Contra Costa Herald

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

East County Realtors offer 5 ways to help during the Christmas season

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Gift Wrapping Event at Barnes & Noble Thursday, Dec. 4; plus, Warm Coat and CANTREE Food Drives and more

By Jody Drewery, President, Women’s Council of REALTORS®

Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes — it’s about showing up for our community. I’m proud to be a part of the Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the Delta Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation, where giving back is at the heart of what we do.

This season, we have several opportunities to make a difference — and you don’t have to be a REALTOR® to help.

First, join us this Thursday! The Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® will be at Barnes & Noble in the Streets of Brentwood (2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100) for a community Gift Wrapping Event and hosting Adopt-a-Senior.

You can also:

  • Donate to the Warm Coat Drive (see above)
  • Donate a Gift Card
  • Donate canned goods to the CANTREE Food Drive (see below)

Every contribution, big or small, helps someone in need — and with the year many families have had, from economic challenges to government impacts, there has never been a more meaningful time to come together.

If you’d like additional information or want to get involved, please call (925) 818-1977 or visit www.facebook.com/WCRDelta. Let’s collaborate and spread some love throughout our community!

Concord Senior Center to host Annual Gift & Craft Fair Dec. 6

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The City of Concord invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season at its Annual Gift & Craft Fair, returning Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle.

This long-standing community favorite brings together over 70 local artisans and crafters, offering a wonderful variety of handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind creations. From custom jewelry and cozy knitwear to festive décor and holiday treats, shoppers are sure to find something special for everyone on their list.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself, the Gift & Craft Fair has something for everyone!

Event Details:

Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information, please contact the Concord Senior Center at (925) 671-3017.

City of Concord to Host 10th Annual Health Expo October 9

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At the Senior Center

The City of Concord is proud to present the 10th Annual Health Expo, a free community event, on Thursday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center at 2727 Parkside Circle. This highly anticipated event is open to the public and offers valuable resources for seniors, families, and caregivers. No reservations are necessary.

The Health Expo will feature a wide variety of health and wellness services, including free haircuts and information on Medicare, transportation, assisted living, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with local healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community organizations. These partners will share resources, tips, and strategies for healthy living, covering everything from nutrition and fitness to mental health and chronic condition management.

New this year is a free shuttle to and from the event for Concord residents age 65. For details, please contact the Senior Center Transportation Office at 925-671-3035.

The Health Expo is part of the City of Concord’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy and vibrant community. Whether you are seeking information on a healthy lifestyle, exploring options for elder care, or simply looking to improve your overall health, the Health Expo offers something for everyone.

For more information about the Health Expo, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/SCEvents, call 925-671-3320, or email concordsc@cityofconcord.org.

“Let’s Go Country” at the 2025 Contra Costa County Fair in Antioch May 15-18

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Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17

Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now

Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)

Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)

SPECIAL DAYS

Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)

Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.

Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.

Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.

See complete schedule of daily events.

SPECIAL EVENT

Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.

DAILY ATTRACTIONS

Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.

BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.

Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.

Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.

Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.

Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway

Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.

Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.

Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.

Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.

Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.

Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.

Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.

Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.

Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.

Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.

EXHIBITS

Agriculture Pavilion

Arts Pavilion

Fur & Feathers Pavilion

Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)

Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.

LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring

Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM

Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM

Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM

Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM

Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM

Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM

LIVE MUSIC – Headliners

Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.

You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera

MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL

Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.

ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races

Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.

Tickets & More Info

Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale

Youth Season Pass – $25

Adult Season Pass – $35

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily

Parking – $10

Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35

Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99

To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.

Chaperone Policy

The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.

All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.

Location

The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.

Source: CCCFair

Source: CCCFair

Fatal head-on crash in Byron takes life of woman in her 70’s Thursday night

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By CHP Contra Costa

BYRON, Calif. – A two-vehicle head-on crash that left one passenger dead and three others with major injuries

On February 6th, at approximately 6:11 PM, officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash which occurred on Vasco Road, just south of Camino Diablo in the township of Byron.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a Honda CRV, driven by an adult male, was traveling northbound on Vasco Road when, for reasons still under investigation, it crossed over the double-yellow divider lines and crashed head-on into a Toyota Prius occupied by three.

Tragically, one passenger in the Prius sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. All other parties involved sustained major injuries and were transported to the hospital. An impaired driving investigation was also conducted, and DUI was ruled out as a factor in this crash.

According to Officer Dan Gilmore, the victim was an Asian female adult approximately 70 years old. He said he doesn’t know what city she lived in.

This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services Summer Soirée & Symposium fundraiser Aug. 22

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By Anna Mickelsen, Communications Intern, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services

On August 22nd, community members across the county will gather for Contra Costa Senior Legal Services’ (CCSLS) Summer Soirée & Symposium. For more than 40 years, CCSLS has served older adults by providing free legal aid to those aged 60+ who need it. Attorneys from CCSLS help fight evictions to preserve housing, prevent elder abuse, remedy fraud, assist with advance planning documents, and more.

Photo: CC Senior Legal Services

The Summer Soirée & Symposium is not only an opportunity to support the organization, but also will feature a panel discussion on the implications of an aging society, lively entertainment, and delicious refreshments. CCSLS also will present the Honorable Virginia George with the First Annual Elder Justice Award. A Bay Area native, Justice George is an upstanding figure in the community, and a powerful voice for Elder Law and the rights of older adults in Contra Costa County. The Elder Justice Award was created to honor Justice George and her service.

Moving forward, CCSLS will continue to present the Virginia George Elder Justice Award to other professionals who work tirelessly to support the well-being of older adults in the county. Tickets are still available for those interested in attending this upcoming event, and for more information or to purchase a ticket, click, here Summer Soirée and Symposium 2024. All proceeds support CCSLS.

About CCSLS

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS) is a private, nonprofit agency that has been providing free legal services to older residents aged 60 or older in the County since 1976. Thousands of seniors have benefited from these services which have enabled them to stay in their homes, to become eligible for and to retain public benefits, to recover real and personal property wrongly taken from them, and to obtain relief from physical, financial, and emotional abuse.

CCSLS seeks to provide the broadest possible access to its services. It prioritizes those areas of law relevant to the needs of older residents of the County, especially those not otherwise addressed by other legal services programs. CCSLS regularly provides individual assistance to over 1,000 clients per year and provides outreach and training to hundreds more.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Beep launch autonomous shuttle service at Rossmoor

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Rossmoor residents try out the new PRESTO autonomous vehicle on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Video screenshot source: CCTA

PRESTO serving Walnut Creek’s 55+ active senior community

Second pilot program conducted by partnership, data collected to help advance autonomous vehicle standards nationwide

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., August 1, 2024, – Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) launched its second PRESTO autonomous shuttle service today that increases transportation access for seniors with Beep, Inc., a leading provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions. With this launch, residents of the active senior Rossmoor 55+ community can now take advantage of the free pilot shuttle program aimed at providing easy, stress- and emission-free transportation. The shuttle will run on a pre-programmed loop Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a trained attendant on board.

“CCTA is proud to offer nationally recognized mobility solutions, while also championing local communities, making it easier and safer to travel,” CCTA Chair Newell Arnerich said. “CCTA is committed to making transportation accessible for all. We chose Rossmoor to pilot an alternative to driving so residents can maintain activities that keep them socially connected while experiencing a cutting-edge transportation network.”

As a spacious gated community, Rossmoor is an ideal testing ground for an autonomous vehicle program. Driven by Oxa, a global provider of self-driving vehicle software, the shuttles carry seven seated and secured passengers, plus a trained attendant to provide riders with a safe and informed experience. The shuttle network is also remotely monitored by the Beep Command Center to ensure operational safety at all times.

Source: CCTA.

By demonstrating at Rossmoor, CCTA can learn what works best for the 55+ community. Passenger feedback will help shape the future of this technology, as federal transportation officials plan to use PRESTO pilot data to advance standards in automated mobility. The pilot is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“We are excited to partner with CCTA again, bringing the PRESTO autonomous mobility network to Rossmoor,” said Joe Moye, Beep CEO. “This collaboration underscores our shared vision of leveraging innovative technologies and services to enhance community access to first- and last-mile transportation. Beep autonomous shuttles in Rossmoor will provide reliable and safe transit options, connecting residents to key destinations, people, and opportunities within the community.”

Rossmoor is the second site where CCTA has launched an autonomous vehicle pilot. The first of four proposed pilots was launched in 2023 by CCTA at Bishop Ranch business park in San Ramon. To date, the Bishop Ranch autonomous shuttles have safely transported more than 1,600 passengers. CCTA is expected to introduce a future autonomous vehicle program in the City of Martinez this summer. (See related article)

The new PRESTO autonomous vehicle is now serving Rossmoor in Walnut Creek. Photo: CCTA

To learn more about PRESTO at Rossmoor, visit https://ridepresto.com/rossmoor/

About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding, and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

About Beep

Beep, Inc. delivers the next generation of autonomous, electric, shared mobility networks through its AI-enabled AutonomOS™ software platform and mobility-as-a-service offerings. Specializing in planning, deploying and managing autonomous transportation services for private and public communities, Beep safely connects people, places, goods and services with solutions that reduce congestion, eliminate carbon emissions, improve roadway safety and enable mobility for all. Beep utilizes artificial intelligence insights and vast data learnings from its deployments to enhance and advance the safety, rider experience, and operating capabilities of autonomous transportation platforms. For more information visit www.ridebeep.com.

Four Bay Area students form company, create award-winning app to diagnose Parkinson’s disease

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The Zeno team: (left to right) Amala Valiveti, Anya Iyer, Eshaani Singh and Diya Vatsavai. Photo courtesy of Anya Iyer

Including Dougherty Valley High senior; is voice activated

By Allen D. Payton

Four high school friends from San Ramon and San Jose have formed a company and developed an app to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Zeno was formed by Anya Iyer, incoming senior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, who serves as the company’s CEO, Diya Vatsavai, incoming junior at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, who is the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Amala Valiveti, an incoming senior at Silver Creek High School in San Jose, Zeno’s Chief Financial Officer, and Eshaani Singh, an incoming senior at Evergreen Valley High School, also in San Jose, who serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for the company.

The four girls met in elementary school. “We all four had been friends in elementary and middle school before going off to different high schools,” the young CEO shared.

“We formed the company before fully developing the app,” Iyer explained. “We started the actual idea itself in June 2021, established Zeno as a company in June 2022, and then finished developing the prototype and testing around June 2023.”

Company Description:

Zeno’s technology provides an efficient method of diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease based on vocal biomarkers. By detecting and analyzing early vocal impairments, Zeno’s system enables accurate and timely detection of the condition. This innovative tool enhances the diagnostic process, allowing for prompt interventions and treatment.

Zeno team won the Power Pitch Award at the 2022 Conrad Challenge. Source: Conrad Challenge

Their Story:

“We developed this application after our families were hit hard by Parkinson’s disease a few years ago,” Iyer shared. “This huge emotional toll on our families caused us to look into solutions for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.”

“Looking into current market solutions, we noticed that many existing products either had low accuracy or were time-consuming and inaccessible for patients,” she continued. “After thorough research, we came across vocal impairments and biomarkers being one of the earliest hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease.”

Speaking with neurologists and medical professionals further deepened their understanding of the disease, and soon after, the team went to work developing their app. We spent months developing a machine learning algorithm and creating a viable business plan.

Eventually, they not only were able to share this app with their community, but the team also won the 2022 Power Pitch Award at the Conrad Challenge, an international business competition, in the Health & Nutrition Category, and became a Semi-Finalist in the Diamond Challenge, a national competition. (See the team’s virtual pitch video)

Speaking at the NEXUS Global Summit were team members Eshaani Singh (right) and Anya Iyer (left). Photo courtesy of Anya Iyer

“Soon after, we were invited to speak at the NEXUS Global Business Summit in New York City as the youngest speakers there,” Iyer stated. “At the summit, we were exposed to various venture capitalists, industry professionals and fellow entrepreneurs, all who encouraged and inspired us to continue innovating and creating.”

Since then, we have worked on testing our product with patients and improving our current diagnosis performance, while also focusing on funding,” the young CEO shared. Our hope is for Zeno to improve the lives of families everywhere, one diagnosis at a time.”

Asked for more details about the company, Iyer shared, “Our company is privately held, but we are raising funds through PayPal and Venmo within our community.”

Pittsburg resident, long-time community leader joins board of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

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Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff. Photo: MOWDR

By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW Diablo Region) is pleased to announce that Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff has been elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Maynes-Kolthoff has a close relationship with MOW Diablo Region as a volunteer for the Breakfast Bag Program.

Maynes-Kolthoff spent over 35 years serving students in higher education at both the university and community college levels. As the Executive Director of the Los Medanos College Foundation, she was active in her East Contra Costa County area as a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, member of the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County, was presented with a Proclamation honoring her volunteer work in the City of Pittsburg and served 21 years on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Antioch. Maynes-Kolthoff currently serves on the Board of Directors of Delta Advocacy Foundation as the Grants Chair.

In addition to her volunteering for MOW Diablo Region, Maynes-Kolthoff has personal experience with the organization. Her father volunteered forty years ago and said that it was the best job he ever had. Ten years ago, when her father-in-law needed services, she says that the meal deliveries literally saved his life.

When reached for comment about her new position Maynes-Kolthoff said, “I’ve been volunteering for about two years, now and I deliver breakfast bags to clients in Antioch. Then I substitute, here in Pittsburg when they need a driver.”

“Board Chairman Tim Argenti (formerly of Republic Services) is the one who asked if I’d be willing to serve on the board and I said, ‘sure’,” she stated. “I enjoy volunteering because I think it’s important to support our seniors in our communities. I’m more than happy to, now serve on the board.”

“I’m very humbled to be a part of this amazing organization,” Maynes-Kolthoff added.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s mission is to keep seniors nourished, safe, less isolated, and independent for as long as possible. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and supportive services to the entire county. In addition to home delivered meals, the organization provides breakfast bags, grocery bags, cultural cuisine, cafés, fall prevention, friendly visitors, callers, and helpers, case management, and exercise classes. All services are free of charge.  To learn more about services, volunteering, or donating, visit mowdiabloregion.org.

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.

 

Pacific Senior Care Services celebrates 10 years in business

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Kelly Gonzales is the founder and owner of Pacific Senior Care Services LLC.

Honored with awards each year

By Allen D. Payton

Having finished commercial aviation and tourism studies at Columbia College and working for an airline at an airport in Peru, Kelly Gonzales immigrated to the United States at age 19.  Then after working in banking and financial services for 20 years, she wanted to pursue her passion and did that by forming Pacific Senior Care Services in 2014 using her skills to help place people into care homes.

Gonzales was particularly inspired by the care her retired Army colonel and veterinarian father needed and received in Lima, Peru after he suffered a stroke. But she couldn’t really help him living over 15 hours away by flight. Instead, Gonzales and her team have been able to fulfill the company’s slogan and mission of “Meeting Elder Needs With Love and Compassion” in Contra Costa County and the Bay Area.

“My father was the main reason I started the business,” she said.

Now her company is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in business. Gonzales opened the company’s main office in Walnut Creek.

“I thank the Lord for enabling me to fulfill my calling,” she shared. “I never thought in my life I would be doing this. Working with the right people we’ve been able to help many families in the community. It’s been a blessing. I have good people around me, our support staff, and contractors.” She thanked them and “all those who gave us leads through the years.”

“Families who we’ve helped call us later and let us know of others we can provide services to,” Gonzales stated.

The company’s short-term plans include, “opening an office in Sacramento, later this year, Lord willing, and relocate our other office from San Mateo to Redwood Shores to serve families on the peninsula,” she said.

Gonzales’ daughter, who is a Certified Medical Assistant and attended Diablo Valley College, and now in the process of earning her nursing designation, works with her making it a family-operated business.

“We are also forming a homecare agency with partners in the industry,” she continued. They plan to also offer that service in the Sacramento area and San Mateo County.

Gonzales’ and Pacific Senior Care Services were chosen to represent the National Long Term Care Planning Council to create a team in the Bay Area.

“The San Francisco Bay Elder Planning Council was created to help solve critical aging issues and planning for the final years by providing a free central source of information, with senior advisors and professionals within our network,” she shared. “Guiding family members seeking help for their loved ones is the main focus. Another purpose of our planning council is to encourage people to prepare for the future needs for aging services.”

Awards & Honors

Under Gonzales’ leadership Pacific Senior Care Services PSCS) has also been honored with several awards through the year, including being named one of the 2024 Best Full Service Senior Care Providers in California by Global Health & Pharma Magazine, Social Care Awards.

Last year the company was honored in the California Business Awards 2023 as a Leading Provider of Senior Care Services – Northern California by the New World Report and in 2017 and 2022 PSCS was honored for Excellence in Customer Service by City Beat News.

The company has been honored with other awards every year they’ve been in business.

For more information about Pacific Senior Care Services visit their website www.pacificseniorcareservices.net.