AGENDA REPORT CITY HALL - ONE FRANK H. OGAWA PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR - OAKLAND - CA 94612 DAN KALB (510) 238-7001 Councilmember District 1 [email protected] DATE: March 29, 2022 TO: Members of the City Council and Members of the Public FROM: Councilmember Kalb SUBJECT: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF STATE ASSEMBLY BILL 1929 (GABRIEL) WHICH INSTRUCTS THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SERVICES TARGETED AT REDUCING INJURY RECIDIVISM AMONG VIOLENTLY INJURED MEDI-CAL BENEFICIARIES, AND PROVIDE DIRECT REIMBURSEMENT TO QUALIFIED VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROFESSIONALS FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTIVE SERVICES Dear Colleagues and Members of the Public, The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened our country's gun violence crisis. 2020 was one of the deadliest years on record for the United States, with gun homicides and non-suicide-related shootings taking approximately 19,300 lives—a 25% increase from 2019.1 Early data on 2021 shows it to be on pace as the worst year for gun violence in decades, surpassing even the high levels of 2020. Unfortunately, in Oakland, 2021 has already proven to be the deadliest year since 2006. The Oakland Police Department has investigated 133 killings and recovered record numbers of guns. Studies have long shown that victims of violence are likely to be re-victimized. One study showed that at 41% of patients treated for violent injuries, such as shootings, were re-injured within 5 years.2 We also know that victims of violence are significantly more likely to engage in violence themselves.3 Senator Gabriel’s legislation responds to this crisis and helps stop this revolving door by treating gun violence like the public health issue that it is. 1. https://a45.asmdc.org/press-releases/20220216-amid-spike-gun-homicides-lawmakers-introduce-bill-strengthen-gun-violence 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2608117/ 3. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/191210.pdf
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This program would treat gun violence proactively by addressing risk factors such as prior injury, substance use, weapon carrying, and by bolstering protective factors, such as peer mentorship, access to physical and mental health services, and upstream social determinants of health—all as a covered benefit under the Medi-Cal program. By establishing a community violence prevention and recovery program, provided by qualified violence prevention professionals, we can promote trauma recovery, stabilization, and improved health outcomes. I want to thank Senator Gabriel for putting forth this legislation, as well as Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) for serving as coauthors. If enacted, Assembly Bill (AB) 1929 would provide Medi-Cal reimbursement for Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs) that work to curb retaliation and reduce the risks of further violence. SB 917 is supported by Giffords, Youth ALIVE!, and the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention. For questions regarding this report, please contact Councilmember Dan Kalb at [email protected]. . Respectfully submitted, __________________________ Councilmember Dan Kalb
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The Seamless Transit Principles Courtesy of Seamless Bay Area #1: Run all Bay Area transit as one easy-to-use system Public transit must work as one seamless, connected, and convenient network across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Getting around on transit should be as fast and easy as driving a car. Coordinated bus, rail, and ferry routes and schedules should encourage effortless transfers. Consistent and clear customer information, branding, and maps should make using transit simple and dignified.
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#2: Put riders first Riders should feel comfortable when using transit and be treated like valued customers. Public transit agencies must do more to listen to riders and continuously improve service. They must prioritize riders’ needs above all else, and overcome all operational, political and bureaucratic barriers to provide an excellent and seamless customer experience. #3: Make public transit equitable and accessible to all People of all income levels, ages, abilities, genders, and backgrounds should have access to world-class public transit. People who are the most reliant on transit are best served by a universal, inclusive, regionally integrated, connected system that is used by all. People with limited means to pay for transit should be provided with discounts. #4: Align transit prices to be simple, fair, and affordable Transit should provide good value for money. Fares across the region’s 27 public transit agencies must be aligned into a consistent, fair, and affordable system that encourages using transit for all types of trips and doesn’t punish riders for transferring. Passes offered
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should work across all transit agencies, and be made available to individuals, employers, and schools to promote transit use. #5: Connect effortlessly with other sustainable transportation A person’s journey does not end when they get off a bus or exit a station. Excellent pedestrian, bicycle, and other pollution-free transportation options should seamlessly connect public transit to communities and destinations, supporting door-to-door trips that don’t require a car. #6: Plan communities and transportation together High quality public transit should be at the heart of communities across the Bay Area. Transportation should be closely aligned with our region’s land use, promoting a connected network of transit-oriented, walkable communities that expands access to affordable housing and job opportunities, while reducing car travel and greenhouse gas emissions.
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#7: Prioritize reforms to create a seamless network A regionally integrated, world-class transit system won’t happen on its own -- it will take leadership, unprecedented levels of cooperation, and changes to existing local, regional, and state policies. The cities, counties, public transit agencies, regional authorities, business leaders, advocacy groups and elected representatives of the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California “megaregion” must prioritize the broad public interest and urgently work together collaboratively to advance critical reforms. Our future depends on it!