Contra Costa Herald

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

Sentinels of Freedom award $5,000 for LMC Veterans Resource Center

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Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom presents the donation check to LMC President Pamela Ralston on Nov. 6, 2025. They were joined by Tara Sanders, LMC Foundation Director (left), Melissa Jackson, LMC Veterans Services Program Coordinator (right) and LMC student veterans affiliated with the Veterans Resource Center. Photos: LMC

Funding to support in-person math tutoring

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, CA – Mike Conklin, chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom, came to Los Medanos College Nov. 6, 2025, with words of wisdom and a hand-written check worth $5,000 for LMC’s Veterans Resource Center.

Just ahead of presenting the check, Conklin spoke to students attending LMC to gain the skills and education needed to transition from military service to civilian life.

“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Conklin said, after sharing personal stories about the military service of his son whose combat injuries resulted in a stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.”

Mike Conklin speaks with the LMC student veterans.

He noted that Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit organization of veterans, aims to help wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, the group provides guidance to veterans pursuing higher education, establishing careers and working toward self-sufficiency. The donation, he said, would support in-person math tutoring for student veterans at LMC. The college has 168 student veterans enrolled this fall.

Conklin also led a workshop for the group on budgeting and financial planning.

“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”

Los Medanos College Veteran Services focuses on meeting the needs of military-affiliated students, while honoring their distinct experiences and contributions. LMC is approved for education and training under applicable federal and state laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

About Sentinels of Freedom

The San Ramon, CA-based Sentinels of Freedom are committed to empowering severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans during their transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, they provide guidance to each veteran in pursuing higher education and establishing fulfilling careers, facilitating their seamless integration into society and self-sufficiency.

The idea for Sentinels for Freedom began with our founder, Mike Conklin, whose son Kris was wounded in Iraq. While visiting Kris in the hospital, Mike spoke with others who were also wounded. It was then that he realized the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles these war–torn men and women faced when transitioning back to civilian life.  Conklin established the organization as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. For more information visit https://sentinelsoffreedom.org.

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. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.

Park Happenings for November

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News from the East Bay Regional Park District

Includes Green Friday Free Park Day the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28

By Dave Mason Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Fall Walks & Strolls. Late fall is the perfect season to get outside and explore East Bay Regional Parks. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the cool weather, crisp air, changing plant colors, and abundant wildlife on these fall walks and strolls. Let the natural beauty of the East Bay rejuvenate your spirit on these unforgettable fall adventures.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for walks and strolls.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park (left). Credit: Kevin Fox. Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden (right). Credit: Jacob Drueckhammer. Source: EBRPD.

Green Friday Free Park Day. Celebrate Green Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — with a free park day in East Bay Regional Parks! Fees are waived for parking, boat launching, and fishing — only state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concession fees apply. Admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm is also waived for Green Friday! The East Bay Regional Park District celebrates Green Friday to encourage the public to spend time in nature. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends the day after Thanksgiving.

Green Friday programs include:

Contra Loma Regional Park. Source: EBRPD. Credit: I.P. Jones

The Park District is also facilitating cleanup projects on Green Friday. Instead of (or after!) spending the day searching for special savings on holiday gifts, use the day off to give back to nature through a service project. The Park District is facilitating two clean-up events for all to join: At both Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, volunteers will be removing invasive plants at designated worksites between 9 a.m. and noon. Registration required.

  • Age Restrictions: Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • What to Bring: Water bottle, gloves, and sun protection.
  • What is Provided: Necessary tools.
  • Weather Notes: Heavy rain or wildfire smoke cancels.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday.

Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples and tribal citizens in the East Bay continue to be closely connected to the land through distinct traditions, unique languages, and sophisticated knowledge systems.

Individuals from the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Delta Yokut, and many others, continue to live on this land, practicing their culture and traditions to this day. Immense gratitude is extended to the many Native peoples who have contributed — and continue to contribute — their perspectives, voices, history, and culture to our programs.

Learn more about the Park District’s Native American Heritage Month activities, programs, and stories at ebparks.org/native-american-heritage-month.

Veterans Benefits:

In addition to honoring veterans, service members and retirees with free park entrance on Veterans Day, the Park District honors the Distinguished Veteran Pass, which is administered by California State Parks. Veterans with a Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free day-use parking and free entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm, not including special events.

Plus, the Regional Parks Foundation offers a discounted Special Access Membership for veterans.

Regional Park Membership — the Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires adventure all year long — a Regional Parks Foundation Membership. Members enjoy a personalized Membership Card, free day-use parking, free swimming, camping discounts, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm on non-event days, free home delivery of the Park District’s Regional in Nature activity guide and the Foundation’s Compass magazine, and more. Consider the Angler level for free fishing and boat launch.

Purchase by Dec. 5. Visit RegionalParksFoundation.org/Join for details.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

4th Annual Danville Veterans Day Mt. Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony Nov. 11

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Flyover of WWII aircraft by Valiant Effort Foundation

By Sean Gannon, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75

The Beacon on Mount Diablo will be lit at sunset on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Military.

Join local veterans and the Mayor of Danville Renee Morgan at 4:40 pm by the Flagpole in front of the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville as they press the button at 5:00 pm to light the Beacon on Mount Diablo, followed by a flyover from WWII aircraft from Valiant Effort Foundation!

The Veterans Memorial Building will be open to the public from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A proclamation was signed on February 25th, 2022, in the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville to light the Beacon on Mount Diablo not only on Pearl Harbor Day, but also on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day.

The event is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75. Special Thanks to California State Parks, Save Mount Diablo and the Town of Danville for all their amazing support to honor veterans!

Air Force flyover during Community Day at Stand Down on the Delta Saturday, Sept. 13

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U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron fly T-38 Talons in formation for the 45th Freedom Flyer Reunion over Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, March 22, 2018. The Freedom Flyer Reunion is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible service of Air Force Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War, their honorable return, and their connection with the 12th Flying Training Wing during Operation Homecoming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James R. Crow)

Tours of Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock Sunday, Sept. 14

Local high school students to perform, volunteer

By Allen D. Payton

A unit from Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento has volunteered to support this year’s Stand Down on the Delta with a flyover of two T-38 fighter jets from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron on Saturday, September 13. Pilots who fly the U-2 jets at the base train on the T-38’s.

The flyover will occur during Opening Ceremonies Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 A.M. at which the Deer Valley High Divine Voices will perform the National Anthem.

The four pilots from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron participating in the flyover will be Lt. Colonel “Mako” Willard, Major “Dice” Dodds, Major “Merle” Paegelow and Captain “Blitz” Alexander.

On Friday, as veterans arrive to the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform.

Then on Sunday from 10:00 AM to Noon, tours will be offered on a Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock at the foot of L Street..

Local High School Students Volunteer

This year members from the Heritage High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Antioch High Army Junior ROTC members will be volunteering during the weekend events.

De La Salle High School students are participating in a competition in which they’re working on a sock drive for veterans. That’s one of the items So far, they have collected 1,900 pairs but the effort continues until Thursday. The school has also donated 150 sweatshirts to be distributed during the weekend.

Stand Down on the Delta, presented by Delta Veterans Group, will again be held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For more information click, here.

#AFFlyover

Stand Down on the Delta 2025 at fairgrounds in Antioch Sept. 12-15

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Veterans Served Their Country — Now They Serve Their Communities

Join us for Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12–15, 2025 at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) in Antioch, presented by Delta Veterans Group.

Launched in 2023, our “Veterans Served Their Country — Veterans Serve Their Communities” program gives these honorable individuals a New Mission of Service — and you’re invited to join them.

These brave women and men served our nation. Now, they’re answering a new call — to serve the neighborhoods and communities they call home.

Saturday, September 13, 2025, is Community Service Day, when Veterans will serve every corner of Contra Costa County, helping everyone, not just fellow Veterans. ervices are open to everyone regardless if you are a veteran or not.

Veterans: Pre-register or walk in daily

Everyone else: Come volunteer, get connected, or lend support.

Over four days, we provide life-changing services to hundreds of Veterans:

  • Medical & Dental Care
  • Housing, Job Placement & Legal Support
  • Mental Health & Recovery Services
  • Meals, Clothing, Gear & More

Over 1,754 Veterans and families helped so far — and we’re just getting started.

Help us make 2025 the most impactful Stand Down yet.

The Fairgrounds are located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Delta Veterans Group – “A Hand Up, Not a Handout”. For more information visit www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta.

Delta Veterans Group to hold biennial Stand Down on the Delta in Antioch Sept.12-15

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To serve homeless veterans and others; volunteers needed

Community Day Sept. 13 is for anyone and everyone

By Delta Veterans Group

The Delta Veterans Group brings Contra Costa County (CCC) “Stand Down on the Delta” a Homeless Veterans’ “Hand Up” event every other year (2015, 2017, 2019….) DVG is proud to bring Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12-15, to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

This is a four-day event wherein U.S. military veterans receive services in Medical, Dental, Veterans Treatment Court, Housing, Job Placement, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Counseling.

We are also looking for volunteers. Please contact us through our website at Contact Us | Delta Veterans Group.

To date the Stand Down on the Delta biennial event has helped thousands of veterans and their families, served thousands of meals, given away over 1,100 pairs of boots, over 1,500 sleeping bags, over 1,300 pairs of new jeans, $500,000 in dental care, taken over 200 veterans fishing on our Delta shores and helped many more find permanent housing.

We work with over 70 different organizations during our four day Stand Down on the Delta event. In September of 2019 over 850 Volunteers from around the State of California and even as far as South Carolina came to Antioch to help us provide these great services to our veterans.

About DVG

Delta Veterans Group is 501(c)3 Veterans service non-profit that assists our Nation’s finest men and women with housing, employment, health, and education services. Founded in Contra Costa County in 2012 by Army veteran J.R. Wilson, DVG has now grown to provide services to surrounding Northern California areas including Alameda, Monterey, Napa, San Joaquin, San Francisco and Solano counties.

Bay Area Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez May 26

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Nuvision Credit Union Partners with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29

Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day.  Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.

The event takes place on Monday, May 26th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street in Martinez.

The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them.  The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, as well as their families.

Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.

During the BBQ Nuvision will also be presenting $1,500 donations to two Bay Area veteran support organizations — Delta Veterans Group, and Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation – in support of their ongoing missions.

Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.

 Nuvision Credit Union Background:

Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets

  • Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Berkeley, Martinez, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Brentwood and Hayward
  • Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming, and Arizona.

Website: Nuvision Credit Union | Banking, Credit Cards & Loans (nuvisionfederal.com)

“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

Opinion – The National Mesothelioma Registry: Addressing misdiagnosis and its impact on California’s veterans

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Source: Asbestos.com

In Contra Costa County 1,198 asbestos-related deaths were reported from 1999 and 2017 at a rate of 63 deaths per year.

By Jonathan Sharp, Environmental Litigation Group, P.C.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer triggered by exposure to asbestos. Each year, around 3,000 diagnoses are made in America, from which 900 are discovered in veteran populations. Exposure in this population occurred while serving in the army, as the military used asbestos across facilities as an insulator and fireproof material. Other cases similarly link directly to professional exposure because asbestos was used for decades in many industries, from the 1960s up until the 1990s, when its harmful effects were fully documented.

As the condition is rare, research progress to improve diagnosis and treatment is slow. It has been estimated that errors in diagnosing mesothelioma span between 14% and over 80%, where this condition is confused with other lung cancers or pneumonia. As a result, there are substantial delays in treatment, and mesothelioma is allowed to spread.

To address the high rates of misdiagnosis for mesothelioma, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed in 2019 the development of a shared database for all identified cases. This database is the National Mesothelioma Registry, and among its proposals is the use of a case-finding methodology, where populations at risk would receive periodic screening. The national registry would also function as a common database where researchers could get early access to diagnosed patients, expanding the available population pool for clinical trials that could improve current treatments and diagnosis procedures.

How Misdiagnosis Can Impact Claims
Over 80% of all mesothelioma cases can be traced back to professional exposure, while only around 12% can be attributed to a genetic mutation. Subsequently, the vast majority of people developing mesothelioma are entitled to claims, either from the government or from companies that did not offer sufficient protection to their workers while handling asbestos.

However, getting these claims can be a real struggle. The condition has a high mortality rate and short survival period, not only due to the aggressiveness of this cancer but also because of significantly high rates of misdiagnosis.

To date, claims are granted for veterans under the PACT Act following evaluation by a health commission. The commission’s analysis process can take up to four and a half months. Survival rates for pleural mesothelioma, which is the most aggressive and common form of this cancer, rarely expand past the one-year mark. For veterans, this means that accessing the healthcare benefits they need to improve care and their quality of life may come too late. For other professional categories, lengthy lawsuits can mean the same thing: healthcare and financial support that comes in too late.

Mesothelioma Epidemiology in Contra Costa County, California
California has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma and asbestos-related deaths in the country. As a natural material, asbestos was intensely mined across the state, hence resulting in an increased risk for local populations. Veterans were impacted the most, especially in coastal states, such as California, where the U.S. Navy used asbestos extensively for shipbuilding and insulation. These jobs were performed by soldiers with little to no protective equipment, albeit at the time, there was sufficient data the Navy was aware of to indicate that asbestos had a strong carcinogenic potential.

Data on asbestos mortality rates in the state indicate that between 1999 and 2017, a total of 27,080 asbestos-related deaths were recorded, of which 5,100 occurred due to mesothelioma. More recent data indicates that between 2015 and 2019, 317 died because of mesothelioma in California. In Contra Costa County, 1,198 asbestos-related deaths were reported, at a rate of 63 deaths per year.

With such high mortality rates, asbestos is considered an important public health issue in California. This state banned paintings and interior materials containing asbestos as early as 1977. Other asbestos products were banned, and asbestos mines were closed in 2002. However, since mesothelioma emerges decades after exposure, cases are very likely to continue being identified across the state.

Improving Diagnosis and Access to Claims for Veterans
Veterans can file for benefits under the PACT Act and have their documents analyzed by a health commission. Notably, this analysis can take a significantly long time. With a late diagnosis, waiting so long may not be an option for many. Nonetheless, the National Mesothelioma Registry has the potential to change this.

With more research and development on mesothelioma, veterans may be able to receive a diagnosis much sooner and initiate the benefits claim faster. This will not only speed up access to medical resources but would also ensure that each veteran would get a chance at an extended life expectancy resulting from an early diagnosis and intervention.

About the Author
Jonathan Sharp is the CFO of the Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., conducting asset oversight, financial analysis, and case evaluations for victims of toxic exposure.