Contra Costa Herald

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

Annual Spring Block Party in Concord June 6

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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.

CalFresh offers food assistance to Contra Costa residents

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Source: California Department of Social Services

During their meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation declaring May as CalFresh Awareness Month (See below)

More Contra Costa County residents are encouraged to apply for the food assistance program.

CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options. In Contra Costa County, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023. But many more may be eligible. Learn more, including how to apply, at ehsd.org.

Source: California Department of Social Services

CalFresh Facts:

  • CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets.
  • Adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children.
  • CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County.

CalFresh Awareness Month news cards are posted on ehsd.org and on the County website. Also, social media posts @ContraCostaEHSD on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Proclaiming May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month

WHEREAS, CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options; and

WHEREAS, encouraging eligible residents to enroll in the CalFresh program will increase the health and well-being of eligible families and individuals by helping provide a means to meet their nutritional needs; and

WHEREAS, EHSD’s community partnerships, including the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano, help raise awareness and visibility of CalFresh; and

WHEREAS, adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children; and

WHEREAS, CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets; and

WHEREAS, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023; and

WHEREAS, CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County; and

WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is one of 34 counties in the state to offer the CalFresh Employment and Training Program, providing CalFresh participants training and assistance towards job readiness, job security, work norms and access to higher education; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, and honors all of the individuals, organizations and agencies working to ensure that all County residents have access to safe, nutritious food and support in achieving sustainable economic health.

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

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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.

 

Cal CASA highlights volunteers during National Foster Care Month

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By Sharon M. Lawrence, Esq, CEO, California CASA Association

In observance of National Foster Care Month, California CASA highlights the work of Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who advocate for the needs of children and youth in foster care. Thank you to the 11,000 CASA volunteers statewide for being a consistent presence and reliable resource for 12,700 children and youth during times of uncertainty and transition.

With more than 78,000 children and youth in foster care in the state—victims of neglect, abuse, or exploitation—we need to do more. A CASA volunteer often represents their only stable, trusted relationship with an adult; the one person who will speak up for them—in court, in school, and in the community—to make sure their voice is heard, and their needs remain the top priority.

The CASA volunteer model works. Youth in foster care supported by a CASA volunteer are more likely to do better in school, receive more services, secure a permanent home, and have higher levels of hope.

California CASA works in partnership with our state’s 44 local CASA programs. Our vision is to ensure every child in foster care in California can have access to the transformative services and support of a CASA volunteer.

You can help foster more hopeful futures—one child, one CASA, at a time—by making a gift to California CASA today. Your gift will enable us to expand our collective impact so every child in foster care has a chance to thrive, with the skilled and compassionate support of a CASA volunteer.

 

All kids ages 2-12 can now travel at 50% of the Adult Fare on Amtrak San Joaquins

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Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) is pleased to announce that Amtrak San Joaquins has expanded its discount for kids aged 2-12. A travelling adult (18+) can now add up to 7 kids at 50% off. This updated policy revises the old Kids Discount policy, which most recently allowed the discount to apply to only one kid per adult.

The expanded discount will make it possible for more families to explore any of the over 100 destinations accessible via the San Joaquins train and Thruway Bus service. These destinations include, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Yosemite, Sacramento, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (seasonally), and many more. Parents can explore potential destinations by visiting https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/trip-ideas/.

“We are pleased to be able to extend the Kids Discount across our service,” said David Lipari, Marketing Manager for the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. “The expansion of the Kids Discount will make family travel easier and more affordable for our riders. Eliminating barriers for travelers is central to our mission of providing a safe, affordable, and reliable service.”

Discount Restrictions

Learn more at Amtrak.com/children-discounts.

  • Kids and infants must be accompanied by at least one adult (18+) in the same reservation.
  • Kids 2-12 years of age may not travel unaccompanied.*
  • All persons 13 years of age or older, and all unaccompanied minors, pay adult fares.
  • Kids under 2 years occupying a separate coach seat will be charged the fare for Kids aged 2-12 years.
  • Kids’ ages are determined by actual date of birth.
  • The age of the kid at the start of the trip determines the fare that applies for the entire itinerary.
  • Amtrak reserves the right to require proof of age at any time.
  • Additional restrictions may apply.

In addition to the expanded Kids Discount, Amtrak San Joaquins offers discounts to a variety of travelers, including students, veterans, active duty military, and their spouses, seniors, rider with disabilities, and others. More information on the other discounts available can be found at https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/promotions/.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 1 million annual riders and 18 stations providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Prior to service modifications due to the COVID-19 crisis, Amtrak San Joaquins operated 7 daily train round-trips and its Thruway buses provided connecting service to over 100 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. To book your next trip, visit www.AmtrakSanJoaquins.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

 

Profile in Courage: Brentwood middle-schooler braves battle with childhood kidney cancer

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Cristian Muñoz with sign and family during the Tunnels of Joy event in Brentwood last December. Source: Kaiser Permanente

By Antonia Ehlers, Senior Public Relations Consultant, PR and Media Relations Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Cristian with friend Liam Freitas at December fundraiser.

Maria Muñoz vividly remembers the day last September when her 11-year-old son Cristian was injured playing football with his friends.

He jumped up to catch a ball, but accidentally fell. Cristian felt intense stomach pain; something didn’t feel right. He called his mom and she raced to school to pick him up. Later that evening, Cristian ended up in the Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center emergency room.

“Every minute, his pain was increasing,” said Munoz, an instructional aide at Pioneer Elementary School. “It was awful. They told us that Cristian had internal bleeding and a possible mass.”

It was soon determined that the energetic boy had a common form of childhood kidney cancer known as Wilms’ tumor. The impact of the football injury ripped the tumor and caused Cristian’s excruciating pain. Cristian was sent to Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center for surgery where he was cared for by a team of physicians and nurses, including Surgeon Sani Yamout, MD, and Pediatric Oncologist Caroline Yingwen Hu, MD.

“Wilms’ tumor is the most common childhood kidney cancer,” Hu noted. “We see several cases each year. Symptoms can include belly pain, belly swelling, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting.”

However, Cristian didn’t have these symptoms because his cancer presented suddenly, Hu said. Because of that, doctors had to quickly determine a treatment plan that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Munoz said Cristian’s Kaiser Permanente doctors and nurses have been “one hundred percent amazing.”

“I’ll never forget the nurse who held my hand before Cristian’s biopsy,” she added. “He said, ‘Your son is going to be just fine.’ That made me feel safe. Another nurse was wonderful to Cristian. She wrote him notes, sent him inspirational quotes and told him to stay strong.”

Muñoz shared that some days more difficult than others.

“There are days when I go into my closet and cry,” she said. “That releases my stress, and it helps. However, our support network has been incredible. So many of our friends and family members have brought us meals and have visited Cristian to cheer him up—he loves that. The community of Brentwood has supported our family tremendously. We are so grateful.”

Community Spirit

Cristian, a Bristow Middle School student, said his courageous battle has taught him many life lessons, especially the importance of community.

Cristian has been surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends. His parents, Maria and Joel, and his siblings—Anthony, Jonathan and Liliana—have lifted his spirits and have encouraged him to stay positive and strong. Cristian’s friend, Liam Freitas, sold “Team Cristian” bracelets to the local community.

“Cristian is so brave and gregarious,” Hu said. “He has tons of friends and a very close-knit family.”

In December, Cristian was honored at Brentwood’s community-building event, Tunnels of Joy. Since 2016, Brentwood residents have walked through glorious lights to honor cancer patients. The popular fundraiser was named after Joy Bursch, who passed away in 2009. The colorful lights on La Costa Street illuminate the neighborhood and create an inclusive ambiance of unity, holiday spirit and joy.

“The highlight of Tunnels of Joy was all the attention I received,” Cristian said. “I felt famous. I loved being able to see my friends, all the lights and the hot chocolate.”

Cristian, like many other middle-school students, enjoys listening to music and playing video games on his Xbox. He hopes to inspire other young cancer patients on his journey.

“I would advise other children battling an illness to stay strong and find a hobby that will distract your mind,” Cristian said. “If you don’t like your medication, just plug your nose and take it. My goals for the future are to be healthy and strong, and to continue to play sports. My illness has taught me how much my family and friends love and care for me.”

Oakley woman arrested on 21 counts of illicit behavior with juveniles

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Victims were ages 13 to 16; bail set at $1,160,000

Jennifer Decarlo. Photo: OPD

By Oakley Police Department

In March 2022, the Oakley Police Department received a report involving lewd and lascivious acts between an adult female and a juvenile male victim. The suspect was identified as Jennifer Decarlo, a 34-year-old female and Oakley resident.

Oakley Police detectives immediately began investigating the allegations. Several interviews and search warrants were conducted, in addition to several items of evidence being collected and analyzed. The ongoing investigation revealed multiple lewd acts with the original victim and additional male victims, between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. The alleged criminal acts occurred between January 2022 to March 2022. Decarlo is believed to have met each victim through family, friends, or acquaintances.

On May 11, 2022 Oakley Police Detectives arrested Decarlo at her residence and she was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. The Oakley Police Department presented the case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and 21 felony charges were filed. See list of charges below. Decarlo remains in custody on bail of $1,160,000.

Based on the facts gathered in this case, the Oakley Police Department believes there may be additional victims of Decarlo. Any additional victims are urged to contact Detective Minister at 925-625-8822 or Dispatch at 925-625-8060.

List of charges:

Count 1) PC288(a) – Lewd act with a child under 14

Count 2) PC288(a) – Lewd act with a child under 14

Count 3) PC288(a) – Lewd act with a child under 14

Count 4) PC261.5(d) – Unlawful intercourse with minor under 16

Count 5) PC287(b)(2) – Oral copulation with minor under 16

Count 6) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 7) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 8) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 9) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act with a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 10) PC288.2(a) – Sending harmful matter with intent to seduce minor

Count 11) PC288.3(a) – Communicating with minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 12) PC288.4(b) – Arranging to meet minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 13) PC261.5(c) – Unlawful intercourse with minor

Count 14) PC287(b)(1) – Oral copulation with minor

Count 15) PC288.3(a) – Communicating with minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 16) PC288.4(b) – Arranging to meet minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 17) PC288(c)(1) -Lewd act w/ a child 14 or 15; 10< year age difference

Count 18) PC287(b)(2) – Oral copulation with minor under 16

Count 19) PC261.5(d) – Unlawful intercourse with minor under 16

Count 20) PC288.3(a) – Communicating with minor for purpose of lewd act

Count 21) PC288.4(b) – Arranging to meet minor for purpose of lewd act

Bay Area health officials share guidance to navigate the infant formula shortage

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Source: CDC

By Contra Costa Health Services

There continues to be a shortage of infant formula nationwide due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in Michigan. The federal government is currently working on strategies to increase production of formula and help families access existing stock.

Compared to other states California is faring better, but the shortages are still of concern.

Babies need the right balance of nutrients- not too much or too little of anything- to grow and be healthy. It is important for your baby’s health to use products that meet federal standards to ensure the formula is safe and free of harmful bacteria.

During this challenging time, the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley encourage parents and families to:

  • If you are currently breastfeeding, continue if possible. We recognize this optionmay not be viable for everyone. If someone is partially breastfeeding, they may consider reaching out to a lactation care provider (in-person or by telehealth) to help ensure that they maintain or increase their milk supply by breastfeeding more.
  • Talk to your child’s doctor about substituting formula brands. For most babies, if their regular brand of formula is not currently available, it is OK to substitute with a similar version. Also consult your child’s pediatrician if your baby requires a specialized formula, (therapeutic or metabolic formula for an infant with a medical condition requiring different caloric or nutrient content), before making any substitution. Your pediatrician may recommend a milk bank referral. If you have questions about which formula is acceptable, contact your child’s pediatrician or your local WIC agency. (In Contra Costa County, call (800) 414-4WIC.)
  • Avoid making your own formula at home, watering down formula to make it last longer, using expired formula, using cow, goat, or plant-based milk for formula, or giving toddler formula to infants. Doing so can reduce the amount of nutrients a baby receives and can lead to potential serious health complications. If no other options are available to feed your baby, children over six months may be eligible for whole, pasteurized, cow’s milk, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is not ideal and should not be done for more than one week. Talk to your pediatrician if you need to give your baby cow’s milk for a week to see if this option is appropriate for your child.
  • Apply to the WIC program. About half of all births in California are in low-income families who qualify for the WIC program, and income-eligible clients can receive a WIC card and use it to purchase a limited amount of formula at participating retail stores. WIC offices are staffed by individuals with close ties to their communities. Existing WIC clients should use their benefits for formula earlier in the month in case they run into shortages near the end of their benefit period.
  • Find out what resources exist in the community and share those resources widely. If you see infant formula in stock when you’re shopping, make it known within your network.

Health officials will continue to monitor the shortage and provide updates as new information is available.