D avid Fobroy, a leader at St. Mary’s Center was beaming. Surrounded by 150 people, primarily leaders in the field of mental health in Alameda County, David’s contribution to the field was unique. Struggling with mental illness all of his life, David has become a voice for the mentally ill speaking at conferences for practitioners and speaking out about the stigma and the cracks in the social

system. Because of his leadership, David was recognized at the Mental Health Association’s Annual Dinner for using his journey to help others. The Association also honored: boona cheema of B.O.S.S. (Building Opportunities for Self Sufficiency) and Janet King of the Native American Health Center.

St. Mary’s Center seniors, staff and volunteers attended the event to celebrate David’s honor. Remembering his days of homelessness, being cycled in and out of John George Mental Hospital and his three years in a mental hospital, he wished his friends from then could see him now.

Relishing in his new life as leader with the Senior Advocates for Hope and Justice, David and others worked tirelessly for the passage of Proposition 63 – the Mental Health Services Act. On accepting the award he remarked, “Thank you for helping to pass Proposition 63 – think of all of the children and seniors that will be helped because of it. I am a lucky one.”

David recalled the days when he was “51/50”. “I am goofy without medications. Now I am rationale but before I would have an outburst, the police would be called, then an ambulance. They would take me to John George where I would wait three hours to see a psychiatrist, and then get a sandwich and bus ticket at 3 in the morning to go back to the streets.”

David’s life started to change when he came to St. Mary’s Center’s Winter Shelter seven years ago. Homeless and worn from the weather and his mental illness, David was a product of a system with severe cracks. St. Mary’s Center was a last resort.

David got housing, help with money management and a chance to see a psychiatrist. He knows the medications make a world of difference for him. He is happy, stable and generous in spirit. “He thinks of others and what he can do to make things better”, notes Executive Director Carol Johnson.

David can’t believe how his life has changed. He wonders, “Maybe there is a spirit of St. Mary’s. It seems like it. Even after we get help, we are still welcomed. Carol (Executive Director) calls it holistic. I call it marvelous.”

The spirit David feels is the positive energy where the one helped becomes the leader or mentor for another. Rejuvenated, seniors extend themselves to help de-stigmatize mental illness, talk with legislators about the needs of people on limited income, and work with AC Transit to not raise fares on the elderly and students.

David’s honor helps to exemplify the role St. Mary’s Center plays all across the Bay Area and state. The very voice often silenced is the one that helps us see what is possible.

A Leader Among UsSt. Mary’s Center Quarterly Newsletter Winter 2010

Wish listKitchen ~ Soup bowls, forks & spoonsShelter ~ Blankets

Offices – flat screen monitors

For Seniors ~ • Drivers to provide transportation for weekly grocery shopping • Wii – a Nintendo system that is interactive and plays on the TV. Also the Wii software game - Fit Plus to engage seniors in exercise.

If you can donate an item or your time, please call Amy Vaughan to make arrangements. You can reach her at (510) 923-9600 x 222.

The Difference YOU Make

Honoree Father Michael Norkett with friends at the Gala

Senior Artist Leon Kennedy

St. Mary’s Center children and seniors experience a strong dose of love from people, churches and businesses throughout the community. Here’s a glimpse of some of the kindnesses shared since our last newsletter.

•Our36thAnniversaryGalawasaHUGEsuccess. Youcouldfeel the spirit of an organization that brings together a community to raise awareness, money and a good time. Netting $80,820, the event is a critical fundraiser providing needed support for our programs. A special thank you to all of our sponsors: Cornell Maier, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Harold De Luca, Katherine Gleason Foundation, Tom & Norine Seeno, The Clorox Company, The Hofmann’s, Cathy & Jim Fisher, Bob Gaddini, Dick Gilpin, Joseph & Mary Hester, Glenn & Gaby Isaacson, Anh-Tuyet Nguyen, and St. Paschal Baylon Church. We are also most grateful to the businesses that supported the event, our Senior Artists who displayed their work during the raffle and silent auction, Artessa Winery for sharing their delicious wines and all of YOU for making the evening a success!

•Cornell Maier, long time civic leader, philanthropist and volunteer got acquainted with St. Mary’s Center during our capital campaign. Asking lots of questions and showing great regard for those served by the program, Cornell wanted to find ways to help. A generous donor, he also wanted to touch the lives of the seniors ~ especially at Thanksgiving. For the last two years, Cornell has given seniors warm sweatshirts especially created for St. Mary’s Center.

•Celebratingtheseasonat thePreschool includedavisit fromSanta (aka Reese Craighead, case worker in the Senior Homeless Program) and his “helper” Earlene Dutton (long time volunteer and donor) who gave each child a wrapped gift compliments of Elf Earlene. Also, retired workers known as AT&T Pioneers, Alameda County Council, made stockings for each preschool child stuffed with goodiesandUnitedAirlinesdonated3hugeboxeswithgamesandtoys. Special thanks for making the spirit bright!

•At St. Mary’s Center, traditions many of us take for grantedare organized by our thoughtful supporters for the homeless and isolated seniors served by the program. On December 20th - St. Agnes Church touched the lives of 125 seniors with a three course Turkey dinner, Christmas carols from the choir, and a visit from Santa (aka parishioner Bill Hammer) handing out $25 gift cards to Sears. This great afternoon of hospitality was given compliments of 200 parishioners at St. Agnes Church.

•ThisyeartheVan Hoomissen family gave a different type of Christmas Gift. Wanting to honor the legacy of John Van Hoomissen

~ their father and husband ~ the family decided to give to St. Mary’s Center in his honor. John was a tireless volunteer, Board member and generous donor to the Center for many years. For John, the seniors and children served by the program were the gospel story made relevant. When John died last year, his family committed to keeping his honor and example alive – each giving a gift to St. Mary’s Center this Christmas. No doubt, John is beaming as their gifts provided over $4,000 in donations for those very close to his heart.

•MembersofSt. Bonaventure and St. Joan of Arc helped light up the eyes of 230 seniors with useful and beautiful gifts. Each year the two parishes put together gift options so that seniors get something they need. Kim Marsh of Outreach and Advocacy coordinates the effort. Case workers, aware of the needs of the clients, help determine the gift that would be most appreciated. This year options included: a sweat suit, flannel shirt, rain gear and umbrella, lap blanket and tote bag. These lovely gifts are wrapped and give seniors one more way to know that people care about them.

Writers:Lydia Gans, Paige Hustead, Amy Vaughan,Katrina Brekke-Miesner

Photos:Tom Lowe, Sister Mina Gaskell, Lorita Riga, Sister Mary Nolan, Melvin Tolliver

Editor: Katrina Brekke-Miesner

Layout/Design: Innovative ImagesNew

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A Standing Ovation for Sister Marilyn Medau

A Ray of Sunshine

Sister Marilyn Medau, head of the Food for All Ages program, recently received a standing ovation from the warehouse workers, staff and Board of Directors of the Alameda County Community Food Bank. This diverse cheering group recognized the contribution of a woman who pays close attention to the needs of people and finds ways to address them.

The tribute from the Food Bank recognized the commitment of Sister Marilyn as a board member for the last nine years. Sister notes, “What do they say about success – 92% of it is just showing up.” While the quip holds some truth, those that know Marilyn see something much more.

Some would say she wore the hat of the poor in the board room, compelled to shed light on their needs. Beth Sawi, a fellow board member, once commented, “As we looked for ways to get more fruits and vegetables to people in need of good nutrition, Sister Marilyn cautioned – make it oranges rather than apples – they are easier to eat for seniors.” Beth remarked how the practical comment opened her eyes to the detail.

As an agency representative on the Alameda County Food Bank Board, Sister became friends with corporate representatives also serving on the board. Sister also shopped the food bank warehouse for food each week and participated

in the educational and advocacy campaigns that shed light on the need for healthy, nutritious food. Acknowledging her involvement with each piece of the Food Bank organization, everyone in the room rose to their feet. The award reminds Sister Marilyn of the ovation - “It is a memory I will cherish.”

“S he has changed

the spirit of the house – she makes it a home”, remarked Curtiss Blocker, manager of the Closer to Home Transitional House. Sister Mary notes she is a “ray of sunshine.”

Curtis and Mary are talking about Brenda, a woman who left Texas after having a severe stroke

and her daughter threatened to put her in a nursing home. Fiercely independent, Brenda wanted nothing of it. Focused on her abilities and inner strength – she knew she had to leave.

Brenda landed in Oakland in August, 2009. Living when she could in motels yet often on the streets, Brenda’s vulnerability was clear. Without the use of her right side and with expressive aphasia (difficulty speaking) she was referred to St. Mary’s by Alameda County Healthcare for the Homeless.

Three weeks away from her 55th birthday, Center staff made an exception for Brenda when the shelter opened in December. Sister Mary notes, “From the beginning she did not want to be treated special. She would accept help in putting up her cot in the shelter – but did all of her chores – adding a joy that is easy to feel.”

When a vacancy opened up in “Closer to Home” (St. Mary’s transitional house) Brenda jumped at the opportunity. Curtis has noticed how her desire to cook is the impetus for

10 year Anniversaryof Senior Advocates

the guys lending a hand in the kitchen too. And as a result of the teamwork, the seniors often eat their evening meal together.

Brenda’s spirit is testament to the opportunity we each have to make a difference. While some may simply see a woman with a leg brace and unable to speak clearly – St. Mary’s sees a woman full of courage and spirit that teaches us not to give up. Her sense of joy each day is our ray of sunshine.

On March 25th from 10:30am - 1pm, we will honor the 10th Anniversary of the Senior Advocates for Hope and Justice. There will be a chance to hear from Meizhu Lui author of The Color of Wealth, a most informative and provocative book. Join Us for lunch too! RSVP to Amy Vaughn at (510) 923-9600 x 222. All our welcome!

Understanding Issues and Response • D arlene Thomas, St. Mary’s Center senior, remembers when she first saw Dr. Martin at theCenter.Hesaid,“YouknowMs.Thomasyouaredepressed.”Andsheanswered,“Youwouldbe too if you lived in a shelter.”

•When Volunteer Edna Pucci was asked why she helps with the grocery bag program each month, takes seniors shopping each week and donates to keep the program going, she is matter of fact. “People can’t take all the groceries on the bus, this way they can get better prices. When I think of “Love thy neighbor – I consider the poor my neighbor. And at St. Mary’s, they become my friends. When I give my time and money, I know it is well spent.”

•Women In Red – an a cappella group of moms asked that in lieu of tickets for their Winter Concert, people bring non-perishable foods for St. Mary’s Center instead. Selena Spain, a mom in the group and donor to St. Mary’s made the connection and delivered the goods to help to supplement groceries to seniors and families. The singing was great too!

•When Diane Sickman of the Women’s Business Exchange read that the Preschool wanted healthy snacks, she brought it to the attention of her business group. They decided to donate Cheerios and delivered more than 50 boxes! A store manager grew concerned when he saw one member purchasing his whole supply. When hearing the reason he gave a discount! Many thanks for this community effort and all of the ones that help us serve children and seniors.

•When Carl Burton,astudentatCaliforniaStateUniversityatSacramentoneededaprojectfor community service, his mom mentioned St. Mary’s Center. The day before Executive Director Carol Johnson got his call, she was thinking that raised garden beds with vines would help soften the fence around the Closer to Home Transitional House. When she asked him whether he could build the boxes he jumped at the chance. Johnson notes, “In the spring we will plant colorful vines so our seniors will see a different type of passion flower” Thanks Carl for helping with this needed improvement!

Thank You

Welcome Claremont Middle School Make & Serve Sunday Dinner

M onday lunches at St. Mary’s Community Center will see some new faces! Another school has stepped forward to help set the tables, serve our seniors, and clean up after lunch. In addition to our long time partners Park Day, Corpus Christi, and Holy Names, we also welcome Claremont Middle School.

Claremont organized a food drive for St. Mary’s Center, and in December two teachers; Ms. Chalk and Ms. James, delivered a car load of dried and canned goods for our families and seniors. Several schools and community groups did this in December, but the interesting thing about this particular effort is that 78% of the students attending Claremont receive free-and-reduced lunch. Aware that things can be tight – economically speaking - was impetus for their generosity.

This initial food drive also helped to plant the seeds for additional support. Seven Claremont students from the Special Day Program (a program for students with disabilities), and their teachers walked, rode BART, and then transferred to the #72 bus line to get to us. And boy did the seniors respond!

Our seniors were tender, engaging, and even sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to a very shy, 12 year old girl named Monet. Monet was asked if she wanted to have the seniors sing to her, and Rashan, one of the visiting students, loudly encouraged her to, “Just say yes!”

And when Monet whispered, “Yes” our seniors, thekitchen staff, and all the students cheered! A good lesson for all of us, to just say “yes.”

By Amy Vaughan

A few openings are available for people wanting to make a Sunday noon-time meal. If you want more information, call Sister Marilyn at (510) 923-9600 x 220. We are most grateful to all of the families, businesses, church groups, community organizations and firefighters who help with Shelter and Sunday dinners. Pictured here – Sister Marilyn with Oakland Firefighters Derek Hogerheide (right) and Nate Brownlow.

Special Thanks to All of the Young People ~

A Memorial for All Who Died Alone and Homeless by Lydia Gans

(Excerpts re-printed with permission from Street Spirit)

The cold winter days and nights are particularly hard for people who are homeless, and this seasonal suffering strikes the elderly with special force.

St. Mary’s Center in Oakland provides shelter and services for seniors, and has long been active in the battle to end homelessness. Along with feeding and sheltering the homeless poor every day, workers at St. Mary’s Center continue to remind the politicians of theUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights, adopted by the UnitedNations General Assembly in 1948, which declares that every human being is endowed with basic rights, including the economic rights to decent housing and medical care. And they remind us of the human beings in our own community, especially the impoverished elders, who died, alone and homeless, on our city streets this past year.

In a memorial service held at St. Mary’s Center on December 10, they gathered in a quiet, contemplative ceremony to reflect on the personal tragedies and illnesses that ended in

premature deaths for homeless people in the East Bay. It was an occasion for remembering and honoring their lives and recommitting the community to the struggle against homelessness. About 60 people participated, seated in a large circle, with a table at the center with votive candles that would be lit later in the ceremony.

To the background of rhythmic drumming, St. Mary’s Executive Director Carol Johnson noted that December 10 is the anniversary of theUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights. Movingly, she spoke of seniors in the St. Mary’s community who died as a result of being deprived of those basic human rights. Singer Latanya Wolf asked the participants to join her in singing “Remember Me, Oh Lord.”

St. Mary’s staff member Susan Werner then invited people to come to the table and light a candle and

speak a few words for someone they wished to remember. Many people were moved to do so. A man recalled a longtime friend: “We slept together on the street....” Another man spoke of a “brother died alone of his addiction,” while another was proud of his buddy who fought his addiction and “was sober to the end.”

Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson said that attending the memorial “felt like being in church” and he pointed out that Jesus was homeless. Carson took the opportunity to talk about his new website, “the Terminator Tour,” where he will post videos, photos and stories of people affected by the budget cuts, telling their stories, and offering the opportunity to send a message that hopefully will move the governor and the legislators to compassion. (See www.TerminatorTourCa.org)

Shirley Cheney, a caseworker at St. Mary’s Center added, “Remember, homelessness is attached also to health care - the lack of health care. We have these two issues, looming issues. People are dying for lack of health care, lack of a place to be. Imagine being out in this cold. It’s just inconceivable that a country as rich as ours lets this happen without lending a hand, lending a heart.”

Third graders at Park Day School, the special day class at Claremont, the 5th grade at Corpus Christi and a group from St. Mary’s High in Berkeley bring new life to the Center. Pictured are Park Day students drawing placemats for the lunchtime meal. Next week the high school students will help organize the garage and do weeding in the inner courtyard. Last year over 560 people were part of our extended hands – working as volunteers to help support our mission. Thank you to each and every one of you!

P lay is not a word we hear much in educational circles these days but it is a big one at St. Mary’s Center Preschool! Thanks to a grant from the Childcare Facilities Fund, the Preschool will be able to make needed improvements to the play yard.

When renovations were made to the inside of the Preschool in 2006, there was not enough money to tackle the outside. Last year, the California State Licensing Board asked that the climbing structure be removed as it did not meet code. That was the impetus for the grant request.

Preschool Director Lorita Riga explains, “Our philosophy really focuses on the advantage play provides in learning. Outdoor play – swinging as high as you can go, playing with water and sand, chasing birds and climbing - ignites a child’s sense of curiosity. The children see it as fun; we see it

as a chance to help with large and small motor development, and learn about the environment, risk taking and learning to share.”

Aware of the many issues faced by the 42 children enrolled in the Preschool is reason these improvements are so important. Riga notes, “Many live in cramped apartments and

neighborhoods of violence, so children are relegated to playing inside most of the time. We know obesity and poor nutrition are other issues on the rise; the bike path and climbing structure will give the exercise they need and garden beds give us a hands on way to teach about nutrition.”

The project began in February and includes a bike path, new play structure, building a shade structure that in affect creates an outdoor classroom and raised beds for planting vegetables and trees.

John Manchip, Park and Playground Designer will work with his son and daughter to make the improvements. This sketch by John’s daughter Tiffany

will be a colorful mural to help capture the imagination of the 3 -5 year olds! We are most grateful for the personal attention and excitement about this project.

Our funder, the Childcare Facilities Fund, connected us to City Slicker Farms, a nonprofit organization in West Oakland, working to address food

insecurity by planting high yield urban farms. Working with local residents, the nonprofit is aware of the severe health issues facing residents and the lack of grocery stores with fresh produce. With unobstructed sun in the Preschool yard, the yard is a perfect place for raised garden beds. City Slickers will provide compost, soil, irrigation system, seeds and plants and work with the children to be young farmers.

While the grant will pay for the improvements mentioned, an additional $2,800 is needed to purchase durable and safe tricycles, and storage shed. If you are able to help with these expenses please use the enclosed envelope and note “Preschool” on check.

New Play yard for Preschoolers!

“Homelessness Ends with a Home: House Keys not Hand Cuffs” S enior Advocates for Hope and Justice joined others from Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, and Berkeley at the Federal Building in San Francisco on January 20, 2010 to rally for affordable housing. The group asked the Obama administration to restoreHUDfundingtothelevelitwasin1978($83billionannually).In 2009, the budget was a mere $38.5 billion. Advocates also asked for a moratorium on the demolition of any publicly funded units until the federal law can guarantee a replacement unit at existing affordable rates.

The rally called attention to how eliminating programs: criminalize the homeless, poor, people of color, and disabled members of our community, and affect a child’s ability to have access to equal educational opportunities when they are homeless. The unity of people across race was evident as protesters also asked that all questions relating to a person’s immigration status cease when he or she is applying for healthcare, emergency shelter, and other services. There will be a Congressional Briefing as a follow-up to this event.

General Assistance Cutbacks of Historic Severityby Paige Hustead – St. Mary’ Center Jesuit Volunteer (Excerpts re-printed with permission from Street Spirit)

A t a time when resources are tight, funding is low, and poverty and homelessness are rising in the East Bay, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors has voted in favor of extreme cuts to General Assistance (GA) grants. StartingonNewYear’sDay,avarietyofbudgetcutswillleave many GA recipients, who are already some of the most impoverished residents in the county, with fewer resources than ever.

Beginning on January 1, 2010, GA recipients who are deemed “employable” can only receive benefits for three months out of a twelve-month calendar. There is no clear definition for what “employable” actually means. County officials define “employable” as meaning adults under the age of 64 who are able to hold down jobs. This definition is so loose, it could be used to impose three-month time limits on more than half of the estimated 10,000 people who receive GA in Alameda County.

In addition to the three-month time limits, the following reductions could take place: up to an $84 monthly reduction if the recipient lives with a roommate; up to $40 if the recipient does not receive Medi-Cal benefits; and up to $231 if the recipient is unable to attain a signed W-4 from his or her landlord.

The grant may also be reduced by $231 if the recipient’s rent exceeds the amount of the GA grant, set at $336 per month. Basically, Alameda County officials are concluding that if one’s rent is more than $336, he or she must be tapping into other resources to survive and is no longer entitled to the full GA amount. A representative from Bay Area Legal Aid remarked, “This is called Assumption of Fraud - and it’s illegal.” Bay Area Legal Aid and attorneys from East Bay Community Law Center are building a case that outlines the illegalities of this cut.

The General Assistance program is of critical importance for those who are trying to stay afloat. Thousands of people receive public assistance each year in Alameda County alone, including seniors, the disabled, victims of domestic violence, single parents, and transition-age youth.

Often, when the Board of Supervisors is ready to vote on cuts, the recipients and advocates for the General Assistance are not showing up. For example, when the Board of Supervisors held an open forum to discuss the closure of a local animal shelter, there was a full house of protesters. People packed the seats and stood in the aisles, eager to speak up on behalf of the beloved animals and not content to sit back while the shelter was closed down.

Needless to say, the supervisors voted to keep the shelter open, and the animals were saved. The next night there was a meeting about the GA cuts, and less than a dozen people were present - and the cuts were not revoked.

Seniors Advocates for Hope & Justice join with others to protest cuts to General Assistance on New Years Eve.

• An African American boy born in 2001 has a 1 in 3 chance of going to prison in his lifetime. Children’s Defense Fund

• More seniors live in poverty in Oakland than any other urban area in California. Census Report

• Residents in West Oakland can expect to die more than a decade before residents of the Oakland hills. One underlying reason is respiratory disease, most notably asthma. Dr. Anthony Iton, former Director of Alameda County Public Health Dept.

• Health problems that exist quietly at other income levels - alcoholism, mental illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, physical disabilities - are prominent on the streets. National Healthcare for the Homeless Council

• Medical problems and bills are a leading cause of personal bankruptcy. Health Access

• There are 3.5 million people in our country who are homeless, 33% of them are veterans.

Working for Change ~ St. Mary’s Center is at the epicenter of need. Most seniors served by the Center face a multitude of issues, live in areas where violence is prevalent, have no family support and are extremely low income. Many are veterans.

While lives are complicated, the human spirit is resilient. We are grateful for your support, aware that we need to be vigilant in helping elected leaders see the humanity of all people. Thank you for all of the ways you support our work, especially given these very difficult times. F

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Jack is Back on His Feet ~ Literally!

Jack, age 61, came to the shelter at St. Mary’s Center in March of 2009. Referred by the Chinese Cultural Center, Jack’s work ethic could not be sustained as severe varicose veins in both of his legs limited his ability to stand. As a result, Jack lost his job at the Chinese

restaurant and without money for rent – he also lost his place to live.

Staff at St. Mary’s Center started to piece Jack’s life back together. Helping him to apply for benefits – General Assistance and Food Stamps – were only stop gap measures. Jack is a worker – wanting to get back into a job at a restaurant.

Getting his healthcare through Asian Health Services, he was referred to Highland Hospital for surgery on his varicose veins. They deemed it “elective surgery” and the wait was a year.

Keenly aware of community resources, St. Mary’s

staff referred Jack to The Malta Health Clinic at the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Working with a coalition of hospitals providing pro bono work for low income people, the Clinic called on “Operation Access”, to see if Jack might qualify.

By the time word came that Kaiser Hospital would perform the surgery on the most severe leg, Jack had moved from the Winter Shelter into our transitional house - “Closer to Home” where he could get bed rest after the surgery.

A couple of months later, California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco called to make arrangements for surgery on his other leg. Both surgeries have been very effective, so much so that his case worker at St. Mary’s signed him up for Senior Assets, a federally subsidized work program for seniors re-entering the job market.

Jack is back on his feet – literally. Working for a Children’s Day Program doing food prep, he is anxious to get back to his love – working in a Chinese restaurant. And it appears he is well on his way. Now applying for affordable housing at the Oaks Hotel (a residential hotel for low income people), Jack is overwhelmed and grateful for all of the help he has gotten since his life began to fall apart. Jack is happy to share his story, though reluctant when it comes to public speaking. “I would do anything for St. Mary’s Center. I am happy to be back in the kitchen!”

SAVE THE DATESaturday, October 16, 2010for St. Mary’s Center Gala

Spreading the Word about St. Mary’s Center Do you think of people who might be interested to learn more about St. Mary’s Center? Here’s a couple of ways to help you connect them to the organization.

- Tell them what impresses you about St. Mary’s Center. If you know a story – tell it – maybe someone you have read about who has been helped.

- Direct them to the website to learn more ~ www.stmaryscenter.org. Our Annual Report – Thank You for Seeing Me is there and it gives a good overview of the programs, what was accomplished last year and our end of fiscal year financials.

- Invite them for a tour of the Center. We are happy to be your guide ~ just call Amy to make the arrangement (510) 923-9600 x 222.