Brentwood gets closer to new tobacco rules
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
Brentwood youth and business owners clashed at the May 13 City Council meeting during a discussion about the adoption of tobacco ordinances by the city. After nearly four hours of discussion, the council arrived at a compromise proposed ordinance that staff will bring back in the coming months for final approval.
The initial proposed ordinance that came before the council would have prevented retailers from selling tobacco products within 500 feet of a youth-oriented establishment or within 500 feet of another tobacco retailer. A youth-oriented establishment is defined as anywhere where minors are likely to frequent, such as schools, public libraries or bowling alleys. The proposed ordinance would have granted tobacco retail licenses on a first come, first served basis that would be capped at 41 licenses citywide, while also banning certain types of tobacco products, such as flavored ones and e-cigarettes.
Oakley City Council hears of elementary school district’s progress
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The Oakley City Council heard a progress report on the Oakley Union Elementary School District’s activities this year from superintendent Jeff Palmquist at their May 13 meeting. Palmquist said things are looking up for his district despite an increasingly difficult financial situation.
Palmquist categorized the OUESD’s achievements under four goals, represented by the acronym RISE: resources in education, inclusive education, safe school
climate, and excellence in learning and teaching.
Regarding resources in education, Palmquist reported that OUESD successfully launched a resident teacher and counselor program thanks to “a couple million in grants.”
This program will see new teachers and counselors in training paired up with experienced teachers and counselors, who will guide them in their professions in a similar manner to how doctors and nurses are trained while prac-
The district manager at the Rotten Robbie gas station on Lone Tree Way pushed back against the new tobacco rules at the Brentwood City Council meeting.
Business owners who sell tobacco products, such as representatives for Winco Foods and the Rotten Robbie gas station on Lone Tree Way, pushed back against this during the meeting, saying it would cost them money or potentially put them out of business while also cost the city money,
which makes money based on sales tax and would see a decrease in revenue as a result.
“Retailers in Brentwood have shown they can be responsible partners,” Ariel Pe said during the discussion. Pe is a representative for the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, a trade association for tobacco retailers. “Banning adult-use vape products doesn’t eliminate demand, it simply pushes consumers to shop in nearby cities or online, where oversight is weaker and the risk of unregulated or counterfeit products is greater.”
Pe said that the ordinance would decrease tax revenue for the city without addressing the core issue of underage use. Instead, he suggested that the city should work collaboratively with retailers on education and outreach efforts to dissuade youth from using tobacco products “without harming the local business community.”
In contrast to the comments made by
Heritage High songwriters showcase their talent
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The Heritage High School Songwriting Club held its first Songwriters Showcase last Friday night, May 9, in the Heritage auditorium as 17 students sang and played 12 original songs in solos, duets, and small bands. Genres ranged from rhythm and blues to indie to hard rock to entertain the filled auditorium of about 300 people.
The night began with club advisor and teacher Jacquelyn Voge introducing four Songwriting Club officers, including club president Gracie McCullough, who came up with the idea for the showcase with Voge.
“[Music] is something that
really gives voice to our emotions that we often wouldn’t dare share with one another,” Voge said in her introductory speech.
“It really does bring us together, not only as a community, or as a generation, but also as human beings.”
Many of the songs sung had a deep emotional origin in their writers’ minds. McCullough’s own song, a guitar-heavy track
Showcase page 22A
Press photo
Sophia Blandon (right) and Julia Aldeguer (left) sing Unspoken at the Heritage High Songwriters Showcase.
Photo by Connor Robles
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE
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Brentwood filmmaker debuts short film at Las Vegas festival, wins sound award
By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent
Brentwood resident and independent filmmaker Daniel Gruen debuted his short film at the Indie Vegas Film Festival. The Galaxy Theatres Cannery in Las Vegas hosted the event from April 24-27, with Gruen’s film debuting on the second day of the festival, and it was a winner. “The Amazing Richard” won Best Sound at the festival.
Gruen’s film, is a dark comedy about a deranged magician who tests his dark magic “spells” on his newly hired assistant.
Gruen shot the six-minute film in 24 hours with only two actors and a crew of two volunteers to help carry equipment and apply special effects make-up to the actors. The film’s budget was about $300 for food, an axe, a gas reimbursement for the actors, and a couple gallons of fake blood. Gruen wrote, directed, and edited “The Amazing Richard” in 2024, using his family’s summer home in Inverness as the setting for the horror comedy.
“How do you use what you have at your disposal?,” Gruen said about choosing the location for his film. “For ‘The Amazing Richard’, the family has a summer home…and I’ve always had this idea (that) this would be a great setting for a horror movie, it’s in the middle of the forest… Use what you have and then it could look really expensive.”
It was in that Iverness summer home that Gruen’s grandfather, Stanley R. Greenberg, wrote the screenplay to the 1973 film, “Soylent Green”. As a child, Gruen would visit his grandparents at this home. After his grandfather told him about his career as a screenwriter, Gruen was determined to make a career of his own as a writer and filmmaker.
Gruen grew up in Berkeley and left for UC Santa Barbara to study film. He spent a few years working as a production assistant in Los Angeles, including as small as getting a director their coffee to more responsible
jobs like directing the extras in the background of a scene.
“They make it look glamorous, but it’s like a modern day factory, really,” Gruen said about his time as a production assistant in Los Angeles, “People that were my mentors were saying, the way to be a director is not by being a PA. You don’t work up the ladder and become a director doing PA work, you just become a higherup PA. You move up in the factory, but you don’t become the owner of the factory.”
Prior to making “The Amazing Richard”, Gruen had directed five short films. However, it had been 13 years since his last film production. In that time, Gruen made a career of being a videographer for social media campaigns, real estate properties, and weddings. In his time off, he wrote screenplays and produced audio-dramas. It was during the casting for the audio dramas that Gruen found Arie Knyazev and Laura Marie Roberts. The chemistry between the two actors inspired Gruen to write a short film in
which they would star.
“I had this magician who would come to my birthday parties. And he was this beloved magician. Everyone loves magicians,” Gruen said about his inspiration for the film. “But there’s a dark side to it… Magicians really pick on their assistants a lot. They tend to be young women… So I thought about this, taking a sinister turn to it. It’s already there. It’s kind of the shadow of magic; a magician tormenting his young, beautiful assistant.”
Gruen said he spent a year editing “The Amazing Richard” before submitting it to any film festivals. The day after submitting it to the Festival, Gruen was contacted by the Indie Film Festival to inform him that “The Amazing Richard” was chosen to be a part of their event.
“The Amazing Richard” was dedicated to Gruen’s cousin, Justin Gruen, who had volunteered to work on the film, but passed away before production began.
“Between my grandpa looking down on us, because it was his house, where he wrote a lot of his projects, and Justin, who was supposed to be helping us, I did feel like we had help from the other side.”
For details about the short film, visit Gruen’s website at danielgruen.com/amazingrichard.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
GRUEN
‘The Music We Share’ – Celebrating Song
Brentwood Community Chorus spring concert May 31
By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer
The Brentwood Community Chorus will present their spring concert “The Music We Share” on May 31 at 2 p.m. at Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Ave. in Brentwood.
They will celebrate music’s ability to connect and uplift people with the theme “The Music We Share,” directed by Conductor Eli Souza and accompanist Jennifer Krey.
“We wanted to include examples of music from varied genres, styles, and languages in this season’s program,” Souza said. “Our goal was to find something that appeals to everyone, while giving the audience (and the singers) the chance to experience something new in the process. Our theme, “The Music We Share” comes from the belief that although there are many different forms of musical expression, singing together should be a unifying event, and one that focuses on our commonalities rather than our differences.”
This season, the chorus brings together choral works and contemporary gems in a program featuring harmonies of Johannes Brahms and Sergei Rachmaninoff, the lyrics of Gerald Finzi, and the energy of Sydney Guillaume.
The concert will also feature works by Elaine Hagenberg, Michael Eddleman, and Jake Runestad, who are considered contemporary choral innovators of today’s choral music with compositions that have a fresh and expressive voice.
“I am excited to show our community what their choir can do,” Souza said. “The singers have all been working so hard, and I can’t wait for our audience members to get to experience the choir’s talent and joy of performing.”
“I have thrown some hard repertoire at the choir this season,” he added. “Although there are some very difficult piec-
The Brentwood Community Chorus will present their spring concert “The Music We Share” May 31.
es, the singers have risen to the challenge. I can’t wait for them to be rewarded for their persistence and hard work.”
“Our audience can look forward to a concert program full of choral standards from across the globe and spanning much of musical history. They will see performers that love to sing, love to sing for their community, and love to sing with each other.”
The chorus rehearses on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m at Brentwood Community United Methodist Church, 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There are currently 75 members.
“I enjoy our rehearsals,” Souza said. “The group is so kind and caring, and they have been nothing but welcoming to me. It is a great place to meet new people and share a common goal of performing for our community. The singers work hard. But one of my main goals is to have fun along the way, and they make that easy to do.”
“The Brentwood Community Chorus is a representation of the area in which we live and we would love for the group to grow,” Souza added. “We are already hard at work planning our winter season, and we hope that many of our neighbors will join us. No matter what your singing abilities may be, you can have a home in The Brentwood Community Chorus.”
Registration is open to join the Brentwood Community Chorus. For more information or to register, visit brentwoodcommunitychorus.com.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Advance general admission tickets are $20 and $10 for students. Tickets at the door will be $25 for general admission and $15 for students. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Raffle tickets and concessions will be for sale in the lobby. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www. brownpapertickets.com/event/6624564.
A Brentwood Tradition of Trusted Dental
Photo by Dave Dennick
Teresa Datar of Brentwood named 2025 Bike Champion of the Year
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Organizers of the Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days have named Brentwood resident Teresa Datar as a winner of the county’s 2025 Bike Champion of the Year.
The award, now in its fifth year, recognizes individuals nominated by the unlicensed for inspiring bicycling in their communities, honoring riders in each of the Bay Area counties for their commitment to cycling as a primary means of transport, according to a press release. Datar won for Contra Costa County.
“I guess they were really impressed with my commute,” Datar said. “I did not expect this at all. I didn’t even know I was nominated until I got the email.”
Datar’s nearly 70-mile round trip commute from Brentwood to Martinez starts with a six-mile bike ride to Antioch BART, a 25-minute BART ride, and another 8-mile bike ride from Pleasant Hill BART to her Contra Costa County office in Martinez where she’s a planning technician for the county. At the end of the day, she does it all again in reverse.
Datar said that her now award-winning commute was inspired by not wanting to sit in traffic anymore.
“I was working in Martinez and I had
my normal commute, about an hour and 30 minutes later,” she explained. “I thought ‘This is ridiculous, there’s got to be a better way.’ I usually leave around 6:30 a.m. if I’m gonna drive. One day, it took a little under two hours with all that traffic, especially if
there’s an accident and everyone’s trying to funnel in. I had to do something else.”
In 2018, she joined Delta Valley Velo, a cycling club in Brentwood, which she credits with finding community and bringing back the childhood joy of riding a bike.
“ I hope to advocate more accessible public transportation and safe bike pathways for all-level riders. ”
Teresa Datar
After joining Delta Valley Velo, she got a job in the Sports Basement bike shop in Walnut Creek where she learned how to fix and build bikes and even lead group rides.
“I love riding my bike,” Datar said. “I hope to advocate more accessible public transportation and safe bike pathways for all-level riders.”
She’s since joined more clubs, including Delta Peddlers, Contra Costa Cycling Club, and Riders of Contra Costa.
“The riders I’ve met have helped me grow as a cyclist and a person,” she said. “I feel strong enough to use my bike as an alternative form of transportation because of the cyclists I’ve met who do it every single day. Being part of the cycling community has inspired me and given me the confidence to do things like ride my bike to work.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
DATAR
Youth Press
Local students share their perspectives on local and national issues. To submit, send to editor@brentwoodpress.com
Heritage High School Robotics team 3470 to attend World Premier Event
The Heritage High School Robotics team is raising money so they can attend a national robotics competition in Indiana this summer.
After dozens of bights listening to the whir of gears and the hum of computers, Heritage High School’s FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team has been invited to compete at the Michiana Premier Event. Alongside 95 other teams from across the globe, students are excited to spend their summers putting their work to the test in Indiana.
To participate in this once-in-alifetime event, Team 3470 is pooling their efforts towards continued outreach and fundraising; the team is in dire need of funding to offset travel, transportation, and tournament costs.
“By participating in these events, we hope to bring more exposure, funding, and accessibility to STEM activities throughout Brentwood,” said club vice president Amara Espinosa.
She emphasized that the importance of STEM (Science Technology, Engineering Math) education, noting that the club’s dream was to open an
educational summer camp for younger kids looking to find themselves in their own creations.
Through donations towards their
“ By participating in these events, we hope to bring more exposure, funding, and accessibility to STEM activities throughout Brentwood.
”
Amara Espinosa Team 3470 vice president
Success Fund website, anyone can support the fight for STEM education and Team 3470 as they represent Brentwood on June 19-22.
Rachel Lei Heritage High School, Junior Submitted photo
For details, refer to the following link: successfund.com/g76xj or contact @thepatriots3470 on Instagram.
The Heritage High robotics team will compete in Indiana this summer.
Anxiety and mental health: how to cope
Everyone has experienced anxiety at one time or another. It is a physical and emotional response to stressful situations like public speaking, a job interview or writing an exam.
This type of anxiety can encourage and motivate us to implement actions that will help us prepare.
Anxiety is also useful or important in situations that are perceived to be life threatening, anxiety can cause an automatic, involuntary reaction triggered by our nervous system. This reaction is known as the “fight or flight” response making us more acutely aware of our surroundings, increases our heart rate and breathing.
Once the perceived danger has passed, the symptoms disappear.
But what happens when you get these physical and emotional symptoms for no apparent reason and it is interfering with your daily life causing distress? You are worrying about things that are not truly threatening, and you start avoiding situations that trigger your anxiety. These are signs that you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the Unites States. More than 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Women are almost twice as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder at 23.4% verses men at 14.3%, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Anxiety disorders do not discrimi-
nate; they affects all races, all socioeconomic classes, and they can affect anyone at any age.
There are many types of anxiety disorders the most common are: General anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias, according to NAMI. Susceptibility to anxiety disorders is increased in people who have suffered from PTSD, childhood trauma, sexual or physical abuse to name a few. It can also be genetic.
The general symptoms of anxiety disorders can include the feelings of apprehension and dread, feeling tense or jumpy, restlessness and irritability, anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger. Physical symptoms can include pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath, sweating, tremors
going to die and experience feelings of being disconnected from reality.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and can lead to other issues such as agoraphobia – a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to social isolation and depression. Having an anxiety disorder can rob you of your peace and keep you filled with the fear of when the symptoms will happen again.
Anxiety disorders cannot be willed away, as it is a medical condition. This is often why patients will self-medicate to deal with the feelings. If this sounds like you the most important response is to communicate with your health care provider who can help you develop a plan of care. Treatments are available that can include psychological support such as counseling and therapy, in addition to medications.
and twitching, headaches, stomach upset, diarrhea and frequent urination. Important to note is that the physical symptoms are not necessarily happening at once, but the emotional commonality is persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening, according to NAMI. When people experience these symptoms, they often feel like they are
Also, educating yourself will empower you and give you a sense of control. Self-care activities like prayer, exercise and spending time with loved ones can be valuable to feeling better. You are not alone. Don’t suffer in silence; help is available.
For more information visit Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org), National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org). Call 988 if you feel you are having a mental health crisis.
Adobe Stock image
Nurse’s CorNer
sheri Griffiths
MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE
By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.
HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We have all been sick before. Whether it is from the flu or from a more chronic ailment, we have all experienced, to some degree, the feeling of vulnerability illness brings. While we cannot always avoid illness, we can reduce our vulnerability by expressing wishes ahead of time.
An Advance Health Care Directive expresses your instructions regarding what healthcare providers are to do in certain circumstances. For example, you can give instructions to refrain from performing CPR, from putting you on life support, or from performing procedures designed only to prolong your life without hope of recovery. The institutions must abide by your wishes or face legal consequences.
An Advance Healthcare Directive, also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, can help facilitate medical decisionmaking when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. With a healthcare power of attorney, you name someone as your ‘agent’ to make decisions for you. Of course, this person can only act when you are unable to do so. Your agent can consent to the provision of medical treatment or can withhold such consent. You can name more than one person as your agent and they can
serve together if desired. For example, all of your children can serve as your agents.
Without this document, if you become incapacitated, you do not get to choose who will make your healthcare decisions. Someone will have to petition the court to be appointed as your conservator. This could be someone you don’t even know or like for that matter. You are no longer in control of that decision.
Few things, if any, are more important than making sure that your healthcare wishes are carried out. An Advance Healthcare Directive can make sure that your wishes are carried out, even if you are unable to express those wishes due to your illness.
A qualified estate planning attorney can help you make sure your wishes are carried out, both during periods of illness, as well as after your death.
If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 516-4888. Golden Legacy Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Brentwood www.goldenlegacylaw.com – Advertorial
Sixth annual Oakley Rotary Gala celebrates community Dinner on May 31 to
All proceeds directly benefit local service projects, educational scholarships, and the Christmas Toys & Food Basket Program, which brings holiday joy to families in need throughout Oakley.
The sixth annual Rotary Gala is on Saturday, May 31 from 5:30-9 p.m. at La Grande Estates, 1799 Carpenter Drive, in Oakley.
Sponsored by the Ro tary Club of Oakley and Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery, the fundraiser is a celebration of community and service. Guests should wear comfortable black and white casual attire, according to a press release.
Tickets are $75 per person and include: a catered dinner by Brentwood Fine Meats, music and dancing with DJ CC Amato Entertainment, beer, wine, a photo booth, raffles, and auctions.
Tickets are available at https://bit. ly/3GUX6KZg
“We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished over the past six years,” said Hugh Henderson, president of the Rotary Club of Oakley. “This event is a chance for the community to come together, have fun, and make a meaningful impact.”
“The largest portion of the fundraising goes to support our Christmas toys and Food Basket program at the end of the year,” said Thuy DaoJensen, president of the Oakley Rotary Club. “There’s a lot of projects in the works, and we’re really excited to make Oakley a thriving, vibrant community where people’s needs are met and people can feel really proud of being a part of Oakley.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
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
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. Registration is $185 for individual golfers. Tournament proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s projects. For sponsorship information, email rob@billbrandtford.com. For more information about the event, call 925-6424925. For raffle donations, contact Julie Deck at 925-368-7722 or jacsdeck@comcast net
Tuesday, May 20
Red Hawk Casino Bus Trip
The event will provide round-trip motorcoach transportation to Hard Rock Casino. Reservations are $47 per person and includes the bus driver’s tip. Presented by the Oakley Senior Center and Alexander Bus Company, water and snacks will be available on the bus. Participants will receive a bonus of $25 on their player’s card. There will be Bingo en route to the casino, and there will be 50/50 and raffles on the return trip. Casino Bingo players will get a $10 bonus. The bus will leave the Oakley Recreation Center parking lot at 1250 O’Hara Ave. at 8 a.m. Participants will have five hours at the casino to gamble and eat. The bus will arrive home around 5:30 p.m. Reservations must be paid by May 19. To reserve a seat, call 925-626-7223 or Allan at 925-265-3417.
Helping One Woman Dinner for Lauren Huffmaster
The event will take place at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided by Vin Alegro. Tickets are $26 per person and a $10 donation to the cause. Seating is first come first serve. No walkins. To register email register@mysosvent.com. For more information visit howdiscoverybay@ gmail.com or visit helpingonewoman.org.
On the Horizon
Friday, May 23
Country Western Dance in Brentwood
Support local veterans at the Country Western Dance at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., from 7-11 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $10. All ages are welcome. Drinks will be available, and DJ Dave will be playing tunes. No backpacks, beverages, or containers are allowed. For more information, call Phil at (925) 354-2868.
Saturday, May 24
Grill and Gather-A Country Barbecue Fundraiser
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas #2714 are hosting a barbecue Western Theme Party at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood from 6-10 p.m.,. A barbecue feast will be catered by The Holy Smoker including smoked brisket and smoked chicken, paired with macaroni salad, dirty beans with pork belly, and freshly baked rolls and butter. There will be cold beer, wine, line dancing, and tunes from a DJ. There will also
be raffle baskets with Western-inspired prizes. All proceeds will go to Catholic Daughters of the Americas Charities, supporting meaningful work in the community. Seats can be reserved at https://forms gle/BomnpDuh2KhG1dRAA today. Tickets are $45. Checks should be made payable to Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Guests are encouraged to wear cowboy hats and boots. For more information, contact IHMCDA2714@gmailcom.
Merrill Gardens Annual Car Show
Cruise on over and admire classic cars presented by Coffee & Clutches Car Club. The event will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Merrill Gardens, 2600 Balfour Road in Brentwood. This is a family friendly event with live music by Ron Archer, free hot dogs, drinks, and treats. For more information call 925-297-6841 or visit merrillgardensbrentwood.com.
Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Weekend Event-Antioch
On that Saturday, the Paul Scannell Annual Softball Tournament will be held at the Worth Shaw Community Park, 801 James Donlan Blvd, in Antioch at 8 a.m. On Monday, Memorial Day, there will be a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Antioch Rivertown Veterans Lions Club at 8 a.m. at Oak View Memorial Park, 2500 East 18th St. in Antioch. The Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. There will be a barbecue lunch at the Antioch VFW at noon, 815 Fulton Shipyard Road. For more information, visit DeltaVeteransGroup.org.
Sunday, May 25
Delta Community Band Concert
Delta Community Band will present a free Patriotic Concert for Memorial Day weekend from 12:15-1:30 p.m. at Hillside Church, 108 Hillside Road in Antioch. They commemorate fallen service members and their sacrifices. The band will perform marches, ballads, and patriotic music. For more information, visit DeltaCommunityBand org
Tuesday, May 27
Brentwood Police Department
Blood Drive
The Brentwood Police Department and the American Red Cross, will host a public dlood drive from 9 a.m-3 p.m at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St., Halls A and B. Contributions can make a significant difference in saving lives and supporting those in need. To sign up visit brentwood info/BPD-BLOODDRIVE Space is limited and appointments are required. Donors will receive a $10 e-gift card and will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $7,000 gift card. Two winners will be selected.
Friday, May 30
Heritage High School Improv Night
Kick off the weekend with the Heritage High School Improv Show at 7 p.m. at the school, 101 American Ave. in Brentwood. The Improv Team will make up the whole evening on the spot with characters, song lyrics, situations, and whole scenes to entertain guests. Tickets are $5 per person, and are available at https://hhsrisingstars seatyourself biz. Online sales only, no cash at the door.
Saturday, May 31
Mess Fest 2025 in Brentwood
This festival will be at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Have fun at the messiest event of the year, packed with oobleck, slime, mud pies, and a Color Run. Last year, the event raised $4,000 for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Since 1981, the nursery has provided a safe haven and support to families in need, working to prevent child abuse and neglect. Kids should wear clothes that can
Looking for something to do?
Look at the many local events on
get messy and bring a towel and a change of clothes. Tickets are $15 per child. To donate or to purchase tickets, visit https://givebutter com/ mDwKeX.
Farm Fest Fundraiser to Support Local Cancer Patient Colten Guerra
The free family-friendly event will take place at Halo Farms, 18700 Marsh Creek Road in Brentwood, from noon-4 p.m. Attendees will be able to feed 57 different animals, enjoy games, attractions and photo opportunities. There will be vendors, food trucks and raffle prizes. All proceeds will go directly to the Guerra Family to help with 14-year-old Colten Guerra’s ongoing treatment and care. He has been battling neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer for the past 10 years. For more information, to support the cause, or to become a sponsor of the event, contact Patricia Piquero at 925-709-4333 or dnp.brentwood@ gmail.com. Visit the Team Hulken Facebook page here: https://www facebook com/ groups/1540008532941472
“The Music We Share” – A Joyful Celebration of Song
The Brentwood Community Chorus will present their spring concert “The Music We Share” at 2 p.m. at Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Ave. in Brentwood. This season, they bring together timeless choral works and contemporary gems in a program featuring harmonies of Johannes Brahms and Sergei Rachmaninoff, the lyrics of Gerald Finzi, and the energy of Sydney Guillaume. Advanced general admission tickets $20 and $10 for students. At the door, admission will be $25 for general admission and $15 for students. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Raffle tickets and concessions will be for sale in the lobby. For more information, visit brentwoodcommunitychorus com Silent Youth Disco in Brentwood
The event will take place at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., from 5-10 p.m. It will be an evening of dancing, music, and food. There will be two shows, the first is for families to enjoy the Silent Disco experience with their children from 5-7 p.m. There will be three music channels available for guests to listen to while wearing wireless headphones. Everyone must purchase an admission ticket, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $15 per headphone.The second show is for youth ages 13-18 from 8-10 p.m. This show includes two music channels and a live DJ playing today’s hits. The cost is $20 per headphone. High school identification is required, and a waiver must be signed by a parent. There are only 200 headphones available per show. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ron Nunn Elementary School and Brentwood Police Activities League. For more information or for tickets, call 925-595-5736.
Oakley Rotary
6th Annual Gala
The gala will be held at La Grande Estates, 1799 Carpenter Drive in Oakley, from 5:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person for this event presented by the Rotary Club of Oakley. All proceeds benefit the local community and service projects, notably the Christmas Toy and Food Basket program. To purchase tickets, contact Brenda at 925-382-7057 or email oakleyrotary@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 7
2025 East Bay Annual Music, Food, Art and Wine Festival
The festival will take place from noon-5 p.m. at Williamson Ranch Park, Williamson Ranch Drive and Hillcrest Avenue. There will be soul food, baked potatoes, sweet treats, tacos, burgers, a wine garden with craft wine and sampling, local
art and craft vendors and live entertainment. General admission is free. For wine garden tickets (only for ages 21 and older) visit www eventbrite com/e/1306066864149?aff=oddtdtc reator. For more information call 925-204-5182. The event is sponsored by Forward Economic Development Association and Kiwanis Northern California Literacy Club.
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth Celebration in the Park
This free event presented by the City of Brentwood will take place from 4-8 p.m. at City Park, City Park Way. There will be live music, food trucks, kids activities, craft vendors, educational booths, and musical guest Digital Underground. For more information, visit www brentwoodca gov
Saturday, June 28
Immaculate Heart of Mary Italian Catholic Federation Sock Hop Dinner Dance Fundraiser
All are invited to shake, rattle-n-roll at the ‘50s Sock Hop Dinner Dance. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Dinner will be from 6-7 p.m. and will include hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and ice cream. There will be a DJ and a no-host cash bar with beer, wine and soda. Tickets are $40 per person (make checks payable to Italian Catholic Federation). Profits will go towards local kids’ scholarships and other ICF charities. Attire with a ‘50s theme is encouraged, and there will be a prize for the best dressed. To purchase tickets, contact Michael Valenti (1mfv2@comcast net, 925-212-6963), Laura Pierce (laurapierce7@gmail.com, 408-219-4263), Ana Ellenberger (aellenberger@ihmbrentwood com, 650-704-6394), or Sandi Gamble (sanpilebousquet@gmail.com, 925-550-3723).
Ongoing Events
East County Rotary Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Club Los Meganos Event Center at 1700 Trilogy Parkway in Brentwood. For more information, visit www brentwoodrotaryclub com
Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit www rotaryclubofoakley com
Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit www facebook com/antiochrotaryclub
The Rotary Club of the Delta: The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit www rotaryclubofthedelta org East County Lions Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit: www e - clubhouse org/ sites/brentwoodca/
Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd.
Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions com/who -we -are/meetings/ Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e - clubhouse org/sites/byron delta/
Planning Commission’s reckless decision jeopardizes fire safety
The Brentwood Planning Commission has made a dangerous and irresponsible decision, and your home and safety are at risk. It is time for us all to stand up for public safety and tell the Brentwood City Council to approve the construction of the crucial Fire Station 94 downtown where it is most needed.
As a Brentwood resident, I am embarrassed and disappointed by our Planning Commission’s willingness to leave common sense at the door so that they could deny a permit for our much-needed downtown firehouse.
The Planning Commission’s scope was simple when they first discussed the station in their March 18 meeting. Their job was to provide approval or further feedback on the design of the new station, which replaces an old station and which our community has needed for a decade.
City staff had worked with Contra Costa Fire ahead of time so that the architects would design something that fit the aesthetics of downtown Brentwood, and staff recommended approving the project.
But the commissioners ignored the recommendations of city staff and the statements of Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAlister, professional firefighters and longtime citizen fire commissioners. Instead, they chose to get their “facts” from a handful of commenters with zero firefighting, planning or engineering experience. One ludicrous claim from public commenters was that our highly trained firefighters would not be able to drive their trucks through downtown Brentwood, even though they already navigate the same streets daily responding to calls.
In a second meeting on May 6, commissioners continued to ignore the facts and chose the most baffling arguments to deny a construction permit. The most ridiculous moment came when a commissioner claimed that the firehouse might need to be considered as a hotel or a gym.
Everyone knows that firefighters sleep at a fire station and have exercise rooms on the premises because they are on call and need to remain physically fit and ready to save your life at a moment’s notice.
The Planning Commission has wasted valuable staff time at the city and fire district, and the delays will cost us taxpayers more to build the much-needed station as each week goes by.
More important, though, are the lives that might be lost because a fire truck can’t reach a burning house, a heart attack patient or a car crash victim in time.
But we don’t elect our planning commissioners; we elect the mayor and four city councilmembers to do the right thing and keep our community safe.
Thankfully, Councilmember Tony Oerlemans has filed an appeal to put a stop to this madness, and the City Council is scheduled to decide the matter once and for all on June 10. I urge all East County residents, and particularly Brentwood residents, to write or call Mayor Susannah Meyer and our city councilmembers. Tell them to stop these delays and vote to build our downtown fire station.
Supervisor Diane Burgis Brentwood
Why the new fire station should not be in
downtown Brentwood
Dear Supervisor Diane Burgis,
The Brentwood Planning Commission made a thoughtful and well-justified decision on May 6 to deny the design review for Fire Station 94 based on its clear failure to meet the Downtown Specific Plan. Despite claims by Supervisor Diane Burgis and Deputy Chief Aaron McAlister, this outcome was not about opposing fire service — it was about defending responsible planning, local control, and public trust.
Let’s correct the record:
The Sand Creek location was rot “ruled out” for good reason – it was neglected.
The Sand Creek property was prepared nearly two decades ago specifically for the relocation of Fire Station 54. The site had a CEQA review, median access was constructed, and infrastructure was prepared. That this ready-to-build parcel was never transferred to Con Fire during annexation is not a fault of the community — it is a failure of bureaucratic coordination. To now dismiss the site as unviable due to a supposed lack of “through streets” ignores multiple alternate access routes (Garin Parkway > Sunset > Sellers, or Brentwood Blvd.). And more importantly, it ignores future growth. Sand Creek is near the expanding population center of Brentwood, not downtown.
The veterans’ concerns are real, not emotional Burgis has attempted to frame opposition as “emotional” and obstructionist. But the veterans’ case is rooted in California law, including the Military and Veterans Code and Revenue and Taxation Code, which restrict use of land purchased by special tax for veterans memorial purposes. The 2015 and 2023 property transfers from the veterans’ parcel to the Fire District remain legally and ethically questionable — and unresolved.
The veterans did not delay this project — the Fire District did It is disingenuous to blame public safety delays on veterans or the Planning Commission. The Fire District claimed an “infill exemption” under CEQA — a shortcut designed for small projects that do not require acquiring additional land or cause significant infrastructure impacts. Yet this project does both. This misstep triggered valid scrutiny by the Planning Commission, which the Fire District failed to anticipate or address adequately. The delay stems from poor planning— not principled opposition.
No, this isn’t a “desperately needed” site — it’s a bad one
We agree that Brentwood needs better fire service. But that’s not the same as needing a fire station at this location. The proposed site is too small for future growth (a fact confirmed by the project architect), pushes veterans off their dedicated land, and places large emergency vehicles in the heart of a pedestrian-oriented district. Sand Creek, by contrast, allows for longterm expansion, faster access to more residents, and lower construction impact.
Downtown Brentwood deserves better design — and respect
The Commission was right to reject the oversized, East Coast-style design of the proposed building. Brentwood’s Downtown Specific Plan is more than words — it’s a promise to preserve small-town character. The Fire District’s refusal to modify the design after two meetings, and its ongoing top-down approach, show disregard for local standards and community voices.
The path forward is collaboration, not condescension.
We urge Burgis and Con Fire to stop
steamrolling legitimate concerns and start working collaboratively. The veterans, the Planning Commission, and many Brentwood residents are not opposed to a new fire station — we are calling for a smarter location and a lawful, well-integrated design that serves the future of this city.
We invite the City Council to defend the Planning Commission’s unanimous vote and send a clear message: Brentwood will not sacrifice thoughtful planning or veterans’ rights for the sake of expedience.
Mike Meyokovich USAF Disabled Veteran Burgis wrong for exploiting Vasco Road meeting to promote her fire station stance Editor:
Earlier this month, while I attended the Brentwood Planning Commission’s hearing on the design review for Fire Station 94, a close friend of mine chose instead to attend the Vasco Corridor Safety meeting. Like many in East County, he was there to hear about real solutions to a longstanding public safety crisis — one that has cost far too many lives due to poor planning and inaction.
What he encountered, however, took him — and later, me — by surprise. According to his account, Supervisor Diane Burgis opened the meeting with a call to action — not about improving Vasco Road safety, but to rally support for the Fire Station 94 project in Brentwood. Specifically, she reportedly urged the audience to push back against the “misinformed” and “emotional” opponents of the fire station project. That comment, clearly directed at veterans and concerned Brentwood residents who have raised legitimate and fact-based concerns about the project’s location and process, was not only inappropriate — it was deeply disrespectful.
Let’s be clear: we are not “anti-fire station.” Veterans and residents have repeatedly said they support enhanced fire services.
We oppose the process that led to the selection of the downtown Brentwood location — one that bypassed proper public scrutiny, sidestepped environmental review under CEQA, and ignored a more suitable, ready-to-be-built location on Sand Creek Road, originally approved in 2005 for the replacement of Fire Station 54.
To use a public safety forum meant to address the deadly realities of Vasco Road as a platform to discredit residents and veterans is disingenuous at best, and manipulative at worst. It exploits a serious issue to score political points on a separate matter that is far from settled. This was not an open town hall on Fire Station 94; it was a meeting on Vasco safety. To conflate the two undermines public trust.
After taking a day to reflect and, as Supervisor Burgis might put it, “check my emotions,” I realized this incident deserves broader attention. Transparency, honesty, and respect should guide all public communication — especially when public safety is on the line. The community deserves better than to be pitted against one another by misleading rhetoric and political maneuvering.
We invite the Supervisor and Contra Costa Fire Protection District to sit down with city leaders, veterans, and the public to work out a path forward that provides the fire protection Brentwood needs without compromising the historical and legally dedicated use of veterans’ land.
Let’s get back to facts, fairness, and good governance..
J. Travis Martin Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Guest comment
Liberty High grads Hayley Finetti (2017) and Emilio Lopez (2018) celebrated their wedding on May 4 – Star Wars Day! Their ceremony was co-officiated by Emilio’s uncle, Jesse Rodriguez, and Hayley’s father, Chris Finetti. The reception featured a barn transformed into the Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantinacomplete with a life-sized Jabba the Hut, Cantina Band and Salacious B. Crumb that Emilio hand-crafted, surrounded by 360 degrees of large-format graphics that Emilio 3D-designed. Costumed bartenders served signature cocktails as the crowd danced the night away, holding their light sabers aloft.
Brentwood Scout earns Eagle rank
Austin Kralj with Troop 90, Brentwood earned his Eagle Rank on March 20, having completed 59 camping nights, 113 service hours, 111 miles hiking, earned 27 merit badges, and 60 miles of backpacking. For his Eagle project, he built a fence at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building. Austin is a junior at Heritage Highschool and plays on the varsity baseball team.
Local Knights of Columbus Basketball Shooting winner is California state champion
Wyatt Buck advanced from the local contest to win at district, chapter, and state championship.
Local champions this year are:
Boys: 10–Isaac Torres, 11–Finnley Roesti (District and chapter winner), 12-Emiliano Hernandez, 13-Ryan Wisely (District and chapter winner) 14-Wyatt Buck (District, chapter, and state winner)
Girls: 8 –Riley Page, 12 – Ruby du Pont, 13 – Abagail Kimball The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship winners progress through local, district, and jurisdictional competitions. International champions are announced by the Knights of Columbus international headquarters based on scores from the jurisdiction-level competitions.
Milestones Milestones
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Submitted photo
Photo courtesy of Kralj Family
For Liberty softball, a repeat BVAL title this year was their expectation
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Liberty’s softball team entered the 2025 season in uncharted territory.
For the first time in three decades they were a defending Bay Valley Athletic League champion (and for the first time ever an outright defending league champion) and they were recognized by many who cover high school sports in the Bay Area as one of the top programs in the Bay – all of this after years of struggling while nearby league rivals Freedom and Heritage ran the league.
From 2002-10, Freedom won the BVAL. Then after Heritage arrived on the scene when the school was built in 2006, Heritage started trading the league title back and forth with the Falcons from 2011 through last year. Freedom and Heritage split the league title in 2011, then for four straight years from 2015-18, according to BVAL history.
So with all of that in mind, with all of the firsts that came with last year’s success for the Lady Lions, what does Liberty do for an encore?
Simple, they do it all again. As they expected.
The Lady Lions clinched their secondstraight BVAL league championship after shutting out Heritage 7-0 at home in Brentwood on Senior Day.
“There were a lot of firsts last year,” Liberty head softball coach Brandi Macias
Liberty softball celebrates winning the BVAL championship after the final out of Tuesday’s game against Heritage in Brentwood.
said. “The expectations were really high going into this year just because we came in and only had two seniors.”
“I knew they could (win the league title). There’s no question I knew they should. I think they have the ability to go really far. So, absolutely the expectation has been high for me since the beginning of the season just because I knew what we had returning. The expectation was there and I’m just so proud of them. I’m proud that they did what I know they’re capable of.”
Along with winning a second consecutive league championship, Liberty is also riding a 19-game league winning streak entering Thursday’s regular season finale at Heritage. A win on Thursday would clinch back-toback undefeated league records for the first
time in program history, and mark back-toback 20-win seasons for the first time in the MaxPreps era (since 2005).
“We’re just always hungry for the next game,” Liberty sophomore outfielder Taylor Jennings said. “We have that competitive energy and we just want to win.”
Jennings, a freshman on last year’s titlewinning team, adds that this repeat league title is part of her goals at Liberty.
“I want to win it all four years now,” she said. “That was just so fun, my first year on the team and just going in and doing that. Then this year, I was like ‘Well shoot, no doubt we’re going to do it again.’ So, now I’m just looking forward to the next two years.”
Junior pitcher Kate Skinner, who exploded onto the scene in the circle last year
and continuing her dominance this season, also wants one more league title in her senior season next year.
“It’s been amazing,” Skinner said. “Today, I was looking back at photos from freshman year and all of us have changed so much. We’ve all progressed and gotten so much stronger. I’m glad that we’re progressing and I can’t wait for my senior year.”
This Liberty roster has done plenty of winning — consistently since last season and possibly even more so this year. Tuesday’s win against Heritage is the Lions’ 11th in a row, one win shy of tying their 12-game win streak the team had last year. The Lions have lost consecutive games only twice in the last two years: starting 0-2 last year before the big win streak, and dropping a pair of games to Whitney and Casa Grande in the Livermore Stampede tournament in mid-April.
“We talk about consistency,” Brandi Macias explained. “I know it gets boring to hear, but if I told you if they get consistent (performing on the field), the wins will get consistent, and that is exactly what’s happening right now.”
“We just keep challenging them in practice. I always believe games prepare us for practice, and the practice will prepare us for games. We’re going to go back to work tomorrow and we’re going to hopefully extend that streak.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www. thepress.net/multimedia
Winner-take-all, regular-season finale for area teams
Heritage beat Liberty on Tuesday to force BVAL baseball title game Thursday
By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent
Heritage head baseball coach Kevin Brannan said both his team and Liberty were under pressure for Thursday’s regular season finale as the winner of the game wins Bay Valley Athletic League title. Both coaches — Brannan and Andrew Lonsdale of Liberty — said they felt confident going into Thursday’s game, but Lonsdale was anticipating a better performance from his squad after its 5-2 loss to Heritage on Tuesday to set up the title game.
“We’ve got six sophomores and two freshmen on the team, and they’ve grown up quickly,” Lonsdale said. “We’re a better team still, and we just gotta go play like it next game.”
The Lions entered the game on Tues-
day with a chance to clinch the league title with a win. “We didn’t make some pitches when we needed to, we didn’t get hits when we needed,” Lonsdale said following the loss. “It is what it is, no one said it was going to be easy. They’re a good team and we’re a good team, and we put ourselves in a chance where we had a little room for error. We get them on Thursday and we’ll be just fine.”
Heritage starting pitcher Jace Bernard held the Lions to two runs on four hits during his 5 1/3 innings on the mound. Heritage
Heritage baseball’s dugout is excited after taking the lead during their game at Liberty Tuesday afternoon in Brentwood.
shutout if we catch a couple fly balls.”
Liberty starting pitcher Jake Farr had another strong outing, surrendering two runs and striking out three in his five innings of work. However, his hit-by-pitch and walk to open the sixth inning started Heritage’s two-run rally where they took a lead they never relinquished.
coach Kevin Brannan said he wanted to give his pitcher a week off to “rebuild his arm” and said he felt the decision worked in his favor.
After the game, Bernard said all three of his pitches worked well for him against Liberty and the week of rest helped with that.
“It really paid off,” Brannan said. “His fastball was dominant today and it’s probably the best fastball he’s had all year. He pitched his butt off and could have had a
After the first two hitters reached base against Farr, Tristan Ainsworth took over on the mound and struggled with control. He walked the first batter he faced to load the bases, then surrendered a base hit to Jason Stevens to give the Patriots a 2-1 lead. Heritage would score one more in the top half of the inning with a Trevor Thomas sacrifice fly to lead 3-1.
“(Jake) was great today,” Lonsdale said. “Tristan has been our guy out of the pen the whole year, and they had five right-handers coming up right there so I figured it was a good time to go to him. He wasn’t as crisp as I’ve seen him this year, but he’ll be fine if we need to go to him on Thursday again.”
Heritage added on two more runs in the top of the seventh to lead 5-2 thanks to Jett Guevara’s single with the bases loaded and then Stevens’ sacrifice fly.
head
Photo by Juan Cebreiros
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Brentwood teen to wrestle for country this summer
Liberty’s Calkins Jr. to compete in U17 World Championships in Athens
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
David Calkins Jr., Liberty High School’s top wrestler, will be getting a rare opportunity to wrestle for the United States this summer.
Calkins Jr. is one of 10 wrestlers nationwide selected to compete in the U17 Greco Roman Wrestling World Championship in Athens, Greece from July 28Aug. 3.
”I want to win a world title, (eventually) win the Olympics,” Calkins Jr. said. “This is just another great opportunity for me.”
Calkins Jr. was selected to the national team by winning in the 2025 US Open Wrestling tournament in Las Vegas in late April. He defeated Bruno Pallone of Montana in back-to-back bouts by technical fall, 10-2 and 12-0, in the best-of-three finals to advance, according to USA Wrestling.
“I think my bracket was like a 64-man (bracket),” Calkins Jr. said of the U.S. Open tournament. “It’s a day tournament. You run through it and once you make it
to the finals, it’s best two out of three, and whoever wins the best two out of three matches makes the world team spot.”
The big stage is nothing new for Calkins Jr. He won the 16u Greco Roman wrestling national championship in Fargo, North Dakota last year, following in the footsteps of his older sister, Samantha, who won her national title in 2021. He was a runner-up at the nationals in Fargo in 2023.
He’s one of six wrestlers on the 10-wrestler roster to have won a national title in his weight class last year (92 kilo-
grams).
Liberty wrestler David Calkins Jr. celebrates after winning his bout in the 2025 US Open Wrestling tournament in Las Vegas last month.
“ I want to win a world title, (eventually) win the Olympics.
”
David Calkins Jr.
tional stage for the first time.
Calkins Jr. added that he changed his way of approaching tournaments starting in the U.S. Open tournament that helped him qualify, especially after suffering an injury beforehand.
“I got concussed like a month before,” he explained. “I only had a week of training (leading into the tournament). I was like ‘You know what? I’m just gonna let it fly. I’m excited to wrestle, I’m blessed to wrestle, I’m blessed to be back.’ So that’s what I did. I didn’t focus on outcomes or winning or losing, I just wrestled. And it’s really fun for me and, obviously, God took care of the results.”
Calkins Jr., along with the rest of the roster, are all competing on the interna-
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Available
On
Photo courtesy David Calkins Jr.
Lumos volleyball’s young team – season of ‘patience’
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Since launching two years ago, Antiochbased Lumos volleyball club has seen its share of challenges — financial challenges, finding gym space and time at the Antioch community center, and even low overall roster counts. Girls from middle school to high school age have come and gone through its ranks.
However, according to the club’s founders, low overall numbers have changed the mindset of the club with its youngest roster.
“We’ve had some behind-the-scenes bumps in the road,” said Rebecca Reed, one of the club’s co-founders and coaches. “We ended up with one team, a 16-under team
that is actually made up of quite a few young girls. We had some older ones, but we had to throw in a bunch of young players and kind of build them up.”
Reed, along with her fellow co-founders Taylor Sims and Jessica Higuisan, explained that the club’s recent youth movement, and lack of overall numbers (currently nine on the roster with one practice player), resulted in a roster on a 16-under team with an age gap, from current high school players who are 16 years old to eighth graders as young as 14.
“We had to move them all up in order to form one team,” Reed said.
Having a young team has shifted the mindset of the club going forward. Instead of mainly focusing on player development
on the court, the coaches now have to focus on personal development as well now dealing with younger players.
“Having a younger team is definitely a lot different,” Sims explained. “The girls …I would say they don’t take themselves as seriously at a young age. It’s more fun for them, so they take the learning of volleyball as just like ‘I’m learning how to play.’ At this point, we’re having fun and that’s what is really important to us.”
“It’s kind of a humbling experience,” Reed said. “At that age, you’re amazing. But in a 16-under teams bracket, it’s like ‘Whoa, we gotta try and keep up.”
Sims added that one of the biggest takeaways for her personally this year has been
“having patience with them and also just seeing them blossom into the players that they are now,” Sims said. “My favorite part is watching the transformation from the beginning of the season to the end of the season, and these girls have worked so hard to be where they’re at, so it’s really exciting. We hope that they stay with us for the next few years.”
Lumos travels to Southern California to Long Beach to participate in the JVA West Coast Cup from May 24-26.
Those interested in joining the club can visit their website, LumosVBC.org, and can email them at info@lumosvbc.org or call them at (925) 684-6864. They can also be found on Instagram @ lumosvbc.
Mess Fest fundraiser is coming to Veterans Park in Brentwood May 31
The Little Gym of Brentwood is sponsoring their annual Mess Fest charity fundraiser on May 31 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood. This activity consists of a series of sensory stations where children as young as 9 months and as old as 12 years can play and get messy. There will be 10 messy stations plus a 30-foot slip and slide in the center of everything. Examples are: slime, oobleck, wet sand, finger and body painting, a color run, and more.
Last year, The Little Gym, at 3850 Balfour Road K, Brentwood, raised $4,000 for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery, a free resource for families with young children ages birth through 5 years. They offer crisis care, respite, emergency childcare services, family resource navigation, food and diaper bank, a boutique filled with children’s equipment, toys, books, and clothes all at no cost to the families.
They are hoping to raise at least $5,000 this year for the nursery. All proceeds (not just after expenses), will be donated.
Tickets are $15 per child; admission for adults is free.
For details, visit www.thelittlegym.com/ california-brentwood/ or call (925) 233-5832.
Submitted photos Last year, The Little Gym raised $4,000 for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery.
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REGIONAL & LOCAL
News iN Brief
Contra Costa Fire Foundation plans first girls empowerment camp
The Contra Costa Fire Foundation and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Contra Costa Fire) have planned Inaugural Girls Empowerment Camp. This dynamic initiative is designed to inspire young people to explore careers in public safety. The GEC starts with an opening ceremony on the first day of camp.
The camp is on May 17 at 9 a.m. at the Contra Costa County Fire Training Center, 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord Seakers during opening ceremonies are expected to include Fire Chief Lewis Broschard, County Board of Supervisors Candace Andersen, Shanelle Scales-Preston, and Ken Carlson.
Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer is also among the list of speakers. The Contra Costa Fire Foundation board members are also expected to be in attendance during opening ceremonies for our 50 campers that are participating in this two-day camp.
Volunteers sought to advocate for children in foster care
Child Advocates of Contra Costa County seeks a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer who can help make a lasting impact in the life of a local child or youth.
Children with a CASA Volunteer benefit from consistent advocacy that ensures their needs are heard and addressed. They are more likely to find a safe, permanent home, succeed in school, and avoid re-entering the foster care or the juvenile justice system, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.
More than 45 children and youth in Contra Costa County who are still waiting to be matched with a volunteer. To learn more, sign up for an information session at https://childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org/becomean-advocate/ and learn how a few hours a week can make a difference that will last their lifetime.
County gets $98 million to build new mental health facilities
Contra Costa Health (CCH) has secured about $98 million in state funding to build three new facilities to better serve county residents in need of mental health and recovery services.
The funding comes from California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, a multi-year state initiative to improve behavioral healthcare infrastructure paid through Proposition 1.
Statewide, Proposition 1 funding is expected to create more than 5,000 residential treatment beds and expand outpatient capacity by 21,800, with a focus on helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of institutionalization.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state De-
partment of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced the awards this week.
“We are grateful to Gov. Newsom and DHCS for recognizing the need to invest in this kind of infrastructure in Contra Costa County,” said Candace Andersen, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors. “We desperately need more beds for residential care and treatment.”
Projects selected for funding include:
• Delta Recovery Center (Oakley)
A campus to include a 16 bed-adult residential treatment center and a 16-bed mental health rehabilitation center.
• Los Medanos Recovery Center (Pittsburg)
A hub including a sobering center, crisis triage center, withdrawal management program and outpatient behavioral healthcare services.
• Sherman Recovery Center (Pleasant Hill)
A 16-bed adult residential treatment and transitional residential facility designed to support adults with behavioral health needs in a structured setting.
“These investments help us to meet people where they are, offering meaningful treatment and support close to home,” Supervisor Ken Carlson said. “They are a vital part of our ongoing efforts to reduce emergency room visits, reduce contact with the criminal justice system, and support recovery in our community.”
The Board of Supervisors has appointed Carlson and Andersen as its representatives on the recently established Behavioral Health Commission, which advises the full board on mental health, substance use disorder and behavioral health in the county.
Contra Costa County owns the properties on which all three facilities will be built. More details about the projects and their timelines will be released in early summer.
“We have a critical need for these programs to better serve Contra Costa residents throughout the County and close to their home communities. The addition of these facilities will expand access to essential care to better support people who are in need of and would benefit from the mental health treatment services to be provided,” said Dr. Suzanne Tavano, Director of Behavioral Health Services for Contra Costa Health. “This investment will make our county healthier, safer and more able to provide appropriate care for all our residents.”
California launches
new A.I.-powered chatbot that provides wildfire resources in 70 languages
As California marked Wildfire Preparedness Week, Gov. Newsom announced CAL FIRE has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot on its website, fire. ca.gov. The tool is designed to help Californians more easily access critical fire prevention resources and near-real-time emergency information in 70 languages.
The chatbot, “Ask CAL FIRE,” provides “quick, reliable” answers to commonly asked questions using information already available on CAL FIRE’s website and helps guide users to the appropriate pages for more detailed
To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com
information. It also serves as a two-way tool –providing real-time insights to CAL FIRE on what information Californians are looking for.
Whether looking for home hardening strategies, defensible space guidance, or the latest on wildfire incidents over 10 acres across the state, users now have a simpler, more accessible way to get the answers they need — any time, day or night.
“In an era of fast-moving wildfires, fastmoving information is essential,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Tools like this help ensure Californians from all walks of life get the guidance they need to stay safe and informed.”
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center maintains “A” safety grade from Leapfrog Group
After achieving a top grade as one the nation’s highest quality hospitals last fall, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, part of Contra Costa Health, has maintained its “A” grade in the spring 2025 safety report card from the Leapfrog Group.
The “A” grade places the medical center in the top 32% of the 3,000 hospitals surveyed nationwide. Leapfrog is an independent nonprofit healthcare watchdog committed to quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. health system, according to a press release from the county. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade report is updated twice a year – in the spring and fall. The medical center earned an “A” in the previous report last fall. Grades are assigned to general hospitals across the country based on up to 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The grading system is peer-reviewed, transparent and available free to the public.
“This rating is a testament to the hard work of our staff and their dedication to excellent patient care,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, interim chief executive officer of Contra Costa Health. “Our patients deserve to be able to trust the care they receive. Independent reviews from organizations like Leapfrog help us build that trust.”
Pittsburg provides resources while review of security ‘incident’ continues
Pittsburg is offering resources to its residents, employees, and partners as itcompletes its investigation into a security incident from August 2024. Once the City discovered the incident, the City worked with external cybersecurity specialists to secure its systems and assess the situation, the city said in a press release.
Although the incident was resolved and the City’s network secured, the investigation into potentially involved data is ongoing.
For updates relating to this incident and information on protecting personal information, visit the city’s dedicated website at www. pittsburgca.gov/securityincident.
As a precaution, the city is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for 12 months through Experian to individuals who have a connection to the City of Pittsbur gand are concerned about this incident. Individuals interested in these services can contact the dedicated call center at 855260-7553, Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. for more information or to enroll.
Once the investigation is complete, the City will inform individuals if their personal information was involved.
For more information, visit www.pittsburgca.gov/securityincident.
10 scams that target older adults – and how to spot them
The county is warning residents about several phone and internet scams, what kind they are and how to spot them. Here are 10 of them:
• Grandparent scam – scammers pretend to be a grandchild who is in trouble and is asking for money quickly
• Government impostor – An IRS, Medicare or Social Security agent asks for money or personal information
• Technology support – Calls or pop-ups tell you that your computer has a virus.
• Romance scams – Scammers build a relationship, then ask for money
• Charity scam – Callers pose as representatives from charities that are asking for money, especially after natural disasters
• Lottery scam – You are told you won a prize, but must pay taxes or fees to claim it
• Investment scam – someone promises big profits quickly in exchange for an investment
• Home repair scam – fake contractors demand up-front payments for work yet to be done
• Fraudulent emails or texts that impersonate banks or companies to steal your personal information
• Utility scam– calls or texts demanding payment immediately or your utilities will be shut off
To learn more, visit https://aging.ca.gov/ Aging_Resources/Protecting_Yourself_ Against_Common_Scams/
Free virtual home and worm composting workshops start June 7
The first of four worm composting Zoom workshops is scheduled for June 7 from 10 a.m.-noon, and will be on backyard composting, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.
The second session is Aug. 2 from 10 a.m.-noon, and will be on worm composting. The third session is Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.noon, again on backyard composting.
The fourth and final session is Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.-noon, again on worm composting.
A Zoom link will be sent the week before the event. If you do not receive it, check your junk folder or call 925-655-2909, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.
Cop logs
A suspicious circumstance was reported on Brookshire Street. The reporting party advised that two suspects tried banging on the door and set off the alarm.
April 25, 9:28 p.m.
Diane Alexander
Kevin Allen
Gretchen Barber
The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:
BRENTWOOD
April 25, 6:16 a.m. A case of a vehicle burglary was reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party advised that her doors were locked and believed the suspect popped her door open somehow. She was missing multiple items.
April 25, 8:34 a.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Trent Place. The reporting party’s Lowes credit card had been used for the last few years. The reporting party was contacted by a collection agency regarding unpaid debt and the address on the credit card account was changed to an address in Antioch.
April 25, 9:43 a.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Balfour Road. The incident occurred the day prior. Two generators were taken from the reporting party’s white Ford Expedition. The total loss was $1,800.
April 25, 1:31 p.m. A non-injury accident was reported on Sand Creek Road. The reporting party’s vehicle was gray and the other party’s was blue. The other party was refusing to exchange information.
April 25, 3:57 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. The suspect was a Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s last seen wearing all black clothing. He left in a silver Honda Dot LT. The total take was two pairs of Nike shoes and activewear.
April 25, 4:04 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Heidorn Ranch Road. The incidents occurred on March 12 and March 17, with $462 taken on both days. Five bottles of Don Julio were taken. The suspect(s) also stole from the Antioch, Tracy and Livermore locations.
April 25, 4:13 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A $30 T-shirt was taken on April 17. The reporting party had photos and possible suspect information.
April 25, 9:28 p.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Brookshire Street. The reporting party advised that two suspects tried banging on the door and set off the alarm.
April 25, 10:03 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Trent Place. The reporting party saw a male suspect wearing a large jacket and football helmet going through mailboxes and ran off when the reporting party yelled at him. The suspect was last seen westbound from the location and then southbound on Lee Way. An adult was arrested.
April 26, 1:36 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on New Holland Court. April 26, 5:08 p.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Angels Share Court. The reporting party got a flower delivery from an unknown person.
April 27, 12:07 a.m. A suspicious person was reported at Empire Avenue and Wicklow Way. An adult was arrested.
April 27, 9:41 a.m. A restraining/court order violation was reported on Pasco Drive.
April 27, 10:36 a.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Sand Creek Road. An unknown aggressive male was banging on apartment doors. He appeared to be searching for something in the apartment building.
April 27, 10:55 a.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Summerwood Drive. The incident occurred the night prior. Two generators off a food truck were taken worth about $800 each.
April 27, 12:54 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. Two black female juveniles took perfume.
April 27, 1:22 p.m. A harassment complaint was reported on Lone Tree Way. A white male has been harassing an employee the last few weeks.
April 28, 8:22 a.m. A loitering complaint was reported on First Street. A transient had a bed and a shopping cart. He was a white male in his late 40s under a blanket. April 28, 9:40 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A miniature bike that was worth about $1,400 was stolen from a business the night prior.
April 28, 11:08 a.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The people in the reporting party said they were robbed. Cash was taken from their wallet at an unknown time. They were telling this information to the reporting party after they broke the shower in their room.
April 28, 12:49 p.m. A case of vehicle tampering was reported on King Palm Lane. Three males and one female tried to buy the reporting party’s vehicle and did something to the reporting party’s engine. The engine was smoking.
April 28, 12:57 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A jacket, boots and shirts were taken and are worth $600.
April 28, 3:33 p.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Nighthawk Way. Mail was stolen, including a credit card that was used at Office Depot in Antioch.
April 28, 3:38 p.m. Found property was reported on Oak Street. Someone dropped a wallet and the reporting party had it. The reporting party was waiting for an officer to pick it up.
April 28, 6:40 p.m. A case of brandishing during a family dispute was reported on Armstrong Way.
April 28, 8:53 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The reporting party believes there are three suspects associated with each other inside the store stealing things. Two were inside the store and one was inside a vehicle. An adult was arrested.
April 28, 11:57 p.m. A case of a verbal family dispute was reported on Somersby Way.
Miriam Bell
Jerry &Mary Black*
Patricia Blumen*
Jamie Bolt*
Mark Branson
Marsha Brown
Vince Buchanan
Bethi Carver Gibb*
Gary Chambers
Janet Clarke*
Robert Conner
John Cooper
Kimberly Cope
Donna Corrigan
Denise Cosgrove*
DF
Rosa Daley
Dominic DeBellis
Albert Del Grande
Debra Doherty*
John Dodson
Michael Echeverria*
Larry Fancey
Irene San Filippo
Timothy Finnigan
David Foster
Gloria Foster*
David Goodwin
Joanne Gonzales
Carol Grossman
Deena Gruver*
Carol Guadagni
April Guarascio
Rinaldo Hamade*
Bill Harms
Geraldine Hogan
Marianne Hughlett
Udo Jaquet
Nigel Jesson*
Martha Karamanougian
David Kerley
Elaine Kilpatrick
Lauren Kovaleff
Erin Lamb*
Pat & Mary Lamb
Cathy Little*
Carlee Lopez
Karen Mann
Janet McCarthy
Jay McLaughlin
Jamie McManus
Kryssie Mingst*
Lawrence Moglia*
Elizabeth Montgomery
Shani Moore*
D.V. Morales
Narmadha
Rick Nelson
Brian Oftedal
Ken Olson
Sharon Ouka
Gary Pollock
Sue Pretzer
Leonard Price
Linda Morse Robertson
Gloria Rodda
Annette Rodrigues
Lourdes Rosado-Ford
Kitten Russell
Gary Sands
Irene San Filippo
Gwendolyn Schmid
Craig Schoenthale
Sandra Schultz
Jorge Segovia
Tim & Cindy Shehorn
Donald Smith*
Darlene Souza
Wayne Steffen
Birgit Stephens*
Mike Suboez
Sue Swackhamer
Kiran Taunk
Zack Taylor
Linda Thuman*
Amy Tilley*
David Wahl
Larry Wallace
Julia Wantuck
Judi Weisenberg
David Wyatt
Ron Yarolimek
Suleyman Yesilyurt
Carl Yost
Carolyn Young
Joseph Young
Larry Young
Mary Young
tobacco retailers, students at the local middle schools and high schools spoke strongly in favor of strict tobacco ordinances, sharing their experiences with the prevalence of smoking in their schools that they said would best be curbed by the proposed legislation.
“A significant number of tobacco retailers in our city operate within 500 feet of places where young people like me learn, play and grow,” Zain Memon said. “A majority of 11th graders in our area report that accessing vapes is very easy. But by passing these restrictions … we can help change this. This isn’t about punishing responsible business owners or responsible adult tobacco users. Instead, it’s about creating a healthier, safer Brentwood for all residents that balances public health priorities with business interests.”
Following public comments, the council had a lengthy, and occasionally heated, discussion while trying to determine how best to balance the concerns of the two groups. At one point, Mayor Susannah Meyer had to use her gavel to intervene in an exchange
Oakley from page 1A
between Councilmembers Jovita Mendoza and Tony Oerlemans over potential changes to the proposed ordinance. Oerlemans was interested in allowing existing tobacco retailers to maintain their licences in order to not impact their businesses, while Mendoza said that doing so would undercut the broader restriction of tobacco sales within 500 feet of youth-oriented spaces, which is one of the biggest “levers” to reducing tobacco usage among minors. Oerlemans later apologized to those watching the meeting for creating a situation where it may have seemed like he did not care about youth safety.
In the end, the number of changes to the proposed ordinance made it necessary for staff to request more time to work on it, leading to no vote on whether or not to adopt it on May 13.
The direction given to staff on what to include in the new draft included some concessions, particularly regarding distances. According to the new version of the ordinance:
There will not be any distance requirements between tobacco retailers
ticing medicine. With five current teaching residents, a number expected to double in the next year, and 13 applications for three to five counseling residencies, Palmquist called the program “a miracle” in a time of frequent teacher shortages.
The district also has a facility master plan in the works, which will provide guidance in expanding and modernizing school buildings and other facilities. This plan will be presented around the time of the next school board meeting on May 21.
To foster an inclusive educational atmosphere, Palmquist said that the district has held several successful parent education nights, including a cybersecurity night that attracted almost 100 people and a math night that brought in around 50. In addition, the district’s board has worked with advisory councils, local municipal figures, and even Assemblymember Lori Wilson to plan for the future of education in Oakley. Palmquist took pride in having good relations with local government, as he believes that “great schools make great communities and great communities make great schools.”
To promote school safety, the OUESD has worked with the Oakley Police Department to secure a school resource officer, Officer Garrett Wayne, for Delta Vista and O’Hara Park Middle Schools. According to Palmquist, Wayne’s service to the schools has been ‘exceptional’, garnering respect from and building positive relations with the students. District schools have also installed dozens of new security cameras and vape sensors on their campuses, and the district has reached out to students with surveys to ascertain their social
Showcase from page 1A
titled “You’re Such A God,” was derived from the feeling of loving another person so much that you begin to put them on a pedestal and worship them, according to McCullough. J Ting and Luna Torres’ duet “Universal Complex” portrayed the emotions of two friends drifting apart as their lives took them on different paths.
“Unspoken Truth,” by Sophia Blandon and Julia Aldeguer, was a regretful tune about the emotions left behind after the end of a relationship, while “Hold Me The World Is Ending,” by rock band Hallowed Tree, showcased despair amidst the collapse of all that one holds dear. Before and after each song, emcees Collin Lowell and Tameem Sarwari provided comic relief through jokes and games, interacting with the audience and the stage crew in various humorous ways.
Retailers must be more than 250 feet from a youth-oriented area rather than the proposed 500 feet, which was itself a concession from the 1,000 feet originally proposed as far back as 2023. Any tobacco retailers operating within 250 feet of a youth-focused space will have one year to “wind down” sales.
The number of tobacco retail licenses allowed in the city will be capped at 41, with existing businesses eligible for those licenses rather than being granted on a first come, first serve basis. If a business with one of the licenses loses it or elects to drop it, a new business may apply for it.
Hookah lounges will be allowed to operate in compliance with local land-use regulations and state laws regarding shisha, the type of tobacco used in hookah pipes.
In other council news:
• Interim City Manager Darin Gale provided an update as to when residents can expect other topics to come before the City Council:
• A review of the decision around Fire Station 94, which the Planning Commission had denied a design proposal for on May
6. The commissioners had denied the proposed station on the grounds that it did not fit with downtown Brentwood’s aesthetic, among other reasons. Following that, Oerlemans called for a review of the decision. The tentative date for the council to discuss the fire station is June 10, as the appeal must be heard within 45 days of being made.
• A discussion on whether or not to allow tattoo parlors to operate in the core downtown area is slated for the May 27 meeting. The most recent discussion on the topic occurred in January regarding Calculated Punkture Studio, a tattoo parlor operating on Brentwood Boulevard that has expressed interest in moving into a building on Second Street formerly occupied by The Pink Door.
• Further discussion around the hours of operation for the pickleball courts at Creekside Park is expected to return in August. The council opted to limit the hours of operation back in March following noise complaints from residents who live near the park.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/4j9vnnt
and emotional needs.
Palmquist and his district have also committed themselves to maintaining excellence in teaching and learning, with unspecified “gains” in mathematics and English learning over the past year. This upward trend is set to continue, according to internal “numbers,” but Palmquist said that things can always be better.
“We can be proud and realize that we have a lot of work to do,” Palmquist said. “We’re happy things are going the right direction, but we want to force multiply and escalate that growth. Making sure the kids are achieving is our number one priority.”
Out of several programs that have been or will be launched this year — i-Ready learning for English learners, literacy improvement, and screening for reading difficulties in young students, to name a few — Palmquist said that he was
Voge said that the inspiration for the Songwriters Showcase came from a change she made to the final exam for her Music as Literature class in which students studied the lyrics of songs “as if they were a novel,” performing a deeper analysis of the track.
“I said, ‘Hey, for your final project, instead of analyzing someone else’s song, you can write your own song, and if you want to, you can perform it in front of the class,’” Voge said. “I actually got so many students to be able to go out in front of my class of 35 kids, sing in front of them, and play the guitar or piano. That’s where this idea sort of sparked … I didn’t want to be the only one seeing this. They had so much talent and passion and possibility.”
Vogt also said that she hoped that the showcase would inspire at least some of the students involved to make singing and
Oakley
Elementary School is at 501 Norcross Lane in Oakley.
Press photo
most excited for a kindergarten Spanish-English dual language immersion program at Laurel Elementary. Palmquist said that the program was fully staffed and has, according to, received “excellent” public feedback, he said.
Palmquist did, however, say that there would likely be financial difficulties in the future due to the current financial climate being “hostile for schools” at the local, state, and federal levels. He expressed hope that voters would approve a bond that would grant more money to expand and modernize school facilities in the face of population growth.
Palmquist also said that the district was looking for opportunities to reduce overcrowding in schools by redistributing students between campuses, a long and involved process, or by setting up programs that would attract students to smaller schools, such as in the case of Laurel Elementary’s kindergarten immersion program.
songwriting their future career.
“It’s been so wonderful to see the students that were in my class, singing the first song they ever wrote, now on stage in front of a couple of hundred people,” Voge said with pride.
McCullough, founder and president of the Songwriting Club, said that her involvement stemmed from her longtime love of songwriting, coupled with a previous lack of avenues to showcase that love.
“I teamed up with Mrs. Voge, and we made this club … We decided to do something big at the end of the year, and the showcase was the best possible way to do that,” McCullough said. “All these artists are able to showcase their abilities.”
McCullough said that “You’re Such a God,” with which she inaugurated the showcase, took a month to write, with the help of fellow student songwriters Lisa
Abad and Daniel Libbey, and was “such a meaningful piece to [her] that [she] just had to put it in the showcase.”
Aside from some technical difficulties with the piano with the final performance, Mark Herrera’s love song “Would You Mind,” the show proceeded without incident. Both Voge and McCullough voiced their satisfaction with the show, given that this Songwriters Showcase was the first one, not only at Heritage, but in the entire Liberty Union High School District, according to McCullough. She hoped that it would become an annual tradition, despite her graduating from Heritage this year.
“We hope to induct some officers so we can make this an annual thing,” she said.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Business Profile
OFFICIAL BALLOT “BEST OF OAKLEY & BETHEL ISLAND”
Make sure your ballot counts! Please follow these guidelines: • Vote for Oakley and Bethel Island-based businesses only.
• Vote for a minimum of 10 categories. • Provide your name, email and phone number on this ballot.
• 11x17 photocopied ballots are OK, but must be filled in by hand in ink. • When voting for a company, enter the company's complete name.
• When voting for a person, enter the person's FULL name AND their COMPANY'S name. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT IS TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025, 5:00pm.
All suspected "ballot stuffers" will be disqualified. No ballots can be accepted in stacks of more than 15. Sorry, no exceptions.
French Fries
Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt
Japanese / Sushi
LIFESTYLES
BEST EATS, DRINKS & FUN
Photo courtesy of City of Antioch
An up-close way to enjoy being on the water
Paddlesports offer distinct ways for people to enjoy nature while getting up close with expansive waterways, and kayaking is one way to do that.
Kayaking has seen consistently more participation in the past five years, according to the Outdoor Federation’s 2019 Special Report. Today, kayaking is the most popular water sport, with more than 11 million participants in the U.S., the report states. The popularity of the activity is evenly split between men (51%) and women (49%).
Anyone who plans to go kayaking this summer probably should invest in their own board, experts say, because the right kayak depends on where you will use it.
For example, sea kayaks can be especially helpful in rough, choppy waters, while tandem kayaks that carry two or more people take up more storage space.
Touring kayaks are designed to go long distances while sit-atop kayaks are best for beginners and casual paddlers.
Additional supplies also will help your overall experience and make it easier:
Paddles: Many kayaks are sold with compatible paddles, but it’s a good idea to have spares.
Life jacket: A life jacket must be worn whenever you are in the water. Kayaks are relatively stable, but they can still tip over, and life jackets will help keep you afloat.
Racks and carriers: Kayaks can be
Kayakers can get into the water with little or no experience or training, especially with the appropriate gear.
transported to the water on roof racks that are strapped onto the tops of cars or SUVs. Then carts or trailers can help take the kayaks from your vehicle to the water because kayaks can be heavy and cumbersome.
Spray skirt: Staying dry while kayaking helps keep you comfortable, so this device helps prevent water from splashing onto your legs and lap.
Other supplies can include special gripping shoes, hats and gloves.
Metro photo
Antioch Marina more than just a place for boaters
With summer quickly approaching, many could be searching for water and boating activities to entertain themselves while escaping the heat to keep cool while still enjoying the sun.
Described as a “sail boaters’ dream and fishing paradise” on its website, the Antioch marina offers a variety of fishing locations close by along with a wide channel ideal for motorized and non-motorized boats.
Owned and operated by the City of Antioch, the Antioch Marina sits on the south side of the San Joaquin River near where it meets the Sacramento River. Opening in November 1988 and located at “foot of L Street” at #5 Marina Plaza in Antioch, the Antioch marina is located about three miles west of the Antioch Bridge and one mile north of Highway 4. The Antioch marina offers more than just a place for boaters, according to Antioch Marina Administrative Assistant Tania Abigail Briceño.
“We’re not just offering slips. We offer a premier waterfront experience,” Briceño said. “Here at the marina, we try to make boating easy for everyone, and we have great staff who knows boating inside and out.”
Services include availability of both covered and non-covered berths (a place where a boat can be parked), ranging from 24 to 50 feet, along with a 100-foot public dock available on a first-come, first-serve basis behind the Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill restaurant, according to the City of Antioch’s website. Other services include:
♦ Metered electricity (charged by the kilowatt hour).
♦ Overnight and temporary guest docks.
♦ A boat launch ramp, with launches at $5 per launch (and valid for 24 hours), while annual launch passes may be purchased for $100 (valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31). Up to three permits valid for 72 hours maximum per visit is also available. All launch permits may be purchased at the marina boat office, and must be paid before launching boats.
♦ Fuel dock station featuring Chevron products, including mid-grade gasoline and diesel.
Amenities include:
♦ Computer-controlled access gates and on-site marina office open five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday)
♦ Exclusive access to Berther restrooms and showers.
♦ Free waste pump-out station.
♦ Coin-operated laundry facility.
♦ Parking lot featuring 180 vehicle spac -
es, 80 spaces with vehicles with trailers, and 12 ADA-compliant parking spaces.
♦ A shore-side park which includes a fishing pier, picnic area, and walking trail.
♦ Access to the Dow Wetlands Preserve, which includes seven miles of trails with platforms for birdwatching.
In addition to handling the dayto-day operations and making sure everything is running smoothly with coordination of schedules and communications, Briceño, who has worked at the marina for three years, emphasized that the atmosphere at the Antioch marina resembles more of a community. It’s a social hub for people who want to share their love for boating and the water. Briceño said that people are also invited and encour-
aged to take a tour to see what sets them apart from other marinas.
“I believe for those boaters who seek the community experience who seek a home away from home, I want to portray there is a big sense of community here,” Briceño said. “I try to bring that energy to try and make the best experience for everyone. I’m more of a heartfelt person, and it spills out of my job description.”
Briceño added that the Antioch marina represents more than just a place another marina or place to launch and dock boats. Briceño, who grew up in the community and on the Delta, said life has come full circle for her to come back at work at the same place where she spent a lot of time creating many
memories with her family.
“This place is really close to my heart, “ Briceño said. “We sincerely appreciate the trust and support this community has shown us. Our mission is driven by a commitment to serve, grow, and build together. When you choose to stay with us, you’re not just selecting a service; you’re choosing a team that truly cares, listens, and is dedicated to showing up each day with purpose. We’re excited about the future, and hope you’ll be a part of it with us.”
For more information, including rates, pricing, along links to tide and fishing information, visit www. ci.antioch.ca.us/antioch-marina/ – Advertorial
SEAN TONGSON
Photos courtesy of City of Antioch Various views of the Antioch Marina.
BRICEÑO
How to protect your boats against mussels on the Delta
ater experts along the Delta and at the state level are asking recreational boaters to be aware of the golden mussel, the area’s newest invader, and are offering ways to protect your boat.
Roger Mammon, president of the West Delta Chapter of the California Striped Bass Association and secretary of Restore the Delta, said golden mussels are a threat to the Delta. “I’ve seen pictures of outdrives on a boat that are clogged with mussels,” Mammon said. “They will attach to just about any hard surface, and they reproduce quickly.”
Warnings are being issued elsewhere in Northern California and in the Sierra. At Lake Tahoe, boaters and paddlers are being encouraged to stay up to date with the strengthened protective procedures at Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe watercraft inspection stations, boat launches, and marinas are opening for the 2025 boating season, and now is the time to be informed of new and mandatory procedures before heading to the water this year, according to Southtahoenow.com.
Changes this year include mandatory decontaminations and more processing time
for motorized boats traveling from other areas, as well as more roving non-motorized inspectors at recreation areas.
Several California lakes have implemented boating restrictions, some involving temporary closures, to prevent the spread of a cousin of the quagga mussel, the golden mussel, according to the website.
Golden mussels typically range in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in length.
In response to the recent detection of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in the Delta, the state of California has developed a comprehensive Golden Mussel Response Framework to address this urgent invasive species threat. The discovery in October 2024 marked the first known occurrence of golden mussel in North America. To combat this threat, the framework provides coordinated strategies by multiple California departments to prevent further introduction and spread of golden mussels, as well as to contain and suppress infestations to minimize their impact on the environment, water
conveyance, recreation and agriculture, the state said in a press release.
In addition, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering $1 million in grant funding to boating facility operators to enhance efforts against invasive mussels, particularly the threat of golden mussels. The money supports projects that help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive mussels in lakes, reservoirs and waterways, ensuring the long-term health of state waters. The grant solicitation and application link can be found on CDFW’s website.
“The discovery of golden mussels in California is a serious challenge that requires coordinated action and a long-term commitment,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “This response framework recommends critical steps that must be taken across state, regional and local levels to limit the spread and mitigate the impacts of this invasive species.”
Added John Yarbrough, DWR Deputy Director for the State Water Project: “Taking coordinated action to address this invasive species will help safeguard critical water
infrastructure like the State Water Project from the negative impacts golden mussels can pose to water delivery systems. Using this new framework and close collaboration with partner agencies, DWR will implement strategies to address this invasive species and minimize impacts by monitoring for the mussels in (State Water Project) waters and developing a mitigation plan.”
First found locally in the Port of Stockton in October last year, they have since been spotted at the Discovery Bay Marina on Feb. 18, Big Break Marina last Dec. 17, Old River last Nov. 14, Dutch Slough last Nov. 21, and various other popular spots frequented by East County recreational boaters. Officials say they believe they were first carried into Stockton by a ship from an international port.
Unlike zebra and quagga mussels, which require more calcium in their environment to thrive than is available in the brackish Delta, golden mussels are well suited to live in local waters, experts say. The mussels are freshwater bivalves notorious for attaching in dense clusters to hard surfaces such as pipelines and other water system infrastructure, causing blockages in pipes and screens. Removing them from water facilities incurs millions in additional maintenance costs. Currently, however, no issues have been reported in Discovery see Mussels page 5B
Bay, where the town has one set of pipes discharging treated wastewater into the Delta.
Even if there were problems with golden mussels – or another invasive species – the Town of Discovery Bay has neither the funding nor the authority to treat beyond its own water and wastewater infrastructure, according to town General Manager Dina Breitstein.
In addition to damaging structures, mussels are highly effective filter feeders. They reproduce rapidly and consume large amounts of plankton, depleting the water’s resources and leaving little for the native fish that rely on it for sustenance.
Eradicating the mussels is challenging and virtually impossible within the Delta. Quagga and zebra mussels have been wreaking havoc in lakes and water systems in both California and Colorado for years. While those species have been successfully eradicated in closed systems by draining water to expose them to air for long periods of time, golden mussels are recent invaders, with little to no data on their behavior and control strategies, according to a recent report from the Water Education Foundation.
However, Catherine Mandella, an environmental scientist with the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), said golden mussels began harassing South America in the 1990s, and local agencies may be able to learn something from those experiences.
“Now some things will be different, because it’s a different part of the world and there will be varying factors,” Mandella said. “But the issues they had are issues we are facing.”
Though Mandella said the golden mussels could cause more problems than people realize, she also noted the “robust” prevention programs developed for quagga and zebra mussels will help slow the spread of golden mussels.
All boats entering and exiting the water in state-operated lakes are inspected for signs of mussels and other invasive species. All boats must display a quagga sticker, paid for separate from the boat’s registration, and the sticker fees fund statewide prevention efforts like education, outreach, early detection monitoring and watercraft inspection stations. Boats without stickers are cited by law enforcement. The state recommends any items that come into contact with water be thoroughly cleaned, drained and dried before being used in another body of water. She noted that means not just boats, but ropes, tubes, boards, water skis, mountain bikes, kayaks, paddles, pets and anything else that touches water.
“The measures taken to prevent the spread of the mussels are the same,” Mandella said. “There are many invasive species, so clean, drain and dry everything you use, because if it is not an invasive mussel, it could be something else, even something microscopic. Spread the message, not the mussel.”
Mussels
National Safe Boating Week offers tips for all boaters
National Safe Boating Week is from May 17-23, 2025, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season.
This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.
“We’re committed to teaching boaters that the best boating experience is a safe day on the water,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, a nonprofit dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience for all boaters and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign. “This National Safe Boating Week, prepare for a great boating season by inspecting your boating safety gear and commit to providing comfortable life jackets for all your passengers to wear every time you go boating.”
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities, and that 87 percent of those
who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
♦ 75% of boating deaths were because of drowning
♦ 66% of those who drowned were good swimmers
♦ 564 reported deaths in 2023 (the latest year for which statistics are available)
♦ 75% of deaths were on boats on which the boater had no safety training
♦ In 2023, California was second only to Florida in the number of boating deaths (33 to 56) and the number of boating incidents (339 to 619).
There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.
“The best life jacket is the one you will wear,” said Phillips. “Whether you’re going fishing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, make sure you’re prepared for the adventure by wearing a life jacket and knowing
how to use required safety gear.”
The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:
♦ Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.
♦ Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
♦ Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board before you leave the dock.
♦ Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is of no use in an emergency.
♦ Use an engine cut-off switch –it’s the law. An engine cut-off switch is a proven safety device to stop a powerboat engine should the operator unexpectedly
The best life jacket is the one you will wear.
– Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council
fall overboard.
♦ Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
♦ Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating incidents in 2022 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
♦ Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones, and always travel at a safe speed.
♦ Never boat under the influence.
A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
♦ Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.
How to keep your boat and its passengers safe on the water
Discovery Bay Marina officials have a few tips for how to stay safe on the water this summer.
All hands on deck should be prepared and aware of what to do in case of a water emergency. The owner and founder of Pacific Coast Water Rescue, Captain John Garza, teaches water safety at the Discovery Bay Marina He has seen 40 cases of water accidents in his 35 years on the bay, “In each case the common denominators are no vest, no lanyard and drinking,” he said.
Garza offered a list of ideas to help prevent water accidents for this summer.
Verify your California Boater Card
A valid California Boater Card is required for anyone operating a boat with a motor of 15 horsepower or more and older than 16 years.
The state requires anyone and everyone operating a vessel to have a California Boater Card, which can be obtained with a certification from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and by passing the state-approved boater safety education exam.
Boat safety is one of Garza’s priorities at the Discovery Bay Marina, so he helps ensure that boats are equipped with the necessary equipment and safety measures, and also offers boat training for vessel owners.
“They get trained on how to operate their boat, check their boat and operate the required safety gear,” Garza said. “They take a 60-question, written tests that we instruct them on from Powerpoints and then we give them hands-on instruction on dealing with things like if somebody is overboard and how to get them in.”
Renew and post your mussel sticker
Along with a certified and up-to-date boating license, boats are also required to have an identifiable and registered mussel sticker.
Freshwater boats cruising bodies of water, such as rivers and reservoirs are required to have the DMV mussel sticker. The sticker can be purchased online and requested through the DMV.
Captain Frank Morgan said that a common mistake boat owners make on their first cruise of the season is not having an updated and posted mussel sticker, which is proof that payment was made to help prevent Quagga and Zebra Mussel infestation. Mussel stickers are a requirement for all water vessels, including Jet Skis, as a way to protect the water.
“It is easily spotted if you don’t have one,” Morgan said. “There are mussels in different bodies of water that can be invasive to other places. So, they have inspectors to check that they aren’t stuck on your boat.”
Hooked lanyard
A lanyard is often known as the captain’s safety lanyard and is used to ensure that if the operator of a vessel is thrown overboard that the engine will shut off.
The rules for helming a boat are meant to keep the excursion fun. There are a lot of rules to orchestrating a boat, but they are meant to ensure that safe fun is made. Garza said that
although people wear their lanyards, if they aren’t connected accidents happen.
“A crew that I trained got there and the boat was spinning three people in the water and the guy they saved still had his Lanyard on, but it wasn’t attached to the boat,” Garza said. “If he would have had the Lanyard connected, the boat would have stopped when it hit something.”
Garza said this is one of the most common mistakes sailors make when hoisting sail. Remembering just one simple step could save lives.
Have accessible safety equipment
The most important part of any water voyage is being prepared for any kind of wave. The best way to be prepared is to have easy access to safety equipment like life vests, fire hydrants, anchor lines and navigation lights, officials said.
Life jackets save lives. Make sure you and all passengers have a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket onboard and always wear it while on the water. Life jackets are the most effective means of preventing drowning in the event of an emergency. Kids younger than 13 years old on a moving vessel must wear one.
Being prepared doesn’t mean just having these items on board, but having them easily accessible, up to date and annually checked.
“A lot of bigger vessels have signaling devices, which a lot of times are flares,”
Morgan said. “A lot of times people turn in their flares 55 years later and they’re out of date. So they should look at the names and dates of their flares and signaling devices to make sure those are currently not out of date.”
Safety is important out on the water, and keeping boat equipment up to date is important for a safe and stress-free journey, boating safety experts say.
No drinking and sailing
Boating and DUI laws may not seem alike, but they do have some aspects in common in what is legal in regard to drinking and sailing.
The legal blood alcohol level of boating is the same as driving, a person operating a vessel with a blood level of 0.08% or higher.
“It’s always the person drinking that causes an accident on his or her boat,” Garza said. “By far, drinking is the number one denominator of water-based accidents.”
Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but it also significantly impairs judgment and reaction times. Alcohol is dangerous for passengers too. Intoxication can cause slips, falling overboard, and other dangerous accidents.
Other safety tips include:
Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions. Sudden storms or rough waters can pose significant dangers. Always have a reliable means of communication onboard to receive weather updates.
Let someone know your boating plans before you depart. File a float plan with a friend or family member detailing your itinerary, expected return time, and contact information. In the event of an emergency, this information can be crucial for rescuers.
