TeleCARE improves access to care, resources through video visits

by Monique Binkley Smith, Media Relations Manager, Sutter Health

The distraught woman arrived at an Antioch, California hospital emergency department with nothing: Her car, wallet and cell phone were stolen by her abusive boyfriend. She was treated for her injuries, but many victims of interpersonal violence can’t or won’t go to the hospital because they are afraid, lack access to transportation or childcare or, like the woman, their abuser has taken their ID.

And the problem goes beyond accessing care for injuries. Many interpersonal violence survivors and their children haven’t been seen by a doctor for preventive care or for treatment of a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma.

That’s where a unique collaborative telehealth service in Contra Costa County, called TeleCARE, comes in. The program safely connects survivors of interpersonal violence with the healthcare services they desperately need including medical care, mental health counseling, prescriptions and even dental care –all at no-cost to the patient.

Now in its fourth year, TeleCARE was founded by Dr. William Francis, a Sutter Delta Medical Center emergency medicine physician with Emeryville-based Vituity medical group, and Contra Costa Family Justice Center.

“At Contra Costa Family Justice Center, our priority is to help get people to safety. Once they’re safe, we’re able to connect them through the TeleCARE program to the healthcare services they and their children need. Whether it’s for traumatic injuries suffered at the hands of their aggressor or addressing long-term health issues, TeleCARE can help,” says Susun Kim, director of Contra Costa Family Justice Center.

Dr. Francis developed TeleCARE as a way to provide convenient –and safe— access to healthcare for people he treats in the emergency department for injuries sustained at the hands of their aggressors but who also need preventive care and treatment for illnesses and chronic medical conditions. And he wanted a way to offer care to survivors who were too frightened to come to the hospital at all.

“The goal of TeleCARE is to improve healthcare for people suffering interpersonal violence with no need for proof of insurance or requirement for ability to pay before connecting them with a clinician,” says Dr. Francis. “These are people who have immediate need of care for injuries or illnesses but who also often need care to manage their chronic conditions. It can be extremely difficult for them to access care in the traditional model because their aggressor prevents it.”

Dr. Francis says many survivors of interpersonal violence refuse to be taken to the hospital by ambulance when in distress, often because they lack childcare or because of the cost on top of the fear of potentially being revictimized by their aggressors.

Now, instead of just hoping survivors get the care they need, even if they refuse transport to the hospital, Contra Costa EMS responders give them a TeleCARE business card so they can arrange for a video visit with a provider when it’s safe for them to do so.

Seven private and public organizations in Contra Costa County now provide support to TeleCARE through the Green Light Collaborative. Thanks to this broad-based community support, TeleCARE has expanded its offerings to help survivors solve problems like obtaining prescriptions for themselves and their children and finding reliable transportation to work.

Dr. Francis is quick to point out how pervasive—and devastating—interpersonal violence is, with widespread impact on the entire community, especially as a primary cause of homelessness. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports one in three women and one in four men have experienced interpersonal violence from a partner, and according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and their children.

“I’m so proud that as a physician practicing at Sutter, my colleagues and I are part of a network that works collaboratively with the community. Together, we can tackle the array of areas where we can improve access to care for underserved populations like survivors of domestic violence,” says Dr. Francis.

TeleCARE is made possible through grant funding, making the program rare, if not entirely unique, in its reach, accessibility and scope of collaboration throughout Contra Costa County. Part of the not-for-profit Sutter Health network of care, Sutter Delta Medical Center works to improve outcomes beyond its walls through investment in community partnerships and programs such as TeleCARE and the Green Light Collaborative.

Need help? County residents can access TeleCARE on-site at Contra Costa Family Justice Center, or call one of three Family Justice Center locations in Contra Costa County for an appointment:

Antioch: (925) 281-0970

Concord: (925) 521-6366

Richmond: (510) 974-7200

BART continued in 2023 to pioneer sustainability initiatives aimed at enhancing rider experience while prioritizing environmental stewardship. With a legacy rooted in forward-thinking transportation solutions, BART reaffirmed its commitment to reducing carbon footprints and advancing sustainable transit practices. The accomplishments of 2023 are detailed in the annual Sustainability Report, officially presented to the Board of Directors on July 11, 2024. 

“BART’s sustainability efforts were all about innovation in 2023,” said BART Board President Bevan Dufty. “We are dedicated to integrating creative solutions that not only improve the rider experience, our immediate priority, but also emphasize long-term sustainability.”

Established over fifty years ago with a vision to alleviate regional traffic congestion through eco-friendly transit options, BART has continually evolved its practices to reflect contemporary environmental standards. Notably, engineers initially opted to power trains with electricity rather than fuel, a decision that laid the foundation for ongoing sustainability achievements. 

In a poignant farewell to its legacy fleet, BART hosted a memorable “retirement party” in February 2024, marking the culmination of efforts to retire older vehicles. Thousands of attendees gathered to bid farewell to the trains that had served millions of passengers over the years. The decommissioned cars are being repurposed for various projects, including a BART car short-term rental in the Sierra Nevada and a youth bike shop and clubhouse in East Oakland, demonstrating BART’s commitment to sustainability beyond transit operations. 

The introduction of new, energy-efficient train cars has furthered BART’s sustainability goals, boasting a 7% reduction in energy consumption compared to previous train car models. By running shorter trains during off-peak hours, BART has achieved significant energy savings. 88% of BART’s electricity comes from greenhouse gas-free sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. 

“Our shorter trains not only save energy and reduce costs but also enhance safety and efficiency in maintenance,” BART General Manager Bob Powers added. “These innovations underscore our holistic approach to sustainability across all facets of our operations.”

In addition to transit improvements, BART expanded its Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) program, constructing 531 new housing units near BART stations. Projects like the Gateway at Millbrae Station and the Upper Yard at Balboa Park Station not only address regional housing needs but also promote sustainable urban development and economic revitalization. 

Highlighting unique environmental initiatives, BART’s Sheep and Goat Fire Mitigation program has grown substantially, utilizing over 500 grazers to mitigate fire risks across its properties. Meanwhile, the Falconry-Based Nuisance Bird Control program, now implemented at 12 stations, effectively manages pigeon populations through pesticide-free methods. 

For more information on BART’s sustainability initiatives and ongoing projects, visit bart.gov/sustainability. 

Mayor, council Districts 2 & 3, clerk, treasurer and trustee Areas 1, 3 & 4

By Allen D. Payton

The nomination period for local offices in Antioch including mayor city council Districts 2 and 3, City Clerk, City Treasurer and Antioch School Board Trustee Areas 1, 3 and 4 opens on Monday, July 15, 2024. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, August 9, 2024. The election will be consolidated with the statewide General Election on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.

Papers for offices that are up for election for city candidates will be available at the City Clerk’s office inside City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown and for school board candidates at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street in Martinez.

“The 2024 General Election has officially begun,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “Candidate Filing begins Monday July 15, and our Candidate Services team is ready to help our residents who are looking to serve their communities in an elected position.”

If an incumbent does not file to run for office by the deadline on August 9th, the filing period for that office will extend until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Interested candidates for Antioch School Board can schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but service is 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.

For further information on the General Election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov

The following candidates have announced for the election in November:

Mayor of Antioch – Incumbent Lamar Hernández-Thorpe, Ron Bernal

District 3 City Councilmember –Antwon Webster, Don Freitas

See list of all offices up for election in Contra Costa County in November, here.

Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters and Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department contributed to this report.

Founded and owned by Jamaican immigrant Nikki Lopez

Caring Haven, headquartered in Antioch, has proudly been recognized as the Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area by Best of Best Review. This accolade reflects the agency’s unwavering dedication to providing dignified care for seniors and veterans.

Founded last October by CEO and Chief Care Officer Nicola “Nikki” K. Lopez, MBA, an inspiring immigrant from Jamaica, Caring Haven is built on the foundation of family love and care. Nikki’s personal values shape the company’s mission: “We ensure every client is seen, heard, and empowered, just as we care for our own family. Each loved one we serve is treated with the same affection and dignity our CEO gives to her grandma.”

The company slogan is “Elevating Life, Embracing Care” and their service areas include Antioch, Discovery Bay, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Tracy, Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek including Rossmoor, Benicia, Vallejo, Rio Vista and surrounding areas.

According to the awards organization, “At Best of Best Review, we take great pride in recognizing the outstanding companies that stand out in their fields, and this year, Caring Haven LLC has earned a distinguished place as the ‘Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area’. This accolade reflects the unparalleled dedication, compassion, and expertise that Caring Haven brings to home care services.

Nicola’s journey, as an immigrant navigating corporate America, has shaped her passion for providing top-tier, empathetic care. This dedication is evident in the way Caring Haven embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, placing people over profit.

A Testament to Excellence

Caring Haven’s commitment to excellence is evident in the glowing testimonials from clients and partners. Latrice Roberson from Grace and Glory Hospice notes, ‘Nikki’s smile and calm manner can bring an individual’s anxiety down to where they feel empowered to move forward. Her loyalty and dedication to the health industry speaks volumes and shows her empathy towards others.’

Another satisfied client shares, ‘Caring Haven was an absolute godsend recently when my 100-year-old mother’s full-time caregiver came down with Covid. Nikki Lopez personally filled in, ensuring my mother received the care she needed. Her compassion and dedication are unmatched.’

Rigorous Selection Process

Caring Haven’s recognition as the “Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area” was not earned lightly. Hundreds of agencies were evaluated based on several criteria, including:

• Client Satisfaction: Testimonials and reviews highlighted the exceptional care and dedication of the caregivers.
• Expertise and Knowledge: Demonstrated through comprehensive and personalized care plans.
• Authenticity and Trustworthiness: Evident in the agency’s transparent and heartfelt communication with clients.
• Performance Metrics: High client retention rates and positive health outcomes.
• Competitive Differentiation: Unique DEI-led approach and unwavering focus on community and compassion.

Personalized and Compassionate Care

The care provided by Caring Haven is not just about meeting physical needs but also nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of clients. For instance, one client recalls how Nikki from Caring Haven quickly responded to an urgent request for a caregiver, connecting deeply with the family and ensuring the service started promptly. This personalized attention and genuine compassion are what make Caring Haven stand out.

A Legacy of Dedication

Caring Haven’s mission is clear: to make every client feel seen, heard, and empowered. The team’s dedication to building meaningful relationships and creating a nurturing environment is reflected in every aspect of their service. From companionship and assistance with daily activities to respite care, Caring Haven ensures that clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.

Pros of Choosing Caring Haven LLC:

• Compassionate and personalized care
• Quick response time and professional service
• Highly skilled and empathetic caregivers
• DEI-led approach prioritizing people over profit
• High client satisfaction and retention rates”

About the award, Lopez said, “People are literally trusting me with their lives and others are trusting me with those who matter most to them. It’s humbling, and not a task I take lightly.”

“It was a surprise, I didn’t expect it,” she added.

Lopez’s commitment extends beyond her company. She is an active member of the Antioch and Brentwood Chambers of Commerce and serves on three significant boards in Contra Costa County: the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Aging Council on Aging (ACAOC).

Additionally, Caring Haven hires and trains the best Care Team ensuring all clients receive a consistent level of professional, dignified, and reliable care. 

Caring Haven is credentialed with the Veterans Administration (VA) and Medicaid, and also accepts private pay and various long-term care insurance plans, including workers’ compensation for post-surgery or rehab patients. Their comprehensive services include companionship, personal care, dementia care, and more.

For those seeking quality care for their loved ones, Caring Haven is the trusted choice. Visit their website at www.caringhavenhomecare.com or call 925.331.0590 for more information.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

After completing 1,200 hours of intensive training over 26 weeks

By Tami Grimes, PIO, CHP

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly introduced 102 of the state’s newest officers during a swearing-in ceremony today at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. In a continued effort to fill vacant officer positions, these men and women hail from communities throughout California, as well as Colorado and Oregon.

“Having successfully completed the last 26 weeks of intensive training, the CHP is pleased to welcome these new officers to the CHP family. They are beginning a career of service and I trust they will do everything they can to take care of their communities,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Every corner of the State deserves to have the best trained and prepared personnel, and I am confident these new officers will be able to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security possible.”

Before offering his prepared remarks, Duryee said to the audience of the new officers’ family members and friends, “Alright, listen. I was a little disappointed to that approach. Not from the cadets, from the crowd. You all gotta get a little fired up. This is a celebration.”

“I don’t know what they’ve told you how this place is,” he continued with a smile. “But this is a celebration, today. So, as we celebrate them let’s get a little rowdy. Yeah?” to which the audience applauded and cheered in response.

While at the CHP Academy, cadets receive over 1,200 hours of training and start with subjects including nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Additionally, cadets receive instruction on mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Training also covers vehicle patrol, crash investigation, first aid, and the apprehension of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence. Cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and various codes, including the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The Code of Honor was administered by Duryee and repeated by the cadets as follows: “I, a member of the California Highway Patrol, subscribe in word and deed to the following; To serve the United States of America and the State of California honestly, and conscientiously; and fulfill my oath as a soldier of the law; to uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the California Highway Patrol; Be loyal to my fellow officers; respect and obey my seniors in rank; and enforce the law without fear, favor or discrimination; to assist those in peril or distress and if necessary lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty; my person conduct shall at all times be above reproach; and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof; to all of this I do solemnly pledge my sacred honor as an officer with the California Highway Patrol.”

Today’s graduation concludes the new officers’ stay at the Academy prior to their reporting to one of the 102 CHP Area offices throughout the state on July 22. (View ceremony video and highlight video)

The CHP continues the search for service-minded individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement in support of its ongoing, multiyear recruitment campaign to hire 1,000 officers. In 2023, the CHP added 407 officers to its ranks. With today’s swearing-in, an additional 409 officers have been sworn in this year and there are still two more cadet classes scheduled to complete the Academy before the end of 2024.

For more information about a life-changing career with the CHP, visit our website and register for our online hiring seminar at 6:30 p.m. on July 17.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Lt. D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On July 11, 2024, at approximately 7:29 pm, Antioch police officers responded to the apartment complex located at 600 Wilbur Avenue on the report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they located a 34-yearold male in the street near the center of the apartment complex suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Additional inquiries, tips or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email jcox@antiochca.gov.

A new government facility to better fit its environment

Includes new plaza, public law library

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

County and city officials celebrated the grand opening of Contra Costa County’s new Administration Building Tuesday morning, July 9, 2024. Located on Pine Street in the heart of downtown Martinez, the three-story cutting-edge office administration building and civic plaza was unveiled on the historic grounds previously occupied by a taller, outdated office tower and a jail dating back to around 1902. Both were demolished to make way for the modern development including the County’s other new administration building across Escobar Street that houses the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers.

Speakers included Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt and Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, and representatives of design firm Perkins & Will and Webcor Builders.

The new $65 million building replaced a programmatically obsolete and contextually out of scale office tower and showcases state-of-the-art architecture that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding historic buildings. It also rejuvenates the public plaza formed by the vacation of a city street within the County administration campus. It embodies sustainability with on-site photovoltaics for high-performance energy use, responsibly sourced finishes, and low embodied carbon materials.

The development significantly enhances community space by adding a new public law library, ground-floor retail spaces, and a parking garage. The plaza also includes street improvements and an advanced stormwater system tailored to the site’s unique groundwater challenges and topography. Internally, the building acts as a hub for several County administrative departments, including the Public Defender, County Sheriff’s Civil Division and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, consolidating essential services under one roof to improve service delivery and enhance community interaction.

The new building marks a significant contribution to Contra Costa County, where modernity meets tradition and community service meets innovation.

Alexandra Pony of Pony Communications and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Sentenced to 15 years to life

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

A 29-year-old resident of Antioch was sentenced today, July 11, 2024, in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child.

Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, was sentenced by the Honorable David Goldstein after she pled guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger [PC 288.7(b)]. Hidalgo was a nanny to the minor victim and has been in custody since her arrest on September 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison – which will begin immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

On September 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being shared on X (formally Twitter). A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch, seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors and Hidalgo was arrested.  She was employed as a part-time nanny for the victim’s family. (See related article)

Pursuant to her plea, Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on September 19, 2023. Evidence also demonstrated Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users. Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further

abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to ensure those images are flagged if shared online in the future.

“The sentence delivered today reflects the severity of the crime committed,” said District Attorney Diana

Becton. “Our system of justice is dedicated to protecting victims and safeguarding the community by holding offenders accountable.”

Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the DA’s Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Detectives and investigators who participated in the ICAC investigation are from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Danville police departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 250-pound Hidalgo is Hispanic was born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.

Case No. 01-23-02982 | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole