Federal Child Care Fund Freeze Lifted as Contra Costa Supervisors Move Hundreds of Millions in Contracts

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened July 14 with a packed agenda — 108 consent items, two proclamations, and a Head Start update that carried breaking news: the federal government had formally rescinded its freeze on three major child care funding streams just the day before, ending months of fiscal uncertainty for thousands of families. The board also heard from a striking steelworkers' union president raising safety alarms at the Martinez refinery and a Black-owned cannabis dispensary owner who said the county's permitting system forced her out of business.

• Federal government lifts freeze on child care funds after California wins in court, restoring roughly half the county's child care budget
• 108 consent items approved unanimously, including a $250 million pharmacy benefit contract and $3.2 million cybersecurity purchase
• Steelworkers union reports day 79 of Marathon refinery strike, citing county safety assessments that flag staffing and fatigue
• Owner of county's first Black-owned cannabis dispensary asks board to create adult-use sales pathway after forced closure
• Board celebrates Disability Pride Month with personal testimony from self-advocate and nonprofit leader
• Supervisors adjourn in memory of former Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty after 24-year career