Oakley planning panel wants to change the rules
By Connor Robles Correspondent
Oakley wants to change its rules for zoning and housing.
The Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending that the City Council approve zoning and housing changes to the Oakley Municipal Code at their June 3 meeting.
If the City Council adopts a resolution in turn, the changes will allow for more and higher-density affordable housing, allow the municipal code to establish a formal process for requesting reasonable zoning accommodations, and support special needs housing in accordance with state law.
The recommended changes are divided between three policy actions. The first, policy action 1.1, will modify
Section 9.1.410 of the Oakley Municipal Code. It will make changes to the city’s affordable housing overlay district, which can be layered over an existing district to provide incentives for developers to build affordable housing in those districts. The modifications will allow affordable housing overlay districts to be layered over commercial zones, allowing housing to be built there, though their use will be limited to less than half of the total affordable units in the city’s regional housing needs allocation. More of these affordable housing units can also be built in one area than before, with a density range of 20-30 dwelling units per acre instead of a fixed density of 24 per acre.
The second policy action, num-
see Planning page 22A
Liberty PADA unveils new project
Liberty High School’s PADA program cut the ribbon on their latest student-built sculpture, an addition to last year’s project on Sand Creek Road in Brentwood. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Storage space versus job creation in Brentwood
City planners: change municipal code to limit number of facilities
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
The city of Brentwood is looking to change part of the municipal code to potentially restrict the advent of self-storage facilities as the city continues to grow. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 during their June 3 meeting to recommend that the City Council adopt these changes at a future meeting.
“It makes sense to limit these a little bit,” Chairperson Rod Flohr said. Flohr cited self-storage facilities as “not big job producers” while pointing out that 88% of
the city for work. “We really want to get some jobs in Brentwood.”
The proposed changes to the zoning code would effectively stop any new storage facilities from breaking ground in
Brentwood may soon change its municipal code in a way that would keep new self-storage facilities from being built in the city.
Press file photo
Brentwood. There are six of them in the city and more in surrounding cities such as Oakley.
“Given the scarcity of remaining vacant commercial parcels, self-storage facilities may not be the highest and best
use of the land,” according to the agenda packet for the meeting. Staff recommends continuing to restrict self-storage facilities…It is recommended, however, that the zoning code should be updated to clearly define self-storage facilities to create development standards for new or redeveloped facilities within these zones to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.”
The proposed development standards for facilities include, among other expectations, architectural standards, height restrictions, and perimeter fencing requirements.
Commissioner Gerald Johnson asked Senior Planner Jennfier Hagen if any of the existing storage facilities would be affected by the code changes. She said they
see Storage page 22A
Brentwood residents commute out of
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
YES to the Station NO TO THE LOCATION
Fellow Brentwood Residents,
We encourage you to get informed about the proposed Fire Station 94 and learn more at: www.bvmb.org/post/fire-station-94 We support the station — but not the location. To Our
Here’s why:
• Veterans’ land is under threat: The County is attempting to build on land specifically dedicated to veteran use, while ignoring the Downtown Specific Plan’s design requirements.
• There’s a better alternative: In 2005, the Fire District planned to relocate the station to a Sand Creek site— designed and graded for this purpose. The only reason it wasn’t used then was lack of funding.
• The City tried to help: Recently Brentwood offered to reopen discussions for the Sand Creek site. The Fire District refused, choosing to pursue veteran land instead.
• Fear-based tactics don’t fix poor planning: Don’t be misled by dramatic maps and warnings. The proposed downtown location is outdated and based on past conditions.
• Plan for the future: A Sand Creek station would place all East County fire stations more equidistant, better serving current and future population growth.
• Delays aren’t due to veterans: Brentwood has been without a downtown station for a decade—not because of concerned residents, but due to County and District inaction.
• Together, we can protect our veterans, respect Brentwood’s planning policies, and ensure smart public safety decisions for our city’s future.
• Support the Planning Commission’s denial of the permit for the downtown location.
• Tell the County to MOVE IT to the Sand Creek lot — where it belongs.
• Take Action: Attend the Brentwood City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 7pm.
Liberty student wins high school fishing state championship
Angler qualifies to compete for national championship next month
By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent
Liberty High School student Joseph Curcio, 15, won the 2025 California Bass Federation/ Student Angler Federation High School Fishing State Championship in Stockton on May 10. Curcio launched from Ladd’s Marina with his team consisting of one teammate, Dane Anderson, and one adult driver, Nicholas Fraser. The team, representing the San Joaquin Bassmasters Youth Club, traveled west, up the Delta, to fish in the Antioch-Rio Vista area.
“At first it was slow, the bite was very slow,” Curcio said about the disappointing start to the tournament. “We weren’t really catching nothing. We got one good fish in the box, about a five-pounder.”
However, the team’s luck changed
later in the day Curcio said. “Once the tide changed around 12 o’clock we just started catching them, and we got a 17-pound bag just like that.”
With a fish bag consisting of five live
fish, including the 5.24-pound big fish, combining for a total weight of 17.36 pounds, Curcio finished the tournament in first place and won the championship against 32 other teams.
Curcio’s prize for winning the state championship is eligibility to compete in the Student Angler Association’s 16th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship. The three-day tournament will take place from June 25-28 in Grand Lake at Grove, Okla. The Student Angler Association promises millions of dollars in scholarships and prizes for the top winners of the event.
Curcio began fishing for recreation with his grandfather on weekends. He began competing in bass fishing tournaments about two years ago and said he hopes to make a career of bass fishing.
“There’s a lot more possibilities,” Curcio said about professional bass fishing tournaments. “You can win money, you can win boats. It’s possible once you get to the professional level, you can win like 500 grand off of one tournament. That’s why I’m trying to make it one day.”
What are his secrets for his success in the state championship? “I will say one thing on the Delta…a lot of people don’t use it, but the panorama shad by 6th Sense on a dropshot for bass fishing on the Delta is crazy. It’s next level.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Joseph Curcio holds fish after winning the student Angler Federation championship in the 2025 California Bass Federation.
Submitted photos
Independence and La Paloma high schools
Independence High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation from their school Tuesday night to kick off Grad Week in Brentwood. Graduates Natalia Rodriguez and Caleb Kuper each gave heartfelt speeches to their classmates as friends and family of the graduates lined the Ghiggeri Gym at Liberty High School to celebrate the students’ achievements. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www. thepress.net/multimedia
Photos by Jeff Weisiger
celebrate Class of 2025
La Paloma High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025 in the school’s yard on Tuesday. Graduate Mazahari Verge gave the student speech at the roughly hour-long ceremony.
APPLY FORSCHOOL BUSTRANSPORTATIONFOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Kindergarten through 8th Grade ApplicationsAvailable BeginningJune 9, 2025:
• Applications will beavailable onlineforBrentwood,Oakleyand ByronSchool Districts.
• STUDENT IDREQUIREDTOAPPLY
• PrecedetheStudent ID with thefollowing4 lettercodeforyourdistrictasfollows: Brentwood =BUSDByron= BYSDOakley=OUSDexample:BUSD1234567
• Theemailandhomeaddress youuseonourapplication mustmatchtheoneprovided to theschoolin order toreceive updates.
• Studentswhoare new to thedistrict orwhohave recentlymovedwill need towait 72hoursafterthe schoolupdates youraddressin theirsystemto apply.
• Weare onlyable totransportstudents to theirhome schoolbasedonthehome address.
• StudentsingradesKthrough8 who livewithin aone mile radiusfromtheschoolarenoteligiblefortransport.
High School ApplicationsAvailable Beginning July14, 2025:
• Applications will beavailable onlineforLibertyUnion High School District.
• STUDENT IDREQUIREDTOAPPLY
• PrecedetheStudent ID with thefollowingLUHD–example:LUHD1234567
• Theemailandhomeaddress youuseonourapplication mustmatchtheoneprovided totheschoolin orderto receive updates.
• Studentswhoarenew to thedistrict orwhohave recentlymovedwill need towait 72hoursafter theschoolupdatesyouraddress in theirsystem toapply.
• Weare onlyable totransportstudents to theirhome schoolbasedonthehome address.
• Studentsingrades9-12wholivewithin atwo-mile radiusfrom theschoolarenot eligiblefortransport.
APPLICATIONSAVAILABLE ONLINE at LUHSD.net selectTransportation Services underDepartments oruse theQRcode.
Photos by Jeff Weisiger
Freedom’s AP Environmental Science class prepares students for the future
As the 2024-2025 school year comes to an end, Freedom High School’s AP/ROP Environmental Science students are prepared for this summer and beyond with the vast skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the year. This Advanced Placement (AP) class is part of the Regional Occupational Program funded by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. It is the first Environmental Science class in the East Contra Costa region that serves as both an AP and Regional Occupational Program class, offering both college-level coursework and practical career-oriented training to prepare students for jobs, internships, and everyday life. Environmental stewardship and community service
Beyond ordinary textbooks and lectures, students in Freedom’s Environmental Science classroom have the opportunity to directly learn from living organisms.
The full roster of classroom companions includes an aquarium teeming with fish, Clover the rabbit, and Raina the bearded dragon. Learning isn’t limited to within the classroom walls, either. The class also helps take care of the 7,000-square-foot Freedom High School garden.
“We’ve been working on it for about
the last 13 years,” AP Environmental Science teacher Mr. Sierra said. “We are somewhat isolated from nature, so we created the garden here at Freedom to bring nature to us.”
Each section of the garden represents an ecosystem in California: grasslands, wetlands, deserts, watersheds, and more. Mr. Sierra also said the garden allows students to take a break in the fresh air, rather than sit in a classroom for the entire class period.
Additionally, the class participates in community service projects focused on en-
vironmental conservation, applying their knowledge to real-world settings from local clean-ups to forestry challenges in national parks.
about what efforts are being made to help endangered species. But I decided to take it one step further,” Mr. Sierra said.
This initiative encourages students to research and share their findings about species that are at risk. The class then votes on an endangered species to adopt, and students raise funds for the organization devoted to that species. Each student designs their own unique fundraising approach, allowing them to contribute in various ways that reflect their interests, talents, and creativity. The class also uses social media to share updates and engage the community in their cause. “My class adopted theThresher shark, which is an endangered species that lives in the Atlantic Ocean,” said one student who requested anonymity. “It felt nice knowing we’re making a difference in the world.”
“This has been one of my favorite activities over the years,” Mr. Sierra said. “It has become a legacy in our class. Over the last 10 to 12 years, we’ve adopted 15 different species and raised thousands of dollars to send to these global organizations.”
“Community service is understanding our connection with the world around us and that we are a part of nature; we need to take care of it,” Mr. Sierra said. Over the years, the class has participated in numerous activities, such as water testing at Big Break, hiking and camping at Yosemite, restoring native Californian plants, visiting local farms to study soil and agriculture, and much more. These acts of community service also count as volunteer hours, which students can count towards their graduation requirements.
Advocating for a global cause
Each year, the class “adopts” an endangered species to contribute to a global cause.
“In AP Environmental Science, we learn about the conservation of species and the global organizations out there for us to learn
The Environmental Science classroom is more than just a place for academic learning – it is a dynamic space that nurtures curiosity, fosters responsibility, and inspires a commitment to conserving the Earth. By integrating hands-on experiences, community service, and interactions with living beings, the rich learning environment of the classroom cultivates the next generation of environmental stewards.
As the school year comes to a close and students leave the classroom, they are ready to use their experiences to make a difference in the world.
Vivien Wittstruck 10th Grade Freedom High School
The AP Environmental Science class chose to adopt a Thresher shark, an endangered species in the Atlantic Ocean, as one of their projects.
Photo courtesy of Earth.org
Y outh
W riter
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
71.3% Night owl
14.3% Morning person
14.3% Both
Source: ThePress.net
“Every day more regulations more taxes” – @rubenmr120 via Instagram
Social Talk About Town...
Brentwood gets closer to new tobacco rules
Published in the May 16 edition of The Press
“No one has freedom, just a sh1t ton of rules and regulations. Trust me, no one in CA is living any longer than any other state yet this mess is everywhere. Waste of time and money.”
– @saucemanxo via Instagram
Two dead in crash at Vasco and Marsh Creek Roads Wednesday Night Published on ThePress Net on May 22
“What is going to take to make Vasco Road safer!?!? Why can’t they add lights and more lane dividers? Too many people have died on this road. Prayers to the families of this tragic accident.”
@bravopomlvr via Instagram
“Electric cars don’t seem safer at all caught fire and the driver was trapped inside I hope their family has this investigated and sues the car company although that won’t bring them back”
@sweetladyamy via Instagram City of Brentwood appoints new
Don’t miss another news story! Follow The Press at:
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director of parks and recreation
Published on ThePress net on May 29
“I hope for the best, but almost anything associated with the City of Oakland government anytime recently isn’t great. Let’s hope he proves me wrong.”
– Jason Farris via Facebook
“Congratulations on your appointment as Director of Parks and Recreation!”
– California Black Expo via facebook
Liberty softball wins first NCS Championship in 28 years
Published in the May 30 edition of The Press
“So proud of this team!!!! Great day!”
– @2028san via Instagram
“Great job ladies. Way to leave everything on the field. Congratulations Lions.”
– Shelly Favreau via Facebook
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Fire station decision about good governance, not its location
Editor:
In the military, one of the most important lessons we are taught is this: if you think you’re going the wrong way, stop. Get your bearings. Correct your course. It’s far better to pause and reevaluate than to continue down a misguided path. Pushing forward blindly, hoping things will work out, only risks getting further lost and failing to complete the mission.
That lesson seems especially relevant now.
Acting City Manager Darin Gale recently reported to the Brentwood City Council that he had spoken with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to explore whether they were open to discussing the previously proposed Sand Creek site for Fire Station 94. According to his report, the Fire District made it clear: they are not interested. They intend to push forward with their current plan — a plan that places the station on land dedicated for veterans’ use, a plan that does not conform to the Downtown Specific Plan, and a plan that has been met with strong, informed public opposition.
This is a textbook case of what happens when leadership refuses to correct course. Rather than reconsider viable alternatives, the Fire District appears determined to force their way forward, regardless of whether it’s the best decision for the community, the veterans, or the long-term development of Brentwood.
If the City Council upholds the Planning Commission’s denial, what then? Will the Fire District attempt to bully the City into submission, just as they have bulldozed past veterans’ concerns? Will the County continue to pressure Brentwood to abandon its planning standards in favor of expediency?
Councilmember Tony Oerlemans has rightly expressed concern over how the State has begun to override local planning decisions. And yet here we see the County engaging in the same behavior — dismissing local authority and threatening to undermine the community’s values and vision.
Let us be clear: this is not merely about where to place a fire station. It is about how we govern, how we honor commitments to our veterans, and whether we will allow larger entities to coerce smaller ones into submission. Brentwood deserves better. Our veterans deserve better.
The wise thing to do now — the disciplined and mission-oriented thing — is to stop, reassess, and do what is right.
Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.
Letters to the editor
Return to the table. Revisit the Sand Creek option. Listen to the community. And above all, act with integrity.
Mike Meyokovich Brentwood veteran
Focus on the fire station facts, not ‘the noise’
Editor:
I am not sure where people are getting that three City council members are voting to overturn the Planning Commission or that they are on the take from Supervisor Diane Burgis or the Fire District or Union. There are lots of comments online about it and I don’t think they are fair.
I believe we should assume noble intent until proven otherwise. Frankly, I was surprised by the unanimous vote from the Planning Commission. If you had asked me beforehand, I would have guessed it would be a 2-2 split. Their unified decision speaks volumes, and I think it’s important that we stay focused on that.
What we need to do now is make sure the City Council hears us clearly: this isn’t just about opposing a fire station — it’s about opposing bad planning. The County has shown a consistent pattern of dismissiveness and pressure tactics, and we must respectfully highlight that behavior. Equally important is reminding the Council that the proposed design does not meet the Downtown Specific Plan. Commissioner Rod Flohr and the other commissioners gave a detailed and thoughtful list of reasons why the proposed fire station fails to comply with the plan. If the Council chooses to overturn that, I hope they will address each point raised and explain their reasoning — item by item.
As for the coverage in that so-called “news” source, they’ve cherry-picked sound bites out of context, ignoring the real, substantive issues at stake. I hope the Council chooses to focus on the material concerns, not the noise.
Let’s keep advocating with clarity and respect. The facts are on our side.
Donald E. Hester Commandant
A better idea than throwing money at the homeless problem
Editor:
I’m always disappointed and frankly embarrassed when a city’s best idea to fix homelessness is to simply shuffle them onto the next municipality or hand out tickets. Where do you think you’re moving them to? How much money is spent on law enforcement to sweep the problem under the rug or on to our neighboring towns?
How much does it cost each day putting a homeless person in jail? Do you really think homeless people have
the money to pay fines? Wouldn’t city resources be better utilized by creating a solution that both solves “vagrancy” and shows respect for those who by chance or fate or an unfortunate starting hand could be any one of us?
Set aside a legal area where homeless people can camp. For thousands of years, mankind camped. Now, it’s a criminal offense if you don’t live in boxes most can’t afford.
The area doesn’t need to be downtown, and it doesn’t make the problem worse or pass it to our neighbors. Most importantly, it allows homeless people the autonomy they need that hinders other efforts of help.
Build tiny houses. I bet you the costs would be much less than the current proven unsuccessful approach.
We live in the land of the free. Explain to me how the “crackdown” on homeless lives up to that idea.
Art Main Brentwood
Downtown station is needed for growing Brentwood, East County Editor:
Three years ago this month, we celebrated merging East Contra Costa Fire into Contra Costa Fire. I remember the sense of relief in the community that Brentwood, Oakley and East County would finally have well-staffed and wellresourced fire service.
Immediately, Contra Costa Fire opened a second station in Oakley and began the process of designing two more stations in Brentwood, including rebuilding at the site of the old downtown Brentwood station.
Next Tuesday, the Brentwood City Council can approve construction of that rebuilt downtown station, allowing our fire services to finally start catching up with the demands of our growing population.
A small downtown firehouse served Brentwood well in 1990 when only 8,000 people lived here. But as the city grew, so did the need for firefighting resources and stations. A second station (now called Station 92) was built in 2001 to keep up.
The Great Recession was hard on East County, especially fire protection district finances. East Contra Costa Fire was forced to close the downtown station in 2014. Our region was building thousands of homes, but our fire protection shrank to three stations and nine firefighters covering 249 square miles. Response times were dangerously long, and people recognized the need to bring our services up to proper levels.
Throughout that decade, the Brentwood City Council consistently said they wanted the downtown
station reopened to best protect their community. They even studied whether to break away from East Contra Costa Fire and reopen the downtown station with a city-run fire department.
By 2020, East Contra Costa Fire was so under-resourced that, as reported in the Press, firefighters would “no longer enter burning buildings to extinguish a fire unless lives [were] at risk.” It was a frightening time, and Brentwood was woefully unprotected.
The merger into Contra Costa Fire and the infusion of voter-approved Measure X sales tax dollars have provided the funding to double East County staffing levels and add two Brentwood stations. Rebuilding the downtown Brentwood fire station, which you have already paid for, is a huge step forward for protecting your property and your life.
Contact the Brentwood City Councilmembers before Tuesday’s vote and tell them, “YES to the station, WITHOUT hesitation.”
Diane Burgis County Supervisor and Contra Costa Fire Director
LETTERS POLICY
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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.
Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.
El Campanil Theatre
602 W. Second Street • Antioch
Supremely Motown
The Songs of Diana Ross & the Motown Era featuring Dee Coco Johnson and the Top Shelf Classic Band
Presented by El Campanil Theatre Saturday, June 7th @ 7pm
Adults: $35, Seniors: $32, Youth $18
PPAA: Magic & Mystery Summer Showcase 2025
Presented by PPAA
Saturday, June 28 @ 11am & 2pm Gold Circle $25, Orchestra $23, Loge $21, Opera $17
Jared Freiberg & The Vagabonds
The Mess Around Tour
Presented by El Campanil Theatre Saturday, July 5 @ 7pm
Adults: $32, Seniors: $29, Youth $15
Legend Zeppelin
Presented by Legend Zeppelin LLC Friday July 11@ 7pm Adults $32, Youth $15
Blank Space: The Unofficial Tribute to Taylor Swift
Presented by El Campanil Theatre
Sunday, July 13 @ 4pm Adults: $32, Seniors: $29, Youth $15
If These Walls Could Talk: A Family Affair
Presented by CJG Productions Saturday, August 2 @ 7pm General Admission $40
Comedy in Antioch
Presented by Black Book Company Saturday, August 16 @ 8pm Pre-Sale $20, Day of Show $25
Matt Stone As: Elvis in Person
Presented by Matt Stone Enterprises Saturday, September 7 @ 7pm Orchestra $55, Loge $45, Opera $35
Calendar
This Week’s Events
Saturday, June 7
Swing Fore a Cause Charity Golf Tournament
Soroptimist International of Antioch is having their annual Swing Fore a Cause Golf Tournament at Lone Tree Golf Course at 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch, with a 8 a.m. shot gun start. The cost is $175 for an individual or $700 for a team of four. Those interested in playing or sponsoring a team can email Debbie Miller at debbie@mobilenotary. net for information or call 925-584-2757. Donations are tax deductible. The event will support the Soroptimists, whose activities help women and girls locally and throughout the world. For more information, visit www si-antioch org 2025 East Bay Annual Music, Food, Art and Wine Festival
The festival will take place from noon-5 p.m. at Williamson Ranch Park, Williamson Ranch Drive and Hillcrest Avenue. There will be soul food, baked potatoes, sweet treats, tacos, burgers, a wine garden with craft wine and sampling, local art and craft vendors and live entertainment. General admission is free. For wine garden tickets (only for ages 21 and older) visit www eventbrite com/e/1306066864149?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information, call 925-204-5182.
On the Horizon
Friday, June 13
Caregiver OneCall Awareness Event
Caregiver OneCall invites everyone to their Awareness Event from 4:30–7 p.m. at TriVesta, 3950 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. Learn how they are changing the lives of caregivers, one call at a time. Meet the team, hear stories, enjoy refreshments, and enter a raffle sponsored by local businesses. Donations encouraged. Every dollar supports a caregiver in financial need. RSVP at www zeffy com/ticketing/awarenesslaunch. For more information on Caregiver OneCall, visit www caregiveronecall org
Saturday, June 14
Juneteenth Celebration in Oakley
Oakley is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration in Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St,, from 10 a.m.1 p.m. There will be music, food, and vendors. The community is invited to come together to highlight Black voices. For more information, visit secure rec1.com/CA/oakley- ca/catalog
Sunday, June 15
Father’s Day Car Show
The car show will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Riverfront in downtown Antioch on 2nd and G Street and is open to the public. This free event will feature live entertainment, food, beverages, vendors, arts and craft vendors. Awards for best in show, people’s choice, hotrod-sport, truck and classic will be presented at 2 p.m. For more information, visit celebrateantioch org
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth Celebration in Brentwood
This free event presented by the City of Brentwood will take place from 4-8 p.m. at City Park downtown. There will be live music, food trucks, kids activities, craft vendors, educational booths, and musical guest Digital Underground. For more information, visit www brentwoodca gov
Friday, June 20
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & THROUGH THE BOX OFFICE @ ELCAMPANILTHEATRE.COM BOX OFFICE: (925) 757-9500
RENTAL INFORMATION: OUR VENUE IS A PERFECT PLACE FOR RECITALS, CONCERTS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, POETRY READING, GRADUATIONS, WEDDINGS, PLAYS, MUSICALS AND MANY OTHER EVENTS.
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration in Antioch
Celebrate this Juneteenth with the City of Antioch from 4-8 p.m. at Williamson Ranch Park. This year marks the fourth annual citysponsored Juneteenth Celebration, where the community comes together to honor freedom and culture and the richness of AfricanAmerican heritage. This event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and more.
To have your event appear in the newspaper, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. To have your event online, post your event for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
Brentwood Rotary 15th Annual Poker Tournament – No limit Texas Hold’Em
The tournament will take place at McCauley Estate Vineyards, 2525 Sunset Road in Brentwood. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner, and the tournament begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per player and includes a buffet dinner, a drink ticket, and tournament play. There will be unlimited $20 re-buys the first hour and a one-time $40 add-on. Seating is limited. Buffet dinner will be provided by Brentwood Fine Meats. Poker will be provided by Blue Dog Events. There will be a grand raffle prize. For tickets, call Steve Gursky at 925-584-8708 or email egursky@sbcglobal net The tournament supports the local Brentwood Rotary Community Fund and its charitable organizations.
Saturday, June 28
Oakley Summer Fest Parade
This year’s theme is “Past, Present and Unstoppable Future.” It will celebrate the history, present and future. Everyone is invited to show their spirit and enjoy parade floats of businesses, neighborhoods, clubs, and community groups. The parade will take place from 9-10 a.m., and will start at 3650-3660 Main St. The parade, presented by the Oakley Chamber of Commerce, will be a journey through time, honoring Oakley’s roots, celebrating today’s heartbeat and dreaming big for tomorrow.
Oakley Summer Fest
Presented by Oakley Chamber of Commerce, Oakley Summer Fest will take place from 10 a.m.4 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza. Each year, residents celebrate Oakley’s incorporation at Summer Fest. The event kicks off with a parade down Main Street and continues in Civic Center Plaza with live music, performances from local dance groups, craft vendors, food trucks, carnival games, face painting and more. For more information, visit www oakleyca gov/369/Special-Events ‘Cruisin’ Through History’ Car Show
The car show will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 3890 Sellers Ave. in Brentwood. The free event presented by the East Contra Costa Historical Society will feature raffles, food trucks, vendors and games. All proceeds will benefit East Contra Costa Historical Society. For more information, visit www eastcontracostahistory org Uncorked-Wine, Dine and Dance the Night Away Fundraiser
Raise a glass and make a difference by joining Soroptimist International of the Delta from 5-9 p.m. at DeLuna Ranch, 7540 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Toast to an evening of wine, friends and purpose. Tickets are $75, and include wine tasting, dinner, dessert and entertainment. There will be raffle prizes and a silent auction. Proceeds support the mission of Soroptimist International of the Delta to raise scholarship money to improve the lives of local women and girls. Purchase tickets at http://siofthedelta com Immaculate Heart of Mary Italian Catholic Federation Sock Hop Dinner Dance Fundraiser
All are invited to shake, rattle-n-roll at the ‘50s Sock Hop Dinner Dance. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Dinner will be from 6-7 p.m. and will include hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and ice cream. There will be a DJ and a no-host cash bar with beer, wine and soda. Tickets are $40 per person (make checks payable to Italian Catholic Federation). Profits will go towards local kids’ scholarships and other Italian Catholic Federation charities. Attire with a ‘50s theme is encouraged, and there will be a prize for the best dressed. To purchase tickets, contact Michael Valenti (1mfv2@comcast.net, 925-212-6963), Laura Pierce (laurapierce7@ gmail.com, 408-219-4263), Ana Ellenberger (aellenberger@ihmbrentwood.com, 650-704-6394), or Sandi Gamble (sanpilebousquet@gmail.com, 925-550-3723).
Friday, July 4
Liberty Bell 4th of July 5K
Presented by Liberty Lions Band Boosters, the community is invited to the second annual run. The 3.1-mile run/walk, which benefits the marching band, jazz band, concert programs, winter percussion and winter guard programs, includes an in-person and/or a virtual run. For the in-person run, the race will begin at 7 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour in Brentwood, and participants will run towards Concord Avenue. For the virtual run, participants can run whenever and wherever they desire beginning Friday, July 4 through Sunday July 14. All participants will receive a event T-shirt and medal. Packet pick-up is Thursday, July 3 from 3-7 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 6061 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood. Virtual racers will need to pick up their shirt and medal at packet pickup. The race is open to all. Animals will not be allowed on the course. Strollers are welcome. To register, visit libertybell5kfunrun itsyourrace com/event aspx?id=16236. For more information, visit www libertylionsband com
Saturday, July 12
Peddlers in the Park Summer Shop and Show
This free family-friendly event will take place from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at City Park in Brentwood. There will be vendors with a variety of products, jumbo games to play for the family, live music, various food vendors and mimosas. For more information, email chillLifeEvents3@ gmail.com or visit www facebook com/ ChillLifeEvents
Ongoing Events
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 eclubhouse.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/
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. Call to confirm hours for special holiday distributions.
Submitted photo
Eagle Scout project becomes community service effort
How can an Eagle project morph into a community service project? Jared Melendez’s original project was to create and install backpack hangers for six fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms at Ron Nunn. Then Ron Nunn Elementary and Scouting America Troop 2020 collaborated to create, expand and implement an Eagle Scout project the school staff had requested.
After completing his Eagle project and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, Melendez was contacted by Laurie Ford and Monique Wirkus at Ron Nunn El-
ementary School. Several teachers were interested in having backpack hangers put on their classroom walls, too. Ford and Wirkus are the moderators for Ron Nunn Elementary’s Kindness and Compassion club. Melendez, Ford and Wirkus came up with the plan – the club would fundraise to pay for the supplies and Melendez, along with Troop 2020, would install them. The project took about a year but was finally completed last March. There are now backpack hangers on all grade 1 through 5 classrooms.
Oakley’s two newest police officers make history
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
The City of Oakley made history on Monday after introducing two of their newest police officers.
Officers Mark Johnson and Julianna Calegari were sworn in by the Oakley Police Department on Monday as the two newest officers, also marking the first time that the department is hiring two officers from the academy as
entry-level officers.
“Every officer we’ve had up to this point has been a lateral officer, meaning we got them from other agencies,” Oakley police Chief Paul Beard said. “We decided that we wanted to create our own brand, our own officer.”
The hiring of Johnson and Calegari brings the department close to fully staffed at 40 officers out of a maximum of 42, according to Beard.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Mark Johnson (left) and Julianna Calegari (right) were sworn in as Oakley’s newest police officers. Chief Paul Beard is in the center.
The Liberty Union High School District Board of Trustees Congratulates
the Class of 2025!
**Students graduating with a total GPA of 4.0 or higher on a 4-point scale.
*Students graduating on the Principal’s Honor Roll with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
Dylan James Narag
Chanelle Sophia Nau**
Jose Navarro
Mariam Nawabi
Aditya Kumar Nayak*
Uchenna Ndubuisi**
Daniyah Neal
Andrew Joseph Neely*
Kaitlin R Neely*
Raphael Nomeh** Jenski Nonnarath
Robert Norris** Angelica Nucup
Amy Maya Nugent**
Nunez Ismael Nuno**
Nuss
Chisom Nwosu
Alejandra Ochoa
Laura Salome Ochoa Aragon**
Altanochir Alex Odbayar
Omotayo Christopher Odunuga Destiny Chinecherem Ogbodo
Megan M Ogden*
Dylan Oglesby
Nicole Udo Oji* Ali Eren Olgun** Josh Brent Oliquino
Alvin Oliva
Anamarie Oliveira
Sofia Oliveira
Seoul Metts*
Chase Michael Meyer
Molly Rose Meyokovich** Jayden Meza
Kevin Meza Romero
Joaquin Xander Miguel Heaven Pauline Mijares
Jackson Tyler Miles
Da’mahn Miller
Josiah Miller Chase Matthew Miller
Rane Jackson Miller
Harold Edward Mincher
Kiana Rayleen Mingus* Khristian Miranda
Jason Joseph Miranda Ariana Miranda Velasco
Noah Misquez
Hailey Reign Misslin
Adeline Mitchell**
Ali Moghadam Hamza Mohamed Ibrahim Mohammad
Raihan Wahab Mohmand
Antonio Molina
Adriana Dominique Molina
Gianna Renee Molinaro
Yahaira Michelle Monroy Moscoso Maggie Rose Monsef
Jaquelyn Amairani Montoya
Vanessa Montoya
Lexie Montoya-Weakley
Eve Monzon*
Jahzara Moore
Chase Michael Moore
Carter James Moore
Lorelai Jayms Moore
Caleb Anthony Moorman** Michelle Mora
Isabella Moraida
Julian Morales
Nathan Gregory Morand Kyle Morataya
Giovanni Sebastian Morello
Fidel Moreno
Kylie Morgan
Landon Lee Morris
Carter Stuart Morton Axel Jesus Moscoso
Madeline Anya Moskowitz* Madeline Anya Moskowitz* Jose Manuel Mosqueda
Thomas Antonio Mota
Aliana Julissa Motomura*
Ari’yah Mourning
Nathan Christopher Moyer
Ammar Mubarez
Jovani Misael Mueller
Monon Mukherjee** Kalub Leroy Muller Eshel Mumtaz*
Elle Sofia Mundy
Shriya Muni**
Lizbeth Munoz Gabriella Ann Munoz
Maximus Antonio Munoz**
Emmanuel Ramon Murillo
Maribel Murillo Capurro
Hendrikde Jesus Murillo Cazares
Makenna Murphy Martin Kalinov Muskov*
Ivaylo Kalinov Muskov*
Taqwa Muslim
Hasib Mustamandi
Chloe Lee Ann Myers
Austin Martin Myers Marisa Janel Nahuat Wisdom Myae Myan Naing*
Perryman Rucker**
Perry-Van Noy Jordan Perry-Van Noy Austin Cade Peters
Augustus Peterson**
Petri
Pfaltzgraff*
Kourtney Phom
Santos Pico
Pierce
Pimentel
Liana Sandy Pimentel**
Pinell
Placencia*
A. Plancarte
Michael Magoncia Plang
Lucia Plascencia**
Plitt
Pogue**
Jacob Polvorosa
Walter Pompei
Moises Ponce Aaliah Ponce
Alaynah Ponce**
Michelle Pons Abraham Ameen Popal Giovanni Joseph Popejoy
Jairus Cablay Porteria Aaron Poti
Prado Luke Michael Lu Prado Alexander Gomez Prado** Katelyn Ann Prater
Jhaun Noah Pratt
Isabella Preciado-Rivas
Isabella Grace Probst
Gavin Provost
Brooke Madison Pruner
Dylan Oliver**
Emmanuel Jesukanyisola Olowa
Alyx Claire Olson
Thomas A. Olwell**
Ingrid Veronica Onchi Calvillo
Trelana Rose Oneal
Kamila Annay Oregel
Priscilla Ortega
Angelica Ortega
Guadalupe Ortega
Vanya Ortega
Nayely Ortega Garcia
Yulissa Ortega Meza
Ulani Jocelyn Ortiz
Bianca Rose Ortiz Gawad
Gianna Nikole Osburn
Landon M. Osegueda Silva
Erica Angelina Otero
Katherine Nomvula Overstreet**
Evan Daniel Thode Overzet
Ekenedilichukwu Ayodele
-Owoborode
Dianne Julia Gundayao Pacia*
Seraphina Padelford*
Cris Jays Galicia Padil
Katelyn Padilla
Gabriela Padilla
Robert Pagan
Juliana Patricia Page
Savannah Marie Page
Jeffrey Michael Pahule
Dominic Paiva
Andru Donovan Quilaman Paje Paola Palestino Vazquez
John Panis
Abdullah Mansour Panjsheri
Camila Pantoja*
Izabella ParaLevy
Christopher Jonathan Parker
Selena Parral
Lacy Alivia Parsons
Riley Clinton Partin
Grace Ann Pastor*
Cristian Israel Pastrana
Jenna Pate Jocelyn Pate*
Angelina Patino
Kaila Pavon**
Brooke Nicole Pazdel*
Donald Pearman
Michael Vincent Peccorini**
Noelle Pedersen**
Kelsey Janae Peltz*
Lukas Serge Peluso
Alexa Danielle Peluso*
Rigo Alexander Pena
Alexander Joseph Reyes Pena
Angelo Andreas Pena
Sarai Ann Penaflor
Emily Penaloza
Colby Quinton Penner
Paulina Pentacoff** Karma Danger Peppers
Eric Perez Isabel Perez
Nelson James Perez
Alessandra Isabella Perez
Clarissa Juliana
Hailey Roberts Madison Mollie Roberts
Jack Alexander Roberts**
Amanda Sue Robertson
Sage Wayne Robertson
Olivia Garcelle Robinson
Jaliyah Francine Robinson*
Sophia
Nevaeh Lee Pryor
Natalie K. Pylant
Amelia Xin-Yi Qu*
Gianna Quezada*
Natia Ann Quigley*
Sophia Quinonez
Marco James Quintana
Luke Rader
Ariana Nicole Radilla
Nathan Radler
Juliviana Homam Rady
Joanna Rafael Evan Ragsdale
Dharshan Raja
Sahaana Ramesh*
Cristian Ramirez
Diego Ramirez
Carlos Manuel Ramirez
Johanna Julissa Ramirez
Emily Ramirez Santiago
Cesar Ramirez Suarez
Evan Jelani Torado Ramirez**
Olivia Ramirez-Ybanez
Anthony Ramos
Mariah Yamiled Ramos
Christian Ralph Ramos*
Alyssa Parumog Ramos*
Daisy M Ramos*
Drew Juliana Rang
Emanuel Xavier Rankins
Shreya Satish Rao**
Daniel M. Rasanayagam**
Sophie Fahima Rasheed*
Lekha Ratakonda*
Thalia Raygoza
Emron Razaqi
Norah Nazanin Razinejad*
Jacob Michael Rebelo
Ethan Rebollar
Emmalynn Reed
Harper Adriana Reed
MekhiTa’ari Reed
Kingston McGinnis Stewart Reed*
Carter Reed**
Tristen Ross Reeser
Mia Angelica Regalado
Kami Richelle Regas**
JadynKristina Register
Avery Marie Reinhardt
Erynn Taylor Reinhardt*
Jossalyn Nicole Remlinger
Matthew Remo
Andrea Renteria*
Brittany Resch*
Brandy Resendiz
Marvin Fabria Reyes
Sofia Reyes*
Elias Kali Reyes*
Keisy Alexandra Reyes**
Nathan Patrick Reynolds
Andrew Reynoso
Jaeden Rheaume
Alexis Rhoads
Paityn Annaliese Rich
Christian Richards
Isabella Stefanie Richards
Matthew Edward Richmond
Haley Alicia Rios
Zachariah Riso
Maricela Rivera
Paulina Rivera Nevaeh Rivera
Leila Rose Rivera
Ailany Sophia Rivera*
Hannah Renae Rivers**
Isac Rizo
Maliyah Roberson
Sydney Roberson
Faith Rosenbaum
Bradley Rose
Ruben D. Rosillo**
Micah Ross
Dominick Jonathan Ross
Charles Wylie Rowland
Jared Bennett Rowland
Derek Roy*
Aiyana Shanise Royal
Julian Mauricio Rozo Jimenez
Valentina Jolly Haugh Rubick
Elijah A. Ruffin
William Ayomide Runsewe
Johnathon Rusch
Dylan Henry Rush Evan Michael Rush
Anaiya Monet Russell*
Juliana Gabrielle Ruvalcaba*
Kurt Daniel Sabalvaro
Zuhal Sadad
Ahmad Sahel Sadad*
Anthony Kao Saechao Ruiz
Nasser Saeed
Madyson Saeparn
Zohell Sahar
Isaiah Sala
Kashmiel Lord Salacup
Amaun Azzizz Akbar Salahuddin
Samara Suzanne Salamy*
Johnny Salas
Marco Salaz*
Edith Olivia Salazar
Dominick Marcelo Salazar**
Sarah Angelica Saldana Varela
Jocelyn Saldivar
Roxana Saldivar Padilla
Sayeed Asker Saleh
Assan Saleh**
Elijah Salgado
Emerith Alexander Salgado -Mendoza
Alexia Salinas
Tristan White Salvo
Katrina Samour
Gabriella Mary Samsel
MalaniJ Samuels
Ammon Russell Samuelson
Kayla Rianna San Felipe
Kelsey Sanchez Mia Sabina Maldonado Sanchez
Erick Sanchez
Jocelyn Sanchez
Rebecca Sanchez
Brynn Victoria Sanchez
Evan Ryder Sanchez
Jaelyn Rose Fernandez Sanchez Kevin Marcus Sanchez
Parker Joseph Sanchez
Salud Abigail Sanchez
Ivan Douglas Sanchez Lewis
Morgan Isabelle Sanchez*
Chelsea Aniah Sanchez**
Shaan Singh Sandhu Karamjot Sandhu
Gianni Lionell Sandoval
Yahir Sandoval Devin Sandoval Ramos
Juan Antonio Sandoval Villagran Gianna Isabella Sanfilippo Briana Santiago
Santiago-Isol Amanda Santin Reyes Neiko Anselmo
Urbshot**
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
One thing has been a constant for the Liberty softball team this season, from their Opening Day loss to Tracy, to this point late in the campaign with the team still playing in the NorCals during Grad Week: they’re playing for more than just the team’s success and new banners to hang in Ghiggeri Gym. The team is playing for their community.
“Most importantly, they’re representing their school,” Liberty head softball coach Brandi Macias said. “We’re just thankful that the girls get to feel that (support) from the community. It makes them feel really important and makes them feel like all of the sacrifice is worth it to have that (NCS) banner hanging up there for the rest of their lives.”
Liberty followed up their win in the NCS championship game last week with a blowout of Central Catholic, 14-3, Tuesday in Brentwood in the team’s first CIF Regional playoff game since the program last won the NCS title back in 1997. The Lady Lions had
the No. 1 seed in the NCS postseason and had home-field advantage throughout the postseason prior to Thursday’s road trip to Fairfield to take on the top seed in the CIF Division II regional bracket, the Vanden Vikings in the CIF regional semifinal.
Liberty’s fans, families, friends, and faculty took full advantage of it, filling the stands and space behind home plate towards the Lady Lions’ dugout down the third base line.
Liberty’s Taylor Jennings hits a lead-off home run in front of the Liberty fans in the Lady Lions CIF regional playoff opener against Central Catholic Tuesday in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Liberty’s teachers even started a new trend in the portable classrooms behind the left field fence, taking in the game from their own de facto clubhouse. After games, some of Liberty’s players would run to left field and jump on the fence to celebrate with the teachers, other fellow coaches there, and even Liberty principal Eva Huckabee.
“It’s really cool, if you see (third baseman Madison Tuttle) jump on the outfield
East County Revolutions enter home finale with post-season on the line Liberty softball playing for more than just team success in playoff run
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
After failing to grab a much-needed win at Project 510 in Alameda on Saturday following a 2-1 loss against the Oakland Roots’ reserve team, East County Revolution FC enter their final two soccer matches of the season on life support. They not only need to win out the remainder of the schedule, but need some help to qualify for the United Premier Soccer League NorCal South conference playoffs.
“The playoffs for us have begun,” head coach Sal Acevedo said. “It’s the mindset we need to have – ‘do or die.’ We spoke about it at training this week. The players know it, there’s not a tomorrow for us. It’s a must-win situation.”
The Revolution (2-1-5, 7 points) host Valley 559 FC (4-2-2, 11 points) of Fresno at Sunset Soccer Complex Sunday at 4 p.m. in their home finale, then take to the road in the regular-season finale at Oakland-based Bay Area United FC (3-42, 13 points) in two weeks. Both of those teams are ahead of the Revolution in the conference table.
“The players are feeling the urgency,” Acevedo said. “They realize that our last few games, although losses, were all win-
nable matches. We just haven’t been as efficient as needed to convert our chances into scores and get the results.”
Following a solid 2-1-0 win-drawloss record to start the campaign through the first three matches, East County is winless in the last six and have lost the last five in a row. The club’s lone positive result through the six-match stretch came back in a 2-2 draw against Project 510 at
home on April 13 in the first matchup between the two clubs in Brentwood.
The Revolution showed signs of life in last Saturday’s match in Alameda, scoring the opening goal midway through the first half as Mark Delgado found the back of the net to give East County a 1-0 lead at halftime. However, Project 510 rallied quickly, finishing a pair of crosses into the back of the net to take a 2-1 lead midway
fence and they’re all cheering for her,” Macias explained. “That’s such a moment for her because they’re all celebrating, and I think Kylee McKinney also jumped (toward the fence in left). It’s really just a super cool moment.”
“You have faculty, so many students coming out, people even from other schools, Freedom kids came out. The support has been incredible.”
Some of Liberty’s coaches have been amongst the most vocal of the team’s success, including head football coach Mike Cable.
“He’s one of the biggest ones,” Macias said. “He’s like ‘I’m just so proud of you guys.’ But to have all of the sports (programs), especially football and basketball, they want so bad for us to be successful. That’s just a culture that is hard to find.”
“There’s just so much pride here, and I think that’s why these girls want to fight so hard for everybody.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www. thepress.net/multimedia
through the second half. The Revolution had several chances to pull even late and save a point, but they weren’t able to find the final shot.
The pair of goals conceded in the second half has become part of a bigger problem for the club late in matches recently. Along with conceding the pair of second-half goals last week, East County gave up three in the second half two weeks ago against Selma FC at home.
Acevedo says that the best remedy for that is to just score.
“We put a lot of pressure on our defense when we don’t capitalize on our scoring opportunities,” Acevedo said. “Late in games, it forces us to take more risks by adding numbers on the attack, which leaves us vulnerable in the back, and makes transitioning from attacking to defending extremely difficult for our backline.”
East County takes on a Valley 559 FC team that’s unbeaten in their last five matches, going 3-2-0 in the span. They head to Brentwood coming off of a 2-0 win against conference bottom-dweller Acoreano Sport last week.
East County Revolution head coach Sal Acevedo watches over his team during their match at Project 510 in Alameda last Saturday.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Freedom baseball, softball win NCS scholastic championship team
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
The Freedom High baseball and softball teams saw their North Coast Section title runs end in their respective semifinals last week, but both teams won special accolades recently as each one won NCS Division I Scholastic Championship Team awards for highest team GPA amongst the NCS programs.
The awards cap successful seasons for both programs, especially in the playoffs. The academic awards, however, came as a pleasant surprise to athletic director Glen Briggs.
”Academics is something that we push in our athletics,” Briggs said. “I was excited about the runs (baseball and softball) made in the playoffs, and I had no idea that these were coming in.”
Freedom baseball took third amongst NCS Division I baseball teams with a team cumulative 3.46 GPA, behind Dublin (3.50) and Granada (3.51) out of 4. On the other side, Freedom softball caps their season also taking third with a team cumulative GPA of 3.53, just behind Berkeley High School (3.66, and San Ramon Valley (3.74).
”I knew they had high GPAs as teams, but I didn’t realize that they were
some of the top in the Division I ranks,” Briggs said. “It’s something that we can be proud of as a community here in Oakley and Brentwood.”
Freedom baseball ended their season with a semifinals loss at California High, following back-to-back upsets on the road at both higher seeded James Logan and El Cerrito. Freedom softball also won both of their playoff games on the road at American Canyon and nearly seven hours north at Del Norte
in Crescent City before they lost at Acalanes in their respective NCS Division 3 semifinal last week.
“I’m proud of the kids,” Briggs said. “It’s the work they put in. As coaches and athletic administrators in the school, we can encourage and say what we want, but (its up to the kids to) buy in and buckle down in the classroom.”
Freedom’s athletics program is familiar with academic awards. Recently, three fall 2023 teams won the Scholastic
Championship Team awards from the NCS: the inaugural 2023 girls flag football team, girls cross country, and boys water polo.
”The athletes are buying in,” Briggs said. “The coaches have the expectation of the athlete as well, and it’s a community thing. …We want all of our kids to be successful academically, and athletics is one of the best ways to hopefully help focus the kid on that.”
Brentwood Villains youth basketball team dominates in Lake Tahoe tournament
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
The Brentwood Villains youth basketball team dominated their competition in last week’s Lake Tahoe Memorial Day tournament.
Both of the program’s girls 16u and 17u teams won their brackets, and the boys 15u team won their rings after winning in their bracket at Incline High School in Incline Village, Nev.
“This was an amazing season for our program, considering that we have a number of players playing in their last season of eligibil-
ity in club basketball,” Villains head coach Kahlil Boykin said. “Having them play such a role in our success made it extremely special for me as a coach because this was our last hurrah together.”
The girls 17u team defeated Next Level 5231, the girls 16u team defeated Pass The Rock 42-18, and the boys 15u team defeated Pass The Rock 45-38.
Freedom’s Eve Monzon, the 2024/25 BVAL girls basketball MVP, averaged 15 points per game for the girls 17u team in her final club tournament.
Submitted photo
The Brentwood Villains girls 17u team defeated Next Level 52-31.
REGIONAL & LOCAL
News iN Brief
Local animal service agency seeks volunteers
Contra Costa Animal Services is seeking volunteers for multiple roles.
“We have opportunities for all types of volunteers,” said Steve Burdo, Public Information Officer for Contra Costa Animal Services. “Whatever your time, talent, or desire, we have a role for you. We have volunteer opportunities for prospective volunteers to provide dog, cat, and rabbit socializing support, animal care and medical support, marketing support, as well as opportunities to provide foster support and emergency response support.”
In addition to volunteering, there are other ways to help.
“One way people can help is to follow us on social media and help us spread the word about important issues in our world: the importance of pet microchipping, licensing, and spay/neuter, events we’re hosting in the community, how our agency can help people and pets, pet adoptions, and how people can get involved,” Burdo said. “Other meaningful ways people can help is to become a dog or cat foster to help young pets become ready for adoption, or to help rehabilitate pets with medical issues. Interested fosters can sign up on our website at: https://www contracosta ca gov/6730/Animal-Foster-Programs.”
Donations can also be made to their Animal Benefit Fund, “which is a privately funded fund that helps our department provide much-needed low-cost services (such as spay/neuter, vaccinations, and other services) for the animals and people in our community,” Burdo said. Contributions are accepted on their website here: www contracosta ca gov/849/Donate-for-the-Animals. More information about the Animal Benefit fund can be found here: www contracosta ca gov/1429/ Animal-Benefit-Fund
Contra Costa Animal Services also has an Amazon Wish List where people can purchase items that are used to help the animals in their care. The list can be found here: www contracosta ca gov/8294/Amazon-Wishlist According to Burdo, they also always need blankets and towels.
Antioch Animal Services is also seeking volunteers. For more information, visit www. antiochca.gov/police/animal-services/.
For more information about pets, see the B section.
Park District celebrates Juneteenth with free park admission
Celebrate Juneteenth with free Park Day and programs. The Park District is celebrating Juneteenth with a Free Park Day and special naturalist-led programs on Thursday, June 19, which is a state and federal holiday, the East Bay Park District said in a press release.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The District will celebrate and reflect on the contributions and accomplishments of Black individuals
throughout history, particularly in the realms of environmental science and conservation.
Fees waived on Juneteenth include park entrance, parking, horses, boat launching, and fishing. The fee waiver does not apply to swimming, camping, and reservable picnic facilities due to capacity limits, concessions, state fees for fishing licenses, and watercraft inspections for invasive mussels.
For more information, visit ebparks.org/ we-celebrate/juneteenth.
Travis Credit Union Foundation Community Heroes Award includes Contra Costa
The Travis Credit Union Foundation has announce the launch of its 2025 Community Heroes Student Loan Assistance Award – a philanthropic initiative to honor and empower individuals who go above and beyond in service to their Northern California cities.
Since its inception in 2024, the program has awarded $20,000 in student loans, including to one student in Contra Costa County whose name and hometown were not released ‘for security reasons,” according to a press release and a spokesperson from the credit union.
Now in its second year, the Community Heroes program will award four $5,000 grants to individuals who have a student loan debt and who are making significant contributions through their professional careers or volunteerism.
The $20,000 fund aims to recognize them and relieve some of their financial pressures and enable them continue their impactful work with greater financial freedom.
“This program exists because we believe that people who give their time, energy, and heart to lift up others shouldn’t be held back by student debt, said Damian Alarcon-Young, president of the Travis Credit Union Foundation. “These Community Heroes are educators, advocates, and frontline workers who strengthen the fabric of our region. By easing a bit of their financial burden, we’re investing in their continued impact — and in the future of our communities.”
Four $5,000 awards will be granted to applicants or nominees who exemplify leadership and service. Eligible individuals must reside in one of 12 Northern California counties, including Contra Costa. Applicants must have a minimum student loan balance of $5,000 and demonstrate notable community contributions.
Applications are due by July 11. Application and nomination forms are available at: tcufund.org/community-heroes.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply or nominate someone for the Community Heroes Student Loan Assistance Award, visit tcufund.org/community-heroes.
To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com
Park District investing $10.9 million to reduce fire fuels in the East Bay
The East Bay Regional Park District is spending $10.9 million over the next three years to reduce fire fuels at Anthony Chabot, Tilden, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline.
The money will help reduce wildfire risks by removing dead and dying trees and hazardous vegetation on more than 600 acres. Dead trees burn hotter and more quickly, and can cast embers long distances, igniting new fires, according to a press release from the park district.
These efforts are in addition to ongoing fuels reduction work districtwide, including large-scale projects at Anthony Chabot Regional Park (544 acres) and Tilden Regional Park (39 acres), a 16-person year-round fuels reduction crew, and annual goat, sheep, and cattle grazing.
In 2024, the Park District’s fuels reduction crew removed hazardous fire fuels on 104 acres in 11 parks. Additionally, more than 86,800 acres of parkland are grazed annually by cattle, sheep, or goats.
“The grant funding enhances our ability to protect the public and safeguard our natural landscapes,” said Park District Interim Fire Chief Khari Helae. “Securing the funding is a testament to the Park District’s efforts — from planning to permitting — to manage the detailed grant application process and its proven ability to carry out largescale fuels reduction projects in support of the community.”
The $10.9 million for fuels reduction projects includes $8.3 million in grants, with $6.1 million of that coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $2.1 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy, and $100,000 from the U.S. Forest Service.
An additional $2.6 million comes from required Park District matching funds, which include general funds and voter-approved local revenue measures like Measure FF. These local revenue measures enhance the Park District’s ability to qualify for and secure grant funding by providing required matching contributions.
“These projects are vital to reducing wildfire risks in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth.
Nominations for 2024 California State Parks’ Golden Bear Awards open through June 30
The California State Park and Recreation Commission is accepting nominations for the 2024 Golden Bear Awards. These awards honor and celebrate individuals and organizations acting in support of the California Department of Parks and Recreation and its mission to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve
the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. The nomination period is open through Monday, June 30.
Awards — one statewide, one per geographical division (Central, Coastal, Desert and Northern) and one honorary partner— will be presented by the commission during a public commission meeting.
To learn about the qualifications and how to nominate candidates for an award, visit the Golden Bear Awards webpage at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=30054&utm_medium=email&utm_ source=govdelivery
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Management Plan wins planning award
The Sacramento Valley Section of the American Planning Association has awarded the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Management Plan its 2025 Planning Excellence Award.
The awards “celebrate and recognize local planning superstars” and their innovative plans and projects,” according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.
The Delta National Heritage Area is managed by the Delta Protection Commission, of which Burgis is chairwoman. Program Manager Blake Roberts and many others worked to get the plan approved by the National Park Service.
This is the second award bestowed on the planning commission by the SVS APA. In 2018, the organization honored the Delta Protection Commission with its Local Vision Award for the Delta Leadership Program.
Learn how to write a winning grant proposal at June 12 seminar
Discover the art of crafting a compelling proposal at an upcoming event – “How to Write A Winning Grant Proposal.” Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this gathering is tailored for individuals seeking to enhance their proposal writing skills.
Dr. David E. Fraser, a faculty member in the Department of Public Affairs and Administration at California State University, East Bay, and Chief of Staff at Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston’s office, will serve as the primary presenters, complemented by funding perspectives overview from local foundations.
The session is June 12 from 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. at the Ambros Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road, in Bay Point.
Spanish translation will be available. For details or to register, email Monica Couture@bos cccounty us
Thousands across 1,400 cities, including Antioch, to join largest anti-Trump rally
Antioch is joining thousands of people across 1,400 cities on June 14 for the largest protest to reject authoritarianism since President Trump took office for his second term.
The rally in Antioch will start at 4250 Lone Tree Way and end at 4969 Lone Tree Way at Williamson Ranch Park – 1.2 miles from a parking lot to a park. It’s mostly flat, but there are some cracks in the sidewalk that may be difficult for those attendees with mobility difficulties. All street crossings comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
This “No Kings” march is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office — a mass, nationwide protest rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of democracy, organizers said in a press release.
For a full list of participating cities and event details, visit www.NoKings.org.
The “No Kings” mobilization is a direct response to Trump’s self-aggrandizing $100 million military
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parade and birthday celebration, paid for by taxpayers while millions are told there’s no money for Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid, or public schools.
Across all 50 states, people will gather to declare: “The president is not a king,” organizers said.
All “No Kings” events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide, organizers said.
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0002530 The name of the business(es): Byron Boat RV Storage And More Located at: 16141 Byron Hwy In: Byron, CA 94514, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Craig Matthew Sweeney. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2025. Signature of registrant: Craig Sweeney, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/08/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/07/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0002708 The name of the business(es): MDC Pressure Washing, LLC Located at: 5131 Winchester Dr. In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MDC Pressure Washing, 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 05/01/2025. Signature of registrant: Matthew Dean Carmichael, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/19/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/18/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477
Publish Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Nabil Taif SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Nabil Taif CASE NUMBER: N25-0928 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Nabil Taif, Nabil Taif filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Nabil Taif to Proposed Name: Archer Nabil Taif. 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: 08/18/2025 Time: 9 AM 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 b. Need proof of residency.
Date: May 09 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 2025
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: BRIAN D. NELSON, deceased CASE NUMBER P25-00943 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: BRIAN D. NELSON, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: PAMELA J. NELSON in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: PAMELA J. NELSON 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 07 2025 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept: 30. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94533. 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: Michael S. Shuttleworth 1515 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 823-7499
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 2025
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: O C CROSBY, deceased CASE NUMBER P25-00705 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: O C CROSBY deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: LADINA SIMS in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA
The Petition for Probate requests that: LADINA SIMS 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 09 2025 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: #30. b. Address of court: 725 COURT ST., 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. Attorney for Petitioner:
Nick Hoban 1150 Ninth Street, Suite 1430 Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 575-5008
*BRENTWOOD PRESS* 02-1273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 23, 30, June 6, 2025
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VCRC seeks After School Academy Manager to lead program. https://www. vcrcbrentwoodca.org/ career-opportunities/
Juneteenth events to be held across East County
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
As Juneteenth approaches, Brentwood, Oakley and Antioch have announced plans to help residents celebrate the holiday, which was first recognized in 2021.
“[Juneteenth] marks a pivotal chapter in American history — the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865,” Brentwood Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson said when promoting last year’s event. “Juneteenth serves as a reminder of our nation’s journey toward equality and justice, highlighting the importance of freedom and the ongoing fight for civil rights.”
Brentwood
This year is the second annual festival put on by the city and will take place in City Park from 4 to 8 p.m. on June 19.
There will be food trucks, kids activities, craft vendors, educational booths, and live performances by Stepz Dance Fitness, Virtuous Voices, Bronze Girl Productions West African Dance, spoken word artist Monique McCoy, The Edwins Brothers, and the Digital Underground.
Planning from page 1A
on June 19.
Food trucks will include:
• Cousins Main Lobster
• The Craving Cajun
• The Fry Boys
• Daisy’s Desserts
• Fruitopia
bered 3.5, will simplify the process of applying for reasonable zoning accommodations, which allow for certain housing regulations to be bent for disability accessibility reasons, and add a new section 9.1.1614 to the municipal code. The new application process is “streamlined,” and will have a “clear appeal process,” according to senior planner Jose Cortez’s presentation, in addition to a 45day decision window, no filing fees, and unspecified support for individuals needing assistance. These changes will bring Oakley’s local regulations into line with fair housing laws on the state and federal levels, according to the presentation.
The third policy action, 3.6, will support housing construction for people with special needs, including formerly homeless people and people in residential care. Transitional and supportive housing for formerly homeless people will be allowed in limited agricultural zones, and low-barrier navigation centers for those who
Storage from page 1A
would not due to already having the right permits but that redevelopment of their facilities would potentially put them at odds with the new requirements.
“So if they wanted to add to their facility, then they would be subject to redo everything,” Johnson said.
Commissioner Jeremy Jones echoed the logistic concerns about how to handle the six existing storage facilities as the city continues to grow. He pushed for flexibility with the new standards for the existing facilities to give them the leeway to expand so that a situation does not arise where residents need the services provided by a self-storage facility but they’ve run out of space.
According to Hagen, the new additions to a facility would need to fit the new standards but the city could not necessarily require the existing portion of a facility to be required to change retroactively.
• Travieza Latin Flavors
• Lizetta’s Southern Soul Food
The free event will also feature the Downtown Brentwood Freedom Walk. This stamp card program at participating downtown businesses will give visitors “an
are transitioning to permanent housing will be allowed by-right in mixed-use and commercially-zoned areas, according to the presentation. Multi-family residential and mixed-use zones will allow supportive housing projects by-right as well, and residential care facilities will be permitted in all residential zones, as long as they comply with Oakley Municipal Code section 9.1.1228. Prefabricated homes on permanent foundations will also be allowed in the city, “same as other single family dwellings,” according to the presentation.
City staff recommended that the commission adopt the proposed resolution to recommend that the City council approve the ordinances to amend the municipal code. The Oakley Planning Commission approved the resolution unanimously.
In other commission news:
• The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a new location for Kumon Learning Center formerly at 4520 Main St. Oakley. The Ku-
Hagen suggested that the language when presented to the City Council could reflect these requirements, saying that the city could determine if all of a facility needed to fit the new standard or just the addition based on what percentage of the existing property’s square footage the addition would be.
While no residents spoke on the topic at the June 3 meeting, residents City Council members have been vocal in the past about their disinterest in storage facilities in town.
“I don’t think they add any value at all. We have plenty,” Councilperson Jovita Mendoza said during a Land Use and Development meeting in July of last year. “They all have vacancies.”
Consultant Perry Banner of De Novo planning group disagreed with Mendoza’s statement about the lack of demand for self-storage units during the same meeting.
“Self-storage facilities are having
opportunity to learn facts about AfricanAmerican history at each location while visiting their favorite downtown restaurants and shops,” according to the city website.
For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3HF1uOz
Oakley
Oakley is hosting a free Juneteenth celebration in Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St,, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be music, food, and vendors. The community is invited to highlight Black voices. For more information, visit https://www.oakleyca. gov/369/Special-Events.
Antioch
Antioch will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. at Williamson Ranch Park. The event is free. This city-sponsored celebration will enable residents to “come together as a city to honor freedom, culture, and community,” according to event organizers. This will be a day of reflection that showcases the richness of African-American heritage and resilience of Black culture. This event will feature live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults.
For details, visit www.antiochca.gov/ juneteenth/.
mon will move to a spot to the left of Raley’s in the Cypress Square Shopping Center near the intersection of Main Street and Carol Lane.
• The commission also adopted a resolution stating that the city’s 2025-2030 capital improvement plan was in line with the existing General Plan, following the plan’s approval by the City Council on May 27. Upcoming city events include:
• Friday Night Bites and a Concert in the Park at Civic Center Plaza on June 6 from 5-9 p.m.;
• a police-community forum on fireworks in the City Council chambers at 6 p.m. on June 11;
• a Juneteenth celebration on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza;
• Movies on Main Street on June 21, with a screening at sunset of Space Jam: A New Legacy;
• Summerfest on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street. To comment, visit www.thepress.net
quite a day,” he said at the time. “In fact, demand for self-storage facilities is very strong. At the moment, one in 10 U.S. households is now renting a self-storage facility…They do offer important service for people that are in various lifestyle transitions, such as marriage or divorce, and retirement, or death in the family. But they also have some negatives and those might include the limited aesthetic value that the builds have.”
To that end, the City Council voted in November of last year to look into applying aesthetic design standards to storage facilities in the city.
“Have you seen the one going down Ygnacio [Valley Road]?,” then-Councilmember Pa’tanisha Pierson asked Mendoza, referencing other cities’ more beautified approaches. “There’s a storage unit and it’s one of the most beautiful – I thought it was a church.”
The topic is expected to be brought
before the City Council at a future meeting.
The same discussion also applied to restaurants with drive-through lanes and how best to manage them. The main concern with drive-throughs was what the agenda calls “spillover traffic,” meaning lines of cars blocking commercial, and sometimes residential, driveways.
The commissioners recommended that new development standards could potentially include separate waiting lines to avoid lengthy queues as well as requiring the placement of the ordering board to be deep enough in the drive-through that a set number of cars could line up behind the one ordering without overflowing into the parking lot. This topic is also expected to be brought to the City Council as part of the same discussion on design standards.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/4kuLnBU
Press file photo
Brentwood celebrated Juneteenth last year. This year, Brentwood will celebrate Juneteenth in City Park from 4 to 8 p.m.
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Hot Dogs (and Cats)
Protecting your pet from the heat
Train in Vain
How a dog’s breed can affect its ability to learn
Lost and Pound
Why microchipping your pet matters
How you can help your pets beat the East County summer heat
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, the risk of heat stroke, sunstroke, and other heat-related illnesses increases, not just for humans, but for our furry friends as well. How can you keep your pets from overheating this summer?
Linda Devincenzi, the hospital manager at Brentwood Family Pet Care, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the University of London’s Royal Veterinary College offer these tips.
First, Devincenzi said, walk your pets or otherwise allow them outside during the morning and evening, when the sun is not as intense and the air and ground temperatures are lower. High air temperatures increase the risk of heat stress, while high ground temperatures can damage pets’ sensitive paw pads. Meteorologists say that 3-6 p.m. is the hottest part of the day because of a longer period of the sun heating the ground.
If your animal must be outside on a hot day, provide plenty of shade and water, and
train them to seek shelter from the heat themselves when needed, Devincenzi said. She also recommends putting a mist machine outside to provide cooling mist for your animal.
Short-nosed dogs like bulldogs and pugs should be kept indoors at all times during the summer, according to Devincenzi, because their shortened respiratory tracts cannot dissipate body heat as well as those of longernosed dogs.
Do not leave pets in a hot car. If you have to leave them in your vehicle for any length of time, it must be with the air conditioner running. Devincenzi warned that, without the AC, pets can succumb to heat stress rapidly. It
With these tips, both you and your pets won’t have to sweat about the effects of the summer heat.
increased heart rate; and even vomiting or diarrhea. This can progress to lethargy, confusion, physical weakness, and seizures if not caught early. Overweight, thick-coated, and very young or old animals, as well as those with pre-existing conditions, are the most susceptible to heat stress.
If your pet begins showing signs of heat stress, Devincenzi says to call the nearest veterinary Emergency Room immediately, even before you start to cool the animal off. VCA East Bay Veterinary Emergency is the closest ER to East County at 1312 Sunset Drive, Antioch, and can be contacted at (925) 754-5001.
is not unusual to see dogs and other animals left in vehicles while their owners attend to other business. However, when conditions are too hot or too cold, or if the animal is not left proper sustenance or ventilation, the animal could be at risk for serious injuries or even death. As a result, it is illegal according to state law to leave a pet unattended in a motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal.
Learn to recognize the signs of heat stress in your pets. According to the Royal Veterinary College, In both dogs and cats, symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, and thirst; redness of the gums; agitation;
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Once you’ve called the ER, the Royal Veterinary College says to take the animal to a shaded location, offer them water to drink, and begin lowering their body temperature by pouring water of a temperature lower than their body over them and letting a fan blow over their body to increase the rate of temperature change; this is called the evaporation method. If you don’t have a fan or other cooling device, use cool--not cold -- water only and let it evaporate off of them unassisted. If you have a young, healthy dog, you can also immerse them in cold water to cool them.
With these tips, both you and your pets won’t have to sweat about the effects of the summer heat.
CONNOR ROBLES
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
How to get house cats some exercise
Cats make beloved pets for any number of reasons. Many pet owners love their cats for their quirky personalities, while others like the companionship of an animal that does not require the same level of hands-on attention as a dog.
Cat health can be easy to take for granted, as felines are generally quiet and many prefer to spend ample time alone. However, pet owners should take an active role in the health of their cats, and that includes ensuring the felines get enough exercise. The United Kingdom-based People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) notes that cats that stay fit and remain active are less likely to become obese and develop diabetes and arthritis.
Cat owners know that the very quirks that make cats such lovable pets also can make it hard to get them to do things they won’t necessarily want to do. But the following are some ways to ensure cats get enough exercise to stay fit and healthy.
♦ Some pre-exercise observation can help lay a strong foundation for feline fitness sessions. The PDSA advises cat owners to identify which toys cats seem to like best and then use those
toys during exercise sessions to entice participation. Use one or two toys each session and swap them every few days so cats do not grow bored with their fitness routines.
♦ Incentivize physical activity. Much like dogs respond to treats during behavior training, cats are more likely to engage in exercise when sessions end with a reward. PetMD notes some postexercise praise and a few healthy treats can encourage cats to participate willingly in exercise sessions.
♦ Don’t overdo it. Cats are not humans, so felines’ fitness sessions don’t need to mirror their owners’ lengthy workouts. Play sessions intended to get cats to exercise can last between 10 and 15 minutes each. PetMD recommends limiting sessions to two or three per day for older cats, while as many as 10 sessions per day can be effective for younger cats.
♦ WebMD recommends letting cats sink their teeth and claws into toys during a workout. This type of engagement satisfies cats and will
Cats can benefit from routine exercise just as much as their owners, and there are several fun, and even some amusing, ways to encourage felines to enthusiastically engage in physical activity.
encourage them to embrace exercise sessions. Keep some replacements at the ready in case cats are especially enthusiastic.
♦ Employ a laser pointer. Cat owners are undoubtedly aware and likely amused by how much cats are drawn to laser pointers. Make the most of that inability to resist laser light by using a laser pointer during a cat’s workout routine. Cats will chase the pointer all over the room, all the while getting some beneficial exercise.
PEST TALK WITH LIBERTY
By Robert Ayres, Owner of Liberty Pest Services
BRENTWOOD RESIDENTS BATTLE WATER BUGS INVADING GARAGES
Brentwood residents are dealing with an increase in a particularly stubborn pest: the Oriental cockroach, often called the “water bug.” These insects are making their way into garages, basements, and crawl spaces, leaving homeowners frustrated and concerned.
Unlike other cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches prefer cool, damp environments. As temperatures rise, they migrate indoors in search of moisture, slipping in through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and open drains. Once inside, they can quickly multiply and spread harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, posing health risks to your household.
To help prevent infestations, it’s important to address moisture issues by repairing any leaking pipes or faucets. Cracks and entry points around the exterior of your home should be sealed tightly. Garages and storage areas should be kept clean and free of clutter, as these pests love to hide in dark corners. Trash should
be stored in sealed containers and removed regularly to avoid attracting bugs.
If you’re already seeing signs of a problem, calling in a professional might be your best bet. Liberty Pest Services, a locally owned and veteran-operated company, provides expert pest control solutions throughout East Contra Costa. With more than 20 years of experience, they use safe, effective treatments to eliminate Oriental cockroaches and protect your home from future invasions.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact Liberty Pest Services at (925) 628-3030 or visit libertypestservices. com. Acting early can keep your home bug free, and give you peace of mind.
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Contra Costa Animal Services to host second annual free adoption day on June 7
Contra Costa Animal Services
(CCAS) will join more than 150 California animal shelters in holding free adoption events as part of the second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day.
The county’s adoption event is on June 7 at the shelter, 4800 Imhoff Place, in Martinez, from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. It will include free adoptions of shelter pets ($25 licensing fee may apply) and activities throughout the day.
“Adopting a pet is not just about bringing an animal into your family – it’s about giving them a chance at a life filled with love and care,” said CCAS Director Ben Winkleblack.
CCAS’s Adopt-A-Pet Day event will include more than just free adoptions. Participants will enjoy a fun day featuring:
♦ Free pet adoptions
♦ Adoptions from local rescue groups Cal-
Relocating to a new Brentwood location later this year!
Paws, Contra Costa Humane Society, Rhodie’s Rescue, and Hugs for Harry
♦ Free dog nail trims by Just Dawgin It
Pet Groomers
♦ Dog training demonstrations
♦ Facepainting for kids
♦ An on-site ice cream truck
♦ Information and demonstrations from local pet vendors Concord Feed, Trupanion Pet Insurance, and dog trainer, Avery Luttropp.
♦ Information on how to become a pet foster for CCAS
Interested adopters and fosters can view CCAS’s available pets at www.ccasd.org, or come to meet them at the event.
To view animals available for adoption: www.contracosta.ca.gov/2424/ Available-Animals
Foster information: www.contracosta. ca.gov/6730/Animal-Foster-Programs
Looking
Exploring East County with your four-legged friend is a breeze.
From dog parks and U-pick orchards to pet-welcoming patios, there’s something for every dog lover. Here’s a roundup of some of the Delta’s most pet-friendly destinations.
Brentwood:
Brentwood is home to four dog parks, and miles of trails where leashed dogs – and their owners – can get plenty of exercise.
♦ King Park, at 1379 Bauer Way, features two dog play areas – one for small dogs and one for large. Both areas feature play apparatus made specifically for canine companions and feature benches for humans to relax and watch their pets. Water fountains for pets and owners are available, as are “Mutt Mitts” to assist in keeping the facility free of pet waste.
♦ Dakota Park, at 480 Ridgewood Court, is a 4.7-acre park with a half-mile walking trail connecting to other trail systems in Brentwood. This park also has two dog park areas divided for “smaller” and “larger” dogs, with benches and shade structures for pet owners.
Outside of the dog play areas, the park features a turf area with picnic tables and barbecues.
♦ Pioneer Park, at 2031 Miwok Ave. in Brentwood, was recently completed and sits in the heart of Trilogy at the Vineyards, and adjacent to Los Medanos College’s new campus. Like King and Dakota parks, this one also has trails, “large” and “small” dog areas, and even some equipment for pups to play on.
♦ Magpie Park will be the city’s fourth dog park and it opened this year. Located off Empire Avenue behind Winco Foods, at 2840 Michalia Lane. The park will have all the perks needed to keep its visitors happy, including two areas for big and small dogs.
♦ Four Legs Brewing, a craft beer spot at 2010 Elkins Way, in Brentwood, calls itself both “dog friendly” and “family friendly.”
Opened in 2021 by Michelle and Erik
Bacher, it’s meant to be a “home away from home” for those who love beer and dogs. Four Legs Brewing regularly features food trucks and offers a range of brews from IPAs to Pilsners. For more information, visit www. fourlegsbrewing.com.
♦ Diablo Cherries, a small cherry orchard at 3150 Sellers Ave., allows visitors to bring their dogs while their owners pick cherries. Coowner Emily Benz said one of the advantages of being a small farm is flexibility in the rule book.
“We are 100% u-pick, so we don’t have to follow some of the same practices that the commercial orchards do,” Benz said. “As long as the dogs are leashed and well behaved, they can come in the orchard. We have observed that people want to bring their pets with them more and more, and we are happy to welcome them.”
Benz noted thus far, all guests have been respectful and conscientious, cleaning up after their pets and creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere with their dogs. For more information, visit www.diablocherries. com.
While the idea of strolling through an orchard with the family pet may sound appealing, Harvest Time President Jessica Enos said dogs should probably stay home.
“There are many farms that cannot allow pets due to food safety restrictions, and
our summers can be hot, making it unsafe to leave an animal in your car,” Enos said.
♦ Marsh Creek Trail: Dogs and people alike love the 6.5 paved miles of the Marsh Creek Regional Trail, which winds along its namesake from Vineyards Parkway in southwestern Brentwood to Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley.
Maintained by the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD), there are plans in the works to extend the trail three miles farther south to Round Valley Regional Preserve. Park
District Supervising Naturalist Wyatt Moore said his district is working with state and local agencies to extend the trail.
“The preliminary engineering study was completed and filed,” he said. “The park district will continue to partner with California State Parks and seek grant funding to develop the paved regional trail. That will cost about $5.5 million.” For more information, visit www.ebparks.org.
Discovery Bay:
The Discovery Bay Community Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd., renovated its dog park last year. Parks and landscape manager Monica Gallo said there are areas for both small and large dogs.
“Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather with your four-legged friend at the Discovery Bay Community Center Dog Park,” Gallo said. “This is a great gathering spot for your fur buddy to make new friends.” Oakley:
Koda Dog Park at 100 Oxford Drive, opened in 2018, and is named for the Oakley Police Department’s first canine officer. The park was a goal of the city for many years before coming to fruition and features separate play areas for big and small dogs. There is also a special agility training area for dogs at the northeast quadrant of the park, and a shade structure over the adjacent picnic benches and barbecue pits.
While you’re away, your dog can remain happy in his/her home.
We’ll feed and care for your “puppy” with lots of love.
We’ll also spend the night!
Press file photo
King Park in Brentwood is one of many local spots that residents can take their fourlegged friends.
Tap Into Healthier Water
Family
Dogs are beloved members of the family. However, pet owners should practice proper etiquette when dogs are out and about. •
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Dog parents should practice pet etiquette
People have grown accustomed to treating their dogs like members of the family, and that means that dogs increasingly are being brought along on errands, traveling with their human companions, and even being brought into the workplace.
It’s important for pet parents to always be mindful of their dogs’ behavior when out and about, or even hanging closer to home. Dog owners can follow these dog etiquette pointers to be responsible pet owners.
♦ Get permission from your employer before taking a dog to work. Be mindful of people’s dog fears or allergies and be respectful of others no matter how much fun it might be to bring your dog into a public space. The warm and fuzzy feelings dog owners feel for their dogs are not necessarily shared by everyone.
♦ Quiet nuisance barking. Do not leave your dog outside unattended for a long time. This can cause what the American Kennel Club characterizes as boredom barking. Quiet your dog if he or she is barking, or bring the pet indoors.
♦ Always leash your dog. Some people are not comfortable around dogs. And even if your dog is friendly, others met on walks or outings
may not be. To prevent uncomfortable situations or even dog bites, it’s best to always leash your dog. Choose a leash short enough to prevent your dog from jumping on passersby.
♦ Ask permission first. Check to see if your dog is allowed to greet people or other dogs. If someone says, “no,” respect that answer.
♦ Clean up after your pet. Always have waste bags at the ready so you can clean up after your dog. This also applies indoors, should your dog have an accident inside a pet-friendly store.
♦ Be mindful of shopping with pets. Many stores do not allow dogs inside, but employees may be hesitant to approach pet owners about such policies. Many stores allow only trained service dogs that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animal designations are exclusive to dogs. However, a number of people have “emotional support animals,” which are not recognized as service animals. As a general rule of thumb, know a store’s policy on non-service animal pets before visiting. And, when shopping at food stores, it’s best to leave the dog at home.
♦ Train your dog. A dog that knows basic obedience training will behave better in the community. If you are having trouble training your dog alone, consider working with an experienced dog trainer.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Pets bring a lot of joy to people’s lives. Is it any wonder that 66 percent of households in the United States, or 86.9 million homes, owned a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association? In fact, 97 percent of pet owners consider their pets to be family members.
Introducing a pet into a home is not a decision to take lightly. In addition to the considerable financial investment associated with pet ownership, owners must devote time and energy into safeguarding the well-being of their pets. That includes reducing the chances the animal becomes lost. The Animal Humane Society says it’s estimated one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. Many of those pets will not be reunited with their owners.
But people can do their part to protect pets from escaping or getting lost. Here are some proactive steps to take.
♦ Get pet identification. Take a multilayered approach to identifying the pet, such as name and contact information printed on a collar tag. In addition, have the pet microchipped. A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted just under the skin.
The microchip can be programmed to emit identification information about the animal when scanned. Pet parents should routinely check and update the chip’s data if they move or if there is a change in phone number or pet ownership.
♦ Consider a GPS-enabled collar. Another great tool is attaching a GPS-enabled device to a pet collar. In the event the pet cannot be found, pet owners can track the animal’s location using a mobile phone.
♦ Secure the home and yard. Check for any apparent points of weakness around the home or yard. Is there a large gap between the bottom of the fence and the lawn that needs remedying? Is the gate latching securely or does it pop open? Are all window screens secure, or could they be pushed out
Pet owners can take steps to prevent their furry friends from running away and getting lost.
bolt. If they start to run off, training can help pets develop adequate recall skills to come back when called. Trainers also can teach techniques to quell pets’ desires to dart when a house or fence door is open.
from the inside? Curious animals can quickly turn into escape artists, especially if there is a wild animal to chase or a scent they want to investigate. Securing the home can cut down on potential problems.
♦ Use obedience training. Working with a certified dog trainer or cat behaviorist can teach the pet to curb an instinct to
♦ Choose well-fitting collars and harnesses. A collar can be rendered useless if the pet is able to slip its head out, especially when a little pressure is applied. A martingale collar is a special collar that will safely tighten when the dog tries to pull away. When the dog loosens up the pull, the collar goes back to its comfortable position. Harnesses may be even more secure for escape artists because they attach around the midsection rather than the neck.
♦ Use leashes on pets. The animal should be on a leash whenever it is taken outdoors where there is no fence or secured area. Even the most well-trained pets may run off from time to time. Leash laws exist in many areas for both the dog’s and people’s protection.
How breed affects a dog’s trainability
Every dog lover has a different set of criteria for what they look for in a dog. Some make size a priority, preferring a pooch who is small enough to be a constant companion. Others seek a dog that has shorter fur for less grooming upkeep. Still, some people prefer a breed that is known for flashy looks that will turn heads on neighborhood walks.
Trainability is another consideration. Many veterinarians attest that positive reinforcement training is one of the tools to keep a dog happy, healthy and well-behaved. Training also can offset behavioral issues that may make spending time in and out of a home with a dog less enjoyable, thus reducing the chances the pet may be surrendered to a shelter. The American Kennel Club says that each dog breed has a distinct personality, instinctive drive and genetic heritage.
These factors can affect trainability:
Highly trainable dog breeds
According to renowned dog researcher Dr. Stanley Coren, certain breeds are more trainable than others.
♦ German shepherd: There is a good reason this breed is regularly used for police and military work. The German shepherd is a workhorse and wants to please.
♦ Border collie: This breed can learn quickly and will be eager to learn more.
♦ Poodle: Although that curly coat may lead a person to believe this breed is more fluff than brains, quite the opposite is true. Poodles are keen to work and willing to please.
♦ Collie: Collies are known for their unwavering devotion and loyalty, not to mention trainability.
♦ Golden retriever and Labrador retriever: Some of the most popular family dogs around, these retrievers tend to
be gentle, friendly, trainable, and eager to please.
♦ Rottweiler: This imposing pup is a natural protector that wants a job to do. That makes the Rottie highly trainable. Some dogs, such as hounds, beagles, huskies, and Akitas, are among the most challenging to train, according to experts. Such dogs’ focus may be on sensing prey or doing other things they find fun. But people should not grow discouraged if they have their hearts set on less-receptive-totraining breeds.
Mixed breed dogs
What can you expect if you have an Akita mixed with
a Golden retriever? Perhaps aloofness will mix with friendly exuberance and result in a mild-mannered pup. It often is challenging to determine the heritage of a mixed-breed dog with the hopes of gauging its willingness to be trained. “Mutts” tend to have more muted traits. However, if two highly trainable, active breeds comprise the DNA of a mixed-breed dog, that intense desire to work may be a negative in the home environment. Much like other factors regarding mixed-breed dogs, an owner won’t know what he or she is getting until spending time with the dog.
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