Contra Costa Herald

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

Formal charges of murder, other crimes filed against suspect in Discovery Bay homicide and Antioch drive-by shooting

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Also tied to Brentwood store robbery; bail lowered from $11 million to $9.8 million

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

This morning detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Antioch Police

Department and Brentwood Police Department jointly filed their cases against 26-year-old Darryon Williams of Stockton. He is the suspect in Saturday’s multiple shooting of first responders in Antioch, a murder in Discovery Bay and robbery in Brentwood. The Contra Costa D.A.’s Office has filed the following charges against Williams: Complaint filed vs. Williams February 24 2021

  • Murder
  • Second degree robbery
  • Shooting from a vehicle
  • Assault on peace officer/firefighter with semiautomatic firearm (6 counts)
  • Assault with a semiautomatic firearm (3 counts)
  • Fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly

Williams remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. He is being held in lieu of $9,790,270 bail. According to Scott Alonso, PIO for the Contra Costa DA’s Office, Williams’ arraignment will be held Thursday, Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 1 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court building in Martinez.

The Office of the Sheriff would like to thank the Antioch and Brentwood Police Departments for their assistance during our homicide investigation. The three agencies worked together closely and collaboratively. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the Discovery Bay homicide is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441 or at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

The Antioch Police Department can be reached at (925) 778-2441. Anonymous text tips can be sent to 274637 with the keyword ANTIOCH. The Brentwood Police Department can be reached at (925) 809-7911.

Rep. McNerney to host “Conversation on COVID-19 and Health Disparities in the Black Community” with Dr. Bennet Omalu, Friday

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Rep. Jerry McNerney (official photo) and Dr. Bennnet Omalu (from Wikipedia).

Famous football brain injury neuropathologist featured in Will Smith movie “Concussion”

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout moves forward, it is important that we continue to reach out to our diverse communities and make sure everyone has the information and access to protect themselves and their families. Congressman Jerry McNerney (D, CA-09) will hold a conversation on Friday, February 26th from 4:00-5:00 PM to discuss COVID-19 and health disparities in the Black community and how we as a community at large can engage and support one another in the fight against this pandemic. The Congressman will be joined by special guests Dr. Bennet Omalu, Dr. Kim Rhoads, Dr. Otashe Golden, and Stockton Branch NAACP President Bobby Bivens.

Dr. Omalu is the forensic pathologist and neuropathologist who was first to discover and publish findings on brain damage caused by repeat head injuries in American football players, labeled chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He was later appointed chief medical examiner for San Joaquin County, CA, and is a professor at U.C. Davis, department of medical pathology and laboratory medicine. Omalu was the subject of the 2015 movie Concussion, in which actor Will Smith played the role of the doctor.

To join online:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88176937313?pwd=Qy95Y0dPODBVZlJzQzRtQ0lhZFZoUT09 

Passcode: 875675

To join by phone:

(669) 900-6833 

Webinar ID: 881 7693 7313

Passcode: 875675

Participants can join via phone or by using the webinar link above. If you would like to submit a question in advance of the event or share your story, please submit it here.

 

Writer concerned with Brentwood Councilwoman volunteering for and promoting sister’s non-profit

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Editor:

Below is a letter I am submitting to Brentwood Coty Council. It is something residents should be concerned with.

I am writing in concern to the amount of time Councilwomen Rarey and Mendoza spoke about their work with Las Hijas del Campo.

As much as I appreciate the hard work Las Hijas are putting in, it is important to recognize that Councilwoman Mendoza has a conflict of interest allocating so much time and accolades to her sister’s organization.  In fact, since I wrote my initial comment, it has come to my attention that Councilwoman Mendoza is a founder of the organization.

The simple fact Councilwoman Mendoza has given public space and allocated her work as a public servant to a non-profit she has founded is a horrible use of her time as an elected official and a clear red flag. She is using her status as a public servant to highlight and provide accolades to an organization that she not only founded, but she is still doing a ton of work with.

Had Councilwoman Mendoza even taken the time to disclose her relationship to the organization, her capacity to make fair, unbiased decisions would not be in question.

Yet – it is clear she is using her position as a public servant to benefit personally.  At first, I was questioning her stance due to the immediate family relationship – yet the simple fact she is a founder and active shows there is a direct conflict of interest in her touting the organization and her position as a public servant.

It is a clear conflict of interest and unethical for her to dedicate most of the weekly reports (from the City Council meeting on Feb 9, 2021, at approximately the 30-minute mark of the meeting) to her contributions to the community to her sister.  In fact, Las Hijas del Campo is not yet a formalized, legal non-profit 501(C)3 entity. Currently, they have no federal or state documentation.  They do nice local work – however, it reflects poorly on the council, specifically Councilwoman Mendoza and the non-profit.  In fact, it looks poorly on the entire council when there is time allocated to an organization that has not taken the correct legal steps to work as a nonprofit.  And an organization in which Mendoza is a founder and has not taken the time to state her relationship with the organization as a founder.

There are dozens of certified, legal non-profit organizations in Brentwood. It would be wonderful if our elected officials would dedicate their time to actual organizations that are not directly associated with a family member — and the organizations that will not directly benefit from the free support of the local, elected officials because they are family.

I am the founder of a non-profit that has worked tediously with the local homeless population, including the same “campesino” population that Las Hijas de Campo works with.  Not only do I work with an overlooked population, but I have also sat down with Brentwood City leadership to seek support and partnership, including the City Manager, Chief of Police, and officers dedicated to the homeless.  I partner regularly with the City of Brentwood Parks and Recreation to provide food for feeding programs in the city and was able to work with the local fire department to provide Christmas trees to local families in need. My nonprofit also works with the students at Los Medanos in their weekly food distribution program.

It is a direct conflict of interest that Councilwoman Mendoza is using her platform as an elected official to support and give accolades to her organization.

Las Hijas can benefit directly from the support of Councilwoman Mendoza, in terms of financial gain, status, and increased opportunities for more support and access to resources. Councilwoman Mendoza is not disclosing the family relationship or the simple fact she is a founder. Why is she hiding this fact?

Her negligence in non-disclosure has shown she is untrustworthy and using her role as a public servant for personal gain.

Please reach out to me with more questions.  My non-profit was founded in 2013 and is in good standing with both federal and state government entities and serving the Brentwood community in collaboration with leadership.  Ms. Mendoza should be mindful of using her power for the personal gain and benefit of her family. It is unethical, makes Brentwood’s leadership look undesirable, and makes me question the other ways Ms. Mendoza will use her power to answer to her personal agenda and personal gain.

George A. Guevara

Founder of My Angel’s Inc

Brentwood

Pinole Valley High senior Jermaine Gitana is 2021 Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud Champion

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2021 Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud Champion Jermaine Gitana. Graphic: AC5.org

Student from Deer Valley High in Antioch places second, San Ramon Valley High student places third

The Arts and Culture Commission is excited to announce Jermaine Gitana from Pinole Valley High School as our 2021 Poetry Out Loud Contra Costa County Champion! On February 11th, we held a Facebook Live Virtual Screening and Awards Ceremony. He was awarded a $200 cash prize and varsity jacket. (See his introduction and winning performance at approximately the 20:35 mark of the competition video)

Esmeralda Noyola from Deer Valley High School (Antioch) won second place and was awarded a $150 prize. Tessa Brubaker from San Ramon Valley High School took third place and was awarded a $100 prize. The County Finals included impressive high school champions Patricia May Villanueva of Prospects High School (Antioch), Michael Miralles of John Henry High School (Richmond), Kyla Erika Nano of Concord High School, and Kaleigh Thurman of College Park High School (Pleasant Hill).

“I am a 17-year-old senior at Pinole Valley High who is part Black and Filipino,” said Gitana. “I enjoy playing instruments, making music, swimming, singing, and most of all reciting poetry.”

His performances of the poems Written By Himself by Gregory Pardlo and Piano by D. H. Lawrence proved to be a winning combination! On March 11th, Jermaine will compete in the Poetry Out Loud State Finals where students recite 3 poems. On March 12th, the California State Winner will be announced on California Arts Council email, internet, and social media. We are very proud of Jermaine!

Jermaine Gitana performance screenshot.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud provides free curriculum materials—all available online—including a poetry anthology, a comprehensive teacher’s guide, videos of student performances, lesson plans, and promotional and media resources.

Schools with students in the 2021 CCC finals.

All Contra Costa County high school students, grades 9-12, are invited to enter Poetry Out Loud. School winners advance to the County competition each February, then the State competition in March, and ultimately to the National Finals. The 2021 POL National Semifinals will take place on Sunday, May 2nd and the 2021 POL National Finals will take place on Thursday, May 27th and will be held virtually in lieu of holding them on-site in Washington D.C. as previously planned. Both will be video submission-based competitions and will be streamed on arts.gov.

Every Contra Costa County high school (public, private, parochial, independent, alternative, continuation, court, charter and home schools), non-profit organizations, and libraries are encouraged to participate. Students don’t enter the POL competition directly, but through their high schools or a school POL liaison such as a teacher, librarian, school staff, or organization member.

“Last August, I became the new Managing Director and was first introduced to the amazing Poetry Out Loud program,” said Jenny Balisle, Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County Managing Director. “Our incredible team of Donté Clark (Poetry Out Loud Coordinator), Brennan DeFrisco (Poetry Out Loud Student Coach and Assistant Coordinator), and Antonio Tamayo (Poetry Out Loud Digital Content and Technical Assistant) worked together to transition the program online. The Virtual Screening and Awards Ceremony was an evening of many firsts for the Arts and Culture Commission: first Facebook Live event for a signature art program, first ASL interpreters for a live virtual event, and first Land Acknowledgement. Despite the pandemic, we were determined to uplift, support, and celebrate Contra Costa County youth! I’m proud of what we accomplished but most of all- very proud of the resilience and grace of our youth.”

To watch all the competitors in the Virtual Screening and Awards Ceremony please visit here.

Poetry Out Loud is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, California Arts Council, and Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5).

AC5 is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.

Please visit www.ac5.org for more information and sign up on our email list. We welcome your participation and hope to see you next year!

Discovery Bay homicide victim shot by same suspect arrested for drive-by in Antioch Saturday night, search on for suspect’s son and his mother

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Photo and information: CCCSheriff

Suspect identified, being held on $11 million bail

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

Tues., Feb. 23, 2021 UPDATE: From the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office – Regarding the Discovery Bay homicide on Saturday, Kimberly Meeks and her son were located this morning and they are safe.

On Saturday, February 20, 2021, at about 8:51 PM, Antioch police officers, AMR medics and Con Fire personnel were shot at by a subject in a drive-by shooting. Two were hit and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect fled the scene and was pursued by numerous law enforcement agencies. The suspect was taken into custody in the City of Richmond. The suspect was later identified as 26-year-old Darryon Williams of Stockton.

Later that evening, the Antioch Police Department requested Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies contact a person related to their case and conduct a welfare check at a residence on the 2100 block of Newport Court in Discovery Bay.

Delta Station Deputy Sheriffs arrived at the residence and found the door to the home open. Deputies conducted a protective sweep of the house and discovered a deceased individual inside with apparent gunshot wounds. The person was later identified as 64-year-old Michael Iliff of Discovery Bay.

Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives and crime lab personnel responded to the location. They were assisted by the Antioch Police Department, CHP and other agencies.

Investigators later identified Williams as the suspect in the murder of Iliff. After being interviewed by detectives, Williams was booked today at about 1 PM into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: one count of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. He is being held in lieu of $11 million bail.

Kimberly Meeks and her car. Photos: CCCSheriff

Sheriff’s Office detectives are trying to locate Williams’ four-year-old son and the mother of the child, 31-year-old Kimberly Meeks of Discovery Bay. She has links to the Stockton/Sacramento area. Detectives have concerns about their safety. They are traveling in a dark colored Audi SUV with California license plate – 8UKN742.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this homicide or the whereabouts of Meeks and her son is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441 or at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Firefighter, paramedic injured in drive-by shooting in Antioch Saturday night, suspect from Stockton caught in Richmond

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Both first responders in stable condition with non-life-threatening wounds; ambulance and police car also struck by gunfire; incident under investigation

By Lt. John Fortner, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department & Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, ConFire

On Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at approximately 8:51 PM, Antioch police officers were called to the 1900 block of Auto Center Drive on the report of a citizen requiring emergency medical attention. A fire engine from Contra Costa County Consolidated Fire Protection District (Con Fire), and an ambulance from Contra Costa American Medical Response (AMR) also responded to the medical call.

While tending to the patient in the parking lot near Auto Center Drive, a suspect in a silver SUV drove by the team of first responders and began shooting at the group. Afterwards, the suspect turned around and drove past the group again firing a second series of shots. A 31-year-old male Con Fire firefighter and a 58-year-old male AMR ambulance transport Alliance paramedic were caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting while responding to a serious medical emergency in Antioch Saturday night.

Shots were reported at 9:08 p.m. shortly after firefighters and paramedics arrived on scene. Both first responders and the original medical call patient were transported to local area hospitals at approximately 9:30 p.m.  The firefighter was shot in the foot and the paramedic was shot in the leg and their injuries were determined to be non-life threatening. An ambulance and a police car were also struck by gunfire.

Several Antioch officers gave chase onto Highway 4 as the suspect vehicle fled westbound towards the City of Pittsburg. The vehicle pursuit traveled through Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and ended in the City of Richmond after the suspect vehicle collided with a parked vehicle. The suspect attempted to flee from the scene of the collision, but he was quickly taken into custody by officers from Richmond PD and the California Highway Patrol. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Air Support Unit also provided critical assistance. A firearm was collected at the scene.

“Tonight’s senseless shootings are a vivid reminder of the very real dangers our first responders face, often side-by-side with our law enforcement partners, as they work to save lives across our communities,” said Lewis T. Broschard III, fire chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “We are grateful for the public outpouring of support for our wounded firefighter and AMR paramedic and for the work of law enforcement across the Bay Area to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.”

“As representatives of our firefighters, and in support of the police and EMS personnel we respond with on a daily basis, we are grateful to report both first responders injured in tonight’s shooting incident are expected to make full recoveries,” said Vince Wells, president, United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County. “I would like to thank the members of the community of Antioch and beyond for your words of concern and support regarding those injured in tonight’s incident. We expect to learn more as the investigation uncovers more details regarding this incident.”

Antioch Police Department detectives with the Violent Crimes and Special Operations Units responded to the scene, along with crime scene investigators, and took over the investigation. The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected and evaluated.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, or Detective Brogdon at (925) 779-6895. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Oakley schools Superintendent issues letter on board members’ apologies, resignations following controversial video comments

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Then OUESD Board of Trustees President Lisa Brizendine during the board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. Video screenshot.

Then Trustee Kim Beede asks “are we alone” before making profanity laced comments. Video screenshot.

By Allen Payton

Following the revelation of live video in which derisive comments were made about parents by Oakley Union Elementary School Board members during their meeting on Wednesday night, that has since made Bay Area and national news, all four of them have apologized and resigned as of Friday afternoon. (WARNING: video contains graphic language). A fifth seat on the board was already vacant and pending appointment.

Superintendent Greg Hetrick issued a letter announcing the resignations

Board President, Lisa Brizendine who could be heard in the video saying “they want their babysitters back”, issued a separate apology and announced her resignation on Thursday. Members Kim Beede, Erica Ippolito and Richie Masadas offered the following, joint apology:

“We deeply regret the comments that were made in the meeting of the Board of Education earlier this week. As trustees, we realize it is our responsibility to model the conduct that we expect of our students and staff, and it is our obligation to build confidence in District leadership; our comments failed you in both regards, and for this we offer our sincerest apology.

We love our students, our teachers and our community, and we want to be part of the remedy to help the District move forward, returning its full focus to students’ needs. To help facilitate the healing process, we will be resigning our positions as Trustees of the Oakley Union Elementary School District, effective immediately. The Superintendent will be working with the Contra Costa County Office of Education to address the vacancies on the Board of Education.

This was a difficult decision, but we hear the community’s concerns, and we believe yielding to your request that we step down will allow the District to move forward. Please do not let our failure in judgment cast a shadow on the exceptional work that our teachers, administrators and hard-working employees are doing for the students of this District. They deserve and will need your support as you move forward.”

Then Trustees Erica Ippolito and Richie Masadas laugh at comments by Kim Beede. Video screenshots.

The current members of the Contra Costa Board of Education will serve as the board members of OEUSD until new members are appointed.

Superintendent Hetrick issued the following letter to parents and posted it on the district’s website on Friday:

 

 

Letter writer calls on Oakley School Board members to resign – and they did

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Editor’s Note: This is an open letter to the, now former, Oakley School Board  members who each resigned on Friday but sent prior to that being announced.

Kim Beede,

When will you be resigning from the Oakley Elementary Unified District board? Your threatening comments of violence are unacceptable. You obviously do not care about what parents have to say and take a holier than though attitude, as well as having no class at all. You do not represent our community and need to step down now! Your behavior and lack of empathy are outrageous.
Hey Richie Masadas,

You stated your brother or whoever sells pot to parents YOU say sit at home while kids are in school. Your comments are derogatory towards parents and show a gross lack of empathy and understanding of the issues. And you were visibly laughing during the threats and other comments. YOU need to resign from the Board NOW!

Superintendent Hetrick, what are you going to do about this!! When will Kim Beede and Richie Masadas be removed from the School Board! I am waiting for your response!

Kim Beede, you had the nerve to post a quote on your Facebook page as though you are a victim being attacked. You made attacking statements towards parents and are full of it.  It’s disgusting to see you trying to get sympathy on Facebook. You have no business being on our school board! Leave now! The public will not rest until you are gone from the Board! You are condescending and a disgusting representative. Resign now!

There will be a rally at Oakley City Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at noon!

All those from the media, please watch this video and you will see the disgusting behavior of this Board.  https://video.foxnews.com/v/6233561714001#sp=show-clips

Michelle Webb

Oakley

 

From Wolverine to Marine to hero: Deer Valley High grad from Antioch stationed at Camp Pendleton swims 250 meters, saves drowning couple

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U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, presented a challenge coin to Cpl. Jordan Perez, a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at the 21 Area Boat Basin, Feb. 19, 2021. Conley commended Perez for saving a couple after their kayak flipped over in the basin. Perez swam nearly 250 meters to escort them safely back to the beach. (Snapshot of U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Dylan Chagnon)

“That was really gutsy of you.” – U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, Camp Pendleton Commanding General

“It’s what Marines are expected to do.” – Cpl. Jordan Perez

U.S. Marine Cpl. Jordan Perez, a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo in the 21 Area of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 19, 2021. Perez was awarded a challenge coin for saving a couple after their kayak flipped over in the 21 Area Boat Basin. Perez is a native of Antioch, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alison Dostie)

By Lance Cpl. Angela Wilcox 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton  

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – A young Marine was recognized for actions taken on Feb. 15th, 2021, when he saved the lives of two civilian kayakers at the 21 Area Boat Basin.

Cpl. Jordan Perez, a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was present when a married couple was calling for help from the water. The boat basin, surrounded by large, sharp boulders, produced unforgiving waves that day that flipped their kayak. Through these waves, Perez estimated that he had to swim 250 meters to reach the kayakers and bring them to shore – a feat that may have proven impossible for some. Luckily for the couple, Perez was physically and mentally prepared due to the consistent and rigorous training of the Marine Corps.

According to Antioch Unified School District Superintendent, Stephanie Anello, the 6’1″ Perez is a 2018 graduate of Deer Valley High School, where he played varsity baseball as catcher and football as a safety and wide receiver for the Wolverines. The Antioch native was also a member of the Chess Club. His parents are Baltazar and Celestina Pérez of Antioch.

Perez received a challenge coin from U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, on Feb. 19th, 2021. Perez credits his military training with giving him the confidence to jump into action. (See video)

At around 1 p.m. on Feb. 15th, 2021, Perez was working on a construction project at the 21 Area Del Mar Boat Basin at Camp Pendleton, when another Marine witnessed a couple in the water that had been flipped from their kayak by a strong wave. The kayakers were struggling in the water and began calling for help.

“That’s when I took action,” said Perez. “I took my boots off and just started swimming.”

Perez played catcher for the Deer Valley Wolverines during the 2018 season. Photo: MaxPreps

Once Perez arrived at the scene, he immediately “…grabbed the woman’s hand and pulled her back on the kayak and began pushing the boat back to the rocks,” said Perez. He mentioned that the woman’s husband was able to swim, but halfway to the shore he began to panic. Upon noticing the husband’s struggle, Perez swam back to where the man was, placed a life vest on him, and continued pushing the woman to safety.

For his actions, Perez was paid a visit by Conley and received a challenge coin at the worksite where the event occurred.

While Perez was not the only Marine to recognize the severity of the situation, he was particularly ready for this moment. Perez is currently training with a retired reconnaissance Marine in order to prepare for assessment and selection with the Marine Raiders. Achieving this goal includes swimming for about two hours every day.

Del Mar Boat Basin. Source: Mapcarta

Perez’s hard work paid off when it mattered most. “That [training] takes away any hesitation that comes with putting your own life at risk. Since I had been training, I was confident that I could get myself out there and get those people back.”

Conley had a conversation with Perez, commending him for his life saving actions. “I’d like to believe a lot of people would do what you did, but I know they wouldn’t. So, to hear it actually happen is just amazing. That was really gutsy of you.” said Conley.

What was extraordinary to Conley was the standard that Perez holds himself to. “It’s what Marines are expected to do.” said Perez.

Although the actions that Perez took were heroic, Perez contends that all Marines, given the opportunity, would do the same. “It’s what Marines are expected to do.” said Perez.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

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