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.

Rep. John Garamendi with his wife, Patti as she speaks at his 13th Annual Women of the Year event on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Photos: Garamendi’s official Facebook page

52 women total including more from Solano County

By Cameron Niven, Office of Congressman John Garamendi

BENICIA, CA – On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at his 13th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) honored 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District, including 22 from Contra Costa County, who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. Each honoree has made a real difference in our community through public service, business, education and the local economy.

“Every year, I’m honored to recognize the remarkable women of California’s 8th District who serve as the backbone of our community,” said Rep. Garamendi. “They come from every corner of our district and from many different backgrounds, and they work in a wide range of fields. Each is united by the profound impact they have on the people around them.”

“Their commitment and passion for service deserve recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved for generations in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.”

The event was held in Benicia at the Clocktower.

In a post on Facebook following the event the Congressman also wrote, “Yesterday I had privilege of recognizing 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District at my annual Women of the Year celebration. These women are leaders and visionaries who are making a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy. Thank you to every honoree for all you do. Congratulations!”

In addition, Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor posted photos of the event and celebrated the honorees from West County on his Facebook page including pages from the booklet with a narrative of each of the honorees who live in his district.

He also wrote, “A truly epic day celebrating with the #womenoftheyear from West Contra Costa County! Thank you Representative John Garamendi and Patricia Garamendi for honoring and supporting the women who work to lead our communities with compassion, excellence, and fortitude!”

The 2026 Women of the Year Honorees are:

Contra Costa County:

• Laura Jacques (Antioch)
• Lisa Lacy (Antioch)
• Champagne Brown (El Cerrito)
• Stacy Wayne (El Cerrito)
• Susan Duncan (El Cerrito)
• Christine Mathias (El Sobrante)
• Jamela Smith-Folds (Hercules)
• Christine Dean (Martinez)
• Rachel Shoemake (Martinez)
• Annisha Geran (Pittsburg)
• Kaitlin Clink (Pittsburg)
• Annie King-Meredith (Richmond)
• Elana Bolds (Richmond)
• Maria Del Rocio Martinez Luna (Richmond)
• Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela (Richmond)
• Dr. Mayra Padilla (Richmond)
• Michelle Denise Milam (Richmond)
• Nwaeze Nmereole (Richmond)
• Shasa Curl (Richmond)
• Amanda Jenkins (San Pablo)
• Dr. Rocio Hernández (San Pablo)
• Yolanda Mendoza (San Pablo)

A video of the event can be found here and see more photos here.

Congressman Garamendi represents California’s 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives which currently includes portions of Contra Costa County along the northern waterfront from Richmond to Antioch. After the 2026 election, the new district will only include portions of West County.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

AVAIO Digital data center rendering. Source: City of Pittsburg

To express concerns about environmental health and why the decision process did not include them.

“A data center raises issues about the moral implications of how we care for creation and our families.” – Oakland-based Faith in Action East Bay spokesperson

By Theresa Henson, Communications Manager, Faith in Action East Bay

PITTSBURG, CA – With concerns about a data center in their neighborhood, community members will meet with the City Manager, Darin Gale, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, at St. Peter Martyr Church, 740 Black Diamond Street, Pittsburg.

The data center was recently approved by the City of Pittsburg without community input. Through research meetings and presentations by Stanford experts, residents have learned about the environmental risks and respiratory health problems already affecting Pittsburg and how a possible data center would worsen environmental health.

In a formal meeting that will follow a prepared agenda, the community will seek answers to questions about the data center’s impact and why the decision was made without the input of the community.

The October 28 meeting will not be an open forum but a meeting following a prepared agenda that will uphold values of mutual respect of city officials and the sacred space in which the meeting will be held.

The meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and will be conducted in Spanish, with English interpretation.

The meeting will be available on Zoom: https://bit.ly/Oct28Pittsburg

WHAT: Meeting about the recently approved data center in Pittsburg

WHO: Pittsburg residents and City of Pittsburgh Manager Darin Gale

WHEN: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 7 p.m.

WHERE: St. Peter Martyr Church, Parish Hall, 740 Black Diamond Street, Pittsburg

Asked why faith leaders would expect to be involved in such a City decision and what does a data center have to do with faith, Henson responded, “A data center raises issues about the moral implications of how we care for creation and our families. Faith in Action East Bay builds leaders who are motivated by their faith values to bring healthy changes to their communities — processes which often involve research and actions with civic officials.”

(See related articles here, here, here, here and here)

About Faith in Action East Bay [FIAEB]

Faith in Action East Bay is a multi-faith and multi-racial organizing network made up of more than 23 congregations and over 25,000 families. Since 1972, Oakland Community Organization (OCO), now Faith in Action East Bay, has empowered leaders to advance systemic change, racial justice, and economic equity in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

By James Laughter, PIO, San Pablo Police Department

San Pablo, CA – On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at approximately 2:27 p.m., San Pablo Police Department officers responded to the 1600 block of 16th Street following a report of a male subject who was possibly deceased inside a parked vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located a 33-year-old San Pablo resident inside a red Toyota. The male was unresponsive and had apparent injuries. Officers and Con Fire medical personnel rendered medical aid; however, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

San Pablo Police Department detectives responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation The incident is being investigated as a homicide, and the investigation remains active. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notifications of next of kin. The suspects(s) have not been apprehended, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at (510) 215-3150.

Five projects will connect Californians to training and quality jobs in two emerging industries including at two Bay Area sites

By Anna Champe, Communications Manager, California Workforce Development Board

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) today announced $5,744,665 million in Workforce Accelerator Fund (WAF) 14 awards to five projects that will help Californians prepare for and access quality jobs in the state’s growing quantum and fusion industries.

The awards build on Governor Newsom’s recent announcement of new investments and legislation to advance California’s leadership in quantum technology and fusion energy. Quantum and fusion are priority sectors identified in California’s State Economic Blueprint, underscoring the need to support a skilled workforce to drive these emerging industries.

“Expanding on recent state investments in quantum, WAF 14 gives regions across the state an opportunity to prepare workers for these emerging industries,” said Kaina Pereira, Executive Director of the California Workforce Development Board. “By bringing together employers, educators, and workforce partners, these investments will help address key barriers to growth, strengthen California’s workforce, and create new opportunities for Californians.”

The Workforce Accelerator Fund has awarded more than $40 million since 2018 to support partnerships that test, scale, and replicate innovative approaches to workforce development. WAF 14 continues this investment by advancing career pathways in quantum, fusion, and related occupations, connecting Californians to industry-recognized credentials, training, and jobs, including those that do not require a four-year degree.

“Accelerator funds are the first grant I’ve ever worked with that allowed us to try out different solutions and figure out what works best for our individuals,” said Marni Roosevelt, WAF 9 grantee and Director of the Family Resource Center at Los Angeles Valley College.

Watch their success story to learn how WAF helps organizations expand services and create opportunities for Californians facing barriers to employment.

Accelerator 14 Awards

• $1.5 M for San Jose State University Research Foundation, Quantum Computing Hardware Design – creates a three-tier certificate program that prepares students and workers for careers in quantum computing hardware. The program offers flexible pathways from high school through university, with options to enter the workforce or advance to the next certificate level.
• $1.03 M for University of California, Berkeley, Northern California Quantum Training Pipeline – Develops and pilots a regional quantum workforce pipeline from grades 9 through 16, connecting students and job seekers to quantum careers. The project will create an implementation plan for coordinated training at the associate and bachelor’s levels, along with an 8- to 13-week industry-verified credential.
• $993,900 for University of California, Santa Barbara, Q-COAST – establishes a training pathway for hardware technician careers that does not require a four-year degree. The program will prepare workers for jobs in superconductivity, photonic integrated circuits, quantum optics, and fusion.
• $746,040 for Valley Vision, Inc., Quantum Capital – creates a regional workforce system for Greater Sacramento by defining the quantum economy and skills needed, aligning training and credentials with employer needs, and connecting K-12 education through college to quantum careers.
• $1.48 M for University of California, San Diego, Fusion CAL Career Pathway – creates a career pathway from high school through college and university to in-demand fusion jobs. Serving an estimated 160 participants, the pathway includes a stackable, industry-recognized certificate that can be earned in 13 weeks.

Since 2019, CWDB has awarded more than $596 million to support workforce development projects across the state, serving more than 80,500 participants. Grounded in equity, quality jobs, and climate resilience, these investments help Californians with employment challenges, access supportive services, develop in-demand skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect to quality jobs that offer opportunities for long-term career growth.

About CWDB

The California Workforce Development Board forges partnerships with businesses, labor, and government to build an economy defined by equity, quality jobs, and climate resiliency that challenges systemic barriers toward shared economic prosperity.