Contra Costa Herald

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

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

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

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

By Allen Payton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most testing is being done by private labs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please check back later for more updates to this report.

91-year-old Antioch man with dimentia missing since early Saturday morning

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George Pack and his 1994 Nissan Pathfinder. Photos courtesy of Antioch Police.

Last seen in Clayton, early Saturday morning

By Lieutenant Joe Donleavy #6011, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, at 1:15 AM, Antioch Police Officers took a missing person report after George Pack failed to return home (3037 Butternut Street) after visiting a friend in another part of Antioch. Mr. Pack was last seen wearing a green short sleeve polo shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. He is possibly driving his red 1994 Nissan Pathfinder (CA license 3HLV677). The vehicle has a 49er spare tire cover on the back. The vehicle was last seen on Marsh Creek Road near Diablo Parkway in Clayton early on the morning of Sept. 21, 2019.

Mr. Pack suffers from dementia. A Silver Alert has been issued in this case. If you see Mr. Pack, please immediately call 911 or the Antioch Police Department Dispatch at 925-778-2441 or you may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Letters: PCHETA improves care and lowers Medicaid costs

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Dear Editor:

Palliative (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) and hospice care—with a focus on managing and easing symptoms, reducing pain and stress, and increasing comfort—can improve both the quality of care and quality of life for those with advanced dementia. Palliative and hospice care are provided by a specially-trained team – doctors, nurses and other specialists – who work closely with a patient’s other doctors.

One in every five seniors has a primary hospice diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia. 19,000 Contra Costa County residents live with Alzheimer’s and statewide, over 650,000 people over 65 and older have Alzheimer’s.  It’s the third leading cause of death in California. Over twenty percent of emergency hospital visits deal with hospital readmission of dementia patients.

PCHETA will provide people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias with improved quality of care while lowering the impact on Medicaid. Please join me in asking Congressman Jerry McNerney to sponsor The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) (H.R.647) that was re-introduced to the 116th session of Congress.

Pam Jarvie

Discovery Bay

Owner of senior placement services earns awards, opens care home in Antioch

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Kelly Gonzales

By Allen Payton

The owner of Pacific Senior Care Services, an elder care placement agency, Kelly Gonzales has decided to open her own independent living home in Antioch.

“It’s a project for the community, focusing on the needs of Antioch residents with limited income, looking for a stable place and some care,” she said. “It will open on January 15th.”

The independent living facility for adults will be staffed by a certified nurse assistant who will be providing some care as needed. The home offers four bedrooms.

Gonzales launched Pacific Senior Care Services LLC in 2014 to help seniors and families by providing a resource to make the right choices, while offering many services for the senior community.

Her company won the 2018 Spectrum Award for excellence in customer service and earned a rating of five out of five stars. The coveted service award was presented City Beat News.

Also, Gonzales was honored with another award at the beginning of 2018 from Global Health and Pharma News, as the Best Senior Care Services Provider 2018 – San Francisco Bay

“It’s impossible for me to forget all the extraordinary people who have played a role in my life since we opened Pacific Senior Care Services,” she said. “I want to thank each one for helping me pursue this project, and giving me the support and guidance to make this vision come true. I am so honored, humble and grateful.”

For more information about the company, visit www.pacificseniorcareservices.net. 

Discovery Bay woman in wheelchair injured by hit-and-run driver in Antioch Sunday morning

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Screenshot from a KTVU Fox 2 News report of Debra Bozeman and her granddaughter.

Police seek suspect

By Acting Lieutenant Powell Meads #3917, Antioch Police Field Services

On Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at approximately 2:56 AM, the Antioch Police Department received a call about a person and wheelchair in the middle of the road in the 3600 block of Lone Tree Way. Officers arrived on scene and located the subject, a 65-year-old resident of Discovery Bay, unresponsive and suffering from major injuries. The victim was transported to an area hospital where she remains in critical condition.

It was determined that the victim was crossing the roadway in her wheelchair when she was struck by a passing vehicle. The responsible vehicle fled the scene and has not been located.

The Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Officers are currently following up on evidence left at the scene and potential surveillance footage of the collision.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Division. Any further inquiries into the status of this case should be done via the Media Access Telephone Line 925-779-6874. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Traffic Unit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Johnsen at (925)779-6900 ext 84265 or ejohnsen@ci.antioch.ca.us. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, the woman has been identified as Debra Bozeman and is in the intensive care unit of John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. Her family is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

County Sheriff seeks help finding missing elderly Rodeo woman

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Photos of Ruth Blanchard and the vehicle she was driving when last seen. Lic Plate # 7MCU465 From CoCoSheriff

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is currently searching for 76-year-old Ruth Blanchard of Rodeo.

Blanchard left her residence on the 800 block of Sandy Cove Drive yesterday, October 15, 2018, at about 12:30 PM to run an er-rand and did not return home.

Her family reported her missing to the Office of the Sheriff at about 8:00 PM. Deputies immediately searched for Blanchard but were not able to locate her. Her vehicle was last seen in the area of Highway 4 and Sycamore Avenue.

The search for Blanchard is ongoing. Local law enforcement agencies have been notified, she has been entered into the state missing persons’ database and a Silver Alert has been put out. She is at-risk because of health issues.

She is described as: black female, 5’ 7”, approximately 185 pounds, brown eyes, greying short hair. She was last wearing a red shirt, black pants, and a headwrap with a rhinestone.

The vehicle she was driving is a black 2014 Toyota Sienna (minivan) with California license plates—7MCU465.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Blanchard is asked to immediately call the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441.

Meals on Wheels to hold 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration, May 12

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MAY 12, 2018 • BLACKHAWK MUSEUMS, DANVILLE

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is celebrating 50 years of supporting seniors throughout Contra Costa County, and we invite you to join us at our Anniversary Gala! Opportunities are available to support this exciting event through sponsorships, donation of auction items, event planning, and assistance with ticket sales. For more information, contact Susannah Meyer, Community Engagement Director at 925.239.2487 or smeyer@mowdr.org.

Click here to purchase tickets or make a donation. Click here to view our wonderful Gala sponsors.

Support the Mt. Diablo Center for Adult Health Care at their annual crab feed fundraiser Feb. 10

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Hello Friends and Supporters of Choice in Aging!  

Join us for our biggest event of the year as we tie our bibs and crack some fresh crab at our 43rd Annual Crab Feed. This fundraising event helps to support our Alzheimer’s and Adult Day Health Care programs at our Mt. Diablo Center in Pleasant Hill.

WHEN: Saturday, February 10th 5:30 PM Doors Open/Cocktails & Live Music 7:00 PM Dinner

WHERE: Pleasant Hill Senior Center 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

TICKETS: $65/Ticket  Starting at $1,000 for a VIP (Sponsored) Table for 8 You can find the mail-in ticket form here and the sponsorship form here. 

Besides the freshly caught and cracked crab and delicious sides, you can expect to enjoy our:

• Live Auction – Packed with luxurious vacations, dinner at the fire house, and more items that will make you want to lift your paddle! 

• Silent Auction – Tons of awesome items to bid on! The chances of winning look good for you!

• Cake Auction – The chocolate behemoth Motherlode Cake will surely be making an appearance, along with other delicious cakes and cupcakes. 

• Raffle – This year, our entire raffle will be “teacup” style and is a great way to play the odds in your favor.

• Professionally Staffed Bar – Beer on tap, glasses of wine, and mixed drinks all to wet your whistle.

TIP: Pre-purchase your raffle and drink tickets when you purchase your event ticket to make check-in at the event faster!

Feel free to buy tickets, a table, distribute this information, donate, or volunteer – it’s up to you how you want to support Choice in Aging’s mission to promote dignity and independence of people with disabilities and special needs.  

We’d love to see you there. Won’t you join us?!

Click Here for Tickets

For sponsorship information, please contact Peggy Dillon at pdillon@choiceinaging.org or (925)682-6330 x141

Walnut Creek dealership to donate new car to Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services

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2018 Subaru Outback. Photo by evox images

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) is proud to announce that it will receive the donation of a 2018 Subaru Outback as part of a partnership between Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. in celebration of the ’50 CARS FOR 50 YEARS’ campaign.

“We are both thrilled & honored to announce that MOWSOS is one of 50 national recipients of a 2018 Subaru Outback for this campaign,” says Elaine Clark, Chief Executive Officer for MOWSOS.  “We are so thankful to Meals on Wheels America and Subaru for recognizing the work we are doing to combat isolation, and for giving us a vehicle to use for wellness visits to check on frail, home-bound seniors.”

On Thursday, January 18, MOWSOS will receive the car during a celebration event held at Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek, 2646 N. Main St. in Walnut Creek. The event will take place from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. Complimentary on-site valet parking and refreshments will be provided.

“Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek is proud to be selected by Subaru of America to deliver a 2018 Subaru Outback to Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services. This is a great opportunity for us to be part of an event that will benefit a superb organization like MOWSOS, enabling them to provide even more comprehensive services, which benefits our entire community,” says Tom Baxley, General Manager for Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek.

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services is a full-service nonprofit organization dedicated since 1968 to helping seniors live independently and with dignity.  Based in Walnut Creek, the agency serves older adults all across Contra Costa County.  More information can be found at www.mowsos.org.

Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek has been serving the Walnut Creek community for over forty years, and is one of Northern California’s largest volume Subaru retailers. Six months ago, construction was completed on a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, enabling them to better serve their sales and service customers. More information can be found at www.diablosubaru.com.

Meals on Wheels America (MOWA) is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $120 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com.

 

Orinda company opens 19th senior living facility in Antioch, offers Club-Med like experience

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The senior assisted living facility formerly known as Cypress Meadows is now TreVista Antioch.

Working to make every day “magical,” a pioneer in senior assisted living 

By Allen Payton

Opening their 19th location with their acquisition of the former Cypress Meadows Assisted Living facility in Antioch, Agemark Senior Living Communities of Orinda has renamed it TreVista Antioch and is bringing a new approach of a Club Med-like experience for seniors to East County.

The 10-acre campus is “not a skilled nursing facility,” but offers “both assisted living and memory care to enhance the lives of our residents,” said Senior Care Consultant Amanda Stewart.

She mentioned “many changes are happening, including a new water feature, a new theater,” making the place “more resident friendly and focused.”

The entrance to TreVista Antioch.

They’re part of “a multimillion dollar renovation project that will truly establish TreVista Antioch as the Bay Area’s premier senior living community,” according to their website,

When asked why they chose Antioch, Agemark co-founder and CEO Richard Westin said, “There are a lot of people who need our services in town.”

The Orinda-based company is a pioneer in senior assisted living having introduced the type of facilities to the market.

“We’ve been doing this for 35 years,” Westin explained. “When we first began nobody knew what assisted living was. In the 1980’s it was educating the public.”

The only options were retirement homes of up to six beds or convalescent homes.

“The concept of vibrant, assisted living for people whose average age is 87 didn’t exist other than a convalescent home which was really no place that anyone wanted to go to,” he stated. “It gave senior housing a steep road to climb, because of the significantly, negative reputation that convalescent hospitals had. They (seniors) were just being stored, because people couldn’t take care of them at home.

“The world has changed,” Westin said. “We recognize every one of our residents has a story to tell and wisdom to provide the next generation. There are wonderful opportunities that assisted living provides that didn’t previously exist, that allows people to thrive.”

Agemark does things differently than other facilities. According to their website, their mission and the “Promise” includes the following: “It is our mission, privilege and responsibility to provide the kind of care we want for our own loved ones, fostering a healthy body, agile mind and joyful spirit. We promise to ‘Nurture and grow our communities and the people who work and live in them,’ ‘Actively listen, constantly innovate, and serve with pride and joy,’ and ‘Empower and encourage staff to respond to residents and their families with compassion and respect.’”

Richard Westin, Founder & CEO of Agemark

“My background is Club Med,” Westin (who said he is unrelated to the hotel chain of the same name) shared. “I used to teach sailing in the summer and skiing in the winter in Europe. I was the first American to ever work for Club Med. It started in 1954 and I started working for them in 1961 at age 20.”

“I didn’t realize at the time I wasn’t teaching people to sail and ski,” he continued. “I myself was learning the hospitality business and 55 years later I’m able to provide a Club Med-like experience for 87-year-olds.”

“First it was for 20-year-olds now it’s for 80-year-olds,” Westin said with a laugh. “Fun is fun. Dancing and going to the zoo, high school and semi-professional sporting events, depending on the location.”

“Engaging with kindergartners and older folks in meaningful activities is really a valuable thing,” he added.

Westin then shared his philosophy of how the facilities operate, with the goal of making every day magical for their residents

“Whenever you say ‘good-night’ to one of our residents it may in fact be ‘good-bye’. So, it is our responsibility to make sure that their previous day was magical,” he stated. “And if we can do that every day we will have made a difference in the lives of the people we take care of and will have accomplished our goal.”

“I’m passionate about what I do,” Westin continued. “At 76 I get up every day and I’m delighted to go to work because I care about the wellbeing of our residents and their families because I know they’re going through a difficult time. We don’t just get a resident we get a family. They never need to call because we’re always ready to show them a clean, happy environment.”

Westin shared about an experience one of their facilities offered to a resident who had never been to a game of her favorite major league baseball team. She got to throw out the first pitch, meet the players after the game and was greeted with a

“We try to do that all the time,” he shared

They’re going through the approval process for six additional locations all in California.

It’s a family run business.

“My son (Forrest) is my business partner and it’s great,” he added.

His partner Jesse Pittore is retired but his son Michael Pittore, a graduate of De La Salle High – who was part of the football team that kept their winning streak going to 101 games – is also part of the ownership team.

“So, we have the two younger generation and me,” Westin shared. “And if I’m healthy I plan to work another 20 years.”

TreVista is located at 3950 Lone Tree Way across the street from Sutter Delta Medical Center. For more information call (925) 329-6296 or visit www.trevista-antioch.com.