Police to residents: celebrate July 4 safely –without fireworks – or you might get burned
By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Fireworks of all kinds remain illegal in Contra Costa County, and local law enforcement agencies are working to remind residents to celebrate safely this Independence Day.
The City of Brentwood released a statement this week describing the dangers associated with both fireworks and firearms when used in celebrating. Fireworks can injure your hands, head/neck, and eyes with burns being the most common injury. Cuts, bumps and bruises are the most common injuries to the head. In addition to blindness, third-degree burns and permanent scar-
ring, fireworks also cause life-threatening home and motor vehicle fires, according to NationwideChildren’sHospital.org. City staff have also posted signs at major intersections stating fireworks are illegal.
Since the county is a “fireworks-free zone,” possession or use of fireworks of all types and sizes – including “safe and sane” fireworks – is banned in all cities and unincorporated areas. According to the Brentwood
New splash pad approved for park in Discovery Bay
By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
A new splash pad is in the cards for Discovery Bay’s Ravenswood Park.
Approved at last week’s Community Services District (CSD) Board Meeting, the splash pad will cost the town about $207,000 and include a range of components for the town’s youth to enjoy, including a water tunnel to run through, misters and various other water components.
“This is a great example of the town bringing a muchappreciated asset to the community,” said CSD Director Bryon
The price tag is about $207,000.
Gutow. “When I drive by that park, I usually see 20, 30 people there utilizing amenities, so it’s definitely appreciated by our residents.”
New equipment will replace the existing splash pad located at Ravenswood Park, behind
see Splash Pad page 18
Local law enforcement agencies are once again working to remind residents ahead of the Fourth of July that all types of fireworks are illegal.
Municipal Code, possession of dangerous fireworks that leave the ground or explode may constitute a felony and could result in
see Fireworks page 18
Council delays spending decision
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
The Brentwood City Council voted 5-0 to adopt an operating budget for the fiscal years 2024/25 through 2025/26, but chose to hold off on certain additions, calling it a “good faith measure” amid negotiations with city staff.
City employees filled the council chamber during the June 25 meeting and rose from their seats as Heather Silfies, an engineering services specialist with the city for more than 20 years, addressed the council with their collective concerns over the budget.
“Earlier (Tuesday), you received 111 letters signed by city
employees concerning this operating budget,” she told the council, noting that she’d received another 23 letters to submit to the council since then. Silfies outlined employee concerns with amendments made to the General Plan during a May 28 meeting that would cost roughly $1.2 million of the city’s projected $1.6 million surplus. The reduced surplus would hamper the city’s ability to negotiate with employee associations in good faith, she said.
Although the budget has a placeholder figure of a 3% costof-living increase for city employees, Silfies said that it does
see Council page 18
Photo courtesy of City of Oakley
Ravenswood Park in Discovery Bay will be getting a new splash pad in the coming months, following approval from the Community Services District.
Photo by Andrew Rulloda
Former Tower of Power singer and local artist Kritta help Brentwood celebrate Juneteenth
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Renowned Bay Area R&B singer Lenny Williams is no stranger to a big stage, and neither is East County’s own hip-hop artist Kritta.
For the city of Brentwood, however, Wednesday was their first time hosting the party.
People from throughout East County made their way to Brentwood City Park on Wednesday evening to take part in the first city-sponsored Juneteenth event as food trucks and games for the kids took over the block on Oak St. past Second St.
“They did a great job of getting the word out,” Williams said after his near hour-long headline set. “The venue was beautiful, the weather cooperated, and the crowd was exceptional. They just got up and participated, danced, and the people knew the songs.”
Williams, once the lead singer for the Oakland-originated R&B band Tower of Power, had the older crowd dancing to his hits and requesting certain songs at the front of the stage, while the younger crowd took in his music for, presumably the first time.
“It’s great music,” he said. “It makes me really understand that the music that came out during that time – when I was
learning and getting involved in music – stood the test of time. I see young kids dancing to it and singing to it and just having a good time, so it lets me know that the music from my era was acceptable.”
Before Williams took the stage, Pittsburg native Kritta opened with a shorter set, performing one of his hits, “Deal Myself,” while walking off of the stage and onto the grass toward the crowd in atten-
dance.
“It’s always good to come back to the Bay,” Kritta said. “There’s nothing like Bay Area love.” Other performers included Steven Green and the Lifeline, Bronze Girl Productions, Monique McCoy, Stepz Dance Fitness, and the Liberty High School Drumline.
The City’s Solid Waste Division is implementing a Route Rebalancing effort to enhance the efficiency of collecting residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste for our growing community.
Route Rebalancing is a comprehensive review and restructuring of all collection routes within our City. As part of this process, the City aims to reassess and optimize these routes, ensuring logical mapping and a balanced distribution of stops across all routes. Additionally, these changes will improve the efficiency of the City’s transfer station processing by balancing out the volumes of recycling streams each week.
While both Kritta and Williams are on different parts of the music spectrum
in their careers, both recognize the importance of not only the Juneteenth holiday growing nationwide.
“This is funny, Brentwood Juneteenth, but that’s where we are right now,” Kritta said. “I can remember when I was out here, young and growing up, there wasn’t as much color as it is right now –the shades were different. So it’s good to see the evolution.”
“It’s just as good to see people grow and learn, and myself to learn more about what that means as a whole and what that means to me.”
Williams added that Brentwood celebrating Juneteenth and its diversity is a big step for the city.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “When I was a kid, there was nothing out here but orchards.”
“Juneteenth is something that I kind of knew about most of my life – we’d have small gatherings and things like that – but to see it become a national holiday and so many people, the community at large, it’s a wonderful thing. People are learning about the history (of Juneteenth) and coming together. It lets you see how America is always changing. It’s like a work in progress and it’s a beautiful thing.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Singer Lenny Williams performs at Brentwood’s Juneteenth celebration at City Park last Wednesday, June 19.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
How the greatest jazz album ever was recorded
In 1957 at the Newport Jazz Festival, Miles Davis made a triumphant return to the jazz world by putting a mute on his trumpet and putting it directly over the microphone and playing the opening bars to the Theolonious Monk tune Round Midnight.
Explorations in Jazz
Miles was a very astute businessman/musician who knew that executives from Columbia Records were at the festival. He also knew that they there adding more jazz artists to their record label. But he was already under contract to Prestige Jazz Records to do four records, and Prestige had Davis’s their entire jazz catalogue. After his performance, Columbia offered him a contract based on him satisfying his contract to Prestige.
tEd turnEr
Miles completed his obligation to Prestige records by recording enough material in one year to satisfy the four-album obligation.
With four albums already recorded for Columbia, Miles and his sextet on March 2 and April 22, 1959 met at the Columbia Records’ 30th Street studio and recorded what would be the greatest jazz album ever – Kind of Blue. This album has been certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
This album consists of only five tracks, and the amazing thing about this album is that there were no rehearsals; there was no music written out. There were only sketches of scales and melody.
This album is strictly improvisational based on the talents of these musicians assembled based on how long they played their various solos and interacted with the other musicians when they were all were playing together.
In order to truly get a feel for how talented these mu-
sicians were, just listening to the start of the first track– the piano introduction by Bill Evans, and the bass response of Paul Chambers, and then Miles, and the other horns join in. But when Jimmy Cobb clashes that cymbal to really kick off this track and the album, sit back and be prepared to go on a musical journey you’ll never forget.
The musicians were:
• Miles Davis - Trumpet
• Julian “Cannonball” Adderley - Alto Saxophone
• John Coltrane - Tenor Saxophone
• Bill Evans - Piano except on “Freddie Freeloader”
• Wynton Kelly - Piano on “Freddie Freeloader
• Paul Chambers - Double Bass
• Jimmy Cobb - Drums
“
This album consists of only five tracks, and the amazing thing about this album is that there were no rehearsals; there was no music written out. There were only sketches of scales and melody.
”
Ted Turner
The hippest librarians in California
In this column, I would also like to answer a question that is asked quite often to me, that being “How do I gather the information to write this column?” A lot of the information is from my having grown up hearing this music played by an elderly gentleman in my neighborhood.
So, over the years I really immersed myself into this music and have acquired a collection of over 3,000 jazzrelated records.
Aside from the albums I am an avid reader and have a personal collection of over 1,500 books, with 90 0f these related to jazz music and artists. But aside from those tools and the research capabilities of the internet, my most important asset is the wonderful staff of the Brentwood Public Library. The librarians are overlooked in regard to how much information they can provide to use if only we would use our public libraries more and stay off the internet.
This column may have my byline, but it is truly these librarians who are writing this column with me. Here is the hippest library staff in the county and in Northern California. They are truly helping me keep jazz alive: Adeila Shefter, Chamanie Davis, gina DeBusk Lindsay DuPont, Erika Mendoza, Isabel Roberts and Adam Foreyler.
Enjoy Exclusive Summer Savings at
County receives $1.5 million from state
To develop Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan
Contra Costa County received $1,499,285 from the California Ocean Protection Council’s Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program, which aims to provide funding for coastal communities to develop plans to combat sea level rise and projects to build resilience along the entire coast of California and the San Francisco Bay, according to a press release from the state.
cus on impacted communities. It will serve a coordinating and organizational role for local plans in alignment with Bay Conservation and Development Commission guidelines and explore natural and constructed infrastructure improvements.
Residents will have input into plan development, visioning process and an update to the county’s existing vulnerability assessments, culminating in the plan, which will include ways to adapt, partnership needs, financing strategies, and statistics.
The Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan will create a comprehensive roadmap to address sea level rise across the entire 90-miles of the county’s shoreline with a fo-
This grant will provide an essential foundation to create consistent sea level rise planning across the county, from San Francisco Bay to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, including cities, special districts, various organizations, and the public, to protect shoreline towns during extreme weather.
by Vera Martinez, Certified Travel Agent
Solo Travel Vera’s Travel Tips
You want to travel, but no one can go with you. Should you still go? My answer is ‘YES’!
Traveling solo offers several distinct advantages that can cater to personal growth, adventure, and self-discovery.
First, it encourages independence and self-reliance as you navigate unfamiliar territories alone, boosting self-confidence and problem-solving skills. It allows for complete freedom in decision-making, enabling you to explore destinations, activities, and schedules according to your preferences without compromise.
Also, solo travel fosters introspection and mindfulness, providing ample opportunity for self-discovery and reflection away from the distractions of everyday life. Solo travel gives you the opportunity for cultural immersion and meaningful interactions with locals and other travelers, facilitating a deeper understanding of different
cultures and perspectives.
Solo travelers often find themselves more open to new experiences and friendships, pushing boundaries and stepping outside of comfort zones in ways that may not happen within familiar social circles.
This type of travel also encourages spontaneity and flexibility during which plans can change naturally without having to agree with a group.
Ultimately, solo travel can be a transformative experience that builds resilience, adaptability, and a broader worldview. It challenges preconceptions and encourages personal growth through the unique lens of individual exploration.
“Are you dreaming about your next journey? Let me help you plan your dream vacation.”
To Book Your Dream Vacation call me at 925-639-9194 or go to www.vmartinez.dreamvacations.com.
to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 925-978-9398.
For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
This Week’s Events
Saturday, June 29
City of Oakley’s 25th Anniversary Parade
The parade from 9-10 a.m. runs down Main Street beginning at 5th Street and ending at Civic Center Plaza. Residents are invited to participate in the parade with floats, classic cars or as part of a performing group, band, dance team, or walking group. For details, visit http://www.OakleyInfo.com.
Oakley Summer Fest
This festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main St. from Norcross Lane to Vintage Parkway is free and family friendly with live music on the main stage, a giant kids area, local artisan makers, adoption opportunities with Joybound People & Pets (previously known as the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), and food vendors. There will be no fireworks at this event. For details, visit http://www.oakleysummerfest.com
Brentwood Ace Hardware’s Biggest Block Party
From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. enjoy family activities, raffle prizes, barbecue demonstrations, local vendors and 100th anniversary specials at 8900 Brentwood Blvd. The event is free. For details, visit http://www.acebrentwood.com.
On the Horizon
Monday, July 1
Oakley Senior Center Membership Drive
The center at 215 Second St. starts its membership drive by promoting its monthly flea market on the first Saturday of each month, free food distribution every Thursday, lunch program, monthly casino trips, exercise and self-defense classes and iPhone and Android classes. For details, call 925-626-7223.
Thursday, July 4
Liberty Bell 5K presented by the Liberty Lions Band Boosters
The first Liberty High School Band 5K (3.1 mile) fun run is from 7:30-10 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Registration starts at $35. Proceeds directly benefit the marching band, jazz band, concert programs, winter percussion and winter guard programs. For the virtual run, you can run whenever and where ever you want from Thursday, July 4-Sunday July 14. All participants will receive a 2024 first annual commemorative T-shirt and medal for participating. Packet pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, from 3-7 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 6061 Lone Tree Way, in Brentwood. For details, visit https:// libertybell5kfunrun.itsyourrace.com/event. aspx?id=16236.
Look at the many local events on
Brentwood’s Fourth of July Parade
The City of Brentwood’s Fourth of July parade starts at 9:30 a.m. with the children’s parade (No registration is required) downtown at First and Oak streets. The parade will start at First and Birch Sreet., down First to Oak St. ending at Fourth St. To register for the main parade, visit www.brentwood.ca.gov. Come celebrate dressed in your red, white and blue.
Friday, July 12-Sunday July 14
A Chorus Line: Teen Edition
This performance is a full-length version of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, adapted for performance by high school students with family audiences. The musical captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway ensemble audition. There will be two separate casts to accommodate the great amount of youth talent that is part of this show. 7:30 p.m. at The Theatre at Edna Hill, 140 Birch St., in Brentwood. Tickets are $16-$20. Shows are July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m. For detais, visit https://ghostlightte.org/ Saturday, July 20
Book sale at Brentwood library
Teachers, parents, and homeschoolers will find bargains galore on a large variety of educational materials, children’s books and other back-toschool specials at the Friends of the Brentwood Library Educational Supplies/Teachers Pop-Up Book Sale. The sale, which runs from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m., will be on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. In addition to the educational materials, other reading favorites, such as adult books, books for young adults, and more will be available at discount prices. Visit https://www.friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary.org.
Sunday, July 21
Flor do Oakley Holy Ghost Festival
A parade will begin to form at 8:30 a.m, and leave at 9 a.m. At 10, there will be a Mass at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church - 971 O’Hara Ave. at which sopas will be served. There will be a performance by Portuguese Folklore group - Rancho Folclórico “Saudades do Ribatejo,” *Bazaar, Sweet Bread, Tremoço, Linguiça & Bifana Sandwich sales throughout the day. This free event is at Flor do Oakley Hall. For details, visit http://www.flordooakley.com.
Thursday, July 25
Hometown Nights - A celebration of Community and Nostalgia
The Downtown Brentwood Coalition presents its newest event series, Hometown Nights, from 4-8 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. This nostalgic, family-friendly evening will be a celebration of all things Brentwood, including a ‘50s theme with classic cars and an ice cream social area offering a variety of treats for purchase. For details, visit contact Executive Director Amy Tilley at specialevents@downtownbrentwood.com or visit www.brentwooddowntown.com.
Liberty Lions Band Boosters to hold 5K run as first fundraiser
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
The Liberty Lions Band Boosters are getting ready to take the money and run…a 5K.
The group is hosting its first 5K fundraiser on July 4 to raise money for a number of the band’s expenses, according to Brooke Trost, the donation lead for the fundraiser. Money raised will pay for instrument repairs, scholarships and bus transportation to events, among other things.
“We’re excited to put together the kind of event that can bring the community together,” Trost said.
The organizers offer both in-person and virtual race options, according to the event flyer.
The in-person race will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood. and participants will run on the Marsh Creek Trail through Creekside Park and beyond for an out-and-back course, according to organizers. For the virtual run, participants can run whenever and wherever they choose from July 4-14.
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All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal for participating.
Liberty Lions Band Boosters hope to make this run an annual event, according to Trost. Because this is their first year, Trost said expectations were kept reasonable, and they hope to raise at least $8,000. Organizers said they were hoping for at least 100 participants, and there are 120 racers signed up with registration open through race day.
Registration for the in-person race is $40 for adults, $20 for children ages 4-9, and $25 for children ages 10 to 18. A one-mile run will also be held for children ages 1 to 12 and will cost $25. The virtual race is $35 for all participants.
Packet pickup is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3 from 3-7 p.m. at Fleet Feet at 6061 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood. Virtual racers will need to pick up their shirt and medal at the same time since organizers are unable to mail them, they said.
More information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/ Brentwood/LibertyBell5kfunrun
Three local high school seniors each received $1,000 from the East County Performing Arts Foundation to aid in their higher education goals.
East County Performing Arts Foundation awards college scholarships to 3 high school seniors
The East County Performing Arts Foundation, has awarded college scholarships to three outstanding local high school seniors. Each recipient will receive $1,000 to aid in their higher education goals, emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to fostering talent and academic excellence within performing arts.
This year’s scholarship winners are:
• - Gabriella Loza, who plans to major in Kinesiology at San Diego State University.
• - Hadley Kemper, who is majoring in business and minoring in dance at University of Nevada Reno
• - Gabriella Del Rosario, will be completing her general education at Los Medanos and transfer to a four-year college to major in biology. All recipients plan to continue in the performing arts in some way after high school.
The 501 (c) (3) organization focuses on elevating the educational and artistic opportunities for youth in Brentwood and surrounding areas. These scholarships, funded through community donations and fundraising
efforts, highlight the foundation’s role in nurturing future generations of artists and performers.
“These talented individuals exemplify the dedication, skill, and passion that define our dance community,” said Nina Koch, ECPAF Chairwoman. “We are thrilled to support their college education, confident that they will continue to inspire and lead in their respective fields.”
In addition to college scholarships, the East County Performing Arts Foundation provides training scholarships to assist young performers in honing their craft through diverse programs such as dance and theater that are designed to foster artistic skill, and important life lessons in teamwork, discipline, and confidence.
“We believe in making the arts accessible to all students, helping them to not only achieve their artistic goals but also to develop as well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society,” Koch said.
For more information about the East County Performing Arts Foundation and its scholarship programs, or to learn how to contribute to future scholarships, visit www.ecpaf.org
Lions Club of Brentwood installs new officers
AHawai’ian theme highlighted the 95th annual Installation of Officers for the Lions Club of Brentwood was held Sunday, June 23 at De Luna Ranch in Brentwood. It was dedicated to René De Luna, who passed away this year. He was a long-time resident of Brentwood and long-time member of the Lions Club. The City Council was represented at the installation by city councilmember Jovita Mendoza and Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer, who is also a member of the Lions Club of Brentwood. The installing officer was past district governor Linda Wagner-Griffin. Lion Billy Vance was installed as President for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. He was previously president from 20162019. Lion Sandy Sellars was awarded a Melvin Jones fellowship by outgoing President Skip Zehnder from her outstanding work for the Lions Club of Brentwood. Jones was the founder of Lions Clubs International in 1917. 1st Vice President John Meyer was awarded a Kay K. Fukishima fellowship for his work for both the Club and Hijas del Campo, a nonprofit that benefits migrant farm workers and their families. The Lions Club of Brentwood works with Hijas del Campo. Kay K. Fukishima was a past International President of Lions Clubs International and was from Sacramento. Meyer was also named Lion of The Year for his service and dedication to the Lions Club motto, “We serve”. To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows
Submitted photo
Submitted photo
Heritage football strengthens up to build on 2023 playoff return
Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing summer football camp series on the local high school programs.
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Following a 2023 season that saw the Heritage High School football team return to the playoffs after a near half-decade absence, the question entering 2024 is what the Patriots now do for an encore?
Last year, Heritage took big strides forward – despite dropping down to Division II and an up and down regular season, the Patriots returned to the playoffs for the first time, defeated Redwood on the road and stayed within a possession in the first quarter at eventual Division 2 champion El Cerrito in the semifinals before the Gauchos stormed away with the win.
And all of that with a fairly young and inexperienced team, no less.
“Two years ago, we had a very senior heavy team, and last year there were a lot of inexperienced guys,” Heritage head coach Dave Fogelstrom explained. “They put things together as the season went on, and to get a road NCS win over Redwood, who is a solid team, and to compete pretty well against El Cerrito who went on to win the Division II championship gave all of those young guys a lot of experience.
“And we had 12 games (total) last year, so we got a bonus look at kind of where we can be this year with those two extra games.”
Quarterback Phillip Babbitt, who took over as quarterback over the all-around athlete Austin Peters in their win at Vintage, is
one of those players coming back with that experience gained from the roller coaster, regular-season and the playoff run.
“We’re building as a team in the offseason right now and working hard,” Babbitt said. “We’re getting stronger, and we’re just building up right now to get ready for this upcoming season.”
Babbitt finished the season throwing for 1,248 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions, and that’s only after 10 of the team’s 12 games. He didn’t take any snaps in the team’s first two games against Foothill and Granada as Peters was the starter then.
“(Phillip’s) become a really big leader,” Fogelstrom said. “He’s throwing the ball pretty well, and he’s developed some really good chemistry (with the wide receiving corps). JJ Kinnaird’s coming back – he’s a heck of a wideout – and also Austin is going to be playing some wideout and a little bit of hybrid quarterback. And he and Austin have been throwing the ball all of these years, so that’s a natural connection.”
“Throwing to Austin’s been pretty good,” Babbitt added. “He’s fast, he can catch, and he’s got some good agility.”
One of the Patriots’ biggest points
of focus this offseason as summer camp begins is the team’s physicality, which was exposed in the team’s NCS semifinal loss.
“The biggest thing that we talked about is getting stronger in the weight room,” Fogelstrom said. “(El Cerrito’s) speed was difficult to deal with, but their line was thick, too, and they wore us down. So going into the offseason, in January when we met, I just talked to (the team) about how we’re going to fix all of those problems in the weight room.”
Mekhi Adanandus – who started the season as the third-string back only to take over the starting job after injuries to the first two Heritage running backs a month into the season – is one of those players who benefited from the team’s focus in the weight room. He exploded onto the scene in Week 4 at Vintage where he ran for 187 yards on 24 carries with two touchdowns.
Since he took over at running back, Adanandus ran away, literally, with the momentum. He ran for 100 yards ormore in five of the team’s final eight games, finishing the season with 1,021 yards and 10 touchdowns.
“He was a guy who was basically third (string),” Fogelstrom explained. “He’s a great kid who’s worked really hard and he feels so confident about what we’re trying to do with him.”
Heritage will take on some familiar faces to open the season, this time hosting Foothill in the regular season opener on Aug. 30, then hitting the road to Livermore to take on Granada on Sept. 6.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Two local 10u pitchers heading to national tournament
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Two 11-year-old softball pitchers from East County are heading to the 2024 Premier Girls Fastpitch Nationals in Huntington Beach on July 27.
DJ Carone and Madison Linares, who both pitch for the Pleasanton-based Phantom Tenney 10u team, are two of the 12 girls on the team heading to the PGF National tournament, the highest level of youth competitive softball.
“We’re excited,” DJ said. “We’ve been working hard.”
“I’m not very nervous,” Madison said. “I’m more excited.”
Their head coach, Ryan Tenney, says that the upcoming national tournament will be tough and it’s a “celebration of how hard the girls have been working this season.”
“We’ve been playing top teams pretty much every week,” he explained. “Top tournaments week in and week out and they’re hard to win. The girls have developed so much more because of the better teams that they’ve played, so it’s been super exciting to watch.”
DJ AND MADISON
“From my perspective, the way that I’m going to approach it with them is like this is a celebration. Let’s just go out there and don’t worry about what happens, and just do the best we can.”
Tenney also explained that the team submitted a bid to qualify for the tournament, then went on to win their qualifying tournaments throughout the season to get in. The success of the season leading up to the nationals has
built the confidence of the team, especially for DJ and Madison.
“We all have the thought that we’re going to win,” DJ said.
“(Our coaches) have been preparing us to be really good to beat all the teams,” Madison added.
For DJ, this is her first trip to a national tournament in her three years playing softball. She says that the opportunity to win a national title so early is special.
“That would mean a lot to me,” she said. “We definitely worked hard.”
For Madison, however, this is her second trip to a national tournament, but first to a PGF national tournament, which is the top-tier organization. Last year, according to Tenney, she went to a national tournament put on by USA softball. However, that experience, along with her now seven years playing softball (she started when she was 4), have helped her prepare for this opportunity.
“I’ve learned that you have to really show your best,” Madison said. “You can’t slack off or anything because the girls are really hard to play and they’re ready for nationals.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Senior running back Mekhi Adanandus runs a play during the Patriots’ summer camp practice Tuesday evening in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Liberty’s first softball youth camp
So popular, coaches had to turn away kids
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Brentwood softball player Kylee Dean,12, used to travel as far as Sacramento for her softball camps. Now, as Liberty held their first softball summer camp in Brentwood last week, the drive was much shorter for her.
“It’s actually pretty nice not having to go super far,” Kylee added. “A lot of times, for practice, we had to drive really far. So it’s really nice just coming here.”
Liberty High School’s softball program held their first summer youth camp in the Brandi Macias era last week with about 100 kids showing up and sold out the camp with more than 30 still interested.
“The turnout has been amazing. We actually sold out,” Liberty assistant softball coach Cindy Macias said. “We had to make sure that we cut it off just to make sure that we had enough people working and enough space and things like that. But there’s been an overwhelming response of people who wanted to come out and just work here.”
Liberty’s softball youth camp comes just a week after Heritage High School’s baseball program held their annual summer youth camp and comes just before Liberty baseball starts their summer youth camp as summer youth camp season hits Brentwood.
“It’s really fun here,” Kylee said. “It’s a great workout and everything, and we get to learn new things.”
The younger players were coached by players from both Liberty and some college-bound players of Macias’s own “Universal Macias” fastpitch travel softball
team. Assistant coach Cindy Macias, who was running the week-long camp at the Liberty campus in Brentwood, believes that the girls learning from the older players is important for their potential future in the sport.
“It’s exciting for them,” Cindy Macias said. “It’s exciting to see where they can go, and it gives them a goal and a dream.”
“It also lets them know that the dream of playing (at a higher level) is possible and that these girls are just people like them. For us, it’s more about the impact we’re going to make on these girls for their futures and having that positive impact on them for the moment that they’re here with us.”
Recent Liberty graduate and pitcher Raquel Hare added: “It’s just fun to be out here. A lot of the girls made
Liberty softball’s Isabella Rice highfives a softball camp-goer during the program’s summer youth camp in Brentwood last week.
friends here and just made really good connections.”
Although Liberty’s camp was focused on the young girls learning and developing their softball skills, the camp itself also provided a sense of a safe space for both the young girls attending the camp and the camp’s coaches, much like the other youth camps do with their respective sports.”
“I think it keeps the kids out of trouble,” Macias said. “For some of the older ones, it gives them something to do since there’s not a lot for them to do out and about. For those who just need to learn and brush up on some skills, it’s great for them to come out and be able to work with some of these (college bound) committed players.”
To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
DA’s Office offers glimpse into how justice system works
Applications are being accepted for the 2024 Fall Community Academy at the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The free, 10-week learning experience will be at the District Attorney’s Community Room in downtown Martinez at 900 Ward St. from 6-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting on Aug. 28.
“Communication is a cornerstone of a strong community,” District Attorney Diana Becton noted. “I’m committed to keeping the public informed about our role in the criminal justice system and the Community Academy is a key initiative in this effort. Through this interactive engagement with our participants, we’ve been able to make great strides in building stronger relations between our office and the public we serve.”
The Community Academy offers participants a look at the criminal justice
system. You’ll hear from key players like deputy district attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and more. They’ll explain how the District Attorney’s Office files cases, from investigation and prosecution to victim support.
Additionally, participants will get a firsthand look by touring the Martinez Detention Facility, meeting with a Superior Court judge, and learning about the office’s outreach programs for children, parents, and victims.
The Community Academy is open to residents 18-years-old and older who live or work in the county. For details and how to apply, visit https://www.contracosta. ca.gov/10113/Community-Academy.
The application deadline for the Fall 2024 Community Academy is July 12.
For more information, call 925957-2200.
Summer Youth Pass means unlimited bus rides
The Summer Youth Pass with unlimited bus rides through Aug. 31 on Tri Delta Transit, County Connection and WestCat is available for youth ages 6-18 for $30, according to a press release from county Supervisor Diane Burgis’ office.
For details, visit 511cc.org/youthpass. To order a pass, visit 511cc.org/ youth pass.
Another way for kids to get around
East County is the Summer Bike Challenge. Throughout summer, you’ll bike to points of interest featured on your city’s gameboard, visit our in-person prize events, and share your pictures in the online photo gallery. Weekly bonus prize drawings and an iPad grand prize.
The Summer Bike Challenge is free, fun, and healthy – the perfect summertime activity for people of all ages. Learn more at 511contracosta.org/sbc/.
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.
The Press launches new digital billboards
By Andrew Rulloda Staff Writer
As the world changes, so do businesses. After being in the print business for 25 years, the Brentwood Press and Publishing Company has launched a new product called BPTV, or digital billboards.
Rolled out in early June, the new TV billboards can be seen at these 12 locations:
Sticky Chicken, Dino’s Sandwich Shop,Tailgaters
Sports Bar & Grill (Brentwood/Antioch) La Fuente, Sabrina’s Pizza, Ameci Pizza Kitchen, General Plumbing, Four Legs Brewery, China Wok, Samurai and Shirasoni.
The goal of the BPTV billboards is to provide
Letters to the editor
Former cop offers ‘atypical’ therapy for first responders, military
Editor:
As someone who has their “finger on the pulse” (so to speak) of what’s going on out there, I can say that it’s getting pretty bad.
I’m a former police officer who is now a therapist working with first responders and military personnel.
I’m writing because of the trends I’m seeing out there that are being reflected in my office and the things I’ve gleaned from that might help others and I believe that if (the collective) you have the capability, you have the responsibility. I use a LOT of analogy and metaphor in what has now basically become the first session with every person I see now (it’s more about
motivation and self-awareness and it applies to that thing we ALL are before we’re anything else: a human being).
I speak to some of the most grizzled, cantankerous, “anti-emotion” people you can imagine (the heart of the stigma). I did the whole anti-terrorism thing, training for “lie detection”, honing it EVERY DAY since becoming a therapist (that’s only to emphasize that I may not fit the typical mold for the profession).
The “message” is too lengthy to expound on here but if it can help one person, it’s worth it. It’s called 4>2, The New “Mission.” I figured who best to give it to but the community in which I live.
If I can help, let me know. For more information on Bradley, visit https://bit.ly/45J5eqr.
Donn Bradley Discovery Bay
viewers with news updates at a glance direct from the Brentwood Press website, weather forecasts, and advertisements promoting local businesses.
Businesses and organizations that are interested in diversifying their marketing may contact The Press sales team at 925-634-1441 or visit BPTVlive.com to learn how a fully customized ad created with motion graphics can enhance their visual advertising. BPTV marketing is a great way to promote and inform the community about special deals and local events around East County.
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Place your employment ad in our classifieds for quick results! Call for more info 634-1441 x142
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be 7/10/2024 @ 12:00 pm. The location of the sale will be: Online at www.storagetreasures.com
Oakley Press No. 03-0477 92907 Publish
Date: June 28, July 5, 2024.
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
T.S. No. 121279-CA APN: 037-550-1194 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 1/6/2022. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On 7/30/2024 at 9:00 AM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 1/7/2022 as Instrument No. 2022-0004054 of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Contra Costa County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: JAMES BRUNELL WHITE JR, A SINGLE MAN; AND EVA WHITE, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN; AS JOINT TENANTS. WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; At the Auction.com Room, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: MORE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 541 BRINWOOD WAY, OAKLEY, CA 94561 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be held, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, condition, or encumbrances, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to pay the remaining principal sums of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $748,812.46 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned or its predecessor caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you
lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (855) 313-3319 or visit this Internet website www.clearreconcorp. com, using the file number assigned to this case 121279-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855) 313-3319, or visit this internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 121279-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. FOR SALES INFORMATION: (800) 280-2832 CLEAR RECON CORP 3333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 225 San Diego, California 92108 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 92844 Publish Dates: June 28, July 5, 12, 2024. [Cancelled 6/20/2024]
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0003021 The name of the business(es): Beer Garden Pizzeria Located at: 809 W. 2nd St. In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Beer Garden Pizze
nization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 5/26/2024. Signature of registrant: Bion Humphreys, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/29/2029 Antioch Press No. 06-1617
Publish Dates: June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0003099 The name of the business(es): Aadvantage Carpet Cleaning Located at: 2034 Trailside Drive In: Brentwood CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Aadvantage Carpet Cleaners, LLC. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/01/2024. Signature of registrant: Lora Wilcock, Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/05/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/04/2029
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0002982 The name of the business(es):
1. JSD Creates
2. JSD Creative Studio Located at: 1990 N California Blvd 8th
Floor In: Walnut Creek, CA 94596, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): JSD Creative Studio LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/22/2023. Signature of registrant: Juan Daniels Jr, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/29/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/28/2029
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0002092 The name of the business(es): WAY TO LIFE FOODS Located at: 2173 MARTIN WAY, PITTSBURG CA 94565 In: PITTSBURG CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): WAY TO LIFE FOODS LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/12/2024. Signature of registrant: Daulet Bey, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/12/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 04/11/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0002880 The name of the business(es): 1. KublaCon Game Conventions 2. KublaCon Game Convention 3. KublaCon Fall 4. KublaCruise Located at: 704 Thompsons Drive In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s):
1. Aldo Anthony Ghiozzi,
2. Michael Jeffrey Eckert. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Michael J Eckert, General Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/21/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 5/20/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0003402 The name of the business(es): Heartwood Services Located at: 221 Heartwood Drive In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tammera Sanchez McManama. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/20/2024. Signature of registrant: Tammera Sanchez McManama, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/21/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires
06/20/2029 Oakley Press No. 03-0477
Publish Dates: June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0003212 The name of the business(es): Trinity Apparel Located at: 5362 Lakespring Dr In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Isaiah Dominic Riveira. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Isaiah Riveira, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/11/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires
06/10/2029 Oakley Press No. 03-0477
Publish Dates: June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 2024
Mountain House Elementary School District
3950 Mountain House Rd. Byron, CA 94514
Phone (209) 835-2283 Fax (209) 832-0284
PUBLIC NOTICE OF VACANCY AND PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT (Education Code § 5092)
A vacancy in the membership of the Governing Board of the Mountain House Elementary School District has occurred by reason of resignation of board member Dolores Kuhn effective June 30, 2024. Mr. Costello was provisionally appointed by the Governing Board on May 20, 2024 to fill the above named vacancy through November 5, 2024.
To challenge the appointment and order a special election, the following must be filed in the office of the Alameda County Superintendent of Schools, 313 W. Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544, within 30 days from the date of the provisional appointment or the appointment shall become effective:
a. File a petition calling for a special election containing the valid signatures of at least 1 ½ percent of the number of registered voters of the district at the time of the last regular election for governing board members held within the Mountain House Elementary School District, or 25 registered voters of the district, whichever
is greater, or b. In districts with less than 2,000 registered voters, a petition shall be deemed to bear a sufficient number of signatures if signed by at least 5 percent of the number of registered voters of the district at the time of the last regular election for governing board members.
Governing Board of the Mountain House Elementary School District Tonya Arledge
Governing Board Secretary
Date: May 20, 2024
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Date: June 28, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0002023 The name of the business(es): KEZIAH NABAGE Located at: 2355 5th Avenue In: Concord, CA 94518, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Keziah Nabagereka. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 4/4/2023. Signature of registrant: Keziah Nabagereka. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 9, 2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 4/8/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: LEON E. CONNESS, deceased CASE NUMBER P24-00880 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: LEON E. CONNESS, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: GARY D. CONNESS in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: GARY D. CONNESS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: JULY 15, 2024 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept: 30 Room: 201. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of
letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: GARY D. CONNESS
*OAKLEY PRESS* 03-0477
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 14, 21, 28, 2024
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: SANDRA ANN MCKEE, deceased CASE NUMBER P24-00771 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: SANDRA ANN MCKEE, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: LINDA BROWN in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA
The Petition for Probate requests that: LINDA BROWN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: OCTOBER 22, 2024 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept: 30 Room: 201. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in
the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: LINDA BROWN *ANTIOCH PRESS* 06-1617 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 14, 21, 28, 2024 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: GREGORY WOOD, deceased CASE NUMBER P24-00772 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: GREGORY WOOD, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: RACHEL WOOD in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: RACHEL WOOD be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: OCTOBER 03, 2024 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept: 33. Room: 215 b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553 If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: RACHEL WOOD *BRENTWOOD PRESS* 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: June 14, 21, 28, 2024
Fireworks from page 1
fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment.
Fire officials say “safe-and-sane” fireworks are benign sparklers, and any type that a fire marshal does not classify as “dangerous.” This type of firework is less likely to cause injury and generally means that the fireworks do not explode or fly.
Nonetheless, “All fireworks, regardless of type or labeling, are illegal in Contra Costa County,” an advisory on the county website read last year. “Remember, there are no ‘Safe & Sane’ fireworks. Regardless of labeling, they are all dangerous and
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uncontrollable. The fireworks ordinance Chapter 44-2 of the County Ordinance Code, and numerous city ordinances have strengthened enforcement abilities.”
Oakley Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said his department will increase patrols over the next few weeks, actively looking for anyone violating the county ordinance. “These extra officers will be instructed to take action and document any observed violations and process them as per our Administrative Citation process,” Beard said.
Violations of Oakley’s fireworks or-
Timber Point Elementary on the west side of town. According to the staff report presented during the meeting, the existing equipment is nearing its useful life of 15 years. More than $20,000 has been spent on repairs to the equipment since its installation in 2011, and town officials said replacing it would be more fiscally responsible than continued maintenance and repair costs.
The existing splash pad will remain open for the remainder of the 2024 season. Once closed this fall, the equipment will be retired, and construction can begin on the new splash pad. It will be provided and installed by MRC/Gametime, the same company that built the new music play area at the town’s Community Center.
The project will be completed in two phases with initial concrete work lasting several days, followed by 10 days of cure time. The second phase will last one week and include installation and training, officials said.
Before its approval, the splash pad made waves on social media platform Nextdoor, when residents expressed
Council from page 1
not account for factors such as an inflation that could increase costs.
“To be clear, we are not asking for the additional spending to be eliminated altogether, but rather to be delayed for consideration until the negotiation process is complete, hopefully in the near future,” she continued.
Director of Finance and Information Systems Kerry Breen advised the council that they could still adopt the operating budget initially proposed in the May meeting without approving the added expenditure of the $1.2 million, which could then be revisited after negotiations with employee organizations had been completed.
dinance carry a $1,000 fine and possible penalties.
Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay residents will have Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputies patrolling their streets. But as of Wednesday, no special task force had been assigned to deal with illegal fireworks, officials said.
The county Board of Supervisors adopted new fireworks ordinances in 2021, strengthening regulations regarding the possession, manufacture, sale, use and discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county, including Discovery
concern about the suggested payment plan as outlined in the agenda posted prior to the board meeting. The plan called for 90% payment to MRC/Gametime prior to the equipment’s installation. However, Parks and Landscape Manager Monica Gallo clarified during the board meet-
Bay. Under the ordinance, property and vessel owners are responsible for any use of fireworks on their property. Violations are subject to an initial fine of $100, $200 for a second violation within one year, and $500 for each additional annual violation. Risk of injury is not the only reason the county has banned fireworks. Fire safety is another concern. The Contra Costa Fire Protection District said fires have been sparked by fireworks, and recent heat waves increase the chance of dry landscaping igniting because someone lit up an illegal firework.
ing that no payment would be made until the installation was complete.
Discovery Bay is divided into five zones, each funded separately by the county, and given the nonsequential names. The five zones are 8, 9, 35, 57 and 61. Funding for the project comes from Zone 9, made up of the houses surrounding Ravenswood Park. Zone 9 is an assessment zone, meaning that – unlike the other four zones in Discovery Bay – it is assessed by an engineering firm each year to look at costs for upkeep. The other four zones in town are not assessment zones, and simply receive what the state believes is necessary for maintenance, including landscaping and recreation.
Gallo said the splash pad is a popular destination in town, and staff are eager to replace it. “We are excited to update, modernize and bring joy to all the children and families that visit the splash pad by adding fun features like tipping buckets, a misting arch, squirting flower, curved misting water feature and a large squirting flower, just to name a few,” she said.
ber. “We are all trying to do the best we can…Brentwood is as great as it is because of the employees that work here.”
Oerlemans said he felt delaying the amendments to the General Plan would let employees feel like they’re not being “railroaded” as negotiations continue.
Before the council voted to delay the amendment, Mayor Joel Bryant offered his viewpoint.
“It is my highest and greatest desire to make Brentwood a place that every one of our employees and our staff love to come work at every day,” he said. “It only benefits everybody.”
Myers, who died earlier this year at age 98 and who had owned two businesses downtown near Midway. Myers was involved in numerous charitable organizations in Brentwood, such as the local Soroptimist International chapter.
As a retired Brentwood police officer, Councilmember Tony Oerlemans said he has been on both sides of the discussion.
Other topics discussed during the meeting included:
“It’s not an easy job, but I asked for it,” Oerlemans said of being a council mem-
The 5-0 approval to rename Midway Alley to Helen Myers Way in honor of
Officially naming the future sports complex on Sand Creek Road the Sand Creek Sports Complex. The council named the complex’s championship field after Cecy Martinez, a local educator and soccer coach who died last spring following a battle with cancer. Several members of the public spoke during the meeting to encourage the council to name the field after her. See the full story in next week’s edition of The Press.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/3W0rkl8.
Splash
Photo by Andrew Rulloda
The anniversary celebration on June 29 will include food and entertainment
Brentwood ACE Hardware to celebrate 100 years of service
Brentwood ACE Hardware is celebrating 100 years of service to the community, and the store is inviting everyone to a birthday party.
At the celebration on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 8900 Brentwood Blvd., the store will feature:
• Demonstrations and samples from grilling expert John (ribs in the Pit Barrel Cooker, tri-tip in our Traeger, and a fun party snack idea)
• Watching local chainsaw artist Gary demonstrate his skills.
• Visit with local fire fighters and check out their fire engine.
• Face paintings by local artist Wandie
• Sample shaved ice by Brentwood’s Kona Ice
• Music provided by local DJ Mike
• Photo opportunities Among the local vendors will be:
• Ace Handyman Services
• Miss Bee Haven honey
• Rob’s Smokin Rubs & Sauces (with a tasting station)
• EB Stone (garden soils)
• Nature Plant-It (seeds)
• Water Our World
• BFG (garden soils)
• Renee’s Seeds
• Local honey from Miss Bee Haven
• Rubs and sauces from Rob’s Smokin Rub
• Pies from The Pie Company
• Summer fans and misters
• Roses and hydrangeas
• Wall art
• Resharp knife sharpening In addition, the store will have free samples, giveaways, and raffles. For more information, call (925) 6343201 or visit acebrentwood.com.
Pet of the Week
For more information, email contacthalo@ yahoo.com or visit www.eccchalo.org.
Meet Marmalade Female, DOB 11-1-22, Orange, Short Hair Meet Marmalade. She likes to be with you and snuggle up in bed at night. Marmalade is good with other cats and dogs. Please contact sulrich619@yahoo.com to meet Marmalade.
Press file photo
