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

March 15, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

 

Filed Under: Central County, Concord, Health, Labor & Unions, News

“Return of the Jedi” 40th anniversary celebration at Contra Costa Con 5 Sunday in Concord

March 11, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Meet the Ewoks, Darth Vader and more at Concord Hilton Hotel; Kids 9 & under are FREE! ​Plus, FREE parking

Co-promoted by American Brick Builders

Contra Costa Con 5 is coming to Concord this Sunday, Mar. 12, at the Hilton Concord Hotel featuring actors and behind the scenes creators from the Star Wars family celebrating Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary movie release.

Actors from Return of the Jedi and other Star Wars films on hand at Contra Costa Con 5 include C. Andrew Nelson (Darth Vader), Margo Apostolos (Ewok Tokkat), Kevin Thompson (Ewok Chubbray), Alan Fernandes (Tusken Raider) and David Gonzalez (Ak-Rev–Jabba the Hutt’s drum master).

Kevin Thompson

Adding to their star power is one of the most prominent voice actors of the past 30 years, Mark Dodson. He voiced Salacious Crumb in Return of the Jedi and provided various voices for Ewoks: The Battle for Endor and Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. Dodson is perhaps best known as the voice of the eponymous creatures in Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Emmy Award-winning director, writer and producer Kirk R. Thatcher (Return of the Jedi, Star Trek, Spider-Man, Muppets and RoboCop) is part of the behind-the-scenes talents from Industrial Light & Magic at Contra Costa Con 5 that also includes David Carson (Return of the Jedi, Empire Strikes Back), Randy Ottenberg (Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episodes I and II), Selwyn Eddy III (Return of the Jedi, Empire Strikes Back, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor) and David Tanaka (Star Wars: Episodes I and IV).

Kirk Thatcher

There will be panels with the actors and ILM technical stars at Contra Costa Con 5.

The Rebel Legion Endor Base, Mandolorian Mercs Teren Clan, 501st Legion Golden Gate Garrison and Droid Builders members will come as their favorite Star War characters to meet and have photos taken with fans of the iconic movies.

Toys, art, comics, LEGO, anime, vintage and new collectibles, games, jewelry, apparel and much more will be featured at the family-friendly show hosted by Bay Area Festivals and American Brick Builders.

Contra Costa Con 5 is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free parking at the Hilton. The first 300 families get a free Toy Bag.

Featured guests enjoy meeting and chatting with attendees. However, the ticket admission price does not include picture, autograph or audio with featured guests.

A free, family-friendly Star Wars Cosplay Costume Contest for attendees awards cash prizes in different age groups. Contest registration will be taken during the day with contest judging at 3 p.m.

New items and collectibles from Star Wars, Disney, Transformers, Funko Pop, LEGO, Pokémon, G.I. Joe, Marvel, DC, Dragon Ball Z, My Hero Academia, Hot Wheels and much more will be available from the wide variety of exhibitors at the show. Posters, anime, art, prints, t-shirts, hats, books, buttons, classic video games, jewelry and cards are featured too.

The Hilton is located at 1970 Diamond Blvd, two blocks off Interstate 680 in Concord. For more information visit www.ContraCostaCon.com.

Tickets for Contra Costa Con 5 are on sale now at www.ContraCostaCon.com. Advance ticket buyers get entered in a free raffle and get a free $2 Shopping Buck at check-in. Children nine and under are free. Presented by Bay Area Festivals and co-promoted by American Brick Builders of Antioch.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Central County, Concord

Josh Hill joins BAC Community Bank as Sr. VP

December 29, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Josh Hill

By Josef Britschgi, Marketing & Communication Administrator, BAC Community Bank

December 29, 2022 – Stockton, Calif – Josh Hill has joined locally-owned BAC Community Bank as Senior Vice President and Retail Banking Officer. Hill is a results-driven financial services professional with more than 28 years of extensive leadership experience.  He has most recently led and grown retail banking teams within the BAC Community Bank footprint and Northern California.

“We are excited to be working with Josh,” said Jackie Verkuyl, Chief Administrative Officer, “the skills and insight he brings complement BAC’s future-focused strategic path.”

Working with other seasoned members of management, Hill is responsible for the overall success of the relationship banker and deposit service specialist teams, as well as leading BAC’s branch operations and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality customer banking experiences.  He also assists in developing and overseeing retail policies and strategies while working with team members to improve and implement new retail products and services.

Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

About BAC Community Bank

BAC Community Bank is California’s 10th oldest state-chartered bank. Established in 1965, BAC operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa counties and is identified as “one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation” by BauerFinancial, Inc.

The bank is centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, and is continuously recognized for banking excellence through local awards and banking industry accolades.

BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com.

 

Filed Under: Business, Concord, East County, News, People

CHP report: Antioch Mayor’s Blood Alcohol Level during DUI arrest was .121 and .124

December 28, 2022 By Publisher 12 Comments

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe was arrested on March 19, 2022, for DUI. Later that day in an apology video he said, “I never felt inhibited by the drink I had with my dinner”.

Enough for 3 drinks for his body weight, more than “the drink…with dinner” he admitted to; lied to CHP officer; failed field sobriety tests; refused breath test during stop

By Allen D. Payton

According to the arrest report of his DUI arrest in March Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe had a Blood Alcohol Level of .121% and .124% according to two chemical breath tests he was administered. Released by the California Highway Patrol on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, the report also reveals Thorpe failed the field sobriety tests in a variety of ways including having nystagmus which is defined as, “uncontrolled repetitive movements of the eyes” and “the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath”. Thorpe DUI Arrest 3-19-22 Report Redacted

Yet, in an apology video on his official Facebook page later that morning, Thorpe said, “I never felt inhibited by the drink I had with my dinner”. He was pulled over by CHP Officer J. Dagnino at about 1:15 AM.

The report also shows Thorpe lied to the officer about having anything to drink.

“I asked Lamar if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages prior to driving and he related he had nothing to drink,” Rosario wrote.

The report shows the 41-year-old Thorpe, who was wearing a “Michelob Ultra” wristband at the time of the stop, “was struggling to maintain a center lane position” while driving northbound on I-680 in Concord at 59 MPH.

During the field sobriety test, while standing on one leg he, “Swayed from center, left to right” and “lost his balance” during the Walk and Turn portion of the field test. Officer Dagnino wrote that he, “advised Lamar of the PAS (Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device)…and he refused to provide a sample.”

Blood Alcohol Content and Level

According to Law and Daily Life “The definition of blood alcohol content is the blood alcohol level expressed as a percentage” and “Generally one drink is considered: (1) 12 fluid oz. beer, (1) 5 fluid oz. glass of wine or (1) 1.5 fluid oz shot of hard liquor.”

The arrest report shows Thorpe weighs 120 pounds. According to the DMV’s BAC chart that means he had to have consumed at least four drinks prior to his arrest, not taking into account the reduction by 0.01% for each 40 minutes of drinking. His two tests were administered at 2:13 AM and 2:19 AM, which means his BAC was higher at the time he was driving an hour prior.

12-28-22 9:00 PM UPDATE: However, the original arrest report issued in March shows Thorpe weighs 150 pounds which according to the above chart clearly requires at least three drinks to be legally intoxicated. Chp288B.THORPE Report of Arrest 3-19-22

An email was sent to CHP PIO Andrew Barclay Wednesday evening for clarification of which weight for Thorpe is correct. Barclay responded, “His license lists 120 lbs., but as you know you can claim whatever. I would not know what his current weight is as it is inconsequential in our investigations.  The 150 could simply be a typo.”

According to reports from Antioch residents and restaurant staff members who chose to remain anonymous, Thorpe was seen drinking at an Antioch restaurant earlier that day prior to leaving the area.

Transcript of Report

Observation Prior to Contact

“On 3/19/2022 at approximately 0110 hours, I was on patrol, in full CHP uniform, driving a fully marked black and white CHP patrol vehicle, with my partner Officer J. Del Rosario #22568 (passenger). On the date and time mentioned, I was traveling northbound on I-680, just south of Monument boulevard within the #4 lane, monitoring traffic. Traffic was moderately light, and I observed a silver SUV just ahead of my location, within the #5 lane, that was struggling to maintain its center lane position. I accelerated my patrol vehicle and positioned it directly behind the silver SUV, now identified as a silver Volvo with a California license plate of (redacted) and continued to monitor the Volvo’s driving behavior. While monitoring the Volvo’s driving behavior, I observed the Volvo continue to struggle to maintain a center lane position, by crossing over the broken white lane divider line on left side and the solid white line on the right side. The Volvo was also traveling at approximately 59 MPH in a posted 65 MPH zone.

After observing the Volvo’s driving behavior, I activated my patrol vehicle’s emergency CODE 3 lights and initiated an enforcement stop on the Volvo. The driver of the Volvo applied the brakes and began to pull to the right shoulder on SR-242 northbound, just north of the I-680 transition. Using the patrol vehicle loudspeaker (PA) my partner began to instruct the driver of the Volvo to exit at the Clayton Road exit. The driver of the Volvo continued to drive on the shoulder of SR-242, until my partner directed the Volvo to turn right onto Market Street and pull to the right curb edge, just south of Clayton Road. The Volvo followed instructions given by my partner and pulled to the right curb edge, just south of Clayton Road and Market Street intersection. I parked directly behind the Volvo, exited my patrol vehicle and made a passenger side approach of the Volvo.

Observation Upon Contact

I contacted the driver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, through a lowered passenger window and immediately detected the odor of an alcohol beverage emitting from within the Volvo. I advised the driver for the reason of the stop and asked for his license, registration, and insurance. The driver provided me with a California Driver License and was positively identified as Lamar Anthony Thorpe with a date of birth of 04/06/81 and [redacted].

Upon contact, Lamar displayed objective signs and symptoms of intoxication; watery eyes, droopy eye lids and slurred speech. Lamar was also wearing a white Michelob Ultra wristband around his right wrist and related he was on his way home from dinner. I asked Lamar if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages prior to driving and he related he had nothing to drink. I directed Lamar to exit the vehicle and meet me near my patrol vehicle to answer a series of questions and perform a series of voluntary field sobriety tests. Lamar exited his vehicle and met me on the concrete sidewalk. While speaking with Lamar outside the vehicle, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. I asked Lamar the remainder of the Pre-FST questions which he answered accordingly. I explained and demonstrated a series of Field Sobriety Tests to Lamar, which he did not complete as explained and demonstrated.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

Lamar related he was wearing soft contact lenses. His eyes were watery, his pupils were equal, and he was able to track the tip of my finger with both eyes. He displayed the following:

  • Lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes
  • Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes
  • Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in his right eye, at approximately 40 degrees
  • Lack of convergence in his left eye.

Walk and Turn

During Walk and Turn, Lamar displayed the following:

  • Lamar lost his balance during the instruction phrase. I instructed him to set back up in the starting position.
  • Lamar used his arms for balance by raising them more than six inches from his sides.
  • Stepped offline between steps 5 and 6, during the first set of steps
  • Missed heel to toe contact by more than 1” between steps 3 & 4 of the first set.

One Leg Stand:

Lamar raised his left foot for the test, and he displayed the following:

  • Swayed from center, left to right
  • Used his arms for balance by raising them more than six inches from his sides.
  • Put his foot down twice and was instructed to lift his foot and continue to test

Modified Rhomberg

Lamar was instructed to end the test once he reached an internal estimated count of thirty seconds, he ended the test at fifty-two seconds.

  • His eyes displayed tremors
  • He swayed from center, front to back
  • Lamar displayed a bouncing pulse in his neck

ARREST

Due to Lamar operating a motor vehicle upon a highway, his admission to operating a motor vehicle, the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath, his objective signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment (water eyes, slowed/ slurred speech, droopy eye lids) and his poor performance on the field sobriety tests, I determined Lamar was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was impaired. I placed Lamar under arrest for violation of California Vehicle Code section 23152(a) VC (Misdemeanor, DU). Lamar was searched incident to arrest and placed in the front seat of my patrol vehicle. I advised Lamar of Implied Consent (23612 VC) and he chose to submit to a chemical breath test.

Lamar was transported to the CHP Contra Costa Area Office for the chosen chemical test. I observed Lamar for fifteen minutes prior to administering the chemical breath test to ensure he did nothing to compromise the test. Lamar provided two breath sample with results of .121% and .124%. I advised Lamar of Trombetta and he declined any further testing. (According to LosAngelesDUIAttorney.com, “California v. Trombetta was a Supreme Court case that found that police do not have to preserve DUI breath test samples like other evidence. It was also be used as a precedent…to establish rules for destroyed or missing evidence).

Following the chemical test, Lamar signed the CHP 215/ Promise to Appear in my presence and was released to [redacted].

EVIDENCE

Item #1            1 Compact Disc containing video of news clip/ suspect’s admission to driving while under the influence.

OTHER FACTUAL INFORMATION

The same morning following the incident, ABC 7 news uploaded an article regarding the arrest/ incident. In the video, Lamar Anthony Thorpe (Mayor Antioch, Ca) relates he was arrested by California Highway Patrol for driving under the influence. In the video, Lamar related he assumes full responsibility for his actions and admits to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. The video was copied onto a compact disc, booked into the CHP Contra Costa temporary evidence locker and a copy was attached with this report.

The patrol vehicle utilized is equipped with a Wireless Mobile Video Audio Recording System (VVMVARS) that was on at the time of the incident and which may or may not have captured all relevant information.

RECOMMENDATION

I recommended a copy of this report be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution of Lamar Anthony Thorpe for the following charges:

  • 23152(a) VC – Misdemeanor – Driving Under the Influence.
  • 23152(b) VC – Misdemeanor – Driving Under the Influence over .08% BAC.”

———-

Found Guilty on One DUI Count

As previously reported, Thorpe, through his attorney, pled no contest to both charges, during his court hearing, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. According to the Felony and Misdemeanor Clerk’s Docket and Minutes he was found guilty on the second count of DUI over .08% BAC and the other charge was dismissed. Thorpe Clerk’s Docket and Minutes 12-13-22 redacted

According to the Misdemeanor Order of Probation, Thorpe was fined $1,749 and was sentenced to two days I prison with one day credited and is eligible for the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program for the one remaining day. Thorpe was also sentenced to three years of probation and cannot drive a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in his blood and must attend and complete a three-month alcohol program. Thorpe Misdemeanor Order of Probation 12-13-22 redacted

He was given the Watson advisement. According to LosAngelesDUIAttorney.com, A “Watson advisement” is a formal statement you must sign after being convicted of DUI. It says you understand that driving under the influence can injure or kill people, and it can be used against you if you ever cause a DUI accident in the future. Legally, this means that you could be tried for second degree murder if your DUI kills someone.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Filed Under: Central County, CHP, Concord, Crime, East County, News

Concord nursing home to pay $2.3 million in settlement of grossly substandard care allegations

November 29, 2022 By Publisher 1 Comment

Submitted false claims in billing to Medicare and Medi-Cal programs

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

Tranquility Incorporated, a corporation doing business as San Miguel Villa which is a 190-bed skilled nursing facility located in Concord, CA, has agreed to pay $2.3 million to settle allegations that it submitted false claims by billing the Medicare and Medi-Cal programs for grossly substandard nursing home services it provided to its residents between 2012 and 2017, announced United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan. (See settlement)

The settlement resolves allegations that from 2012 to 2017 San Miguel Villa submitted, or caused to be submitted, claims to the Medicare and Medi-Cal programs for payment of its services that were grossly substandard and failed to meet minimum required standards of skilled nursing care in multiple ways. The United States alleges that nursing home residents at San Miguel Villa were overmedicated with psychotropic drugs, suffered excessive falls, were exposed to resident-on-resident altercations, and experienced other mental and physical harm.

“Residents of nursing homes are among the most vulnerable in our community, and they rely on Medicare and Medi-Cal programs to provide the care and services they must have,” said United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds. “Nursing homes are entrusted to impart competent and quality care to their residents. This case demonstrates that when federal funds are provided but substandard care is delivered, this office is committed to seeking accountability.”

“Nursing homes are intended to be places of comfort and healing, but the provision of substandard care jeopardizes the residents’ health and safety,” stated Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge with HHS-OIG. “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners are staunchly dedicated to investigating allegations of inadequate care at Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gioconda Molinari investigated the matter with the assistance of Paralegal Lillian Do and Auditor Garland He. The United States Attorney’s Office initiated the investigation with assistance from HHS-OIG as part of its ongoing commitment to ensure that nursing home residents receive the necessary skilled nursing home services that they are entitled to and require. The United States Attorney’s Office acknowledges and thanks HHS-OIG as well as the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse for their assistance in investigating this matter.

Working in conjunction with the United States Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative, the United States Attorney’s Office runs an Elder Justice Task Force to identify and investigate nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care, and to support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals who combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse at a nursing home, please contact the California Long Term Care Ombudsman Crisis line at 1-800-231-4024, or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833–FRAUD–11 (or 833–372–8311).

 

Filed Under: Central County, Concord, Crime, DOJ, Health, News, Seniors, U S Attorney

St. Vincent de Paul, De La Salle Lacrosse “Team-Up” to provide Thanksgiving dinners for needy Concord families

November 23, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

DLS Lacrosse Team supports SVdP – St Francis Turkey Drive on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Photo: St. Vincent de Paul

By Brian Boyle, Communications & Development Associate, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, the St. Vincent de Paul branch at St. Francis Assisi church in Concord, and the coaches and players on the De La Salle Lacrosse teams provided over 100 turkeys and over 100 volunteer hours to help hungry Concord families.  As a result, these 100 families, (over 400 individuals), will have a special holiday meal to serve their family this Thanksgiving.

Isabel Lara, the leader of the St. Vincent de Paul volunteer team in Concord said that they would not be able to extend this program to the needy without the help of the De La Salle Lacrosse teams.

“The kindness and support of the DLS Lacrosse players and coaches at the Thanksgiving distribution was a gift to the community!” she shared. “The happy faces from the parents and their children as they received their turkey, and the bags of food was a beautiful expression of their gratitude.”

The St. Vincent de Paul branch at St. Francis of Assisi operates a food pantry, provides home visits to extend basic needs assistance, (rental & utility assistance), and other services for the needy.

The De La Salle Lacrosse teams have provided this assistance to St. Vincent de Paul for 12 years, distributing over 1,650 turkeys, raising over $35,500 and contributing over 1,230 volunteer hours.

If someone needs help, please contact SVdP at www.svdp-cc.org, or (925) 439-5060.

About St. Vincent de Paul

The mission of St. Vincent de Paul: A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County provides help to neighbors in need regardless of gender, national origin, race, or religion. It is part of an international non-profit, organized locally to bring concrete aid and comfort to those who are poor and suffering in Contra Costa County. The Society collaborates with other people and organizations of good will in mitigating need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served.

 

Filed Under: Central County, Community, Concord, Faith, Sports, Youth

John Muir Health’s Concord, Walnut Creek Medical Centers ranked among top in Bay Area, California

July 29, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

For San Francisco Metro Area Hospitals and Top 17 in California in U.S. News & World Report’s annual America’s Best Hospitals list 

By Ben Drew, Communications Chief, John Muir Health

John Muir Health’s Concord and Walnut Creek Medical Centers earned the designation of Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of America’s Best Hospitals. To earn this distinction, each medical center had to earn at least one national ranking in a specialty or at least seven ratings of “high performing” across the procedures and conditions evaluated by U.S. News & World Report.

For the 2022-23 rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. In the 15 specialty areas, 164 hospitals were ranked in at least one specialty. In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized hospitals as high performing across multiple areas of care.

The Walnut Creek Medical Center is ranked second and the Concord Medical Center third out of 49 hospitals in the San Francisco Metro Area, which includes hospitals in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin counties. The two medical centers are also ranked among the top 17 in the state out of more than 400 hospitals.

“Our physicians, nurses, clinical and support staff, and volunteers continue to deliver outstanding care and service at a time of great need in our community,” said Jane Willemsen, Executive Vice President and President, Hospital Operations at John Muir Health. “I’m grateful for the resiliency and efforts of our teams as we manage the COVID-19 pandemic and treat and care for patients with a range of injuries and illnesses.”

For the 16th consecutive year, the Walnut Creek Medical Center had at least one service nationally ranked — one of less than 4% of medical centers across the country that achieved a national ranking. The Walnut Creek Medical Center was nationally ranked in Diabetes & Endocrinology (#42), Obstetrics & Gynecology (#36), Orthopedics (#35) and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (#36). The medical center also ranked as high-performing in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, and Urology. In addition, Walnut Creek was rated as high performing in 14 adult procedures and conditions, including Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), Colon Cancer Surgery, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Hip Fracture, Hip Replacement, Kidney Failure, Knee Replacement, Lung Cancer Surgery, Ovarian Cancer Surgery, Pneumonia, and Stroke.

The Concord Medical Center was ranked as high-performing in five specialties, including Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, and Urology. In addition, the Concord Medical Center was rated as high performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions, including Aortic Valve Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), Colon Cancer Surgery, Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, Hip Replacement, Kidney Failure, Lung Cancer Surgery, Pneumonia, Prostate Cancer Surgery, Stroke, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

“We never take recognitions like the ones from U.S. News & World Report for granted and are incredibly proud of our teams and the care they provide,” said Russell Rodriguez, M.D, interim Chief Medical Officer at John Muir Health. “These ratings are a direct reflection of and a credit to the talent, skills, empathy and teamwork of our clinicians and staff.”

“For patients considering their options for where to get care, the Best Hospitals rankings are designed to help them and their medical professionals identify hospitals that excel in the kind of care they may need,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “The new cancer ratings provide patients facing surgery for prostate cancer or gynecological cancer with previously unavailable information to assist them in making a critical health care decision.”

Between the two medical centers, John Muir Health has 798 licensed beds. The Walnut Creek Medical Center also serves as the designated trauma center for Contra Costa County. In addition, the health system offers a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians to care for patients.

The complete rankings and methodology are available at Best Hospitals.

To learn more about John Muir Health’s award-winning programs and services, visit: www.johnmuirhealth.com.

Filed Under: Central County, Concord, Health, News

Concord Jazz Festival August 3-7

July 15, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Four days of free admission!

Don’t miss the 2022 Concord Jazz Festival! Celebrate Concord’s 50+ year jazz legacy with ‘Take 5’ – five days of special jazz performances and events at different locations around town from Wednesday, August 3 through Sunday, August 7.

RSVP NOW: https://bit.ly/3xmSLZP

Weds, Aug 3 – Jinx Jones at 2022 Concord Jazz Festival: The Veranda Unplugged. 6:30-8:00 pm, FREE ADMISSION

Thurs, Aug 4 – Carlos Reyes Music and Market, Todos Santos Plaza. 6:30-8:00 pm, FREE ADMISSION

Fri, Aug 5 – KJ Focus & Glib Rig at Concord Tap House. 5:00-7:00 pm, FREE ADMISSION

Sat, Aug 6 – Howard Wiley, Brian Ho Trio & Chaz Gunter at Jazz In the Park, Todos Santos Plaza. Marketplace and food trucks open at 12pm, and music starts at 1pm, FREE ADMISSION.

Sun, Aug 7 – Stratify & KJ Focus at Java and Jazz, Concord Museum & Event Center, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Admission: $15

Get your ticket: https://bit.ly/3ahvcZX

Each attendee gets a souvenir Concord Jazz Fest cup with unlimited iced coffee and iced tea (while supplies last). Proceeds goes to the Concord Historical Society.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Central County, Concord

TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care welcomes author Jolene Brackey for a Zoom Event on June 28, 2022

June 20, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Brackey will offer tips to caregivers, friends and family of individuals with dementia

Antioch and Concord…Although it’s impossible to create a perfectly wonderful day, caregivers for those with dementia can create perfectly wonderful moments for those with memory loss. In an effort to assist caregivers as well as anyone who loves someone with dementia, TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care in Antioch and Concord are pleased to welcome Jolene Brackey, author of Creating Moments of Joy, for a special event. Brackey will discuss fun and simple ways to bring joy into every day for those with dementia. She will also answer questions from event attendees.

The zoom event will be held on June 28, 2022, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (pacific). Those interested in attending should either Tamsen Meierdierck at TreVista Antioch at tmeierdierck@trevista-antioch.com or 925-470-3395 or Mike Bonifay at TreVista Concord at mbonifay@trevista-concord.com or 925-798-3900. Those who contact either individual will be added to the RSVP list and get a personalized zoom link. Those who attend the event live on zoom will get a free copy of Brackey’s book.

Brackey has shared her message of joy and inspiration with families and caregivers across North America for more than twenty years. A sought-after voice in the health care community, Brackey maintains an active speaking calendar. Passing on all she has learned from her travels and from her work with families and loved ones, her passion is to change the way people see people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. More information can be found at Jolene’s website, enhancedmoments.com.

For more information on TreVista, please visit trevistaseniorliving.com.

About TreVista

TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care provides expert, loving care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. TreVista believes that the quality of life for those with memory loss can be enhanced in the right environment with their support. There are two TreVista communities, located in Antioch and Concord, CA. TreVista is a member of the Agemark Senior Living family of companies. Agemark has been an industry leader in creating home-like senior communities for more than three decades and has been named a Great Place to Work in Aging Services by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE magazine, three years running. For more information on TreVista, visit trevistaseniorliving.com. For more information on Agemark, visit www.agemark.com.

 

Filed Under: Central County, Concord, East County, Seniors

DA files murder charge against homeless Concord man

May 19, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office files a murder charge against a homeless man in Concord — plus an enhancement for intentionally firing a handgun that killed a Walnut Creek resident.

29-year-old Guadalupe Jose Robles is currently in the Martinez Detention Facility for the murder of 25-year-old Shafi Kevin Qasimi. Mr. Robles was unhoused and camped in a creek area near Diamond Boulevard and Willow Pass Road in Concord when the incident occurred.

On May 5th, 2022, Robles got into an altercation with Qasimi — who went by the nickname, “Active.” Robles believed that Qasimi used Bear spray on Robles’ friend earlier that day and threatened to do the same to Robles during the argument. At one point, Qasimi walked away from Robles’s campsite, while Robles and two others followed him.

Robles was handed a small handgun — which has not been recovered — and he fired one shot that hit Qasimi in the head, killing him. Robles and others used a stolen vehicle to move Qasimi’s body from Concord to Oakland in the Grizzly Peak area — where it was eventually found by Oakland Police on May 12th after receiving a 911 call from an individual who was sightseeing with his family.

Robles was arraigned yesterday in Martinez. Docket Number: 01-22-00577.

According to localcrimenews.com, Robles has a list of arrests dating back to 2015.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Central County, Concord, Crime, District Attorney, News

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