NOVEMBER 21. 2025
THE PRESS
Small Business Saturday Why shopping local matters
Giving Tuesday Helping nonprofits in their mission
Up a Tree Childproofing and petproofing your Christmas tree
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Tips to keep your Christmas tree healthy this year
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fireplace, the Ulloa brothers advise against
season. But how do you know if the
from “heater vents, fireplaces, wood stoves,
tree you choose will last all the way
space heaters, and south-facing windows.
ISAAC ARRIAGA
putting your tree near places that produce
uying a Christmas tree is a
heat. Heat dehydrates the tree, making it
fun experience for families
more likely that it will die sooner.
in anticipation of the holiday
Mauricio Ulloa said to keep trees away
Marcos and Mauricio Ulloa, owners of JC Tree Service in Brentwood, have a few tips on what you need to do to keep your tree vibrant until the day your kids grab their presents from underneath it.
through Christmas, and what can you do to keep it healthy? Marcos and Mauricio Ulloa, owners of JC Tree Service in Brentwood, have a few tips on how to pick the perfect tree, and what you need to do to keep it vibrant until the day your kids grab their presents from underneath it. When picking a tree, “you want to make sure you pick one that has a deep green color and flexible branches,” Ulloa said. “Try shaking the tree a little, if a lot of pine needles fall off that’s usually a sign that it’s dying out. Pick one that doesn’t lose a lot of needles.” Once you’ve found a good tree, the Ulloa brothers suggest cutting off about half an inch off the base of the tree to make sure it absorbs water, keeping it alive. The Ulloas said that trees need open pores to absorb water properly, but a tree’s pores seal after they are cut. To reopen the pores, cut a bit of the bottom of the tree
sources, so be aware of that.” Any source of heat can dehydrate a tree, so the Ulloas suggest using LED lights to adorn your tree. “Old-school incandescent lights heat up whereas LEDs don’t,” Marcos Ulloa said. To check the condition of your tree Marcus Ulloa suggested inspecting the pine needles. Healthy pine needles should retain their color, stay flexible, and stick to the tree. If the pines of your tree do not fit that criteria, it is suggested to replace that tree to avoid any hazards. While all these tips help extend a
Photo by Adobe Stock.
off and put it in water within 30 minutes. To make sure the pores don’t reseal, Marcos Ulloa said to make sure the tree has enough water to cover the trunk. “Trees can
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drink up to a gallon of water on their first day, so make sure it has plenty of water.” While it’s aesthetically pleasing to have a big Chritsmas tree next to a warm
tree’s life, the Ulloa brothers said that the typical lifespan for a Christmas tree is three to five weeks. It is important to pick a tree within that time frame to make sure it survives long enough to see Christmas.
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Why ‘Small Business Saturday’ matters Local spending helps Brentwood’s economy
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s the holiday season
Downtown Brentwood thrives on the personality and commitment of its small business owners. These are people who know their customers by name, greet families as they pass by, sponsor youth sports teams, and open their doors for community events. Their success is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the city itself.
approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the convenience
of big-box retailers and online giants. But on Saturday, Nov. 29, Brentwood has an opportunity to do something far more meaningful: support our neighbors, strengthen our local economy, and celebrate the businesses that give our downtown its character. Small Business Saturday isn’t just a shopping event, it’s a reminder of why ‘local’ matters. When shoppers choose to spend locally, the impact is immediate and tangible. For every dollar spent at a small business, significantly more stays within the community compared to money spent at national chains. That means more investment in local jobs, more tax revenue that supports our parks, schools, and infrastructure, and more resources that make Brentwood a vibrant place to live. Downtown Brentwood thrives on the personality and commitment of its small business owners. These are people who know their customers by name, greet families as they pass by, sponsor youth sports teams, and open their doors for community events. Their success is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the city itself. Small Business Saturday is also an opportunity to rediscover what makes our downtown special. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted gifts, planning a special family meal with ingredients from a local shop, or simply enjoying a stroll with a cup of coffee from a favorite café, the experience is personal in a way that online shopping can never replicate. And while you’re downtown, take time to stop for a bite to eat or relax
Adobe Stock photo
with a drink at one of our locally owned restaurants, cafés, or breweries — another simple way to support the businesses that fuel Brentwood’s sense of community. Supporting local businesses also fosters resilience. By investing in our community, we strengthen local supply chains and help ensure that Brentwood remains a place where independent businesses can thrive despite competition from national retailers or shifting economic tides. As we mark Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29, I encourage residents to visit downtown Brentwood, explore the shops you may have walked past but never entered, and connect with the owners who pour their passion into what they do. A single purchase may seem small, but together, our choices can create lasting benefits for the entire community. Shopping local isn’t just about buying products, it’s about investing in the people and places that make Brentwood feel like home. Kristen Mingus is executive director of the Downtown Business Coalition in Brentwood.
Fetch more business! Advertise in The Press’ All About Pets Holiday Guide. It’s the perfect place to reach pet owners with news and special offers about your products and services! Publication Date: Dec. 19, 2025 Deadline for space reservation: December 5, 2025
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS! from Ron & Kelly
SALES • REPAIRS • SERVICE
The annual Menorah lighting in downtown Brentwood is set for the first day of Chanukah, which falls on Dec. 14 this year. Press file photo
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Chabad of the Delta sets date for annual Menorah lighting
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he public is invited to a
Specialty Store for the Foodie & Entertainer!
Chanukah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
being hosted by Chabad of the Delta
SALT & FIG MARKETPLACE
as the community celebrates the Festival of Lights by lighting the grand Menorah at Brentwood City Park.
• Gourmet food and kitchen items • Speciality gifts available • Quality cuisine options
The Chabad of the Delta is one of more than 3,000 branches of an international organization involved with Jewish education and outreach programs. The local group is led by Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid and his wife, Mashie Goldshmid. The flyer for the event promises activi-
225 Oak Street, Downtown Brentwood
925-550-7365
It’s a
NOVEMBER 21, 2025
ties that include: ♦ Giant Menorah lighting with dignitaries ♦ Chanukah treats ♦ Prizes ♦ Live 3D dreidel printing ♦ An appearance by an awardwinning magician Goldshmid describes Chanukah as “a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.” For more information, contact Chabad of the Delta at 925-420-4999 or at JewishDelta.com/Chanukah.
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was the night before Christmas and all through the house nobody could move ‘cause the space just ran out. The bedrooms were crammed full of furniture and kids. The kitchen was filled with pots, pans and lids. The phone was picked up and a voice did share hopes that the Carey Bros. soon would be there.
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Tips to keep your child and pets safe from Christmas tree dangers this holiday season
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ISAAC ARRIAGA utting up a Christmas tree is a great way to bring holiday spirit into your home. The
family has fun decorating it and your kids anticipate the big day when presents finally appear beneath it. However, putting a large tree in the middle of your home can bring potential danger to both your kids and pets. These tips from local experts can help you prepare in case of any mishaps. Tips if you have children Dr. Richard D. Singer of Sutter Health in Brentwood says the most common hazards a Christmas tree can have on a child are allergies and electrocutions. Singer said to look out for these common symptoms indicating an allergic reaction from a natural tree: “coughing, wheezing, face swelling, hives. Allergies can develop as young as 1 to 2 years of age. It’ s a good idea to keep a bottle of Benadryl at home in case your child has an allergic reaction.” To prevent potential electrocutions caused by the tree lights, Singer suggests
Photo by Adobe Stock
To stop dogs from swallowing ornaments and cats from chewing on cables Ojala suggests getting “a no-chew spray that you can spray on specific items like electrical cords and some ornaments. using child-safe plugs to block access to unused outlets. He also mentioned some tree decorations, such as incandescent lights, can be potential burn hazards for your child due to the heat they produce. Tips for your pets Dogs and cats are known for their curiosity, but Dr. Austin Ojala of Ojala Family Pet Care in Oakley warns that those characteristics could be harmful if left unmonitored with a
Christmas tree in the house. Tinsel is a common decoration that brings some shine to a tree, but that same shine is attractive to cats and dogs who like to eat attractive things. “It becomes like a foreign body risk. It gets stuck in one of the curvatures of the intestine in the stomach and that causes an obstruction,” Ojala warns. Your pet may be experiencing an obstruction if they are vomiting, bloating, or have
a visibly tense abdomen in which case Ojala suggests taking them to a veterinarian. Ornaments are a staple of any Christmas tree, but they can be a hazard for a dog with a big mouth that likes to chew on random objects. Ojala said that an ornament can shatter when ingested. “Obviously (ornaments) are made of glass or plastic. They can bring cuts to the internals of the mouth or along the G.I. system.” Ojala warns that cats specifically have an affection for chewing on cables, which could cause electrocutions. To stop dogs from swallowing ornaments and cats from chewing on cables Ojala suggests getting “a no-chew spray that you can spray on specific items like electrical cords and some ornaments. That can often get dogs and cats to stay away from it. Sometimes you have to set up a baby gate around your tree. Just keep a close eye on your animal especially when it’s involved in new items because anything new they want to play with.” For more information, contact Singer at 350 John Muir Parkway, suite 140, in Brentwood. Call 925-513-2483. Ojala of Ojala Family Pet Care is at 98 Big Break Road in Oakley. Call 925-308-5618 or email ojalafamilypetcare@gmail.com.
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Giving Tuesday is a chance to help local nonprofits
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iving Tuesday is Dec. 2 this year. It is an opportunity for residents to support the
nonprofits that help make the local community better. The annual event always takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that focuses on “radical generosity,” according to the website for the organization behind it. They define the concept as the belief that an act of generosity is “a worthy act in and of itself.” To this end, one of the driving factors of Giving Tuesday is donating to local nonprofits to help them continue their stated missions. “Our global network collaborates yearround to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life,” the Giving Tuesday website reads. “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.” Earlier this month, The Press asked local nonprofits participating in Giving Tuesday to reach out to help compile a list, allowing readers to know who needed their support. These
are the nonprofits that responded. Brentwood Community Chorus Brentwood Community Chorus brings the community together through the joy of choral music. We provide an inclusive, nonauditioned space for singers of all backgrounds to learn, grow, and perform. Through concerts, community events, and collaborations with local organizations, BCC enriches Brentwood’s cultural life, fosters connection across generations, and makes high-quality choral music accessible to all. For more information, visit brentwoodcommunitychorus.com/donate Saint Anne Village Saint Anne Village is a state-licensed non-profit adult daycare in Byron. They offer supervised socialization for adults (mostly seniors) that have cognitive problems such as
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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Some of their other participants have had strokes, have Parkinson’s disease and/or risks of falling, and therefore cannot be left alone at home. Their care provides respite for families Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call Lisa at 925-240-4757. The Pantry The Pantry nonprofit provides free food assistance, including groceries and prepared meals, to low-income, elders who have disabilities, single parents and homeless people, all families who face mobility or transportation problems. The organization’s volunteers try to help those people who don’t have enough food to eat by delivering nutritious food directly to doorsteps, ensuring that those in need receive
the sustenance to help keep them healthy and independent. This service goes beyond meals. They also provide diapers, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and toys. For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/summerlake. pantry?mibextid=ZbWKwL Caregiver OneCall Caregiver OneCall is an Antioch-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing caregiver support that is just a call away, no matter what they need, no matter when they need it. Their free 24/7 hotline is often the only lifeline for overwhelmed caregivers who are scared, exhausted, or out of options. Community support on Giving Tuesday keeps this lifeline open so no caregiver has to face a crisis alone at 2 a.m. For more information, visit www.caregiveronecall.org.
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Every Look, A Work of Art
Gifts geared toward music enthusiasts will hit all the right notes this holiday season.
Music lovers will smile at these gifts
D
anish author Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.”
Music is a universal language that can bridge cultures and unite people from all over the world in compelling ways. Is it any wonder that so many people are inspired, soothed and encouraged by music? No two music fans are the same, so it’s not always easy to find the right gift for the budding rock star or audiophile on a holiday shopping list. Tuning into these individuals’ love for music is a great way to grab gifts they are sure to enjoy.
Go vinyl
Vinyl albums predate cassettes, compact discs and digital music. But there are still some artists who release on vinyl, and many music fans say nothing beats the sound of a record playing on a turntable. Find an artist the recipient loves, and visit a local music shop to track down a vinyl version of one of their albums.
Purchase an instrument
Has a budding musician had his or her eye on an instrument upgrade? Sweep in and be the holiday hero by purchasing a new one according to the specs desired.
Photo history book
Browse a local bookstore and a you will find a range of books that are geared toward music fans. From biographies of famous artists to compilations of album cover art throughout the years to song-
Threading for All Genders
books for aspiring musicians, there’s no shortage of options at a local bookseller.
Custom-molded earplugs
Hearing loss is nothing to take lightly, and music fans who frequently play or attend concerts need to prioritize protecting their hearing. Custom-molded earplugs will conform to the wearer’s ear shape, offering ultimate protection.
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Stadiums are cracking down on the types of bags concert-goers can bring in. Therefore, a stadium-approved clear fanny pack can be a great gift for someone who is frequently watching live music.
Masterclass membership
Sometimes there’s no better tutor than the professionals who have been there. With a Masterclass subscription, a music lover can learn how to write songs, sing or even play music from well-known music stars. – Courtesy of Metro Creative
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Thoughtful holiday gifts for grandparents
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randparents play important
their quality of life, particularly if they’ve
roles in millions of fami-
long since reached retirement age. Arrange for the installation of grab bars in grand-
lies. Though grandmoth-
parents’ bathrooms and reinforced stair-
ers and grandfathers may always be
case bannisters around the house. Such
ready to give a warm hug and provide
a gift might not be as heartwarming as children’s artwork in a specialty frame, but
a treat to their grandchildren, their
it is a practical and potentially life-saving token of your love and appreciation.
role in modern families also includes
Journal: A journal is another thought-
helping with child care and other
ful gift that encourages grandparents to
responsibilities.
share their life stories. Though it’s up to
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017-2021 American Community Survey indicates 33 percent of grandparents living with their grandchildren under the age of 18 were responsible for kids’ care. In addition, the bureau’s data indicates one in four children under the age of five is cared for by a grandparent while parents go to work or attend school. Modern grandparents are actively involved in their grandkids’ lives, providing an invaluable benefit to parents who might struggle to afford or find reliable child care elsewhere. Families can make a concerted effort to find thoughtful gifts for grandparents this holiday season. Travel gifts: Grandparents may play an integral role in the daily lives of
grandparents to decide what they want to write about in their journals, a suggesPhoto by Metro Creative
Grandparents do a lot for their families, and the holiday season provides a great opportunity for families to show grandmothers and grandfathers how much they’re appreciated. their families, but many aging individuals still aspire to travel, especially if they’re retired. In fact, a recent poll by RBC Wealth Management-U.S. found that 63 percent of individuals age 50 and older identify travel as an important retirement goal. Families can surprise grandparents this holiday season with a cruise vacation, money to book flights to parts unknown or additional travel-related gifts, such as new luggage. Framed children’s artwork:
Whether it’s purchased through a child’s school or via a third party seller or created at home as a family craft project, framing artwork created by children in a frame designed for grandparents is a heartwarming gift. School-aged youngsters are especially productive artists, so artwork can be updated over the course of a year as grandparents are gifted more and more memorable pieces. Home upgrades: Upgrades around a grandparent’s home can vastly improve
tion to detail their life stories lets them know their families are interested in how they became the people they are today. Grandparents may cherish the opportunity to pass on their life stories and anecdotes to the younger generations of their family. Ancestry kit: Interest in genealogy has increased dramatically in recent years, as advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to trace one’s ancestry. If grandma and grandpa have yet to join the genealogy party, a DNA kit from a popular ancestry service can open the door to an illuminating and fascinating hobby. – Metro Creative
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