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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06031997 - D5 D.5 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Date: June 3, 1997 Matter of RecoW SUBJECT: Public Comment On this day the following people spoke before the Board of Supervisors during Public Comment: David Barney, 215 Christine, San Pablo, expressed concern regarding the Unocal incident and possible spill effects from refinery occurrences; Henry Clarke, Local 1, expressed agreement with the Grand Jury Report relative to jail personnel issues and urged increased staffing in the Probation Department; The Reverend Curtis Timmons presented his concerns regarding an East County family facing homelessness. THIS IS A MATTER FOR RECORD PURPOSES ONLY NO BOARD ACTION WAS TAKEN • RECEIVED JUN 31997 - JERK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Your future is too valuable a thing When you talk to your oc or a CONTRA COSTA CO. to risk with high cholesterol. If you ZOCOR, be sure to mention any medications do something now, you may improve your you are taking,to avoid possible serious drug chances of being there to play your part. interactions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you High cholesterol can lead to heart disease experience any unexplained muscle pain or (and death). If you've been trying to lower your weakness while taking ZOCOR,since this could cholesterol with diet and exercise, and still be a sign of serious side effects. Finally,discuss haven't reached your goal,ask your doctor any other side effects with your doctor. about adding ZOCOR. To get your free copy of"Surviving High More than 3.1 million people around the Cholesterol,"call 1-800-787-5$71.t'isit world have taken ZOCOR. It works by reduc- our Web site at http://www.zocor.com ing potentially dangerous levels of LDL(bad) 4* cholesterol in the bloodstream. Results can vary,but ZOCOR is the only medicine that's please read the next gage for a summary of prescribing actually been proven to help save the lives of information and discuss people with high cholesterol and heart disease. it with your doctor. r A landmark five-year study among heart /J� -----� Sj -----..- �� disease patients with high cholesterol demon- strated dramatic results for ZOCOR: fewer Ask your doctor cardiac procedures, fewer heart attacks,and about ZOCOR- 42%fewer deaths from heart disease, the only cholesterol ZOCOR is a prescription medication and medicine proven to help only your doctor or health care professional save 11veS among people with can determine whether you should take it. high cholesterol and heart disease. " In clinical studies, liver abnormalities were Does my high cholesterol put me at risk? experienced by I% of patients. Some people •Should 1 consider adding ZOCOR to my should not.take ZOCOR: people with active diet and exercise plan? liver disease or possible liver problems,women •Could ZOCOR reduce my chances of { having a heart attack? who are pregnant,likely to become pregnant,or ; are breast-feeding,or people who are allergic to What are the side effects of ZOCOR? i any of its ingredients. ' •What type of results can I expect from ZOCOR? ZOCOR is indicated as an addition to diet for patients with high cholesterol when diet and exercise are inadequate. ZOCOR. The cholesterol medicine that helps save lives. 0 MERCK gg!• and drugs that suppress the immune system(called immunosuppressive drugs,such as Sandimmune). ZGCOR� (See WARNINGS,Muscle.) Some patients taking lipid-lowering agents similar to ZOCOR•(Simvashatin)and coumarin anticoagulants (SIMVASTATIN) (a type of blood thinner)have experienced bleeding and/or increased blood clotting time.Patients taking tfrese medicines should have their blood tested before starting therapy with ZOCOR and should continue to be monitored. PLEASE READ THIS SUMMARY CAREFULLY,AND THEN ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT Endocrine(Hormone)Function:ZOCOR and other drugs in this class may affect the production of ZOCOR.NO ADVERTISEMENT CAN PROVIDE ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO certain hormones.Caution should be exercised if a drug used to lower cholesterol levels is administered PRESCRIBE A DRUG.THIS ADVERTISEMENT DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF CARE- to patients also receiving other drugs(e.g.,ketoconazole,spironolactone,cimetidine)that may decrease FUL DISCUSSIONS WiTH YOUR DOCTOR.ONLY YOUR DOCTOR HAS THE TRAINING the Weis or activity of hormones,If you are taking any such drugs,tell your doctor. TO WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF A PRESCRIPTION DRUG FOR YOU. Central Nervous System Toxicity;Cancer,Mutations,Impairment of Fertility:Like most prescription drugs,ZOCOR was required to be tested on animals before it was marketed for human use. USES OF ZOCOR Often these tests were designed to achieve higher drug concentrations than humans achieve at recom- ZOCOR is aprescription drug that is indicated as an addition to diet for many patients with high choles- mended dosing.In some tests,the animals had damage to the nerves in the central nervous system.In terol when diet and exercise are inadequate.For patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and high circ- No evidence shares of mice with high of ZOCOR,the likelihood of certain types of cancerous tumors increased. Ieslerol,ZOCOR is indicated as an addition to diet to reduce the risk of death by reducing coronary death; et mutations of a damage to genetic material las been seen.In one study with ZOCOR, to reduce the risk of heart attack;and to reduce the risk for undergoing myocardial rerascul ronatfon pro- there was decreased fertility m male rats. endures(coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty). P►oanW.Pregnant women should not take ZOCOR bemuse it may harm the fetus. WHEN ZOCOR SHOULD NOT BE USED Safety in Dreonancy has not been established.There have been no reports of birth defects in the children of patients taking ZOCOR.However,in studies with lipid-lowering agents similar to ZOCOR,there have Some people should not take ZOCOR.Discuss this with your doctor. been rare reports of birth defects of the skeleton and digestive system.Therefore,women of childbearing ZOCOR should not be used by patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients.In addition to the active age should not take ZOCOR unless it is highly unlikely they will become pregnant.It a woman does ingredient simvastatin,each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients:cellulose,lactose,mag- become pregnant while taking ZOCOR,she should stop taking the drug and talk to her doctor at once.The nesium stearate,iron oxides,talc,titanium dioxide,and starch.Butylated hydroxyanisole is added as a active ingredient of ZOCOR did not cause birth defects in rats at 6 times the human dose or in rabbits at preservative. 4 times the human dose. Patients with liver problems:ZOCOR should not be used by patients with active fiver disease or Naming Mothers:Drugs taken by nursing mothers may be present in their breast milk.Because of the repeated blood test results indicating possible liver problems.(See WARNINGS.) potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants,a woman taking ZOCOR should not breast- Women who are or may become pregnant:Pregnant women should not take ZOCOR because it feed.(See WHEN ZOCOR SHOULD NOT BE USED.) may harm the fetus.Women of childbearing age should not take ZOCOR unions it is highly Pediatric Use:ZOCOR is not recommended for children or patients under 20 years of age, unlikely that they will become pregnant.If a woman does become pregnant while on ZOCOR,she should stop taking the drug and talk to her doctor at once. SIDE EFFECTS Women who are breast-feeding should not take ZOCOR. Most patfeds tolerate trea>ment with ZOCOR well;however,like all prescription drugs,ZOCOR can cause side effects,and some of them can be serious.Side effects that do occur are usually mild and short- WARNINGS lived.Only Your doctor can weigh the risks versus the benefits of any prescription drug.In clinical stud- Lhrer.About 1%of patients who took ZOCOR In clinical trials developed elevated levels ies with ZOCOR,less than 1.5%of patients dropped out of the studies because of side effects.In a large, of some liver enzymes.Patients who had these increases usually had no symptoms.Elevated liver long-tens study,patients taking ZOCOR experienced similar side effects to those patients taking placebo enzymes usually returned to normal levels when therapy with ZOCOR was stopped. (sugar pills).Some of the side effects that have been reported with ZOCOR or related drugs are listed Your doctor should perform routine blood teats to check these enzymes before and diming below.This list is not complete.Be sure to ask your doctor about side effects before taking ZOCOR and treatment with ZOCOR.The tab should occur at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after you begin to discus any side effects that occur. taking ZOCOR,and about every 6 months thenafler.If your enzyme levels increase,your doc- Digestive System:Constipation,diarrhea,upset stomach,gas,heartburn,stomach pain/cramps, for should order more frequent tests.It your liver enzyme levels remain unusually high,your doctor anorexia,loss of appetite,nausea,inflammation of the pancreas,hepatitis,jaundice,fatty changes in the should discontinue your medication. liver,and,rarely,severe liver y damage and Failure,cirrhosis,and liver cancer. Tell your doctor about any liver disease you may have had in the past and about how much alcohol you Muscle,Skeletal:Muscle cramps,actues,pain,and weakness;joint pain;muscle breakdown. consume.ZOCOR should be used with caution in patients who consume large amounts of alcohol. Nervous System:Dizziness,headache,insomnia,tingling,memory loss,damage to nerves causing Made:Tell your doctor right away N you experience any muscle pain,ttadorrass,or weakness and/or loss of sensation and/or abnormal sensations,anxiety,depression,tremor,loss of weakness at any time during treatment with ZOCOR,particularly ff you Aare a aver or N balance,psychic disturbances. you are generally not feeling well,a your doctor an decide N ZOCOR should be sopped. Skin: itching,hair Ices,dryness,nodules,discoloration. Some patients may have Monte pain or weakness while takhrg ZOCOR.Rarely,this an Include muscle breakdown resulting In kidney damage.The risk of muscle breakdown is Eye/Senses:Blurred vision,altered taste sensation,progression of cataracts,eye muscle weakness. greater In patients taking certain other drugs along with ZOCOR,such to the lipid-lower- "mnsfth*(Allergic)Reactions:On rare occasions,a wide variety of symptoms have been Ing drop Lopid`(Gemfibrozil),a Rbrate,lipid-lowering doses of nicotinic acid(alsein), reported to occur either alone or together in groups(referred to as a syndrome)that appeared to be based On antibiotic erythromycin,certain irdravenaafln)eetable antifungal drop:,or drugs that on allergic-type reactions,which may rarely be fatal.These have included one or more of the following: suppress the Immune system(called Immunosuppressive drops,such as San dim mme** a severe generalized reaction Bat may include shortness of breath,wheezing,digestive symptoms,and [Cyelosporinel)•Patients using ZOCOR along with any of these drops should be carefully low blood pressure and even shock;an allergic reaction with swelling of the face,lips,tongue and/or monitored by their physician.The risk of muscle breaksim is greater in patients with Idd- throat with difficulty swrallowing or breathing;symptoms mimicking lupus(a disorder in which a person's key problems or diabetes. immune system may attack parts of his or her own body);severe muscle and blood vessel inflammation; N you have andttions that an Increase your risk of muscle breakdown,which In tern bruises;various disorders of blood cells(that could result in anemia,infection,or blood clotting prob- an awe kidney damage,your doctor should temporarily withhold or step ZOCOR.Such leets)or abnormal blood tests;irdlarned or painful joints;hives;fatigue and weakness;sensitivity to sun- conditions Include severe Infection,low blood pressure,major surgery,tramns,severe light;lever,chills;flushing;difficulty breathing;and severe skin disorders that vary from rash to a serious metabolic,endocrine and electrolyte disorders,and uncontrolled seimres.Discuss this bum-like shedding of skin all over the body,including mucous membranes such as the lining of the with your doctor,who an explain time conditions to you. Mouth. Because them are risks In combining therapy with ZOCOR with lipid-lowerirng doses of Other.Loss of sexual desire,breast enlargernent impotence. alootinie acid(niaela)or with drugs that suppress the immune system,your doctor$boom laboratory Tat::Liver function test abnormalities including elevated alkaline phosphatase and biliru- arefulty weigh the potential beneMs and risks.He or she should also carefully molitor patients for any muscle pain,tenderness,or weskoess,particularly during tin Initial bin;thyroid function abnormalities. months of therapy and H the dose of either drop Is inereasud.Your doctor may she nae- NOTE:This summary provides Important Information about ZOCOR.R you would like Itor the level of certain muscle enzymes In your body,but them Is no assamace tial each mon Inhnnathm,ask your doctor or pharmwbd to let you road the professional labeling monitoring will prevent the occurrence of severe mace disease. and than diem it with them. PRECAUTIONS Before starting treatment with ZOCOR,try to lower your cholesterol by other methods such as diet,exer- p� rise,and weight loss.Ask your doctor about how best to do this.Any other medical problems that can MERCK louse high cholesterol should also be treated. ZOCDR is less effective in patients with the rare disorder known as homozygous familial hypercholes- oak POW,n isles terofemia. ZOCOR is a registered trademark of Merck&Co.,Inc. Drug intemetions:Because of possible serious drug interactions,it is important to tell your doctor what *Lopid is a registered trademark of Warner-Lambert Company. other drugs you are taking,including those obtained without a prescription. "Sandimmune is a registered trademark of Sandoz AG. ZOCDR can interact with Lopid,niacin,erythromycin,certain ihtravenous/iinjecWle antihrngal drugs, Copyright 01996 by Merck&Co.,Inc.All rights reserved. J6ZO19(419) 3 suffer from int nighttime urination can... ®. Ttie fast, easy treatment PH-moghttime urination due to BPH- mon n and bothersome ;BPH),a noncancerous ing most often in men t that quickly relieves aning your bladder can to wake up as often at ONCEADAY ow--day and night—in (doxazosin mesylates , .t for you—if it is,your o get you at MKL flood pressure at the a doses and then start ry feel dizzy,hi"or ap fiom a chair or bad. }I icatians Wee Cardura "PH such as regular ,' shouldn't be some. in Loose seep over. Duce-n-0ar ¢® abbreviation for Prostate Specific Antigen.Your doctor may CAM have done a blood test called PSA.You may want to ask your doctor more about this if you have had a PSA test done. (doxazosin mesylatel-1 ;°2nV Q SIN Other Important Facts PATIENT INFORMATION ABOUT CARDURA• •You should see an improvement of your symptoms within Generic Name: 1 to 2 weeks.In addition to your other regular checkups you doxazosin mesylate will need to continue seeing your doctor regularly to check FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA(BPH) your progress regarding your BPH and to monitor your blood pressure. •CARDURA• (doxazosin mesylate) is not a treatment for Read this information: prostate cancer.Your doctor has prescribed CARDURA•for •before you start taking CARDURA• your BPH and not for prostate cancer;however,a man can have BPH and prostate cancer at the same time. Doctors •each time you get a new prescription. usually recommend that men be checked for prostate cancer You and your doctor should discuss this treatment and your once a year when they tum 50(or 40 if a family member has BPH symptoms before you start taking CARDURA•and at your had prostate cancer).A higher incidence of prostate cancer regular checkups.This information does NOT take the place of has been noted in men of African-American descent.These discussions with your doctor. checks should continue even it you are taking CARDURA e CARDURA•is used to treat both benign prostatic hyperplasia Now To Take CARDURA•and What You Should (BPH)and high blood pressure(hypertension).This information Know While Taking CARDURA•for BPH describes CARDURA•as treatment for BPH(although you may be CARDURA•Can Cause a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure taking CARDURAO for both your BPH and high blood pressure). After the VERY FIRST DOSE. You may feel dizzy,faint or 'light-headed," especially atter you stand up from a lying or What is BPH? sitting position.This is more likely to occur after you've taken the BPH is an enlargement o1 the prostate gland.This gland surrounds first few doses or if you increase your dose,but can occur at any the tube that drains the urine from the bladder.The symptoms of time while you are taking the drug.It can also occur if you stop BPH can be caused by a tensing of the enlarged muscle in the taking the drug and then restart treatment.If you feel very dizzy, prostate gland which blocks the passage of urine.This can lead to faint or 'light-headed" you should contact your doctor. Your such symptoms as: doctor will discuss with you how often you need to visit and how often your blood pressure should be checked. •a weak or Start-and-stop stream when urinating Your blood pressure should be checked when you start taking •a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied after CARDURA' even it you do not have high blood pressure urination •a delay or difficulty in the beginning of urination how blood mpressure ison).Your dmeasu eor d discuss with you the details of •a need to urinate often during the day and especially at night Blood Pressure Measurement.Whatever equipment is used.it •a feeling that you must urinate immediately. is usual for your blood pressure to be measured in the following way:measure your blood pressure after lying quietly on your bagA Treatment Options for BPH i for five minutes.Then,after standing for two minutes measure The four main treatment options for BPH are: your blood pressure again.Your doctor will discuss with you what other times during the day your blood pressure should be taken, •If you are not bothered by your symptoms,you and your such as two to six hours after a dose. before bedtime or after doctor may decide on a program of"watchful waiting."it is waking up in the morning.Note that moderate to high-intensity not an active treatment like taking medication or surgery but exercise can. over a period of time, lower your average blood involves having regular checkups to see if your condition is pressure. getting worse or causing problems. You can take CARDURA'either in the morning or at bedtime •Treatment with CARDURA•or other similar drugs.CARDURA9 and it will be equally effective.It you take CARDURA'at bedtime is the medication your doctor has prescribed for you.See but need to get up from bed to go to the bathroom,get up slowly "What CARDURA•Does,"below. and cautiously until you are sure how the medication affects you. •Treatment with the medication class of 5-alpha reductase It is important to get up slowly from a chair or bed at any time inhibitors(e.g.Proscar•).It can cause the prostate to shrink. until you learn how you react to CARDURA.•You should not drive it may take 6 months or more for the full benefit of finasteride or do any hazardous tasks until you are used to the effects of the to be seen. medication.If you begin to feel dizzy,sit or lie down until you feel •Various surgical procedures.Your doctor can describe these better. procedures to you.The best procedure for you depends on •You will start with a 1 mg dose of CARDURA•once daily. your BPH symptoms and medical condition. Then the once daily dose will be increased as your body gets used to the effects of the medication. Follow your What CARDURA•Does doctor's instructions about how to take CARDURA.• You CARDURA•works on a specific type of muscle found in the must take it every day at the dose prescribed.Talk with your prostate,causing 0 to relax.This in turn decreases the pressure doctor if you don't take it for a few days for some reason;you within the prostate,thus improving the flow of urine and your may then need to restart the medication at a 1 mg dose,in- symptoms. crease your dose gradually and again be cautious about •CARDURA"helps relieve the symptoms of BPH(weak stream, else; dizziness. Do not share CARDURA'with anyone else;it was prescribed only for you. start-and-stop stream,a feeling that your bladder is not com- •Other side effects you could have while taking CARDURA! pletely empty, delay in beginning of urination, need to in addition to lowering of the blood pressure,include dizzi- urinate often during the day and especially at night,and ness fatigue(tiredness),swelling of the feet and shortness feeling that you must urinate immediately). If does not change the size of the prostate.The prostate may continue to of breath.Most side effects are mild.However,you should grow;however,a larger prostate is not necessarily related to discuss any unexpected effects you notice with your doctor. more symptoms or to worse symptoms. CARDURA•can •Keep CARDURA• and all medicines out of the reach of decrease your symptoms and improve urinary flow,without children. decreasing the size of the prostate. •It CARDURA"is helping you,you should notice an effect FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CARDURA•AND BPH within 1 to 2 weeks atter you start your medication.CARDURA" TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR, NURSE, PHARMACIST OR has been studied in over 900 patients for up to OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. 2 years and the drug has been shown to continue to work PFIZER,INC 70-5039-00-0 during long-term treatment. Even though you take CARDURA°and it may help you, CARDURA•may not prevent the need for surgery in theLh•'NHO-P•"'R lr* future. M LLS.Phennaceuticab Group •CARDURA" does not affect PSA levels..PSA is the DC184A96 ©1996,Pfizer Inc Primed in USA/August 1996 abiM&be quitters can try nicotine j pstdm Or gum over the counter,or gat a docIor's prescription for a nico- tine nasal spray or inhaler, But ndendsts hunting alternatives • noted that depression patients fre- quently stopped smoking while ta Ing vim,which works on two brain chemicals,dopamine and nor- curtaff epinephrine. Nicotine affects many brain sateg, W but those two chemicals partkularlY are associated with cravings and withdrawal symptoms,Johnston ex- smoldng pisined- in one study of smokers,0 per- of Zyban users kicked the habit for Zyban Cwt] cause for a month vs.just 36 percent w2io used a nicotine patch. • Another group of smokers used 3e1ZLU'es, IIlSO1Ylla both the patch and Zyban, and 58 percent were able to quit for a By LAURAN NEERGAARD month. ASsocgsrso PRM Taking the two drugs together is WASMNGTON—Smokers by. safe,but one study of the combing- ing to kick the habit now can Imp►a tion isn't enough to prove that's the pill to help: The government ap- most effective method, cautioned proved the first nicotine-free anti- FDA medical reviewer Dr.Celia Jaffe ► smoking drug Thursday, one WincheU.o is folio those patie�s works in the brain at the source ;. G �$ addiction. to see how many relapse.But in an- Zyban is a prescription antide- other study,about 25 percent of pec- pressant that can curb the cravings ple who used Zyban for a month re- and withdrawal symptoms smokers mained cigarette-free after a year= face when they quit. twice the rate of smokers given.$ And for hard-core smokers,dos dummy pM ` tors can try dealing the addiction a to use Z Smokers are supposed y- one-two punch by combining Zyban ban for a week before stopping dg- with nicotine patches, said mane- arettes,so the chemical has time tq fac tiger Glaxo Wellcome Inc.and the Wild up and buffer the nicotine Ions. Food and Drug Administration. a, s 'VkIve demonstrated that you can treat smoking addiction with a non- Smokers also will be offered i< nicotine approach. I would call it a smoking-cessation counseling and breakthrough,"said Glaxo pharma- support program tailored to their cologist Andrew Johnston. level of addiction,Johnston said. ; Zyban actually is a new name for But Zyban comes with some the older antidepressant Vkllbutrin- wamings:R occasionally.can cM* SR—renamed to distinguish its psy- seiuires,and should not be takes bw chiatric use and because the anti- anyone with smoking version comes with a as epilepsy,or with eating disorders special tobacco eocu>aefing program The most common side effects,baa'- It will be on pharmacy shelves r.,M are dry mouth and insomnia: within eight weeks. Also, Zyban can be taken f "This new therapy fills an impor- .ire tant and, I would say, an urgent 'Ae Beed,'said Dr:Michael Ferre of the At a University of MSOOnsWs Center for Tobacco Research. Some 46 million Americans smoke, and the government says not beensmoking kilk4 000 a year. to fit Surveys indicant three-fourths of Moat pi+�abi� smokers want to quit—but fewer r still will erod than 10 percent who try each year dim a>ae succeed,Fors said. ' a8 tudded. works ,� From REU. C.A. TIM10 510 7531830 Jun.03 1997 12:17PM Pol IRnOF URGENT 'bomco. THE MULTI - DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. (MCDA, INC. ) (A {501 )(C) (3) Non-Profit Community Based Public Advocacy Agency) THE REVEREND CURTIS A. TIMMONS, B.A. , TH. D. , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 301—WEST TENTH STREET, SUITE SIX, ANTIOOH, CALIFORNIA 94609 MAILING ADDRESS: POST OFFICE BOX 82i3o PITTSBURG, CA. 94565 (510) 703-1830 OFFICE AND 24—HA. FAX NUMBER JUNE 1 , 1997 (UROENTI QUICK EMERGENCY REPLY IS REQUIRED) RE: CRITICAL HOUSING NEED FOR ANDREA ORTIZ & HER (6) CHILDREN SIGNATURE: RQLI THE REVEREND CURTIS ATIMMONSO B.A. , H.D. , COMMUNITY ADVOCATE 11� ATTN: SUPERVIOR MARK DE SAULNIER, PRESIDENT OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND BOARD MEMBERG RICHARD MARTINEZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY JOHN CULLEN, DIRECTOR OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT KITTY DUMAt EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PITTSBURG FAMILY CENTER TERRI LOCKETTt EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE EL PUEBLO HOUSING CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 661—PINE STREET MARTINEZ , CALIFORNIA 94553 DEAR SUPERVISOR MARK DE SAULNIER AND BOARD MEMBERS, THIS LETTER COMES AS AN URGENT! EMERGENCY REQUEST TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO DO ALL WITHIN YOUR POWER TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR ANDREA ORTIZ AND HER FIVE MINOR CHILDREN WHO AS OF TWELVE MIDNIGHT MAY 31 , 1997 HAVE BECOME HOMELESS AND ARE NOW LIVING ON THE STREETS OF PITTSBURG. HER CHURCH CONGREGATION ON MANY OCCASSIONS HAVE HELPED THIS FAMILY BY PAYING THEIR RENT AND UTILITIES INCLUDING THE RENT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY WHICH IS UP ON JUNE -1 , 1997, THEY LIVED AT 140— EAST TRIDE14T IN PITTSBURG. AS I INFORMED THE SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, THIS FAMILIES P.O.& E. o THE GARBAGE COLLECTION AND THE TELEPHONE HAVE BEEN OFF FOR WEEKS AND SOME UTILITIES HAVE BEEN OFF MUCH LONGER AND THEIR FOOD SUPPLY IS ALMOST OUT. THE WATER WAS OFF UNTIL THEY RECENTLY GOT HELP TO GET IT BACK ON. THE FAMILY HAS VERY LIMITED INCOME AND IS IN CRITICAL NEED OF IMMEDIATE SUBSIDIZED HOUSING. THE MOTHER, ANDREA ORTIZ IS A GOOD PERSON WHO HAS SIX CHILDREN, FIVE OF WHICH ARE MINOR CHILDREN. From REV. C.A. T I MMONS,BA. TH. D. PHONE No. : 510 7531830 .jun.O3 1997 12: 18PM P02 URGENT PAGE TWO SHE HAS HAD A SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM (GRAND MAL SEIZURES) FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS. THIS HEALTH CONDITION SOMETIMES LIMITS HER ABILITY TO MAINTAIN DAY TO DAY PERSONAL BUSINESS. SOME SIX YEARS AGO SHE APPLIED FOR COUNTY SECTION 8 AND EL PUEBLO HOUSING AND SHE GAVE THE ADDRE56 AND PHONE NUMBER SHE HAD AT THAT TIME. WHEN SHE MOVED TO A NEW ADDRESS, SHE TURNED IN A CHANGE OF ADDRESS AT THE POST OFFICE, BUT DO TO A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING SHE DID NOT GIVE COUNTY HOUSING OR EL PUBLO HOUSING A Cl-lANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE. DURING THIS TIME SHE OFTEN CALLED TO SEE WHERE SHE WAS ON THE LIST. THE LAST TIME SHE CALLED COUNTY HOUSING WAS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT COUNTY SECTION 8 AND EL PUEBLO HOUSING HAD SENT LETTERS TO THE OLD ADDRESS INFORMING HER THAT SHE HAD COME UP TO THE TOP OF THE LIST AND THAT THEY HAD A COUNTY SECTION 8 CERTIFICATE FOR THE FAMILY OR HOUSING IN EL PUEBLO. THE CARD WAS RETURNED TO THE COUNTY BECAUSE THE FORWARDING HAD EXPIRED. THE FAMILY NOW FINDS THEMSELVES IN A MAJOR HOUSING CRISIS. I HAVE BEEN DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET THE COUNTY TO GIVE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO THIS FAMILY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. THEY HAVE NOW BECOME HOMELESS AND THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE FAMILY IS NOW IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY. MANY DAYS AGO I REPORTED THIS MATTER TO THE COUNTY CHILD PROTECTION AGENCY. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO CONTACT OR ASSIST THE FAMILY. THE COUNTY HAS REQUIRED ANDREA ORTIZ TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GAIN PROGRAM, KNOWING SHE HAS FIVE MINOR CHILDREN AT HOME UNATTENDED. THIS REQUIREMENT BY THE COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT, HAS ON MANY OCCASIONS REQUIRED HER TO LEAVE HER CHILDREN UNATTENDED AND UNSUPERVIORED IN A HOME WHERE THERE 18 NO P.G. E. v NO PHONE AND VERY LITTLE FOOD. I ONCE AGAIN, STRONGLY APPEAL TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO ISSUE AN ORDER TO ALL PROPER COUNTY AGENCIES TO IMMEDIATELY INQUIRE INTO THIS MATTER AND TO UIVE THE NEEDED ASSISTANCE. ANDREA ORTIZ DID IN WRITING INFORM HER SOCIAL WORKER OF HER FAMILY CRISIS AND DID REQUEST HELP. TO DATE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE COUNTY TO HELP HER OR HER FIVE MINOR CHILDREN. IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THE CHILDREN NOW THAT THEIR SAFETY AND WELFARE HAVE BEEN PUT IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY, I BELIEVE THE COUNTY COULD POTENTIALLY BE HELD LIABLE SINCE THEY WERE INFORMED IN WRITING SEVERAL TIMES OF THE EXISTING CRISIS AND TO DATE HAVE DONE NOTHING TO ASSIST THIS FAMILY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT MY OFFICE. I STAND READY TO 00 ALL WITHIN MY POWER TO HELP, From REU. C.A. TIMMONS,BA. TH. D. PHONE No. 510 7531830 Jun. 031997 12:19pm P03 THE MULTI-CULIURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION , INC . (MCO& INC. ) (A t5011 (0) ( 3 ) NOn-Profit Community BaSed Public Advocacy Awn) THE REVLREND CURTIS A, TIMMONS, B.A. , TH. D. , FXECUTIVF DIRECTOR 301-WEST I &TH STREEI , SUITE SIX, ANTIOCH , CALIFORNIA 945OR MAILING ADDRESS: POST OFFICE BOX a213, PiTTSBURG, CA. 94505 Q10 703-030 OFFICE AND 24-HR. FAX NUMBER MAY 22 , 1997 URGENT {VERY URGENT ! QUICK REPLY REQUESTID) Q: PROVIDING A SECTION 8 HOUSING CERTIPICATe OR EMERGFNCY SUBSIDIZED HOUSING FOR ANUHWA ORTIZ HeR (5 ) MINOP CHTIDREN SIGNATURE : THE REVEREND CURTIS AAQMqONS, B.A. , TH . D. , COMMUNITY ADVOCATE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY 3133-ESTUDILLO STREET MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA 94653 ATTENTION: RICHARD MARTINEZ , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CONTRA COSIA QUUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTRA COSTA COUNTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING OPERATIONS CHAIRMAN , CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HOUSING COMMISSION SUPERVISOR MARK DE SAULNIER, PRESIDENT OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS JOHN CULLEN , DIRECTOR OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTRA COSTA TIMES AND THE LEDUER DISPATCH DEAR RICHARD MARTINEZ , I AM WRITING ON BEHALF OF ANDREA ORTIZ AND HER FAMILY. AS A RESPECTED LONGTIME COMMUNITY ADVOCATE I STRONGLY FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION A SERIOUS CONCERN REGARDING THIS FAMILY. ADDITIONALLY I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVINU 1HE CURRENT PROCEDURE FOR INTERACTING WITH PERSONS LISILD ON ISL OUNTRA COSTA COUNTY SECTION 8 WAITING LIST, APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS AGO ANDREA ORTIZ AND HER FAMILY (WHO NOW RESIDES AT 140-E. TRIDENT AVE. PITTSBURG) APPLIED THROUGH THE COUNTY FOR A SECTION 8 CERTIFICATE. OVER THE YEARS FROM TIME TO TIME SHE CALLED IN TO SEE WHERE SHE WAS LISTED ON THE WAITING LIST. DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME, SHE AND HER FAMILY MOVED To THEIR PRESENT ADDRESS. SHE NOTIF140 HER LOCAL POST OFFICE OF HER CHANGE OF ADDRESS, BUT DID NOT AS FAR AS SHE REMEMBERS , NOTIFY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF HER CHANGE OF ADDRESS. THIS WOULD PROVE TO BE A VERY COSTLY MISTAKE ON HER BEHALF. From REV. C.A. TIMMONS,BA. TH.D. PHONE No. : 510 7531e30 Jun. 03 1997 12:19PM PO4 PAGE TWO HOWEVER, THE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY COULD HELP TO PREVENT SUCH SERIOUS INCIDENT$ (AS EXPLANED LATER IN THIS LETTER) FROM HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE. SIMPLY BY USING THE SAME PROCEDURE THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HEALTH CENTER USES FOR ITS MEMBFRS. EVERYTIME A PERSON CONTACTS ONE OF THE CONTRA COSTA HEALTH CENTERS FOR HEALTH SERVICE, IT 15 A STA14DARD POLICY TO CONFIRM THE PERSONS CURRENT NAME,, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER. THIS ASSURES THE INFORMATION IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IS KEPT CURRENT. IF THE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD INCORPORATE THIS SIMPLE PROCEDURE OF CONFIRMING AND UPDATING YOUR COMPUTER FILES WITH THE CURRENT NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF EACH CALLER WHEN THEY CALL IN TO SEE WHERE THEY ARE LISTED ON THE WAITING LIST, THIS WOULD STOP PEOPLE FROM INCORRECTLY AND UNFAIRLY BEING DROPPED FROM THE SYSTEM WHEN YOU CANNOT REACH THEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE MOVED FROM THE ADDRESS YOU HAVE ON FILE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN YOUR CASE WHERE PEOPLE WAIT NUMEROUS YEARS BEFORE THEIR NAMES COME TO THE TOP OF THE WAITING LIST FOR SECTION 8 CERTIFICATES, AN EXAMPLE IS ANDREA ORTIZ AND HER . FAMILY WHO ARE ENDURING A GREAT HARDSHIP SIMPLY BECAUSE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DID NOT HAVE HER CORRECT CURRENT ADDRESS WITHIN YOUR FILES. THE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY SENT A LETTER ABOUT A YEAR AGO TO HER OLD ADDRESS INFORMING HER THAT SHE IS NOW AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR A SECTION 8 CERTIFICATE. THE LETTER WAS RETURNED BECAUSE SHE HAD MOVED FROM THAT ADDRESS SEVERAL YEARS EARLIER. BECAUSE OF HER INABILITY TO PAY HIGH RENT DO TO HER LOW INCOME, SHE AND HER FIVE CHILDREN IN A FEW DAYS, (MAY 31 , 1997 ) WILL SE FORCED TO BECOME HOMELESS. FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS THE FAMILY HAVE LIVED AT 140-EAST TRIDENT IN PITTSBURG WITH NO GAS, NO ELECTRIC, NO GARBAGE SERVICE, NO PHONE, A BROKEN STOVE AND VERY LITTLE FOOD. THE WATER WAS OFF, BUT WITH HELP WAS RECENTLY TURNED BACK ON. IN SOME CASES SOME OF THE UTILITIES HAVE SEEN OFF FOR MUCH LONGER. MINOR CHILOki-.N OR ANY FAMILY SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO LIVE UNDER THESE AWFUL CONDITIONS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY. I AM URGENTLY REQUESTING THE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR TO RECONSIDER REINSTATING )HIS FAMILIES r=LGIBILITY FOR SECTION 8 HOUSING. ANDREA ORTIZ FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS HAVE HAD A SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITION THAT CAUSES HER TO REGULARLY HAVE GRANDMA SEIZURES. SHE CANNOT HANDLE MUCH STRESS WITHOUT IT CAUSING HER TO HAVE A SIEZURF. THIS CONDITION LIMITS HER ABILITY TO SOMETIMES HANDLE, DAY TO DAY NORMAL RESPONSIBILITIES. I AM ALSO URGENTLY REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO QUICKLY LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND DO ALL WITHIN HIS POWER TO QUICKLY ASSIST THIS FAMILY. ' THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CHILD PROTECTION SERVICE IS AWARE OF THE CONDITION THESE MINOR CHILDREN HAVE .BEEN FORCED TO ENDURE, BUT HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY STEPS TO HELP THE MOTHER OR THE CHILDREN.