ThePress_04.25.2025

ADOPT A SHELTER PET DAY

More affordable housing could come to Brentwood

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

Affordable housing could be available to qualifying residents with the Hanson Lane Project Affordable Housing Project that was approved in a 3-0 vote during the April 21 meeting of the city of Brentwood’s Land Use and Development Committee. The committee is made up of Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson, Councilmember Jovita Mendoza and Planning Commission Chairperson Rod Flohr.

Located at 251 Hanson Lane, the Hanson Lane property will be developed by Meritage Homes.

“The development will consist of 94 single-family homes, 12 of them designated as ‘affordable’ units, five units at ‘very low,’ four units at ‘low’ and three units at

This time, it’s personnel

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The April 22 meeting of the Brentwood City Council was an opportunity for the city to make decisions about the way the city is run. Flanked on the dais by students from local high schools interested in how local government works, the council discussed several topics, including appointment of an interim city manager, contract agreements with one of the departments and an annual report from police on their use of military equipment.

City Manager

‘moderate’ will be sold to income-qualifying families,” Senior Analyst Sylvia Elias said.

The project falls under the city’s af-

The meeting kicked off with members of both the council and the public recognizing the efforts of City Manager Tim Ogden, whose last day in his role is April 26. The city announced on March 27 that Ogden is moving on to serve as General Manager of the Cosumnes Community

Services District. He has been city manager since 2020.

“For the last five years, we’ve accomplished a lot of great things,” Ogden said in

see Personnel page 18

fordable housing ordinance, which requires 10% of the homes in a new development to be affordable housing.

“According to the conditions of approval, Meritage is required to fulfill their affordable housing obligations of this project by entering into an affordable housing agreement,” Elias said. “The developer had the opportunity to review the draft and has requested some changes to a standard warning.”

The developer’s request was reviewed by the city attorney prior to the meeting. No changes were recommended to the agreement.

There were no speakers for public comment in person or via Zoom.

“I am very happy that we have a developer here who understands that we have a state density bonus law and that you have exceeded it by 13% instead of

Oakley council hears about improvements at The Oaks apartments

borne fruit.

By Connor Robles Correspondent

WinnCompanies Executive

Vice President Oke Johnson reported on the progress that The Oaks Apartments has made on maintenance and tenant-staff relations issues since the start of 2025 at the April 22 meeting of the Oakley City Council.

According to Johnson, more people have moved into the complex, the staff hiring process has been accelerated, several significant mechanical problems were resolved, and meetings between management and tenants have

Johnson reported that 48 new households, made up of 98 people in total, have moved into The Oaks since the year began, “almost one new move-in every other day,” leading Johnson to call The Oaks “a vital resource for affordable housing in the community.” Two maintenance personnel have been replaced, both within 45 days of their positions being vacated; and two office positions have “two great candidates lined up” for them as well.

After “significant repairs,” all of The Oaks’ elevators are now functional, Johnson said, with the most recent repair occurring the night before the council meeting.

This is land that could become the affordable housing location in Brentwood.

Press photo

The City Council and members of the public bid farewell to City Manager Tim Ogden (fourth from left in blue suit) ahead of his departure.

Photo courtesy of City of Brentwood

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Protecting your loved ones and preserving

The law office of Todd W. Moeller has provided legal services for East County residents for 11 years, offering Will and Trust preparation, financial and medical powers of attorney, and Trust and Probate adminstration.

“I loved the idea of helping people steward their assets and avoid probate and other issues,” he says of his clients that include young families with children, homeowners and business owners. “Peace of mind for my Clients and peace of mind for their families.”

“We love the services we provide to our East Bay County communities. My family has resided in East Contra Costa County for 22 years and we consider it a privilege to provide a valuable service to our family, friends and neighbors.”

Open Weekdays 8am–5pm • email: Todd@MoellerEstateLaw.com 5179 Lone Tree Way, Antioch • 925-301-8840 www.MoellerEstateLaw.com

A Michelin star experience at Heritage High

Students prepare a meal in annual Culinary Showcase

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

Heritage High School students participated in a Culinary Showcase, where they were given the opportunity to demonstrate their culinary skills in a real-world simulation of a Michelin star restaurant.

Chef Yamil Abed, Culinary Arts Instructor at Heritage, guided the students as they put on the big event last Friday and Saturday.

“The Culinary Showcase was borne out of a desire to give students a real-world situation to demonstrate their skills,” Abed said. “I wanted them to experience what it’s like to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes kitchen environment while also sharing their creativity with our school community and guests.”

Abed describes the Showcase as an invitation-only project for the students.

“While it’s connected to what we do in culinary class, the Showcase is more of a special project,” Abed said. “A select group of students who have demonstrated the desire, dedication, and skill to take on this responsibility were invited to participate. It’s an opportunity for them to go above and beyond the classroom.”

He added, “I look for students who’ve shown a strong work ethic, creativity, and a genuine interest in the culinary arts. Those selected are given real responsibilities, from designing the menu to executing service. It’s a hands-on, teamdriven experience.”

Senior Ava Bosworth was Front of House Manager. “The thing I’m most excited about is probably just the guests having fun and enjoying everything,” Bosworth said. “I get

Students prepare a multicourse meal for guests at

to talk to everybody so it will be nice to hear about how they liked the experience.”

Senior Megan Ogden was head pastry chef. She prepared a tirimisu dish and an ice cream cone dish. “It’s just been so exciting to introduce the dishes to all the people and the guests that have been coming, and it’s just been so fun,” Ogden said.

After checking in with the hosts upon arrival at their reservation time, guests would begin their meal in the outdoor dining room, then move to the indoor dining room and eventually finish their meal at a designated table in the kitchen.

This is the second year for the showcase, with this year consisting of two nights compared to last year’s one night. The first night was reserved for friends and family, with the second night reserved for VIP guests such as school board members, the school principal and Mayor Susannah Meyer.

“I think this year’s event was a huge success,” Abed said.

“The students really stepped up and took ownership of their stations. The energy in the room was great both nights, and I was proud to see how smoothly everything ran. Friday our ‘soft opening’ was a little rough. But after our post-service meeting where we addressed the issues and made the adjustments, we were able to have a successful and smooth service. We had strong attendance and great feedback from our guests.”

Having two nights of service gave students an opportunity to improve their performance from the first night to the second night.

“The two-night format gave us more room to showcase student talent,” Abed said. “It also allowed us to reach more of the community and gave students a second chance to improve and refine their performance. I noticed a big difference in their confidence and execution from Night 1 to Night 2. That being said, it was a lot more to ask of the students and might just stick to a one night service moving forward.”

Abed said that his favorite part of the Culinary Showcase is seeing the students evolve into leaders and professionals from shy and soft-spoken individuals.

“The way they take ownership of their stations, and work as a team,” Abed said. “That moment when they realize, “I made this, and people love it”— that’s everything. Giving them this experience and seeing how, despite the hard work and long hours, everyone would sign up to do it again.”

The Culinary Showcase provides benefits and skills to the participating students that they can use in their future, the teacher said.

“They gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom,” Abed said. “It teaches them how to work under pressure, communicate as a team, and stay organized. They also get to feel the pride of seeing guests enjoy something they’ve created from scratch. That kind of confidence boost is priceless.”

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

Heritage Culinary Showcase.

Photo by Nicole Becchina

‘Jeremy is an inspiration to me’

Team Jeremy 5K run/walk fundraiser set for Brentwood May 10

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

The community is invited to rally around Jeremy Reedy, who was diagnosed with CLM, a rare form of leukemia in children, in April 2023 at 9 years old at a 5K run/walk on May 10 at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood.

The idea came from Thomas Doherty, whose son goes to school and is good friends with Reedy and his twin brother. The 3.1-mile course will be a scenic and flat throughout Veterans Park and Marsh Creek Trail.

Individual registration is $30 for all ages and includes a bib number, timing chip, and a custom BOCO hat. Packet pick-up will be available Friday, May 9 from 1-6 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 6061 Lone Tree Way, Suite H, in Brentwood.

On race day, check-in is at 7:30 a.m., pre-race warm-up at 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. There will be first-, second- and third-place awards for male and female categories.

All of the money raised will be donated to Jeremy’s family to help with

“ We’re just trying to get Brentwood to come together as a community and show them some love. ”

Thomas Doherty

medical expenses.

“We’re just trying to get Brentwood to come together as a community and show them some love,” Doherty said.

To register, visit https://teamjeremys5k.itsyourrace.com/event. aspx?id=16698

Those who are interested in helping can donate, share the GoFundMe to help spread the word, and/or send love, prayers and positive thoughts to Jeremy and his family. To donate, visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme. com/f/help-jeremy-fight-leukemia-receive-a-stem-cell-transplant?attribution_ id=sl:e15be8c1-8ff4-48dd9b02-d582f4e400f0&utm_ campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_ medium=customer&utm_ source=copy_link.

“Jeremy is an inspiration to me,” Doherty said. “Every time I see Jeremy he’s always smiling.”

Doherty said he is happy and humbled to be able to support others.

“It’s an absolutely humbling experience,” Doherty said.”I’m holding back the tears every time I think about it. It makes me happy to be of service to other people.”

SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Doherty thanked Fleet Feet for helping with organizing and covering costs associated with producing the race.

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

Thomas Doherty (left), and Fernando Martinez of Fleet Feet (right) helped produce Team Jeremy’s 5K run/walk scheduled for May 10 in Brentwood.

Photo by Maddox Vieira

REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

Gang members charged with

felonies

in

multi-

million dollar theft spree that included Brentwood

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged 11 members of an Antioch-Pittsburg criminal street gang with 33 counts of conspiracy, grand theft of personal property, second-degree robbery, including at a store in Brentwood, and other offenses related to the theft of millions of dollars in merchandise.

Of the eight who were in custody and charged, their arraignments were last Friday. Seven entered ‘not guilty’ pleas and one was scheduled to appear last Monday for their arraignment on the charges, the District Attorney’s Office said in a press release.

One of the three suspects is in custody in Oregon and is awaiting extradition to California; the other two have warrants issued for their arrests.

The charges were filed in Contra Costa Superior Court on April 17, and police allege that 11 members of a criminal street gang worked together to steal merchandise from Sunglass Hut locations in Brentwood, among other East Bay cities. Gang members also allegedly stole tobacco products from delivery trucks in Pleasant Hill, Bay Point, and Pittsburg, as well as various items from Chanel, Nordstrom, and Alo Yoga in Walnut Creek. The thefts took place between Sept. 3, 2024, and April 2, 2025.

On March 27, 2025, Robert Crawford and three others allegedly stole crates of tobacco products from a

7-Eleven in Pleasant Hill. After leaving the scene, Crawford evaded police in a vehicle, ultimately losing control and crashing through a fence at Fremont Elementary School in Antioch. All four occupants fled the scene but were soon apprehended by law enforcement.

Members of the gang are believed to be involved in numerous retail thefts, robberies, stolen vehicles, and frequent, dangerous police pursuits throughout the Bay Area.

The felony charges come with enhancements of street terrorism, taking property in concert, and taking property with a value greater than $50,000. The combined bail of the individuals charged is about $22 million.

Public input sought as Park District planning process begins

The East Bay Regional Park District invites the public to provide input that will be used to develop the district’s next plan for future priorities.

A survey is available for the public at ebparks.org/district-plan and will remain open at least through July 31, 2025. Printed versions of the survey, available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, will be available at parks district Visitor Centers starting Friday, April 25, or by calling (510) 544-2325.

The District Plan is a long-term roadmap that will guide the Park District’s major decisions over the coming decades, the district said in a press release. It will outline broad goals and help prioritize actions to achieve the vision of a well-managed and exceptional system of open space parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. While the plan

will not list specific projects, it will serve as a framework to support future decisions about which projects to prioritize.

The new plan will build upon past planning efforts and expand to incorporate the changes in the climate, economy, and demographics of the East Bay. For example, over the next century, projected sea level rise will impact the Park District’s 40 miles of San Francisco Bay Shoreline and 15 miles of Delta shoreline; the need for wildfire reduction and prevention is also expected to continue to increase. The plan will guide the Park District in responding to these changes and continuing to fulfill its vision and remain a leading public agency into the future.

“Public input is absolutely essential as we shape the future of our park system,” said district General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “The next District Plan will reflect the values, priorities, and aspirations of the communities we serve, and we want everyone to have a voice in that process.”

Development of the plan will include three rounds of public engagement opportunities, beginning with this public survey offered through July. Additional activities will be announced later in the year. The District Plan process will continue through 2026.

Vasco Road Corridor Safety Improvement workshop planned for May 6

The first in a series of Vasco Road Corridor Safety Improvement workshops is planned for May 6 at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center.

The meeting, sponsored by the Con-

tra Costa County Public Works Dept., is at 193 Griffith Lane in Brentwood is from 6-7:30 p.m., according to a press release from the county.

If you commute on Vasco Road between Marsh Creek Road and the southern county line with Alameda County, the county wants your input for its safety study. This first of three such workshops will introduce the study and go over the crash history of the road as well as existing traffic patterns. Paper surveys will given to all attendees.

For details, contact Carl Roner at 925-313-2213 or carl.roner@ pw.cccounty.us.

Earth Day clean-up event in Antioch on

Saturday, April 26

Earth Day was Tuesday, April 22. Celebrate the annual day by volunteering at a local clean-up event in Antioch on Saturday, April 26. It will be at Upper Sand Creek Basin Clean-up from 9 a.m.-noon.

Area Assemblywoman coming to Oakley

Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson and her staff will be in Oakley on April 25 for her annual Assembly District 11 meeting at City Hall at 3231 Main St.

At the meeting, her constituents can talk to their elected representative about concerns and ideas, and can offer feedback to their elected representative face to face.

To schedule a one-on-one meeting, call the District Office at 707-4387359 or fill out the form at tinyurl.com/ ad11atcityhallrsvp

Local author releases her first children’s book

“The Adventures of Sammy: The Scary Night” follows puppy for one night

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

Retired elementary school teacher Stephanie Cookson has released her first book, “The Adventures of Sammy: The Scary Night.” The self-published book is available online only at Barnes & Noble.

“It is about a puppy, Sammy, who hears a scary sound in the middle of the night,” Cookson said. “He adventures through the house trying to discover what the sound is, only to find it’s nothing to fear.”

Cookson added that the target audience is between the ages of four and 10, but anyone can enjoy it.

“When my kids were young, they often heard sounds in the night, as most children do,” she said. “My goal with this book is to ease young minds when that happens.”

Cookson taught elementary school in the Oakley Union School District for

over 30 years.

“So many families know me personally,” she added. “Also, though, I think families everywhere will enjoy the story of this spunky little pup.”

Cookson’s writing style helps readers understand Sammy’s many emotional states in his adventures, according to her website stephaniecookson.com.

After retiring, Cookson and her husband relocated to the Sacramento area.

“We didn’t want to move too far from our roots,” she said. “I still have so many friends I go to visit there.”

Cookson mentioned the illustrator, Paige Cordova, attended schools in Oakley, as well.

Another book is in the works for

“The Adventures of Sammy” series, according to stephaniecookson.com.

“Stephanie will address the difficult emotions associated with grief and loss in a story about Sammy’s grandmother

passing away,” according to her website. “Stephanie wants “The Adventures of Sammy” to have a deep and lasting effect on the readers while providing tools to teachers and parents to help them teach children to navigate the vast spectrum of the human emotional experience.”

To find out more, visit stephaniecookson.com.

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

Retired Oakley Union School District teacher Stephanie Cookson (right) has released her first book.

Photo courtesy of stephaniecookson.com

The Liberty High School Auto Club show helps raise money for the Auto Shop program.

Liberty High School Auto Club presents 12th annual car show

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

The Liberty High School Auto Club is having their 12th annual car show Saturday, May 3 at the Independence High School parking lot at 929 Second St. in Brentwood. This event benefits the Liberty High School Auto Shop program.

Cars can line up at 8 a.m. with the event running from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

There is a car entry fee of $30 the day of the show or $20 in advance. Credit cards, Venmo and ApplePay are accepted. Spectators can attend for free to see the cars.

“We will have the fire truck again this year as well as our next project, a 1971 Ford Pinto getting a full modification,”

said Jon Dorr, Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at the school and advisor of the Liberty Auto Club.

Dorr added that the show is held every year to promote the Auto Shop program and to raise money for the shop projects, such as the fire truck and Pinto.

“We expect between 100 and 150 cars to attend the show,” he said. “We will have Pine Street blocked off to accommodate overflow parking from the lot.”

Dorr said there will be food trucks and a DJ as well as several local vendors.

“It is a great option for something to do after the farmers market,” he said.

For more information about the Liberty High School Auto Club, visit https:// bit.ly/3RxzmPj and their instagram @libertyautoclub.

by Vera Martinez, Certified Travel Agent

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers age 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or acceptable alternative (like a passport) to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. After years of delays, the REAL ID deadline is finally arriving — and being unprepared could mean missing your flight.

The REAL ID is identified by a star on your state-issued license or ID card. If your current ID lacks this mark, it’s time to act. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to see what documents you’ll need — typically proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency.

The process can take time, especially

in high-demand months, so don’t wait. Many DMVs offer appointments to streamline the experience.

If you already travel internationally, a passport or military ID will also meet the requirement. But if you rely solely on your driver’s license, upgrading to a REAL ID is essential.

With airport security and travel regulations evolving, staying informed is part of smart travel planning. Avoid lastminute surprises — check your ID now and make sure you have the REAL ID because missing a flight isn’t the kind of travel memory you want to make.

To Book Your Dream Vacation call me at 925-639-9194 or go to www.vmartinez.dreamvacations.com.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Auto Club

Calendar

For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

This Week’s Events

Saturday, April 26

Friends of Brentwood Library Pop-Up Book Sale

Find bargains on children’s books at the Friends of the Brentwood Library Pop-Up Book Sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. The sale will also feature a large selection of used books for all ages, puzzles, and more. All proceeds benefit the Brentwood Library. For more information, visit www friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary org

National Prescription Drug Takeback Day in Brentwood

Brentwood police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration are participating in the National Prescription Drug Takeback Day from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Brentwood Police Department, 9100 Brentwood Blvd. People who want to get rid of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications can bring them to the lobby of the building.

National Prescription Drug Takeback Day in Oakley

Oakley police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration are participating in the National Prescription Drug Takeback Day from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Oakley Police Department, 3231 Main St. People who want to get rid of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications can bring them to the building lobby.

Multicultural Faire in Brentwood

Enjoy a celebration of cultures featuring food trucks, craft vendors, and a cultural fashion show showcasing traditional attire from around the world. This is a family-friendly event presented by the Brentwood Youth Commission at noon-3 p.m. at City Park, City Park Way in Brentwood. To become a vendor, visit brentwoodca gov/BYCMulticulturalFaire

The 2025 Liberty Union High School District Athletic Hall of Fame

The Induction-Enshrinement banquet will be held at the Ghiggeri Gym at Liberty, 850 Second St. in Brentwood. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the ceremony. The inductees are: Rich Barrios (Liberty) - coach; Ryan Barsanti (Heritage) - athlete, Jett Charvet (Heritage) - athlete; Darrell Daniels (Freedom) - athlete; Haley Rose Love (Heritage) - athlete; Kyle Quinn (Liberty) - athlete, Roman Runner (Freedom) - athlete, and the 2005 Liberty girls volleyball team coached by Linda “Gooch” Ghilarducci. This event is open to the public. Reservations are $60 and can be made by contacting Amy Sickenberger at luhsd.athletic. hof@gmail.com.

Monday, April 28

Patriots Parent’s Organization Golf Tournament

A day of fundraising and golfing will support the Heritage High School Patriot Parents first annual golf tournament. Hosted by the Heritage PPO, the event will take place at the Lone Tree Golf Course, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. The funds raised will benefit the Heritage High School PPO. Registration (prices range from $50 for lunch only up to $540) starts at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.

A tri-tip lunch will be served at 1 p.m. and an awards ceremony will start at 2 p.m. Included in the price are 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, and lunch. There will also be raffles. To purchase tickets, visit www successfund com/jvgx6 Studio 55 Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in Oakley

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Studio 55 will be from noon-1 p.m at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave.. Attendees can learn

about new programs, tour the renovated center, meet the staff, and enjoy refreshments. For more information, visit www oakleyca gov/367/Aging-Services

Tuesday, April 29

6th Annual East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair

The free East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair enables businesses and entrepreneurs to network with the general public in a professional setting, showcasing their businesses, meeting new customers, and hiring potential employees. There will be raffles, giveaways, food and wine and beer tastings from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For more information or to register as a vendor, call 925-634-3344 or visit https:// business brentwoodchamber com/events/ details/6th-annual- east-bay-business- expojob-fair-17546?calendarMonth=2025-04-01

Thursday, May 1

The 74th Annual National Day of Prayer

Join Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood, for the National Day of Prayer at 10 a.m. Pour out to the God of hope and be filled-Romans 15:13.

Town of Discovery Bay Open House

This free event will take place at the Community Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd., from 3-8 p.m. Staff members will showcase capital improvement projects, provide valuable insights and guidance, and offer opportunities for guests to ask questions as they strive to build a better community. Guests can meet their elected representatives, town staff, and consultants involved in projects that impact residents. Projects showcased include water, sewer, landscaping, rate study and the Administration Building. For more information, visit www todb ca gov

On the Horizon

Saturday, May 3

Peddlers in the Park-Sip, shop and show

The free family-friendly event will be from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at City Park, 790 2nd St. in Brentwood. There will be vendors with a wide variety of products, games for the family, live music, food, and mimosas. For more information, visit www facebook com/ChillLifeEvents or contact chillLifeEvents3@gmail com

Devin Hunter Book Signing at Barnes & Noble

Join the Barnes and Noble Brentwood team for author Devin Hunter’s signing of his witchy gardening guide, Houseplant HortOCCULTure, and his new psychic self-help book, The Bad Vibes Field Guide! Hunter will be in-store at 2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100, from noon-3 p.m. signing copies of his spiritual, educational how-to book on houseplants great and small, along with his fool- (and spirit) -proof guide to fighting off and preventing negative energies. For more information, visit stores barnesandnoble com/event/9780062185499-0

Kim and Davy’s Benefit for the LMC Foundation

A party with a Kentucky Derby-inspired theme benefits the Los Medanos College (LMC) Foundation will be hosted by LMC Foundation Board member Kim Wentworth and her husband Davy. They celebrate LMC’s 50th anniversary with an array of Southern-style small plates, desserts, and drinks, including wine and local craft beers. During the event at 1221 Hookston Road Concord from 5-8 p.m., an LMC student will discuss how the foundation has helped their life: supporting them to stay in college, transfer to a university, and earn an education — an achievement that imparts a

Looking for something to do?

Look at the many local events on

lifetime of benefits. Ticket prices vary between $75 and $5,000, and all proceeds go directly to the LMC Foundation helping to meet the $15,000 fundraising goal to help students where their needs are greatest and knowing that100% of the ticket price goes to the LMC Foundation. RSVP by Saturday, April 26. For details, contact Kim, Davy, or Sara Marcellino at kwentworth@losmedanos.edu, davy.wentworth@gmail.com or smarcellino@4cd.edu or at 510-289-3004.

Strut For A Cause Fashion Show fundraiser

The St. Anne’s chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be hosting the Strut For A Cause Fashion Show fundraiser for its thrift store and charity programs at St. Anne’s Catholic Church at 2800 Camino Diablo Road in Byron from 1-3 p.m. There will be a 30-minute mixer with light refreshments before the fashion show begins at 1:30. Tickets are $20 for general admission and VIP Runway seating will be $30. All fashion show proceeds will go to St. Anne’s “Helping Our Neighbors in Need” program that assists low-income people who need help paying their utility bills, provides families with groceries from the local food bank, and distributes vouchers to families for clothes from the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Tickets are available at www eventbrite com/e/st-vincent- de -paul-fashion-showtickets- or can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

Tuesday, May 6

Vasco Road Corridor Safety Improvement Study Workshop #1

County Supervisor Diane Burgis and the Public Works Department invites the public to attend the first of three Vasco Road workshops on safety. Community workshop #1 will be held at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center, 193 Griffith Lane in Brentwood. Contra Costa County is conducting the study to spot problem areas and create a list of improvements to identify as projects for future funding and implementation. Attendees will be able to provide their feedback to help make the Vasco Road corridor safer between Marsh Creek Road and the southern Contra Costa County Line with Alameda County. For more information visit ContraCosta CA Gov/Vasco-Road-CorridorSafety-Improvements. For questions, contact Carl Roner at 925-313-2213 or carl roner@ pw cccounty us

Thursday, May 8

Business on the Bay

This free virtual workshop presented by Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce will take place on Zoom from 3-4 p.m. The webinar will feature Maria Galicia, with LegalShield, and the title of her presentation is “Protect what Matters: The Value of Affordable Legal Coverage with LegalShield.” Register for the event here, https://discoverybaychamber org/ events/#!event/2025/5/8/business- on-the -bay For more information call 925-351-4444 or visit www discoverybaychamber org Saturday, May 10

Delta Informal Gardeners Annual Plant Sale

The plant sale will take place in Knighsen at 3900 Sellers Ave. next to the East Contra Costa County Historical Society from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. rain or shine. They will be offering a selection of healthy plants. Only cash or local checks will be accepted. Shoppers are encouraged to bring a cart or wagon to help make plant shopping easier. Guests should leave their dogs at home. For more information, visit www deltainformalgardeners org or visit the Delta Informal Gardeners Facebook page @ BrentwoodDIG.

Team Jeremy Charity 5K Run/Walk in Brentwood

The community is invited to rally around Jeremy Reedy, who was diagnosed with CLM, a rare form of leukemia, at 9 years old. Fleet Feet is helping organize the event at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood. The course will be a scenic and flat throughout Veterans Park and Marsh Creek Trail. Individual registration is $30 for all ages and includes a bib number, timing chip, and a custom BOCO hat. Packet pick-up will be available Friday, May 9 from 1-6 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 6061 Lone Tree Way, Suite H in Brentwood. On race day, check-in is at 7:30 a.m., pre-race warm up at 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. All of the money raised will be donated to Jeremy’s family to help with medical expenses. To register, visit https://teamjeremys5k itsyourrace com/ event aspx?id=16698

Spring Rummage Sale in Brentwood

This free event will be from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St. There will be mimosas, vendors, and crafters. The booth fee is $50. For vendor information or an application, contact brentwoodveteransbuilding@gmail.com.

Old Document Shred-a-Thon

Get rid of old documents at a Shred-a-Thon from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1360 East Tregallas Road in Antioch. Donations support scholarships and charities coordinated through the church’s endowment. For more information, visit stjohnsantioch org Rivertown Wine Walk & Artisan Faire

The faire will be from noon-4 p.m. at 314 G St. in downtown Antioch and will feature art, handmade crafts, wine tasting and live music performed by Project 4 the band. This is a free, family-friendly event. Wine tasting is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Wine tasting participants must be at least 21 years old and provide a photo ID. Tickets are limited to 500 and are available at Willow Park Mercantile, 205 G St. in Antioch, or at Eventbrite,https://www eventbrite com/e/rivertown-wine -walk-andartisan-faire -tickets-1281127299239?aff=odd tdtcreator. For more information or for artisan vendor inquiries, visit CelebrateAntioch.org. Monday, May 19

31st Annual Rotary Club of Brentwood Golf Tournament

The tournament will take place at the Discovery Bay Country Club, 1475 Clubhouse Drive, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided and there will be a variety of tournament games. Each foursome will compete in a scramble format. Golfers will be accepted first come, first serve, as entry forms and payments are received. The entry deadline is May 5, and the registration is $185 for individual golfers. Tournament proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s community projects. For sponsorship information, email rob@billbrandtford.com. For more information about the event, call 925-642-4925. For raffle donations, contact Julie Deck at 925-368-7722 or jacsdeck@comcast net

Attention commercial venues! The Press is excited to announce we are now allowing commercial venues, bars and for-profit events to list your events in The Press’s weekly printed community calendar. For only $25 per week, it will include 55-60 words or a 380-390 character count with bigger font and will be hotlinked to your website on the e-Press. To place your event, let us know by Friday at noon for the following Fridays publication at ads@brentwoodpress.com or call 925-634-1441.

Heritage’s ‘forgetfulness’ key to strong season despite loss at Pittsburg

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Heritage’s baseball team has not lost a lot of games this season. They can actually count the number of losses on one hand -- four -- following Tuesday’s 1-0 loss in a pitchers’ duel at Pittsburg.

Part of that has been the Patriots’ ability to bounce back from losses. Heritage has not suffered back-to-back losses this season, and haven’t lost back-to-back games overall since losing a pair to Liberty last year, first in the regular season finale last May, then in the opening round of the Bay Valley Athletic League tournament five days later.

So what’s the trick? Forget about it –literally.

“I think it’s important that you’re forgetful,” Heritage head coach Kevin Brannan said. “You forget the good things, sometimes you forget the bad things and just kind of move on to the next game. I think we’ve been able to do that really well this year, so I don’t anticipate us coming out flat (in the next game). I anticipate the guys will swing the bat a little bit better than we did today and we’ll go from there.”

Heritage’s lineup was held to a season-low three hits in Tuesday’s loss at the

Pirates as Pittsburg starter Diego Deluna held them to just two hits through three innings. Reliever Santino Valle gave up a one-out double in the seventh inning as he shut the door for the save.

“You gotta take your hats off. …We had some opportunities and couldn’t capitalize,” Brannan said.

As sharp as Deluna was, the same can be said for Heritage senior starting pitcher Jace Bernard. He allowed the lone run of the game on four hits with five strikeouts

Heritage’s Jace Bernard pitches in the Patriots’ baseball game at Pittsburg High School on Tuesday afternoon.

through 3 2/3 innings. Kalil Gray held the Pirates’ lineup to two hits with a strikeout in 2 1/3 innings of relief.

The “forgetfulness” of the team following a loss has been solidified with overall strong play on both the mound and at the plate. Heritage has chased losses with winning streaks all season, much like they did last year. Following the team’s extrainnings loss against Benicia in mid-March, they won the next six in a row before falling in tournament play to Redwood. Since

then, the team has won three of their last five games.

Brannan says that the team is buying into what the coaching staff wants them to do entering each game this season, something that the players haven’t forgotten.

“Early on we were trying to pull the ball too much, now we’re kind of taking what the pitcher is giving us and making pretty good contact.”

Heritage entered Thursday’s second game of the home-and-home series against Pittsburg at 2-1 in league play, tied with Freedom and Pittsburg for second in the BVAL. Each is a game behind the firstplace Lions who defeated Deer Valley to improve to 3-0 in league play after Tuesday.

A win and a series split with the Pirates would keep Heritage on pace to continue to defend their BVAL title with key series against Freedom and Liberty coming up quickly. The Patriots’ last seven games of the season are all against league opponents, adding weight to each matchup as the season starts to wind down.

“(The next game) is big in the sense because it’s our next game,” Brannan said. “...We need to show up for sure.”

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

Lonsdale’s return to Liberty baseball team

‘not about me,’ but ‘about them’

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Liberty head baseball coach Andrew Lonsdale is back home where he belongs — inside of the Lions’ dugout.

He was all smiles during his home return in the Lions’ 12-1 win over Antioch on April 17 in Brentwood, and was seen directing the Liberty dugout during their loss at Granada last Saturday, almost as if he never left.

As happy, and as relieved as Lonsdale is to be back, he’s quick to remind everyone that his return to the team isn’t about him, but rather more so about the team.

”It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about the kids. It’s about them. I’m just here to write the lineup and hopefully just help them be good people and help them be the best version of themselves. They’re the ones that swing the bats and throw the pitches, I haven’t gotten to do that in a long time.

”But it’s nice to be back.”

Lonsdale was placed on administrative leave by the Liberty Union High School District prior to the team’s game at Castro Valley back in mid-March due to allegations of financial misconduct by the district. Assistant head coach Billy Rhodes took over from March 21 through Lonsdale’s return at the team’s game on the road in Fairfield at Rodriguez on April 9.

”(Lonsdale’s return has) been huge,” senior pitcher

a little bit visibly upset about it. But, personality wise, I love Lonsdale, he’s a chill dude. We have fun during practice. … It feels like we’re right back at home and things are how they used to be.”

After sweeping through the Lamorinda tournament at the end of March, which included wins on the road at Campolindo, Miramonte, and Las Lomas, the Lions are 2-2 since Lonsdale’s return. They lost two non-conference games to bookend sweeping Antioch to open Bay Valley Athletic League play.

However, Liberty led in both games at Rodriguez and Granada before both teams came back to win — the Lions took a 4-1 into the sixth inning at Rodriguez before the Mustangs rallied to win late, and Liberty took a 3-0 lead at Granada early before the Matadors took over in the middle innings and pulled away with the win in Livermore.

Tristan Ainsworth said. “When he was gone, we felt like he was still here. We made it seem like that. But, him being back, we all feel in the right place again.”

The guys “are definitely a lot happier,” added sophomore catcher Dylan Amaral, who hit his first varsity home run in the loss at Granada last Saturday. “It was a little quiet without him there. Obviously, everybody was

The Lions find themselves now in a strong position to make a run at the BVAL title at 2-0 in early league play, tied with Heritage for first place entering this week, but behind the Patriots who have the lead based on runs scored in league play, 36, compared to Liberty’s 33.

The Lions take on Deer Valley this week for a twogame home-and-home series before pivotal back-to-back series against Pittsburg and Freedom in the following two weeks. Each team is within a game of each other in the standings.

Liberty head baseball coach Andrew Lonsdale stands next to his players near the Lions’ dugout as he looks over their game against Antioch back on Aug. 17.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

‘We had it, we lost it. We couldn’t stay focused to finish through.’

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

Leading 2-0 over Deer Valley at home, the Heritage boys volleyball team couldn’t finish off the Wolverines and fell 3-2 (25-22, 25-18, 23-25, 26-28, 8-15) at home Tuesday night.

“It was losing that third set,” Heritage head coach Janet Hannigan said was the difference between a win and a loss. “We had it, we lost it. We couldn’t stay focused to finish through. Then to come out a little slow in that fourth, you could feel like the energy had shifted.”

The Patriots had Deer Valley at match point twice in the third and fourth sets, but

failed to come away with the clinching point to put an end to the series.

In the fourth set, Heritage came back after

Heritage senior Karlo Magat goes for the spike in the Patriots’ boys volleyball game against Deer Valley Tuesday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Juan Cebreiros

falling behind quickly 6-1 to push the set past 25 points. However, mistakes such as serving the ball into the net with them leading 25-24, and an over-the-net violation with them leading 26-25 cost Heritage.

Heritage’s attack was led by sophomore Gianni Gonzalez who had 15 kills. Hannigan praised her sophomore’s effort as he recorded a new career high in kills with his performance.

“We know it’s in him,” Hannigan said. “But all in all, Gianni played great, he had a nice hitting percentage and lots of kills. I put a lot of expectation on the sophomores on the team.”

Senior Sapond Mashal followed up with 11, but something that’s plagued Heritage all season resurfaced at crucial times Tuesday night.

The Patriots committed 35 errors, 11 of which were serving errors. Hannigan said after the game that she felt those 11 serving mistakes were what swung the course of the game.

“We gotta make our serves,” Hannigan said. “We had three aces and 11 errors, that’s what cost us that match.”

With the win, Deer Valley sweeps the season series against Heritage as they had beaten them earlier this season 3-2 on March 20. The Patriots drop to 12-9 overall and 4-3 in league play.

Entering Tuesday night’s game, Heritage had a chance to win a shared Bay Valley Athletic League title with victories in their last games. However, now they will need Liberty and Deer Valley to each lose one more game for that to happen.

Heritage hosted Pittsburg on Thursday night; in their last meeting the Pirates reverse swept the Patriots on April 1.

“It’s a bounce-back mentality that they’ve gotta have,” Hannigan said. “I just hope that they’re mature enough to understand that, and those people that maybe could have brought more decide to bring it on Thursday.”

Freedom volleyball pushes for playoffs

Boys

beat Pittsburg

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Despite a rocky season in which Freedom’s boys volleyball team is set to finish with single-digit wins for the second-straight season, the Falcons still have their eyes on the North Coast Section postseason after defeating Pittsburg 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 16-25, 25-23, 15-11) Tuesday night in Oakley.

To do so, they’ll need to win their final two games of the regular season, most notably their Senior Night matchup and regular-season finale against Deer Valley next Thursday, May 1 (6 p.m., at Freedom).

The issue? The Falcons have not won back-to-back regular-season matches all season, and the only back-to-back wins the team has this season came in tournament play back in early March against Miramonte and Concord.

vas said. “It’s just difficult. They have to keep their mindset on the court, be mindful of how they play, and be aggressive, instead of constantly reminding them to go back to basics.”

With seven seniors on the team, Rivas and Freedom senior Devin Sandoval realize that the time to make a playoff push is now before the Falcons rebuild nearly half of the roster for next spring.

“It’s important,” Rivas said. “Having the seniors and bringing up the juniors for next year to prove to them that they can be in the same situation to where playoffs are important and crucial in every type of situation. The boys have it; it’s just a matter of bringing it together.”

“If we really want to move forward with the playoffs, we have to (win),” Freedom head coach Elizabeth Rivas said. “We had to get (Tuesday night’s win over Pittsburg), so that leaves us with one more (league) win to look forward to. That is going to be crucial.” Freedom (8-14, 4-5 BVAL) travels to Vallejo on Monday to take on St. Patrick-St. Vincent (10-19, 4-6 league) before the regular- season finale. Rivas hopes that having the team continue to stay focused as they did in their final two sets in Tuesday night’s victory will spark a needed win streak for the Falcons entering the postseason.

“When the boys are on, they’re on,” Ri-

Freedom’s win on Tuesday was an example of how their season has gone. In the sets that they lost, the Falcons made several mistakes and looked lost at times. In the sets they’ve won, they looked the part of a potential playoff team, coming up with crucial kills and closing out sets, especially in the final two sets where Freedom held off Pittsburg rallies late in the fourth set, and controlled the fifth set all the way through.

“We come out with energy, but when one thing doesn’t go our way, we just crumble,” Sandoval said. “From then on out, we just go down and down. But once we learn to stay at a constant pace and a constant energy the entire time, and just lift each other up, then that’s when we do our best.”

Sandoval added, “These games mean a lot to us, especially the fact that we have a lot of seniors on this team. So we really want to push to make the playoffs.”

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

OBITUARIES

Neil James Vannucci

Sept. 26, 1936–March 3, 2025

Neil James Vannucci, born on September 26, 1936, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his devoted family. At the time of his passing, Neil resided on Bethel Island, a place he cherished for its abundance of nature, wildlife and beauty.

Neil was born into a first-generation Italian-American family. Along with his sister Gloria, he spent his youth growing up in San Francisco. His father as a child emigrated from the Tuscan area of Italy to San Francisco. He spent his youth working alongside his father and other family members finishing concrete. Neil learned to hunt with his dad, uncles and cousins. Neil spent many summers in Hollister on his mother’s family farm. The influence of both his father’s work ethic and time spent in the country shaped Neil’s life.

Neil was a loving husband to his late wife, Margaret Ann Vannucci who preceded him in death on Sept. 20, 2024. The couple shared a 62-year marriage during which they enjoyed live music, dancing, playing bridge with a treasured group of friends, traveling,

Ted Carpenter

July 20, 1938 - April 10, 2025

Ted Carpenter has shoved off and is sailing to the Golden Hills.

rooting for their favorite sports teams, and enjoying the outdoors. Raising four children in San Carlos kept them busy and fulfilled.

With age, they reflected on what they considered highlights of their lives including a month-long trip to Florence, Italy with their family, a safari in Africa, seeing some classic artists at the Monterey Jazz Festival, season tickets to the San Francisco Giants, being a part of large family gatherings and enjoying the waterways of the California Delta with their friends from the San Joaquin Yacht Club.

Neil was a proud father to four children, five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, each of whom brought joy to his life. Neil enjoyed sharing his love of hunting and fishing, waterskiing, backpacking, boating, listening to country music, large family gatherings, and storytelling with his family and friends and often had a glass of “vino tinto” in his hand. His children and grandchildren will remember a man who wanted to pass along his values of hard work, the importance of education, identifying and following one’s interests, respecting the awe of nature, and the importance of friends and family in one’s life.

Neil embraced life with open arms. He was an artist at heart, finding inspiration in the natural world around him. Painting, wood sculpture, drawing, even stained

With full hearts and deep sorrow, we share the passing of Ted Carpenter, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, U.S. Navy Sailor, and proud clamper. Ted passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on July 20, 1938, Ted lived a life of service, humor, loyalty, and love. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he embodied the spirit of honor and quiet strength throughout his life. His legacy lives on through his loving wife, Kathy Carpenter, his children Cindy Friedmann (Chris), Shelly Minor (Doug), and Scott Carpenter, as well as his 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Ted was one of the founding members of the East Diablo Youth Soccer League, created to serve the youth of Brentwood, California, and the surrounding area. A lifelong lover of sports, he dedicated countless hours to the league — not only as a visionary in its for-

glass were the means of his artistic expression. Neil enjoyed tinkering with old cars and amassed a few classics that gave him hours of problem-solving opportunities. As a member of the Oyster Point and San Joaquin Yacht Clubs and Ducks Unlimited, Neil connected with others who shared his appreciation for nature.

Neil’s life was one of hard work, creativity, adventure and relationships. After serving his country in Korea in the Army, Neil returned to civilian life with a plan to become a building designer. After receiving his degree, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own business, where his passion for creating functional and beautiful spaces flourished. Later, he channeled his experience into helping to run the family’s concrete company Vannucci Brothers and later, Bay Cities Building Materials (BCBM). Neil was proud of his many accomplishments, including building his family houses, other residential homes in the Bay Area, condominiums, and municipal and residential buildings in Anchorage Alaska. BCBM was known for its many large projects in the Bay Area, notably being a part of the expansion of the San Francisco Airport building, The Moscone Center and retrofitting Candlestick Park. With a group of talented co-workers, other highlights included expanding BCBM to South San Francisco, Millbrae, Brentwood and the Sacramento area.

mation but also as a coach and referee for many years. He helped shape the lives of young athletes and fostering a strong sense of community through the game.

Ted was also a proud, member of more than 30 years of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13. As a Clamper, he found joy in history, brotherhood, and a healthy dose of good-natured mischief. His storytelling, laughter, and loyalty left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

In addition to his Clamper ties, Ted was a dedicated member of the Loyal Order of Moose for over 20 years and proudly served as Governor of the Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge #1123. His leadership and community spirit were deeply valued and remembered fondly by all who served alongside him.

He was a man of integrity, humor, and heart.

Fair winds and following seas… Rest easy, Sailor — we’ve got it from here.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19, 2025, to honor Ted in the spirit he lived — with stories, laughter, and love. Details to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Ted’s memory to a veterans organization or youth sports program of your choice.

Maria Guadalupe

Gaytan Olveda

His involvement in the community extended beyond his professional and recreational pursuits. As a member of the American Institute of Building Designers, Neil was committed to advancing the field he loved. He served as president and his collaborative and creative problem-solving made him a valued colleague and mentor to many.

Neil is preceded in death by his wife Margaret (Ballerine), his parents Nelio and Lillian Vannucci, he is survived by his sister Gloria Satterfield Vannucci of Mayflower Arkansas, children Neil F Vannucci (Vicky Poole), Mark Vannucci, Suzanne Vannucci (Richard Harvey), Carla Vannucci (Jon Myers), 5 grandchildren: Trevor, Bella, Anthony, Chiara and Dominic and 2 great-grandchildren.

Those who knew Neil remember him as a hard-working, passionate, and fun-loving individual. His enjoyment of friends and family was genuine, and his presence brought warmth and joy to those around him.

A private celebration of Neil’s life will be held on May 2, 2025, at the San Joaquin Yacht Club on Bethel Island. Family, friends, and all who were touched by Neil’s life are invited to join in remembering the remarkable man he was. Please reach out to the family if you would like to attend. As we gather to honor his memory, we reflect on the indelible mark he left on our hearts and the world around him.

apricots, cherries and peaches.

Feb. 13, 1927 – March 9, 2025 98 years young Mrs. Guadalupe Olveda was born in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, Mexico. She was a longtime resident of Brentwood, Calif.

She married her late husband, Fransisco Olveda in Guadalajara, Jalisco in 1947. They both came from Mexico in 1948 during the Bracero Program. They were married for 33 years before her husband passed.

She was a wife, mother to nine children and a homemaker. She also worked in the agriculture industry, with tomatoes, walnuts, almonds,

She enjoyed music, dancing, and having a great time at family gatherings and social events. She was the life of the party, always making everyone laugh with her great sense of humor!

She is preceded in death by her husband Fransisco Olveda, three sons: Pedro, Francisco and Baudelio Olveda. She is survived by two sons: Jorge and Jose Luis Olveda, four daughters: Teresa Villa, Angela Olveda, Rosa Maria Venegas, Gloria Hopkins, 28 grandchildren, and 41 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on May 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. with visitation at 11:30 a.m. and rosary at noon Mass will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brentwood. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow at Red Man Pocahontas Hall at 1403 Main St., Oakley.

O pini O n

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

How to tackle misconceptions about autism

Editor’s note: This commentary was written to recognize April as National Autism Month.

When I was eight years old, I asked my mom what was wrong with me. While other kids got to play after school, I went home to work with behavioral specialists. My mom told me that there wasn’t anything wrong with me, but we all have our own struggles and things we have to deal with, and that my brain works a little differently than other people. She said it was called autism, but that wasn’t anything to be ashamed or embarrassed of, and she thought I was amazing. These words have helped shaped me into the person I am today.

Editor’s note: The letters this week are submissions from students in Liberty High School’s journalism program.

Here’s why each school should have a prayer room

Editor:

Allowing prayer rooms in schools will foster inclusivity and respect students’ religious freedom. Some schools don’t have any prayer rooms because of religion in schools. Some may say that having prayer rooms can cause problems in religion because the room might favor one religion over the other.

Students should have the prayer rooms because it will make students feel less stressful. The website www ie-uk com/blog/multi-faith-room-in-theworkplace?hs amp=true says “For people to bring their whole selves to work, they need to feel safe to embrace the different parts of their identity. Not only does that hold true for gender, ethnicity and age, but it extends to faith too.

Employers should always be willing to accommodate their staff’s religious and cultural needs. This includes enabling them to partake in their own specific practices, such as prayer or meditation. Whilst it’s not a legal requirement to offer a space for this within the workplace, it’s best practice if you want to be truly inclusive

Nathan Austan Brentwood

Please recycle this paper

I was diagnosed at age 3, along with having an IQ of 50. I didn’t talk until I was 4. I worked with behavioral specialists 40 hours a week to improve my behavioral, social, and communication skills. My family made sacrifices and decisions, with the goal of making me the best version of myself. It has been a lot of hard work – for us all.

Now, here I am, age 25. I graduated from public school with a 4.14 GPA, have an Associate of Arts degree in Information Technology. and I have a job. My main accomplishment has been forming the non-profit 501(c) (3), Autism Quest (autismquest.org), for which I travel around sharing my story to help dispel some of the misconceptions that surround autism.

I get asked a lot how people can help someone in their life with autism. That is

always difficult to answer because autism is a spectrum. Each person has unique strengths and challenges they deal with. Most people still associate autism with the stereotypical behavior they see in the media, when in reality, it is more complicated.

Letters to the editor

Why high schools should offer a financial literacy class

Editor:

Housing and resources prices, and college tuition costs are going up. Spending money is becoming riskier and leaving many in debt. This raises the question of why society expects teenagers to be spending thousands right out of high school. To combat this, all schools should require students to take a financial literacy class before graduating.

President Trump has been putting higher tariffs on goods, leading prices to increase dramatically. This is nothing new to America, as higher tariffs took part in the rise of The Great Depression. The economy is shaky and is constantly fluctuating. Mixed with the pressure to attend college to succeed, there’s a reason why more minimum-wage jobs require a college degree.

Teenagers may say that it’s a waste of a spot on their schedule or that they can figure it out themselves. While this could be true for some, millions of U.S. citizens live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to end the cycle due to being uneducated on finances.

Teenagers should not be expected to make major financial decisions right out of high school if they don’t have the proper education in finance. High schools should require at least one year of financial literacy either junior or senior year to prepare for the current economy to which they will have to adapt.

The benefits of taking this class would last a lifetime. Taking this class would bridge opportunity gaps, avoid debt at a younger age, promote financial independence, and help develop financial plans.

Young adults should not be left

to deal with the consequences of poor financial decisions they made as teenagers. With the uncertain economic status of the modern world, teenagers should not be left to pick up the pieces with no proper education.

Morgan Haney Discovery Bay

Churches should be more transparent with their finances

Editor:

Pastors and leaders of a church take on a huge responsibility to educate people on religious practices. Of course, nothing, even spreading religion, is free. This is where tithes and offerings come in. Tithes is money people offer to the church for favor with God and to fund the church’s efforts to spread the good word. This means churches are publicly funded, yet the church doesn’t show where the money is going. I believe that it should be mandatory for these publicly

LETTERS POLICY

The Press invites your comments. Letters must be no longer than 325 words and include name, address and phone number for confirmation.

The Press reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, potential libel and taste, or to not print letters we feel violate our standards of acceptance.

Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.

Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.

“You don’t look autistic.” “You don’t act like someone who has autism.” These are some of the things that have been said to me. The truth is, I’ve not only become better at masking myself, but also better equipped at handling the things I struggle with, such as auditory processing, loud noises, and busy, chaotic situations. This just goes to show that appearances can be misleading, and you never truly know what people are going through.

So, if you know someone on the spectrum, Accept, Understand, Teach, Inspire, Support, and Motivate them in any way you can. My grandma was once asked how I was able to be so successful, and her response was “It takes a village.” And she was right.

Robbie Messer Newman, Calif.

funded establishments to show where the people’s money is going.

Surveys in 2023 showed that 32% of Americans have confidence in the church, leaving the other 68% in a gray area.

Some may think publishing a church’s finances is a “breach of privacy”, but the church is a public building, publicly funded. The church owes the public this. It’s the people’s money and the people deserve to know where it’s going.

To build trust, Step 1 is transparency. If they are more transparent, people could trust the church more, maybe leading more people to God.

So, if churches’ only concern is leading more to God, then it’s not unreasonable to ask them to try to build trust with potential followers. Churches have asked the people for their money since their creation. It’s time for people to see how their money is spent.

Michael Hanlon Brentwood

MESSER

Jazz and bossa nova, and the Brazilian influence

Welcome back.

This article will approach another question as to how jazz is such a global music that it has affected almost every country and their genre of music. I will concentrate today on Brazil.

The film Black Orpheus made in 1959 is how bossa nova was introduced to the public worldwide.

The soundtrack was written by two Brazilian composers

Antonio Carlos Jobim, whose song “A Felicidade” opens the film. Luis Bonfra, whose “Manha de Carnaval” and “Samba de Orfeu” have become classics of bossa nova.

Black Orpheus was a critically acclaimed film winning the Palme d’ Or at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival, and the 1960 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, as well as the 1960 Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film. It is important to remember that this music is a combination of African and Portuguese-influenced sound,

since the Portuguese where influential in the slave trade, and Brazil was one of major recipients of Africans.

Now let’s get into the basics of how jazz and bossa nova came together. Jazz originated in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the African-American communities of New Orleans.

Bossa nova, on the other hand, emerged in the late 1950s in Brazil combining elements of samba with jazz. Its sound features softer guitar rhythms, gentle melodies, and often poetic lyrics, creating a smooth laid-back sound.

Some of the major artists of this sound that influenced jazz are Milton Nascimento, Jao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim (whom had the first big hit bossa nova jazz hit album) in the U.S. with Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66 to follow.

OK, let’s go. In 1964 the first album to bring jazz/bossa nova together was released on Verve Records. This album was a collaboration between jazz saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian composer Joao Gilberto. This album is considered the record that popularized bossa nova worldwide, and is one of the bestselling jazz albums of all time, selling over 1 million copies. This album also introduced the

world to the vocals of Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto, who sang the hit tune from the movie The Black Orpheus.

The song The Girl From Ipanema was recorded by the great Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, and many other artists.

As mentioned earlier, bossa nova is a very laid-back and warm style of music. Getz was picked to record this album because he was known in the jazz community as “The Sound” because he had the warm timbre of his idol

and combination dinners, along with an amazing show. Samurai also has drink menus, so you are sure

have a great time.

Lester Young. Gilberto not only wrote and recorded “The Girl from Ipanema” but also the jazz standard for Brazilian music Corcovado (quiet nights of quiet stars), which has been covered by every major jazz artist.

Getz/Gilberto, it was said, did not have an agreeable time during the recording of this album because there were disagreements between Getz and Astrud (Gilberto’s wife) on sound styles, but once these were overcome it is apparent that a remarkable album was released.

So remarkable was this album that it became the first non-American album to win a Grammy Award for Record of the year in 1964 for the song Girl from Ipanema.

Also that same year, it won Grammys for Album of the Year, Best Instrumental Jazz Performance, Small Group or Soloist With Small Group for Stan Getz.

The Girl from Ipanema holds the honor of being the most played/recorded song outdone only by the Beatles’ Yesterday. So, there you have it. Bossa nova in the ‘60s by way of jazz introduced a music that is still thriving today.

So until next time remember:

There are notes between notes, you know.

- Sarah Vaughan

C lassifieds & l egals

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Maria Hilda SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Maria Hilda CASE NUMBER: N25-0759 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner

Maria Hilda filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:

a. Jonathan Garcia Gomez to Proposed Name: Jonathan Garcia - Gomez

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:

07/16/2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30

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

Press Date: 04/15/2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94677

Publish Dates: April 18, 25, May 2,9, 2025.

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Joe’s Mechanical, at 922 Outlook Court, Brentwood, CA 94513. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in Contra Costa County on 08/24/2020 under File No. F-2020-0004150 by Temple Joseph Steadman III, 922 Outlook Court, Brentwood CA 94513. This business was conducted as: An Individual. Signature: Temple Joseph Steadman III, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/28/2025. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Renee

Kathryn Kern SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION

OF: Renee Kathryn Kern, Renee Kathryn Kern CASE NUMBER: N25-0624 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Renee

Kathryn Kern filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:

a. Renee Kathryn Kern to Proposed Name:

a. Renee Kathryn Marrone

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:

06/20/2025 Time: 9:00am 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:

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Aalya Monet Vanzego SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Aalya Monet Vanzego CASE NUMBER: N25-0434 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Aalya Monet Vanzego, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Aalya Monet Vanzego to Proposed Name: Aalya Monet

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: 05/28/2025 Time: 9:00a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: 2/27/2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Jerome Eugene Nunes SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Jerome Eugene Nunes CASE NUMBER: N25-0699 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner Jerome Eugene Nunes filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Jerome Eugene Nunes to Proposed Name: Jeremy Nunes

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 7/2/2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press b. Type info here if box is checked or delete this sentence if not. Date: April 8, 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Adriana Bermejo & Jorge Diaz SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553

PETITION OF: Adriana Bermejo & Jorge Diaz

CASE NUMBER: N25-0797 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner Adriana Bermejo & Jorge Diaz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Citlalli Lizeth Diaz Bermejo to Proposed Name: a. Citlalli Lizeth Diaz

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:

07/18/2025 Time: 9:00 AM Dept.: 30 Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: April 18 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001405 The name of the business(es): Etch Media and Apparel Located at: 3991 Moller Ranch Way In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jeromy Jonas Montanio. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jeromy Montano, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/17/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/16/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001736 The name of the business(es): THE WOODS COLLECTION ENTERPRISE Located at: 4518 DOE WAY In: ANTIOCH CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. DARREN EUGENE WOODS 2. NAKIESHA SHUNELL WOODS. This business is conducted by: A Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: DARREN WOODS. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/31/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/30/2030 Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001470 The name of the business(es): PIKSFACTORY Located at: 5438 Nuovo Way In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): VENDOBITES, LLC This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Udodiri Livingson Azode, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/19/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/18/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001657 The name of the business(es): Calvary Chapel Discovery Bay Located at: 1555 Riverlake Rd., Suite Q In: Discovery Bay, Ca 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Discovery Bay Calvary Fellowship, Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: Melissa Morrison, Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/26/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/26/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001938 The name of the business(es): Metropolitan Physician Associates Located at: 2035 Windward Point In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Metropolitan Physician Assistant, Inc

This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Robert Hsu, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/11/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/10/2030

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001680 The name of the business(es): Gallen Consulting Firm

Located at: 8946 Great Rock Cir In: Sacramento, CA 95829, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Shannon Janelle Allen. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Shannon Allen, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/27/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires

03/26/2030

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0002000 The name of the business(es): Home-Aid Cookies Located at: 3037 Carey Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kris Baker. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Kris Baker, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/14/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/13/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001967 The name of the business(es): Brentwood Senior Concierge LLC Located at: 314 Wintergreen Dr. In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Brentwood Senior Concierge LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Vicki Ulrich, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/11/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/26/2025

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0002034 The name of the business(es): Defender Pest Control

Located at: 66 Arlington Dr In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Junior Duarte. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Junior Duarte, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/15/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/14/2030

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001945 The name of the business(es): EAST COUNTY CUSTOMS

Located at: 420 Beatrice Ct., Ste. E In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Nor-Cal Fleet Management Corporation. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation:

CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Deane Sheppard, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/11/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/10/2030

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001916 The name of the business(es): East Bay Mobile Country Vet, Inc Located at: 1950 Arabian Ln In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): East Bay Mobile Country Vet, Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/21/2015. Signature of registrant: Tina Faulkner, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/10/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/09/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001853 The name of the business(es): Brentwood Ice Cream Co. Located at: 5421 Lone Tree Way, Suite 101 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): KAYA WORLD FOODS INC. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Xin Chen, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/07/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 4/6/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001541

The name of the business(es): Mountain Mike’s Pizza Located at: 1185 2nd St Ste M In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Seita Corporation. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/28/2013. Signature of registrant: Luis Seita, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/20/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/19/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001757 The name of the business(es): September’s Glow Located at: 1135 Arnold Dr. #B In: Martinez, CA 94553, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Teri L Whitchurch. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Teri L Whitchurch, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/01/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/31/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001136 The name of the business(es): 1 STOP REGISTRATIONS Located at: 647 23rd Street In: Richmond, CA 94804, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1 Stop Shop Services LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Luis A Estrada, CEO. This state-

ment was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 23, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/27/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001748 The name of the business(es): B D M Electrical Contractor Located at: 3240 Monument Way Ste A In: Concord CA 94518, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alamo Lighting & Electric Corporation. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 2/15/2023. Signature of registrant: Kelly Houck, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/31/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/31/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001705 The name of the business(es): JMS Woodworks Located at: 922 Outlook Court In: Brentwood CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Temple Joseph Steadman III. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/28/2025. Signature of registrant: Temple Joseph Steadman III, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/28/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/27/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001390 The name of the business(es): 1. CR8 IT 2. UPRIGHT INNOVATIONS Located at: 1310 BIRMINGHAM ST In: OAKLEY, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Klear Koncepts LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Douglas Gusimat, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/17/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 3/16/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001132 The name of the business(es): JC Handy Solutions Located at: 5106 Griffiths Ct In: Antioch CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Jeremy Caesar Contreras 2. Kari Louise Contreras. This business is conducted by: A Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 2/24/2025. Signature of registrant: Kari Louise Contreras, Party Of Marriage. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/28/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/27/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001644 The name of the business(es): HORNE Located at: 381 Parkfield Way In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kevin Winston. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Kevin Winston, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/26/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/25/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 Publish Dates: April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 2025

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10%,” Pierson said. “For me, I am happy about it.”

Other committee members agreed.

“It does look like it has the required units in it at the right levels,” Flohr said.

Mendoza expressed her appreciation for the contribution and to the affordable housing program. “We know that we have an affordability issue in the state so I really really appreciate it,” Mendoza said. “Again, I love this project, I love the park that it’s going to have now. I think it is fantastic.”

Following the vote by the committee, the Hanson Lane project will go to the City Council for approval.

The full meeting can be watched at http://bit.ly/4lIJwui. Housing from page 1

Personnel from page 1

a short speech after being thanked by the council and receiving parting gifts, such as an engraved clock and a plaque. “I’ve made some great friends working at City Hall. You won’t find any better, more qualified staff than we have here helping manage the city.”

With Ogden’s departure, the City Council used the meeting to appoint an interim city manager. The council voted 5-0 to select Assistant City Manager Darin Gale to fill the position while the city seeks a permanent replacement.

“You need a new sign,” Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson joked to Gale, referring to the placard in the chamber that identifies his role.

Contract negotiations

The City Council voted 5-0 to approve a new contract for the city’s Public Works department that will stay in effect through June 30, 2027. The city has been in closed session negotiations with the Brentwood Employees Association Public Works Division (BEAPWD) since last summer, trying to create a contract that both parties could agree upon. According to the agenda packet for the discussion item, a tentative agreement was reached in January with the details being ironed out in the months since.

BEAPDW represents approximately 80 full-time employees, according to the agenda packet. The new contract outlines wage increases across different roles in the department as well as new rules for overtime pay and a one-time bonus of $2,000 for those employed by the city on the date of the contract’s adoption. The group was one of four labor groups that had been working toward

Oaks from page 1

Johnson explained that elevator issues take particularly long to resolve due to a lack of available spare parts and “chronic supply chain issues.” Malfunctioning fire alarms in several buildings were also repaired, and the complex’s annual fire hydrant test was successful. Johnson expressed gratitude to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District for their assistance in this regard.

Meetings between The Oaks management and tenants continue to be held in order to receive resident concerns and complaints, as per the suggestion of the City Council, though no statistics on how many residents participate were given. Johnson praised regional property manager Reina Banuelos for hosting 20 such meetings with tenants from individual buildings since the start of the year, so as to better allow them to express what they need. Two tenant suggestions are being implemented by The Oaks: the addition of two smoking areas and the expansion of visitor parking, both

new contracts with the city since the expiration of their previous ones in July of last year. According to Councilmember Jovita Mendoza, the contract agreement with BEAPDW leaves just one of the four labor groups still without a contract.

Police use of military equipment

This report was accepted 5-0 without discussion as one of many items on the consent calendar. It is an annual report mandated by state Assembly Bill 481, which was first approved in 2021. AB 481 requires “all California law enforcement agencies, including the Brentwood Police Department, to have a military equipment use policy approved by the agency’s governing body prior to requesting, seeking funding for, acquiring, collaborating with other jurisdictions about the deployment of military equipment, or using military equipment,” according to the agenda packet. Brentwood adopted an ordinance to its municipal code (Policy 708) in May 2022 to comply with the state law.

The City Council is required to review the military equipment report annually to make sure that the report complies with these standards outlined by city staff:

• The military equipment identified in Policy 708 is necessary because there is no reasonable alternative that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety.

• Policy 708 will safeguard the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties.

• If purchasing the equipment identified in Policy 708, the equipment is reasonably cost- effective compared to available alternatives that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety.

of which would be “available very soon,” according to Johnson.

The Oaks is also working with local law enforcement to keep vagrants out and improve the complex’s security, and Johnson was grateful for the help of Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard in this regard.

In other council news:

• The Police Department’s prior military equipment use complied with the military equipment policy that was in effect at the time, or if prior uses did not comply with the accompanying military equipment policy, corrective action has been taken to remedy nonconforming uses and ensure future compliance.

Military equipment, as defined by Policy 708, encompasses a broad range of gear that includes drones, battering rams, “Firearms and ammunition of .50 caliber or greater, excluding standard-issue shotguns and standard-issue shotgun ammunition,” and more.

When the city passed the military gear use policy in May of 2022, residents had expressed concern over the use of military-grade equipment in Brentwood, prompting Chief Tim Herbert to explain that military equipment was a designation for a wide variety of gear, some of which was already in use by the department. As a result of the Senate bill, the department’s gear had been reclassified as military grade.

The 2024 annual report, as well as those for previous years, can be found on the city website at https://bit. ly/3YL5ZNc

In other council news:

The council made a number of proclamations as part of the consent calendar, honoring both local residents and city employees. Among them, they thanked City Clerk Amanda McVey, proclaiming May 5 through 11 to be Municipal Clerks Week and thanked members of the police department while proclaiming May 11 through 17 to be National Police Week.

The full meeting can be watched at https://bit. ly/441vWM9

Oaks apartment complex.

• Oakley Library manager Lisa CanoLoomis gave an overview of the Contra Costa County Library’s activities in 2024. Last year, the library saw large percentage increases in material circulation and library visits, with virtual library visits in particular increasing by 22 percent. More than 500 new library cards were issued, and the library’s

Summer Reading program saw a 21 percent increase in participants, up to almost 8,000 people. In addition, the library performed outreach with school districts and the City of Oakley, and distributed thousands of meals and snacks to library patrons and students in eight locations, including Antioch, Concord, and San Pablo, as part of their Lunch at the Library program.

• Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard gave his department’s annual report on the use of military equipment, specifically patrol rifles, drones, and 40mm less-lethal launchers, based on military grenade launchers. He said only the drones have seen any field use in the last year, with the rifles being used only for firearms training and the launchers not being used at all. There were no reported complaints from Oakley residents about the use of military gear by the department. In the future, Oakley police plan to purchase six new rifles to replace the six that they plan to retire this year, along with a total of 17,000 rounds of ammunition.

A map of the Hanson Lane subdivision.

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