County Supervisor John Gioia

Thursday, July 10

The West County Forum is looking forward to having Contra Costa County Supervisor, John Gioia, return to the Forum. Supervisor Gioia will be discussing how economic cuts at the US federal level are impacting us at the local level.

Supervisor John Gioia

Mark your calendars for some more exciting West County Forums coming up!

August 14 Diana Becton – District Attorney, Contra Costa County

September 11 Cheryl Cotton – Superintendent, West Contra Costa County USD

Oktoberfest 9 Kimberly Rogers – President, Contra Costa College

November 13 Betty Yee – Former Controller, State of California/ 2026 CA Gubernatorial Candidate

DO YOU HAVE ANY FORUM SPEAKER/TOPIC IDEAS? IF SO, PLEASE SUBMIT THEM TO RUTHIE ABELSON OLIVAS (CONTACT INFO ABOVE).

Ruthie Abelson Olivas

West County Forum Secretary

Forum Presentation, June 12

In June, we heard a wonderful presentation from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Finance Director, Sophia Skoda. In addition to learning about the history of EMBUD, she spoke about their recycled water program, goals for carbon neutrality, elevation surcharges, their Customer Assistance Program (CAP), as well as their Water Lifeline partnership with RCF Connects.

Ruthie Abelson Olivas

West County Forum Secretary

Sophia Skoda – EBMUD “let’s flow together”

Thursday, June 12

The West County Forum is looking forward to having East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Finance Director, Sophia Skoda, as our guest speaker on June 12th. From celebrating its 100th year anniversary to preparing for the future of the infrastructure, EBMUD is flowing into its future with optimism as they share information around where their water comes from to their commitment to the community along the way.


East Bay Municipal Utility District


Ruthie Abelson Olivas

West County Forum Secretary

Forum Presentation, May 8

We got a great presentation from Michelle Rinehart County Coordinator of Wildfire Mitigation & Grants and Noelle Crosse Public Education Coordinator, on the responsibilities of CON FIRE, with emphasis on the Contra Costa County Wildfire Mitigation Program. There was also attention for the programs that help citizens with knowledge about protection, insurance and changes of Laws that are on the horizon. They discussed various topics to include their education efforts, fire mitigation, Measure X funding, as well as community and resident-driven collaborations.


Our Forum President introducing Michelle and Noelle from Con Fire

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Wildfire Preparedness

Community Warning System sign up


Ruthie Abelson Olivas

West County Forum Secretary