Contra Costa Herald

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

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative July 20

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By Supervisor John Gioia, District 1, Contra Costa County

Join us this Thursday evening to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 360 Harbor Way in Richmond from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Únase a nosotros este jueves por la noche en MLK Jr. Park para apoyar la iniciativa “Girl Power” del Richmond Soccer Coordination Center

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All en Martin Luther King, Jr. Park en Richmond de 6:30 a 8:00 p.m.

This week, Thrive Thursdays welcomes Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s efforts to uplift girls’ athletics in the East Bay.

Our growing weekly public health event, Thrive Thursday, is set for another boost as Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” initiative will join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm for a press conference that coincides with the start of FIFA Women’s World Cup play!

Girl Power is a perfect message to add to Thrive Thursday’s call for supporting nutrition and fitness empowerment for all.

Supporting health for all means fighting to advance equity in everything we do, and equity and sports excellence is something that our Women’s National Soccer Team embodies.

Women’s soccer has grown into a global brand, but work remains at the community level to encourage girls and women to explore athletics. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently added a women’s club in the Bay Area, called Bay FC. Oakland is also home to Oakland Soul SC, part of another professional league for the development and launch of women’s soccer in the United States.

For more information about this exciting event contact Tania Pulido in my office at (510) 942-2225 or Tania.pulido@bos.cccounty.us.

 

 

American Heart Association recognizes Kaiser hospitals for reducing death, disability among cardiac, stroke patients

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Including Antioch, Richmond and Walnut Creek; severe heart attacks in Kaiser Nor Cal patients reduced by 72% using team-based, preventive approach

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

The American Heart Association is recognizing 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with awards for their commitment to delivering high-quality cardiac and stroke care that follows nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals receiving both the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke awards include Antioch, Fremont, Fresno, Modesto, Oakland, Redwood City, Richmond, Roseville, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, South San Francisco, Vacaville, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek. In addition, Kaiser Permanente Manteca received the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award and Kaiser Permanente San Francisco received the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award.

“This recognition is a tribute to the collective expertise of our physicians, nurses, and staff who provide comprehensive cardiac care and treatment for our patients and members,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Our reduction in cardiovascular events continues to surpass the nation in quality outcomes, as our cardiologists, physicians, and care teams work across specialties and locations to consistently deliver the highest quality care to our patients and members, who are living longer and healthier lives as a result of these efforts.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California caregivers have reduced severe heart attacks by 72% using a team-based, preventive approach, according to Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research.​ Kaiser Permanente members are 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease, Elizabeth A. McGlynn, PhD, et al., “Measuring Premature Mortality Among Kaiser Permanente Members Compared to the Community,” Kaiser Permanente, July 20, 2022.

“Our Kaiser Permanente Northern California teams of cardiac specialists collaborate seamlessly to coordinate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of our patients,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We are helping our members and patients with heart disease live longer, healthier lives through our comprehensive care and support.”

The Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

The Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Report shows no ongoing public health risk from Martinez Refinery petroleum coke dust release

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Source: Martinez Refining Company

By Contra Costa Health

Laboratory analysis shows that samples of coke dust collected by Contra Costa Health (CCH) following last Tuesday’s hazardous materials release at Martinez Refining Company (MRC) did not contain high levels of toxic metals, indicating the dust does not pose an increased, long-term risk to public health. (See related article)

CCH’s Hazardous Materials Program sent samples of the sooty substance for laboratory analysis after it collected on cars, garbage cans and other surfaces in neighborhoods around the refinery soon after notification of the release on July 11. The laboratory report is available here.

MRC reported the release at about 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday by activating the county’s Community Warning System at Level 1, the lowest-level alert, used for hazardous materials releases when there are no expected off-site health consequences.

MRC reported the material was coke dust, a black, sooty or powdery residue created during petroleum refining that primarily contains carbon and is chemically similar to charcoal. The material was released about 8:30 a.m. for approximately one minute, according to MRC.

CCH and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are investigating the incident to determine whether the release violated regulatory law.

CCH is also investigating whether MRC properly followed the county’s emergency notification policy and properly used the Community Warning System, as required by law.

Coke dust can be safely washed off surfaces with soap and water. The primary health concern regarding the release of coke dust is irritation of throat, lungs and the respiratory system while the release was occurring and the material was in the air, particularly for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms or health concerns due to breathing material released during the July 11 incident should contact their healthcare provider.

CCH expects to learn more about the contributing causes of the incident, actions immediately taken, and proposed actions to prevent a similar incident from occurring. The first incident report from MRC to CCH, required by the county’s notification policy, will be available at cchealth.org on Monday. 

 

Excessive Heat Watch for interior Bay Area this weekend

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Source: NWS Bay Area

By National Weather Service Bay Area

Excessive Heat Watch for the interior Bay Area and Central Coast, from Friday into Sunday, July 15-17, 2023. High temperatures will range from the 90s to the mid-100s.

IMPACTS: Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The combination of warm nights and hot days will be most prevalent, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the heat, individuals should be mindful of the elevated fire danger over the weekend, especially inland and at higher elevations where there will be little overnight relief from the marine layer.

Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Stay hydrated!

For more information visit National Weather Service Bay Area.

Contra Costa Health responding to coke dust release at Martinez Refining Company

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Source: Martinez Refining Company

Contra Costa Health’s (CCH) Hazardous Materials program is investigating a hazardous materials release from the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) Tuesday morning.

MRC reported through the Community Warning System (CWS) that the released material was coke dust, a byproduct of the petroleum refining process.

The release left the material on the ground, parked cars, and other surfaces in the surrounding neighborhoods. CCH’s Hazardous Materials team is working to assess potential health impacts.

Wipe samples are being taken and will be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are expected by the end of the week. CCH will provide updates after the results are reviewed.

Coke dust is black and looks like soot. Use soap and water to clean impacted outdoor surfaces.

MRC notified CCH of the release around 10:20 a.m. through the CWS. MRC reported the release took place around 8:30 a.m. and lasted approximately one minute.

“We are very concerned about the delayed notification to the Community Warning System. We are once again responding to a refinery incident and trying to determine the health impacts,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. “We understand this is an ongoing concern for our community and timely notification is critical.”

CCH requested a 72-hour report about the incident, which will be posted to cchealth.org.

 

Healthcare workers at Tenet’s San Ramon Regional Medical Center to picket July 21

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Photo: San Ramon Regional Medical Center

Part of statewide protest calling for additional support in the workplace

By Maria Leal, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West

Healthcare workers across California will picket at 12 Tenet Healthcare facilities to call for additional support in the workplace starting July 11. The pickets will take place at facilities owned by Tenet Healthcare. These workers are part of what is expected to be tens of thousands of healthcare workers picketing this summer. Workers from four Prime Healthcare facilities in Southern California also start their pickets the same day.

The protest at Tenet San Ramon Regional Medical Center located at 6001 Norris Canyon Road will take place Friday, July 21 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

After years of battling the COVID pandemic, healthcare workers are calling on management to provide additional support to retain and attract more caregivers to the industry.

“We are simply asking for additional support to improve working conditions. We put our lives at risk during the pandemic and were called ‘heroes,” said Bridgette Lamere, Respiratory Therapist, Tenet Emmanuel Medical Center in Turlock. “We are calling on our employers to increase their investments in workers to ensure the additional support of healthcare workers, our patients, and our entire communities.”

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.

Efforts to reach the media relationships staff for the San Ramon Regional Medical Center were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA attorney general announces four multi-billion dollar nationwide opioid settlements

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Today’s commitment by CVS, Walgreens, Teva, and Allergan is an important milestone in California’s efforts to address epidemic

OAKLAND – June 9, 2023 — California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced four multi-billion opioid settlements with pharmacies CVS and Walgreens and manufacturers Allergan and Teva are moving forward. The settlements are together worth up to $17.3 billion and address the companies’ role in the opioid crisis. The Walgreens and CVS deals are the first multistate settlements to hold chain retail pharmacies to answer for their role in the crisis. Today’s announcement is an important milestone in California’s efforts to address an epidemic that has destroyed communities and ripped apart families.

“We’ve made historic strides forward in our fight for justice and relief for Californians hurt by the opioid crisis,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Nothing can bring back the lives lost or erase the suffering caused by this crisis, but we are making sure those who caused it and profited from it are held to account for their greed and willful misconduct. These hard-fought and hard-won settlement funds will be critical in supporting victims and getting them the help they need to recover. I am proud of the work put in by my team and by our partners across the nation in making these wins possible.”

Opioid manufacturers Allergan and Teva have committed to move forward with settlements for up to $2.37 billion and $4.25 billion, respectively, to resolve allegations that, among other things, the companies deceptively marketed opioids by downplaying the risks of addiction and overstating their benefits. If the settlements are approved by the court, California may receive up to approximately $375 million from the Teva settlement and up to approximately $205 million from the Allergan settlement. The settlements with the opioid manufacturers also include strong injunctive relief that prohibits opioid-related marketing by Teva while Allergan is prohibited from selling opioids for the next 10 years.

Chain pharmacies CVS and Walgreens also committed to moving forward with national settlements worth up to $5 billion and $5.7 billion, respectively, to resolve claims that the companies ignored signs of prescription abuse and failed to prevent drug diversion. If approved by the court, California may receive up to approximately $470 million from the CVS settlement and up to $510 million from the Walgreens settlement. CVS and Walgreens have also agreed to injunctive relief that requires the pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. A final agreement with Walmart, worth up to $3.1 billion, is not being announced today; however, that settlement is expected to move forward in the coming weeks.

Since the first wave of the opioid epidemic hit the United States in 2000, it has taken hundreds of thousands of lives, torn families apart, and eroded the social fabric of communities. Its toll has continued to grow year after year. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that in 2021, more than 80,000 people may have died of overdose deaths involving opioids in the U.S., and over 11,200 of those deaths took place in California.

The opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies who helped fuel the crisis through their unlawful practices and profited from it are at the center of Attorney General Bonta’s fight for justice and relief.  To date, the California Department of Justice has secured approximately $50 billion in nationwide settlements and expected settlements, including with opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt, and Purdue Pharma L.P. and the Sackler family; distributors Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen; and consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

  • In March of 2022, Attorney General Bonta announced a $6 billion conditional settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family over their alleged deceptive and illegal marketing and sales practices, in an agreement that would also allow the family’s name to be removed from buildings, scholarships, and fellowships.
  • In February 2022, a bankruptcy court confirmed a plan that would allow an agreement between certain states, including California, and Mallinckrodt, the largest generic opioid manufacturer in the United States, to move forward. That settlement includes an expected $1.6 billion payment by the company to a trust that would benefit public and private opioid-related claimants.
  • In July 2021, Attorney General Bonta announced a $26 billion settlement, which was finalized in Spring 2022, with Johnson & Johnson, which manufactured and marketed opioids, and Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors. It was the second largest multistate agreement in U.S. history, and its terms bar Johnson & Johnson from being involved in selling or promoting opioids for a decade and require the distributors to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid sales.
  • In February of 2021, the Attorney General announced a $573 million settlement with one of the world’s largest consulting firms, McKinsey & Company. The settlement resolves California’s investigation into the company’s role in advising opioid companies (including OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma) in the promotion and sale of their drugs.

These settlements are expected to bring in billions in funding for California communities, which will, among other things, be used to:

  • Increase support for substance-use disorder facilities and improve infrastructure for treatment.
  • Address the needs of communities of color and vulnerable populations, including those who are unhoused.
  • Strengthen availability of Naloxone (also known as NARCAN) or other FDA-approved overdose reversal drugs.
  • Double down on interventions for drug addiction in vulnerable youth and supporting those in the juvenile justice system with treatment options.
  • Improve training and resources for law enforcement and first responders regarding appropriate practices and precautions when dealing with fentanyl or other drugs, including with regard to addressing the needs of criminal justice-involved persons with opioid-use disorder and mental health issues.
  • Implement best practices for outreach, diversion, and deflection.
  • Support job creation programs to help connect those recovering from substance use disorders with gainful employment and pathways to financial stability.
  • Improve data-sharing and management systems to detect suspicious activity, including with regard to the prescription of controlled substances.

 

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

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Proposed sample locations map. Source: CC Health

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

By Contra Costa Health

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

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

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

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

Source: Martinez Refining Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit our MRC oversight webpage.

 

Kaiser Permanente Richmond employees support daughter’s childhood dream to become a doctor

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Bianca Silva with parents Letty and Martin Silva on graduation day. Photos: Kaiser Permanente

“Sí se puede! Dreams do come true!

Dr. Bianca Silva.

By Ronelle Scardina

Bianca Silva believed her grandfather’s words, “Sí se puede,” and her mother’s advice that “if you can think it, you can make it happen.” On May 20, Bianca graduated with a D.O. degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is preparing for her first job in June as a family medicine resident physician at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo with the intention of serving the local community she once grew up in as a teen.

Bianca’s parents, Martin and Letty Silva, work at the Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center. He is a gardener, and she is an administrative assistant. Both parents supported their daughter’s dream of becoming a doctor. After years of hard work, they are excited to see her dreams come true.

“When Bianca was in middle school, my husband would pick her up from school as he was getting off his shift and bring her to me at the pharmacy at the Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center,” Letty recounted. “She had to wait for 30 minutes until my shift ended because he worked the night shift and I worked the day shift. Bianca enjoyed her visits. She got to know the team and had an opportunity to be exposed to so much about working in the medical field. One day, Bianca looked up at me and said that she wanted to become a doctor when she grows up.”

Bianca always demonstrated commitment to pursing her dream and working with medically underserved and vulnerable populations. She worked hard—something she learned at a young age. Growing up, she helped her father with landscaping side jobs by picking up sticks and leaves in return for treats at McDonald’s.

“We believed it was important to teach them responsibility and commitment,” Martin said. “We said that if they could think it, they could make it happen!”

It has been a long journey, but the family was always there to support and encourage Bianca along the way. She was especially close to her now deceased grandfather, Raul, who encouraged Bianca to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor — “Sí se puede, echale ganas . . . Yes, you can, give it your best!”

“He motivated her to achieve her goal,” Letty noted. “Bianca put in a lot of effort and never gave up. She’s looking forward to the day that she can visit his grave with her degree and let him know all about it. Although he won’t be at her graduation, Bianca knows deep in her heart that he will be there with her in spirit.”

Bianca was born at the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. She grew up in Richmond with her older brother, Martin, Jr., and younger sister, Jessica. She later moved to Vallejo to attend Jesse Bethel High School. Bianca received most of her care at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, where she would eventually match for residency. She currently lives at home in Fairfield with her cat, Luna.

The family is looking forward to celebrating Bianca’s graduation and new job on June 10.

Letty, Bianca and Martin Silva.

Martin Silva has been employed at Kaiser Permanente Richmond since March, 1995. He spent seven years in Environmental Services before transferring to the Landscape Team as a gardener, where he has worked ever since. Letty has worked for Kaiser Permanente Richmond since 1987.

A Richmond native, Letty hoped to work at Kaiser Permanente since she was a little girl because she wanted to give back to the local community.

“We love our community,” she said. “We love to help our neighbors and our other family at Kaiser Permanente—it’s considered our home away from home. It took a lot of sacrifice and commitment, and it means everything. We are so proud of Bianca’s accomplishments. It was worth it!”

Health Advisory lifted after weeklong mercury cleanup in Martinez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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