Says, “This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it.”

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Business owner and 20-year human resources professional, Pratima Sonavne has officially entered the race for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder, pledging to transform one of county government’s most vital offices into a model of transparency, efficiency, and public trust.

The Clerk-Recorder’s office touches the lives of nearly every resident — safeguarding public records, overseeing election administration, maintaining accurate voter rolls, and delivering essential services day in and day out. Yet too many residents have little visibility into how the office is performing, where service gaps exist, or how their tax dollars are being put to work.

“The people of Contra Costa County deserve real transparency, measurable results, consistent service, and leadership willing to be held accountable. I will bring performance metrics, public dashboards, service standards, and a culture of continuous improvement to the Clerk-Recorder’s office,” Sonavne said.

Campaign Built on Four Core Priorities

• Secure Records — Strengthening the protection, accuracy, and accessibility of public records to ensure residents can always count on reliable, up-to-date information.
• Election Integrity — Supporting fair, transparent, and trusted elections through clear communication, rigorous voter roll maintenance, regular process audits, and consistent poll worker training.
• Engaged Communities — Bringing the office directly to residents through expanded outreach, voter education, community pop-up clinics, and youth engagement programs that build the next generation of civic leaders.
• Efficient Government — Measuring performance, reducing processing delays, improving responsiveness, and ensuring residents receive modern, reliable service.

A Commitment to Public Accountability

As Clerk-Recorder, Sonavne will champion public reporting on key performance areas — records processing times, customer service responsiveness, voter outreach, voter roll maintenance, poll worker training consistency, community engagement, and operational efficiency. Residents will have real tools to track how their office is performing.

“This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office,” said Sonavne. “Contra Costa County deserves a Clerk-Recorder who will not just manage this office — but modernize it, measure it, and make it work better for every single person who depends on it.”

“This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it,” she added.

Experience & Education

According to her LinkedIn profile, since April 2024, Sonavne has been the owner and operator of Kurious Kubs Family Daycare in Danville. Since July 2023 she has worked as a Senior Consultant for Pink River Analytics/State Projects. Previously, Sonavne worked for a year as a Human Resource Leader for Bloom Energy in San Jose, and as the  North America  Talent Management Leader for Cognizant Technology Solutions in San Ramon for over seven years.

She earned her MBA, Human Resource Management in 2003 from Sydenhman Institute of Management Studies. In addition, Sonavne earned an Organizational Development Certification in 2012 from the NTL Institute and she earned a Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification from the Project Management Institute in May 2024.

Sonavne and her husband have two children and they’ve lived in Contra Costa County 14 years.

The election will be held on June 2, 2026.

To learn more, visit countonpratima.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The Board of Supervisors appointed Deputy Fire Chief of Administration Aaron McAlister as the new Chief for Con Fire, today. Photo: Con Fire

Former Fire Chief for City of Dixon started in new position, today

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media and Lauren Ono, Con Fire PIO

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Aaron McAlister as Fire Chief of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire). He started in his new position immediately.

McAlister has served with Con Fire since 2016 and most recently served as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, overseeing Communications/Fire Dispatch, Information Systems, Support Services, Finance, and Human Resources. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Fire Chief and played a key role in strengthening the District’s operational readiness, facilities, staffing, and regional coordination.

During his tenure, McAlister helped lead major district advancements, including the annexation of the East Contra Costa and Rodeo-Hercules fire districts and the service contract with the City of Pinole. He also supported the expansion of firefighting resources, staffing, facilities, and emergency services, while advancing wildfire mitigation efforts and helping establish more than 40 Firewise communities.

“Chief McAlister has demonstrated strong leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to public safety throughout his career with Con Fire,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis. “Through a highly competitive selection process, he distinguished himself as the top choice to lead the District. His experience and vision will help ensure Contra Costa County continues to deliver the high level of fire protection and emergency services our residents depend on every day.”

Before joining Con Fire, McAlister served as Fire Chief for the City of Dixon.

McAlister replaces Chief Lewis Broschard, who retired in March after more than 30 years in the fire service, including 18 years with Con Fire. Broschard briefly returned in an interim capacity to support leadership continuity during the transition.

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief,” said McAlister. “Con Fire’s firefighters, dispatchers, fire prevention staff, support staff, professional staff, and leadership team are among the very best in the fire service. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and continuing our mission of protecting lives, property, and the environment throughout Contra Costa County.”

McAlister holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. He is a Certified Fire Chief through the California State Fire Marshal and holds a Chief Fire Officer credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

The cost of this position for the remainder of the fiscal year is approximately $79,324 with the total ongoing cost projected at $634,595 annually. Funding for this position is included in the District operating budget.

Contra Costa Fire provides fire protection and emergency medical services to more than 790,000 residents across 13 cities and 11 unincorporated communities throughout Contra Costa County.

Top Gun movie to be shown at retro rate during its 40th anniversary

By Rachael Baber, Martinez Chamber of Commerce

Martinez, CA —The Martinez Chamber of Commerce, alongside local dignitaries, business leaders, and community members, will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebrating the 40th anniversary of Contra Costa Cinema, a longtime cornerstone of entertainment in Martinez.

The celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Contra Costa Cinema in Martinez.

Event Schedule

• 5:30 PM – Anniversary celebration begins
• 6:00 PM – Ceremonial ribbon cutting
• 6:30 PM – Special screening of Top Gun 40th Anniversary presentation

To commemorate both the theater’s 40th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, all Top Gun screenings that evening will be offered at a special retro admission price of $3.75. Tickets are available to purchase now. Guests can also enjoy classic concession pricing inspired by 1986, including:

• Large Popcorn — $3.25
• Large Beverage — $2.75

The event will feature a red-carpet entrance experience, a step-and-repeat backdrop for photos and testimonials, commemorative promotions, and community festivities honoring four decades of cinematic history in Contra Costa County.

Source: Contra Costa Cinema

Originally opened on June 27, 1986, as the Contra Costa Cinemas under Festival Enterprises Theatres, the theater has served generations of moviegoers through several ownership transitions, including operations by Mann Theatres, Signature Theatres, and Cinema West Theatres. Signature Theatres operated the venue until 2001, while Cinema West later expanded the complex from five screens to ten screens with upgraded stadium seating.

Notably, Top Gun was one of the original five films showing when the theater first opened in 1986, making the anniversary screening especially meaningful for longtime moviegoers and the Martinez community.

In December 2021, the theater became independently operated and today continues serving the community as Contra Costa Cinema under owner Kyle Conner, who also owns the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Conner has worked in the movie theater industry since the age of 15 and remains committed to preserving the community cinema experience.

“This anniversary is more than a celebration of a theater — it’s a celebration of community memories spanning four decades,” said Joe Fitzpatrick, General Manager of Contra Costa Cinema. “We’re excited to partner with the Martinez Chamber of Commerce to honor the theater’s legacy while creating new memories for movie fans of all ages.”

The Martinez Chamber of Commerce recognizes Contra Costa Cinema as an enduring part of the local business community and cultural landscape, continuing to bring entertainment, connection, and economic vitality to the city of Martinez.

Promotional support for the anniversary celebration will include social media campaigns across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, website and newsletter promotions, on-screen advertising, poster displays, menu board promotions, point-of-sale messaging, exterior marquee advertising, and outreach to regional news media.

The event is open to the public.

Charged with attempted murder of Sheriff’s Deputy; was held on $1.385 million bail

Fatal incident protocol  invoked

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol has been invoked for an in-custody death.

On May 4, 2026, deputy sheriffs found an inmate who attempted suicide in his cell at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was transported to a local hospital where he has remained since. The inmate was pronounced deceased at the hospital today at about 11:34 AM.

He is identified as 54-year-old Raymond Smith of Oakley. Smith was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on January 13, 2026, on the following charges: attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession of a firearm (prohibited person), felon in possession of a firearm, and criminal contempt of court.

As previously reported by the Herald, Smith was charged with attempted murder of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy following a shootout during a traffic stop on Jan. 12, 2026. The deputy was not struck. The suspect fled on foot in the Oakley neighborhood and Smith was found barricaded at his home.

After several hours of attempting to communicate with the suspect, the SWAT team armored vehicle approached the residence. A gunshot was heard. The suspect apparently tried to take his own life. Medical personnel, who were on scene, immediately implemented life-saving measures. The suspect was taken to a local hospital.

Per the protocol, this is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Deepika Naharas is running for Contra Costa County Auditor Controller. Source: campaign

Experienced finance and accounting leader pledges independent oversight, stronger accountability, and modern financial operations for Contra Costa taxpayers

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — May 10, 2026 — Deepika Naharas, a finance and accounting leader with more than 25 years of experience, announced her campaign for Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller, pledging to protect taxpayer dollars, strengthen accountability, and bring independent oversight to one of the county’s most important financial offices.

“The Auditor-Controller should work for the people,” Naharas said. “Contra Costa taxpayers deserve an independent financial watchdog who will protect public dollars, improve transparency, and make county finances easier for everyone to understand.”

The Auditor-Controller oversees the financial backbone of county government, including public funds, audits, payroll, accounting, and property tax administration. Naharas said the office must do more than balance books; it must build public trust.

Naharas’s call for independence and modernization has already drawn support from former employees of the Auditor-Controller’s Office, who believe the office is ready for fresh leadership, stronger accountability, and a renewed commitment to public service.

A San Ramon resident of 20 years, Naharas has led finance, accounting, compliance, budgeting, controls, and reporting functions for Fortune 500 companies, technology firms, startups, and mission-driven organizations. She holds an MBA in Finance and a BBA in Accounting.

According to her LinkedIn profile, since 2017 Naharas has worked as a Director at KongBasileConsulting, which, according to the company website is headquartered in San Francisco and provides “scalable outsourced operations support, serving as your internal accounting and financial consultants.”

Previously she worked as Treasurer from 2005 to 2020 for Hypertransport Technology Consortium, a non-profit founded by AMD (Advanced Micro Devices).

Since January 2023 Naharas has served as Controller/ Internal Auditor for Lead For Earth which works “To encourage, endorse and empower environmental and sustainability leaders at down ballot races” and “aims to connect communities with decision-makers and grassroots leaders who prioritize climate action, sustainability, and ecosystem protection.”

Her campaign is focused on three urgent priorities:

Protect Taxpayer Dollars – Strengthen audits, internal controls, compliance, and early-warning systems to prevent waste, errors, and mismanagement before they cost residents.

Increase Financial Transparency – Make County finances easier to understand with plain-language updates, clearer property tax explanations, and public tools that show how taxpayer dollars are collected, managed, and spent.

Modernize Financial Operations – Build on the county’s existing technology, assess smart new tools, and improve speed, accuracy, reporting, and service for taxpayers, county departments, and local districts.

“This race is about trust,” Naharas said. “Residents should not need an accounting degree to understand how county money is collected, managed, and spent. My goal is simple: every dollar accounted for, every report understandable, every department held to the same standard, and every taxpayer treated with respect.”

The 2026 election marks the first wide-open race for Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller in decades. Naharas said the moment calls for fresh leadership, not automatic succession.

“Experience matters — but independence matters just as much,” Naharas said. “I bring 25 years of real-world finance and accounting leadership, fresh eyes, and a commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa County with integrity, transparency, and results.”

The election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For more information, visit DeepikaNaharas.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Up to $60,000 for downpayment; Introductory Workshop May 19th

By Walter Zhovreboff, Administrative Director, Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance, City of Concord Program Administrator

Tuesday May 19, 2026 6PM to 7:30PM

The City of Concord, along with the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) and A-1 Housing Community Services (A-1 CHS), is hosting a workshop to introduce Concord’s First Time Home Buyer program. The virtual zoom workshop will be held from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday May 19, 2026.

Concord’s First Time Home Buyer Program (FTHB) assists low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers with purchasing a home in Concord. The FTHB loan does not charge an interest rate or require monthly payments. The loan must be repaid in full within 15 years, at which point the City receives the original principal amount plus a share of the home’s increased value.

The FTHB program provides the following valuable resources.

• Down Payment Assistance Funds – Eligible low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers could receive up to $60,000 through the City FTHB; and up to an additional $40,000 provided through other organizations. FTHB funds can either increase the purchase power and/or decrease the cost of ownership for eligible first-time homebuyers. FTHB funds are strictly limited to purchasing homes within Concord city limits.
• Homebuyer Education and Counseling – A-1 CHS, a HUD approved non-profit homebuyer education and counseling organization, will be delivering free homebuyer education and counseling to interested applicants. Education and counseling assists homebuyers with establishing a stronger understanding of the requirements, steps, and capacity for households to purchase a home. FTHB homebuyers must secure a HUD approved education and counseling certificate of completion in order to secure Concord’s FTHB funds and other partnering funding sources.

The FTHB introductory workshop will provide additional details on:

• FTHB Funds – directed towards assisting low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in Concord.
• FTHB Participation Guidelines – an overview of Program requirements and guidelines to receive access to FTHB resources and funds.
• Next Steps – for eligible first-time homebuyers to take in order to access FTHB’s beneficial homebuyer resources.

Workshop presenters will include:

• City of Concord – housing staff will introduce the FTHB program.
• Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) – the City’s contracted FTHB administrator will provide additional information on FTHB and the steps required to become an FTHB participant.
• A-1 Community Housing Services – a representative will provide information on HUD approved required FTHB homebuyer education; and on financial and homebuyer counseling available for eligible Concord residents and workforce.

A reservation is required to attend the free FTHB Informational Virtual Zoom workshop. To make a reservation please go to BAAHA’s FTHB workshop webpage at https://www.myhomegateway.org/concord-fthb-introworkshop.html. Reservations must be submitted by no later than 7:00PM Monday May 18, 2026.

About BAAHA

The Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance, Inc., or BAAHA, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was formed as the successor organization of a public joint powers authority, the East Bay Delta Housing & Finance Agency (AKA the Bay Area HomeBuyer Agency). BAAHA’s mission is to promote homeownership for low to moderate income and workforce homebuyers in the San Francisco Bay Area region. We will accomplish our mission by: Supporting the preservation of affordable homeownership in the community Expanding affordable homeownership opportunities Structuring a comprehensive, informational and educational resource and service clearinghouse

Bringing Two Days of Live Music, Food, Family Fun and Bay Area Access

Plus, NEW THIS YEAR – Four Night Festival Pre Party Presented by VISIT Pleasant Hill

Northern California spring tradition expected to draw tens of thousands to Downtown Pleasant Hill with free admission, 13 live acts, Saturday night concert, regional transit access and expanded community experience

By Miranda de la O, Events Manager, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the return of the Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, transforming Downtown Pleasant Hill into one of Northern California’s premier spring festival destinations.

With an estimated 45,000 attendees across two days in past years—and higher turnout anticipated this year—the festival continues a tradition dating back to 2000, bringing together live entertainment, local food, craft beverages, family attractions, community performances, and regional visitors in the heart of Contra Costa County.

Admission is free.

Festival hours are:

• Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday Night Concert: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. featuring The Bell Brothers
• Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

“This festival reflects everything that makes Pleasant Hill special—community pride, local business support, family experiences, and the ability to bring people together in a meaningful way,” said Jeremy Carlson, Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to welcome guests from throughout the Bay Area and beyond for a weekend that showcases our city at its very best.”

The 2026 festival will feature 13 live performances across multiple stages, including the Back Forty Stage, WiseGirl Stage, and Saturday evening concert, with genres ranging from rock and blues to dance favorites and crowd-pleasing classics.

Festivalgoers will also enjoy:

• Craft beer gardens and beverage experiences featuring Canyon Club Brewery, Calicraft Brewing Co., Parliament Brewing Company, Almanac Beer Co., and Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, widely recognized as the world’s oldest brewery
• Wine and sparkling selections
• Food trucks and downtown dining
• Family entertainment and Kids Zone attractions
• Community Stage cultural and youth performances
• Local shopping and vendor experiences

Turn Festival Weekend Into a Pleasant Hill Getaway

Visit Pleasant Hill invites festivalgoers to extend their stay and enjoy the Art, Wine & Music Festival as a full weekend getaway.

A curated overnight package is available through participating hotel brands including Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, and Sonesta.

The package includes accommodations, a champagne brunch for two at Crescent Bistro—a local favorite known for seasonal offerings—and exclusive VIP wine tasting access reserved for package guests and sponsors.

The experience offers visitors a seamless and elevated way to enjoy the festival while exploring Pleasant Hill.

Easy Bay Area Access via BART + Festival Shuttle

This year’s event also strengthens its regional reach through a transportation partnership with Bay Area Rapid Transit, encouraging guests from across the Bay Area to ride to the Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre Station and take a festival shuttle directly into Downtown Pleasant Hill.

The shuttle is proudly sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, helping provide a greener, easier, and more responsible way for attendees to arrive and return home.

“This festival is about bringing people together and supporting the businesses, organizations, and community spirit that make Pleasant Hill thrive,” said Alex Khodadad, Board Chair of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and founder of In and Around Pleasant Hill. “We’re excited to welcome longtime attendees and first-time visitors alike.”

Festival Sponsors

The Chamber extends special thanks to this year’s lead sponsors:

• Martinez Refining Company
• Downtown Pleasant Hill
• City of Pleasant Hill

Event Information

Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17
Downtown Pleasant Hill (Crescent Drive area)
Free Admission
More Information: Click Here

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About the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen local business, promote economic vitality, and foster community connections through advocacy, events, and partnerships that enhance the quality of life in Pleasant Hill.

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Multiple Bay Area transit agencies would benefit from the five-county sales tax measure. Photo: MTC. Graphics source: Connect Bay Area

Paid effort also working before June 6th deadline in 5 Bay Area counties

By Allen D. Payton

On Wednesday, April 22nd, volunteer transit advocates celebrated gathering 46,300 signatures for the regional transit sales tax funding measure to qualify it for the November ballot.

“’As of today, we’ve surpassed 46,300,’ wrote advocate Cyrus Hall in a celebratory email, according to a report by StreetsBlog SF. The goal was that by now they would ‘collect 45,000 grassroots signatures for Connect Bay Area by today.’”

While the effort must gather a total of the required 186,000 valid signatures of registered voters in the five Bay Area counties of  Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara by June 6, the Connect Bay Area has raised more than $3 million to fund the paid-for effort.

“Insiders told Streetsblog that the larger, paid signature-gathering campaign is also on track, although its exact tabulations are a guarded secret,” the report added.

As previously reported, the proposed half-cent sales tax increase in four of the counties and one cent in San Francisco will last for 14 year duration and would generate about $1 billion per year.

Revenue from the tax measure will benefit multiple transit agencies in the region including Tri Delta Transit, County Connection and WestCat, as well as AC Transit and BART which serve Contra Costa County residents.

Following is a county-by-county breakdown of the County Specific Dollars. It does not include money going to BART, Muni, AC Transit and Caltrain, or to regional improvements that aren’t designated by county, such as coordinated fare programs and accessibility improvements:

County Agencies:

• Contra Costa Transportation Authority (2.5%, $26.51M)
• Alameda County Transportation Commission (1%, $10.26M)
• San Mateo County Transit District (4.7%, $50M)
• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (25.1%, $264.07M)

Small Operators:

• Contra Costa County small operators (1.5%, $15.75M)
• Alameda County small operators (0.5%, $5.25M)
• SF Bay Ferry (0.7%, $7M)
• Golden Gate Transit (0.1%, $1M)

Without new and sustainable operations funding, the BART Board could shut down two of its five lines, close as many as 15 stations, and reduce service from 4,500 trains per week to just 500, with trains running only hourly and no weekend service. (See related article AH) related article CCH)

Mustangs’ catcher Chris Olson congratulates pitcher Kyoungseo Min in the come from behind win with a 7-4 victory over the West Vikings in the opening game of the 3C2A Baseball Playoffs at the Skyline Regional in San Bruno, CA on Friday, May 1, 2026. Photo: Professor B Media

By Professor B Media

San Bruno, CA —The Los Medanos Mustangs won with a come-from-behind thriller in the opener of the 2026 California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) playoffs at the Skyline Regional, Friday afternoon, May 1, 2026, on the campus of Skyline Community College, with a 7-4 win over the West Valley College Vikings from the Coast South Conference.

The Vikings led 4-1 through the first four innings before chipping away at the Vikings’  lead when by scoring a run in the 6th inning to slice the Vikings lead to 4-2 the outfielder Carlos Garcia hit a game-tying two run homer to tie the game at 4-4 then the Mustangs scored three more times to make the final 7-4 as the Mustangs overcame a 4-1 deficit to score six unanswered runs while Mustangs reliever Kyoungseo Min pitched 3 ⅔  no-hit scoreless innings giving up no runs, no hits, walked two with a strikeout to get the win in relief.

Leading the way for the Mustangs Carlos Garcia who went 2 for 5 with the big two-run homer to tie the game in the 7th inning while Nate Liddcoat went  2 for 2 at the plate with a pair of runs scored while third baseman Antonio Moriera went 1 for 4 at the plate with a pair of runs scored and Zack Madrigal went 1 for 3 at the plate scoring a pair of runs and a RBI.

Source: 3C2A

With the win Mustangs improves their record to (27-13) while West Valley falls to (27-13-1) as the Mustangs have now won 11 of their last 13 games. (See game details and game video)

The Mustangs (1-0) will now advance into the winner’s bracket as they will face either West  or Skyline from the loser’s bracket in game 3 of the Skyline Regional as the Vikings (28-13-1) upset the top-seeded host Skyline (30-12) Trojans 22-7 meaning the Mustangs are trying to remain in the winners bracket in game four Saturday afternoon as the Mustangs are now only one win away from to earn a berth and advance to the  Championship Final of the Skyline Regional.

For the latest of the 3C2A Baseball Championships please go to cccaasports.org/bsb/composite and for the latest on Mustangs Athletic please go to losmedanos.edu/baseball

Pictured left to right: Dr. Rob Nordgren; Genea Wilson; Dr. Derek Johnson; Claire Alaura, Deputy Chief of Staff of Contra Costa from County Supervisor Diane Burgis’ office; and Dr. Arzou Ahsan as they prepare to cut the ribbon on the expansion at the Brentwood Care Center. Photos: Sutter Health

By Pooja Nerkar

An important milestone for Sutter East Bay Medical Group and Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation was marked on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by the opening of Suite 100 at Sutter’s Brentwood Care Center, expanding access to primary care for patients across the East Bay.

The expanded care center brings pediatrics, family medicine and internal medicine together in one location, increasing access to coordinated care close to home. Since opening, the clinic has welcomed more than 900 patients, reflecting strong community demand.

“Today is about growth, but more importantly, it’s about access,” said Genea Wilson, CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to bring high-quality, comprehensive care closer to the communities we serve.”

Pictured left to right: Dr. Richard Singer; Claire Alaura; Genea Wilson; Dr. Susan Adham; and Sandra Zarich, N.P. with the Certificate of Recognition from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

Primary Care as the Foundation of Health

The expanded care center supports patients through prevention, early intervention and long-term care.

“Primary care is where health journeys begin,” said Dr. Rob Nordgren, chief medical officer for Sutter’s Greater San Francisco and East Bay Division. “It’s where families build long-term relationships, where preventive care happens and where chronic conditions are managed.”

Members of the Sutter East Bay Medical Group Primary Care department celebrate the new facility’s ribbon cutting on April 29, 2026.

Meeting growing demand with expanded access

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Bay Area, the City of Brentwood continues to see rising demand for care. This expansion reflects long-term planning to ensure access keeps pace with community needs.

“This ribbon cutting reflects our long-term commitment to expanding access to care in the East Bay,” said Dr. Arzou Ahsan, president and CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “It represents thoughtful growth that follows community need and brings care closer to where people live.”

Expanded space and additional clinicians allow Brentwood Care Center to better serve a growing population. Many of the clinic’s original clinicians have remained with the clinic, supporting continuity of care and long-standing relationships with patients as the team has grown.

“With the addition of 11 new exam rooms, we’ve been able to expand services across primary care as well as OB/GYN, surgery, gastroenterology, cardiology and podiatry at the clinic,” said Dr. Derek Johnson, a family medicine physician who has practiced at the clinic since it opened in 2005. “The added space has increased OB/GYN presence on site and brought additional physicians to Brentwood who previously practiced only in Antioch, improving convenience for our patients.”

The clinic now includes 13 clinicians across family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics, serving patients in Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Oakley and surrounding communities. Growth in Antioch, now home to nine clinicians across the same specialties, further strengthens a connected East Bay primary care network.

Pictured left to right: Britney Gomes, Michelle Aragon, Dr. Brenda Chuksorji, Dr. Hardeep Saini, Sutter Health mascot River, Sandra Zarich, N.P., Dr. Jessica Tsai, Dr. Susan Adham, and Dr. Fatima Syed at the Brentwood farmer’s market.

A celebration rooted in the community

The care center’s impact extends beyond the clinic walls, with outreach and community engagement helping build trust and connect with patients.

On April 11, a few weeks before the ribbon cutting, primary care clinicians from the Brentwood and Antioch care centers hosted an outreach booth at the Brentwood farmers market, engaging with more than 350 community members.

“Having primary care in one place allows us to better support families at every stage of life,” said Dr. Susan Adham, a pediatrician with Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “This expansion means patients can access care closer to home from clinicians who are invested in the community’s long-term health.”

Wilson noted that additional growth is already underway across the East Bay, including investment in land at the Streets of Brentwood, as Sutter continues to expand services to meet future demand.