Niger had refused to refuel plane, State Department negotiated
“Just pulled up from the runway. Super emotional.” – Pastor Steve Miner of Cornerstone Christian Center
“They have passed the borders and are three-and-a-half hours out of Paris.” – Logan Heyer, Principal, Cornerstone Christian School
By Allen D. Payton
A team of 11 missionaries from Antioch’s Cornerstone Christian Center and School were stranded in the West African country of Niger, following a military coup, last week. They were supposed to fly back last Friday, July 28 and be home by Saturday. But they were not permitted as the borders had all been closed. (See related article)
According to Ron Eckstein, spokesman for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Office in Washington, D.C. “the 11 individuals are on a flight to France. We were told by the State Department. It departed about 11 AM Pacific Time. Our office has been working on it since Tuesday, August 1.”
“I was not expecting such a positive resolution. But good news,” he added.
A post on Corrnerstone Christian School’s Facebook page at 11 a.m. Friday reads, “On behalf of Cornerstone Christian Center and Cornerstone Christian School we are so incredibly grateful to be able to announce that our Niger Mission team is safely on their way home. We would like to thank the offices of Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi for their consistent support and vital information over these trying days. We are so thankful for the help of the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Niger. We would also like to recognize the effort of KTVU FOX 2, KRON 4 and the Antioch Herald for their assistance in spreading awareness of this serious situation and their care and attention for our family members back home. The professionalism and concern that was demonstrated for this situation by our local media was truly amazing. Last, and most importantly, we would like to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his continuous protection and care for our team while they were serving in Niger.
Our focus now turns solely to the people of Niger and our thoughts and prayers will be directed for peace in that nation and that democracy will continue to be pursued so that the nation of Niger can be free. Thank you for all your prayers and support during this challenging time. The people of Cornerstone are what make this place one of a kind and I am personally grateful to be a part of such a special place. Our team landed in Niger 16 days ago with the goal of making much of the name of Jesus and we return knowing that His name was high and lifted up.”
School Principal Says Niger Was Not Going to Refuel the Plane
When reached for more details at 12:15 p.m., school principal Logan Heyer, whose wife, Holly and daughter, Madison are among the 11, exclaimed, “They have passed the borders and are three-and-a-half hours out of Paris.”
“They got to the airport about 2 AM our time, which was 10 AM their time and sat there for about an hour but Niger was refusing to refuel the plane,” he shared. “So, I got a hold of Senator Feinstein’s office and they said they had been in contact with the State Department who were already negotiating with whoever is in charge of Niger, at this point.”
“I got a Whatsapp from Holly saying, ‘we’re on the plane. We don’t know where we’re going,’” Heyer stated. “Then a few minutes later she shared ‘it looks like we have enough fuel to get to France.’”
“Then we got the photos from them in the airport and one of Holly and Madison in the plane,” he continued. “Then I got a Whatsapp message from Pastor Steve that read, ‘just pulled up from the runway. Super emotional.’”
Asked if they expect to be back in Antioch tomorrow Heyer said, “She didn’t even have time to tell me the rest of it. She just knew they were going to Paris. They’re expected to arrive in about three hours.”
“Senator Feinstein’s and Congressman Garamendi’s office have been very helpful. They’re everything you could hope for in a representative. I was proud to be an American, today,” he added.
Read MoreLocal couple provides $100K Matching Challenge to help Save Mount Diablo protect Krane Pond Property
Save Mount Diablo must raise $500K by October 25, 2023 to purchase 6.69-acre parcel, part of the “The Missing Mile”
By Karen Ferriere, Development Director, Save Mount Diablo
CLAYTON, CA—A local couple, Dave and Dana Dornsife, have provided a $100,000 matching challenge to help Save Mount Diablo protect the Krane Pond property which contains one of the largest ponds on the north side of Mount Diablo, which is critical for the area’s wildlife, and is contiguous with Mount Diablo State Park and located within the “Missing Mile.” Dave and Dana Dornsife have offered to match gifts up to $100,000 for the purchase and protection of the Krane Pond land for which Save Mount Diablo must raise $500,000 by October 25, 2023.
On October 25, 2022, Save Mount Diablo purchased an Option Agreement for $50,000 in option payments that gave the non-profit land conservation organization one year to raise $500,000 to cover all the costs to purchase the Krane Pond property and permanently protect it. To date, Save Mount Diablo has raised $279,000 for the project.
The Krane Pond property, a 6.69-acre parcel, is directly adjacent to Clayton and Mount Diablo State Park. The property is part of the “Missing Mile,” a square mile of largely privately owned open space land on the slopes of North Peak and Save Mount Diablo’s fourth acquisition project there. The Krane Pond property has been a priority for protection since Save Mount Diablo was founded in 1971. The land includes a large spring-fed pond that is very important for wildlife. In addition, an on-site building pad, neighboring subdivision, and fragmented ranchette landscape nearby all indicate what might take place if the property isn’t protected.
“On behalf of Save Mount Diablo and all who cherish Mount Diablo’s natural areas and flora and fauna, I extend heartfelt thanks to Dave and Dana Dornsife for their $100,000 matching challenge to help us protect the Krane Pond property before time runs out. Dave and Dana have been important Save Mount Diablo supporters for many years, and we are grateful for their generosity, leadership, and long-term vision,” said Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo Executive Director.
The Missing Mile is one of Save Mount Diablo’s high priority land acquisition areas. This area is roughly a square mile made up of numerous privately owned open space acres that have not yet been conserved or developed. The Missing Mile is on the slopes of Mount Diablo itself, and the area is contiguous with important conservation lands like Mount Diablo State Park.
Over time, Save Mount Diablo has successfully done multiple land acquisition projects in the Missing Mile: the organization successfully acquired a perpetual conservation easement on almost 154 acres of the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association land last year; in 2016 Save Mount Diablo got about 88 acres of North Peak Ranch under an agreement that will allow the organization to acquire that land in fee simple title in 2026 after making annual payments; and in 2006 Save Mount Diablo acquired the fee simple title to the 17.62-acre Young Canyon property.
In 1978, Walter and Roseann Krane purchased 6.69 acres of land on the outskirts of Clayton bordered by Mount Diablo State Park and the meridian on the west side, Mount Diablo Creek on the north side, and property held by ranchers to the east. The parcel is accessed by a little bridge that crosses over Mount Diablo Creek. The Krane’s originally had plans to build a house for themselves and their two boys on the mountainside lot, which has grand views and great oaks, and back then had a 25-foot-deep lake. It’s become shallower over the years.
“Instead of building a house,” said Roseann Krane, “we decided to preserve the land. Walt loved the outdoors and our family camped and fished all over California. Walt adored our boys and was an Assistant Scoutmaster for 11 years. He bought 200 bass and stocked the lake and helped the kids build a dock. We spent time with Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, soccer, and many friends picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and horseback riding at the site. Wildlife we observed visiting the property included many deer, bucks, songbirds, ducks, ground squirrels, rattlesnakes, and a great blue heron.
“We have been long-time supporters of Save Mount Diablo. When Walt retired in 2000, he became a professional artist and donated his oil paintings to Save Mount Diablo’s Moonlight on the Mountain fundraiser.
“Last May 2021, Walt passed away from leukemia. I thought that the best way to honor Walt’s memory and love of the outdoors, was having our open space preserved by Save Mount Diablo, and eventually be part of the state park system.”
The Krane Pond property is part of North Peak’s Young Canyon and is bordered by a small spur ridge. Its ecological significance eclipses its size. The property includes one of the largest ponds on the north side of Mount Diablo and is critically important for Mount Diablo’s wildlife. It can help sustain a multitude of species from ground squirrels to mountain lions and even rarer endangered species such as California red-legged frogs and Alameda whipsnakes.
Development has carved its way into Diablo’s foothills below the property’s border. Krane was threatened by Clayton’s Marsh Creek Specific Plan 30 years ago while a neighboring parcel was developed into the Oakwood Estates subdivision. Save Mount Diablo helped shrink the specific plan, and the county and Clayton’s Urban Limit Lines gained strength over the years. Krane is adjacent to the Clayton city limits but just outside the Urban Limit Line.
Had developers acquired this property, they would have graded the ridge and developed much of the acreage. Protecting this property halts development in its tracks, saving more of Mount Diablo’s open space.
Beginning in 1971 SMD’s co-founder, botanist Mary Bowerman, began creating acquisition priority lists based on her decades of research on the mountain. The Missing Mile properties, including Krane, were high on the list.
During the fundraising period for the $500,000, Save Mount Diablo will survey the property boundaries, which will be necessary for work on property fencing and dam repair. If fundraising is successful, initial stewardship will include fence repair and maintenance of the pond’s earthen dam.
Save Mount Diablo
Save Mount Diablo is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and connection to the Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources. To learn more, please visit www.savemountdiablo.org.
Read MoreDeadline August 31st
By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
We are excited to announce that applications are now open for our Fall 2023 Citizens Academy! The Citizens Academy is a comprehensive six-week course designed to provide participants with a hands-on learning experience and foster a deeper understanding of the vital role played by the Office of the Sheriff in our community.
Classes will be held every Wednesday evening, starting on September 13th and ending on October 18th. We’ve also planned a Saturday day class on September 30th.
To apply, simply visit cocosheriff.org and navigate to the Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit section. Once you’ve completed the application form, kindly submit it via email to csu@so.cccounty.us. Remember, the deadline for applications is August 31st. Don’t miss out!
Read More
Gets one year in county jail for Dec. 2021 incident
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
On August 1st, 2023, a Benicia man was sentenced in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez for several child exploitation crimes.
The Honorable Mary Ann O’Malley remanded into custody 34-year-old William Michael Gogas (DOB 3/13/89). He will serve one year in county jail and be required to register as a lifetime sex offender for his offenses.
After a one-week jury trial in May 2023, a Contra Costa County jury convicted Gogas of arranging to meet a minor for sex and unlawfully communicating with a minor. At the trial, evidence was presented that demonstrated — on or about December 9, 2021 — Gogas knowingly engaged in sexually explicit text messages with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old boy — but was an undercover detective with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
The evidence further established Gogas arranged to meet the minor at a location in Martinez to engage in illegal sex acts. When Gogas arrived at the meeting location, he was taken into custody by members of the Contra Costa County Safe Streets Task Force and charged in a criminal complaint on December 13, 2021.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chris Sansoe and investigated by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Oakley, and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate on the task force.
According to localcrimenews.com, Gogas was also arrested in 2015 by the Marin County Sheriff for disorderly conduct: prostitution.
Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children, and can visit the website kidsmartz.org, commonsensemedia.org or the District Attorney’s website for further information.
Case No. 01001977768 | The People of the State of California v. Gogas, William Michael
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreRolex with GPS chip helped police arrest, charge suspects, four with history of arrests
The Office of the United States Attorney has charged five defendants—Sunia Mafileo Faavesi, Ryan Kentrell Montgomery, Paul Christopher Tonga, John Ioane Tupou, and Kyle Vehikite—with conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce for their roles in the St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2023, robbery of Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, Calif., announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. All the defendants except Tupou made their initial federal court appearance on July 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse to face the charges. Tupou remains at large.
According to a federal criminal complaint, filed July 21, 2023, and unsealed at the initial appearance, Faavesi, 30, Montgomery, 35, Tonga, 33, Tupou, 30, and Vehikite, 34, planned and executed the armed heist, which involved at least eleven individuals, some armed, taking approximately $1.1 million in stolen watches and jewelry from the family-owned San Ramon jewelry store. The complaint alleges that while some of the participants were inside the store or immediately outside it during the armed robbery, others acted as lookouts and get-away drivers of at least four waiting vehicles. The robbery took place at a bustling mall in San Ramon in the middle of the afternoon and resulted in multiple bystanders, including children, fleeing the masked and armed robbers.
The complaint affidavit provides details regarding how the defendants originally cased the location a week prior to the robbery and then returned on March 17, 2023, with co-conspirators to execute the robbery. The complaint alleges investigators were able to identify one of the defendants by evaluating GPS information emitted from a stolen Rolex watch. Law enforcement investigators thereafter conducted a covert investigation that ultimately enabled them to identify each of the five defendants and to piece together the movements of the defendants on the day of the robbery.
Faavesi, Montgomery, Tonga, and Vehikite all were arrested on July 26, 2023. The government has filed a motion asking that they be detained pretrial. Defendants’ next scheduled appearances are on August 1, 2023, and August 4, 2023, for their respective detention hearings.
A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. As part of any sentence, the court also may order defendants to pay restitution, if appropriate, and to serve an additional period of supervised release to begin after a prison term. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alethea M. Sargent is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the San Ramon Police Department and the ATF, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the IRS, and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.
According to localcrimenews.com, Faavesi has a history of arrests dating back to 2016, four times for burglary and once for robbery by multiple agencies. Tonga of San Mateo also has an arrest record dating to 2015 including for multiple DUI’s and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle. Topou of Oakland has a history of arrests also dating to 2015 including for burglary, robbery, battery with serious bodily injury and gun charges. Vehikite of San Ramon has at least two previous arrests in 2021 including for drug and ammunition charges.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreTo impact youth in Contra Costa County
As we gear up for the new school year, 4 Ever Me Foundation is excited to announce the 11th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, a beloved event dedicated to supporting families in need of school essentials. We cordially invite the community to join us for a day of fun, entertainment, food, and invaluable resources.
Date: August 5th, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Dallas Ranch Middle School
Address: 1401 Mt Hamilton Drive, Antioch
For over a decade, our mission has been to ensure that every child embarks on their academic journey fully prepared and equipped with the necessary tools for success. Thanks to the generous contributions from our community and local sponsors, we have been able to provide crucial resources for students year after year. This event, which started in 2012, has grown immensely and garnered support from influential organizations such as the Golden State Warriors, who have been steadfast partners for nearly eight years.
The Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway initially began as an AUSD-targeted initiative, identifying the need among students attending Black Diamond Middle School. Originally held at Ivancich and Costis Law Firm in Antioch, the event occurred twice a year – once at the beginning of the school year and another midway – ensuring that students had ample supplies to last the entire academic year. As word spread and families from various school districts began attending, the event transitioned to a one-day gathering serving students from across Contra Costa County. We embrace our commitment to meeting the community’s needs, and this event will continue as long as the need exists.
The 4 Ever Me Foundation is committed to supporting the socio-emotional well-being of youth by providing resources for success, encouraging youth involvement within the community, and nurturing youth leaders. Founder, Claryssa Wilson, recounts how the event became the catalyst for establishing 4 Ever Me Foundation, recognizing the opportunity to make a broader impact on the community. The foundation’s name originated from a longstanding Instagram handle created in 2012, symbolizing the importance of staying true to oneself despite challenges faced during middle school. With the foundation in the process of being established in 2021, after prioritizing personal education, including graduating from Antioch High School in 2019 and recently earning a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, Wilson leads a dedicated executive team, including former peers and family members.
At the event, attendees can expect the following:
FREE School Supplies: We have stocked up on a wide range of school essentials, including backpacks, binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and more. These supplies will be available for students to pick out, ensuring they get items they will truly love and use. We provide supplies for Pre-K through College!
Entertainment: Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including games, face painting, and live performances. We guarantee a day full of joy and smiles!
Food: A delicious assortment of food vendors will be available for everyone to enjoy throughout the event.
Resources: Beyond school supplies, we understand the importance of addressing other essential needs. Our event will feature resource booths offering FREE information on health services, community programs, and other support services.
To ensure a smooth check-in process for all attendees, we kindly request that families register in advance by filling out the online form at: [Registration Link]. Additionally, for those interested in donating or volunteering, the QR code on the attached flyer provides convenient access to relevant information and opportunities.
We are determined to make this year’s Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway the most impactful one yet! For media inquiries, interviews, or further information about the event, please reach out to Claryssa Wilson at 4evermefoundation@gmail.com or 925-281-7507
Together, let’s create a positive impact on the lives of our children and build a brighter future for our community. We look forward to welcoming you on August 5th at Dallas Ranch Middle School!
Read MoreTeam of 11 from Cornerstone Christian Center and School
“We sent our team to Niger to make much of the name of Jesus in that country and believe they are still doing that, and we are trusting in Him to bring them home, safely,” Principal Logan Heyer
By Allen D. Payton
A missionary team from Antioch’s Cornerstone Christian Center and School, led by Pastor and Superintendent Steve Miner has been stranded in Niger, Africa following a military coup.
In a post on her Facebook page on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Hannah Gabrielle wrote, “My family is stranded in Niger Africa. The US government has evacuated part of its embassy staff but has been unhelpful in helping us get our family out! Help me spread the word. Share and pray. Whatever you can do. Email a congressman or senator. Call the local news. Anything helps. They are in a group of 15 US citizens ages ranging from 11 to 73.
On Friday, the team posted a photo from capital city Niamey, Niger, on the church’s Instagram page that reads, “Our Cornerstone Team has had an amazing week serving at Vie Abondante kids camp in Niger!”
A Sunday report by the Marine Corps Times confirmed her information about the U.S. Embassy that reads, “The Marine security guards stationed at the American embassy in Niger will remain there as the United States evacuates all but essential staff because of a coup in the country.”
A Wednesday, Aug. 2 post on X (formerly Twitter) by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reads, “Today, we ordered the temporary departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members from Niger. The U.S. is committed to our relationship with the people of Niger. The embassy remains open, and our leaders are diplomatically engaged at the highest levels.”
Logan Heyer, Principal of Cornerstone Christian School, said about the missionaries, “They were supposed to be back on July 29.”
He learned of the coup, early last week.
“I looked at an article in the news that there was a coup in Niger, and I heard about it on the 25th,” he stated. “The coup closed all the borders in Niger.”
The team left for their trip on July 20th.
“They were supposed to leave on Friday, July 28th to return,” Heyer shared.
Asked if any students are on the trip, Heyer said, “No. One former student, my daughter, Madison. My wife, Holly is also there and my father-in-law, Scott Wells. School starts again on Aug. 21st. No teachers. But our head pastor and school superintendent is over there, Steve Miner, with his wife, Maria.”
“There are 11 from our church and school, about 15 total,” he added.
“We have partnered with a missionary that lives there in the country,” Heyer explained. “They went to do a Vacation Bible School and get their school ready for the fall, too.”
This is the second time the team has gone to Niger.
“Pastor Steve has led two teams,” he added.
“It sounds like, from what I understand, the Royal Guard kicked out the president. It’s not targeted at Christians.
According to a July 27 report by NPR, “Soldiers in Niger have announced a coup, imposing a curfew and closing borders in a country that is a key U.S. ally in West Africa. The president of…Niger was removed in a coup late last night, local time, despite frantic diplomatic efforts to save his government.”
Asked about efforts to get the team out of the country Heyer said, “We saw online that Senator Ted Cruz got missionaries out from Niger – teenagers on a mission trip not from our group. But they met up with them. Their parents were very frightened, like we are. Senator Cruz was able to get them out of the country on an Italian plane. We saw that the Italians and French got people out.So, we contacted Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi on Tuesday, and they have been pushing whomever at the State Department to get our people out.”
A KRON4 News report about the stranded missionaries, quotes Garamendi saying, “My team is working closely with the state department and the constituents to get them home safely. However, I cannot share additional details at this time due to operational security issues.”
Later Garamendi shared with the Herald, “My heart aches for these individuals and their families that just want them home. Our staff is working closely with the State Department and the constituents to get them back safely. However, I cannot share additional details at this time due to operational security issues.”
According to a report by Reuters early Wednesday, Niger has reopened it’s borders with several neighboring countries “a week after a coup that has sent shockwaves across West Africa’s Sahel region, one of the poorest and most unstable in the world.”
‘The land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya and Chad are re-opened from today, August 1, 2023,’ junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane said in a televised address.”
“We sent our team to Niger to make much of the name of Jesus in that country and believe they are still doing that, and we are trusting in Him to bring them home, safely,” Heyer stated.
Private prayer vigils are being held for the team, he shared.
Read MoreLaunches new system; sign up to receive updates
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District has launched a new system to make information about police and fire activity more accessible to the public. The system also includes an interactive webpage with near real-time mapping of police and fire activity, including location, date and time, a general description, and outcome. The new system also allows the public to sign up for daily or weekly email updates with a summary of public safety activity and links to more information.
The new system is provided by Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – Citizen RIMS and housed on Crimegraphics.com, which integrates with the Park District’s existing Public Safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS). The new system allows updates to be emailed out automatically rather than manually by public safety staff, increasing efficiency and allowing staff to focus on other important activities.
Most importantly, the new system increases public transparency by making disclosable public safety activity information more accessible. The system allows any member of the public to access near real-time public safety activity mapping information and sign up for daily or weekly email updates.
Access to daily or weekly updates is available via an easy one-time sign-up process. Email addresses are entered into Citizen RIMS / crimegraphics.com and will only be used to send email update to subscribers.
To learn more and sign up for these updates, visit www.ebparks.org/public-safety/activity.
User Notice:
Access to disclosable public safety activity information is provided as a public service from the East Bay Regional Park District and subject to applicable terms of use. To protect privacy, the Crimegraphics.com website does not provide information regarding juvenile offenders, or specific information regarding calls for service that are protected by confidentiality laws or sensitive in nature. The East Bay Regional Park District does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained on this website regarding specific incidents, crimes, or people with respect to the omission of information that may have not yet been filed or is pending filing with a court(s) of jurisdiction relating to criminal offenses.
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 MoreAt Antioch and other locations in California; Fresenius says they’re “committed to bargaining in good faith”
By Renée Saldaña, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW)
Fresenius and Satellite Healthcare dialysis caregivers across California are the latest round of healthcare workers to join statewide protests over the short-staffing crisis in the state’s healthcare system. Protests will be held on August 9th and 10th at 21 locations, including Antioch, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange.
“We are severely understaffed and stretched so thin. We used to have a one to three patient ratio, but over the years it’s become one to eight, and if someone calls out sick it becomes one to twelve. It happens a lot,” says Jose Manuel Gonzalez, a certified hemodialysis technician preceptor III at Fresenius Kidney Care for over 25 years. “We have to rush, to work as fast as we can, and the quality of service really suffers. I’m considering patient care, regardless of how the company treats us. The company should care more.”
In response to caregivers’ attempts to improve care and safety for dialysis patients, management has violated United States labor law. Both employers have threatened and intimidated caregivers, including firing caregivers for leading the organizing efforts and speaking out to improve patient care. The union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against both companies for these illegal acts, including one against Satellite Healthcare for canceling all bargaining sessions scheduled for July and August.
Legislators are also lending their support to the struggle of dialysis caregivers to improve conditions. In a letter of support, U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), wrote:
“Across the industry, I understand that dialysis clinic caregivers continue to struggle with low wages, inadequate training, and chronically low staffing levels. These working conditions often lead to high turnover as caregivers leave the industry because of burnout or transfer to another healthcare sector where pay is higher. These factors deprive patients of experienced and consistent support.”
The ongoing protests by dialysis and other healthcare workers are part of a larger movement of workers across the country who are taking a stand against poor working conditions, low wages, exorbitant corporate profits, and excessive executive pay. Dialysis workers are joining over 85,000 Kaiser Permanente, Prime, and other healthcare workers who launched protests in July to improve patient care and staffing.
The chronic short-staffing in dialysis care has allowed for-profit dialysis corporations to make hundreds of millions in profits. Fresenius medical care made nearly $720 million in profits and paid its CEO nearly $5 million in compensation in 2022. Satellite Healthcare made $16.7 million in profits and paid its CEO $1.5 million in compensation in 2021.
In contrast, many dialysis caregivers make as little as $20 an hour and routinely hold two or more jobs just to make ends meet.
SEIU-UHW represents more than 600 dialysis caregivers at Fresenius and Satellite Healthcare in various job classes including registered nurses, patient care technicians, licensed vocational nurses, certified clinical hemodialysis technicians, dietitians, social workers, clinical administrative coordinators, and receptionists.
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 100,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.
Fresenius Kidney Care Responds
In response, Fresenius issued the following statement: “There is nothing more important than the safety of our patients and our team members. In fact, in 2022, for the seventh consecutive year, Fresenius Kidney Care led the industry with 99.63% of our facilities, achieving 5-Diamond Patient Safety status, a program endorsed by the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA) and several other organizations in the industry.
We use a staffing tool to align staffing needs with patient care requirements in order to provide safe and effective care. We constantly monitor census and staffing fluctuations and redeploy staff accordingly to maintain safe staffing levels. We maintain staff float pools and use both internal and external agency support to fill gaps.
Healthcare as an industry in general continues to face staffing challenges. We continue to address the recruitment needs where we provide care and are actively hiring for clinical care roles.
We recently began negotiations with SEIU-UHW and are committed to bargaining in good faith to reach agreements that are fair to team members and enable Fresenius Kidney Care to continue its mission of providing life-sustaining care to patients.
We fully believe that the dedication and passion of all our team members should be recognized and rewarded. That’s why we offer competitive compensation, benefits and development programs that support our team members personally and professionally.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
Multi-agency Operation Cross Country conducts three efforts, investigating four other cases
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Law enforcement partners with the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force arrested two suspected human traffickers and recovered one juvenile victim in a nationwide effort to apprehend human traffickers and provide services to victims.
As part of Operation Cross Country, task force partners and local FBI personnel jointly conducted three separate anti-human trafficking operations throughout Contra Costa County from July 19th through 30th, 2023. These joint efforts led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male resident of Sacramento and a 24-year-old male resident of Oakland, and the identification of nine survivors of human trafficking – including one juvenile. Additionally, the FBI and task force partners are still investigating four other cases in Contra Costa County. All victims identified through these operations met with specialized human trafficking victim advocates immediately upon contact and were offered a range of services and support.
“These outcomes demonstrate the positive results that can be achieved from collaboration between law enforcement and community partners to address the harm caused by human trafficking and deliver justice to victims,” noted District Attorney Diana Becton.
The suspects were arrested or cited on one or more of the following human trafficking or human trafficking-related offenses: sex trafficking of a minor, supervising, aiding, or recruiting a prostitute, and violating a protective order [PC236.1(c), PC653.23, and PC166(a4]. The ongoing investigations in these cases center on these charges as well as pimping, pandering, and adult trafficking [PC266h, PC266i, and PC236.1(b)].
Task Force Co-chair and Executive Director of Community Violence Solutions, Cynthia Peterson, highlighted that “the partnership among Contra Costa’s task force members in combatting human trafficking ensures a coordinated, trauma-informed response focused on our shared goals of empowering and providing comprehensive services and support to victims.”
Participating agencies included, in alphabetical order:
- Community Violence Solutions
- Concord Police Department
- Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office (CCCDA)
- Contra Costa County Probation Department
- Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department
- Federal Bureau of Investigations
- Hercules Police Department
- Homeland Security Investigations
- International Rescue Committee
- Northern California Regional Intelligence Center
- Pittsburg Police Department
- Pleasant Hill Police Department
- Richmond Police Department
The Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force is co-led by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Community Violence Solutions, a community-based 24-hour service provider for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
Founded in 2018, the Task Force envisions a community free of human trafficking where survivors thrive. It aims to achieve this by encouraging self-sufficiency and empowerment through the provision of survivor-centered, culturally responsive advocacy and services; striving for exploiter accountability through prosecution, education, civil remedies, and restorative practices; educating task force members and the community; and harnessing data to guide these efforts.
Anyone with information on suspected human trafficking (sex or labor) or related crimes is encouraged to make a report to your local law enforcement agency or the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line (925) 957-8658.
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