Early polling place for June 2 primary opens in Richmond next week
There will be a polling place open early in Richmond next week for voters who want to cast their ballots in person before Election Day.
The polling place at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, will be open on Fri., May 29, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat., May 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Mon., June 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A handful of early polling places are also open at other locations countywide. Visit the county elections website and click on “Regional Early Voting Sites.”
Polls will be open on Election Day, Tue., June 2, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in every precinct in the county. Mail-in ballots can be dropped off in a secure election ballot box or mailed. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by June 2. If you’re mailing your ballot on Election Day, ask a postal employee for a hand-stamped postmark.
Drop off ballot boxes can be found at the following locations: Contra Costa County EHSD, 1305 Macdonald Ave.; North Richmond Center for Health, 1501 Fred Jackson Way; Richmond City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza; West County Wastewater District, 2910 Hilltop Drive. See our primary election voter guide for more information.
East Richmond neighborhoods to participate in wildfire evacuation drill
Residents in a number of east Richmond neighborhoods can sign up for a community wildfire evacuation drill taking place on Sat., May 30. The drill is for residents of the Carriage Hills North/South, Castro Heights, Greenbriar, El Sobrante Hills and May Valley neighborhoods. During the drill, residents will receive a test alert from the Community Warning System, then drive a pre-planned evacuation route to the Hilltop Mall parking lot, where information and resources will be available.
Community Wildlife Evacuation Drill, Sat., May 30, 9 a.m. to noon, Hilltop Mall parking lot, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road.
Family courtyard now open at Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall
Contra Costa County probation officials have officially opened a new family engagement courtyard at the John A. Davis Juvenile Hall in Martinez. The outdoor space features a multi-sport recreational court and flexible gathering space for wellness activities and family-centered engagement.
“This courtyard represents far more than a physical renovation — it reflects our commitment to creating both opportunities and spaces where young people can heal, grow, and thrive,” Esa Ehmen-Krause, Contra Costa County Chief Probation Officer, said in a press release. The juvenile hall at 202 Glacier Drive is a 270-bed maximum security facility for youth offenders up to age 25.
Plans moving forward for 12,000-home development at former Concord Naval Weapons Station
Concord officials have reached a financial agreement with the U.S. Navy to build a mixed-use, transit-oriented community on the 2,400-acre site of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. The Concord City Council is set to vote on the proposed agreement on Tue., May 26. The project calls for 12,000 homes — 25% designated as affordable — as well as 55 acres for school sites, four acres for a veterans hall and 880 acres for parks, recreation areas and trails.
