Antioch rescinds support for $34.9 million Homekey+ housing project
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
The Antioch City Council voted late Tuesday to withdraw from a $34.9 million state-funded plan to convert a hotel into permanent supportive housing, reversing course after more than two hours of emotional and at times combative testimony over homelessness, taxpayer costs and the city’s obligations to unhoused residents.
The motion passed 3-1, with Mayor Ron Bernal and councilmembers Louie Rocha and Donald Freitas voting to rescind the city’s prior authorization and withdraw from the Homekey+ project. Councilwoman Monica Wilson cast the lone dissenting
vote. Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, who joined remotely during public comment, could not participate or vote because she was not present for the meeting.
According to a staff report included in Tuesday’s City Council agenda, the proposed Homekey+ CSH Mahogany Housing Project would have converted the Antioch Inn &
Suites near Auto Center Drive and Highway 4 into 84 permanent supportive housing units. The state’s conditional award would have funded acquisition and rehabilitation, while Antioch would have committed $750,000 upfront and as much as $1.2 million annually for up to 15 years.
That long-term obligation became the central concern for the council majority.
Rocha said he initially believed part of the award would help offset operating costs. He later learned it would primarily pay to acquire and renovate the property, while residents would be selected through Contra Costa County’s coordinated-entry system.
“When it comes down to taxpayer dollars, that’s the part that I am struggling with because we have a responsibility to be stewards of our financial stability for the long range,” Rocha said. “I don’t see money com-
Brentwood officials trade barbs over tattoo shop
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
“Can we finish the discussion before you tell us how to vote?,” Councilmember Tony Oerlemans asked City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith during one of several pointed exchanges during the July 28 Brentwood City Council meeting. The topic causing friction was a discussion of whether or not to allow tattoo parlors in downtown Brentwood, which will be brought back to the council for further discussion later this year.
Golden Heart Gallery, a shop located on Second Street, currently does permanent makeup. The owners are interested in being able to tattoo as well.
cluded refuting comments from residents who suggested he had been “paid off” to advocate for tattoo parlors downtown as well as an exchange with Planning Commission Vice Chairperson Rod Flohr. He weighed in on the process and accused members of the council of making “backroom deals” to facilitate change to the Downtown Specific Plan. Flohr noted in his public comment that he was speaking as a resident rather than in his capacity as a planning commissioner.
In a 3-2 vote, with Oerlemans and Councilmember Jovita Mendoza dissenting, the council moved to look into ways to amend the Downtown Specific Plan to allow tattoo parlors in parts of the downtown core with certain restrictions.
The Downtown Specific Plan is described on the city’s website as a plan intended “to ensure [downtown] evolves to embody the community’s vision for a vibrant, active,
and beautiful city district.” According to Economic Development Manager Erik Nolthenius, there have been discussions as far back as 2017 about amending the plan. Oerlemans’ remark toward Smith was just one of a number of exchanges he had throughout the discussion, which also in-
“I don’t understand one of our planning commissioners trying to explain to me that this is not the way it’s done and we still continue to put him on the planning commission,” Oerlemans said following Flohr’s comments. “My integrity and my honesty and what I’ve lived my entire life doing is not going to be torn down by a group of people that simply just don’t like an idea
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
LUHSD teachers, staff prepare for new school year
By Sophia Campbell Correspondent
The Liberty High School gym was full of teachers and staff on July 24 for the LUHSD Convocation discussing new policies and challenges for teachers and staff for the upcoming school year while also recognizing past achievements.
Denise Rugani, Superintendent of the school district, led the meeting and said she was “expecting a lot of great things.”
She listed many examples like the new LMC Collaboration Program that offers early college classes for high school juniors so they can graduate with a lot more college credits.
Rugani mentioned the opening of the first student-run credit union in Contra Costa County at Freedom High School in Oakley. “At Liberty High in Brentwood, the TLC, the Teachers and Learning Career Academy, is now a lighthouse academy and it is basically a mentor academy for the state of California.”
But the president of the teachers union had an alternative perspective. Marty Doddson is looking forward to the upcoming school year because of a lot more active members this year. She noted examples like Cypress and volunteering for committees, as well as bringing up new teachers, forming bonds with their veteran teachers, and working on contracts in April and maintaining positive relations.
Rugani also addressed the cellphone ban in schools. “We are employing in our schools is that they are not in the classrooms, but the students have them on their person, and can use them during the off times of school.” Students can also use their phones with a teacher’s consent for “educational purposes.”
The teachers described how they will manage the cellphone law. Rebecca Michaud at Heritage High School said her system worked in the past, and she will continue to use it in the upcoming year. She will collect phones in her pockets to
help students focus and socialize better with their peers.
Mary Johnson, a Heritage High School teacher, said the phone ban worked well. She would have students leave their phones with her when they go to the bathroom, since that’s when people use their phones the most. When doing a survey for her class she even got a positive response from the students on her rule of no phones in class.
Doddson also said there are worries about the new buildings, considering that she is at Liberty with some of the oldest buildings and facilities. She mentioned teachers trying to do their work in really small classrooms, and there are fewer resources.
Teachers also had practical concerns, including adjusting to a new grading policy that allows students to turn in work up to one week before the end of the quarter, which means teachers could get overloaded with grading late work just before the grade book closes.
Michaud mentioned the “American Avenue situation” at Heritage where they are trying to implement some new strategies to help teachers get to their classrooms more quickly and less tardiness for the students. “I’m holding out hope.”
Teachers from Freedom High School stand outside the Roy J. Ghiggeri Gym at Liberty High School before the annual LUHSD Convocation last Friday morning.
Photo by Sophia Campbell
How you can reduce food waste
Up to 40% of food wasted annually
By Connor Robles Correspondent
About 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in the United States is wasted every year – more than 100 billion pounds of food annually, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture . How does this happen? How much of this amount comes from individual people?
White Pony Express in Contra Costa County says they have recovered over 35 million pounds of food since 2013, enough for 29 million meals, and have seen a 46 percent increase in the volume of food rescued in the past year.
Similarly, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano runs a grocery recovery program through its 260 nonprofit partners that recovers unsold groceries for redistribution to people in need. They have also accepted donations of unsold or erroneously-made food (such as 50,000 pounds of Raisin Bran with too many raisins) from large companies for decades.
What can you do to help reduce this amount? County food recovery nonprofit White Pony Express and the USDA have information, and some tips.
What is food waste?
“Food waste is any edible food that goes uneaten and ends up discarded rather
than consumed,” said a spokesperson for White Pony Express, “whether that’s produce that doesn’t meet cosmetic standards at a farm, unsold inventory at a grocery store or restaurant, or forgotten items in the back of someone’s fridge.”
Food waste is not the same as food loss, another complication in the food supply chain, which occurs before the food reaches retail--things like crop damage in the fields from insects or spoilage en route to a distributor.
According to a 2010 EPA study, the most commonly cited in the field of food waste prevention, the average American generates around 219 pounds of food waste annually, though this number could be as high as 325 pounds based on unspecified other studies cited by White Pony Express.
Common sources of food waste
Food waste has many sources, according to White Pony Express and the USDA, and can occur anywhere from the farm where the food is grown to the kitchen of the person who buys it. A significant portion of food waste occurs when establishments (restaurants, caterers, cafeterias) or events (weddings, conferences, parties) have leftover food, which is often dumped in the trash. Similarly, grocery stores and farmers markets often discard unsold produce, with the former even discarding items that are still edible if they are overstocked.
How local organizations prevent food waste
Delta Quilters Guild proudly presents:
Contra Costa County organizations, such as White Pony Express and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, have programs that aim to prevent and reduce food waste. White Pony Express collects food from numerous sources, including food distributors, farms, and even people’s backyards. They said that, unlike other organizations.
How you can prevent food waste
Local nonprofits gave several recommendations on how individuals can prevent food waste at home. These include:
• Planning meals for the week and shopping with a list so you don’t buy too much food at the store. You can also do an inventory of your refrigerator before you shop, to check for any forgotten food items.
• Storing produce properly. Fruits and vegetables such as bananas, pineapples, onions, and potatoes can be put on the counter for longer periods of time, but others, such as blackberries, cherries, broccoli, and cabbage should be put in the refrigerator long-term, according to Martha Stewart’s website www. marthastewart.com/. You can also use overripe fruit in smoothies.
• Understanding date labels: “best by” and “sell by” are not indicators of when it is safe to eat something, but rather quality indicators used by the store to sell the food item. Even after these dates, food is often still fully edible. If there is visible mold or rot on the item, however, you should not eat it.
• Freezing food that you aren’t going to use soon, such as bread, unused broth
(which can be stored in ice cube trays, according to the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano), and chili.
Supporting and donating to local organizations, such as White Pony Express and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, that rescue food. This is especially helpful if you have a large amount of unused food after an event such as a party.
The USDA also recommends composting food scraps, rather than throwing them in the garbage to be sent to a landfill. You can start a small backyard compost pile, create a worm bin for compost indoors, or sign up for a community composting service in your town or neighborhood. Composting not only prevents food waste, but can also provide soil enrichment for a home garden.
California ‘s Senate Bill 1383 mandates that residents and businesses sort food scraps and soiled paper, as well as yard waste, into an organics bin, and that food service businesses must donate their unsold edible food to recovery organizations.
White Pony Express can be found at https://whiteponyexpress org; their phone number is 925-322-0604, and their address is 2470 Bates Avenue, Suite D, Concord, CA, 94520. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano can be found at https://www foodbankccs org/; their phone number is 855309-3663, and their warehouse addresses are 4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, CA, 94520 in Contra Costa and 2370 N. Watney Way, Fairfield, CA, 94533 in Solano.
Books and buddies: Balancing schoolwork and social life
Many high school students recently returned to school for the academic year. As they buy their school supplies, get their textbooks, and find their new classes, they seem to find little time to socialize.
And as the year progresses, that little time will start to decrease even more. This isn’t healthy behavior, but students can’t help it. How are they supposed to hang out with their friends when they have tests, projects, and homework to worry about? While keeping your grades up is important, it doesn’t mean ghosting your friends for a year. With hard work, focus, and a few apps, you can balance your schoolwork and social life.
In the 21st century, students have a difficult time managing their time.
“In freshman year, it was really hard for me to balance my school and social life because I didn’t know how to manage my time correctly. I couldn’t handle
it,” said Abhi Vinayak, a sophomore at Heritage.
Abhi is just one of many students who had a difficult time managing their time, and it’s not on purpose. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that high school students spend an average of about 7 hours per week on homework, with many students spending a lot more time depending on their courses, all because of poor time management skills.
But what can students do about this?
There are many things that students can do to manage their time, but something that many students say works for them is using an app called Google Calendar.
Google Calendar is a time-management and scheduling calendar service. It has been used by students ever since its debut, as its ease-of-use, effectiveness, and free cost make it an ideal app for students to use.
“I used to schedule my tests, study blocks, and extracurriculars with Google
Calendar. Before long, my grades improved and I had more spare time,” Abhi said about what helped with his grades the most.
Besides Google Calendar, students use the Reminders App, custom Google Sheets, even a physical school planner! No matter what you use, the main point is to use whatever keeps you the most organized, happy, and most of all, studious.
But no matter what app you use, nothing works if you are distracted when working, which is probably the vast majority of students. In fact, 78.1% of high school students were distracted by their phones while studying at least sometimes, some studies show.
This may not seem relevant. But if phones are being used during study time, students often take a much longer time to study, meaning that there’s less time available to hang out with friends or family.
But what can we do about it? For starters, you can put your phone away while studying. Put it in another room or turn it off so you aren’t tempted to use
it. If you need your phone to study, set restrictions on your phone to block your most used apps. By not using your phone while you study, you can finish your work faster, and thus have time to hang out with your friends and family.
“Not using my phone made me so much more productive. What I couldn’t do in three hours could be done in 30 minutes,” said Ayaan Mamoola, a sophomore at Heritage.
Balancing schoolwork and a social life may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. By managing time effectively, staying organized, and limiting distractions, students can find time for both academics and social life. While grades and responsibilities are important, friends and personal time are also important parts of the high school experience. Instead of choosing between books and buddies, find a balance that allows you to succeed in the classroom while still enjoying the moments that make school me.
– by Nahar Grewal Sophomore, Heritage High School
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Altering our history to tell Trump’s version of the truth
Editor:
Any family trip to Washington, D.C. is likely to include a visit to one or more museums of the Smithsonian Institution. Founded in 1846 by the British scientist James Smithson, it has acquired a reported collection of 157 million items, from the desk Thomas Jefferson sat at to write the Declaration of Independence to the space shuttle Discovery that, during its service, carried astronauts into Earth orbit 39 times.
The Smithsonian has served as a comprehensive representation of our nation’s proudest moments, but also as an account of when actions and behavior contradicted the vision our founders endorsed. Visitors to the Smithsonian experience a sense of how far our nation has come, but with the understanding that the journey continues.
Without regard for history, President Donald Trump has taken a wrecking ball, literally and figuratively, to the symbols that represent our 250-year heritage. The lawless assault by insurrectionists on the Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, the destruction of the East Wing of the White House to build a gilded ballroom, the dismantling of the social safety net that assists the least of us, the abuse perpetrated upon our closest allies, the unwarranted belligerence against sovereign countries, have all diminished our nation’s standing on the global stage.
The president now casts his sights on the venerable Smithsonian Institution. He has, through an executive order, posted warning signs outside Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, claiming “the museum does not accurately reflect American history.” Anthea M. Hartig, the museum’s director, was called to testify before the president’s obeisant minions on the Department
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Letters to the editor
of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Congressional Subcommittee, where she was declared guilty of “radical activist ideology” and of teaching “national selfloathing.”
Valiantly representing the esteemed Smithsonian and its commitment to the increase and diffusion of knowledge, Hartig said, “We honor the Declaration, the Revolution, the Constitution, our national symbols. We tell the truth about the times that the country fell short of its own founding ideals. Telling our story fully is a form of respect for the American people and a commitment to constantly being in pursuit of a more perfect union.”
Reacting to the dark stain he has created on his page in history, the president seeks to control the narrative, to replace fact with fiction. Projecting his inability to tell the truth, he corrupts the reputation of the Smithsonian Institution.
His efforts will ultimately fail, and his time in office will clearly be seen as an aberration. The people and our legacy demand it.
Richard Kushnier Brentwood
Reader objects to Brentwood Vice Mayor’s ‘racially tinged label’
Editor:
During the July 28 Brentwood City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson, speaking from the dais, referred to the three white speakers who had raised objections to changing the city ordinance allowing a downtown tattoo parlor in a derogatory manner, characterizing us as using “Make America Great Again” language, which implies we are the type of person who would use such “language”.
My objection to the proposed zoning ordinance has nothing to do with the MAGA mentality. It’s a policy disagreement about how the changes
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Email your opinion letter to editor@brentwoodpress.com.
would affect our downtown. For Pierson to reduce that disagreement to a racially tinged label, it is offensive, and it is exactly the kind of behavior residents should not have to tolerate from an elected official.
Public officials are not entitled to use their platform to suggest that opposition to a specific ordinance stems from something more sinister than it is. That kind of rhetoric doesn’t just mischaracterize the individuals involved — it discourages residents from showing up and speaking their minds at all, for fear of being labeled and dismissed rather than being heard. This is a violation of the First Amendment of our Constitution. As Pierson has made many references to be in support of the Constitution and then turn around to try to shame public speakers in the same breath.
Disagreement over a zoning ordinance
isn’t an invitation to be typecast from the dais. I am calling on Pierson to publicly account for these remarks, as this kind of conduct toward residents exercising their right to speak is not acceptable.
Brentwood residents of every political stripe deserve to be heard on the merits of what we say — not dismissed based on assumptions about who we are.
For Pierson (lawyer/Administrative Judge) to say this is appalling and she needs to check the voter roll to know who she is talking to.
Pierson talked about maintaining decorum as she leaves the council and turns around and offends an entire community of those who oppose the ordinance change.
What type of fuel does your primary vehicle require?
Tracy Kasamoto Brentwood
For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
On the Horizon
Friday, August 7
Assemblymember Wilson
to host Meet-and-Greet
Meet with area Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.at Oakley City Hall 3231 Main St. To schedule at one-on-one meeting with her, call 707-4387359 or visit tinyurl com/ad11atcityhallrsvp or tinyurl.com/ad11atcityhall1on1.
Saturday, August 8- Sunday, August 9
Delta Quilters Guild 2026 Quilt Show
The Delta Quilters Guild 2026 Quilt Show are hosting a show from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Aug. 8) and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Aug. 9) at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Tickets are $12, good for both days (those younger than age 8 and over age 80 are admitted free) . For details, visit http://deltaquilters org
Monday, August 17
Second annual Catwalk of Courage Fashion Show
This fashion show is at the Delta Theatre, 641 First St., benefitting Dillon’s Dream and Adventure Therapy from 4-7:30 p.m.. This event celebrates healing, strength, resilience, and the power of community as local cancer warriors and their families take the runway in fashions provided by downtown Brentwood boutiques. Enjoy a reception, food and drinks, and a fashion show while supporting two local nonprofits making a difference in the lives of families impacted by cancer in our community.Tickets are $50 and can be bought
at https://downtownbrentwood.com/event/2ndannual-catwalk-of-courage-fashion-show/
Thursday, August 27
Hot Preferred Nights Car Show 2026
One of Brentwood’s favorite summer traditions is back. Preferred Rate hosts the third Annual Hot Preferred Nights from 6-9 p.m. at 141 Sand Creek Road. This free event has become an annual celebration of classic cars, local businesses, family fun, and the people of East County. Founded with the goal of giving back to the community, Hot Preferred Nights was created to bring neighbors together, support local businesses, and provide a fun, family-friendly evening where relationships — not just cars — take center stage. Over the past two years, the event has continued to grow, attracting hundreds of attendees, dozens of incredible vehicles, and businesses from throughout the region. Vehicle check-in and staging begins at 5, with the public invited to enjoy the festivities at 6. For details, visit https://flow page/hotpreferrednights2024-1
Fore more information, contact For additional information, contact Alex Coons, Director of Business Development at Preferred Rate at 925-418-3956 or alex.coons@preferredrate.com.
Saturday, August 29
Community Barbecue and Clothing/Food Drive
Rage for Democracy is hosting a free community barbecue at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood from 5-7 p.m., to bring neighbors together for food, connection, and local support. The event will include free hot dogs and chips, kid-friendly activities, music, and a beginner
Looking for more things to do?
Look at the many local events on
gardening class led by local residents. Guests are welcome to stop by, meet neighbors, learn more about Rage for Democracy’s community outreach programs, and help support local families by bringing food bank-style donations or gently used clothing. For details, visit https://www eventbrite com/e/1990822772504
Saturday, September 12
Brentwood Lions Club first Murder Mystery Dinner
The Lions Club wants you to help solve a murder in the Wild Wild West starting at 5 p.m. at DeLuna Ranch, 7540 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Tickets are $65. Proceeds benefit Dogs4Diabetics. To get tickets go to https://tinyurl.com/377nxmyb.
Sunday, September 13
ECCHS 38th Annual Community Barbecue Fundraiser
Enjoy a day at the museum or take out dinner from 11 a.m. when the museum opens or the barbecue is served at 1, or take-out begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults, ages 6-12 ($20) and free for kids younger than 6. For details and tickets, call Shirley McCall at 925-634-4049 or email smccall272@comcast.net.
Friday, September 18
Rotary Club of Oakley hosts poker tournament fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Oakley invites everyone to its Poker Tournament Fundraiser that will support the third annual Christmas Food & Toy Drive. The event will be held at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave., with doors opening
at 6 p.m. Residents of all experience levels are encouraged to participate, knowing that every hand played will help provide for families in need during the holidays. Attendees will enjoy dinner, raffles, a cash prize, and opportunities to support the Christmas Food and Toy Drive through monetary donations. Registration is $80 per player. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. For registration and sponsorship opportunities, contact Laura Agdanowski at (925) 759-1592 or by email at LauraAgent4u@gmail.com.
Ongoing Events
St. Anthony’s Church Food Distribution
Oakley Senior Center food distribution has moved out of their previous location. For the foreseeable future, they will be operating out of St. Anthony’s Church at 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley on Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own bags/containers. For more information, call 925-783-0818.
Hope House Food Distribution
The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood. IHMC Food Distribution
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.
‘Something Rotten!’ coming soon to Oakley
Ghostlight Theatre presents shows at Freedom High School
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
The Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble (GTE) is bringing “Something Rotten!” the musical to Freedom High School Performing Arts Theater starting July 31 and running for the first two weekends in August.
“This “Something Rotten!” ensemble is the most powerful of all GTE ensembles to date, which is saying a lot,” said Chuck Phalen,Technical Director. “GTE has already won 32 BroadwayWorld awards encompassing the S.F. Bay Area for previous shows.”
The musical, to be staged at 1050 Neroly Road in Oakley, will also run the first and second weekends of August. Evening shows will run July 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Aug. 2, Aug. 8, and Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. GTE is located at 212 Broderick Dr. in Brentwood.
“I honestly can’t wait for audiences to see “Something Rotten!,” cast member Jamie Alfano said. “It is one of those shows that has you laughing from beginning to end while still delivering incredible music and jaw-dropping performances. Our cast has worked so insanely hard, and I am really proud of how it has turned out. Ghostlight is so special because it brings people together, and I hope everyone
comes out to support local arts and enjoy a great night of side-splitting laughs.”
Brian Moore, Director and GTE Artistic Director, praised “Something Rotten!” as a hilarious, high-energy musical comedy set in Renaissance England.
“The story follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two struggling playwrights who are desperately trying to compete with the wildly popular William Shakespeare,” he explained. “After seeking advice from a soothsayer (fortune teller), they decide the best way to beat Shakespeare is to invent an entirely new form of entertainment — the world’s
very first musical. What follows is a fast-paced comedy filled with clever wordplay, big production numbers, and affectionate spoofs of Broadway favorites, all while celebrating the joy and chaos of live theatre.”
Moore said the decision to do this musical came about as Ghostlight, a nonprofit community theater in East County, is always looking for productions that bring people together through laughter and memorable storytelling.
““Something Rotten!” is one of the funniest modern musicals ever written, but beneath the comedy it’s also a story about cre-
ativity, perseverance, and believing in yourself even when you’re surrounded by extraordinary talent,” he added. “Because our company is made up of local performers who simply love making theatre, the show’s message about artists supporting one another while chasing their dreams really resonated with us. It’s a production that showcases an incredibly talented local cast while offering audiences an evening full of laughter, music, and surprises. We felt it was the perfect way to kick off our summer season and celebrate the creativity of our Brentwood community.”
GTE is led by a “seasoned team of performers, technicians, and educators with extensive theatrical training and experience,” according to the GTE website.
“Something unique about this cast is the young adult actors who have the opportunity to work alongside adult professionals,” said Amanda Moore, Theater Arts Teacher and Rising Stars Director at Heritage High School, who plays Bea in the cast. “Four of my students from the Heritage High School Theater Program are in the ensemble for the show. It’s been so wild performing alongside them. Two of them actually have parents in the cast as well. This show has been such a rare opportunity for those young actors to grow alongside their teacher and their parents.”
For more information, visit https:// ghostlightte org
For information on tickets, visit https:// ghostlightte org/something-rotten
The cast sports their musical attire as part of a spirit week during rehearsals of “Something Rotten!” this week.
Photo courtesy of Brian Moore
Andrea Marie Easley
Sept. 5, 1959 - June 25, 2026
Andrea Marie Easley was born on Sept. 5, 1959, in California and was raised in the closeknit farming community of Oakley.
Growing up on the family ranch on Sellers Avenue, also known as Firpo Winery, she spent her childhood surrounded by family, hard work, and the beauty of country life. Whether she was sewing in 4-H, riding horses, cheerleading at Liberty High School, or helping care for sheep alongside her father, Andrea learned early the values of responsibility, perseverance, and serving others.
In 1987, while attending Reno Christian Fellowship, Andrea met the man who would become the love of her life, Daniel Easley. They married on March 24, 1989, and returned to Knightsen to build a home and a family together. There, they raised their three sons – Peter, Michael, and David – on the family walnut farm, where childhood was filled with open fields, family traditions, and lessons learned through hard work and love.
Determined to follow her calling, Andrea worked hard for years while balancing part-time work and earning her teaching credential from California State University, Hayward. In 1997, she began what would become a 25-year career as an elementary school teacher in Tracy, California. Even after retiring in 2022, she continued substitute teaching because she genuinely loved helping children learn and grow. Her classroom was a place where students felt encouraged, capable, and cared for, and her
OBITUARIES
quiet dedication left a lasting impact on countless young lives.
Outside the classroom, Andrea treasured making memories with her family. She and Dan loved traveling together, whether exploring new places across the United States or venturing abroad. She enjoyed quiet days with family, celebrating holidays, and sharing life’s everyday moments with the people she loved most. For Andrea, it was never about where she was, but who she was with.
Above all, Andrea’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother to Peter, Michael, and David, and an incredibly proud grandmother to Kayden, Alexander, Savannah, Keira, Maddie, Miley, and Paisley. Her grandchildren brought her endless happiness, and she cherished every opportunity to watch them grow.
Faith was the foundation of Andrea’s life. She loved the Lord, found strength in her church community, and lived each day with quiet integrity, compassion, and humility. She believed in showing up for others, working hard, and loving well.
Andrea passed away on June 25, 2026, but the legacy she leaves behind lives on in every student she encouraged, every life she touched, and every member of her family who was blessed to know her. She will always be remembered for her unwavering faith, her gentle strength, and the love she gave so freely.
Please join us to celebrate the life of Andrea on Aug. 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Knightsen Elementary School (1923 Delta Road, Knightsen, Calif.). All who loved Andrea are welcome to attend. Kindly RSVP at AndiEasley.com.
Brentwood woman makes University of Wisconsin Dean’s List
Veronica Chaput of Brentwood made the Dean’s List of the University of Wisconsin’s School of Education Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean of their school or college at the close of each semester, according to a press release. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction.
Alfonso Ochoa
July 25, 1937 - Nov. 11, 2024
Alfonso Ochoa passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 11, 2024 surrounded by his family. A beloved husband, father, and community member, he will be missed by many.
He served as a board member, advisor, teacher
and friend of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco, continuing to teach piano even after his move to Antioch, Calif..
His spark for community and the arts lives on and will be remembered as the man of many talents. He will be missed dearly.
Vibe boutique celebrates 4 years in Brentwood
Vibe Boutique and Salon co-owners Michele Hinchcliff and Stacey Bianchini held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 23 to celebrate the fourth anniversary of their business. During the ceremony, the owners thanked the community for their support and highlighted how much they enjoyed being part of Brentwood’s vibrant downtown community. The salon is located at 160 Chestnut St. and offers a number of services such as spray tanning, hair styling and clothes for sale. For more information, visit https:// bit ly/4wFG 0 px To view a video of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Have you or someone you know recently reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it!
Photo by Mike Rodriguez
Freedom football enters 2026 with a new perspective and focus
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Entering his third season as Freedom’s head football coach, Stephen Rodriguez believes the Falcons have something they lacked during his first two years at the helm: a new perspective.
“We’re here to win,” Rodriguez said. “That’s our perspective right now.”
“Really, this is our year,” he added. “This is our year to really show what we can do on the scoreboard. I think that we have a great group of kids that really, really care about — not even about winning — just about being a good team and understanding what it takes to be a good football player.”
That optimism follows several years of struggle for the program. Freedom opens the 2026 season at home against Skyline of Oakland on Friday, Aug. 28, looking to begin what Rodriguez believes could be a turnaround.
The Falcons have won just three games over the past three seasons, including two under Rodriguez. Freedom’s last winning season came in 2018 with the team going 9-4 overall, falling in the North Coast Section title game against San Ramon Valley.
Since then, the Falcons have not won more than three games in a season.
According to MaxPreps, Freedom made strides offensively during Rodriguez’s second season, averaging 13.6 points per
game in 2025 after averaging 8.9 in 2024.
But while the offense improved, the defense regressed. The Falcons allowed 44.9 points per game last season, up from 35.2 in 2024.
Freedom allowed 40 or more points in
eight of its 10 games, compared with four times in 2024. That included an 83-19 seasonopening loss to East Union, the worst loss in program history. The Falcons also allowed 60 or more points three times overall, two of which came against Liberty and Antioch.
Rodriguez said much of last season’s struggle stemmed from inexperience.
“Last year, in that first game against East Union, we had five kids who had ever played a varsity sport,” Rodriguez said. “They were starting against a team that was well-oiled, that went to the playoffs. Moving into this year, we aren’t even talking about last year. The kids are ready to move on, ready to get going and ready to do their best. They’re ready to prove everyone else wrong.”
As the Falcons took on their first practice in helmets, Rodriguez seems more and more confident that Freedom can start to turn things around.
“I think the kids are in a great spot,” Rodriguez said. “We are learning really, really fast. Our offense is moving. Our defense is very knowledgeable. Starting (practice with) helmets Wednesday was really cool, seeing the kids react to that. We’re a really good crew.”
see Freedom page 10
Team buy-in, coaches and understanding the expectation at powerhouse Pittsburg High
By Mason Tovani Correspondent
Pittsburg’s football team is a storied Bay Area program. They win and oftentimes do it in dominant fashion. So naturally, the standard and expectation for any player that dons the orange and black is to keep pushing the program toward sustained excellence.
The Pirates have yet to lose a game in the Bay Valley Athletic League since the 201920 season and have been standing atop the North Coast Section rankings for five straight post-seasons.
Even still, the team never looks past the week they are in and the opponent on the schedule. The postseason is always on their mind but they are aware it’s not the starting line.
“The primary focus is having a set standard, which is always focusing on us and being the best version of us,” Pittsburg head coach Charlie Ramirez said after Wednesday’s practice. “If we do that, then whoever our opponent is, it can be irrelevant at that point. Everyone knows the expectations and has bought into the expectations and that’s what we have been able to establish over the last 10 years.”
“It’s shown up on the field with five consecutive NCS D1 championships,” he added.
The Pirates’ three losses last season came to Archbishop Riordan, De La Salle and Central East, each ranked 6th, 10th and 12th, respectively. The Pirates in 2025 were ranked 21st in the state. Two of the three losses were one possession games with the final loss of the season to Central East, 55-36.
But in order to keep pushing the enve-
Pittsburg lineman and last year’s BVAL lineman of the year Ha’angana Tau celebrates during last year’s Big Little Game against Antioch.
Ramirez said. “You do that by scheduling as tough a schedule as you can. Having St. John Bosco on the schedule again and going down to play Mission Viejo, that’s what’s going to help us prepare for the ultimate goal, which is get to December and create more opportunities for college exposure.”
Ramirez repeatedly mentioned the team buy-in on Wednesday evening after their practice. It doesn’t go without saying for him that the commitment of each player that is out there is something that can’t be downplayed for their on-field success. However, he emphasized his fellow coaches as the ones who will put them over the top.
Submitted photo
lope and build on the dynastic run this team is in the middle of is to not shy away from those top teams. It’s to play the ones ranked even higher.
On Sept. 4, Pittsburg will host the number 18 nationally ranked St. John Bosco and two weeks later travel to play Mission Viejo ranked 48th in the nation.
“The way you don’t let complacency set in is by challenging the student-athletes,”
“It’s a testament (to) the commitment of the student-athlete,” Ramirez said. “The buyin and understanding the standard and them knowing ‘I can’t miss (practice) because if I miss then I’m not getting ready for Game 1 or whatever my goal is.’”
“I think we have the best coaching staff in Northern California,” Ramirez added. “We’re going to continue to make this happen. It’s difficult for a public school, let alone a public school in the Bay Area, to do what we’ve done for as long as we have. And it’s a tribute to our coaching staff. The success we have going forward is because of those coaches.”
Freedom head football coach Stephen Rodriguez talks to his players during the team’s summer camp practice Wednesday afternoon in Oakley.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
The roster has been almost completely overhauled from the teams that finished 1-9 in each of the past two seasons, largely because of players moving up from the program’s recently strong junior varsity and freshmen teams.
This year’s team features a junior class that went 8-3 as sophomores at the junior varsity level last season, the program’s first winning JV campaign since 2016. The roster also includes several sophomores from a freshman team that finished 4-4, its best record since going 6-5 back in 2018.
“We have the ability to win now,” Rodriguez said. “I wouldn’t necessarily say we didn’t in the past, but we were a struggling team. We were working on ourselves.”
“Now we have reached a point where we have enough football knowledge to be able to say that we’re going to go out there
and beat a team. I think it’s just a matter of this group playing like a team, wanting to be a team, understanding what it is to be a team. We’re ready to win.”
“We have enough room to make some big leaps, and we’re seeing a lot of improvement in big areas. I couldn’t be happier.”
Rodriguez also enters 2026 with a different perspective on his role. A 2012 Freedom graduate, he has yet to experience the same success as the program’s head coach that he once did as a player. But he said guiding the Falcons through their recent struggles has helped him grow as a coach.
“I’ve learned so much,” Rodriguez said. “I would say I’ve remained patient. I think patience has been a thing from my start and one of my strengths. Organization — as you keep going and learn more things, you learn how to organize better. But just letting some things roll off the chest that should. I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Bell brothers return home to lead youth football camp
Before leaving to Eastern Washington to get ready for the football season, the Bell brothers, Nate and Jaxon, had one last order of business – giving back where they started. More than 50 young athletes participated in the inaugural Bell Bros Football Camp hosted by California Football Academy (CFA) at Freedom Basin Park in Oakley last Thursday, July 23. The Bell brothers, Liberty High School graduates, returned home to lead the three-hour camp for boys and girls ages 6 through high school. Campers competed in a combine featuring the 40-yard dash, broad jump and 5-10-5 shuttle before rotating through quarterback, running back and wide receiver/defensive back stations. Those stations focused on footwork, mechanics, ball security, route running and football fundamentals. “This is where our football journey began,” Jaxon Bell said.“ To come back home and share what we’ve learned with these kids is something we’re incredibly grateful for,” added Nate Bell. Jayden Zambrano and Lily Frey won the broad jump competitions, while Adrian Arreola and Harper Cagulada posted the fastest 40-yard dash times. Jesse Mendez and Cagulada won the shuttle events. Belen Flores and Oliver Gonzalez were named quarterback MVPs. Eli Goggins and Dean Hernandez earned running back honors, while Aria Belisle and Nicholas Kim were recognized as wide receiver MVPs. CFA will host additional free camps Aug. 2 and Aug. 16 at Freedom Basin Park at Freedom High from 9 a.m. to noon. No registration is needed.
Submitted photo
RODRIGUEZ
Writing
It seems that when it comes to writing a book, talk is cheap.
Almost everyone would like to be the author of a book….likely including yourself. But actually acting on it and doing it is another matter. As a writer and author, I have lost count of the number of people who tell me, “Yeah, I’m writing a book. It’s about…”
Whatever… When I ask them about the book they’re writing, its subject matter and how far along they are with the project their answers are vague.
Here’s a typical exchange:
“What’s your book about?”
“It’s about World War II.”
“Oh really? What part of World War II?”
“You know, the war.”
“Have you written it?”
“Well no, but I will.”
“Have you written any of it?”
“It’s…it’s in the planning stages.”
I think, “He doesn’t want to admit he hasn’t written a word (I don’t intend this as a put-down. We all procrastinate at times).
I stop questioning him about it. It’s clear he hasn’t written anything and likely won’t, but that’s his choice – not mine –and doesn’t mean he’s any less of a person than I am.
Like many people, he’s more in love with the idea of being an author than he is in actually being one.
There was an old saying – I’ve forgotten it exactly – but it basically meant that to be an author you have to place your butt on the chair and your hands on the keyboard…and do it.
There are usually two elements to doing it. Faith and determination….
This applies to anything. To sports, to business, to the arts. If you want to be successful, you have to believe you can
“ There’s a feeling of elation when you write the final words of your book. ”
do it. You have to be determined to do it. Then you have to do it.
It requires consistent effort, and on your own time, time that could be spent at perhaps more pleasurable pursuits: watching television, reading a book (somebody else’s), goofing off, sleeping, eating a doughnut, whatever.
This is where faith comes in. You have to believe personally that the book you write will eventually be published by somebody and shared with readers so that it will not wind up as meaningless words on a computer. (In the old days before digital it was a stack of abandoned typewriter pages sitting on a shelf).
As you are writing this book, you are not being paid for it. Only famous authors get an advance, a partial payment up front. There’s a chance you never will be paid for your book.
Again, faith.
A real writer – and here’s where determination comes in – will nevertheless see the project through, the completion of the book, because its successful conclusion (regardless of how good it is in the eyes of others) is important enough to you to finish it.
There’s a feeling of elation when you write the final words of your book. It’s hard to describe it (I usually drink Champagne the night after finishing). The feeling is, “I never thought it would be done, but it is.” (Many publishers today do not print “The End” at the end of a book).
Hopefully, you also feel, “I’m happy with it.”
Whether others will be happy with your book is another matter.
We’ll get more into that later.
– John Sammon is a freelance writer and the author of 41 books.
Photo by Adobe Stock
One of the most important aspects of writing a book is just sitting down and actually writing it.
REGIONAL & LOCAL
News iN Brief
East Diablo Firewise receives national recognition
East Diablo Firewise in Brentwood has been recognized as a Firewise USA community. This national recognition reflects years of resident-led wildfire preparedness and vegetation reduction work across a large rural area of East County, including portions of Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory, Deer Valley, and Briones Valley.
East Diablo Firewise is a community effort focused on wildfire reduction, preparedness, and agency coordination, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office. The name is geographically descriptive and also carries forward the historic East Diablo fire service identity that once served this area before the formation of East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, which was annexed into the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District in 2022.
The East Diablo Firewise recognized boundary includes the headwaters of Marsh Creek and a large rural landscape impacted by the 2020 SCU Lightning Complex Fire, which remains the fifth largest wildfire in California history.
The area is unincorporated and does not have a Municipal Advisory Council or local civic body, so Firewise recognition provides an important formal framework for residents to organize around wildfire preparedness and risk reduction.
This recognition was made possible by neighbors who have taken personal responsibility for reducing wildfire risk on their own properties. In recent years, residents have collectively removed more than 2,000 cubic yards of hazardous vegetation through community chipping events, in coordination with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and Contra Costa County Public Works through the Measure X-funded Wildfire Mitigation Program.
For details, visit https://diablofiresafe.org/
Pittsburg celebrates harbor park reopening
The City of Pittsburg has opened the newly transformed Central Harbor Park and Boat Launch Facility, unveiling an upgrade to one of the East Bay’s most beloved waterfront destinations along the Delta’s shoreline.
The newly reimagined park now features ADA-accessible walking paths, a striking new shade structure with modern seating, a public safety substation serving both Pittsburg police and other agencies patrolling the Delta, secure fencing around the boater parking lot, freshly repaved and striped parking areas, a fish cleaning station and upgraded fishing amenities along the jetty, enhanced lighting, a bank of public fire pits, and two new Exeloo public restrooms.
The project traces its roots to 2021,
when the City first partnered with the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy to fund the planning phase through the Conservancy’s Proposition 68-funded Community and Economic Enhancement Grant Program.
Over nearly three years, the City used that $172,155 planning grant to engage residents through surveys, in-person workshops, and a hands-on “Plan A Park!” event, gathering input from local residents, daily parkgoers, boaters, fishermen, hunters, and neighbors. Three priorities emerged clearly and consistently: upgraded amenities, improved safety and security, and new things to do at the park.
Building on that momentum, the City secured a $3.54 million grant from the Delta Conservancy’s Climate, Access, and Resource Program to fund construction of the very improvements celebrated at the grand opening.
How to drain your pool properly this summer
The Contra Costa Clean Water program recommends not draining your pool to the street or storm drain. Be sure to check your local pool draining regulations and use methods that prevent runoff pollution.
Proper pool draining helps keep chlorine and other chemicals out of local waterways. Protect our waterways while you cool off, according to their social media accounts.
For details, visit http://cccleanwater. org/resident.../how-to-prevent-pollution
County transit agency wants your feedback
What would make getting around Contra Costa County easier, safer, more reliable and more accessible?
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority wants to hear from everyone who lives, works, goes to school or travels in Contra Costa County. Feedback gathered this summer will help set future transportation priorities and the development of CCTA’s next Transportation Expenditure Plan.
At the end of the survey, participants can enter a giveaway for one of five $100 Visa virtual gift cards.
Take the Summer Listening Survey at https://www surveymonkey com/ r/6HVD7DR
Auto thefts statewide drop for second year
July was National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and the California Highway Patrol is reminding Californians to protect their vehicles while highlighting encouraging statewide trends. California recorded its second consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts in 2025, as the CHP continued working with local law enforcement agencies to combat organized vehicle theft through targeted enforcement and public awareness, the state said in a press release.
To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com
According to the CHP’s 2025 Vehicle Theft Fact Sheet, thieves stole more than 133,000 vehicles statewide in 2025 — about 25% fewer than the 176,230 stolen in 2024.
On average, a vehicle was stolen in California about every four minutes in 2025. Of the 133,372 vehicles stolen statewide last year, 84% were recovered, for a total of 111,661 vehicles. More than half of the recovered vehicles were returned to their owners in drivable condition.
The decline continues a positive trend that began in 2024, when California recorded its first year-over-year decrease in vehicle thefts since 2019. That year, Gov. Newsom deployed CHP officers to work alongside local law enforcement agencies in regional crime suppression operations. Targeted enforcement in Bakersfield, San Bernardino and Oakland helped contribute to reductions in vehicle thefts and other crime in those cities.
Building on those results, Newsom expanded CHP crime-suppression operations in August 2025 by deploying additional teams to high-crime areas across California.
Although vehicle thefts continue to decline, motorists remain the first line of defense. The CHP encourages Californians to reduce their risk by following these safety tips:
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Remove valuables or keep them out of sight.
• Lock your vehicle every time you leave it.
• Use an alarm system or other antitheft device.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Tilley joins City of Brentwood as management analyst
Amy Tilley has joined Brentwood city government as its new Senior Management Analyst in the office of Acting City Manager Terrance Davis, where she will support the City’s economic development initiatives and strategic priorities.
A longtime Brentwood resident, Tilley brings more than 18 years of experience in economic development, business strategy, marketing, community engagement, and project management, according to a press release from the city. She previously served as Executive Director of the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, working closely with local businesses, community organizations, and civic leaders to support downtown revitalization and economic vitality.
Report says state lawmakers ‘in limbo’ with civil justice agenda
The American Tort Reform Association’s 2026 Legislative HeatCheck report says California lawmakers are in “Legislative Limbo” as they juggle a crowded and contradictory civil justice agenda. One reform was signed into law, one died despite broad support, and one sits stalled, while three liability-expanding bills advance toward the governor’s desk, according to a press release.
“Lawmakers signed one meaningful reform this year, but that’s where the good news stops,” said Lauren Sheets Jarrell, ATRA’s vice president and counsel for civil justice policy. “The Assembly killed a bipartisan bill to curb often frivolous accessibility lawsuits against small businesses in favor of a problematic ‘fix’ likely to create more headaches.”
Gov. Newsom signed Senate Bill 623 into law June 25, targeting a tactic that inflates the cost of car-accident lawsuits: billing for medical care at prices far above what anyone actually pays. Under the new law, when a rideshare company or driver is sued, recoverable medical costs for care provided on a lien can’t exceed the 70th percentile of billed charges. The law also bars a contingency-fee attorney from referring a client to a medical provider the attorney or a family member owns.
“This is a real fix for a real problem, and it’s a model other states should look at,” Sheets Jarrell said. “But it only reaches rideshare cases. The same inflatedbilling and lien practices run throughout California’s injury system, so this is a first step, not the finish line.”
A bipartisan effort to address predatory lawsuits that abuse the Americans with Disabilities Act was killed in favor of moving along a problematic bill that ATRA says purports to address the issue but could ultimately make the problem worse. SB 84 would have required someone suing a small business over a technical accessibility violation to give the business a detailed notice and 120 days to fix the problem before facing statutory damages, attorney’s fees and court costs. It passed the Senate June 4, 2025, but sat in the Assembly for more than one year before dying earlier this month when the bill failed to meet a procedural deadline.
“Predatory Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits have been hurting business in California for far too long,” said Victor Gomez, Executive Director, California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. “Over the last two years, business owners have spoken and their voices were heard. SB 84, legislation to protect small businesses from these shakedown suits passed the Senate floor unanimously. Unfortunately, a few lawmakers blocked the bill. Instead, they proposed AB 649, a bill that is problematic at best and much worse. The results mean more California businesses shutting down or leaving the state and leaving consumers with higher prices for goods and services.”
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Homekey from page 1
ing in to help offset our deficit that we’re looking at next year and the years that follow.”
Freitas said he supported continuing the city’s review a month earlier based on the information available then, but said additional questions had emerged.
“Fiscal responsibility is not a negative thing. Bankruptcy is not a wonderful thing,” Freitas said. “We have to make decisions individually and collectively on behalf of the whole 120,000 people we represent.”
Bernal said the city could not responsibly add as much as $18 million in future costs and argued homelessness needed to be addressed regionally.
“This project is not going to solve homelessness in Antioch,” Bernal said. “We have 250 to 300 homeless in Antioch. This is 85 units. ... This is a very expensive proposition ... which Antioch, in my opinion, does not have the ability to fund.”
Wilson said the city could not reject Homekey+ without identifying an alternative.
“If we don’t do this, what are we going to do?” she asked. “We just can’t turn away and go, ‘OK, we’re not going to do Homekey,’ and we’re going to do nothing.”
The vote followed a lengthy public-comment period that began with residents divided over the proposal’s cost and purpose. Opponents said Antioch could not afford the commitment and questioned whether the project would place another regional burden on a city already struggling financially.
“Financially, the city cannot afford it, and the homeless people have to understand it,” resident Rose Hernandez said. “We can’t put at risk financially the city and the remainder of the community — over 100,000 residents.”
Supporters increasingly urged the council to move forward, grounding their arguments in compassion, religion and frustration with years of temporary responses to homelessness.
“You threw $25 million at things to push the problem away — the boul-
The former Comfort Inn on Mahogany Way was the proposed site of a Homekey+ project.
ders, the removal of the encampments,” one speaker said. “You have wasted the money. ... This is an actual solution.”
Another commenter, who said she is 29 and had been homeless for nearly seven years despite working regularly, gave her statement for the project.
“People like us, we get accused of drugs and alcohol abuse,” she said. “Well, I don’t do drugs. I don’t do alcohol. I work every day, and so does my husband. And I would appreciate a home. I can’t afford rent right now, especially the rent out here. It’s crazy.”
The debate became heated enough between both sides that Bernal called a five-minute recess after audience members on opposite sides became involved in a verbal confrontation. Remote commenters later kept testimony going until about 11:30 p.m.
Torres-Walker joined remotely at about 11:15 p.m. and said she would have supported continuing with the project, adding that “opportunities should live in Antioch for everybody.”
Near the end of public comment, housing advocate Nicole Gardner acknowledged the financial concerns but said opponents still had to explain how the city would address homelessness without Homekey+.
“If we love this city like we say we love this city, we need to deal with this homeless problem,” Gardner said.
“We need to come together.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
that I have…if you don’t like it, get me off this dias.”
Ultimately, the council voted to have staff look into a way to potentially amend the Downtown Specific Plan that would allow for tattoo parlors to operate within certain parts of the core downtown area, provided the shops were not facing Oak Street or First Street and that they applied for a conditional use permit. The potential amendment would also seek to limit the number of tattoo parlors allowed downtown by placing a cap on the number of permits issued for that business type.
While Oerlemans and Mendoza dissented at the end of the discussion, they did so for different reasons. Oerlemans objected to the process, which he said should have been a straightforward amendment to the
Homelessness at a glance
Homelessness is a multifaceted issue without one clear cause or solution. Below are some of the most common causes of homelessness as well as several widespread myths about those who are homeless, as shared by organizations dedicated to finding solutions.
Not enough housing being built: During the last 10 years, housing production averaged fewer than 80,000 new homes each year, and ongoing production continues to fall far below the projected need of 180,000 additional homes annually.
Increased inequality and lack of opportunities: Lack of supply and rising costs are compounding growing inequality and limiting advancement opportunities for younger Californians. Without intervention, much of the new housing growth is expected to be focused in areas where fewer jobs are available to the families that live there.
Too much of people’s incomes going toward rent: The majority of Californian renters — more than 3 million households — pay more than 30 percent of their income toward rent, and nearly one-third — more than 1.5 million households — pay more than 50 percent of their income toward rent.
Fewer people becoming homeowners: Overall homeownership rates are at their lowest since the 1940s.
Disproportionate number of Californians who are homelessness: California is home to 12 percent of the nation’s population, but a disproportionate 22 percent of the nation’s homeless population.
Many people facing multiple, seemingly insurmountable barriers — beyond just cost — in trying to find an affordable place to live: For California’s vulnerable populations, discrimination and inadequate accommodations for people with disabilities are worsening housing cost and affordability challenges.
–State Department of Housing and Community Development
MYTH: Everyone living on the street is addicted to drugs or mentally ill
FACT: People living on the street are more likely to experience addiction or a mental illness than the general population.
One in three reported attempting suicide at some point during their life. And 23% reported significant periods of hallucinations, while 25% said they had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
Regarding drug use, 56% of people surveyed by UCSF reported ever using amphetamines regularly, 33% reported ever using cocaine regularly, and 22% reported ever using non-prescribed opioids regularly.
MYTH: Most homeless people are veterans
FACT: Veterans are disproportionately represented in California’s homeless population. But the number of homeless veterans in California has dropped significantly — falling from nearly 16,800 in 2011 to almost 10,400 in 2022. But in recent years, the number has plateaued. State-funded homes for unhoused veterans are underused.
MYTH: People who are homeless don’t work, and don’t want to work
FACT: Some people who don’t have a home still hold down one or more jobs, while others are trying to find work.
Among the homeless Californians surveyed by UCSF, 18% reported earning income from a job (either formal employment or informal/gig work) in the past month. But even if people are working, they aren’t making enough to afford rent. Fast-food workers, for example, make a median wage of $17.32 an hour in California, but they’d need to make more than twice that to rent a one-bedroom home, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
MYTH: People who are homeless don’t want shelter or housing
FACT: City leaders will sometimes label homeless residents as “service-resistant” if they refuse to accept shelter or other services.
–CalMatters
Downtown Specific Plan, while Mendoza objected because she said residents largely did not seem interested in tattoo parlors being brought to that part of the city.
The catalyst of the tattoo discussion began in January 2025, when Oerlemans and Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson brought the topic forward on behalf of Golden Heart Gallery, a business on Second Street that currrently does permanent makeup but. The owners of Golden Heart Gallery have expressed interest inbeing able to do business as a tattoo aprlor as well.
The topic came up again in August 2025 when the Planning Commission voted 3-2 not to change the Downtown Specific Plan to allow for tattoo parlors, with Flohr being part of the majority that upheld the current iteration of the plan.
The property owner of the Second
Street shop, Tom Gregory, spoke at the July 28 meeting, pointing out that the plan had been amended in the past “for good cause and good reason,” such as the library. He said that previous amendments had led to “beautiful things” and that another amendment to allow for tattoo parlors would yield similar results.
During the discussion, Mendoza pointed out that Brentwood residents had been vocal in their opposition to tattoo parlors downtown, citing that it would mar the “Hallmark” feeling of the area. She also noted that tattoo parlors would not generate revenue for the downtown area through sales tax the way other businesses would.
Oerlemans’ rebuttal to Mendoza’s argument was that in the time that the city has first spent looking into the possibility of bringing tattoo parlors downtown 84 public
comments and emails have been in support of the idea compared to eight in opposition.
“I’m not a genius, but that seems like way more people want it than don’t want it,” he said.
According to Mendoza, many of those comments, upon further inspection, originated from people who were not Brentwood residents, invalidating them in a discussion about what residents want for downtown.
In other council news:
The City Council approved funding for a number of events and projects through the city’s economic development grant, including several cultural festivals and partnering with an app called Ventri for a year-long pilot program to help inform residents about city events.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/4pK4ZVY
Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor
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