Coronavirus
Heroes
A salute to people on the front lines of America’s battle with COVID-19
TM
TM
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
JUNE 2020 2
CORONAVIRUSHEROES
C O N T E N T S
PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen
NURSES OF EMANUEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
EDITOR Kristina Hacker
EMC’S INFECTION CONTROL TEAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George
HOSPITAL SUPPORT STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 THE FRONT LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 LAW ENFORCEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 KEEPING AMERICA STOCKED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 COST LESS FOOD COMPANY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 MANUFACTURING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 TURLOCK IRRIGATION DISTRICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 COMMUNITY DONATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
DESIGNER Sharon R. Hoffman WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Angelina Martin • Sabra Stafford • Frankie Tovar SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro • Beth Flanagan • Rich Matheson • Karen Olsen Corey Rogers • Melody Wann • Charles Webber
To advertise in the next insert, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380
©Copyright 2016. Senior Living All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Senior Living is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Senior Living are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Senior Living management or owner. Senior Living assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.
You Can Count on Us In these unprecedented times, you can count on Bank of Stockton. We have survived
depressions, recessions, economic downturns and uncertainties throughout our 153 year history, and while new challenges occur, you can always count on us as a source of strength and stability for your banking needs. We’ve helped generations of families and businesses through good times and tough times, and are here for you. Together, we will weather this storm and continue to “Withstand the Test of Time.”
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Our newest heroes “Hero� is one of those words that immediately brings an image to mind. For many it is someone in a cape and mask battling villains from our childhood comics and cartoons. For some it is the soldier who is always ready to defend their country and put their life on the line for liberty. No matter the specific imagery, a hero is often seen as a warrior ready to fight and defend. The coronavirus pandemic has caused changes in all areas of life over the past several months, including our collective image of what is a hero. While most were asked to stay home for the betterment of the community as a whole, many were tasked with keeping society running and putting their personal health concerns aside to help others.
KRISTINA HACKER EDITOR Those who continued to go to work every day, whether it was to make sure the rest of society would have enough to eat or keeping the lights on and water running to fields or those tasked with saving the lives of community members battling the new virus, a new kind of hero has emerged. This special section pays tribute to society’s newest heroes. Please take a moment to recognize their service and the businesses and organizations that support them.
As a community-owned, public utility TID wants our customers to know they can continue to depend on us to provide the essential services of safe and reliable power and irrigation water. Together with our community, We Are TID. JUNE 2020 4
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CORONAVIRUS HEROES | NURSES OF EMANUEL
Nurses go above and beyond during pandemic BY SABRA STAFFORD
The nursing staff of the Critical Care Unit, Progressive Care Unit and Medical Telemetry Unit at Emanuel Medical Center have been on the frontlines in the fight against coronavirus and caring for the community. And often these units had to go do their jobs without always knowing the risk it could pose to their own health and that of their loved ones. “Our teams work incredibly hard to keep our patients, our staff, and our community safe,” said Alise Angeles, RN, Nursing Director for Critical Care Unit, Progressive Care Unit and Medical Telemetry Unit. “The healthcare team members assigned to the patients with COVID-19 know that they are caring for patients with a virus that is still revealing itself to the world.” The work of these nurses extends beyond the realm of medicine. Because COVID-19 patients had to be kept in isolation, it fell upon these nurses to serve as a connection to loved ones. “The importance of making a connection with their patient for the healthcare team while wearing the PPE is challenging,” Angeles said. “The nurses share the importance of knowing their patient’s story and being the best support to the patient who is not only in isolation for safety, but feeling isolated. It takes looking at it from our patient’s perspective. The value of taking the time to make eye contact and express encouragement is important.”
At the height of cases in Stanislaus County, the needs these nurses were meeting seemed unending and their dedication has not gone unnoticed by their healthcare colleagues. “Everyone is stepping up and going beyond every day in this COVID- 19 crisis,” Angeles said. “The teams’ dedication to make sure that the patients are safe, the team members are safe, and the community is safe is nothing short of extraordinary. The responsiveness of the healthcare team when there is a need is amazing to see during this time when we continue to learn more about COVID-19. It touches your heart when you see the team rise up to care with compassion and dedication every day.” And in return, the units have greatly benefited from the support of the entire hospital. “We knew that this pandemic would be touching our lives and it was amazing how everyone on the healthcare team jumped in to prepare,” Angeles said. “We have a COVID Task Force team that, multiple times a day, makes sure we all have the latest information for education on COVID-19, care of a patient with COVID-19, the PPE process and assessment of equipment needs.” “Our teams at Emanuel have truly gone above and beyond during these challenging times,” said Emanuel Medical Center CEO Lani Dickinson. “I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing work they’re doing for our patients,
JUNE 2020 6
community and each other. Our
sure we are providing safe care for
employees have really stepped up and
everyone who walks through our
shown their commitment to making
doors.”
CORONAVIRUSHEROES
CORONAVIRUS HEROES | EMC’S INFECTION CONTROL TEAM
Infection control team keeps Emanuel vigilant
BY SABRA STAFFORD During "normal" times it falls upon this has made us all stronger. We the shoulders of an Infection Control continuously update our leadership and Team to make sure that all measures are staff to help calm any nerves and remind taken to keep any infectious outbreaks everyone that staying focused on from occurring in a hospital. When the infection control practices will help keep time happens to be in a pandemic, that our patients and employees safe." responsibility is raised to an The day to day responsibilities of the unimaginable height. Infection Control Team at EMC during "Having the pandemic is much more the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is stressful than just our regular day to day daunting. The team is made up of one normal shift," said Mhaiki Balais, RN, infectious disease physician, two BSN, MSN, Infection Control infection control nurses and five Preventionist at Emanuel Medical Center. navigators. "But the height of this pandemic made us "We are faced with multiple and extra realize despite the busy day and night challenging tasks on a daily basis," Balais that having an organized process works said. really well to help ease stress levels and The team is tasked with checking on keep things calm. It’s normal to have the hospital staff caring for COVID-19 stress and uncertainty when facing and non-COVID patients alike, to make something like this. We continue to have sure all protocols and procedures are discussions on our reporting and followed and ensuring everyone has the processes, as the CDC guidance proper equipment to do their jobs safely. continues to change. But dealing with The two main priorities for the team
Thank you, heroes.
Lisc. #0596517
Turlock
209.667.0995
JUNE 2020 7
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Modesto Livingston 209.529.3480
209.394.7925
CORONAVIRUS HEROES | EMC’S INFECTION CONTROL TEAM - CONTINUED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
are the daily COVID reporting to keep the public health department updated and educating staff and the COVID-19 task force on guidelines to follow. "The implementation of processes and policies is fluid and can change at any time with CDC and Tenet guidelines," Balais said. The days leading up to the first few cases appearing in Stanislaus County were busy ones for the team as they tried to prepare the hospital and the staff for what was largely an unprecedented event. "We were vigilant in making sure we were ready to take on whatever came our way and being able to safely care for everyone who came through our doors, COVID and non-COVID patients," Balais said. "We were busy preparing materials and supplies, checklists, educating our teams and implementing processes so that we would be fully ready when those first positive cases came to our emergency department." For the Infection Control Team, the
implementation of a COVID-19 task force proved to be an invaluable asset. "I think the creation of the task force is the biggest thing that made it successful in taking care of COVID patients," Balais said. "The promptness of responses of our Infection Control team and Navigators for the hospital and staffing needs. We have been accessible and accommodating to all stressful situations and attending to the needs of all staff. Our team keeps up-to-date on all the minute-to-minute changes, and the flow and process of CDC and Tenet guidelines to make sure they are implemented at Emanuel." “Our teams at Emanuel have truly gone above and beyond during these challenging times. I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing work they’re doing for our patients, community and each other. Our employees have really stepped up and shown their commitment to making sure we are providing safe care for everyone who walks through our doors,” said Emanuel CEO Lani Dickinson.
JUNE 2020 8
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CORONAVIRUS HEROES | HOSPITAL SUPPORT STAFF
Hospital Support Staff
C
ritical workers are behind the scenes but on the front lines
Covenant Care Hospice is a non-profit, accredited, Medicare certified and faith-based organization. Our mission is to promote the well-being of individuals in their homes. Your tax-deductible contributions ensure that hospice care will continue for families, regardless of their ability to pay.
Janitors, technicians and food service staff are just a few examples of the people working behind the scenes of the coronavirus pandemic. Hospitals around the nation are staying functional and open in part because of these frequently overlooked groups of people.
CLEANING STAFF
Dusting, sweeping, mopping and changing out bed sheets are all normal duties of hospital janitorial personnel. However, with the outbreak of COVID19 in America, hospital maintenance and cleaning crews have had to step up their game. An important part of their job is sanitizing every surface in every room the staff visits, and these workers are rising to the occasion. Hospital housekeepers risk infection every time they walk into a patient’s room, whether that patient shows symptoms of the virus or not. Keeping a hospital clean and functional is no easy task and these professionals are keeping up with admirable persistence.
MAINTENANCE WORKERS
The technicians who keep respirators and other essential equipment functional are also indispensable. Machines that provide life-giving air to those suffering are in high demand, so the technicians who maintain them are of utmost importance. The workers who specialize in other systems in hospitals are also doing their part to fight this illness. They keep the lights on, the water running, the heaters and air conditioners functioning at their optimal levels and the hospital grounds up to a high standard.
TECHNICIANS AND THERAPISTS
While COVID-19 is showing up everywhere in America, there are patients who are in the hospital for other reasons.
LO V E F L I G H T A GIFT of LOVE Make a gift today and we will release a butterfly in honor of your loved one at our Heavenly Butterfly Release.
The Heavenly Butterfly Release Saturday, July 18 at 11 am OPEN TO THE PUBLIC • Calvary Baptist Church 700 E. Monte Vista Avenue • Turlock, California To make a donation, call (209) 664-2550.
Patients still need physical therapy, dialysis treatments, and other life-saving procedures. Technicians and therapists continue to carry out and perform invaluable services for their patients while risking exposure to the disease. While it's true elective procedures are on hold at many hospitals, there are many patients who benefit greatly from therapy services. The technicians and therapists who offer those treatments are still showing up every day and helping those who need it. They’re also playing a key role in making patients strong and capable enough to safely leave the hospital, making more beds available when they might be needed the most.
FOOD SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Most hospitals across America have shut down their public cafeterias. Preventing the spread of the coronavirus this way is very important by keeping people from congregating in public eating areas. However, hospital food services continue to feed and nourish patients under their care. Hospital patients need to eat, and someone has to prepare those meals. Food service in hospitals continues without a hitch, delivering meals to patients throughout the day. It's a mark of kindness and bravery on the part of all those who continue to provide nutritional meals and do so with a smile. Keeping the spirits up of those who fight off COVID-19 is a rare gift. JUNE 2020 9
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CORONAVIRUS HEROES | ON THE FRONT LINES
Emergency Medical Technicians
W
hile people working inside hospitals are clearly playing a heroic role, the first interaction many people have with the health care system happens in their own homes and offices.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are in the middle of it all, out in the community as a first line of defense against a potentially deadly virus.
CHANGING JOB
According to reports in the New York Times, first responders in New York City are playing different roles than their usual routine. Always a high-stress job with life-or-death consequences and tremendous time pressure, New York’s EMTs took on the added task of screening who should and shouldn’t go to the hospital in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic. Some callers even fake symptoms, or exaggerate their conditions, in hopes of getting better care, the newspaper reported. EMTs now have the uncomfortable role of telling some patients they shouldn’t go to the hospital.
RISKY CONDITIONS
While hospitals are known for having sterile, somewhat controlled environments for treating medical conditions, EMTs have to work in the real world. That means they’re dealing with unknown variables. In addition to working through all kinds of weather and fighting traffic to quickly get to patients, they have to be prepared for the possibility that every person they interact with could potentially be carrying the COVID-19 virus. They are also dealing with the same supply shortages as hospitals. Personal protective equipment is in high demand all around the globe, and EMTs are forced to make the best of a less-than-ideal situation in many cases.
HAZARD PAY?
United States Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has suggested that coronavirus first-responders deserve hazard pay because of the extraordinary conditions they are work-
ing through during the pandemic. According to EMS1.com, which covers the emergency medical industry, the idea gets a mixed reaction among medical employees. “Many say the pay isn’t necessary, arguing, ‘we knew what we signed up for when we climbed onto the rig,’ while others note the extraordinary circumstances, contending, ‘while the job of paramedics and first responders has its inherent risks, the COVID-19 pandemic is outside the scope of everyday risks,’” an editor’s note reads.
DISPATCHERS
While they are not physically on the front lines fighting the coronavirus, the dispatchers who take emergency calls and communicate with first responders are no less impacted during the pandemic. Calls for emergency services are reaching record levels in many areas. The same calls for regular emergencies continue to come in from car wrecks, heart attacks and other health problems, and the coronavirus only compounds an already stressful job. The safety of first responders also rests on how well dispatchers communicate. They have to gauge whether a patient has coronavirus symptoms so EMTs can arrive with the right protective equipment. Not only that, but they have to relay accurate information about addresses and other details that can save lives when time is at a premium.
CELEBRATE JUNE DAIRY MONTH Thank YOU to ALL #Essential Agriculture Employees
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CORONAVIRUS HEROES | LAW ENFORCEMENT
L
Law enforcement officers
aw enforcement workers have some of the toughest jobs in America any time, but the difficulties and potential dangers of police work have only gotten more complex in the current pandemic. Law enforcement authorities have taken on a
major role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Police officers have been under pressure to make sure shelter-in-place laws are being followed while still maintaining good relations with the community. This means most officers are going to be face-toface with multiple people in one day who may or may not be carriers of the virus. Despite the importance of a police officer’s job, they largely don’t have many extra precautions they can take to protect themselves from catching a virus. In fact, the only defense they have is washing their hands, avoiding touching their face, and keeping a distance of six feet from other people, just like the rest of the population is advised to do. And due to the nature of their job, sometimes they have to be much closer to people than they would like. This cannot be said enough: police officers are on the front lines, risking their lives, to protect other United States citizens. They are at risk of getting sick, just like everyone else, but they put others before themselves in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus and keep their communities safe. The coronavirus is new territory for everyone, but at least doctors and nurses are well-informed on the behavior of the virus. Police officers and other law enforcement workers aren’t typically medical experts. Most of them are having to take this situation one step at a time, and they don’t have the luxury of staying home and avoiding contact with others.
ROLE CHANGING Much like every other profession in America has adapted, law enforcement has changed its operations to better suit these trying times. Some departments are focusing on breaking up small gatherings that pose health risks. Others are changing the way they respond to typical service calls to minimize the risk of getting or spreading infections. According to a CNN report, many police departments are closing their front desks to avoid spreading germs in public places. Some, such as the Syracuse Police Department in New York, have said they will not respond in person to non-urgent calls. Others are encouraging people to report criminal JUNE 2020 11
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incidents via online portals. The Arlington County Police Department in Virginia, for example, is encouraging citizens to use its online reporting system for non-violent incidents such as theft, credit card fraud, vandalism or vehicle tampering, according to the CNN report.
STILL SERVING Even in a pandemic, though, police officers are responding in a way that keeps communities safe and orderly. If a crime requires an immediate response, or citizens are in danger of imminent harm, it’s America’s brave and often under-appreciated police officers who will show up, ready to help, as always.
CORONAVIRUS HEROES | KEEPING AMERICA STOCKED
Grocery and Delivery Workers
A
mong those who are doing their part to keep the economy and Americans afloat are grocers, delivery people, pharmacists and long haul truck drivers. Not only do individuals need these people, but the economy does, too. GROCERS
DELIVERY PEOPLE
Grocery stores have seen unprecedented floods of people coming in to buy essential items to tide them over during mandatory stay-at-home orders or true quarantine. They also deal with attempted hoarders who try to buy more than their fair share of items in high demand. Many grocery retailers have decided to close earlier to help keep shelves stocked for the next day's influx of purchasers. Checkers, stockers, custodians and managerial staff have to face a nervous clientele each and every day and still manage to do so with a positive attitude. Grocery workers’ dedication to keeping their shelves stocked and customers safe makes them heroes of the coronavirus pandemic.
UberEats, DoorDash, Favor, and grocery-store specific deliverers are just a few examples of the workers who are supplying needed items to the home-bound. Special care is being utilized by many of these services to keep goods contaminant-free. They’re also playing a key role in keeping small businesses afloat, including many restaurants that are only offering delivery and takeout services. Many people who can eat at home are ordering in to help keep their favorite restaurants in business during this extremely unusual time when dining rooms are closed and the option to eat out is impossible. Many of us have that favorite restaurant where the ambiance is perfect, the wait staff is wonderful, and we make some of our happiest memories. Delivery people allow consumers to help out in the only way they can to keep those businesses operational during this difficult time.
TRUCK DRIVERS
Toilet paper, medical supplies, groceries and pet supplies are just a few of the items that are brought to Americans by truck drivers. There are so many things long-haul and local drivers deliver that are necessary during this pandemic. Truck drivers are making things happen, one drive at a time. People on social media are recognizing how vital this industry is. There's even been a call for a national longhaul truck driver holiday on Oct. 4, which references the famous radio call "10-4, good buddy." We owe much to these men and women who keep our grocery stores shelves stocked and our medical personnel supplied with their protective gear.
PHARMACISTS
Where would we be if pharmacies shut down? Nowhere good. Maintaining the necessary medicines Americans need is one of the most important jobs during a pandemic. Pharmacies and their staff are supplying people with their medications throughout this outbreak and deserve much praise. Pharmacists are also helping to advise those who are suffering with symptoms to know how best to stay safe at home and when to call their physician or go to the emergency department.
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OUR HERO’S!
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LOCATIONS In TURLOCK And MODESTO!
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CORONAVIRUS HEROES | COST LESS FOOD COMPANY
Cost Less keeps community safe while shopping BY ANGELINA MARTIN Essential workers in grocery stores throughout the nation are being recognized for their service to the public during the coronavirus pandemic, and locally, Turlock’s Cost Less Food manager Oscar Avila is feeling the love. “I’m surprised, but a lot of our customers are thanking us for being out here,” Avila said. “We’re out here every day with the people talking to them one-onone. I think customers appreciate us more than before because we’re basically their food source. Without us and without grocery stores, they wouldn’t have a place to buy food.” On average, 1,200 customers and their families pass through Cost Less each day. To help keep those customers safe and fed, there’s an enormous amount of
KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal
Cost Less employee Cecelia Gutierrez wipes down shopping carts as part of a new storewide cleaning policy.
pressure to keep shelves stocked and surfaces clean. While Avila has hired a cart cleaning service to spray down shopping carts with alcohol and water at the end of every day, employees armed with antibacterial wipes are also responsible for keeping carts clean throughout the day in between washes. Every night, the store also closes early at 8 p.m. so that employees can disinfect the entire store and make sure the empty shelves are refilled with food.
All employees wear masks and those handling merchandise or food wear gloves. It now takes Cost Less six more employees than it used to to stock the shelves at night, Avila said, and the store’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. “Customers are thankful we’re taking extra precautions to help keep them safe — especially the older generation who does have a chance of getting really sick,” he said. “We’re looking out for our house and their house at the same time.” Avila added that Cost Less customers have not only been appreciative during the pandemic, but more patient as well. When the store is low on products like cleaning supplies there is no anger; customers instead take advice from employees who direct them to other, similar products, such as bleach, which can also be used for disinfecting purposes. It’s not only customers who appreciate grocery store workers more than ever. Having been in the business for 42 years, Avila said the coronavirus pandemic has helped him realize the true importance of his job. “After all this time, I appreciate it more now than I did before,” Avila said. “We’ve been here since day one and we’re still here, still fighting to do our best to keep stores open, clean and stocked. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been a different type of adventure after all these years.”
Our Heroes “Casa de Modesto considers all of our employees essential workers. We are truly grateful for everyone’s diligent efforts in maintaining a safe, clean and positive environment for our residents during these challenging times.”
Casa de Modesto Retirement Center (209) 529-4950 • 1745 Eldena Way, Modesto CA 95350 • www.casademodesto.org A Not for Profit 501(c)(3) Community RCFE#500300107, SNF#100000019
JUNE 2020 13
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Thank you
LOCALLY OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! Residential Commercial & Industrial Plumbing Services!
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HELPING VALLEY BUSINESS GROW At OVCB, we take pride in connecting to the communities we call home. Our commitment continues with every customer relationship - like the oak tree, our roots run deep in the community and our branches grow strong to support our customers. Come home to Oak Valley and experience Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches.
Call Us About Your Next Project Today! Now more than ever, let’s support LOCAL businesses in any way we can.
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633.2867
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Rafael Martinez
343.7601
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Commercial Lending
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CORONAVIRUS HEROES | MANUFACTURING
Manufacturers Retooling
M
anufacturers are switching equipment and machines to help make masks, ventilators and other critical supplies to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a look at some of the ways American companies are rising to the challenge.
AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS With companies shutting down their manufacturing production while their employees are ordered to shelter in place, American automotive factories are changing gears. General Motors is rallying more than 1,000 workers to scale the production of ventilators at its Kokomo, Indiana, automotive assembly plant. Ford is partnering with 3M, GE Healthcare and the United Auto Workers to build Power Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs). The company is also assembling more than 100,000 plastic face shields per week. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is ramping up to produce and donate more than 1 million protective face masks per month, the company says. The maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep vehicles also is working with non-profit organizations to provide more than a million meals to school-age children in America. Foreign auto brands with factories in America are helping in the effort, too. Toyota, for example, is readying to make masks, ventilators and other equipment. It is also offering its manufacturing expertise
OTHER INDUSTRIES
ECHOING HISTORY
Hanes, a well-known manufacturer of undergar-
For many of these companies, their moves mirror
ments, has shifted its production lines to create masks for medical personnel.
American wartime history. During World War II, for example, every major
Gap Inc., which is known for its apparel brands
American car manufacturer switched their produc-
including Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy, is
tion to help with the war effort. The same thing is
marshaling resources to help make masks, gowns and
happening with the war on the coronavirus this year.
scrubs to keep medical workers protected. Joann Fabrics has donated material to be used by a
As manufacturers use their expertise and machinery in new ways to tackle this public health crisis,
through its System Support Center and donating sup-
sewing team at Neiman Marcus, the upscale retailer,
they are helping America win a battle against a viral
plies to first responders.
in making scrubs for medical workers.
enemy that can’t be seen.
JUNE 2020 15
CORONAVIRUSHEROES
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CORONAVIRUS HEROES | TURLOCK IRRIGATION DISTRICT
TID keeps the lights on and water flowing BY ANGELINA MARTIN Essential services like water and power have never been more important than during the current coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to the team at Turlock Irrigation District working hard behind the scenes, those staying at home can rest assured that the lights will stay on and local crops will continue to grow. “Nobody really stops to think about their power or irrigation service in times of need like this during a pandemic,” TID General Manager Michelle Reimers said. “Sometimes we’re overlooked, but there’s a lot of pride at the district in our employees who know they have that responsibility to provide our services regardless of the conditions.” Since its formation over 130 years ago, TID has evolved to transform the region through its pair of services that benefit the community day in and day out. While many who think of heroes during the coronavirus pandemic may immediately consider essential workers like first responders, healthcare workers and grocery store employees, all of whom are deserving of praise, the TID team has also remained committed to the responsibility of ensuring the community continues to run efficiently. Thanks to TID workers like power control room operator Jessie Garcia, electricity continues to surge through local hospitals. One of the most productive agricultural regions in the world will continue to grow food thanks to irrigation services provided by water distribution operators like Chris Rocha. “We are the foundation of what the community needs to function,” Reimers said. “It’s especially important to make sure our services are reliable as people shelter in place. There was a sense of fear in all of us throughout the community of not knowing the severity of the pandemic. I can tell you if the power were to go out, it would've been a lot scarier — especially at the beginning when resources were slim.” There has been an increase in the local power load when it comes to residential dwellings, she added, but commercial businesses are now using less electricity. TID employees have had to make changes in order to keep themselves and the public safe during the pandemic. For Garcia, that means less people in the control room and dispatch crews taking extra care not to come into contact with the public when repairing power infrastructure throughout the community. Weekly trainings are now conducted at home as well, Garcia said. “It’s very, very quiet now...we really have to be on our toes more so than normal,” he said. “I’ve always been proud to work for TID and especially during this time I'm proud to work for this company because we support the community. We do provide essential services and it feels good to be able to help in some way.” On the irrigation side of things, Rocha said the team of 36 at TID who are responsible for delivering water to farm-
Photos contributed
Thanks to power control room operators like TID’s Jessie Garcia, the community can rest assured that their electricity will continue to run while staying at home.
ers haven’t seen each other for weeks. The roughly 15 employees who need to communicate regularly now do so through technology, though they do occasionally run into each other while out in the field — and stay socially-distanced when it happens, of course. “I really do miss them. We’ve become really tight and close. My family are their family. It’s like a brotherhood we’ve got going on, and during the pandemic we’re not seeing each other,” Rocha said. Still, Rocha and others continue to take daily water orders for farmers who continue to grow produce. It’s Rocha’s job to make sure the water gets to its destination with no spills, which is especially important during this time as the state reenters drought conditions. “I’m fortunate to be working. Being an essential worker means a lot to me because the farmers rely on me pretty much for their livelihood to grow feed for their livestock or food that we’re going to eat,” Rocha said. “TID is community-owned, so I do have a responsibility to provide essential services no matter what’s going on around us during this pandemic. If they need the water, I’m going to deliver it to them.” Aside from the essential services they provide, TID employees also recently raised $2,400 for the United Samaritans Foundation through a virtual food drive. As their fundraising efforts flood back into the community, local residents can rest assured that their water and power will continue to be provided as well. “Our employees are community members and are always looking for ways to give back. It was empowering and I’m proud of what they did on their own,” Reimers said. “I’m very proud of how we’ve adapted.” JUNE 2020 17
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Photos contributed
TID water distribution operator Chris Rocha continues to deliver water to local farmers who need to irrigate during the coronavirus pandemic.
CORONAVIRUS HEROES | COMMUNITY DONATIONS
Community supports its heroes
The Punjabi Community and Sikh Temple of Turlock have provided hundreds of Subway sandwiches to the healthcare teams at Emanuel Medical Center.
Ilyana Vidal, a sixth-grader attending Patricia Kay Beaver Leadership Magnet School in Ceres, has volunteered to make protective masks that were donated to those who need them and Memorial Medical Center in Modesto.
The Turlock City Employees Association put their charitable funds to good use and purchased 70 meals from the Denair Firefighters’ drive-through fundraiser and then delivered them to Emanuel Medical Center to fuel healthcare workers.
Turlocker Patricia Pearson hangs more of her handmade face coverings on a stand in her front yard. She has made more than 100 masks to give away to neighbors and community members in need of a face covering. JUNE 2020 18
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Turlock resident and 10th grade international baccalaureate student at Modesto High Emre Soydemir collects reusable and disposable masks for a personal protection equipment drive.
Our TUSD Heroes
Thank you to our essential workers who met the moment in countless way to keep students learning, facilities clean, families fed, bills paid, and the trains running!
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