District 15 includes Antioch; joins Councilwoman Wilson in the race

By Allen D. Payton

On October 30, Contra Costa County Board of Education Trustee and former Martinez Vice Mayor and Councilwoman Anamarie Avila Farias announced on social media her campaign for State Assembly for the seat currently held by Tim Grayson, who is running for State Senate.

She wrote: “I’m incredibly honored to share that I’m running for California State Assembly District 15. My lifelong commitment to public service has been a true privilege, and now, upon reflecting on my journey during Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating another trip around the sun, I’m eager to give back even more.

I’m passionate about fighting for policies that uplift those who need it most, ensuring equal opportunity for all. Our community deserves strong leadership ready to tackle the biggest challenges our district has, and I’m ready to be that voice.

But I can’t do it alone.

I understand that the challenges you face are real, and they are urgent. I know that your dreams and aspirations for your families are just as important as anyone else’s. That’s why I’m asking you to join me to make sure I get to Sacramento, where I can fight for the changes our communities desperately need. I’m excited to announce that I’ve already gained the endorsement of the California Teachers Association, a testament to my commitment to education. CTA represents 300K teachers that stand with me! But to keep this momentum going, I need your support to make this vision a reality. Together, we can bring positive and necessary change to Assembly District 15.

Join me in this journey towards a brighter, more equitable future. Let’s work hand in hand to make our community even better. Every donation and every supporter brings us one step closer to our goals. Together, we can make a difference.

Donate today and let’s build a brighter tomorrow –> https://secure.actblue.com/…/avila-farias-for-state…

!Adelante con Anamarie!”

According to Avila Farias’ campaign website, “In 2012, she was the first Latina to be elected to the Martinez City Council, and in 2020 she was elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Education where she serves as one of only two Latinas elected to a state or county position in Contra Costa. She also chaired and served on the Martinez Planning Commission for nearly a decade and served on the Parks & Recreation and Marina Commission for 5-years.

In 2015, Anamarie was appointed by former Governor Brown to the Board of Directors of the California Housing Finance Agency” and re-appointed by Governor Newsom in 2021.

According to a Feb. 2021 press release by CalHFA, Avila Farias “has been Operations Director at Juvenile Hall Auxiliary of Contra Costa County since 2019. She held multiple positions at the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County from 1989 to 2018, including Housing Policy and Program Analyst and Central Waiting List Housing Manager. She was a City Councilmember for the City of Martinez from 2012 to 2016. Avila Farias was Program Manager of the Community Development Block Grant at the City of Concord from 2013 to 2014. She was Senior Management Analyst at Oakland Housing Authority in 2007. Avila Farias was Senior Community Development Specialist for the City and County of San Francisco at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development from 1998 to 2007. She was Housing Program and Healthcare Policy Facilitator at the Contra Costa County Public Health Services Department from 1997 to 1998. Avila Farias earned a Master of Science degree in Information Systems Management from the University of San Francisco.”

In 2016, she ran unsuccessfully for District 5 County Supervisor against incumbent Federal Glover.

The married mother of two currently represents Area 3 on the county Board of Education which includes Bay Point, Clyde, Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Rodeo and parts of El Sobrante.

District 15 includes the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, a portion of Walnut Creek and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point and Pacheco.

Avila Farias will face Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson and possibly former Supervisor Karen Mitchoff who has yet to formally announce her campaign, in the March primary election. Filing closes Dec. 13.

For more information visit www.anamarie4assembly.com.

California’s Office of the Patient Advocate gives health plan 5 stars for “quality of medical care,” behavioral and mental health care, and other specialty areas

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

Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plan received the highest rating in the state for providing patients with high-quality clinical care and behavioral and mental health care in the annual Health Care Quality Report Card from California’s Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA).

Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California and Southern California health plans are the only two in the state to receive OPA’s highest rating – 5 stars – for “quality of medical care.”

For the fifth year in a row, Kaiser Permanente Northern and Southern California health plans are the only plans in the state to achieve 5 stars for overall clinical effectiveness in behavioral and mental health care.

“Kaiser Permanente is consistently recognized as a leader in the state for providing our patients and members with exceptional clinical and specialty care, which positively impacts their overall well-being,” Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our clinicians are dedicated to delivering the highest quality care to improve the health of our members, patients, and the communities we serve.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California also received 5 stars in other specialty care areas including diabetes, cardiac, maternity, and pediatric care. The organization  was also rated 5 stars for appropriateness of tests, treatments, and procedures and preventive screenings.

“Our physicians, nurses, and staff work diligently to help ensure that our patients receive the personalized, coordinated care they need to live longer and healthier lives,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “These ratings reflect our ongoing commitment to providing our patients and members with comprehensive high-quality care across many specialty areas, which is having a positive and often life-changing impact on their mental, physical, and emotional health.”

The 2023-24 report card provides California consumers with side-by-side comparisons of the 16 largest HMOs and PPOs in the state. It rates health plans on national standard-of-care measures that involve treatment and prevention of a range of conditions that have significant implications for personal health.

The results from OPA concur with the recent Covered California ratings, which recognized Kaiser Permanente as the only health plan in the state to receive a 5-star “Overall Quality Rating”.

Covered California — the state’s marketplace for the Affordable Care Act — also gave Kaiser Permanente 5 stars for  “Members’ Care Experience,”  which is based on patient surveys asking about their recent experiences when visiting the doctor and getting medical care; “Getting the Right Care,” a measure of care that is given, comparing with the national standards for care and treatments proven to help patients; and “Plan Services for Members,” which analyzes a health plan’s efficiency, affordability, and management.

In addition, Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans were also  the highest rated in California — and among the highest in the nation — for overall treatment, prevention and equity, and patient experience by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2023 Health Plan Ratings.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org

By Timothy Leong, Director of Communications & Community Relations, 4CD

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Governing Board announces their selection of Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as the 10th permanent Chancellor, pending contract negotiations and approval.  The 4CD Governing Board will vote to approve Ms. Mehdizadeh’s contract at their Wednesday, December 13, 2023, meeting.

“On behalf of the Governing Board, we are delighted that Ms. Mehdizadeh will continue leading 4CD as permanent Chancellor,” said Governing Board President Fernando Sandoval. “Her commitment to our mission of transforming the lives of all our students is unwavering, and she ensures that students are at the forefront of every discussion and decision. Her 36 years of leadership at 4CD has helped us maintain our legacy of higher education excellence.”

Ms. Mehdizadeh has been serving as Interim Chancellor for the Contra Costa Community College District since February 2022. Prior to this leadership role, she served as the Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as the next permanent Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District,” Mehdizadeh said. “I am grateful to the members of the Governing Board, our community, and employees for their trust in me to lead 4CD in transforming the lives of our students and the community. I will continue to focus on creating environments where every student feels a sense of belonging on our campuses, and that will allow us to contribute to their educational journey.”

Ms. Mehdizadeh holds an M.A. in Organizational and Intercultural Communications from California State University, East Bay, and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from San Francisco State University, after having completed her general education requirements at Diablo Valley College.

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.

“Rolling Reader” to visit underserved communities

By Brooke Converse, PIO, Contra Costa County Library

The Contra Costa County Library is introducing the Rolling Reader, the Library’s brand-new, all-electric, early literacy outreach van. The Rolling Reader will visit underserved communities across the county where library staff will present storytimes, hand out free books and crafts, and provide activities focused on early literacy, small motor skills, and STEM. 

The Contra Costa County Library has 26 branches across the county, yet many residents still are not able to easily access a library. Some may live too far from a branch, or don’t have access to reliable transportation, or have to work during library open hours. The Rolling Reader will allow the library to prioritize providing literacy services to children 0-5 years old in vulnerable communities impacted by poverty. Research shows that early and positive experiences with books set the stage for a child’s success in learning to read. Additionally, literacy skills are a strong predictor of health, employment status, and overall success in life. Providing storytimes and crafts for young children will encourage regular exposure to reading and books, thus improving the potential for life success for many children and families. 

“We recognized that to reach all our communities, we needed to get out of our buildings and take our services to the residents who need them most,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “The goal of the Rolling Reader is to instill a lifelong habit of reading and love for libraries.” 

Funding for the outreach van was provided by the Bella Vista Foundation and MCE. Staffing for the outreach van is provided by Measure X. Measure X is a half-cent sales tax passed by voters in 2020. 

“Early childhood services are one of our County’s top priorities,” said Supervisor John Gioia, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The new library outreach van and early literacy program will improve the lives of many children by making these opportunities easily accessible.”

The Rolling Reader will make its debut on Wednesday, November 15 at the Monument Crisis Center (rain or shine). The event will include a Spanish/English bilingual storytime, free books, crafts and activities for children, and an opportunity to see the Rolling Reader and the new van mascot, Roxy the fox. 

Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to (925) 290-7627. 

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

A jury in Martinez returned guilty verdicts on November 9th for a double murder that took place in Antioch in 2018. (See related articles here and here)

Dontay Javon Williams, a 40-year-old resident of Oakland, has been found guilty of the murders of Milan Ardoin, 28, and her mother, Valinda Scott, 55. At the time, Milan Ardoin was in a relationship with Williams but had communicated her intention to end the relationship over email exchanges. In the early morning hours of July 5, 2018, Williams traveled from Oakland to Antioch, where he fatally shot both Ardoin and Scott outside their residence before fleeing on foot.

While Antioch Police officers were investigating the shooting and canvassing the neighborhood to speak with witnesses, Williams’ wallet — a key piece of evidence – was found on a sidewalk near where the murders occurred.

Williams was convicted of two counts of murder and enhancements for intentionally discharging a handgun, lying in wait, and multiple murders. Moreover, Williams was convicted of possession of a firearm with a prior violent conviction for robbery in Oakland in 2005.

Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Tompkins, who prosecuted the case, said, “For the loved ones who lost two family members in one tragic morning, and who waited years for their day in court, this verdict is a chance to move forward in their long healing process.”

When Williams is sentenced, he faces life without the possibility of parole.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, his next court appearance is scheduled for January 19, 2024.

Case No. 05001922558 | The People of the State of California vs. Williams, Dontay Javon

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

By Contra Costa Elections

On Monday, November 13th, the Candidate Filing Period for the March 5th 2024 Presidential Primary Election will begin and nomination papers will be available for candidates running for United States Senator, United States Representative in Congress, Member of the State Senate, Member of the State Assembly, County Board of Supervisors, Superior Court Judges and Mt. View Sanitary District. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, December 8, 2023. If an incumbent doesn’t run for re-election, the filing period is extended five days until 5:00 pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

A list of offices currently up for election can be found here: www.contracostavote.gov/wp-content/uploads/24Mar05_PositionsUpForElection.pdf

Papers for offices that are up for election will be available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez.

For further information on the primary election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov.

“The 2024 Presidential Election cycle is ramping up,” said Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “Our Candidate Services team is ready to help candidates get their papers filed. We look forward to working with any candidates who are planning to run for office.”

Interested candidates can schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes 20 minutes.

Two lanes of Bay Bridge will be closed.

Various ramps and ped/bike path closures scheduled along I-80 and U.S. 101 in San Francisco due to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2023 Summit

Information from MTC, CalTrans & CHP

People traveling to, from and within San Francisco next week can expect heavy congestion and traffic delays; transit reroutes, delays and crowding; and reduced or inconvenient pedestrian and bicycle access during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 Summit taking place in the city from Monday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 19. 

APEC is expected to draw more than 20,000 people, including heads of state and dignitaries from over 20 member economies, to downtown San Francisco. MTC encourages people to avoid traveling to San Francisco next week if possible. For those who must travel to or through the city, MTC encourages them to ride transit and to visit 511.org for critical travel alerts related to street closures and transportation delays. 

 In cooperation with the California Highway Patrol, and in coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, Caltrans is implementing enhanced safety measures throughout our highway systems in and around San Francisco during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 summit starting Wednesday, November 15. The U.S. Secret Service recently designated the APEC summit as a National Special Security Event, requiring heightened security measures in and around the city of San Francisco.

Closures: At the request of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, Caltrans will be implementing the following closures to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and residents:

San Francisco / Oakland Bay Bridge

Closures of #1 (left) lane on Eastbound I-80 and #5 (right) lane on Westbound I-80

o Tuesday, November 14 through Friday, November 17, 2023.

o 4 Day Closure, beginning 11/14 at 5:00 AM, ending 11/17 at 9:00 PM.

o Controlled access to Bay Bridge Ped/Bike Path.

o No impacts to transit bus services.

o Treasure Island on-/off-ramps, Fremont Street off-ramp remain open.

Closures of 4th Street off-ramp from Eastbound I-80 and 5th Street off-ramp from Westbound I-80

o Wednesday, November 15 through Friday, November 17, 2023.

o 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Daily).

Closure of NB U.S. 101 Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp

o Tuesday, November 14 through Saturday, November 18 (Five Day Closure).

o No access to Dana Bowers Vista Point for vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.

o Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path closed at north end of bridge; no pedestrian access from Marin County.

o Bicycle Path on west side of bridge to remain open between Marin County and San Francisco.

California Highway Patrol officers will be present to enforce these closures. We understand that these closures may cause temporary inconvenience, but they are essential to ensure the safety and security of this significant event and to promote immediacy and availability for emergency response. We encourage you to plan your travels, accordingly, allow extra time for your commute, and consider using alternative routes or public transportation during this period. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to ensure the success of the APEC 2023 summit and the safety of our community.

Muni will reroute several transit lines from Nov. 13-19, and Muni Metro T-Third service will be suspended. For more details, visit SFMTA’s APEC information page. BART, Caltrain and the San Francisco Bay Ferry do not anticipate any major APEC-related impacts to their services.

For the Golden Gate Bridge, the Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp from northbound U.S. 101 will be closed from Nov. 14-18. There will be no access to the Vista Point for vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians. The Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path will be closed at north end of bridge, and there will be no pedestrian access from Marin County.

Most APEC activities will take place in the South of Market and Nob Hill neighborhoods. Due to the scale of the gathering, APEC also may create travel impacts on travel in other areas. People should expect a range of street impacts in and around the United States Secret Service security zones (Vehicle Exclusion Zones)(link is external) established for the conference and conference-related events. Pedestrians will be banned from APEC security zones unless they live or work there; and bicycles, whether traditional or e-bikes, also will be barred.

For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay.  MTC operates 511 in partnership with Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and other transportation agencies.

For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Female was also arrested two days earlier for grand, petty theft in Pleasant Hill; male also arrested in 2017, 2022

By San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

San Francisco, CA – District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that Ahjanae Woods (23) and Terry Nichols (28), both of Antioch, have been charged in connection to the early morning smash and grab at Christian Dior in Union Square on October 12, 2023.

Ms. Woods and Mr. Nichols were arraigned on October 16, 2023, and each pled not guilty to one count of second-degree commercial burglary (PC 459), one count of grand theft (PC 487(a), one count of organized retail theft (PC 490.4(a)(1)), one count of conspiracy (PC 182(a)) and one count of resisting arrest (PC 148(a)(1)).

“The early morning smash and grab at Christian Dior is one more example of how brazen some thieves have become,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “This conduct is completely unacceptable and will be prosecuted vigorously. I would also like to thank the San Francisco Police Department for their swift action in responding to this incident and arresting these suspects. We will not let up on our efforts to improve public safety and demonstrate our resolve to those who choose to engage in criminal activity in our community.”

As listed in the overt acts of the conspiracy charge, it is alleged that at approximately 6:50AM on October 12, 2023, Ms. Woods and Mr. Nichols, along with other uncharged co-conspirators, arrived in three vehicles to the Union Square neighborhood and first tried to break into Fendi at 195 Grant Street. The group then broke the gate and doors at Christian Dior at 185 Post Street where they stole numerous handbags and other merchandise.

Ms. Woods and Mr. Nichol’s next court date is October 27, 2023, for the preliminary hearing in this matter. The District Attorney’s Office moved to detain Ms. Woods and Mr. Nichols pending trial because of the public safety risk they pose. The court granted the motion to detain Ms. Woods and Mr. Nichols without prejudice. The court will hear further arguments on the People’s motion to detain at the time of the preliminary hearing in this case.

Although charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.

According to localcrimenews.com Nichols was also arrested in 2017 and 2022 by Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for changing, altering, removing and/or obliterating ID marks on a firearm and for addict in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

As previously reported by the Herald, Woods was among 11 individuals arrested in Pleasant Hill on Oct. 10, 2023, for grand theft and petty theft.

Court Number: Woods, 23016759, Nichols 23016752

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.