance Mechanic – $27.32/hour
• Laborer Custodial – $21.52/hour

Please attend the Oakland Maintenance Hiring Event:

Location: Oakland P&DC located at 1675 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94615

Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Applicants must be 18 years or older. All applicants must be able to pass drug screening and a criminal background investigation. Some positions require an exam. Any position that has a driving requirement will also require a valid driver license and clean DMV two-year driving history. Citizenship or permanent resident status is required.

The Postal Service is an equal opportunity employer offering a fast-pace, rewarding work environment with competitive compensation packages, on-the-job training, and opportunities for advancement. Learn more at: Careers – About.usps.com.