Charged with kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation; at least the third time suspect was arrested in Contra Costa County
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Saturday, April 11, 2020, at about 8:29 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff received reports of a stabbing at the 5800 block of Pacheco Boulevard in Pacheco.
Deputy Sheriffs arrived finding two stabbing victims. The suspect, who apparently used scissors, fled the scene. The fire department and an ambulance responded to the location. One of the victims was treated on scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.
Deputies, assisted by Pleasant Hill PD and the California Highway Patrol, set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspect. At about 9:55 PM, Deputies located him hiding nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Alonso Villa-Garcia of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation. He is being held in lieu of $315,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, Villa-Garcia was also arrested by Sheriff’s Deputies on May 8, 2019 on multiple charges, including: Possession of Controlled Substance, Possess Control Substance Paraphernalia, Revocation Of Probation, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools, Receiving Stolen Property – Motor Vehicle, Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent, Warrants Or Holds Only and Possession Of Ammunition. He had been previously arrested on Sept. 6, 2018 by Concord Police also for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools and for Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent.
The investigation into the motive and relationship between the suspect and victims is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By Greg Heckmann, Creative Marketing Consultant, Maya Cinemas
Maya Cinemas is keeping the fresh popcorn popping while its guests are at home watching movies on the small screen. This is a way for Maya to stay connected to its movie going community. The first week of the program was incredibly well received and orders were beyond all expectations.
Maya Cinemas launched a new program on April 8th where customers can purchase a 2-gallon resealable bag of popcorn and 2 movie size candies for $12. $2 add-ons to this package are available with a full list on the website.
The program is available every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Orders can be called in between 9am and 3pm with zero-contact pickup at the theater between 2pm and 5pm. Pickups are assigned in 15-minute increments to ensure safe distancing between guests. All payments must be completed over the phone to ensure safe pickup, so no cash payments accepted.
All info including order phone numbers, candy available and more at https://www.mayacinemas.com/popcorn-pickup
Maya Cinemas in Pittsburg is located at
Get your tickets now at mayacinemas.com, you can also signup for weekly email showtimes!
Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2001 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, megaplex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. Maya offers first-run Hollywood movies in high-end cinemas focused on quality of design and state-of-the-art presentation technologies while keeping a keen focus on superior customer service.
Read MoreBy Kim McCarl, Assistant to the Director, Communications, Contra Costa Health Services
Residential care and other licensed healthcare facilities in Contra Costa County must screen all staff and visitors for signs of illness and adhere to a strict masking policy, according to a new health officer order that begins Tuesday.
The order is intended to protect medically vulnerable patients and reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the facilities that care for them, Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano said.
“The age and health of many county residents, particularly those living in congregate care settings, places them at higher risk of serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19,” Farnitano said. “This order is another precaution we can take as a community to protect our vulnerable residents.”
The order applies to licensed residential care facilities, including nursing and senior care facilities, psychiatric facilities, group homes, residential recovery houses and homeless shelters.
Beginning Tuesday, April 14, anyone who is not a patient or resident at an applicable facility must submit to temperature and symptom screening, and facilities must exclude anyone who has had symptoms of respiratory illness or fever in the past seven days, or a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
The order does not apply to facility patients or residents, or people seeking care for their symptoms.
Facilities must now log screenings of staff and visitors, and staff and visitors must wear surgical masks, or cloth masks if surgical masks are not available, and practice physical distancing at the facility.
Facilities with known or suspected COVID-19 cases must notify emergency dispatchers and ambulance transporters of the presence of the virus at the facility, and the COVID-19 status of any patient transported to or from the facility.
Licensed care facilities are also now required to minimize the staffing of employees working at multiple facilities, and to keep records of any employees who worked at another healthcare facility during the previous 14 days.
Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to read the order or for more information about COVID-19.
Read More80,000 workers who are members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions covered by agreement
By Steve Trossman, Service Employees Union International
OAKLAND, Calif. – An agreement with healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente will ease some of the major burdens facing workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, including assistance with childcare and temporary shelter, and extra leave for workers who are tested or diagnosed with COVID-19.
The measures provide support for 80,000 workers who are members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, more workers than covered by any such agreement in the nation. They apply to full-time, part-time and per-diem employees and can serve as a model for other hospitals and health systems to protect healthcare workers and the public.
“As healthcare workers in the middle of this pandemic, we know our duty is to our patients and the community, and we take that duty very seriously. But we can only give our best if we know our own lives and our families are protected as well,” said Juanita Kamhoot, who works in surgical survices at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, OR. “This agreement will make a real difference at a time when we need every healthcare worker on the job and focused on taking care of COVID-19 patients.”
The agreement focuses on three key areas:
CHILD-CARE ASSISTANCE: With schools closed, many healthcare employees are having difficulty finding affordable childcare. Under the agreement, Kaiser employees who work 32 hours a week or more in a KP facility will be eligible for a grant of $300 per week to pay for childcare for children 14 or younger (and disabled, dependent children). It can be used to pay for their own caregiver (as long as they are not a spouse or domestic partner) or to find childcare outside of the home.
The stipend will last until May 31, 2020 and will be pro-rated for employees who work between 20 and 32 hours (including per-diem employees) with a minimum of $210 a week.
TEMPORARY SHELTER: Kaiser will work with several hotel chains to provide alternative shelter for employees who:
- Test positive for COVID-19;
- Work a double shift;
- Work multiple 12-hour shifts;
- Have fewer than 8 hours between shifts; or
- Have a household member who either has COVID-19 or is in a CDC-defined vulnerable group.
Eligibility applies to all employees working at least 20 hours per week (including per-diem employees) at a KP facility between April 13 and May 31, 2020.
EIGHTY ADDITIONAL HOURS OF LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19: Employees working at a KP facility more than 20 hours a week (including per-diem employees) who test positive for COVID-19 will receive up to 80 hours of administrative leave. This is above and beyond regularly accrued leave. Employees who are sent home from Kaiser and are awaiting a test result will also be covered.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions comprises labor unions in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, representing more than 80,000 Kaiser caregivers. To learn more, visit https://www.unioncoalition.org/.
Read More
Orinda home and car burn early Sunday morning. The burning car rolled down the driveway and into the firetruck. By MOFD.
By Moraga-Orinda Fire Department
Moraga-Orinda Fire District crews responded to a fully involved structure fire off Arroyo Drive in Orinda early this morning. The fire grew to a second alarm before being contained. The fire attack was complicated by a burning car that rolled down the driveway and into the MOFD fire engine.
No residents or responders were injured, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Read More
Photo by CHP Contra Costa.
By CHP – Contra Costa
On Saturday evening at approximately 5:30 pm, this happened. You know the saying, “a picture paints a thousand words?” that would apply here. (We’ll stick with this, but you can caption it any way you’d like)
A 68-year-old male driver from Walnut Creek crashed his Dodge Ram pickup truck into this house at 956 Hawthorne Drive in an unincorporated area of Walnut Creek. He also struck the parked vehicle in the driveway before driving into the house. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, thankfully no one was inside the house and nobody else was injured other than the driver, who sustained only minor injuries. And would you believe he was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence/DUI.
We are thankful this did not turn out worse and produce severe injuries. Impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time, there are no excuses. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and make smart choices.
Read MoreContra Costa Regional Health Foundation’s first round of grants will go to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, the Contra Costa Crisis Center, Shelter, Inc., Catholic Charities East Bay and White Pony Express
By Kim McCarl, Assistant to the Director, Communications, Contra Costa Health Services
MARTINEZ — Beyond its devastating health implications, COVID-19 is undermining basic living conditions for tens of thousands of people living in the Bay Area, especially those that are most vulnerable. The Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (CCRHF) has established a COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund and has been selected as a lead partner organization in the newly formed COVID-19 Regional Response Fund supported by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund is also supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative as well as individual donors.
The CCRHF Rapid Response Fund is moving quickly to help those individuals in desperate need. Locally, the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation will play an important role in identifying highest risk populations and funding organizations to provide needed assistance.
“The economic impact of COVID-19 in the Bay Area is immense, with the biggest impact on people who have been living on the margins. These are families that can’t wait for government assistance in a few weeks, they are suffering and in jeopardy now,” explains CCRHF Chair Bette Felton. “Thanks to the amazing generosity of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, as well as individual donors, we can now move rapidly, locate the organizations best suited to safeguard those people at high risk and make sure they have the funds and resources to help protect our communities.”
We understand this is a dynamic and changing situation. Based on our understanding of the greatest needs at this time, the Fund is supporting four key areas: food distribution, financial assistance, shelter and emergency housing, and support for essential workers.
“Grants will be made on a timely basis to organizations best equipped to address these needs among the county’s most vulnerable populations. Given the urgency of the crisis, our priority is to find organizations with the proven capacity that can move quickly,” says Felton.
In light of that urgency, in its first round of funding, the CCRHF is extending grants to five organizations: the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, the Contra Costa Crisis Center, Shelter, Inc., Catholic Charities East Bay and White Pony Express. These initial grants will quickly amplify the impact these organizations are positioned to make.
Additional organizations will be considered in future funding cycles, based on:
- the organization’s ability to reach populations most vulnerable to the economic or health risks posed by this public health crisis,
- its capacity to move expeditiously and
- the ability of the organization to deploy the funds expediently.
For additional information about the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund and the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation visit www.ccrhfcovid-19.org/
About the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation
Established in 2003, the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that supports Contra Costa Health Services in its work to care for and improve the health of all the people in Contra Costa County with special attention to those who are the most vulnerable.
Read More
By Timothy Leong, Public Information Officer, CCCCD
The Contra Costa Community College District (District) has extended the remote delivery of instruction and student services at its colleges – Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College-Pleasant Hill and San Ramon Campus, Los Medanos College and Brentwood Center – for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.
On March 31, 2020, Contra Costa Public Health (CCPH) updated its shelter-in-place order through at least May 3, 2020. The District’s decision to continue remote operations through the end of the spring semester is necessary to be in alignment with the shelter-in-place extension, and provides greater clarity in meeting the higher education goals of its students.
“We are trying to do our part to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by suspending face-to-face interactions with our students,” said interim chancellor Gene Huff. “This has been a challenging time for both our students and staff as we transitioned to remote operations. We want to thank our students for their perseverance and flexibility, and our staff for their tremendous effort to transition to a fully remote operation. We believe this decision balances the need to stay safe and healthy during this time and informs students and staff on what to expect for the rest of this semester.”
The CCPH shelter-in-place extension acknowledges social distancing as the most powerful weapon in slowing the spread of COVID-19. CCPH continues to encourage the following practices to stay safe and healthy during this time:
- Stay home and limit essential activities where possible.
- Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wear face coverings when out in public (not medical-grade masks).
- Adhere closely to social distancing guidelines.
- Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
The District will be offering a summer session of instruction and student services remotely, with a plan to offer face-to-face classes should the shelter-in-place order is lifted and deemed safe to do so. Summer course registration will begin on Monday, April 20, 2020. To view what classes may be offered, or to understand operational changes made as a result of COVID-19, visit the college website of your choice or the District website at www.4cd.edu for more information.
Read More
Mount Diablo’s Beacon lights the nighttime sky on December 7. Copyright Stephen Joseph; used with permission.
By Laura Kindsvater, Communications Intern, Save Mount Diablo
WALNUT CREEK, CA—Mount Diablo State Park’s Beacon will be lit after sunset in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Easter Sunday, April 12. Thereafter, until the pandemic crisis is over, the Beacon will be lit every Sunday after sunset and shine brightly until sunrise the next day.
Ted Clement, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo, stated, “Lighting the Beacon every Sunday is a way to honor our heroes in this global pandemic struggle, to pay our respects to the dead and those suffering, to lift our eyes to higher ground and the light and be reminded of the healing power of nature and our Mount Diablo, and to bring our communities together during this difficult time.”
Mt Diablo lit Beacon. Herald file photo by Clayton Worsdell.
Save Mount Diablo staff and volunteers will be working on lighting the Beacon every Sunday, and turning it off every Monday after sunrise, in close coordination with their good partners at California State Parks. Physical distancing will be followed throughout. This effort has also been coordinated with the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 5.
Save Mount Diablo; California State Parks; the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 5; California State University – East Bay (Concord); and others organize the annual lighting ceremony of the Beacon every December 7 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Eduardo Guaracha, Diablo Range Superintendent of California State Parks, said, “As we look up in the sky, let this beacon remind us we are not alone. Our thoughts and support are with the heroes, healthcare and emergency workers, and all those affected by this worldwide pandemic. Let the light give us hope for a better future and remind us to keep our heads and spirits up.”
The Beacon on Mount Diablo was originally installed and illuminated in 1928 to aid in transcontinental aviation. It is one of the five guiding beacons installed along the West Coast by Standard Oil of California and is the only one known to still be operational.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Beacon’s light was extinguished during the West Coast blackout, for fear it might enable an attack on California. It stayed dark until Pearl Harbor Day, 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, relit the Beacon in a commemorative ceremony and suggested it be illuminated every December 7 to honor those who served and sacrificed.
Since that day, Pearl Harbor veterans and their families have gathered every December 7 to see the Beacon light shine once again.
The Beacon now shines brighter than ever since it underwent an extensive restoration process in 2013 thanks to a campaign led by Save Mount Diablo to ensure it continues to shine for many more years.
Read More
Charged with kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation; at least the third time suspect was arrested in Contra Costa County
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Saturday, April 11, 2020, at about 8:29 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff received reports of a stabbing at the 5800 block of Pacheco Boulevard in Pacheco.
Deputy Sheriffs arrived finding two stabbing victims. The suspect, who apparently used scissors, fled the scene. The fire department and an ambulance responded to the location. One of the victims was treated on scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.
Deputies, assisted by Pleasant Hill PD and the California Highway Patrol, set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspect. At about 9:55 PM, Deputies located him hiding nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Alonso Villa-Garcia of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation. He is being held in lieu of $315,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, Villa-Garcia was also arrested by Sheriff’s Deputies on May 8, 2019 on multiple charges, including: Possession of Controlled Substance, Possess Control Substance Paraphernalia, Revocation Of Probation, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools, Receiving Stolen Property – Motor Vehicle, Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent, Warrants Or Holds Only and Possession Of Ammunition. He had been previously arrested on Sept. 6, 2018 by Concord Police also for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools and for Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent.
The investigation into the motive and relationship between the suspect and victims is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By Greg Heckmann, Creative Marketing Consultant, Maya Cinemas
Maya Cinemas is keeping the fresh popcorn popping while its guests are at home watching movies on the small screen. This is a way for Maya to stay connected to its movie going community. The first week of the program was incredibly well received and orders were beyond all expectations.
Maya Cinemas launched a new program on April 8th where customers can purchase a 2-gallon resealable bag of popcorn and 2 movie size candies for $12. $2 add-ons to this package are available with a full list on the website.
The program is available every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Orders can be called in between 9am and 3pm with zero-contact pickup at the theater between 2pm and 5pm. Pickups are assigned in 15-minute increments to ensure safe distancing between guests. All payments must be completed over the phone to ensure safe pickup, so no cash payments accepted.
All info including order phone numbers, candy available and more at https://www.mayacinemas.com/popcorn-pickup
Maya Cinemas in Pittsburg is located at
Get your tickets now at mayacinemas.com, you can also signup for weekly email showtimes!
Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2001 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, megaplex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. Maya offers first-run Hollywood movies in high-end cinemas focused on quality of design and state-of-the-art presentation technologies while keeping a keen focus on superior customer service.
Read MoreBy Kim McCarl, Assistant to the Director, Communications, Contra Costa Health Services
Residential care and other licensed healthcare facilities in Contra Costa County must screen all staff and visitors for signs of illness and adhere to a strict masking policy, according to a new health officer order that begins Tuesday.
The order is intended to protect medically vulnerable patients and reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the facilities that care for them, Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano said.
“The age and health of many county residents, particularly those living in congregate care settings, places them at higher risk of serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19,” Farnitano said. “This order is another precaution we can take as a community to protect our vulnerable residents.”
The order applies to licensed residential care facilities, including nursing and senior care facilities, psychiatric facilities, group homes, residential recovery houses and homeless shelters.
Beginning Tuesday, April 14, anyone who is not a patient or resident at an applicable facility must submit to temperature and symptom screening, and facilities must exclude anyone who has had symptoms of respiratory illness or fever in the past seven days, or a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
The order does not apply to facility patients or residents, or people seeking care for their symptoms.
Facilities must now log screenings of staff and visitors, and staff and visitors must wear surgical masks, or cloth masks if surgical masks are not available, and practice physical distancing at the facility.
Facilities with known or suspected COVID-19 cases must notify emergency dispatchers and ambulance transporters of the presence of the virus at the facility, and the COVID-19 status of any patient transported to or from the facility.
Licensed care facilities are also now required to minimize the staffing of employees working at multiple facilities, and to keep records of any employees who worked at another healthcare facility during the previous 14 days.
Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to read the order or for more information about COVID-19.
Read More80,000 workers who are members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions covered by agreement
By Steve Trossman, Service Employees Union International
OAKLAND, Calif. – An agreement with healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente will ease some of the major burdens facing workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, including assistance with childcare and temporary shelter, and extra leave for workers who are tested or diagnosed with COVID-19.
The measures provide support for 80,000 workers who are members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, more workers than covered by any such agreement in the nation. They apply to full-time, part-time and per-diem employees and can serve as a model for other hospitals and health systems to protect healthcare workers and the public.
“As healthcare workers in the middle of this pandemic, we know our duty is to our patients and the community, and we take that duty very seriously. But we can only give our best if we know our own lives and our families are protected as well,” said Juanita Kamhoot, who works in surgical survices at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, OR. “This agreement will make a real difference at a time when we need every healthcare worker on the job and focused on taking care of COVID-19 patients.”
The agreement focuses on three key areas:
CHILD-CARE ASSISTANCE: With schools closed, many healthcare employees are having difficulty finding affordable childcare. Under the agreement, Kaiser employees who work 32 hours a week or more in a KP facility will be eligible for a grant of $300 per week to pay for childcare for children 14 or younger (and disabled, dependent children). It can be used to pay for their own caregiver (as long as they are not a spouse or domestic partner) or to find childcare outside of the home.
The stipend will last until May 31, 2020 and will be pro-rated for employees who work between 20 and 32 hours (including per-diem employees) with a minimum of $210 a week.
TEMPORARY SHELTER: Kaiser will work with several hotel chains to provide alternative shelter for employees who:
- Test positive for COVID-19;
- Work a double shift;
- Work multiple 12-hour shifts;
- Have fewer than 8 hours between shifts; or
- Have a household member who either has COVID-19 or is in a CDC-defined vulnerable group.
Eligibility applies to all employees working at least 20 hours per week (including per-diem employees) at a KP facility between April 13 and May 31, 2020.
EIGHTY ADDITIONAL HOURS OF LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19: Employees working at a KP facility more than 20 hours a week (including per-diem employees) who test positive for COVID-19 will receive up to 80 hours of administrative leave. This is above and beyond regularly accrued leave. Employees who are sent home from Kaiser and are awaiting a test result will also be covered.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions comprises labor unions in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, representing more than 80,000 Kaiser caregivers. To learn more, visit https://www.unioncoalition.org/.
Read MoreOrinda home and car burn early Sunday morning. The burning car rolled down the driveway and into the firetruck. By MOFD.
By Moraga-Orinda Fire Department
Moraga-Orinda Fire District crews responded to a fully involved structure fire off Arroyo Drive in Orinda early this morning. The fire grew to a second alarm before being contained. The fire attack was complicated by a burning car that rolled down the driveway and into the MOFD fire engine.
No residents or responders were injured, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Read MorePhoto by CHP Contra Costa.
By CHP – Contra Costa
On Saturday evening at approximately 5:30 pm, this happened. You know the saying, “a picture paints a thousand words?” that would apply here. (We’ll stick with this, but you can caption it any way you’d like)
A 68-year-old male driver from Walnut Creek crashed his Dodge Ram pickup truck into this house at 956 Hawthorne Drive in an unincorporated area of Walnut Creek. He also struck the parked vehicle in the driveway before driving into the house. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, thankfully no one was inside the house and nobody else was injured other than the driver, who sustained only minor injuries. And would you believe he was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence/DUI.
We are thankful this did not turn out worse and produce severe injuries. Impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time, there are no excuses. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and make smart choices.
Read MoreContra Costa Regional Health Foundation’s first round of grants will go to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, the Contra Costa Crisis Center, Shelter, Inc., Catholic Charities East Bay and White Pony Express
By Kim McCarl, Assistant to the Director, Communications, Contra Costa Health Services
MARTINEZ — Beyond its devastating health implications, COVID-19 is undermining basic living conditions for tens of thousands of people living in the Bay Area, especially those that are most vulnerable. The Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (CCRHF) has established a COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund and has been selected as a lead partner organization in the newly formed COVID-19 Regional Response Fund supported by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund is also supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative as well as individual donors.
The CCRHF Rapid Response Fund is moving quickly to help those individuals in desperate need. Locally, the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation will play an important role in identifying highest risk populations and funding organizations to provide needed assistance.
“The economic impact of COVID-19 in the Bay Area is immense, with the biggest impact on people who have been living on the margins. These are families that can’t wait for government assistance in a few weeks, they are suffering and in jeopardy now,” explains CCRHF Chair Bette Felton. “Thanks to the amazing generosity of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, as well as individual donors, we can now move rapidly, locate the organizations best suited to safeguard those people at high risk and make sure they have the funds and resources to help protect our communities.”
We understand this is a dynamic and changing situation. Based on our understanding of the greatest needs at this time, the Fund is supporting four key areas: food distribution, financial assistance, shelter and emergency housing, and support for essential workers.
“Grants will be made on a timely basis to organizations best equipped to address these needs among the county’s most vulnerable populations. Given the urgency of the crisis, our priority is to find organizations with the proven capacity that can move quickly,” says Felton.
In light of that urgency, in its first round of funding, the CCRHF is extending grants to five organizations: the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, the Contra Costa Crisis Center, Shelter, Inc., Catholic Charities East Bay and White Pony Express. These initial grants will quickly amplify the impact these organizations are positioned to make.
Additional organizations will be considered in future funding cycles, based on:
- the organization’s ability to reach populations most vulnerable to the economic or health risks posed by this public health crisis,
- its capacity to move expeditiously and
- the ability of the organization to deploy the funds expediently.
For additional information about the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund and the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation visit www.ccrhfcovid-19.org/
About the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation
Established in 2003, the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that supports Contra Costa Health Services in its work to care for and improve the health of all the people in Contra Costa County with special attention to those who are the most vulnerable.
Read MoreBy Timothy Leong, Public Information Officer, CCCCD
The Contra Costa Community College District (District) has extended the remote delivery of instruction and student services at its colleges – Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College-Pleasant Hill and San Ramon Campus, Los Medanos College and Brentwood Center – for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.
On March 31, 2020, Contra Costa Public Health (CCPH) updated its shelter-in-place order through at least May 3, 2020. The District’s decision to continue remote operations through the end of the spring semester is necessary to be in alignment with the shelter-in-place extension, and provides greater clarity in meeting the higher education goals of its students.
“We are trying to do our part to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by suspending face-to-face interactions with our students,” said interim chancellor Gene Huff. “This has been a challenging time for both our students and staff as we transitioned to remote operations. We want to thank our students for their perseverance and flexibility, and our staff for their tremendous effort to transition to a fully remote operation. We believe this decision balances the need to stay safe and healthy during this time and informs students and staff on what to expect for the rest of this semester.”
The CCPH shelter-in-place extension acknowledges social distancing as the most powerful weapon in slowing the spread of COVID-19. CCPH continues to encourage the following practices to stay safe and healthy during this time:
- Stay home and limit essential activities where possible.
- Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wear face coverings when out in public (not medical-grade masks).
- Adhere closely to social distancing guidelines.
- Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
The District will be offering a summer session of instruction and student services remotely, with a plan to offer face-to-face classes should the shelter-in-place order is lifted and deemed safe to do so. Summer course registration will begin on Monday, April 20, 2020. To view what classes may be offered, or to understand operational changes made as a result of COVID-19, visit the college website of your choice or the District website at www.4cd.edu for more information.
Read MoreMount Diablo’s Beacon lights the nighttime sky on December 7. Copyright Stephen Joseph; used with permission.
By Laura Kindsvater, Communications Intern, Save Mount Diablo
WALNUT CREEK, CA—Mount Diablo State Park’s Beacon will be lit after sunset in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Easter Sunday, April 12. Thereafter, until the pandemic crisis is over, the Beacon will be lit every Sunday after sunset and shine brightly until sunrise the next day.
Ted Clement, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo, stated, “Lighting the Beacon every Sunday is a way to honor our heroes in this global pandemic struggle, to pay our respects to the dead and those suffering, to lift our eyes to higher ground and the light and be reminded of the healing power of nature and our Mount Diablo, and to bring our communities together during this difficult time.”
Mt Diablo lit Beacon. Herald file photo by Clayton Worsdell.
Save Mount Diablo staff and volunteers will be working on lighting the Beacon every Sunday, and turning it off every Monday after sunrise, in close coordination with their good partners at California State Parks. Physical distancing will be followed throughout. This effort has also been coordinated with the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 5.
Save Mount Diablo; California State Parks; the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 5; California State University – East Bay (Concord); and others organize the annual lighting ceremony of the Beacon every December 7 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Eduardo Guaracha, Diablo Range Superintendent of California State Parks, said, “As we look up in the sky, let this beacon remind us we are not alone. Our thoughts and support are with the heroes, healthcare and emergency workers, and all those affected by this worldwide pandemic. Let the light give us hope for a better future and remind us to keep our heads and spirits up.”
The Beacon on Mount Diablo was originally installed and illuminated in 1928 to aid in transcontinental aviation. It is one of the five guiding beacons installed along the West Coast by Standard Oil of California and is the only one known to still be operational.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Beacon’s light was extinguished during the West Coast blackout, for fear it might enable an attack on California. It stayed dark until Pearl Harbor Day, 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, relit the Beacon in a commemorative ceremony and suggested it be illuminated every December 7 to honor those who served and sacrificed.
Since that day, Pearl Harbor veterans and their families have gathered every December 7 to see the Beacon light shine once again.
The Beacon now shines brighter than ever since it underwent an extensive restoration process in 2013 thanks to a campaign led by Save Mount Diablo to ensure it continues to shine for many more years.
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