Already bonded out of custody; others from Oakley, Brentwood
Public advisory on keeping your vehicle safe
By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard
On July 25, 2023 at 6:10 PM Oakley Police officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Yellow Rose Circle for an attempted vehicle theft that had just occurred. The victim of the case interrupted the theft and the suspects fled the area. The victim followed the suspects and called us to provide details on what had happened and to update us on the whereabouts of the suspects. Our officers made contact with the suspects and stopped them. It was determined the suspects broke a window of the victim vehicle, which happened to be a Jeep equipped with a 6.4-liter engine. Also, in the suspects’ possession were blank, programmable Dodge key fobs.
There is currently a widespread problem, extending well outside of the Bay Area, involving Dodge/Jeep/RAM products that are primarily equipped with 6.4-liter engines. These products have become highly sought after by thieves for the purposes of using them in exhibition of speed events such as sideshows and these stolen vehicles have been known to be used to commit other crimes and they have often been documented to be involved in police pursuits.
A typical theft involves the suspects breaking a window to gain entry into the vehicle. The suspects then manipulate the vehicle into neutral so they can push it down the road a little ways. The thieves are equipped with a smart phone or tablet that allows them to tap into the onboard diagnostic electronics of the vehicle and they are able to manipulate the vehicle into starting up and driving away without the use of the actual electronic key that was supplied with the vehicle. Once the vehicle is in possession of the thieves they can program actual electronic keys to the vehicle and those keys can then be used just like the key that was supplied with the vehicle.
“I would normally not put such specific information out regarding the tactics and tools thieves use to steal because I do not want to be part of the “criminal education program”. This issue however, has become such a problem that I want potential victims to be aware of how vulnerable they are to this type of a theft. I encourage people with these types of vehicles to safeguard their vehicles by doing any one (or more) of the following:
Park in the garage
Equip your vehicle with battery disconnect devices (kill switch)
Use prominently displayed steering wheel locks
Use brake locks
If possible use another vehicle to block the preferred vehicle in place
Equip your home with legitimate security light/camera systems
Place hidden GPS devices in your vehicles (Apple air tags)
I am identifying the suspects in this case as Anthony Parson (21, of Oakley), Kyle Michael LaCosta Schmidt (20, born 1/20/2003 of Brentwood) and Brian Wayne Ray (20, of Antioch). All three suspects were booked into jail for this offense. Our investigators and the members of our Special Services Team are investigating this trio to see if their involvement goes into the much larger theft ring of these preferred vehicles, which again includes all 6.4-liter equipped Dodge/Jeep/RAM vehicles.
According to localcrimenews.com, Parson was also arrested by Contra Costa CHP on May 27, 2023 for DUI with Blood Alcohol Conent above. 08
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, LaCosta is 6’2”, Hispanic and was still in custody on Wednesday, being held on $20,000 bail. According to localcrimenews.com, LaCosta Schmidt was also arrested by Concord PD on May 29, 2021 for reckless driving.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Ray is White and bonded out of custody Wednesday night, July 26 at 10:43 p.m.
I will update the community on this issue if any developments occur. I know hard working residents buy their Chargers, Challengers, Hellcats, Scat Packs, Jeeps and RAMs to enjoy and use. I do not want your daily lives interrupted by criminal activity, I want you to continue to enjoy your vehicles so please take extra security measures as we work to determine the depth of this crime ring and work to bring it to an end. I highly encourage owners of these types of vehicles to contact their Dodge/Jeep/RAM dealer to get a RF Hub Module Software Update. I am informed this is the best factory preventative measure, for this problem, currently available.
Owner changes name, focus of D1 & Only Martial Arts
By Dr. Tim Calvin, Ed.D., CEO & Founder
We live in a scary world where violent crime seems to be ever increasing, and our children are becoming the byproducts of a society of unfettered scruples and moral degradation. It is alarming as we watch our children become more self-absorbed, socially inept, and morally disconnected as they become attached to their electronic devices and social media platforms that feeds their young minds with inappropriate images and unethical messaging. As a result, our children are becoming more prone to violence, unremorseful, and ill-prepared to deal with the brutal nature of their environment, and they are continuing this trend well into adulthood.
As acts of violence and shootings become increasingly rampant and cities become more unstable, it appears that those charged with protecting and keeping residents safe are incapable of living up to their obligation. As a result, vigilance, and the ability to efficiently and effectively recognize, avoid, de-escalate, or defend oneself or others from various threats or potentially volatile situations, is more vital than ever before.
Couples’ Self Defense Class. Photo: SSR
In response to society’s growing need for an effective resolution to combat its cycle of violence and apathy, D1 & Only Martial Arts has changed and Split Second Response was formed. Located at 3385 Deer Valley Road in Antioch, Split Second Response is revolutionizing the personal protection and safety industry by providing a unique approach to private safety and security, as well as a distinct and customized method of childhood development and individual growth. Split Second Response is a state-certified training facility that provides a multitude of services that includes a modern and realistic martial arts and self-defense program, firearms training for beginners, advanced firearms courses, and Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit certification courses, as well as First Aid/CPR/AED training through the American Red Cross and the Health and Safety Institute (HSI). Moreover, Split Second Response provides BSIS state-certified security guard training courses (guard card, firearms, baton, use of force, and more), in addition to Taser and Active Shooter certification courses.
Two students participate in the Women’s Only Basic Pistol Course. Photos: SSR
Split Second Response’s martial arts and personal protection program is designed to provide its students with a real-world approach to personal protection and safety. Realizing that outdated martial arts programs are ill-suited to meet today’s threats, Split Second Response, merged several martial arts styles, including Kickboxing, Krav Maga, basic Jiujitsu, and Arnis (Philippine Stick Fighting) into one well-rounded and highly effective self-defense system. The objective of this program is to condition the individual’s mind and body to instinctively react to whatever danger or threat comes your way. Students at Split Second Response are taught situational awareness and threat assessment, how to defend themselves standing, protect themselves on the ground, defend against multiple attackers, or against assailants with various weapons.
Photos: SSR
In addition to the unique approach to self-defense, Split Second Response works diligently to develop the character and moral fortitude of our youth. By changing the mindset and perceptions of our children, Split Second Response hopes to create a safer and more productive community one child at a time. The training regimen for each student at Split Second Response is customized regarding their personal growth and development by focusing on habit formation. Split Second Response employs a four-step process for character development and improved behavior by 1.) identifying areas of concern, 2.) working with parents to establish a plan to address these concerns, 3.) implementing the plan, and 4.) rewarding success or helping students refocus and get back on track if they fall short of accomplishing their goals.
Split Second Response is unlike any personal protection and development program on the market, not just in the services provided, but also in the team of professional and elite instructors they employ. Split Second Response has an exceptional and highly skilled training staff that includes former national martial arts champions, current and former law enforcement officers with backgrounds in S.W.A.T., Undercover Narcotics, and Investigations, along with current and former members of the U.S. military. So, regardless of what your personal protection, safety, or growth and development needs may be, Split Second Response is more than capable of helping you meet and exceed your goals.
Calvin has been in business in Antioch since January 2000, is a former Oakland and Novato Police officer for 10 years and former Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps serving in Operation Desert Storm as a H.A.W.K. Missile Operator, a former board member of the Antioch Kiwanis Club, and a former board member of the Antioch Police Activities League (PAL).
He has trained in martial arts for over 28 years and has earned a 7th Degree Black Belt in CCR, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Senkotiros Arnis (Philippine Stick & Knife Fighting), a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu, is a Level II Krav Maga Instructor, a certified Kickboxing Instructor, a California Dept. of Consumer Affairs: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Firearm and Baton Instructor, an NRA Firearms Instructor, an NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO), a DOJ Firearms Instructor, an NRA Refuse To Be A Victim (RTBAV) Instructor, a certified American Red Cross (ARC) and Health and Safety Institute (HSI) Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, an HSI AVERT Active Shooter Instructor and AVERT Instructor Trainer, and an Axon Taser Instructor.
Dr. Calvin is also Executive Director of the non-profit Affiliated Martial Arts Promoter’s Association, and earlier this month earned his Doctorate in Organizational Change and Administration from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA.
The constantly changing maneuverings in the City of Antioch staff leadership positions continued recently as the Herald learned, today, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, that Acting City Manager Kwame Reed has appointed Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger as Acting Assistant City Manager. In addition, during Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Lamar Thorpe mentioned Kevin Scudero as the Acting Community Development Director. Reed confirmed on Wednesday he had appointed Scudero, who is a Senior Planner with the City, to the position.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Scudero has worked for the City for 20 years, first as an Associate Planner beginning in July 2003, then in his current position as of June 2021.
Helfenberger said his appointment was effective June 26, the Monday after Reed was appointed by the city council to his position, in addition to his role as the City’s Economic Development Director. As previously reported, that was Forrest Ebbs’ last day as acting city manager, before he left for a two-week vacation. His final day as community development director was July 14.
According to Helfenberger’s LinkedIn profile, he has been in his current position with the City’s Recreation Department since February 2021. Previously, he worked for the City of Emeryville, first as Recreation Supervisor for almost four years, then as the Recreation Manager from May 2014 until he was hired by Antioch.
“I’m happy to serve however I can best help the City,” Helfenberger said when reached for comment.
The three acting positions are in addition to Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting and as of August 12, the appointment of an acting police chief following the retirement of current Chief Steve Ford on the 11th. The City is also currently without an assistant city attorney.
No photo could be found of the obviously camera-shy Scudero but an effort is underway to obtain one.
Kaiser says pickets, actions at hospitals July 24-29 aren’t strikes, facilities remain open
By Allen D. Payton
The 85,000-member Coalition of Kaiser Permanent Unions is holding nationwide pickets and actions at Kaiser hospitals and facilities, this week, July 24-29 to protest staffing shortage and wages, less than three months from their contract expiration on September 30. The two sides are in the midst of bargaining and the next session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1. The one-day protest at the Kaiser Medical Center in Antioch was held yesterday.
The Coalition unites 85,000 members of four international unions at Kaiser hospitals, clinics, and facilities throughout the United States.
In a July 13, 2023 post on their website labeled “Bargaining Update 4”, the coalition claims, “At bargaining this week, the ‘non-profit’ that pays its CEO $16 million a year gave a clear message to the EVS (environmental services) worker raising a family on $48K a year in LA: ‘You make too much money.’
It’s unbelievable. Kaiser pays 49 executives more than a million dollars a year, but they think a PCT (patient care technician) earning $52K a year in Portland is making Kaiser unaffordable. The corporation that has over $113 billion in investments – including questionable ventures around the world – believes they are paying healthcare workers $450 million a year too much in wages that are ‘over market.’
We will be submitting a full economic proposal – including wages – at our next bargaining session on August 1, but the fault lines in negotiations are becoming more and more clear: our Coalition spoke about how we are falling behind, struggling to afford living where we work, and losing ground to rising costs. Kaiser spoke about outsourcing more of our work to low wage, for-profit companies – undermining middle class jobs.”
The unions have offered a list of concerns and demands:
We want Kaiser to grow as a union company with leading wages, benefits, and quality care. Instead, Kaiser is spending $5 billion of our patients’ premiums to launch a non-union, non-partnership company that will lower labor standards.
We want a guaranteed PSP payout we can count on when we reach our goals. Kaiser is still defending their shameful decision to deny frontline caregivers our PSP while paying big bonuses to managers.
We want Kaiser to make meaningful investments in solving the staffing shortage: increase training funds, eliminate barriers to promotion, justify unposted vacancies, create paid externships, provide referral/ retention and recruitment bonuses, and dial back wasteful registry spending.
The coalition further claims, “It’s clear that the only way that we will get Kaiser to listen to us is to make some noise.”
Kaiser Responds: Not Strikes, Hospitals & Facilities Remain Open
Kaiser Permanent responded with a statement that the events are not strikes and their facilities remain open.
“It’s important for our members and patients to know that these events are not strikes. Our medical facilities will remain open and operate normally.
Kaiser Permanente is the largest union-represented health care employer in the U.S. — with nearly 75% of our employees represented by unions. We are currently bargaining with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which represents about 88,000 employees in a variety of roles and is part of our historic Labor Management Partnership.
Our priority is to reach an agreement that ensures we can continue to provide market-competitive pay and outstanding benefits. We are confident we’ll be able to reach an agreement that strengthens our position as a best place to work and ensures that the high-quality care our members expect from us remains affordable and easy to access.
Given where we are in the bargaining process, it’s clear the picketing by the Coalition isn’t about drawing attention to new issues, but rather an attempt to create bargaining leverage.
We have been and will continue to address the real issues that are affecting health care and our employees. On the heels of the global pandemic and given today’s economy, these challenges include inflation and rising costs to deliver health care, increasing competition from nontraditional businesses, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increases in the demand for access to health care. We look to the Coalition to be a constructive partner in helping address these and other challenges affecting us all.
Staffing
The staffing challenges mentioned by the Coalition have been happening all across health care but are actually less true at Kaiser Permanente now than elsewhere.
It’s worth remembering that during the pandemic, we took extraordinary steps to support and protect our workforce. This included providing $800 million in employee assistance to ensure that front-line employees had access to alternate housing options, special child care grants, and additional paid leave for COVID-19 illness and exposure.
The average employee turnover rate across health care is 21.4% (Source: PwC Saratoga 2022 Survey). While it crept up a bit during the height of the pandemic, we are thankful that our current rate of 8.5% as of June 2023 is significantly lower than the rest of health care.
At the beginning of bargaining in April, Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition agreed to a joint goal of hiring 10,000 new people for Coalition-represented jobs in 2023. We are making great progress toward achieving that goal.
Talented people want to work at Kaiser Permanente, which is why 96% of candidates accept our employment offers, which is 5.3% above the U.S. health care industry average (Source: PwC Saratoga 2022 Survey).
Our staffing approach reflects our shared commitment to ensure every Kaiser Permanente patient receives extraordinary care, every time and in every place.
Wages and Benefits
We are one of the leaders in employee wages and benefits in every market we’re in. We offer employees market-competitive pay and outstanding benefits, opportunities to learn new skills and grow their careers, and we’re committed to providing a safe and equitable work environment. We also want to ensure that we help our employees build long-term economic security with low-cost health insurance, industry-leading retirement plans, and other benefit programs to support their health and well-being.
We have discussed with the Coalition that in some regions Kaiser Permanente is paying Coalition-represented employees up to 28% above the market average wage rates — impacting our overall costs and ability to attract new members. In other regions, we are paying at or slightly above the market average, which hurts our ability to attract new employees and retain the excellent employees we already have.
We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our union partners in bargaining. We will reach a great agreement. To get there, we all need to be responsible stewards of our members’ and customers’ needs and resources and be mindful of the rising costs of health care and our collective role in addressing it.”
Chance at shark dive trip, $10 e-gift card for donors in August
Claims COVID vaccines don’t pose risk to blood transfusion patients
By Martin Gagliano, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross, Northern California Coastal Region
After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on.
Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench to celebrate a summer of sharks and help stave off a summer blood and platelet shortage. All who come to give through Aug. 12 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Those who come to give throughout the month of August will also get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-15:
Contra Costa County
Brentwood
8/2/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Summerset at Brentwood III, 1581 Regent Drive
8/15/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic, 500 Fairview Avenue
8/11/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street
Newark at Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard
8/1/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/2/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/3/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/4/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/5/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/6/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/7/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/8/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/9/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/10/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/11/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/12/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/13/2023: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/14/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.,
8/15/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue
8/1/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/2/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/3/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.,
8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,
8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,
8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,
8/7/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/8/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/9/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/10/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.,
8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,
8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,
8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.,
8/14/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/15/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34
8/1/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/2/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/7/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/8/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/9/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/14/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/15/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
San Francisco – Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street, unless otherwise noted
8/1/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/2/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/3/2023: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton Street
8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/7/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/8/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/9/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/14/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
8/15/2023: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.,
Santa Clara County
Gilroy
8/10/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gilroy, 7999 Miller Avenue
Los Altos
8/11/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Los Altos (Grant Road), 1300 Grant Road
Morgan Hill
8/8/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Morgan Hill, 1790 E. Dunne Avenue
Mountain View
8/2/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Intersect at Mountain View Chinese Christian Church, 175 E. Dana Street
San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street (unless otherwise noted)
8/1/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,
8/2/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church, 467 North White Road
8/2/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,
8/3/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.,
8/4/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/4/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Central Christian Church, 2555 Meridian Avenue
8/5/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/6/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/7/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,
8/8/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,
8/9/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Administrative Office Building (AOB), Building H, 2325 Enborg Lane
8/9/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,
8/10/2023: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.,
8/11/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/12/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/13/2023: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.,
8/14/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,
8/15/2023: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.
Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
Regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and blood donations:
Amid ongoing conversation about COVID-19 vaccinations and blood donation, America’s Blood Centers, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), and the American Red Cross reiterate the safety of America’s blood supply and assure the public that vaccines do not pose a risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.
Blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized for use in the U.S. are safe for transfusion. Similar to other vaccines such as those for measles, mumps or influenza, COVID-19 vaccines are designed to generate an immune response to help protect an individual from illness, but vaccine components themselves do not replicate through blood transfusions or alter a blood recipients’ DNA.
In summary, there is no scientific evidence that demonstrates adverse outcomes from the transfusions of blood products collected from vaccinated donors and, therefore, no medical reason to distinguish or separate blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID19 vaccination.
All blood collection organizations in the U.S. are required to follow Food and Drug Administration guidelines and regulations to collect, process and distribute blood products for patients in need. The FDA explicitly allows donors who have recently received approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines to give blood as long as they are healthy on the day of donation and meet all other eligibility criteria. On multiple occasions, the Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that there is no evidence to support concerns related to the safety of blood donated by vaccinated individuals.
All Americans, including both blood donors and blood recipients, should feel confident that receiving a blood transfusion is safe. COVID-19 vaccines do not replicate, and all blood donations offer the same life-saving therapeutic benefits, regardless of the vaccination status of the donor.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Presented by Frank Ballesteros’ Madd Hatter Theater Company
Frank Ballesteros and his Madd Hatter Theater Company presents Alice in Wonderland play in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. The show continues this Friday through Saturday, July 28-30 at “The Green”(Louise Green’s) outdoor black-box theatre, 608 4th Street.
Source: Louise Green & Frank Ballesteros
Tickets available at the door: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Students and children $8.
Doors open 6:30 p.m. and the play begins at 7:00 p.m.
Including two amendments by Thorpe, one by Ogorchock but she vote no
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Antioch City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting retaliation and harassment against residential tenants on a 3-1 vote. District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica who is a real estate broker and owns a property management company said, “upon advice of the city attorney I’m going to recuse myself from this item.” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock was the lone vote against the ordinance.
The ordinance is in response to requests by multiple residents at previous council meetings beginning last year.
Mayor Lamar Thorpe temporarily handed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker to run the meeting. While he limited public comments to 90 seconds on other items, he said he couldn’t do that for this item as it was a public hearing which allows for five minutes per public speaker.
According to the City staff report regarding the associated costs, “adoption of the ordinance will have direct and indirect fiscal impacts if the City engages in enforcement of the ordinance, either through the code enforcement process or through litigation. The proposed Ordinance may be enforced by an aggrieved tenant, an organization or other entity that represents the interests of aggrieved tenants, or the City.
At a minimum, an assistant city attorney or deputy city attorney position plus administrative support would be necessary for the City Attorney’s Office to provide support services to the public for this ordinance.”
According to an attorney who spoke as the proponent, the ordinance includes three things.
“It needs a reasonable standard for the violation. This ordinance includes things that are unique to Antioch including towing cars. Finally, it has a third element, remedies that can be used when the landlord violates the ordinance. They include attorney’s fees so tenants don’t have to pay out of pocket.”
“Here, there are aspects to the landlord. Any violation has to be done in bad faith,” he continued. “Bad faith conduct is the base line.”
“If it’s frivolous the landlord can collect attorney’s fees from the tenant,” the attorney added.
“You’re going to hear it’s unnecessary, it’s duplicative and doesn’t do anything,” he stated.
“There’s a talking point that tenants just need to be educated and I find that offensive,” the attorney continued. “The tenants know their rights. These tenants know the law and they know their living conditions. Thank you for putting on a great ordinance, tonight.”
The opponent was a representative of the California Apartment Association, that represents property owners in Antioch and Contra Costa County.
“It does fail to recognize some existing anti-harassment that are codified in state law,” she said. “We are redefining harassment and creating landmines.”
Speaking of one portion of the ordinance she stated, “there is a presumption of guilt. This provision blurs the burden of proof. It’s contradictory.”
One section she claimed was a backdoor to rent control as it allows for the claim any rent increase could be considered harassment.
“We ask you to reject this…and move forward with an inclusionary process,” she concluded.
Public Comments
During public comments several landlords spoke against the proposed ordinance in its current form and asked for changes before the council adopted it.
The first speaker was Joe Stokely, Sr., a rental property owner in Antioch. “I stand here before you confused and irritated. What is being proposed will produce a complete opposite affect than what the council is trying to accomplish. Why would anyone want to invest and want to continue owning rental property in the city facing a hostile environment.“You presume…all landlords are bad.”
“Please don’t make me have to go through the process at my age of selling my properties and invest elsewhere,” he concluded.
Another speaker, Ranae Callaway, branch manager of a mortgage company and representing the Delta Association of Realtors. She pointed out the “severe fines against landlords” included in the ordinance. “The ordinance does not provide a clear definition of bad faith or who will define it.”
Another speaker named James, said “My family has lived here for 100 years. For over 60 years we have provided below-market rate rentals in District 1. During those 60 years we’ve had four evictions.”
He asked for a progressive ordinance that respects both landlords and tenants. Let’s take the opportunity to collaborate…to develop an ordinance that works for everyone.”
Aeysha Corio, a Realtor, landlord and a City of Concord Planning Commissioner, spoke next saying, “I went over this ordinance. I do believe there needs to be protections for tenants. But it is incredibly unbalanced.”
“You got to find another way to deal with people who are violating people’s rights,” she continued and said, “I feel like this polarization of tenant vs. landlord needs to go. We should be working together.”
Antioch landlord and Realtor, Scott MacIntyre spoke next saying, “We already have laws in California. I myself am a very ethical housing provider. I follow the law and expect the city to follow the law, too. There are 14,000 homes in Antioch that are rentals. Don’t lump us in with a few very bad landlords.”
“It’s very ambiguous…very broad interpretation. I agree with it. Just want to see it tightened up,” he added.
Millie Phillips, a faith organizer that does tenants’ rights work in Contra Costa County, thanked the council “for an ordinance we can support.”
“They’re not saying every landlord is the same. They’ve talked about very specific landlords,” she stated. “All over the state there are laws that protect tenants that are working and are not affecting people who are not harassing. So, I don’t see the issue. Don’t do that kind of behavior and this ordinance will never apply to you. This is directed at the bad actors.”
Joe Stokley, Jr., of Stokley Properties with over 100 rentals in Antioch said if the council passes the ordinance, he would sell his properties and invest elsewhere.
Almost all of the remaining speakers were tenants in favor of the ordinance, including several members of Rising Juntos (formerly known as East County Regional Group) and Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action.
“You should take this up with corporate landlords who are making you look bad,” said another speaker to the landlords in attendance.
Speakers also asked for the council to adopt a Just Cause Eviction ordinance in September.
Council Discussion and Decision
During council discussion of the item Ogorchock spoke first saying, “My heart goes out to some of you who have to live in these conditions. But with this ordinance I do have some questions.”
She spoke of the difference between corporate ownership of rental property versus single-family homes.
“Bad faith needs to be defined because it’s in here, a lot,” she stated.
Ogorchock also spoke of part of the ordinance applying to single family homes and people who rent out rooms.
“Under presumption of guilt there’s no due process,” she continued.
“I don’t see in here anything about senior home care facilities,” Ogorchock stated.
“There is a lot of good, in here. But these are some of the things I’m pointing out,” she said.
“I also wrote in here, Measure O. Did we list any of these people paying under Measure O, did we advise them of these meetings?” Ogorchock asked.
She said the burden of proof shouldn’t all be on the owners and the fines in the ordinance were excessive.
“The complaints are mainly about the corporate owners,” Ogorchock explained. “Maybe we should be looking at changing some of the language in here, so it applies to corporate owners.”
She asked “for an ordinance that we can all live with.”
Torres-Walker said, “this is a hard decision to deal with. We have been dealing with this for three years. Mayor Thorpe attempted to have a meeting with landlords, non-profits. For some reason we couldn’t come to agreement at that point.”
“Not all landlords are slumlords,” she continued. “I’m one mortgage payment away from losing my house.”
“I feel like landlords abandoning their business in Antioch over public policy is trying to censor renters,” Torres-Walker continued. “I would hope those that do would work with first-time homebuyers.”
She then made a motion to approve the ordinance waiving the second reading with District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson seconding the motion.
Before the vote Thorpe asked questions about the sections of the ordinance
“I’m going to rent my guest room to a friend for six months. Does this mean I have to rent the room to someone else?” he asked.
“It’s providing a right to a renter to sublet to another,” City Attorney Thomas L. Smith said.
“What this is saying if I rent my home to a family, they can go sublet, even if I say they can’t do that?” Thorpe asked.
“A right to one-to-one replacement of a tenant. If you are a renter in a place and you have a roommate in a place, you would have the right to replace that roommate…with another person,” Smith responded.
“My concern is if I’m renting my house and I’m renting it to a family, and I say I just want this family…they have that right to rent out a guest room without my permission?” the mayor asked.
“It’s not that simple. You have a contract,” Smith explained. “It’s your contract that governs. But I will say with this provision your concern is who has that right. It is a fair concern to have.”
“I don’t think that’s right and the first thing I’m going to say is this is going to be a friendly amendment to change that provision,” Thorpe stated.
“Some of the landlords are concerned about subletting would automatically find the landlord out of compliance,” he then said.
“The housing services part was a concern if the definition allowed for unlimited subletting. If your amendment goes through it would be a moot point,” the representative for the California Apartments Association responded.
“The issue that was trying to be prevented, here is the landlord rents out to four people and two move out and the landlord requires the remaining tenants to pay the entire rent,” said the other attorney. “Generally, it’s one lease per rental unit. In a house you’ll have several tenants on one lease. This is not making landlord rent their guest rooms. This means one leaving one coming in.”
“The one-to-one thing, I’m still going to stick with my amendment,” Thorpe said.
“Oh, refuse to accept or acknowledge tenant’s payment. There were some valid points made here, today. We’re not supposed to accept rent during the eviction process,” he stated.
“You could add some language clarifying when landlords are going through the eviction process,” Smith responded.
“That will be my second amendment,” the mayor shared.
Ogorchock then asked Thorpe to add senior home care into the exemptions, to which he agreed.
“They would qualify under…hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, so it would make sense,” he stated.
Torres-Walker asked, “why” and “they’re renters?”
“Yes,” Ogorchock responded and explained how homes have five or six tenants, plus caregivers and live-in nurses.
Smith suggested a substitute motion with the mayor’s amendments which Torres-Walker did, seconded by Wilson and it passed 3-1 with Ogorchock voting no.
Torres-Walker then thanked Barbanica for recusing himself from the process, “which was absolutely the right thing to do.”
The audience erupted in cheers as they left the Council Chambers.
