Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa, Richmond, Antioch awarded state grants to house people living in homeless encampments

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Source: Office of the CA Governor

Governor Newsom awards $130.7 million in Round 3 of program to help 18 California communities

Also creating a collaborative program between the state and targeted communities to streamline the cleanup of encampments

SACRAMENTO – Oct. 4, 2024 — Expanding the state’s unprecedented support for local communities to create new housing and address homelessness, Governor Newsom announced Friday, the state is awarding $130.7 million to 18 local governments to clear homeless encampments and provide shelter, care and support. The grants are from Round 3 of the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) awards from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Governor also announced new accountability measures, requiring award recipients to adhere to all state housing and homeless laws — as well as remain in compliance with their Housing Elements — or risk losing funding and face other enforcement actions.

The Round 3 funds awarded Friday will go to 12 cities, four counties and two Continuums of Care (CoCs) and are intended to resolve critical encampment concerns and address the housing and health and safety needs of 3,364 people living in encampments, and permanently house 1,565 people.

Of the total amount the City of Richmond was awarded $9,336,746, the City of Antioch will receive $6,812,686 and the County of Contra Costa was granted $5,708,516. Of the 18 agencies, Contra Costa County scored the highest followed by Richmond.

“We’re supporting local communities’ efforts to get people out of encampments and connected with care and housing across the state. It’s important and urgent work that requires everyone to do their part. The state has committed more than $27 billion to help local governments tackle the homelessness crisis — and we want to see $27 billion worth of results,” said Governor Newsom.

Source: CA Dept of HCD

$1 billion in funding to clear encampments

Governor Newsom has made unprecedented investments to address the housing and homelessness crises, with $40 billion invested to help communities create more housing and $27 billion provided to communities for homelessness. Today’s new grants are part of the state’s $1 billion Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF), which help communities address dangerous encampments and support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

So far, the program has invested $737 million for 109 projects or encampments across 21 counties, 41 cities and 5 CoCs to help 20,888 people throughout the state, helping 20,888 people transition out of homelessness.

“These grants will ensure local communities take a person-centered, trauma-informed approach as they help their most vulnerable residents transition to safe and stable housing,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “The Encampment Resolution Fund grants are infusing critical resources in communities up and down California so that unhoused Californians can access the essential housing and supportive services they need to achieve long-term stability.”

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Greater accountability 

As a condition of receiving the funding, the awardees must agree to increased accountability and compliance measures. These new accountability measures build on the current requirements that all grantees adhere to state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to construction, health and safety, labor, fair employment practices, environmental protection, equal opportunity, fair housing, and all other matters applicable and/or related to the ERF program.

The Governor’s new measures expressly require local governments to maintain a compliant housing element, as well as adhere to all planning, permitting, entitlement, fair housing, and homelessness laws.

Non-compliance with these measures may result in the state revoking and clawing back awarded funds in addition to potential enforcement actions by the state’s Housing Accountability Unit. This ensures that grant recipients remain accountable and protects state funding.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Care, compassion, collaboration 

Today’s announcement follows the Governor’s executive order urging local governments to adopt policies and plans consistent with the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) existing encampment policy.

Prioritizing encampments that pose a threat to the life, health, and safety of the community, Caltrans provides advance notice of clearance and works with local service providers to support those experiencing homelessness at the encampment, and stores personal property collected at the site for at least 60 days.

Since July 2021, California has cleared more than 12,000 encampments and has removed 267,611 cubic yards of debris from encampments along the state right of way in preparation for Clean California projects.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Delegated Maintenance Agreements

The Governor also announced today a new collaborative program that will help streamline the cleanup of encampments by establishing agreements between the state and targeted local communities. The agreements will remove jurisdictional boundaries and allow locals to address encampments on state property and receive reimbursement for their efforts.

To help provide additional guidance and direction for local governments, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness has posted webinars and resources to help communities address encampments.

Below are the other 10 cities, three counties and two Continuums of Care awarded Round 3 ERF grants:

  • City of Berkeley – $5,395,637
  • City of Carlsbad – $2,994,225
  • City of Los Angeles – $11,351,281
  • City of Palm Springs – $5,106,731
  • City of Petaluma – $8,098,978
  • City of Redlands — $5,341,800
  • City of Sacramento — 18,199,661
  • City of San Jose —- $4,821,083
  • City of Victorville — $6,365,070
  • City of Visalia —- $3,000,000
  • County of Riverside — $12,612,779
  • County of San Bernardino — $11,000,000
  • City and County of San Francisco – $7,975,486
  • Humboldt County — Continuum of Care – $3,784,294
  • Pasadena –  Continuum of Care – $2,772,801

“Our team is energized by this opportunity to help bring people-centered, Housing First solutions to Californians who are unsheltered throughout the state,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which has administered ERF since the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year. “Combined with the investments in permanent supportive housing made possible by voter approval of Proposition 1, the state has unprecedented momentum to make monumental progress on a crisis of homelessness that has been growing for decades.”

The awards announced Friday utilize all remaining FY 2023-24 ERF funds. An additional appropriation of $150 million in the FY 2024-25 State Budget allowed HCD to award all eligible ERF Round 3, Window 2 applicants. The budget also included $100 million in ERF funds for FY 2025-26, bringing to $1 billion this investment to address encampments through proven housing solutions.

Each agency was required to apply for the ERF program.

The grants will provide stable, safe housing for individuals living in encampments in their respective communities. The awarded proposals will assist individuals living in encampments with compassion and dignity by providing a range of housing solutions: permanent housing; interim housing for individuals seeking coordinated entry system resources or housing vouchers; housing navigation services and rapid rehousing subsidies; support for accessing permanent housing by providing security deposits and other moving expenses; and allowing awardees to acquire property for housing.

Each agency was required to apply for the grant program

Pablo Espinoza, Deputy Director of Communications, CA Department of HCD Media and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Los Medanos College to livestream homecoming football game Oct. 5

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Source: LMC

Feature 50th Anniversary Tribute Halftime Show

Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College (LMC) presents a special livestream production on CCTV of the Mustangs’ homecoming game against De Anza College Lions, 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 from the Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road.

The livestream includes a half-time show that debuts a special 50th Anniversary Tribute with historic images, musical score by the LMC Jazz Band, introduction by Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, and commentary by former President Peter Garcia, President Pamela Ralston, author and art history professor Nick Nabas, and others.

“This tribute showcases the heart and soul of LMC that has endured from the first day we swung open the doors to students,” President Pamela Ralston said. “It captures the arc of our success through memories and stories of our alumni, dedicated faculty and staff, and students.”

Source: LMC

The tribute video, produced in partnership with Fallout Pictures, rounds out the homecoming game production, which includes a high-energy opener produced by CCTV’s Ronn Carter. The opener highlights the city of Pittsburg and its storied success as an economic driver for the East Bay. Gametime coverage also features announcing and color commentary by local sports broadcasters Tony Schultz and Dan Wall (an LMC alumnus), and contributions by LMC Experience student journalists Finn Atkin, Juan Cebreiros, and Lauren Gannod.

The homecoming game is Part II of a day of festivities that begins at the 11 a.m. party, hosted by legendary DJ Chuy Gomez of 102 Jams FM. The party will be held on the Pittsburg Campus in grassy area adjacent to Mustang Stadium.

For more information about LMC 50th Anniversary activities, visit www.losmedanos.edu/50th.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

 

Faye Maloney runs again for Brentwood City Council District 1

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Brentwood District 1 City Council candidate Faye Maloney. Sources: Maloney campaign and City of Brentwood.

This time for open seat on a campaign of public safety, promoting ag, preserving history, supporting local business, smart growth and greater environmental considerations

By Allen D. Payton

In a repeat of the 2020 campaign, Law Enforcement Supervisor Faye Maloney is running again for the Brentwood City Council in District 1 in the upcoming November 2024 election to provide “Next Generation Leadership”. Last time she ran in a multi-candidate race and placed second behind current incumbent Jovita Mendoza but ahead of former Mayor Brian Swisher and then-Councilwoman Claudette Station. This time, following redistricting in 2022, Maloney is running for an open seat and faces only one opponent.

Maloney’s campaign issued the following announcement:

“With a commitment to support public safety, promote the agriculture community, preserving Brentwood history, support local businesses, smart growth and greater environmental considerations, Faye Maloney aims to bring unity and a thriving culture to Brentwood, CA.

Faye Maloney’s experience in public safety, advocacy, and empowerment has prepared her to tackle the challenges and represent her community. Faye Maloney believes in the power of collaborative problem-solving and fostering positive relationships within her city and regionally.

Faye Maloney’s campaign will aim to engage with the community through outreach efforts and events, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and represented. Faye Maloney invites all community members to join her in this exciting chapter. For more information about the campaign and to get involved, please visit fayeforbrentwood.com or follow Fay Maloney on Facebook and/or Instagram.

According to the Meet Faye page on her campaign website, Maloney was born in Chicago and offers a compelling life story having been abducted by her father at age six and kept from her mother until age eight. That led her to a career in law enforcement, beginning with the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and later for an agency in Alameda County in 2009.  The second-time candidate says, she “has a background in policy, code enforcement and legislation, and acts as an advocate and voice for people who have none.”

Other Issues

According to information from Maloney’s Campaign Statement shared by KQED, she offers her positions on other issues facing the city including:

  • Infrastructure: “As a commuter, I understand the importance of ensuring our infrastructure is maintained and grows along with our city. I will work with others to reduce our commute times and support smart growth within our city limits.”
  • Education: “As a parent, I understand the significance of our children’s education and will support schools, students, and school leadership.”
  • Homelessness: “As a career law enforcement professional, I understand the urgency in solving our growing homelessness crisis and supporting our local public safety agencies.”

As part of infrastructure, Maloney says she also supports building Route 239, the planned four-lane freeway extension to Highway 4 from Brentwood to Tracy which will connect East County to I-5, 580 and 205.

Regarding the greater environmental concerns, she spoke of the homeless dumping things into the creeks and said, “The soil in our area where I live is toxic” as well as the soil “on Amber Lane near Empire Way,” and is concerned about the impacts on children and others who might locate there.

Community Service

Maloney was the Chairwoman for the Contra Costa County Commission on Women and Girls for two years and now serves as Treasurer. The commission was formed to educate the community and advise the Board of Supervisors on issues related to the changing social and economic conditions of women in the County, with particular emphasis on the economically disadvantaged.

Campaign Finances

According to the City of Brentwood’s campaign finance portal, Maloney began her 2024 campaign in August and. According to her Form 460 finance disclosure report, she has raised $3,460 as of Sept. 21st. In addition to $1,010 in loans from herself, the campaign has received $500 each from Carol Maloney, retired of Pine Grove, Maria McCauley of McCauley Olive Groves from Brentwood and Jeffrey Burns, a mortgage banker from Danville.

Maloney had spent $2,409.46 with $2,000 spent on campaign materials with Prizedimages in Tracy. That left her with an Ending Cash Balance of $1,050.54.

However, she raised more funds during an event on Sept. 26th, the candidate shared.

Endorsements

So far, Maloney shows she has been endorsed by the Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, District 3 Councilman Tony Oerlemans and several local business owners. Officer Aaron Peachman, BPOA President, stated, “Faye Maloney has extensive experience in public safety, and we look forward to working with her to improve the safety of Brentwood and shape Brentwood’s future.”

Peachman explained, “Faye Maloney has dedicated herself to public service and public safety and has long had an interest in bringing that experience home to the City of Brentwood. The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association believes that Faye Maloney brings a strong background of leadership, community engagement, and public service which make her an ideal candidate to step into the District 1 city council seat.”

Faye Maloney and her husband at an event in 2023. Photo: Maloney for Brentwood City Council campaign

Personal Life & Education

Maloney is “married and a proud stepmom to three kids.” She studied Criminal Justice at Sacramento City College and graduated from Kaplan University while working full-time as a 911 dispatcher. Maloney is currently earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership and will be graduating in early 2025.

She “has simple goals: represent the people of District 1 using clear data, ensure an open-door policy for resident constituents and implement solutions to local problems.” On her campaign website’s Get Involved page, Maloney offers residents a survey to let her know their top priorities for the community.

To contact her campaign email vote@fayeforbrentwood.com or call (925) 392-1915.

Maloney faces current Brentwood Planning Commission Chair Anita Roberts. The election is November 5th.

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association takes positions on statewide November ballot measures

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GENERAL ELECTION – NOVEMBER 5, 2024

HJTA’s Quick Guide to the Statewide Propositions:

NO on 2, 4, 5, 6, 32, 33

YES on 34, 36

HJTA takes no position on 3, 35

Why the gap in the numbers?

Propositions 2 through 6 were placed on the ballot by the Legislature and given special numbering.

Propositions 32-36 are citizens’ initiatives that were given sequential numbering from prior elections, as usual.

Statewide Propositions

No on 2

Why we’re against it

Proposition 2 is $10 billion of bonds, new state debt, to pay for school facilities. It is almost certain to result in higher property tax bills, because school districts must provide a “local match” of funds in order to receive money from the Prop. 2 state bonds. That will lead to districts issuing new local school bonds, which are paid for by adding new charges to property tax bills. Enrollment is declining in both K-12 district schools and community colleges and the declines are projected to continue. But Proposition 2 commits California to pay an estimated $18 billion, including interest, for school buildings that may not even be necessary. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 2.

Proposition 3 – HJTA takes no position on this measure

Proposition 3 removes language from the state Constitution that defines marriage as between a man and woman. It adds the language, “right to marry is a fundamental right.” This measure has no effect on the current law, because the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal Constitution protects the right to marry.

No on 4

Why we’re against it

This is the $10 billion “climate bond” that state politicians have long planned. California already has too much bond debt, over $78 billion outstanding as of January 1. Then $6.38 billion was added with Proposition 1 in March. Proposition 4 would add another $10 billion in bond debt to pay for climate “programs.” It’s reckless to use borrowed money, an estimated $18 billion with interest, to pay for “programs,” including salaries for all the groups that receive the money. Bond financing only makes sense for necessary projects that will last more than the 30 years it takes to repay the debt. The governor has already declared a budget emergency because the state spends more than it takes in. Spending even more “on the credit card” is a bad idea. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 4.

No on 5

Why we’re against it

Proposition 5 is ACA 1, a direct attack on Proposition 13. It makes it easier to raise taxes by eliminating the longstanding two-thirds vote of the electorate required to pass local bonds (borrowed money that must be repaid with interest). All new bond measures for “infrastructure” (nearly everything is “infrastructure”) and for public housing projects would pass with just 55% approval instead of the current 66.7%. Local bonds are paid for with extra charges on property tax bills, adding to the tax burden on homeowners and businesses, leading to higher rents for tenants and higher consumer prices for everyone. If Proposition 5 is not stopped, property tax bills are likely to go up after every election, forever. Proposition 5 will raise the cost of living in California, which already has the highest poverty rate in the country when the cost of living is taken into account. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 5.

No on 6

Why we’re against it

Proposition 6 bans mandatory work requirements for state prison inmates. It doesn’t seem fair to further increase the burden on taxpayers by creating the conditions to negotiate higher wages for inmates who are paying off their debt to society by serving their sentences in state prison. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 6.

No on 32

Why we’re against it

Proposition 32 would raise California’s hourly minimum wage from $16 to $18 and then adjust it annually for inflation. Unfortunately, raising the hourly minimum wage has sometimes reduced weekly wages as businesses cut hours and lay off workers. The best way to raise incomes in California is to stop driving job-creating businesses out of the state or into the ground. Raising the minimum wage is counter-productive. It also increases the state’s expenses by raising government labor costs. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 32.

No on 33

Why we’re against it

Proposition 33 is a rent control measure that would lead to a reduction in the supply of rental housing. It repeals a sensible 1995 law, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which put limits on rent control laws to ensure that housing providers could make a fair return on their investment and stay in business. Repealing Costa-Hawkins would mean cities could enact radical rent control, even on single-family homes and condos, and prevent property owners from resetting the rent to the market rate after a tenant voluntarily moves out. Proposition 33 would lead to a sharp reduction in new apartment construction as lenders evaluate financial risk due to potential rent control laws. That will worsen the housing shortage in California. Voters have already rejected this proposal twice before, in 2018 and 2020. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 33.

Yes on 34

Why we’re for it

Some nonprofit healthcare organizations that receive federal funds to provide health care services have abused the system to spend large amounts of money on political causes. Proposition 34 would end this practice and require that healthcare providers spend most of the money they receive from a federal prescription drug discount program on direct patient care. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 34.

Proposition 35 – HJTA takes no position on this measure

California currently taxes managed care organizations (MCOs) such as Anthem Blue Cross and others. The MCO tax is set to expire in 2026, and we expect the Legislature to make it permanent. Proposition 35 would also make it permanent but would require the revenue from the tax to fund Medi-Cal, the government health insurance program for low-income residents, instead of being used to close gaps in the state budget. About 14 million California residents rely on the Medi-Cal program for their health care needs.

Yes on 36

Why we’re for it

Proposition 36 is the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” backed by law enforcement groups and retailers. It makes thoughtful changes to Proposition 47 (2014), which reduced some theft and drug felonies to misdemeanors. Proposition 36 would get tougher on third offenses and also offer drug and mental health treatment as an alternative to incarceration. It would allow judges to sentence some individuals to state prison instead of county jail. The surge of retail theft, vehicle break-ins and open drug use on California’s streets has increased the burden on first responders, and on taxpayers, as well as raising insurance costs throughout the state. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 36.

About HJTA

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is dedicated to the protection of Proposition 13 and the advancement of taxpayers’ rights, including the right to limited taxation, the right to vote on tax increases and the right of economical, equitable and efficient use of taxpayer dollars. For over 35 years, HJTA has been the legal and political watchdog for Proposition 13 and a staunch defender of California taxpayers. For more information and to join visit http://www.hjta.org.

 

Healthcare workers at 38 dialysis clinics vote to authorize strike over unfair labor practices

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Margin of 97% in favor as Fresenius, DaVita, U.S. Renal and Satellite violate workers’ rights instead of improving working conditions and care for patients receiving life-saving treatments 

Strike votes come as more Fresenius clinic workers join SEIU-UHW amid growing momentum for industry-wide change

UPDATE: The strike votes took place and would impact three clinics in Contra Costa County: Fresenius West Antioch, DaVita Concord and Fresenius Brentwood.

By Renée Saldaña, Press Secretary, SEUI – United Healthcare Workers West

OAKLAND, Calif. — Dialysis workers across California are preparing for unprecedented strikes aimed at addressing unfair labor practices over companies’ illegal union-busting tactics.  Workers are also concerned with unsafe working conditions. The same day the strike vote results were announced, frontline workers at Fresenius Kidney Care West March in Stockton voted to unite with SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), marking another victory in the ongoing historic wave of unionization at dialysis clinics across the state.

The strikes, which could involve approximately 900 frontline healthcare workers at more than 38 clinics statewide, represent a critical turning point in the fight to hold dialysis corporations accountable for prioritizing profits at the expense of patient care.

Dialysis caregivers are calling for executives at DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite Healthcare, and U.S. Renal Care to bargain with them in good faith over solutions to chronic staffing shortages, patient care concerns, and their demands for fair wages and to stop employing union-busting tactics in response to workers exercising their right to form their unions. They say this action is necessary to stop unfair labor practices and secure safer conditions for both workers and patients. The workers also want their employers to stop retaliating against caregivers who advocate for their rights and better patient care.

“After years of unsafe staffing, substandard working conditions, and anti-union behavior by management, dialysis workers have had enough,” said Easen PeBenito, a certified clinical hemodialysis technician at Satellite Healthcare Blossom Valley in San Jose. “We’re taking this stand not just for ourselves, but for the patients whose lives depend on safe and compassionate care. Dialysis executives have ignored our concerns and violated our rights for far too long, and our strike is a last resort to stop Satellite’s illegal behavior and demand better for everyone.”

For years, healthcare workers at DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite Healthcare, and U.S. Renal Care have raised alarms about understaffing, high turnover rates, low-wages, and unsafe working conditions at dialysis clinics, where patients with critical kidney failure receive life-sustaining dialysis treatments multiple times a week. Caregivers at dialysis clinics across California, from Sacramento to San Diego, have been organizing to improve patient care, working conditions, and job standards.

The historic unionization wave amongst dialysis workers gained even more momentum the same day the strike vote was announced, as workers at Fresenius West March in Stockton voted to join SEIU-UHW despite management’s anti-union campaign which included captive audience meetings, and one-on-one meetings conducted by company executives and a union busting consultant.

“We voted to unionize so we can take better care of our patients and our families,” said Arnold Ballesteros, a patient care technician at Fresenius West March in Stockton. “We’re so short-staffed that we’re constantly rushing to give our patients the attention they deserve. Many of us are working multiple jobs just to get by because our wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living, and we’re paid far less than other healthcare workers. This is why despite management’s anti-union campaign and unfair labor practices we voted overwhelmingly to join SEIU-UHW. By joining the union, we’re gaining the power to fight for safer staffing, better pay, and the ability to provide the best care possible for our patients.  Our strike is a message to our employer to stop committing unfair labor practices.”

As dialysis workers prepare to strike, the industry faces growing scrutiny from lawmakers and patient advocates, who are calling for reforms to improve transparency, safety, and accountability at dialysis clinics.

UPDATE: The strike votes took place and would impact three clinics in Contra Costa County: Fresenius West Antioch, DaVita Concord and Fresenius Brentwood.

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.

Bay Area: Padilla, Garamendi introduce bill to expand San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Boundary Modification Act map. Source: Office of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08) introduced legislation to expand the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge by approximately 5,658 acres.

The expansion would include adjacent baylands owned by the State of California and nonprofit Sonoma Land Trust, with parcels in Solano County, Marin County, and Sonoma County. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04) are cosponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives.

“The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge hosts a rich wetland ecosystem and offers numerous recreational activities,” said Padilla. “Expanding the refuge’s boundary by over 5,500 acres would both protect Northern California tidal marshes to support wildlife and advance California’s ambitious conservation goals.”

“Conserving California’s special places has been a lifelong passion throughout my tenure in the state legislature, as Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, and now as a member of Congress representing Solano County. San Pablo Bay is one of those special places. Our bill will help to restore the saltmarshes in San Pablo Bay for future generations. Expanding the National Wildlife Refuge is part of my ongoing work in Congress to support the redevelopment of historic Mare Island for Bay Area residents and visitors alike, while revitalizing its shipbuilding industry,” said Garamendi.

“The San Pablo Bay Wildlife Refuge is home to some of the North Bay’s most vital habitats — serving as a safe haven for threatened species, increasing the region’s climate resiliency, and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for folks in the Bay Area. As a time-tested proponent of land conservation, I think this area is the perfect candidate for expansion,” said Huffman. “Our bill will restore and expand this land so it can thrive for generations to come.”

“San Pablo Bay is an essential part of California, and protecting local saltmarshes and baylands is a priority for Bay Area lawmakers and communities,” said Representative Thompson. “I’m honored to introduce The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act with Congressman Garamendi, Congressman Huffman, and Senator Padilla to ensure we protect the health and longevity of our region’s natural resources for generations to come.”

The approximately 5,658 acres of state-owned and privately owned conservation land proposed for addition to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge are as follows:

The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act would also direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into cooperative agreements with state agencies, like California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, to manage the federal National Wildlife Refuge and nearby state conservation lands within the San Pablo Bay watershed. As with all National Wildlife Refuges, the legislation ensures that federally owned land within the expanded San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge boundary remain open to the public for outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing where permitted. The bill would not affect private land ownership or local land use decisions in any way and prohibits the use of eminent domain by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand the National Wildlife Refuge.

The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge currently encompasses 24,390 acres, much of which is over water. The proposed 5,658-acre expansion would increase the National Wildlife Refuge’s acreage by more than 23 percent, supporting President Biden’s “America the Beautiful” National Conservation Goal to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of the lands and waters in the United States by 2030 and Governor Newsom’s similar conservation goal for California.

The bill is endorsed by organizations including Sonoma Land Trust, California State Coastal Conservancy, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, CalWild, Sierra Club, Tuleyome, California Waterfowl Association, American Rivers, Friends of the Lost Coast, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Endangered Habitats League, Californians for Western Wilderness, Klamath Forest Alliance, Wilderness Society, Save Mount Diablo, Ocean Project, Latino Outdoors, and Resource Renewal Institute.

Senator Padilla has secured millions of dollars to support San Pablo Bay. The $2.3 million he secured in the FY 2023 and FY 2024 appropriations packages for the Hamilton Airfields Wetlands Restoration project will help restore tidal and seasonal wetlands at the former Army airfield on San Pablo Bay in the city of Novato. He also announced $1.64 million for San Pablo Bay and Mare Island Strait to perform preliminary channel assessments in order to maintain the Mare Island Strait’s authorized width and depth, and to ensure a safe and navigable waterway for current and future economic development of Mare Island and the City of Vallejo.

A map of the proposed boundary expansion is available here.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

Brentwood Planning Commissioner, former Chamber president Gerald Johnson runs for mayor

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Source: Johnson Mayor campaign

On campaign of THRIVE: Togetherness, Housing, Recreation, Inclusion, Volunteerism and the Economy

Will use business background to attract employers and high-paying jobs to city; will work to add 5th police beat, eliminate homelessness

By Allen D. Payton

Gerald Johnson, current City of Brentwood Planning Commissioner, former two-time president of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, local business owner and 22-year resident of Brentwood is running for Mayor of Brentwood. With a vision for a thriving community rooted in unity, sustainable growth and economic vitality, Johnson says he is prepared to bring fresh leadership to the city he calls home.

“As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve been privileged to help shape Brentwood’s future by ensuring our city grows responsibly while preserving its unique character,” said Johnson. “My experience as President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce has deepened my commitment to strengthening our local economy and supporting the businesses that are the backbone of our community.”

Johnson serves on the Brentwood Planning Commission. Photo: Johnson for Mayor campaign

Johnson’s campaign is centered on the principles of THRIVE: Togetherness, Housing, Recreation, Inclusion, Volunteerism and the Economy. His platform focuses on developing attainable housing for young families and professionals, enhancing cultural and recreational opportunities, promoting inclusivity, encouraging volunteerism, driving economic growth through strategic public-private partnerships, and expanding Brentwood’s agritourism sector so he can balance the budget.

He will also work to increase public safety by adding and staffing the long-planned fifth beat to the police department and push for policies to eliminate homelessness in the city. Johnson also aims to leverage the talents and knowledge of Brentwood’s senior community to enrich local initiatives and programs that benefit them.

Johnson recognizes housing growth is inevitable since it’s required by state law under the Regional Housing Needs Analysis mandates, but said he and the council need to work with developers to get the most and best amenities for the city as possible and offset any impacts to the community.

Endorsements

Johnson’s campaign is already gaining momentum with endorsements from several prominent individuals and organizations, including Brentwood Councilman Tony Oerlemans, former Brentwood Mayor Brian Swisher; former Brentwood Vice Mayor Johnny Rodriguez, Contra Costa, County Board of Education Area 3 Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias, the Contra Costa United Professional Firefighters, Contra Costa Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades.

“I am running for Mayor because I believe Brentwood’s best days are ahead of us. I aim to create a community where everyone can thrive – where we unite to solve our challenges, support our local businesses, and ensure that Brentwood remains a wonderful place to live and work,” Johnson added.

Business Background

The Principal of Sabacon Consulting, a management consulting firm, since 2006, Johnson has an extensive business background working for and with Fortune 500 companies. According to his LinkedIn profile, they include Northern California Regional Manager for ConocoPhillips and Area Manager for Mobil Oil over 15 years. He also has served as President of the Northern ​California Chapter of the Institute of Management Consultants USA and since January Johnson is serving as Chair of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee which is the leadership group of the Certified Minority Business Enterprises Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council, an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

He says he will use his business experience and contacts to attract employers to Brentwood with high-paying jobs for the residents, so they can get out of the commute and spend more time with their families.

Education

The first-time candidate for public office has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science ​from Brooklyn College and ​pursued a Minority Executive Program Certificate from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, as well as ​becoming a Certified Management Consultant.

Gerald & Audrey Johnson and family. Source: Johnson for Mayor campaign.

Personal

He is married to Audrey and they have two sons who attended Brentwood schools. It was that experience driving them to school that helped shape Johnson’s thinking about the need for better traffic flow in the community, especially around Heritage High and Adams Middle School.

Johnson’s candidacy combines a fresh perspective with seasoned experience. He is committed to listening to the community’s needs and working collaboratively to build a stronger, more vibrant Brentwood.

He faces one opponent, current Vice Mayor and District 3 Councilwoman Susannah Meyer in the November election.

For more information about Johnson’s campaign, call (925) 515-7900, email info@GeraldCJohnson.com or visit www.GeraldCJohnson.com.

DeSaulnier announces over $166 million to modernize the region’s transportation systems along I-680 Corridor

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Funding for Contra Costa Transportation Authority through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Will benefit two projects on I-680

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director at U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – Today, Monday, September 23, 2024, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) will receive over $166 million in funding he advocated for to the Department of Transportation (DOT) that will help to improve safety, reduce congestion, and reduce air pollution along the I-680 corridor through Contra Costa County. This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” said DeSaulnier. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”

“The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his support in securing this monumental award. This federal grant speaks to the Congressman’s long-standing leadership in transportation and vision for our community,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director, CCTA. “Interstate 680 (I-680) is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity. It provides for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation. We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s dedication to improving quality of life and embracing innovation at both the local and national levels.”

Will Benefit Two Projects on I-680

This funding will go to two projects in Contra Costa County, which are part of the INNOVATE 680 Program, to complete the northbound I-680 express lane gap from SR-24 to SR-242 and convert the existing northbound High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane, construct a braided ramp system between North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving at this location, and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of NB I-680.

More information about this funding can be found in the letters Congressman DeSaulnier sent to DOT in support of this grant.

Congressman DeSaulnier has been a longtime champion of improving transportation in the Bay Area and along the I-680 corridor, including by consistently supporting CCTA in its work to advance projects that innovate our transportation systems, ease congestion, and make our roadways safer.

 

Kaiser Nor-Cal’s health plans recognized for expert, coordinated care and exceptional service

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Source: Kaiser Permanente

NCQA rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Medicare and commercial health plans highest in California, among highest in nation

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

OAKLAND, Calif.– Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans are once again recognized as the highest rated in California – and among the highest in the nation – for providing expert, coordinated care, and exceptional service.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California each received 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2024 Health Plan Ratings. This is the ninth ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has been the highest-rated plan in the region and among the highest in the country. Nationally, only 8% of the health plans are rated 4.5 stars or higher.

NCQA also ranks Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for overall treatment, prevention, equity, and patient experience.

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California is a national leader when it comes to putting patient care first, and ensuring we are exceeding our members’ needs with a focus on providing high-quality, safe, and equitable care,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This NCQA recognition reiterates our commitment to delivering world-class service to those who entrust us with their care.”

Source: NCQA

For 2024, NCQA analyzed more than 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all of the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the ninth ratings cycle in a row.

“This exceptional rating from NCQA is yet another testament to the expert and coordinated care provided by our clinical teams in Northern California,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Our highly skilled physicians and dedicated care teams continue to deliver innovative and equitable care that translates to healthier lives for our 4.6 million patients.”

Source: NCQA

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention, equity and treatment.

NCQA primarily used the 2023 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2024 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://www.ncqa.org/.

EarthGrid announces $18B funding to deploy U.S. underground utility projects

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EarthGrid’s 2-Torch Plasma-Boring System Operating on Limestone. Source: EarthGrid

Groundbreaking joint venture with Kuwait-based EnerTech will use Point Richmond company’s plasma boring technology

Enables critical infrastructure improvements, increased grid capacity and resiliency to meet rising clean power demands

POINT RICHMOND, Calif./PRNewswire/ — EarthGrid, a Bay-area plasma tunnel-boring technology and infrastructure development company, announced Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, that it has signed a joint venture agreement with EnerTech, a Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) entity, to deploy infrastructure projects in four phases across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

https://earthgrid.io/

The first two phases consist of, in estimate, $18 billion in U.S. infrastructure improvement projects. Utilizing EarthGrid’s patented plasma-powered machines, this joint venture will develop a network of underground tunnels designed to upgrade the current power grid and fiber networks with reliability, efficiency, and resiliency while accelerating the clean power transition.

To meet the U.S. goal of reaching net-zero economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, more than a million miles of new transmission will be required over the span of three decades. Compounding this challenge is that more than 70% of current transmission lines are over 25 years old, aged over half their 50-year expected lifetime. Through this joint venture, EarthGrid will enable more than 100 gigawatts of new renewable energy to be added to the U.S. grid while also solving grid congestion in strategic locations.

“On average, it takes 10 to 20 years to develop, permit, and build new overhead transmission lines, making it evident that an alternative approach is critical to meet the needs of U.S. environmental goals,” said Troy Helming, EarthGrid founder and CEO. “Through our joint venture with EnerTech, a cleantech and infrastructure developer, we are proud to support the much-needed evolution of the U.S. power grid, enabling clean energy and improving core infrastructure development.”

While overhead transmission lines are time-consuming to complete, traditional undergrounding is also slow, more costly than overhead lines, and performs poorly against hard rock, which can, in turn, result in abandoned or very delayed projects. EarthGrid’s plasma-boring technology and proprietary approach significantly reduces the time and costs of undergrounding methods without harmful chemicals, primarily powered by clean energy.

EarthGrid’s cleantech undergrounding approach aligns with EnerTech’s goals to deploy breakthrough technology globally, with projects initiated first in the U.S., and subsequently, in Europe and the Middle East, to accelerate the deployment of clean energy options worldwide. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with EarthGrid to deploy what we believe is the fastest and most cost-efficient tunnel boring technology by far to improve core infrastructure,” said Abdullah Al Mutairi, EnerTech CEO.

As a registered telecommunications utility in 46 states (CPCN), EarthGrid offers its customers and partners preferred access to rights of way alongside public roadways to expedite underground fiber projects. EarthGrid intends to secure permits, as needed, to add additional infrastructure to its tunnels and trenches, including power, water, and robotic freight tubes.

Ultimately, this joint venture’s project pipeline will be deployed in collaboration with an ecosystem of key capital, strategic and government stakeholders globally, including utilities, data centers, and clean energy companies.

EarthGrid was represented by a U.S law firm, Glaser Weil, with Jeff Joyner, senior partner of the firm, playing a key role in executing the deal through his extensive experience in sustainable solutions.

About EarthGrid

EarthGrid, founded in 2016, is a plasma boring technology and infrastructure company specializing in proprietary, groundbreaking plasma tunnel-boring technology that can revolutionize the grid infrastructure in the U.S. Its goal is to create a network of underground tunnels to transmit clean energy and high-speed broadband across the U.S. In addition to expanding electricity capacity, EarthGrid aims to enhance the safety, security, and reliability of grid infrastructure, housing critical infrastructure underground to avoid the crippling effects of natural disasters. Follow EarthGrid on LinkedIn and YouTube.

About EnerTech

Established in 2012, EnerTech’s mission is to initiate its own development projects and participate in projects within the energy, clean technology, recycling, water, waste management, and renewable energy sectors. EnerTech is a Kuwait-based state-owned entity with full ultimate ownership by Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), currently one of the world’s oldest and largest sovereign wealth funds.

Media Contact: jocelyn@warnerpr.com