By Rick Beavin, Desert Pacific Medicare President, Humana

In a year filled with unforeseen challenges and important decisions, people with Medicare have through Monday, Dec. 7 to select their Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan coverage for 2021. To ensure you have the right Medicare plan for you in place come January 1 of next year, it’s important to focus on these three key topics:

Navigating plan options during COVID-19 – Traditionally, the annual Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment period offers opportunities for in-person educational events and one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents. This year, you can safely access the resources you need to choose the best plan for you, online or by phone. The Medicare Plan Finder is a great place to start.

Doctors in network, prescription drugs covered? As you connect with a licensed sales agent or research information online, remember to confirm which doctors and hospitals are in a plan’s network. If you have a preferred physician or health care facility, a licensed health insurance agent can help you see if a specific doctor or hospital is in a plan’s network and taking new patients.

Although Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs, many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, or you can sign up for a Part D Prescription Drug Plan separately. A licensed sales agent can look up the medications you would like covered and help you estimate what the cost of each drug would be on a plan.

New, innovative benefits – Beyond vision, hearing and dental coverage, if you aim to become healthier, look for fitness program benefits as many Medicare Advantage plans include them. If you are comfortable using technology, access to virtual doctor visits is broadly available and enables you to seek care through your phone or computer, without having to leave home. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits to help address the COVID-19 pandemic including offering home-delivered meals for members with a COVID diagnosis.

As we approach the Dec. 7 Medicare annual enrollment deadline, remember you’re not alone. Key resources are available including licensed sales agents and websites such as medicare.gov and www.humana.com/medicare.  You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or call Humana at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time seven days a week.

Rick Beavin is Desert Pacific Medicare President at Humana in California.

 

By Susan Shiu, Director, Office of Communications and Media, Contra Costa County

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will vote on a meeting agenda item for approval to select San Joaquin County Administrator Monica Nino as the new county administrator, making her the first female and first Hispanic County Administrator in the County’s 171-year history.  Ms. Nino, who was chosen out of a pool of three finalists, is replacing retiring County Administrator David Twa.

Ms. Nino’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, where her long and distinguished career as a public administrator, experience in pandemic response, work with County hospitals and finance background resulted in her selection as the successful candidate.

Ms. Nino assumed the San Joaquin County Administrator position in June of 2013 after serving as the Chief Executive Officer for Stanislaus County, where she began her career in local government in 1988.  As San Joaquin County Administrator, serving under the direction of the County Board of Supervisors, Nino oversaw 26 county departments, an annual operating budget of $1.9 billion, and over 7,500 county employees serving 765,000 residents.

In addition to her County Administrator duties, Ms. Nino served on the San Joaquin Health Commission, Sex Offender Management Board (appointed by Governor Brown), the Council of Governments Management & Finance Committee, and iHub San Joaquin.

“We’re fortunate to appoint someone with Monica’s professional expertise to help us lead this organization into the future,” said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen.  “Her knowledge of County operations, command of county budgets, experience with county hospitals and her local leadership during the COVID-19 health crisis are exceptional.  We know that Monica is committed to continuing to build a community that is forward-thinking and inclusive of all its residents.  We look forward to having her on board.”

When reached for comment, Nino said, “I’m very excited that the board is considering me for the next county administrator of Contra Costa.”

Ms. Nino’s start date will be January 4, 2021.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

By CHP – Contra Costa

Early this morning at about 3:45am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle crash on Vasco Road, south of Walnut Blvd. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a 2008 Chevrolet HHR was traveling northbound on Vasco Road and began a turning movement, crossing over the solid double yellow lines and into the southbound lane. As the Chevrolet entered into the southbound lane, it was directly in the path of an oncoming vehicle, a 2015 Ford F-150. The driver of the Ford, a 49-year-old male from Brentwood, was unable to avoid the HHR within the lane and collided into it, causing major damage to both vehicles. Tragically the driver of the Chevrolet, a 19-year-old male from Antioch, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Ford suffered moderate injuries and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. The Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased driver.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

By Allen Payton

Sean McCauley has brought another food establishment to Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, with the opening of Chill Tea & Coffee at 101 H Street, Waldie Plaza, in the old Casino building, Tuesday, Dec. 1st. This will be the second location for owners Sal and Yvette Gomez having opened their first in Brentwood.

“We’re so excited to open our second location, right here in the heart of this historic downtown district of Antioch,” Sal said. “We specialize in pour over coffees from single origin and original chill blends. We also have a wide variety of specialty teas.”

“You really can’t go wrong whether you try our signature chai or our popular fruity, chilled teas and fresh baked pastries you’re sure to love,” said Yvette. “We are so excited, and we can’t wait for you to check us out.”

“I’m so excited for Chill Tea & Coffee to bring their signature coffees, teas, and delicious pastries to downtown Antioch!” McCauley posted on his Facebook page. “Who’s coming to downtown Antioch to support them?”

“We are very excited to see you all this Tuesday,” the Gomezes added. “See you all soon.”

Hours: Weekdays 7am to 2pm, Weekends 8am to 2pm

You can place your scheduled orders online via Toast App and pick up at the window.  Make sure to choose the Antioch location when placing your order.

#chillteaandcoffee #chill #coffee #tea #pastries #downtown #rivertown #antioch #antiochrivertown #supportsmallbusiness #local

Posada offers thanks for her slim victory; recount request deadline Tuesday, Nov. 15

Oath of Office Tuesday, Dec. 8; Mayor-elect Thorpe’s Drive-in Ceremony Friday, Dec. 11

By Allen Payton

On Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 30, the Contra Costa Elections Division issued their Nov. 3 Official Results with just a few minor changes in Antioch races. In the District 1 Council race, Tamisha Walker’s winning margin over incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts increased by another six votes to 212. In the City Clerk’s race, Antioch School Board Trustee Ellie Householder saw her lead shrink by 10 votes to 103 over incumbent Arne Simonsen. Finally, in the closest race in Antioch Lauren Posada’s lead over appointed incumbent Jim Davis shrunk by five votes to just 15 in the race for City Treasurer. She won by 50.02% to his 49.98% of the vote.

In a post on her campaign Facebook page Tuesday night, Posada offered thoughts on her victory writing, “First off, to my Lord and Savior, Jesus who made it possible, thank you! In addition, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who supported me, who believed in me, to the residents that voted for me, those who worked the campaign alongside of me, and those who prayed for me – God bless you and your families!

During this campaign, I’ve seen and experienced so many blessings and one of them was the opportunity that it afforded me to meet and speak with the residents of the City of Antioch personally, and heard what they had to share. I look forward to serving you and our wonderful City of Antioch. We are strong when we work together in transparency and honesty!

I want to acknowledge and thank Jim Davis for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Special thanks to my husband, William Posada for his heart of love, arms of support, his strong and unwavering trust in me; my parents Randy and Theresa Galusha; my Pastor, Henry Killings, Threshing Floor Tabernacle, and the wonderful team that walked the neighborhoods with us; and, to Conquer Media and their expertise in technology, social media platforms in broadcasting and the various forms of advertising the campaign.”

When asked earlier Tuesday about the deadline for requesting a recount, Assistant County Registrar of Voters, Scott Konopasek said, it’s five business days after certification. That clock begins ticking after the council accepts the results, which is expected to occur at their Dec. 8th meeting. If so, the final day to request a recount will be Tuesday, Dec. 15.

However, he’s requiring a deposit of $25,000 in order to begin a recount which, according to both Simonsen and Davis, would prohibit them from seeking one.

The new mayor, council members, city clerk and treasurer will be given their oaths of office during the Antioch City Council’s regular meeting, next Tuesday night, Dec. 8. Then a Drive-Up Swearing-In Ceremony will be hosted by Mayor-elect Lamar Thorpe on Friday, Dec. 11, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Antioch Marina.

Commemorative Pictorial Postmark Announced

By Laura Kindsvater, Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

This December 7th, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, three local survivors of World War II’s “Day of Infamy”—the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941—will share their stories as part of a virtual ceremony filmed primarily atop Mount Diablo.

Sponsors of the yearly event, including local land trust Save Mount Diablo, California State Parks, Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 5, and California State University– East Bay, are proud to present a virtual celebration this year beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Monday, December 7th.

In a 45-minute video, three local East Bay survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack will recount their experiences that fateful day. Speakers will then pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives and honor those yet living, “Lest We Forget” the tragedy that befell the country nearly six decades ago and the way we came together after the attack.

“When that beacon light is turned on, that’s a tribute to those individuals who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor,” said Pearl Harbor survivor Earl “Chuck” Kohler from Concord.

Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director Ted Clement noted, “This year it is especially important that we come together as a nation to honor National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and those who served. Reflecting on that day and the aftermath reminds us of the strength of our nation when we come together even amidst great adversity. Our December 7th virtual event will enable more people to come together on this important day.”

Eddie Guaracha, California State Parks Diablo Range District Superintendent, stated, “As we reflect on this historic event, it is not only critical to remember the many lives that were lost, but also to remember the selfless acts undertaken by many on this fateful day. This is the spirit of our country in critical times. It is an honor to represent California State Parks on this momentous occasion, and I hope we can all remember to radiate kindness toward one another, as we remember those who gave all on this day.”

“As we pass through difficult, often divisive times ourselves, the sacrifices borne by the American people following that fateful morning some 79 years ago should give us all an enormous sense of pride, and most importantly, hope for the future. Cal State East Bay is honored to once again participate in this annual act of remembrance,” said Robert Phelps, Director of the California State University–East Bay (Concord Campus).

The U.S. Postal Service, in commemoration of this year’s National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, is issuing a special pictorial postmark. The postmark can be obtained by following the instructions here.

Those interested in witnessing this year’s virtual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony can find the video link on Save Mount Diablo’s home page at 4:30 PM on December 7th at www.savemountdiablo.org.

Background

Every year since 1964, the Pearl Harbor survivors and their families have memorialized Pearl Harbor Day by relighting the historic Beacon atop Mount Diablo’s summit.

The Beacon was originally lit by Charles Lindbergh in 1928 to assist in the early days of commercial aviation. The Beacon shone from the summit of Mount Diablo each night until December 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

It was not relit until December 7, 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, attended a ceremony on Mount Diablo’s summit in commemoration of the survivors of Pearl Harbor. He suggested that the Beacon be lit every December 7th to honor those who served and sacrificed.

Save Mount Diablo, California State Parks, the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 5, California State University–East Bay (Concord Campus), and others organize the annual lighting ceremony of the Beacon every December 7^th in honor of the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

One of the bright lights provided to the San Francisco Bay Area during this pandemic is the Mount Diablo Beacon, which Save Mount Diablo staff and volunteers light every Sunday night after sunset so that the Beacon can shine brightly through the darkness until it is rested after sunrise on Monday.

Save Mount Diablo’s lighting of the Beacon every week is a way to thank our heroes in these troubling times, to help our communities come together, and to remind people to lift their eyes to the light and nature.

Save Mount Diablo began this weekly lighting of the Beacon on Sunday, April 12th, Easter Sunday. However, the Beacon will not be lit on Sunday, November 29th and Sunday, December 6th to build anticipation for and honor the coming National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. After the December 7th ceremonial lighting of the Beacon, Save Mount Diablo will resume the weekly lighting of the Beacon for as long as the pandemic rages here.

Commemorative Pictorial Postmark Announced

As a community service, the U.S. Postal Service™ offers pictorial postmarks to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation.

Those who wish to obtain the postmark may submit a mail order request. Requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial postmark date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail^® postage. Items submitted for postmark may not include postage issued after the date of the requested postmark. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a postmark must affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others, insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: Pictorial Postmarks, followed by the Name of the Station, Address, City, State, ZIP+4^® Code, as listed next to the postmark.

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for postmark, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial postmark, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

About Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors

It is the mission of the SDPHS to create programs that inspire youth and adults to learn and document the history of the beginning of WWII and the days that followed from people who experienced it and from their ancestors. Learn more at www.sdphs.org.

About Save Mount Diablo

SMD is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, and watersheds through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide recreational opportunities consistent with the protection of natural resources. Learn more at www.savemountdiablo.org.

About California State Parks

To provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.

About California State University–East Bay

Cal State East Bay welcomes and supports a diverse student body with academically rich, culturally relevant learning experiences that prepare students to apply their education to meaningful lifework, and to be socially responsible contributors to society. Through its educational programs and activities, the university strives to meet the educational needs and to contribute to the vitality of the East Bay, the state, the nation, and global communities. Learn more at www.csueastbay.edu.

PROCLAMATIONS

The White House

Proclamation on Thanksgiving Day, 2020

Issued on: November 25, 2020

On Thanksgiving Day, we thank God for the abundant blessings in our lives.  As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this season of generosity, hope, and gratitude, we commemorate America’s founding traditions of faith, family, and friendship, and give thanks for the principles of freedom, liberty, and democracy that make our country exceptional in the history of the world.

This November marks 400 years since the Mayflower and its passengers faced the unknown and set sail across the Atlantic Ocean.  Propelled by hope for a brighter future, these intrepid men and women endured two long months at sea, tired and hungry, to arrive in a new world full of potential.  In the winter weather that greeted their arrival, they lost nearly half of their fellow travelers to exposure, disease, and starvation.  Despite unimaginable hardships, these first Americans nevertheless remained firm in their faith and unwavering in their commitment to their dreams.  They forged friendships with the Wampanoag Tribe, fostered a spirit of common purpose among themselves, and trusted in God to provide for them.  The following year, they celebrated a successful harvest alongside their Native American neighbors — the first Thanksgiving.  This seminal event in the history of our Nation is a continual reminder of the power of faith, love, perseverance, prayer, and fellowship.

The Mayflower’s arrival to the New World in 1620 also marks the arrival of the first seeds of democracy to our land.  Absent the rule of a monarch in an uncharted wilderness, these early settlers resolved to create their own government through what is known as the Mayflower Compact.  Defined by majority rule through elected leaders responsible for creating “just and equal laws,” the Mayflower Compact represents the first chapter in the long tradition of self-determination and rule of law in America.  One hundred and fifty-six years later, our Nation’s Founding Fathers resolved to break free from England, building upon the Mayflower Compact to establish an enduring government whose authority came solely “from the consent of the governed.”

This year, as our Nation continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic, we have once again joined together to overcome the challenges facing us.  In the midst of suffering and loss, we are witnessing the remarkable courage and boundless generosity of the American people as they come to the aid of those in need, reflecting the spirit of those first settlers who worked together to meet the needs of their community.  First responders, medical professionals, essential workers, neighbors, and countless other patriots have served and sacrificed for their fellow Americans, and the prayers of our people have once again lifted up our Nation, providing comfort, healing, and strength during times of uncertainty.  Despite unprecedented challenges, we have not faltered in the face of adversity.  To the contrary, we have leveraged our strengths to make significant breakthroughs that will end this crisis, rebuilding our stockpiles, revamping our manufacturing capabilities, and developing groundbreaking therapeutics and life-saving vaccines on record-shattering timeframes.

During this season of gratitude, we also acknowledge those who cannot be with their families.  This includes the brave American patriots of our Armed Forces who selflessly defend our sacred liberty at home and abroad.  And we pause to remember the sacrifices of our law enforcement personnel and first responders.  We are deeply grateful for all those who remain on watch over the holidays and keep us safe as we celebrate and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.

This Thanksgiving, we reaffirm our everlasting gratitude for all that we enjoy, and we commemorate the legacy of generosity bestowed upon us by our forbearers.  Although challenges remain, we will never yield in our quest to live up to the promise of our heritage.  As we gather with our loved ones, we resolve with abiding faith and patriotism to celebrate the joys of freedom and cherish the hope and peace of a brighter future ahead.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 2020, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.  I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

 

DONALD J. TRUMP

 

Posada increases her lead in Treasurer’s race to 20 votes

By Allen Payton

Discussions about a possible recount for the close races in the Antioch elections, including for City Treasurer, City Clerk and District 1 City Council hit somewhat of a brick wall, due to the cost.

Current City Treasurer Jim Davis, who was trailing by just 16 votes behind challenger Lauren Posada, told the Herald, last week that a recount requires a $25,000 deposit.

Asked to confirm that amount, how recounts work and if multiple candidates asked for a recount or if there was one for all races in Antioch could they share the costs, Contra Costa County Assistant Registrar of Voters Scott Konopasek said, “The $25,000 is what I’ve been putting out there. The deposit is a one-time cost and if multiple people ask for a recount, they can share that cost.”

“For Antioch, we would have to find 45,000 cards out of 2.7 million cards, spread out over 3,500 boxes,” he explained. “So, we can do it. We just don’t know how long it will take. That’s why we have to charge so much.”

“The beauty of doing a citywide recount is they don’t have to pick this precinct or that precinct. We will count all the precincts since we’ll have all the cards,” Konopasek further explained.

“Anything we don’t consume in labor costs will be refunded back,” he added.

Konopasek also confirmed that “if there is a change in who wins, the person who requested it gets a full refund.”

However, the only race that has a possibility of a change in winner is the treasurer’s race and $25,000 is more than both candidates spent on their campaigns, combined.

UPDATE: When asked what is the deadline for requesting a recount, Konopasek said, it’s five business days after certification. That clock begins ticking after the council accepts the results, which is expected at their Dec. 8th meeting. So, the final day to request a recount should be Tuesday, Dec. 15.

According to the Semi-Official Elections Update #5 posted today at 2:48 p.m., it shows Posada has increased her lead to 20 votes, with 21,136 to Davis’ 21,116 votes.