Contra Costa Herald

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

In response to new federal direction Kaiser to “pause” under age 19 transgender surgeries

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Refuses to answer questions about treatments

By Allen D. Payton

Last week, in response to new directions at the federal level under the Trump Administration, Kaiser Permanente issued the following statement on “Gender Affirming Care for Patients Under 19”:

Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care to all our members, including adolescents. We are proud of the care and coverage we provide for transgender patients. Our work in this area and the inclusive care we provide for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families is recognized in the community.

Since January, there has been significant focus by the federal government on gender-affirming care, specifically for patients under the age of 19. This has included executive orders instructing federal agencies to take actions to curtail access and restrict funding for gender-affirming care, hospital inquiries by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and regulatory changes to coverage and broader federal agency review, including by the Federal Trade Commission. Most recently, the U.S. Department of Justice issued subpoenas to doctors and clinics providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth, as part of ongoing federal investigations.

In response to these federal actions, many health systems and clinicians across the country have paused or discontinued providing gender-affirming care for adolescents.

As the legal and regulatory environment for gender-affirming care continues to evolve, we must carefully consider the significant risks being created for health systems, clinicians, and patients under the age of 19 seeking this care.

After significant deliberation and consultation with internal and external experts including our physicians, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause surgical treatment for patients under the age of 19 in our hospitals and surgical centers. This pause is effective August 29, 2025. All other gender-affirming care treatment remains available. We continue to meet with regulators as well as our clinicians, patients, their families, and the community with the goal of identifying a responsible path forward.

We recognize that this is an extremely challenging and stressful time for our patients seeking care, as well as for our clinicians whose mission is to care for them. We will work closely with each patient to support their care journey.

We will remain a voice and advocate for safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for transgender patients.

Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations and Public Relations Representative for Kaiser Permanente Northern California was asked:

“Were those surgeries offered at Antioch, Walnut Creek and/or Richmond Kaiser hospitals?

Also, why does Kaiser continue to participate in and support the delusion that someone can change their gender with the labeling of the surgeries as “gender-affirming care”?

Why would Kaiser allow its doctors to participate in mutilating children and scaring them for life based on the confusion and mental disorder of gender dysphoria? According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘A diagnosis for gender dysphoria is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)…published by the American Psychiatric Association.’

Furthermore, how can the doctors that performed such surgeries argue they were not violating the Hippocratic Oath, specifically to ‘do no harm’?

Is counseling offered instead to children and adults experiencing such confusion and a mental disorder?”

But Harrington did not respond. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Contra Costa DA charges Florida man, ex-girlfriend – the child’s mother with sexual abuse of a minor

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Rustom Bhagwager. Source: CCC Sheriff. Graphic: CCDA

He faces 24 felony charges, now held on $15 million bail; both face 15 years to life in state prison

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

Martinez, California – Today, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 24-count felony complaint in Superior Court against a Florida man related to the sexual abuse of a minor between 2018 and 2023 in Contra Costa County.

34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $15 million and will be arraigned on 24 felony charges that include: engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

This internationally covered case was originally brought to light by local media reporting after the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office arrested Bhagwagar at SFO on Saturday.

Additionally, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell has also been charged in a related felony complaint and has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.  The charges in both complaints carry terms of 15 years to life in state prison. (See related article)

Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the allegations, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office in order to protect her identity.

Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26th, around 9:40 pm at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. (See related article)

Once Bhagwagar enters a plea to the charges in court, his case will proceed to a preliminary hearing of the evidence by a judge. Bahgwagar’s arraignment on the charges is scheduled for 1:35 pm in Martinez on July 30th.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs. By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.”

Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar

Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Powell

Asregadoo was asked for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred. He later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Additional suspect arrested in sex crimes against a child case

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Suspect Jennifer Powell, the child’s mother and ex-girlfriend of Rustom Bhagwagar. Photo: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department

45-year-old mother of child & ex-girlfriend of Florida pilot

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have made an additional arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into sex crimes against a child.

On Sat., July 26, 2025, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the assistance of HSI, boarded a plane at San Francisco International Airport to arrest 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on sex crimes against a child charges. (See related article)

Detectives this afternoon, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, arrested 45-year-old Jennifer Powell. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges involving sex crimes against a child.

Questions were sent to Jimmy Lee and Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office asking for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred, but no response was received prior to publication time. Asregadoo later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”

According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, Powell is the ex-gifrlfiend of Bhagwagar and “According to court documents, Powell was aware that her daughter was being sexually abused by her then-boyfriend. The court documents said she watched and even participated in the alleged sex crimes against her daughter.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

East County: Byron teacher’s aide from Discovery Bay arrested, charged with possession of child sex abuse material

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Dominic James Vannucci was arrested in Discovery Bay on June 4, 2025, for possession of child sexual abuse materials. Photo: CCCSheriff

25-year-old Dominic James Vannucci held on $1,200,000 bail

By Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force recently received information that a Contra Costa County resident was in possession of child sexual abuse material. ICAC investigators identified the person and secured a search warrant for his residence.

On Wednesday morning, June 4, 2025, the ICAC task force executed a search warrant at a home on the 2200 block of Breaker Court in Discovery Bay.

Electronic devices containing child pornography, along with other items, were seized.

Detectives arrested 25-year-old Dominic James Vannucci of Discovery Bay (born 2/9/2000). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is currently being held. On Wednesday afternoon, June 4, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed 20 counts against Vannucci, including possession of child pornography and annoying or molesting a child. He is being held in lieu of $1,200,000 bail.

Vannucci works as a Teacher’s Aide at Excelsior Middle School in Byron. Detectives have notified school officials and are coordinating with the administration regarding the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding this case or who has had contact with Vannucci related to this investigation is asked to call the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-feet, two-inch tall, 180-pound Vannucci is Hispanic and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 26, 2025, in Dep’t 5 of Superior Court in Martinez.

Contra Costa County ICAC consists of Brentwood PD, Concord PD, Moraga PD, Oakley PD, Pleasant Hill PD, Walnut Creek PD, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa Probation Department, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, and Homeland

Security Investigations.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Opinion: Birth certificate lies? New CA Bill Lets Minors Rewrite Reality—Without Parental Consent

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By Greg Burt, VP, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California legislature continues to disregard the rights of parents and ignore their religious beliefs regarding their children with the introduction of AB 1084, a bill that expedites the process for changing a person’s name and sex on official documents—including birth certificates and marriage licenses—based on “gender identity” rather than biological reality.

While author Assemblyman Rick Zbur (D-Beverly Hills) says the bill is a necessary response to efforts making it “harder for transgender people to live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” it is in fact a profound assault on both truth and parental rights. AB 1084 is not just another procedural update. “Not only does it further legitimize the false idea that sex is a choice,” said Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council. “But it’s designed to sideline the very people God has charged with the care and guidance of children: their parents.”

Biological Reality Can’t Be Legislated Away

A person cannot change their sex. Sex is not “assigned at birth”—it is observed and recorded. It is an immutable, biological reality encoded in every cell of our bodies. It is not up for revision with a court order or a fill-in-the-blank on a government form.

But AB 1084 expedites this legal fiction, compelling courts to issue approval for name and sex changes to reflect not biological sex, but subjective gender identity within two weeks.

The Real Target: Parental Authority

While the entire premise of the bill is flawed, its most egregious offense is against parents.

AB 1084 claims to honor parental rights by requiring both living parents to approve a minor’s request to change their name and sex on legal documents. But this is a bait and switch. If one parent objects, the court will only consider the objection valid if it demonstrates “good cause.” And what is explicitly not good cause? Belief in biological sex.

You read that right. Under AB 1084, a court must disregard a parent’s objection if it is based on the belief that their child’s proposed gender identity does not align with their biological sex. In other words, if you believe—scientifically, morally, or religiously—that sex is binary and unchangeable, your views are disqualified from legal consideration.
Here is how the text of the bill explains it: “(D) A hearing date shall not be set in the proceeding unless an objection is timely filed and shows good cause for opposing the name change. Objections based solely on concerns that the proposed change is not the petitioner’s actual gender identity or gender assigned at birth shall not constitute good cause.”

This isn’t just bad policy. It’s discriminatory, unconstitutional, and tyrannical.

A Constitutional Crisis

The U.S. Supreme Court has long upheld the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), the Court declared: “The child is not the mere creature of the state.” And in Troxel v. Granville (2000), the Court reaffirmed that “the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children… is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”

Yet AB 1084 places the state as arbiter of a child’s identity over and above the rights of parents. It effectively says: “Parents, you can raise your child—unless your views clash with state-endorsed gender ideology.”

This is an ideological test for parental rights. And it must be resisted.

A Slippery and Dangerous Precedent

Once the state arrogates to itself the power to nullify parental objections rooted in deeply held religious or biological convictions, where does it stop?

  • Will it override a parent’s objection to irreversible medical procedures?
  • Will it compel schools to keep secrets from parents about their children’s gender identity?
  • Will it use the denial of “affirmation” as grounds to remove children from their homes

A False Solution to Real Pain

The advocates of AB 1084 claim that this bill is about protecting transgender and nonbinary individuals from discrimination. But true compassion never requires us to lie. A government that redefines reality to affirm feelings is not protecting anyone—it’s merely swapping one kind of harm for another.

Children, especially minors struggling with gender confusion, need truth, not affirmation of delusion. They need wise, loving guidance—especially from parents, not judges. By empowering minors to legally alter their identity with minimal pushback, California encourages life-altering decisions without adequate reflection or maturity.

 

And these changes are not harmless. Once legal documents are changed, it can set off a domino effect leading to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries—often before a child’s brain is even fully developed.

What Must Be Done

California Family Council stands firmly opposed to AB 1084 and any law that undermines biological truth and parental authority. We urge the legislature to reject this bill and call on citizens to raise their voices in protest.

We are also calling on constitutional lawyers and religious liberty advocates to prepare challenges to this legislation should it pass. It will not stand the test of judicial scrutiny—and it certainly will not stand the test of time.

Bill Status

This bill has already passed the Assembly Judiciary and Health Committees and now sits in the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File.  On May 23 the committee will announce its decision on whether the bill progresses to the full Assembly for a vote.

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

 

Maya Cinemas announces return of Summer Kids Camp with $3 movies Monday-Thursday

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Ticket sales to benefit Maya Community Foundation

FREE admission to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from June 2–5

By Greg Heckmann, Marketing Director, Maya Cinemas of North America, Inc.

Maya Cinemas is excited to welcome families back to its popular Summer Kids Camp, beginning Monday, June 2, 2025. This fun-filled summer tradition offers a lineup of beloved family films for just $3 per ticket, every Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m., a perfect way to enjoy a movie indoors during the warmer months.

To kick off the season, Maya Cinemas will offer FREE admission to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from June 2–5 at 10:30 a.m. These special screenings are limited to six tickets per person, available in person at the box office only. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source: Maya Cinemas

Full Summer Kids Camp Schedule

$3 Tickets • All Shows at 10:30am, Monday-Thursday

The Bad Guys • June 9-12

Shrek • June 16-19

Minions: Rise of Gru • June 23-29

Kung Fu Panda 4 • June 30-July 3

Migration • July 7-10

Trolls Band Together • July 14-17

Puss ‘n Boots: The Last Wish • July 21-24

Despicable Me 4 • July 28-31

The Wild Robot • August 4-7

The Land Before Time • August 11-14

Maya Cinemas will offer a $20 Passport for 10 Summer Kids Camp movies. This is a savings of $10.

$2 from every Kid’s Combo purchased during the Summer Kids Camp shows will benefit the Maya Community Foundation.

Summer Kids Camp participating theaters:

Pittsburg – 4085 Century Boulevard, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Bakersfield – 1000 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Delano – 401 Woollomes Avenue, Delano, CA 93215

Fresno – 3090 East Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno, CA 93710

Salinas – 153 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901

North Las Vegas – 2195 North Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030

ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS

Founded in 2000, Maya Cinemas was created to bring high-quality, first-run movie experiences to underserved and family-oriented communities, particularly those with a strong Latino presence. In addition to mainstream Hollywood films, Maya Cinemas offers unique programming through its Canal Maya series, all presented in modern, state-of-the-art theaters. Through its Maya Community Foundation, the company remains committed to enriching the communities it serves. For more information and showtimes visit www.mayacinemas.com.

 

“Let’s Go Country” at the 2025 Contra Costa County Fair in Antioch May 15-18

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Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17

Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now

Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)

Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)

SPECIAL DAYS

Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)

Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.

Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.

Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.

See complete schedule of daily events.

SPECIAL EVENT

Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.

DAILY ATTRACTIONS

Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.

BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.

Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.

Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.

Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.

Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway

Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.

Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.

Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.

Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.

Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.

Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.

Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.

Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.

Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.

Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.

EXHIBITS

Agriculture Pavilion

Arts Pavilion

Fur & Feathers Pavilion

Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)

Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.

LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring

Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM

Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM

Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM

Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM

Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM

Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM

LIVE MUSIC – Headliners

Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.

You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera

MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL

Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.

ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races

Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.

Tickets & More Info

Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale

Youth Season Pass – $25

Adult Season Pass – $35

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily

Parking – $10

Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35

Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99

To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.

Chaperone Policy

The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.

All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.

Location

The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.

Source: CCCFair

Source: CCCFair

3 men arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operation in Brentwood

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Tommy Ray Vance (top left), Anthony Robert Mozingo (top right) and Sheldon Devin Ludd (bottom) arrested during ICAC Task Force operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

Two out of custody with no charges filed; multi-agency effort

By Brentwood Police Department

Earlier this month, the Brentwood Police Department hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a multi-agency, week-long operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals seeking to sexually exploit minors online.

This proactive operation brought together 12 law enforcement agencies and dedicated hundreds of investigative hours to targeting those intending to harm children. The results of the operation included:

  • 3 arrests
  • seizure of digital devices and firearms
  • a safer community—which remains our ultimate goal

Arrested during the operation:

  • 48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance of Brentwood (see details in related article)
  • 29-year-old Anthony Robert Mozingo of Elk Grove
  • 29-year-old Sheldon Devin Ludd of Sacramento

We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. We extend our sincere appreciation to the following agencies for their collaboration and support:

Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, Oakley PD, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Antioch PD, Contra Costa County MCTF, Martinez PD, Walnut Creek PD, Homeland Security Investigations, Contra Costa Probation Department, and the United States Secret Service.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of April 14 Mozingo is out of custody with no charges filed and as of April 15, Ludd is also out of custody with no charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

Antioch among 12 Kaiser Permanente Nor Cal hospitals named by Newsweek as America’s best for maternity

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Source: Kaiser Permanente and Newsweek.

Hospitals are recognized for providing safe, compassionate, exceptional care to parents and their newborns

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, CA – Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025 distinguishes 12 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the best in the nation for providing high-quality care to parents and their babies.

The 12 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor include: Antioch, Fresno, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Leandro, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, and Vallejo.

This is the sixth year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized by Newsweek for meeting rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and following important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.

“We know the importance of giving babies a healthy start in life, and our labor and delivery teams are providing these new families with quality care as they embark on this exciting chapter in their lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our Northern California hospitals deliver comprehensive, culturally responsive maternity care in a nurturing environment.”

Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

Exceptional care through the entire pregnancy

“We take great pride in the clinical excellence achieved by our physicians, midwives, nurses and entire teams and for the personalized care and support given to all our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California recognizes the importance of providing safe, comprehensive maternity care for all parents and their babies before, during, and after birth.”

The national designation was awarded to only 444 hospitals in the United States with 66 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 26 hospitals that received the elite designation in California, or more than 40% of hospitals recognized in the state.

Newsweek and Statista, one of the world’s leading statistics portals and industry-ranking provider, partnered on this prestigious list, given that maternity care provided from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and their mothers.

Delivering great care to babies and their parents

Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment toward excellence in maternal health and creating a positive maternity care experience for our patients and members.

Our comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.

Members are encouraged to focus on their health even before pregnancy. If a pregnant patient has a high-risk pregnancy or a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, we tailor their care – including providing remote monitoring tools – to reduce risks, helping to keep mom and baby safe.

At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we also partner with new parents to ensure they have the birthing experience they desire through a coordinated birthing plan that addresses everything from their delivery preferences to whether they want to breastfeed.

Support for mental and emotional health is another important component of maternity care at Kaiser Permanente. Regular screenings for prenatal and postpartum depression are part of every care plan, so we can connect those who are struggling with the care and support they need.

Pittsburg author publishes first children’s book

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We Are Twins cover and author Larena Baldazo. Photo by Railroad Book Depot

Larena Baldazo’s “We Are Twins” based on experience with own daughter

Sales benefit Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation

Pittsburg resident and now local author, Larena Baldazo, has launched her first children’s book, We Are Twins.

The story recognizes differences while celebrating similarities, especially among children with unique learning styles and special needs. This simple story packs a big message for young readers, with a goal of bringing awareness to everyone’s needs and fostering inclusiveness.

This book aims to serve as a tool to start the conversation and lead with intentionality. We Are Twins focuses on two friends, Luli and Valentina, to explore the idea that it is our differences that make us special, and our similarities are what spark long-lasting friendships. At first glance, the girls are nearly complete opposites, how can they be twins? Do people have to be exactly alike to become and stay friends? Read it for yourself and find out!

We Are Twins is now available in-store and online at the Railroad Book Depot. Oh, and shipping is free! The book retails for $19.99 and 30% of each sale goes toward arts and literature programs through the Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation.

Order here or buy it in-store at: 485 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA.

About the Author
With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Digital Media, and a plethora of blog posts as a writer for Baby Center’s Spanglish Mamis channel, Larena Baldazo’s passion has always been for storytelling. Over the years, her creativity led her down a path of marketing, creating content for social media, and web producing for brands and big names such as the San Francisco Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and then on to public service.

Behind the stories, the photography, and the Instagram lives, Larena’s first job is being a mom. She and her husband live in Pittsburg, and if you look at the illustrations in this book closely, you may see some familiar spots if you know the area well enough. Just after Larena’s daughter turned three years old, she was diagnosed with 100 percent hearing loss in her right ear and a learning disability. With little information, so many questions and a lack of guidance, Larena quickly learned that she needed to be her daughter’s advocate to get her the support services she needed. Whether that was in the doctor’s office or at school.

We Are Twins is inspired by her daughter, not only because of her journey, but because this was something she would often say when she felt a connection with someone or shared the same interest. Once again, Larena’s daughter had introduced her to a new way of thinking…that it is our differences that make us special, and our similarities are what spark long-lasting friendships.