Beatriz Elizabeth “Bea” Truxton
March 12, 1932 – January 28, 2022
Our dear mother, Beatriz Elizabeth Truxton, passed away January 28, 2022. Beatriz was born March 12, 1932, in Guayaquil Ecuador to Anibal Leon Barrera and Melania Medina Molina. She had two older sisters.
Beatriz married the love of her life, Perry Truxton, on December 16, 1950, in Ecuador after a whirlwind six-week courtship. They were two months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary when Perry passed away in 2010.
Beatriz made many friends in Central and South America and the Caribbean following Perry who worked for the Inter American Geodetic Survey headquartered in the Panama Canal Zone. During his service, they lived in Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Panama. In 1976, they moved to Alamogordo, NM. Beatriz and Perry continued to travel after Perry retired in 1985.
In her mid-60s, Beatriz decided to pursue education by first earning her G.E.D. and then continuing to earn her Associates of Art degree in 2008 at the Alamogordo branch of New Mexico State University. She also took many art classes, enjoying drawing and acrylic painting. She served students through a part-time job in the Language Lab as a Spanish tutor where she made many friends.
Beatriz enjoyed the beach and scuba diving when she was younger. She went camping because Perry promised her that she would not have to either cook or clean up! Beatriz and Perry were great dancers. Beatriz enjoyed animals. As a child, she had a monkey and an ocelot as a pet. She loved dogs. Her favorite breed was the beagle and favorite dog names were Ginger or Topsy!
Beatriz had a deep faith in her savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. She taught her children to also have a deep faith in God. Beatriz loved traveling. She enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made a priority to attend milestone events such as weddings, high school or college graduations and First Holy Communions.
In 2018, Beatriz went to live with her children. She lived with Roy in Tampa, FL before coming to live with Nellie in Antioch, CA. Beatriz joined the Antioch Senior Center where she participated in the painting activity. She also enjoyed going to the senior activity at the Celebration Center at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Brentwood, CA.
Beatriz is survived by her sons, Roy, Charlie (Vicki), and Stephen, and daughter Nellie (Brian) Beatty; grandchildren Emmanuel, Michael, Maureen, Elizabeth (Nathan) Blumhorst, Teresa, Jennifer, Katherine, Angela, Christopher, Sarah, Aaron, Rebecca, Annelise, and Maria; great-grandchildren Gabriel, Jacob, and Emrys; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank both Hospice of the East Bay and the staff at Spyglass Villas 2 for the wonderful care they gave to Beatriz. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in Beatriz Truxton’s name.
A funeral mass will be held on February 17, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Church, 971 O’Hara Ave, Oakley, CA 94561 at 12 p.m. with the rosary at 11 a.m. Interment is at Del Puerto & St. Mary’s Cemetery, 10800 CA-22, Patterson, CA 95363 at 11 a.m. February 18, 2022.
Read MoreBy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patricia Rodriguez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Alex-Talbot-731x1024.jpg)
Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Talbot of Brentwood. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Manvir Gill
NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Talbot, a native of Brentwood, California, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s largest warships, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.
Talbot joined the Navy six years ago. Today, he serves as a machinist’s mate (nuclear).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see the world and have an opportunity to get out and make a difference,” said Talbot.
Growing up in Brentwood, Talbot attended Liberty High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Talbot relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Brentwood to succeed in the military.
“When I was growing up, I was on the wrestling team for six years,” said Talbot. “It taught me to have a strong work ethic and drive. It taught me to tackle any challenge placed in front of me. It also helped me understand how to achieve my own goals but also be part of a team.”
These lessons have helped Talbot while serving in the Navy.
Aircraft carriers provide unique capabilities and survivability. They are a powerful exhibition of the American Navy’s legacy of innovation, technological evolution, and maritime dominance, according to Navy officials.
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) represents the first major design investment in aircraft carriers since the 1960s. The ship is engineered to support new technologies and a modern air wing essential to deterring and defeating near-peer adversaries in a complex maritime environment. Ford delivers a significant increase in sortie generation rate, approximately three times more electrical generation capacity, and a $4 billion reduction in total life-cycle cost per ship, when compared to a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Once deployed, the Ford-class will serve as the centerpiece of strike group operations through the 21st century, supporting a host of evolving national strategic objectives. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land from FORD’s state-of-the-art Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). With nearly 5,000 Sailors serving aboard, Ford is a self-contained mobile airport.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Aircraft-carrier-Gerald-R-Ford.jpg)
The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford departs Naval Station Norfolk to transit to Newport News Shipyard in support of its planned incremental availability, a six-month period of modernization, maintenance and repairs, on Aug. 20, 2021. Photo by MC1 William Spears/U.S. Navy) Source: DefenseNews.com
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. Carrier strike groups have the unique advantage of mobility, making them far more strategically advantageous than fixed-site bases. No other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility, and the combat capability of its air wing.
“I could not be more proud of our sailors; this crew displayed a phenomenal amount of resiliency and proficiency during each phase of our operational development,” said Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Ford’s commanding officer. “The crew’s efforts are what make Warship 78 so great, and I can’t wait to be a part of what this mighty warship and her crew achieve in 2022.”
Since USS Langley’s commissioning 100 years ago, the nation’s aircraft carriers, such as Ford, and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide. Gerald R. Ford represents a generational leap in the aircraft carrier’s capacity to project power on a global scale.
“The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy’s centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence,” said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. “These ships touch every part of our Navy’s mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries.”
According to DefenseNews.com, “The U.S. Navy has promised a first deployment for its new aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford by this fall — but that deployment won’t be a typical one…The carrier and its strike group will operate on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean alongside a long list of foreign navies…But the operations will be outside the typical Global Force Management-dictated deployment in support of the joint force.”
Serving in the Navy means Talbot is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“If we didn’t have a strong naval presence out there, I don’t think there would be as much deterrence,” said Talbot. “Other countries would try to threaten the peace of other nations without consequences. I think a lot of people sleep easier knowing we’re out here.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Talbot and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I was selected to be the engine room supervisor during full ship shock trials,” said Talbot. “That is where they used 40,000 pounds of explosive to test how the ship would respond and handle battle damage. Out of 75 different operators, I was only one of two who were selected. My department knew that while I was on watch, the reactor plant would operate safely no matter what.”
As Talbot and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy has given me an opportunity to challenge myself every day and be a part of something bigger,” added Talbot. “I enjoy serving alongside some great friends and being around some of the greatest people I have ever met.”
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Antioch resident Luella Hill-Dudley is crowned Ms. All World Beauties Elite as Man of Distinction winner and fellow Antioch resident, Paul Wright (back left) watches on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. Photo: Danae Forrest-Braggs
Second year in a row an Antioch lady has won in the pageant competition
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch resident, Luella Hill-Dudley, was crowned Ms. Golden State All World Beauties Elite at the Inaugural California All World Beauties pageant held Saturday, January 22, 2022, in Newark. In addition, Paul Wright, also of Antioch, won the Man of Distinction competition.
“All World Beauties and Man of Distinction want you to know, if anyone ever told you that you couldn’t win I’m living proof we all were made to win,” Hill-Dudley shared on her Facebook page following her coronation. “It may wear you out, but don’t give up you(‘re) going to win.”
“My reasoning for being a part of the pageant is to inspire other men and women to see their own inner beauty and beauty is not based on your looks but your character as a person,” she later shared. “Also, my desire to help others to believe in themselves no matter what and to show them if I can do it, they can, too.”
In another Facebook post Hill-Dudley wrote, “My first title was Ms. Antioch Elite but on January 22, 2022 I became Ms. Golden State Elite isn’t God good. This is a very proud moment in my life. I give all glory to God.”
Samantha Richardson, the National All World Beauties Royal Ambassador, which is an overall title, is executive director of the California pageant, which she took on after being crowned a national queen.
“Luella also won the Spirit of Pageantry award. She did really well. She was really great,” Richardson stated. “Luella also had the highest interview score of 10 from all three judges, a perfect score.”
When reached for comment about his experience with the pageant, Wright said, “Absolutely amazing, motivational. It takes your self-confidence to the next level.”
“Never in my wildest dreams would I thought of doing something like this,” he shared.
Asked if his wife, Maggie had encouraged him to enter the contest, Wright said, “my wife assisted in the event. But we are going to take it to the next level, representing the city of Antioch and the state of California.”
This is the second year in a row an Antioch woman has won in a category of the All World Beauties pageant.
“We had a queen last year from Antioch who we celebrated, Janice Lipnisky, who passed away in September,” Richardson shared. “She was crowned Ms. California AWB Elite. We all went to Texas for the national competition, last year, as at large entries, since there wasn’t a state-level competition at that time.”
According to the national organization’s Facebook page, “at the inaugural California All World Beauties and Man of Distinction Pageant the Staff, Delegation, and Nationals staff in attendance honored our beloved Queen Janice Lipnisky, who passed suddenly after the 20th Anniversary pageant. Janice, you were a pillar of strength, beauty, and determination! We love you and will miss you.”
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The late Janice Lipnisky was honored at the Inaugural California pageant on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. Photo: National All World Beauties Pageant
This year’s inaugural California competition had different categories, including the Elite division for women ages 45 and up, Mrs. Queen for married ladies ages 21 and up, a Ms. category for ladies ages 30 to 44, and Ms. Plus for plus size 12 and up ladies ages 30 to 44.
“Plus, our Men of Distinction category for ages 21 and up,” Richardson added. “We didn’t have a teen category for ages 15 to 17, Miss for ages 18 to 29, or Miss Plus for sizes 12 and up for ladies ages 18 to 29.”
Each of the winners were crowned and received prizes and gifts.
“They received their regalia, which includes the crown and sash, or stole for the men, plus their national entry fee paid,” said Richardson. “In addition, the winners also receive prizes and gifts from sponsors.
The winners of the California pageant will compete at the national pageant on June 25, 2022. For more information visit the national organization’s Facebook page.
Those interested in competing in next year’s California pageant can visit the national website at AllWorldBeauties.com and let the organizers know. They will put you in touch with Richardson.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Arson-suspect-arrested-02-03-22-BPD-1024x455.jpg)
Arson suspect from Oakley arrested by Brentwood Police Detectives on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Photos: Brentwood PD
Torched car, damaged yard of home with Molotov cocktail
By Brentwood Police Department
On Nov. 26, 2021, an unoccupied vehicle was torched in the area of Viola Court and Wildflower Loop in Brentwood and on Dec. 30, 2021, the side yard of a home in the 500 block of Foxglove Court was damaged with a Molotov cocktail. Both incidents involved the same victim and fire personnel confirmed the fires were a result of arson. Through the course of the investigation, the victim stated he knew the suspect, later identified as Justin Eric MartinSilva, a 25-year-old Oakley resident.
Brentwood PD Detectives confirmed these were targeted incidents involving MartinSilva. On Feb. 3, 2022, Brentwood PD Detectives conducted a search warrant related to this investigation at a residence located in the 1300 block of Gamay Circle in Oakley; where MartinSilva resides and was subsequently placed under arrest for several charges, primarily arson and possession of arson material.
On Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against MartinSilva for: Arson, Possession of arson material, possession of explosive device with intent to injure, and other charges. As of today, Saturday, Feb. 12, MartinSilva is still in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $625,000.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Ghost-gun-arrest-confiscated-items-02-10-22-1024x626.jpg)
Ghost gun parts and other items confiscated from the suspect during his second arrest in two nights on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. Photo: Pittsburg PD
K-9 officer assists in the arrest detecting the odor of ammunition, explosives; police, DA asked why suspect was released
2/14/22 UPDATE: DA claims Pittsburg PD has offered no report of arrest night before, won’t respond to “multiple inquiries”
By Pittsburg Police Department
Last night, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, one of our proactive graveyard officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop for CVC (vehicle code) violations on Railroad Avenue. Upon contacting the driver, he was recognized as being previously arrested the night before for being in possession of a “ghost gun”.
K9 Kyra responded to the traffic stop to assist, which resulted in her alerting on the trunk of the vehicle (smelling/locating/detecting the odor of ammunition/explosives). A search of the vehicle was ultimately conducted, which resulted in officers locating 1 pound of marijuana, as well a large capacity magazine and ammunition. The driver was placed under arrest for the on-view charges.
However, officers weren’t done just yet. A search warrant was later authorized and served at the arrestee’s residence by multiple swing shift and graveyard officers. Upon searching the residence, multiple firearm manufacturing kits, high-capacity magazines, heroin, an assault rifle, and miscellaneous “ghost gun” parts were found. The driver had several additional felony charges added to his booking sheet and was transported to county jail.
Our officers are notorious for going the extra mile to making our city a safer place to be, along with our 4-legged furry partners.
A call was made to Pittsburg PD Investigations and an email was sent Saturday to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton asking why the man was back out on the street to commit more crimes on Thursday following his arrest the night before.
2/14/22 UPDATE: DA’s Office Responds, Claims Can’t Get Response from Pittsburg PD
In response on Monday, Feb. 14, Simon O’Connell, Contra Costa County Chief Assistant District Attorney wrote in an email, “The suspect was booked in custody just after midnight Thursday 2/10 following a probable cause arrest by the Pittsburg Police Department. Today, Monday 2/14 the Pittsburg Police Department presented that arrest to the District Attorney’s Office for filing review and prosecution.
O’Connell further offered that, “generally speaking with regard to pre-filing custody or release, the District Attorney is not party to the decision by an officer book or release a suspect who is arrested on probable cause. The decision to arrest or cite release is that of the arresting agency. If a judge approves the probable cause, the arresting agency will then present the case for any in custody filing. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for filing criminal charges when submitted for prosecutorial review. Once charges are filed, the arraignment court judge will review the bail set at filing along with Probation Department’s recommendation regarding continued custody.”
As of Tuesday, Feb. 15 Pittsburg PD has not yet responded to the call from the Herald about the arrest the night before and why the suspect was released.
Please check back for any additional updates to this report.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreFor county DA, sheriff, supervisor, Superior Court judges and other offices, U.S. Senate, Congress, governor and other statewide offices, and State Assembly
By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
On Monday, February 14, the June 7, 2022, Candidate Filing Period will begin, and nomination papers will be available for candidates running for Statewide Constitutional offices, County offices, Superior Court judges, United States Senator, United States Representative in Congress and Member of the State Assembly. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, March 11, 2022. A list of offices currently up for election can be found here: https://www.cocovote.us/wp-content/uploads/22Jun07_PositionsUpForElection-1.pdf
Papers for offices that are up for election will be available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez.
For further information on the primary election and key dates, visit www.cocovote.us.
With COVID-19 still in play, the Contra Costa Elections Division is asking interested candidates to schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes 20 minutes.
All visitors will be asked to check-in at the Elections lobby and will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines.
Read MoreAnother Antioch man is wanted; victims were Pittsburg and San Leandro residents
By Pittsburg Police Department
Early Sunday morning, September 19, 2021, shortly before 6:30 A.M., Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the 7-11 store at 4600 Century Boulevard regarding a shooting. As officers arrived, they located a car parked in front of the business with two women inside. Both women were suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Unfortunately, 23-year-old San Leandro resident Courtnee Allen and 21-year-old Pittsburg resident Angelique Abercrombie died due to their injuries.
Initially, there was limited information for detectives to work with or identify the responsible in this case. Over the past few months, members of the Investigations Division, including the Pittsburg Police Department VICE Team, worked diligently to identify several subjects involved. After completing numerous interviews and working through a vast amount of evidence, detectives identified 28-year-old Lonnie Stewart of Antioch, 22-year-old Destiny Boyd of Sacramento, and 20-year-old Jordan Pierre Crear of Antioch as being involved in the incident. Crear was identified as the subject who shot and killed Courtney and Angelique. Detectives are continuing to determine the motive for the shooting.
Last week detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review. The DA charged all three subjects for Murder with enhancements. Boyd was arrested late last week in Elk Grove and is currently in custody on $3,000,000 bail. Wednesday, Crear was located and arrested at his home in Antioch and remains in custody with a $7,000,000 bail. A $3,000,000 warrant is issued for Stewart, and detectives are working to locate him.
The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank our citizens and business community for their support during this investigation.
Read MoreBART’s schedule will change on Monday, February 14, 2022, with significant improvements to Sunday service. With this schedule change, BART will operate midnight service every night of the week representing a full restoration of pre-pandemic service hours.
Highlights include:
- Extend service to midnight on Sundays
- Run 5-line service every day (except for single-tracking Sundays) until about 9pm
- Consistent 3-line service every day after 9pm
- 4 trains an hour at SFO station on Sundays until 9pm
- 15-minute even headways on the Yellow line as far as Pittsburg Bay Point on Saturdays until about 8pm
- New transfer opportunity at Bay Fair for Dublin to Berryessa transfers every day
- Improved connections with Caltrain at Millbrae on Sundays before 9pm
- 12 single-tracking Sundays in 2022 when 3-line service will be provided
Some departure times will shift slightly. All riders are encouraged to look up their specific trips.
Sunday Service Improvements
Since the pandemic began BART has been closing at 9pm on Sundays to help accelerate infrastructure rebuilding projects. Beginning Sunday, February 20th, BART will extend Sunday service to midnight. Sunday service hours will be 8am-midight.
Starting Sunday, February 20, 2022, for the first time in history, BART will operate 5-line service on Sundays (except on 12 single-tracking Sundays when power cable replacement work takes place in San Francisco. 3-line service will run on single tracking Sundays). It is important to note the frequency of Sunday single tracking days that will remain as 3-line service with single tracking. March will have two Sundays of 5-line service. Some months will offer 5-line service on Sundays every other week. We’ve listed the 2022 Sunday single tracking days here.
Providing 5-line service on Sundays reduces the need to transfer for most riders and provides more frequency through the busiest core areas of our system. From 8am until evening (about 9pm), the Red line (Richmond to Millbrae + SFO) and Green line (Berryessa to Daly City) will run.
Running 5-Line service on Sundays provides more equitable service to Richmond and Berryessa line riders who previously had to transfer to complete their transbay trip-while other lines provided direct service. Based on ridership data 97% of Sunday riders will get to their destination without the need to transfer, up from 82%. Of those passengers who benefit from this change, about twice as many will ride the Red line than the Green line.
3-line service (Yellow, Blue and Orange lines) will operate every evening after around 9pm and on 12 select single-tracking Sundays. During 3-line service, the Yellow and Blue line will continue to run very close together through San Francisco to enable singling track through work zones. BART plans to improve this service pattern and run Yellow and Blue line trains more evenly spaced apart in the September 2022 schedule change.
Trains will continue to run on 30-minute headways on Sundays with some 15-minute levels of service due to running the Red and Green line. While some outlying areas will see 2 trains per hour on Sunday, most BART stations will see 4, 6, or 8 trains per hour.
New Transfer Opportunity at Bay Fair
More riders are coming in from the Dublin line and heading towards Berryessa. The schedule change includes a new transfer opportunity at Bay Fair every day during all service hours. Riders from Dublin on the Blue line will see a Green or Orange line train across the platform. This transfer has a tight window but the September 2022 schedule change will increase the window to allow for more flexibility to make the meet if there are delays.
Improved Connections with Other Transit Agencies
Most agencies operate the same schedule on Saturday and Sunday, making it difficult for them to design ideal transfers when BART schedules are different on Saturday and Sunday. Starting in February, the seven night 3-Line service that begins about 9:00 pm is matched all seven days which allows partner agencies to match their schedules with BART more successfully. The final trains of the night, all seven days in the week, share the same times.
We’ve updated the BART and Caltrain transfer timetable to outline the wait times of each connecting train. Offering 5-line service on Sundays reduces some wait times by 8 or 11 minutes. While weekdays and Saturday connections are very similar to what they were before, there are small improvements of 1-3 minutes shorter wait. For example, a 12-17 minute connection, becomes 9-14 minute connection.
Saturday Service
Saturday service hours will remain unchanged (6am-midnight). Trains will continue to run at 30-minute frequency with added trains on the Yellow line as far as Pittsburg/Bay Point until 8pm. This schedule change improves the Yellow line frequency with more even spaced 15 minute headways as far as Pittsburg/Bay Point compared to what was being offered before.
Weekday Service
Weekday service remains unchanged though some departure times have slightly shifted. Service hours continue to be 5am-midnight.
Pictured above is the system map showing 5-line service every day of the week for Sundays we are not single tracking.
Read MoreMatching state’s order one day prior; order comes one day after Contra Costa Supervisors appoint new county health officer; state continues to require masking in K-12 school settings
In alignment with the State, the Bay Area counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, the City of Berkeley, and Santa Cruz County will lift universal mask requirements for vaccinated individuals in most indoor public settings beginning Wednesday, February 16. The change comes one day after Contra Costa Supervisors appointed Dr. Orli Tzvieli as the county’s new health officer. (See related article)
The change aligns with the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) decision to let expire the statewide indoor mask requirement, which was instated on December 15 during the latest COVID-19 surge, in spite of scientific evidence masks don’t work in preventing the spread of the virus. That’s because the size of the COVID molecule is much smaller than the gaps in the fabric of most if not all masks being used. In addition, a 2021 study (that has not yet been peer-reviewed), conducted using data from the CDC covering multiple seasons, reports that “mask mandates and use are not associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 spread among US states.” That study also shows “case growth was not significantly different between mandate and non-mandate states at low or high transmission rates, and surges were equivocal.”
Yet, unvaccinated individuals over age 2 will continue to be required to wear masks in all indoor public settings. Businesses, venue operators and hosts may determine their own paths forward to protect staff and patrons and may choose to require all patrons to wear masks.
Plus, indoor masking is still required by the State for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in public transportation; health care settings; congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters; long term care facilities; and in K-12 schools and childcare settings.
Bay Area health officers, in alignment with CDPH, continue to strongly recommend masks be used as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus especially when case rates are high, or when additional personal protection is needed. Continuing to mask in indoor public settings, especially crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, remains the safest choice for an individual and protects those who are medically vulnerable or are not able to get vaccinated, like our youngest children. As evidence continues to show, vaccinations and boosters remain the best defense against the virus.
The highly contagious Omicron variant brought on a new stage of the pandemic with a high number of new infections, but significantly fewer cases of life-threatening illnesses, especially for those who are vaccinated and boosted. While relaxing indoor masking requirements is part of a population-level shift toward a “new normal” of living with the disease, the Health Officers recognize that essential workers and communities of color continue to be highly impacted by COVID-19 and will need additional support to limit widening health disparities. Changes to health orders and recommendations may be updated as Health Officers follow the science and the data to evaluate whether additional protective measures may be needed as the virus evolves and if future surges occur.
People should continue to choose layered prevention strategies, such as wearing well-fitted masks (N95 or double layer cloth over surgical are best); staying home and testing when symptomatic; testing before gatherings; and improving indoor ventilation in situations where these strategies can add protection for themselves and others. Staying “up to date” on vaccinations, meaning primary series and boosters when eligible, remains the most important way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
After reaching a high on January 9 of 2,835 new cases per day, Contra Costa’s case rates have rapidly declined to a 7-day average of 958 on February 1 and continue to drop. Meanwhile, hospitalizations, a lagging indicator of disease, have begun to drop and never exceeded local capacity during this latest surge because of the county’s overall high rates of vaccinations (80%) and boosters (49% of those eligible). Contra Costa’s universal mask mandate has been in place since August 2 when cases began climbing from the Delta variant.
A combination of preventative strategies, along with the community’s cooperation helped get the Bay Area through this last surge together as a stronger community.
“We are able to take this next major step of removing the universal indoor mask requirement because we have laid a strong foundation in good public health protections..and know we can reduce severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, health officer for Contra Costa County.
By aligning with the state masking rules, the participating Bay Area counties will not need to meet previously established criteria for lifting local masking orders, which were devised at a different point in the pandemic.
CDPH continues to require masking in K-12 school settings but has indicated adjustments to the state’s policies will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, there is work to be done in closing the remaining gaps in vaccinations and boosters among children with a particular focus on equity gaps within the most highly impacted communities.
For early education programs, such as preschool and childcare settings, CDPH continues to require masking for children older than age two. Vaccinations for children under 5 are currently undergoing federal review. Workplaces will continue to follow the COVID-19 prevention standards set by CalOSHA.
Some people may understandably feel anxious about these changes to masking requirements in the county. People can continue to choose to wear face coverings around others whether it’s mandated or not and should respect people’s choices around their health. Community members who are vaccinated and choose not to mask should respect the choices of those who continue to mask. Officials ask residents and visitors to be kind and respectful as people evaluate their risks and make choices to protect themselves and those around them.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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