Relationship to serve as cornerstone of Bay Area network to provide more integrated, high-quality, cost-effective care

UCSF Medical Center and John Muir Health have finalized an agreement that will serve as the foundation for a Bay Area health care network intended to provide patients with high quality care at an affordable price.

The two health systems also have formed a new development company that will enable them to collaborate on building new medical facilities, increase the number of physicians in the health care network, and provide physicians and patients new tools to improve coordination of care, with the ultimate goal of an enhanced patient experience.

Under the agreements, both organizations remain independent. Together, UCSF Medical Center and John Muir Health:

• Have invested in a collaborative effort, called the Bay Area Accountable Care Network, to form a regional health care network. Establishing a Bay Area-wide network will provide patients from throughout the Bay Area and Northern California with a competitively priced option to access, close to where they live or work, many of the Bay Area’s most trusted and respected hospitals, health systems and physician organizations.

• Will equally own and operate a new development company. The formal affiliation will enable both organizations to build on their strengths and work together to develop joint initiatives and a shared services organization to support programs and initiatives focused on better health care, at lower costs, for Bay Area patients.

“UCSF Medical Center, and John Muir Health are leading the development of a comprehensive Bay Area network of providers who share a common commitment to providing safe, high quality, patient centered care at an affordable price. We intend to offer this network to health plans who serve patients throughout the Bay Area,” said Mark R. Laret, CEO of UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. “We look forward to working not just with each other, but with other health organizations throughout the Greater Bay Area, in order to provide an exceptional health care experience for patients.”

The two organizations will apply for a restricted Knox-Keene license effective in the Greater Bay Area. This license, which is issued by the California Department of Managed Health Care, would enable the Bay Area Accountable Care Network to contract directly with health plans to develop an insurance product that provides access to high-quality care at an affordable price.

As a next step, UCSF Medical Center and John Muir Health will coordinate their Epic electronic medical record systems and patient communication portals to enable better physician and patient communications. UCSF Medical Center and John Muir Health also anticipate, with other provider partners, building enhanced physician practice management services to create alternatives for physicians throughout the Bay Area who wish to be participating providers in the Bay Area Accountable Care Network.

“Our affiliation brings together two forward-thinking organizations that share a vision for how health care will be delivered in the future,” said Cal Knight, president and CEO of John Muir Health. “We’re pleased to have finalized our affiliation so we can further our joint initiatives and efforts to develop a Bay Area Accountable Care Network. We’re focused on meeting the needs of patients by providing better access to high-quality and affordable care throughout the Bay Area from trusted and respected physicians, hospitals, outpatient facilities and health systems.”

Both John Muir Health and UCSF Medical Center already have experience in successful care models developed under the Affordable Care Act, such as Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), that have demonstrated lower health care costs and improved health care quality. These experiences, as well as those of other organizations that choose to be part of the provider network, will be translated into the Bay Area Accountable Care Network. The goal is to provide the right care at the right time and in the most appropriate setting, whether that is the primary care physician’s office, an outpatient center or a hospital. When better coordination of care results in lower costs, the savings achieved are passed along to consumers in the form of lower health care benefit premiums.

By working more closely, the two organizations also will offer more convenient access to care for patients in Northern California. For example, an outpatient clinic for liver transplant services will be established at the John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek Outpatient Center. This will allow patients who are waiting for transplants, or have recently received transplants, at UCSF Medical Center, which is nationally recognized for the quality of its program, to receive clinical services such as blood testing and monitoring at the new location.  John Muir Health’s Physician Network is a comprehensive network of primary care and specialist physicians, covering virtually all conditions except transplants.

In addition, both organizations are widely recognized for the quality of care they provide. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked UCSF Medical Center, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek and John Muir Medical Center, Concord as the top three hospitals in the San Francisco-Oakland area. In addition, the John Muir Physician Network recently received the highest possible “elite” ranking from the California Association of Physician Groups.

About UC San Francisco and UCSF Medical Center

UCSF Medical Center consistently ranks as one of the top 10 hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Recognized for innovative treatments, advanced technology, collaboration among health care professionals and scientists, and a highly compassionate patient care team, UCSF Medical Center serves as the academic medical center of UC San Francisco. UCSF’s nationally preeminent programs include children’s health, the brain and nervous system, organ transplantation, women’s health, cancer and behavioral health. The medical center operates as a self-supporting enterprise within UCSF and generates its own revenues to cover the operating costs of providing patient care.

UCSF Medical Center’s newest location, in the Mission Bay area of San Francisco, opened on February 1, 2015. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, more than 5,500 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with San Ramon Regional Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health. John Muir Health and Stanford Children’s Health will jointly open Contra Costa County’s first and only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek in April 2015. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care. For more information, visit www.johnmuirhealth.com.

By Allen Payton

So far, the strategy of powerful interests to clear the field of Republican candidates and elect Orinda mayor Steve Glazer to the 7^th State Senate seat, appears to be working.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, according to the California Secretary of State’s website, Glazer was in first, during Tuesday’s special election to fill the seat vacated mid-term by now-Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, with 32.8% of the vote.

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla was in second place with 24.9% of the vote, followed by former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan with 22.6%.

Michaela Hertle, the only Republican on the ballot, who dropped out without campaigning and endorsed Glazer, was in fourth place with 17% of the vote, followed by two-time unsuccessful Concord City Council candidate Dr. Terry Kremin with just 2.8% of the vote.

However, as of Wednesday morning there were still over 13,000 ballots left to be counted in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

In a comment via Twitter, at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday night, Glazer wrote “Positive evidence that voters want a fiscally responsible bi-partisan problem solver who is independent from powerful special interests.” Then, a few minutes later, he wrote “The deception and manipulation by the BART unions and their allies had an impact but failed.”

When reached for comment on Wednesday, Bonilla said “I am pleased with the results of this very close race. My volunteers were exceptional and worked effectively to communicate my message and who I am to the voters. I want to thank my broad base of supporters and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to represent the families of our community.”

The top two finishers will face off against each other in the General Election to be held on May 19, 2015. Whichever candidate wins that election will have to run for reelection, next June for a full four-year term.

For the complete election results, click here.

Ceviche is one of the menu items served at Antioch’s unique Los Delfines restaurant.

By Allen Payton

In a small shopping center in the northeast part of Antioch is a unique restaurant offering Peruvian and Salvadorian food.

Los Delfines Restaurant was opened two years ago, by Martín Delfine to provide customer a different type of cuisine.

They serve breakfast items, such as pan conchicarron, which is pork with sweet fried potatoes and onions, and papa rellena, which is mashed potatoes, chicken egg and olive.

They also serve lunch and dinner, with main courses including ceviche and other seafood, duck, steak, goat, chicken and hen, plus desserts.

Located at 1139 East 18th Street and open Mon., Tues., and Thurs., 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fri., 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.., Sun. 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and closed Wednesdays. Call 754-1623 for reservations.

Customers browse inside the Oddly Unique store in downtown Antioch on Saturday, February 21, 2015.

By Allen Payton

Opened in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown in June, 2015 by Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks, Oddly Unique is just as the name says.

It’s a collection of antiques, collectibles and vintage items that will meet anyone’s tastes.

They offer furniture, jewelry, glasswear, toys, home decor, clothing, LP’s (that’s vinyl records for you CD generation types), and dolls by Frank Bruno.

Oddly Unique’s backroom includes the Man Cave.

Oddly Unique also offers something for the guys in their mancave including fishing, golf and camping items.

Debbie and Toni, who both have full-time jobs, started out at an antique co-op in downtown Brentwood. Then after five years, had outgrown the space and decided to open their own store.

“This is our passion,” Debbie said. “We feel that we can do a lot for the community, our loyal customers and friends.”

The store had a variety of shoppers on a recent Saturday afternoon. One was Mary Frederickson, a long-time resident of Antioch.

“I’m so excited for this,” she said. “The activity is back downtown.”

The store, located at 209 G Street, is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 9 pm and weekends Noon to 6.

State Senate District 7 candidate Mayor Steve Glazer and his supporters will be gathering at La Piazza Restaurant, 15 Moraga Way in Orinda to watch the election results starting at 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 17.

“We have worked hard for many weeks and I’m looking forward to joining with my supporters as the results start to come in,” said Glazer.

The March 17 primary election will decide the winner of the State Senate District 7 election if any one candidate receives 50 percent or more of the vote.  If none of the candidates receives this margin of victory, a runoff election will be held on May 19.

Glazer currently serves as the Mayor of Orinda and a Trustee of the California State University 23-campus system. During his tenure on the Orinda City Council, Glazer has helped balance budgets while making improvements to schools, libraries and roads.

State Senate District 7 includes the communities of Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Byron, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and Walnut Creek.

For more information visit www.GlazerForSenate.com.

By John Crowder

At the March 10, 2015 meeting of the Antioch City Council, a resolution was approved authorizing City Manager Steve Duran to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Rehabilitation Services of Northern California (RSNC), transferring the Bedford Center property located at 1811 C Street for one dollar.

The resolution to sell the Bedford Center property was part of the regular agenda which was undertaken during a relatively short (the entire meeting was concluded in under an hour) and otherwise uneventful meeting that was led, for the first time, by Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock due to the absence of Mayor Wade Harper.

According to the staff report submitted to the council by Duran, “This recommended action will eliminate the need for the City to manage and maintain the property, which is not a core service.” He also said that the transfer of the property will, “allow the nonprofit to not only continue but expand their services of providing adult day care to disabled seniors, particularly those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.”

Duran also noted in his report that the facility had been deeded to the City of Antioch in 1989 for one dollar. He went on to say that the transfer would allow RSNC to raise the capital necessary to undertake a needed remodeling of a currently unoccupied part of the building, thus allowing the nonprofit agency to increase capacity.

During his comments to the council prior to their discussion of the matter, Duran said that, included in the Agreement, was a ten-year restriction on RSNC requiring them to utilize the facility for the same purpose as it is being used today, an adult day care.

Only two people spoke about the transfer of the property during public comments. Antioch resident Jaime Ray said she had, “great confidence” in those running the Bedford Center.

“I think it’s a wise investment,” she said, “They can deliver what they say they can deliver.”

Debbie Toth, Chief Executive Officer of RSNC, also addressed the council.

“We can respect our elders, and treat them with dignity,” she said and then thanked the council members for their support.

Following public comments, members of the City Council spoke positively about the Bedford Center program. Council Member Mary Rocha said that she looked forward to the building being well-used. Council Member Tony Tiscareno spoke about how pleased he was with their operation when he toured the facility. Council Member Wilson, also referring to a tour of the facility, said, “I was very impressed with what I saw. It’s going to be a benefit to our community.”

Following council comments, Rocha made the motion to approve the resolution, Wilson seconded, and it was passed on a vote of 4-0.

Toth, following the vote, had additional comments. She explained that the program undertaken by her organization is designated as Adult Day Health Care (ADHC), and that they are licensed health providers through the California Department of Public Health.

“ADHC was created to provide an alternative to nursing home placement,” she said. “It provides respite to caregivers while providing a safe and therapeutic environment for frail people with multiple chronic conditions to socialize and receive much-needed services. All possible barriers to independence are examined when we serve someone. We go into their homes to assess their fall risks, care systems, medication management routine, nutrition access, and more. So, while services are provided at the Bedford Center, our reach goes far beyond to ensure we talk to their physicians, caregivers, get meals delivered, arrange for transportation, and so much more.”

Expressing her gratitude to city staff, interested residents, and the council, Toth added, “East Contra Costa has a huge unmet need for services for the rapidly growing aging population and the City has now made it possible for us to begin our expansion to work on meeting the needs of our community.”

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will take place on March 24. Meetings are held at the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 200 H Street, and typically begin at 7:00 p.m.

Joseph E. Canciamilla, the County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, announces that all polling places for the 7th State Senatorial District Special Primary Election will open at 7:00 am and close at 8:00 pm on March 17, 2015. Voters are encouraged to pre-mark their choices in their sample ballot booklet and take it with them to their polling place, to use as a reference. To avoid excessive wait times at the polls, voters are advised to vote mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

The 7th Senatorial District includes voters in Antioch and the rest of East Contra Costa, the Lamorinda and San Ramon Valley areas, Concord, Walnut Creek, and Clayton. To view a map of the 7th Senatorial District, go to http://sd07.senate.ca.gov/district-map.

Polling place locations and directional maps, as well as information regarding sample ballots and candidates, are available on the Elections Division website at www.cocovote.us/current-election.

City Clerks have volunteered to assist voters who need help finding the correct polling place. They will be available for assistance on Election Day, Tuesday, March 17th until 8:00 pm, unless otherwise stated.

County Elections Office – (925) 335-7800 or toll free 1-877-335-7802

City of Antioch – (925) 779-7008 available 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Local election results will be available on Election Night, beginning at 9:00 pm on the Elections Division website at www.cocovote.us/current-election/mar17-2015-election-results/ and on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) beginning at 9:00 pm on Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32, and AT&T U-Verse channel 99.

The California Department of Education (CDE) recently announced that the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) has received a $1.4 million block grant to directly implement improvements to its county’s preschool education programs for low-income children. Contra Costa was one of sixteen California counties to receive this grant.

The block grant was included in California’s 2014-15 State Budget and provides $50 million in ongoing funding to support quality improvements in California preschools. The goal of the grant funding is to increase the number of low-income children attending high-quality preschool programs, which research shows prepares children for success in school and life.

The CDE block grants were designated for the California counties currently piloting a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a uniform system to rate, improve, and communicate levels of child-care quality. Contra Costa is a QRIS pilot county and currently has 100 child-care programs participating. 

Per the CDE block grant, funds must be used to support California State Preschool Program (CSPP) sites. These are preschool programs that receive state subsidies to serve low-income children. There are 58 CSPP sites in Contra Costa County, primarily run by nonprofit child-care centers and school districts. More than half of the CSPP programs in Contra Costa already participate in the QRIS rating system.

Funds from the CDE block grant will be used to recognize providers who score high QRIS ratings and to help programs with lower scores raise quality. The incentives are designed to improve and maintain quality by keeping teacher/child ratios low, paying for qualified staff, and supporting strong teacher/child interactions.

Contra Costa County’s $1.4 million grant will support:

·      Stipends between $2,500 to $5,000 to all CSPP sites participating in the QRIS

·      Site quality improvement mini-grants for sites seeking help reaching top ratings

·     Quality grants to CSPP providers who successfully score in the top two ratings

·     Training and support for CSPP sites not currently participating in QRIS

·     A public awareness campaign about the nature and importance of quality preschool

·     Monitoring and rating of new QRIS participants

The CDE block grant builds on the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge funding First 5 Contra Costa received to pilot a QRIS in Contra Costa County, along with funds the CCCOE allocated over the last 15 years to increase the education and training of Contra Costa’s child-care workforce.

In addition to CCCOE’s fiscal role, the agency will be responsible for the monitoring and rating of sites’ participating in Contra Costa’s State Preschool QRIS Block Grant. Other quality improvement services and support are implemented in partnership with First 5 Contra Costa, Contra Costa County’s Community Services Bureau, and the Contra Costa Child Care Council.  All above mentioned partner agencies make up Contra Costa’s QRIS Consortia members who regularly interface to coordinate services for current and potential participating CSPP sites. First 5 Contra Costa is the lead consortia agency for the block grant.

For additional information about the grant and/or QRIS program, contact First Five Contra Costa Early Childhood Deputy Director Cally Martin at (925) 771-7322 or Ruth Fernandez, CCCOE, at (925) 942-3413