5 years after raising sales tax with Measure X

By Denise P. Kalm, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association

Little more than five years after raising our sales taxes, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors is going back to the well. On Tuesday, they voted unanimously to move forward with another sales tax increase, further increasing the costs of everyday essentials and making the County even more unaffordable for seniors and working families alike. (See related article)

Although Supervisors express pride over how 2020 Measure X sales tax revenue was spent, many of us question whether the money is going to core government functions. A recent oversight report listed these Measure X funded projects: Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Democracy Initiative, African American Holistic Wellness Center & Resource Hub and a Guaranteed Income Pilot. While many readers may agree with these projects, many taxpayers do not, and so they should be privately funded.

As the accompanying graph shows, County revenues have risen sharply in recent years with the passage of the Measure X and increased federal grants to County programs. When I quoted statistics from this graph, Supervisors questioned my accuracy, so let me assure them that the numbers come from the County’s own audited financial reports and budget.

A large share of the increase relates to Medi-Cal, a federal/state program that funds healthcare for low-income residents. Contra Costa County has aggressively involved itself in Medi-Cal, creating a pioneering Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan to provide care to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Between 2020 and 2025, the cost of Contra Costa County’s Medi-Cal Plan surged 157% from less than $900 million to almost $2.3 billion. A major contributor to this growth was the decision to extend Medi-Cal benefits to adult undocumented immigrants. According to state data, over 30,000 undocumented Contra Costa adults were receiving free healthcare through Medi-Cal last year.

Until recently, this was not a financial problem for the county because it was able to shift the cost onto the state and federal governments. But now this is becoming more difficult with Congressional Republicans, the Trump Administration and even the state government restricting reimbursements for undocumented immigrant coverage.

To continue growing this program, the Supervisors are now looking to residents to cover the tab by adding 0.625% to our sales taxes Countywide.

I realize that neighbors have a variety of views about immigration. Personally, I think the US should allow more of the talented people we need as well as a program to allow temporary, migrant workers to come here, which might go to support their request to immigrate here legally.

While I am for legal immigration, I do not agree that local communities should be on the hook to provide free medical care to anyone who comes here and completes an application. That policy is unsustainable, and unfair to the rest of us who pay a lot of money for healthcare. There are hundreds of millions of people around the world who would love to come to northern California and not have to worry about our high cost of living, including our high healthcare costs.

While I think we should welcome new neighbors, we should expect them to either shoulder the costs of living here or find friends, relatives, and charitable organizations that will help them do so.

Finally, the pro-tax side may portray your yes vote as a way to resist Trump and DC Republicans. But I urge you to hold two opinions simultaneously that may seem contradictory yet aren’t: you can hate the Administration’s hostile treatment of immigrants while also believing that local government should be fiscally responsible.  We have to manage our budgets carefully; those taking our tax money should be just as responsible.

If Supervisors are able to pass this sales tax in 2026 by a wide margin, there is every reason to think that they will come back for even more taxes in the years ahead with cities following them.  We already know that a transit sales tax increase of 0.5% is likely to be on the November ballot, another case of failing to manage BART and AC Transit money prudently.  So, I hope you’ll vote no in June, talk to your friends, and consider volunteering with our group to oppose this measure.

For more information about the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association visit www.cocotax.org.

Diane Burgis takes helm as Chair, Ken Carlson to serve as Vice Chair

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors held its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new chapter of leadership. District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis was sworn in as Chair, and District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson assumed the role of Vice Chair. Their oaths of office were administered by the Honorable Edward G. Weil, a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge.

Supervisor Burgis represents the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes a portion of Antioch, plus, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Oakley. First elected in 2016 and reelected in 2024, she serves on over 30 local and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, and the Internal Operations Committee. She also leads California’s Delta Protection Commission and serves on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council.

“At a time when our communities are facing complex challenges, I look forward to advancing solutions that strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety, expand access to mental health services, and ensure County government remains responsive, equitable, and accountable to the residents we serve,” Chair Burgis said.

Supervisor Carlson represents District 4, which includes the cities of Clayton, Pleasant Hill and a majority of Concord and Walnut Creek. He brings a strong background in public service and community engagement, with a focus on equity, mental health, and public safety.

“Serving as Vice Chair is an opportunity to help guide the County’s work with stability, collaboration, and a clear focus on results,” said Vice Chair Ken Carlson. “Alongside Chair Burgis and the full Board, my focus will be on delivering practical solutions that support public safety, promote mental health and well-being, and reflect the values of the diverse communities we represent.”

Chair Burgis and Vice Chair Carlson will lead the five-member Board, which oversees a $7.16 billion budget and serves 1.2 million residents across Contra Costa County.

For more information about the Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors. For more information about Supervisor Diane Burgis, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6437/District-3-Supervisor-Diane-Burgis. For more information about Supervisor Ken Carlson, visit: cccounty.us/Carlson.

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

(San Ramon, CA) – An economic outlook, a discussion of upcoming capital projects, and a presentation on economic development initiatives will be the primary focus of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors at their annual retreat on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at San Ramon City Hall, 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, in San Ramon.

“The retreat provides an opportunity to assess economic factors and significant upcoming projects so we can think about how to allocate resources strategically to ensure our services have the greatest positive impact,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “By thoroughly examining current and projected economic trends, we can make informed decisions about how to best support the needs of our residents.”

Supervisors will receive an economic forecast from Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D., founding partner of Beacon Economics as well as presentations on capital planning and budget development considerations, among others. In the early afternoon they will be presented with an overview of economic development initiatives taking place in Contra Costa.

The Board of Supervisors sets the direction of County government and oversees its $6.0 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of this diverse East Bay County, which holds a “AAA” bond rating.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. It will be accessible in person at San Ramon City Hall. The meeting will also be televised live on Comcast Cable Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 & 1027. Additionally, the meeting can be viewed live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.

For more information about Contra Costa County and the Board of Supervisors, visit the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov or their webpage: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7283/Board-of-Supervisors.

Scales-Preston first African American woman elected to the Board

Re-elected Andersen, Burgis elected Chair, Vice Chair

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new era of County leadership and milestones. District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen was sworn in as Chair, and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis became Vice-Chair. Additionally, Shanelle Scales-Preston took the Oath of Office as the new District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board.

Supervisor Andersen represents Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Diablo, Parkmead, Saranap and the Tassajara Valley. She was first elected to the Board in June 2012 and was most recently reelected in March 2024. Chair Andersen serves on 28 local and regional boards and commissions, addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety.

“Community safety, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all residents have a good quality of life are at the heart of my work. I am honored to serve as Chair and remain dedicated to ensuring County programs and services reflect our residents’ values and aspirations for a thriving future,” said Supervisor Andersen.

Supervisor Burgis serves the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. She was first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently reelected in 2024. She serves on over 30 Board and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, Internal Operations Committee, and the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of California’s Delta Protection Commission, she also represents the Commission on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council.

“This year I want to continue enhancing public safety by strengthening fire protection and law enforcement coverage, ensuring our communities feel secure and supported,” Supervisor Burgis said. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we are prioritizing addressing homelessness and the housing affordability crisis. I am also committed to bringing more services and jobs to East County, where our population is growing the fastest.”

In a groundbreaking moment, Shanelle Scales-Preston was sworn in as District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her district includes Alhambra Valley, Antioch (North), Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Concord (North), Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Mt. View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey and Vine Hill. She succeeds former Supervisor Federal D. Glover, who chose not to run for a seventh term.

Scales-Preston was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2023. She is Chair of the Board for Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local electricity provider.

“This moment is about building bridges—bridges to equity, community safety, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for all,” said Supervisor Scales-Preston. “Together, we will strive to ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood thrives, and every family has the opportunity to succeed.”

Supervisors Andersen and Burgis will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $5.9 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of the diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating. For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors.

For more information about Supervisor Candace Andersen, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4668/District-2-Supervisor-Candace-Andersen.

For more information about Supervisor Diane Burgis, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6437/District-3-Supervisor-Diane-Burgis.

For more information about Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5-Supervisor-Scales-Preston.

Replaces “he” or “she” with “they” or “them”

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – In a unanimous vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has approved a significant update to the County Ordinance Code, removing gender-specific pronouns as part of ongoing efforts to modernize language and reflect the diversity of the community.

The ordinance code, which governs areas such as health and safety, administration, and land use, had not undergone a comprehensive review of its language since it was recodified in 1970. During this update, 841 instances of gender-specific pronouns were identified across more than 1,300 pages. Terms such as “he” were replaced with neutral descriptors like “the department head,” ensuring the code is inclusive and representative of all residents.

According to the Ordinance No. 2024-23, “SECTION II. Section 16-4.016 of the County Ordinance Code is amended to read: 16-4.016 Gender. Whenever a personal pronoun is used in the neutral gender, it shall include both the feminine and the masculine. ‘They/them’ shall indicate a singular individual, unless the context indicates the contrary.”

“Contra Costa County is a community for all, and our policies should reflect our dedication to serving everyone,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. “By updating the County Ordinance Code, we’re delivering on our commitment to create meaningful change that benefits all residents.”

The initiative marks a step toward broader modernization efforts, including plans to draft a policy mandating the use of gender-neutral language in all County policies and procedures, both existing and future.

“We are changing our county ordinances to reflect today’s reality and removing gender references turns the page on a practice that has no place in county policy,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, Chair of the Board’s Equity Committee.

This update underscores the County’s commitment to responsive and representative governance.

“Removing gender-specific pronouns from the County Ordinance Code reflects Contra Costa County’s dedication to fairness and modernizing our practices,” said County Administrator Monica Nino. “This change ensures our policies and language honor the diversity of our community and promote dignity and respect for all.”

This project was sponsored by the County Administrator’s Office in partnership with the County Counsel’s Office with advice from the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.

See agenda item 6.D.4. County staff Power Point Presentation, adopted Ordinance and Exhibit A.

Watch Dec. 3, 2024, Board meeting video.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

¡El Supervisor Federal Glover lo invita a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024!
Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover is thrilled to invite you to the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference – a transformative, day-long event dedicated to empowering our youth and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. With a deep commitment to our community’s future, Supervisor Glover has put together an incredible experience designed to equip young people with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to succeed.

This year’s conference is more than just an event – it’s a call to action. Through powerful keynote speeches, dynamic workshops, and interactive sessions, young attendees will explore vital topics such as career development, mental health, digital wellness, and social justice, all within a framework of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA). The event features industry leaders and experts who are eager to share their insights and help guide our youth toward meaningful and impactful futures.

But it’s not just about learning – it’s about connection, community, and fun! With networking opportunities, engaging activities, a live DJ, and an array of food trucks, the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether your child is passionate about technology, the arts, activism, or simply discovering new possibilities, this event is designed to ignite their potential and empower them to make a difference.

Supervisor Glover, who is deeply dedicated to the well-being and success of our youth, personally invites all parents to bring their children and for all young people to attend this impactful conference. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an event that will inspire, educate, and uplift our community’s future leaders.

This is a free event sponsored by Supervisor Federal Glover, District 5. We can’t wait to see you there!

Download event flyer here for more details. Ticket Registration Site: https://bit.ly/4cIFfBa

En Español

El Supervisor Federal Glover se complace en invitarlo a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024, un evento transformador de un día de duración dedicado a empoderar a nuestros jóvenes y formar a los líderes del mañana. Con un profundo compromiso con el futuro de nuestra comunidad, el Supervisor Glover ha reunido una experiencia increíble diseñada para equipar a los jóvenes con las herramientas, los recursos y la inspiración que necesitan para tener éxito.

La conferencia de este año es más que un evento, es un llamado a la acción. A través de poderosos discursos de apertura, talleres dinámicos y sesiones interactivas, los jóvenes asistentes explorarán temas vitales como el desarrollo profesional, la salud mental, el bienestar digital y la justicia social, todo dentro de un marco de Diversidad, Equidad, Inclusión y Acceso (DEIA). El evento cuenta con líderes y expertos de la industria que están ansiosos por compartir sus conocimientos y ayudar a guiar a nuestros jóvenes hacia futuros significativos e impactantes.

Pero no se trata solo de aprender, ¡se trata de conexión, comunidad y diversión! Con oportunidades para establecer contactos, actividades atractivas, un DJ en vivo y una variedad de camiones de comida, la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024 promete ser una experiencia inolvidable. Ya sea que a su hijo le apasione la tecnología, las artes, el activismo o simplemente descubra nuevas posibilidades, este evento está diseñado para encender su potencial y empoderarlo para marcar la diferencia.

La Supervisora Glover, quien está profundamente dedicada al bienestar y éxito de nuestra juventud, invita personalmente a todos los padres a traer a sus hijos y a todos los jóvenes a asistir a esta impactante conferencia. No se pierda esta oportunidad de ser parte de un evento que inspirará, educará y elevará a los futuros líderes de nuestra comunidad.

Este es un evento gratuito patrocinado por el Supervisor Federal Glover, Distrito 5. ¡No podemos esperar a verte allí!

Descargue el folleto del evento aquí para obtener más detalles. Sitio de registro de entradas:  https://bit.ly/4cIFfBa

Supervisors suspend all-electric requirements following U.S. Court of Appeals ruling

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Tuesday suspended enforcement of its requirement that most new buildings be constructed as all-electric buildings.  The County’s all-electric building requirement, as part of the County’s building code, had prohibited the installation of natural gas infrastructure in most new buildings and required developers to use electricity as the sole source of energy in the building.  With Tuesday’s action, the County’s all-electric building requirement will not be enforced.

Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invalidated a City of Berkeley ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The court held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act precludes cities and counties from adopting building codes that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings.

Contra Costa County’s all-electric building requirement, like the invalidated City of Berkeley ordinance, prohibits the installation of gas plumbing in new buildings.  The County is therefore suspending this requirement in response to the Ninth Circuit’s decision.

At the same time, the Board of Supervisors remains committed to the goals that prompted it to adopt the all-electric requirement: improving public health and fighting what they believe contributes to climate change. The Board referred the topic of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings to its Sustainability Committee and directed staff to report on alternatives for advancing this objective at the Committee’s next meeting.

“Contra Costa County remains committed to reducing the use of fossil fuels in buildings and continues to support the construction of new buildings using all-electric technologies,” said Board Chair Federal D. Glover, District 5 Supervisor.  “We are eager to identify new and innovative ways to continue to pursue our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.”

The County encourages residents and businesses to continue to install all-electric building systems and appliances. There are many benefits of all-electric construction, some of which include:

• Cleaner air and better health outcomes from eliminating the emissions associated with burning fossil fuels, particularly indoors.
• Not having to pay to install gas pipes in new buildings.
• Taking advantage of financial incentives and rebates for all-electric appliances.
• Resilience against power outages, particularly when electric technologies are paired with battery storage.
• Hedging against high electricity costs by being able to schedule electric appliances to operate at times of day when electricity costs are lowest.
• Preparing for the potential discontinuation of gas appliances in the future that could occur from possible regulatory actions by regional, state, or federal agencies.

There are many good resources on the benefits of all-electric buildings, including:

The County’s sustainability web site has information on state and federal incentives, rebates, and other ways to fund all-electric upgrades.

The Bay Area Regional Energy Network has information on training opportunities, rebates and incentives, and contractors.  

MCE, the community choice energy provider for most of Contra Costa County, offers rebates and incentives.

The Switch Is On, sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, is a collaborative campaign to support all-electric home conversion by providing tools, support, and resources to Californians.

Rewiring America provides information about the benefits of all-electric technologies, and helps generate a personalized plan for individuals, including costs and savings.

PG&E also has resources on all-electric buildings, including rebates, incentives, rate plans, and design guides.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Open to the public

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

Improving the quality of life for Contra Costa County residents through diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible programs and services will be the center of the Board of Supervisors annual retreat discussion Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Pittsburg City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue in Pittsburg.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

“Ensuring we’re meeting community needs is always our focus,” said Board Chair Federal Glover, District 5 Supervisor. “The retreat offers an opportunity for us to anticipate economic factors and continue prioritizing resources accordingly to make sure we’re having the greatest impact through our services.”  

Supervisors will receive an economic forecast from Beacon Economics. Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ) Co-Directors Dr. Kendra Carr and Peter Kim will present a summary of ORESJ priorities for the coming year including new initiatives toward expanding equity, building office infrastructure and staffing, developing the Lived Experience Advisory Board, and proposed costs.Pittsburg City Manager Garrett Evans is also scheduled to speak.

The Board of Supervisors sets the direction of the County government and oversees its $5.5 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of this diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating.

The Board meeting will be accessible in person at Council Chambers, Pittsburg City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg. The meeting will be televised live on Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99, Astound Channels 32 & 1027, and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org. 

For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov or the webpage: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7283/Board-of-Supervisors.