Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office investigates death of El Sobrante attempted murder suspect from fight at Martinez jail

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Following and awaiting results of test for COVID-19

By Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate an in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility per the officer-involved fatal incident protocol.

On Monday, November 16, 2020, at 5:07 PM, inmate Ezekiel McCoy sustained injuries during a fight with other inmates at the West County Detention Facility. He was transported by ambulance to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in Martinez at 6:30 PM.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at about 12:15 AM, McCoy arrived at the Martinez Detention Facility after being treated and cleared by medical staff at CCRMC.

McCoy was placed in a negative air flow room at MDF pending the result of a COVID-19 test. He was checked on throughout the day and last checked at 4:23 PM. About nine minutes later, deputies found McCoy unresponsive. Deputies and medical staff provided life-saving measures. The fire department was at MDF on an unrelated incident, and they responded immediately. McCoy was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

30-year-old McCoy of El Sobrante was originally arrested by the Pinole Police Department and booked into MDF on July 28, 2020. McCoy was being held on numerous charges that include attempted murder, child endangerment, burglary, having a concealed weapon in his car, domestic violence, making criminal threats, and probation violation. McCoy was being held in lieu of $1,480,000 bail.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Reporters who have inquiries on McCoy’s medical treatment should contact the Contra Costa Health Services Public Information Officer at (925) 608-5463 or at DOC.PIO@cchealth.org.

Contra Costa Supervisors extend moratorium for renters, landlords, small business owners due to COVID-19 restrictions

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Clash over $80,000 marketing outreach budget

By Daniel Borsuk

In response to the state moving Contra Costa County back into the most restrictive COVID-19 Purple Tier, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday acted to deliver financial assistance in the struggling tenant, landlord and small business sectors.

Earlier Supervisors had learned that Contra Costa’s new daily COVID-19 case rate had risen to 11.4 per 100,000 with a 3.7 percent positivity rate.  As of Tuesday, 41 counties, including Contra Costa, were in the Purple tier.

Supervisors approved an amendment to the County’s Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan to spend  an additional $4.29 million in CDBG-Coronavirus or CV3 funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 to provide emergency rental assistance and tenant/landlord counseling and related legal services.

Supervisors allotted $3.2 million from a Federal CARES Grant for an emergency rental assistance program to Hayward-based ECHO Housing that would provide tenant-landlord counseling and related legal services to persons meeting eligible income requirements for the program.

Concord-based Shelter, Inc. will work with ECHO in providing rental assistance services in Antioch, Pittsburg, Concord, and Walnut Creek.

At one point, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg and Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood clashed over the program’s $80,000 marketing/outreach budget that Glover supported, but Burgis preferred to cut by 50 percent. “I like to do outreach,” said Burgis, “but there is so much need and urgency out there right now.”

Despite the disagreement over the outreach money, supervisors kept intact the $80,000 for outreach.

One of the conditions to the federal program is that the county needs to spend the CARES funds by Jan. 31, 2021.

“Obviously, families are struggling to make ends meet, and some of my students have found themselves having to take some economic responsibility to make families’ ends meet,” said Luis Chacon, a West Contra Costa Unified School District teacher.

In other action, supervisors voted 5-0 to pass an urgency ordinance to continue the temporary prohibition on evictions of certain small business commercial tenants financially impacted by COVID-19.  The protection continues through Jan. 31.

“The county must act quickly to assist residents, both tenants and landlords, who are or will be in the crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen of Danville.  “Providing direct rental payments to landlords on behalf of tenants is critical, and staff will work with community organizations to reach out to those in need, particularly low-income households and neighborhoods severely impacted by economic and housing instability at this difficult time.”

Contra Costa County’s Urgency Ordinance 2020-29 provides protections pursuant to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-80-20, which extends, through March 31, 2021, the authority of local jurisdictions to suspend the evictions of commercial tenants for the non-payment of rent if the non-payment was a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Board of Supervisors recognizes that the already struggling business environment has become even more challenging with the recent rise of COVID-19 cases,” said Board Chair Andersen. “As we follow public health orders and guidance intended to protect lives, we have to support businesses however we can.”

Supervisors voted 5-0 to impose a 45-day moratorium ordinance on industrial hemp cultivation so that the county Agriculture Commission can establish cultivation and location regulations on the crop harvested in East county.

East County resident John Cisneros, who lives nearby a hemp operation with armed guards, urged supervisors to adopt an ordinance.  “How would you like to live near a hep farm with a security force, that might turn into a cannabis operation?  Not a safe thing,” he said.  “I am not against hemp, but this is not a suitable place.”

Pittsburg Motel 6 Homeless Program Action

In a consent action, supervisors approved a lease with Azad Rahman, Riffat Rahman an Zahin Rahman, who had managed the Motel 6 at 2101 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg  that the county has agreed to buy through the state’s Homekey Program to provide housing for the homeless and social services.

The county agreed to purchase the motel for $17.4 million even though there is a question whether the county properly appraised the property that may have been over appraised by $5 million. (See related article) The county approved a lease with the Rahmans at $600 a month.

 

State moves Contra Costa to most restrictive COVID-19 Purple Tier

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With new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surging across California, the state today restored safety measures in Contra Costa and many other counties that are needed to protect the public and save lives during the pandemic.

The return to the purple tier of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy comes with some additional requirements for businesses and community activities not imposed in Contra Costa since summer. But the change also reflects an approaching danger that health experts see in recent COVID-19 data, in the U.S., California and Contra Costa County.

The adjusted average daily number of new COVID-19 cases in Contra Costa has doubled in recent weeks, rising from 4.3 per 100,000 population on Oct. 16 to 9.2 on Nov. 16.

The average daily percentage of COVID-19 tests that return positive in Contra Costa has also increased sharply, from 1.9% on Oct. 16 to 3.6% on Nov. 16.

Health officials are also closely monitoring the number of people hospitalized in Contra Costa because of COVID-19, as a large surge in patients could overwhelm the local healthcare system. There were 21 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Contra Costa on Oct. 16, compared to 48 on Nov. 16.

To prevent unnecessary illness and death in our community, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) urges residents to take the safety requirements seriously and consider what they can do to reduce the risk of infection to themselves and their families – such as wearing face coverings whenever they leave home.

Growing evidence shows that simple cloth face coverings reduce the spread of COVID-19, providing some protection to the wearer and, more importantly, protecting people near a wearer who is infectious but does not yet know they are sick.

“The most simple, effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a face covering whenever you leave home or are around people who do not live with you,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, county health officer. “This may also be a time to consider a remote holiday gathering. We all want to see each other, but it is important to carefully consider the risks before meeting in person with our loved ones.”

Contra Costa, previously in the red tier, already enacted local health orders last week that added additional safety requirements beyond what the state had mandated, including a moratorium on indoor dining and operation of indoor gyms and fitness centers.

Contra Costa moved into the red tier just last week from the orange tier. The state today changed its guidelines to expedite movement of counties into more restrictive tiers in response to the growing public health crisis. More information is expected to be posted at the state’s web page.

Changes caused by the state’s action today will include:

  • Social gatherings involving people from different households are permitted outdoors only, with a maximum of three households and 25 people, preferably for less than two hours.
  • K-12 schools may not reopen for in-person instruction unless they have already begun to do so.
  • Worship services and cultural ceremonies must now be held outdoors only.
  • Higher education institutions must move indoor lectures and student gatherings outdoors only.
  • Movie theaters may operate outdoors only.
  • Museums and exhibit spaces may open outdoors only.

Visit covid19.ca.gov for more information about the state health guidelines, and state data regarding COVID-19.

For Contra Costa data and COVID-19 health information, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.

 

CHP stops speeders at 131, 121 and 110 MPH and Contra Costa roads

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Photos by CHP-Contra Costa.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Wednesday, November 11

NO EXCUSE

And you ask for a ‘Break?’, C’mon. Your speed of 131MPH combined with the fact you have NO LICENSE just earned you a car jail impound for 30 days. Sign here for you citation.

#instantkarma #nobreaks #slowdown #chp

And a close second today is this violator, at 121 MPH on you guessed it, #hwy4. But fortunately, this driver receives similar treatment as the last.

In all seriousness, these types of speeds are truly dangerous to all motorists on the road. We are out enforcing all laws on all roads, especially Hwy-4, to take these dangerous drivers off the roadway. Whether you see us out and about or not, we are always out there working, 24/7, no days off. #slowdown #1stistheworst #2ndisjustasbad

Friday, November 13

BACK AT IT AGAIN

110MPH… and then car unregistered for 2 years?!

That results in a citation for the 110 MPH and vehicle impounded until the registration is taken care of. Sign here please.#instantkarma #slowdown #allroadsallcodes #chp

Contra Costa to close indoor dining, fitness centers, movie theater concessions Tuesday to contain spread of COVID-19

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In coordination with other Bay Ara counties

If the current restrictions don’t work “we are prepared for further restrictions” – Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa Health Officer during Friday afternoon press conference

On Thursday, California reached the unfortunate milestone of 1 million COVID cases statewide. With transmission and hospitalizations on the rise, health officers representing counties across the Bay Area are tightening local rules for high-risk indoor activities where the virus can spread more easily.

Contra Costa Health Services today issued an order to close, effective Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 8 a.m.:

  • Indoor dining
  • Indoor fitness centers
  • Concession stands at movie theaters

Dine-in restaurant and gyms reopened at reduced capacities when the county entered the state’s red tier in late September. But recent increases in COVID cases and hospitalizations make the closures necessary to help contain spread of the virus.

“Indoor interactions at restaurants, movie theaters, and indoor gyms and fitness centers are high-risk activities,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer. “And given what we’re seeing happen across the country and the region, we must act now.”

Diners at restaurants remove their masks to eat or drink, as do movie patrons when snacking on food from concession stands. People also breathe heavily while they exercise at indoor gyms, increasing the risk of droplet and aerosol transmission of COVID-19, which can be only partially reduced by wearing a face covering.

Contra Costa recently moved from the state’s orange tier to the more restrictive red tier because of an increasing number of cases in the county. Meanwhile, hospitalizations in Contra Costa have returned to levels not seen in several weeks. On Nov. 11, 50 people with COVID were hospitalized in the county – the highest number since September.

“I’ve said this many times before, but it’s so important I can’t repeat it enough: The best way to protect against COVID-19 is to wear a face covering whenever you are near people who do not live with you, and whenever you go in a building that is not your home,” said Dr. Farnitano.

Health officials are especially worried about people gathering indoors with the holidays coming up and may consider other closures in the days and weeks ahead. Contra Costa County, which is now in the red tier, could move into the state’s most restrictive tier, the purple tier, within the coming weeks. If the county moves into the purple tier, schools that haven’t reopened will have to remain closed until the county moves back into the red tier or until they receive a waiver from the state.

“Our hope is that this new health order will slow down the spread of COVID so schools will have a better chance to reopen,” Dr. Farnitano said.

Screenshot of Dr. Chris Farnitano during press conference on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020

Dr. Farnitano Press Conference

During a Zoom press conference Friday afternoon Farnitano was asked by the Herald, “Is this decision based on what’s actually happening in our county, or what’s happening in other Bay Area counties and elsewhere?” he responded, “We’re really looking at all of it.”

Where people are getting COVID, “many if not most cannot pinpoint any specific locations,” Farnitano explained. “But where we can identify, restaurants, gyms we are imposing restrictions.”

“Why can’t we just protect the vulnerable and allow the rest of us get back to living our lives?” the Herald asked.

“That would be an ideal strategy if it can work. But it can’t. The vulnerable can’t live in a bubble,” Farnitano stated. “We see it in our nursing homes. Those who work there go home, go shopping, and are with their families where they can be exposed.”

“To protect the most vulnerable in our society we need to keep the overall transmission to a minimum,” he added.

“What is the basis for closing indoor fitness centers and not other indoor activities,” he was asked.

“We have seen looking across the country and across the state there have been outbreaks in gyms and fitness centers,” Farnitano said during a press conference Friday afternoon. “People can exercise outside or at home. Outdoor fitness operations are still allowed. This current order doesn’t have an endpoint. When our hospital case rates come down…then we can reconsider these orders.

“Masks does not provide the same level of protection when youre around someone breathing heavily and exercising,” he added.

The actions are “due to the rapidly rising of rates in our community,” Farnitano explained.

One person asked about the county “moving the goal posts instead of enforcing existing rules”.

“The enforcement efforts have not proven sufficient,” Farnitano responded. “The more we can wear our masks and stay away from others outside of our households the sooner we can get past this upsurge.”

“Our case rate in the past seven days are already in the Purple Tier. We are testing at higher levels than state averages. Our adjusted case rate is even in the Purple Tier,” he said. “We have seen the case rate increase in the last several days in our hospitals.”

The county is issuing these orders, now so, “We can hope to blunt that wave, blunt that surge…to get us through a winter surge quicker and with less harm to the community as far as illness and death,” Farnitano explained.

“Are church services impacted further,” he was asked.

“Not at this point,” Farnitano responded. “We implemented restrictions on churches last week for the Red Tier. We are prepared to add additional restrictions in the future if our hospitalizations rise, in advance of state restrictions.”

“We are looking at all of our health care systems and how we can get through the latest wave,” he explained.

“Will it be enough? I am not sure. We will have to watch the data and see,” said Farnitano. “We all have to do our part, wear our masks, six feet of social distancing.

“But if it doesn’t we are prepared for further restrictions,” Farnitano added. “The state could move us into Purple the day after Thanksgiving.”

“Why don’t you believe in herd immunity,” he was asked.

“Herd immunity would take an enormous toll on the community and lead to enormous deaths, more than we’ve seen,” Farnitano responded. “We would need 70 to 80% levels of herd immunity. It would take uncontrollable disease for months and months and months and that would be too high of a toll for the community.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

Kaiser Permanente Richmond recognized for excellence by American College of Surgeons

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Hospital Receives Meritorious Recognition for Surgical Care

By Kerri Leedy, PR and Media Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Kaiser Permanente Richmond has been recognized with the highest rankings possible by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®). The organization awards the rankings based on the outcomes of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures.

“We appreciate the support and recognition of the ACS NSQIP as we continuously strive for higher levels of quality excellence,” said Judith Park, MD, physician-in-chief, Kaiser Permanente East Bay. “These stellar outcomes speak to not only to the outstanding leadership and commitment of so many dedicated physicians, nurses and staff,  but to the systems we can put in place through the power of  our partnership and  integrated healthcare model.”

The ACS NSQIP recognition program recognizes a select group of hospitals each year. Scores are awarded in both the “All Cases” category and the “High Risk” category, which includes only high-risk cases. For each category, eight clinical factors are considered and scored. They are:

  • Mortality
  • Cardiac: cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction
  • Pneumonia
  • Unplanned Intubation
  • Ventilator > 48 hours
  • Renal Failure
  • SSI: superficial incisional SSI, deep incisional SSI, and organ/space SSI
  • UTI: urinary tract infection

Kaiser Permanente Richmond received Meritorious scores in the “All Cases” categories.

“I’m so proud of our surgical teams here in the East Bay. This is the collective effort of many to achieve these results,” said Ed Chan, senior vice-president and area manager for the Kaiser Permanente East Bay Service Area, which includes the Richmond Medical Center. “Being recognized by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is a testament to the high-quality care we provide our members and patients.”

Kaiser Permanente Richmond Surgical services encompass procedures that are urgent, elective, routine, and specialized. Risk-adjusted data from the July 2020 ACS NSQIP Semiannual Report, which presents data from the 2019 calendar year, were used to determine which hospitals demonstrated meritorious outcomes.

“The deep commitment by many providers in multiple disciplines allows for this success and recognition,” said Aaron Baggs, MD, Regional Bariatric Subchief, Surgical Quality Lead for Kaiser Permanente’s Richmond Medical Center. “It takes a shared vision and a team approach to get these excellent outcomes.”

ACS NSQIP is the only nationally validated quality improvement program that measures and enhances the care of surgical patients. The goal of ACS NSQIP is to reduce surgical morbidity (infection or illness related to a surgical procedure) and surgical mortality (death related to a surgical procedure) and to provide a firm foundation for surgeons to apply what is known as the “best scientific evidence” to the practice of surgery. Furthermore, when adverse effects from surgical procedures are reduced and/or eliminated, a reduction in health care costs follows.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org.

About Kaiser Permanente

For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients, and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight 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. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org

Glazer names Walnut Creek-based Trinity Center 7th Senate District 2020 Nonprofit of the Year

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Trinity Center’s new home, part of the St. Paul’s Commons Community in Walnut Creek, California. Photo: Trinity Center website.

State Senator to honor group for its work welcoming vulnerable populations during COVID-19 on Wed., Nov. 18

Senator Steve Glazer, (D-7, Orinda), has chosen Walnut Creek-based Trinity Center as the 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year for his Senate district. Senator Glazer will recognize the nonprofit group in a livestream presentation on Wednesday, November 18.

The livestream will take place on Senator Glazer’s website: https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/ at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 18.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Trinity Center has provided a welcoming space for homeless and very low-income individuals at a level not seen before: It served 970 unique individuals and provided more than 56,000 services in 2019-2020.

Trinity Center, located at 1888 Trinity Avenue in Walnut Creek, is a place where vulnerable people can feel physically and emotionally safe, supported in their recovery, and part of a caring group that is focused on helping them escape the challenges of poverty.   Trinity Center operates during the day and offers services such as: meals, showers, laundry, clothing, and mail & telephone access, coupled with case management for benefits, housing, employment, and substance use counseling.

“I am proud to honor Trinity Center for its vital work in keeping people safe and providing them with much needed services during this trying time of the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Glazer. “Trinity Center’s work is a lifeline for people who otherwise might not make it. Nonprofit organizations like Trinity are doing heroic work that cannot be undervalued.”

As a contracted Coordinated Assessment Referral and Engagement (CARE) Center since 2018, Trinity Center is an integral part of Contra Costa’s system of care for persons experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, providing for basic, immediate needs, and linking people with resources to regain stability and housing.

This is the fifth year of the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative, and with nonprofits doing more than ever to help their communities weather this COVID-19 crisis, their work should rightfully be celebrated.

“Nonprofits are often hidden in plain sight,” said Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “With one in every 14 California jobs being at a nonprofit, honoring a California Nonprofit of the Year shows that elected officials recognize and celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts. We urge everyone to appreciate the collective impact of nonprofits in our communities.”

About Trinity Center

Trinity Center is a non-residential program serving homeless and working poor adult men and women in Walnut Creek and Central Contra Costa County. We are a membership community that offers hope and support. We invite everyone to participate in our mission. For more information or to volunteer visit https://trinitycenterwc.org or call (925) 949-8712.

 

Walnut Creek resident, Ombudsman Services Executive Director named Woman of the Year by Congressman Garamendi

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Nicole Howell, Executive Director of Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda. Photo & logo courtesy of OSCCSA.

Pleasant Hill, CA – Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda is pleased to announce that Executive Director Nicole Howell has been selected as a 2020 Woman of the Year by Congressman John Garamendi.

In an effort to recognize outstanding women serving in California’s Third Congressional District, the Congressman annually invites individuals and organizations to submit nominations of those who have shown a commitment to improving quality of life through leadership and public service.

“Every year I have the honor of recognizing the achievements and service of these distinguished women, Garamendi said. “These leaders come from a variety of backgrounds, but every one of them has made a real difference to their communities and the people around them. It’s a privilege to be able to honor them.”

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has rippled through our nation, each of these women have worked tirelessly to serve their communities and help vulnerable populations weather this storm. Their service is deserving of recognition, and by receiving this award, their work will be commemorated and chronicled at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC,” Garamendi added.

“This is a tremendous honor,” Howell said during the awards ceremony. “I would like to thank Jennalee Dawson for nominating me and, of course, Congressman Garamendi for selecting me.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Howell, and the Ombudsman team took to the front lines to distribute personal protective equipment to over 15,000 residents in long-term care. She also participated in efforts for residents’ rights by collaborating with local media and testifying on behalf of a movement of residents and their families at the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing “Examining the COVID-19 Nursing Home Crisis” on June 25. During the height of COVID-19, OSCCSA completed nearly 300 facility consultations and close to 200 individual consultations, providing vital information and resources throughout Alameda County.

“I want to accept this award on behalf of all those people who are fighting the fight for seniors right now, particularly those in long-term care,” Howell said. “Thank you so much. This is beyond what I could have dreamed.”

Driven by a calling, the Walnut Creek resident dedicates her career to the memories and experiences of her grandma – a Native American facing struggles as a low-income person whose second language is English.

In her grandma’s legacy, a decade-long career began in the nonprofit and then aging communities to fill a void by building programs, teams, and infrastructures and providing resources to educate and combat the ageism fighting against old adults. Nicole has helped cultivate change through the belief that there is both power and equity in shared leadership. She believes that powerful leadership is met with equal parts enthusiasm, engagement, and connection to the team and those you are working with.

As the Executive Director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda (OSCCSA), Howell is responsible for ensuring that the nearly 29,000 long-term care residents and their families have access to the highest level of care and respect and, above all, can live free of abuse and neglect.

“I’ve always had a passion for the nonprofit community, but when I became part of the Ombudsman Services in my prior role as the Director of Operations for Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, something just clicked,” she said. “It reignited a connection and those experiences I saw my grandma facing. I quickly became a fierce advocate for seniors and dependent adults and was driven to immerse myself in culture-changing initiatives and person-centered care philosophies. It’s a true honor to use my voice for all of those in long-term care – residents, their families, and those who have passed. Really, it’s not just a community. It’s a movement of people.”

Since becoming Executive Director, Howell has grown OSCCSA’s budget by nearly 600%, lowered the use of anti-psychotics in Contra Costa County by 10%, and increased facility coverage by unearthing the problems and issues that are being overlooked. She has helped spearhead many new programs in Ombudsman Services and beyond, including the Elder Justice Program Solano, Telephone Reassurance, and Friendly Visiting in Solano County, as well as Healthcare Career Pathways and Residents’ Rights in Contra Costa.

About Nicole Howell

A Las Vegas native, Nicole Howell holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Nevada, Reno. As an avid speaker on all topics on elder advocacy and elder justice, she is honored to serve and be a part of the Solano Partners Against Violence as a Solano County appointed board member, a Chair of Legislative Policy for California Elder Justice Coalition, a member of the Rotary Club of Walnut Creek Sunrise, a member of the Core Project Team for the Alliance to End Abuse, a member of the Council for Age-Friendly Communities–Alameda County, a board member for the Trinity Center–Contra Costa County, and 2020 Walnut Creek Chair for Wine, Women, and Shoes.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda

Based in Pleasant Hill, with offices in Fairfield and Oakland, Ombudsman Services is the only organization mandated by law to make unannounced visits to long-term care facilities to ensure that residents are free from abuse and are receiving quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years, and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers. For more information, visit www.ccombudsman.org.

About U.S. Congressman, John Garamendi

John Garamendi joined the U.S. House of Representatives on November 5, 2009. He brings nearly four decades of public service to the House Armed Services and Transportation & Infrastructure committees.

He has been a tireless proponent of job creation, quality and affordable health care, education, environmental protection, and scientific research, while always working to ensure the stability and success of the state he has always called home. Garamendi was raised on his family’s cattle ranch in Mokelumne Hill. He graduated with a BA in business from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

As California’s 46th Lieutenant Governor, Garamendi was Chair of the Commission for Economic Development, where he transformed this important body into a powerhouse to advocate for workforce development, vocational education, and research. As a Regent of the University of California and Trustee for the California State University System, Garamendi fought to hold the line on student fee increases and excessive administrator salaries. As Chair of the California State Lands Commission, he led the fight against new offshore oil drilling. For more information, visit https://garamendi.house.gov/.

Contra Costa Supervisors approve creation of Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice

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“Racism exists in our county and in our county department” – Supervisor Federal Glover

“Racism is a public health crisis” – Contra Costa Health Department Director Anna Roth

County COVID-19 ranking lowered to Red Tier as health officials warn about holiday season upsurge 

By Daniel Borsuk

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 unanimously passed a proposal to create a county funded Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice to address increasing concerns about rising issues of racial inequality and social injustice especially in how the county delivers health services to people of color.

The nonprofit San Francisco Foundation will provide the biggest donation of $75,000 to help launch the formation of the new office.  Other organizations providing funding are the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, $20,000; East Bay Community Foundation, $10,000; John Muir Community Benefits, $10,000; Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation, $25,000; Public Health Advocates, $25,000; Republic Services, $25,000; Richmond Community Foundation, $5,000: The California Endowment, $25,000 and Y&H Soda Foundation, $25,000.

Before supervisors voted to start the planning process to potentially launch a county Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, supervisors had unanimously approved a resolution Declaring Racism as a Public Health Crisis.  Some of the resolution’s 12 clauses were:

“WHEREAS, disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease, shorter life expectancy, maternal and infant mortality, and health inequities for Black/African Americans and other racial groups are widely recognized and documented, yet continue in particular as well as other communities of color; and

“WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated racial and social inequities by disproportionately impacting the Latinx community as well as other communities of color; and

“WHEREAS Contra Costa Health Services cares for and improves the health of all people in Contra Costa County, and yet as a system has perpetuated racism and anti-black racism; and

“WHEREAS the Contra Costa Health Services cares for and improves the health of all people in Contra Costa County, and yet as a system has perpetuated racism and anti-black racism.”

If Contra Costa County moves ahead in to create in the 2021-2022 fiscal year an Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, the county will join San Francisco and Oakland that had both established similar offices in 2019.

“Racism exists in our county and in our county department,” said Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg, who along with Gioia pushed for the formation of the new county office.

“I have always attacked the health disparities, particularly when it impacts our low income communities,” said the supervisor who was reelected last week to a seventh  four-year term in a runoff election last week against Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer.

“Racism is a public health crisis,” concurred Contra Costa Health Department Director Anna Roth. Roth said there exist ethnic-economic-racial-social inequities in health care throughout Contra Costa County.

“This is a major issue no matter if it is intentional or unintentional,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond. “We have seen it all in our own county.”

“I support the eventuality of a Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity,” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill, who at one point disputed with Gioia over how to fund the operation of the proposed new office if it reaches that point by next May. Both supervisors agreed to not bring up the funding issue until May when supervisors will review the 2021—2022 budget.

County Returns to COVID-19 Red Tier With More Restrictions 

The 2020 holiday season is around the corner and Contra Costa County Public Health officials are sparing no time in ramping up efforts to advise residents to wear face coverings, maintain social distances, use disposable dining ware and stay outdoors instead of indoors during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors were informed Tuesday. County health officials announced the public safety measure as the county’s COVID-19 tier ranking was lowered Tuesday from purple tier to red tier.

County health officials saw a 200 percent boost in the number of COVID-19 cases during the past two weeks, Contra Costa Health Department Director Anna Roth said. Even with news on Monday that Pfizer Inc. has developed a vaccine that has notched a 90 percent safety record, Roth said the county reported an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, 20,166 cases and 46 deaths.

“With the holiday season approaching, we recommend, keep it small, keep it outside with no more than 13 persons and lasting no more than three hours,” Roth said. In addition, Roth said persons should wash hands and faces frequently, remain outside as much as possible, wear face coverings, and maintain six-feet separations.

Roth reported that a county sponsored COVID-19 test event held in San Pablo on Saturday, Nov. 7 was a success because 673 persons were tested. Eighty-five percent of the test takers were first-time participants. A majority of those participating in the free tests were residents of Latinx descent.

Count health officer Dr. Chris Farnitano said the county is prepared to store the Pfizer vaccine that has been reported to be 90 percent effective but requires extreme cold refrigeration. “The county has purchased the ultra-cold storage capability to story up to 70,000 doses,” Dr. Farnitano informed supervisors. The storage unit can keep the vaccine cold at 70 degrees below zero.

 

Frazier honors Pittsburg’s Archie Smith as Veteran of the Year 11th Assembly District

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11th Assembly District Veteran of the Year Archie Smith with Assemblymember Jim Frazier. Photo courtesy of Office of Assemblymember Jim Frazier.

Has volunteered as a Chapter and Post Service Officer for DAV Chapter 21 in Vallejo, American Legion Post 161 in Antioch and VFW Post 10789 in Brentwood

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jim Frazier, D-Fairfied, honored Pittsburg resident and United States Air Force Senior Airman Archie Smith (Retired) as Assembly District 11’s 2020 Veteran of the Year.

“One of the best things I get to do every year is name the 11th AD Veteran of the Year to highlight the military service and contributions of a veteran resident of our district,” Frazier said. “Archie Smith is someone who often offers aid to others before they even think to ask. He is passionate about working with veterans and civic organizations to make a difference in our community. It is my honor to recognize U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen and veteran community advocate Archie Smith as this year’s Veteran of the Year.”

Smith was deployed overseas three times during his four years of service, twice to Bahrain and once to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, where he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for managing his weapons load crew through an emergency quick-turn munitions load resulting in the destruction of 40 Iraqi Air Defense Systems and one surface-to-air missile site. Exposures to Gulf War airborne toxins and job-related orthopedic injuries caused Smith to be discharged honorably with the rank of Senior Airman.

Following his service, Smith applied for disability benefits through the Disabled American Veterans Service Organization (DAV) and was offered a job with them as a Transitional and future National Service Officer and supervisor. For the next 12 years, working out of the Oakland and Sacramento offices, Archie provided hundreds of benefit seminars and record reviews to newly discharging veterans, traveling monthly to five different military bases in Northern California. Smith has represented hundreds of veterans at personnel hearings before administrative law judges with the Department of Veterans Affairs and has conducted thousands of interviews, teaching his interpretation of claims development.

Continuing his commitment to service while living in Pittsburg, Archie retired early and began volunteering as a Chapter and Post Service Officer for DAV Chapter 21 in Vallejo, American Legion Post 161 in Antioch and VFW Post 10789 in Brentwood. He also has volunteered more than 1,000 hours counseling veterans and their families, cooking for veterans at community events, and creating his own way of veteran outreach through targeted claims development seminars.

Since April 12, 2018, Smith has held the position of Director of Veterans Services for the Veterans Health Navigation Partnership (VHNP) between La Clinica and VFW Post 10789. This alliance started for two reasons: to help bring awareness of potential health care options at La Clinica, which is closer to our community’s veteran population than the Martinez VA Hospital, and to bring businesses and organizations who support veterans and family members together several times a year to network and learn about claims development and service organization membership, as well as one-on-one personal counseling sessions.

Along with conducting private interviews, phone calls, and responding to emails from veterans across the country, Smith has also conducted three target seminars, reaching a couple hundred of our community’s veterans and their families.

For nearly the last decade along with continued veteran service, Smith has also been the proud owner of Archie’s S&Q Smoked and BBQ Meats in Pittsburg. A true community staple of BBQ and famous sides, always willing to lend a hand at veteran and community events. If you have not tried it yet, best get yourself out there to order some of the best in town.

Smith joins a growing list of veterans tapped for the Assembly District 11 Veteran of the Year honor by Frazier, including Jeff Jewell, Derek McGinnis, Janet Wilson, Mike Brimer, Steve Todd, Enrico Cinquini, Jesse Branch and Ed Parisarda.