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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exceptional care through the entire pregnancy

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

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

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

Delivering great care to babies and their parents

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

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

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

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

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

By Allen D. Payton

After completing their investigation into the fatal self-inflicted shooting of a three-year-old Antioch boy on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Antioch Police will be recommending prosecution of his grandfather who owned the gun.

According to Acting Lt. Bill Whitaker, “The case is going to be presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office next week with the recommendation of prosecution. The DA’s Office will review the case and will either file the charges or not. If charges are filed, we will send out an updated press release with the charges.”

Whitaker confirmed that the toddler lived in the same home as his grandfather.

It will be Eggstra Eggpic and Eggsciting! Eggsplore during three designated times

Eggstravaganza + Recreation Expo

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

Time: 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: Antioch Water Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way

Grab your baskets and get ready to eggsplore and eggscite as you join us for the 4th Annual Eggstravaganza and Recreation Expo at the Antioch Water Park. Participate in land AND water egg hunts, take part in spring crafts, and play games with staff! Don’t forget to view our activity showcase for upcoming and ongoing classes, take part in demonstrations and so much more when you and your family attend this eggcellent event!

Purchase A Ticket for $8 in advance online and $12 day of event, here: Antioch Water Park. Eggstravaganza & Rec Expo

How Our Egg Hunt Works:

Our staff will be dropping eggs around the waterpark, on land and in pools, at THREE designated times. Park signs, intercom announcements, and staff will be announcing when it is time for eggs to be dropped. After collecting your eggs, you must take them to the “Egg Exchange” station to have your eggs swapped out for candy.

Golden Eggs:

In addition to the egg drop times, there are 12 golden eggs hidden around the park with special prizes ranging from free park tickets, free meal vouchers, candy baskets and more! Find a golden egg and return it to the “Egg Exchange” station to receive your eggciting prize!

Please Note: We will not prefill eggs. With eggs being placed into the pools, this policy has been developed to protect the integrity and quality of our facility. As a water park, it is important that plastic and trash do not end up in our pools.

WHISTLE DISCLAIMER: Hearing a whistle within the park DOES NOT signal the time for egg hunts to begin. Our Lifeguards are trained to use their whistles to communicate for many different instances. Any whistles heard throughout the park should not signal time to cross boundaries and begin collecting eggs. We thank you for your cooperation.

Recreation Expo:

Will include Demos & Performances.

$4 million federal grant requires $1 million in City matching funds for the “one-of-a-kind facility”

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Antioch City Council approved the final design for the Bicycle Garden to be located at Prewett Family Park on a unanimous vote.

The cost of the project originally was estimated at $2.5 to $3.5 million when it was approved by the Council in April 2022 and was to be paid from the City’s General Fund. However, according to the City staff report, the new cost estimate is $5 million and, “In 2023, the Project was awarded the full requested amount of $4,000,000” from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All grant program. The City must provide a match of $1 million which will be paid from Development Impact Fees. (See related articles, here and here)

Prewett Park was chosen by the city council as the preferred location.

The presentation was provided by Andrew Dillard, Senior Engineer with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority who will oversee the project.

Funds for the project include $274,000 for CCTA Project Management, $176,000 for Environmental Clearance, $550,000 for Design, $3,450,000 for Construction and an additional $550,000 for Construction Management, he shared.

“All parks were considered throughout the city. But because of its central access…it really made it an optimal spot for the location,” Dillard stated.

The project will include restrooms and drinking fountains, he shared.

“The schedule includes completion of the environmental clearance and final design this summer and construction later in fall and winter, and complete construction in Summer/Fall 2026. We have until April of 2029 to complete every aspect of the project, which we’re well ahead of,” Dillard concluded.

Public Comments

Only one member of the public spoke on the agenda item.

“These dollars could have gone to actual bicycle improvements on Lone Tree Way. I’m sad about this bicycle garden,” said Andrew Becker.

Council Questions and Discussion

District 3 Councilman Don Freitas said, “I’m quite shocked to see an entrance into this bicycle park across EBMUD utility lines. They never allow anyone to cross.”

“We’re working through the details with them,” Dillard responded.  

“The only thing they’ve ever allowed is Sutter Delta, here, the parking lot,” Freitas added.

“How are we going to manage this? There could be people, like on Lone Tree Way, racing each other. How do we control things?”

Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger said the city attorney’s office will determine any liability the City may face.

“It’s designed to be a passive park, like most of our parks, it will be open,” Acting Assistance City Manager and Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger said. “The facility is somewhat revolutionary. So, it’s new territory we’re charting.”

“I was here when we opened the skate park and it very much became a police problem with older people causing problems for younger people,” Freitas stated.

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson asked about solar panels shown in the video but not on the map.

“That was discussed early on and that was just part of the video. It was decided not to pursue solar panels…because of the needs for electricity for the park,” Dillard said.

“Didn’t we take into consideration the disc golf course (which is currently located there)?” Wilson asked.

“Yes. We’ve had some initial discussion to move that to Harbor Manor Park,” Helfenberger responded. “We’ve had them along for the ride and they’ve been part of the discussion.”

“I like the park but I do have some concerns about the risk,” Wilson stated. “I’m looking forward to next steps and hearing more about it.”

Tamisha Torres-Walker said, “I protested the location because we have a lot of open space in District 1,” without offering any. “How many five- and six-year-olds can make it to that side of town?”

“So, it will not be gated or fenced off to the public?” the councilwoman asked.

“That is correct,” Helfenberger responded. “We have hours for other parks that this will follow.”

Bernal asked about the landscape plan and about “elements that are not easily broken and sturdy, and not easily vandalized.”

Dillard mentioned elements that will be “made out of wood…rugged” and landscaping that will be “low-maintenance…that can survive drought conditions. We’ve heard that loud and clear.”

Bernal asked about the color of the bike paths if it will be asphalt or yellow like in the video. He also asked if there will be walking paths, and shade structures since the “shade trees are 15 years away.”

Dillard said the bike paths will be asphalt, there will be separated, walking paths and shade structures.

Bernal then asked about annual maintenance costs, to which Helfenberger said it’s estimated at $120,000 per year.

The council then approved the conceptual design of the Bicycle Garden on a 5-0 vote.

See Project Staff Report to Council and Project Presentation to Council.

By Antioch Police Department

This evening, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received a call reporting that a three-year-old had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a home on Clearbrook Road.

Tragically, the child did not survive. At this time, the incident appears to be an accidental shooting.

This is a heartbreaking event, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.

Additional details will be shared as they become available. We ask for the community’s patience and continued respect for the family’s privacy as the investigation continues.

Will also consider spending $225K more for Amtrak Station Upgrades, purchasing 2 armored rescue police vehicles, support for County’s African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub to locate in Antioch

Will first hold Budget Study Session on Public Works, Parks & Rec Departments

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Antioch City Council will finalize the design of the Bicycle Garden at Prewett Family Park, discuss spending $225,000 more for the Amtrak Station Upgrades and purchasing two armored rescue police vehicles at a cost of up to $531,800. They will also consider supporting the County’s proposed African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub to be located in Antioch.

Before their regular meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. for another discussion on the Public Employee Performance Evaluation of City Manager Bessie Scott. That will be followed by a Budget Study Session on the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments at 5:00 p.m.

The Budget Session and regular meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast local access cable Channel 24 of AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

See the complete meeting agenda packet.

Easter Egg Hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny and Petting Zoo, plus, Stuffed Animal Giveaway!

Join us for an afternoon of Easter Egg Hunting and pictures with the Easter Bunny, Saturday, April 9, 2025.This is a free and fun, family-friendly event for the public. Rivertown businesses have a Merchant-2-Merchant egg hunt from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

Events at Waldie Plaza, on W. 2nd Street across from City Hall, include a Petting Zoo from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, photos with the Easter Bunny at Rivertown Treasure Chest at 306 G Street from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. sponsored by Jim Lanter State Farm, then at Waldie Plaza plus, another Easter Egg Hunt from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

K-911 Animal Rescue kindly donated 600 stuffed animals to be distributed throughout Rivertown Merchant stores, so every child gets one while supplies last.

Visit the following Participating Merchants in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown: Almost There Travel • Royal Banquet • Abuelita’s House Pastries & Deli • Guadalajara Taqueria • Sweets on Second • Flying Dutchman Tattoo • Antioch Chamber of Commerce • Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance • Rivertown Community Church • Feral Unicorn Snack Emporium • Chef Jeff’s Smash Burgers • Ellie’s Grooming • TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar • The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse • Rivertown Treasure Chest • HIMC Hair Studio • Studio B Dance Studio • La Plazuela Restaurant • Antioch Community Federal Credit Union • Willow Park Mercantile.

Presented by Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Rivertown merchants. Learn more at www.celebrateantioch.org and www.downtownantioch.com. Follow the Rivertown merchants, events and activities at www.facebook.com/antiochrivertown or on the Downtown Antioch Assocation page on Facebook.

Has history of arrests dating to 2017 and twice last year, including for child endangerment and cruelty to a child

“After conducting several tests, Con Fire HAZMAT determined the home to be uninhabitable.”

By Allen D. Payton

Four children were found unconscious in an Antioch home on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a call came in from a passerby at 4:51 p.m. who stopped to check on them, and their mother was later arrested for child abuse. The children, ages 2, 2, 5 and 8, have been placed in the custody of Child and Family Services.

“We got a call from someone driving by who stopped and checked on the kids,” said Antioch Police Lt. Njoroge while at the scene. “When we got here, we checked on the welfare of the children. We’ve contacted the parents.”

Contra Costa Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Bob Atlas said, “We got the call about 5:15 pm that there were four children unconscious in the home. We arrived on scene, Antioch PD retrieved all the children and brought them outside. Con Fire provided medical care and transported all four children to area hospitals for evaluation. No adults were in the home.”

“We don’t know what it was. But we know a lot of things it wasn’t,” he explained. “When it’s a mystery like this we start by ruling out what it isn’t.”

At about 6:30 p.m. Con Fire placed a blower outside the home facing the open front door. “We are currently blowing out the environment for anything that could be potentially harmful,” Atlas added.

The following press release with additional details about the incident was issued Friday afternoon:

According to. Lt. Njoroge of the Field Services Division, “just before 5:00 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check regarding a 2-year-old child who was found alone and outside a home on the 2100 block of Spruce Way by a passerby. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front door of the residence was unsecured. Officers knocked and announced themselves, however nobody responded.

To ensure the child’s safety, officers entered the home and found three additional young children, with no adults present. The children appeared to require medical attention, and Con Fire, along with paramedics, was requested to the scene. All four children were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation.

UPDATE: To clarify matters, Lt. Njoroge later said, “Three of the four children were unconscious. The two-year-old seen outside was back in the house by the time officers arrived. But I can’t say which of the four was not unconscious.”

The children’s mother, 36-year-old Shante Alberty, later arrived at the residence and was placed under arrest on child abuse-related charges. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

After conducting several tests, Con Fire HAZMAT determined the home to be uninhabitable. All four children were medically cleared and placed into the custody of Child and Family Services (CFS).

This information was made available by the Field Services Bureau. Any further inquiries into the status of this case should be done via the Media Access Telephone Line 925-779-6874. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Alberty has a history of arrests dating back to 2017 including twice last year by Antioch PD and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department for crimes including battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, and on Sept. 5, 2024, for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, child endangerment and cruelty to a child by inflicting injury.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is Black. Also, according to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 175 lb. Alberty was born on March 22, 1988, and is being held on $425,000 bail. She’s being held in the West County Detention Facility.

See exclusive Antioch Herald video of the scene, here.