Contra Costa Herald

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

Board of Supervisors appoints county Health Officer as Interim Contra Costa Health Director

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Dr. Ori Tzvieli. Photo: CCCounty

Plan open recruitment process soon to fill permanent position

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO & Director Office of Communications & Media, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Ori Tzvieli as interim director of health services while the County launches a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer and Health Director for Contra Costa Health (CCH).

The appointment ensures continuity in the County’s health services and continued progress on key health initiatives.

Tzvieli joined CCH as a family medicine resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in 2000, launching a career in the county’s healthcare delivery system that has led to several leadership roles, including Medical Staff President, Ambulatory Care Medical Director and, most recently, Public Health Director and Health Officer for the county. Tzvieli received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and a Master of Health Science from the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health. Dr. Tzvieli will remain the county’s Health Officer while serving as interim CEO and Health Director for Contra Costa Health.

During his time with CCH, Tzvieli has championed collaborative efforts to address opioid addiction, has helped to lead the county’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw testing, vaccination, case investigation and contact tracing, laboratory functions, nursing and clinical services, communicable disease surveillance and prevention programs, and an array of work to improve community wellness, from senior nutrition programs to services supporting family, maternal and child health.

He replaces longtime CCH CEO and Health Director Anna M. Roth, who retired in February.

“Anna has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health, and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are confident in and excited about Ori’s expertise and dedication to continue the County’s mission,” said Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. “This transition marks an important moment for the County, and we are committed to supporting a seamless leadership change while continuing to prioritize the well-being of our residents.”

During her tenure, Roth oversaw the growth of a $3 billion integrated health system serving more than one million residents. Under her guidance, the County expanded its safety-net services, strengthened behavioral and physical health integration, and launched innovative programs to address homelessness, environmental health, and emergency medical services.

The Board of Supervisors plans to conduct an open recruitment process soon to fill the position permanently.

Antioch Assistant City Manager leaving for new job as Contra Costa County Deputy Clerk-Recorder

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Kwame Reed is heading for a new job with Contra Costa County. Photo source: LinkedIn profile

Former Acting City Manager, Economic Development Director Kwame Reed was appointed to current position in January

By Allen D. Payton After less than two months in his position as Assistant City Manager, Kwame Reed is leaving the City of Antioch for a position with Contra Costa County. But no one will say what the job will be for the City’s former Economic Development Director, Acting City Manager and current Acting Economic Development Director. At the end of Tuesday night’s city council meeting during Staff Communications, City Manager Bessie M. Scott announced Reed’s departure. (See 5:59 mark of meeting video) “I want to acknowledge the assistant city manager who will not be here at the next council meeting as his last day is on the 21st,” she said. “And I want to congratulate him for his new position at the county and to acknowledge his contribution to my success in the short time that I’ve been here. He walked side by side with me having no manual, no onboarding plan, no even announcement that I was joining the City. But I just wanted to acknowledge his support and to congratulate him on these next steps.” She did not identify Reed’s new position. Scott previously announced on Jan. 23rd that she had appointed him to the position of Assistant City Manager. She said at that time, “Reed brings more than 29 years of leadership and operational experience across local and regional government agencies.” He had served as Antioch’s Acting City Manager from June 2023 until Scott was hired last October. Reed began his time with the City in 2018. Prior to that, he worked for the City of Brentwood as a Senior Policy Analyst from 2004 to 2018. Reed also served on the County’s Workforce Development Board to support the workforce and help bring greater recognition to East Contra Costa County. According to his bio on that organization’s website, “When he isn’t working or serving on the board, Reed, a husband and father of three, enjoys time with family and playing the role of “Dad Chauffeur,” with the family’s Giant Schnauzer, Abena, in tow.” In response to questions about Reed’s new position Scott said she would check. Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media Director Kristi Jourdan responded to an inquiry about it writing, “I haven’t heard anything” but will “try to track down some information.” When asked, District 3 County Supervisor Diane Burgis said, “That’s for Kwame to announce.” Efforts to reach Mayor Ron Bernal to learn what Reed’s new position will be were also unsuccessful and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha said, “I’m not sure”. But District 3 Councilman Don Freitas said he remembers reading that it will be the Deputy Clerk-Recorder and congratulated County Clerk-Recorder Kristin Connelly during an event both were attending recently. Reed later responded, “Out of the respect I have for my colleagues and friends I am currently working with, I am going to request the County provide a statement closer to my last day. I do not think Antioch should make a statement about my departure.” However, it was announced to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office staff that Reed will become the highest-level staff member in the department, answering directly to elected Connelly. His first day will be April 15. Asked to confirm that, Reed responded, “Yes that is my new role.” He will replace Tommy Gong who retired in February. The Clerk-Recorder’s Office oversees the Elections Division, handles real estate recordings, Fictitious Business Name filings and professional registrations, as well as issues birth, marriage and death certificates and marriage licenses. The vacancy in the City position will leave Antioch without an Assistant City Manager or Economic Development Director, and an Acting Police Chief, Acting Community Development Director and Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer. A nationwide search is currently being conducted to hire a permanent police chief.

Pittsburg native serves aboard U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer

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U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry.

As USS Ralph Johnson departs Sasebo, Japan

U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere.

By Ashley Craig Public Affairs Specialist Media Outreach Dept. Navy Office of Community Outreach

SASEBO, Japan (February 18, 2025) – Electronics Technician 3rd Class Gabriel Alas from Pittsburg, California, right, and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Zane Cunningham from Rusk, Texas, middle, stand along port side on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) while getting underway from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Feb. 18. Ralph Johnson is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force.

USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) pulls into Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell

SASEBO, Japan (July 22, 2023) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) pulls into Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, July 22. Ralph Johnson is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

LMC to host 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Feb. 26

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Three awards to be presented during luncheon including “Visionary Leadership” Award to Contra Costa DA Diana Becton

By Jennifer Adams, Senior Executive Assistant, President’s Office, Los Medanos College Los Medanos College will host its 2nd Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Three people will receive the 2025 Los Medanos College MLK Awards: • “Visionary Leadership” Award – Diana Becton | District Attorney for Contra Costa County • “Beloved Community” Award – Kolette Simonton | Director of Recreation for the City of Pittsburg • “Emerging Leadership” Award – Annisha Geran | LMC Alumna, School Site Council Chairperson at MLK, Jr. Junior High School & School Site Council Vice Chairperson at Pittsburg High School The awards will be presented during the luncheon that day. The “Visionary Leadership” Award recognizes a member of the eastern Contra Costa County community who embodies Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” This award recognizes local leaders who have demonstrated the courage to speak up when needed, to step up when no one else would, and to lift others whose efforts would serve the greater good. The “Beloved Community” Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service. As noted by The King Center, the “Beloved Community” is a global vision in which: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred.” Recipients of this award demonstrate agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.” The “Emerging Leadership” Award is given to an LMC student or alumna/us who exemplifies the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, within the last year, has made a significant impact on the LMC campus or in the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – and these emerging leaders are already demonstrating that commitment to service. RSVPs for the luncheon are no longer being accepted. About LMC Los Medanos College 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. • The Pittsburg Campus boasts 120 acres, a lake, advanced library, science, math and student union buildings. • The Brentwood Center, which opened May 2022, is nestled on 17.5 acres along the rolling hills of the City of Brentwood. • The college offers more than 90 transfer and career-technical programs of study to help students achieve a lifetime of higher earnings. • Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. LMC is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The Brentwood Center is located at 1351 Pioneer Square.

Contra Costa Health CEO caps historic career with County

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Anna Roth, RN, MS, MPH. Photo: CC Regional Medical Center

Anna Roth starts new position in Tahoe area beginning of March

Following a distinguished 32-year career of service, Contra Costa Health Chief Executive Officer and Health Director Anna M. Roth has announced her intention to retire from the county.

A steadfast champion for health and addressing the needs of underserved communities, Ms. Roth will serve as president and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) beginning in March.

Ms. Roth began working for Merithew Hospital in Martinez, now Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC), as a registered nurse in 1993, assuming greater responsibilities until she was named CCRMC Chief Executive Officer in 2009. Her success operating CCRMC and its 11 community clinics led to her appointment in 2018 as county health director.

“Anna Roth has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health (CCH), and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are thrilled to see her take on this exciting opportunity,” said Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen, who represents District 2. “Her tireless commitment to improving healthcare for Contra Costa’s residents, especially our most vulnerable populations, has made a lasting impact. Tahoe Forest Health System is fortunate to gain such an exceptional leader.”

As the county’s health director, Ms. Roth managed a staff of more than 4,400. During her tenure at CCH, she oversaw the growth of a $3 billion integrated health system serving more than 1 million residents. Under her guidance, the County expanded safety-net services, strengthened behavioral and physical health integration, and launched innovative programs to address homelessness, environmental health, and emergency medical services.

“I’ve worked with Anna Roth for 25 years and have seen her commitment to improving access to quality medical care for our County’s most vulnerable residents and her passion for closing the health equity gap that has impacted our African American and Latino residents,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, who chairs the Health Services Joint Conference Committee. “She introduced landmark new programs to meet the evolving needs of our most health challenged community members resulting in improved health outcomes. Because of her dedication and talents, our county has been recognized nationally for the many innovative and life-saving programs that were pioneered under her leadership.”

Ms. Roth was instrumental in leading CCRMC to achieve high-quality standards while maintaining a strong focus on equity and access. CCH implemented its electronic health record on her watch and expanded access to healthcare to thousands of county residents through the Affordable Care Act. She also led Contra Costa County’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the U.S. among similar-sized counties.

“I loved my time with Contra Costa Health. I am excited about my next chapter, but I am going to miss working with so many amazing people, caring for the health of our community,” Ms. Roth said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Contra Costa County and honored to continue my service with Tahoe Forest Health District.”

The Board of Supervisors will discuss the next steps for leadership of CCH at its next meeting.

Clayton Valley Charter High School alumni nominated for College Television Award

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Kadrik Blatt and Rachel Burnett will be honored at the 44th College TV Awards in April. Photo courtesy of Television Academy Foundation

With three fellow U.C. Santa Barbara classmates

By Jane Sparango, breakwhitelight for the Television Academy Foundation

Clayton Valley Charter High School alumni Kadrik Blatt and Rachel Burnett have been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 44th College Television Awards. The Foundation’s annual awards show recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges across the country. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at the red carpet awards ceremony on April 5, 2025, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California. Designed to emulate the Emmy® Awards, student entries are judged by Television Academy members. Criteria for the College Television Awards reflect industry standards of excellence, imagination and innovation.

Blatt and Burnett, along with three fellow University of California, Santa Barbara classmates, have been nominated in the ‘Drama Series’ category for producing a short film titled The Circus Monkey, which was selected from over 200 entries by Television Academy members.

The Circus Monkey is a dramatic film that centers on its main character, Vivian, who is a cellist and music instructor confused about whether she wants to continue as a musician in the competitive world of classical music. She is forced by Arthur, her mentor and boss, to take on a stubborn but talented new cello student named Grace, who is interested in auditioning for the Beaumont Conservatory Orchestra in Texas. In their first meeting, Grace gets under Vivian’s skin and exposes her inner turmoil about quitting the cello.

“Everything we do now is to achieve something,” said Blatt. “In our world today, it seems to some extent that you are nothing without a high salary or a multitude of accolades. The story of The Circus Monkey finds beauty in doing something merely for the fact of loving it. I think that’s what makes us human.

“This nomination is such a wonderful indication that this is where I’m meant to be and doing what I’m meant to be doing,” said Blatt. “I think when you tell people you produce film, they often don’t understand what exactly that entails or how much dedication is required to make a project happen. Being nominated for this award is far more tangible of an accomplishment for others to understand, and a really incredible indication personally of why I do this, for others to feel the same way I do about a story. It means the world that The Circus Monkey resonated with the Academy members in the same way it did with me.”

From Concord, California, Burnett attended Clayton Valley Charter High School in Concord. She is a 2024 graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, who majored in film and media studies.

“Perfectionism has ruled my life for as long as I’ve known; room for error has not been welcomed, and each slip was a detrimental setback,” said Burnett. “All I’ve ever longed for was for someone to tell me that my passion was enough and that each mistake presented an opportunity for growth. When I first read The Circus Monkey script, I found the message I was waiting for and knew that others needed it, too.”

“After graduating from UCSB in June, navigating the post-grad world has left me with many questions and challenges about where life will take me next,” said Burnett. “Receiving the [College Television Award] nomination has fueled me to continue creating art that allows me to express my authentic self while inspiring others through the process. If we were to win, that would only further motivate me to improve my craft and pursue more powerful stories like The Circus Monkey.

Character “Vivian” in the cello scene from The Circus Monkey.

Attending nominees of the 44th College Television Awards will also participate in two days of professional development events with media and industry leaders and a special screening of their projects for Television Academy members prior to the awards show on April 5.

About the Television Academy Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs, such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, College Television Awards and Summit, Student Internship Program, and the Media Educators Conference, the Foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation.

Alexis Gabe’s family responds to DA’s decision not to charge alleged murderer’s mother

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Alexis Gabe from her missing poster photo in 2022 and her ex-boyfriend Marshall Jones seen unloading a black plastic bag at his mother’s house on Jan. 28, 2022. Source: Video screenshot from Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page.

“We are extremely disappointed” – Gwyn Gabe, Alexis’ father

Holds vigil on 3rd anniversary of day she went missing

Share videos showing Marshall Jones unloading black garbage bags at mother’s home, her discovering them in the garage, the two speaking, laughing and hugging

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on the Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, her father Gwyn Gabe provided a response to the decision by the Contra Costa District Attorney to not pursue charges against Alicia Coleman-Clark, the mother of Alexis’ alleged murderer, her now-deceased ex-boyfriend Marshall Curtis Jones, III. Gwyn wrote, “It’s not over.” (See related article) Part of Alexis’ remains were found in Amador County. Jones was later killed when police attempted to arrest him in Washington state. (See related articles here and here)

Post on Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page on Jan. 24, 2025.

Gwyn Gabe went on to write, “We are extremely disappointed. We just concluded a conversation with DA Diana Becton and Deputy DA Simon O’Connell. Despite having a substantial amount of evidence, they still declined to pursue charges.”

Another post on the Facebook page from July 2, 2022, was shared, showing Coleman-Clark’s mugshot which reads, “This is a picture of Marshall’s mother. She was arrested on May 19, 2022 and charged with Penal Code 32 (aiding & abetting) by OPD, but the DA declined to file charges.”

Alicia Coleman-Clark and her son Marshall Jones in front of her house in screenshots of undated security surveillance videos. Source: Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page.

Security Surveillance Videos at Suspect’s Mother’s Home

A security surveillance video from his mother’s house posted on that same Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, shows Marshall Jones unloading black garbage bags from a truck at his mother’s house in Antioch. The post reads:

“THE BLACK GARBAGE BAGS.
Our case has concluded, and as I promised, here is the video of Marshall Jones unloading black garbage bags at his mother’s house on January 28, 2022. This video gave us nightmares and is quite disturbing and difficult to view. Please be careful with your comments. The ADT camera captures footage every 30 seconds, so you might see some gaps. I will share more videos soon.”

Another, undated video posted earlier that day shows his mother, Coleman-Clark, speaking on the phone with someone. The comment with the video reads, “Discovering the bags in her garage. ‘They’re ice cold….like they just came out of the refrigerator.’”

A third, undated video from what appears to be the same day also posted on the group’s Facebook page on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, shows Jones speaking with his mother wearing the same dress as in the undated video above, with the truck in the same location as it was shown in the previous video in which he unloaded the black bags. The comment with that post reads, “Garbage bags back in the SUV and on his way to his sister’s house. ‘I didn’t want to do it, but I did it’ ‘Come back thereafter, so people can see you’ ‘You can have people do it’ ‘Don’t talk to anybody.’ What else did you hear?”

More videos are posted on the Facebook page, including one on Saturday, Jan. 25, which includes the comment, “Just got back from Amador County. The karaoke party is still happening. Someone seemed a bit upset, though.”

A vigil for Alexis was held on Sunday night, Jan. 26, the third anniversary of the date she went missing. KTVU FOX 2, KPIX 5 News, NBC News Bay Area and ABC 7 News covered the event.

“It still really hurts everyday that you wake up without my daughter,” said Alexis’ mother, Rowena Gabe.

Opinion: Writer lauds retired County Supervisor Federal Glover

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I have been blessed to have Federal popping in and out throughout my life since we were in the 3rd grade together.

We went to Marina Primary School and he also lived two blocks from my house which I had to walk past every day to school and St. Peter Martyr Church where I regularly attended was on the corner from Federal’s house.

I can still see the same little boy smile he always had every time I saw him then as when I see Federal now. His smile somehow made you feel good, it was real. Federal gave that same smile to everyone during our school years, Federal respected everyone and never saw people of being any color, everyone was the same there was no poor, no rich, no special, no unfortunate.

In grade school Federal was always in the top five students for academics. In Junior High and High school he was always on the dean’s list and honor roll. Federal was a member of every Student Body Board in our Class and yes he was our Senior Class President. Federal had time for every student and everyone felt comfortable talking to him about anything, he was very involved. I remember Federal dating Sheila Thompson during our class years. Everyone thought they were the perfect couple, Sheila was a very sweet person, I would say she was very special, an angel sent here from above. When I found out Sheila had passed and Federal was raising her two daughters as his own I knew that was meant to be.

I have volunteered with Federal for many years at the Pittsburg Seafood Festival and I also would go to his Supervisor Office and took advantage of the free Notary service he offered and attended a one-day free Grant Writing Course sponsored by his Office. Sometimes I would just drop by to say hi.

Of course I have run into Federal at other times, Parkside Market when I was buying Italian sausage and at events sponsored by the Friends of Isola, a Sicilian Club honoring the Sicilian Heritage of Pittsburg’s Past. I have seen him at Contra Costa County Supervisors Board meetings and events. Seeing Federal always makes me feel like I’m home.

I was unaware of Federal’s retirement until I read it in Diane Burgis’ Newsletter. Since then I have felt compelled to write something for him because I truly believe people should know the True, Kind, Colorblind Man Federal Glover really is. I have the utmost respect for him, I always have and always will. God Bless you Federal Glover and your wonderful family.

Paula Wherity
Byron MAC Board Member

Note: Glover represented District 5 on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and chose not to run for a seventh four-year term.

 

Martinez Letter Carrier celebrates three decades of federal service

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Martinez, CA Letter Carrier Raul Hernandez. Photo: USPS

Pittsburg resident Raul Hernandez to be honored in ceremony Aug. 22

By Meiko S. Patton, Communications Specialist, U.S. Postal Service

On Thursday, August 22, 2024, Letter Carrier Raul Hernandez will be honored during a celebration party for his 30 years of service.

Hernandez, a Pittsburg resident, began his federal service as a Marine. He later joined the Postal Service in 1998 as a Letter Carrier in San Francisco where he worked for 18 years before transferring to Martinez, CA.

A typical workday for him involves casing mail, pulling down mail, sorting packages for his route and delivering mail. “It’s been a good run here at the post office. It was kind of fortuitous that I would one day work here since I worked as a postal clerk in the Marines,” he said. “The secret to my longevity has been my military background, the word quit isn’t in my vocabulary. I truly enjoy my job and have no plans of leaving.”

The celebration will be held at 8:00 am at the Martinez Post Office, 4100 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez.

 

Congressman Garamendi announces he has early stage, treatable blood cancer

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Rep. John Garamendi announces his cancer diagnosis in a video on his X feed on Monday, July 8, 2024. and his official photo.

Represents northern waterfront and western Contra Costa communities

By Office of Representative John Garamendi

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) on Monday, July 8, 2024, released the following statement about his diagnosis of early stage, treatable blood cancer:

“My wife Patti, a leader in the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, ensures I stay vigilant about preventative screenings and care. Freezing abnormal bumps is standard, but a call from my doctor changed everything: “When will you be back in California? You need to come in for a series of tests.” Thus began my journey with early-stage Multiple Myeloma, a form of treatable blood cancer.

“Today, I started my path to remission with chemo-immunotherapy as an outpatient at Kaiser Oncology in Sacramento. With early detection, excellent doctors, and the love and support of Patti, our entire family, my extraordinary staff, and congressional colleagues, I know I’ll get through this while continuing to serve my constituents and advance American democracy. I’m grateful our President initiated the Cancer Moonshot and that California’s efforts in stem cell research and taxing cigarettes in the 1980s for cancer research have advanced therapies benefiting not only me, but every family dealing with cancer.

“Throughout my treatments, which my doctor expects will last a few months, I will continue working on my long list of projects and goals for my constituents in Contra Costa and Solano counties. However, alongside destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy weakens natural antibodies and the immune system. My doctors have cautioned me to minimize exposure to COVID-19, flu, and other viruses, so I will limit travel to Washington and public events during the treatment process.

“My thoughts and support are with families managing cancer or any health condition, and with the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel who offer comfort and hope. I am confident that the treatments will be effective, allowing me to continue serving impacted families and my constituents in Congress for years to come.”

In a video post on his X (formerly Twitter) feed on Monday, Garamendi read his statement and wrote, “Like 1.9 million Americans each year, I recently received the dreaded call from my doctor informing me that I had cancer. I am thankful to have caught this early, and we are confident that I will soon be in remission.”

The 79-year-old Garamendi represents the northern waterfront and western communities of Contra Costa County including the northern portion of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.