Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Walnut Creek, Antioch among 12 Nor Cal Kaiser hospitals rated best in nation for maternity care

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Included in Newsweek’s “Best Maternity Hospitals 2021” report for providing high-quality care to mothers, babies and families

By Kerri Leedy, PR and Media Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California 

Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are among the top hospitals in the nation for excellence in maternity care, according to Newsweek magazine’s “Best Maternity Hospitals 2021” report.

Twelve Northern California Medical Centers earned top marks for providing safe, high-quality care to moms and their new babies. This is the second consecutive year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized for meeting rigorous standards for maternity care, including low C-section rates, elective early deliveries and for following important protocols to safely protect new moms and their babies. Last year, 43,534 babies were delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

The following Kaiser Permanente hospitals received the “Best Maternity Hospitals 2021” designation: Antioch, Walnut Creek, Modesto, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, Vallejo and.

The national designation, awarded to only 217 hospitals in the United States, and only 34 in California, identifies leading maternity care programs that have met or exceeded rigorous quality and safety standards. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 20 hospitals that received the elite designation, representing nearly 10% of those named to the prestigious list — and nearly 60% of those listed in California.

“This recognition acknowledges our commitment to exceeding the standards for excellence in maternity care as we keep our patients healthy and safe while delivering personalized care,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our highly skilled care teams and integrated care delivery system allow us to provide the best experience and outcomes for new parents and their babies.”

“Our care teams put moms’ and babies’ well-being at the center of every decision we make, ensuring they are provided with the safest care possible,” said Richard S. Isaacs, MD, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We are proud of this recognition and the commitment by our physicians and staff who help ensure that our parents and their babies receive the highest standard in maternity care.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been a leader in providing innovative approaches to maternal care, including our Supporting Vaginal Birth Program that resulted in marked decreases in cesarean birth for first-time moms, and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program, which helps new mothers recover more quickly after delivering by cesarean section with enhanced early mobility and improved pain control minimizing the use of narcotics. A focus on breastfeeding is also integral to Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care, which has proven health benefits for both baby and mom.

Newsweek’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals demonstrate the highest performance in the United States as verified by the 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Designated hospitals meet Leapfrog’s rigorous standards for excellence in maternity care — including low rates of C-section, episiotomy (an incision to enlarge the vaginal opening for childbirth) and early elective delivery — and follow important protocols to protect moms and babies, among other measures. Additionally, all honored hospitals must have earned either an A, B or not scored on the Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

For more detail on methodology and a complete list of designated maternity care programs, visit Newsweek’s “Best Maternity Hospitals 2021.”

About Kaiser Permanente

For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight 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. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org

Vehicle fire damages Pleasant Hill gas station Thursday night

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Photos: PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Thursday night, Feb. 18, 2021 at about 10:45pm, Officers were sent to the Chevron Gas Station on Morello Avenue for a vehicle on fire. The fire destroyed the vehicle and damaged the gas pumps and overhang. Everyone got out safely.

The fire was likely caused by an electrical issue in the SUV and was put out by ConFire.

Public’s help needed to ID suspect in Walnut Creek purse snatching

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Artist’s sketch and photo of truck of purse snatcher suspect. By WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On Jan. 25, 2021 at about 5:20 pm, a female victim was sitting on the sidewalk in front of her apartment complex smoking a cigarette with her purse next to her. A male suspect came up behind her and grabbed her purse. The victim tried to prevent the suspect from taking her purse by holding onto it, but the suspect was eventually able to rip it from her hands and flee. The suspect got into a gold Toyota Tacoma driven by an unknown subject and left the scene.

The victim described the male suspect as follows: Tall, heavyset, Hispanic male, in his early 30’s, with long, black, wavy hair. He had thick lips and his lower lip hung down when he spoke. He had a thick Spanish accent and/or a lisp.

Suspect Vehicle Description: Gold Toyota Tacoma half cab, model year possibly 2010.

Attached is a sketch of the Suspect and a photo of the back of the Suspect Vehicle.

If you recognize this Suspect, please contact Det. Gerstner at 925-256-3578 or Gerstner@walnutcreekpd.com. Thank you.

Suspect wanted for multiple bank robberies in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord arrested in Novato

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Bank surveillance camera photo (left) and mugshots of William Mulligan. Photos courtesy of PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Jan. 25, 2021, a subject entered the Bank of America in Pleasant Hill and attempted to rob the teller by passing a note demanding money. When the teller refused, the subject left and was not immediately apprehended.

He went on to rob two other banks in Walnut Creek and Concord that day. Through a coordinated investigation with several other agencies around the Bay Area, William Mulligan was identified and eventually arrested by Novato PD.

He will be tried at the federal level. Great job by all the agencies involved to make this arrest!

Pleasant Hill T-Mobile store burglars caught while driving away

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Pleasant Hill Police Officers pull over the suspects in the car as they were fleeing the T-Mobile store. Photo: PHPD

Second Pleasant Hill cell phone store robbed this month

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Earlier this week, our graveyard team was dispatched to an alarm at T-Mobile (552 Contra Costa Blvd). Several officers went directly to the business and found the back door had been cut off and the business burglarized. Another officer stopped a suspicious vehicle leaving the area of the business and it turned out the occupants of the car were the burglars!

This is the second cell phone store in Pleasant Hill to be robbed, this month. Another was hit on Sunday morning, Feb. 7 and the suspects were arrested. (See related article)

That’s team work! We work together as a unit to resolve conflicts, solve crimes, apprehend suspects, and manage dangerous situations. #teamwork

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Cancer Support Community SF Bay Area awarded grant from Stanford to address impact of cancer on underserved populations

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By Alexandra Rubin, Director of Communications

Walnut Creek-based Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) is honored to be awarded a Community Partnership Seed Grant from the Stanford Cancer Institute.

CSC staff, along with CSC board member and Stanford physician, Anjali Sibley, MD, MPH, will conduct a qualitative needs assessment identifying the psychosocial needs of Black cancer patients and their families and barriers to accessing services.

“We are so grateful to the Stanford Cancer Institute for their generosity in making this important work possible,” says Dr. Sibley.

Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Support Community said, “This project is just part of CSC’s efforts to better meet the needs of cancer patients in underserved communities. Racial health disparities have long been known, but it’s time for everyone working in the cancer community to redouble our efforts to reduce cancer inequities for people of color facing cancer.”

CSC also opened a satellite center in Eastern Contra Costa County last year as part of their ongoing efforts to provide support directly to cancer patients and their families in underserved communities.

The ultimate goal of this project is to use the results to develop programs that better meet the needs of Black cancer patients and their families. This information will also be shared with the community and the CSC network of 39 affiliates across the United States as part of CSC’s efforts to address racial inequities in supportive cancer care.

About Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care – including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, emergency financial assistance, and patient education programs – for people with cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Our evidence-based services enable cancer patients to partner with their medical teams to manage their treatment and recovery most effectively, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life. All CSC services are always provided free of charge and are being offered virtually during the pandemic. With services provided at our Walnut Creek center, in local medical centers throughout the Bay Area, and now in Antioch, we serve more than 2,200 people annually. Visit www.cancersupport.net for more information.

San Pablo woman dies in crash on Highway 4 in Martinez Thursday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night at about 9:19pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle crash on Hwy-4 westbound, at the Alhambra Avenue off ramp. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a solo 2007 black Toyota Camry had been driven off the roadway and collided into heavy brush and trees at the Alhambra Avenue off ramp. The adult female passenger was ejected from the Toyota and suffered major injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver, a 21-year-old female from San Pablo, was also ejected and suffered fatal injuries and tragically was pronounced deceased by medical personnel on scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroners’ Office will be handling the release of her identity.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not spoken yet with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

 

Contra Costa County Clerk’s office to officiate weddings on Valentine’s Day 2021

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By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Photo: CCC Clerk

The Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office will officiate wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day – the most romantic day of the year.  Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, February 14th.  Twenty-one ceremonies will be performed at the Contra Costa County Clerk’s office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

“Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year and despite the many limitations posed by the pandemic, we are thrilled to offer safe, socially-distant appointments for couples to exchange nuptials on this special and popular day that symbolizes never-ending love,” Assistant Clerk-Recorder Barbara Dunmore said. “Not surprisingly, the appointments filled to capacity very quickly.”

Typically, the County Clerk’s Office officiates Valentine’s Day ceremonies as part of the Destination Wedding program in a picturesque or historic location. The pandemic has caused this program to be put on hold for the near future.  It is not likely to resume until the shelter order is lifted.

As with all ceremony appointments offered throughout the pandemic, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office takes precautions to keep our constituents and our staff safe.  Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place and ceremonies will be conducted with a glass barrier between the couple and the officiant.  Only the couple getting married will be permitted in our lobby.

All appointments for the Sunday ceremonies have been filled, and the County Clerk’s Office does not accept walk-in appointments.

Before the ceremony, couples must obtain a marriage license at the main office in Martinez. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $86 or a confidential marriage license for $90.

The County Clerk’s Office continues to conduct wedding ceremonies during the week.  Couples interested in having their ceremony at the Martinez office must make an appointment.  For information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to https://www.ccclerkrec.us/ or call the office at 925-335-7900.

Two arrested for burglary of Pleasant Hill cell phone store, drugs and more Sunday night

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The suspects’ car and tools. Photos: PHPD

Drugs found in the suspects’ car. Photo: PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Early Sunday morning, Feb. 7, 2021, officers had their hands full after responding to an alarm at a local cell phone store. When officers arrived, they discovered suspects had sawed the door off its hinges in order to enter the business. Lurking nearby was the vehicle shown above, and the two occupants were determined to be involved in the burglary.

After a thorough investigation, those two occupants were arrested for the burglary as well as multiple other charges including drug possession, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy.

The suspects were transported to Martinez Detention Facility and the case will be sent to the District Attorney for charges.

Five arrested for human trafficking, 3 rescued in Contra Costa during 7th Annual statewide Operation Reclaim & Rebuild

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450 arrests, 39 rescues by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and tax forces

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Contra Costa victim service providers and law enforcement agencies participated in the 7th Annual statewide “Operation Reclaim & Rebuild” enforcement event organized by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce. This operation focuses on rescuing victims of sex trafficking, identifying and arresting their abusers, and disrupting demand for these vulnerable victims. This is the third straight year that Contra Costa has participated in the operation, since organizing its own Human Trafficking Taskforce. (See press conference video.)

“Our collective goal to end human trafficking and exploitation locally and statewide is evidenced in our unified regional and state-wide approach to combat these heinous crimes. The trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable victims will not be tolerated in Contra Costa or California,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

Participating agencies made five arrests and rescued three victims in enforcement action occurring in East and Central Contra Costa County. Statewide, a total of 450 arrests and 39 rescues were made by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and taskforces.

Contra Costa law service and service provider agencies included:

  • Contra Costa Human Trafficking Taskforce
  • Pittsburg Police Department
  • Brentwood Police Department
  • Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
  • Walnut Creek Police Department
  • Richmond Police Department
  • San Pablo Police Department
  • California Highway Patrol
  • Contra Costa County Probation Department
  • Community Violence Solutions
  • Victim-Witness Assistance Program, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Taskforce brings together local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution partners who enhance collaboration with victim service partners in order to investigate and prosecute all forms of trafficking our community in a trauma-informed manner while connecting survivors to culturally-competent services and support.

To report suspected trafficking, call the Human Trafficking Tip Line and leave a message: 925-957-8658

To get help, call Community Violence Solutions 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-670-7273

Allen Payton contributed to this report.