SEE 10/4/23 3:30 PM UPDATE: While bargaining ended without a contract settlement 5 tentative agreements reached
“Operations continue as normal”
Kaiser Permanente Statement on National Bargaining with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions
Kaiser Permanente and leaders and members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions were bargaining through the weekend to reach an agreement.
We continue to make progress on key issues such as a redesigned performance sharing plan with updated payout opportunities. Last week we reached tentative agreements in four key areas:, travel for continuing education, the use of temporary workers such as traveling nurses, tracking of staffing vacancies, and dispute resolution.
It is important to know that while the current national agreement expired at midnight PDT on September 30, operations continue as normal, and we will continue to honor all current contract provisions. Contract expirations do not mean a strike will happen. We remain optimistic that we will reach an agreement and avoid an unnecessary strike, which the Coalition unions have called for starting on Wednesday morning, Oct 4.
Wages
We lead total compensation in every market where we operate, and our proposals in bargaining would ensure we keep that position. In some places, a Kaiser Permanente employee leaving for a similar job at another organization would face a 20-plus percent pay cut, and lower benefits.
Included in our current offer are guaranteed across-the-board wage increases and a proposed $21 minimum wage in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, the Mid-Atlantic States (Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia), and Hawaii starting in 2024; and a $23 minimum wage starting in 2024 in California.
Hiring and Staffing
Despite the acute shortage of health care workers nationally, we have been able to hire more than 50,000 frontline employees in the last two years: 29,000 people in 2022, and another 22,000 so far this year. Included in this year’s new hires are more than 9,800 people hired into jobs represented by the Coalition. Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition agreed in April to a goal of hiring 10,000 new people for Coalition-represented jobs by the end of 2023. We expect to reach the 10,000 new hire goal by the end of October, if not sooner, and we won’t stop there. We are committed to addressing every area of staffing that is still challenging. Additionally, our attrition rate of 7% is roughly a third of the industry average and continues to fall. These achievements underscore the value of a Kaiser Permanente job and reinforce our position as a leading health care employer.
Potential Strike Starting Wednesday
In the case that a strike does begin on Oct. 4, we have contingency plans in place to ensure members continue to receive safe, high-quality care for the duration of the strike. Our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. Kaiser Permanente members can get updates on appointments, pharmacy guidance and where to get care on kp.org.
We’ll continue to bargain in good faith until we reach a fair and equitable agreement to ensure Kaiser Permanente continues to attract and retain the best people in health care — and remains a best place to work and get care. And that includes meeting our responsibility to continue to balance taking care of our employees and being more affordable to our members.
October 4, 2023 3:30 pm UPDATE:
After 6 months of bargaining with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, including a marathon effort that went through last night and into today, our bargaining sessions unfortunately ended without a settlement, and the Coalition strikes began.
While we have not reached a contract settlement, we have been able to reach a number of tentative agreements in bargaining, and our offers to date address the unions’ priorities, including:
- Across-the-board wage increases in all markets over the next four years.
- Updating the Performance Sharing Plan to include a minimum payout opportunity and potential for up to a $3,750 payout.
- Offering minimum wages of $23/hour in California and $21/hour in markets outside of California.
- Continuing and enhancing our existing excellent health benefits and retirement income plans.
- Renewing our strong tuition assistance and training programs, and increasing funding of the education trusts.
We remain committed to reaching a new agreement that continues to provide our employees with market-leading wages, excellent benefits, generous retirement income plans, and valuable professional development opportunities.
Together, we have faced the toughest challenges over the past three years. Kaiser Permanente, our industry, and our employees are now operating in a new cultural, labor, and post-pandemic environment that we are all working hard to understand. We are committed to finding workable solutions for this new environment that meet our responsibility to balance taking care of our employees and being affordable to our members.
We will coordinate with Coalition leaders to reconvene bargaining as soon as possible. We will work hard to reach an agreement so that together, we can all return to delivering on the mission of Kaiser Permanente for the benefit of our members, patients, employees, physicians, customers, and communities.
Meeting our shared staffing goal
On the same day that the Coalition strikes began, we’re pleased to confirm that we’ve met our goal of hiring 10,000 new Coalition-represented employees by year-end – and it is only October 4th. We’re not done yet. We are committed to addressing every area of staffing that is still challenging.
As a reminder: In April we agreed with the Coalition to a joint goal of hiring 10,000 people by the end of this year into jobs the Coalition cares about. We agreed this would be a great success if we could hire that many people into Coalition roles by the end of this year. We hit the goal three months early.
In total over the past two years, Kaiser Permanente has hired more than 50,000 people to join our teams.
Meeting our members’ needs
The health and wellbeing of our members and patients is our top priority. Because we are such a large organization, with multiple ways that members can access care, the impact of the strike is different at various locations.
We have robust plans in place to ensure members continue to receive safe, high-quality care during the strike.
All our hospitals and emergency departments remain open. Our facilities will continue to be staffed by our physicians, trained and experienced managers, and our great staff. Thousands of qualified and trained contract staff are joining our Kaiser Permanente teams this week as well, to help meet our members’ and patients’ needs. We thank those Coalition-represented employees who have chosen to come to work and care for our patients, members, and communities.
Members who need urgent or timely medical care should continue to seek it at our hospitals and medical facilities. A strike should not dissuade anyone from seeking necessary care.
We will contact members affected by any necessary changes in our services. We may need to reschedule non-emergency and elective services in some locations out of an abundance of caution. Our members can follow any important updates to our care delivery on kp.org.
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By Renée Saldaña, SEIU, Press Secretary, SEUI – United Healthcare Workers West
OAKLAND, Calif. – Bay Area unions IFPTE Local 20 and OPEIU Local 29 have approved a sympathy strike in support of the unfair labor practices strike at Kaiser Permanente hospitals and medical offices in California being called for by SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West between October 4-6.
A “sympathy strike” occurs when one union supports another union that is directly involved in a labor dispute.
“Kaiser’s unfair labor practices against SEIU-UHW in our local bargaining have not been remedied,” said Erica Chinchilla, a respiratory therapist at Kaiser Antioch. “A sympathy strike is a powerful act of solidarity where workers strike to support or aid another group of workers. We appreciate our Coalition partners’ willingness to stand with us as we protest these unfair labor practices committed by Kaiser in local bargaining against SEIU-UHW and its members.”
SEIU-UHW members include frontline workers such as respiratory care practitioners, dietary, environmental services, and nursing staff. OPEIU Local 29 represents office, technical and professional employees at Kaiser Permanente. IFPTE Local 20 represents clinical lab scientists, home health therapists, optometrists, genetic counselors, and other technical and professional employees at Kaiser.
Laboratory scientists provide information medical doctors need to properly diagnose and treat patients, as well as ensure correct blood products are given to patients during surgery or an emergency. Kaiser has not informed IFPTE Local 20 of coverage plans of this important work.
Unions in Oregon, Southwest Washington, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., which are part of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, are also planning unfair labor practices strikes at the same time.
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 100,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.
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75,000 U.S. healthcare workers of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions protest claims of unfair labor practices
By Isaac Reese, 617 Media Group
More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers in multiple states are now on strike to protest unfair labor practices and Kaiser executives’ failure to bargain in good faith over unsafe staffing levels at hundreds of Kaiser hospitals and facilities across the United States.
Over the course of just three hours, the strike at Kaiser facilities expanded from coast to coast, following months of bad faith bargaining activity by Kaiser executives and repeated appeals by frontline healthcare workers for Kaiser executives to make the kinds of investments in staffing that could help stem employee turnover and reduce growing patient wait times.
The strike began in DC and VA at 6AM ET this morning, expanded to CO at 6AM MT, then culminated with tens of thousands of workers striking in CA, OR, and WA at 6AM PT.
In the vast majority of locations, barring an agreement, the strike is expected to last for three days. It is already the largest healthcare worker strike in U.S. history.
Healthcare workers are taking the work action to protest Kaiser executives’ bad faith bargaining, which is getting in the way of finding solutions to solve the Kaiser short-staffing crisis by investing in its workforce.
In recent days, Kaiser executives maintaining aggressive threats of outsourcing became a sticking point in negotiations, especially at a time when the company is failing to retain key employees.
“Kaiser executives are refusing to listen to us and are bargaining in bad faith over the solutions we need to end the Kaiser short-staffing crisis,” said Jessica Cruz, a licensed vocational nurse at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center. “I see my patients’ frustrations when I have to rush them and hurry on to my next patient. That’s not the care I want to give. We’re burning ourselves out trying to do the jobs of two or three people, and our patients suffer when they can’t get the care they need due to Kaiser’s short-staffing.”
Strike lines are set up at Kaiser Permanente hospitals and medical office buildings across the country, including California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Workers on strike include those employed as licensed vocational nurses, emergency department technicians, radiology technicians, ultrasound sonographers, teleservice representatives, respiratory therapists, x-ray technicians, optometrists, certified nursing assistants, dietary services, behavioral health workers, surgical technicians, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, transporters, home health aides, phlebotomists, medical assistants, dental assistants, call center representatives, and housekeepers, among hundreds of other positions.
BACKGROUND
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions represents 85,000 Kaiser healthcare workers in seven states and the District of Columbia. In April, the Coalition began its national bargaining process ahead of the September 30th contract expiration. On Sept. 22, Coalition unions representing 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers gave Kaiser executives 10-day notices for an unfair labor practice strike beginning Oct. 4. The Coalition and Kaiser Permanente last negotiated a contract in 2019, before healthcare workers found themselves on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic that has worsened working conditions and exacerbated a healthcare staffing crisis.
At issue, healthcare workers say, are a series of unfair labor practices related to bargaining in bad faith, along with simmering staff concerns related to unsafe staffing levels that can lead to dangerously long wait times, mistaken diagnosis, and neglect. After years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, Kaiser healthcare workers are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels.
Workers say that Kaiser is committing unfair labor practices and also that understaffing is boosting Kaiser’s profits but hurting patients. In a recent survey of 33,000 employees, 2/3 of workers said they’d seen care delayed or denied due to short staffing. After three years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels.
Kaiser has reported $3 billion in profits in just the first six months of this year. Despite being a non-profit organization – which means it pays no income taxes on its earnings and extremely limited property taxes – Kaiser has reported more than $24 billion in profit over the last five years. Kaiser’s CEO was compensated more than $16 million in 2021, and forty-nine executives at Kaiser are compensated more than $1 million annually. Kaiser Permanente has investments of $113 billion in the US and abroad, including in fossil fuels, casinos, for-profit prisons, alcohol companies, military weapons and more.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions unites more than 85,000 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California, Colorado, Oregon, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington
Kaiser issued a statement last month responding to the then-threatened strike.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Kendra Carr and Peter Kim are the new co-directors of the Contra Costa County ORESJ. Photos: CCCounty
By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Board of Supervisors appointed two Co-Directors to lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ).
Kendra Carr was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Inter-Agency Engagement and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work within and across county agencies and departments. Peter Kim was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Community Empowerment and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work in the community.
“We must center the priorities and lived experiences of our residents and families who are most vulnerable to systems’ harms and inequities,” said Board Chair John Gioia, District 1 Supervisor. “This is how we will reduce racial disparities and improve outcomes for all.”
Peter Kim and Kendra Car are joined by members of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and others following their appointment on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.
Contra Costa County is the first jurisdiction to develop and launch an office of racial equity and social justice through a community engagement process. In 2020, the Board of Supervisors authorized the development of the ORESJ to enact and sustain principles, policies, practices, and investments that are racially just and socially equitable across all departments and divisions.
Kendra Carr speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 3, 2023.
“The work of this office is crucial for us as a county to focus on healing, justice, equity, and accountability through our service to the community,” said Vice Chair Federal Glover, District 5 Supervisor. “We must rise to the challenge and meet people where they are with the expectation that we will move at a righteous, reparative pace. The ORESJ will embody these principles, commitments, and values in their work.”
Carr holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and ethnic studies from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in education, equity, and social justice, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership.
Her experience includes Chief Program Officer, Senior Director of Research with Girls Leadership and Principal with Holy Names High School.
“I am excited about the opportunity to co-lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and ensure that all community members have equitable access to and thrive as a result of engaging with the programs and services offered by county agencies,” Carr said.
Peter Kim speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 3, 2023.
Kim holds multiple ethnic studies degrees from the University of California Berkeley including a bachelor’s and a master’s and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree.
“I’m honored to have been appointed as a co-director and humbled by the importance of what this office is tasked to do,” Kim said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with Dr. Carr and build off the incredible work of all the community members, county staff and stakeholders who worked tirelessly these past two years to establish the ORESJ.”
His experience includes the roles of Program Coordinator at Responsibility, Integrity, Strength, Empower (R.I.S.E.) and Managing Director at East Bay Asian Youth Center in East Oakland. Kim also worked for the City of Oakland as a Division Manager in the Department of Human Resources, and Department Manager/Interim Director with the Department of Violence Prevention. His most recent work has been with the Bright Research Group as a Senior Consultant.
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Dick Evans holding his impressive, record-breaking plank. Photos: The Kensington at Walnut Creek.
Dick Evans holds plank for a record-breaking one minute, 45 seconds
By Uniqua Williams, Pierpont Communications, Inc.
Dick Evans exercising in The Kensington at Walnut Creek fitness center.
Walnut Creek, Calif. (October 3, 2023) – The Kensington at Walnut Creek – a Kisco senior living community – is highlighting one of its most avid health fanatics, Richard (Dick) Evans. Even at the wise age of 90, Evans remains a shining example of the positive impact an active lifestyle can have on aging gracefully, consistently achieving active goals that many people struggle with. In the words of Evans, “Use it or lose it” is a simple yet profound motto to live by when it comes to staying active.
Originally from Northern New York, Evans has been a proud Californian for the last forty years, and a beloved member of The Kensington community since 2020. Prior to joining The Kensington, Evans enjoyed a range of activities that kept him fit and active, such as walking a mile or two every day and frequently playing golf with his wife. Since his integration into the community, he has continued his commitment to staying active, participating in Physical Therapy courses at the community eight to nine times a week, participating in balance classes and even engaging in activities with PE instructors who frequent the community.
“Staying active is extremely important to me,” said Evans, resident at The Kensington. “One of my biggest goals is to live to be 100 years old. I know a big part of being able to achieve this is through continuing to stay active and living a healthy lifestyle. Which is what I’ll continue to do for as long as I can.”
Maintaining an active lifestyle offers many benefits as one ages gracefully. It serves as a powerful shield against various health concerns, effectively lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, it enhances one’s strength and balance, reducing the likelihood of injuries and fostering independence. Moreover, an active lifestyle can alleviate pain, elevate mood, mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression, sharpen cognitive abilities, decision-making skills and so much more.
The Kensington provides a diverse range of accommodations and resources to wholeheartedly support residents who wish to maintain an active lifestyle. These offerings encompass weekly putting contests as well as onsite physical therapy classes. The community also offers many physical education courses from yoga, stretching, dance and more.
“The exercise classes the community offers have been a tremendous help, not just in keeping me active but also in maintaining my social connections within the community,” said Evans. “It’s important, especially in places like this, to find a group of people who either share your active journey or are simply pleasant company. Having a support system truly makes all the difference and keeps you motivated to keep going. I know that if I quit my active journey, I’d deteriorate quickly, and I definitely don’t want that.”
During one of Evans’ recent physical therapy sessions, his instructor threw down the challenge to see how long he could hold a plank. In the spirit of fun, Evans accepted the challenge and surprised everyone by holding his plank for an impressive one minute and 45 seconds – longer than even he thought possible. Evans, his instructor, and the whole community were proud of his remarkable achievement, a clear testament to his ongoing dedication to enhancing his balance and core strength.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Dick,” said Kayla Pierce, wellness director at The Kensington. “He serves as an incredible source of inspiration for all of us within the community, encouraging us to persistently pursue our goals. Dick brings immense joy to our community, and his unwavering commitment to staying active and assisting others shines brightly as an embodiment of the vibrant spirit we strive to create here.”
One of Evans’ favorite pastimes is leisurely strolling around the community and engaging in friendly conversations with fellow residents. He firmly believes that these interactions have been a powerful motivator, encouraging him to maintain an active lifestyle while also offering support to others on their journeys. For Evans, a fundamental philosophy is lending a hand whenever possible. During his daily walks, he finds joy in extending a helping hand to those in need along the way.
“Ever since my wife’s passing, I’ve found myself navigating this world alone, and staying active has become a vital lifeline,” said Evans. “It’s more than just exercise; it’s a lifeline to social connections. Staying active keeps me engaged with others, filling my days with purpose and meaning. Without it, my days could easily feel lonely or empty.”
In reflecting on his active lifestyle, Evans offers sage advice to those looking to stay active and lead a healthy life:
“It has to be your own decision; you’ve got to want to do it. And if you make the decision, you have to stick with it. You can’t do it one week, then drop off the next. Once you start, you’ll realize it’s not just about staying healthy; it’s about a healthy mind, making friends and getting back to the things you love.”
Evan’s story serves as a powerful reminder for all of us: it’s essential to prioritize our health. Staying active holds a wealth of benefits, regardless of age, and can unlock potential we never knew we had.
About the Kensington at Walnut Creek:
Life at The Kensington is vibrant, fulfilling and as active or carefree as you desire. The community offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in a friendly environment where our residents and associates enjoy being served and serving others. Our caring team of associates will customize a care program that is right for you while you continue to enjoy your friends, hobbies, and new opportunities at The Kensington, surrounded by mature redwood trees and filled with the comforts of a modern resort. The Kensington is an oasis in Walnut Creek, tucked away from the bustle of the city, but close enough you could walk. To learn more, visit our website or call 925-693-7784.
Read MoreHeld on $1,070,000 bail
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff
On Monday, October 2, 2023, at about 8:48 PM, Bay Station deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of California Street in Rodeo for a call of a two-year-old who had reportedly drowned in a bathtub.
The fire department arrived at the same time as deputies and started life-saving measures on the child. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives investigating this incident have made two arrests in connection to the child’s death: Destiny Rose Deboe, 22 (born April 5, 2021) of Rodeo and Tyshawn Haywood, 21 (born May 16, 2002) of Rodeo. Deboe is described as 5-feet 8-inches tall and 140 pounds and Haywood is described 5-feet 9-inches tall and weighing 180 pounds.
Both have been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: murder, felony infliction of injury to a child, and torture. Each is being held in lieu of $1,070,000 bail.
This case remains under investigation.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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San Joaquins trains will bring visitors to celebrate site unique to California’s African American history
By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory “re-dedication” event on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant park.
The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.
The re-dedication is one of four major annual events hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. According to FOA, the re-dedication is “presented to renew the commitment of the citizens of California to help the Department of Parks and Recreation preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in the development of the state of California and our nation.”
The festival will feature historical re-enactments, storytelling, square dancing, food vendors, crafts, and more.
“We are thrilled to partner once again with Amtrak San Joaquins to reconnect Californians with the historic town of Allensworth,” stated FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “As a cornerstone of California’s rich history, Allensworth deserves to be experienced by all. Amtrak San Joaquins continues to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable journey to this significant location. Mark your calendars for October 14th to partake in a day of historical immersion, as we recommit to preserving this invaluable site, all while traveling in the comfort and style that only Amtrak San Joaquins can offer.”
The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, and 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Riders can save an additional 50 percent on up to five companion tickets by using the Friends and Family Discount code (V302). Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes:
- Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
- Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
- Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
- Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
- Disabled riders save 10% off
Visitors attending the re-dedication will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.
Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.com.
About Allensworth State Historic Park
The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.
Zyann Martin. Source: her Facebook page posted on Jan. 1, 2018.
Charged with 1 felony, 2 misdemeanors for being drunk, on probation for DUI, carrying concealed, loaded stolen weapon
By Brentwood Police Department
Last week, Brentwood Officers responded to the 1600 block of Ceylon Drive for a party complaint. Our Dispatch received additional calls reporting there was a fight and someone had a gun.
When officers arrived, they saw several partygoers in the street, including an adult female who matched the description of the suspect with a gun.
The female, identified as 24-year-old Zyann Chablis Martin of Antioch, was found to be in possession of a loaded stolen gun. Martin who was heavily intoxicated at the time officers contacted her, was also on probation for DUI. According to unicourt.com her DUI occurred early last year.
Martin was placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. According to recentlybooked.com, Martin was charged with one felony and two misdemeanors: 25400(C)(2) PC – carrying a concealed stolen weapon (F), 496(A) PC – receiving/etc. known stolen property (M) and 647(F) PC – disorderly conduct alcohol (M). According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday, October 2, 2023, she bonded out of custody.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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News from the East Bay Regional Park District
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, EBRPD
Wildfire safety is especially important in the fall, when hot, dry Diablo winds blow in from the east, creating potentially dangerous fire conditions. When in parks, be aware of fire warnings and follow all fire safety rules. Report any potential fire hazards immediately and call 911 if you see a fire.
The Park District is a leader in addressing the risks of wildfires and stands ready to fight fires if they occur. Year-round activities include thinning and removing hazardous vegetation from parks, maintaining a professionally trained fire department with specialized wildland firefighting equipment, operating two helicopters with firefighting capabilities, and closely monitoring fire weather conditions.
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Habitat restoration is underway at Briones Regional Park as part of the Park District’s Briones Pilot Project, a two-year project testing various trail management strategies to enhance visitor experience, reduce conflicts, improve trail safety, and protect natural habitat and wildlife. Restoring illegally built “bootleg” trails is a critical component of the project.
Key pilot project strategies include:
- Four Bike-Only/Downhill-Only Trails – Four trail sections have been designated bike-only and downhill-only due to terrain and user safety.
- Dedicated Odd/Even Weekend Day Access – On odd-numbered weekend days, bikers and hikers are allowed on designated trails with no horses allowed. On even-numbered weekend days, horses and hikers are allowed on designated trails, with no bikes allowed. Hikers are permitted on all days on most trails in the pilot zone.
- Bootleg Trail Restoration – Restoration of illegally built “bootleg” trails has begun. Bootleg trails often damage natural habitat for wildlife, including endangered and sensitive species.
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The Park District and the community recently celebrated the completion of a new SF Bay Trail segment and boat launch renovations at Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, which significantly improves safety and access to the shoreline for neighboring communities. The new SF Bay Trail section, located along Doolittle Drive in Oakland, provides safe passage for users, who can now walk, ride, or roll on 2,300 feet of new trail rather than the open shoulder of busy Doolittle Drive.
The project also upgraded the boat launch staging area adjacent to the trail, including a repaved staging area parking lot and renovated ADA-accessible boat, kayak, and paddleboard launch area. The project also restored one acre of marsh habitat.
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Public access improvement and habitat restoration are coming soon to Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont on 300 acres donated to the Regional Parks Foundation and passed through to the Park District to expand Coyote Hills Regional Park. The project restores habitat and provides balanced public access to approximately 200 acres, including seasonal wetlands, grassland, riparian forest, and oak savanna. New visitor facilities include an additional 100-space parking area, picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains, new and improved trails, wildlife overlooks, and educational exhibits and signage. The project is expected to open in 2024.
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Tarantulas are out and about looking for love in Regional Parks. In the fall, you may encounter male tarantulas along the trails as they venture out in search of mates. Although tarantulas can look scary with their large size and furry bodies, they are actually gentle giants and are harmless to humans. The best parks to spot tarantulas at are Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, Del Valle Regional Park, and Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve.
The Park District also has a number of naturalist-led programs in October that are focused on tarantulas. For a complete list of programs, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “tarantula.”
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Gain a deeper understanding of the local Indigenous Peoples past, present, and future at the Gathering of Ohlone Peoples on Sunday, October 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Park District falls within the homelands of about 25 tribes of Native peoples, who speak variants of two Ohlone languages (East Bay Costanoan and Karkin) and the Bay Miwok and Delta Yokuts languages. European settlement brought severe disruption, dislocation, and suffering to the Ohlone peoples.
Join Ohlone Peoples from diverse tribal communities as they share their living history through music, song, dance, and stories. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/Gathering-of-Ohlone-Peoples.
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Explore nature at your own pace and in your own way at Big Break Visitor Center’s 2023 All Abilities Day on Tuesday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Travel along paved trails to visit stations to touch fur, listen to birds, draw wildlife, sit on benches to scan the water, or paint the view. The program is inclusive for all abilities, offering something for everyone! American Sign Language and Spanish interpreters on site. Wheelchair accessible. Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/all-abilities-day.
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Enjoy “Fall on the Farm” at the Ardenwood Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy old-time country fun as you help bring in this year’s crop of corn. Outside the field, enjoy seasonal activities, cider pressing, old-time music, and historic crafts. Ride a narrow-gauge train and learn what late 19th-century life was like on a tour of the beautifully restored farmhouse. Please bring a bag if you would like to take home some of your harvested corn. $12/adults, $10/seniors, $8/children ages 4-17, ages 3 and under free. Advance registration is available. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Harvest Festival.”
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History comes alive with games, activities, and music at the Sunol Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sunol Visitor Center. Celebrate the diverse heritage of the Sunol Wilderness at this fun festival for all ages! Free event. Parking is $5. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/events/sunol-heritage-festival
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Visit Ardenwood’s ‘Haunted Train’ for a frightfully fun nighttime ride through Ardenwood’s haunted forest. The ride is spooky, not scary, and is designed especially for children under 12 and those young at heart. Tickets for this event sell out fast! Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Beginning October 20) and Sundays from 7:00 p.m. to 900 p.m. (beginning October 22). $15/person ages 3+. ‘Haunted Train’ is operated by the Railroad Museum at Ardenwood. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/events/haunted-railroad.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Photo by Concord PD.
Funded by state grant
By Concord Police Department
This past Friday, the Concord Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted targeted traffic enforcement operations throughout the City of Concord. These types of traffic safety operations are paramount in keeping our roadways safe and educating drivers on safe driving practices. This operation was made possible through a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
During this operation, 114 vehicles were stopped for various vehicle code violations. Offices focused their attention on the most egregious violations and found one driver speeding on Ygnacio Valley Road at 86 MPH in a 45 MPH zone!
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SEE 10/4/23 3:30 PM UPDATE: While bargaining ended without a contract settlement 5 tentative agreements reached
“Operations continue as normal”
Kaiser Permanente Statement on National Bargaining with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions
Kaiser Permanente and leaders and members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions were bargaining through the weekend to reach an agreement.
We continue to make progress on key issues such as a redesigned performance sharing plan with updated payout opportunities. Last week we reached tentative agreements in four key areas:, travel for continuing education, the use of temporary workers such as traveling nurses, tracking of staffing vacancies, and dispute resolution.
It is important to know that while the current national agreement expired at midnight PDT on September 30, operations continue as normal, and we will continue to honor all current contract provisions. Contract expirations do not mean a strike will happen. We remain optimistic that we will reach an agreement and avoid an unnecessary strike, which the Coalition unions have called for starting on Wednesday morning, Oct 4.
Wages
We lead total compensation in every market where we operate, and our proposals in bargaining would ensure we keep that position. In some places, a Kaiser Permanente employee leaving for a similar job at another organization would face a 20-plus percent pay cut, and lower benefits.
Included in our current offer are guaranteed across-the-board wage increases and a proposed $21 minimum wage in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, the Mid-Atlantic States (Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia), and Hawaii starting in 2024; and a $23 minimum wage starting in 2024 in California.
Hiring and Staffing
Despite the acute shortage of health care workers nationally, we have been able to hire more than 50,000 frontline employees in the last two years: 29,000 people in 2022, and another 22,000 so far this year. Included in this year’s new hires are more than 9,800 people hired into jobs represented by the Coalition. Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition agreed in April to a goal of hiring 10,000 new people for Coalition-represented jobs by the end of 2023. We expect to reach the 10,000 new hire goal by the end of October, if not sooner, and we won’t stop there. We are committed to addressing every area of staffing that is still challenging. Additionally, our attrition rate of 7% is roughly a third of the industry average and continues to fall. These achievements underscore the value of a Kaiser Permanente job and reinforce our position as a leading health care employer.
Potential Strike Starting Wednesday
In the case that a strike does begin on Oct. 4, we have contingency plans in place to ensure members continue to receive safe, high-quality care for the duration of the strike. Our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. Kaiser Permanente members can get updates on appointments, pharmacy guidance and where to get care on kp.org.
We’ll continue to bargain in good faith until we reach a fair and equitable agreement to ensure Kaiser Permanente continues to attract and retain the best people in health care — and remains a best place to work and get care. And that includes meeting our responsibility to continue to balance taking care of our employees and being more affordable to our members.
October 4, 2023 3:30 pm UPDATE:
After 6 months of bargaining with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, including a marathon effort that went through last night and into today, our bargaining sessions unfortunately ended without a settlement, and the Coalition strikes began.
While we have not reached a contract settlement, we have been able to reach a number of tentative agreements in bargaining, and our offers to date address the unions’ priorities, including:
- Across-the-board wage increases in all markets over the next four years.
- Updating the Performance Sharing Plan to include a minimum payout opportunity and potential for up to a $3,750 payout.
- Offering minimum wages of $23/hour in California and $21/hour in markets outside of California.
- Continuing and enhancing our existing excellent health benefits and retirement income plans.
- Renewing our strong tuition assistance and training programs, and increasing funding of the education trusts.
We remain committed to reaching a new agreement that continues to provide our employees with market-leading wages, excellent benefits, generous retirement income plans, and valuable professional development opportunities.
Together, we have faced the toughest challenges over the past three years. Kaiser Permanente, our industry, and our employees are now operating in a new cultural, labor, and post-pandemic environment that we are all working hard to understand. We are committed to finding workable solutions for this new environment that meet our responsibility to balance taking care of our employees and being affordable to our members.
We will coordinate with Coalition leaders to reconvene bargaining as soon as possible. We will work hard to reach an agreement so that together, we can all return to delivering on the mission of Kaiser Permanente for the benefit of our members, patients, employees, physicians, customers, and communities.
Meeting our shared staffing goal
On the same day that the Coalition strikes began, we’re pleased to confirm that we’ve met our goal of hiring 10,000 new Coalition-represented employees by year-end – and it is only October 4th. We’re not done yet. We are committed to addressing every area of staffing that is still challenging.
As a reminder: In April we agreed with the Coalition to a joint goal of hiring 10,000 people by the end of this year into jobs the Coalition cares about. We agreed this would be a great success if we could hire that many people into Coalition roles by the end of this year. We hit the goal three months early.
In total over the past two years, Kaiser Permanente has hired more than 50,000 people to join our teams.
Meeting our members’ needs
The health and wellbeing of our members and patients is our top priority. Because we are such a large organization, with multiple ways that members can access care, the impact of the strike is different at various locations.
We have robust plans in place to ensure members continue to receive safe, high-quality care during the strike.
All our hospitals and emergency departments remain open. Our facilities will continue to be staffed by our physicians, trained and experienced managers, and our great staff. Thousands of qualified and trained contract staff are joining our Kaiser Permanente teams this week as well, to help meet our members’ and patients’ needs. We thank those Coalition-represented employees who have chosen to come to work and care for our patients, members, and communities.
Members who need urgent or timely medical care should continue to seek it at our hospitals and medical facilities. A strike should not dissuade anyone from seeking necessary care.
We will contact members affected by any necessary changes in our services. We may need to reschedule non-emergency and elective services in some locations out of an abundance of caution. Our members can follow any important updates to our care delivery on kp.org.
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By Renée Saldaña, SEIU, Press Secretary, SEUI – United Healthcare Workers West
OAKLAND, Calif. – Bay Area unions IFPTE Local 20 and OPEIU Local 29 have approved a sympathy strike in support of the unfair labor practices strike at Kaiser Permanente hospitals and medical offices in California being called for by SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West between October 4-6.
A “sympathy strike” occurs when one union supports another union that is directly involved in a labor dispute.
“Kaiser’s unfair labor practices against SEIU-UHW in our local bargaining have not been remedied,” said Erica Chinchilla, a respiratory therapist at Kaiser Antioch. “A sympathy strike is a powerful act of solidarity where workers strike to support or aid another group of workers. We appreciate our Coalition partners’ willingness to stand with us as we protest these unfair labor practices committed by Kaiser in local bargaining against SEIU-UHW and its members.”
SEIU-UHW members include frontline workers such as respiratory care practitioners, dietary, environmental services, and nursing staff. OPEIU Local 29 represents office, technical and professional employees at Kaiser Permanente. IFPTE Local 20 represents clinical lab scientists, home health therapists, optometrists, genetic counselors, and other technical and professional employees at Kaiser.
Laboratory scientists provide information medical doctors need to properly diagnose and treat patients, as well as ensure correct blood products are given to patients during surgery or an emergency. Kaiser has not informed IFPTE Local 20 of coverage plans of this important work.
Unions in Oregon, Southwest Washington, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., which are part of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, are also planning unfair labor practices strikes at the same time.
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 100,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.
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75,000 U.S. healthcare workers of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions protest claims of unfair labor practices
By Isaac Reese, 617 Media Group
More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers in multiple states are now on strike to protest unfair labor practices and Kaiser executives’ failure to bargain in good faith over unsafe staffing levels at hundreds of Kaiser hospitals and facilities across the United States.
Over the course of just three hours, the strike at Kaiser facilities expanded from coast to coast, following months of bad faith bargaining activity by Kaiser executives and repeated appeals by frontline healthcare workers for Kaiser executives to make the kinds of investments in staffing that could help stem employee turnover and reduce growing patient wait times.
The strike began in DC and VA at 6AM ET this morning, expanded to CO at 6AM MT, then culminated with tens of thousands of workers striking in CA, OR, and WA at 6AM PT.
In the vast majority of locations, barring an agreement, the strike is expected to last for three days. It is already the largest healthcare worker strike in U.S. history.
Healthcare workers are taking the work action to protest Kaiser executives’ bad faith bargaining, which is getting in the way of finding solutions to solve the Kaiser short-staffing crisis by investing in its workforce.
In recent days, Kaiser executives maintaining aggressive threats of outsourcing became a sticking point in negotiations, especially at a time when the company is failing to retain key employees.
“Kaiser executives are refusing to listen to us and are bargaining in bad faith over the solutions we need to end the Kaiser short-staffing crisis,” said Jessica Cruz, a licensed vocational nurse at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center. “I see my patients’ frustrations when I have to rush them and hurry on to my next patient. That’s not the care I want to give. We’re burning ourselves out trying to do the jobs of two or three people, and our patients suffer when they can’t get the care they need due to Kaiser’s short-staffing.”
Strike lines are set up at Kaiser Permanente hospitals and medical office buildings across the country, including California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Workers on strike include those employed as licensed vocational nurses, emergency department technicians, radiology technicians, ultrasound sonographers, teleservice representatives, respiratory therapists, x-ray technicians, optometrists, certified nursing assistants, dietary services, behavioral health workers, surgical technicians, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, transporters, home health aides, phlebotomists, medical assistants, dental assistants, call center representatives, and housekeepers, among hundreds of other positions.
BACKGROUND
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions represents 85,000 Kaiser healthcare workers in seven states and the District of Columbia. In April, the Coalition began its national bargaining process ahead of the September 30th contract expiration. On Sept. 22, Coalition unions representing 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers gave Kaiser executives 10-day notices for an unfair labor practice strike beginning Oct. 4. The Coalition and Kaiser Permanente last negotiated a contract in 2019, before healthcare workers found themselves on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic that has worsened working conditions and exacerbated a healthcare staffing crisis.
At issue, healthcare workers say, are a series of unfair labor practices related to bargaining in bad faith, along with simmering staff concerns related to unsafe staffing levels that can lead to dangerously long wait times, mistaken diagnosis, and neglect. After years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, Kaiser healthcare workers are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels.
Workers say that Kaiser is committing unfair labor practices and also that understaffing is boosting Kaiser’s profits but hurting patients. In a recent survey of 33,000 employees, 2/3 of workers said they’d seen care delayed or denied due to short staffing. After three years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels.
Kaiser has reported $3 billion in profits in just the first six months of this year. Despite being a non-profit organization – which means it pays no income taxes on its earnings and extremely limited property taxes – Kaiser has reported more than $24 billion in profit over the last five years. Kaiser’s CEO was compensated more than $16 million in 2021, and forty-nine executives at Kaiser are compensated more than $1 million annually. Kaiser Permanente has investments of $113 billion in the US and abroad, including in fossil fuels, casinos, for-profit prisons, alcohol companies, military weapons and more.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions unites more than 85,000 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California, Colorado, Oregon, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington
Kaiser issued a statement last month responding to the then-threatened strike.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreKendra Carr and Peter Kim are the new co-directors of the Contra Costa County ORESJ. Photos: CCCounty
By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Board of Supervisors appointed two Co-Directors to lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ).
Kendra Carr was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Inter-Agency Engagement and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work within and across county agencies and departments. Peter Kim was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Community Empowerment and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work in the community.
“We must center the priorities and lived experiences of our residents and families who are most vulnerable to systems’ harms and inequities,” said Board Chair John Gioia, District 1 Supervisor. “This is how we will reduce racial disparities and improve outcomes for all.”
Peter Kim and Kendra Car are joined by members of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and others following their appointment on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.
Contra Costa County is the first jurisdiction to develop and launch an office of racial equity and social justice through a community engagement process. In 2020, the Board of Supervisors authorized the development of the ORESJ to enact and sustain principles, policies, practices, and investments that are racially just and socially equitable across all departments and divisions.
Kendra Carr speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 3, 2023.
“The work of this office is crucial for us as a county to focus on healing, justice, equity, and accountability through our service to the community,” said Vice Chair Federal Glover, District 5 Supervisor. “We must rise to the challenge and meet people where they are with the expectation that we will move at a righteous, reparative pace. The ORESJ will embody these principles, commitments, and values in their work.”
Carr holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and ethnic studies from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in education, equity, and social justice, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership.
Her experience includes Chief Program Officer, Senior Director of Research with Girls Leadership and Principal with Holy Names High School.
“I am excited about the opportunity to co-lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and ensure that all community members have equitable access to and thrive as a result of engaging with the programs and services offered by county agencies,” Carr said.
Peter Kim speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 3, 2023.
Kim holds multiple ethnic studies degrees from the University of California Berkeley including a bachelor’s and a master’s and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree.
“I’m honored to have been appointed as a co-director and humbled by the importance of what this office is tasked to do,” Kim said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with Dr. Carr and build off the incredible work of all the community members, county staff and stakeholders who worked tirelessly these past two years to establish the ORESJ.”
His experience includes the roles of Program Coordinator at Responsibility, Integrity, Strength, Empower (R.I.S.E.) and Managing Director at East Bay Asian Youth Center in East Oakland. Kim also worked for the City of Oakland as a Division Manager in the Department of Human Resources, and Department Manager/Interim Director with the Department of Violence Prevention. His most recent work has been with the Bright Research Group as a Senior Consultant.
Read MoreDick Evans holding his impressive, record-breaking plank. Photos: The Kensington at Walnut Creek.
Dick Evans holds plank for a record-breaking one minute, 45 seconds
By Uniqua Williams, Pierpont Communications, Inc.
Dick Evans exercising in The Kensington at Walnut Creek fitness center.
Walnut Creek, Calif. (October 3, 2023) – The Kensington at Walnut Creek – a Kisco senior living community – is highlighting one of its most avid health fanatics, Richard (Dick) Evans. Even at the wise age of 90, Evans remains a shining example of the positive impact an active lifestyle can have on aging gracefully, consistently achieving active goals that many people struggle with. In the words of Evans, “Use it or lose it” is a simple yet profound motto to live by when it comes to staying active.
Originally from Northern New York, Evans has been a proud Californian for the last forty years, and a beloved member of The Kensington community since 2020. Prior to joining The Kensington, Evans enjoyed a range of activities that kept him fit and active, such as walking a mile or two every day and frequently playing golf with his wife. Since his integration into the community, he has continued his commitment to staying active, participating in Physical Therapy courses at the community eight to nine times a week, participating in balance classes and even engaging in activities with PE instructors who frequent the community.
“Staying active is extremely important to me,” said Evans, resident at The Kensington. “One of my biggest goals is to live to be 100 years old. I know a big part of being able to achieve this is through continuing to stay active and living a healthy lifestyle. Which is what I’ll continue to do for as long as I can.”
Maintaining an active lifestyle offers many benefits as one ages gracefully. It serves as a powerful shield against various health concerns, effectively lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, it enhances one’s strength and balance, reducing the likelihood of injuries and fostering independence. Moreover, an active lifestyle can alleviate pain, elevate mood, mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression, sharpen cognitive abilities, decision-making skills and so much more.
The Kensington provides a diverse range of accommodations and resources to wholeheartedly support residents who wish to maintain an active lifestyle. These offerings encompass weekly putting contests as well as onsite physical therapy classes. The community also offers many physical education courses from yoga, stretching, dance and more.
“The exercise classes the community offers have been a tremendous help, not just in keeping me active but also in maintaining my social connections within the community,” said Evans. “It’s important, especially in places like this, to find a group of people who either share your active journey or are simply pleasant company. Having a support system truly makes all the difference and keeps you motivated to keep going. I know that if I quit my active journey, I’d deteriorate quickly, and I definitely don’t want that.”
During one of Evans’ recent physical therapy sessions, his instructor threw down the challenge to see how long he could hold a plank. In the spirit of fun, Evans accepted the challenge and surprised everyone by holding his plank for an impressive one minute and 45 seconds – longer than even he thought possible. Evans, his instructor, and the whole community were proud of his remarkable achievement, a clear testament to his ongoing dedication to enhancing his balance and core strength.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Dick,” said Kayla Pierce, wellness director at The Kensington. “He serves as an incredible source of inspiration for all of us within the community, encouraging us to persistently pursue our goals. Dick brings immense joy to our community, and his unwavering commitment to staying active and assisting others shines brightly as an embodiment of the vibrant spirit we strive to create here.”
One of Evans’ favorite pastimes is leisurely strolling around the community and engaging in friendly conversations with fellow residents. He firmly believes that these interactions have been a powerful motivator, encouraging him to maintain an active lifestyle while also offering support to others on their journeys. For Evans, a fundamental philosophy is lending a hand whenever possible. During his daily walks, he finds joy in extending a helping hand to those in need along the way.
“Ever since my wife’s passing, I’ve found myself navigating this world alone, and staying active has become a vital lifeline,” said Evans. “It’s more than just exercise; it’s a lifeline to social connections. Staying active keeps me engaged with others, filling my days with purpose and meaning. Without it, my days could easily feel lonely or empty.”
In reflecting on his active lifestyle, Evans offers sage advice to those looking to stay active and lead a healthy life:
“It has to be your own decision; you’ve got to want to do it. And if you make the decision, you have to stick with it. You can’t do it one week, then drop off the next. Once you start, you’ll realize it’s not just about staying healthy; it’s about a healthy mind, making friends and getting back to the things you love.”
Evan’s story serves as a powerful reminder for all of us: it’s essential to prioritize our health. Staying active holds a wealth of benefits, regardless of age, and can unlock potential we never knew we had.
About the Kensington at Walnut Creek:
Life at The Kensington is vibrant, fulfilling and as active or carefree as you desire. The community offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in a friendly environment where our residents and associates enjoy being served and serving others. Our caring team of associates will customize a care program that is right for you while you continue to enjoy your friends, hobbies, and new opportunities at The Kensington, surrounded by mature redwood trees and filled with the comforts of a modern resort. The Kensington is an oasis in Walnut Creek, tucked away from the bustle of the city, but close enough you could walk. To learn more, visit our website or call 925-693-7784.
Read MoreHeld on $1,070,000 bail
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff
On Monday, October 2, 2023, at about 8:48 PM, Bay Station deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of California Street in Rodeo for a call of a two-year-old who had reportedly drowned in a bathtub.
The fire department arrived at the same time as deputies and started life-saving measures on the child. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives investigating this incident have made two arrests in connection to the child’s death: Destiny Rose Deboe, 22 (born April 5, 2021) of Rodeo and Tyshawn Haywood, 21 (born May 16, 2002) of Rodeo. Deboe is described as 5-feet 8-inches tall and 140 pounds and Haywood is described 5-feet 9-inches tall and weighing 180 pounds.
Both have been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: murder, felony infliction of injury to a child, and torture. Each is being held in lieu of $1,070,000 bail.
This case remains under investigation.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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San Joaquins trains will bring visitors to celebrate site unique to California’s African American history
By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory “re-dedication” event on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant park.
The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.
The re-dedication is one of four major annual events hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. According to FOA, the re-dedication is “presented to renew the commitment of the citizens of California to help the Department of Parks and Recreation preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in the development of the state of California and our nation.”
The festival will feature historical re-enactments, storytelling, square dancing, food vendors, crafts, and more.
“We are thrilled to partner once again with Amtrak San Joaquins to reconnect Californians with the historic town of Allensworth,” stated FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “As a cornerstone of California’s rich history, Allensworth deserves to be experienced by all. Amtrak San Joaquins continues to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable journey to this significant location. Mark your calendars for October 14th to partake in a day of historical immersion, as we recommit to preserving this invaluable site, all while traveling in the comfort and style that only Amtrak San Joaquins can offer.”
The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, and 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Riders can save an additional 50 percent on up to five companion tickets by using the Friends and Family Discount code (V302). Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes:
- Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
- Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
- Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
- Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
- Disabled riders save 10% off
Visitors attending the re-dedication will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.
Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.com.
About Allensworth State Historic Park
The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.
Zyann Martin. Source: her Facebook page posted on Jan. 1, 2018.
Charged with 1 felony, 2 misdemeanors for being drunk, on probation for DUI, carrying concealed, loaded stolen weapon
By Brentwood Police Department
Last week, Brentwood Officers responded to the 1600 block of Ceylon Drive for a party complaint. Our Dispatch received additional calls reporting there was a fight and someone had a gun.
When officers arrived, they saw several partygoers in the street, including an adult female who matched the description of the suspect with a gun.
The female, identified as 24-year-old Zyann Chablis Martin of Antioch, was found to be in possession of a loaded stolen gun. Martin who was heavily intoxicated at the time officers contacted her, was also on probation for DUI. According to unicourt.com her DUI occurred early last year.
Martin was placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. According to recentlybooked.com, Martin was charged with one felony and two misdemeanors: 25400(C)(2) PC – carrying a concealed stolen weapon (F), 496(A) PC – receiving/etc. known stolen property (M) and 647(F) PC – disorderly conduct alcohol (M). According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday, October 2, 2023, she bonded out of custody.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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News from the East Bay Regional Park District
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, EBRPD
Wildfire safety is especially important in the fall, when hot, dry Diablo winds blow in from the east, creating potentially dangerous fire conditions. When in parks, be aware of fire warnings and follow all fire safety rules. Report any potential fire hazards immediately and call 911 if you see a fire.
The Park District is a leader in addressing the risks of wildfires and stands ready to fight fires if they occur. Year-round activities include thinning and removing hazardous vegetation from parks, maintaining a professionally trained fire department with specialized wildland firefighting equipment, operating two helicopters with firefighting capabilities, and closely monitoring fire weather conditions.
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Habitat restoration is underway at Briones Regional Park as part of the Park District’s Briones Pilot Project, a two-year project testing various trail management strategies to enhance visitor experience, reduce conflicts, improve trail safety, and protect natural habitat and wildlife. Restoring illegally built “bootleg” trails is a critical component of the project.
Key pilot project strategies include:
- Four Bike-Only/Downhill-Only Trails – Four trail sections have been designated bike-only and downhill-only due to terrain and user safety.
- Dedicated Odd/Even Weekend Day Access – On odd-numbered weekend days, bikers and hikers are allowed on designated trails with no horses allowed. On even-numbered weekend days, horses and hikers are allowed on designated trails, with no bikes allowed. Hikers are permitted on all days on most trails in the pilot zone.
- Bootleg Trail Restoration – Restoration of illegally built “bootleg” trails has begun. Bootleg trails often damage natural habitat for wildlife, including endangered and sensitive species.
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The Park District and the community recently celebrated the completion of a new SF Bay Trail segment and boat launch renovations at Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, which significantly improves safety and access to the shoreline for neighboring communities. The new SF Bay Trail section, located along Doolittle Drive in Oakland, provides safe passage for users, who can now walk, ride, or roll on 2,300 feet of new trail rather than the open shoulder of busy Doolittle Drive.
The project also upgraded the boat launch staging area adjacent to the trail, including a repaved staging area parking lot and renovated ADA-accessible boat, kayak, and paddleboard launch area. The project also restored one acre of marsh habitat.
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Public access improvement and habitat restoration are coming soon to Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont on 300 acres donated to the Regional Parks Foundation and passed through to the Park District to expand Coyote Hills Regional Park. The project restores habitat and provides balanced public access to approximately 200 acres, including seasonal wetlands, grassland, riparian forest, and oak savanna. New visitor facilities include an additional 100-space parking area, picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains, new and improved trails, wildlife overlooks, and educational exhibits and signage. The project is expected to open in 2024.
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Tarantulas are out and about looking for love in Regional Parks. In the fall, you may encounter male tarantulas along the trails as they venture out in search of mates. Although tarantulas can look scary with their large size and furry bodies, they are actually gentle giants and are harmless to humans. The best parks to spot tarantulas at are Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, Del Valle Regional Park, and Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve.
The Park District also has a number of naturalist-led programs in October that are focused on tarantulas. For a complete list of programs, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “tarantula.”
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Gain a deeper understanding of the local Indigenous Peoples past, present, and future at the Gathering of Ohlone Peoples on Sunday, October 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Park District falls within the homelands of about 25 tribes of Native peoples, who speak variants of two Ohlone languages (East Bay Costanoan and Karkin) and the Bay Miwok and Delta Yokuts languages. European settlement brought severe disruption, dislocation, and suffering to the Ohlone peoples.
Join Ohlone Peoples from diverse tribal communities as they share their living history through music, song, dance, and stories. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/Gathering-of-Ohlone-Peoples.
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Explore nature at your own pace and in your own way at Big Break Visitor Center’s 2023 All Abilities Day on Tuesday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Travel along paved trails to visit stations to touch fur, listen to birds, draw wildlife, sit on benches to scan the water, or paint the view. The program is inclusive for all abilities, offering something for everyone! American Sign Language and Spanish interpreters on site. Wheelchair accessible. Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/all-abilities-day.
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Enjoy “Fall on the Farm” at the Ardenwood Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy old-time country fun as you help bring in this year’s crop of corn. Outside the field, enjoy seasonal activities, cider pressing, old-time music, and historic crafts. Ride a narrow-gauge train and learn what late 19th-century life was like on a tour of the beautifully restored farmhouse. Please bring a bag if you would like to take home some of your harvested corn. $12/adults, $10/seniors, $8/children ages 4-17, ages 3 and under free. Advance registration is available. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Harvest Festival.”
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History comes alive with games, activities, and music at the Sunol Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sunol Visitor Center. Celebrate the diverse heritage of the Sunol Wilderness at this fun festival for all ages! Free event. Parking is $5. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/events/sunol-heritage-festival
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Visit Ardenwood’s ‘Haunted Train’ for a frightfully fun nighttime ride through Ardenwood’s haunted forest. The ride is spooky, not scary, and is designed especially for children under 12 and those young at heart. Tickets for this event sell out fast! Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Beginning October 20) and Sundays from 7:00 p.m. to 900 p.m. (beginning October 22). $15/person ages 3+. ‘Haunted Train’ is operated by the Railroad Museum at Ardenwood. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/events/haunted-railroad.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Photo by Concord PD.
Funded by state grant
By Concord Police Department
This past Friday, the Concord Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted targeted traffic enforcement operations throughout the City of Concord. These types of traffic safety operations are paramount in keeping our roadways safe and educating drivers on safe driving practices. This operation was made possible through a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
During this operation, 114 vehicles were stopped for various vehicle code violations. Offices focused their attention on the most egregious violations and found one driver speeding on Ygnacio Valley Road at 86 MPH in a 45 MPH zone!
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