Among 13 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals named by Newsweek magazine as “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals”
By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif. – With a commitment to providing safe, high-quality maternity care to parents and newborns, 13 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are being recognized by Newsweek magazine as among the best in the nation.
According to Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026,” Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals met rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and adherence to important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.
The 13 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor include: Antioch, Fresno, Oakland, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, and Walnut Creek.
This is the seventh year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized by Newsweek.
The national designation was awarded to only 460 hospitals in the United States with 65 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 29 hospitals that received the elite designation in California, or about 45% 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.
“Our physicians, midwives, nurses, and teams are proud to be recognized for providing comprehensive, patient-centered maternity care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente patients in Northern California are 20% less likely to require a cesarean section than those receiving care elsewhere in the state — a reflection of our use of evidence-based practices and our commitment to honoring each family’s needs and preferences.”
Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered in Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.
A focus on comprehensive maternity care
Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s 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 key 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.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
Zahvon Hopson was charged with murder by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office April 28, 2026. Photo: Antioch PD
22-year-old Zahvon Hopson charged with killing Dimon Lasly Commodore, held on $2.19 million bail
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has charged an Oakland man with the murder of a 20-year-old Antioch woman.
Zahvon Hopson, 22, was arraigned today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, on a three-count criminal complaint stemming from the shooting death of Dimon Lasly Commodore. The charges include murder, possession of a firearm by a felon with a prior conviction, and unlawful firearm activity. The murder charge carries an enhancement for personally and intentionally discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury and death. The unlawful firearm activity count includes special allegations citing prior offenses in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
As previously reported, Antioch police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 2200 block of Sycamore Drive on February 19, 2026, at 7:17 p.m. They arrived to find the victim suffering from two gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, she died at the scene. Hopson was later identified by Antioch Police.
Hopson fled before officers arrived. Also, as previously reported, following an extensive search, he was located in San Diego and arrested on April 10, 2026, with the assistance of local law enforcement.
Currently held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $2,190,000 bail, Hopson pleaded not guilty at today’s arraignment, denied all charges, allegations, and enhancements, and waived his right to a speedy trial. A preliminary hearing date is pending.
According to localcrimenews.com, Hopson was arrested on July 7, 2023, while a Richmond resident, for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. As an Antioch resident, he was also arrested on April 17, 2025, for resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer and intoxicated in public.
Case No. 04-26-01519 | The People of the State of California v. Zahvon Hopson
The dedicated public servant and CPA with an MBA offers 14 years of experienced financial leadership, integrity
By Allen D. Payton
For more than 14 years, Peter Karumbi has proudly served the people of Contra Costa County through his work in the Auditor‑Controller’s Office. His career began as an entry‑level Accountant I, and through hard work, integrity and a deep commitment to public service, Karumbi advanced to his current role as Assistant Auditor‑Controller.
With current Auditor-Controller Joanne Bohren not running for election after being appointed to the position last year, Karumbi is seeking the position with her support.
He is committed to:
Protecting the fiscal integrity of the County’s financial records;
Ensuring compliance with the California Constitution, state codes and Board of Supervisors directives;
Providing accurate, timely financial information to the public and county partners; and
Supporting county departments, employees, special districts and regional agencies with professionalism and respect.
Karumbi is also endorsed by retired Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell, Retired Assistant County Auditor-Controller Harjit Nahal and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
His journey reflects not only professional growth but also a genuine dedication to strengthening the financial foundation of our county.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with managing public resources, and I have devoted my career to ensuring accuracy, transparency and accountability in county financial operations,” Karumbi said. “I understand the responsibilities of this office because I’ve spent my career performing them.”
He also has experience in the private sector having worked for four-and-a-half years in Accounts Payable for Ross Stores, Inc. in Pleasanton.
Karumbi earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 2015 and earned a Master’s of Business Administration in 2013 from Cal State East Bay’s School of Business & Economics.
The first-time candidate for public office is married to Margaret Ng’ang’a and they have four daughters.
47-year-old man who lives in same home detained, questioned
By Acting Sgt. John Cox #5705, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
ANTIOCH, CA. — Antioch Police Department is investigating a suspected homicide following a late-night incident on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Officers responded at 11:16 p.m. to a residence in the 1900 block of Wilson Court to assist Emergency Medical Services with a report of an unresponsive man. The man, a 50-year-old Antioch resident, was found not breathing by EMS personnel and died at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Preliminary information indicates the man became unresponsive following an altercation with another resident.
Crime Scene Investigators and detectives from the Antioch Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation. A resident of the same home, a 47-year-old man, was detained and interviewed by detectives.
The case remains under investigation, and no further details are being released at this time.
The Investigations Bureau will provide additional updates as they become available. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ibanez at (925) 779-6890 or ribanez@antiochca.gov.
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch began its annual weed abatement program on March 30, 2026, with work continuing on or before June 30, 2026, to help reduce wildfire risk in City-owned open spaces.
Each year, the City coordinates this effort with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) to mow and disc vegetation in designated areas. This seasonal work is an important part of Antioch’s wildfire prevention efforts and helps limit the spread of fire during the dry season.
Residents with questions or concerns may contact the City of Antioch Public Works Department at (925) 779-6950 or by email at publicworks@antiochca.gov.
Antioch City Manager Bessie Marie Scott. Photo: City of Antioch
In second year of two-year contract
“It sounds hard, and it is – but JOY abounds here!” – Bessie Marie Scott
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott is currently serving in the second year of her two-year contract since being hired for the position on a split, 3-2 City Council vote in August 2024 less than three months before the election. With a new mayor and two new council members some residents didn’t expect Scott to last more than another six months at the most. But, 18 months later she continues serving in the position and has shared information about the role of city manager and her experience.
On Scott’s LinkedIn profile she provides a description of her position:
“As City Manager for the City of Antioch since October 2024, I contribute to key municipal operations by leveraging expertise in financial understanding, policy implementation, economic and community development, and crafting effective policy implementing and business communications.My role involves fostering organizational efficiency, staff development, enhancing regional partnerships, and driving initiatives that align with the city’s priorities, Council goals, and community needs. It sounds hard, and it is – but JOY abounds here!”
Then earlier this month, Scott shared the following about the role of city manager and her experience in the position:
One of the most misunderstood jobs in local government is the City Manager!
People often assume the role is about authority.
It’s not.
It’s about responsibility.
Scott responds to a question from a council member during the Budget Study Session on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Video screenshot
Hi, I’m Bessie Scott, the first female City Manager in Antioch, California. I’m also a Black woman serving in a profession where leadership has historically looked very different.
Over time, I’ve learned there are a lot of misconceptions about what city managers A C T U A L L Y do.
Here are a few things people often get wrong about the role.
1. “City managers run the city however they want.”
In reality, city managers work at the direction of an elected city council. Our job is to implement policy, provide professional advice, and make sure city services are delivered effectively.
2. “It’s just a management job.”
Yes, we manage organizations — but we also navigate politics, community expectations, crises, labor negotiations, infrastructure planning, economic development, and public trust… often all at the same time.
3. “The work happens in council meetings.”
Council meetings are just the visible tip of the iceberg. The real work happens long before the meeting — in planning, listening, problem-solving, and coordinating across departments.
4. “City managers stay out of the public eye.”
In today’s environment, city managers are often front and center during community challenges, emergencies, and major civic decisions. As an Introvert, this is my LEAST favorite truth as I’m more of a Best Supporting Actress kinda girl!
5. “It’s a purely technical role.”
The technical skills matter. But the truth is that emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to bring people together are just as critical. Local government is where democracy becomes real for people. It’s the street someone drives on every day.
The park their kids play in.
The safety of their neighborhood.
The future of their community.
City managers sit at the intersection of all of it.
It’s challenging work. It’s often misunderstood work.
But it’s also some of the most meaningful work in public service.
I’m proud to serve alongside so many dedicated professionals in this field, including those connected through the International City/County Management Association, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, the League of California Cities, and the National League of Cities.
——-
The official description of Scott’s job and responsibilities is provided on the City Manager’s webpage:
The City of Antioch operates under the City Manager form of government. Under the policy direction of the City Council the City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City; assumes full responsibility for planning, administering, directing, overseeing, and evaluating the activities and operations of all City departments.
Responsibilities
Implementing City Council policy
Directing departments and the City’s administrative functions
Providing day-to-day leadership in policy development and implementation
Assuring an efficient and equitable delivery of City services
Initiating and developing short and long-term special projects
Overseeing the annual budget process
Managing the City’s inter-governmental relations and public information functions
Directing major economic development projects
The City Manager’s contract
Scott’s contract is up for renewal in September. She serves at the pleasure of the city council and renewal requires three votes of the five members.
Photos & artwork: City of Antioch Recreation Dept.
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
In an effort to Keep Antioch Beautiful and to celebrate Arbor Day we hosted an event to plant nearly 30 trees around Prewett Family Park and in the Antioch Community Center’s parking lot!
First celebrated in the U.S. in 1872, Arbor Day is a national holiday in which encourages public attention to the importance of trees in our ecosystem. Planting, relocating and even climbing trees are encouraged, along with learning more about the myriad of ways trees function in our environment and help us all to exist. Learn more about Arbor Day from the Farmer’s Almanac and Arbor Day Foundation.
Thank you to everyone involved:
Students from Holy Rosary School
Antioch Public Works
Antioch Police Department
Antioch Public Safety
City Council Members Don Freitas and Monica Wilson
The strides our community makes to Keep Antioch Beautiful are ongoing!
And takes the involvement of our entire community.
If you are interested in any upcoming volunteer events, please visit our website: antiochca.gov/recreation
Dominick DeSouza’s car in front of the FoodMaxx and Antioch Police Officer Donaldson being pulled into it while responding to the store robbery on Feb. 20, 2026. Sources: (L) Donaldson’s bodycam video screenshot. (R) Antioch PD Critical Incident Video screenshot of store security video.
23-year-old Dominick Edward DeSouzahas history of 19 arrests including 2021 Fairfield jewelry store robbery and in Solano County on Feb. 7th
By Allen D. Payton
According to Lt. William Whitaker of the Antioch Police Investigations Bureau, the Antioch Police Department is releasing video related to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on February 20, 2026, during an armed robbery investigation. The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Dominick Edward DeSouza of Antioch, born August 27, 2002.
“To be as open with our community as possible, this material is being released even while the investigation remains ongoing. The video includes body-worn camera footage, surveillance video and other evidence gathered during the investigation,” Whitaker shared in a press release issued today, Tuesday, April 23, 2026. “The officers involved were placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy.”
As previously reported, at 5:16 a.m. that day, Antioch Police officers were dispatched to the 4500 block of Lone Tree Way for a report of a robbery in progress. While officers were en route, the reporting party stated that one of the suspects was armed with a firearm and had threatened him.
FoodMaxx store surveillance video shows the suspect’s car crashing backward into the front glass doors on Feb. 20, 2026. Source: Antioch PD
According to Captain Desmond Bittner, “The suspect vehicle backed into the FoodMaxx store before the officers arrived,” smashing in the front glass doors. One employee said store employees heard the crash, saw some of the commotion, called police who arrived quickly, and that there was more than one suspect who entered the store and attempted to steal alcohol.
When officers arrived, they confronted a suspect at the scene. During the encounter, the suspect rammed his vehicle into an occupied patrol car. An officer who was outside the suspect’s vehicle then came into contact with the driver, and a physical struggle ensued.
During the altercation, the officer was pulled into the vehicle as the suspect drove forward, striking both a patrol car and the nearby store.
The officer gave the driver multiple commands to stop the car, but he did not comply. The suspect continued driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed with the officer trapped inside. The officer then discharged his service weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect exited the vehicle on the sidewalk in front of a house on the corner of Southwood Way at Field Brook Court and fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later. Bittner confirmed, “The suspect was arrested in the area of the Southwood Way location.”
Description of Incident from Body Cam Videos
As the nine-minute Antioch Police Critical Incident Video shows, after one of the suspects, identified as DeSouza, exited the store and entered the driver’s seat two officers arrived in separate vehicles and DeSouza rammed his car into Officer Armstrong’s vehicle.
The video offers further description of the incident: “Officer Donaldson, on foot, reached into the suspect vehicle and engaged in a struggle with DeSouza. During the struggle, Officer Donaldson was knocked into the suspect vehicle as DeSouza accelerated into the store (in reverse) and then drove forward at a high rate of speed” crashing again into the police vehicle, before driving off.
“Two other suspects in the robbery fled the scene on foot’’ and Officer Armstrong pursued one.
After DeSouza rammed his car into Officer Armstrong’s vehicle then drove off with Officer Donaldson inside, the other two suspects exited the store and Officer Armstrong pursued one of them. Sources: Screenshots of FoodMaxx store security video included in Antioch PD Critical Incident Video.
Donaldson gave “the driver, DeSouza, repeated commands to stop the vehicle. DeSouza drove for approximately two miles while Officer Donaldson repeatedly attempted to de-escalate the situation and persuade him to stop the vehicle.
“DeSouza repeatedly told Officer Donaldson to ‘get out’ and said he was going to crash the car. DeSouza refused to stop to let the officer out and told him to jump from the vehicle. Given the speed of the vehicle, there was a risk of great bodily injury or death.
“As DeSouza continued to drive recklessly through city streets, Officer Donaldson informed DeSouza that he would be shot if he did not stop. DeSouza did not comply.”
DeSouza can be heard saying, “I’m going to crash this…car. I ain’t going to jail…I’m going to crash, bro.” Donaldson responded, “Don’t. It’s not worth it,” to which DeSouza said, “It is worth it. I got family, bro.”
Donaldson can be heard responding repeatedly, “Talk to me. Talk to me.”
The video narrative shares, “Officer Donaldson tried putting the vehicle into neutral as DeSouza continually pulled the officer’s hands off the gear shift.”
DeSouza can be heard saying, “That’s not gonna work, bro. That’s not gonna work.”
Screenshot of Officer Donaldson’s body cam video shows him punch DeSouza in the face.
Then Donaldson can be seen punching DeSouza in the face and saying, “Stop. I will shoot” as he pointed his service weapon at DeSouza.
DeSouza, with a bruise to his right eye area, repeatedly tells Donaldson to “get out the car” and the officer responds, “I will put one in you…I’m not gonna jump…just stop.”
“I’m not going to do this on a private street,” DeSouza can be heard saying. Then, as Donaldson grabs the steering wheel, DeSouza said, “You’re going to kill us, bro.”
Then, Donaldson can be seen repeatedly striking DeSouza with his service weapon and saying, “I’m warning you, I will shoot your leg,” as he pointed his gun at DeSouza’s leg.
Screenshot of Officer Donaldson’s body cam shows him pointing his service weapon at DeSouza inside the suspect’s vehicle as he continued to drive from the scene of the store robbery.
The narrative explains, “Officer Donaldson intentionally shot DeSouza in the leg to reduce the likelihood of a fatality to DeSouza, himself and members of the community. DeSouza’s car collided with a parked car and he fled on foot. DeSouza’s vehicle continued rolling and came to rest in the yard of a nearby home” on the corner of Southwood Way at Field Brook Court.
“Officer Donaldson attempted to transmit on his police radio” saying, “C5, shots fired”, “but it was shut off during the struggle,” the narrative continues. Donaldson then pursued DeSouza on foot.
“Additional officers arrived on scene and located DeSouza about ten minutes after he ran from the car. DeSouza, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, was found hiding in bushes and was taken into custody without further incident.”
Screenshot of Donaldson’s body cam video shows Antioch Police Officers point their service weapons at DeSouza who was hiding in a bush after fleeing on foot from his vehicle.
In the video several officers can be seen pointing their weapons at DeSouza while one issued commands to “raise your hands like an airplane” and “don’t move.” As they approached him, DeSouza could be heard yelling, “He shot me. He shot me.”
The narrative continued, “Officers rendered medical aid until the arrival of paramedics. DeSouza was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Officer Donaldson suffered minor injuries during the incident. No other members of the public were injured.”
“As part of the Internal Affairs investigation, a third-party independent investigator will determine whether department policies and procedures were followed,” the video concluded.
Lt. William Whitaker later said, DeSouza “was in the hospital for a while.”
“This incident is under investigation by the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau, in coordination with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, pursuant to the county’s Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol,” he shared.
Source: Antioch PD
Critical Incident Video
A critical incident overview of the incident is linked below.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information regarding the incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or via email: abecerra@antiochca.gov or by calling the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926.
Following the armed robbery of the FoodMaxx store where DeSouza and two other suspects smashed into the front door and then drove across town with Antioch Police Officer Donaldson inside, he fled his vehicle on Southwood Way where he was later apprehended nearby Friday morning, Feb. 20, 2026. Herald file photos by Allen D. Payton
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 185-pound DeSouza was arrested out of county, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail but also has bail amounts of $600,000 and $75,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 4 of the Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.
According to an Antioch Herald report, at age 19, he and two other teens were arrested in November 2021 with $50,000 of jewelry stolen from a Fairfield store.
According to localcrimenews.com, DeSouza is White and has a history of arrests since 2021 by multiple agencies. His arrest on February 20th was for crimes including resisting, obstructing, delaying a Peace Officer, kidnapping and kidnapping to commit any violation of Codes 211 / 264.1 / 288 / 289 211, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon – no firearm likely great bodily injury to a Peace Officer or Fireman, violation of parole: felony, burglary, grand theft, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, vandalism of $5,000 or more and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.
DeSouza’s 17 other arrests, just two weeks before in Solano County on Feb. 7, 2026, included charges of threats of violence and vandalism; plus, he was arrested previously on multiple charges of assault, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and child endangerment, as well as for grand theft, petty theft, burglary, robbery, drug possession, reckless driving on a public street and evasion with wanton disregard for safety.
