Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Healthcare workers to protest understaffing at Walnut Creek, Antioch Kaiser hospitals   

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By Renée Saldaña, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW)

Starting the week of April 10, healthcare workers at medical facilities across California, including Walnut Creek and Antioch, will hold events to speak out against the dangers of short staffing and the effects on patients and caregivers.

On Tuesday, a protest will be held at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek from 11 am to 1 pm and on Wednesday, another protest will be held at Kaiser Permanent on Sand Creek Road in Antioch, also from 11 am to 1 pm.

“After years of understaffing and dealing with the pandemic, we are stretched thin and burnt out. Healthcare workers are leaving the field, and those of us who have stayed are doing the work of two or three people. We can’t give our patients the care they deserve without enough staff,” said Datosha Williams, a service representative at Kaiser Permanente. “We are calling on Kaiser to do what it takes to hire more caregivers so that we can deliver the best care possible for our patients.”

After three years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, healthcare workers are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels and additional support. Caregivers say that short-staffed hospitals can lead to long wait times, mistaken diagnoses, and neglect, making it harder to give patients quality care.

Even before the pandemic, California faced a massive shortage of allied healthcare workers to care for its aging population — as many as 65,000 workers annually, according to conservative estimates. The stress and the toil of fighting the pandemic has led many to leave the industry, creating a full-blown healthcare staffing and patient care crisis.

A survey of over 30,000 SEIU-UHW members, Crisis in Care, highlighted the short-staffing crisis in California, with 83% of responding healthcare workers saying their facility is understaffed. At the same time, healthcare corporations are reporting record profits.

Concord man killed in shooting outside Pleasant Hill bar identified

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Police seek suspect

By Lt. Jason Kleven #392, Pleasant Hill Police Department

On April 3, 2023, at about 1:12 AM, the Pleasant Hill Police Department received 911 calls of a shooting with a victim down in the parking lot of Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. Upon police arrival a single victim was found deceased in the parking lot. The suspect was not on scene and is believed to have fled in a vehicle prior to police arrival. The investigation determined the shooting occurred after a dispute started between two groups of people. The victim has been identified as a 37-year-old male residing in Concord.

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Oscar Laredo-Arellano.

Pleasant Hill Police Detectives are actively working on this case. Any witnesses to the incident or anyone with information is asked to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department, 925-288-4600.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police seek suspects in smash and grab theft at Concord jewelry store

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By Lt. Robert Garcia, Concord Police Department

BURGLARY/GRAND THEFT – Sunvalley Shopping Center

Concord Police Case Number 23-03286

On March 31, 2023, at approximately 7:06pm, Concord Police Dispatch received a report of three masked subjects who entered St. Andrew Jewelers in the Sunvalley Shopping Center and smashed several cases with hammers. The employees of the store reported that the suspects made off with miscellaneous jewelry items. Officers responded to the scene however, the suspects had already left in a waiting vehicle. The actual dollar value loss is still being determined. There were no reported injuries during the incident.

The suspects were described as three African-American males in dark clothing and wearing ski masks, armed with hammers.

As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information is being released at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, you can contact our anonymous tip line at 925-603-5836.

 

Concord man dies in two-vehicle crash near Walnut Creek

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By CHP Contra Costa

Sunday morning, April 2, 2023, at approximately 5:42am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a two-vehicle crash on Treat Boulevard at Alderwood Road near Walnut Creek.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a Nissan van, with one occupant, was stopped facing westbound on Alderwood at Treat Boulevard. The driver of the Nissan exited and stood behind his vehicle. At this time, a Honda Accord was traveling westbound on Treat Boulevard, approaching the stopped Nissan.

The driver lost control of the Honda and simultaneously struck the Nissan and the driver standing behind it. The driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased on scene and the driver of the Honda was transported to the hospital with major injuries.

The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Sergio Quilici, a 34-year-old male from Concord.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash or the events leading up to it, call CHP in Martinez at 925-646-4980.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Second suspect arrested in June 2022 Walnut Creek Macy’s smash-and-grab case

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Suspect Gerald Dial of Vallejo was arrested on March 23, 2023 in the June 2022 smash and grab theft at Macy’s in Walnut Creek. WCPC video screenshot

By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department

A 19-year-old Vallejo man is in custody following his arrest in connection with the June 18 robbery at the Macy’s in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza. Walnut Creek Police identified Jammoni Simon as one of the suspects in the robbery. Patrol and Investigations worked together to identify the suspect and a warrant was subsequently authored for his arrest. Simon was taken into custody by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s office on July 5, 2022. During his arrest, Simon was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm.

Walnut Creek Police Chief Jamie Knox said the arrest is a signal to others involved in that crime and to the public. “Walnut Creek Police Department puts the public safety of those who live, work, or visit here at the highest priority,” Knox said. “We will continue to actively pursue this case; Walnut Creek is not an open target for criminals.”

The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office on July 8th and Simon remains in custody on the following charges:

PC 211, Robbery

PC 459, Burglary

PC 25850(a)(c)(6), Possession of a Loaded Firearm

Detectives continued to develop leads and determined Gerald Dial, a 20-year-old male from Vallejo, was involved and presented this case for review to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. On February 28th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following felony charges against Dial:

PC 211 Robbery

PC 459 Burglary

PC 487 Grand Theft

On March 23rd, 2023, WCPD Detectives located and arrested Dial on a warrant at the San Francisco Airport. Dial was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Dial is no longer in custody, as he posted bail.

Walnut Creek Police would like to thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating and apprehending Simon.

The Department is still actively conducting this investigation. If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police at 925-943-5844 or call our anonymous tip line at 925- 843-5865.

Organized retail thieves arrested in Concord

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Several thousand dollars of stolen merchandise was recovered from the retail thieves on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Photo: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, a newly installed Flock camera alerted a CPD Investigator to a felony vehicle in the City of Concord. The vehicle was linked to a CPD investigation for organized retail theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise from local stores.

CPD Officers were able to locate and arrest both of the suspects responsible for a multitude of crimes committed all over the Bay Area. Organized retail theft is a problem which results in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from our local businesses and this case is just one example of technology assisting us in the apprehension of criminals.

Thank you to our friends at Park N Shop for supporting new resources CPD is employing to keep our community safer!

 

Two men arrested at Pleasant Hill hotel on outstanding warrant for burglary, plus drugs, gun

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Officers approach hotel room door. Gun, drugs and cash seized on March 25, 2023. Photos: PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Saturday afternoon, March 25, 2023, patrol officers learned a wanted subject might be associated with a room at a local hotel. The wanted subject had a warrant related to a residential burglary in Pleasant Hill. Officers safely served the warrant and arrested the subject without incident. Another person in the hotel room also had felony warrants and was on probation.

During a probation search of the hotel room, Officers uncovered a hidden firearm, nearly a pound of methamphetamine, evidence of drug sales and a large amount of cash. Both subjects were booked into county jail for multiple felonies including the warrants. The drugs, firearm and cash were all seized.

PHPD investigators will work closely with the District Attorney to review this case. We want to thank our local community for your continued support.

 

Attempted murder in Concord leads to arrest of three in Antioch

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AK-47-style rifle and bullets seized. Photos: Concord PD

AK-47-style rifle used in shooting, loaded handgun seized

Concord PD SWAT, Crisis Negotiations Team, drone activation plus assistance by Antioch PD

By Concord Police Department

Concord Police Sgt. Sansen with drone deployed. Photo: Concord PD

During the early morning hours on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, Concord Police officers were dispatched to the area of Revere Drive and Grant Street in Concord for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located several spent shell casings, as well as a single victim. The victim was not hit by gunfire, but the evidence at the scene suggested at least 12 shots from a rifle were fired at the victim.

Later that morning, the Concord Police Department’s Investigations Division began working the case and within hours, identified three Suspects responsible for the shooting. The suspects were seen at a residence in the City of Antioch and the investigation revealed the firearm used was an AK-47 style rifle. Arrest warrants for the Suspects were sought, granted and that evening, the Concord Police Department activated the SWAT and CNT (Crisis Negotiations Team) to serve the arrest warrant. The SWAT team is only activated during incidents involving a high threat to the public and officers when attempting to make an arrest.

The Crisis Negotiations Team was able to deploy a negotiator, who has received extensive training in peacefully resolving volatile situations, inside the SWAT’s armored vehicle. This vehicle allowed us to take a negotiator and place them into a position to optimize negotiations and the safety of the negotiator.

The Antioch Police Department assisted Concord PD by providing an armored rescue vehicle, as well as the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, who assisted us in providing their Bearcat for the operation.

Additionally, the Concord Police Department’s drone team deployed and was able to observe the residence to ensure the safety of approaching officers and negotiators. During this time, with the drone overhead, the operator observed two of the suspects fleeing the area in a vehicle. Additional Concord Police Officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and safely arrest the occupants. A loaded handgun was located in that vehicle. Moments later, a suspect was seen, via the drone, placing a rifle into a secondary vehicle and fleeing the scene in that vehicle. Concord Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle and located an AK-47 style rifle, the one suspected of being used in the shooting.

SWAT and CNT was able to approach the residence safely and secure any evidence inside. The incident concluded without further incident.

The case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.

Take care and stay safe! If you need us, we’re one call away!

 

Healthcare workers protest short-staffing at John Muir Concord Medical Center

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Healthcare workers protest at John Muir Concord Medical Center on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Photos by SEIU

“The union’s accusations of patients not receiving meals, dangerous working conditions and lack of investment in our employees, are completely false.” – John Muir Health PIO Ben Drew

By Allen D. Payton

Healthcare workers are gathered at John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center today, Wednesday, March 15, beginning at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., to protest unsafe staffing levels and their employer’s lack of investment in their workforce. Members of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West are wearing their uniforms picketing, carrying signs and speaking about what they claim is the hospital’s failure to invest in its patients and caregivers.

According to a press release from the union, “John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center employees say conditions are dangerous for caregivers and patients as management ignores concerns about understaffing and working conditions. Workers are worried about patient and staff safety and say they’ve been pushed to the limit by their employer. They are calling on their employer to listen to and work with healthcare workers to address the staffing crisis through ongoing contract negotiations.”

“We care a lot for our patients, but management isn’t giving us the support we need. Staffing shortages are hitting all departments at our hospital,” said Brian Mynatt, a dietetic technician at John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center. “One of the best ways a patient can recover from an illness is through food and nutrition. But, when we don’t have the staff to get patients the meals they need, it puts their health at risk.”

However, spokesman for the healthcare provider, Ben Drew refutes the claims. In a response statement issued, yesterday he wrote, “The union’s accusations of patients not receiving meals, dangerous working conditions and lack of investment in our employees, are completely false.”

Located at 2540 East Street, John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center’s refusal to invest in its workforce comes in the midst of a healthcare staffing crisis across the state. California faces a massive shortage of allied healthcare workers — job classes that include medical assistants, respiratory therapists, emergency room workers, licensed vocational nurses, lab assistants, housekeepers, and many other frontline staff. 

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.

John Muir Health issues statement responding to SEIU-UHW informational picketing at Concord Medical Center

John Muir Health issued the following response to the protest: “SEIU-UHW and John Muir Health just began bargaining for a successor contract for the Concord Medical Center. The current agreement expires in mid-April and we’ve held one bargaining session to date.

The union’s accusations of patients not receiving meals, dangerous working conditions and lack of investment in our employees, are completely false. Notably, not a word was said at yesterday’s bargaining session about patients not receiving meals. At all times, the health and safety of our patients, staff and providers is our top priority.

Like all health systems, JMH has been facing staffing challenges. We have worked hard to address those challenges by hiring 1,125 new employees in 2022, and that hiring process continues.

We have a long history of constructive relationships with the unions that currently represent employees at our Concord Medical Center, including SEIU-UHW. We hope to continue this practice going forward and reach a fair agreement on a new contract. We will continue to bargain in good faith.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Former Martinez school district employee convicted of attempted sex with girl

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Arrested in 2018 at Pleasant Hill parking lot where he arranged meeting

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

On March 9th, 37-year-old Ahmed Kamal Ismaiel was convicted by a jury in Contra Costa County on three felony violations, including unlawful electronic contact with a minor and arranging to meet a minor for sex. (See related article)

Ismaiel was arrested on April 6, 2018, by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force when he arrived at a parking lot in Pleasant Hill to meet the minor. He was charged with three felony counts of child sexual exploitation and released on bail pending trial. However, as of Monday, March 13, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office has him in custody at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond while awaiting sentencing by Judge Rebecca Hardie on April 7th. At the time of his arrest, he worked as a network engineer for the Martinez Unified School District. At the time the complaint was filed, he was a resident of Martinez.

During the trial, the prosecution established that Ismaiel attempted to coerce and entice a person he reasonably believed to be a 14-year-old girl into meeting him for sex.

“The Defendant’s behavior was clear, unambiguous, and unacceptable,” noted Deputy District Attorney Chris Sansoe. “Not only that, but so were his attempts to excuse this behavior.”

The evidence against the former Martinez resident also proved that over the course of two days, Ismaiel engaged in sexually suggestive communications with the minor, sent her sexually suggestive photos, and ultimately arranged to meet the minor for sex. Prior to that meeting, Ismaiel stopped at a local grocery store to purchase condoms.

He faces a maximum prison term of four years and a $5,000 fine.

The investigation of Ismaiel was conducted by the multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Brentwood, 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.

Parents seeking additional resources can visit www.kidsmartz.org or the website for the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at www.svicac.org. Reports of illegal activity involving minor victims on the internet should be reported at once to your local police department.

Case #01-001853779 | The People of the State of California v. Ismaiel, Ahmed Kamal

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.