Following their special meeting on June 9, the Brentwood City Council announced that City Manager G. Harold Duffey will be placed on paid administrative leave in a 4-0 vote. Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson abstained from voting on the matter. Her reason for doing so was not disclosed.
“I want to be clear that paid administrative leave is not a final determination of any matter,” Mayor Susannah Meyer said in a statement following the closed session. “I know residents may have questions, and I understand the desire for transparency. This is a personnel matter and there are legal, privacy and due process limits on what the city can publicly discuss at this time.”
With Duffey on leave, his role will be overseen by Brentwood’s “executive team” and department heads, said Meyer while touting the council’s confidence in city staff.
“We appreciate the community’s engagement and patience,” she said of the situation. “We will share additional information
when it is appropriate and legally permissible.”
While no official cause was given for why Duffey was placed on leave, the decision comes in the wake of news that Duffey had been implicated in a texting scandal during his tenure as a city employee in Oakland prior to coming to Brentwood. During his time in Oakland, Duffey and his boss, Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson, engaged in “certain degrading and unprofessional communications,” according to Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. Johnson resigned on May 17 as a result of the newly-uncovered messages.
The text messages, which were made public on May 12 on Oakland’s public records portal, were part of a broader probe tied to a corruption investigation of recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. Among the thousands of messages released that include Johnson, there are messages that show comments be-
One type of alcohol license nixed
ing, the Brentwood City Council praised The Grove, a proposed public market for downtown, as “amazing” during a unanimous approval of the project. However, the Council’s decision to approve it hinged on the decision to not include one particular type of alcohol permit for the space.
The Grove had previously been approved 5-0 by the Planning Commission during their May 5 meeting, with chairperson Kristo-
first floor would feature multiple small tenant spaces focusing on artisanal and boutique products, as well as service uses such as barbers or beauty shops, according to the agenda packet. The second floor would consist of a central open area with two large tenant spaces and one small tenant space, as well as a 1,396-square-foot open-air seating area that could potentially be used for cafés or larger retail stores. The project’s outdoor area
Jovita Mendoza elected to bring the project before the Council based on two concerns she had, she explained during the June 9 meeting.
The first concern was related to the request for a Type 42 license, a specific type of alcohol sales license., said Mendoza, whose day job is in alcohol sales. According to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), this type
see The Grove page 22
tween him and Duffey about various female city employees in ways that Lee characterized as degrading.
“Got the old player mesmerized,” a text from Duffey to Johnson reads in reference to an employee identified only as Holly in the exchange.
“I have to force myself to only look in her eyes. She had me a little giddy yesterday when we had to take pics,” Johnson replied.
Duffey was first appointed to be Brentwood’s City Manager in a 5-0 vote last October. He had been selected as part of a nationwide search conducted by the firm Peckham & McKenney, which included an “extensive background check,” Meyer said at the time.
The decision to place Duffey on leave follows backlash from local residents regarding his actions. During the annual State of the City address on May 18, one resident
see City Manager page 22
10-year funding plan also approved
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The Oakley City Council voted 4-1 to approve the city’s budget for fiscal year 2026/’27, as well as a fiveyear capital improvement program for city projects and an information technology plan, at their June 9 meeting. Projected expenditures are lower than last year primarily because of there being fewer capital improvement and public works projects in the budget this year.
According to the budget document, total citywide expenditures
are projected at $79 million, with revenues at $84 million. Expenditures are lower than the previous year’s $96 million due to there being fewer public works projects in this year’s budget.
Within this amount, General Fund expenditures are expected to total $40.8 million, while General Fund revenues are expected to be $34.7 million. The discrepancy between the latter two numbers is due to a proposed one-time transfer of $7.16 million to the city’s Capital Projects fund, to be used for a remodel of the Police Department and for beginning the extension of Laurel Road and the widening of Main Street. Oakley also applied for
see Oakley Council page 22
G.HAROLD DUFFEY
Kim Burrell Kim Burrell
or
How teachers make ends meet after school ends
Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Teachers dedicate their lives – and most of their year – to forming the young minds they are entrusted with. But what happens when school is out and the paychecks stop coming? With constantly increasing costs for everything from food to gas to homes, how do teachers pay the bills when they aren’t working?
Local superintendents said there are several options.
First, with a modified year-round schedule in Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Oakley schools, teachers aren’t facing a three-month paycheck gap. Brentwood Union School District Superintendent Dana Eaton, Ed.D, said teachers are working 12 months of the year, and are paid monthly, all year.
“They work 184 days and earn a salary,” Eaton said. “The salary is split up over 12 months. Because of our schedule, our teachers work part of every month as they end (school) in early June and start in late July.”
Oakley Union Elementary School District Superintendent Jeff Palmquist said teachers in his district are generally paid in 11 installments, “though some opt for 12 installments through a special summer fund.” -- some is held back from each of their checks.
mer school for high school teachers, and Extended School Year services for students with individualized education plans in the elementary districts.
A good smile can open doors. A Sheffield Smile can change lives.
“These programs create additional opportunities for teachers and staff who are interested in summer employment” as teachers, Palmquist said.
Local teachers do have summer earnings opportunities as well, including sum-
Susan Meis, president of the Oakley Union Teachers Association, said there are other opportunities as well, including tutoring, curriculum writing, educational camps, childcare programs, coaching,
While teachers in some school districts may need to take on a second job to pay their bills over the summer vacation, that is not the case at many local schools.
swim instruction, fitness or spin instruction, retail work, food delivery services, rideshare driving, event staffing, and other seasonal employment opportunities.
For non-traditional districts though, the summer can stretch longer than six weeks. Michelle Ellison teaches at Vista Oaks, a charter school in Byron. Vista Oaks’ summer is longer than its public counterparts, lasting from mid-May to mid-August. Ellison said she chose a payment option that would support her year-round, so she can enjoy her summers.
“There was an option to get paid 12 months, and I chose the 12 months, so I get paid monthly all year,” Ellison said. “They call it Summer Hold Back Pay.”
Ellison explained the school “keeps back” part of each paycheck, saving up her money to pay her with in the summer. She prefers having a steady check year-round, so she can take time to spend with her family.
In the Antioch and Pittsburg districts, summers are slightly longer than their East County counterparts. In those districts, teachers have similar options to those in Oakley of being paid yearround or picking up seasonal work.
Photo by Adobe Stock
Girl, 10, wakes up family as fire destroys their Oakley home and kills three pets
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
A 10-year-old girl helped save her family from a house fire in Oakley that destroyed their home and killed three pets, according to her mother and ConFire.
ConFire Battalion Chief Jeff Burris said crews arrived around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday to find the front of the house on fire and downed power lines actively arcing, which initially slowed firefighters’ attack. Burris added that crews had to work around the power lines to fight the fire.
“We went defensive until we were able to get enough resources on scene so we could send crews inside to actually attack the fire,” Burris said. “We had heavy fire in the attic. The fire’s actually being investigated by our investigation bureau, but it appears that it started on the porch area.”
Nena Morgan, a resident of the home at West Cypress Road near Duarte Avenue, said that her daughter, 10-year-old Elizabeth Morgan, woke up after hearing the crackling of flames. Nena said that when the power went out, Elizabeth looked outside, saw flames, and began yelling through the house to wake up everyone to escape the blaze.
“She is our hero,” Nena Morgan said. “I was sound asleep in bed. When I woke up, I could just see smoke billowing through the house. I was sound asleep in bed with my husband. I don’t even know what would have happened if Elizabeth wasn’t awake.”
Nena Morgan said the family lost everything in the fire, including 14 years of family photos and her children’s school projects. Three pets — two dogs and a cat — also died in the fire, as confirmed by both Nena Morgan and ConFire.
Art Ray of Bay News Video contributed to this story
To view a video, visit www.thepress. net / multimedia
Photos courtesy of Art Ray/Bay News Video
What book will you write? Fiction or nonfiction?
When you decide to write a book, it seems to be a choice between simply fiction or nonfiction an either-or choice, but it’s actually more varied than that.
The great thing about writing a book is that you can write about what you know, or what you don’t know but can learn.
Fiction, of course, is you make it up out of your head while nonfiction is a true story. But like today’s cars, there are hybrids also. We’ll keep it simple for now and go into the mechanics of fiction versus nonfiction later.
Generally speaking, more fiction books are written and sold than nonfiction but nonfiction overall takes in more money (the books tend to be priced higher).
Nonfiction can be more labor-intensive. In addition to including photos and illustrations (for which permission to publish them if they aren’t your photos must be obtained), you also have a table of contents as well as a preface (why you decided to write this book).
Also, if possible, a foreword (someone else praises your book with a statement on the book’s cover).
You’ll need a “bibliography,” a list of outside sources documenting the facts you present, usually obtained from other books, off the internet, from old documents, diaries, interviews or other sources.
If the facts didn’t happen to you directly, these are called “secondary sources.”
Remember, nonfiction books are usually easier to market and sell than fiction because
there is more of a guaranteed audience for a nonfiction book depending on its subject. Fiction is more difficult. There you need to develop an audience of fans.
Fiction is often easier to write because you make it up. You are in sole possession of the story. You don’t have to gather and cite factual sources.
But let’s also face it.
Fiction is more glamorous if you can pull it off well. We know who Stephen King is, but we’ve never heard of a, let’s say, Harvey Smedlap, who, let’s say, wrote an excellent, yet limited-audience history of the development of the library Dewey Decimal System.
It all depends on what kind of writer you want to be. Do not make a choice based on imagined quick effort and hoped-for get-richquick money (sales). If you do that, you’re called a “hack,” a low-quality writer who cranks out pulp-puke just to get a paycheck.
Do you want to be a wildly creative writer where everything in your book comes out of your imagination (fiction), or a writer who portrays reality with the known facts to back it up (nonfiction)?
You will choose. Perhaps you’ll do both. In my case, I have combined elements of fiction and nonfiction in one book (with mixed results).
More on this next time … – John Sammon is a freelance writer and the author of 41 books.
WHY ESTATE PLANNING MATTERS
By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law
Estate planning is the process of preparing for the management and distribution of your assets, as well as outlining your personal preferences for medical and financial decision-making, should you become unable to do so yourself. Far from being only for the wealthy or the elderly, it is a foundational step for anyone with assets, family, or personal preferences regarding their future.
The following provides key reasons why Estate Planning matters:
Ensuring Your Wishes are Honored: An estate plan—specifically through a Trust or Will—provides legal certainty about who inherits your property and assets, rather than leaving those decisions to California state law or the probate court.
Appointing Trusted Decision-Makers: Through a Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive, you choose the specific people you trust to manage your finances or make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Without these, courts may appoint a guardian or conservator who may not be someone you would have chosen.
Minimizing Conflict and Stress for Loved Ones: Clearly outlining your intentions significantly reduces the likelihood of family disputes. By organizing your
affairs, you alleviate the burden on your family, who would otherwise have to navigate complex legal and financial processes during a time of grief.
Protecting Minor Children: If you have children, an estate plan is the only way to formally nominate a guardian. This ensures that the person you trust will raise your children according to your values, rather than leaving that decision to the court.
Optimizing Tax Consequences: Strategic planning can help manage or minimize the impact of federal and state estate taxes, ensuring that a larger portion of your assets goes to your intended beneficiaries rather than to taxes. If you have questions concerning your existing estate plan or setting up an estate plan, please contact Todd W. Moeller at (925) 301-8840 or Todd@ MoellerEstateLaw.com.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this advertisement is provided for general information only. Todd W. Moeller is licensed to practice law in the State of California only, and any information contained in this advertisement is based on general principles of California law. The information presented should not be construed to be formal
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
With prices continuing to rise across California, experts in East County suggest the best ways to get the most out of a tank of gas and necessary car maintenance to keep your car running.
Daniel Brandt, Service Manager at Bill Brandt Ford, 8100 Brentwood Blvd., said one of the best ways residents can do this is by staying consistent with basic maintenance.
“With fuel prices, parts, tires, and general expenses increasing, many customers are trying to prioritize what needs to be done first,” he noted. “That is where our team tries to help. Whether a customer is visiting our main Ford service department or stopping by Quick Lane for routine maintenance, our goal is to inspect the vehicle, explain what is safetyrelated, what may affect fuel economy, and what items can be planned for later. Preventive maintenance can feel expensive up front, but it is usually much less expensive than waiting until a small issue becomes a major repair.”
Brandt said they have seen customers become more cost-conscious when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Brandt said they always remind custom
ers that the entire vehicle, not just the engine, affects the vehicle’s miles per gallon (MPG).
“Tires, alignment, brakes, filters, spark plugs, engine performance, transmission operation, and even software updates can all play a role. If a customer notices a sudden drop in fuel economy, that is usually a good reason to have the vehicle inspected.”
Bill Brandt Ford has been serving local residents for over 50 years. “We are always happy to be a resource for residents when it comes to vehicle maintenance, safety, and getting the most life out of their vehicles,” Brandt said.
Brandt noted that along with keeping up with basic car maintenance, driving habits also make a big difference. “Smooth acceleration, avoiding excessive idling, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle, and keeping up with factory-recommended maintenance are all simple ways to help maximize MPG.”
Brandt said they regularly remind customers that fuel economy is affected by more than just how they drive. “Proper tire pressure, clean filters, regular oil changes, healthy spark plugs, proper alignment, and addressing warning lights early can all help a vehicle operate more efficiently.”
For proper tire pressure, Tyler Smith, manager at Les Schwab Tire Center, 6361 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood, recommends ensuring tire pressures are set to the placard pressure to get the best overall gas mileage. “This applies equally to electric cars to maximize their range on a charge,” he added.
From Smith’s experience with customers needing maintenance and the high costs,
he said “customers are definitely more frugal in the current situation with the gas prices. No one is happy about it. Unfortunately, it is what it is.”
Smith said consumers should check their tire pressure at least once a month. “Tire pressures fluctuate based on the temperature so checking them often will help keep your tires wearing correctly and your gas mileage where you want it. I always recommend checking the pressures when the tires are cold, as the PSI (pounds per square inch) will not have been inflated from the tires heating up.”
A car’s PSI is the standard unit of measurement used to gauge the air pressure in the tire.
Additionally, Brandt said tires are one of the biggest areas residents should pay attention to. “Low tire pressure can reduce fuel economy, cause uneven tire wear, and create safety concerns,” he said. “We recommend checking tire pressure at least once a month and before longer trips. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold, either before driving or after the vehicle has been sitting for a while. The correct tire pressure is usually listed on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, (the vertical area where the driver’s door meets the vehicle body) not necessarily on the tire itself. Customers should also watch for low tread depth, uneven wear, cracking, vibration, or pulling while driving, as those can be signs the tires need attention.”
When looking to buy new tires, Smith suggested low rolling resistant tires as this will help the vehicle get more mileage on a tank of gas.
“Low-rolling-resistance tires strike a balance between safety features that helps control and stop the car, and design elements that provide better gas mileage, according to lesschwab.com. These tires weigh less and have thinner sidewalls than regular tires, are made with rubber compounds that reduce heat and friction, and have tread designs with shallower tread depth.”
Regarding fuel additives, Brandt said they generally recommend following the manufacturer’s guidance in the owner’s manual. “For most vehicles, using the correct fuel, staying current on scheduled maintenance, and keeping the fuel and air systems clean through proper service is usually more important than relying on additives. Some fuel system cleaners may be appropriate in certain situations, but we recommend checking with a qualified technician before adding anything to the fuel system, especially on newer vehicles.”
For more information, contact:
Bill Brandt Ford (925) 634-3551
Sales Department 925-578-1003
Service Department 925-578-1004
Parts Department 925-578-1002
billbrandtford.com
Les Schwab Tire Center - Brentwood — 6361 Lone Tree Way (925) 513-3432
lesschwab.com
Monkey Wrenches Inc. – 8130 Brentwood Boulevard 925-634-4145
www.monkeyauto.com
Not going to college? There are alternatives
By Sean Tongson Correspondent
High school students looking to get a head start on their future careers after graduation — whether they be to college or technical school — need to look no further than their own schools in which they’re enrolled.
The Liberty Union High School District is home to a broad range of Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, with typically at least 10 distinct programs available to students at each site. According to Liberty Union High School District Superintendent Denise Rugani, these paths are designed to provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences aligned with students’ interests and career goals.
“These pathways are intentionally structured to develop essential 21st century skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-
solving,” Rugani said. “Many programs also incorporate hands-on learning opportunities, industry partnerships, and internships, allowing students to apply their learning in authentic settings and better prepare for college and career pathways.”
According to Rugani, Heritage High School in Brentwood offers a well-established Culinary Arts pathway, while Freedom High School in Oakley features a construction academy, and Liberty High School in Brentwood features a Teaching and Learning Careers Academy. Rugani added that across the district, the CTE programs span a variety of fields, which give students exposure to diverse industries and career options.
“It’s like a school within a school,” said Freedom High School Principal Steve Amaro. “The state has put a lot of emphasis and building out career pathways.
AI TRENDS AND FAILS: WHAT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES SHOULD KNOW
By Seana Fippin, Red Box Business Solutions
Artificial Intelligence isn’t something coming “someday.” It’s already part of our daily lives – from the way we search online to how emails are written and customer service chats respond.
In 2026, AI is becoming an everyday tool for local businesses. It helps write marketing posts, summarize meetings, organize data, and even answer customer questions. For small businesses especially, AI can save time and stretch limited resources.
But there are also growing concerns.
One trend we’re seeing is “shadow AI” employees or individuals using free online AI tools without understanding what information is being shared. Uploading private business details, financial information, or personal data into public platforms can create unexpected risks.
Another issue? Over-reliance.
AI-generated content isn’t always accurate. It can sound confident even when it’s wrong. Without human review, mistakes can spread quickly.
The good news is that AI, when used thoughtfully, can be incredibly helpful. It can improve efficiency, spark creativity, and help small businesses compete with much larger companies.
The key is awareness.
Ask questions:
• What information am I sharing?
• Is this tool secure?
• Am I reviewing what AI produces before using it?
AI isn’t about replacing people. It’s about using technology wisely.
Join us: Wednesday July 15, 2026, 8am-10:00am Brentwood Community Center. AITRENDS.eventbrite.com, Red Box Business Solutions at 925-513-0000 www.GetRedBox.com. – Advertorial
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
What Pride Month means to me
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
June conjures up a variety of emotions that can arise among a certain group. The group I am referring to is the LGBTQ+ community as June is Pride Month.
Some people may feel anxious, angry, depressed, scared, excited – or all of the above – as Pride celebrations take place.
Whether you identify in the community, support the community or not, this month can be challenging for anyone.
To me, pride means being your true, most authentic self. In a country that is supposed to be “united,” it has not felt this way lately particularly for my community.
As I’ve grown older, I have completely stopped caring about others’ opinions on this topic and their view of me, especially people I do not know. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but violence is never the answer.
I feel as though I can speak for the majority on this that just because we may not be what some people consider as the “norm,” doesn’t mean we are not the same person on the inside that we were at birth -- something a lot of people especially parents/guardians can learn from when they decide to disown their child when they “come out” in whatever form that is.
I often find myself wondering how people have the time and energy to care so much about other people’s lives. The majority of this hatred is put upon complete strangers through social media, and this hatred seems to be on the rise in recent years.
I can’t think of a time when who someone loved ever affected me or my
Publisher & Editor Greg Robinson
Controller Sandie McNulty
Production Manager Eric Kinnaird
Ad Services Manager Connie O’Neill
Associate Editor Jake Menez
Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures
life, and no one outside of that relationship should get to have a say on their lives. If more people lived their life this way rather than intruding on someone else’s, they would be a lot happier in it.
I feel very fortunate to have supportive friends and an even more supportive family especially during June, as this is not the case for a lot of people.
Thank you to The Brentwood Press for allowing and recognizing that LGBTQ+ voices in the community matter just as much as anywhere else because we are everywhere and you can’t get rid of us.
“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” — Marsha P. Johnson
“Hope will never be silent.” — Harvey Milk
LETTERS POLICY
The Press invites your comments. Letters must be no longer than 325 words and include name, address and phone number for confirmation.
The Press reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, potential libel and taste, or to not print letters we feel violate our standards of acceptance.
Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.
Email your opinion letter to editor@brentwoodpress.com.
Letters to the editor
It’s not ‘elitist’ to be concerned about our health and safety
Editor:
Regarding the June 5, 2026 article “County Pulls Measure X funding from low-income housing project, I take umbrage at whoever this “GB” person is who wouldn’t give their name but was quoted in the article. She said the residents of Discovery Bay who are against the new three-story housing project are “elitist.”
Excuse me? The biggest problem is that there are a lot of seniors who live here and fire/emergency services are already so far away they can’t get to our houses on the golf course or on the bays quickly enough to save lives. People have died. We’ve lost neighbors and homes in the area because of the lack of sufficient fire protection services here. This has been the case ever since July 2010 when our local fire station in Discovery Bay was closed. It was the main station in Discovery Bay (Station 58).
If developers want to build more housing, first re-open our Discovery Bay fire station on Discovery Bay Boulevard or build a new one at the entrance of Highway 4 and Discovery Bay Boulevard. Today, the nearest one is the Byron Fire Station on Bixler and the fire district has long known it is not close enough to protect the half of Discovery Bay on the eastern side.
Elitist? Please. We’re concerned seniors.
Jan McCleery Discovery Bay
Brentwood Chamber president clarifies remarks at City Council meeting
To Mayor Susannah Meyer and the Brentwood City Council, My name is Denise Cosgrove, and I am the President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. I am writing for two purposes: to complete the public comment I began at last night’s meeting, which I was unable to finish due to time, and to clarify the record regarding remarks directed at me from the dais in response to my statement.
First, to complete my statement: Due to time constraints, I was unable to finish my remarks. The following is the completion of what I intended to say:
“I do want to speak to a broader pattern, because the Chamber believes it deserves an honest conversation. Costco was pulled - Costco eventually built, but not without unnecessary delay and cost
to a project Brentwood residents clearly wanted. The downtown fire station rebuild faced last-minute design objections over brick color and window shapes and that contributed to a $500,000 cost increase to Brentwood taxpayers. Lazy Dog was pulled; Lazy Dog is not coming to Brentwood. Popeyes was pulled; Popeyes is not coming to Brentwood. We don’t need a study to tell us what that means. When national brands go through our process and choose to go elsewhere, that is the market speaking. And the market is watching.
Brentwood deserves a reputation as a city that welcomes business, applies its rules consistently, and lets good projects move forward. Whether it is retail, restaurant, or a one-of-a-kind community gathering space like The Grove — businesses need to know the rules before they invest, and they need to trust that those rules will be applied equally and fairly to everyone.
The Grove is a good project. Approve it.”
Second, to clarify the record:
At no point during my public comment did I name any individual councilmember. My remarks were directed at the Brentwood City Council as a governing body. I cited a pattern of project delays and departures that this Council — collectively — has presided over. I named projects, not people.
Had I been able to complete my statement, it would have been clear to everyone in that chamber that my remarks were directed at the Council as a whole — and that my broader point was about the message Brentwood sends to the business community when good projects face unnecessary uncertainty after completing the approval process.
With respect, being challenged from the dais and told I did not know my facts — for words I did not say — is itself an example of the unpredictable environment that gives businesses pause about coming to Brentwood. If a Chamber President can be publicly rebuked at a podium for remarks she never made, one has to wonder what experience awaits a business owner who simply wants to open a restaurant or invest in our town.
The Chamber looks forward to continuing to work with this Council in support of Brentwood’s economic growth and vitality. I respectfully request that this letter be entered into the public record for The Grove at Brentwood hearing file.
Denise Cosgrove, President
Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Plans for future Pride celebrations have not been discussed for Brentwood, Oakley and Antioch.
For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
This Week’s Events
Saturday, June 13
City of Oakley: Juneteenth Ceremony
The City of Oakley has its Juneteenth Ceremony from 11 a.m. – noon at Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main St.). If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the ceremony, contact the Oakley Recreation Division at (925) 625-7041. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. The name is a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” marking the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to tell the last enslaved people in the U.S. that they were free. This happened more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
On the Horizon
Friday, June 19
Juneteenth Celebration in the Park in Brentwood
Celebrate Juneteenth from 4-8 p.m. at City Park at Second and Oak streets featuring Kim Burrell, Steven Green,Virtuous Voice, Monique McCoy, Kritta, Split Second Response and the Stepz Dance Fitness, plus kids activities, vendor booths and craft fairs.
Saturday, June 20
Miles for Mayo 5K run/walk
This fundraiser starts at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park in Brentwood, 3841 Balfour Road. The Miles For Mayo 5K is a timed, family-friendly event focused on commemorating the life of Matías “Mayo” Rogers and helping others find inspiration through running. All proceeds support local high schools and the Delta Limitless youth running program. Matías passed away at the age of 16 on June 16, 2021 in a car accident. All participants receive a T-shirt, wristband and participant medals. For details and to register, visit milesformayo.org.
Bethel Island Lions Club Western BBQ and Dance
Enjoy chicken, ribs, and all the fixins, DJ/KJ, karaoke dancing, raffle prizes, money hat for $30 per person from 5-10 p.m. at Scout Hall at 3090 Ranch Lane. For tickets or more Information, contact Dave Lawler at 925-5951451 or visit https://facebook.com/events/s/ bethel-island-lions-western-bb/110647253255 3865/?mibextid=Gg3lNB
Thursday, June 25
Byron Delta Lions presents Bunco! Spring Fundraiser
Enjoy dinner, cash prizes and no-host bar from 5-9 p.m. at De Luna Ranch, 7540 Balfour Ave. in Brentwood. Tickets are 45 per person. Send payment to: Venmo: @Byron-DeltaLions, Zelle: BLDCfoundation@gmail.com or https://zeffy. com/en-US/ticketing/bunco-fundraiser-3. All proceeds benefit the local community through High School scholarships, Diabetes Awareness, Vision Screening in local school (over 5,000 students screened per year), Delta Christian Community Food Pantry, Special Kids Day, High School Student Speaker Contest, and more. For details, visit http://byrondeltalions.org
Saturday, June 27
Oakley Summer Fest
Oakley Summer Fest will be in Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main Street from Norcross to Vintage Parkway. This free event is a five-hour family-friendly festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. that celebrates summer and community with a wide range of activities for attendees - such as 40 vendors, local food trucks, live music on stage, a giant kids zone equipped with rides and games.
Saturday, July 4
Liberty Bell Run in Brentwood
This third annual 5K run/walk starts at 7 a.m. at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road. Events include a 1-mile fun run and the 5K. All proceeds support the Liberty High band. For details, visit libertylionsband.com.
America 250 – Brentwood
The city will honor its past and celebrate the future with a parade downtown, food trucks, games, live music, family activities and a celebration of service from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at City Park and Second and Oak streets. The free parade starts at Birch and First streets, then turns right on Oak Street to City Park to the Community Center. To enter the parade, visit https://anc.apm. activecommunities.com/brentwoodparksandrec/ activity/search/detail/16587?onlineSiteId=0&fr om_original_cui=true.
America 250 car show in Brentwood
A car show will occupy First Street in front of the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First. St. from 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Check-in is at 9:30 a.m., with awards given out at 1 p.m. There will be trophies and awards for many classes, food vendors, music and entertainment. Entry fee is $20. To enter, visit zeffy.com/en-US/1
Saturday, July 11
Hometown Heroes Safety Expo
Hometown Heroes Safety Expo brings together law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and public safety professionals to celebrated the men and women who protect the city. The event will be at Los Medanos College’s Brentwood campus at 1351 Pioneer Square from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., this free public expo features live demonstrations, safety training, family-friendly activities, and direct engagement with the agencies that serve the region. There will be a live DJ, food vendors, local dignitaries, fire engines, first aid demonstrationsThe event’s goal is to strengthen bonds, empower residents with practical safety skills, recognize and honor our first responders as the heroes they are for their unwavering commitment to our communities, and foster lasting partnerships between first responders, local officials, businesses, organizations, and the public. For details, visit brentwoodchamber.com, call 925-634-3344 or email admin@brentwoodchamber.com
Saturday, July 25
Think Big, Act Bigger Backpack Giveaway in Brentwood
All students must be present to collect their school supplies at from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 757 First St. in Brentwood. Take what you need and leave what you don’t, giving others the opportunities to take what they need. If students have one at home they would like to re-use instead please bring it to fill. All college students will have to provide a current student ID or a current school schedule upon check-in. One backpack per student. Students must be present to collect backpacks. For details, visit http://tbactbigger.org.
Ongoing Events
St. Anthony’s Church Food Distribution
Oakley Senior Center food distribution has moved out of their previous location. For the foreseeable future, they will be operating out of St. Anthony’s Church at 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley on Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own bags/containers. For more information, call 925-783-0818.
Hope House Food Distribution
The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.
Look at the many local events on
IHMC Food Distribution
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon. East County Rotary Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Club Los Meganos Event Center at 1700 Trilogy Parkway in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.brentwoodrotaryclub.com.
Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit www.rotaryclubofoakley.com.
Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/antiochrotaryclub.
The Rotary Club of the Delta: The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org.
East County Lions Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/.
Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd.
Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions. com/who-we-are/meetings/.
Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/. Soroptimists of the Delta Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For more information, call Sonia at 415-7170294 or visit siofthedelta.com.
Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting
The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-3381775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https://www.mcl1155.org/.
Widow
and Widower
Grief Support Group
A widow and widower grief support group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. A monthly pot luck and happy hour are also available. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Connie Cononen at 925-392-9037.
Coffee with Carolyn Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported by The Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection of Byron. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The location is at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden behind the Byron United Methodist Church (14671 Byron Highway in Byron). For more information, contact Carolyn George at 925-577-3325.
4-H Clubs
Oakley: The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. For location information, email Amanda at oakley@contracosta.org.
Knightsen: Knightsen 4H meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Knightsen Elementary School at 1923 Delta Road. Open to boys and girls ages 5-19 as well. For details, contact Rosa Sherwood or Maria Jehn at knightsen4h@gmail.com.
Brentwood: The club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month with dinner at 6:30, and meeting at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. They meet at the Knightsen Farm Bureau Hall at 3020 2nd St. in Knightsen. For further details, email Angela at brentwood@contracosta4h.org.
Caring Haven Free Dementia Respite Program – Now Enrolling
Beginning August 11, Caring Haven is offering a free, grant-funded respite care program for individuals living with dementia. The program provides a safe, engaging space for participants while giving family caregivers a much-needed break.
Current Locations and Times:
Antioch: Mondays, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at The Lemon Tree, 514 W. 2nd Street
Concord: Tuesdays, noon-4 p.m. at Rainbow Community Center (LGBTQIA+ affirming), 2380 Salvio Street, Suite 301 Antioch: Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. at Bedford Center, 1811 C Street
Each session includes dementia-friendly activities, individually packaged meals, and trained staff on site. Additional limited 1:1 in-home respite is also available, and their nonprofit arm, Caregiver OneCall, offers 24/7 caregiver support. More sites to be added soon. Call 925-331-0590 to enroll or learn more. Website: www.caringhavenhomecare.com
Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting
Al-Anon meetings, which offer a supportive place for friends and families of alcoholics, are held every Friday from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Brentwood United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There is no need to register. For details, call Trisha at 510-910-1389.
Attention commercial venues! The Press is excited to announce we are now allowing commercial venues, bars and for-profit events to list your events in The Press’s weekly printed community calendar. For only $25 per week, it will include 55-60 words or a 380-390 character count with bigger font and will be hotlinked to your website on the e-Press. To place your event, let us know by Friday at noon for the following Friday’s publication at ads@brentwoodpress.com or call 925-634-1441.
Oakley golfer wins CIF state boys title
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Oakley native and De La Salle junior golfer Drue Sanchez knew he had a chance to win the CIF State championship when he noticed one particular thing as he was finishing his championship round last week.
“Around the 16th hole, the CIF cameras started following me and videoing my swing,” he said.
Sanchez shot a 5-under-par 66 to win the individual CIF State Championship on June 3, becoming the first De La Salle golfer to win the individual state title. His round also helped the Spartans finish second as a team, capping a season that included an undefeated East Bay Athletic League run, a North Coast Section title and a NorCal championship, according to De La Salle athletics.
“The way I played, I would describe it as smart, calculated,” Sanchez said. “I really stuck to my game plan and just let things fall in place.”
The state title came after a few close calls during the postseason. Sanchez shot a 4-under at the par 68 NCS Division I tournament to finish second individually, then shot a high school career-best 8-under at the par 64 NorCal championship before losing a playoff to one of his De La Salle teammates.
The win carried more weight because Sanchez had played in the state tournament before without the result he wanted.
“We’ve had a lot of really good players come through the last few years, some of which have mentored me and taught me things about how to play,” Sanchez said. “It’s kind of a full-circle moment for me. I was there two years ago (as a freshman) and we didn’t really play well. I was back there last year and I didn’t play well. So to come back this year and win the tournament as an individual is pretty special.”
“During COVID times, all I could really do was play golf,” Sanchez said. “Every day I would go to the driving range, just pounding balls for hours. To be honest, I’d say that’s kind of the time where I really started to fall in love with it.”
His love for the game eventually led Sanchez to De La Salle, where the golf program was one of the main reasons he chose the school. The Spartans gave him the chance to improve around older players and compete in a strong program.
“A large part of it was so that I could develop my golf game and learn from the upperclassmen,” Sanchez said. “I think it was one of the best decisions in my life. I really enjoy De La Salle. I love the school. I love the program. I love the community.”
With the CIF State title under his belt, Sanchez enters his senior year with some relief in winning it before his final high school season next year. However, he also said that his next goal is trying to win it again in 2027, when the state tournament is scheduled to return to Northern California at Poppy Hills in Monterey.
“I know that golf course really well,” Sanchez said. “I’m hoping I can go back to back there.”
However, Sanchez’s big summer run didn’t end there.
Sanchez has played golf for as long as he can remember. His father introduced him to the sport, taking Sanchez and his older brother to the range. Sanchez started with a plastic club before moving into hand-me-down clubs and junior tournaments.
The sport became a bigger part of his life during the COVID-19 pandemic, when golf was one of the few activities still available.
He also qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur championship next month after playing a bogey-free 68 (-4) in the U.S. at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton on Tuesday, June 9. Sanchez is joined by San Ramon’s Kevin He and Ripon native Cru Sullivan, all tied for first place.
Sanchez qualified as a Northern California Golf Association junior member and will be in the U.S. Junior Amateur championship next month alongside other notable young golfers like 17-year-old Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods, who qualified himself after shooting a 68 (-3) in his respective qualifier at Heathrow Country Club in Florida.
Knightsen volleyball coaches guide historic 3-year run
By Raymond Beasley V Correspondent
Knightsen Elementary School’s eighthgrade girls volleyball team recently capped a historic season under coaches Dawnell Bally and Sam Taylor, finishing 12-0 and setting a school sports record.
The team leaves Knightsen on a high note, but also with a legacy.
Over the past three seasons, Knightsen’s core group has had little roster turnover. Many of the same players have stayed together year after year, building a run that stands out at a smaller, academically driven school where athletics are not always guaranteed. Bally said some Knightsen programs have had to pause seasons in the past because of low turnout.
“We don’t have cuts,” Bally said. “Sometimes we don’t have enough kids that try out, and then we don’t even get to have a season. Fortunately, for volleyball, it’s not the case. It’s been a very popular sport there.”
Two years ago, the Knights finished 111. Last season, they lost, again, only once, and again on the road. The losses were rare enough that Bally could still easily recall them — and the lessons that came from each.
coached Bally and Taylor when they were teenagers, and Bally later coached under her for 12 years at Liberty.
“Her coaching style was strict and efficient,” Bally said.
That experience, Bally said, helped prepare her and Taylor to become coaches themselves.
The current Knightsen group is expected to move on to Liberty next year, and Bally said she and Taylor also are weighing what comes next as coaches. Whether they return to Knightsen or continue coaching elsewhere, Bally said the program is in a stronger place because of what this eighth-grade class helped build.
Knightsen has not lost since that defeat at Bristow last season. Bally credited coaching and skill for the run, but said the biggest factor was the players’ approach.
“It’s almost as if each girl had her focus cap on,” Bally said.
“Their sixth-grade year, they lost to Adams [Middle School],” Bally said. “It was [Adams’] home game. Then their seventhgrade year, at Bristow. No team should be looked at as a win when we walk on the court. Every team is something that we had to fight to win.”
That focus, Bally said, has been there since the group first came together.
“Since their sixth-grade year, they started out really strong mentally,” Bally said. “They’re just tough girls all around. Obviously, it’s a combination of everything.”
Bally said her coaching approach was shaped in part by Linda Ghilarducci, her former volleyball coach at Liberty High School and a Liberty Union High School District Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Ghilarducci
“We ended the season floating on a cloud, really,” Bally said. “It was really cool. Unexpected, but very proud. We’re moving to Liberty now, Sam and I, so Knightsen’s in somebody else’s hands. I don’t know for sure if Sam and I are going to coach Knightsen, but I think we’re going to try to, to keep the legacy going.”
Bally said she hopes younger students at Knightsen continue to build on what this group started.
“If you want to play, try out,” Bally said. “If you’re thinking about playing, try out. If you want to get involved in a fun sport with your community, just try out.”
Oakley native Drue Sanchez holds his CIF State championship trophy following his victory at the San Gabriel Country Club on June 3.
Photo courtesy Dulce Sanchez
After the last game of the 2026 season, Dawnell Bally (far right), Sam Taylor (far left) and the Knightsen volleyball team pose for a team photo.
Photo courtesy Knightsen Elementary Athletics
Freedom summer camp has a different feel
Focus now on football instead of ‘solidifying the culture’
By Mason Tovani Correspondent
Stephen Rodriguez is entering his third year as head coach of the Freedom football program, and Year 3 even in the early stages feels like a far cry from those first two years.
The schedule, which doesn’t start until September, is already posted in the locker room for his players to see – not to play the guessing game on wins and losses but to motivate and build excitement amongst the team.
“The first big jump from the first to the second year is ‘Did the culture set in?’” Rodriguez said Wednesday during their second day of summer camp. “Moving into the second year it was about solidifying the culture. The transition to the third year feels really good that I can focus on football. As a program, we’re all moving forward on the football aspect and on the field production. This year we can now go into the nitty gritty and we’ll be able to see some product on the field.”
In the first two seasons, the Falcons were 1-19. A lot of Rodriguez’s comments last year revolved around the buzz word ‘process’ –much like his comments on
next. I’ve known some of these kids all of their middle school and high school lives. Getting to know them that way and having them out here on the field, it’s pretty seamless.”
The third year brings many differences for Rodriguez and his staff. One that can’t be overlooked is the leadership roles players are stepping into much earlier than in years past. It took the course of the season last year for his players to use their voice and recognize both mistakes and the positives.
But June summer camp has a different vibe. There’s full attendance, a buy-in to the program’s mission for this season to play competitive and meaningful games and a deepened belief amongst the upperclassmen that the 2026-27 season can look a lot different than last fall.
“Football in general is the ultimate team sport,” Rodriguez said. “If we have a group of kids who are coming out consistently who are looking like a team, then success will come. It’s not necessarily wins or losses but we will be competitive because we are such a tight team.”
Wednesday during summer camp. But this year, he has a group that he’s spent a handful of years with dating back to some of the students’ days in middle school. He expects that the process will yield more victories.
“It is so nice this year to not have to talk about certain things like communication, accountability or self agency,” Rodriguez said. “That’s already done. We’re talking about what play we have to run
He added: “People have already stepped up. I’ve already seen clear leaders, it’s fun to look and see that they’re ready for it. Our returners feel confident in themselves, they feel like they know what they’re doing and they’ve already started playing like that. I couldn’t be more happy.”
Freedom head coach Stephen Rodriguez (middle) coaches individual drills during Freedom football’s summer training camp Wednesday afternoon in Oakley.
Photo by Mason Tovani
The Class of 2026 celebrates
Seniors from throughout the Liberty Union High School District’s five high schools –Independence, Heritage, Liberty, La Paloma and Freedom – all tossed their caps last week during Commencement ceremonies in Brentwood and Oakley. Forest green - Independence; Sky blue – Heritage; Burgundy – Liberty; Blue - La Paloma; Dark blue –Freedom. To view a slideshow of each school, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows
Photos by Jeff Weisinger
Kay Gschwend
Dec. 30, 1950 - May 21, 2026
In Loving Memory of Kay Gschwend
Kay passed away on May 21, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and will miss her dearly.
The daughter of Margerie Rounds and Eric Nystrom, Kay lived a life filled with love, laughter, family, and adventure. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ken Gschwend, with whom she shared 45 wonderful years of marriage; her children, Kelly and Ron; her daughter-in-law, Silvia; her cherished grandchildren, Isabella and David; and her sister-in-law, Sue Youngblood.
One of the best decisions Kay and Ken made was moving to Discovery Bay, where they enjoyed some of the happiest years of their lives. Together they traveled extensively, creating treasured memories around the world.
Kay was an avid golfer and was especially proud of achieving not one, but two hole-in-ones. They enjoyed boating, being active members of the Yacht Club, and embracing every opportunity for adventure. Kay also loved waterskiing and camping with her family.
Milestones Milestones
Discovery Bay became more than a place to live — it became home. Through the Discovery Bay Country Club, the Yacht Club, and the many friendships she cultivated over the years, Kay built a cherished community that brought her immense joy. She treasured the laughter, companionship, and countless memories shared with her wonderful circle of friends, many of whom became like family.
Kay treasured time spent with family and friends. She loved entertaining, enjoying a good glass of wine, and sharing laughter with those around her. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Kay shared her love of music with family and friends throughout her life. She was especially known for singing her signature song, “Crazy,” a favorite among those who knew and loved her.
When her grandchildren came into her life, they quickly became the center of her world. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them and took great pride in watching them grow.
A creative spirit, Kay expressed herself through sewing, art, and her work as a professional nail technician. She touched many lives through her kindness, generosity, and love.
She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.
Memorial service information will be shared at a later date.
Have you or someone you know recently reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it!
Examples of a milestone could be:
A new baby, A 100th birthday, Engagement/Wedding, Significant Anniversary, Awards Won, Military Achievements or a Hole-In-One!
Congratulations on all you’ve achieved! We are so proud of you! May you continue to live life to the fullest and set your goals high – Love, Mom, Dad & Cruz
Mail or Fax info to: The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, CA 94513 or email to: editor@brentwoodpress.com Phone: 925-634-1441 Fax: 925-634-1975 | Please note: Photos cannot be returned.
Drew Briseño
Heritage High School
The world is your stage – go be the best version of you. Break a leg on Broadway next month and remember we’re always here for you.
- Love Mom & Dad
Aidan
Heritage High School
Congratulations Aidan on your graduation! You’ve always been kind & thoughtful to others to a degree well beyond your years. High School was a success in every measure.
- Grandma & Papa
Congratulations on your latest achievement! Your perseverance has paid off attaining your Masters in Accountancy! Next stop CPA!
Worship Services
Muse
Holland Preciado
Niko Gonzalez Liberty High School
They’re ready for not only internship, but also employment.”
By enrolling in the Freedom High School Construction Academy, students gain hands-on experience, engage in active learning while building real projects, industry mentorship, resume-building, networking and internship opportunities during their senior year while taking job site field trips and networking with industry leaders.
Amaro added that benefits include improvements of grades and attendance, while students are also likely to take at least one advanced placement (AP) class, with participation in the program continuing to increase.
Currently in its third year, the construction academy started with 23 students, and has now grown to 177 for the upcoming year. With 2,367 students, that is 7.48 percent of the total student population, according to construction academy coordinator Karna Cruz.
“What is more striking is that our numbers have increased at a rate of 66.56% each year,” Cruz said. “In addition, we are working with businesses within our community to create capstone projects with our students such as an entrepreneurial one we are piloting with LMC next year, as well as some we are completing with Swinerton and SkillsUSA. We have been working hard with our community business leaders, colleges, and even national business leaders to provide our students with every opportunity that we can give them.”
Meanwhile, the Teaching and Learning Careers Academy (TLC) at Liberty High School was recently recognized by the California Department of Education as a ‘Distinguished’ California Partnership Academy at the annual Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento on March 2.According to the Contra Costa County Office of Education, The California Distinguished Schools Program honors public schools throughout the state that best represent exemplary and quality educational programs and signature practices, with schools needing to meet or exceed how to be a high-functioning exemplary program, according to Liberty High TLC Coordinator Karen Cailotto.
“TLC is part of a statewide network of 350 California Partnership Academies,” Cailotto said in a press package. “As a
CPA, we operate as a three-year pathway, grades 10 to 12, with integrated academic courses, career-focused electives, internships, mentorships, and structured college and career planning.”
According to Cailotto, for schools to receive designation as a Distinguished California Partnership Academy, schools must have 100 percent graduation rate, 100 percent mentorships, and 100 percent internships. CPAs then receive state grant funding and must comply with detailed California Education Code requirements, including extensive documentation and reporting to ensure accountability and program quality.
According to Liberty’s website, three different TLC courses are offered for sophomores, juniors, and seniors; one for each grade level. For sophomores, Liberty offers a course on the developmental psychology of children that explores the developmental stages of children from conception through middle childhood.
For juniors, an educational careers core is offered for students interested in pursuing careers in education while learning professional norms,skills,and competencies including dress code and professional conduct at the workplace.
And for seniors, students will explore growth and development, major learning theories, principles of learning and teaching, classroom management techniques, formal lesson plans, and strategies for lesson planning and development. One period of internship is required for seniors, with the option to take a second double block internship period. All 2026 seniors
in the TLC program earned college credits from Los Medanos College for EDUC 100 (three credits), while all dual enrolling with Sonoma State University for spring 2026, in EDUC 150 (three credits). Juniors and seniors get to work with their mentor teachers one to two times per week at cooperating school sites, in preschool, elementary or middle school.
“TLC’s Distinguished Academy recognition reflects more than a single year,” Cailotto said. “It represents over 25 years of steady work, innovation, and dedication by current and past academy coordinators, TLC staff, site, district, and county administrators, the LUHSD business office, along our industry and post-secondary partners who have sustained the program and its community connections over time.”
More than 90 programs ranging from certification programs to degree programs that range between 16 and 60 units are offered at Los Medanos College (LMC) in Pittsburg, with some of those pathways coming from high schools. High school students can get early college credits, where they can take courses on an LMC campus, take LMC college courses at the high school, or take high school classes that earn early college credit, like an AP.
According to Los Medanos College President Pamela Ralston, students don’t need to come out of a technical program at a high school to take a technical program at LMC.
“Historically, technical programs have existed in high schools for the last 100 years,” Ralston said. “Over time, it has gotten even more advanced. I’m supportive of high schools making certain options available for students to be thinking about their professional pathways and providing opportunities for students to test those out before they graduate. I’m excited about how community colleges help continue those pathways to meet their needs.”
For details on career and technical education programs offered at LMC, visit https://www.losmedanos.edu/cte/programs.aspx.
For details on Liberty’s TLC academy, visit https://kcailotto.weebly.com/
For details on academy brochures for Freedom, visit https://bit.ly/4fJCR2g
For details on career academies for Heritage, visit https://hhs.luhsd.net/academics/career-academies/welcome
Press photo
Sipping the wines of the Dordogne with Bruno
If you haven’t discovered Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police series, here’s your excuse to start — and to open a bottle while you do.
tHe Glass
Bruno Courrèges is the beloved village policeman of St. Denis, a fictional town tucked into the Dordogne Valley, roughly an hour from Bergerac in southwest France.
Walker’s mysteries are equal parts whodunit, culinary love letter, and wine education. Bruno investigates murders, yes, but he also tends his garden, hunts truffles with his basset hound, and hosts legendary dinner parties. And the wines on his table are as carefully chosen as his suspects.
The region surrounding St. Denis is wine country of quiet but serious distinction. Bergerac Rouge, made primarily
from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is Bruno’s everyday red — earthy, fruit-forward, and perfect alongside duck confit or a hearty cassoulet. Its white counterpart, Bergerac Blanc, is crisp and aromatic, a Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon blend that pairs beautifully with the fresh trout Bruno pulls from the river Vézère.
When company is worth impressing, Bruno reaches for a Pécharmant — the premier red of the region, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec grown in iron-rich soils that produce wines that age gracefully, with tobacco and mineral depth that would make any Bordeaux drinker sit up and take notice.
And then there’s the showstopper: Monbazillac. This luscious sweet wine, crafted primarily from Sémillon grapes touched by noble rot, layers honey, apricots, and orange marmalade — and it’s Bruno’s dessert wine of choice, poured generously alongside a local cheese or a tarte aux noix.
Pour yourself a glass, find your copy of Bruno, Chief of Police, and let the
Walker writes about wine with just as much detail as the crimes in his Bruno, Chief of Police series of mysteries.
Dordogne work its magic. The mysteries are clever, the food will make you hungry, and the wines will absolutely end up on your shopping list.
Consider yourself warned — and delightfully so.
Uncorked:
History by
Frank MaiUri
Martin
Submitted photo
News iN Brief
To submit a news item for this page, send it to the editor at editor@brentwoodpress.com
FBI raids County tax assessor’s office
FBI agents served three search warrants in the county on Tuesday, including at the tax assessor’s office, and the homes of the current and outgoing tax assessor, according to the agency, interviews and video, KTVU reported.
A spokeswoman said the warrants were served at an office at 2530 Arnold Drive in Martinez, a residence on Temple Drive in Pacheco, and a residence on West Arlington Street in Martinez.
The office is the address of the tax assessor where several agents walked behind a counter full of files at the office.
The other addresses reportedly belong to the homes of longtime Assessor Gus Kramer in Martinez, and Assistant county Assessor Vince Robb in Pacheco.
“Apparently, low people in high places are attempting to weaponize the FBI to intimidate the assessment’s office regarding some properties’ values, on some very large properties,” Kramer told KTVU. “It’s really too bad.”
“I say, I used to work for the sheriff’s office,” he added. “I understand what they’re doing, but all they had to do was come into the office and ask for it politely. We would have given them everything they wanted.”
Robb said at his home that FBI agents showed up about 7 a.m. with a search warrant and seized his phone and laptops. He was upset because they put his children in handcuffs. He said he has done nothing wrong, and they would not tell him why they were there. The FBI did not say what they were looking for.
First 5 Contra Costa offers family growth series through June
A parenting resource opportunity for families, particularly East County AfricanAmerican parents and caregivers with children ages birth–5 years old, is being offered every Tuesday through June 30 via Zoom or in person at 6 p.m. at 1001 Stoneman Drive in Pittsburg.
The series focuses on building strong family foundations, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.
The Parental African American Achievement Collaborative Team and First 5 are hosting this parent education series titled “Building Strong Foundations.” It is designed to support parents and caregivers by providing practical tools, community connection, and guidance on early childhood development and wellness.
There are still three sessions remaining and space is available for interested families.
Upcoming sessions are:
June 16 – Parental Advocacy for Black Children
June 23 – Nutrition and Child Development
June 30 – Health, Wellness, and
Healthy Living
For details, visit https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePGgjHEuujeX aAKfMNOhRDhNLIksjUKWYfi2Kl9_9 a43noGg/viewform
County celebrates CocoKids at gala
CocoKids, Contra Costa County’s child care resource and referral agency, celebrated its 50th anniversary recently, with a sold-out “Together for Children” Gala at Boundary Oak Golf Course.
The event brought together families, educators, donors, and local leaders to celebrate five decades of supporting quality early education since the organization’s founding in 1976. Event highlights included:
Community Honors: The event received official government proclamations from local cities, the Board of Supervisors, and the state Assembly.
Legacy Awards: Three early pioneers were honored for their foundational roles: Ken Jaffe (first Executive Director), Don Lau (first employee), and Catherine (Kate) Ertz-Berger (Executive Director for nearly 30 years).
A tribute: A premier legacy video shared stories from the thousands of children, families, and child care providers impacted by CocoKids over the last half-century.
“This milestone is about every child who has been nurtured, every family that has been supported, and every provider who has been empowered across Contra Costa County over the past 50 years,” said John Jones, Executive Director.
CocoKids has ensured local children are safe, healthy, and nurtured through child care referrals, financial assistance, and provider resources.
Learn more or get involved at www.cocokids.org.
County Public Works to install rumble strips on Byron Highway
The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will install rumble strips on Byron Highway between Byron Hot Springs Road and Bruns Road, from Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 18 barring unforeseen circumstances, according to a press release from the Public Works Dept.
The rumble strips are to increase driver awareness and safety when travelling through this commute corridor.
Work will take place from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., weather permitting. Electronic message boards will be placed in advance to alert drivers to the scheduled work. There will be traffic control throughout the work area, and lane closures will be required during working hours.
Drivers should expect delays of 20-30 minutes, the press release stated.
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all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Hugo Albert Girol, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: Ryan Alexander Girol in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA. The Petition for Probate requests that: Ryan Alexander Girol 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: 8/13/2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: 30. b. Address of court: 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section
9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: Ryan Alexander Girol 1408 Sweetbriar Ct., Brentwood, CA 94513 (650) 490-0291 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 2026 SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): L25-01685 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): SAMUEL DAVID SAITTA aka SAMUEL SAITTA aka SAMUEL D. SAITTA, an individual dba SAMBER LANDSCAPE AND TREE CARE; DOES 1-100, inclusive, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): WINTRUST SPECIALTY FINANCE, a division of Beverly Bank & Trust Company, N.A., NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more in-
formation at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 COURT STREET, RM. 103, MARTINEZ, CA 94553 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: ROBERT V. MC KENDRICK (El
The Grove
of license is issued to bars and taverns and authorizes the sale of beer and wine but not spirits. This type of license prohibits minors from entering and remaining on the premises, which Mendoza pushed back against.
“You said this would be a family-oriented place; it’s where everyone can bring their kids,” Mendoza said to the project’s developer, Matt Hagar. “That’s not conducive to an adult-only liquor license.” Mendoza also noted that the Downtown Specific Plan does not allow for adult-oriented businesses. The Downtown Specific Plan is described on the city’s website as a plan intended “to ensure [downtown] evolves to embody the community’s vision for a vibrant, active, and beautiful city district.”
While members of the council expressed concern that the approval of a type 42 license could lead to a “nightclub” atmosphere at The Grove, Hagar explained that his intent had been for a potential wine bar on the second floor of the two-story facility.
The project proposal included several other types of ABC licenses that allow for the sale and consumption of beer, wine and spirits but which also allow for the presence of minors in the facility. These were included in the final approval of the project.
City Manager from page 1
Mendoza’s second reason for pulling the project for discussion was a concern over proposed hours of operation and how The Grove being open late could potentially lead to noise complaints and incidents requiring police intervention. This same concern over The Grove staying open until midnight was also expressed by the Planning Commission despite their unanimous praise and approval of the project.
According to Mendoza, she contacted the police department before the June 9 meeting to ask about the number of service calls that took place downtown after 10 p.m. The data from the department showed that
voiced his disapproval with Duffey’s presence at the event after news broke of his involvement in the Oakland scandal.
“He has no business being here,” resident David Cruz said. “It is very clear from the evidence that came out... Mr. Duffey is in those text messages, and has no business being here after that conduct and his behavior toward women. [He] absolutely should not be part of our city.”
Ahead of their May 26 special meeting, the City Council received a letter signed by several Brentwood Employee Associations expressing concern over work-
and received an Operating Budget Excellence Award for its 2025/’26 budget from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.
“We have a balanced budget, and we also have a 10-year plan that can sustain expenditures into the future,” Administrative Services Director Jeri Tejeda said as she presented the budget to the council.
According to the budget document, most of the city’s General Fund revenues come from either charges for services (39 percent) or property taxes (33 percent), with sales tax (9 percent) being the thirdlargest source of revenue. Franchise taxes (8 percent), developer fees (5 percent), and other taxes and fees make up the rest. Half of General Fund expenditures come from salaries and benefits (49.9 percent), with services and supplies (26.4 percent), transfers of funds out (23.6 percent) and capital outlays (0.1 percent) making up the rest.
Significant funding changes will include:
• three new police vehicles
• licensing Microsoft Government for use by the city
• increasing the funding for city events to account for the need for temporary stages while the new library is built
• a reduction of the city scholarship program to $5,000
• an increase in consulting services to
roughly 28% of calls for service in the area took place between 10 p.m. and midnight, with an additional 23% taking place between midnight and 2 a.m.
As a compromise, Mendoza suggested potentially emulating other cities, such as Walnut Creek, in which a business must close at 10 p.m. but may get to push to 11 p.m. if the business is open for a year with no incident. Mendoza also noted that other public markets, such as Oxbow Public Market in Napa and Emeryville Public Market, do not have liquor licenses and both close at 9 p.m.
Other members of the City Council were split on concerns for the hours, with
place culture related to “gender-based discrimination.” Debra Gailey, the president of the Brentwood Supervisors and Professionals Employee Association, also read the letter to the Council before a closed session meeting on May 26 in which Duffey’s employment was an agenda item.
“Members of the Brentwood Employee Associations have expressed discomfort and concern regarding interactions with Duffey, and its impact on the City organization,” the letter reads in part. “Given the seriousness of the matter, we respectfully urge the City Council to consider this information while conducting Duffey’s per-
pay for compliance with Senate Bill 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy
• a public art pilot program
• an increase in consulting services for a compensation study in administrative services.
In addition to the budget for the coming fiscal year, Tejeda also laid out a 10-year plan that is meant to keep Oakley’s budget balanced for the foreseeable future. The plan predicts a general 4 percent increase in revenue per year, except in property taxes (4 to 4.5 percent increase), sales taxes (3 percent for three years, then increasing to 4 percent), franchise fees (3 percent per year), and building revenues (based on 125-150 new homes built per year).
The plan also includes:
• a cost-of-living adjustment of 2% to 3% for the coming year, and 4% in future years
• two new positions in the facilities department and an addition to the maintenance and operations budget in 2027/2028 to cover the new library
• an 8% increase in animal control costs
• the addition of city funding for Studio 55 senior center in 2027/28 after Measure X funding runs out
• a “large increase” to emergency dispatch contracts in 2027/28
• 4 percent increases to the street maintenance fund transfers until it caps out at $3 million in 2033/’34
Mayor Susannah Meyer suggesting 11 p.m. rather than midnight, while Faye Maloney and Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson said they did not have a problem with the market staying open until midnight.
“It is very difficult to find somewhere where you as an adult can go after 10 p.m. in the city of Brentwood,” Pierson noted.
Despite the concerns discussed, all five members of the City Council expressed support for the project, with Mendoza going so far as to say that she met with Hagar about it, something she does not generally do with applicants. She described the project as “fantastic,” while Meyer said she loved the project and said it would make Brentwood better. Residents at both the May 5 Planning Commission meeting and the June 9 City Council meeting were largely in favor of The Grove as well, with over 100 submitted public comments and emails in support of the project, according to Hagar.
“Everyone here loves this project,” Meyer said during the discussion.
Ultimately, the council’s only change to the project, as approved by the Planning Commission, was the removal of the type 42 alcohol sales license.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/4e3lLvg
formance evaluation, as well as immediately initiate an independent third-party review.”
An additional letter sent by an anonymous male employee from Brentwood alleges having witnessed several incidents that echo these concerns.
“When it came to female staff members, I witnessed behavior that honestly broke my heart,” the anonymous employee wrote. “I witnessed women being summoned over through finger waving and hand gestures that felt degrading and dehumanizing. The employee told me ‘I felt like I was his dog.’”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
• increases of 15 percent to storm water funding transfers for each year of the 10-year plan.
At the end of the plan in Fiscal Year 2035/2036, Oakley is expected to have a fund balance of around 33 percent of its expenditures for the year, down from 37 percent in 2026/2027.
In absolute numbers, this will equal around $1 million in available funds, beyond the 30 percent reserve mandated by city policy.
Major capital improvement projects that will receive new funding in the coming fiscal year include:
• improvements to the intersections of Main Street and Rose Avenue ($1.32 million) and Main Street and Delta Road ($1.04 million)
• the extension of Laurel Road from Teton Road to Sellers Avenue ($5.6 million)
• a widening of Main Street north of Laurel Road, to the Heartwood subdivision ($1.14 million)
• a widening of O’Hara Avenue from 600 feet south of Laurel Road to 300 feet south of Grapevine Lane ($1.92 million).
The Oakley Police Department is also getting a $1.52 million remodel, while street repair and resurfacing from last year will cost $1.26 million and street repair this year will cost $1.35 million.
To cut down on costs, city staff plans to reduce money reserves to $200,000 from
$300,000, and the reserve for claims is to be reduced to $150,000 from $450,000, as it previously included workers’ compensation. That has since been moved to another fund.
Staff will also move $185,000 from the city’s vehicle fleet services fund to its facilities services fund, and $125,000 from fleet services to technology services to make up for significant deficits in the funds. Those previously were at $300,000 each, with fleet services at $1.3 million.
The budget did not pass without some controversy. Councilmember George Fuller, the only “no” vote, spoke loudly about what he saw as a “weaponized investigation process” that spent $200,000 on censuring him, while the city spent only $50,000 on ADA compliance, which he considered to be more important.
He also said that there were “a number of discrepancies” in the city’s budget audit six months ago, and that the budget to be approved did not address these, though he did not specify what the discrepancies were.
Councilmember Anissa Williams called for a point of order due to Fuller going off topic, which was granted. City Manager Joshua McMurray, whose salary Fuller criticized as being too large, said that the city’s audit is “clean” and the budget is “transparent,” and that Oakley is “making sure we’re financially stable into the future.”
