Contra Costa Herald

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

County Social workers, eligibility workers extend unfair labor practice strike to fifth day

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On Wednesday, Contra Costa County social workers and eligibility workers announced a one-day extension in their strike, protesting intimidation by County Executives. Workers announced last Friday that they had intended to strike for three days but are now preparing to enter an unprecedented five-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in Contra Costa.

Two of those picketing offered their concerns and reasons for participating in the strike.

“I am here today because we are fighting for the resources to serve the community and to have a safe working environment for employees,” said Vicky Dominguez, Medical Social Worker at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. “We want to be able to continue serving the community. To be able to have enough medical social workers at the hospital to help people with issues like domestic violence, child abuse, elderly individuals that need placement in skilled nursing facilities or assistance with mental health challenges and homeless individuals that need help with transition back to the community. These are things we deal with on a daily basis.”

“I have been with the County for 11 years,” said Sharon Taylor, Eligibility Worker with CalWorks. “It is not just related to our ULP, but there was $21 million lost because the county has not provided enough workers. I know as a worker myself of being overloaded, stressed out and clients are not getting their services like they need to and deserve to and that is what we’re striking about. It’s about the community and the people we serve, and that’s why we are out here.”

Nearly 1,000 of social workers and eligibility workers and their community supports are expected to continue picketing in front of the county Administration building at 651 Pine Street in Martinez, beginning Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

Contra Costa Social Workers and Eligibility Workers vote to extend strike over unfair labor practices

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More than 1,000 people picket against county executives, Board of Supervisors on Tuesday

Nearly 1,000 workers from across Contra Costa County voted to extend their three-day unfair labor practice strike to a fourth day, after more than 1,000 people picketed against county Executives and the Board on Tuesday.

The picket line is being held, today, Wednesday, October 5, 2016 in front of the County Administration Building at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.

All nine of Assemblywoman Baker’s bipartisan bills were passed and signed into law

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Finishing out the last year of the 2015-16 legislative session, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon) announced that all of the nine bills she authored, were passed and sent to the Governor have been signed.

“Having nine bills pass with strong, bipartisan support and the Governor’s signature affirms my belief that bipartisanship can and does work,” said Baker.

The following bills were introduced by Assemblywoman Baker, received broad bipartisan support in the Legislature, and were signed by Governor Brown:

AB 1058 – Child abuse prevention training

Preventing child abuse by requiring the State Department of Education to establish guidelines and best practices for child abuse prevention in schools and school programs for the first time in California history.

AB 1284 – Bringing transparency to the Bay Bridge

Promoting much-needed transparency over the Bay Bridge Project by requiring the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee (TBPOC)—which oversees the Bay Bridge construction—to be subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act for the first time in the Committee’s history.

AB 773 – Addressing shortage of mental health professionals

Addressing the red tape and lack of consistency for obtaining psychology licenses by replacing the outdated system of licensing with a new system in which psychology licenses will expire two years from the date of issuance.

AB 1401 – Supporting veterans in higher education

Providing veterans of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, and the Naval Militia with greater access to student financial aid services as they pursue higher education after active duty.

AB 1399 – Supporting local domestic violence support programs

Increases available resources for programs serving victims of domestic violence by adding a donation option on California tax returns to the California Domestic Violence Victims Fund.

AB 2295 – Ensuring victims are allowed full restitution

Dissolving any ambiguity in California law to ensure convicted criminals are required to provide full restitution to their victims.

AB 2346 – Streamlining government hearings

Modernizes and streamlines the hearing process at the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) by making position statements available to Californians electronically, in person, or by mail, at least two working days before a hearing.

AB 2486 – Fighting underground economy and scams

Making it easier for consumers to find and check for a licensed contractor for construction projects by requiring the Contractors State License Board to update its website to allow consumers to search for licensed contractors by zip code, not just by license number or exact name.

AB 2263 – Protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and reproductive health care service providers

Closing a loophole in the state’s “Safe At Home Program” to better protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking from their abusers.

Baker added, “During the past two years, the greatest successes in the Legislature were the direct result of bipartisan efforts, championed by those who were willing to work across the aisle to put the needs of our State ahead of party politics. I remain committed to fostering strong bipartisan relationships and inspiring greater cooperation between Democrat and Republican members, and I’m hopeful that our state will make even larger strides in this area in the coming years. It is what our constituents deserve.”

Baker represents the 16th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

Congressman DeSaulnier to meet one-on-one with residents in El Cerrito, Wednesday

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Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) will continue his longtime practice of meeting one-on-one with constituents during Mobile District Office Hours on Wednesday, October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. during the El Cerrito Senior Resource Fair. Since being elected to Congress, DeSaulnier has hosted twenty-nine Mobile District Office Hours and Town Halls throughout Contra Costa County.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is the people. Meeting one-on-one with constituents and hearing first-hand about issues that impact their lives, families or our community helps inform my work in Congress. These conversations are critical to effectively representing the people of California’s 11th Congressional District. I invite all residents to drop by our Mobile District Office Hours to discuss important topics or learn about the services our office provides. I look forward to seeing you there,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

Congressman DeSaulnier will be on hand to share thoughts and to answer questions about federal legislation, and to assist with issues related to Social Security, Medicare, the Veteran’s Administration, or other federal agencies. Prior to hosting office hours DeSaulnier will speak at the El Cerrito Senior Resource Fair.

What: Congressman DeSaulnier’s Mobile District Office Hours

When: Wednesday, October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, CA

Details: First come, first served. No appointment necessary. This event is open to all residents of California’s 11th Congressional District.

For more information or to confirm you are a resident of the 11th district, please email CA11.RSVP@mail.house.gov or call (925) 933-2660.

 

Social Workers and Eligibility Workers to begin three-day unfair labor practice strike, Friday

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WHO: Hundreds of social workers, eligibility workers, and community supporters

WHAT: 1,100 Contra Costa workers represented by SEIU 1021 to go on strike, in protest of County Executives’ unfair labor practices against social workers and eligibility workers.

Workers and their community allies are protesting the intimidation of workers and the County Executives and Board of Supervisors’ failure to address the recruitment and retention crisis at Contra Costa Employment and Human Services Department.

WHEN: Friday, September 30, 2016 – Day 1 of Unfair Labor Practice Strike

8:00 am – media availability at the picket lines

Noon – community rally featuring members of the Richmond and El Cerrito City Councils, social workers and eligibility workers

5:00 pm – picket lines go down for the day

WHERE: 1305 MacDonald Avenue, Richmond

Contra Costa County responds to SEIU Local 1021 strike notification

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All county offices to remain open during strike

In response to a pending strike by SEIU Local 1021 at several County facilities starting on September 30, Contra Costa County officials want to assure the public that County services will continue during the strike.

The County claims it offers wage and benefit package already agreed to by the majority of the County’s bargaining units, including AFSCME 2700; AFSCME 512; Local 21; Teamsters 856; and Western Council of Engineers

Contra Costa County is currently in contract negotiations with SEIU 1021, the union that represents approximately 1,050 employees in Contra Costa County. In spite of 25 bargaining sessions over the past six months between the County and SEIU 1021, the union has given notice to County officials that they plan to strike and picket at County facilities.

The Union’s last proposal contained a demand for wage increases totaling 17% over three years, and a substantial increase in the County’s share of health care costs.

The County’s last proposal included the following offers:

  • Wage increases totaling 10% over three years, which has been the amount agreed to by the majority of the County’s bargaining units, including AFSCME 2700, AFSCME 512, Local 21, Teamsters 856 and the Western Council of Engineers. The 10% wage increase that is being offered to SEIU Local 1021 will cost the County almost $9 million over the three-year period.
  • Health Insurance options that would reduce costs for employees.
  • For the calendar year 2016, the County is picking up 100% of the health care premium increase, and will share equally (50/50) of any increases in 2017. Moreover, should employees next year, in 2017, take advantage of some of the plans that actually cost less than they did in 2016, the County’s share of the premium will not go down, resulting in enrolled members receiving 100% of any savings achieved.  The cost of picking up 100% of the premium increase for 2016 and paying 50% of the increase in 2017 will cost the County more than $11 million for all the bargaining units.
  • The County is committed to providing a safe work environment for all of our employees and clients, and has provided several proposals designed to address safety concerns expressed by SEIU Local 1021.

“The County is disappointed that the Union would take this action. We remain hopeful that an agreement on a successor Memorandum of Understanding can be reached in the near future,” said David Twa, Contra Costa County Administrator. “In the meantime, we want to assure the public that County services will continue.”

The Memorandum of Understanding between the County and SEIU Local 1021 expired on June 30, 2016.  Negotiations between the County and SEIU 1021 started on March 22, 2016. Most of the remaining issues are related to salaries and health insurance costs.  The Union represents primarily employees in the Employment and Human Services Department.

County Flood Control District seeks public input for ambitious creek restoration project

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ccc-flood-control-district-logoThe Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) will host a public workshop on Tuesday, October 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at 255 Glacier Drive, Martinez to receive public input for the planning phase of an ambitious restoration project for Lower Walnut Creek.

The Walnut Creek watershed is the largest in Contra Costa County, contains eight cities and more than 300,000 residents. The restoration project area consists of the most downstream 4 miles of this watershed that drains to Suisun Bay and is called Lower Walnut Creek.

The District’s long-term vision is to restore and enhance habitat in Lower Walnut Creek and to provide sustainable flood management, while allowing opportunities for public access and recreation. The first public workshop was held in December 2015 early in the planning process. The purpose of this second workshop is to receive public feedback on the restoration alternatives that have been developed to date.

“Since last year, we have worked closely with a representative group of stakeholders to design a project with multiple benefits for flood protection, water quality, wildlife habitat, and other community interests,” said Paul Detjens, District Senior Engineer and project manager for the restoration effort. “The District would like to share with the public what we’ve come up with and to listen to the community’s thoughts about the project.”

An important principle that has guided the planning phase of the project is to anticipate changes such as Sea Level Rise and to design a system that is resilient to change without expensive and environmentally-disruptive management actions.

“The project offers a unique opportunity to connect and expand habitats at the landscape scale, and to do it in a way that will provide benefits with future sea level changes,” said Michelle Orr, the principal technical consultant for the project who works with Environmental Science Associates based in San Francisco.

The community workshop will feature presentations describing different alternatives for the restoration of Lower Walnut Creek and will create a community forum to offer feedback about the direction of the restoration project. The public can also participate in the ongoing conversationa bout Lower Walnut Creek on the project’s Facebook page which can be accessed through www.lowerwalnutcreek.org. There, the public can learn more about the project and view a multi-episode video series produced by the District called Lower Walnut Creek Adventures.

In addition to the community workshop on October 4, the District invites the public to participate in Lower Walnut Creek field tours on October 1 and November 12. These site tours offer a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the restoration potential of Lower Walnut Creek. Seats are limited and registration is required. To register, visit www.lowerwalnutcreek.org.

Contra Costa Eligibility and Social Workers announce unfair labor practice strike

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Advocate for increased resources to public services, claim campaign of intimidation by county executives

At this morning’s Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Meeting, county social and eligibility workers announced their intention to conduct an unfair labor practice strike. The strike is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 30th and last until Tuesday, October 4th.

“Contra Costa County Executives and the Board of Supervisors must negotiate a contract that recognizes the dedicated workers who serve those in our communities who need the most protection,” said Yvonne Ybanez, a Contra Costa Social Services Program Assistant and county resident. “We are fighting to make sure we have the safety, resources and staffing to do our jobs.”

The county workers, in their four months of negotiations with the County, have been bargaining to improve services to Contra Costa’s at-risk residents that include the homeless, victims of child and elder abuse, and families in need of food assistance.

Workers have brought to light the loss of $21 million for public assistance programs and the County’s failure to address the understaffing that’s resulted in increased case loads and backlogs of cases. In the last three years millions, allocated from state and federal sources to administer programs like CalFresh and CalWorks, had to be returned by the County because staff vacancies in the Employment and Services Department is as high as 40 percent.

Contra Costa County’s failure to recruit and retain staff puts crucial public assistance programs at risk. Workers who have spoken out on these revelations have been targeted and threatened by County management. Workers will strike Friday, September 30, in protest of these unfair labor practices and to bring further attention to the county’s social service crisis.

In order to deliver consistent, quality, public assistance to county residents, Contra Costa Executives need to recruit and retain the best staff to deliver it. But, as Contra Costa has one of the lowest salary and benefit packages in the Bay Area, leaving many employees to lean on the very public assistance services they administer.

Safety is another factor keeping the county from keeping a fully-staffed workforce. Multiple violent incidents—including shootings—take place every year in front of county facilities. County safety protocols were originally written in 1976 and have yet to be revised to adequately address the threats workers and clients face today.

The Contra Costa Labor Council, representing 80,000 working families in the county, has sanctioned the scheduled unfair labor practice strike. While a majority of Contra County eligibility and social workers will be out on picket lines from Friday, Sept 30th to October 4th, they have organized a crew to handle emergency calls and services.

Guest Column: Assembly candidate Grayson addresses flaws in UC System

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By Tim Grayson, Councilman, City of Concord

This year, it seems Californians cannot turn on the news without hearing about another scandal at the University of California.

In August it was the shameful resignation of Chancellor Linda Katehi at UC Davis after she spent $175,000 on “consultants” to eliminate bad press and troubling videos of an incident when campus police pepper sprayed student protesters.

Then her counterpart at UC Berkeley, Nicholas Dirks also resigned after it was discovered that he spent $700,000 of taxpayer dollars on a fence around his official residence.

Months ago, state auditors reported that many qualified students from California were denied entry, while University admissions favored out-of-state students because they pay higher tuition.

Enough is enough. Who is standing up for the taxpayers who are paying for the University system year after year?

Californians are sick and tired of hearing about the excess and greed demonstrated by University of California officials. We are tired of hearing stories about our neighbor’s daughter, the honors student and champion athlete who was denied admission to the Berkeley campus.

We are tired of hearing more about the troubling admissions policies that favor out-of-state students who pay top dollar over exceptional California resident students paying in-state tuition. And we are tired of reports of waste and impropriety from University officials. It has to stop.

The University system has changed over the years.

Many of my neighbors and friends recall a time in our state when the University system made California the great land of opportunity it is today. Hard work at one of our best UC institutions provided access to a job at one of the best companies in the world or acceptance into a competitive medical school. Qualified California students were admitted when they demonstrated their ability to compete and this resulted in prosperity for generations of families across the state who benefited from our exceptional institutions.

Today, things have changed. UC leaders have become greedy. From reports of salaries over $400,000 for executives to blatant preferences for out-of-state or foreign students paying higher tuition rates, the focus on making money has to stop.

Our state leadership needs to help the University reset its compass and focus on goals that will continue to serve generations of Californians to come.

The resignations of two UC Chancellors should begin a fresh start, a time when our state refocused our priorities and set forth a higher standard of conduct for University officials.

State leaders need to set strict policies that ensure University officials are held accountable to admissions standards that honor their obligation to California taxpayers.

In the Assembly, I will stand up for legislation to ensure qualified California students have an opportunity to succeed in one of our top institutions and I will work set policies in place to ensure the University is fully accountable to the public so that taxpayer dollars are spent to benefit students, not University administrators.

Grayson has been a Concord resident since 2001 and was elected to serve on the Concord City Council in November 2010. He served as Redevelopment Agency Chair in 2011 and Vice Mayor in 2013. Grayson was Mayor of Concord from 2013 – 2015.

DeSaulnier calls for investigation into Purdue Pharma and overprescribing of opioid painkillers

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Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Ted Lieu (CA-33) called on House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) to initiate an immediate investigation into the egregious overprescribing of opioid prescription painkillers and the inaction of Purdue Pharma and other pharmaceutical companies that may be aware of inappropriate opioid distribution by bad actors.

Recent reports by the Los Angeles Times exposed that Purdue Pharma, the maker of the highly addictive painkiller OxyCotin, collected extensive evidence on the overprescribing and illegal trafficking of the substance for more than a decade, yet the company failed to notify the appropriate federal and state authorities. During the course of their inaction, sales of OxyCotin at some pharmacies increased by over 1400 percent. Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, and simultaneously so have sales of these prescription drugs.

“Despite receiving evidence from pharmacists and its own employees regarding suspected criminal trafficking of opioids, Purdue Pharma reportedly refused to take action and continued to engage in irresponsible practices that may have violated the law. In California, I was a leader in the fight to improve the state prescription drug monitoring program to prevent overprescribing by physicians and doctor shopping. Congress has a responsibility to investigate pharmaceutical companies that work around these reporting systems, ignore reports of illegal activity, disregard patient safety for the sake of profits, and endanger the public health,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

“I am troubled to learn of Purdue Pharma’s inappropriate opioid distribution practices. Reports indicating Purdue Pharma knowingly disregarded evidence of criminal drug trafficking of its drug reveals the company’s clear negligence for patient safety, medical ethics, and legal responsibilities all for the sake of profit. The fact that the United States is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic is cause for serious concern and we must hold those responsible accountable. As a member of the House Oversight Committee, I urge the Committee to initiate an investigation into this matter,” said Congressman Ted Lieu.

Click here to read a full copy of the letter sent to Chairman Jason Chaffetz.

To read complete coverage of Purdue Pharma by the Los Angeles Times click here.