Week in review: State’s move to standardize COVID-19 vaccine distribution brings SJ’s targeted efforts to a halt

Editor's note: Week in review is a roundup of some of the top headlines from the past week. Sign up for The Record's Daily Briefing and get the day's top headlines delivered to your inbox: https://profile.recordnet.com/newsletters/manage/.

California’s approach to vaccinating its 40-plus million people is under new management as the state moves to standardize the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines; that’s brought local efforts, especially those targeted at the most vulnerable populations, to a screeching halt — much to the dismay of San Joaquin County elected and public health officials. Exchanging the county’s “state of the art” system for the state’s doesn’'t make sense, San Joaquin County Supervisor Chuck Winn said last week. “We had the Cadillac. Now we're down to a Chevy.”

More: ‘We had the Cadillac’: San Joaquin County looking to challenge Blue Shield takeover of state COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The county has since had to put a halt on planned data-based vaccination campaigns to help target those most at risk after Blue Cross Blue Shield was tapped by the state to take over both state and local control of vaccine distribution. Blue Shield's insertion as director of the state's distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has halted these efforts, and county officials are considering fighting back. However, two San Joaquin County health centers that deliver affordable health care to disproportionately affected communities have been invited to participate in the CDC’s rollout of a new program to ensure equity in COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

‘A long time coming’: SJ athletes excited youth sports are returning

After months on the sidelines preparing for a season that wasn't guaranteed, local athletes were overjoyed to get the surprise news that football and other high-contact youth sports may finally be returning in counties in the purple or red tier with COVID-19 case rates below 14 positives per 100,000 people. San Joaquin County's adjusted case rate stood at 16 on Thursday, down almost 10 points since last week. “The whole practice mood changed,” St. Mary’s senior safety Nick Murray said after hearing the news. “We were juiced in the locker room when they announced it in person. It was great. It was an awesome feeling. ... It’s been a long time coming.” The season will look vastly different, though; for football, it means just five games, weekly testing, and no postseason. No matter; “Once you get them pads on it’s crackin,’ ” said Edison senior lineman Zachary Taamu. “That is all I need.”

More: 'Been a long time coming': SJ County high school football players excited to have a season

Stockton star inspires, gives back

Speaking of sports, Lianna Tillman may just be the ultimate image of women's basketball in Stockton. She’s spent her entire basketball career in her home city, brings crowds to cheers when her name is announced as the hometown girl, and takes her mentorship role seriously. She said she tries to go to local youth games to represent the player that stayed home with success for future prospects. “Just inspiring them and let them know that they could do the same,” she said. Saturday’s senior day game may be have been her last in Stockton as she weighs some inviting opportunities. “It's been pretty special,” she said.

More: Stockton’s Star: Lianna Tillman looks back on basketball career in her home city

New campus for south Stockton

A new charter school is opening in south Stockton, the first of several planned campuses as KIPP Public Schools leads its inaugural students into high school and gradually enrolls more kids. Located at Conway Homes, KIPP Stockton Middle School will open to middle schoolers, and applications are now open. “I’m excited about the opportunity these kids will get with this school, it gives parents more choices about what they want to see for their child’s educational development,” Councilwoman Kim Warmsley, representative for District 6, said. KIPP Stockton plans to open another middle school at University Park in 2022.

More: New charter school in south Stockton’s Conway Homes enrolling now for August 2021

Temporary deal averts SJ nurses strike

A three-day strike that San Joaquin General Hospital nurses had planned to begin this weekend has been delayed after the county agreed to a temporary $1.2 million deal aimed at easing their “deep concerns” over patient care, safe staffing and personal protective equipment. “The County Board and Administrators have tremendous respect and appreciation for the work our nurses perform every day,” county Supervisor Tom Patti said. ”We also acknowledge their work has been made even more challenging as a result of the pandemic.”

More: Nurses to delay striking during 45-day negotiation period with San Joaquin County

Building bonds and bridges: Central United’s Alan Cook to retire

He’s spent decades serving the community and touching the lives of countless families, but the part of retirement Alan Cook is most looking forward to isn’t hitting the beach or settling into a recliner. It’s giving back. “When you ask about what I want to do is,” says Cook, 66, “I think I want to repay the community, because I have been so lucky. I have met amazing people.” Cook will retire in April as director of Family Ministries at Central United Methodist Church, and plans to build on the years of work he’s already done in the community, especially with literacy and education efforts. That’s typical, those who know him say. “Whether it is principal of St. George Parish School in south Stockton, a mid-career decision to attend religion school or his deeply impactful and varied work at Central United Methodist Church,” said Mike Klocke, community relations director at University of the Pacific, who has been a friend of Cook’s for decades, “Alan has a consistent mantra: ‘How can I help?’ ”

Record reporter Elizabeth Roberts covers community and breaking news. She can be reached at eroberts@recordnet.com or on Twitter @eroberts209. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Week in review: State’s move to standardize COVID-19 vaccine distribution brings SJ’s targeted efforts to a halt

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