Month: December 2014

“CONCORD — The Central County Family Justice Center, which will help victims report domestic violence, is scheduled to open next month in Salvio Pacheco Square. The City Council on Tuesday allocated $35,000 to fund the first six months of operations at the center and approved a three-year lease for 8,000 square feet of office space at 2151 Salvio St., across from Todos Santos Plaza. Rent for the space will be paid for from the center’s budget, not by the city. The downtown Concord center, the existing West Contra Costa Family Justice Center in Richmond and a third center planned for East County would be the first such countywide network in the country, according to Contra Costa County leaders. These centers bring together police, prosecutors, social service agencies and community organizations at a “one-stop shop” where victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse can access resources to help them report abuse and leave a violent situation. Experts say the family justice model reduces homicides and increases safety and efficiency.” Read the full article here.  Download the pdf here.

“Grayson also thanked his council colleagues, City Attorney Mark Coon, City Manager Valerie Barone and Police Chief Guy Swanger for their support and hard work in shepherding the family justice center from concept to reality in just one year. The proposed Central County Family Justice Center, which will be located in downtown Concord, will help victims and their families navigate the often overwhelming and intimidating process of reporting domestic violence. “Family justice center is a much-needed facility, organization and a safe place for the victims of domestic violence — no matter what gender, no matter what age — and the victims of elder abuse,” Grayson said. “We’re looking forward to opening the doors very, very soon,” he added.” Read the full article at: http://www.contracostatimes.com/contra-costa-times/ci_27058949/concord-incumbents-sworn-tuesday-tim-grayson-remains-mayor