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Risk assessment finds Martinez refinery release did not increase risk of exposure to hazardous metals in local soils 

June 8, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Proposed sample locations map. Source: CC Health

Investigation continues into refinery’s failure to notify the public of Nov. 2022 hazardous materials release

By Contra Costa Health

A toxicologist hired by Contra Costa Health has determined that a release of spent catalyst in November 2022 did not increase risk to public health from exposure to hazardous metals in the soil. (See related articles here and here)

The risk assessment, done by TRC, came to this conclusion after metals detected in 14 soil samples did not appear in similar ratios or quantities to spent-catalyst dust samples collected shortly after the accident at Martinez Refining Company (MRC) on Nov. 24-25, 2022. Metals detected in the soil samples were also within an expected range of levels typically found in the state.

“Contra Costa County has taken all steps to determine whether residents suffered any health consequences from November’s hazardous materials release. We are committed to holding MRC responsible for any impacts to the community and to ensuring that this type of incident does not happen again,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

MRC remains under investigation by the Contra Costa District Attorney for failing to notify authorities when a process upset released 20 to 24 tons of waste into the air, covering nearby neighborhoods in a dust that contained metals.

Source: Martinez Refining Company

An oversight committee, which includes residents from affected areas, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to investigate whether the release increased risk of health problems in the community due to environmental contamination and is also overseeing an independent community investigation of the cause of the release.

The County’s health officer, Dr. Ori Tzvieli, will lift a March health advisory that warned refinery neighbors not to eat produce grown in soil possibly contaminated by spent catalyst dust until environmental testing could be completed.

“Now that we have these results, I personally would have no issue eating fruits and vegetables grown in ground soil from one of the affected areas,” Dr. Tzvieli said.

The soil testing did underscore the fact that metals in the ground are a fact of life in developed areas like Contra Costa with heavy industry and agriculture. Metals found in the samples included lead and arsenic, once commonly used in pesticides, but the measured amounts did not suggest a link to the spent-catalyst release.

It’s important to note that there is no absolute safe amount of arsenic that humans and animals can ingest. But while most edible plants absorb some small amounts of arsenic, they usually do not contain enough to be a health concern.   

Dr. Tzvieli said if people are worried they may have elevated levels of lead, arsenic or other metals on their property, they can grow produce in pots or raised garden beds using clean store-bought soil. He also recommends rinsing and/or scrubbing produce well and peeling root crops like potatoes and carrots.

The primary health risk from the spent-catalyst release happened in the initial hours and days after the refinery accident when people may have been exposed from breathing in dust particles. In response to community concerns about potential long-term health impacts, the County initiated the community risk assessment and soil sampling.

Soil-sampling sites were chosen using a plume-model map developed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and input from the Oversight Committee.  

“We thank everyone for their patience as the Oversight Committee researched the impact of this incident on our community,” said Supervisor Federal Glover, who represents residents in areas affected by the release. “Industry has a responsibility to operate in a safe and responsible way. We will work tirelessly to hold them accountable when they don’t meet our standards.”

The root cause of the November hazardous materials release – and how a similar accident can be prevented in the future – is still being investigated by the County and the oversight committee. The District Attorney is considering legal action against MRC for not properly notifying the County of the release, which health officials learned about from social media.

For more information, visit our MRC oversight webpage.

 

Filed Under: Central County, Health, Industry, News

Annual Spring Block Party in Concord June 6

June 5, 2023 By Publisher 2 Comments

Contra Costa County and the City of Concord bring services to residents from 4-7 p.m.

Avoid having to make multiple stops to government offices or wait in long lines to take care of important tasks. Instead, stop by the County Services Spring Block Party.

Contra Costa County, the County’s Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department and the City of Concord are collaborating to provide a fun, festive event that offers a wide variety of on-the-spot government services at one single location.

The County’s annual Block Party will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, at the Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, in Concord.

This is the fifth year that Contra Costa County has hosted the increasingly popular event. The “Block Party” rotates locations each year to provide opportunities to engage with different communities around the County.

“This event is designed to bring together multiple services in one location and make it easier for county residents to get things done,” said District IV Supervisor Ken Carlson. “We’re serving residents where they are.”

“Accessibility and outreach are key goals for me as a county elected official, and the County Block Party is a great way to offer county residents accessibility to services out in the community,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “Our department is excited to be an integral part of this annual event.”

Available services at the Block Party event will include, but are not limited to:

  • Apply for CalFresh & Medi-Cal,
  • Information about childcare and preschool options,
  • Record with Reach from Clerk-Recorder’s Office
  • Library Card Signups,
  • Weatherization information,
  • Voter Registration,
  • Clean Slate Program information,
  • Contra Costa Television (CCTV) — and many more programs.

Food Trucks will offer food for purchase, and parking is free.

For more information, please call the County’s Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department at 925-335-7805.

Filed Under: Central County, Children & Families, Community, Concord, Government

Contra Costa Coroner’s Inquest Jury finds Antioch man in jail died of natural causes

June 5, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced that a coroner’s jury reached a finding Friday, June 3, 2023 in the January 3, 2023 in-custody death of 31-year-old Brian Love Pence, Jr. of Antioch. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is natural.

Pence was arrested on December 31, 2022, by Antioch police for misdemeanor spousal battery. Upon entering Intake, he tested positive for Covid and was assigned to a module on quarantine status and housed alone. He was screened by County Health Services and cleared for incarceration by Medical and Mental Health staff.

On Jan. 3, 2023, at approximately 1:22pm, deputies conducted a room check and observed no movement from the inmate. Deputies made entry and called for jail medical staff to respond. Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies, medical staff and paramedics. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no immediate signs of trauma or anything suspicious. (See related article)

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matt Guichard.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding:  Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Central County, Coroner, East County, News, Police, Sheriff

Hercules man faces murder charge, Antioch man arraigned for assault with firearm in Pleasant Hill shooting

May 26, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Outside bar on April 3rd; murder suspect arrested in Mexico

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, CCDA

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a two-count felony complaint against a Hercules man for the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Arellano Laredo in Pleasant Hill on April 3rd.

Around 1:15 am, Pleasant Hill Police received reports of shots fired in the 1900 block of Contra Costa Boulevard. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Mr. Laredo lying on the ground in in the parking lot of Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. with a gunshot wound to his head. Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after and pronounced Mr. Laredo deceased at the scene. (See related article)

An investigation into the incident revealed that a dispute in a nearby bar involving friends of the shooter and victim preceded the shooting. Witnesses also reported the suspect fled in a vehicle shortly after the murder. Police were able to identify the vehicle and its owner – who matched witness descriptions of the shooter – as 35-year-old Andre Aaron Barocio (4/21/88). Law enforcement officials in Mexico arrested Barocio on May 21st and he was transported back to the Bay Area where he was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on May 25th. His arraignment is scheduled for May 26th in Martinez.

In addition to the murder charge [PC187(a)], Barocio faces a second felony [PC29800(a)(1)] for possessing a firearm by a felon and a special allegation for the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm [PC12022.53(d)].

According to locacrimenews.com, Barocio has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Pittsburg, Concord, U.C. Berkeley, Walnut Creek and West Covina Police Departments, as well as Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department including for DUI, possession of ammunition, driving with suspended license and speeding over 100 MPH and drug possession.

Co-defendant 32-year-old Angelo Martinez Delacruz (5/31/90) of Antioch was arraigned on assault with a firearm [PC245(a)(2)] and has a court date set for a preliminary hearing on June 1st in Martinez.

Barocio’s arraignment has been put over to June 1st since his case is related to Delacruz. It will be held in Department 27 with Judge Teri Mockler.

Case No. 01-23-01411| The People of the State of California v. Barocio, Andre

Case No. 01-23-01292 | The People of the State of California v. Delacruz, Angelo Martinez

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Central County, Crime, District Attorney, East County, News, Police, West County

Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office to offer “Destination Weddings” on Mt. Diablo Friday, May 26

May 24, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

A couple gets married on Mount Diablo by Contra Costa County Deputy Commissioner of Marriages. Photo: CoCoCo Clerk-Recorder

By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office

The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office, in partnership with the California Department of State Parks, will be offering “Destination Weddings” on top of Mount Diablo on Friday May 26, 2023. Sixteen marriage ceremonies will be performed at the summit by Clerk staff between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Couples may have up to 30 guests, but there is limited seating available during the ceremony (16 chairs).

“Destination Weddings on Mount Diablo is always a favorite location for our customers,” Clerk-Recorder Registrar of Voters, Kristin Connelly said. “We are excited to be able to offer couples this accessible opportunity for a unique day to remember at the summit of a Bay Area jewel.”

Mount Diablo State Park is a Contra Costa County landmark.  On a clear day visitors have views westward beyond the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands; South to Mount Hamilton and the Santa Cruz Mountains, North to Mount Saint Helena; and East over the Delta waterways. The stunning views provide a special backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

Because of the event’s popularity, all ceremony appointments for this Destination Weddings event have been booked, and no unscheduled appointments will be accommodated. 

A marriage license must be obtained before a ceremony can be performed. Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office in Martinez. The fee for a public marriage license is $86, while a confidential license is $90. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60.

For information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to www.contracostacore.us or call the office at 925-335-7900 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.

 

Filed Under: Central County, Children & Families

Concord man arrested for stabbing older roommate to death

May 18, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Concord Police Department

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at approximately 4 pm, Officers responded to a home in a North Concord neighborhood near Port Chicago Hwy. Officers found a 66-year-old male deceased inside the home, with apparent stab wounds. Officers arrested his 38-year-old roommate. It appears as if the two had an argument which led to the stabbing.

Nicholas Carson was taken into custody and is currently held at the Contra Costa County Jail. The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case may contact Detective James Nielsen at 925-603-5817. CPD Case #23-05129

 

Filed Under: Central County, Concord, Crime, News, Police

Health Advisory lifted after weeklong mercury cleanup in Martinez

May 17, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

A HazMat team cleans up a mercury spill at the Martinez Amtrak station mercury spill on May 8, 2023. Photo: ConFire

“At no point did we detect enough mercury on city streets to cause an immediate health concern” – Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Contra Costa County Health Officer

Contra Costa Health (CCH) lifted its health advisory for downtown Martinez after hazardous materials crews completed a cleanup of spilled mercury that contaminated streets and a train station.

The advisory, issued May 9, asked the public to avoid walking in the street along a five-block stretch of the city, including parts of Marina Vista and Alhambra avenues, and Buckley and Berrellesa streets, after trace amounts of the toxic material were discovered in the public right-of-way late that afternoon. (See related article)

“At no point did we detect enough mercury on city streets to cause an immediate health concern. The primary concern was reducing the risk of people tracking it inside, where over time it could cause health issues,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Contra Costa County’s health officer. “We realize the work has been disruptive to the community and appreciate the partnership of the City of Martinez as we worked to keep people informed about our progress.”

The investigation of the spill began Monday, May 8, when an ambulance responding to an unrelated emergency call reported the substance in the parking lot of the Martinez Amtrak station, 601 Marina Vista. A CCH hazardous materials team responded and found a substantial quantity of mercury on the ground.

Health officials believe the mercury was placed in a garbage can in the station parking lot and, on May 8, removed by a city crew emptying trash cans along a route between the lot and the city yard off Buckley. Investigators on May 9 found traces of mercury that dripped from the truck along the city crew’s route, prompting the health advisory.

Cleanup crews from CCH, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a private contractor have worked over the past week to neutralize and remove all detectable mercury from more than 4,000 feet of roads along the city maintenance truck’s route, an area that eventually extended to locations including in front of Rankin Park and a parking lot in the Martinez Marina. Cleanup at the Amtrak station, which is now open again, was completed over the weekend.

The source of the mercury remains under investigation by law enforcement. Anyone with information about the dumping of the mercury at the Amtrak station is encouraged to contact the Martinez Police Department’s tip line at 925-372-3440.

Filed Under: Central County, Health, News

Hazmat crews cleaning up mercury on Martinez streets, including near Rankin Park

May 10, 2023 By Publisher 1 Comment

By Contra Costa Health

After receiving a call from a resident this morning, our hazmat team identified an additional location in Martinez contaminated with mercury – this one near Rankin Park where Buckley Street hits a dead end. The team immediately conducted cleanup operations at this location after confirming the presence of mercury in the street. We did a visual inspection in the park itself and did not find any evidence of mercury in the park. (See related article)

Contra Costa Health spoke with the City of Martinez maintenance team and determined that the same garbage truck that collected trash at the Amtrak Station also serviced this location near Rankin Park on Monday, May 8. We have updated the map showing the route the garbage truck took after emptying the contaminated trashcan at the Amtrak station.

Hazmat cleanup crews are currently in the process of decontaminating parts of streets in the Martinez downtown area where mercury has been seen. We estimate the cleanup will take 1-2 days. There will be rolling street closures throughout the day today and possibly into tomorrow as the cleanup work is being done.

The Amtrak station remains closed and we don’t have an estimate for when it will reopen.

Anyone at the Amtrak station Monday or anyone who walked along the affected streets that thinks they may have stepped in mercury should take precautions to avoid contact with it. Shoes or clothes that have touched mercury should be double bagged and sealed shut and placed outside. Call our Hazmat Program at 925-655- 3200 during regular business hours for further handling instructions.

Filed Under: Central County, Health, News

Health Advisory: Mercury cleanup in downtown Martinez

May 9, 2023 By Publisher 1 Comment

EPA and Contra Costa HazMat Team members clean up a mercury spill at the Martinez Amtrak station on Monday, May 8, 2023. Photos: ConFire

Spread of mercury contamination first discovered at Martinez Amtrak station wider than initially believed

Avoid parts of downtown, sections of streets temporarily closed over next several days

By Contra Costa Health

Last updated: May 9, 2023, 8:09 pm

Further investigation by county health officials shows traces of mercury was inadvertently spread by a garbage truck while traveling on its route after picking up contaminated trash from a waste receptacle at the Amtrak station in downtown Martinez on Monday.

To reduce the potential risk of exposure to mercury, Contra Costa Health (CCH) asks the public to avoid walking on the streets in affected parts of downtown Martinez and use the sidewalks until the residue of a spill is removed, so people or pets do not track the material indoors.

The contamination is limited to the street and has not been detected in amounts great enough to create an immediate risk to health.

“From a health standpoint, our primary concern is that people don’t step in the mercury on the street and bring it inside their homes where indoor vapors may pose a health hazard,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, the County’s health officer.

Dr. Tzvieli added that while the health risk posed by exposure to mercury from this release is low, it’s important for the community to be informed of any potential health risks and take appropriate actions. CCH issued a health advisory to the community earlier this evening.

Initially, the mercury release was thought to be contained to the area immediately outside the train station. But after examining the five-block route taken by the city of Martinez garbage truck today, Contra Costa Health’s hazmat team and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified small amounts of mercury in the roadway, primarily on Marina Vista and Alhambra Avenues and Berrellesa Street.

Sections of these streets will be temporarily closed over the next several days while cleanup takes place:

Marina Vista Avenue between the station and Alhambra Avenue; Alhambra from Marina Vista to Buckley Street; Buckley from Alhambra to Berrellesa Street; Berrellesa from Buckley north to the Martinez City Public Works yard.

The train station has been closed since mid-afternoon on Monday after ambulance paramedics from Confire at the site, who were there for another matter, saw mercury on the ground. Mercury has also been detected inside the train station itself.

Anyone at the Amtrak station Monday or anyone who walked along the affected streets that thinks they may have stepped in mercury should take precautions to avoid contact with it.  Shoes or clothes that have touched mercury should be double bagged and sealed shut and placed outside. Call our Hazmat Program at 925-655-3200 during regular business hours for further handling instructions.

Instructions

Shoes or clothes that have touched mercury should not be brought inside if it can be avoided. Never attempt to wash an article that may be contaminated with mercury, by hand or with a washing machine. This can increase the risk of the mercury being vaporized.

It is not known who dumped the mercury at the Amtrak station or why. Local law enforcement is investigating the matter.

 

Filed Under: Central County, Health, News

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center earns “A” for safety from national evaluator

May 6, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) has earned an A grade for hospital safety from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit evaluator of healthcare services.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade evaluates nearly 3,000 general acute-care hospitals across the U.S. for occurrence of preventable safety problems such as surgery-related infections or complications, observed safety incidents, and the presence of staff training and procedures to prevent errors in care.

The latest grades, released Wednesday, show that CCRMC, which is part of Contra Costa Health (CCH), provides its patients with some of the safest, highest-quality healthcare in the nation.

“Our county’s commitment to health and equity for all underscores our belief that our county’s most vulnerable and lowest-income residents deserve the highest quality medical care,” said John Gioia, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “We are proud that Contra Costa’s full-service community hospital has been recognized for the excellence and quality of its care.”

Leapfrog assesses several dimensions of patient safety including medication safety, complex surgeries for pediatric and adult patients, maternity care, intensive care unit staffing, patient safety practices, managing serious errors and outpatient procedures.

“It really comes down to our staff. It’s an honor to work with so many dedicated, talented health professionals, all of them focused on delivering the best possible care for our patients,” CCH Chief Executive Officer Anna Roth said. “Their daily efforts are reflected in this grade.”

CCRMC is a full-service, 164-bed county hospital that offers patient-centered healthcare services in a modern hospital, including a 24-hour emergency department, and 10 satellite health centers providing high-quality care throughout the county.

CCRMC has been recognized in recent years for many efforts to improve health in Contra Costa County, including the California Association of Public Hospitals, Cal Hospital Compare and the Lown Institute. In 2020, Leapfrog and Newsweek rated CCRMC among the nation’s top hospitals for maternity care.

“We are proud and grateful to be recognized by Leapfrog for patient safety, because safety is our top concern,” said Dr. Samir B Shah, Chief Executive Officer of CCRMC. “Developing, teaching and following best practices improves outcomes, prevents mistakes and improves our patient’s experience. Our clinical system emphasizes a culture of safety where every staff member knows the importance of their contribution in risk reduction at CCRMC. It’s part of our mission, to care for and improve the health of all Contra Costa residents.”

Read the Spring 2023 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for CCRMC here. 

 

Filed Under: Central County, Health, News

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