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This is The California Wellness Foundation's news archive. In this section can be found a listing of the Foundation's news releases, followed by a listing of opinion editorials and Op-Ed Articles.

News Releases and Alerts

May 8, 2013		The California Wellness Foundation Awards Nearly $7 Million At Recent Board Meeting Woodland Hills (CA) – Forty-five organizations were approved for funding by the Board of Directors of The California Wellness Foundation at its March 2013 meeting, totaling nearly $7 million in grants. The complete list of grants approved at the March 2013 meeting can be found here.
April 12, 2013		The California Wellness Foundation Appoints Staff In Executive, Grants Program And Grants Management Departments Woodland Hills (CA) – The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) is pleased to announce the appointments of the following five staff members: Frank A. Lalle as director of programs; Rocele S. Estanislao, Amber López Gamble and Nawz Z. Talai as project managers; and Jill E. Kahanek as executive assistant to the vice president of programs.
February 18, 2013		The California Wellness Foundation Awards More Than $13 Million At Recent Board Meeting Woodland Hills (CA) – At its December 2012 meeting, the Board of Directors of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) awarded 87 grants, totaling more than $13 million —bringing the total grantmaking in 2012 to more than $35 million.
February 5, 2013		The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Board Appointments Distinguished physicians step into leadership roles on TCWF’s Board
January 16, 2012		Statement by Dr. Diana Bontá Regarding President Obama’s Executive Actions to Prevent Gun Violence The California Wellness Foundation lauds President Obama’s announcement today that includes a public health approach in response to the gun violence in Newtown, Conn.
November 13, 2012		The California Wellness Foundation Announces 20th Annual California Peace Prize Honorees Unsung Heroes Each Receive $25,000; Honoring the Late Dr. Su Yon Park
November 1, 2012		Health-Sector Nonprofit Executives Receive 2012 TCWF Sabbatical Program Award Foundation Funding Supports Eight Nonprofit Health Organizations With $35,000 Grants To Cover Chief Executives' Paid Time Off
September 17, 2012		The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Staff Appointments Crystal D. Crawford and Claudíette Wright-Bey Join the Program and Executive Departments
June 28, 2012		TCWF President and CEO Diana Bontá Commends U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Constitutionality of The Affordable Care Act Woodland Hills, CA – Diana M. Bontá, R.N., Dr.P.H., president and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF), lauded the U.S. Supreme Court's decision today upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act — the historic legislation that will expand access to affordable, quality health care for Americans regardless of age, income or pre-existing conditions.
May 30, 2012		TCWF Honors Health Education Leaders Committed to Underserved Communities Lawrence "Hy" Doyle, Peter Manoleas and Angela Minniefield Receive 10th Annual Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award
January 20, 2012		The California Wellness Foundation Appoints Director of Public Policy Woodland Hills (CA) – The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announced the appointment of Sandra J. Martínez to the position of director of public policy.
November 10, 2011		Health-Sector Nonprofit Executives Receive 2011 TCWF Sabbatical Program Award Foundation Funding Supports Eight Nonprofit Health Organizations With $35,000 Grants To Cover Chief Executives' Paid Time Off.
November 2, 2011		Dr. Diana M. Bontá Appointed President & CEO of The California Wellness Foundation Renowned health care executive Dr. Diana M. Bontá will lead The California Wellness Foundation as its next president and CEO, effective January 2012, announced David S. Barlow, chair of the Foundation's Board of Directors. Dr. Bontá, a nurse with a doctorate in public health, is currently vice president of public affairs for Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Region, where she has served there since October 2004.
October 31, 2011		The California Wellness Foundation Announces Staff Appointments in the Executive, Communications and Program Departments Woodland Hills (CA) – The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announced new appointments for three members of its staff: Caroline Bourgoine as executive assistant to the president and CEO, Breanna M. Cardwell as communications associate, and Sandra J. Martínez as director of public policy.
October 17, 2011		The California Wellness Foundation Announces 2011 California Peace Prize Honorees Ray Balberan, Priscilla Carrasquilla and Manuel Jimenez each receive $25,000 for their efforts to prevent violence in their communities.
May 2, 2011		Higher Education Visionaries Receive TCWF Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award Charles J. Alexander, José Ramón Fernández-Peña and John T. Matsui awarded $25,000 each for creating programs to increase and diversify the health workforce.
February 7, 2011		The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Board Appointments Woodland Hills, CA – The Board of Directors of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) today announced two new appointments: David S. Barlow, M.B.A, C.P.A., as chair; and Barbara C. Staggers, M.D., as vice chair.
December 15, 2010		Gary L. Yates To Retire as President and CEO Gary L. Yates, President and Chief Executive Officer of The California Wellness Foundation has announced his intention to retire as of December 31, 2011.
October 28, 2010		Health-Sector Nonprofit Executives Receive 2010 TCWF Sabbatical Program Award Foundation Funding Supports Eight Nonprofit Health Organizations With $35,000 Grants To Cover Chief Executives’ Paid Time Off.
October 5, 2010		The California Wellness Foundation Announces 2010 California Peace Prize Honorees Community Leaders Each To Receive $25,000 Cash Awards For Violence Prevention Work.
May 24, 2010		Higher Education Leaders Receive TCWF Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award Sandra Daley, Ronald Garcia and Jeffrey Oxendine awarded $25,000 each for leadership in increasing diversity in the health professions.
October 22, 2009		Health-Sector Nonprofit Executives Receive 2009 TCWF Sabbatical Program Award Foundation Funding Supports Eight Nonprofit Health Organizations With $35,000 Grants To Cover Chief Executives’ Paid Time Off.
October 5, 2009		The California Wellness Foundation Announces 2009 California Peace Prize Honorees Unsung Heroes To Receive $25,000 Cash Awards for Violence Prevention Work.
June 3, 2009		Mentors Who Support Students Receive TCWF Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award Guillermo J. Camacho, Shirley Flores-Muñoz and Tomás A. Magaña awarded $25,000 each for leadership in increasing diversity in the health professions.
February 23, 2009		The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Board Appointments The Board of Directors of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) today announced four new appointments.
November 12, 2008		Three Community Leaders To Receive TCWF’s 2008 California Peace Prize $25,000 Cash Awards Honor Unsung Heroes of Violence Prevention.
November 6, 2008		Health-Sector Nonprofit Executives Receive 2008 TCWF Sabbatical Program Awards Foundation Funding Supports Eight Nonprofit Health Organizations with $35,000 Grants to Cover Chief Executives’ Paid Time Off.
October 24, 2008		TCWF Appoints Program Director Frank A. Lalle Assigned to Foundation’s Special Projects Grantmaking.
August 12, 2008		Departing Legislators Receive Foundation Recognition for Leadership In Policy Arena Senators Sheila Kuehl and Jack Scott Receive 2008 TCWF Public Policy Leadership Award.
June 2, 2008		Higher Education Leaders Receive TCWF Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award San Francisco (CA) — Three extraordinary higher education leaders will be honored as the 2008 Champions of Health Professions Diversity by The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF).
January 28, 2008		The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Board Appointment Woodland Hills, CA – The Board of Directors of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) today announced the appointment of a new member, A. Eugene Washington, M.D.
November 26, 2007		TCWF Appoints Staff in Communications and Grants Program Departments The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announced the appointments of Adriana Godoy Leiss as communications officer and Julio Marcial as program director.
November 07, 2007		Three Community Leaders To Receive TCWF’s 2007 California Peace Prize San Francisco — Casey Gwinn created a model organization in San Diego that coordinates and co-locates services and resources for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and sexual assault. Patricia Lee works directly with community organizations and families in San Francisco to help youth at-risk for entry into the juvenile justice system. Cora Tomalinas advocates on behalf of San Jose youth and other community residents on gang prevention and other issues, and champions community organizing as a way to solve problems and influence public policy.
November 1, 2007		Health-Sector Nonprofit Executives Receive 2007 TCWF Sabbatical Program Awards Foundation Funding Supports Eight Nonprofit Health Organizations With $35,000 Grants To Cover Chief Executives’ Paid Time Off.
June 5, 2007		Physicians Honored as TCWF Champions of Diversity in the Health Professions Michael V. Drake, Hector Flores and Ernest C. Levister Awarded $25,000 Each for Their Leadership in Increasing Diversity in the Health Professions.
April 13, 2007		TCWF Announces Staff Changes in Program and Communications Departments Woodland Hills, CA — The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announces that Fatima L. Angeles has been appointed director of evaluation and organizational learning; Earl Lui hired as program director for environmental health and work and health grants; and Janet I. Sandoval named executive assistant to the vice president of communications.
February 23, 2007		The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Board Appointments Woodland Hills, CA — The board of directors of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announced two new appointments today: Peggy Saika, chair, and Elizabeth M. Gomez, vice chair.
November 07, 2006		The California Wellness Foundation Announces 2006 California Peace Prize Honorees Los Angeles — Sahra Abdi teaches Somali and African refugees and immigrants who have fled their violent homelands how to control anger and manage stress. Margaret Diaz, a former victim of domestic violence, established a shelter and a pioneering transitional housing program for women and children. Anthony Thigpenn helps train people in African-American and Latino communities to understand and participate in public policy decision-making to prevent violence.
October 26, 2006		Health Sector Nonprofit Executives Receive 2006 TCWF Sabbatical Program Awards San Francisco — Eight nonprofit health sector executives are being recognized by The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) Sabbatical Program in a ceremony held today in San Francisco. The leadership support program - now in its fourth year - provides eight organizations each with a $35,000 grant to cover the leader's salary and expenses during the sabbatical, which lasts a minimum of three months.
October 16, 2006		The California Wellness Foundation Appoints Fatima L. Angeles Director of Evaluation and Organizational Learning Woodland Hills — The California Wellness Foundation announced the appointment of Fatima L. Angeles, to the position of director of evaluation and organizational learning.
August 09, 2006		Departing Public Officials Receive Foundation Recognition for Leadership in Policy Arena Sacramento — The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) presents its 2006 Public Policy Leadership Award to three California state public officials who have influenced millions of lives by advancing public policies that promote the health of Californians. The honorees are: Sen. Martha Escutia, Attorney General Bill Lockyer and Sen. Jackie Speier. The three departing public officials will be recognized at a ceremony in Sacramento on August 9, 2006.
June 02, 2006		Medical Field Leaders Honored As TCWF Champions Of Diversity In Health Professions Woodland Hills (CA) — The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) presents its fourth annual Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award to three leaders who have pioneered programs and policies to increase diversity within the medical professions. The honorees are Dr. José A. Arévalo of Sacramento, Dr. Rolland C. Lowe of San Francisco and Patricia Pratt of Los Angeles. Each will receive a $25,000 grant in recognition of his or her work and achievements at an awards ceremony in San Francisco on Monday, June 12, 2006.
February 06, 2006		The California Wellness Foundation Announces 2006 Sabbatical Program For Health Leaders Woodland Hills (CA) — Applications are now available for The California Wellness Foundation’s 2006 Sabbatical Program. The program offers $30,000 grants to nonprofit health organizations in California, enabling their executive directors to take a paid leave of up to six months. Up to $5,000 will also be awarded to each organization for the professional development of managers and staff who will assume extra responsibilities during the absence of the sabbatical awardees. The application deadline is March 24.
January 27, 2006		The California Wellness Foundation Launches $1 Million Campaign To Increase Diversity of Health Care Workforce Woodland Hills (CA) — The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announced a $1 million grant to Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide to implement a public education campaign promoting the benefits of increasing ethnic diversity in the California healthcare workforce. TCWF's Board of Directors approved the grant to Ogilvy Public Relations in December 2005.
October 31, 2005		Nonprofit Health Sector Executives Receive 2005 TCWF Sabbatical Program Awards Woodland Hills (CA) — Eight nonprofit health sector executives will be recognized by the Sabbatical Program of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The leadership support program — now in its third year —provides $35,000 grants to eight California-based organizations to cover their leaders’ salaries and expenses during the sabbaticals, which last a minimum of three months.
October 13, 2005		Article Surveys Impact Of Federal And State Parental Notification Laws And Policies Woodland Hills – A new article, “Teen Access to Confidential Reproductive Health Services,” by The Guttmacher Institute, summarizes studies and polls measuring the impact of federal and state parental notifications laws and policies throughout the United States.
October 11, 2005		Three Visionaries Receive The California Wellness Foundation's 2005 California Peace Prize San Francisco – The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) will present its 2005 California Peace Prize to three visionary leaders, each of whom has contributed significantly to preventing violence in the state.
October 7, 2005		New Report Analyzes Competing Discount Prescription Drug Plans On November Ballot Woodland Hills – This November, California voters will be asked to vote on two prescription drug measures, Proposition 78, Discounts on Prescription Drugs, and Proposition 79, Prescription Drug Discounts. State Negotiated Rebates.
June 6, 2005		Community Clinic Leaders Honored As TCWF Champions Of Diversity In Health Professions Woodland Hills, CA – Elia Gallardo (Sacramento), Sherry Hirota (Oakland), and Martin Waukazoo (Oakland) Awarded $25,000 Each for Their Leadership in Increasing Diversity.
May 6, 2005		TCWF Announces Staff Changes in Several Departments of The Foundation Woodland Hills, CA – The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announces that Jeffrey Seungkyu Kim, Taryn Lee and Adriana Godoy Leiss have joined the Foundation and that existing staff member, Nicole J. Jones, has received a new assignment.
February 1, 2005		The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Board Appointments Woodland Hills, CA – The board of directors of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) today announced four new appointments: Douglas X. Patiño, Ph.D., chair; Stewart Kwoh, J.D., vice chair; and David S. Barlow and Elizabeth M. Gomez, new members.

News Release Archive

Op-Ed Articles and Other News Items

March, 2013		Lessons Learned in Preventing Violence Against Youth While the impetus for recent public debate on gun-related deaths emerged from December’s tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., it is important to note that deadly gun violence targeting children and youth is a daily occurrence in this country – including California.
December, 2013		Statement on the Newtown Tragedy The gut-wrenching violence in Connecticut has captured the attention of the nation. As we mourn the loss of life, many are asking what can be done to prevent future tragedies?
November, 2012		Looking Ahead The California Wellness Foundation has reached an important crossroads as an institution. With our current cycle of grantmaking scheduled to sunset in 2014, the Foundation's Board has embarked upon a strategic planning process to determine how we can best marshal our resources to advance our mission.
July, 2012		A Passion for Wellness It is a pleasure to be the new leader of The California Wellness Foundation. As we move forward with our mission of improving the health of the people of California, I would like to share some thoughts about "wellness" and what has drawn me to this work.
December, 2011		A Report on Our Grantmaking Over the past several years, there has been substantial discussion in the philanthropic community about the amount of foundation funding reaching underserved and marginalized populations. Conversations with several of our colleagues led to the release of a report in December 2008 in which we recognized the critical role played by small, community-based nonprofit organizations in addressing the challenges facing minority and other predominantly low-income communities in California.
July, 2011		When The Time Is Right As many of you know, I've announced my intention to retire at the end of the year. One of the first questions I'm asked about my retirement is, "Why now?" There's a country song I like titled "Timing Is Everything." While it may not be "everything," timing is certainly important when considering a leadership change. The timing of this transition is right for The California Wellness Foundation, for me and for my family.
May, 2011		Honoring Veterans through Philanthropy Each year in late May, America pauses to honor its veterans. We recognize the sacrifices of those President Lincoln observed "gave the last full measure of devotion" in service to their country as well as those who currently protect and defend our nation.
March, 2011		A Prevention Success Story In 1992, when The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) began developing a grantmaking program that would address teen pregnancy prevention, more than 70,000 California teens gave birth. It was cause for concern. For decades, California’s teen pregnancy rates had ranked among the highest in the nation.
December, 2010		A Report on Our Grantmaking Over the past several years, there has been substantial discussion in the philanthropic community about the amount of foundation funding reaching underserved and marginalized populations. Conversations with several of our colleagues led to the release of a statement in June 2008 in which we recognized the critical role played by small, community-based nonprofit organizations in addressing the challenges facing minority and other predominately low-income communities in California.
November, 2010		A Challenging Environment for California Grantmakers Without a doubt, the environment for California grantmakers remains challenging as 2010 draws to a close, with the sluggish pace of economic recovery weighing heavily on the communities we support. For many foundations, the values of our endowments may have stabilized, but it will likely be several more years – at the earliest – before our grantmaking returns to the levels of 2006 or 2007.
August, 2010		The Health Care Safety Net and Health Reform The “Great Recession” that has severely impacted the global economy continues to have a solid grip on California. While measurements of economic growth show signs of modest gains in the national economy, this news comes as small comfort to many Californians, where unemployment remains above 12 percent statewide – and as high as 27 percent in rural areas such as Imperial County.
December, 2009		A Report on Our Grantmaking Over the past two years, there has been substantial discussion in the philanthropic community about the amount of foundation funding reaching underserved and marginalized populations. Conversations with several of our colleagues led to the release of a statement in June 2008 in which we recognized the critical role played by small, community-based nonprofit organizations in addressing the challenges facing minority and other predominately low-income communities in California.
October, 2009		Staying True to Our Mission and Operating Principles Has Resulted in Foundation Diversity A recent study by a nonprofit advocacy organization indicated that, among large foundations, The California Wellness Foundation has one of the most diverse boards with regard to ethnicity (70 percent) and gender (50 percent). But this wasn’t always the case.
June, 2009		A Strategy for Tough Times: Increasing Core Support To Help Nonprofits Survive Imagine being the executive director of a community-based nonprofit with a $6.5 million annual budget that operates a health clinic, a food bank, and a jobs program. Before the economy soured, your organization served 400,000 clients annually. At the end of 2008, the number spiked to 475,000, yet your organization experienced reduced donations, grants and government funding, barely reaching $5 million.
May, 2009		A Grantmaking Foundation and a Service Organization The concept of public service has always been important to me. I was a junior in high school in 1961 when John Kennedy gave his inaugural speech and I completely embraced his challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
December, 2008		Strengthening Nonprofit Minority Leadership and the Capacity of Minority-Led and Other Grassroots Community-Based Organizations A California-based group known as the Foundation Coalition issued a statement that announced new grantmaking activities to fund minority-led and other small, grassroots nonprofits reaching underserved populations. Included here is a cover letter and the report. The Foundation Coalition disbanded after its work concluded with the release of this report on December 22, 2008.
August, 2008		Setting The Record Straight About Our Grantmaking You may have heard about the recent agreement announced by 10 California foundations including The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF). The agreement, which includes a list of the participating funders, calls for the development of new grantmaking efforts by either individual foundations or collective efforts by some or all of the 10 foundations to focus on capacity building and leadership development for small, grassroots community-based organizations that primarily serve ethnic minority populations.
April, 2008		Gun Violence; The Endemic Epidemic The Valentine’s Day shooting at Northern Illinois University outside Chicago that killed five and injured 14 is only the latest mass shooting in a two-week outbreak of gun violence across the nation.
April, 2007		Eradicating the Gang Violence Plague: It Takes a Village The recent drug-related arrest of a well-respected director of the job development program at Communities In Schools of the San Fernando Valley (CIS SFV) caused many observers to ask whether it’s really worth investing in organizations that hire former gang members to help at-risk youth turn away from gangs, finish high school and find decent jobs
March, 2007		Re: Schwarzenegger Calls for Coordinated Attack on Gangs, March 6 Although the police and criminal courts are an important component of any overall gang violence reduction strategy, their response has largely been reactive rather than preventive, making the associate costs exorbitant.
September, 2006		Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs Save Tax Dollars Over the past decade, the teen birthrate in California dropped by more than 46 percent — the steepest decline of any state in the country. In the East Bay, the trend is also heartening. According to a recent Public Health Institute report, the teen pregnancy rate in Oakland decreased by 50 percent between 1991 and 2004.
October, 2005		Violence Prevention Programs Save Lives This op-ed appeared Oct. 28, 2005, on the opinion page of La Opinión, the largest Spanish-language newspaper in the United States. The original article was published in Spanish, but has been translated to English for www.tcwf.org.
January, 2004		Stay Course on Gang Prevention Funding In Sacramento, it's difficult to support expenditures that might reduce crime and prison costs in years to come, when voters are clamoring for action now. However, missing from this picture is the proven effectiveness of public health strategies to eradicate the breeding grounds of crime.

Op-Ed Archives