Lori Wilson running to fill Frazier vacancy through end of year
Still time for write-in candidates to enter race
She’s also only candidate so far to file for June Primary for regular election in new AD11
Current district includes Brentwood and Antioch, new one doesn’t
By Allen D. Payton
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Suisun City Mayor Lori D. Wilson officially filed for candidacy in the April 5th Special Primary Election race for California’s current 11th Assembly District. The vacancy was caused by former Assemblyman Jim Frazier’s resignation at the end of December. By 5:00 PM the next day, Wilson, a Democrat, learned she was the only candidate to file.
Wilson’s campaign issued a press release on Friday, Feb. 11 stating, “She still intends to run a strong campaign to talk to voters about their concerns and tell them her story. Wilson believes that a strong voter turnout in every election is important to democracy.”
Still Time for Write-In Candidates to File and Run, Could Force Run-Off in Special General Election
However, there is still time for write-in candidates to file and run in the race. According to the Special Primary Election Calendar on the California Secretary of State’s website, which isn’t included in the Special Primary Election Calendar on the county’s Elections Office website, the “Period for all write-in candidates to file their Statement of Write-In Candidacy and Nomination Papers with the county elections official” began Feb. 7 and runs through the deadline on March 22, 2022. Those interested and who live in Contra Costa County must obtain the necessary documents from the Elections Office in Martinez.
If a candidate does not receive a majority of the votes of at least 50% plus one, a special general election will be held. The top two candidates in the primary will face off in the general election. While a write-in candidate’s name will not appear on the special primary election ballot, if a run-off is necessary, the name of the write-in candidate who is one of the top two candidates in the primary will appear on the special general election ballot. Whomever wins the election will fill the vacancy in the current 11th District through the end of the year. If no write-in candidate files, Wilson automatically wins will be sworn in sometime in April.
About Wilson
According to her LinkedIn account, since July 201 Wilson has worked as the Director of Finance for developer KB Home in Fairfield, and in the same position for Meritage Homes from 2011 to January 2019. Prior to working in the private sector, she worked for two non-profit organizations, first as Program Director for Liberty, then as Chief Accountant for Fair Housing Napa Valley. Prior to that she worked as an auditor for Solano County from 2003 to 2006.
Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accountancy from Cal State Sacramento.
She has “been endorsed by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who joins a long list of state and local elected officials who have voiced their support for the campaign,” the press release reads.
“Lori Wilson has the right priorities and experience to represent Solano and Contra Costa Counties in the Assembly,” the press release continues. “As Mayor of Suisun City she has helped solve tough problems and delivered for her constituents. We need strong women leaders in Sacramento and I am proud to endorse Lori Wilson for Assembly.”
According to her campaign website, Wilson is the first Black female mayor to serve in all of Solano County She has served as Mayor of Suisun City since 2018 and was first elected to the Suisun City Council in 2012. According to her press release, “During her tenure, she has worked tirelessly to make Suisun City a welcoming and safe home to all. Wilson has a track record of fiscal responsibility while leading efforts to bring more housing, jobs and diversity to Suisun City. Lori Wilson is committed to fighting for the residents of California’s 11th Assembly District and she has a track record of creating good jobs, keeping our community safe and increasing the quality of life for all her constituents.”
According to the bio on her campaign website, Wilson is “A native Californian raised on the west side of Fresno, Lori is married to her high school sweetheart Chavares Wilson, a retired Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant. They have been blessed with two sons, Tyler and Kiren, and a daughter-in-law, Brittney. They have enjoyed living in Suisun City since 2004 after being stationed at Travis AFB for 5 years.”
Only Candidate to File for Regular Election Also
Wilson has also filed to run in the regular election in the June primary, for the newly redrawn district which no longer includes Antioch. To date, in that race she is the only candidate to do so in either Solano County or Contra Costa County, as well. Candidates have until March 16 to file papers to run, since the seat is currently vacant.
For more information about Wilson visit ElectLoriWilson.com.
Past Write-In Candidate for Assembly District 11
This reporter was the last candidate to successfully run as a write-in in a primary election for Assembly District 11, in 1998, garnering enough votes to be included on the November ballot. He lost to then-incumbent Assemblyman Tom Torlakson.
Read MoreWhile serving as a Danville Police Officer, following police pursuit in downtown Danville
By Allen D. Payton
On Friday, March 4, 2022, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced former Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff Andrew Hall was sentenced to six years in state prison for assault with a firearm and inflicting great bodily injury upon Laudemer Aboleda in downtown Danville on November 3, 2018. The incident occurred following a police pursuit of Aboleda. Hall was charged by Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton in April 2021. (See related articles here and here)
Hall was convicted last October and could have faced up to 22 years in prison, but the jury did not convict him of the more serious charge of felony voluntary manslaughter. (See related article)
While serving as a Danville Police Officer, according to the DA, “as found by the jury, Hall, unreasonably shot Laudemer Aboleda. This sentence is reflective of the gravity of the crime Deputy Hall committed. Deputy’s Hall’s actions were dangerous, unreasonable, and excessive. In sentencing the defendant to prison, the Court recognized the need for accountability in Deputy Hall’s decision to fire multiple times at Laudemer Aboleda, taking his life.” (See related article and incident video)
“No sentence imposed will bring Laudemer Aboleda back to his family,” the DA’s announcement continues. “The sentence imposed today is proportionate to the egregious shooting committed by a law enforcement officer who took the life of one man, and in doing so endangered the lives of his fellow officers and civilians. We respect the ruling of the judge and extend our condolences to the family of Laudemer Arboleda.”
When reached for comment, Sheriff’s Office Director of Public Affairs Jimmy Lee offered the following statement:
“The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is aware that Andrew Hall was sentenced today and later remanded into custody. Hall will be booked and transported to Solano County jail; details on where he will serve any remaining time of his sentence will be disclosed when available. Due to state law requirements about felony convictions, the Sheriff’s Office had no choice but to serve Hall with a notice for termination. That was done immediately after sentencing.”
Read MoreWill match $200,000 in employee and physician donations raised in just two days
Calls on other health care organizations to join the effort
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Kaiser Permanente has launched an employee and physician giving campaign to help with the urgent Ukrainian refugee crisis for physicians and employees who wish to personally support organizations helping with the relief effort, providing refugees with food, shelter, warm clothing, medical care, and supplies. Employees and physicians can choose to support these efforts by donating to any of 3 organizations selected by Kaiser Permanente, and the nonprofit integrated health care organization will match individual donations dollar for dollar, up to a total of $200,000.
The program was announced March 1, and in less than two days employees and physicians donated more than $200,000 in relief funds, ensuring the organization will contribute at least $400,000 for Ukraine relief. Donations continue to come in to support the three nonprofit relief organizations included in this matching effort, who are all providing direct aid: Direct Relief, Global Empowerment Mission, and World Central Kitchen. They were chosen based on a successful track record in disaster situations, and all three are on the ground in the region working to assist the refugees.
“Kaiser Permanente’s mission compels us to take action in response to the events unfolding in Eastern Europe. We are deeply saddened for the people in Ukraine, and for the loss of lives, destruction of communities, and displacement of families,” said Greg A. Adams, chair and chief executive officer, Kaiser Permanente. “This worsening humanitarian crisis merits our immediate response. We ask that you join us with your donations and solidarity for the people in Ukraine. This is a moment and cause that connects us regardless of our background or ethnicity. This is a time for unity, and for us to stand together as an industry and as a nation.”
The war in Ukraine already has caused more than 1 million refugees to leave the country and stream into neighboring nations. The United Nations estimates a total of 4 million people will eventually leave the country in the coming weeks. The scale of the humanitarian crisis is expanding significantly, and disaster relief agencies are struggling to meet the needs. While neighboring countries are welcoming the refugees, they are overwhelmed by their numbers.
The damage caused by this conflict continues to change every day. Kaiser Permanente will continue to closely monitor the situation as it continues to develop.
Kaiser Permanente has physicians and employees who have ties to Ukraine, Russia, and other countries in the region. Many of the people in the communities we serve also have connections to those affected by the war. This diversity is a source of strength and provides an opportunity to seek mutual understanding, offer support, and work together for a better future.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
Read More
607-acre, 1,650-home development next to planned Thurgood Marshall Regional Park
SMD leader says motion for new trial “should be denied”
By Allen D. Payton
Last Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, attorneys representing Discovery Builders and their Faria new home development requested a new trial for the lawsuit by Save Mount Diablo, following a judge’s decision in favor of the environmental group to stop the project. As previously reported, on March 30, 2021, Save Mount Diablo filed a lawsuit challenging the City of Pittsburg’s approval of the 1,650-unit Faria project, on the ridgeline between Pittsburg and Concord. According to the agenda item documents, the master plan overlay district encompasses approximately 607 acres of land. (See related article)
The motion for a new trial was filed “on the basis that the Court’s decision is not supported by the evidence and controlling legal authorities. Specifically…that there were several portions of this Court’s February 10, 2022, Statement of Decision that may not have fully considered evidence in the administrative record.” In addition, the motion asks that the “Court vacate its Statement of Decision and enter a new decision denying SMD’s motion” and “conduct a new hearing”. Faria project Motion for New Trial Parsons Dec. ISO Mot for New Trial Raskin Dec. ISO Mot for New Trial Faria project new trial Proof of Service
A hearing date on the motion for a new trial has been set for April 14, 2022.
On the day of the decision, Save Mount Diablo issued the following press release about their legal victory:
“On February 10, 2022, the Contra Costa County Superior Court handed Save Mount Diablo a major victory in its legal challenge to the City of Pittsburg’s approval of the 1,650-unit Faria/Southwest Hills Project.
According to the ruling, the city’s environmental review was inadequate in numerous ways. Faria was proposed by Seeno companies/Discovery Builders, Inc./Faria Investors LLC on the spectacular and highly visible major ridgeline between Pittsburg and Concord and could include grading and houses visible across the ridge.
As a result, the City of Pittsburg is required to overturn approvals for the project and correct environmental review. The city and Seeno/Discovery Builders will also be required to pay Save Mount Diablo’s legal fees.
It remains to be seen whether the developers, Discovery Builders, Inc. and Faria Land Investors, LLC, or the City of Pittsburg will appeal the decision.
The Pittsburg City Council—then-Mayor Merl Craft; then–Vice Mayor Holland Barrett White; and Councilmembers Shanelle Scales-Preston, Juan Antonio Banales, and Jelani Killings—all voted to approve the proposal in February 2021. (The mayor and vice-mayor designations rotate among the councilmembers.) They ignored hundreds of letters and public comments that opposed the project. Save Mount Diablo filed a lawsuit challenging the project’s approval in March 2021.
If the project had moved forward, it would have meant the development of a major, new residential subdivision on 606 acres of ridgeline and hillside grazing land in what is currently unincorporated Contra Costa County, immediately south of the City of Pittsburg.
The biologically rich site supports sensitive wildlife species and rare plants and is in one of the most visible and most environmentally constrained areas of the county. The Faria project would have fragmented open space and damaged wildlife corridors.
The proposed housing development would have changed the beautiful green hills forever by annexing the property to the City of Pittsburg and locating 1,650 new residences far from jobs, transit, and services.
The Faria project would have also impacted the new East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50 at the Faria site’s southwestern edge, formerly part of the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Save Mount Diablo and its partners advocated for the creation of this new park over many years. The Faria project would have been located directly above the new park on a ridgeline, degrading views from surrounding areas.
The Contra Costa Superior Court ruled that the City of Pittsburg’s environmental review of the project was inadequate in four major ways:
- It failed to analyze any impacts that would results from the 150 accessory dwelling units that were added by the City of Pittsburg at the last minute. This is important because the number of units affects every part of environmental review from traffic to water supply to schools, etc. and will make correcting the environmental review complicated;
- It failed to include a baseline description of biological resources that could be impacted by the project, specifically special-status plant species;
- It failed to consider the water supply impacts of adding 1,650 new housing units in the area, which is especially important given years of drought and increasing fire danger; and
- It failed to adequately disclose or mitigate the project’s air quality impacts, including greenhouse gas impacts, without which development will continue to make the climate crisis much worse.
“The court’s decision says to developers: ‘You don’t get to kick the can down the road. You have to do a thorough analysis of your project’s impacts before you lock in project approvals,’” said Winter King, Save Mount Diablo’s attorney from Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger. “The court got it right.”
The court’s ruling means that the City of Pittsburg’s approval of the project is null and void.
The court also noted that additional impacts—such as geologic hazard impacts resulting from grading and filling, and impacts on streams and agricultural lands—would need to be addressed in more detail.
Save Mount Diablo Executive Director Ted Clement said, “Throughout the East Bay, residents have worked hard to protect our ridges and views, flora and fauna, and to defend our parks. In this case that was just decided in our favor, Save Mount Diablo had to stand up against some very powerful interests to help further the work of protecting these treasured resources, which add so much to our collective quality of life.”
“Although I’ve worked for Save Mount Diablo on this issue, I’m also a Concord resident,” said Juan Pablo Galván Martínez, Save Mount Diablo’s Senior Land Use Manager. “This project infuriated me as an open-space lover, a wildlife enthusiast, and someone who is deeply worried and taking action to stop catastrophic climate change. Since this affects both cities, I want both city councils to work together to protect the hills and ridgeline.”
“This is a major victory for Pittsburg’s hills,” stated Save Mount Diablo Land Conservation Director Seth Adams. “Open space, habitat for wildlife, and the community’s scenic views have won the day, and poorly planned development will not go forward, for now. We are very happy with the court’s decision.”
“On the other hand,” said Adams, “while our victory is costly for the city and Seeno/Discovery Builders in time and money, it does not stop the project forever. After correcting environmental documents, the Pittsburg City Council can approve Seeno’s huge project again if they choose. But now they have a second chance to make it better by protecting the ridgeline and neighboring regional park. We don’t have to argue about protecting ridgelines in other cities. The Pittsburg City Council should do the right thing.”
Save Mount Diablo Says Motion for New Trial “Should Be Denied”
Asked about the motion for a new trial, Save Mount Diablo Executive Director, Ted Clement responded, “Regarding the Seeno companies/Pittsburg request for a new trial, the Court has already rejected their arguments for reasons fully set forth in its decision. Their Motion for New Trial does not question the adequacy of the administrative record on which the Court properly based its decision (and which the City itself prepared) or suggest there was any other irregularity or unfairness in the hearing. Instead, they seek a second bite of the apple.”
“Their Motion reargues issues that were fully briefed and addressed in the Court’s Decision,” he continued. “They also seek to introduce irrelevant and improper extra-record evidence, violating black letter law that CEQA actions must be decided on the record that was before the agency when it made its decision.”
“Because their Motion provides no basis for this Court to order a new trial solely on the issues decided adverse to them, it should be denied,” Clement concluded.
Read MoreWill feature Sue Foley and her new album Pinky’s Blues, nominated for three 43rd BLUES MUSIC AWARDS (2022): Album of the Year, Traditional Blues Album and Traditional Blues Female Artist; co-headlining with Chris Cain who also has four nominations from the BMA awards. His album, Raisin’ Cain was just listed as the second most played album on Living Blues Radio Charts for 2021.
Before you get the wrong idea, Sue Foley’s new album, Pinky’s Blues, was not titled such due to her strawberry hair. Nor because of that fabulous pink leather jacket or those amazing boots. Nope. It’s her beloved pink paisley, Fender Telecaster electric guitar for which the new album is the namesake. Pinky has been with Sue for decades and continues to be an almost living extension of who Sue is, as evidenced by its strong contribution to the album as well as appearing live with Sue while on tour, guiding her through the rambunctiously deep renditions of everything Sue performs.
And the Blues part of the album title? It just might have something to do with Sue’s sizzlingly smooth voice and her chicly raw, resolute, bad-*ss style of playing, performing and songwriting. Well, check it out for yourself on the below link of one of the new songs on Pinky’s Blues:
SUE FOLEY is “Hurricane Girl” Official Music Video with live footage.
SUE FOLEY Live Interview about the new album, Pinky’s Blues on November 9, 2021.
“I’ve been on the road,” says Sue in trying to explain Pinky’s Blues. “I’ve made dozens of albums of my own. I’ve raised a child. I’ve bought and sold homes. I’ve had great successes and great failures. And all of this just makes my life richer and more colorful.”
And these are the blues Sue Foley brings to life while performing in her own way: compelling, sensual, seamlessly rich, tasty, yet with an undertone of saltiness and challenge.
“It’s a great trip and I never get tired of playing a slow blues. That’s the ultimate.” Today, in 2022, Sue Foley is surely one of the ultimate.
With Pinky right by her side.
Ya gotta come and check it out!
Doors/Show: 6:00pm/7:00pm
Tickets: $15.00 (youth) – $30.00 (Adults) plus fees
https://us.patronbase.com/_ElCampanilTheatre/Productions/R009/Performances
602 West 2nd Street in Antioch in historic, downtown Rivertown.
Read MoreClaim news reports “demonize the police and fan the flames of racial discord”
City states “use of force committee…found the use of force to be within policy and law under the circumstances”
By Allen D. Payton
The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association issued the following press release on February 24, 2022, in response to media reports of recently released police body cam footage of a Feb. 10, 2020, incident with a robbery suspect involving a police dog attacking her, and the lawsuit she filed. (See unedited police body cam video. Warning: graphic images)
—————-
Local Bay Area media outlets KRON and KTVU began reporting on a civil lawsuit filed against one of our members, Officer Ryan Rezentes. National media outlets have also begun reporting on the story. As has become commonplace in recent years, those media outlets abdicated their responsibility to inform the public on the facts of an incident, and instead have chosen to demonize the police and fan the flames of racial discord. Contrary to what was reported by the media, this was not just “a shoplifting incident” and the use of a police K9 had nothing to do with the race of the suspects.
The lawsuit stems from a crime which was committed on February 10, 2020. The plaintiff, Talmika Bates, who was 24 years old at the time, along with two of her associates reportedly stole over $10,000 worth of merchandise from a store and then fled in a vehicle. As another Brentwood PD officer was responding to the reported crime, he observed the suspect vehicle at a nearby major intersection and it appeared the vehicle was attempting to cross the busy intersection against the red light. That officer positioned his police car in front of the suspect vehicle so that he could protect the other motorists and prevent any further flight. Instead of stopping, the suspect vehicle rammed the front end of the police car in order to escape, and then fled at high speeds. The suspects’ actions not only endangered the police officer who was rammed, but also endangered numerous other citizens on the roadway.
Bates and her associates continued fleeing in their vehicle until they collided with a curb and disabled their vehicle, at which time all of the suspects, including Bates, fled the vehicle on foot. Numerous officers, including Officer Rezentes with K9 Marco, along with a police helicopter, responded to the scene to assist with a search for the suspects. One of the areas being searched was a field with large swaths of nearly impenetrable shrubbery and trees. These types of areas are especially dangerous for police officers to search, due to the fact that potentially armed suspects can easily conceal themselves inside the overgrown vegetation, and officers may not see the suspect until they are right upon them. This is one of numerous scenarios where utilizing a police dog helps keep our officers safe.
After nearly an hour of searching, during which time even the helicopter was unable to find the suspects, Officer Rezentes ordered K9 Marco to search the large patch of overgrown vegetation and the dog located Bates inside. Police dogs are trained to bite the first part of the suspect’s body they come in contact with, which in Bates’ case was the top of her head. When it became apparent that K9 Marco had located one of the suspects concealed in the vegetation, Officer Rezentes and the other officers ordered Bates to come out. This is standard safe practice, because the officers were still unable to see Bates and they could not determine if she was armed. Once Bates was taken into custody, she was immediately provided with medical aid for her injuries.
The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association believes it is important that the public have this context regarding Officer Rezentes’ actions and the use of K9 Marco. All of the details we have provided here, and many more, were available within public records. It appears these media outlets chose to not seek out this information, and they attempt to defend their actions by stating they sought comment from the City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department, knowing full well that neither of those entities are going to provide comment on an incident that has pending litigation. The media is well-versed in making public records requests, and know they could have obtained the court records from Bates’ criminal case. Since these specific media outlets did not do so, we can only conclude that is because they had no desire to provide the context which we have provided here, and that they would rather attempt to sow division between the police and the community.
The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association will not make any further comment regarding the specifics of this incident. We are grateful for the support of our community as our officers do their best to protect everyone’s safety.
Brentwood PD Press Release of Incident
On February 10, 2020 at 11:45 AM, officers were dispatched to Ulta Beauty Supply (in the Streets of Brentwood Shopping Center) to investigate a theft. Keilaysha Usher (24-year-old female, Oakland) Talmika Bates (24-year-old female, Hayward) and Ramiah Armstrong (22-year-old female, Richmond) left the store with about $10,000 worth of merchandise and fled in a Nissan Murano toward Lone Tree Way.
A responding Brentwood Police Officer located the vehicle at the intersection of Shady Willow Lane and Lone Tree Way and attempted a traffic enforcement stop. The driver of the Nissan collided with the patrol car and fled. The vehicle was located in a field at the north end of Slatten Ranch Road where the occupants fled on foot into a nearby neighborhood. A perimeter was set up by Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley Police units until all three females were located and taken into custody.
An additional subject, Adrian Benton Jr. (21-year-old male, Richmond) appeared in the area to pick up the females and help them flee the area. He was also taken into custody without incident.
All four subjects are being booked into Martinez Detention Facility.
This case is currently under investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Brentwood PD dispatch at 925-809-7911.
Questions for Brentwood PD
The following questions were sent to the Brentwood PD on Tuesday morning, March 1.
“Are police dogs trained to attack and bite any parts of a suspect’s body including their head, face and torso, or just their arms and legs to get them to stop running and/or resisting arrest?
At what point is a K9 Officer supposed to call off and restrain the dog from further attack of a suspect, if they’re no longer running and seated, as Ms. Bates is seen in the video, as the dog continued to attack her?
Why didn’t the officer taze Ms. Bates to get her to comply and emerge from the bushes, and restrain the dog once she was no longer running and seated?”
Brentwood Statement in Response to Media Requests Regarding Bates Lawsuit
In response, the following statement was provided by Assistant City Manager Darin Gale.
“Due to ongoing civil litigation the City of Brentwood including the Brentwood Police Department will not comment on the specific details and personnel matters requested by the media concerning this incident.
We can share that this incident was reviewed by the Brentwood Police Department use of force committee which found the use of force to be within policy and law under the circumstances which involved a high-speed chase and a collision with a Brentwood police vehicle.”
A Public Records Act request has been made for “any and all documents, video, etc. regarding the police incident on Feb. 10, 2020, including K9 unit with suspect Talmika Bates and the other suspects mentioned in the press release, including the response to her lawsuit.”
Please check back later for their responses and any other updates.
Read More
So that they will be valued, seen, heard, and served
By Rosalind Mays Welch, Richmond Community Foundation
Contra Costa, CA – RCF Connects, formerly known as Richmond Community Foundation, a local community foundation that is a motivator in Contra Costa County in the field of philanthropy and community change, announces the creation of the Equity for Black Women and Girls Task Force. The task force, led by RCF Connects’ Board Chair Dr. Cynthia LeBlanc, represents a collaboration of community leaders, will oversee an effort to create an awareness campaign to help inform the public of the inequities experienced by Black women and girls in our community and to ensure they gain access to the resources that can help them overcome and change current policies, practices and attitudes that are root causes of the inequities that we see today.
This effort is in answer to a recent survey of local funding organizations (described as foundations, private funders and corporate funders) which revealed that community-based funding commitments and programming in Contra Costa County for Black/African American people is less than 5% and discouragingly, less than 1% specifically for Black women and girls.
“As an organization dedicated to equity, that seeks systemic change that eliminates policies, practices and attitudes that are root causes of inequity, we cannot let this stand,” said RCF Connects’ Board Chair, Dr. Cynthia LeBlanc.
RCF Connects has a unique opportunity to center Black Women and Girls in Contra Costa County as a strategic priority in alignment with its advancement of equity as a value and goal. We understand that valuing and raising up Black Women and Girls in our community raises our entire community to a new level of health, wellness and success.
We would like to introduce to our community, the members of the Equity for Black Women and Girls Task Force who are dedicated to doing this vital and important work:
The focus of the Task Force is to release RCF Connects’ position paper entitled RCF Connects’ Equity for Black Women and Girls Initiative and ensure the successful implementation of its recommendations. The position paper highlights findings and recommendations from a comprehensive study funded by RCF Connects that included interviews and focus groups of Black women and girls across Contra Costa County. It also outlines solutions that correct the current void of services, supports, and resources specifically for Black women and girls in our community. Exec-Sum-Equity-for-BWG-Initiative-Report
In addition, the Task Force will also evaluate and pursue partnerships with key organizations willing to commit time, talent, and resources to support Black women and girls. Finally, the Task Force will provide expertise and insight to foundations and others willing to commit substantial funding to priorities that explicitly support Black women and girls, a valuable part of our community that is regrettably often overlooked and ignored.
In the near future, the committee will be seeking qualified candidates to head this new initiative with the core objective to fulfill The Equity for Black Women and Girls Initiative’s mission, vision, and approach.
If you would like more information about this project or seek to connect with our efforts, please contact Jim Becker, CEO, RCF Connects – jbecker@richmondcf.org.
About RCF Connects
Richmond Community Foundation, now known as RCF Connects, is a leading motivator in Contra Costa County in the field of philanthropy and community change. Our mission is to mobilize the power of connection to build healthy, thriving communities. Our focus is on impacting the five areas of community building: Restoring Neighborhoods, Health, Community Growth, Quality Education and Public Safety. We truly live, work and breathe our motto: “Together, we are shaping the future!”
Read More
Still required on public transit
Joined by governors of Oregon, Washington to offer more updated health guidance for the three western states
SACRAMENTO – With declining case rates and hospitalizations across the West, California, Oregon and Washington are moving together to update their masking guidance. After 11:59 p.m. on March 11, California, Oregon and Washington will adopt new indoor mask policies and move from mask requirements to mask recommendations in schools.
State policies do not change federal requirements, which still include masks on public transit.
Statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom: “California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic. Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.”
In California, starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and childcare facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. As always, local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state guidance.
Newsom also presented his COVID SMARTER Plan introduced on Feb. 17, which stands for Shots, Masks, Awareness, Readiness, Testing, Education and Rx.
Statement from Oregon Governor Kate Brown: “Two years ago today, we identified Oregon’s first case of COVID-19. As has been made clear time and again over the last two years, COVID-19 does not stop at state borders or county lines. On the West Coast, our communities and economies are linked. Together, as we continue to recover from the Omicron surge, we will build resiliency and prepare for the next variant and the next pandemic. As we learn to live with this virus, we must remain vigilant to protect each other and prevent disruption to our schools, businesses, and communities––with a focus on protecting our most vulnerable and the people and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”
In Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority rules requiring masks in indoor public places and schools will be lifted after 11:59 p.m. on March 11. Other state and federal requirements, such as those for health care settings, public transit, and other specialized settings, will remain in place for a period of time.
Statement from Washington Governor Jay Inslee: “We’ve continued to monitor data from our state Department of Health, and have determined we are able to adjust the timing of our statewide mask requirement. While this represents another step forward for Washingtonians, we must still be mindful that many within our communities remain vulnerable. Many businesses and families will continue choosing to wear masks, because we’ve learned how effective they are at keeping one another safe. As we transition to this next phase, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously.”
In Washington, indoor mask requirements will be lifted as of 11:59 p.m. on March 11. This new date does not change any other aspect of the updated mask requirements Inslee announced last week. Masks will still be required in certain settings including health care, corrections facilities and long-term care facilities. The Washington State Department of Health will be issuing new guidance for K-12 schools next week so schools can prepare to implement updated safety protocols.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
Screen Time Use Among U.S. Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic Findings From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
In today’s world, it’s not uncommon for children to be connected to their phones and laptops. Some sneak devices on their laps under the dinner table, while others are slow to respond to real conversations when they’re texting their friends. It’s a whole new world, but increased screen time might be leading to more mental health issues, according to the “Screen Time Use Among U.S. Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic Findings From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association-Pediatrics (JAMA-Pediatrics).
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children increased screen time use due to online school, stay-at-home orders and general social isolation,” said Richard Freed, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center. “JAMA-Pediatrics recently reported that children nearly doubled their screen time use during the pandemic. Unfortunately, this increase is posing mental health risks for kids because it displaces the activities we know are helpful to children and adolescents, including quality time with family, physical activity, and engaging with their teachers and school communities.”
The cumulative effect of excessive screen time is leading to ongoing mental health issues for children.
“Children are experiencing anxiousness and stress in part because screen time has remained elevated even as pandemic restrictions are lifted,” Freed added. “It’s important for parents to understand how too much screen time can negatively impact children’s mental health, and there are ways parents can help reduce the amount of time their children spend on screens.”
Below are some tips for helping your child cut back on his or her screen time use:
- Help children and adolescents engage with the activities we know support their mental health, including time with family and physical activity, as that leaves less time for screens.
- Kids might need parent support and structure to get back into school routines, such as shutting down screens and completing homework.
- Cutting back on screen time use does not mean no screen time at all. Try setting some limits on children’s usage and work on a plan to limit the amount of time per day they are on their screens.
- Don’t allow children to have use of their screens before bedtime, which can disrupt sleep. Encourage them to read books or play quiet games instead.
- Model good behavior. Put your own screens away and show children the importance of finding other activities to occupy their time.
- Encourage children to play outdoors or take up a new hobby. Find ways to expand their in-person social interactions, such as joining a club or an after-school activity.
- Go on walks, have family game nights, start a family book club, or work on puzzles. Find other ways to keep your children occupied and engaged.
- Talk to your children about the importance of staying engaged with others and how screens prohibit them from developing the social skills they need to be successful.
- If your child continues to withdraw or seems anxious or stressed, talk about what might be happening and offer solutions to help.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics has a tool at healthychildren.org/MediaUsePlan to help you create a plan for screen time.
By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department
Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction of the Crockett Area Guardrail Upgrades Project starting Monday, February 28, 2022 through late April 2022, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. Work will take place in the Crockett Area, along the following roadways: San Pablo Avenue, Cummings Skyway, Pomona Street, Carquinez Scenic Drive and Crockett Boulevard. The project will install upgrades to existing guardrail systems. Electronic message boards will alert drivers of scheduled roadwork and lane closures. Restrictions will be in place to minimize impacts during commute hours. Drivers should expect delays.
Funding for this project is provided by Gas Tax (SB1) and Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Funds. More information for this project can be found at http://www.cccounty.us/pwdmap.
CONTACT: Construction Status, Carlos Melendez, 510.385.0506; Project Status, Jenna Caldwell, 925.313.2020
About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:
Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sand Bag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. To learn more about CCCPWD, please visit www.cccpublicworks.org
Read More