Good health starts in the community

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

When you think of Kaiser Permanente, you might think of its hospitals and health plan.

What you may not know is Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the health of the communities it serves.

In 2023, Kaiser Permanente invested $1.3 billion dollars in its Northern California communities and $113 million in the Diablo service area to support community health.

A significant part of these investments supported access to quality health care for people in need through Kaiser Permanente’s participation in California’s Medi-Cal program. The investments also supported 98,000 patients who received medical financial assistance to pay for surgeries, prescriptions, and other care at Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities.

In addition, Kaiser Permanente made significant investments in the education of new health and mental health care professionals, charitable contributions to community partners working to improve conditions for health, and medical research to improve the delivery of health care for all.

Learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s efforts in your Northern California community by going to the Community Health Snapshot and clicking on “Communities We Serve”.

Special 30th anniversary fund to build resiliency, well-being for Contra Costa County organizations

WALNUT CREEK, CA…With gratitude to nonprofit organizations for their continued commitment to elevating the community, the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation is pleased to announce the CARE Fund. This one-time $300,000 fund marks the Lesher Foundation’s 30-year history of grantmaking and honors its community partners.

“Organizations rooted in the community are essential to addressing social problems and taking on tough issues. It’s inspiring to see the network of support Contra Costa children and families can rely on for safety, hope, joy, strength, and opportunities,” said Steve Lesher, Lesher Foundation Board President. “Our family is proud to carry forward my grandparents’ vision of enhancing the quality of life in our community, and we will continue to support our community partners for many years to come.”

The Lesher Foundation will award a limited number of one-time grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 to support organizational resilience and nonprofit staff well-being, providing funding for retreats, practices of care, conferences, training and coaching. Nonprofit organizations that are in Contra Costa County or directly benefit its residents and support children and families, education, and arts and culture are invited to apply. Online applications are due by July 19, 2024, and applicants will be notified by August 30, 2024.

“We know many of our nonprofits carry their mission and vision on their shoulders, and that can be a heavy weight day after day and year after year,” said Devorah Levine, Executive Director of the Lesher Foundation. “The CARE Fund supports the strength and wisdom of the nonprofit sector and recognizes the essential need to focus on the care and well-being of staff and organizational resilience.”

The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has a clear and simple mission—to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Contra Costa County. Founded in 1989 by the late Dean Lesher and his wife Margaret, the Lesher Foundation continues to uphold this value, giving more than $100 million in grants to programs benefitting children and families, particularly those in underserved and low-income areas.

For more information, visit lesherfoundation.org/care-fund or call (925) 935-9988.

Multi-agency effort nabs 3 others from East County, 7 total from Contra Costa, 4 other Bay Area suspects during Predator Operation; one suspect is a Boy Scouts Troop Master

By Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager, City of Oakley

The Oakley Police Department hosted an operation May 24 through 31 that involved identifying and arresting adults who use the internet to seek out children to sexually exploit and abuse them. This was done in conjunction with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force and it included the following agencies: Antioch, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Concord, Danville and Walnut Creek Police Departments, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa County Safe Streets Task Force, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service

Oakley Police Detective J. Dombrouski coordinated the operation, supported by Sergeant K. Morris, Detective B. Gill, Detective N. Pistello, Detective R. Schiff and a host of other Oakley police officers. The coordination efforts included making sure enough personnel were dedicated and in place to account for an appropriate number of takedown teams and making sure there was enough technical, forensic and investigative support to lead to a successful operation.

This operation resulted in 11 arrests of adults who established inappropriate and sexually-based online relationships with who they believed were minor children. The 11 suspects arrested attempted to physically meet up with their intended target by driving to a predesignated “meet location.” Some brought candy with them as well as sexual contraception items. One of the suspects is a known Boy Scout Troop Master; another suspect is a known behavioral therapist for children with special needs. All 11 suspects were booked into jail on felony charges.

The identities of the 11 suspects who were arrested are:

• Jonathan Francisco Henriquez-Garcia, male, 32, Antioch
• Humayoun Kabir, male, 60, Antioch
• Anthony Joseph Taormina, male, 64, Oakley
• Yerson Josue Cruz-Perez, male, 27, Pittsburg
• Isaias Valdez, Jr., male, 30, Pittsburg
• Jason Michael Pearson, male, 48, Concord
• Daniel Mark Sigmundson, male, 51, Concord
• Elio Rodriguez-Martinez, male, 29, Oakland
• Ashneel Singh, male, 29, Hayward
• Luis Cuevas-Morales, male, 25, Hayward
• Zuhair Mukatash, male, 59, South San Francisco

“I thoroughly appreciate all of the efforts and diligence exhibited by all of the law-enforcement personnel, Deputy District Attorneys, and support staff members that resulted in the arrests of these very dangerous men, said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “Furthermore, I am very proud of my investigations staff who coordinated everything that went into this operation, and I am honored to be their Chief. I have always appreciated proactive, task-oriented missions. This operation ranks at the top of what I consider to be the most important type of proactive, task-oriented missions. In a very literal sense, the innocence of children was saved by the efforts that went into this operation. Knowing some of the back stories that went into these arrests, I have a very visceral feeling of disgust about the men who were arrested. I believe I speak for everybody involved in what happened when I say I fully support the prosecutors as they manage the criminal filings and cases against these men while they seek complete accountability against them. Stay safe Oakley and hold your children tight.”

Charges, Arrest History & Custody Status for Contra Costa Suspects

According to localcrimenews.com:

Henriquez-Garcia was arrested on May 29th for attempted lewd acts with a child, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense;

Kabir was arrested on May 30th for attempted kidnapping, attempting lewd acts with a child, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes, attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense and distribution or exhibition of lewd material to a minor (with prior);

Taormina was arrested on May 30th and charged with lewd acts upon a child, attempted kidnapping, attempting to contact a minor with intent to a commit offense, arrestee arranged a meeting with a person he knows to be a minor for the purpose of exposing his or her genitals;

Valdez was arrested on May 29th for lewd acts upon a child, warrants or holds only, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense. He was previously arrested in July 2022 by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department for vandalism – damage to property, carrying a concealed firearm upon person – pistol / revolver / other firearm and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner;

Pearson was arrested on May 29 for attempt lewd acts with a child, warrants or holds only, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes, attempting to contact minor with intent to commit offense. He was previously arrested in Nov. 2016 by Concord Police for battery on a spouse / cohabitant / former spouse; and

Sigmundson was arrested on May 31st for lewd acts upon a child, arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense.

The website did not provide any information about Cruz-Perez.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office:

as of Tuesday, June 4th, Taormina and Kabir had bonded out of custody;

as of Monday, June 10th Cruz-Perez was still in custody; the five-foot, five-inch, 220-pound Valdez (born 4/6/1994) is being held on no bail at the West County Detention Facility and has a court appearance scheduled for Thursday, June 12 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court;

as of Monday, June 3rd, Pearson had bonded out of custody; and

as of Wednesday, June 5, Sigmundson had also bonded out of custody.

No online information could be found from the CC Sheriff’s Office for Henriquez-Garcia.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch High School Class of 2024 graduation started with a special treat at Eells Stadium on the campus of the Panthers on Friday, June 7, 2024. After entering to the sounds of the traditional processional of “Pomp and Circumstance” and following the posting of the colors by the U.S. Marine Corps, graduates Joshua Llanes and George Villalobo performed the National Anthem on their electric guitars, reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock 55 years ago. It was met with cheers and applause from classmates and their new fans in the stands.

“When they asked…I told them no at the beginning of the year,” Principal John Jimno said with a laugh. “But then they killed it at the last rally we had.” (See video of their Anthem performance on Facebook or YouTube)

Associated Student Body Vice President Amanda Rogers, who will be attending U.C. Berkeley, welcomed her fellow graduates saying, “Our lives are filled with unfinished chapters. There is only one you in this world. You are not your mom, dad or sister or brother. You are uniquely you. Continue to be the best version of yourself as you create your own path in life.”

“Someone else’s success does not diminish our own,” she continued. “While it’s natural to compare ourselves to others we must resist the temptation. We are each on our own journey with our own aspirations, dreams and goals.”

Salutatorian & Valedictorian

Jimno then introduced Salutatorian George Feliciano and Valedictorian Albert Wong to share their memories and offer inspiration to their classmates.

“Some of this will be in Spanish,” Feliciano began. He thanked his teachers and counselors, friends and classmates “who have made my experience here more tolerable.”

“We made it through COVID, we made it through the years,” he continued. “We’re moving on and there’s just some things we have to let go of because life can be unpredictable at times. Being original is challenging. Sometimes it’s hard to stand out and can be tempting to steal something as a corny joke or plagiarize. I will always challenge myself to stay out of my comfort zone. We all have our priorities and values. But we eventually will have to compromise.”

“We can’t always get what we want. Don’t lose your originality. Be original or be forgotten. Stay beautiful, guys,” Feliciano concluded.

Wong spoke next saying, “Freshman year began…in the quiet corners of our homes. Then sophomore year…we moved from the Microsoft Teams meetings to the in-person classroom. Everyone crafted their own unique high school experience to take with them. I figured since I’m going to be stuck at Antioch (High) anyways, I may as well make the most of my time here which led me to join activities such as cross country, track and other club on campus.”

“And now here we are…with student debt and taxess to look forward to,” he said with a laugh.

Speaking of his parents he said, “They expected me to achieve but also be humble in my accomplishments. It is because of their high standards and relentless support that I am standing here as your valedictorian.”

“I encourage you to reflect on the expectations that have shaped you,” Wong continued. “Remember that expectations are powerful, but they are also personal. They are a reflection of your dreams and aspirations. Hold onto them tightly…and never be afraid to exceed them.”

Jimno then offered brief remarks to the graduates saying, “The true gift for many of us who have chosen this profession is days like today. I’m proud of you and in awe at all the accomplishments. Right now, I’m just excited the future is in front of you. Thank you, Class of 2024.”

Board President Antonio Hernandez spoke next saying, “I grew up here in Antioch and went to Marsh Elementary. I am the first in my family to go to a four-year college and graduate from Stanford University,” to cheers from the crowd. “Remember to celebrate with the people you have around you…family and friends and those who helped you along the way,” he added.

Although not scheduled to speak, Trustee Mary Rocha said, “I’m cutting in. I’m sure many of you have done that, too,” to laughter. “I’m personally here because my granddaughter is graduating.” She then spoke in Spanish to the parents of some of the students.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez accepted the class saying, “On behalf of the Antioch Unified School District, it is my distinct honor to accept the 2024 graduating class from Antioch High School. Upon the recommendation of the faculty and on behalf of the Antioch Unified School District Governing Board of Education, I certify that each of you has completed the graduation requirements set forth by the…District.

Having completed these requirements, I confer upon each of you the high school diploma with all its rights, honors and responsibilities. Henceforth you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Antioch High School in the Antioch Unified School District. Congratulations.”

Diplomas were then presented to the graduates and the class officers were the first to receive theirs.

In memory of Giovanni Martino, his sister Kylah received his diploma on his behalf. According to one of the teachers at the ceremony, Giovanni died during their first year back from the COVID lockdown.

Senior Class President Karissa Legaspi spoke to her fellow graduates saying, “Today, we mark the end of an unforgettable chapter. Together we made memories that will last a lifetime. This isn’t the ending. 13 years flew right by us. Look at us now…on this day with the world at our fingertips. When I look out on this crowd I see a bright future. You can make any of your dreams happen. Motivation is the key. Your future is in your hands.

She then led her classmates in the turning of their tassels signifying the end of their high school career. That was followed by the graduates celebrating and tossing their caps into the air.

The Herald congratulates the Antioch High School Class of 2024 graduates. May God bless you in your future!

Selena Cedano contributed to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

Following the traditional processional of Pomp and Circumstance by the Deer Valley Band, on the cool morning of Friday, January 7, 2024, the Deer Valley High School Class of 2024 enjoyed their graduation ceremony on the school’s new turf football field at Wolverine Stadium. House 2 Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies. The colors were presented by the U.S. Marine Corps and the National Anthem was announced by Salutatorian Hanna Elizabeth Johnson and performed by the Deer Valley Divine Voices, led by Choral Director Georgia Friend.

First-year Principal Veronica McClennan spoke of the graduates’ collective experiences during COVID-19.

“You are a testament to what it means to be resilient,” she said. “Your freshman year was spent learning how to jump on Teams calls and maneuvering online learning platforms. You…conducted virtual labs and experienced virtual field trips.”

“As sophomores, you were able to return to campus and together you re-learned morning routines, getting up, getting dressed and getting to school on time. Some of you are still learning that one,” McClennan said to laughter.

“No matter where your journey takes you, it is my hope your time here at Deer Valley has prepared you to go into the world with kindness and compassion, with confidence and the courage to stand in your truth.”

She then quoted Taylor Swift to groans from some of the graduates, about being clever but kind, polite but powerful. The principal concluded by quoting Tupac Shakur saying, “Life is a wheel of fortune, and it is your turn to spin it.”

Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis spoke on behalf of the AUSD Board of Education pointing out, “You’re the first graduating class to graduate on this field. So, that is an honor.”

“The world outside these walls is vast and full of opportunities. And while the road may be uncertain, I do not doubt that very one of you is more than capable of achieving greatness,” he continued.

“As Wolverines, you are resilient, determined and passionate. You’ve learned the value of hard work and perseverance,” Lewis stated. “As you step out into the world, remember to carry those lessons with you and continue to make a positive impact wherever life may take you.”

“Congratulations, Class of 2024. The world awaits and I do not doubt you will conquer it together,” he concluded.

Senior Class President Corey Hawkins then spoke to his fellow graduates saying, “We entered the doors…just four years ago and just like that we’re in our teal and black caps and gowns. We had the first Junior Prom outside of DVHS. We are the last virtual learning class of DVHS. The first ever graduating class to graduate on the completely renovated Deer Valley football field.”

“It has been an honor serving as your class president four years in a row. You just have to dream, and you will make it your reality,” he added.

Valedictorian William Lee, who will attend UC Berkeley and study astrophysics, repeated the question of the 2022 Valedictorian. “‘What advice would you give to your past self?’ I settled on writing about taking risks,” he said. “Taking risks is necessary for growth and you have to start somewhere. I have become a confident risk taker. As a result, I have made important career connections,” Lee continued.

“Class of 2024, we stand at the precipice. I know that each and every one of you has a dream and goal for the future,” he stated. “There will come a time you will have to take a risk. Take that risk and take it confidently because you are capable of more than you can imagine.”

“Congratulations, Class of 2024,” Lee concluded.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez then accepted the class saying, “On behalf of the Antioch Unified School District, it is my distinct honor to accept the 2024 graduating class from Deer Valley High School. Upon the recommendation of the faculty and on behalf of the Antioch Unified School District Governing Board of Education, I certify that each of you has completed the graduation requirements set forth by the…District.

Having completed these requirements, I confer upon each of you the high school diploma with all its rights, honors and responsibilities. Henceforth you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School in the Antioch Unified School District. Congratulations.”

The Divine Voices then performed “A Blessing” and “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye”.

DVHS Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate conducted the Reading of the Names, as Trustees Lewis and Dr. Jag Lathan handed the graduates their diplomas. The 2023-24 Senior Class Officers were first to receive theirs.

Class President Hawkins returned to the stage to lead his classmates in the turning of their tassels, which was followed by their own cheers and those of the audience, and the tossing of their caps into the air to celebrate and say “good-bye” to high school. They filed out in a formal fashion to the music of the DVHS Band led by Music Director Ryan Carr.

The Herald congratulates the Deer Valley High School Class of 2024 graduates. May God bless you in your future!

By Allen D. Payton

During Thursday night’s graduation ceremony for Antioch’s Dozier-Libbey Medical High School (DLMHS) Class of 2024, held in the Deer Valley High School quad amphitheater, Antioch Unified School District President Antonio Hernandez, a DLMHS graduate, offered remarks to the graduates.

He shared of his own experience at the high school then in college, and now in grad school saying, “Setbacks and failures will take you to unexpected routes…that can take you to where you want to go.”

“I know that you all have been through so many struggles and serious challenges. It’s important to celebrate these moments you have…with friends and family and all those who supported you along the way,” Hernandez stated. “We can change the world, overnight, immediately. How long are you going to wait to make that change?”

The first student speaker was Alexandra “Alex” Brewer followed by DLMHS Class of 2024 Valedictorian Belinda Reyes Barreras. She spoke with her fellow graduates saying, “Crossing this stage will honor every challenge we faced. We graduate on behalf of any loved one who has shown us support. Our high school journeys have reached their final growth phase. We are the upcoming generation of adults. We can invoke immense change. We must persevere and take on any challenge. I’m sure DL has prepared us to take on any challenge. Congratulations Class of 2024. We did it!”

Alina Nguyen Duong was this year’s Salutatorian for DLMHS.

Principal Karen Clark spoke to the graduating class next. “Today is a day filled with excitement, joy and pride as we gather here to celebrate the culmination of four years of hard work, dedication and growth,” she said. “It is an honor to stand before you as we reflect on the challenges you have overcome, and we look forward to the journey that awaits you beyond these walls.”

“When you entered Dozier-Libbey Medical High School, you knew you were embarking on a unique educational path by choosing a high school with a focus on health and patient care,” Clark continued.

She then spoke of the COVID lockdown and distance learning.”

“The challenges you faced…have forever shaped all of us. You adapted to a new normal…and you forged ahead with determination. Your parents and teachers became your allies,” Clark stated. “Your sophomore year we were granted the opportunity to return to in-person learning. We realized the significance of human connection and face-to-face interactions.

“As you prepare to step into the world beyond high school, it is our hope that Dozier-Libbey Medical High School has instilled the importance of compassion, empathy and understanding, the very qualities that will define your success in navigating the complex world of healthcare or other professions,” she continued.

“Be the change. Congratulations. The future is yours to shape. Go forward with compassion, excellence and an unwavering commitment to your future goals,” Clark concluded.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez accepted the class saying, “On behalf of the Antioch Unified School District, it is my distinct honor to accept the 2024 graduating class from Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. Upon the recommendation of the faculty and on behalf of the…Board of Education, I certify that each of you has completed the graduation requirements set forth by the…District.

“Having completed these requirements, I confer upon each of you the high school diploma with all its rights, honors and responsibilities.

Henceforth you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Dozier-Libbey Medial High School in the Antioch Unified School District.

Congratulations.”

The graduates’ names were read by DLMHS Leadership Advisor Heather Pool as Board President Hernandez and Vice President Mary Rocha presented each with their diploma. One graduate, Alexandra Guevara, received the greatest applause from both her classmates and the audience as she was helped by her mother, Maria to receive her diploma. During a traffic collision on May 15, 2022, Alexandra experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Her older sister Samantha Guevara shared what Alexandra said to her saying, “She went through a difficult time following the accident.” It was “a year of recovery. She proved to others and herself that she could manage to graduate and on time with her class. She will continue to move forward to become a better version of herself and spread awareness to other TBI patients.”

“This is Ms. Clark’s last and final commencement,” Pool stated.

Class President Matilda McCarthy then presented the principal with a gift from the Class of 2024 in the form of a T-shirt signed by each of the graduates.

Clark then said, “I’m certifying the Class of 2024 graduates.”

“Let’s take a moment to remember what we’ve overcome,” McCarthy said to her classmates. She then shared something her mother taught her. “Work hard, now so it will pay off later.”

“Don’t stop here. Keep going,” she added.

McCarthy then led her classmates in the turning of their tassels, signifying the end of their high school career, followed by cheers and the obligatory tossing of caps into the air.

The Herald congratulates the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2024 graduates. May God bless you in your future!

While on felony probation for vehicle theft; has history of arrests dating to 2014 including 5 times this year

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, around 4:00 PM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way and Canada Valley Road, when he saw a car without a rear license plate. The officer did a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as 35-year-old Robert Edward Garcia of Antioch (born 6/27/88).

Garcia told the officer he did not have a driver’s license and he was also on felony probation for vehicle theft.

After searching Garcia’s car, the officer found several sets of keys belonging to different makes of cars, along with shaved keys, numerous tools, blades, cutting instruments, a car jack, a flipper device (which can be used to hack digital devices) and other tools.

Garcia was placed under arrest for being in possession of burglary tools, probation violation, as well as bringing drugs into the County jail.

This incident exemplifies the proactive efforts of our officers in detecting and addressing criminal behavior, contributing to the maintenance of public safety and the prevention of further criminal activity in the community.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, 220-pound Garcia is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail for his latest arrest by Oakley PD on May 19, 2024, for possession of stolen property at the Best Western Hotel in Oakley. (See 14:13 PM incident). He is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2024.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating to 2014 by multiple agencies for crimes including five times this year and three times last year.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

ATTENTION KIA OWNERS

Our community has been hit hard by car thieves specifically targeting Kia vehicles following a social media trend that’s gone viral. The company is introducing a free deterrent device for vehicles that are not eligible for the security software upgrade that Kia introduced earlier this year.

The ignition cylinder protector will be available beginning December 20th. Each vehicle will get window decals to inform would-be car thieves that the vehicle is equipped with enhanced theft protection. Kia is also offering free steering wheel locks to affected owners of vehicles that are not eligible for the software upgrade.

For more information, visit, https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs/SWLD