Behavioral Health Services Under Expansion In Contra Costa
From Contra Costa Health: Contra Costa Health (CCH) has secured about $98 million in state funding to build three new facilities to better serve county residents in need of mental health and recovery services. The funding comes from California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), a multi-year state initiative to improve behavioral healthcare infrastructure paid…
Valero Benicia Refinery Announces Intent To Cease Operations In 2026
From the City of Benicia: Benicia, CA — The City of Benicia was formally notified today of Valero Energy Corporation’s announcement that its subsidiary, Valero Refining Company-California, has submitted notice to the California Energy Commission of its intent to idle, restructure, or cease refining operations at the Benicia Refinery by the end of April…
DA And Broadband Provider Settle Over Environmental Violations
From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces, in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California, a 1.275-million-dollar settlement with WaveDivision Holdings, LLC — which operates under the brand name “Astound Broadband” within California — over environmental violations. WaveDivision Holdings, which provides telecommunication services…
Bay Area Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccination As Cases Rise Nationally
From Contra Costa Health: Risk of exposure to measles in the Bay Area is currently low. However, with rising cases in the United States, getting the safe and highly effective vaccine is strongly encouraged for those not fully vaccinated. With the recent rise of measles cases nationally, Contra Costa Health (CCH) joins Bay Area health…
Bay Area Air District Issues Trio Of Violation Notices For Martinez Refinery Fire
Statement from the Bay Area Air District and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office regarding the Martinez Refining Company: The Bay Area Air District and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office understand the community’s concerns following the February 1, 2025, fire at the Martinez Refining Company. The Air District has been evaluating the…
“Lucky” Winds Save Refinery Neighbors From Toxic Cloud, County Health Says
From Contra Costa Health: Refinery Discloses Toxic Chemicals Released During Recent Fire The Martinez Refining Company (MRC), owned by PBF Energy, has told local health officials that chemicals and combustion byproducts from a recent fire at the refinery included chemicals that can cause cancer, as well as heart and lung disease. Dr. Ori Tzvieli, the…
Martinez Health Advisory Lifted Tuesday
From Contra Costa Health: Contra Costa Health (CCH) has lifted a public health advisory today at 3:00 p.m. following confirmation that the fire at Martinez Refining Company (MRC) is out. Residents in the affected area can now resume normal activities and should open doors and windows to air out buildings and homes. CCH was first…
County Supervisor Promises Full Investigation Into Martinez Refining Company Fire
County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston said Tuesday she is meeting with county health officials, Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, refinery officials and first responders to determine the cause of Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company facility in Martinez. “This is the third major incident since BPF Energy purchased the refinery in 2020 and many more spills…
Martinez Health Advisory Remains In Effect Sunday
Contra Costa Health (CCH) recommends that residents of Martinez, parts of Pacheco and Clyde who have respiratory sensitivity remain indoors with doors and windows shut today while smoke continues to clear from a fire at Martinez Refining Company (MRC). A map of the affected area will be available at cwsalerts.com while this health advisory remains…
Contra Costa Health Expands Notification System For Hazardous Materials Alerts
From Contra Costa Health Contra Costa Health (CCH), in partnership with the Community Warning System (CWS), is improving how it keeps residents informed about hazardous materials incidents that occur in Contra Costa County. Starting Jan. 15, 2025, the CWS will enable anyone to sign up to receive community awareness text messages about Level 1 incidents…