Contra Costa Herald

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

First recipient of Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts announced

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Antioch art teacher Michael Jacobucci, holding the award check for $1,000, will be awarded the first Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts on this year’s Kindness Day, Jan. 26, 2026. Source: Justice for Alexis Gabe

Will be officially awarded to AUSD art teacher Michaela Jacobucci on Kindness Day, Jan. 26

Scholarship program judge panelists included Jessica Zuasola (Alexis’ cousin), and Alexis’ brothers Austin and Marqus Gabe. Photo source: Justice for Alexis Gabe

Congratulations to Michaela Jacobucci. She is currently a third-year art teacher in the Antioch Unified School District, teaching at both Dallas Ranch Middle School and Antioch Middle School.

The three scholarship panelists unanimously agreed to select an art teacher as our first awardee, recognizing her dedication in using her own funds to provide art supplies for her students. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, the We Get It Foundation, along with the panelists, surprised her with a $1,000 check in her class. Additionally, we will be honoring her with a big check during Kindness Day as well.

Present at the event were Elizabeth LaVasse (CEO of We Get It Foundation), Leo Miller, Jessica Zuasola (who is Alexis’ cousin), brothers Austin and Marqus Gabe, Bridget Spires (the principal of DRMS), and Liah Jones-Douglas (the principal of AMS

Monday, January 26, 2026, marks the fourth anniversary of Alexis Gabe’s passing, a day that the Gabe Family has dedicated to compassion and community involvement.

We are excited to share that Kindness Day is returning for its 3rd year, following the success of the previous two events! This day offers a chance to step away from our everyday lives and come together in the spirit of kindness to make a positive difference. In memory of our daughter Alexis, whose passing we honor, we have decided to dedicate this day to acts of generosity and compassion. Whether you opt for a small gesture, like treating someone to a coffee, or a larger one, such as providing meals for those in need or donating to a charitable organization, every act of kindness matters. We invite you to share your stories in the comments and let us know how you have impacted someone’s life.

This year and in the future, things will be different. Previously, this event was held virtually, allowing everyone to join in regardless of where they are. However, we are now also offering the chance to donate non-perishable canned goods if you prefer to contribute food instead. We will be donating everything we collect that day to an organization that we all voted for.

The purpose is to honor Alexis’ memory and motivate others to create a positive impact in the world through small, everyday actions. We encourage individuals to engage in acts of kindness, regardless of their scale. Suggested actions include buying a coffee for someone, holding the door for a stranger, providing meals for the homeless, writing a thank-you note, or simply making someone smile. This year, and in the years to come, the event will take on a new format. In the past, it was conducted virtually, allowing participation from anyone, regardless of location. However, we are now also providing the option to donate non-perishable canned goods for those who wish to contribute food instead. All items collected on that day will be donated to a domestic violence organization.

The day will culminate with a visit to Alexis’ memorial bench in Oakley at approximately 5 PM, where representatives from the “We Get It Foundation” and the Gabe Family will present a large check to the recipient of the Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts. A brief presentation will take place, and a DJ will be present to provide entertainment. We are expected to be there from 5 to 7 PM. Alexis’ memorial bench is located at Civic Center Park at 3231 Main Street, Oakley. We warmly invite everyone to join us, bring your food donations, and commemorate Alexis’ anniversary alongside our family and friends.

Gwyn Gabe

(Father of Alexis Gabe)

About the Scholarships

We Get It Foundation is proud to present the Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts, a scholarship dedicated to fostering creativity in the realm of artistic medium and photography. Alexis Gabe was a beloved daughter, friend, and a phenomenal artist whose talent shone brightly in all her endeavors. She had a remarkable ability to connect with others, particularly within the neurodivergent community, whom she passionately supported and uplifted. Those who knew Alexis cherished her spirit and warmth, recognizing her as a true advocate for inclusivity and artistic expression. The Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts aims to honor her legacy by providing opportunities for young artists to express themselves and develop their talents, ensuring that her passion for creativity and connection continues to inspire future generations. Through this scholarship, Alexis’s vision for a more inclusive and expressive world will live on.

The Scholarships

The Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts awards a grant paid directly to the institution of learning for classes in any form of visual art, including painting, drawing, or sculpture. This grant may also be used to purchase art supplies or materials if that is the intention of the applicant and clearly stated when applying.

The Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts awards a grant dedicated to photography lessons or the purchase of photography equipment. Applicants can specify their intended use in their application, and the grant will support their journey in exploring and developing their photography skills.

The Alexis P. Gabe Scholarship for Visual Arts awards a grant paid directly to a school art program. This grant aims to enhance art education opportunities and provide resources for schools dedicated to nurturing creativity and artistic expression within their curriculum.

Police solve 2024 homicide of homeless Antioch man

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Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III was charged with homicide, kidnapping and criminal threats in the 2024 death of Raheem Coe. Photo: Antioch PD

Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III currently in San Quentin state prison on unrelated charges.

Previously arrested in 2022 for shooting, killing Antioch convenience store clerk, but DA Becton didn’t charge with murder

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker of the department’s Investigations Bureau, after an extensive investigation, the Antioch Police Department has solved the homicide of Raheem Coe, a 48-year-old Antioch resident who was found deceased on May 15, 2024, near medical office buildings in the Country Hills Drive area.

At approximately 7:19 AM, on that date, Antioch police officers responded to the 2200 block of Country Hills Drive to assist Contra Costa Fire on a reported male down on the sidewalk possibly in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a deceased male. The cause of death was unknown at the time. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. After an autopsy and further investigation, the death was determined to be a homicide. The victim frequented the area where he was discovered.

As previously reported, independent reports from two sources claimed Coe’s death was believed to be caused by blunt force trauma, including to his head and chest.

At the time, local homeless advocate Andrew Becker, who knew Coe and had several interactions with him, said, “Raheem Coe was on the street for the last couple of years, in the Lone Tree-Deer Valley area. He’s had several interactions with City staff including being swept multiple times by Public Works and Code Enforcement.”

“We had several conversations about shelter and services, and he was seeking shelter,” Becker continued. “He did have contact with his family who are also local.”

Through the processing of evidence, witness interviews, and the review of video surveillance, detectives identified 23-year-old Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III as the suspect in this homicide. Jackson is currently in custody at San Quentin State Prison on unrelated charges.

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which has filed charges against Jackson for PC 187 – Homicide, PC 207(a) – Kidnapping, and PC 422 – Criminal Threats. Jackson will be transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility pending future court proceedings.

Jackson was previously arrested for robbing an Antioch gas station convenience store and killing the 36-year-old clerk in November 2022. (See related articles here and here)

However, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced the following week that her Office declined to file murder charges in the case, based on the clerk’s actions and “upon an established law that clearly states a person cannot pursue another to retrieve stolen property once the threat of bodily injury or harm to the victim has subsided.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Jackson was also arrested by Antioch Police on May 25, 2024, for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and threats of violence, and on Oct. 26, 2022, for vandalism: paint, cruelty to an animal and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

Two Oakley boys arrested for grazing man’s head with gunshot

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During attempted marijuana buy that goes bad

Following high-speed pursuit to Orinda by Sheriff’s Deputies

By Oakley Police Department

At 1:08 AM on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, Oakley officers were dispatched to the area of East Cypress Road and Frank Hengel Way for a report of a possible kidnapping and a shooting. Our officers arrived on scene and found multiple people at the corner of Rubens Way and East Cypress Road. (Many of the people involved in this incident were juveniles so names will not be used.)

Our officers found a male victim with a grazing wound to his head which was determined to be a gunshot wound. Officers began the investigation and determined a group of three Oakley residents (two young adults, a male and a female, and one juvenile female) picked up two other males, who are also juveniles from Oakley. Collectively, the five people began hanging out at Cypress Grove Park in the vehicle of one of the females. The two male juveniles, who were picked up, became angered when the other three would not take them to buy marijuana. At one point the male who had taken part in picking up the two other males got out of the vehicle.

The two males who had been picked up then forced the females to drive away at gunpoint. The female victim driver drove down Rubens Way where she refused to drive any further. She and the other female victim were then forced out of the vehicle by the two male suspects at gunpoint. The two male suspects then drove the vehicle back towards East Cypress Road. The male victim, who had previously exited the vehicle, saw everything that was going on and ran towards the flight path of the fleeing suspects and caught up to them at the intersection of Frank Hengel and East Cypress. One of the male suspects shot at the male victim through the windshield of the female victim’s vehicle several times and struck the male victim in the head with the grazing shot.

The two suspects then fled the scene. We were assisted by deputies from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and one of those deputies saw the victim’s vehicle driving westbound on Highway 4 at a high rate of speed. Deputy Sheriffs initiated a pursuit of the victim vehicle, which took them all the way out to Orinda. The pursuit terminated when the pursued vehicle became disabled on westbound highway 24, in Orinda. Both male suspects were taken into custody and transported back to the Oakley Police Department. It was determined both suspects had warrants for their arrest, in addition to all of the crimes they were just involved in. Both suspects were booked into the Juvenile Hall for those two warrants and:

  • Attempted homicide
  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Kidnapping
  • Carjacking

The male who had been shot was transported to a local hospital and treated and released.

If anybody has information regarding this shooting, please call the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060 and reference case 26-95.

We thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Orinda Police Department for their vital assistance in this investigation.

 

Barricaded suspect arrested after self-inflicted gunshot wound during Oakley standoff

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The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Oakley Police on the scene of the standoff in Oakley Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Photo courtesy of ContraCosta.news.

54-year-old Raymond E. Smith fired several shots at deputy sheriff; previously arrested in 2013 for assault; multiple agency effort

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is continuing to investigate an incident where a suspect shot at a deputy sheriff this morning in Oakley.

On Monday, January 12, 2026, at about 10:50 AM, a deputy sheriff was dispatched to a call regarding a violation of a restraining order. A deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop after locating the suspect vehicle on the 4300 block of Gold Run Drive in Oakley. Almost immediately after the stop, the driver came out of the vehicle and fired several shots at the deputy. The deputy was not struck and was able to return gunfire.

The suspect fled on foot in the neighborhood. During the search for the suspect, the Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oakley Police Department, California Highway Patrol, East Bay Regional Park Police, Brentwood Police Department, and Antioch Police Department. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, Drone Unit, and a police K-9 also responded. The suspect was found barricaded at his home on the 2700 block of Placer Drive in Oakley.

After several hours of attempting to communicate with the suspect, the SWAT team armored vehicle approached the residence. A gunshot was heard. The suspect apparently tried to take his own life. Medical personnel, who were on scene, immediately implemented life-saving measures. The suspect was taken to a local hospital.

The man is identified as 54-year-old Raymond E. Smith of Oakley, who was arrested, and will be booked on charges that include attempted murder of a peace officer,

According to localcrimenews.com, Smith was also arrested in December 2013 by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and in May 2024 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for Warrants or Holds Only.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City of Brentwood, Police Department provide update on investigations regarding death of Yolanda Ramirez

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Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

Plan to release body cam, dash cam video footage of officer involved incident

City council votes to defend lawsuit from family

“Justice for Yolanda Ramirez” Facebook Page created, family issues list of demands

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA – The City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department are providing an update regarding the ongoing investigations into the incident regarding the officer involved death of 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez on Oct. 2, 2025.

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at a legally noticed special Council meeting, Mayor Susannah Meyer reported that the City Council and the Brentwood Police Department remain fully committed to cooperating with the independent investigation being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation is independent, and it is essential that it be allowed to proceed thoroughly, objectively, and without interference. Out of respect for the integrity of the investigative process and for the Ramirez family, the City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department will not speculate or comment on matters currently under review.

During the closed City Council session, the Brentwood City Council voted 4-0, with one council member absent, to authorize the City’s Legal Department to defend the lawsuit recently filed by the Ramirez family.

Police Chief’s Statement on Actions Taken and Cooperation with the District Attorney

Interim Police Chief Walter O’Grodnick stated, “On Thursday, October 2, 2025, I notified the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office that I formally invoked the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol. At the same time, I directed our Professional Standards Unit to initiate a separate administrative investigation focused on policy compliance and procedural review. That administrative investigation was later assigned to an independent third-party investigator to ensure independence and objectivity.

The District Attorney’s protocol team arrived the same day I initiated the protocol and were immediately provided with full access to relevant evidence, including:

  • 911 recordings
  • Body-worn camera footage
  • In-car camera footage
  • Police reports and related documentation
  • Police vehicle involved in the incident

The Brentwood Police Department has fully cooperated with the District Attorney’s Office. We have not restricted or limited the DA’s access to any information the DA has requested. I want the Ramirez family and the community to know that I am fully committed to professionalism, accountability, objectivity, fairness, and adherence to the law and constitutional rights.”

Planned Release of Footage

Consistent with the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, and given the progress of the investigations, Mayor Meyer announced that the Brentwood City Council has directed staff to release footage of the police contact with Ms. Ramirez first to the Ramirez family and then to the public, no later than February 28, 2026.

The Brentwood City Council and the Brentwood Police Department appreciate the community’s patience and respect for the investigative process during this time.

Anyone with additional information or documentation related to this incident is asked to contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigations at (925) 957-2200.

“Justice for Yolanda Ramirez” Facebook Page Created, Family Issues List of Demands

A Facebook page has been created entitled, “Justice for Yolanda Ramirez”. The description reads, “This is an open space where family, loved ones, and the community can share about Yolanda Ramirez. Please share any memories, updates about Yolanda Ramirez. Please use the Hashtag: #JusticeForYolanda or #JusticeForYolandaRamirez to help spread the word.”

A post on Nov. 21, 2025, shares the demands of the family. It reads, “Our family’s nightmare began when we learned from a neighbor that our beloved, Yolanda Ramirez, was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after being in the custody of the Brentwood Police Department in the morning of Friday September 26th. The nightmare became our reality on Friday October 3rd, when she passed in the hospital, because of the tragic and unnecessary actions of the Brentwood Police Department.

“Yolanda Ramirez, 72 years old, was the heart and soul of our family. She was a warm, kind, supportive and loving wife, mother/mother-in-law, grandmother, sister/sister-in-law, Tia, and friend. She would do anything for her family and friends, especially dropping anything she was doing to spend time with her grandchildren. She took great pride in helping others, as she was an avid blood donor. On the morning of Friday September 26th, she kissed and hugged her soulmate of 54 years for the last time as she went to pick up her brother to take him to the doctor. Her life was important, and she deserved to be treated with dignity and care, as any elderly adult, while in the custody of law enforcement. She had no previous trouble with law enforcement.

“Our family has many unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the events that contributed to her death. We were denied a copy of the police report because we are not involved in the incident. The only information we have come from several brave and outspoken neighbors that witnessed the police encounter. We fear for others in similar situations and demand a full, independent, and transparent investigation into what happened.

“We call on the Brentwood Police Department to provide immediate and complete answers to our family and the community.

“We are demanding:

  1. Assurances that Officer PEACHMAN and the unidentified female officer have been removed from active duty pending the investigation.
  2. Officer PEACHMAN to resign immediately from the police association president post. That position is for someone that displays true leadership, abides by the mission statement of the police department, and knows how to deal with the vulnerable population of our community, which he as obviously failed.
  3. The immediate release of all relevant documents, incident reports, all video footage (including body cameras, dash cameras, and any videos obtained from neighbors), dispatch records/logs related to her time in custody.
  4. An independent investigation by an outside agency that will remain impartial, transparent, and hold those of wrongdoing accountable!
  5. Revaluation of the police policies and procedures of law enforcement interaction with nonviolent incidents pertaining to the vulnerable population in our community. It is obvious that training is needed for some law enforcement officials even if they have 10 years’ experience. Also, the department being very transparent with the public from the onset of such incidents to retain the community trust.

“Our family will not stop fighting for Justice for Yolanda. She was failed by a system that should have ‘protected and enhanced the quality of life through uncompromised dedication, professionalism, and integrity’ as stated in the mission statement of the Brentwood Police Department. We demand accountability and systemic change to ensure that no other family has to experience something similar and yet preventable. #JusticeForYolanda”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Suspect in Christmas Eve Brentwood Officer involved fatal shooting ID’d as Stockton man

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The rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. Photo: Brentwood PD

Convicted felon

By Lt. Mark Louwerens, Brentwood Police Department

Brentwood, CA – The suspect in the fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on Christmas Eve has been identified as, Romaine Alexander Morgan, 43-year-old male from Stockton, CA.

Further investigation following the shooting revealed Morgan was a convicted felon, had an extensive history of convictions for weapons related charges, including two convictions for armed robbery where Morgan served prison time.

As previously reported, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at around 10:55 p.m., Brentwood Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Balfour Road and Foothill Drive for suspicion of DUI.  Officers contacted the driver, a male in his 40’s, who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

While speaking to the driver, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded, high-powered rifle inside the vehicle.  When officers attempted to arrest the driver, he physically resisted arrest, refused to follow verbal commands and ultimately grabbed the high-powered rifle.

An officer-involved shooting occurred in which one officer fired their weapon. Several officers rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived on scene. However, the suspect succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene.

No officers were seriously injured during this incident.

The attached photo depicts the rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. The rifle had no serial number and given Morgan’s felony conviction status, he was a prohibited person from possessing any firearms.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 365-pound Morgan was Black and had been arrested four times including once by Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputies in 2022 for prisoner possessing a weapon and three times by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Deputies: in 2024 for battery on a spouse, cohabitant, former spouse and threats of violence; on March 6, 2025, for threats of violence; and again on Sept. 26, 2025, for drunk in public/release with no criminal charges after hold.

The vehicle Morgan was driving in this incident was registered to Morgan.

The investigation remains ongoing and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol investigation continues. Body-worn camera and in-car camera footage will eventually be released in accordance with the law.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Brentwood Officer involved Christmas Eve shooting leaves man dead

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Contra Costa DA’s Office conducting parallel Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol investigation 

By Investigations Lt. Mark Louwerens, Brentwood Police Department

On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at around 10:55 p.m., Brentwood Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Balfour Road and Foothill Drive for suspicion of DUI.  Officers contacted the driver, a male in his 40’s, who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

While speaking to the driver, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded, high-powered rifle inside the vehicle.  When officers attempted to arrest the driver, he physically resisted arrest, refused to follow verbal commands and ultimately grabbed the high-powered rifle.

An officer-involved shooting occurred in which one officer fired their weapon. Several officers rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived on scene. However, the suspect succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene.

No officers were seriously injured during this incident.

The investigation remains ongoing and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation in accordance with the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol. Body-worn camera and in-car camera footage will eventually be released in accordance with the law.

No additional information is being released at this time

The suspect’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911.  Callers may remain anonymous.

An email requesting the name, age and city of residence of the deceased man was sent to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office and Sherrif-Coroner PIO. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch recognized as top maternity hospital by U.S. News & World Report

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Photo by Kaiser Permanente

One of 8 Kaiser Nor Cal hospitals to meet rigorous standards and demonstrate their commitment to high-quality maternity care

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

ANTIOCH, CA – Eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are designated as “2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report for providing high-quality maternity care to patients.

The eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the prestigious honor are: Antioch, Manteca, Modesto, Redwood City, Roseville, San Jose, Santa Clara and Vacaville.

This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.

U.S. News recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous standards in caring for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. These ratings are intended to help expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, make informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family needs.

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

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California is continually recognized for providing high-quality, exceptional maternity care to families as they embark on this exciting time in their lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our labor and delivery teams focus every day on caring for our patients in a warm and nurturing environment, providing them with a positive birth experience.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment to 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.

“This recognition highlights the unwavering dedication of our physicians, midwives, nurses, and staff, who consistently provide high-quality care for parents and their newborns,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We take great pride in delivering safe, compassionate, and exceptional maternity care, supporting parents through every stage—before, during, and after birth.”

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis.

This year, the national designation was awarded to only 495 hospitals in the United States, or about 55 percent of the 899 hospitals that participated.

Methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices, and reporting on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

About Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Birthing Center

As you prepare to welcome your new baby, the care team at Kaiser Permanente Antioch looks forward to taking this journey with you. Count on us to support you through your pregnancy, empower you to have the birth experience you want to have, and give your baby a happy, healthy start in life.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch features CenteringPregnancy. This is a nationally-recognized style of prenatal care in a group setting. Its aim is to build a community that empowers women to be actively involved in their own care and equips them to make healthy choices throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center is located at 4501 Sand Creek Road off Deer Valley Road in Antioch.

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 12.5 million members in 8 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. For more information, go to about.kp.org

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report (USNWR, U.S. NEWS) is an American media company publishing news, consumer advice, rankings, and analysis. The company was launched in 1948 as the merger of domestic-focused weekly newspaper U.S. News and international-focused weekly magazine World Report. In 1995, the company launched its website, usnews.com, and, in 2010, ceased printing its weekly news magazine, publishing only its ranking editions in print. U.S. News licenses its name to the subjects it ranks, so they may then use the annual rankings in promotional literature. www.usnews.com

County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol initiated

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Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.

Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation

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

Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.

The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man killed during family dispute at home near Concord

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By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.

Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.

The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.

The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.