In brief: Contra Costa’s eligible residents can have taxes done for free

The service is offered to people of all ages with limited to moderate income, with special attention given to those age 50 or older.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is again offering free income tax preparation this year, providing IRS-certified tax counselors for local Contra Costa County residents. The service is offered to people of all ages with limited to moderate income, with special attention given to those age 50 or older.

For general information, call 925-726-3199. The tax preparation service will be available at the locations listed below, where those interested can call the site-specific phone numbers listed to make an appointment.

Here are the locations: Concord Library, 925-471-5686; Concord Senior Center, 925-671-3320; the Danville Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, 925-272-0902; Martinez Senior Center, 925-370-8770; Pacheco Community Center, 925-709-4525; Pleasant Hill Hillcrest Congregational Church, 925-289-9790; San Ramon Senior Center, 925-973-3250; Walnut Creek — Rossmoor, Hillside Clubhouse, Vista Room (appointments made on-site at this location.)

— AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

CONCORD

Council to weigh rent control ordinance at Jan. 30 meeting

As part of the city of Concord’s recent housing element update, which the state of California has approved, the Concord City Council committed to adopting rent stabilization and just cause for eviction policies to address tenant displacement.

At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 in the Council Chamber (1950 Parkside Drive), the City Council will consider a revised version of a draft ordinance establishing rent stabilization (also referred to as “rent control”) in Concord and updating Concord regulations on just cause for eviction. The revised draft ordinance would amend Concord’s existing Residential Tenant Protection Program to include the proposed rent stabilization and just cause for eviction provisions.

In-person verbal public comment will be taken by the council at this meeting. Please see the city’s agenda website (bit.ly/3O9KqRn) on how to submit written public comment in advance of the meeting.

The staff report will be available on the city’s agenda website no later than 5 p.m. Friday. The new draft ordinance is being written by staff based on past council direction. Information on past council discussions on this topic can be found by reviewing the council meetings of Jan. 9 and Dec. 12. For more details online, visit bit.ly/3Ho874G.

— city of Concord

BRENTWOOD

City’s self-filling sandbag station has moved to new location

During rain events, Brentwood residents can use the city’s self-filling sandbag station, which has moved to a new location.

Residents can now find the sandbag station adjacent to the city’s Recycled Water Fill Station located by 2251 Elkins Way. The station has a 10 bag limit per household, while supplies last. For more information, call the Public Works Department at 925-516-6000.

— city of Brentwood

WALNUT CREEK

Apply by Jan. 31 for openings on various city commissions

Will this be the year that you serve your community? Several opportunities are available to serve on Walnut Creek commissions.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 31 for vacancies on the following: Arts Commission (two seats vacant); Design Review (one vacancy, must be a city resident); Park, Recreation and Open Space (one vacancy, must be a city resident); Planning Commission (two seats vacant, must be a city resident); Transportation Commission (two seats vacant, must be a city resident); and the Board of Appeals (four seats vacant).

On Feb. 6, the City Council will select applicants to invite for interviews to take place Feb. 20. Appointments are expected to be made at the conclusion of the interviews. Apply online and get more information on the city’s website at walnutcreekca.gov.

— city of Walnut Creek

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