The Press 03.08.2024

Sheriff’s office clarifies laws for recreational vehicles in Discovery Bay

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Approximately 30 residents attended a town hall meeting in Discovery Bay on Tuesday evening to discuss the laws regarding the use of recreational vehicles in the town.

The meeting was requested by the town’s Community Services District (CSD) Board after a significant increase in complaints of juveniles using dirt bikes, golf carts and other recreational vehicles illegally.

Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Charlene Jacquez answered questions, as did a representative from County Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.

“I am here to provide education and information,” Jacquez said. “While the Town of Discovery Bay technically falls

under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol for traffic-related enforcement, I do have two deputies assigned there specifically to deal with what is considered ‘quality of life’ related issues and I feel

this is definitely something that would constitute that.”

As a CSD, Discovery Bay has no jurisdiction over what vehicles are operated in the town, or how they can be operated. As part of unincorpo -

Representatives from the Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff spoke in Discovery Bay on March 5 to address an increase in complaints of juveniles using dirt bikes, golf carts and other recreational vehicles illegally.

rated Contra Costa County, the California Vehicle Code applies to all public property.

Some rare exceptions include the Discovery Bay Coun -

see Vehicles page 18A

Snapshot of Oakley’s economy looks bright

By Hemananthani Sivanandam Correspondent

The high rate of homeownership in Oakley indicates a robust local economy, suggesting that residents possess financial stability. However, Oakley faces challenges in some areas, such as scarcity of industrial and commercial opportunities.

Economic Development Analyst Harumi Murata told the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 5 that the city currently has 44,688 residents with a median household income of

“ We have a very strong workforce of 22,624 individuals, which is very impressive. ”

about $109,806. The homeownership in Oakley hovers at 76.9%, which is relatively high compared to the rest of Contra Costa County, indicating a healthy economy.

Murata says the higher ratio of homeowners in Oakley suggests that residents have financial stability and confidence to invest in homeownership, which can lead to in -

creased property value and a sense of long-term commitment to the community.

“We also have one of the largest employers in this district, top 20 players in Contra Costa County. We have a very strong workforce of 22,624 individuals, which is very impressive,” said Murata during her briefing of the City of Oakley’s Economic Devel -

opment Profile and Programs at the planning commission meeting.

see Economy page 18A

Brentwood deciding how to pay for local events

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

A Brentwood city committee is deciding how to spend city money to pay for local events this year.

The Land Use Development (LUD) committee – Councilpersons Jovita Mendoza and Pa’tanisha Pierson, and Planning Commissioner Anita Roberts –discussed proposed funding for priority projects as well as available money for the annual competitive grant program. The initial proposed funding for priority projects was $130,400 annually (up from the $77,671 requested two years ago) and the available funding for the competitive grants is $92,154, according to the staff report presented at the meeting.

Priority projects include events put on by the city, according to Senior Analyst Abraham Salinas, who spoke at the meeting. These events include the annual Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade and Hometown Halloween event as well as the city’s Concert in the Park series during the summer. Funding is approved every two years. The increased budget factors in two new expenses that were not part of the approved budget in 2022: an annual Juneteenth event that was approved as part of the Feb. 13 meeting of the City Council that would cost $15,000 and $35,000 to fund half of an agreement with the Downtown Brentwood Coalition (DBC) so the organization could continue to pay see Pay page 18A

Photo by Dawnmarie Fehr

After Election Day in November, and with the California Primary on Tuesday, March 5,, it takes time for County elections officials to count all the votes and make sure that all the votes have been counted.

Counties have 28 days to complete the official canvass of an election. There are many steps that must be completed to ensure the integrity of the election, according to county elections officials, and in its essence, the purpose of the canvass accomplishes the following critical tasks:

• Ensure every eligible ballot is counted

• Ensure voters voted only once

• Ensure proper procedures were followed on Election Day

• Ensure the vote tabulation system is properly counting ballots

Processing mailed-in ballots takes time. Each signature is verified prior to preparing the ballot for counting. Vote-by-Mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received up to seven days after Election Day must go through this process as well.

During the canvass, voting records are updated based on whether a registered voter voted by mail or in person. During this process, the number of voters is reconciled to the number of ballots cast for each voting location. This is a critical step in ensuring

that all ballots are accounted for from each voting location. The statewide voter registration database linking up all 58 counties helps staff ensure voters voted only once, officials said in a press release.

During the canvass, counties are required to conduct audits of the ballot counting system, by performing

the One Percent Manual Tally. This involves randomly selecting at least one percent of the precincts of ballots cast in person, as well as Vote by Mail ballots, and performing a manual hand count of each set of ballots, then comparing them to the machine count results.

“Canvassing votes involves more

than just scanning ballots and tallying results,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “There are many steps to ensure that ballots are counted properly, the equipment is counting correctly, and the integrity of the election is intact.”

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LMC celebrates Black History Month with awards, inspiration and poetry

By Sarah Capperauld Correspondent

“Intelligence plus character -- that is the goal of education” was a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.

On Thursday, Feb. 29, MLK’s quote was framed in the center of the Black History Month celebration at Los Medanos College’s Pittsburg campus in the student union.

Within the entry, attendees could see traditional African drums played by a healing group called Terrance Elliot and the Brothers of the Drum. Pamela Ralston, the president of LMC, then told the audience as a way to introduce MLK’s initial message: “Reflect on the enduring message of justice, equality and unity.”

From there, the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” played throughout the conference room as attendees stood in appreciation. Ralston then introduced the awards and how they represented those who have brought leadership into the Black community.

The two awards of the first category were announced by Andrew Murphy, LMC’s Programs and Services for Black Students. The two recipients of the Emerging Leadership Award were Daniel Farley and Chiamaka Oha.

“The past six years it’s been ups and downs with wonderful support from LMC and I would have given up with my degree but the amazing leadership from EPOS told me that I’m in the beginning and can’t give up,” Farley said. Oha could not attend due to taking an exam at Sacramento State, although her father accepted the award on her behalf.

Jaqui Prado and Juwel Lawson then recited poetry about their perspectives of the community. “One man’s voice echoed louder than the rest and turned around and said ‘I have a dream’,” Prado said. “Dr. Martin Luther King, a man who helped shine a fine American dream, a man who helped set his African Americans free and this is this country’s unspoken reverie.”

Lawson said in his poem: “What would Martin Luther King think of us to-

day? I hope you heed the word of a great man who was about unity instead of dividing the sand, so don’t kill another Black woman, man, kid, as if his speeches you hide, and strangers we did.”

The Beloved Community Award was then presented by ‘A’kilah Moore, Ed.D, LMC’s Interim Vice President of Instruction to Willie Mims, an East County NAACP Executive Committee member.

“Martin Luther King was more than Black history,” Mims said. “We have to truly understand that Black history did not begin in February nor did it end in February.”

Clyde Henry Lewis Jr. then recited a poem “The Future is Ours” and then introduced the last award recipient -- Federal D. Glover, District 5 Supervisor and chairman of the county Board of Supervisors.

“In Pittsburg, the majority of that board has been African American… So I come to this place of stay saying that I am hopeful more will be influenced and incentivized by what we can do,” Glover said.

The celebration was then concluded with Tanisha Maxwell Ph.D, LMC’s Vice President of Student Services. “We started

at the beginning of the month and found a more sustainable way of celebrating our Black community and raising funds for our Black students. The scholarship is for Black students and the point is to celebrate and recognize the work they are doing to continue the work of Dr. King,” Maxwell said.

Moore was happy with the program.

“It turned out fabulous,” Moore said. “Very happy with the program itself. I love the students’ presentations, and awardees. It was a good opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge all the work we do here and the community in order to support Black students.”

Shanelle Scales-Preston, Pittsburg City Council representative, echoed

Moore’s assessment. “I thought it was a wonderful event. I really appreciate LMC for putting this event on and honoring our leaders. For Mr. Mims being honored for all his work in the community and his fight in equity and politics.”

“Glover was the only African American to serve on the board of supervisors for 24 years, and it was an honor to see LMC represent his legacy,” Scales-Preston said.

Ralston concluded the ceremony by saying: “We have wanted to do a celebratory engagement that honors our AfricanAmerican community.”

To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia

Los Medanos College’s Pittsburg campus came together on Feb. 29 to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. as part of the school’s yearlong celebration of Black history. The event featured performances from groups such as Terrance Elliot and the Brothers of the Drum and appearances from the college district’s leaders.

Photos by Sarah Capperauld

By Alex DeLuna Correspondent

Catherine Emma Short, known around Brentwood to friends, family and coworkers as “Kati”, was Poet Laureate for the city of Brentwood in 2021. The Brentwood arts community, people she worked with and knew, remembered her fondly for her positive impact on the city.

Short died in Antioch on Feb. 22. Friends of Kati are organizing a Virtual Open Mic in her honor on March 14 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to recite poetry, talk about Kati or just listen.

Join the Zoom meeting at https://bit. ly/3TpykGK

A Poet Laureate “serves as the city’s poetry ambassador, advocating for the advancement of arts and bringing poetry to the public. The Poet Laureate is responsible for increasing the public’s awareness of the benefits of poetry and related literacy arts,” according to the City of Brentwood’s website. For details, visit https://www.brentwoodca.gov/ government/parks-recreation/public-art/ poet-laureate

Poet laureates raise that awareness through public readings, library discus-

sions, and civic poetry readings. By composing and reciting poetry at community gatherings such as inaugurations, dedications and public memorials, the poet laureate aims to highlight poetry’s ability to capture meaningful moments in compelling ways. This public role enables the Poet Laureate to engage communities through the power of poetry, the website states.

That is what Short did for the City of Brentwood, friends said. “For decades, Kati’s love of passionate expression was generously shared with her community as Poet Laureate and then Poet Laureate Emeritus,” said Rosalinda Grejesen, past president of Brentwood Art Society.

“During my time on the Board of Directors of Brentwood Art Society (BAS), I came to know Kati Short as a dedicated and spirited board member who was driven by her interest in the arts. And her talent as a writer, and her unwavering dedication to gather all people interested in the written word was commended in 2011, when BAS honored her with Brentwood’s Artist of the Year,” Grejesen said.

“From establishing the Brentwood Open Mic sessions to creation of the In Mt. Diablo’s Shadow anthologies, she helped express stories and emotions of lives lived in and around Brentwood. Kati was someone who had a clear passion for language along with the desire and ability to share that passion with others.”

worked tirelessly to keep monthly Open Mics going for years, collaborating with the City of Brentwood to convert them to Zoom format after the pandemic,” the library said in a social media post. “During her time as Poet Laureate, she compiled original works from local writers into five volumes of “In Mt. Diablo’s Shadow: An Anthology of Prose and Poetry,” which are available to borrow from the library. She was also a delightful person with a sharp mind and a great passion for the written word. We’ll miss her, but her contribution to the written arts in our community will continue.”

Short had edited a compilation of local poetry or “an anthology of Prose and Poetry” as it is called in Volume 6 of “Mt. Diablo’s Shadow–A Collection of Prose and Poetry”. This was the sixth volume Short had edited and published, which was the last of the series that began in 2011 and ended in 2017.

Dan Henel, a friend of Short’s said:

One place that Kati had her book promoted and sold was Falcon Books in San Ramon. “She was such a wonderful person and worked very hard on the book,” owner Ken Debono said, pointing out that the front cover photo was taken by Kati’s husband, Stormy Short. Falcon Books helped modify the photo for coloring and dimensions to fit the book for publishing.

The Brentwood City Library still holds her books for borrowing. “Kati

Mayor Joel Bryant said he appreciated Short and described her role with the city. “The Poet Laureates goal is to create opportunities for local residents to participate in writing poetry. She would have an open mic night where she would share compiled poems from local poets,” he said. “Kati would come to the City Council and read a poem from a local poet. They were always significant poems that addressed some of the things that the community was going through at the time, and they would always bring encouragement.”

“She was physically small,” he added. “But she had a giant spirit. Anytime you would be around her she brought such an amazing presence, she was full of life and energy. We will miss the level of care and love she had for the community. She genuinely loved Brentwood.”

Antioch Chamber to honor annual award winners at dinner, gala on March 22

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of their annual awards, and they will be honored at the annual Chamber dinner and gala on March 22.

Local veterans leader Gerald “JR” Wilson was named the 2023 Citizen of the Year for Most Impact, and Antioch School Board Trustee and former Mayor of Antioch Mary Rocha was named Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement.

Year.

Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year is Diane Ferguson, a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Veteran of the Year is Brenda Cato, also a U.S. Air Force veteran.

In addi tion, Ser vice Pros Plumbers was named Small Business of the Year, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring was named Large Business of the Year, Antioch High School junior Fifita Grewe was named Youth of the Year and Soroptimist International of Antioch was named Non-Profit of the

Each of the winners will be honored at the Chamber’s annual gala on Saturday, March 22, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center at 4800 Golf Course Road. Dinner is at 6 before the presentations start at 7:30. The new board of directors will also be installed.

Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of eight, and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com. For more information, visit the website or call 925-757-1800.

THE DAILY DOLLAR with Perry Chicaine

GETTING READY FOR TAX PREPARATION IN 7 STEPS

Organizing tax documents effectively is crucial when preparing to hand them over to a tax preparer, Enrolled Agent or CPA. A well-organized set of documents not only expedites the tax preparation process but also ensures accuracy and may result in potential savings. Here are key steps to consider for optimal tax document organization:

1. Categorization: Begin by categorizing documents into broad categories such as income, expenses, deductions, and investments. Within each category, further divide documents for clarity.

2. Income Documents: Gather all sources of income, including W-2s for employment, 1099s for freelance work, and any other income-related documents.

3. Expense Receipts: Compile receipts for deductible expenses, such as medical bills, educational expenses, and business-related costs. Clearly label and organize these receipts.

4. Investment Records: Provide clear records of any investment transactions throughout the year. This includes statements for brokerage accounts, records of stock sales, and information on dividends received.

5. Real Estate: If you own property or real estate, organize relevant documents such as mortgage

interest statements, property tax records, and records of any improvements made.

6. Retirement Contributions: Ensure that all documents related to retirement savings, such as contributions to 401(k) or IRAs, are clearly presented. This helps in maximizing available deductions.

7. Credits and Deductions: Provide any documentation related to potential tax credits or deductions, such as education-related expenses, energy-efficient home improvements, or childcare costs.

You can accomplish this with due patience and diligence, but if you’d prefer to have it handled by a pro, a Daily Money Manager will be able to take care of it for you. Working with a Daily Money Manager not only ensures greater accuracy but also offers a tailored, stress-free approach to managing one’s financial affairs both in tax season and all year round.

Perry Chicaine is CEO of Golden Financial Care LLC, a local Daily Money Management firm that brings clarity and peace of mind to clients’ financial lives with account management, bill paying, budgeting, fraud prevention and more.  Visit GoldenFinancialCare.com or call 925-4181020 for a free consultation.

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City Council declares March Red Cross Awareness Month

The Brentwood City Council issued a proclamation during their Feb. 27 meeting declaring March to be Red Cross Awareness Month. The proclamation was issued to Miki Tsubota, a former member of city staff and current member of the Red Cross Leadership Council of Contra Costa County. “Red Cross is a very large organization,” Tsubota said. “We do supply almost half of the nation’s blood supply at the Red Cross.” In addition to the organization’s efforts in blood supply, Tsubota noted that the Red Cross also provides various other services, including CPR and water safety courses. More information about local Red Cross chapters, including a list of services, can be found at https://rdcrss.org/3V94rMk. The closest county Red Cross office to East County is in Pleasant Hill at 195 Brandon Road. The phone number is 925-603-7400.

Photo courtesy of City of Brentwood

Fall league champ Revolution soccer prepares for Phoenix Cup

The East County Revolution 11G Blue NPL team is preparing for the upcoming spring season in the ECNL Regional League and the upcoming Phoenix Cup at the end of March following a strong showing in the second half of the 2023 calendar.

The Revs 11G Blue NPL won the Nike Oswego Cup in July and were finalists at the Surf Cup Youngers in San Diego. They opened the fall with a championship win in the Almaden Labor Day

Classic in September and were finalists at the local BooFest tournament in October.

The team was league champion in the Fall NPL East Bay division, going 9-0-1 while scoring 39 goals and conceding five.

The team eventually lost to Cal Odyssey SC in penalties in the NorCal State Cup Finals.

The Revs start their spring ENCL - RL campaign on March 17, and will play in the Phoenix Cup from March 22-24.

THE TRIALS AND TRAVAILS OF INTESTACY

By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law

The reasons for not setting up an estate plan vary, from thinking you’re too young or still without children to being single or denying the fact that at some point, it will be too late to do anything. Many people believe that if their assets do not exceed a certain value, they needn’t worry about an estate plan. That is incorrect. Failing to create an estate plan, more often than not, produces turmoil when you die.

Passing away without a will or trust is referred to as dying intestate. It is so common that states have created statutes to address the issue of intestacy, California included. Trusts and wills address numerous issues such as who will care for minor children, how and when assets will be distributed, who will oversee the distribution of those assets, and how taxes will be paid. If you die without the proper estate planning documents in place, California law determines how and to whom your assets will be distributed.

If you die intestate, your estate will likely be required to go through probate. An individual, typically a family member, will petition the court for appointment as either executor, personal representative, or administrator, which provides

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that person with legal authority to collect and distribute your assets. Because of the complexities involved in the probate process, that person will likely need to retain an attorney to offer guidance and assistance. A judge oversees the numerous steps involved in this “public” probate process. The judge will issue Letters of Administration or similar documents that give the executor power to determine and gather the assets of your estate. The California Probate Code also entitles the executor to take a fee as compensation for their services.

We invite you to contact our office for guidance regarding setting up an effective estate plan that avoids probate.

If you have questions concerning your estate plan or setting up an estate plan, 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 legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

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RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK

can watch Shirasoni’s culinary wizards work their magic at the restaurant’s tableside kitchens. It’s the ideal spot for gatherings of friends and family for special events such as birthdays and anniversaries. Try Shirasoni’s impressive and fresh sashimi, along with their selection of more than 40 sushi rolls - all made from only the finest ingredients. Shirasoni – dinner and a show in one, and a unique dining experience you’ll crave again and again!

6367 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood • 925-240-7808

(top row) Head coach Nikki Toeaina (left), Anea Nunes, Trinity Torres, Raelyn Gonzalez, Saige Foskett, Lexi Tank, Mia Toeaina, Delaney Mcgee, Gianna Ballardo, assistant coach Gene Ballardo.

(bottom row) Izzy Galvan, Emma Galvan, Naomi Pinon, Juliana Geer, Morgan Mantley, Gia Cipollina, Eva Oseguera.

Photo courtesy of Johanna Ballardo

Calendar

This Week’s Events

Friday, March 8

Lenten Fish Frys each Friday during Lent

This fish fry is presented through March 22 from 4–7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Presented by the Knights of Columbus Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, each dinner comes with coleslaw, French Fries and either water or soda. Drive-through pickup and dine-in (beer and wine available for dine-in) are available. Tickets are Shrimp dinner $16, Adult fish $15, senior/youth (less fish) $12. For details, call Chris at 925-642-8782.

St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus Fish Fry is on the same nights at the community center at 2800 Camino Diablo Road in Byron. Diners can eat in or take out three pieces of fish, fries, coleslaw, dessert and the fixins’ each Friday from 5-7:30 p.m. through March 22. Tickets priced at $17 for adults and $13 for children are at the door.

Legally Blonde: The Musical at Heritage High School

The theater program at Heritage High School “Rising Stars” presents Legally Blonde: The Musical with performances through March 9, including three matinees. Tickets are on sale at https://hhsrisingstars.seatyourself.biz Prices are $10 for students and seniors, and $14 for adults. Shows are March 8 at 7 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m. at Heritage High School at 101 American Ave. in Brentwood.

Mamma Mia! at Liberty High School

The final performances of Liberty High School’s production of “Mamma Mia!” brings the famous songs of ABBA to life. Performances at the Performing Arts Center, 850 Second St. Brentwood, March 8 at 7 p.m. and a March 9 performance is at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are sold online only, and cost $16. Tickets are $10 for senior citizens and students. For details, visit https://gofan.co/app/school/CA22957.

Saturday, March 9

Brentwood Sons Of The American Legion Crab Feed

For the second annual dinner, doors open 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. Dinner features crab, shrimp cocktail, garlic bread, pasta, salad and dessert. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased by calling Tim at 925-206-6738 or Daniel at 925-437-9536.

Oakley’s Got Talent

The Oakley Youth Advisory Council hosts its annual Oakley’s Got Talent Show featuring youth and adults, this year from 1-3 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave. The free event begins at 1 p.m., and no tickets are required.

This Week’s Events

Saturday, March 16

Volunteer Day for injured Marine in Byron

Volunteers are sought to help landscape the home of Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia’s new, specifically adapted, custom home. Check-in is at 9:30 a.m. with landscaping from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 3995 Camino Diablo. Lunch is provided. Bring garden gloves; this event is held rain or shine. For more information, call Jocelyn Phipps at 508-789-3501 or email JPhipps@hfotusa.org.

Sunday, March 17

Heer’s Socials Sip n’ Shop

St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day

From 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Garden Brownstone at 91 Brownstone Road in Oakley, festivities include live music by Dustin Heer, children’s activities, shamrock bingo, green beer, wine, and mimosas, local artisans and makers, and taste the rainbow

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.

with corned beef and cabbage, paired with red potatoes and rye bread (tickets are $17 or two for $30 (price increases to $20 and $35 at the door). Admission is free. For details, call 925-4184532 or visit https://heerssocials.com/event/ sip-n-shop-st-patricks-day-family-fun-day/.

Saturday, March 23

2nd Annual Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt at Oakley Self Storage

The hunt is at Oakley Self Storage at 4700 Main St. is for ages 2-12 and will start at 11:30 a.m. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance from noon-1 p.m.. There will be golden egg prizes and lots of eggs filled with goodies. This is a free event. Bottled water, candy, and snacks will be available. For details, visit https://www. EasterEggHuntsAndEasterEvents.org/

Saturday, March 30

5th Annual Egg Hunt and Pet Event

Knightsen School at 1923 Delta Road in Knightsen hosts the Easter Egg hunt 10 a.m. –noon. This free event to all attendees, but only egg hunters need to register. The event will feature local rescues, local talent, the Easter bunny and live music, Brentwood and Knightsen 4H groups and prizes. For details, visit https:// www.facebook.com/TheKnightsenBunny

Saturday, March 30 and

Sunday, March 31

Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch Annual Romano Marchetti Memorial Tri Tip/Chicken Dinner

This event will take place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars at 815 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch from 5-9 p.m. Social hour starts at 5 with dinner at 6. Tri-Tip, chicken, beans, cole slaw will be served. Tickets are $25 for adult and $15 for children. All profits, opportunity drawing, and auction support of the Kiwanis community, youth charities, and music scholarships. For details and to get tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/753751279367?aff=oddtdtcreator.

tFriday, April 5

No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament

The Rotary Club of Brentwood presents its 14th annual No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner, then the tournament starts at 7. Cost is $75 per player, which includes buffet dinner, drink ticket and tournament play. Proceeds benefit the Brentwood Rotary Charitable Fund. First-place prize is $500, second place is $300, third place is $200 and fourth place is $100. For more information, call Steve Gursky at 925-5848708 or email sgursky@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday, April 6

Child wellness Fair and marketplace

The fair and marketplace at 3901 Walnut Blvd., suite C, in Brentwood from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. focuses on child wellness with tools, resources, and guest speakers. Admission is free. For details, visit brentwooddance.com.

Saturday, April 13

DBYC Opening Day of Boating Season Parade

The Discovery Bay Yacht Club at 5871 Marina Road hosts its free annual boating season parade from noon-4 p.m. It starts just off Newport Lane at Kellogg Creek. To register your boat or for details, visit http://DBYC.com or call 925-634-1210.

Wednesday, April 17

Free Job Fair

A free community job fair is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Shadow Lakes Golf & Event Center, 401 W. Country Club Drive, Brentwood. The fair is focused on connecting local job seekers with local employers in Contra Costa County. Register to attend at www. ImagineJobFairs.com. For more information, send an email to Info@ImagineJobFair.com.

Saturday, April 27

Volunteers sought for Brentwood Community Day of Service

This inaugural event is scheduled for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. starting with a pancake breakfast at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road, then the projects begin at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers are sought to help with projects such as a clothing and food drive, blood drive, farmworker outreach, East County Historical Society projects, writing letters to seniors and U.S. troops, planting and landscaping projects, family counseling services, cleanup and beautification, and meal delivery.

For details, visit https://www.brentwoodca.gov/ government/city-manager/community-day-ofservice or contact Amy Tilley and Julie Deck at BrentwoodCDOS@gmail.com

Ongoing Events

Liberty Adult Education Winter Course Catalog

Class registration is open for English Second Language, GED, Computer Technology and Community Interest Classes. Register online at www.libertyadulted.org, call the Adult Education office at 925-634-2565 or in person at the Adult Education office.

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https:// www.brentwoodrotary94513.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 http:// 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 https://www.facebook.com/ antiochrotaryclub/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https://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 Straw Hat Pizza on Lone Tree Way. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/ brentwoodca/. Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center, for more information, visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/ oakleyd/. 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/.

Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution

The Oakley Senior Center gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags.

Hope House Food Distribution

The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.

IHMC Food Distribution

On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.

ACA Women’s Group

The ACA Women’s Group meets every

Wednesday at 5 p.m. at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. For more information, contact Cici at 530-306-7034.

Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings

The nonprofit Discovery Bay Corvette Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5871 Marina Road, Bilge Room. The club is dedicated to the enjoyment of owning and driving America’s sports car. For more information, drop by a meeting or contact the membership vice president at 925-341-9433. For more information on the club, visit www.discoverybaycorvetteclub. com.

California Striped Bass Association

West Delta Chapter Meeting

The California Striped Bass Association meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Sportsmen Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. For more information, call Moe Adams five days before meeting at 916-529-1192. For more information, visit http://www.striper-csba.org/.

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 925-338-1775, 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. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Sandy Heinisch at925-513-3412.

News iN Brief

County suspends all-electric requirements for new buildings

County Supervisors have suspended enforcement of its requirement that most new buildings be constructed as all-electric buildings.

The County’s all-electric building requirement, as part of the County’s building code, had prohibited the installation of natural gas infrastructure in most new buildings and required developers to use electricity as the sole source of energy in the building. With the recent action, the County’s all-electric building requirement will not be enforced.

Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invalidated a City of Berkeley ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The court held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act precludes cities and counties from adopting building codes that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings.

Contra Costa County’s all-electric building requirement, like the invalidated City of Berkeley ordinance, prohibits the installation of gas plumbing in new buildings. The County is therefore suspending this requirement in response to the Ninth Circuit’s decision.

At the same time, the Board of Supervisors remains committed to the goals that prompted it to adopt the all-electric requirement: improving public health and fighting climate change. The Board referred the topic of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings to its Sustainability Committee and directed staff to report on alternatives for advancing this objective at the vommittee’s next meeting.

The County encourages residents and businesses to continue to install all-electric building systems and appliances. There are many benefits of all-electric construction, some of which include:

• Cleaner air and better health outcomes from eliminating the emissions associated with burning fossil fuels, particularly indoors.

• Not having to pay to install gas pipes in new buildings.

• Taking advantage of financial incentives and rebates for all-electric appliances.

• Resilience against power outages, particularly when electric technologies are paired with battery storage.

• Hedging against high electricity costs by being able to schedule electric appliances to operate at times of day when electricity costs are lowest.

• Preparing for the potential discontinuation of gas appliances in the future that could occur from possible regulatory actions by regional, state, or federal agencies.

There are many resources on the benefits of all-electric buildings, including:

• The County’s sustainability web site has information on state and federal incentives, rebates, and other ways to fund allelectric upgrades.

• The Bay Area Regional Energy Network has information on training opportunities, rebates and incentives, and contractors.

• MCE (Marin Clean Energy) the community choice energy provider for most of Contra Costa County, offers rebates and incentives.

• The Switch Is On, sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, is a collaborative campaign to support allelectric home conversion by providing tools, support, and resources to Californians.

• Rewiring America provides information about the benefits of all-electric technologies, and helps generate a personalized plan for individuals, including costs and savings.

• PG&E also has resources on all-electric buildings, including rebates, incentives, rate plans, and design guides.

How the state is capturing water from storms

California is taking advantage of this year’s storms – including the string of storms the first weekend in March and in late February – to expand water supplies, building off of last year’s actions to capture stormwater.

Last year, the Newsom administration’s actions resulted in three times more groundwater recharge capacity than would have otherwise occurred. Since 2019, the governor has allocated $1.6 billion for flood preparedness and response, part of the historic $7.3 billion investment package and to strengthen

To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com

California’s water resilience, according to a press release from Newsom’s office.

Here’s what the state is doing this year to capture water:

45 billion gallons: That’s how much water California has either permitted or is working to permit for groundwater recharge that’s enough for 1.3 million Californians’ yearly usage – all during this wet season alone.

Capturing 95% of stormwater runoff: The state-funded Santa Anita Dam captured 95% of the stormwater runoff to groundwater recharge facilities in the San Gabriel River Watershed.

Spending nearly $1 billion to capture more water supporting 13 recharge, recycled water, and other stormwater capture projects that will add more than 28 billion gallons to the state’s water supplies every year.

Better stormwater capture: California has invested more than $160 million to capture, store, and reuse stormwater runoff – helping local governments like Los Angeles County bolster their stormwater infrastructure.

These winter storms are another example of California’s changing climate and shifts from one extreme to another. California has gone from a historic three-year drought to historic snowpack last year, to a series of intense, warmer, wetter storms that are bringing more rain than snow. Before last weekend’s storms, the statewide snowpack was 85 percent of average for this date, and 67 percent of its April 1 average, which is considered the peak snowpack for the season.

As outlined in Newsom’s Water Supply Strategy, these kinds of extremes are why California needs to continue to invest and be ready with water management strategies like stormwater capture, groundwater recharge, and recycled water to ensure the state’s water supply.

State reaffirms right to contraceptive care

Across the country, attacks are mounting against every form of reproductive health care – from abortion to contraception. Today, California leaders are reminding pharmacies, major pharmaceutical companies, health plans, and Californians that contraception is available to minors, in 12-month supplies, and for non-prescription emergency contraception.

Pharmacists, major pharmaceutical companies, health plans, and Californians received reminders that current California law requires contraception access – including for minors.

A recent report by the UCLA School of Law Center for Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy revealed that a significant percentage of California pharmacies either required parental consent or entirely withheld emergency contraception from minors – a clear violation of California’s law. Among the community pharmacies surveyed that offer over-the-counter emergency contraception, only 50% indicated that minors were permitted to purchase the medication. Another report by the same center recommended raising awareness among pharmacists of hormonal contraception options.

Community college district names new community relations director

Satinder S. Malhi is the new Community College District Director of Communications and Community Relations.

Malhi most recently served as a Legislative Advocate for the California State University (CSU) Office of Advocacy and State Relations, where he provided subject matter expertise, analysis, political strategy, and legislative advocacy. In this role, he worked closely with legislators, their staff and other external community stakeholders to advance the legislative priorities of the CSU system, which is the largest public four-year university system in the United States.

“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to serve as the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Contra Costa Community College District,” Malhi said. “As an East Bay native, I am deeply committed to working with internal and external stakeholders to improve student success, and advocate for additional resources for higher education, especially in the current budget climate.”

Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said, “We are delighted to welcome Satinder to 4CD. His extensive knowledge and background of the higher education landscape, along with his experience of having successfully implemented a government and community relations program at a public university, will serve as a tremendous asset to 4CD.”

County library log-in process changes

The Contra Costa County Library wants the public to know that members’ log-in information has changed.

In order to give you more control over the security and privacy of your library card account, the library has changed the way you log in, the library said in an email. Members will log in to their account with their library card number and a PIN. Your PIN number is your six-digit date of birth (MMDDYY). For example, the PIN number for the birthday February 7, 2008, will be 020708.

Members will use their new PIN number to log in to their library card account and several other library resources such as Libby, NewsBank, PressReader and more.

Members will not need their PIN number to log in to LINK+ or to use the library computers or printing services. These services will still require members to log in with their library card number and last name.

There will be some downtime for library accounts while the library makes this transition, and it may take a few days for its third-party vendors to complete the changes to their services and resources.

If you are having trouble with your new PIN or logging into your account, check the Frequently Asked Questions part of the library’s website at https://ccclib.org.

Freedom softball aims for deep NCS run with “chip on their shoulder”

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

There’s a quote from New York Yankees Hall-of-Fame catcher Yogi Berra that says, “Losing is a learning experience.”

Coming off of their 4-3 loss in the NCS softball semifinals at San Ramon Valley last year, the lesson from Freedom’s loss is simple.

“Every run counts,” Freedom senior ace and University of Nevada-bound Maya Soto said. “It was just a one-run game. So, every run counts, every hit counts, every pitch, everything.”

That mentality has spread throughout the team this year with the team starting 2-1 through the first three games after their 5-1 win over Rodriguez on Tuesday. Soto tossed five innings of one-hit ball with seven strikeouts and a walk, while fellow senior and Sacramento State-bound Madison EversLyles went 3-for-3 at the plate with four RBI and a triple and a home run, her first of the year.

“I’ve learned a lot personally myself,” Evers-Lyles said of her approach. “I’m trying to attack more pitches and be able to put the ball in play more than I did last year.”

Evers-Lyles’ big day at the plate on Tuesday snapped her two-game hitless streak to open the season.

Junior Jackie Graves relieved Soto in the sixth inning and allowed a late run on three hits with a strikeout to close out the

game in her first appearance in the circle this season.

“We’re just trying to get everybody hot at the right time,” Freedom head coach Hannah Williams said. “At the same time, Maddie coming out and having a great offensive day helps us out. But we still have some spots that we need to get some more production out of and we’re pushing for it every day.”

Freedom’s 2-1 start is a turnaround from the team’s 0-3 start last season, and Williams describes it as a result of their motivation entering the season.

“We all have a chip on our shoulder,” Williams said. “We’re playing like it, and as all these girls start firing on all cylinders, you’ll start to see our offensive numbers get bigger and bigger.”

“They play with attitude, and I really

enjoy that because that’s how I play too. They have a no-excuses mentality and they know their talent level and just go out and compete every day.”

The Falcons have competed, especially through their last two games. Following their 5-3 Opening Day loss against Granada, the team looks to have settled down following a come-from behind 6-3 win against Vacaville last Thursday before Tuesday’s win over the Mustangs. Since trailing 3-0 in the third inning against Vacaville, Freedom has scored 11 runs through the last 10 innings while allowing just one, which came in the top of the seventh inning against Rodriguez with the game all but in hand.

“It starts at home, hitting mostly every day, practice, and just having a good mental approach,” Evers-Lyles explained. “There’s a lot of fire there. We want to make it to the NCS Championship, and hopefully win.”

It’s still early in the season and the Falcons aren’t just settled with a 2-1 start and a non-conference win against Rodriguez. The team has bigger goals. And as the season goes on, Freedom is looking to take that next step – the step that was one run too far last year.

“We know how far we made it (last year),” Soto said. “If we made it that far, and we know the type of team that we have now, we know we could make it (to the NCS championship game).”

To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

Heritage boys volleyball sweeps visiting Sierra

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

The Heritage boys volleyball team got back in the win column on Tuesday, March 5, after sweeping visiting Sierra High.

The team was coming off a 2-1 loss to cross-town rival Liberty High School in the East County Invitational that Heritage hosted. Patriots head coach Janet Hannigan called the loss disappointing, but added that the season is still young.

Heritage’s defense had 41 digs and 11 blocks to help stymie the Sierra offense. However, Hannigan said one issue nagging the team early in the season is inconsistent serving. Against the Sierra Timberwolves, the Patriots had 11 serving errors.

“There were too many missed serves Saturday, there were too many missed serves last night in our practice, and it reared its head again tonight,” Hannigan said. “To me, I think that’s a mental thing. I think each individual has to work on their own part because it is like free-throw shooting where it’s very individual.”

In an attempt to improve serve consistency, Hannigan imposed a special strategy for Tuesday night’s contest against the Timberwolves.

“Tonight I subbed people if they missed their first serve,” Hannigan said. “So maybe the play time change will get them to at least get it in.”

Despite the serving errors, the Patriots managed to

win by scores of 25-22, 25-13 and 25-20.

Senior Luke Simone explained some of the issues he thinks the team needs to clean up in order to reach their full potential. “We seem to do too much thinking, too much hesitating,” he said. “We shouldn’t be thinking if maybe it’s someone else’s ball. Every ball is your ball, that’s what we need to do.”

Through the first three games of the season, Heritage has losses to Liberty, Granada and Clayton Valley Charter. Those three schools combine for just two losses. However, this is just a glimpse of what’s to come for the Patriots in their preseason schedule.

“We’ve got tough tournaments coming up with the Stockton Classic and then the Falcon Invite,” Hannigan said. “It’s going to be an uphill battle for us.”

Simone said he believes the tough schedule will help the team in the long run. He added that the mentality of the team also plays a crucial role with their schedule.

“I think we just have to expect every team to be better than us,” Simone said. “If we think a team is worse than us, maybe we’ll drop our level of play.”

The Patriots’ next home game is Thursday, March 15 when they host San Ramon Valley. To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/ slideshows

Freedom’s Madison Evers-Lyles hits a triple during the Falcons’ win over Rodriguez Tuesday afternoon in Oakley.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Heritage’s Titan Smallwood goes to hit the ball over the net in the Patriots win over Sierra High School Tuesday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Juan Cebreiros

Liberty boys volleyball opens 2024 campaign hot

9-1 Lions sweep College Park

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Liberty’s boys volleyball team may be a team on a mission in 2024, and the rest of the Bay Valley Athletic League might have been put on notice.

After falling 3-1 to Foothill last Thursday, the Lions extended their current win streak to six matches following a sweep of College Park on Tuesday in Brentwood (25-8, 25-16, 25-18). The Lions have opened their campaign with a 9-1 record with BVAL play starting for Liberty next Thursday at Antioch.

The Lions’ six-match win streak includes the team’s dominance through the East County Varsity Tournament last Saturday at Heritage, culminating with Liberty’s 2-1 win over the Patriots in the final.

“That one felt good,” Liberty head coach Haylie Bustamante said. “It was a fun match, it was anybody’s match, but we managed to take it 15-8 in the third, so that felt good. That’s the kind of play that you’d like to see them do – just scrapping and fighting for every point.”

Liberty’s 9-1 record is their strongest start through the first 10 matches in program history. The Lions have dropped just six sets out of the 29 the team has played.

They opened the season 3-0, dropping just one set to Vanden during the season-opening win streak, and during the current six-match winning streak as of Tuesday night, the Lions have dropped just two sets total.

As dominant as the Lions have been, Bustamante said there’s one catch that she wants the team to get over: taking matches for granted and getting too relaxed.

“One of my coaches used to always tell us that any team can beat any other team on any given night,” she said. “You just never know, so you have to come out to play every single match.”

That sense of the team being a bit too relaxed was exposed in the Lions’ loss against Foothill last week and again during Tuesday night’s win over College Park. After taking the first set in dominant fashion, the Lions opened the second and third sets behind as errors and missed opportunities crept up on Liberty.

In the third set, with Liberty barely hanging onto a 17-15 lead, Bustamante called a timeout and told the team that they were playing too relaxed. Liberty went on to finish the set 10-1 after the timeout to take the sweep.

“I don’t think the boys really felt that

challenged,” Bustamante explained of the team’s low intensity on the court in that final set. “It’s hard to keep up the same level of intensity, and so they let that go a little bit. It’s hard if you don’t feel challenged to keep the same level of focus and intensity and when you let that go, you start making mistakes that you shouldn’t be making.”

Liberty sophomore Zachary Sisney explained the players’ side of what happened.

“Against Foothill, we kind of let up,” Sisney said. “We just didn’t play our best. On Saturday, we played really well, we switched up the lineup a little bit and we switched us on and ever since we’ve just been going off.”

“(The Foothill loss) was our only loss so far, so it’s just kind of heartbreaking because we definitely could’ve won that. But that just makes guys work harder in the future.”

The team has a return to the North Coast Section playoffs on their mind, and so far are on track for a return to the postseason, with Heritage seemingly in the way.

“We tested the waters with Heritage and we beat them,” Sisney said. “We’re really hoping to win league and just keep going up, getting into the NCS, maybe getting into the finals. We’re confident going into league.”

To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia/slideshows

Liberty’s Paul Soper V goes for the spike at the net in the Lions’ match against College Park Tuesday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

sober on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day in 2024 is not celebrated for the same reasons it once was because times change and holidays take on different meanings.

While some still see it as a family-centric Catholic celebration or a break from Lent-related restrictions, the day primarily focuses on parties, rowdy parades, green beer, bar specials, and heavy drinking.

Sounds fun, right? There are undoubtedly good times had by all who take part, but if you want to stay sober and avoid alcohol, it can pose a challenge. What seems like harmless fun quickly turns into days, months, or years of sobriety down the drain.

Suppose someone is in recovery from alcoholism, choosing a healthy lifestyle, or recently decided to give up alcohol for whatever reason; the temptation of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is tough to avoid. In any social setting this time of year, there is lively music, good food, and lots to drink.

While it is only one day a year, it can quickly derail any progress on sobriety. Fortunately, there are practical approaches you can take to stay sober and reap the benefits of St. Patrick’s Day sobriety.

Initially, the best benefit of sobriety on St. Patrick’s Day is avoiding impaired driving and not becoming another statistic. In California, alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the biggest threats to public safety. According to a 2021 report, alcoholinvolved crashes increased by 16% from 2020 to 2021. If you choose to celebrate, do not drink and drive, and plan ahead.

Staying sober means knowing what to do. Here are some pointers.

• Remind yourself why you are sober, and don’t do it alone. You can still have fun and celebrate, but do it with other sober people. Everyone has their reasons why they stopped drinking; remind yourself of those reasons and hold yourself accountable.

• Know your triggers. It doesn’t matter if you are a recovering addict or have removed alcohol from your life. Be cautious around possible triggers that pose a challenge. Most people in this situation choose to skip the bar and find something fun to do or go to a sober celebration.

• Keep a non-alcoholic drink or mocktail in your hand. People will not bother you to ask if you want a drink if you already have something to sip on, like a mocktail. This also leads to planning how to say “no”. You will encounter social pressure if you go to a bar on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s unavoidable. Practice ways to refuse alcohol.

• If all else fails, take a walk outside if you feel overwhelmed. The most straightforward solutions are usually the best. Remove yourself from any situation you know will lead to relapse. This is also why it’s essential to be with a sober friend or loved one; there is accountability and someone to lean on.

Marie Garceau has been working in the field of substance use and addiction recovery for over a decade. She works at Drug Rehab Services and primarily focuses on spreading public awareness.

GARCEAU

Middle school band impresses new jazz columnist

Editor’s note: This is the first in a monthly series of columns by jazz veteran Ted Turner. Turner is a native of the Bay Area, and has been involved in the jazz scene for over 50 years. Ted is considered to be a Jazzologist by those who know him. He was founder of a local magazine Be-Bop and Beyond.

Welcome to what hopefully will be a monthly column to introduce you to the world of jazz – past, present and future. I will recommend jazz albums (or nowadays CDs) that you might want to explore on music platforms and hopefully purchase, and eventually build a well-rounded jazz collection.

I’ll introduce you to the likes of Charles Joseph “Buddy” Bolden who is said to be the inventor of the jazz sound ( a looser and more improvised version of blues and ragtime)

I’ll also cover music of jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, and transcend into the be-bop era of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, to the birth of the cool jazz era as demonstrated by Miles Davis, the avant-garde playing of

email contacthalo@ yahoo.com or visit www.eccchalo.org.

the space music of Sun Ra, to the more exploratory music of John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman, and the more modern jazz players who came later.

So I ask as we start this journey to explore this historical music, sit back and read my thoughts and record reviews.

This first column is a concert review from Feb. 6. I had the pleasure of attending a school band concert. This was because my granddaughter, Kaelyn Turner, attends Black Diamond Middle School and plays Alto Sax in their band.

As the lyrics to the song We Are the World say, “We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.” This could not have been more true on this wonderful evening.

In an age when young people are glued to iPhones, video game gadgets, and constantly on social media, it was a pleasure to see these young students of music put these aside and play some of the most flawless (at times) music for over an hour.

These are young students from various grade levels who have embraced music as something they enjoy doing, and you could hear it in how they approached the various songs they played.

You could tell that these bands have put in the practice to learn the pieces they played, and they played them with vigor.

The music crossed various genres – modern, classical, pop – and they even threw in a classic cartoon movie soundtrack (more on this later). It was such a pleasure to see them laughing on stage as they played at times, and the constant encouragement they gave each other.

One of the visual highlights of the concert was the ethnic diversity of the students. This shows me that it takes young people to show us that if we have a common goal, we can achieve it together no matter what.

As I mentioned earlier, one of the highlights for me was when they played “ What’s Up at The Symphony,” which is associated with the old Looney Tunes Cartoons (we of a certain age understand) complete with sound effects and ending with the famous closing line by Porky Pig “ That’s All Folks.”

The other highlight was the closing piece for the concert when all the bands got together to play a piece they

had never rehearsed together. What was so remarkable about this was the more than 100 students combined on stage for this closing ceremony. Bravo!

With so many other school districts that don’t have funds to support music education, we are truly fortunate. I encourage you to search out these types of musical activities in our community. If you happen to hear about them, please go see and support our kids.

Also, I would like to recognize the instructors who diligently work with these students who performed on this night: Damian Ting- Black Diamond School, Noli Magsino- Orchard Park School Advanced Band, Ann MuscoDallas Ranch Middle School II, Ryan Carr- DLMHS Music Ensemble and DVHS Symphonic Band.

Until next time, remember that music is the healing force of the universe.

So until next month “take care god bless, and remember to ‘swing safely “ To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Meet Joan Jett and Lita Joan Jett (right) loves her little sister, Lita. They will be going to their forever home together. The girls are an Abyssinian/Tabby mix. Joan is cuddlier and playful. Lita is a cuddler, a talker, and loves to be held. Contact their foster mom at angehamel@gmail.com.

Explorations in Jazz

tEd turnEr

Youth Press

Local students share their perspectives on local and national news. To submit, send to editor@brentwoodpress.com

The potential local impact of SB 541

Area high school students discuss access to free condoms

In 2023, Senate Bill 541, also known as Free Condoms for High School Students, was introduced by Senator Menjivar and co-sponsored by Senators Rubio and Wiener. The main part of the bill would make condoms free for all students from grades 9 to 12 in California. Other smaller parts of the bill included: requiring condoms to be made available as a part of educational programs for grades 7 to 12 and making it illegal for condom retailers to refuse to sell to youth.

Youth Press

SB 541 made it through the entire legislative process and landed on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for approval, veto, or approval without signature. Although Newson mentioned that in -

creased access to condoms would be a positive program, he ended up vetoing the bill because it would result in “$19 billion in costs to the state budget,” according to KCRA3 in Sacramento. Furthermore, Newsom said the bill was an “unfunded mandate to public schools that should be considered in the annual budget process.”

Unfortunately, because Newson vetoed the bill, for it to be reintroduced in this year’s legislative cycle, it needs to go through the entire process again.

SB 541 has been a highly contentious bill mainly because it would promote sexual education, awareness, and discussion amongst teenagers across the state. It would likely have a major impact on Brentwood schools, which would have to implement some major changes to comply with the bill if passed this year.

When talking about the impact of this possible bill, students chose to remain anonymous.

Interestingly, one student at Heritage High mentioned they would support the bill on the local level because “Sexual health is oftentimes

stigmatized amongst society, meaning resources are not widely available to prevent pregnancies and STDs.”

Roe versus Wade being overturned in 2022 has led this student to believe it is “increasingly important to provide any assistance to prevent the possibility of unwanted pregnancies,” which they feel SB 541 significantly helps with.

Specifically, the student mentions that sexual education in Brentwood is “all about abstinence” and there needs to be “more implementation with contraceptives,” like how SB 541 would do.

Other local students have also mentioned that they know a few other local teenagers who have needed to get an abortion because they did not use a condom. The situations have “caused a huge rumor to go around” and, unfortunately, students report that “those few teens are [now] considered outcasts.”

Although the students state that some parts of Brentwood have better access to contraceptives than others do, “either way, it never hurts to have more on hand for emergencies.”

Other reports have also corrobo -

rated the fact that condoms are about “medium” accessible in Brentwood.

Seemingly, some students in Brentwood support SB 541 because of the way it would promote more open conversations about sexual health and birth control among youth. They even feel like they may benefit from having wider access to condoms as well.

One aspect of the bill is that youth advocacy and efforts have been numerous and at the forefront of the bill. Many students, youth groups, and other stakeholders have worked on promoting the bill. The bill itself last year had five co-sponsorships from various organizations such as Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Citizens for Choice, Essential Access Health, Generation Up, and Urge, along with many other support groups.

With the legislative cycle starting back up this month and the deadline to introduce new bills having passed, SB 541 will get another chance as it is reintroduced. This year, if the bill passes, it could lead to major changes here in Brentwood.

– Alison Chiu

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Brentwood

02-1273

Publish Dates: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

03-0477

No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024

N/A. Signature of registrant: Douglas Garcia, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/06/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/05/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553

PETITION OF: ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR, ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR CASE NUMBER: N24-0221 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR, ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR to Proposed Name: a. ALBERT GARCIA. 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: 03/18/2024 Time: 9:00 A.M.

02/13/2029 Brentwood

No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 23, March 1, 8, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS

Dept.: 30 Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press

Date: February 09 2024 Judge of the Superior Court

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0000844 The name of the business(es): Armored Art Located at: 400 Del Antico Ave #941 In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Dan Michael OLeary. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A.

Publish Dates: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024

Signature of registrant: Daniel OLeary, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 15, 2024 by Deputy Clerk

Expires 02/14/2029

Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Brentwood

2024 NOTICE OF PETITION REQUESTING CHANGES IN WATER RIGHTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES FOR THE DELTA CONVEYANCE PROJECT

Notice is hereby given that on February 22, 2024, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board or Board) received a Petition for Change from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to add two new points of diversion (POD) and rediversion (PORD) to the water right permits associated with the State Water Project (SWP). Specifically, the petition seeks to change Water Right Permits 16478, 16479, 16481, and 16482 (Applications 5630, 14443, 14445A, and 17512, respectively). The proposed new PODs/ PORDs would consist of screened intakes 2.3 miles apart located on the lower Sacramento River between Freeport and Sutter Slough. The proposed new intakes are part of the Delta Conveyance Project, which would allow DWR to divert water from the northern Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary (Delta) and convey the water through a tunnel to existing water distribution facilities in the southern Delta. The stream systems that could be affected by the petition are streams within the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta Watershed, including the Feather River downstream of Oroville Dam, the Sacramento River at and downstream of the new PODs, the legal Delta, and other streams that may convey water using the new facilities. The petition is available on the DWR website at: https://water. ca.gov/-/media/D WR-Website/WebPages /Programs/Delta-Conv eyance/ Public-Inform ation/Revised_DCP_CP OD_Petition_Package_2024.pdf

Protests against the change petition must be filed by April 29, 2024 , with a copy provided to the petitioner. Details regarding how to submit a protest can be found in the full-length version of this notice available on the State Water Board’s Delta Conveyance Project website at: https:// ww w.waterboards.ca.gov /waterrights/ water_i ssues/programs/bay_d elta/ docs/2024/dcp-n otice-of-change-peti tion.pdf

Questions concerning this notice and non-controversial procedural questions regarding the Board’s proceeding related to this petition may be directed to the Board’s project team at DCP-WR-Pet ition@waterboards.ca.gov . Please see the notice for additional information regarding the prohibition against ex parte (off-the-record) communications.

Date of Notice : February 29, 2024

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 8, 15, 22, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

As required by Assembly Bill 481, Brentwood Police Department will hold one well publicized and conveniently located

community engagement meeting within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing the Annual Military Equipment Report. Brentwood Police Department will hold the community meeting on March 18, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center located at 35 Oak Street, Brentwood CA 94513.

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 8, 15, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: CONSTANCE MARIE MYERS, deceased CASE NUMBER P23-00940

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: CONSTANCE MARIE MYERS, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: KATRINA MYERS in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: KATRINA MYERS 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: MAY 12, 2024

Time: 9:00AM Dept: 15. 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: KATRINA MYERS 1140 Virginia Lane Apt 17, Concord, CA 94520 *ANTIOCH PRESS* 06-1617

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 23, March 1, 8, 2024 NOTICE OF PUBLIC LIEN SALE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intend to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the California Storage Act (Section 2170021718 of the

Name - Wanda

Rider Unit: C3005 (5x5), Name - Jimi Dunlop Unit: C3028 (10x10), NameLaDonna Malloy Unit: C3103 (5x5), Name - Mark Fenton Unit: C3209 (7.5x10), Name - George Herndon

Unit: E1004 (10x30). Payments must be paid for at time of purchase. All items in unit are sold as is and must be removed within three days from the time of sale. Deposit of $200.00 cash at time of purchase and will be refunded when unit is emptied and clean. Sale is subject to cancelation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.Oakley

Press No. 03-0477 92317 Publish Dates: March 8, 2024.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, Malik-Abdul, of the family Jamerson Bey, a living-breathing man, Declare am alive, and over the age of 18 years old, fully competent to handle my own Trust Estate without the United States. This is the collateral by Trustee/Secured Party on behalf of the Trust/Estate; MALIK ABDUL JAMERSON BEY TRUST in the Commercial Chamber under the necessity to secure the rights, title (S), interest and value therefrom, in and of the Root of Title from inception, as well as property held in trust including but limiting to DNA, cDNA, cell lines, retna scans, fingerprints and all Debentures, Indentures, Accounts, Writ of Possessions, Warrants, Complaints, Citations, Bonds, Applications, Notes, Chattel Paper, and all the pledges represented by the same included but not limited to the pignus, hypotheca, hereditaments, res, the energy and all products derived therefrom nunc pro tunc, contracts, agreements, and signatures and/or endorsements, facsimiles, printed, typed or photocopied, of the owners name predicated on the ‘Straw-man’, Ens Legis/Trust Estate described as the debtor and all property is accepted for value and is Exempt from levy. Lien placed on debtor entities is for all outstanding property still owed but not yet returned to trust from entities such as municipalities, governments, and the like, not on trust entity itself. Trustee is not surety to any account by elicit reservation/ indemnification. The following property is hereby registered and liened in the same: All certificates of Birth Document #10407001670 State of California, SSN/UCC Contract Trust Account-Prepaid Account Number: XXX-XX-7630; Exemption Identification Number: XXXXX7630, is herein liened and claimed at a sum certain $100,000,000.00, also registered: Full Faith &

S. Hart St., Pahrump, Nevada 89048, Parcel: 038-322-15, Legal Description:

T20S R53E S14&23 U.6 B.8 L.16 CALVADA VALLEY, Subdivision: CALVADA VALLEY U.6, SECTION:14, TOWNSHIP:20S, +0.13 Acres. The following property situated in Sweetwater County, State of Wyoming, said property being described as: (SW1/4 SE1/4) of Section 13, Township 22 North, Range 93 West, of Principal Meridian 40+ Acres. The following property situated in La Flore County, State of Oklahoma, said property being described as follows: Tyler Stone Ranch, Tract 77, +17.76 Acres. The following property situated in County of El Paso, State of Colorado, legally described as following: APN: 600000112, NW4NW4, SEC 28-16-60, +46.29 Acres. The following property described as following: Wagon Wheel Ranch, Tract 43 & 44, +15.13 Acres, Situated in Dent County, State of Missouri. Security Agreement No. MAJ-04151976-SA, Hold Harmless & Indemnity Agreement No. MAJ-04151976-HHIA, Copyright under item no: MAJ-04151976-CLC Adjustment of the filing is in accord with both public policy and the national Uniform Commercial Code. Trustee/Secured Party, Malik-Abdul: Jamerson Bey, is living flesh and blood sojourning upon the soil of the land known as California, and not within Fictional boundaries, territories nor jurisdiction of any fictional entity including fictional Federal geometric plane(s). Trespass by any agent(s) foreign or domestic, by such in any scheme or artifice to defraud. Full reverence by ALL AGENTS and CORPORATIONS is ambiguously demanded and required. Culpa est immiscere se rel ad se non pertienti. All property currently held or outstanding belongs to the Trust administered by Trust/Secured Party, Title 46 USC 31343 and Article 1 and 5 of the International Convention on Maritime Liens and Mortgages 1993, Held at the Palis Des Nations, Geneva, From April 19 to May 5, 1992, United Nations UN. This Maritime Lien is under safe harbor and sinking funds provisions through the prescription of Law necessity with Applicable Law, Cardinal Orders, Ordinal Orders, and Commercial Standards. All Consumer Credit Transactions will be done on the private side with satisfaction of payment in the form of my Signature, Private Registered Promissory Note, Certified Funds in form of Money Order/International Bill of Exchange drawn off Account Number XXXXX7630 made payable through U.S. Treasury, or GSA

Vehicles from page 1A

try Club gated community on the east side of town, which is private property. Other gated communities have invited law enforcement in to patrol their streets and enforce the vehicle code.

During the meeting, Jacquez briefly went over the code, and discussed different types of recreational vehicles and the laws regarding their use. One common thread was that any vehicle operating on a public road must be registered and licensed through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Consequences for violating these laws include suspended or revoked license, fines and fees, and the vehicle being impounded.

Many complaints centered on juveniles using recreational vehicles illegally. Jacquez said parents have to pay the fines and fees incurred by their children, and parents can be cited for allowing underage and unlicensed children to operate

Economy from page 1A

recreational vehicles illegally.

When officers see youth operating vehicles illegally, their first step is to contact the youth, then the legal guardians. Jacquez noted their first tool is education – before citations.

The unemployment rate is also lower, at 3.9%, compared to the state average of 4.6% with top employment sectors including retail trade, healthcare, social assistance, and construction, among others.

As of March 4, Murata said there are 142 local job openings in Oakley.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Murata said Oakley’s labor force grew by 1.43%.

In the business landscape, Oakley boasts 921 active business license holders, with 59% or 547 of them being home-based businesses.

“I was thinking about what the commonalities amongst these businesses are and (I realized) that these are service-oriented and consumer-driven,” said Murata, adding that there are also 184 non-profit organizations in Oakley.

However, amidst the economic vitality, Oakley

Pay from page 1A

its executive director, Amy Tilley, to run and organize events downtown.

“This recognizes the DBC’s role in enhancing the economic vibrancy of downtown Brentwood,” Salinas said. “The activities performed by the DBC closely align with the original intent of the Economic Development Grant Program and contributing to the economic development, business promotion and institutional advertisement of the city.”

Publisher

Controller

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Founder

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Editorial 925-634-1441,

Delivery Questions 925-584-7773

Subscription Questions 925-634-1441

Editorial

Rick Reynolds is a Discovery Bay resident who attended the meeting in hopes it would educate the public, especially those who are operating recreational vehicles illegally. He said good information was given and hopes it reaches the

faces challenges in commercial leasing. While emerging from pandemic-induced hurdles, the city has limited commercial space available, contributing to competitive market dynamics.

Despite this, Murata said the commercial lease rate remains relatively steady, underlining the area’s resilience and attractiveness for businesses.

Other hurdles include the need for a diverse economy because Oakley’s economy leans on service and retail, and the underdevelopment of waterfront properties. Apart from that, education attainment is also not as competitive as in other Bay Area cities.

According to the community profile at www. opportunityoakley.com, 37.33% of the population in Oakley have an associate’s degree or higher while 89.37% have a high school degree or higher.

Murata said Oakley has taken various approaches that focus on community engagement, and eco -

The proposed agreement with the DBC is set to be discussed by the City Council in April, according to staff reports from the Feb. 26 meeting. If the council chooses not to pursue one, the $35,000 would be reallocated to the competitive grant program. The LUD committee’s recommendation was to not fund the agreement through this program. Instead they suggested using the General Fund. The committee also recommended increasing the proposed amount for the Juneteenth event to $20,000.

In addition to the proposed $130,400 for priority projects, the LUD committee also discussed approving $92,154 for the competitive grant program, which awards money to third parties that helps fund events they may put on in the city. Examples include annual events such as the Chamber of Commerce’s La Gran Fiesta and the Brentwood on Ice skating rink.

right people.

“These are things that need to be addressed because I feel for the poor soul who pulls out of a street legally, and here comes a kid on a dirt bike and the kid gets injured or, God forbid, worse, and that poor driver loses everything they have,” he said.

Reynolds said he has seen many golf cart drivers operate on the street as if they had the right-of-way over cars, and groups of juveniles often have wheelie contests down the middle of Clipper Drive on their dirt bikes. His complaints were similar to others at the meeting. Several residents also mentioned public property being destroyed by dirt bike riders.

“This information at least makes us aware of where we stand and if it gets out to the public, I think that will start helping us understand how important this is,” he added.

To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia

nomic diversity, and offer innovation and technology for businesses.

“Economic development often requires cooperation between various sectors and stakeholders.

“The economy also needs to grow in a way that is sustainable over the long term,” she added.

Commissioner Jimmy Ramirez asked Murata what the chances are of bringing in higher education and hospitals to Oakley. Murata said it would take time.

“We have been reaching out to various partners in the area, but I have to say, they also have a metric they follow. We are not just there yet, to be able to talk and sit at the same table (as other cities like Brentwood),” Murata said.

However, she said Oakley’s population is growing, and she is “quite optimistic” that the city may be able to attract such businesses.

“I’d say, ‘Please stay tuned,’” Murata added.

the City Council will “hopefully make that determination” as part of their March 12 meeting. Gale expects applications to be due by early April to then be vetted.

According to Assistant City Manager Darin Gale, no date is set for when organizations can begin to apply for these grants but

The funding for both programs comes from business license taxes, Salinas said at the meeting. Prior to 2002, 20% of the mon-

ey from business license taxes in Brentwood was allocated to the Chamber of Commerce. An amendment that year changes the way the funds are allocated, ultimately resulting in the current programs.

The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/3wFXjN8

Casey’s Auto Body

receives certification

Casey’s Auto Body, an establishment in Brentwood for over four decades, is now a Tesla-approved body shop. That means it provides Tesla customers with a local option to service their vehicles.

Prior to this certification, customers in Brentwood would have to drive to Stockton, Livermore, or Concord for Tesla service. With this recent certification, however, Brentwood now has a family-owned and -operated Teslacertified body shop.

“Tesla has seen a lot of growth in the Brentwood market and had been looking for a shop to certify,” said Chris Alioto, co-owner of Alioto’s Garage. “Cars have become increasingly more advanced over the years, between advanced collision avoidance systems and selfdriving features, to different types of metals that require different tools and standards of repair, to the required operations that differ between cars.”

The benefits of a Tesla-certified body shop include the shop following the Tesla-approved outlined procedures when performing repairs, maintaining all Tesla factory warranties, safety standards, and car resale value by maintaining safety features and the structural integrity of the vehicle, according to the Casey’s Auto Body website. The Folsom Street location in San Francisco was the first Alioto’s Garage to be a Tesla-

certified shop in San Francisco in 2013.

“Alioto’s has committed to ensuring that their customers are safe and satisfied,” Alioto said. “A shop must follow the manufacturer procedures for repairs, or else the car may not perform as intended after the repair.”

The process of a shop getting Tesla certified takes time, Alioto said, with capital outlays, and space. Each car manufacturer will have a different set of specialty tools that a shop would need to purchase, such as frame machines, resistance spot welders, and rivet guns that are specified by the original equipment manufacturer to ensure the repairs are correct. Proper training is another major component,

requiring both online general training in addition to in-person training where a technician is sent directly to the factory to learn hands-on.

Additionally, Tesla is one of the high-end vehicles that uses aluminum, which is incapable of being worked on next to normal steel cars due to the danger of steel particles embedded in the aluminum that could lead to corrosion, Alioto said. Hence, this requires a separate quarantined working area that must be curtained off to ensure proper and long-lasting repair for vehicles.

“There is so much to the Tesla cars,” Alioto said. “Our technicians are trained not just on the collision side, but also on the computer, calibration, and technology side to ensure that the body doesn’t just look good, but everything on the inside performs safely and properly for either repair big or small.”

The San Francisco based Alioto’s Garage is an Auto Body Repair Company founded in 1939 by Frank “Babe” Alioto Sr. Led today by the third-generation of Matt and Chris Alioto, Casey’s Auto Body in Brentwood was purchased by the Alioto family in 2023, while also stressing the importance of keeping the “Casey’s Auto Body” name, highlighting its local significance and importance while still being a family-owned and -operated company.

“Casey’s Auto Body is still the same Casey’s,” Alioto said. “When we purchased Casey’s in 2023, we immediately started talking with Tesla to be able to provide a new service to the community. Now, Tesla customers can rest easy knowing that they can keep their repairs in the community.”

For details, visit caseysab.com or call 925-634-2211.

– Advertorial

SEAN TONGSON

Photo courtesy of Chris Alioto

Roberto and Billy, a pair of technicians at Casey’s Auto Body stand with the shop’s new frame rack, resistance spot welder and curtains for aluminum repair.

How to prevent rain from dampening your ride

HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM

As the skies open up and rain starts falling, auto experts say it’s time to take a closer look and check your vehicles. Essential maintenance, especially during the wet weather, can keep your vehicles safe and reliable on the roads.

Rob Brandt, the co-owner of Bill Brandt Ford and Quick Lane, a car repair and maintenance service business, says ideally vehicles should be serviced every six months, but it also depends on how many miles a person drives.

“Most people drive around 10,000 to 12,000 miles a year so it’s good to have your vehicle serviced every 5,000 or 6,000 miles. Sometimes they (service centers) recommend more but it just depends upon people’s driving,” said Brandt, who co-owns the business with his brother. The family started the business in 1972 when his father, Bill Brandt, purchased the Ford dealership in Brentwood.

Brandt said during the maintenance checks, owners should get their oil changed, tires rotated, and brakes inspected.

However, in rainy weather, it is also important to

check on other parts such as wiper blades, tire treads, front suspension components, and cabin air filters, among others.

Here are some tips from Brandt on what to look out for and how to keep your vehicles properly maintained.

Photo

Weather from page 4B

According to the governor’s Office

Emergency Services, wiper blades are often overlooked, especially in California where rain can be intermittent. However, the office noted that replacing wiper blades regularly can help with visibility in wet conditions. In addition to that, the office said to make sure the windshield washer fluid tank is filled with a washer fluid designed not just for bug or dirt removal, but also for rain.

Check your tires:

According to Brandt, the depth of tread on a vehicle’s tires is an important factor for traction in rainy conditions.

“Tires with tread of 4/32 or greater are key for safety while driving in wet conditions.

“If you put a quarter in the tire tread and you can see Washington’s head, then you need new tires. That’s just an old rule,” Brandt said.

Inspect your brakes:

Your brakes are your lifeline, especially during wet conditions. Hence, it is always a good practice to have your brake system inspected from time to time to ensure they are working properly.

“If your brakes are not stopping like they had in the past or if you have a squeaking sound, then that’s not good. You should inspect it,” he said. “The only way to find out if your brake pads are (in working conditions) is to inspect them, you can’t tell by certain characteristics.

“There are tools to measure them.”

If the brake pads are three millimeters or less, then it’s time to replace them.

Cabin air filter:

Replacing the cabin air filter can help prevent mildew smell from the

damp weather. Most newer cars have the cabin air filter installed to help keep the vehicle air clean and fresh. These air filters also help prevent pollen and dust from getting into the air you breathe.

“Changing the air filter, maybe once a year, keeps your vehicle fresher, especially if you have allergies,” Brandt said.

Check your front suspension and alignment:

One way to know if your alignment and suspension should get checked is when you feel like your wheels are steering in one direction when you’re on the road. Brandt also advised people to take extra precautions when it comes to the road conditions, such as potholes.

Check your lights:

Visibility is important when driving in wet weather, so make sure all your vehicle’s lights are functioning. Sometimes, the surface of the lights, especially the headlights, might get oxidized so it’s always good to ensure they are well-kept.

“It’s just like a cataract in an eyeball after a long time, but there is a service where you can sand that down, polish it out, and put a (protective) coating on it,” said Brandt, adding that the service is offered at Bill Brandt Ford and QuikLane.

Bill Brandt Ford and Quick Lane are offering an inspection package, called the “Works Package,” which includes oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and suspension, among others. For more information, visit https://www.billbrandtford.com/ or call 925-634-9900.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that California has surpassed 100,000 public and shared private electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed statewide. This milestone comes just weeks after unprecedented funding was approved to build a bigger, better network of charging and refueling infrastructure for zeroemission cars, trucks and buses – the most extensive network in the nation.

This is on top of more than 500,000 at-home chargers that Californians have installed for personal use. In East County, both Brentwood and Oakley already have chargers installed at their city halls. According to

Plugshare.com, a website devoted to electric vehicle information, Brentwood has 46 electric charging stations (18 of them new), along with 29 in Antioch and three in Oakley. According to Brentwood City Manager Tim Ogden, these

electric vehicle charging stations were purchased by the city and then installed by manufacturers. Nine were recently installed in the City of Brentwood parking garage as of 2022, according to a Brentwood Press story.

One in every four new cars sold last year in California were zero-emission, the governor said in a press release. Last year, the state also surpassed its goal of selling 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles and its goal to install 10,000 fast chargers for electric vehicles — both ahead of schedule.

“No other state in the nation is doing as much as California to make our tailpipe-free future a reality,” Newsom said.

This milestone follows approval of a $1.9 billion investment plan that accelerates progress on the state’s electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling goals. The plan details how the money will be spent with at least 50% dedicated to benefiting communities disproportionately impacted by pollution. With this funding, the state

What first-time electric car buyers need to consider

Tesla EVs might be the most visible electric cars on the road today, but most major auto manufacturers, including Nissan and Chevrolet, produce EVs as well.

That means auto buyers have more options now than ever before, which can make the process of buying such a car more exciting, but also more difficult. Narrowing

down a growing number of options may not come easily to first-time EV buyers, who can keep these tips in mind as they begin this exciting journey.

♦ Look into subsidies. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that allelectric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit that could be as high as $7,500. State and/or local incentives also may apply. The Canadian Automobile Association reports that the Government of Canada offers

point-of-sale incentives of as much as $5,000 for drivers who buy or lease an EV. These subsidies can help bring the cost of EV ownership down by a significant amount and are worth exploring as drivers decide which electric car or truck to buy.

♦ Consider your parking situation. Homeowners who own single-family homes with a garage that can accommodate at least one vehicle can easily charge their EVs so long as they clear space in the garage where the car can be parked. Auto Trader notes that some

garages may need to be upgraded with a level two charger, and that can be expensive. Drivers who must park their EVs outdoors overnight should know that this, too, may require more money for electric vehicle service equipment. Local building codes may govern the installation of such equipment, which is best performed by an electrician. These are some additional costs of EV ownership that first-time buyers must consider and research before they switch to an electric car or truck.

– Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

ANDREW RULLODA

The 2024 riding season is upon us, and here are some questions to ask and areas to inspect, when purchasing a used motorcycle from a private seller.

California has one of the largest and continuously growing riding communities in the nation, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. California outpaced the rest of the nation with more than 952,000 road bikes in 2021. With so many bikes on the road, it also means a lot of bikes are being sold privately. You can typically find a lot of used motorcycles for sale through websites and apps like Facebook marketplace, Offerup, and Cycle Trader.

There are many good reasons to purchase a used motorcycle, such as:

♦ cheaper insurance rates

♦ a starter bike for those who do not mind something cheap to learn on

♦ you may be looking for a cheap project bike to build and customize and call your own.

But before you give money to a private seller or a dealership, here are some tips from Bad Billy Cycles in Brentwood to help ease any risks of buying a bad used motorcycle.

Start with visual inspections.

Visually inspecting a motorcycle enables you to look for cracks, leaks, and any external damage that may need immediate attention. Important areas to inspect that can affect operations are:

♦ Tires (looking for tread depth and expiration date normally indicated by four

numbers representing week and year it was manufactured

♦ Final drive (chain & sprocket, belt drive, shaft drive)

♦ Front and rear suspension (checking for any leaks, broken seals, bent fork tubes)

♦ Clutch and throttle cables

♦ Motor oil

♦ Frame and sub frame

♦ Dash, headlights, turn signals

It’s important to sit on the bike, so you can try it on for size. Doing so will make sure you can touch the ground with your

feet, reach the handle bars, and feel the suspension sag.

Ask Ask Ask: The more you ask, the more you will

know. If you are buying from a private seller, ask the owner such questions as.

♦ What was the main purpose of the bike? Was it a commuter, a weekend warrior, or perhaps a stunt bike?

♦ Has the bike ever been dropped? If the bike was ever dropped, how bad was the fall? Also, cosmetic damage does not equal mechanical damage.

♦ “What was the last major service performed and when?” This helps you determine in more detail the condition of the bike.

♦ How many owners did the bike have? It’s likely that the bike you’re interested in may have one or two previous owners. But for older bikes, they can have three or more previous owners. Having a lot of past owners may make knowing the bike’s true condition more trivial. If the current owner has it available, ask to see if they have any records on maintenance, and have a motorcycle technician do a full 20-point inspection prior to purchase.

The thought of buying a new motorcycle is always exciting knowing you’ll have the latest model with fresh parts and technology money can buy. But If you’re a rider on a budget, you may find it more financially palatable to consider buying a used motorcycle that fits your riding style for a lower price.

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Photo by Andrew Rulloda