Madison Street Fresh Start Cafe

The facility is clean and nicely decorated, and that’s probably the only positive aspect I can disclose. Over the phone and in person, everyone I've encountered there has been either negligent, rude or a shocking (as in, shocked that these people are still employed) combo of both. They’ve warped what should have been an easy, jovial procedure into a sluggish, spirit-crushing nightmare. It's been nearly 6 MONTHS since my Wedding Day, and I still have to make an in-person appearance to confirm that a very small detail (that they initially screwed up— ‘clerical error’) has finally been fixed on my Certificate. Repeatedly, every procedure within a procedure is laced with mystery. Adding to the strain, people divided amongst stations do not streamline information, causing one to go in unnecessary circles. What’s worse, the critique is either delivered by barking through glass or to your face in snide, overtly contemptuous tones. To them, every question or error on your part is automatically worthy of increasingly disrespectful treatment, because apparently, asking for information (or any demonstration of graceful competence) is equivalent to asking for their right hand on a platter. In the midst of such treatment, be ready to never hear the phrase ‘sorry for the inconvenience’ — EVERY person you’ll encounter somehow’s been brainwashed into thinking that displays of empathy are beneath them. You’ll always be the inconvenience to them, no matter how true the opposite may be. Don't let the peaceful architecture & surroundings fool you-- please go where accuracy and service are paramount. Even for something as simple as procuring a marriage license/certificate, please go elsewhere and save yourself the time, sweat, and existential turmoil in making sure the Contra Costa County Staff are in fact doing their jobs with common courtesy.

Got the location (County Recorders Office) from the Voters CoCo County booklet with address under a huge banner stating "24 Hrs a Day!". THE OFFICE IS CLOSED. I guess they meant the drop box, which I no longer trust (any more than I trust the USPS), due to a fire reported in one, and missing ballots in another. Nope, gonna hand it to the box INSIDE the place. This election is too important! For future reference, please post any exceptions to the main theme ALONGSIDE the address. Thank You.

I went to get a copy of a marriage certificate for my daughter (as her father, I am allowed). I got to the clerks office at 10:30 am. I went on a Wednesday. I was second in line at the check in desk and 2 clerks were behind the desk. I had completed the form on my computer and printed it BEFORE I got there and one clerk quickly checked it for accuracy. I was out in 15 minutes by 10:45! Everyone was VERY nice.