Robot-assisted surgery means advanced care is closer to home for local patients

By Monique Binkley Smith, Media Relations Manager, Sutter Health

ANTIOCH, CA – Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch, Calif., announced this month it is the first hospital in East Contra Costa County to implement the state-of-the-art robotic surgical system, the Intuitive da Vinci 5, revolutionizing advanced surgical care in the region and improving access for patients who previously had to travel an hour or more for certain surgical procedures.

A ribbon cutting and demonstration of the robot was held on Friday, May 23, 2025, with medical center leadership and local dignitaries including Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal and Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha.

“This is a phenomenal investment on the part of Sutter Health that will benefit our residents in Eastern Contra Costa County for years to come,” said Sutter Delta CEO Trevor Brand. “Our new da Vinci 5 will enable our physicians to deliver a range of minimally invasive surgeries to our patients right here in our own community.”

The da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system represents a groundbreaking advancement in minimally invasive surgery, featuring more than 150 design improvements for enhanced precision, better instrument handling and advanced 3D HD visualization. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to help reduce recovery times, minimize scarring and improve patient outcomes with sustained benefits.

“With this new technology, we’re able to improve care and outcomes for our patients at Sutter Delta,” said Christopher Solis, M.D., FACS,  chair of Sutter Delta’s Department of Surgery and a surgeon with Sutter East Bay Medical Group.

What are the benefits of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery?

• Fewer complications and improved patient outcomes with sustained benefits
• Shorter hospital stays means patients able to return home faster than ever before
• Dramatically reduced post-operative pain, which typically means patients need less narcotic pain medication
• Reduced recovery times
• Minimal scarring

Robotic-assisted surgery has been demonstrated to generally result in fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and dramatically reduced post-operative pain for patients, which typically means patients need less narcotic pain medication. Patients are also often able to return home faster than ever before.

“With the DV5 system in place, our surgical teams are well-equipped to handle complex cases close to home while providing the highest standard of care and safety to our patients,” said Sutter Delta Chief Medical Executive Karin Shavelson, M.D.

As Sutter Delta’s program expands, the new robotic system will allow the hospital’s surgical teams to handle more complex procedures in specializations including colorectal surgery, surgical oncology, general surgery, urology, gynecology and gynecologic oncology.

“This is a huge win for our community, and we’re proud to be the first in Eastern Contra Costa County to bring this DV5 and all its capabilities to our patients locally,” Brand said.

The first surgery at Sutter Delta using the new da Vinci 5 is scheduled for mid-June.

About Sutter Health

Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout California. Committed to health equity, community partnerships, and innovative, high-quality patient care, Sutter Health is pursuing a bold new plan to reach more people and make excellent healthcare more connected and accessible. Currently serving nearly 3.5 million patients, thanks to our dedicated team of more than 57,000 employees and clinicians, and 12,000+ affiliated physicians, with a unified focus on expanding care to serve more patients. 

Sutter delivers exceptional and affordable care through its hospitals, medical groups, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care clinics, telehealth, home health, and hospice services. Dedicated to transforming healthcare, at Sutter Health, getting better never stops. 

Learn more about how Sutter Health is transforming healthcare at sutterhealth.org and vitals.sutterhealth.org. 

Only recipient in Contra Costa County

SACRAMENTO—Thirty-four California schools have been named recipients of the 2025 Civic Learning Awards, honoring and recognizing measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its twelfth year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

“When young people advocate and raise their voices, they have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Education is fundamental to achieving our democratic ideals, and these schools have played an exceptional role in shaping the leaders of the future.”

“I find these award applications truly inspiring—each one is deserving of recognition,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “They highlight the powerful stories of committed educators who, despite the challenges, are finding creative ways to ensure students can fully engage with and understand civics.”

Since their inception in 2013, the awards have been presented more than 500 times to traditional, charter, and magnet schools. In recent years, community schools and continuation schools have submitted high-ranking applications. This year, a court school applied for the first time. 

Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from the California courts and the California Department of Education (CDE) who are not tied to counties or districts in the pool. 

In addition to the information provided by the applicant, points are added for schools in districts with Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) that include terms and actions associated with civic learning. Applicants also earn points for participating in the Judges in the Classroom program and for creating processes and criteria related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Middle School: Antioch Charter Academy II earned a 2025 Civic Learning Award of Distinction

Award of Distinction in 2017; Award of Merit in 2018

Antioch | Contra Costa County

Antioch Unified School District

The Civic Learning Awards began in 2013 and are part of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, which includes other programs such as Judges in the Classroom. More information is available on the CDE Civic Learning Award for California Public Schools web page.

Additional resources to support civic learning and engagement are available on the CDE Resources to Support Civic Engagement web page and the CDE State Seal of Civic Engagement web page.

Will fund conversion of Comfort Inn to rehabilitation project

City commitment required for state funded operating subsidy

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch City Council will hold another special meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025. This one will be for discussing a financial commitment for the state’s Homekey+ Program to serve the city’s homeless residents. The matter is time sensitive as the State begins its Award Announcements this month. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

According to the City staff report for the one-item agenda, “It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the submission of an application with California Supportive Housing for the Homekey+ Program and designate City Manager to execute commitments for city capital match up to $750,000 and operating subsidy up to $1,200,000 annually for 5 years with two five year extensions contingent on the property meeting the required Homekey+ guidelines and affordable housing regulatory agreement and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.”

Will Fund Conversion of Comfort Inn to Rehabilitation Project

“The City Staff is proposing a co-application with the Developer that seeks funding to acquire 2436 Mahogany Way (currently the Comfort Inn) in Antioch and undertake the rehabilitation necessary for the motel rooms to serve as permanent housing for homeless families/individuals with prior behavioral health issues.

“The CSH Mahagony Housing Project will be a rehabilitation project which will turn the current hotel into 60-85 affordable units and one two-bedroom manager unit. Each apartment will have a kitchenette, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. Non-residential conversion of the interior will include a community lounge, property management offices, resident supportive services and case management offices. One existing laundry room and the electrical room will maintain those functions, while rooms will be converted to resident services/case management and property management offices. It is also planned to keep the existing security fences, gates, and trash enclosure. Additional fencing will be added to property.

“Project Developer: California Supportive Housing (CSH) is the Project Developer. CSH is a mission-oriented 501 (c)(3) nonprofit California corporation dedicated to bringing affordable housing to people in need, including homeless, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and families. The CSH team has over 35 years of experience in affordable housing development and is currently working on a HomeKey project in Oakland which is the conversion and renovation of a motel into 104 permanent supportive housing units for the homeless.”

About Homekey+ Program

According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the state’s Homekey+ Program is funded by Proposition 1, which was “passed by California voters in March 2024…to reduce homelessness and protect our most vulnerable populations through important changes to the Mental Health Services Act and providing up to $6.4 billion in bond funding to develop and expand behavioral health treatment, residential care settings, and Permanent Supportive Housing.”

“Approximately $2 billion of the Proposition 1 bond funds will be administered by the…HCD, in collaboration with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) as the Homekey+ program (HK+), expanding upon the successful Homekey model. The remaining $4.4 billion of the Proposition 1 funding will be administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to award competitive grants to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate real estate assets or invest in needed infrastructure to expand the behavioral health continuum of treatment and service resources.”

Learn more about the Homekey+ Program at Homekey Plus Program Overview.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 ‘H’ Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!”

During Society’s 50th and Museum’s 25th Anniversaries

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Historical Society is at it again with another project for the grounds of the Museum. This time they’re raising funds to restore and locate a display of the historic First Congregational Church bell, one of the oldest artifacts in the city.

The effort is being led by Past Board President Dwayne Eubanks and Tom Menasco, a co-founder of the Sports Legends wing and leader of the successful fundraising effort for the Red Caboose display.

Menasco is serving as the marketing and fundraising manager, Director Stan Davis and Ron Bass are serving as construction managers, Eubanks shared.

According to the Historical Society, the bell “was heard more than 150 years ago by early church members, including Antioch’s founders Rev. W.W. Smith and Captain George W. Kimball. It was heard by the church sexton, Thomas Gaines, the first known Black settler in Antioch.”

When reached for comment, Eubanks said, “The church bell is very significant to Antioch as it goes back to the time when the city was incorporated and was heard by people including the first Constable and Mayor, Roswell Hard, William Wiggins Smith, Thomas Gaines, and Adelia Kimball, the community’s first teacher.”

“We’re building a custom bell housing. We paid a company that specializes in designing bell towers back in 2022. But we had to put the plans on the shelf for a few years due to COVID.”

Antioch resident Joseph Zamora, a member of the First Congregation Church, donated the bell.

“It was in his backyard under a tarp. It’s 700 lbs.,” Eubanks stated.

“We’re hoping the bell will help unite old Antioch and new Antioch. To me, personally, it’s a symbol of unity,” he added.

They’ll build the tower, display the bell, “and it’s going to ring,” Eubanks exclaimed.

Asked how much the Society is raising for the project, he said, “The construction estimate was around $96,000 and we’ve raised $48,000. Part of that came out of our budget. That includes profit and labor. But we’re taking that out as we may get in-kind services and materials that will cut that balance down.”

“The City gave us a civic enhancement grant and waived the construction permit fee,” he shared.

“We’re hoping to put this bell and tower in this year as it’s the 50th Anniversary of the Historical Society and 25th Anniversary of the museum in the former Antioch High School and fire department building,” Eubanks mentioned.

“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!Leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren to see, ring, and enjoy. Let’s hear it ring again! Become a sponsor today and your name will be permanently inscribed on the exhibit,” the Society shared on their Facebook page.

To donate online, visit their website at: https://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/donations/ or see the flyer below. The Museum is located at 1500 W. 4th Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information call (925) 757-1326.

Assault with a deadly weapon

By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

Officers with the Antioch Police Department are investigating a shooting that sent one woman to the hospital. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at approximately 8:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 3900 block of Delta Fair Blvd. for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located a 31-year-old female victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Responding officers immediately provided first aid until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where she is listed in critical condition.

Officers are currently on scene canvassing the area. Based on the initial investigation, it appears to be an isolated incident. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.

Darnel Manuel Scott has a history of arrests throughout Bay Area

By Acting Lt. Bill Whitaker #6155, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On May 15, the Fairfield Police Department and Antioch Police Department executed a search warrant at an undisclosed address in Fairfield. The suspect, 22-year-old Darnel Manuel Scott (born 7/6/2002), was arrested without incident for homicide. Evidence from the home was collected.

As previously reported, on January 6, 2025, at approximately 10:17 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 3900 block of Rockford Drive near Rocky Point Drive for a reported shooting. Dispatch received multiple calls of a man down suffering from gunshot wounds.

When officers arrived, they found a 26-year-old victim on the ground. Responding officers immediately began life saving measures until relieved by paramedics. The victim was later identified as Natali Cisneros who was transported to a local hospital, where he died.

Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene nvestigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.

On 05-20-2025 The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office filed the case for charges:

1. PC187 (a) – Murder

2. PC190.2(a)(15): Special Allegation-Murder By Lying In Wait

3. PC190.2(a)(22): Special Allegation-Street Gang Murder

4. PC12022.53(d): Special Allegation-Personal And Intentional Discharge Of A Firearm, GBI

5. PC12022.53(d): Special Allegation-Principal’s Intentional Discharge Of A Firearm, GBI – Gang Case

The Antioch Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners from Fairfield Police Department and San Francisco Police Department (Major Crimes GTF – Gang Task Force, Homicide Unit, Crime Gun Investigations Center – CGIC).

This is still an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 160-pound Scott is Black and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating to 2021 by multiple agencies including San Francisco PD, Daly City PD, the Sheriff’s Departments of San Francisco, Solano and San Mateo counties in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and most recently on April 3, 2025. Scott crimes include multiple weapons possession charges including machine gun, assault with a firearm on a person, willful cruelty toward children, child endangerment, burglary, possession of burglar’s tools, hit-and-run, evasion and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by emailing aduffy@antiochca.gov,

Honors 1,358 Class of 2025 graduates on Friday

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, CA – Los Medanos College is pleased to announce its 51st Commencement celebration to held at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, May 23 inside the LMC Stadium.

The ceremony honors 1,358 graduates who earned 2,266 awards, including 662 associate of arts degrees, 176 associates of science degrees, 228 associates of arts degrees for transfer, 302 associates of science degrees for transfer and 698 certificates of achievement.

The stadium is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.

“We are exceedingly proud of the Class of 2025,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “This group represents resilience and courage as well as an abiding hope for a brilliant future.”

As part of her address to graduates, Ralston will highlight graduating students for their achievements in the classroom, in their campus life and in the community. She will acknowledge the special status of several of the graduates who persevered as the first in their families to attend and graduate college. Others, she recognizes for their determination to expand their horizons even as they care for children or others. She also recognizes students who continued to work to support their families while attending college, veterans, and those who took courageous steps to start new traditions and events, contributing to the cultural wealth of LMC’s college community.

Other featured speakers include honors graduates Naw Shanyda Soe, Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Math and Science, Associate in Science for Transfer in Biology, and a Certificate of Achievement in Intersegmental General Education, and Mikayla Ari Hubbard, Associate in Arts for Transfer in Business Administration and a Certificate of Achievement in CSU General Education. Los Medanos College Associated Students President Armon Gozalez and District Student Trustee Halena Neyazi will help lead the turning of tassels.

Ceremony Details

The 2025 ceremony will be held on May 23, 2025, at 2:15 PM inside the LMC Stadium on the Pittsburg campus.  Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 PM for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.

The ceremony is general admission and no tickets are required to attend. There is NO RESERVED SEATING at the stadium. The stadium bleachers have wheelchair access with limited seating for people with disabilities.   Chairs will also be placed on the walkway at ground level of the field for additional seating and accessibility. Guests should arrive early for optimal seating.

LMC Stadium Policy: Prohibited Items

Los Medanos College is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation with the following:

The following are not permitted anywhere on-campus:

1. Alcoholic beverages and smoking

2. Dogs/animals (except for service animals)

3. Weapons or explosives of any kind

The following are not permitted inside the Stadium:

Guests who attempt to bring the following inside the stadium will be asked to take them outside and/or return them to their vehicles.

1. Artificial noise-making devices 

2. Glass bottles

3. Balloons

4. Signs/displays larger than 11”x17”.  (All signs must be hand carried and may not be mounted on posts/poles/etc.)

5. Umbrellas larger than 42” are not permitted in the bleachers.  (Larger umbrellas may be used in other areas of the stadium.)

For more ceremony details for the Class of 2025, please visit the LMC Commencement website. Additional details regarding the event will be available soon. Keep checking that page for more information.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.