In the low light of the nearly full Delta Theater, roughly 100 residents and officials from across Brentwood watched their city’s 2026 State of the City video. The presentation painted a picture of a vibrant and thriving Brentwood, and lauded the city’s diversity, balanced budget, and welcoming atmosphere.
The night began with a short video celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Harvest Time farming association, which serves as a bridge between local U-pick farms, farmstands, and consumers, that thanked Brentwood’s people for choosing local produce and supporting the city’s agricultural heritage. Mayor Susannah Meyer then took the stage, praising Harvest
Time and opening a public comment session, in which the only comment was one from a resident expressing concern regarding City Manager Harold Duffey’s implication in a texting scandal from his time in Oakland.
After public comments, Meyer gave recognition to her fellow coun-
cilmembers and members of city staff who were in attendance at the address, before leaving the stage to make way for the main video. In the video, Meyer said that “the state of our city is strong,” and highlighted the diversity of its residents, the opportunities afforded to everyone, and the capability of the city’s lead-
ers, as well as Brentwood’s commitment to accessibility and the business events that the city has hosted, including Bizcon.
“Take a look at the vibrant community we have become,” Meyer said in the video. “Brentwood has grown into a city with an exceptional quality of life. We are surrounded by beautiful parks, growing businesses, and modern amenities that bring people together.”
Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson highlighted Brentwood’s “wellmaintained infrastructure” and regular city services.
“At a time when many cities contract out essential services, Brentwood remains proud to be a full-service city, maintaining and delivering high-quality services,” Pierson said. “In 2025, our team swept more than 15,000 miles of streets, removed 1,500 square feet of graffiti, delivered 3.7 billion gallons of drinking water, expanded wastewater treatment capacity
see Brentwood page 22
Brentwood City Manager Duffey implicated in Oakland texting scandal
City ‘discussing options’ for next steps
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
Brentwood City Manager Harold Duffey faces uncertainty in his role following news that he has been implicated in a texting scandal during his time working in Oakland. According to Mayor Susannah Meyer, the city is “discussing options” of how to proceed.
“We are following protocols,” she said of the situation, but noted that the city has not reached a decision on next steps. As of press time, the City Attorney’s office had not replied
to a request for comment detailing protocols.
The news follows the resignation of Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson on May 17. According to a statement by Oakland
Mayor Barbara Lee, Johnson tendered his resignation in the wake of “certain degrading and unprofessional communications” involving Johnson that were brought to Lee’s attention on May 15. According to Oakland-based publication The Oaklandside, many of these texts were those exchanged between Johnson and Duffey.
“We promptly conducted our own investigation and verified these communications, which are wholly incompatible with the values of this administration and those of the people of Oakland,” Lee explained. “Under my watch, I will not tolerate transgressions of this nature.”
The text messages, which were made public on May 12 on Oakland’s public records portal,
see Duffey page 22
Oakley planners approve library design
They also review infrastructure projects, and a liquor license
By Connor Robles Correspondent
To the applause of people inside the City Council chamber, the Oakley Planning Commission unanimously approved a design review and variance for the Oakley Library and Community Center at their May 19 meeting.
The current design, slightly altered from earlier phases, contains 500 square feet of additional interior space, allowing for larger areas specifically for children and teenagers within the library and bringing the total size of the project to 13,030 square feet, with 12,015 square feet contained within the building and the rest being covered outdoor space.
The commission also went over various infrastructure projects contained in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan and reviewed a possible liquor license for a store at 2603 Main St. That caused controversy among the residents of the senior apartment complex next to the store. Oakley Library design review and variance approval
The new Oakley Library and Community Center’s design process began in May of 2025, after two years of ramping up efforts
see Oakley page 22
DUFFEY
Mayor Susannah Meyer invited residents to join them at the Delta Theater on May 18 for the annual State of the City address.
Photo by Connor Robles
the best burger? Who’s your
company? You get the idea – now get voting! We list more than 150 categories to help you weigh in on the Best of Oakley.
Local student selected to Youth Hall of Fame
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
Camilla Rodriguez Cantwell, a seventh grader at Excelsior Middle School in Byron, was selected as one of 12 East County Youth Hall of Fame honorees for her character, achievements, and her involvement at school and within the community.
The County Board of Supervisors announced the winning group of students for the Youth Hall of Fame Awards at the recent 32nd Annual Farmworkers Rights Movement Celebration in Martinez.
“Over the past year, she has experienced and witnessed two serious emergencies,” said Claudia Rodriguez Cantwell, President of the Excelsior Falcons Music Boosters. “One was when my husband suffered a stroke while we were in Hawaii, far from home. The most recent occurred on January 2nd on Highway 4, when she witnessed a major accident. In that moment, she stayed calm, called 911, and remained composed while speaking with first responders. This was included in her nomination and recognition. She is actively involved at her school where she plays flute and trombone. She is part of the theater program, the Kindness Club, and the T.U.P.E Club (Tobacco Use Prevention Education). She also volunteers with the Girls Scouts and the Discovery Bay Lions Club. She has participated in the Special Needs Carnival, Thanksgiving Meals for families in need, Cocoa with Santa, and other various heart-warming and meaningful activities in her community,” as stated
Each year during the 32nd Annual Farmworkers Rights Movement Celebration, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honors a group of students as part of the Youth Hall of Fame Awards. This year, one such student is Camilla Rodriguez Cantwell.
in a description with her award.
Camilla was nominated by Lisa Kimble, who manages St. Anne’s Village in Byron where Camilla volunteers on Wednesdays after school.
“Camilla’s leadership is defined by initiative, moral courage, and consistency,” Kimble said. “She does not wait to be asked, she identifies needs and responds with compassion, responsibility, and follow-through. Through her actions, she empowers others, strengthens
her school and community, and models what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and courage. Camilla Rodriguez Cantwell is an outstanding and deserving candidate for the Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame.”
Claudia added: “What makes this especially meaningful is that she represents a small, rural school community here in East Contra Costa County — an area that doesn’t always get the same visibility”, Claudia said. “From our immediate area, she was the only
student recognized, which made it even more special for our family and our community. As a parent, I’m incredibly proud, not just of what she has accomplished, but of the kind of person she is becoming.”
Camilla’s recognition also highlighted her involvement in music, including playing both the flute and trombone. She is a part of the Excelsior Falcons music program. “Music has been such an important outlet for her. It helps her focus, manage stress, and work through difficult experiences. That’s really what inspired my husband and I to help start the Excelsior Music Boosters program,” Claudia added.
The Excelsior Falcons music program is currently supporting 76 student musicians. “Many rely on this program as their primary access to music. For some students, this program provides consistency, support, and a positive outlet they may not have elsewhere,” Claudia noted.
Claudia said the school recently received support from the community. “We were $606 short of our goal for the students to attend the Great America ‘Music in the Parks’ event, and the night before payment was due, we received the support needed to make it possible for all 76 students to attend.”
Nomination submissions can also be completed by emailing the application and letter of support to YouthNomination@dcd. cccounty.us.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Photo courtesy of Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame
County honors local student volunteer program
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
Vidhai Foundation, created by Heritage students Sadhana Arivoli and Aradhana Arivoli, was recently acknowledged by the County Board of Supervisors. The board passed a formal resolution honoring their impact in youth-led community service across the county. ‘Vidhai,’ meaning ‘seed’ in Tamil, is the native language of both co-founders.
“The idea behind the name is that small actions and opportunities can plant the seeds for a better future for both students and the communities they serve.”
The resolution by the county’s Board of Supervisors, recognizes Vidhai Foundation for their community work, education in STEM, and engaging over 180 student volunteers with community contribution opportunities.
The recognition came about after outreach and submission of information regarding the work of the Vidhai Foundation, including their community initiatives, student engagement efforts, and impact across STEM education, public health, research mentorship, and civic service,” Sadhana said.
The foundation was recognized based on several ongoing
contributions, including:
• Providing free volunteer and leadership opportunities for students across the Bay Area
• Organizing initiatives in healthcare, research, software/ engineering, and civic engagement
• Supporting hospitals, senior homes, and community outreach efforts
• Hosting educational workshops and mentorship opportunities for students interested in STEM and research
• Building partnerships with local organizations and community groups
• Recruiting more than 180 student volunteers in service-oriented programs
Students can sign up to volunteer by filling out a form at http:// bit.ly/4bwkxXU.
“The resolution served as an official acknowledgment of the foundation’s community impact and youth-led service efforts within Contra Costa County,” Sadhana added.
Vidhai Foundation is continuing to expand its programs and outreach initiatives, with current goals of:
• growing student chapters and volunteer participation
• expanding the Research
Fellowship Program
• developing additional public health and STEM education initiatives
• building further partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations
• continuing long-term service and mentorship opportunities for students.
For more information about their work, visit https://www.vidhaii.org/
For the latest updates, follow Vidhai Foundation on Instagram and TikTok @vidhaiifoundation.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Congrats, Mikayla!
The county Board of Supervisors passed a resolution that recognizes the Vidhai Foundation’s community impact that involves STEM education and community service by 180 student volunteers.
Photo by Sadhana Arivoli
SADHANA ARIVOLI
The dangers of heat-related conditions
By Sean Tongson Correspondent
With the summer months and hot weather approaching and people enjoying a break from school, that means people will be spending more time outdoors and under the sun. The warmer weather also means possibly more heat advisories and extreme heat, when periods of unusually high temperatures can pose a threat to ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health. According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, climate change is affecting the intensity and frequency of extreme heat even further.
As more people spend more time outdoors, any individual regardless of age, sex, or health status is susceptible to heat-related conditions. According to Tracking California, heat-related conditions occur when the body’s natural temperature controls become overloaded.
Additionally, heat-related illness is a broad spectrum disease that can range from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heat
stroke. Three heat-related conditions – heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke – all have similar symptoms, but all have varying levels of severity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while warmer days in the summertime can be uncomfortable, unhealthy, and even deadly, heat-related illnesses are preventable. Heat stroke
As more people spend more time outdoors, any individual regardless of age, sex, or health status is susceptible to
heat. When the body’s core temperature of 98.6 degrees rises, this triggers the body’s response to sweat and to increase circulation of blood to the skin’s surface to increase cooling. When a body’s capacity to cool isn’t enough to combat heat exposure, this can lead to a range of heatrelated symptoms and conditions.
Heat exhaustion
and heat exhaustion are easily confused, but the two conditions produce noticeably different symptoms, and recognition of that can help people stay healthy or help others as temperatures rise in the coming weeks and months.
“Being exposed to moderate heat for long periods is similar to high heat condition,” said Sutter Health Physician Dr. Mohsin Barra. “It can cause excess sweating, but keep an eye for dizziness, nausea, headache, and fatigue and try to get to a cooler place. Keep plenty of water and take frequent hydration breaks instead of catching up after you’re already thirsty.”
Heat stress
Any individual can develop heat stress if they engage in intense physical activity or are exposed to environmental
Heat exhaustion is the result of extreme depletion of blood plasma volume. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, mild disorientation, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeats, and low blood pressure (hypotension). Additional symptoms include cold, pale and clammy skin, a fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, feelings of tiredness or weakness, dizziness, and fainting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cool environment, provided salty fluids, such as sports drinks, and cooled, either by loosening clothing, fanning while misting or wiping down with cool water, or use of ice packs on their extremities. If heat exhaustion goes untreated, it could progress to heat stroke, which is the most serious form of heat-related illness and is a medical emergency.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs when a person’s core body temperature rises to about 103 degrees Fahrenheit, with the first signs including headache, dizziness, and weakness.
Kindergarten – 8th Grade Applications Available Beginning June 8, 2026:
Applications will be available online for Brentwood, Oakley and Byron School Districts.
STUDENT ID NUMBER REQUIRED TO APPLY
Precede the Student ID with the following 4 letter code for your district as follows:
The email and home address you use on the application must match the one provided to the school in order to apply for transportation and receive updates.
Students who are new to the district or who have recently moved will need to wait 72 hours after the school updates your address in their system to apply.
We are only able to transport students to their home school based on the home address.
Students in grades K through 8 who live within a one air mile radius from the school are NOT eligible for transport.
High School Applications Available Beginning July 13, 2026:
Applications will be available online for Liberty Union High School District.
STUDENT ID NUMBER REQUIRED TO APPLY
Precede the Student ID with the LUHD – example: LUHD1234567
The email and home address you use on the application must match the one provided to the school in order to apply for transportation and receive updates.
Students who are new to the district or who have recently moved will need to wait 72 hours after the school updates your address in their system to apply.
We are only able to transport students to their home school based on the home address.
Students in grades 9 through 12 who live within a two air mile radius from the school are NOT eligible for transport.
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE at LUHSD.net. Select Departments then Transportation Services or https://www.luhsd.net/departments/transportation-services/welcome or use the QR code.
BUS PASSES MUST BE SIGNED FOR AND PICKED UP AT 19 OAK STREET, BRENTWOOD, CA
To avoid disqualification, do NOT submit applications before the dates shown above.
Applications submitted early WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. You will need to reapply once the 2026–27 applications are online.
Photo by Adobe Stock
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This can be followed by confusion, euphoria, along with a sudden loss of consciousness, which could lead to seizures.
Other symptoms include hot, red, dry, or damp skin, a fast, strong pulse, and nausea. Additionally, a person suffering heat stroke may experience hallucinations, be combative, or become comatose. Due to its severity, an individual suffering from heat stroke should receive medical attention immediately, and should be cooled as quickly as possible to bring the core body temperature to 102 degrees or below. Blood volume and electrolytes should also be replaced. If heat stroke goes untreated, it can result in permanent neurological damage or death. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are caused by the body’s inability to cool itself.
The CDC notes that anyone experiencing these or other abnormal symptoms on hot days is urged to immediately move to a cool place and seek medical help, and if individuals suspect they or someone in their presence is experiencing heat stroke should call 911 immediately. If heat exhaustion is suspected, seek immediate medical help if a person is vomiting, experiencing symptoms that are worsening or sticking around for one hour or longer.
Who is most susceptible to heat stroke? “Youth and the elderly, especially with chronic medical conditions, and those who are taking certain medications like furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide,” Barra said.
Prevention
The CDC reports that water will almost always help people remain hydrated,
even when they’re working in the heat. Other preventative measures, according to Healthline.com, include:
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes.
• Spend less time spent outdoors during very hot weather.
• While outside in hot weather, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, lightcolored clothing.
• Install air conditioners or use fans when indoors in hot weather.
• Avoid exercising and other types of strenuous or extreme physical activity outdoors.
• Additionally, one should never leave a child, animal, or adult in an enclosed hot space like a car or windowless room that isn’t air-conditioned.
Food also plays a vital role in preventing heat illness, with the CDC noting eating regular meals can help to replace the salt lost through sweat. The CDC notes that it is also important to avoid energy drinks and alcohol during hot days, as many energy drinks contain more caffeine than standard servings of coffee, tea and soft drinks. This excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to dehydration. Additionally, the CDC reports that consuming alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can also increase the risk of heat-related conditions.
For more details on heat-related conditions, visit cdc.gov or Healthline.com.
Editor’s note: Material from Metro Creative was used in this story. Heat from page 5
Oakley to be featured on KTVU’s Zip Trips May 29
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
Oakley has been selected to be on KTVU’s live broadcast spotlight series Zip Trips on May 29 and will highlight Brownstone Gardens, 91 Brownstone Road.
The show can be viewed live on KTVU Fox 2 or streamed via Fox Local San Francisco.
“It is a great opportunity to showcase our great city, businesses, and wonderful people that live and work here,” said Oakley Mayor Hugh Henderson, who will be in attendance.
This year’s Zip Trips theme features “Kicking & Streaming” content, merging local features with the FIFA World Cup. A video on the theme from KTVU can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3P6JC3z
“I’m excited for Oakley to get highlighted and for people to see the local parks, fishing community, Freedom High School’s state champion STUNT team, local restaurants, and businesses,” Brownstone Gardens owner Raveen Bains said.
Trips on May 29. “It
businesses, and wonderful people that live and work here,” said Oakley Mayor Hugh Henderson.
“It’s great seeing Oakley receive this kind of recognition and positive spotlight for the community.”
Bains added that residents and local businesses can get involved by contacting KTVU directly as they continue planning
and coordinating the Zip Trip.
“From my understanding, Oakley residents helped the city get selected through KTVU’s viewer poll, which says a lot about the pride people have in this community,” Bains said regarding how
Delta Dog Camp
the decision was made.
KTVU did not respond to a query about how they chose to include Oakley on their list of Bay Area cities they are visiting this summer. But their website said viewers can vote on where the trips go and businesses can lobby the station.
Residents can nominate a city at https://www.ktvu.com/ziptripspoll and through their survey at https://www.ktvu. com/zip-trips-survey
The exact location of where the anchors will be has not been made public.
“Our understanding is that partners, including Brownstone Gardens, are requested not to publicly share the location in advance as KTVU anticipates high public turnout,” Oakley Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro said.
To view a video from @theoakleychamber on Instagram of KTVU’s Zip Trip coming to Oakley, visit https://bit. ly/4uk6Wdi
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Community Education Minute with
Natalie Hannum
Do you have a passion project or hobby that you would like to share with others? If so, Los Medanos College’s Community Education Program is accepting course proposals for fall 2026, and we encourage YOU to submit a proposal on topics that YOU think are of interest in the community. Our audience is asking for courses in local history, political science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, as well as arts, crafts, travel, leisure, and more. LMC’s Community Education Courses are short courses that last one or two sessions and are taught in twohour blocks. These are offered in person at LMC’s Brentwood Center at 1351 Pioneer Square.
LMC’s Community Education is a place to meet people, connect, and share thoughts, ideas and talents. If you have an interest or hobby, chances are there are others who would love to learn about that interest or hobby with you. To propose a course, follow this link to the LMC Community Education website: www.losmedanos.edu/communityed/ lectureprop.aspx and complete the form. Once submitted, your proposal will be reviewed, and you will be contacted regarding the next steps.
If you have questions, please email or call Natalie Hannum at nhannum631@losmedanos.edu or 925-473-7397.
Brentwood planners shed light on their process
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
With no projects to discuss, the Brentwood Planning Commission used their May 19 meeting to touch base with city staff while also explaining to the public how the application review process works for most projects.
“I thought people might see this and go, ‘Doesn’t the Planning Commission already know all this stuff,’” explained Vice Chairperson Rod Flohr, who had been the one to request the topic be discussed. “I did want to clarify to the public and for anyone who is curious why the Planning Commission sometimes doesn’t agree with the staff recommendation.”
Flohr explained that agenda items up for discussion at city meetings often include a recommendation from city staff on what staff feels is the best course of action to take, but noted that governing bodies like the Planning Commission and City Council are not obligated to follow those recommendations if they disagree with them. Flor recalled previous election cycles for City Council when those running for office had campaigned on the idea that city staff are the experts and that some candidates had pledged to follow staff’s recommendations blindly.
“Anyone who says that doesn’t understand how this all works,” he said, underscoring the importance of being able to discuss topics with both staff and the other commissioners when trying to reach a decision.
The discussion also provided Planning Manager Erik Nolthenius with the opportunity to show the level of detail
that staff puts into agenda items requested by the city government. Flohr explained that city staff often deliver the relevant information for an agenda item to the Planning Commission as early as Thursdays to give the planners ample time to review them ahead of their Tuesday meetings.
“We take a very conservative approach with these applications and endeavor to turn over every possible stone,” Nolthenius explained of the application review process. “That’s not to say that we don’t miss things on occasion or that we maybe have a different interpretation [of city standards] than the Commission does.”
Flohr followed up by asking Nolthenius if he and staff feel that the commissioners are “out of line” when they choose to not follow staff recommendations on agenda items. Nolthenius said that he did not feel that way and said that staff uses these disagreements as “an opportunity” to get more in sync with the Planning Commission’s interpretation of city standards.
The discussion touched on a number of other topics -– challenges presented by projects that are required by state law, such as housing density requirements, as well as encouraging the public to understand that city staff are intended to be a resource for residents with questions or concerns — before ending with the Commission thanking Nolthenius and city staff for helping to make the process more transparent for residents and potential future planning commissioners to understand.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/49FRYpG
To comment, visit www.thepress.net
welcoming environment where residents can truly thrive. Families choose Quail Lodge because they know their loved ones are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness every single day. We are not just caring for residents, we are caring for family.
Brentwood Rotary Club announces Youth Community Service Award winners
The Brentwood Rotary Club has announced the recipients of the 2025-2026 Youth Community Service Award.
This award is designed to promote social responsibility and service learning in our community while teaching the core value of the Rotary motto, service above self, at an early age, the club said in a press release.
Sixth- through eighth-grade students in Brentwood and Byron were eligible to participate in this voluntary program. Students were required to complete at least 15 confirmed hours of volunteer service during the school year to be eligible for recognition.
The students who earned this recognition will be honored with a special Rotary pin and certificate. The Brentwood Rotary is proud of the 126 11- to 14-yearolds who donated hundreds of hours in service of others.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Brentwood, visit https:// brentwoodrotaryclub.com/
A gift of positivity and resilience for the Brentwood Senior Center from the Discovery Bay Garden Club
The Discovery Bay Garden Club donated 96 Kalanchoe plants to the Mount Diablo Meals on Wheels program at the Brentwood Senior Center on May 1. This annual Flowers for Friends philanthropy project was led by Geraldine Stanton, who chose that plant because in some cultures, the Kalanchoe plant represents positivity, resilience and the ability to thrive with minimal care, the club said in a press release. Thank you to Perez Nursery and Landscaping in Brentwood for providing the plants at a discounted price, and to the Senior Center staff for their cooperation.
Submitted photos
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Letters to the editor
Eaton cares ‘for the betterment of each student’
Editor:
I have watched Dana Eaton Ed.D from the time he first began his administrative roles at his school sites in Brentwood two decades ago.
What consistently stood out to me was as he advanced professionally, was his genuine caring for the betterment of each student, parent, teaching staff, and the community as a whole remained his focus – and not adding lines onto a resume.
His dedication and sincerity to his professional roles are simply bold footnotes to his character. I can best summarize my endorsement very simply: I would be thrilled to know Dana was serving as Superintendent of Contra Costa Schools where my grandkids are being educated.
Contra Costa County schools need Dana Eaton’s support. I know Dana would appreciate yours.
Kevin King Co-President, Brentwood Regional Community Chest
Sober driving protects everyone’s freedom
Editor:
America’s rich history shines for its 250th birthday on July 4. Events and holidays, like Memorial Day, prepare us. For instance there is the USA Birthday Boat Parade on June 27 at Discovery Bay.
When I was 16 in 1992, my life changed when a drunken driver hit me. Freedom and driving laws are linked to ensure public safety.
In 2024, California made 1,336 DUI arrests during their Fourth of July law enforcement period. They made 1,311 DUI arrests during the same
Sober driving protects everyone’s freedom. There is no legal “freedom” to drive drunk. Don’t enjoy America’s 250th birthday behind bars, in the hospital or dead.
Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.
A day of remembrance, not of celebration
If you see someone driving erratically on any road, like Highway 4, notify the law enforcement immediately. They will stop that driver.
Follow laws to stay true to the country we call home.
Lori Martin Tracy
County ignores the middle class while serving labor unions
Editor:
Contra Costa Measure B is misleading. At the March 3 Board of Supervisors meeting, the county corrected the true amount of HR1 funding cuts, yet submitted the wrong figure to the Elections Department. Case N26-0456, the court ordered corrections to their argument in the voter manual for violating election law. The measure is currently illegal because AB1768 is not law. HR1 cuts don’t take effect until October 2027. President Trump’s term expires in two years and yet they’re requesting a five-year tax.
The county is reallocating Measure X (identical to B) surplus on items not identified at the time it was voted in.
Supervisor John Gioia falsely claims an AAA credit rating. Moody’s rates Contra Costa County Aa1, one notch below Aaa, since 2021.
The county ignores the middle class while serving labor unions who profit at opposite ends of the financial spectrum. This is precisely why there is an active campaign to recall Supervisor Diane Burgis.
Tracy Kasamoto Brentwood
LETTERS POLICY
The Press invites your comments. Letters must be no longer than 325 words and include name, address and phone number for confirmation.
The Press reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, potential libel and taste, or to not print letters we feel violate our standards of acceptance.
Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.
Email your opinion letter to editor@brentwoodpress.com.
Guest comment
“On this Memorial Day, we pause from our busy lives to honor the men and women who gave everything so that we could live in freedom. This is not a day of celebration, but a day of remembrance — a day to reflect on the cost of the liberties we often take for granted. Across the generations, from the fields of Gettysburg to the beaches of Normandy, from the mountains of Korea to the jungles of Vietnam, from the sands of the Middle East to the skies above every corner of the world, American servicemembers have stood watch so that our nation could remain free. Many never returned home. Their stories ended on distant soil, but their legacy lives on here — in our towns, our families, and our way of life.
Memorial Day carries a deeply personal meaning. I think of the comrades I served with in Vietnam — men who fought bravely on Nui Ba Den, in the Mekong Delta, around Hue and Da Nang, in Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, and Dau Tieng. Some of them were barely more than boys, yet they carried themselves with courage far beyond their years. More than 58,000 of our brothers and sisters never made it home. Their names are etched in stone on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but they are also etched in the hearts of those of us who stood beside them.
I remember their faces. Their humor. Their grit. Their determination to watch out for one another. They deserved long lives, families, and futures, but instead, they gave their last full measure so that others could live free. Today, I hold their names in my heart, and I honor them with every breath I take.
And as we honor the fallen of Vietnam, we also remember those who came before us. Those who raised the flag on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. Those who fought through the Philippines to liberate a nation. And those like my uncle, who fought at Anzio in World War II — a brutal
campaign where courage was the only currency that mattered. He earned a Bronze Star and a battlefield commission, not because he sought recognition, but because he rose to the moment when his country needed him most.
These stories — from Iwo Jima to Anzio, from the Philippines to Vietnam — are threads in the same American fabric. They remind us that freedom is not an inheritance; it is a responsibility. It is paid for by the courage of those who stepped forward when their country called, knowing full well the risks, yet choosing to serve anyway.
Today, we also honor the families who carry the weight of that sacrifice. The parents who received a folded flag instead of a homecoming hug. The spouses who faced an empty chair at the dinner table. The children who grew up with stories instead of memories. Their strength, resilience, and love are part of the fabric of this nation.
As we reflect on the peace and safety that others secured for us, we owe them more than gratitude — we owe them purpose. The best way to honor the fallen is not only to remember their names, but to live in a way that reflects the values they died defending: unity, courage, compassion, and a belief in something greater than ourselves.
So today, let us take a moment of silence not out of obligation, but out of respect. Let us speak the names of those we’ve lost. Let us share their stories with the next generation. And let us commit ourselves to being worthy of the freedoms we enjoy.
May we never forget the cost of that freedom. May we honor the fallen not just with our words, but with our actions. And may their legacy continue to guide this nation toward a future worthy of their sacrifice.”
William A. Carpenter Oakley
Editor’s note: The author served 21 years in the U.S. Army, and later with the Coast Guard and the Navy.
Six Liberty senior athletes sign letters of intent
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Just two weeks before they walk the grand stage at their graduation ceremony, six Liberty senior athletes signed their letters of intent to compete in their sport in college.
Liberty softball’s Madison Tuttle (UNLV) and Hailey Graham (Briar Cliff University), Liberty wrestling’s Rosa Diaz (Western Colorado University) and Jacob Livermore (Menlo College), Liberty girls soccer’s Jada Hart (Dominican University) and Liberty STUNT’s Justice Certeza (University of the Pacific in Stockton) all signed their letters of intent in front of friends, family, and the Liberty student body inside the Ghigerri gymnasium during Wednesday’s lunch period.
“This is the perfect way to end my senior year,” Diaz said. “I went through a lot of struggles with wrestling and I think it was really nice to just accomplish my goals statewise and everything. To continue to get to grow in college was a dream of mine, and being able to accomplish that feels really good.”
Diaz and Livermore won their respective North Coast Section titles in their final season in Liberty singlets. Diaz finished fifth in the CIF State tournament in late Febru-
ary while Livermore fell in the Round of 16 in the boys consolation bracket, according to FloWrestling.
“This seems like a pretty accomplished feeling,” Livermore said of his signing day. “I feel ready to go to the next level, and it feels like all my hard work has paid off.”
Liberty soccer’s Jada Hart takes her talents nearby and stays local, signing with Dominican University in San Rafael.
“I like how close Dominican University is,” Hart said. “I also like the coaching and the team itself. It feels like a family. They’re
Liberty girls soccer senior Jada Hart signs her letter of intent to play for Dominican University next season. Hart was one of six who signed their letters of intent Wednesday afternoon at Liberty High School.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
fun and I just really liked it over there.”
Hart stepped up her game immensely since transferring from Freedom and joining Liberty’s attacking front. Of her 21 career goals as a Lion in her two seasons, 15 came in the Lions’ Bay Valley Athletic League title-winning season last winter. She credits her hard work through both training and club soccer to her success at Liberty,
“It has been a challenge,” she said. “My year looked pretty online, but in the background it was hard. But I made it through and I pushed through. I think those are the most
memorable moments of all of it, is me working hard even through all of the challenges.”
The Liberty softball duo of Graham and Tuttle take their talents from the plate in Brentwood to Briar Cliff and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, respectively. Tuttle, a key component of the Lady Lions threestraight BVAL league titles and last year’s NCS title run, joins teammate Kelsie Skaggs with the Rebels’ softball program after Skaggs signed her letter of intent earlier this year. Graham saved her best season for her last, hitting .378 in a career-most 18 games this season with 14 RBI and a home run.
Lastly, Liberty STUNT’s Justice Certeza finds her way just east of Brentwood at the University of Pacific in Stockton, where she’ll continue her STUNT career at the Division I level.
“Throughout my high school years, I was given four years of new opportunities and University of Pacific was closer to my home,” she said in her decision to go to college nearby. “It had better outcomes for my future not only as an athlete, but as an adult myself. …Seeing all my friends and family here, it made me feel really supported.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Liberty softball gets unexpected playoff spark
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Liberty softball features one of the more powerful lineups in the Bay Area, when they are healthy and when they’re in their rhythm at the plate. It features seven Division I college-bound players (five seniors, two juniors).
However, the team’s spark through the second half of the season and as the playoffs get underway hasn’t come from the experienced, highly touted players in the lineup.
To open the team’s playoff run, the spark came from the bottom of the lineup.
On Tuesday, sophomore Kelsey Krings hit her first career postseason home run, sending the Carondelet left fielder into the fence, breaking a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth, and giving Liberty a 2-0 lead at the time.
In the top half of the inning, just before her home run, she had a diving catch in left field for an out with runners on base to keep the game scoreless.
“I walked up there and was like ‘It’d be really nice if I just hit a home run right now,’” Krings said. “We both had no runs and it was just a moment where I felt like I really needed to do something. It was a really good pitch and I just hit it and it went over.”
The home run was Krings’ second-career varsity home run, with her first coming in the team’s win at Pittsburg on May 5.
“I’m so happy for her,” Liberty head softball coach Brandi Macias said. “That kid’s worked so hard day in and day out. Right before her at bat I told her to just stay hot and have some fun in there. She had a smile ear to ear and went in there and just took care of business. … It’s a memory she’s probably never going to forget in a playoff game. To come in as a first-year varsity Kelsey Krings, who played sparingly in the first half of the season while her twin sister, Hailey, start-
ed the season in right field. Hailey Krings went down with a broken finger in the Livermore Stampede tournament in early April and Kelsey stepped into the lineup.
Kelsey isn’t a natural outfielder.
“She’s actually a middle infielder,” Macias said. “When her sister went down with the broken finger, I asked her if she can play outfield. There was not even a hesitation, and she’s been starting for us in left field. I think with that, she’s gained some confidence at the plate.”
“I’ve never really played outfield before,” Kelsey Krings said. “When (Hailey) got injured it was definitely a new area I needed to work on. She helped me understand the position better when I had questions.”
Kelsey went hitless (0-1) in her first start in the team’s
final game of the Livermore Stampede against Casa Grande in the team’s come-from-behind win over the Gauchos.
Since then, she’s gone hitless just once, is riding a fivegame hit streak entering the team’s quarterfinal game at Livermore on Friday, and has a hit in six of the last seven games. She has also not struck out in her last five games as well, with her last strikeout coming in the team’s loss at St. Francis on April 22, which is also her last hitless game.
For Kelsey, her confidence continues to grow as does her success at the plate.
“As of right now, my confidence is pretty high,” she said. “I went into the season with not a lot [of confidence] and I think one of the biggest things that contributed to getting it back was when I started to play outfield. … Being in a lineup like this is a great experience. We’re such a good team and being able to play with all these girls is such a blessing. I have so much fun and have learned so much.”
“Kelsey has grown so much from day one,” Macias said. “She came in as a sophomore [this season] and her presence was more timid, unsure, and nervous. I know she wanted to prove her worth to her team and coaches. It wasn’t until I reassured her that she was here for a reason and that I wouldn’t have picked her up if I didn’t feel that she would be a contributor to this program.”
Kelsey’s production at the bottom of the lineup has been a huge boost for the Lady Lions as well as the team continues their postseason run without everyday junior leadoff hitter and outfielder Taylor Jennings, who’s been out the last two weeks with an injury suffered in the team’s win over Pittsburg on May 7. That forced Macias to shuffle her lineup a bit.
“[Kelsey Krings] being a strength in the bottom of the lineup is an asset,” Macias said. “It allows us to be strong one through nine.”
Liberty’s Kelsey Krings runs to home plate after hitting a home run in the Lady Lions North Coast Section Division I softball playoff game against Carondelet Tuesday afternoon in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
to De La Salle
By Raymond Beasley V Correspondent
In the bottom of the fifth inning of Heritage’s 11-10 North Coast Section Division I baseball playoff loss at topseed De La Salle, Heritage catcher Tyler Williams caught a ball thrown from third base to home plate before reaching out to tag the Spartans Brandon Vargas to complete the play at home.
From the Heritage dugout, the players thought he was out by a mile, even the fans. Heritage’s dugout was in an uproar, including Heritage assistant coach Greg Gonzalez, who argued the call with the home umpire. Nevertheless, the call stood, and head coach Kevin Brannan urged his team to move on. What he didn’t expect was that one call would become crucial in the end.
“I think the one that hurt the most was the call at the plate,” Brannan said. “That’s the way baseball is. You get some, you don’t get some calls.”
Despite the one-run loss against one of the highly-ranked teams in the state, Heritage showed their resilience. Brannan mentioned that it’s been a characteristic that has personified his team on the road the entire season.
top of the seventh inning, Heritage rallied with six runs to tie the game highlighted by RBI-singles from second baseman Aidan Rangal and shortstop Ryder Walker, along with a two-RBI double from Williams to tie the game at 10 with two outs in the inning.
Heritage, however, did not have enough to break the tie and they gave De La Salle another chance to win.
The Spartans made them pay.
De La Salle reached base with walks by Nash Beckman, then Jacob Gray. Beckman stole second before Gray walked. Austin Grove’s RBI single with the bases loaded two at-bats later sealed the win for the Spartans.
Heritage’s JZ McArthur went 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBI in the loss, and Logan Nelson went 2-for4 in the loss with a home run in the top of the fourth inning that kept Heritage in the game, down 5-3 at the time. Both Ryder Walker and Austin Kralj had a pair of hits and an RBI each.
“I don’t think anyone expected to put a six-spot on [the scoreboard], but I think hitting is very contagious,” Brannan said. “We caught the bug there in that last inning, and it was good to see that there wasn’t any quit in us.”
After falling behind 10-4 in the
After clinching their 11th overall Bay Valley Athletic League title last week following their sweep over Antioch, they made the most of the matchup against top-seeded De La Salle despite entering the postseason as the 16th and final seed. And, as expected on the road this season as Brannan mentioned, they went out swinging.
McArthur credits the team’s underdog mentality for the season that was.
“We weren’t expected to win [the] BVAL this year. We were very doubted against, very voted against, and we just came out here to prove somebody different,” McArthur said.
Heritage’s Tyler Williams tries to tag out De La Salle’s Brandon Vargas at home plate in the bottom of the fifth inning in the Patriots’ North Coast Section playoff baseball game Tuesday afternoon in Concord.
Photo courtesy Al Wilright
Liberty alum wins 100-yard breaststroke at state swimming and diving championships
Liberty High graduate Samantha Fehr, now a sophomore at Las Positas College, won the women’s 100-yard breaststroke title at the 3C2A Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving State Championships at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa this month.
Fehr prevailed in a time of 1 minute, 04.09 seconds, edging out runnerup Analiese Duncan of Orange Coast by eight one-hundredths of a second.
Fehr was also a close second behind Duncan in the 200 breaststroke. Fehr helped Las Positas to take sixth place in the women’s team standings.
Fehr called it a “pretty good meet.”
“I definitely saw good outcomes from all the work that I put in throughout the season,” Fehr said. “My goal was to drop a little more time than I did, but I did drop time overall. So I’m happy with that. In swimming milliseconds might not seem like a lot, but in the world of swimming they are.”
Fehr is weighing offers from NCAA Division I swim programs and looking to pursue a biology degree. She swam for three years in high school and played water polo, but did not intend to compete after graduation.
“It wasn’t very high on my list of priorities for schools that I applied to out of high school,” she said. “Going to Las Positas was a very last-minute decision. My high school coach (Cindi Coats) knows (Las Positas) coach (Jason) Craighead. She’s like, ‘He’s a great coach. Just join the team. You’ll have fun.”
She made big strides last year as a Hawks freshman when she took the sport more seriously and joined a club team for the first time. Usually, elite swimmers start club swimming before high school.
“I would say I had a good swimming experience in high school, which made me fall in love with the sport,” Fehr said. “I’d say that’s how it set me up for where I am now.”
She gives Craighead high marks as a coach. “I love his training. He’s very good at communicating with his athletes,” she said. “He’s definitely had a good impact.”
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.
This Week’s Events
Friday, May 22
Heritage High School Improv Show
The Improv Team will make up the whole evening up on the spot—characters, song lyrics, situations, and whole scenes starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at https:// hhsrisingstars.seatyourself.biz/
Saturday, May 23
Ace Hometown Days Memorial Day Event
ACE hardware in Brentwood at 8900 Brentwood Blvd. will present a variety of family activities from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Included are barbecue samplers, face painting, raffles, live DJ entertainment, fresh corn, a visit from a Con Fire firetruck and a snow cone vendor. The event is free. For details, visit https://acebrentwood.com
Sunday, May 24
Bags and Brews 2026 Cornhole Tournament
A community celebration bringing together friendly competition, local spirit, and a meaningful tribute in honor of Memorial Day weekend. Check-in at 241 Oak St. (in front of the Bank of America building) at 10:30 a.m., Memorial Day remember and honor ceremony is at noon, and bags fly at 1 p.m. The event is free, but registration is $120 per team of 2 to play. For details, visit https://downtownbrentwood.com/event/bags-and-brews-2026/
On the Horizon
Saturday, May 30
Free Annual Health Fair
A free health fair will be at the Delta Bay Community Church at 1020 E. Tregallas Road in Antioch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors include Rehab Doctor Presentation, healthcare supplies, workshops, a hip-hop step class, medical professionals will answer questions, perform blood pressure and blood sugar checks, and there will be a jumper for the kids. For more information, call (925) 238-9792.
Broadway, Baby! – Brentwood Community Chorus
The Brentwood Community Chorus presents Broadway, Baby! from 2-4 p.m. at Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Ave., in a family-friendly concert celebrating the music, stories, and moments of musical theatre –Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Hamilton, Wicked, Les Misérables, and more, this high-energy performance brings beloved Broadway favorites to life with local singers. Raffle tickets and concessions will be available for purchase in the lobby. Tickets are $20, and are available at www.brentwoodcommunitychorus.org/ events/broadway-baby.
Sunday, May 31
Tales, Toppers & Treats
Three of the Bay Area’s most compelling authors: Alka Joshi, the internationally known
bestselling author; Meg Donohue, a USA Today best-selling author; and Audrey Lee, a bestselling debut author will speak from 2-4:30 p.m. at a fundraiser at Club Los Meganos at 1700 Trilogy Parkway, Brentwood. Tickets are $45 and available at https://www.eventbrite.com. This fundraiser is organized by the Friends of the Brentwood Library to benefit programs at the library. Desserts will be served and there will be a no-host bar. For details, visit http:// www.fobl.org. For details on the authors, visit www.alkajoshi.com, www.megdonohue.com and www.audeeauthor.comreyl.
Saturday, June 20
Miles for Mayo 5K run/walk
This fundraiser starts at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park in Brentwood, 3841 Balfour Road. The Miles For Mayo 5K is a timed, family-friendly event focused on commemorating the life of Matías “Mayo” Rogers and helping others find inspiration through running. All proceeds support local high schools and the Delta Limitless youth running program. Matías passed away at the age of 16 on June 16, 2021 in a car accident. All participants receive a T-shirt, wristband and participant medals. For details and to register, visit milesformayo.org.
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.
East County Rotary Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Club Los Meganos Event Center at 1700 Trilogy Parkway in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.brentwoodrotaryclub.com.
Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit www.rotaryclubofoakley.com.
Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/antiochrotaryclub.
The Rotary Club of the Delta: The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on
Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org.
East County Lions Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/.
Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd.
Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions. com/who-we-are/meetings/.
Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/. Soroptimists of the Delta Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For more information, call Sonia at 415-7170294 or visit siofthedelta.com.
Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting
The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-3381775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https://www.mcl1155.org/.
Widow and Widower Grief Support Group
A widow and widower grief support group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. A monthly pot luck and happy hour are also available. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Connie Cononen at 925-392-9037.
Coffee with Carolyn Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported by The Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection of Byron. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The location is at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden behind the Byron United Methodist Church (14671 Byron Highway in Byron). For
more information, contact Carolyn George at 925-577-3325.
4-H Clubs
Oakley: The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. For location information, email Amanda at oakley@contracosta.org.
Knightsen: Knightsen 4H meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Knightsen Elementary School at 1923 Delta Road. Open to boys and girls ages 5-19 as well. For details, contact Rosa Sherwood or Maria Jehn at knightsen4h@gmail.com.
Brentwood: The club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month with dinner at 6:30, and meeting at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. They meet at the Knightsen Farm Bureau Hall at 3020 2nd St. in Knightsen. For further details, email Angela at brentwood@contracosta4h.org.
Caring Haven Free Dementia Respite Program – Now Enrolling
Beginning August 11, Caring Haven is offering a free, grant-funded respite care program for individuals living with dementia. The program provides a safe, engaging space for participants while giving family caregivers a much-needed break.
Current Locations and Times:
Antioch: Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at The Lemon Tree, 514 W. 2nd Street
Concord: Tuesdays, noon-4 p.m. at Rainbow Community Center (LGBTQIA+ affirming), 2380 Salvio Street, Suite 301
Antioch: Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. at Bedford Center, 1811 C Street
Each session includes dementia-friendly activities, individually packaged meals, and trained staff on site. Additional limited 1:1 in-home respite is also available, and their nonprofit arm, Caregiver OneCall, offers 24/7 caregiver support. More sites to be added soon. Call 925-331-0590 to enroll or learn more. Website: www.caringhavenhomecare.com
Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting
Al-Anon meetings, which offer a supportive place for friends and families of alcoholics, are held every Friday from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Brentwood United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There is no need to register. For details, call Trisha at 510-910-1389.
Open Mic Poetry Night
Hosted by the City of Brentwood’s Poet Laureate, Maria Denney, the free event takes place every second Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Participants can join in-person at 331 Pine Street in Brentwood, or join virtually via Zoom. All are invited to come listen, read or share their talent. All levels are welcome. Contact Recreation Supervisor Lindsay Pinell for the Zoom link at 925-5165117 or lpinell@brentwoodca.gov. For more information visit www.brentwoodca.gov/ government/parks-recreation/public-art/ poet-laureate.
GARDEN PROFESSIONALS
News iN Brief
The Patriots Jet Team Foundation awards college scholarships
The Patriots Jet Team Foundation (PJTF) based at the Byron Airport, has awarded its 2026 College Engineering Scholarships, totaling $25,000, to Heritage High students.
Among the recipients are: Amara Espinosa of Heritage (Stanford), Erica Ho of Heritage (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and Anthony Ramirez of Heritage (California Baptist).
These are one-time $5,000 scholarship awards, according to a foundation press release. All are members of the high school robotics teams that the foundation supports with PJTF STEM grants.
Beyond academic and extracurricular achievements, the foundation looks for students who have a keen interest in engineering, a collaborative spirit, strong character, and enjoy giving back to the community, the press release stated.
State parks offers free admission to veterans, active duty and reserve military members on Memorial Day
California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans and active duty and reserve military members by offering free admission to 145 participating state parks on Memorial Day – Monday, May 25. The full list of participating parks can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2026, according to a press release from the California State Parks.
Veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel must show a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct, to receive free admission.
Mattress Recycling Council’s
‘Bye Bye Mattress’
program adds two locations
Residents and businesses can now recycle their unwanted mattresses and box springs with the Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program for free at two new sites in Contra Costa County.
1-800 Got Junk Concord, 1038 Shary Circle Unit 7, accepts up to four units for drop-off for residents only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Residential curbside pick-up is also available.
Habitat for Humanity Concord, 2080 Diamond Boulevard, accepts up to five units for drop-off without an appointment for residents and businesses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. More than five units can be dropped off with an appointment with 48 hours advance notice.
Continuing: West County Resource Recovery, 101 Pittsburg Ave., Richmond, accepts up to three units per household per month for drop-off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The site is closed for lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.
The program’s recyclers have diverted 555 million pounds of steel, foam, fiber and wood from landfills since 2016. These valuable materials are used to create new products such as construction rebar, carpet padding, insulation, mulch or biomass fuel, the group said in a press release.
In addition to these options, mattress shoppers can use their retailer to pick up their old mattress. State law requires any retailer that delivers a new mattress to also offer to pick up an old one at no additional cost. Many retailers choose to recycle the mattresses they collect from customers through MRC. Whether shopping in-store or online, California consumers should ask their retailer about their take-back service.
MRC is a nonprofit organization that operates statewide recycling programs in California and three other states that have passed mattress recycling laws.
MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program is funded through a state-approved recycling fee that is collected on each mattress or box spring purchased by Californians.
Supervisors adopt fiscal year 2026-2027 budget of $7.2 billion
Supervisors approved a $7.248 billion Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County and Special Districts Budget during its regular meeting on May 19.
The budget is balanced using a combination of ongoing revenues and onetime departmental funds, as departments respond to increasing costs and evolving policy changes, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office said in a press release.
The upcoming fiscal year is expected to be significantly affected by state and federal policy changes, including H.R. 1, which will reduce funding and tighten eligibility for safety-net programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh. These changes are likely to increase demand for County services while reducing outside funding support.
Contra Costa County’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments are among the most affected and will rely on one-time fund balances to maintain services in the near term. Approximately 53 percent of the County’s budget is funded by state and federal sources.
While balanced for the coming fiscal year, the budget reflects ongoing fiscal pressures, including:
• Uncertainty in federal and state funding and implementation of H.R. 1
• Rising labor and operational costs
• Slower growth in local revenues.
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ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner
Amanda Dubinskiy filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
Present Name:
a. Amanda Dubinskiy
b. AKA Amanda Katherine Dubinskiy to Proposed Name: Amanda Katherine Forrester
2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date:
8/5/2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30
b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: May 7, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
96863 Publish Dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Tasha Johnson SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553
PETITION OF: Tasha L. Johnson CASE NUMBER: N26—0649 TO ALL INTER-
ESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Tasha L. Johnson filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
Present Name:
a. Tasha L. Johnson
b. AKA Tasha Ann Johnson
c. AKA Tasha Lynn Johnson to Proposed Name: Amirah Habukkuk
2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a.
Date: 7/20/2026 Time: 9:00 a.m.
Dept.: 30 Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a.
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: April 15, 2026
Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96870 Publish Dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2026-0002226 The name of the business(es): Piece By Piece Jewelry Located at: 642 Bynum Ct In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Rafael Ayala. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Rafael Ayala, Individual. This statement was
filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 22, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 4/21/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96812 Publish dates: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2026-0002345 The name of the business(es): Powers Trailer Rental LLC Located at: 1505 Fontes Way In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Powers Trailer Rental LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Randolf Powers, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 29, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 4/28/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96836 Publish dates: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026.
NOTICE OF LIEN SALE
Live Oak Storage, 1315 Main Street Oakley, CA 94561, has a possessory lien on all goods stored in the prospective units below. #979 & #113 Michael Shaw, #703 Larry Nalls, #900 & #913 Cassie Cavanaugh, #75 Granville Dunlevy. The goods are described as furniture, tools and miscellaneous personal property items being sold pursuant to the assertion of the lien on June 4th, 2026 at 9:00am. In order to collect the amounts due from you. The sale will take place at 1315 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 County of Contra Costa, State of California. This lien sale is pursuant to Chapter 10, Sections 21700-21716 of the California Self-Service Storage Facility Act. Auction is to be held by Storage Auction Experts 5860870. The owner reserves the right to bid at the sale. Purchase must be in cash only paid at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to prior cancellation in the event of a settlement between the owner and the obligated party. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96934 Publish Dates: May 22, 29, 2026.
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
T.S. No. 26-00134-QQ-CA Title No. 260028280-CA-VOI APN. 041-200-0358 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 06/11/2021. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check(s) drawn on a state or national bank must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state; will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made in an “as is” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale.
Trustor: Chance H Lawson and Stacey N Lawson, husband and wife Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 06/17/2021 as Instrument No. 20210175712 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Contra Costa County, Califor-
nia. Date of Sale: 07/21/2026 at 9:00
AM Place of Sale: Auction.com Room of the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $638,869.35 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 2181 Kenton Ct, Oakley, CA 94561-4136 A.P.N.: 041-200-035-8
The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale, If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.
The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:
If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien, If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800-2802832 or visit this internet website www. ndscorp.com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 26-00134-QQCA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT*:
You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” you may be able to purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 888-264-4010, or visit this internet website www.ndscorp. com, using the file number assigned to this case 26-00134-QQ-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15
days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE: To the extent that the sale is subject to Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (31 C.F.R. Part 1031), purchaser agrees to provide all required information and further agrees to reimburse trustee for any costs, expenses or fees incurred as a result of the collection of such information *Pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code, the potential rights described herein shall apply only to public auctions taking place on or after January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, unless later extended. Date: 05/11/2026 National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tiffany And Bosco, P.A,, its agent, 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line 800-2802832; Sales Website: www.ndscorp.com Connie Hernandez, Trustee Sales Representative A-4874514 05/22/2026, 05/29/2026, 06/05/2026 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96915 Publish Dates: May 22, 29, June 5, 2026.
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name TORRES 24 CONCRETE PUMP at 1401 Kale Court, Oakley, CA 94561. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in Contra Costa County on 4/5/2024 under File No. F-20240001983 (*1) Rafael Torres, 1401 Kale Ct, Oakley, CA 94561 (**) This business was conducted by: An Individual. Signature: Rafael Torres, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 27, 2026 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96814 Publish dates: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2026-0001774 The name of the business(es): ROOTS & REMEDY HOLISTIC HERBS Located at: N/A In: PITTSBURG, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): RODNEY PAYTON. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: RODNEY PAYTON, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/31/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/30/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2026-0001115 The name of the business(es): Delta Home Buyer Located at: 2510 Monument Blvd In: Concord, CA 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Delta Eagle Group LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Anthony Mignano, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/02/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/01/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2026-0002247 The name of the business(es): J$ Creations Located at: 2300 St Augustine Drive
In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): CHAD MARTIN MILLER. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: CHAD MARTIN MILLER, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/23/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/22/2031
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0002094 The name of the business(es): Legacy Structural Co Located at: 401 33rd St In: Richmond, CA 94804, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Legacy Structural LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: David Christian Sardinha Bernardo, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/16/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/15/2031
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Brian Ray Mote SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Brian Mote, Brian Ray Stane CASE NUMBER: N26--0797 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Brian Ray Mote filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Brian Ray Stane b. AKA Brian Ray Mote to Proposed Name: a. Brian Ray Stane 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 08/07/2026 Time: 9:00 am Dept.: 30 Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: May 08, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DARREN JAMES LABATT, deceased CASE NUMBER P26-00328
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: DARREN JAMES LABATT aka DARREN LABATT aka DARREN J. LABATT, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: CHAO HONG PAN in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: CHAO HONG PAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: JULY 02, 2026 Time: 9:00AM Dept: 30. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA 94553 MARTINEZ-WAKEFIELD
TAYLOR COURTHOUSE If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: ALEXANDER NGUYEN, ESQ. 302 Toyon Avenue, Suite F, #292, San Jose, California 95127 408-382-1913 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 22, 29, June 5, 2026
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: GREGORY JAMES MARTIN, deceased CASE NUMBER P26-00759 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: GREGORY JAMES MARTIN, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: DIANE EILEEN CHILDS - C/O RYAN DARLING, 3697 ARLINGTON AVE., RIVERSIDE, CA 92506, 951-788-2889 in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: DIANE EILEEN CHILDS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: JULY 08, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: 38. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representa-
tive as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: RYAN MICHAEL DARLING, 3697 ARLINGTON AVE., RIVERSIDE, CA 92506, 951-788-2889
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 8, 15, 22, 2026
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: VICTOR ANTHONY MALETIC, deceased CASE NUMBER P25-01877
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: VICTOR ANTHONY MALETIC, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: JASON B. SMITH in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA
The Petition for Probate requests that: JASON B. SMITH be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: JUNE 16, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: 38 WAKEFIELD TAYLOR COURTHOUSE. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: JASON B. SMITH 3620 Shaw Circle, Antioch, CA 94509 (561) 800-9400 ANTIOCH PRESS 06-1617 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 8, 15, 22, 2026
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CIRCULATE RECALL PETITION
TO THE HONORABLE Diane Burgis: Pursuant to Section 11020, California Elections Code, the undersigned registered qualified voters of District 3, Contra Costa County in the State of California, hereby give notice that we are the proponents of a recall petition and that we intend to seek your recall and removal from the office of Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 3, Contra Costa County. The grounds for the recall are as follows: Diane Burgis is criticized for failing to represent all District 3 constituents, leaving many residents feeling excluded and uninformed about key county decisions. She has declined requests to discuss the East County Community Service Center in a town hall and has not corrected or disclosed inaccuracies in county reports, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. She supported a proposed 0.625% Transaction and Use Tax that could exceed the legal limit before enabling legislation was in place. She also failed to disclose that a report on HR1 federal funding cuts overstated projected financial losses, potentially misleading the public. Questions about fiscal oversight have emerged as the East County Community Service Center project’s cost increased from $110–$130 million to $155 million without clear explanation. Additionally, she did not adequately review an environmental declaration containing unsupported conclusions, raising possible CEQA concerns. Her limited engagement with affected residents, including Hispanic community members and local business owners has raised equity concerns, with potential impacts such as displacement and gentrification. She is also accused of breaking commitments to veterans by reappropriating land dedicated in 1921 for their use and converting it into a fire station, removing it from veterans’ control and access. The printed names, signatures, and residence addresses of the proponents are as follows:
from 5 (million) to 6.4 million gallons per day, and used recycled water to irrigate medians, schools, and more than 100 parks and over 240 acres of open space, saving 518 million gallons of fresh drinking water.”
Councilmember Faye Maloney highlighted advances made in law enforcement, and the bridges built between the police department and the community. The police dispatch center handled over 32,000 service calls, with a staffing ratio of one officer per 1,000 residents. Police also benefited from such technologies as the secured license plate reader network and better radio coordination.
“The department remains actively engaged in the community through participation in 55 community events and programs like school resource officers, police explorers, and the community academy,” Maloney said. “They continue to build trust and strengthen relationships across Brentwood.”
Councilmember Jovita Mendoza described Brentwood as “economically strong,”
Duffey from page 1
able to keep a balanced budget and 30 percent reserve, which allows the city to maintain services where other cities cannot. She also highlighted the fact that Brentwood has received numerous awards for responsibility in budgeting and spending.
Councilmember Tony Oerlemans spoke on the improvements and repairs Brentwood has made to its streets, such as the addition of bike lanes.
“We’re building a more connected Brentwood through data-driven planning and regional partnerships,” Oerlemans said, with the names of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Tri Delta Transit, and Union Pacific Railroad on screen. “Major projects, like the widening of Lone Tree Way and north Brentwood Boulevard, will add much-needed vehicle and bike lanes to improve traffic flow. At the same time, our smart signals project is reducing delays, improving emergency response times by synchronizing traffic flow along our busiest corridors.”
Duffey talked about how retail centers
“
were part of a broader probe tied to a corruption investigation of recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. The Oaklandside noted in October, when Duffey departed the city for Brentwood, that Duffey had not been accused of any wrongdoing or charged by federal prosecutors in relation to the corruption investigation.
Among the thousands of messages released that include Johnson, there are messages that show comments between he and Duffey about various female city employees in ways that Lee characterized as degrading.
“Got the old player mesmerized,” a text from Duffey to Johnson reads in reference to an employee identified only as Holly in the exchange.
““I have to force myself to only look in her eyes. She had me a little giddy yesterday when we had to take pics,” Johnson replied.
Oakley from page 1
and fundraising for a new library in the city. The Planning Commission approved both the final design of the library and a variance pertaining to setbacks – gaps between the library and other properties – that would allow the library to be larger than the Downtown Specific Plan would normally allow due to its setback requirements.
The new library and community center will be located next to City Hall and Civic Center Park, facing north toward a redesigned park amphitheatre and bandstand pavilion. It will have large north-facing windows, allowing for large amounts of natural light to illuminate the building, and providing clear views of the park and vegetation outside. The library section will be on the east side, while community spaces and staff areas will be to the west. The library section will have a newly-enlarged area for teenagers, as well as a children’s area with sensory toys donated by the Rotary Club, according to Susi Marzuola of the library design team. The interior materials, such as exposed wood, are meant to give a sense of warmth to the library’s atmosphere, while the exterior materials, such as aluminum in the windows and doors, are selected to ensure longterm durability and ease of maintenance.
According to Marzuola, the library’s design is inspired by the transitional nature of the Delta’s landscape. The open space of the amphitheatre in front of the library
such as the Streets of Brentwood and Lone Tree Plaza were bringing in new businesses, offering more choices to residents and more taxable income for the city, about $1 billion worth. Both national retailers and small businesses are supported by the city. Duffey also mentioned that the city was beginning development on its Innovation Center along Highway 4, a “world-class employment center that is true to our heritage and committed to our future.”
“Our intention is clear: leverage economic development to enhance Brentwood’s ‘live, work, play’ quality of life.”
City events, such as Unified Prom, Juneteenth, Dia de los Muertos, and Holi, were also highlighted. Local residents were interviewed, and praised the city’s numerous parks, including the new sports fields at the Sand Creek Sports Complex. Local veterans also called Brentwood “a great town to be a veteran in” due to strong community support.
“What makes Brentwood special is not just what we build, but how we care for one
Mr. Duffey is in those text messages, and has no business being here after that conduct and his behavior toward women.
”
Resident David Cruz
Other messages between the pair described Assistant City Administrator LaTonda Simmons – who was fired by Johnson last year according to The Oaklandside – as “emotional” while implying she curried favor with men through her femininity.
“You think a black man – I mean a black man, highly educated and very successful -- would fall for LaTonda’s Game,” Duffey wrote in a text to Johnson in reference to an
transitions smoothly into the interior space of the library through the event pavilion and large front windows. Marzuola said that her team took into account cost efficiency and sustainability, integrating those principles into “a design that’s meant to capture the essence of Delta living.”
Capital Improvement Plan infrastructure project review
The Planning Commission adopted a resolution finding that the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, which covers many infrastructure projects, was consistent with the General Plan. Public Works Director Billilee Saengchalern gave a presentation listing specific projects, both completed and upcoming, that were part of the plan.
Currently, they are working on building Enrico Cinquini Park, which is expected
another,” Meyer said. “You see it in the volunteers who serve, the programs that support residents at every stage of life, and the public spaces and events that bring people together. As Brentwood moves forward, we are committed to remaining a city defined by service, belonging, and care.”
The council’s conclusion: “Is Brentwood ready for the future? Yes, we are!”
The video was followed by a Q&A session, during which residents could ask the council and City Manager about happenings in Brentwood. Questions included those about parking enforcement, the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary (which will be an “awesome celebration,” with a parade and extended festivities at an unspecified park, according to Brentwood’s Park and Recreation director E. Harith Aleem), and who will become the next police chief. Many residents also used the opportunity to voice satisfaction at the city’s handling of complaints.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
unnamed city official he characterized as someone he and Johnson felt would be an asset for themselves.
As of press time, Duffey had not replied to requests for comment.
During the May 18 State of the City address held at the Delta Theater, Brentwood residents had already begun to question Duffey’s continued presence as part of city staff.
“I’m shocked that the City Manager is in this theater today,” resident David Cruz said. “He has no business being here. It is very clear from the evidence that came out, that had the Oakland City Manager resign earlier this weekend, Mr. Duffey is in those text messages, and has no business being here after that conduct and his behavior toward women. [He] absolutely should not be part of our city, and he should not be in this room today.”
All of the text messages can be found at https://bit. ly/4uryZaX
This is a map of the proposed Oakley Library and Community Center.
Image courtesy of City of Oakley
to open by next spring so that local children can enjoy its water features; widening East Cypress Road between Knightsen Avenue and Bethel Island Road, which they hope to complete by next summer alongside the bringing underground of a local canal; and getting the permits for the Oakley Library and Community Center.
Saengchalern also listed 13 upcoming projects, many of which were related to traffic signals at intersections (such as at Main Street and Delta Road), street widenings (such as those at O’Hara Avenue near Grapevine Lane and at Main Street north of Laurel Road), or regular maintenance (such as that in the Magnolia Park and Teakwood neighborhoods).
Liquor license at 2603 Main Street La Colmena, a small grocery store
near Twin Oaks senior apartment complex will be at 2603 Main Street. The applicant, Fathi Muflihi, sought at the Planning Commission meeting to obtain a license to sell distilled spirits at the store in addition to beer and wine, despite the presence of other establishments nearby, such as Lucky’s grocery store, that already sell distilled spirits.
The request was not taken well by the seniors who live in the complex, who complained of potential noise, traffic, and homeless people living nearby.
“The people who moved in there have moved in for it to be a quiet place, not a lot of noise,” resident Linda Carter said. “Especially on the north side facing the parking lot, people going to the store will be going through. People who signed papers [to live at Twin Oaks] didn’t realize this would be going in there. For the sake of the peace of the community, they shouldn’t sell alcohol.”
Planning Commissioner Sean Ireland also had concerns about the effects on residents, and wanted strict guardrails, security, and cooperation with the Oakley Police Department. Senior Planner Jose Cortez assured the commission that any liquor license could be revoked if trouble arose, and Muflihi said that his company’s stores had a good track record of safety and working with local law enforcement. Despite this, granting the liquor license was tabled until the July 7 meeting, due to continuing concerns among the commissioners, who wanted staff to evaluate how the store would impact traffic in its area.
