The Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (CCRHF) in partnership with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation has granted $1.6 Million to 44 local, community-based organizations in their first wave of grant funding. The Foundation also received a generous grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, as well as individual donations from the community.
Following the shelter-in-place order in mid-March, CCRHF launched a COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund. As of August 2020, 44 local non-profit organizations have received grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Grants were provided in five areas of need: food supply and distribution, shelter and emergency housing, financial assistance, public health interventions and other emerging needs including support for essential workers.
“The grantees moved quickly to disperse the funds into the community providing immediate assistance to those affected by COVID-19,” said CCRHF Board Chair, Bette Felton. “In addition to the five areas of need, we also focused on finding organizations that worked with marginalized communities, as well as those that could provide service to residential facilities for elders and people with disabilities.”
Hunger became an immediate concern for many residents unable to work, and local food banks noticed the change.
“Funds from the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund came at a critical juncture for the Food Bank,” said Kim Castaneda, Development Director of Food Bank of Contra Costa/Solano. “In early April, the number of individuals collecting food skyrocketed, food prices went up, shortages were common, and we lost all of our corporate volunteer groups. This timely infusion of funds helped us overcome these challenges and ensured we had enough food to meet the community need.”
Based on survey data from the grant recipients, nearly 190,000 Contra Costa County residents received food support. Additionally, over 2,500 received financial aid, and close to 70,000 were helped with other needs emerging from the pandemic. Shelter and emergency housing were also supported through the grants.
“The CCRHF grant helped us provide free emergency shelter to 26 babies and young children,” said Kimberly Baptista, Development Director for Bay Area Crisis Nursery. “The grant also made it possible for us to provide over 100 families in the Bay Area with food, diapers, formula, toiletries, and clothes during this challenging time.”
To support the fundraising efforts of the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation or for additional information about the Foundation, the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund and a list of all organizations that received grants, visit www.CCRHF.org.
About Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation:
Established in 2003, the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with the Contra Costa Health Serv
Read MoreHair salons, barber shops, personal services, bars, wineries will be closed temporarily
All non-essential travel temporarily restricted statewide
By Allen Payton
Governor Gavin Newsom announced, during a press conference, Thursday a more restrictive Stay-At-Home order on a regional basis in the state based on hospital intensive care unit (ICU) bed space when it falls below 15 percent. In the nine Bay Area counties, including Contra Costa, the new restrictions are expected in mid-to-late December. The restrictions in the other four regions, Northern California, Greater Sacramento, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California, are expected to go into effect sooner.
Regions where the ICU capacity falls below 15% will be placed into this Stay-At-Home order for three weeks.
Newsom said “California is pulling an emergency break” and his order directs Californians to “stop gathering with those outside your household” and “Keep it outside and keep your mask on.”
Sectors that will be temporarily closed when a region is placed into the Stay-At-Home include bars, wineries, personal services, hair salons and barber shops. Sectors that will remain open include schools that have received a waiver, critical infrastructure, retail (20% capacity to reduce exposure), and restaurants for take-out and delivery.
All non-essential travel is temporarily restricted statewide, as well, Newsom said.
“The bottom line is if we don’t act now our hospital system will be overwhelmed,” Newsom said. “If we don’t act now, we will continue to see a death rate climb.”
However, the governor encouraged residents to get outdoors and exercise to offset “the mental distress we’re under.”
“This is not a permanent state,” Newsom said to reassure residents. “We had predicted the final surge in the pandemic. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. We are a few months away from truly seeing real progress with the vaccine. We do not anticipate having to do this, once again. But we really all need to step up…and we need to do everything we can to stem the tide, to bend the curve, to give us the time…to get those vaccines in the hands of all Californians across the state.”
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
Alliant Capital announced on Tuesday the closing of their investment in The Atchison in Pittsburg, and the new development of over 200 affordable housing units. The $40 million project is part of a $90 million mixed use transit oriented development near the BART station, the first for the city. Alliant will work on the project with the not for profit Corporation for Better Housing and Integrated Community Development.
The 202-unit multifamily, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project will be built on the site of the former Ford dealer at 2575 Railroad Avenue, less than half-a-mile from the Pittsburg BART Station. It is part of the city’s Railroad Avenue Specific Plan adopted by the city council in 2009.
“With the Atchison project, the City of Pittsburg is continuing to see the community’s vision of the Railroad Avenue corridor and the area around the Pittsburg Center BART Station come to life,” said Mayor Jelani Killings during a virtual ground breaking ceremony earlier this year. “This project addresses the need in Pittsburg for high quality and amenity-driven transit-oriented development, and shows that during these uncertain times, Pittsburg is a community that is working, building, and looking toward the future.”
The overall project also includes developer funded improvements to the Delta De Anza Regional Trail that runs along the south side of the property.
“Integrated Community Development (ICD) is the Administrative General Partner of the partnership that owns the Atchison,” explained Managing Member Ben Lingo, about the company’s role. “ICD is the developer of the project and works closely with the Corporation for Better Housing, the development’s not for profit general partner.”
About The Atchison
The Atchison is the new construction of 202 apartment units. The projected construction timeline spans a 22-month period, culminating in October 2022.
When completed, The Atchison will consist of 20 efficiency units, 122 one-bedroom/one bath units, and 60 two-bedroom/one bath units. Of those, 100 units will be set aside for households whose income is at or below 50% of the area median income (“AMI”) and 100 units will be set aside for households whose income is at or below 70% of AMI. The overall average income for the project will be 60% of AMI. Two units will be used for on-site property managers.
The Atchison will help to provide new affordable housing opportunities within a pedestrian oriented neighborhood with access to transportation, job centers, retail, schools, and community services. The development will include 202 residential units and approximately 13,000 square feet of ground floor commercial and retail space. The development offers the residents a robust amenity package including a pool with a sunning deck, fire pits, outdoor BBQ areas, playgrounds, community business center, fitness center, lounge area and pool side clubhouse. The Atchison offers market rate amenities with mixed income rents.
About Alliant Capital
The Alliant Company is a leading LIHTC firm focused on providing tax credit syndication for the development and financing of affordable multifamily rental housing. Founded in 1997 to assist in America’s critical need for affordable housing, today Alliant is among the nation’s top syndicators and has an unparalleled track record of success. With a dedicated team of experienced commercial real estate, asset management, legal and tax professionals, Alliant provides the highest level of fully integrated real estate and investment support services. We deliver rock-solid expertise with an innovative perspective.
About Corporation for Better Housing
Founded in 1995, Corporation for Better Housing (CBH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We believe community action changes lives, embodies the spirit of hope, and makes neighborhoods a better place to live. It’s our goal to provide the tools necessary, for these ideas to flourish long after construction is complete. We are committed to providing services free of charge to all our residents. Regardless of the nature of the development, Corporation for Better Housing remains dedicated to its residents, the public, and the communities it serves.
In our goal to eradicate the “poor and unsafe living conditions” that exist in underprivileged communities today, we pride ourselves on our “boots on the ground” approach. Our management teams are fully integrated into our development process during the construction stages and remain heavily involved in the completion of every development. We are committed to being proactive (and flexible), with the challenges that come with affordable housing.
The development of quality affordable housing has enabled Corporation for Better Housing to forge lasting and fruitful partnerships with many recognized leaders in the affordable housing industry. Alliant has syndicated deals for Corporation for Better Housing and continues to be an invaluable asset to our development team.
About Integrated Community Development
Integrated Community Development is a diversified firm that specializes in all aspects of real estate development including Land Acquisition, Environmental Law, Entitlement, Design, Finance, Construction, Asset Management, and Property Management.
Read MoreDo you live in Contra Costa County Supervisorial District 3? It includes Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Byron, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley. If so, we have an opening on the Arts and Cultural Commission of Contra Costa County for which you can apply!
The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.
The commission has 10 seats; five from each of the County’s Supervisorial Districts, four at-large and one alternate.
District Specific Seats:
Are recommended by the applicable District Supervisor and then approved by the Board of Supervisors.
What does a Commissioner do?
- Support the functions of the Commission.
- Give all meetings and other Commission activities a priority on his/her calendar.
- Serve on and chair Commission committees and events.
- Keep current with all facts and information upon which the Commission must base its collective opinions and decisions.
- Participate in strategic planning and implementation of arts programming.
- Be an ambassador and proponent of the arts and the Commission in Contra Costa County and engage people from all cultural and ethnic groups in the arts and in the work of the Commission.
Please apply today! Learn more at www.ac5.org
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“Rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have been increasing dramatically in Contra Costa and across the nation in the past few years” – Contra Costa County Health Officer, Dr. Chris Farnitano
By Contra Costa Health Services
Essential Access Health’s Condom Access Project is expanding its free home mailer condom distribution program for teens to Contra Costa County in partnership with Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS). The program is being launched locally to address high STD rates among youth in the region.
Although teen pregnancy rates in the state have declined steadily over the past decade, STD rates among California’s youth ages 15-19 are increasing, and Contra Costa County is no exception.
Contra Costa ranked 14th among California counties in gonorrhea rates in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), including more than 2,000 local cases that year in people aged 15 to 24.
CDC data shows that Contra Costa also ranked 20th among California counties in chlamydia rates and 24th in rates of syphilis in newly released 2018 data.
To combat rising STD rates, the Condom Access Project (CAP) allows teens and young adults in Contra Costa to sign up for free, confidential delivery of condoms to their homes as often as once a month. The service, already provided in eight other counties, including Alameda and San Francisco, has delivered more than 753,000 free condoms to date.
“We know that education and confidential access to condoms reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy among young people who choose to have sex,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County’s Health Officer. “Rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have been increasing dramatically in Contra Costa and across the nation in the past few years. Programs like CAP are critical for keeping teens and young adults in our community healthy and safe by removing barriers to accessing protection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit California, our state faced a surge in STD rates. Cases have continued to climb – with communities of color and youth being disproportionately impacted,” said Sergio Morales, Senior Director of Programs at Essential Access Health. “Condom use is one of the most effective interventions for stopping the spread of STDS, and removing cost and other barriers to access is an essential tool in the prevention toolbox and a step in the right direction for improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes among Contra Costa County youth.”
In October of last year, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their 2018 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) surveillance data revealing that rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have increased nationwide, with Black and Latino youth disproportionately impacted. Over 1.8 million cases of chlamydia were reported, which represents the greatest number of cases for any condition ever reported to the CDC, and a 19% increase since 2014.
The coronavirus public health crisis has also negatively impacted already rising rates. Clinic closures, testing shortages, and patient discomfort with in-person visits have led to spikes in STD rates, despite recommendations for safe physical distancing. As a result, the need to ensure remote condom access and linkages to STD prevention and treatment services is more critical than before.
According to the latest data from the California Department of Public Health, which echo CDC findings, teens and young adults have the highest rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia of all age groups in California.
- In 2018, 41,758 cases of chlamydia and 7,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported in males and females 15-19 years of age in California, representing 18% of all chlamydia cases and nearly 9% of all gonorrhea cases in the state.
- In 2018, there were over 3,400 cases of chlamydia, and more than 2000 cases of gonorrhea reported in males and females 15-24 years of age in Contra Costa County
If left undetected and treated, STDs can lead to long-term adverse health outcomes, including infertility and increased likelihood of contracting HIV.
The Condom Access Project launched in 2012 on Essential Access Health’s youth-friendly sexual health website TeenSource.org and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the California Department of Public Health. Condoms distributed through CAP are intended for personal use between consenting individuals and are not permitted for resale.
California law currently allows youth to consent to accessing sensitive health information and services, including condoms, without parental consent. However, open and informative parent-teen communication around sexual health leads to teens making healthier decisions about sexual onset and behavior.
Essential Access Health’s TalkWithYourKids.org, TeenSource’s companion site for parents, gives parents information on how to communicate with their teens about healthy decision-making when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health.
Research shows that condoms are an effective method for preventing transmission of STDs and pregnancy, and that making contraceptives, including condoms, available to youth does not increase sexual activity or risk taking.
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By Rick Beavin, Desert Pacific Medicare President, Humana
In a year filled with unforeseen challenges and important decisions, people with Medicare have through Monday, Dec. 7 to select their Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan coverage for 2021. To ensure you have the right Medicare plan for you in place come January 1 of next year, it’s important to focus on these three key topics:
Navigating plan options during COVID-19 – Traditionally, the annual Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment period offers opportunities for in-person educational events and one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents. This year, you can safely access the resources you need to choose the best plan for you, online or by phone. The Medicare Plan Finder is a great place to start.
Doctors in network, prescription drugs covered? As you connect with a licensed sales agent or research information online, remember to confirm which doctors and hospitals are in a plan’s network. If you have a preferred physician or health care facility, a licensed health insurance agent can help you see if a specific doctor or hospital is in a plan’s network and taking new patients.
Although Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs, many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, or you can sign up for a Part D Prescription Drug Plan separately. A licensed sales agent can look up the medications you would like covered and help you estimate what the cost of each drug would be on a plan.
New, innovative benefits – Beyond vision, hearing and dental coverage, if you aim to become healthier, look for fitness program benefits as many Medicare Advantage plans include them. If you are comfortable using technology, access to virtual doctor visits is broadly available and enables you to seek care through your phone or computer, without having to leave home. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits to help address the COVID-19 pandemic including offering home-delivered meals for members with a COVID diagnosis.
As we approach the Dec. 7 Medicare annual enrollment deadline, remember you’re not alone. Key resources are available including licensed sales agents and websites such as medicare.gov and www.humana.com/medicare. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or call Humana at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time seven days a week.
Rick Beavin is Desert Pacific Medicare President at Humana in California.
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By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Park District
Bay Point Regional Shoreline reopened to the public Friday, November 20, 2020, after being closed for 14 months to restore habitat and construct public access improvements. The project, officially known as the Bay Point Regional Shoreline Habitat
Restoration and Public Access Project, includes additional parking, bathrooms, picnic areas, drinking fountains, elevated walking and hiking trails, and a kayak launch.
Bay Point Regional Shoreline provides access to open space and marsh habitat in an area surrounded by residential, military, and industrial development. The nearly 150-acre park is at the approximate midpoint of the San Francisco Bay Estuary and the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta. The East Bay Regional Park District acquired the park property in 1996.
The Park District celebrated the reopening of Bay Point Regional Shoreline with a live virtual program on Friday, November 20, at 10:00 a.m. with a naturalist-lead virtual tour, behind the scenes video, and featured speakers, including Park District General Manager Robert Doyle, Board President Ellen Corbett, Board Member Colin Coffey who represents the area, Board Member Beverley Lane who has long-advocated for more recreational opportunities in East Contra Costa County, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember Tim Grayson and Pittsburg Council Member Shanelle Scales-Preston. Virtual program available at https://youtu.be/bHT7GGzXpNM?t=44.
“Parks like Bay Point Regional Shoreline are essential for the community’s physical and mental health, now more than ever,” said Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “COVID has shown us just how important parks are for recreation, respite, and rejuvenation.”
“More than 4,000 residents live within a half-mile of the improved shoreline park. The project significantly expands access to nature for the neighboring community, which has historically had limited access to parks and open space,” added Doyle.
The project restored tidal emergent marshes and transitional uplands, preserving natural habitat for endangered species like the California black rail and salt marsh harvest mouse.
“The improvements at Bay Point Regional Shoreline, both to public access and habitat, provide eastern Contra Costa County residents and the neighboring community with better opportunities to experience nature nearby for enjoyment, learning, and health,” said Park District Board Director Colin Coffey. “Access to parks and nature close to home are more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Climate change impacts were also taken into account by the project. New trails, visitor improvements, and interpretive signage were all elevated to withstand future sea levels and environmental restoration designed to provide quality habitat even at anticipated 2080 sea levels.
“The Park District is excited to highlight Bay Point Regional Shoreline as one of the Park District’s climate-resilient parks, with habitat restoration and recreational amenities designed and built to withstand climate change impacts, including extreme weather and sea level rise,” said Park District Board President Ellen Corbett. “We are working to adapt to climate change and protect our parks and trails from coastal flooding due to sea level rise”
Funding for the park was from the Shell Oil spill mitigation fund.
The Park is now open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. For more information about Bay Point Regional Shoreline, visit EBRPD – Bay Point (ebparks.org).
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.
Read MoreBy Susan Shiu, Director, Office of Communications and Media, Contra Costa County
On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will vote on a meeting agenda item for approval to select San Joaquin County Administrator Monica Nino as the new county administrator, making her the first female and first Hispanic County Administrator in the County’s 171-year history. Ms. Nino, who was chosen out of a pool of three finalists, is replacing retiring County Administrator David Twa.
Ms. Nino’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, where her long and distinguished career as a public administrator, experience in pandemic response, work with County hospitals and finance background resulted in her selection as the successful candidate.
Ms. Nino assumed the San Joaquin County Administrator position in June of 2013 after serving as the Chief Executive Officer for Stanislaus County, where she began her career in local government in 1988. As San Joaquin County Administrator, serving under the direction of the County Board of Supervisors, Nino oversaw 26 county departments, an annual operating budget of $1.9 billion, and over 7,500 county employees serving 765,000 residents.
In addition to her County Administrator duties, Ms. Nino served on the San Joaquin Health Commission, Sex Offender Management Board (appointed by Governor Brown), the Council of Governments Management & Finance Committee, and iHub San Joaquin.
“We’re fortunate to appoint someone with Monica’s professional expertise to help us lead this organization into the future,” said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen. “Her knowledge of County operations, command of county budgets, experience with county hospitals and her local leadership during the COVID-19 health crisis are exceptional. We know that Monica is committed to continuing to build a community that is forward-thinking and inclusive of all its residents. We look forward to having her on board.”
When reached for comment, Nino said, “I’m very excited that the board is considering me for the next county administrator of Contra Costa.”
Ms. Nino’s start date will be January 4, 2021.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreStruck by 49-year-old male driver from Brentwood
By CHP – Contra Costa
Early this morning at about 3:45am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle crash on Vasco Road, south of Walnut Blvd. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a 2008 Chevrolet HHR was traveling northbound on Vasco Road and began a turning movement, crossing over the solid double yellow lines and into the southbound lane. As the Chevrolet entered into the southbound lane, it was directly in the path of an oncoming vehicle, a 2015 Ford F-150. The driver of the Ford, a 49-year-old male from Brentwood, was unable to avoid the HHR within the lane and collided into it, causing major damage to both vehicles. Tragically the driver of the Chevrolet, a 19-year-old male from Antioch, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Ford suffered moderate injuries and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. The Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased driver.
It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
Read MoreBy CHP – Contra Costa
Last night at about 11:33pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle crash on State Route 242 northbound, at Hwy 4. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a solo, black 1994 Honda Civic had veered from the lanes of traffic of SR-242 northbound and collided into the concrete center divider. The driver then lost control of the vehicle as it tumbled over the center divider and down the center dirt embankment towards the southbound lanes of SR-242. The vehicle landed on its roof and came to rest within the southbound lanes of SR-242.
The driver, a 22-year-old male from Concord, was restrained and sustained only minor injuries. The male passenger, an adult male from Pittsburg, was not properly restrained and subsequently ejected from the vehicle and onto the roadway of SR-242 southbound and struck by a passing vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of the deceased passenger’s identity.
Alcohol or drugs are not considered a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
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