Contra Costa Herald

Source: Pleasant Hill PD

Including burglaries, robberies and larcenies

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Hey there Pleasant Hill! We’re back with a snapshot of our monthly crime stats, giving you a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in September 2026.

Officers made 48 arrests, of which 47 were adults and one was a juvenile, and they consisted of 16 felonies and 32 misdemeanors. There were 117 citations issued of which 66 percent were hazardous. Pleasant Hill experienced five injury accidents, 13 non-injury accidents, five handicap violations and seven drunk driving incidents.

Source: Pleasant Hill PD

Overall crime increased by 3.6 percent over this time last year, with increases in the following categories showing totals for the month: five residential burglaries, one business burglary, five robberies and 86 larcenies, which include shoplifting, theft from a car, bike theft, purse snatch, etc. There were five auto thefts which saw a decrease and there was also one aggravated assault during September.

The Department received 2,118 calls for service and bringing the total to 20,491 incidents or calls for service in 2026.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on our social media platforms, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website: www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Daniel J. Willis, EdSource.org, republished with permission

The California Teachers Association, the state’s largest teachers union and one of the largest funders of California political campaigns, has spent more than $65.5 million this election cycle, campaign finance records show.

Most of that money — $58.3 million — has been spent in support of Proposition 3, a ballot initiative to make permanent a temporary tax on high earners that helps fund public schools and community colleges. CTA’s contributions account for 87% of the Yes on 3 campaign’s funding. Records show the No on 3 effort has raised a total of $5,500, meaning CTA alone has spent nearly $9,700 for every dollar spent opposing the proposition.

CTA is also a major source of independent support for State Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Richard Barrera, having spent $8.4 million as of Oct. 27. That includes spending in support of Barrera and spending in opposition to his opponent, Sonja Shaw.

The union is by far the biggest Barrera supporter in terms of spending, with 96% of independent spending to support Barrera having come from CTA through various committees. The union also contributed $39,200 directly to Barrera’s campaign.

Other causes CTA has spent on include $1.5 million to oppose Prop. 39, an initiative to add stronger voter ID; $500,000 to oppose Prop. 43, which aims to require voter-proposed tax increases meet the two-thirds majority required for Legislature-proposed taxes; and $481,000 in support of local bond measures across the state.

Unlike in previous elections, CTA has mostly stayed out of the race for governor. Records show $39,200 in contributions to Xavier Becerra’s campaign or independent expenditure committees supporting him.

With Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health & Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media 

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) will host a virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health on Thursday, October 29^th at 3:30 p.m. PT. In 2023, then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health warning linking the youth mental health crisis with social media use. Since then, social media usage has increased and recent lawsuits are an indication that more needs to be done. The Congressman will be joined by expert special guests from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Common Sense Media to discuss the latest research on this link and innovative policy solutions to protect American kids and families.

Virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health

Thursday, October 29th

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. PT

Hosted on Zoom

Panelists include:

• Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health
• Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media 

To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodation, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 280th town hall and constituent office hours since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Source: Hospice Tree of Lights

November 2nd – December 4th, 2026 at multiple locations throughout the county

By Hospice East Bay

For forty years, our Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered members of the communities we serve a way to honor the lives of their friends and loved ones. Your donations directly support end-of-life patient care.

Note: The beloved oak trees that have stood at the heart of our Pleasant Hill and Martinez Tree of Lights ceremonies for generations fell last year due to natural causes. Hospice East Bay has found a new tree for the Pleasant Hill ceremony. However, this year the Martinez ceremony will be combined with the Concord/Clayton ceremony.

Our Tree of Lights events in 2026

Rossmoor
Monday, November 2nd, 5pm
Rossmoor Event Center
1021 Stanley Dollar Drive

Pleasant Hill (new location!)
Wednesday, November 4th, 5:30 pm
100 Gregory Lane

East County
Friday, November 6th, 5:30 pm
Brentwood City Park
710 2nd Street at Oak Street

Lafayette
Tuesday November 10th, 5:30 pm
Round Up Saloon Parking Lot
3553 Mount Diablo Blvd.

Moraga
Thursday, November 12th, 5:00 pm
Tree location: Moraga Country Club
1600 St. Andrews Dr, at Village Square
Ceremony location: 31 Orinda Way, Orinda (see below)

Orinda (& Moraga)
Thursday, November 12th, 5:00 pm
Village Square by McCaulou’s, 31 Orinda Way, Orinda

Danville
Thursday, November 19th, 5:30 pm
Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St.

Alamo
Tuesday, November 24th, 6:00 pm
Alamo Women’s Club
1401 Danville Boulevard

Walnut Creek
Monday, November 30th, 6:00 pm
John Muir Medical Center, Main Entrance, Ygnacio Valley Road

Concord/Clayton/Martinez
Tuesday, December 1st, 5:00 pm
John Muir Medical Center Parking Lot, East Street & Almond Avenue, Concord

Blackhawk
Friday, December 4th, 5:00 pm
Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive

For more information and to purchase a light visit https://hospiceeastbay.org/community-event/tree-of-lights/.

By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Our office is hosting a Virtual Military Service Academy Nomination Information Night on Thursday, October 29th from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Join us for an opportunity to learn more about the nomination process and ask any questions you may have.

This meeting is open to CA-10 students and parents. See District and information map here.

RSVP to ryan-thomas.brown@mail.house.gov or call Congressman DeSaulnier’s office at (925) 933-2660 for the Zoom login information.

We hope to see you there!

Source: Brentwood PD

Recognizing police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other emergency responders

By Brentwood Police Department

Today, on National First Responders Day, the Brentwood Police Department recognizes the dedicated men and women who answer the call when our communities need them most.

From law enforcement officers and firefighters to emergency medical personnel and dispatchers, first responders work around the clock to protect lives, provide help during emergencies, and serve their communities.

We are especially grateful for the strong partnerships we share with our fellow first responders throughout our community and Contra Costa County. Working together allows us to provide the best possible service to those who need us.

To all of our first responders — thank you for your service, dedication, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

According to Officer.com, “Organizations across the country are marking National First Responders Day today with ceremonies, educational programs, recognition events and fundraising efforts honoring police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other emergency responders. The annual observance recognizes the men and women who respond when emergencies strike and highlights the sacrifices they make in service to their communities.

“The First Responders Children’s Foundation…hosted its annual Roll Call of Heroes ceremony in New York City. The event recognizes first responders from across the country representing law enforcement, fire, EMS, 911 dispatch and volunteer response organizations. The ceremony also marks the foundation’s 25th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and America’s 250th birthday.”

In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration recognizes National First Responders Day on Oct. 28 saying, “This day serves as a tribute to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities in times of crisis.

“First responders are the backbone of emergency services: firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and 911 dispatchers. These individuals are the first to arrive at the scene of emergencies, providing critical assistance and often risking their own lives to save others.

“Every day, across the United States, approximately 4.6 million first responders stand ready to answer the call of duty. They face a wide range of challenges, from severe weather events and chemical emergencies to fires, vehicle accidents and acts of terrorism.”

Happy National First Responders Day!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

America 250 theme, costumes highly encouraged

Presented by Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis & Chambers of Commerce for Brentwood, Discovery Bay, and Oakley

You’re invited to East County’s biggest networking celebration of the season!
Join Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, and Oakley Chamber of Commerce for the
Connect with local business leaders, elected officials, community partners, and Chamber members from across East County—all while celebrating America’s 250th birthday and the spirit of Halloween.

This event offers a great opportunity for business owners and professionals to network with each other, gain exposure, and generate new leads.

Thursday, October 29, 2026

5:30–7:00 PM

Brownstone Gardens, 91 Brownstone Road, Oakley

Costumes are highly encouraged!

Register now: https://tinyurl.com/2026megamixer

Thomas Iovenetti in photos posted on Facebook on June 13, 2021 (top) (redacted by the Herald) and May 28, 2017 (bottom).

After judge set his bail at just $1,000

Faces maximum of 29 years to life in prison

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California — Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging 40-year-old Thomas John Iovenitti with the murder of his wife, Alisha Iovenitti, on October 23, 2026, in the City of Concord.

The complaint alleges that Iovenitti personally used a knife in the killing. At the time of the alleged homicide, he was out of custody on bail in a pending domestic violence case. That case (No. 01-26-02665) arose from an incident on May 9, 2026, and Iovenitti was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, corporal injury to a spouse, and false imprisonment.  (See 01-26-02665 – Charging Document 051326)

On May 19th, over the objection of the District Attorney’s Office, a judge set Iovenitti’s bail at $1,000. The court also issued stay-away orders barring him from contacting his wife or returning to the family’s residence.

In addition to the murder charge, the new complaint filed today charges Iovenitti with three other felonies: dissuading a witness from reporting a crime on October 23rd, and assault with a deadly weapon (a knife) and corporal injury to a spouse, related to an earlier incident on May 9th. (See related article)

The complaint also includes five misdemeanor counts, including a violation of a court order and four counts of child endangerment. Three of the child endangerment counts relate to October 23rd, and one relates to the May 9th incident.

According to the 01-26-05187 – Charging Document 102726, the couple’s children included a son age 10 and twin boy and girl age 8.

Iovenitti is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 pm today, October 28th in Department 6 at the Contra Costa County Superior Court Annex in Martinez. He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility without bail. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 29 years to life in prison.

According to Mylife.com, Iovenitti was living in Pleasant Hill, previously lived in Antioch and has also been known as Tommy. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has 17 years of experience in the produce department with the current position of Produce FM overseeing “district 10 produce operations and merchandising for Safeway.” However, according to his profile on Bold.pro, Iovenitti has worked for Safeway since 2002 and as the Produce Assistant Sales Manager since August 2017.

Case No. 01-26-05187 | The People of the State of California v. Thomas John Iovenitti

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

4.5-star rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care, and outstanding service provided to more than 1.5 million Medicare Advantage members in CA

By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & PR Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif. October 27, 2026 — Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage health plan in California is among the highest rated plans in the state, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2027-star ratings.

Kaiser Permanente California earned 4.5 stars. The top rating is 5 stars.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare HMO health plan in California has been highly rated for 17 consecutive years (2011-2027) and is tied for the highest performing health plan in the state.

“Every day our Northern California care teams deliver personalized, compassionate care to our Medicare health plan members, helping them lead healthy and productive lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region, which serves more than 1.5 million Medicare health plan members. “We’re proud to be recognized nationally for the high-quality care and outstanding service we provide.”

This high rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care and outstanding service Kaiser Permanente California and all Kaiser Permanente health plans provide to their Medicare health plan members. For the third year in a row, all Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plans are rated 4 stars or higher.

“Our physicians, nurses, and care teams in Kaiser Permanente Northern California are committed to helping our Medicare health plan members achieve better health outcomes through coordinated, personalized, high-quality care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “These ratings reflect the expertise of our teams and their dedication to supporting the health and well-being of our older adult populations.”

What CMS ratings measure

Every year, CMS publishes Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) ratings. Each year, CMS rates Medicare health and prescription drug plans using a 1-to-5-star scale. The ratings help consumers compare the quality of available plans.

CMS evaluates several key areas to determine star ratings:

• How well health plans help members stay healthy
• How well plans manage ongoing health conditions
• Member experiences
• Customer service
• Access to care
• Pharmacy services

Enrolling in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan

Open enrollment for all 2027 Medicare health plans begins on October 15 and runs through December 7, 2026. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal.

Medicare beneficiaries can learn more about the CMS star ratings and Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plans by visiting kp.org/medicarestars.

About CMS

CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

Also arrested in May for assaulting and injuring spouse or cohabitant, more

By Concord Police Department

On Friday, October 23, at about 8:51 p.m., Concord Police Dispatch received a 911 call from a house in the 2300 block of Panoramic Drive in Concord. The caller reported a disturbance between a man and a woman. The man was reported to be armed with a knife. Officers were immediately dispatched and contacted several witnesses.

When the officers attempted to contact occupants of the house, no one responded, and the officers forced entry into the home. Inside the home, a man and woman were found injured with apparent stab wounds. Officers provided immediate medical aid prior to the arrival of Fire/Paramedics. Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman died at the scene. The man was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and is currently listed in critical condition.

Due to the nature of this incident, detectives from the Concord Police Department – Investigations Division were called to assume the investigation. Investigative follow-up and interviews were conducted. Based on preliminary witness information, there are no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to public safety.

On Tuesday morning, Oct. 27th the case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations. The District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges with additional enhancements against Thomas John Iovenitti (40-year-old Concord male, born 2/27/1986) for the murder of his wife, later identified by the DA’s Office as Alisha Iovenitti:

PC 187(a) – Murder

PC 136.1(b)(1) – Dissuading a Victim or Witness from Reporting a Crime

PC 166(a)(4) – Willful Disobedience of a Court Order

PC 273a(b) x 4 – Child Endangerment

PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon

PC 273.5(a) – Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant (Domestic Violence)

Iovenitti remains in custody and is being held on no bail.

If you have any information that may be relevant for this investigation, please contact Detective Justin Wilson at (925) 603-5859 or the anonymous tip line at (925) 603-5836.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 210-pound Iovenetti is Hispanic but also described as White, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1:35 p.m. in Superior Court Dept. 5 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenewscom, he was previously arrested on May 9th for false imprisonment by violence, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and cruelty to a child by inflicting injury. Iovenetti was also arrested the day before for use or being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.