Resident of Richmond and small business owner requests that any proposed increase in the Sheriff’s budget be redirected to social needs in the County;

A resident of Richmond, would like the Board to examine contracting with a retired deputy sheriff with alleged racial biases;

Allison Snow, resident of Clayton, expressed disagreement with the level of restrictions in place to manage Covid-19 in the county and feels there has been over-reaction to the pandemic; she notes that Richmond has areas of differing social  economic situations who need support and requests that public health nurses be sent there to educate the community on proper nutrition and hand washing;

Violet, library employee, brought to the Board’s attention that there are only 3 substitute librarians for 26 libraries, all of whom are slated to be laid off. She noted the increased activity of the residents requests of the libraries during the pandemic;

Dinesh, Resident of Martinez, advocates for the County to declare racism a public health crisis;

Former ten-year resident of Contra Costa, pleased that the county invests in mental health and community services and would encourage a proposed increase to the Sheriffs budget instead be directed to social services, and encouraged the Board to reconsider any layoffs in the libraries;

Elsie Mills, resident of Concord, would like the Board to direct available funds to community services instead of an increase to the Sheriff’s budget, such education, employment and reentry services. She requested a halt to the Sheriff’s practice of publication of information regarding immigrants that leaves them vulnerable to ICE apprehension;

Harry Baker, resident of Pleasant Hill, thanked the Supervisors for their efforts in protecting public health, and said that black lives matter, he was proud to have taken part in yesterday’s caravan from Danville. He urged the Board to direct any proposed increase to the Sheriff’s budget to the needs of the community, for libraries, mental health services and youth services. He said that all people should fear the militarization of the police force and police brutality and noted some communities are beginning to send trained professionals instead of police to manage crises;

Philip, ACCE, recommended a move away from expanding jails and and reallocated to on solving homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse problems. He would like to end the militarization of law enforcement; 

Herman Ball, resident of San Ramon, who has had two dogs stolen, requests the Board address an ordinance and a 50$,000 fine for dog theft, and would like the police department to be funded for bloodhounds. He would further like to have low cost veterinarian checkups for dogs so that chipped animals can be returned to their owners.

Alicia Goday, requests Board not consider any increase in Sheriff’s budget until the department is in compliance with public records act laws and more transparent;

Melvin Willis, Budget Justice Coalition, reports an incident with a minor male who had a mental health incident in which the responding officers assaulted the child, and wants accountability from the Sheriff’s Departement. He proposes defunding the Sheriff department

Rachel Cohen, resident of Danville, agrees with others in opposing an increase in Sheriff’s budge and reallocating the funds to community services; 

Ms. Bianci, spoke on the need to address inequalities and the harms to society of systemic racism. She feels services like libraries are vital. She objects to the lack of transparency in spending in the Sheriff’s Department and noted the lack of a hospital in West County;

Tasha Graham, ACCE, spoke in opposition to increases in the Sheriff’s budget and requests Supervisors Burgis, Mitchoff and Glover return any campaign contributions from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association;

David Sharples, ACCE, is opposed to an increase in the Sheriff’s budget of $2.8 million, requests a halt to the jail expansion and reallocation of funds to the community for services, and requests the Supervisors return campaign contributions to the Deputy Sheriff’s Association;

Francisco Torres, ACCE, is opposed to an increase in the Sheriff’s budget, he objects to cuts in the libraries and childrens services, and notes that West County needs a hospital. He objects to the expense of helicopters and drones used by law enforcement during a peaceful protest;

[caller] thanked the callers for their eloquence and participation to today and notes that force is never the answer to social difficulties;

[caller] spoke on the murder of black people and the protest events that followed. He noted that at least two incidences of inappropriate police response occurred in Contra Costa County. He Requests a decrease to the Sheriff’s budget instead of social services, recommending $80 million over the next five years;

Tina Sherman expressed confusion over the county health orders in regard to whether masks are recommended or required. She would like modified and clarified guidelines for the use of pools and would like to know if they county will follow the same timeline for the opening of nail shops and salons;

Morell, resident of El Cerrito, in opposition to budget cuts to social and community services and an increase to the Sheriff’s budget;

Angelica, resident of Antioch, opposes increase to Sheriff’s budget;

Hector, Ensuring Opportunity Campaign, in opposition to increase in Sheriff’ budget and reallocation to invest in community and social services;

[caller], resident of Concord, said that a peaceful protest in Concord was subject to teargas and other projectiles after a curfew was declared. She feels the curfew was unwarranted and the response excessive; she noted that placing a report with the police resulted in a claim that they needed to search her home; she said residents are afraid to call the police;  

Edith, ACCE, of Richmond, Via translator, opposed and increase to the Sheriff’s budget, especially while community services are being reduced, requests Supervisors Burgis, Mitchoff and Glover return any campaign contributions from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association;

El Cerrito resident and teacher, requests reallocation of funds from Sheriff’s Department, an investigation of abuses at the West County Detention Center, provision of a hospital in West County, and the closure of all juvenile detention facilities;

Ben Mendoza, teacher, noted that many childrens needs are met in the school classrooms, and requested modifications to health orders where necessary to enable a somewhat normal education experience. He noted conflicting guidelines from the local and health orders;

Jaime Cador, ACCE, opposes increase to Sheriff’s budget and requests the funds be allocated to community services;

Erica, resident of Orinda, opposes increase to Sheriff’s budget, is very concerned by militarization of law enforcement agencies, and would like to know what policy changes the Board is considering;

Concord resident, member of ACCE, in support of protests for Black Lives Matters, and in support of public funding for elections;

Brandon Hutchins, requests Board reallocate any funds set for Sheriff’s to mental health services and juvenile services and for the Supervisors to return any campaign funds from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association ‘

Patricia Aguilar, ACCE, in opposition to an increase in Sheriff’s Department budget and requesting the funds be spent on community services, and advocates for Spanish translation services for public comment;

Greg, of Concord, feels the Sheriff’s Department is in violation of SB 1421, notes issues with reporting of deaths in custody, and inappropriate relationship with ICE;

Steven Steinberg, resident of Walnut Creek, in agreement with previous commenters, is inspired by the protestors and says it is time to honor the 14^th amendment fully. He was shocked by the use of tear gas, flash bang grenades , dogs and rubber bullets by local police against peaceful protestors. He notes that blocking traffic is not a violent offense; he requests the county ban the use of tear gas and adopt the 8 Can’t Wait guidelines for police reform ;

Raul, ACCE, is opposed to increases in Sheriff’s budget when there are so many monetary needs for community programs;

Amanda Montoya, Martinez, in agreement with opposition to increases to the Sheriff’s budget and allocation of funds to community services.

Ms. Roth noted that there is an increasing positive rate in the tests performed. Infections, hospitalizations and deaths are all increasing.  She noted that the County had received a variance from the state to continue to progress through the reopening phases based on both state guidance and local conditions. She emphasized the great importance of people following health guidelines in regard to hand hygiene, social distancing, wearing a mask, and remaining home if ill. The Health Department continues to recommend to employers to use telecommuting options for employees whenever possible, especially in light of the fact that it appears the rise in numbers is from community spread.

The County has reached almost 50,000 tests cumulatively across the county, with a goal of reaching 2200 tests a day. On June 14 there were 1467 tests. A rolling average of about 870 per day. Every day more facilities are ramping up their capability for testing. There are now testing sites outside the hospitals. A site has been opened in Oak Grove in Concord, another will be open a Kennedy High School at the end of the month. At the seven sites that are operated by the County, the less invasive version of the test is being offered, and we are piloting self-swabbing. 

There is currently no wait time for tests, people can call 1-844-421-0804 to schedule. The line is being answered in an average of 8 seconds. There were some technical difficulties with the phone line over the weekend, which the phone company has resolved.  Ms. Roth encourages everyone to schedule  a test. 

The tracing and investigation units continue to ramp up, with 90 staff ready to do tracing, 32 more coming on board this week, and a request is in to the state for additional 30 people. 

Dr. Tom Warren, Deputy Health Officer, reported the following modifications to the current health order, effective Wednesday, June 17, 2020:

               Hair salons and barbers shops may reopen;

Modification orders regarding swimming pools to be consistent with state orders, mainly an expansion of the number of people who may swim at the same time;

As many as 100 people  or 25 % of the facility capacity may attend a funeral or religious or cultural services held outdoors;

Changing the status of the order from shelter in place to language regarding safety measures such as social distancing;

Updated child care guidance to be consistent with state guidelines, and to keep stable groups of no more than 12 children in place in childcare facilities;

Reusable bags and mugs may now be brought into business establishments, as long as the employees do not touch them.

Speakers:  Denise Pursche, resident of Clayton; unidentified; Rick Towns.

Corrected to Read: Acting as the governing board of the Wendt Ranch Geological Hazard Abatement District (GHAD), ADOPT Wendt Ranch GHAD Resolution No. 2020/01 adopting the GHAD budget for fiscal year 2020/21; ADOPT Resolution No. 2020/02 approving the change of GHAD Treasurer from Watermark Asset Manager, Inc to CLT Management, LLC  GHAD Treasurer, Inc, in addition to a contract between CLT GHAD Treasurer, Inc. and Wendt Ranch GHAD.