Chief Mission Officer at the Walnut Creek-based Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area
By Alexandra Rubin, Director of Communications, Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area
AstraZeneca, in partnership with Scientific American Custom Media, announced the winners of the third annual Cancer Community Awards (or C2 Awards). A part of the AstraZeneca YOUR Cancer program, the C2 Awards celebrate diverse individuals and organizations creating meaningful change in the lives of people with cancer and their loved ones.
Margaret Stauffer, LMFT, Chief Mission Officer at the Walnut Creek-based Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area was awarded The President’s Award at a virtual ceremony. This top honor is selected by AstraZeneca and honors those who make a tangible and inspiring difference for patients and their loved ones.
“As we commemorate 50 years since the National Cancer Act was signed and reflect upon the extraordinary progress made in treating this disease, we are inspired by this year’s winners and finalists,” said Chatrick Paul, Head of US Oncology, AstraZeneca.
“Though we still have more to do toward one day eliminating cancer mortality, especially amid a pandemic that has laid bare the disparities disproportionately faced by disadvantaged communities, these unsung heroes, through their selfless dedication, demonstrate what we can accomplish as one oncology community determined to create meaningful change for people with cancer.”
“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized by AstraZeneca for this award. There is so much great work being done in the world of cancer care and I’m proud to make a difference in the lives of people facing cancer every day,” said Ms. Stauffer.
Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Support Community said, “It is such an honor to see Margaret recognized on the national level for her expertise and experience. Her work at Cancer Support Community has impacted thousands of cancer patients and their families and made a real difference in their quality of life.”
Watch the C2 Your Cancer award video, here.
About Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area
Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care — including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, emergency financial assistance, and patient education programs — for people with cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Our evidence-based services enable cancer patients to partner with their medical teams to manage their treatment and recovery most effectively, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life. All CSC services are always provided free of charge and are being offered virtually during the pandemic. With services provided at our Walnut Creek center, in local medical centers throughout the Bay Area, and now in Antioch, we
serve more than 2,200 people annually. Visit www.cancersupport.net for more information.
About YOUR Cancer
The C2 Awards are part of the YOUR Cancer Program, a broader initiative launched by AstraZeneca to spotlight those at the forefront of cancer research and patient support who are contributing toward eliminating cancer as a cause of death. YOUR Cancer aims to convene, engage, and highlight the full breadth of the oncology community, utilizing four pillars: a digital partnership hub profiling community resources and perspectives, an awards program recognizing the unsung heroes of oncology, state-level roundtables with local policymakers and advocates, and media and speaking engagements profiling community oncology leaders.
Read MoreThe Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on its 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). The JJCC currently has the following five (5) vacancies:
- At-Large Representative (3)
- Community Based Organization Representative (2)
The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is a multiagency advisory body that informs the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan composed of several critical parts, including, but not limited to an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drug and alcohol and youth services resources, which specifically target both at-promise as well as system-involved youth, and their families.
The JJCC will also coordinate on a countywide basis the work of those governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community, develop information and intelligence-sharing systems to ensure that county actions are fully coordinated, and provide data and appropriate outcome measures.
The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council is composed of the following 20 members:
Ten (10) Ex‐Officio Members:
- Chief Probation Officer, as Chair
- District Attorney’s Office representative
- Public Defender’s Office representative
- Sheriff’s Office representative
- Board of Supervisors’ representative
- Employment and Human Services Department representative
- Behavioral Health Services representative
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Division representative
- Public Health representative
- Juvenile Justice Commission Chair
Ten (10) Additional Members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, as follows:
- City Police Department representative
- County Office of Education or a School District representative
- Four (4) At-Large members, residing or working within County of Contra Costa
- Two (2) Community-Based Organization representatives
- Two (2) At-Large youth, fourteen to twenty-five years old and residing or working within County of Contra Costa
Appointments to the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council will be for a term of two years. The JJCC meets monthly October through April, and bi-monthly the remainder of the year. Members have the option to serve on two (2) subcommittees that each currently meet on a monthly basis.
Applications will be due by 5 p.m. on December 3, 2021, and all timely applicants will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee: Supervisors Candace Andersen, District II, and Federal Glover, District V. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for Board of Supervisors to appoint to the Racial Justice Oversight Body.
Below is a complete timeline of this recruitment process to fill the five (5) vacant JJCC seats:
- December 3: Final Day of the Application Period, due by 5:00 p.m.
- December 16: Public Protection Committee Meeting: Interviews
- January 11: Board of Supervisors Appointments
Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/. Completed applications should be emailed to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us. Applications can also be mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553.
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Requires super majority to approve; Gioia, Glover vote no
Do approve body worn cameras for sheriff deputies.
By Daniel Borsuk
Going against the spirit of the 2020 voter-approved the early education-medical services-social needs message of the Measure X sales tax measure, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday narrowly rejected a proposal to spend a chunk of the initial $212. 5 million in one-time Measure X funds for Sheriff David Livingston’s department to hire additional deputies to beef up patrols especially in under-patrolled areas of the county.
Supervisors also learned the county would draw approximately $128.4 million in ongoing Measure X tax revenue a year for at least 2027.
On a 3 to 2 vote, with District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen, and board chair District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis casting votes calling for the expenditure of $6.4 million of Measure X funds for the hiring of patrol deputies designated for the under patrolled Bay Point, Saranap, and Rodeo areas, supervisors rejected a proposal to strengthen up patrols in those under-served areas of the county.
If approved, the proposal could have decreased response time by nearly 14 minutes and 21 seconds per call.
“Police and mental health services are my top priorities,” said District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville. “Body cameras and patrols are needed.”
However, due to supervisors’ rules, locally generated tax funds require a super majority vote of four or more supervisors. As a result, Andersen’s motion to increase patrols with Measure X funds failed.
Funds for the Sheriff’s Department are allowed in the measure that passed by over 58% of the vote last November. The ballot language read, “To keep Contra Costa’s regional hospital open and staffed; fund community health centers; provide timely fire and emergency response; support crucial safety-net services; invest in early childhood services; protect vulnerable populations; and for other essential county services, shall the Contra Costa County measure levying a ½ cent sales tax, exempting food sales, providing an estimated $81,000,000 annually for 20 years that the State cannot take, requiring fiscal accountability, with funds benefiting County residents, be adopted?” CCC_2021MeasureX_FullText
District 1 Supervisor John Gioia and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover voted against the proposal to increase patrols. The 3-2 was insufficient for supervisors to designate Measure X for the hiring of additional deputies based on board of supervisors’ rules.
“I want funding for the sheriff to be part of the general fund budget discussion, not part of Measure X,” explained Supervisor Glover of Pittsburg. Gioia gave no clear reason why he voted against increasing deputy patrols, but earlier he had talked about bringing the item before the finance committee that he and District 4 Supervisor
“I support giving more money to the sheriff,” said board chair Diane Burgis of Brentwood. “We are under-funding protective services in the Eastern area of the county.”
Supervisors did approve on a 4 to 1 vote the expenditure of $2.5 million of Measure X revenues for body worn cameras for sheriff deputies. District 1 Supervisor Gioia cast the sole opposition vote, siding with more than 60 speakers opposed to the proposed allocation of any Measure X funds to the sheriff.
“Let’s keep the spirit of Measure X,” said Pittsburg resident Francisco Flores. “Please don’t treat this money as pork for the use of the sheriff.”
Supervisors also voted 5-0 to transfer $6 million in Measure X funds designated for Contra Costa County Health Center capital improvement projects like a parking garage to county services that are financially neglected like the county library system and childcare.
All of the 60 speakers opposed spending any Measure X tax revenue for the sheriff.
Speakers said spending Measure X money for law enforcement purposes violated the spirit of the November 2020 voter approved tax revenue measure designed to ramp up revenue for underfunded public health and social service programs and services.
“Let’s keep the spirit of Measure X alive,” said Pittsburg resident Francisco Flores, a member of the community action group ACCE.
“You must follow the funding requests of the advisory board,” pleaded Measure X Advisory Board Chair Mariana Moore.
Proposed Expenditures
Some of the county programs or capital projects proposed for Measure X funds include:
$40 million parking garage for the Contra Costa Regional Medical and Health Center in Martinez.
$17.2 million for East Contra Costa County Fire District fire station construction projects.
$5 million to modernize the psychiatric ward at the Contra Costa Regional Medical and Health Center in Martinez.
$1.2 million for the Racial Equity and Social Justice office.
$250,000 for arts and culture programs.
$740,000 for the San Ramon Fire Emergency Medical Service.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
In response to the planned healthcare worker strikes beginning today and tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, Nov. 18 and 19, Kaiser Permanente issued the following statement:
We are extremely grateful for all our frontline health care workforce, whose commitment to providing care and service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring. We recently reached successful agreements with dozens of unions that represent more than 60,000 Kaiser Permanente employees that demonstrate our commitment to providing excellent wages and benefits for all employees while meeting our commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable care for our members and patients. These are market-leading contracts, reached through constructive and reasonable bargaining.
Bargaining with Local 39 IUOE
Kaiser Permanente has been bargaining in good faith with Local 39 IUOE, the union that represents about 600 Kaiser Permanente operating engineers, for several months. The union decided to call a strike and have kept employees out for more than two months. We are offering Local 39 employees wages that are similar to our other employees’ and that, on top of Local 39’s generous medical and the richest retirement benefits, will keep our engineers among the best compensated in their profession, at an average of more than $180,000 in total wages and benefits. We are not proposing any take-aways and our proposals do not differentiate between current and future employees. But union leadership wants more, asking for unreasonable increases far beyond any other union at Kaiser Permanente.
UPDATE: Unfortunately, after many hours bargaining on Tuesday and Wednesday, there is no movement in negotiations with Local 39. The union insists it receive much more – in some cases nearly 2 times more – than other union agreements covering Kaiser Permanente employees.
Michelle Gaskill-Hames, Senior Vice President of Hospital and Health Plan Operations for Kaiser Permanente Northern California spoke via video about the workers and patient care during the strike.
We are optimistic that we can resolve the remaining issues with Local 39 at the bargaining table and reach an agreement that continues to reward our employees and supports health care affordability, just as we have with several unions this week.
Sympathy strikes
As one of the largest health care union employers in the United States — with nearly 75% of our employees working under collective bargaining agreements — we fully understand solidarity among unions. But given the demands of Local 39, on top of the already market-leading compensation and highest retirement benefit of any represented employee in our organization, we believe that sympathy strikes are not appropriate in this case. We are asking our staff to choose to be there for our patients, and to come to work.
We question why leaders of other unions are asking their members to walk out on patients on Nov. 18 and 19 in sympathy for Local 39. This will not bring us closer to an agreement and most important, it is unfair to our members and patients to disrupt their care when they most need our employees to be there for them.
Several unions have submitted sympathy strike notices: SEIU-UHW, Local 20, and Local 29 on Thursday, November 18 and the California Nurses Association, Friday, November 19. Kaiser Permanente is not in bargaining with these unions, and each has a current contract. In fact, we have informed SEIU-UHW, Local 20, and Local 29 union leaders that we believe in accordance with their contracts, these sympathy strikes are not protected by law.
We are also in bargaining with NUHW, the union that represents our mental health professionals. NUHW has announced a one-day strike for Friday, November 19.
We have taken steps to ensure that our members and patients will continue to receive high-quality, safe care and service should these strikes occur.
We have prepared thoroughly to care for our patients in the event of a strike and are working diligently to reduce the impact.
- During the strike, care will be provided by physicians and experienced clinical managers and staff, with the support of trained and qualified contingency staff.
- Some non-urgent medical appointments or procedures may be affected, and we will reach out to patients to reschedule or convert appointments to phone or video if that is appropriate. We will not postpone any urgent or emergency care, or critical medical appointments.
- We encourage members to schedule an appointment should they need lab, optometry, or radiology services this week as some of our locations will be temporarily closed or operating with reduced hours. If a member has an urgent need for services, they should call the Appointment and Advice Call Center, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Some outpatient pharmacies will be temporarily closed from Nov. 18 and 19. If a member does not need their refill right away, any closed pharmacies will reopen on Saturday, Nov. 20. Our Mail Delivery pharmacy will remain open during the strike to order refills at kp.org or by phone.
- In the event an urgent prescription is needed and the outpatient pharmacy is closed, Kaiser Permanente staff will provide members with direction on how to fill their prescription at an open Kaiser Permanente pharmacy or at a retail pharmacy. Hospital pharmacies for inpatient care and critical infusion services will remain in operation.
- All our hospitals and emergency departments will continue to be open during a strike and remain safe places to receive care.
As this is an evolving situation, we will continue to communicate directly with our members and post updates on kp.org as they are available.
We are very sorry for any disruption members may experience as we take steps to ensure that we continue to provide high-quality, safe care during this union strike.
Kaiser Permanente is indisputably one of the most labor-friendly organizations in the United States.
Our history and our future are deeply connected to organized labor. Labor unions have always played an important role in our efforts to provide more people with access to high-quality care and to make care more affordable.
It’s unconscionable that union leaders would ask health care workers to walk away from the patients who need them and deliberately disrupt their care.
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First time a father and daughter will receive an award together – the Lifetime Achievement Award for the legendary Latin jazz artist and The Queen of Percussion
By Allen Payton
Latin jazz legend native of Pittsburg, Pete Escovedo and his daughter, known as the Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. of Lafayette, will be honored with a 2021 Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award tonight, Nov. 17, 2021, as part of the 22nd Annual Latin GRAMMY week. The honorees will be celebrated during a private ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas.
In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, Nov. 14, Escovedo wrote, “This will be a night that will be precious to our family. My daughter and I #SheilaE will be receiving ‘The Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the #LatinGrammy2021. First time in history that a father and daughter received an award together at the same time. I am grateful and humbled to be acknowledged for all of my work over the years and a special thank you to all of the musicians that I was able to perform with. Many blessings – Pete.”
According to the Latin Grammy website, “The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities.”
The distinction is voted on by The Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.
To watch father and daughter Pete Escovedo and Sheila E. playing together is an unforgettable experience: two brilliant percussionists breathing in unison to the syncopated beat. Sheila E. was a little girl when she taught herself to play the drums and timbales by watching her father rehearse with his Latin jazz combo. The rest is history.
Born in Pittsburg, California in 1935, Pete Michael Escovedo fell in love with Afro-Caribbean music as a young man and decided to follow his passion, founding a jazz sextet with family members that evolved into the iconic Chicano rock band Azteca in 1972. Five years later, Escovedo launched a solo career, unifying elements of jazz, salsa and Latin soul under the elegant groove of his timbales. At 85 Pete continues touring, recording and creating critically acclaimed paintings in his home studio.
Born into a musical family in Oakland in 1957, Sheila Cecilia Escovedo made a name for herself in the late ’70s as the fiery percussionist with The George Duke Band. Global success followed when Prince asked her to join the Purple Rain sessions. Performing as part of Prince’s touring band, Sheila cooked up an exquisite hybrid of pop, funk and Latin that would anchor mega-hits “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre”.
Even though she continued performing with Prince onstage until his death, Sheila developed a sound of her own, inspired by her love of jazz, R&B and the Latin music tradition she learned from her father.
Ver a Pete Escovedo tocar junto a su hija Sheila E. es una experiencia inolvidable: dos percusionistas que respiran al unísono, conectados por el espíritu del ritmo. Pete Michael Escovedo se enamoró de la música afrocaribeña durante su juventud y, motivado por esa pasión, fundó un sexteto de jazz con integrantes de su familia que se transformó en 1972 en Azteca, la legendaria banda de rock chicano. Cinco años más tarde, Escovedo se lanzó como solista, unificando elementos de jazz, salsa y Latin soul bajo la elegante cadencia de sus timbales. Nacida en una familia de música Sheila Cecilia Escovedo se dio a conocer a fines de los años 70 como la apasionada percusionista de The George Duke Band. La fama internacional vino de la mano de Prince, que la invitó a participar en las sesiones del disco Purple Rain. Como integrante del grupo que acompañaba a Prince en vivo, Sheila desarrolló un exquisito híbrido de pop, funk y música latina que apoyó los extraordinarios éxitos “The Glamorous Life” y “A Love Bizarre”.
“We are delighted to recognize this remarkable group of legendary artists, who remain very active, with this year’s Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Their outstanding accomplishments have created a timeless legacy within the Latin music world and beyond, and we look forward to honoring and celebrating each of them during Latin GRAMMY Week as we return to Las Vegas this November with our resilient community of Latin music lovers.”
Post Video Announcing Award and Thanking Latin Recording Academy
In a video post on Facebook on June 24 the day the award was announced, Sheila wrote, “We are so honored, humbled, and grateful. Thank U Latin GRAMMYs and family Pete Escovedo #LatinGRAMMY.”
“Pops, oh. Congratulations,” she said.
“Congratulations to you and to me,” Pete responded. “What an achievement. Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Grammys.”
“We don’t even know what to say,” Sheila continued.
“I don’t know what to say,” Pete said.
“I’m receiving it and my father’s receiving it,” she stated. “. We’ve made history. They said they’ve never honored two people with the same name let alone a father and daughter.”
“So, it’s a first. Yeah,” Pete said.
“We are so honored. Thank you so much,” she said.
“That is so, so remarkable,” he said. “Yay.”
“Thank you, so much, Recording Academy, the Latin Recording Academy,” Sheila said.
“Yes, definitely,” Pete added.
“We are so humbled. Thank you,” she added.
They then congratulated each other again, and Sheila kissed her dad.
Wednesday from Las Vegas for the Award Presentation
On her Facebook page, on Wednesday, Sheila posted photos and wrote, “Love you, Pops. I am beyond grateful and humbled to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award from #latingrammy2021 Latin GRAMMYs alongside my hero, Pete Escovedo. This is an incredible honor, thank u, family.
Honored and so grateful to be here to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award today alongside my hero Pete Escovedo Latin GRAMMYs. Thank U, family.
This has been a beautiful and incredibly humbling day. Thank u, family. @momsandpopse @pete_escovedo Go to @947thewave’s bio to listen to my convo with @prescott947 #947thewave @sheilaedrummer and her father the legendary @pete_escovedo will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards. First time in history father & daughter! Sheila spoke to #prescott947 about what this means to her to share this particular honor with her Dad. #linkinbio “This has been a once in a lifetime day. Thank you, @latingrammys, we are honored and truly humbled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Love you, @momsandpopse @pete_escovedo, thank you for sharing this day with us, family,” she also wrote.
Also posted on her page was, “Feeling incredibly blessed. Pete Escovedo Latin GRAMMYs from my sis Zina Escovedo We are at the LATIN GRAMMYS!!! #PeteEscovedo and my seeeeester #SheilaE will be accepting a #LifetimeAchievementAward !! First time in history Father and Daughter!
More About Pete Escovedo
According to Escovedo’s website “Percussionist Pete Escovedo is an artist who broke down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz and contemporary music. His name has been synonymous in the music industry for more than 50 years. Pete is known worldwide for his live performances, session work and solo albums.
As a young boy he would sit on the steps of nightclubs and watch musicians play. Music became his outlet. When he was 15 years old, he began to also sketch and paint on wood or cardboard. Anything he could get his hands on he would start to draw.
Pete did not know that his love for music and art combined would change his life forever.
Over the years he has created an amazing body of artwork, created using mixed mediums, including oils, acrylics, latex, enamels, pencil and crayons.
A master of color, texture, and shape, Escovedo’s work explores the vibrancy of life with a thoughtful attention to detail.”
See his art at MrEGallery.com. In addition, Pete published a memoir entitled, “My Life In The Key of E”.
He and his wife Juanita have been married for 65 years and have three other children, Juan, Peter Michael and Zina. Read more about the Escovedo family, here.
More About Sheila E.
According to her Wikipedia page, Sheila E. is a percussionist, singer, author, and actress. She began her career in the mid-1970s as a percussionist and singer for The George Duke Band. After leaving the group in 1983, Sheila began a successful solo career, starting with her critically acclaimed debut album, which included the career-defining song, “The Glamorous Life“. She became a mainstream solo star in 1985 following the success of the singles “The Belle of St. Mark“, “Sister Fate“, and “A Love Bizarre” with the last becoming one of her signature songs. She is commonly referred to as The Queen of Percussion.
According to her website, “Guided by the forces of family, faith, and music, Sheila E. has made a name for herself as one of the most talented musical icons over the decades. With a fearless nature and a passion for sharing her gifts with others, Sheila truly follows the beat of her own drum. She touches the lives of so many, with her dynamic music career at the heart of everything. Sheila’s eagerness to share her music, openness as an author, and fire for her ministry make her such a relatable, inspirational figure for people of all ages.
Born into a musical family, Sheila Escovedo (Sheila E.) has been driven by an inner rhythm her entire life. As a young girl, she was immersed in the diverse music scenes of the Bay Area—influenced and inspired by her percussionist father Pete Escovedo; musical uncles Coke Escovedo, Alejandro Escovedo, Mario Escovedo, and Javier Escovedo; and godfather Tito Puente. Growing up in the Escovedo household, musical instruments were for everyone. “Nobody cared as long as you could keep time (or have a good time),” she writes in her memoir, The Beat Of My Own Drum.
Before Sheila had language, she had rhythm. When she was 3 years old, she developed a love for playing various musical instruments, feeling the most connected to the drums and other percussion instruments. Born into an environment filled with music, with music running through her veins, Sheila found an inner beat that fueled her every move. As a young child, she’d copy the hand movements of her father as he played the drums—planting the seed for what would quickly become her life’s passion.
At the age of 5, Sheila gave her first public performance for an audience of 3,000, appearing alongside her dad. It was while on that stage playing a drum solo that Sheila first realized she was going to be a percussionist. Five decades later, and the beat that has always driven her is showing no signs of slowing down. The famous drummer, singer, songwriter, author, humanitarian, and icon is following the beat of her own drum. She considers music to be the purest form of self-expression and the one true love of her life.”
Pete Writes About His Daughter
On December 22, 2020, Pete wrote about his daughter on his Facebook page, “On December 12th, 1957. Our first child was born, Sheila Escovedo. Our lives changed forever.
Sheila loved Jiffy commercials (if you’re reading this and you think its Jiffy Lube commercials – NO – It was for Peanut Butter) She would get so excited about hearing the commercial, that she would crawl back to the drums and hit them as hard as she could.
I kept all of the instruments in the front room (we didn’t have a big house and extra rooms to play in) So that’s where all of the congas, percussion and timbales lived. When Sheila watched me practice, she would mirror me because she was on the other side of the drums, so she learned how to play backwards. She would sit on the floor and stare at the drums as if she was mesmerized by the sounds that were coming out…
Little did she know, this was the beginning of her own future.
Sheila was very different as a little girl growing up, she wasn’t interested in barbie dolls, cute clothes, sewing or even tea parties with stuffed animals. She was in love with the sound of music, she lived by it, she breathed it and It became her world.
Through the years my little girl didn’t know at that time that only men played drums. The older she got she witnessed men not taking her seriously because they had never seen a girl play. I am sure they made many comments behind her back with whispers filling the room. But when she stepped on the stage, she owned it! No one could tell her anything, and by the end of the song, she would receive standing ovations.
I am a very proud father who didn’t see this coming. But God did. As parents you can’t ask for anything more. Healthy children, great wife and a blessed career.
I love having my children on my albums. Here is just a few…
‘Rhythm of the Night’ Released Sept. 2021
‘Back to the Bay’ Released 2018
Both albums produced by son #PeterMichaelEscovedo.”
The 2021 Latin Grammys presentation will air at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 on Univision.
Read MoreSigned by Biden on Monday
Washington, DC – In response to President Joe Biden signing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement on Monday, Nov. 15:
“Today, I had the privilege of joining President Biden as he signed into law the largest federal infrastructure investment in nearly a century. Americans called on us for action, and we answered ‘yes’ to rebuilding our communities, ‘yes’ to good union wages, ‘yes’ to expanding opportunity, and ‘yes’ to doing it all while tackling the climate crisis.
“Building back better is no longer just a promise, but a reality that Americans will see throughout their communities and across our nation. I am extremely proud that four bills I authored were encompassed in this historic law. As part of the law’s $65 billion broadband investment, the Digital Equity Act will provide $2.75 billion to help close gaps in broadband adoption and increase digital literacy. Connectivity and digital skills are essential for opening gateways to economic opportunity, and this funding is crucial for lifting up communities across the country – including many in my district. Additionally, the Cyber Sense Act and the Enhancing Grid Security Through Public-Private Partnerships Act will help bolster the cybersecurity of our electric utilities to better secure our grid as we confront a growing number of cyber threats. Finally, the Grid Hardening Act will dedicate $3 billion to modernize the electric grid, including upgrades to increase resiliency against wildfires.”
“Through investments such as the $55 billion allotted to update our drinking water infrastructure and $17 billion marked for ports and waterway enhancements, we will create an average of 1.5 million jobs per year over the next 10 years. Our roads and bridges will be repaired and rebuilt with an emphasis on climate change mitigation, and our commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions will be honored with the largest investment in public transit in our nation’s history.”
Rep. Jerry McNerney represents California’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Represents that includes portions of Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties. For more information on the Congressman’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.
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Poetry Out Loud (POL) is an exciting National competition started in 2005 by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The contest challenges high school students to memorize and recite poetry, a chance to showcase their talents, build self-confidence, and gain both an appreciation and understanding of poetry.
The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County has been an official local partner of California Arts Council’s for Poetry Out Loud since 2007. Every Contra Costa County high school is encouraged to participate. Local arts non-profit organizations and libraries are welcome and encouraged to participate as well. Each year ten to fifteen high schools representing East, West, and Central County have participated. These include public schools, private schools, charter schools, alternative schools, court schools, and homeschool groups.
Poetry Out Loud is a free program!
There is no cost to either the school or the students.
HOW DOES POL WORK?
Poetry Out Loud is a tiered competition structure that begins in the classroom. High school teachers use the free Poetry Out Loud teacher toolkit (https://www.poetryoutloud.org/teachers-organizers/lesson-plans/) to teach poetry recitation and run classroom competitions. Class winners advance to the school-wide competition, then one school champion enters the county competition. The County winner is eligible to compete in the state competition, and the state winner competes in the national finals in Washington D.C. for a grand prize of $20,000.
Poetry Out Loud has been made accessible to accommodate in-person and virtual teaching environments at the school level. Additional information on this year’s hybrid model will be shared with participating schools.
Please complete the form by 12/15/21! POETRY OUT LOUD 2021-22
Please feel free to email our county coordinator, Brennan DeFrisco, at bdeeppoetry@gmail.com or call (925) 984-4031 for any questions you may have.
Thank you for your interest in supporting Poetry Out Loud!
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At least two at “home sick Monday with bad stomachaches”
Fourteen children were given higher doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine than they should have received at Sutter Health’s Antioch Urgent Care clinic in the Blue Rock Center over the weekend.
A statement was issued by Dr. Jimmy Hu, a pediatrician and Chair of the Sutter Health COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force:
“This weekend 14 patients at our Antioch pediatric vaccine clinic received vaccines with an incorrect amount of diluent. As soon as we learned of this, we contacted the parents and advised them of CDC guidance in this situation. The safety of our patients is our top priority, and we immediately reviewed our processes to help make sure this doesn’t happen again. According to the CDC, patients who receive vaccine with an incorrect diluent volume may experience more arm soreness, fatigue, headache, or a fever in response to the dose given.”
According to Sutter Health spokesperson, Monique Binkley-Smith, the children received more than the 5- to 11-year-old dose of 10 micrograms, and approximately two-thirds the dose of what a 12-year-old or older would get of 30 micrograms.
The vaccine dilution/prep process is done on-site-at the clinics, the same day it’s administered.
According to an ABC news report, two of the children got sick after receiving the vaccine.
“I’m here tonight to report my story because it’s unacceptable; you expect your medical professionals to give you correct doses,” parent Denise Iserloth said.
Denise and her husband Shawn’s eight and 11-year-old children were among the kids given the wrong amount of coronavirus vaccine.
“The Iserloths, whose children were both home sick Monday with bad stomachaches, say their two children were given 20 micrograms of dosage instead of the recommended 10. They’re now very concerned about any long-term effects,” according to the ABC report.
The children are expected to be fine.
“According to the CDC, patients who receive vaccine with an incorrect diluent volume may experience more arm soreness, fatigue, headache, or a fever in response to the dose given,” Binkley-Smith shared.
Also according to the CDC, “Scientists have conducted clinical trials with about 3,000 children, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has met the safety and efficacy standards for authorization in children ages 5 through 11 years old. The safety of COVID-19 vaccines continues to be monitored.”
Read MoreStatement from Kaiser Permanente
November 15, 2021
By Deniene Erickson, Issues Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
We are very pleased to announce that at about 1:00 a.m. this morning, Kaiser Permanente and the Guild for Professional Pharmacists reached a tentative agreement for a new 3-year contract for pharmacists in our Northern California region. The tentative agreement reflects our respect for Kaiser Permanente pharmacy professionals and the exceptional care they provide and provides industry-leading wage and benefit packages. The agreement is aligned with our commitment to high quality, affordable health care and to being the best place to work in health care, and includes the following:
- Wage increases: Guaranteed across-the-board wage increases each year through the duration of the three year contract
- Health benefits: No reductions or takeaways to already low-cost family medical and dental coverage with the same low copays for prescriptions and office visits
- Retirement benefits: Maintains generous retirement income benefits and employer-subsidized retiree medical.
- Bonus opportunities: Higher incentive bonus opportunities
- Agreement on important operational matters
In light of this, the Guild for Professional Pharmacists has canceled the strike that was expected to begin November 15 and our pharmacies will return to normal operations later today.
This agreement comes on the heels of Saturday’s landmark tentative agreement between Kaiser Permanente and the Alliance of Health Care Unions, affecting nearly 50,000 Kaiser Permanente employees across the enterprise.
We are continuing to bargain in good faith with Local 39 Operating Engineers and the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW), and are confident we will reach agreements with these unions very soon. At this time there is no change in the Local 39 Operating Engineers strike. Other unions have not yet rescinded their one-day sympathy strike notices for Thursday, November 18 and Friday, November 19. NUHW, the union that represents our mental health professionals has also announced a one-day strike for Friday, November 19, which remains in effect.
As always, our first priority is our members and patients and we have taken steps to ensure they will continue to receive high-quality, safe care and service should these strikes take place.
Read MoreEndorse Map D keeping their districts mostly the same
Splits Concord minimally; keeps Antioch split but along different lines; reunites Pinole; moves Alamo, Blackhawk and Camino Tassajara into the same district as the rest of the San Ramon Valley
By Daniel Borsuk
With scant public testimony and only three complete community map submissions, during their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, Contra Costa Supervisors decided to move forward with the 2021 redistricting effort by selecting Map D as the preferred alternative. It creates proposed supervisorial boundaries that will be in place for the next 10 years. CCCBOS Redistricting 2021 NOV 9 presentation-part 1 CCCBOS Redistricting 2021 NOV 9 presentation-part 2
With the clock ticking for supervisors to wrap up the federally mandated redistricting effort by Dec. 15, county officials have not received an abundance of public input at public hearings and workshops on proposed supervisorial maps, but after supervisors again heard meager public input on the proposed maps, the elected officials decided to move forward to comply with federal law.
At the end of day, of the four maps proposed by county staff and the three complete alternative maps submitted by the public, supervisors chose Map D mainly because it presents the fewest revisions from the current districts. However, it offers districts with the greatest deviation of 9.77% in population between districts of all four maps offered by county staff. It only splits up the cities of Concord, Antioch and Walnut Creek.
Impacts
The chosen map results in Districts 3 and 5 with the least population, 11,568 and 11,425 fewer residents than average, respectively, and Districts 2 and 4 with the most population of 11,264 and 9,273 greater than average. So, Districts 3 and 5 Supervisors will represent about 21,000 to 23,000 fewer residents than Districts 2 and 4. District 1 will have the lowest deviation from average population of just 2,455 residents or 1.05%.
Map D reunites Pinole moving a portion from the current District 5 into District 1 in West County.
It moves Alamo, Blackhawk and Tassajara Valley from the current District 3 into District 2, allowing them to join the rest of the San Ramon Valley.
It keeps Antioch split in two between Districts 3 and 5, as the city currently is, but along different streets and the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, in one part.
It keeps the Rossmoor community of Walnut Creek split from the rest of that city, and leaves it in District 2, while the rest of the city will be in District 4.
The map also shifts a portion of Concord from District 4 into District 5.
District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, who announced she will not seek re-election next year, liked Map D because it presents the “least intrusion into Concord.” District 4 would also pick up the Morgan Territory area.
“If I could have all of Antioch I would,” said Board Chair Burgis.
District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, whose seat is also up for election next year, acknowledged with Map D his district cannot go beyond Pinole and El Sobrante. The neighboring and nearby communities of Hercules and Crockett will be fully represented by District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover.
Alternative Maps
There were only 12 community submissions with eight complete maps and four community of interest maps, using the county’s online mapping tool. Two of the complete maps were submitted by one person and three by another, So, only five people submitted complete, alternative maps. CCCBOS Redistricting 2021 Community Submission Maps Oct05&19 CCCBOS Redistricting 2021 Community Submission Maps Nov09
Two of the complete maps offered total population deviations between the districts of 10.55% and 13.38%, which is greater than the 10% maximum deviation legally allowed. The population of each district can only be 5% greater or lesser than average. The other five maps split up communities of interest
The community submission of a complete map of the five districts, by the Contra Costa Herald, complied with the population deviation requirement of no greater or fewer than 5% from average. The map offers districts with the least population deviation of just 1.67% compared to the four maps proposed by county staff, while respecting both city and community boundaries, except for Concord and Antioch, the county’s largest cities. In general, the Contra Costa Herald map uses major city streets as the dividing lines, such as A Street in Antioch, and the districts are as compact as possible.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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