¡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.

(Martinez, CA) – Supervisors Federal D. Glover and Candace Andersen are taking on new leadership roles for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in 2024. During their Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, meeting, Contra Costa Superior Court Presiding Judge Honorable Edward G. Weil administered the Oath of Office to Glover as Chair and Andersen as Vice-Chair of the Board.

District 5 Supervisor Glover, who represents Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett, Martinez, Bay Point, Pacheco, Clyde, Pittsburg, and parts of Antioch and Marsh Creek, is the Board’s first and only African American Supervisor. He was elected to the Board in 2000, served four previous terms as Chair, and is the fourth longest-serving Supervisor in California. Supervisor Glover announced that he would retire at the end of his current term in December 2024, thus ending six consecutive terms as the District 5 supervisor.

“As we head into 2024, we will focus on improving the quality of life for all County residents with the Board’s theme of “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access” guiding our efforts,” said Supervisor Glover. “And as I reflect on my time as supervisor, I’m honored and humbled to continue representing the diverse communities of District 5 in my final year on the Board. I’m excited about Contra Costa County’s future and look forward to our work ahead.”

Over the years, Supervisor Glover has served as chair of the Public Protection Committee, Equity Committee, Los Medanos Healthcare Operations Committee, Sustainability Committee, Northern Waterfront Ad Hoc Committee, and Industrial Safety Ordinance/Community Warning System Ad Hoc Committee.

District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen represents Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Tassajara Valley, and parts of unincorporated Walnut Creek. She was first elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in June 2012. She ran unopposed in 2016, 2020, and once again has no opponent in the March 2024 election. Supervisor Andersen currently sits 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.

“I am proud to represent the residents of District 2 and continue my work as an advocate for the most vulnerable and for the health and safety of all residents in the County,” said Andersen.

Supervisors Glover and Andersen will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of 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.

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.

For more information about Supervisor Federal D. Glover, visit his County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5- Supervisor-Federal-D-Glover.

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

Dear Editor:

Once more the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has made fools of themselves and embarrassed the rest of the citizens of our county by its recent appointment to fill the vacancy of the County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

The Board of Supervisors, after months of pontificating, chest beating and self-congratulating each other for creating a new department with two department heads called the Department of Racial Equity and Social Justice, proved how hypocritical they truly are.

During the same board meeting, the board held public interviews for the County Treasurer-Tax Collector position, even though two of the candidates were current, high-level managers, with many years in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office, and both women of color, who were eminently qualified and credentialed. Predictably, the board instead picked a white man from Yuba County.

Why should any of us ever believe anything these board members say or do about racial or social justice?

Sincerely,

Gus S. Kramer, Assessor, Contra Costa County

To be honored during 30th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration March 26; deadline Feb. 16

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding county residents between 12 and 18 years old.

Students will be recognized at the 30th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of five categories:

• Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
• Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
• Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of the team
• Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
• Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success

For more information and the application form to nominate youth in our community, visit Form Center • 2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards.

We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 16, 2024. Recipients will be recognized at the March 26, 2024, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.

Dan Mierzwa will replace Russell Watts who is retiring Dec. 31

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dan Mierzwa as the next Treasurer-Tax Collector effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Mierzwa’s appointment follows the announcement of Russell Watts’ retirement in December. He is currently Yuba County’s Treasurer & Tax Collector and must submit proof of residency and voter registration in Contra Costa County before he assumes the office.

Mierzwa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Finance and Business Administration minors from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. He also holds a Certified California Municipal Treasurer certification.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to help during this transition in leadership and am committed to maintaining the levels of transparency and accountability with sound financial practices that serve the best interests of the public,” Mierzwa said. “We will also continue improving our online payment and business license application services and explore ways to save and recover costs to deliver our services.”

The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office acts as the bank for the County, providing financial services to County departments, schools, and special districts and managing more than $4.9 billion in the County’s investment pool. The office also collects various taxes – including business taxes from those operating in the unincorporated areas, and property taxes. While the Treasurer-Tax Collector mostly provides services to the County and taxing districts, the office also invests public funds and collects business related taxes, namely business licenses and transient occupancy taxes, as well as short-term rental and cannabis taxes.

“The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office holds a key position of trust in the financial affairs of local government,” said Board Chair District I Supervisor John Gioia. “Dan’s experience and knowledge of both the treasury and tax collection functions will continue the County’s efforts to protect, invest, and disburse funds in a prudent and safe manner.”

The current term for the elected office expires on Jan. 4, 2027. Government Code section 25304 requires that the Board of Supervisors appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. The annual salary for the position is $254,901.24.

Watts, who is leaving office to spend more time with family, has served as the elected-Treasurer-Tax Collector for 13 years.

Endorses Pittsburg councilwoman to replace him; filing period extended until Wednesday, Dec. 13

Supervisor Federal Glover has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2024, thus ending six consecutive terms as the District 5 supervisor. During his tenure, Supervisor Glover has been a tireless advocate for the people of Contra Costa County, working to improve the lives of residents in District 5, which includes a portion of Antioch, and beyond.

Supervisor Glover’s accomplishments are many and varied. Before being elected to the Board of Supervisors, he served as a council member for the City of Pittsburg. During his tenure as a council member, and while serving as mayor of Pittsburg, Supervisor Glover led the council in its opening and dedication of its current municipal building for public service.

In 2000, Supervisor Glover began his tenure as a supervisor holding the distinction of being the only African American and only person of color to have been elected to and serve on the County’s Board of Supervisors since the County’s incorporation in 1850 as one of the first 27 counties when California gained statehood. Today, he remains the only African American to have served on the Board in the County’s 173 years.

In recognition of his leadership, Supervisor Glover was elected by his peers as chairman of the Board in 2004, 2008, 2013 and 2017. Over the years, he has also served as chair of the Public Protection Committee, Equity Committee, Los Medanos Healthcare Operations Committee, Sustainability Committee, Northern Waterfront Ad Hoc Committee, Industrial Safety Ordinance/Community Warning System Ad Hoc Committee, and on several joint/regional committees and commissions including, but not limited to, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Local Agency Formation Commission, Tri-Delta Transit Authority, Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Costa Health Plan Joint Conference Committee, and Medical Services Joint Conference Committee.

He has been a strong supporter of the urban limit line, which aims to rein in suburban sprawl and preserve open space. He has also been a champion of transportation initiatives, securing over $1 billion in funding for improvements to highways and public transit in the region.

In addition to his work on these important issues, Supervisor Glover has been a passionate advocate for youth-related services. He initiated County youth conferences which give young people a chance to air their views to community leaders and get valuable information about careers and education. He also convened our area’s first Youth Summit and Gang Task Force, both aimed at supporting youth and providing good role models so they don’t join gangs.

In April 2015, Supervisor Federal Glover had a life-altering surgical procedure performed where he received a new heart and a new kidney. In spite of this, he continued to serve on the board of supervisors throughout his period of illness and subsequent recovery.

Earlier this week, Glover endorsed Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston to replace him. In a Dec. 6 post on her campaign Facebook page, she touted the endorsement with a quote from Glover which reads, “She’s the candidate that gets things done.” Scales-Preston also wrote “I can’t wait to follow in the path of Supervisor Federal Glover and hit the ground running to GET THINGS DONE as Supervisor. Thank you, Federal, for your support.”

Supervisor Glover’s leadership will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched during his time in office. His retirement from the Board will come at the end of the current term in December 2024. And during the last year of his term, he will serve as chair of the board again. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

To date, Scales-Preston will face Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings and Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica in the March primary election. Because Glover is not running again, the filing period that would have ended Friday at 5:00 p.m. has been extended five days until next Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.