CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Moves You Forward.

Helping Hands Donation test

by

CCAR HELPING HANDS

Apply for confidential assistance.

Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® Helping Hands provides financial assistance to eligible CCAR members, immediate family members, and community members facing hardship due to prolonged illness, accident, or another catastrophic occurrence.

Start Application
Make a Donation

← Back to Helping Hands overview

Review Eligibility
Confirm the request fits the Helping Hands criteria before submitting.

Gather Documents
Attach relevant documentation that helps explain the specific need.

Submit Confidentially
Applications and applicant information are handled confidentially.

Before You Apply

Applications must be for a specific need that provides a direct benefit to the eligible CCAR member, family member, or community member.

  • A CCAR REALTOR® Member or Affiliate Member in good standing.

  • A family member of a qualified CCAR REALTOR® Member or Affiliate Member, including a spouse, domestic partner, or child under age 21.

  • A community member presented by a qualified CCAR REALTOR® Member or Affiliate Member.

Please note:
  • All requests are reviewed carefully, but assistance is not guaranteed.

  • Funds are not available for association dues, MLS fees, key fees, or other membership-related fees.

Questions?

Jennifer Newton
Chairperson
Keller Williams
925.366.6092
Lisa Lilley
Vice Chair
Robert Lilley Brokerage
925.787.5105

Confidential assistance. Community support.

Submit a confidential application or make a donation to support CCAR members and
community members facing hardship.

Start Application
Make a Donation

Helping Hands test

by

CCAR HELPING HANDS

Support when hardship hits close to home.

Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® Helping Hands provides confidential assistance to eligible CCAR members, immediate family members, community members, and qualified charitable organizations facing financial hardship, illness, or catastrophic events.

Apply for Assistance
Make a Donation
Confidential Support
All inquiries and requests are handled with care and confidentiality.
Member & Community Focused
Designed to help CCAR members and the broader Contra Costa community.
Need-Based Assistance
Support is reviewed based on hardship, illness, or catastrophic events.

About the Fund

Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® Helping Hands was created to provide personal assistance to those in need and to support charitable organizations whose programs align with CCAR’s mission.
 
Helping Hands reflects CCAR’s commitment to serving the community that keeps our members working, connected, and supported.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Qualified CCAR members and/or immediate family members experiencing financial hardship, illness, or catastrophic events.

  • Qualified non-members of the community experiencing financial hardship, illness, or catastrophic events.

  • Qualified charitable organizations with programs consistent with the mission of CCAR.

Please note:
  • All requests are reviewed carefully, but assistance is not guaranteed.

  • Funds are not available for association dues, MLS fees, key fees, or other membership-related fees.

Contact

Jennifer Newton
Chairperson
Keller Williams
925.366.6092
Lisa Lilley
Vice Chair
Robert Lilley Brokerage
925.787.5105
Jason Catalano
CCAR Staff Liaison
925.295.9202

Helping Hands Committee

Thank you to the Helping Hands Committee, past and present, for their commitment to compassion, service, and support for the CCAR community.

Jennifer Newton

Lisa Lilley

Marilyn Cunningham

Diane Gilfether

Sue Kuehn

Need assistance or want to help?

Submit a confidential application or make a donation to support CCAR members and
community members facing hardship.

Apply for Assistance
Make a Donation

CCAR Leaders Take Housing Priorities to Capitol Hill

by

Last week, a group of CCAR leaders joined more than 200 California REALTORS® in Washington, D.C. to meet with congressional representatives and advocate for policies that support housing affordability and homeownership. The delegation met with staff from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s and Congressman John Garamendi’s offices, and some members also met with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff.

"We enjoyed a very successful day on the Hill sharing thoughtful conversations with key legislators' staff about finding solutions to important housing issues."
John Fondnazio
John Fondnazio
CCAR President

Discussions focused on several housing-related bills, including the More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1340), which would increase the capital gains tax exclusion for homeowners; the Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act (H.R. 3526), which would provide greater access to retirement savings for first-time buyers; and the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act (H.R. 2410), which encourages the conversion of underused commercial buildings into housing. Leaders also advocated for the Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act (H.R. 1105) to help homeowners better protect properties from natural disasters.

The group also discussed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), a bipartisan housing package designed to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and modernize federal housing programs. The bill recently passed the U.S. Senate with strong bipartisan support and is awaiting final consideration in the House of Representatives before heading to the President’s desk.

The visit reinforced REALTORS®’ commitment to advancing solutions that expand housing opportunities and strengthen communities across California.

"We work actively with Congressional members and staff to help them understand local housing markets and the real-world impact of public policy."
Member Leslie Manzone
Leslie Manzone
CCAR's NAR Director and Federal Political Coordinator

Special thanks go out to our State Political Coordinators (SPCs): Michele Manzone (Sen. Tim Grayson), Debi Mackey (Asm. Anamarie Avila Farias), and Leslie Manzone (Asm. Anamarie Avila Farias and Asm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan). Leslie also acts as CCAR’s NAR Director and Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, and plays a key role in connecting REALTORS® with policymakers at every level of government. These members were among the group to travel to D.C. last week, along with President John Fondnazio, President-Elect Donna Souza, Past-President Zina Hall, Treasurer Judy Myers, and CCAR’s Chief Industry Advocacy Officer Heather Schiffman.

Thanks also to the 18 members of CCAR’s Local Government Relations (LGR) Committee for their ongoing dedication to protecting property rights and supporting REALTOR® success throughout our communities. Committee members regularly engage with elected officials and attend local government meetings to ensure REALTOR® perspectives are represented when housing and homeownership issues are discussed.

Your Advocacy Dollars at Work

Last month, CCAR leadership, along with thousands of REALTORS® met with state legislators during Legislative Day in Sacramento to advocate for solutions to some of the most important housing and real estate issues facing Californians today. | PHOTO L to R:  Michele Manzone, Cathleen Griebling (Delta AOR), CCAR President John Fondnazio, Senator Tim Grayson, Leslie Manzone, Jody Drewry (Delta AOR), Otto Catrina (Bay East), and CCAR President-Elect Donna Souza.

Supporting Taxpayer Protections
C.A.R. approved support for a statewide ballot initiative that would require a two-thirds vote for local special taxes and plans to increase California’s homeowners’ property tax exemption for the first time in 50 years.

Faster Housing and Infrastructure
The Association will support a California Chamber-backed initiative to streamline the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) review process, reducing delays that can impact housing development and economic growth.

Improving HOA Insurance Transparency
Association advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond will also focus on increasing transparency and consumer protection in homeowners associations, including requiring disclosure of HOA master insurance policies and greater homeowner involvement in insurance decisions.

3 Big Legislative Wins in 2026

Advocacy isn’t just about passing good legislation—it’s also about stopping bad legislation before it becomes law.

So far this year, C.A.R. has successfully opposed several legislative proposals that could have increased costs for homeowners, imposed new burdens on property owners, and created additional challenges for housing providers. Here are three significant bills that have stalled and will not move forward this legislative session:

SB 1404: Stopped Wildfire Prevention Fee on Property Owners :: C.A.R. helped stop a proposal that would have reinstated a wildfire prevention fee on select property owners, adding another cost for homeowners already facing rising expenses in high-risk fire zones.  Status: Dead.

AB 1157: Stopped Expanded Rent Control Measures :: C.A.R. opposed this bill because it would have made rent caps permanent, lowered allowable rent increases, and removed the single-family home exemption for individual property owners. Status: Dead.

AB 2064: Tenant Screening Restrictions Abated :: C.A.R. opposed this bill because it would have limited housing providers’ ability to consider criminal history during tenant screening, creating concerns around liability, resident safety, and small property owner protections. Status: Dead.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

Latest Results: June 2 Primary Election

by

Below are the latest voting results from the Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Primary Election.

As of today, June 9, 2026, approximately 55,200 ballots remain to be counted in Contra Costa County. The County is expected to provide its next results update on Wednesday, June 10, at 4:00pm.

The California Secretary of State has until July 10, 2026, to certify the election results, as many counties are still counting ballots.

Contra Costa County
Voter Turnout (as of 6/9/26) – 36.6%
Ballots Cast – 267,760
Registered Voters – 731,497

Candidates whose names appear in bold and underlined are incumbents.
Candidates whose names appear in green have won their seat outright.

Statewide Races:

The current results were updated as of Monday, June 8 at 6:03pm.

Governor:

– Xavier Becerra (D): 27.7%
– Steve Hilton (R): 25.1%
– Tom Steyer (D): 22.4%

Lt. Governor:

– Fiona Ma (D): 19.2%
– Gloria Romero (R): 18.2%
– Josh Matthew Fryday (D): 14.5%

Secretary of State:

– Shirley Weber (D): 58.2%
– Donald P. (Don) Wagner (R): 37.4%  

State of Board of Equalization,
District 2:

– Sally J. Lieber (D): 56.7%
– John Pimentel (D): 15.5%

Controller:

– Malia M. Cohen (D): 56.4%
– Herb W. Morgan (R): 38.2%

Treasurer:

– Eleni Kounalakis (D): 36.5%
– Jennifer Hawks (R): 24.5%

Attorney General:

– Rob Bonta (D): 56.2%
– Michael E. Gates (R): 38.6%

Insurance Commissioner:

– Jane Kim (D): 26.8%
– Ben Allen (D): 19.6%

Federal and State Office Race:

In State races, top two regardless of vote count will head to the general election for a runoff. The following listed are the current top two as Monday, June 8.

US Representatives:

District 8
– John Garamendi (D): 54.1%
– Rudy Recile (R): 29.0%

District 9
– Josh Harder (D): 60.1%
– John McBride (R): 23.8%

District 10
– Mark DeSaulnier (D): 59.5%
– Jeff Frese (R): 13.3%

District 14 (Formerly Eric Swalwell)
 – Aisha Wahab (D) 38.5%
– Melissa Hernandez (D) 17.1%

State Assembly:

District 11 – East Contra Costa County
– Lori D Wilson (D): 65.6%
– Jenny Leilani Callison (NPP): 23.5%

District 14 – West Contra Costa County
– Buffy Wicks (D): 81.4%
– Mark Rendon (G): 9.8%

District 15 – Upper Central Contra Costa County & East Contra Costa
– Anamarie Avila Farias (D):69.0%
– Arthur Webb (NPP): 31.0%

District 16 – Mid Central Contra Costa County and portions of Alameda County
– Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D): 65.1%
– Joseph A Rubay (R): 31.2%

County Supervisor

District 1
– John Gioia: 100%
(ran unopposed, not on November ballot)

District 4
– Ken Carlson: 100%
(ran unopposed, not on November ballot)

County Assessor

– Vince Robb: 67.66%
– Nick Spinner: 23.05%
– Kismat Kathrani: 9.29%

County Auditor – Controller

– Peter Karumbi: 78.87%
– Deepika Naharas: 21.13%

County Clerk-Recorder

– Kristin Braun Connelly: 87.08%
– Pratima Sonavne: 12.92%

County Treasurer – Tax Collector

– Dan M. Mierzwa: 100%

Richmond City Council Elections:

The candidates for Mayor will hold a runoff during the General Election this November. Any other candidates for District seats that receive 50% of the vote will automatically win their seat.

Mayor

– Claudia Jimenez 37.55%
– Ahmad Anderson 28.82%
(Will runoff in November 2026)

District 2
– Cesar Zepeda: 100%

District 3
– Doria Robinson: 69.76%
– Brandon Evans – 30.24%

District 4
– Soheila Bana: 67.03%
– Jamin Pursell: 24.10%
– Keycha Gallon: 8.87%

County & Local Ballot Measures:

County – Measure A (Urban Limit Line & Land Preservation Plan Amendment Measure)
Shall the measure amending the Contra Costa County General Plan and the County’s 65/35 Land Preservation Plan Ordinance to continue protections to the County’s non-urban, agricultural, and open space areas by extending the term of the County’s Urban Limit Line through December 31, 2051; adopting an updated Urban Limit Line map; requiring voter approval, except under limited circumstances, to expand the Urban Limit Line by more than 30 acres; and retaining the 65/35 Land Preservation Standard, be adopted?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 69.81% – Likely to pass
     No: 30.19%

County – Measure B (Sales Tax Increase)
To help Contra Costa County address cuts in federal funding; support local services such as health care, supplemental food assistance, and other general county services; shall Contra Costa County adopt a five-eighths of one cent (0.625%) temporary general sales tax for 5 years, providing an estimated $150,000,000 annually, and subject to annual audits?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 42.59%
     No: 57.41% – Likely to fail

El Cerrito – Measure C (Parcel Tax)
Shall the measure to fund planning/construction/furnishing a new El Cerrito library, including a new building, and the City’s library operating costs for ten years after completing construction, by authorizing an annual parcel tax of up to $0.17 per square foot of improvements ($100 per vacant parcel), subject to annual inflation adjustments, generating approximately $3,100,000 annually, expiring 30 years after the initial issuance of bonds, with independent audits/citizen oversight and senior exemptions, be adopted?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 29.38%
     No: 70.62% – Likely to fail

Pinole – Measure D (Elected Mayor)
Shall the electors elect a mayor and four city council members?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 34.85.%
     No: 65.15% – Likely to fail

Pinole – Measure E (Mayor Term Limits)
Shall the term of office of mayor be two years?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 53.92.% – Predicted on measure D passing
     No: 46.08%

Pinole – Measure F (Mayor Term Limits)
Shall the term of office of mayor be four years?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 28.41%
     No: 71.59.% – Predicted on measure D passing

Contra Costa County Schools – Measure G (Parcel Tax)
To prepare students at Contra Costa, Diablo Valley, and Los Medanos Colleges for jobs and university transfer; update classrooms for science, nursing, and emergency response programs; meet earthquake, fire, and accessibility codes; repair outdated electrical, plumbing/ventilation systems; shall Contra Costa Community College District’s measure be adopted, authorizing $920,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying approximately $10 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, generating $57,000,000 annually while bonds are outstanding, with oversight, audits, no administrator salaries, and all funds used locally?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 49.17.%
     No: 50.83% – Likely to fail

Lafayette – Measure H (Parcel Tax)
Shall the measure to continue funding for core academic programs including math, science, engineering, technology, reading, music, and arts; attract and retain highly qualified teachers; and maintain manageable class sizes in Lafayette elementary and middle schools, by replacing the expiring school parcel tax with $585 per parcel for 9 years, providing $5.1 million annually in locally controlled funding with an exemption for seniors, annual inflation adjustments, independent audits, and community oversight, be adopted?
     2/3 to pass
     Yes: 74.55% – Likely to pass
     No: 25.45%

Moraga – Measure I (Parcel Tax)
Shall the local school funding measure to attract and retain the best qualified teachers, continue effective science, technology, engineering, math, arts, music and reading programs, maintain manageable class sizes and prevent academic cuts and teacher/educator layoffs by levying $295 per parcel, providing $1,700,000 annually, for 7 years, with senior exemptions, inflation adjustments, independent oversight, audits, and all funds supporting local elementary and middle school students, be adopted?
     2/3 to pass
     Yes: 69.50% – Likely to pass
     No: 30.50%

Oakley – Measure J (Parcel Tax)
To provide safe elementary/ middle schools by upgrading to current earthquake/ building safety codes; improving school security, classroom locks, fencing, lighting, emergency communications, and cameras; and upgrading fire safety, alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, and evacuation routes; shall Oakley Union Elementary School District’s measure be adopted authorizing $59,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying $28 per $100,000 of assessed value ($4,000,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, requiring independent oversight, audits, and all funds locally controlled?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 43.03.%
     No: 56.97% – Likely to fail

Oakley – Measure K (Parcel Tax)
To repair local elementary/ middle schools by fixing deteriorating plumbing, roofs, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems; removing lead/asbestos/hazardous materials; and upgrading aging classrooms/ labs supporting student achievement in math, science, technology, reading, writing, arts/ music; shall Oakley Union Elementary School District’s measure be adopted authorizing $64,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying $30 per $100,000 of assessed value ($4,400,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, requiring independent oversight and all funds locally controlled?
     55% to pass
     Yes: 43.87.%
     No: 56.13% – Likely to fail

Walnut Creek – Measure L (Parcel Tax)
Shall Walnut Creek School District’s measure providing locally-controlled funding for quality academic programs in math, science, engineering, technology, reading, music/ arts preparing students for high school, college, and careers; attract/ retain qualified teachers; and maintain manageable class sizes by levying a $98 parcel tax for nine years, with senior exemptions, annual inflation adjustments, independent audits/ oversight, and all funds (approximately $1,500,000 annually) benefiting local elementary and middle school students, be adopted?
     2/3 to pass
     Yes: 64.07%
     No: 35.93% – Likely to fail

District 99 Fondnazio – Jun 26

by

John Fondnazio head shotA Message From
John Fondnazio
CCAR President
(925) 817-9053

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

Advocacy is one of the most important ways CCAR protects your business, supports property rights, and helps shape the future of homeownership. In this legislative update, you’ll see how REALTOR® priorities are moving forward at the local, state, and federal levels—from C.A.R.’s work in Sacramento to CCAR leaders heading to Washington, D.C.

You’ll also find a new C.A.R. video that explains how member-driven ideas can become state law, a spotlight on our dedicated LGR Committee and political coordinators, and updates on key issues including taxpayer protections, CEQA reform, and HOA insurance transparency.

Thank you to the members and volunteers who continue to show up, build relationships with elected officials, and make sure the REALTOR® voice is heard where decisions are made.

Warm Regards,

John

Shout Out to CCAR LGR + State/National Legislative Reps

CCAR thanks the 18 members of our Local Government Relations (LGR) Committee for their dedication to protecting property rights and supporting REALTOR® success throughout our communities. Committee members regularly engage with elected officials and attend local government meetings to ensure REALTOR® perspectives are represented when housing and homeownership issues are discussed.

We also recognize our State Political Coordinators (SPCs): Michele Manzone (Sen. Tim Grayson), Debi Mackey (Asm. Anamarie Avila Farias), and Leslie Manzone (Asm. Anamarie Avila Farias and Asm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan). Leslie also acts as CCAR’s NAR Director and Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, and plays a key role in connecting REALTORS® with policymakers at every level of government.

Next week, a group of CCAR and other state and national leadership will meet with members of Congress and their staff in Washington, D.C.

3 Big Legislative Wins in 2026

Advocacy isn’t just about passing good legislation—it’s also about stopping bad legislation before it becomes law.

So far this year, C.A.R. has successfully opposed several legislative proposals that could have increased costs for homeowners, imposed new burdens on property owners, and created additional challenges for housing providers. Here are three significant bills that have stalled and will not move forward this legislative session:

SB 1404: Stopped Wildfire Prevention Fee on Property Owners

C.A.R. helped stop a proposal that would have reinstated a wildfire prevention fee on property owners in State Responsibility Areas, adding another cost for homeowners already facing rising expenses in high-risk fire zones.  Status: Dead.

AB 1157: Stopped Expanded Rent Control Measures

C.A.R. opposed this bill because it would have made rent caps permanent, lowered allowable rent increases, and removed the single-family home exemption for individual property owners. Status: Dead.

AB 2064: Tenant Screening Restrictions Abated

C.A.R. opposed this bill because it would have limited housing providers’ ability to consider criminal history during tenant screening, creating concerns around liability, resident safety, and small property owner protections. Status: Dead.

From Idea to Impact – How C.A.R. Turns Member Priorities Into Law

C.A.R. has released a new video showing how it develops and advances policy on behalf of REALTORS® and homeowners. Click above for an animated look at how a real estate issue can move from a member-driven idea to state law through C.A.R.’s policy and advocacy process.

Your Advocacy Dollars at Work

Last month, CCAR leadership, along with thousands of REALTORS® met with state legislators during Legislative Day in Sacramento to advocate for solutions to some of the most important housing and real estate issues facing Californians today. | PHOTO L to R:  Michele Manzone, Cathleen Griebling (Delta AOR), CCAR President John Fondnazio, Senator Tim Grayson, Leslie Manzone, Jody Drewry (Delta AOR), Otto Catrina (Bay East), and CCAR President-Elect Donna Souza.

Supporting Taxpayer Protections
C.A.R. approved support for a statewide ballot initiative that would require a two-thirds vote for local special taxes and plans to increase California’s homeowners’ property tax exemption for the first time in 50 years.

Faster Housing and Infrastructure
The Association will support a California Chamber-backed initiative to streamline the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) review process, reducing delays that can impact housing development and economic growth.

Improving HOA Insurance Transparency
Association advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond will also focus on increasing transparency and consumer protection in homeowners associations, including requiring disclosure of HOA master insurance policies and greater homeowner involvement in insurance decisions.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link