Contra Costa Herald

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

Gov. Newsom waives various state regulations to fight the Coronavirus surge

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Order expands capacity to combat COVID-19 in health care facilities

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday issued an executive order that expands the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The order gives the state the ability to increase the health care capacity in clinics, mobile health care units and adult day health care facilities. It also allows local governments more flexibility to utilize the skills of retired employees and reinforces the importance of the delivery of food, medicine and emergency supplies.

“The State of California is fighting hard to get the resources that Californians need to meet the COVID-19 surge. These emergency legal tools will increase California’s health care capacity and help facilities treat more patients,” said Newsom.

Among the various clauses in the order are the following –

“IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1) In order to assist in the care or to protect the health of individuals not in a hospital or health facility, as defined in Health and Safety Code section 1250, and due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the director of the State Department of Public Health may, for the duration of the declared emergency, waive any of the licensing and staffing requirements of chapters 1, 3.3, 8.5, and 9 of division 2 of the Health and Safety Code and any accompanying regulations with respect to any clinic, adult day health care, hospice, or mobile health care unit. Any waiver shall include alternative measures that, under the circumstances, will allow the clinic, adult day health care, hospice, or mobile health care unit to assist in the care or protect the health of individuals while protecting public health and safety. Any waivers granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be posted on the Department’s website.

3) The suspension of statutes…shall also apply to local governments, as applicable, to ensure adequate staffing to appropriately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

4) Any local ordinance, including those relating to noise limitations, is suspended to the extent it restricts, delays, or otherwise inhibits the delivery of food products, pharmaceuticals, and other emergency necessities distributed through grocery stores and other retail or institutional channels, including, but not limited to, hospitals, jails, restaurants, and schools.

5) To ensure that patients with mental or behavioral health conditions continue to receive the services and support they need, notwithstanding disruptions caused by COVID-19; and to protect the health, safety and welfare of patients with mental or behavioral health conditions committed to the State Department of State Hospitals facilities, as defined by Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 4100 and 7200; the Director of the State Department of State Hospitals may issue directives waiving any provision or requirement of the Welfare and Institutions Code; any provision or requirement of the Penal Code that affects the execution of laws relating to care, custody, and treatment of persons with mental illness committed to or in the custody of the State Department State Hospitals; and the accompanying regulations of Title 9, Division 1 of the California Code of Regulations…Any waiver granted by a directive shall expire 30 days from the date of its issuance, except that the Director may grant one or more 30-day extensions if the waiver continues to be necessary to protect health or safety or to ensure delivery of services. The Director shall rescind a waiver once it is no longer necessary to protect public health or safety or ensure delivery of services. Any waivers and extensions granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be posted on the Department’s website.

6) As needed to safeguard health of persons already admitted, committed, or ordered to the facilities described in this paragraph and notwithstanding the Penal Code, the Welfare and Institutions Code, or any other statute or regulation, the Director of the Department of Developmental Disabilities is authorized to deny admission or delay discharge of all individuals judicially or otherwise admitted, committed or ordered to the Porterville Developmental Center; the Canyon Springs Community Facility; a Stabilization, Training Assistance, and Reintegration (STAR) home; or any other facility under the jurisdiction or control of the Department for 30 days after the issuance of this Order. The Director may grant one or more 30-day extensions if such action is necessary to protect the public health or safety (including, but not limited to, the health or safety of the individuals served at any Department-operated facility or the staff serving such individuals) from the threat of COVID-19. The Director of the Department shall describe the need justifying the closure of admissions to and delay in discharges from the Department-operated facility. The Director shall authorize admissions and discharges once the actions described in this paragraph are no longer necessary to protect the public health or safety (including, but not limited to, the health or safety of the individuals served at any Department-operated facility or the staff serving such individuals). The Director shall post the notice of closure of admissions and discharges and the extension of closure to the Department facility on the Department’s website.”

A copy of the Governor’s executive order can be found here.

Gov. Newsom signs order to expand vote-by-mail options and extend deadlines for Presidential Primary canvass

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SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday issued an executive order to permit vote-by-mail procedures to be used in three upcoming special elections, protecting public health and safety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The order also extends the deadlines for ballot counting, tabulation, and other responsibilities related to the official canvass of California’s Presidential Primary Election that could risk undermining social distancing measures, and suspends the timeframes for public hearings required by political subdivisions that are in the process of changing from an at-large method of election to district elections.

A copy of the Governor’s executive order can be found here and the text of the order can also be found here.

Gov. Newsom deploys CA National Guard to help distribute food at food banks & protect California’s most vulnerable

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Food banks are seeing a shortage in volunteers and experiencing greater need due to COVID-19. Governor calls for California food bank volunteers & launches partnership Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign with Nextdoor.com & California Volunteers to safely deploy volunteers to help the most vulnerable Californians  

It’s in these times of crisis that Californians are at their best, coming to the aid of those in their community who are most in need. I ask all Californians who are able to join our Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign to safely assist those in need in your community.” – Gov. Newsom

Californians can learn about ways to assist their community at serve.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO — California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the deployment of California National Guard members to provide short-term food security to isolated and vulnerable Californians. Building on Governor Newsom’s prioritization of protecting the most vulnerable from the COVID-19 pandemic, the short deployment will help to stabilize the immediate need of food banks.

“It’s in these times of crisis that Californians are at their best, coming to the aid of those in their community who are most in need. Food banks provide a critical lifeline for families, and are needed now more than ever. Families across our state are suddenly losing work, and millions of Californians most vulnerable to COVID-19 are staying home to protect their health and the health of others. I ask all Californians who are able to join our Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign to safely assist those in need in your community.”

“The Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign is a testament to the strength of our larger California community,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Now more than ever we must create a culture of WE over me. I am so proud that Californians across the state stand ready to meet this moment by embracing our California values of inclusivity, generosity and community.”

Due to COVID-19, many food banks have been affected by a significant decline in volunteerism, impacting logistical and local infrastructure for food distribution. The California Guard will initially deploy personnel and logistical equipment to a food bank distribution warehouse in Sacramento County starting today, and will conduct immediate site assessments statewide for those counties that have requested short-term support and stabilization. This short-term assistance from the California National Guard allows time to mobilize AmeriCorps, California Conservation Corps and Local Conservation Corps members, and other volunteers where counties have identified serious gaps.

The Administration’s food deployment strategy also launches the Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign, which calls on neighbors to be first line of support for California’s most vulnerable residents who have been advised to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign is focused on older adults and promotes ways to safely check on your neighbors, family and friends, and will be run by California Volunteers, the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering and civic action.

The Administration is partnering with the social networking service Nextdoor to provide valuable information to California communities about the state’s response to COVID-19. The collaboration will allow the state to reach more than 22,000 neighborhoods using the platform. Neighbors use Nextdoor to exchange helpful information and California Volunteers will use this site to share ways residents can safely check on each other during the COVID-19 outbreak. The platform will also be used to share ways to safely ensure community members have the basic necessities they may need during periods of home isolation.

The State of California has also released information to promote resources and options for those facing food insecurity. A resource list will be posted to serve.ca.gov on ways Californians can support vulnerable members of our community that may have limited food resources, in ways that are in line with CDPH guidelines.

Californians can learn about ways to assist their community at serve.ca.gov.

Newsom takes action to strengthen state’s health care delivery system response to COVID-19

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State leasing two hospitals to increase availability of beds for COVID-19 patients

California receives shipment of medical personal protective equipment and medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile

Video released of California Receiving, Storing and Staging Warehouse

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday directed more than $42 million in emergency funding to expand California’s health care infrastructure and secure equipment and services to support California’s response to COVID-19.

Of this amount, $30 million will allow the state to lease Seton Medical Center in Daly City and St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles for a three-month basis. Seton Medical Center is currently operating and will expand capacity to provide care for up to 120 COVID-19 patients beginning as soon as next Wednesday. Verily will operate Seton Medical Center on the state’s behalf. St. Vincent Medical Center closed in January, but California is readying the facility to begin providing care for up to 366 COVID-19 patients as soon as possible.

This builds on California’s previous work, in partnership with local officials, to reopen Community Hospital in Long Beach for the specific purpose of accepting patients transferred from other hospitals in the area. The hospital will begin accepting transfer patients on Saturday and has a capacity of 158 beds.

“California is mobilizing every part of government to support our health care delivery system, its workers, and those among us who are most vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom.

California is making historic investments to strengthen our health care delivery system:

  • $30 million to lease and operate two facilities and to expand the state’s hospital capacity.
    • Seton Medical Center in Daly City.
    • Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles.
  • $1,420,000 to expand capacity of the state’s public health lab in Richmond.
  • $8,647,000 to purchase new ventilators, as well as IV fusion pumps, and refurbish additional ventilators.
  • $2 million to contract with American Medical Response to provide patient transportation.

Click here to see the letter submitted by the Department of Finance to the Legislature specifying the use of emergency funds for this purpose.

This past week, California began receiving shipments from a prior request from the Strategic National Stockpile. The request included:

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • 358,381 N95 masks
  • 853,730 surgical masks
  • 162,565 face shields
  • 132,544 surgical gowns
  • 678 coveralls
  • 471,941 gloves

In addition, California this week requested the following additional supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile:

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • 20 million N95 masks
  • 10 million surgical masks
  • 600,000 surgical gowns
  • 600,000 face shields
  • 600,000 gloves
  • 300,000 goggles
  • 100,000 coveralls
  • Medical Supplies:
  • 10,000 ventilators
  • Lab and Diagnostic Supplies:
  • 2 million swabs
  • 200,000 RNA extraction kits

* Video available of personal protective equipment and medical supplies at the California Receiving, Storing and Staging Warehouse.

California Expands Tele-Health Options

This week, California acted to remove barriers to telehealth services for 22 million Californians. Increasing access to medical and behavioral care through telehealth allows individuals to receive the care and treatment they need remotely, while isolating at home and practicing social distancing, thus limiting potential exposure to COVID-19 and unnecessary impacts to the health care delivery system during this time when we want to preserve the system for our sickest and most critically ill neighbors. Commercial and Medi-Cal managed care plans were directed to allow members to obtain health care via telehealth when medically appropriate to do so. Providers will be reimbursed at the same rate, whether a service is provided in-person or through telehealth. For example, if a provider is paid $100 for an in person visit, they will be paid $100 for an equivalent visit done via telehealth. Removing barriers to telehealth will improve access and help ensure that hospitals and health systems can focus on providing care to those who need it most.

 

OP-ED: Gov. Newsom’s Executive Order for 40 million Californians to Shelter In Place is not an order, it’s a recommendation

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By Mark Meuser

Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20. The Office of the Governor of California’s official Twitter account said that “Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID19.”

However, a more careful look at the Governor’s Executive Order shows that he actually made no such order. (https://covid19.ca.gov/img/N-33-20.pdf). The Executive Order reads “To preserve the public health and safety, and to ensure the healthcare delivery system is capable of serving all, and prioritizing those at the highest risk and vulnerability, all residents are directed to immediately heed the current State public health directives, which I ordered the Department of Public Health to develop for the current statewide status of COVID-19.”

The word “heed” is the important word in this order. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, the word “heed” means “to give consideration or attention to”. As such, Governor Newsom has not actually ordered the people of California to obey the Public Health Officials but instead ordered “all residents are directed to immediately [give consideration to] the current State public health directives.”

While the Governor of California has broad powers to suspend laws and regulations while the state of California is under a State of Emergency, he does not have the power to abolish citizens constitutional rights. (Gov. Code § 8571).

California Constitution Article 1, Section 1 states “All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.

California Constitution Article 1, Section 7 reads “A person may not be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law or denied equal protection of the laws …”.

The problem for Governor Newsom is that the Public Health Officials do not have the authority to quarantine someone who has not been infected. This violates Californians’ Constitutional Rights. The California Courts have held that people have a right of liberty from being quarantined unless the public health official has probably cause that they are infected. In Ex parte Arata, the California Court of Appeals ruled that “A mere suspicion, unsupported by facts giving rise to reasonable or probable cause, will not justify depriving a person of his liberty under an order of quarantine.”

Furthermore, in the case of In re Shepard the California Court of Appeals ruled that “Mere suspicion that an individual is afflicted with an isolable disease was not sufficient to give a health officer ‘reason to believe’ that such person was so afflicted, … making it the duty of health officers to protect the public against spread of such disease from persons whom such officers have ‘reason to believe’ were afflicted with such diseases.”

Public Health Officials do have the authority to quarantine someone who they have reason to believe has been infected by the virus. California law actually permits the Public Health Officials to quarantine such individuals without a court order. In Ex parte Johnson the California Court of Appeals ruled that “One infected with a contagious disease … might be subjected to quarantine regulations by the health commissioner of a city, without its first being judicially established by some proceeding in court that he or she was so infected.”

The reality of the situation in California is that Gavin Newsom has ordered the Department of Public Health to develop a policy for how to deal with the Corona Virus. However, the recommendations by the Department of Public Health are unconstitutional. Rather than ask the Department of Public Health to go back and rewrite the policies, Gavin Newsom tells everyone that he is ordering them to obey the directives of the Department of Public Health. However, regardless of what Gavin Newsom says with his mouth in press conferences or says on his social media accounts, the actual text of his Executive Orders are the laws. (Gov. Code § 8567).

The text of Gavin Newsom’s most recent Executive Order is merely a suggestion that the people of California obey the unconstitutional directive being published by the Department of Public Health. Whether or not it is advisable for people to stay home is not the question, the Department of Public Health does not have the authority to pass such a law, and Gavin Newsom does not have the authority to suspend Californians’ Constitutional Rights just because California is in a State of Emergency.

Meuser is a Constitution and elections law California attorney with the Dhillon Law Group. He is a former resident of Contra Costa County and 2018 candidate for California Secretary of State. You can follow him on Facebook.

First coronavirus-related death confirmed in Contra Costa County, current cases now at 42

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Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Christ Farnitano speaks during a press conference on Friday, March 20, 2020 as Dr. Rohan Radhakrishna, Deputy Health Officer, Contra Costa Health Officer waits to speak. Screenshot of YouTube video.

“More confirmed cases does not mean we are losing ground.”; “Go out with your friends, your family, go on a hike…” – County Health Officer;  “It’s up to each city to make a determination with regard to enforcement.” – Chair of the Board of Supervisors

By Allen Payton

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) has confirmed the county’s first confirmed death linked to COVID-19.

The patient died Thursday in a hospital in the county. The Contra Costa resident was in their 70’s and had a pre-existing condition that put them at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and a history of recent overseas travel.

A media briefing by county officials to update the public was held this morning.

“Today we regret to announce the first death in Contra Costa County caused by the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, County Health Officer. “This person passed away at a hospital in our county on Thursday. They were in their 70’s and they had a condition that placed them at risk of serious illness, and they had recently traveled outside of the country.”

The individual traveled from Europe, but those were all the details he would provide. “Unfortunately, we do anticipate more deaths in Contra Costa County,” Farnitano said.

“This death underscores the urgent need for all Contra Costa residents to follow the stay at home order, maintain social distancing and the state order just issued by Governor Newsom, last night,” he stated. “Novel coronavirus is dangerous for older adults and people with certain medical conditions, including heart or lung disease, diabetes and those with weak immune systems.”

“We believe that by following these orders we can reduce the spread of the virus, right now in our community and that will save lives,” Dr. Farnitano continued. “The situation is very serious in Contra Costa. We expect more confirmed cases as our testing expands. So far, Contra Costa Public Health has confirmed 42 cases in our community. We believe that aggressive testing can help, and we are ramping up our testing efforts on a daily basis.”

Most testing is being done by private labs.

“Our public health lab is performing between 40 to 100 tests per day, but that’s a small percentage of the total testing being done across the county, right now,” he stated.

“As we’re expanding our testing, we really want to get to the point we’re able to test everyone who has symptoms,” Dr. Farnitano said. “We’re trying to prioritize our public health lab which can do rapid testing and get results in 24 hours or less to those folks we’re most concerned about.”

“The private labs can test anyone who has symptoms,” he continued. “The more folks we test with symptoms then the more we’re going to be able to understand the spread within our community, and more able to isolate more effectively those who test positive.”

“More confirmed cases does not mean we are losing ground,” he stated. “It means we are sharpening our focus and gathering data that will help us through this emergency.”

“As always, the best way to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene and social distancing,” Farnitano shared. “Because COVID-19 is new humans have no immunity to it and there is no vaccine.”

He then repeated the ways to protect yourself, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face.

“If you are ill, it is imperative you stay home, even if you’re an essential worker,” Dr. Farnitano concluded.

Candace Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors spoke next.

“We recognize this order is disruptive. We would not ask any of you to do this if we didn’t think it was important,” she said. “During this difficult time, we are continuing to provide county services, virtually. We have county employees working from home, remotely, in offices and away from the public who can still assist you. Please go to the county’s website at contracosta.gov for the most updated information resources.”

“I want to assure you that Contra Costa is doing all it can to slow the spread of the coronavirus and reduce its impact,” Andersen continued. “The county’s emergency operations center has been activated and is slowing the virus and is now the primary focus of our local government actions in Contra Costa.”

“You can visit cchealth.org/coronavirus or call our help line at 1-844-729-8410 if you have any questions about this order and the virus,” she added.

Go Outside and Exercise, But Stay Six Feet Apart From Others

Dr. Farnitano encouraged county residents to go out and exercise and take a hike in the East Bay parks.

“We do want to encourage people to get outside and exercise and enjoy our beautiful, natural setting in the East Bay,” he said. “Go out with your friends, your family, go on a hike, but stay six feet apart. So, do it safely.”

Asked about local enforcement and people going outside, “It’s certainly not recommended unless you can really do it from a safe distance,” Andersen responded, “It’s up to each city to make a determination with regard to enforcement.”

Specifically, about golfing she said, it’s up to each city “whether or not to say you cant golf or not.”

“Clearly if you’re golfing with members of your household and you’re staying six feet apart from everyone else, I think that works,” Andersen shared. “But if you’re meeting up with your buddies and you all live in different households and you’ve all been out doing your essential shopping and other things, you have a good chance of spreading the virus, if you get together in that close circumstance. We expect people to use their good judgment and take this seriously.”

Please check back later for more updates to this report.

Governor Newsom issues Stay At Home Order effective Thursday

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Governor Newsom signs his Stay At Home Order on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Photo from Office of Governor Gavin Newsom.

Stay home except for essential needs

Last updated March 19, 2020 at 8:32 pm

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.

Read the full Executive Order here (pdf)  or, here:  Gov Newsom Executive Order N-33-20

How long will we stay home?

This goes into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice.

What can I do? What’s open?

Essential services will remain open such as:

  • Gas stations
  • Pharmacies
  • Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
  • Banks
  • Laundromats/laundry services

Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.

What’s closed?

  • Dine-in restaurants
  • Bars and nightclubs
  • Entertainment venues
  • Gyms and fitness studios
  • Public events and gatherings
  • Convention Centers

Where does this apply?

This is in effect throughout the State of California.

Click here to see the Governor’s address to Californians Thursday evening.

3/17/20 UPDATE: East Bay Regional Park District building facilities closed until April 7, 2020; parks and trails remain open

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Issued 3/17/2020

By Dave Mason, East Bay Regional Park District

A “Shelter in Place” order has been issued through Tuesday, April 7, 2020 for six Bay Area counties – San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda – prohibiting non-essential business and directing residents to stay inside their homes and away from others as much as possible.

Based on the “Shelter in Place” order, and by an emergency order of East Bay Regional Park District General Manager, for the health and safety of the public and our employees, Park District environmental education centers, visitor centers, and many of our developed public facilities, including bathrooms, water fountains, and other amenities, are temporarily closed. All Regional Trails are open. Per the “Shelter in Place” order, outdoor activity is allowed, such as walking, hiking, and running – as long as specific social distancing requirements are followed. Studies show outdoor activity benefits physical health and helps reduce stress and anxiety.

The COVID-19 health emergency is an unprecedented and evolving situation. Please be aware, additional precautions and closures may be necessary.

If you do visit a trail in a Regional Park, please follow all Social Distancing Requirements and bring water and hand sanitizer. Due to minimal staffing, bathrooms and water fountains will not be available. Additionally, please do not congregate in parking lots or at trailheads per the “Shelter in Place” social distancing requirements.

“Shelter in Place” Order Social Distancing Requirements:

  • Maintain at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible, or use hand sanitizer
  • Cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands)
  • Regularly clean high-touch surfaces
  • Not shaking hands

We understand the closure of building facilities and amenities may be challenging. Together we can get through this difficult period and ask our visitors to follow all guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

The health and safety of our employees and the public is our top priority. Temporary closure of some Regional Parks was necessary on Monday, March 16, due to limited staffing and to address “Shelter in Place” order needs.

Please see the FAQ below to answer your most immediate questions.

Can I visit Regional Parks?

Yes, however, only trails will be open for use. All building facilities will be closed, including bathrooms, water fountains, and other amenities. Visitors must follow “Shelter in Place” order social distancing requirements (see above).

What building facilities and amenities are closed?

Building Facilities: Bathrooms, Water Fountains, Visitor Centers and Facilities, Indoor Rental Facilities, Campgrounds, and Swim Facilities.

Visitors Centers/Facilities: Ardenwood Historic Farm (Fremont), Big Break Visitor Center (Oakley), Black Diamond Mines Visitor Center (Antioch), Coyote Hills Visitor Center (Fremont), Crown Beach Crab Cove Visitor Center (Alameda), Garin Barn (Hayward), Sunol Visitor Center (Sunol), Tilden Botanic Garden (Berkeley), Tilden Environmental Education Center (Berkeley), Little Farm (Berkeley).

All Indoor Rental Facilities: Brazilian Room at Tilden Park (Berkeley), Shoreline Room at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline (Oakland), Fern Cottage at Kennedy Grove (El Sobrante), Beach House at Lake Temescal (Oakland).

All Campgrounds: Anthony Chabot and Del Valle

All Swim Facilities: Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Don Castro, Castle Rock, Lake Anza at Tilden, Lake Temescal, Shadow Cliffs, Robert’s Regional Park, Quarry Lakes

What can I expect when visiting a Regional Park during the “Shelter in Place” Order?
Visitors can expect buildings, bathrooms, and water fountains to be closed. There will also be no trash collection, so we are asking all visitors to pack out all trash they bring into Regional Parks (Pack it in, Pack it out). Visitors may also see fewer Park District staff in parks. The Park District will be at minimally required staffing levels while the “Shelter in Place” order is in effect.

What parks are affected?

All Regional Parks are affected by the closure of building facilities and amenities. Trails remain open in the following parks.

Anthony Chabot
Antioch/Oakley Bay Point
Big Break
Bishop Ranch
Black Diamond Mines
Briones
Brushy Peak
Camp Arroyo
Carquinez Strait
Castle Rock
Claremont Canyon
Contra Loma
Coyote Hills
Crockett Hills
Crown Beach

Cull Canyon
Del Valle
Diablo Foothills
Don Castro
Dry Creek Pioneer
Dublin Hills
Five Canyons
Garin
Hayward Regional Shoreline
Huckleberry Botanic
Kennedy Grove
Lake Chabot
Las Trampas

 Leona Canyon
Little Hills

Martin Luther King Jr.
McLaughlin Eastshore
Miller/Knox
Mission Peak
Morgan Territory
Ohlone
Oyster Bay
Pleasanton Ridge
Point Isabel
Point Pinole
Quarry Lakes
Radke Martinez
Reinhardt Redwood
Roberts
Round Valley

San Pablo Bay
Shadow Cliffs
Sibley
Sobrante Ridge
Sunol
Sycamore Valley
Temescal
Tilden
Vargas Plateau
Waterbird
Wildcat Canyon

 

 

 

East Bay Regional parks and trails remain open, all programs cancelled through April 12

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Out of an abundance of caution and in continued response to the COVID-19 virus, the East Bay Regional Park District is canceling all programs and closing all Visitor Centers, rental facilities, campgrounds and swim facilities through April 12,2020.

Currently, all regional parks and trails (except those listed below) remain open to the public. We understand that nature is a great place to get exercise and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul – especially in time of crisis. A walk on a trail, around your neighborhood or private backyard will allow you to breathe fresh air and help to reduce stress and anxiety

Public and employee safety is a priority to us! Out of an abundance of caution in continued response to the COVID-19 virus planning, East Bay Regional Park District is implementing facility closures to protect the public and our employees to reduce the potential for exposure to COVID-19.

Effective at 5 pm Sunday, March 15, Park District facilities that WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 12, 2020 are:

All Visitor Centers

Ardenwood Historic Farm (Fremont), Big Break Visitor Center (Oakley), Black Diamond Mines Visitor Center (Antioch), Coyote Hills Visitor Center (Fremont), Crown Beach Crab Cove Visitor Center (Alameda), Garin Barn (Hayward), Sunol Visitor Center (Sunol), Tilden Botanic Garden, Environmental Education Center AND Little Farm (Berkeley).

All Internal Rental Facilities

Brazilian Room at Tilden Park (Berkeley), Shoreline Room at Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline (Oakland), Fern Cottage at Kennedy Grove (El Sobrante), Beach House at Lake Temescal (Oakland).

All programs, paid or free

This includes all school programs, recreational programs and naturalist-directed programs.

All campgrounds

Anthony Chabot and Del Valle

All swim facilities at

Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Don Castro, Shadow Cliffs, Lake Anza at Tilden, Lake Temescal, Pool at Robert’s Regional Park, Quarry Lakes

As a reminder, currently, all regional parks and trails (except those listed above) remain open to the public. If you do visit, please be prepared by bringing your own water and hand sanitizer.

We understand that nature is a great place to get exercise and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul – especially in time of crisis. A walk on a trail, around your neighborhood or private backyard will allow you to breathe fresh air and help to reduce stress and anxiety.

For more information visit www.ebparks.org/news/releases.htm.

PG&E committed to providing safe, reliable energy and ensuring business continuity in these challenging times

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Unwavering Focus of Company’s 23,000 Employees, Many of Them Represented Members in the Field, is Providing Safe and Reliable Gas and Electric Service during COVID-19 Pandemic

PG&E Opens Emergency Operations Center to Coordinate, Facilitate Company’s Response

Planned Outage Repair Work in the Six Bay Area Counties Suspended for Next Three Weeks

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting countries and industries world-wide and is having many local impacts. People are rightfully concerned about the health and safety of their family and friends, the education of their children and their finances as more businesses temporarily close.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has this message for our customers: “We’ll keep working hard every day to keep the power and gas on for you.”

“Our 23,000 employees remain focused on delivering safe and reliable gas and electric service to our customers. You’ll continue to see our blue and white trucks and our hard-working crews in the field engaged in important work to safely supply energy to our customers,” said Andy Vesey, PG&E Utility CEO and President.

“We see our role at PG&E during this very difficult time as helping to maintain essential services, no matter what. With inclement weather continuing across Northern and Central California, right now that means tracking weather systems and working with our workforce in the field to stage resources, inspect our equipment, make needed repairs and ensure we’re prepared for what comes next,” Vesey said.

Today, in its continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PG&E announced:

  • It has formally activated its Emergency Operations Center to facilitate and coordinate the company’s response to the spread of the virus. The company has had an Incident Management Team monitoring and responding to the virus for three weeks.
  • In an effort to maintain continuity of gas and electric service, the company has proactively determined that it will not engage in system upgrades or other work that results in a disruption of gas or electric service through April 7 in the six Bay Area counties under the shelter-in-place directives. This includes San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
  • All PG&E’s customer service centers where customers can normally pay their bills will be closed as of tomorrow (Tuesday, March 17). This follows guidance on social distancing. Customers who typically pay their bills at one of these centers can call 1-877-704-8470, mail payments to PG&E, P.O. Box 997300, Sacramento, CA 95899, or go to go to pge.com to learn how to pay online or to find nearby Neighborhood Payment Centers.

Tom Dalzell, business manager of IBEW Local 1245, which represents most of PG&E’s electric and gas workers, agreed that ensuring customers have the energy they need for their lives is more important than ever.

“We stand with PG&E during this challenging time, and the men and women of IBEW will be working as hard as ever to make sure the grid is working safely, gas is flowing reliably and that we are here for PG&E’s customers,” said Dalzell.

Power in PG&E’s portfolio remains readily available and more than 80 percent GHG-free. PG&E operates several natural gas power plants, a nuclear plant in San Luis Obispo County and the country’s largest privately held hydropower system. Additionally, the company gets power from solar and wind farms and other renewable sources. It all flows to our customers via electric transmission lines and gas transmission pipelines and then through distribution lines to homes and businesses.

On March 12, PG&E announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has voluntarily implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately. This suspension will apply to both residential and commercial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. Please visit www.pge.com/covid19 for more details and to see how the company is supporting its customers and employees.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.