Tri Delta Transit to revitalize their system through workshops
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
Tri Delta Transit has been in existence since 1976 with few changes, but ridership, commute patterns and growth in eastern Contra Costa have changed greatly over the last decade.
“In light of changing commute patterns following the pandemic, we saw an opportunity to redesign the transit network to better align with the evolving needs of the growing communities in eastern Contra Costa County,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. Barnes said they believe they are closer to that goal than they were a year ago.
“We began this process over a year ago with the goal of transforming and modernizing our transit network. Many of our current routes are circuitous, with some trips taking up to three hours from end to end. Service frequency has
also been limited, with most routes running only once an hour,” Barnes said.
The new service network, approved by the Tri Delta Transit Board of Directors in April, is designed to be faster and more convenient.
“Over a third of the routes will now operate every 30 minutes, with one high-frequency route running every 15 minutes,” he said.
Barnes added that they are also expanding their popular Tri MyRide service. “A new zone will be launched in Brentwood, and additional vehicles are being added to the existing zone to help meet growing demand.”
To find out more, visit RevitalizeTriDelta.com.
The new Tri Delta Transit network is scheduled to launch on Aug. 10. Barnes said they are “extremely optimistic” about the changes as the
Downtown Brentwood dressed in patriotic theme
Downtown Brentwood is celebrating the Fourth of July with a new twist – American flags adorning lamp posts on downtown streets, according to Downtown Brentwood Coalition President Peter Jacoway. “We discuss particular items at our annual Downtown Brentwood Coalition strategic meeting and creating a more patriotic presence for our community on particular days has always been a priority of mine,” he said. The DBC will put up and take down the flags four times per year: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July and then Veterans Day. “The feedback has been great so far,” he said.
Brentwood amphitheater a ‘neighborhood horror’
Parks & Recreation commissioner cites potential parking, noise problems
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
Brentwood-area music fans may soon have something to look forward to after Park Maintenance Manager Aaron Wanden provided an update to the Parks and Recreation Commission about the Vineyard Amphitheater, a long-awaited venue to potentially be built on Marsh Creek Road. According to Wanden, the city’s engineering department will bring a discussion on the topic to the City Coun-
cil in the coming months.
“The Vineyards at Marsh Creek Amphitheater project, is nestled on a 31-acre site between the John Marsh
Historic House sited just off Vineyards Parkway and the Trilogy at the Vineyards community in Brentwood,” the project description reads. “The project
Commissioner Sandra Myer said she felt that 250 parking spaces would not be sufficient for a venue that is described as having 750 seats.
will include a 750-seat amphitheater with theatrical support space, an event promenade, lawn, box office, restroom facilities, parking, and an identified location for a future art/event center. Additionally, the project may include a wedding
see Amphitheater page 22
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
An artist’s rendering of the proposed new amphitheater.
CALLING CARD CORNER
For second-generation framer Chris Ramos, it’s all in the family. CR Framing serves local artists and residents at wholesale prices, with excellent quality and quick turnaround. They offer an array of services, including custom framing, shipping, shrink wrapping, matting, and framing. The business is located at 700 Harvest Park Drive, Unit I, in Brentwood, and hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call 925-634-7742 email crframing@aol.com or visit crframing.webs.com.
‘It’s kind of an adrenaline rush’
Rodeo barrel racer, 62, competes against women half her age
By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent
Brentwood resident Shelley Holman competed in the barrel race competition of the Livermore Rodeo on June 14 and 15. At 62 years old, Holman raced against women who are on average 30-40 years younger than her.
Her time of 18.10 seconds was .08 seconds from finishing in the top 15 riders.
“The love of barrel racing has always been (present),” said Holman about her career. “Love and passion. It’s kind of an adrenaline rush.”
Holman grew up on a farm in Alberta, Canada and would attend the local rodeos, including Canada’s largest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede. Holman said she was immediately drawn to the barrel races and began training as a little girl and started competing at the age of eight.
She continued to compete until she had children and took 10 years off barrel racing to raise them.
In 2022, Holman was invited to compete in six barrel races at the Calgary Stampede where she averaged 18.73 seconds on her runs.
Brentwood resident Shelley Holman grew up on a farm in Alberta, Canada and would attend the local rodeos, including Canada’s largest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede. Holman said she was immediately drawn to the barrel races and began training as a little girl and started competing at age 8.
“I qualified for Calgary and got to go up there and run,” said Holman about returning to her childhood home to compete. “That was probably the highlight of my whole career, just being able to go back to my hometown and run in the Calgary Stampede. It’s a pretty prestigious rodeo that is kind of a dream for all racers to be able to run it. That’s probably the
greatest rodeo I’ve been to.”
Barrel Racing is a timed rodeo sport where a rider dashes their horse around three barrels typically placed 90-105 feet apart. If a rider and their horse knock over a barrel, a five-second penalty will be added to their time. The rider with the fastest time wins.
Holman’s career has taken her
throughout the country competing in both state and national rodeos including the 2024 California Circuit Finals in Red Bluff, where she placed 4th overall, and the 2025 American Rodeo West Regional Tournament in Las Vegas, where she placed 13th. Her last victory was at the 2024 Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco where Holman and her 15-year-old horse, Red, achieved a 13.86-second run.
“You just figure, one little misstep or one bobble…sometimes a horse will trip or slip in the high end, that can cause you from not getting a check,” Holman said about the factors that can affect a race.
Holman also said that the moisture and depth of the ground can affect a rider’s time. If the dirt is too dry and deep, the horse won’t be as fast as if the terrain was wet and shallow. Riders must even take into account whether their horse leads with their right or left leg to determine the path of the race. Horses are put through a regiment of supplements in their feed program and have their joints massaged before a race. Holman has even used a horse chiropractor in the past to keep her horse’s joints healthy. In a sport where the tenths of a second can determine who wins or loses, small details must be taken into account by the rider, she said. However, due to the speed and sudden turns, the sport can also be dangerous.
“I’ve seen some terrible wrecks over the years,” Holman said. “I’ve seen girls and hors-
see Rodeo page 22
Submitted photo
Byron superintendent reviews school district’s year and accomplishments
By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
With summer in full swing, administrators from the Byron Union School District (BUSD) reflected on the high points of the 2024-25 school year.
A major milestone this summer will be the groundbreaking of the Byron Solar Project, according to school district officials. Once completed, solar panels will be installed at all three school sites, generating an estimated $3 million in energy savings over the next 20 years.
“This is a common-sense investment in the infrastructure of our district,” school board president Joe Le Bel said.
Serving approximately 2,200 students, BUSD is a close-knit district with two elementary schools and one middle school, supporting families in Discovery Bay and Byron. BUSD superintendent Crystal Castaneda said her district celebrated a variety of highlights and achievements during the year, including student and professional growth, parent involvement and community partnerships.
Castaneda said she was especially grateful to the community for passing Measure R in November, providing $24 million for renovations and upgrades to
the three schools in the district. Passing the measure opened the district up to additional state funds, as well.
“By passing Measure R, we are eligible for up to $7 million from Prop. 2,” she said. “Our Facility Master Plan prioritiz-
ESTATE GUIDE REAL
es a new well system at Excelsior Middle School, modernized learning spaces, increased safety and security and upgraded school facilities across the district.”
The $7 million will be in addition to the bond’s $24 million, for a total of $31 million. Le Bel said passing the Measure R bond qualified the district to apply for up to $7 million in grant money through the state, thanks to Proposition 2, which is designed for small districts that pass bond measures to get additional funding at no extra cost to local taxpayers.
Castaneda noted the 2024-25 school year was a big one for recognition. She was named Superintendent of the Year by
“ This is a commonsense investment in the infrastructure of our district.
” Joe Le Bel BUSD school board president
the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Human Resources employee Zeke Lopez was honored by ACSA for his work in the district, and BUSD celebrated teachers and classified employees of the year from each school as well.
At Excelsior Middle School, Castaneda said student recognition and leadership took center stage with more than 100 ‘students of the week’ honored this year.
“The band, choir, and leadership students shined at the Music in the Parks Festival, and California Association of Student Leaders state conference,” Castaneda said.
Excelsior partnered with the district to launch a Youth Advisory Panel, “to elevate student voices, partnership and generate ideas to increase student activities and engagement,” Castaneda said. The school also created a new award, the Super Falcon, awarded by Rep. Josh Harder, to eighth graders Kennedy Renk, Enoch Teng, and Danica Halverson as recognition for completing more than 100 hours of community service.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net
The new Super Falcon award was presented by Rep. Josh Harder to eighth graders (from left), Kennedy Renk, Enoch Teng, and Danica Halverson as recognition for completing more than 100 hours of community service.
Photo by Crystal Castaneda
Police want better relations with residents
National Night
Out neighborhood gatherings are Aug. 5
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
Local cities are encouraging residents to apply to host events for National Night Out on Aug. 5. National Night Out is an annual event where residents host block parties in an effort to enhance the relationship between locals and law enforcement, according to its organizers. The first National Night Out was held in 1984.
Brentwood
According to Brentwood police, those interested in hosting a gathering on National Night Out can email Community Engagement Officer Lindzie Laughridge at llaughridge@ brentwoodca.gov to begin the process of organizing one.
“We’re inviting Brentwood neighborhoods to host local gatherings that foster safety, connection, and community spirit,” police wrote on social media. “This annual event strengthens relationships between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve. It’s a fun and positive way to meet your neighbors and connect with members of the Brentwood Police Department.”
Antioch
Antioch neighborhoods will also be
participating in National Night Out. Their deadline to apply to host an event was June 27.
Oakley
Oakley residents have until July 25 to register to be a host neighborhood, according to police. Registration is free and can be done at https://tr.ee/tH7-k1BgFN. Events will run from 6-9 p.m.
“Neighborhoods host a variety of events ranging from small potlucks and BBQs to large block parties,” police wrote on social media. “Some additional event ideas include ice cream socials, disaster preparedness, games, contests, discussing neighborhood issues or setting neighborhood goals, food or clothing donations, planning a clean-up day, beautifying a common area or discussing or planning a Neighborhood Watch Program. It’s up to you! Be creative, have fun, and celebrate your neighborhood.”
According to Oakley police, National Night Out has a number of purposes, including:
• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships.
• Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Pet
Male, 17, arrested in Oakley on concealed gun charges after chase Offender
cited, released to his father
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on weapons charges and released with a citation on June 28 in Oakley after a police chase over three streets.
On June 28 at 7:52 p.m. Officer Hernandez was on patrol in the 500 block of O’Hara Avenue when a male riding a green dirt bike-style motorcycle rode past him while not wearing a helmet and while not displaying a license plate on the motorcycle, police posted on the City of Oakley Facebook page.
Hernandez made a U-Turn in an attempt to stop the motorcycle, but the rider accelerated at a high rate of speed for a short distance and used the parking lot/fuel pump area of the Power Market at O’Hara Avenue and Main Street to double back onto Acme Street.
Hernandez saw the rider ducking behind a vehicle in the 200 block of Acme Street in an attempt to hide. He made contact with the rider and took him into custody for his actions. Hernandez also determined the
rider had an unloaded and unmarked, semi-automatic “ghost” pistol with no serial number concealed in his sweatshirt. The rider was arrested when police determined he is 17 years old. The offender was issued a citation, charging him with possession of a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm as a minor and possession of a “ghost” gun, then released to his father.
Ghostlight, Liberty Playmakers team up for fundraiser
‘Chicago:
Teen Edition’ to be performed
July 11-13
By Connor Robles Correspondent
Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble and Liberty High School Playmakers will perform their collaborative production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” from July 1113 at Liberty High School. The musical, which tells the story of two women trying to turn themselves into celebrity criminals with the help of a showman lawyer, will be a fundraiser for the Playmakers, which, in turn, will help them expand their program and upgrade their equipment, according to Ghostlight artistic director Kathryn Lopez.
The play will be performed at the school at 850 Second St. in Brentwood in four shows, two for each of the two casts, designated Flame and Fame. Flame cast will perform the first two shows, on July 11 at 7 p.m. and July 12 at 2 p.m., while Fame cast will perform the latter two, on July 12 at 7 p.m. and July 13 at 2 p.m.
Flame cast has Ava Alvarez and Joey Young in the lead roles of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, respectively, while Fame cast has Molly Redman and Natasha McTiernan in the same. All other roles also
have differing actors depending on the cast. The names of the casts come from the themes of the musical--Roxie, the protagonist, is “searching for her fame while burning her relationship with her husband,” Lopez explained.
She said that the collaborative shows serve to prepare students for performances after high school, and are structured more like “adult” shows, rather than school productions. Much of the production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” is student-led, with students from the Playmakers and Ghostlight’s teen academy taking on the roles of directors, choreographers, and stage managers, among others. The director and assistant director of all four shows are Josh Velazquez and Emma Eaton, respectively, while Laura Carreon serves as the vocal director and Sasha Holton as choreographer, according to
Ghostlight’s website. As a teen edition, the version of “Chicago” that Ghostlight and Playmakers are performing has all overt sexual references and inappropriate language removed, and is able to be performed by school casts of varying sizes.
Ghostlight and Playmakers have been holding sporadic rehearsals since May, with excellent results, according to Lopez.
“Things are going very well. Ghostlight loves working with schools and their talent,” Lopez said proudly. “Every single person, from ensemble to lead, has really worked hard and dedicated a lot of time … they’ve just been fantastic to work with.”
“Chicago: Teen Edition” is not the first collaboration between Ghostlight and a local high school; the ensemble worked with Freedom High School’s Centre Stage to produce “Elf Jr.” in 2023.
“
I’ve enjoyed watching students rehearse in bits and pieces. We didn’t really know what the whole show would be like, and then we put the show together and it was fantastic. The talent is top-notch.
This is the first such show that is also a fundraiser for the high school program, however, according to Lopez.
“This year, we wanted to make it a fundraiser to give back to local high schools,” Lopez explained. “I’ve enjoyed watching students rehearse in bits and pieces. We didn’t really know what the whole show would be like, and then we put the show together and it was fantastic. The talent is top-notch.”
After the teen academy’s production of “Chicago: Teen Edition,” Ghostlight’s youth academy will perform “The Sound of Music” on July 18 and 19. Tickets for all performances of “Chicago: Teen Edition” and “The Sound of Music” are available here: http://www.lhsplaymakers. com/tickets.html
APPLY FOR SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION FOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Kindergarten through 8th Grade Applications Available Beginning June 9, 2025:
• Applications will be available online for Brentwood, Oakley and Byron School Districts.
• STUDENT ID REQUIRED TO APPLY
• Precede the Student ID with the following 4 letter code for your district as follows: Brentwood = BUSD Byron = BYSD Oakley = OUSD example: BUSD1234567
• The email and home address you use on our application must match the one provided to the school in order to receive updates.
• Students who are new to the district or who have recently moved will need to wait 72 hours after the school updates your address in their system to apply.
• We are only able to transport students to their home school based on the home address.
• Students in grades K through 8 who live within a one mile radius from the school are not eligible for transport.
High School Applications Available Beginning July 14, 2025:
• Applications will be available online for Liberty Union High School District.
• STUDENT ID REQUIRED TO APPLY
• Precede the Student ID with the following LUHD – example: LUHD1234567
• The email and home address you use on our application must match the one provided to the school in order to receive updates.
• Students who are new to the district or who have recently moved will need to wait 72 hours after the school updates your address in their system to apply.
• We are only able to transport students to their home school based on the home address.
• Students in grades 9-12 who live within a two-mile radius from the school are not eligible for transport.
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE at LUHSD.net
select Transportation Services under Departments or use the QR code.
Kathryn Lopez
Oakley has fun in the sun at Summer Fest
4,000 soak in
parade, festivities to celebrate cityhood
By Connor Robles Correspondent
Oakley held its annual Summer Fest, celebrating the anniversary of Oakley becoming a city, on June 28 at Civic Center Plaza. About 4,000 people attended the event, which featured numerous vendors, nonprofits, family games and activities, and live music, according to Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro.
The festivities began with the second annual Summer Fest parade organized by the Oakley Chamber of Commerce. The parade had 32 entries, with local businesses and nonprofits sponsoring numerous floats and receiving awards based on over 240 votes from Oakley residents, according to Chamber member and Oakley City councilmember Anissa Williams. Contest categories included the Best Youth Entry, won by the Oakley Youth Soccer Club; the Spirit of the City, won by Delta Diablo 4-H; and the People’s Choice, won by Fancy Ferriage by Horse and Carriage. Williams also said that about 500 people watched the parade.
“We thought it went great, especially with it being the first year that the Chamber has coordinated it,” Williams said of the parade. “We can’t wait to have it even
Numerous games, activities, and even a carnival ride, the Berry-Go-Round, were set up to entertain the kids. Near City Hall, one could find trampolines and a rock climbing tower.
bigger and better next year!”
The festival proper began after the parade, with Civic Center Plaza and the adjoining park being covered with booths representing small businesses and nonprofits. Among the former were handmade curio shops like Broken Robot Boutique and Hysteria Crafts, self-defense schools like Growth Mindset Collective and Split Second Response, and food trucks such as Halal Bites and Bacondogge. The latter category included the Friends of the Oakley Library, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, among other groups.
In addition to the booths, numerous games, activities, and even a carnival ride, the Berry-Go-Round, were set up to entertain the kids. Near City Hall, one could find trampolines, a rock climbing tower, and several inflatable bounce houses and carnival games, such as basketball hoop shooting and axe-throwing.
On the stage at Civic Center Park, several musical acts performed. DJ Magic Matt, the Floorshakers featuring Myron Edwins, and the senior ukulele class from the new Oakley Senior Center at Studio 55 all serenaded the crowd under the hot sun.
One booth was set up by Lathrop au-
thor Shamoot Kishore, who was promoting his first book, a psychological horror novel called “Wonderland.” Kishore said that he had attracted 20 to 30 people to his booth, and had sold eight copies out of the roughly 50 he had brought.
“I met one of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce members at the Brentwood Barnes & Noble,” Kishore said, recalling how he heard about the event. “They told me to sign up for Summer Fest and invited me to some events the Chamber is holding. I’ll probably come back for Oaktoberfest.”
Alan Kemp of the Friends of the Oakley Library called this year’s Summer Fest “fantastic.”
“The parade was the biggest I’ve seen; it might be the largest Summer Fest,” he said.
Kemp also stated that the library project is moving along steadily, with the city putting out a call for building proposals. Kemp also said that the Friends of the Library had seen 20 people sign up to receive updates on the library project, out of 100 people who had come by their booth.
Local children enjoyed Summer Fest. Young festival-goers Karter, 9, and Kassidy Kelly, 7, said they were fond of the trampolines and the surfing machine. Their mother Kaliaha said that “Oakley did a wonderful job” with the festival, which she found out about through an advertisement on Instagram.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Photos by Connor Robles
East County cities to enforce ban on all fireworks usage
Published in the June 27 edition of The Press
. They never stop anybody it’s always a war zone for that night. -@mikieyoung1, Instagram
That’s what they always say -@wooten67, Instagram
Brentwood teacher and mother details ‘brutal and difficult’ climb back from stroke
Published in the June 20 edition of The Press
Nikki is so tenacious and strong. -@wendee_leann, Instagram
Nikki Pryor is a fighter! She is strong and sets a wonderful example for her kids and all the one’s she works with. I am proud of her everyday.
-Mindy Ventling, Facebook
Social Talk About Town...
I had one of those strokes at a young age keep the faith
-Lorry Mo, Facebook
I will bet every dollar I have that she was Covid vaccinated?
-@thehomeloanking, Instagram
@thehomeloanking it doesn’t take much to have simple empathy dude -@sadboisj666, Instagram, in response to the above comment
Local teen takes action to support those who are battling eating disorders
Published in the June 20 edition of The Press
Great idea and much respect for being brave and sharing your own lived experiences so that others know that they’re not alone or at least very much supported.
-John Bauson, Facebook
What is your favorite summertime food?
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Trump will claim he’s always acted in ‘good conscience’
Editor:
Jennifer Mixon’s letter in the June 20 issue of The Press brings up a good point regarding voting one’s conscience and what that means. Based on my understanding, one’s conscience is based on and relative to the existing personal values, beliefs, and vision for society.
“Good conscience” then depends on the individual’s value system. There is no universal standard of “good conscience”.
Before going any further, let’s be clear – 49.80% of the votes were cast for Trump; only 1.48% more than for Harris. That means 50.20% voted for someone else!
It’s a bit of an exaggeration to say “the American people” elected Trump. This is not a mandate for major change.
The “good conscience” of 49.80% of the voters elected a man with a well-documented history of bankrupt businesses, marital infidelities, instigator of the Jan. 6 insurrection, pardoned convicted insurrection participants, currently leading the incompetent slashing of the federal government (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration), abruptly terminating or issuing notices to more than 200,000 federal workers.
Finally, he is the only president in U.S. history to openly use his position to generate enormous new personal wealth. This is not a comprehensive account of his record, but we can be confident that Trump will claim he’s always acted in “good conscience.”
I’m confident that most Americans sincerely disagree with the values, beliefs, and vision for society comprising your perspective of “good conscience”.
Gary Chambers Brentwood
Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.
Letters to the editor
Substitute teacher takes issue with treatment by LUHSD
Editor:
I’m writing to raise a serious concern about public accountability at the Liberty Union High School District.
In August 2024, I was quietly removed from a substitute teaching assignment at Liberty High School. Without warning, I lost visibility into all future substitute assignments despite still being employed. No explanation was ever provided. After months of silence, I filed a California Public Records Act (CPRA) request in May 2025 seeking answers.
The District responded — but emails between me and LUHSD staff regarding my removal were mysteriously absent. When I followed up, the District claimed it “could not confirm” those emails existed, citing student privacy laws and a separate court case (Ardon versus City of Los Angeles).
This made no sense. These records involve me, contain no student data, and were authored by the District. And if unrelated job inquiry emails were included, why not the ones about my removal?
Even more troubling: the District initially offered to meet with me — then suddenly reversed course after consulting legal counsel, ending all discussion.
I submitted a second, narrower CPRA request — this time seeking system logs and internal protocols. The District responded on June 25, admitting it does have records related to my removal, and
plans to release some on Aug. 1.
So which is it? On June 6, they couldn’t confirm anything. On June 25, they say they have documents. These contradictions reveal exactly what I feared — a pattern of evasion and legal fog to avoid accountability.
This is no longer just about me, it’s systematic. It’s about whether LUHSD believes it is above public scrutiny. If a district can silently remove someone from work and bury the trail under vague legal citations — what’s left of public transparency?
I hope this letter prompts serious reflection about how public institutions should treat the people they serve — with fairness, transparency, and honesty.
Brandon Lawson Antioch
Editor’s note: The school district said they are unable to comment on personnel matters.
Diablo Water District challenges Delta tunnel project
Editor:
The Diablo Water District filed a formal protest with the State Water Resources Control Board against the Department of Water Resources’ change petition for the Delta tunnel project on May 13, 2024.
The District remains firmly opposed to the project, and may appear as early as this month before the State Panel that hears objections and protests that have been filed against this project.
The proposed project, which seeks to construct a tunnel to divert water to
Southern California, disregards critical environmental and water quality impacts. The District’s challenge focuses on the following key issues:
• Threat to the local groundwater aquifer: The tunnel could disrupt natural flows and strain the aquifer the District relies on for clean, safe drinking water.
• Harm to Delta health and habitat: Diverting water threatens the Delta’s fragile ecosystems and could cause irreversible damage to fish and wildlife.
• Disruption to the Delta way of life: The project risks long-term harm to local farming, recreation, tourism, and businesses that depend on a healthy Delta.
“As a community-focused local water provider, we have a long-term responsibility to protect the water resources, environment, and quality of life for our community. The Delta Tunnel project poses serious threats to our region, and we continue to actively advocate against it on our community’s behalf,’ said Dan Muelrath, General Manager of Diablo Water District. “The Delta Tunnel project creates unacceptable risks to our water supply, environment, and community way of life.”
The District encourages residents to make their voices heard by contacting Gov. Newsom, State Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, and U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier to oppose the Delta tunnel project and protect the future of the Delta.
Kait Knight Delta Water District Community Relations Manager
El Campanil Theatre
602 W. Second Street • Antioch
Jared Freiberg & The Vagabonds
The Mess Around Tour
Presented by El Campanil Theatre Saturday, July 5 @ 7pm
Adults: $32, Seniors: $29, Youth $15
FREE CONCERT
JULY 10 @ 1pm
Afternoon Encore Series featuring IndiviDuo
Presented by El Campanil Theatre with a Grant from Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund All reserved seats: Free
Legend Zeppelin
Presented by Legend Zeppelin LLC Friday July 11@ 7pm Adults $32, Youth $15
Blank Space:
The Unofficial Tribute to Taylor Swift
Presented by El Campanil Theatre Sunday, July 13 @ 4pm
Adults: $32, Seniors: $29, Youth $15
If These Walls Could Talk: A Family Affair
Presented by CJG Productions
Saturday, August 2 @ 7pm General Admission $40
Comedy in Antioch
Presented by Blackbook Comedy
Saturday, August 16 @ 8pm Pre Sale $20 Day of Show $25
Matt Stone As: Elvis in Person
Presented by Matt Stone Enterprises
Saturday, September 7 @ 7pm
Orchestra $55, Loge $45, Opera $35
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & THROUGH THE BOX OFFICE
@ ELCAMPANILTHEATRE.COM
BOX OFFICE: (925) 757-9500
RENTAL INFORMATION: OUR VENUE IS A PERFECT PLACE FOR RECITALS, CONCERTS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, POETRY READING, GRADUATIONS, WEDDINGS, PLAYS, MUSICALS AND MANY OTHER EVENTS.
LOCAL
Calendar
4th of July Events
Brentwood
The Brentwood Classic 4th of July Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. with the return of the popular Children’s Parade, followed immediately by the main parade. The Children’s Parade line begins at First and Birch, with the main parade traveling from the corner of First and Birch, turning right on Oak Street and ending in front of the community center. The event is free. Pre-registration is not required for the Children’s Parade and children may dress up and use bicycles, roller skates, nonmotorized scooters, wagons, strollers and small battery motorized play vehicles. To view the parade route map, visit https://bit.ly/3ZucF2U
For a parade entry, register at https://bit. ly/45ipLE9
Antioch
The celebration begins with the annual Fourth of July Parade at 4 p.m. at the intersection of W. 2nd and E streets. with two performance stops- one at the Judge’s Station at Waldie Plaza and in front of City Hall on 2nd Street. The parade ends at the corner of W. 3rd St. and D St. After the parade, entertainment and activities will be at Waldie Plaza and the City Hall parking lot, from W. 2nd Street to W. 3rd Street, between G St. and I St.
Activities and events include:
• Live Music on Waldie Stage: Ariel Marin Band 5 to 6 p.m.
• The Purple Ones: Insatiable Tribute to Prince 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.
• Game Zone at City Hall- fun activities for kids and families
• Local vendors and food trucks
• DJ stage, Fireworks show
• For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/4kXQlYh Oakley and Discovery Bay officials said they do not have plans for celebrating the holiday.
On the Horizon
Friday, July 11
Caring for the Caregiver Virtual Workshop
Are you a caregiver? Join Caregiver OneCal for a free virtual workshop from noon-1 p.m. Caring for others starts with caring for yourself. In this session, participants will explore practical self-care strategies and share helpful resources designed specifically for caregivers. The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Dene Starks-McGee. Zoom registration link: https:// bit ly/4k2trgI. For more information, visit www caregiveronecall org or call 833-927-6599. Saturday, July 12
Peddlers in the Park Summer Shop and Show
This free family-friendly event will take place from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at City Park in Brentwood. There will be vendors with a variety of products, jumbo games to play for the family, live music,
To have your event appear in the newspaper, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. To have your event online, post your event for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
various food vendors and mimosas. For more information, email chillLifeEvents3@gmail.com or visit www facebook com/ChillLifeEvents Tapestry Ringers and Singers Member/ New Member Orientation Meeting
The meeting will take place from 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave. Tapestry Ringers and Singers is a team of volunteer musicians who devote themselves to women’s choral and English handbell music. This group was formed in 2006 by the merger of Heartsong Women’s Chamber Chorus and Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble. They are a registered 501 c (3) charitable non-profit corporation whose mission is to entertain, educate, and raise money for charity. They are looking for new singers. To learn more, email president@tapestryringersandsingers. org. For more information, visit www. tapestryringersandsingers org
Local author’s book signing at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble in Brentwood, 2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100, will welcome local author Kerry Lonsdale as she introduces her newest novel, Falling for You Again. Lonsdale will be in store from noon-3 p.m. signing copies of her fun, read-it-in-one-sitting second chance, marriage of convenience (with a twist) romance novel. Lonsdale is the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestselling author of 10 novels. Details at www kerrylonsdale com. For more information, visit stores barnesandnoble com/ event/9780062190419-0
Thursday, July 17
Sip & Stroll at Big Break
From 6:30-8 p.m. at Big Break Visitor Center, 69 Big Break Road in Oakley, participants can gather on the patio for social hour and can enjoy Big Break-themed mocktails and hors d’oeuvres and relax with an art project and an evening stroll in the park. This is a free, drop-in program, and no registration is required. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. For more information, call 510-544-3050.
Sunday, July 20
Flor do Oakley Holy Ghost Festival
Celebrate tradition, community and faith at the 2025 Holy Ghost Festa at Flor do Oakley Hall, 520 2nd St. in Oakley, from 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. The free event is hosted by Flor do Oakley Holy Ghost Society celebrating 98 years of feeding the community. Participants can enjoy a day filled with heritage, fellowship, and a free traditional Portuguese meal of sopas — a treasured recipe passed down through generations. The event honors the legacy of Queen Isabel of Portugal, whose compassion and faith inspired the Holy Ghost festivals. There will be mass, a parade, an auction, a performance by Rancho Folclórico “Saudades do Ribatejo,” bazaar booths, sweet bread, and Tremoço, Linguiça and Bifana sandwiches. For more information, visit www flordooakley com/events
Wednesday, July 23
Casino Day Bus Trip from Oakley Oakley Senior Citizens presents a Casino Day Bus Trip to Black Oak Casino Resort. The bus will leave the Oakley Recreation Center parking lot, 1250 O’Hara Ave., at 8 a.m. sharp. The cost is $47 per person and includes the bus driver’s tip. There will be round trip motorcoach transportation, a bonus $10 cash on participant’s card, a $5 food credit, and a wheel to spin to get $5 up to $50 or more. There will also be raffle and bingo enroute to the casino. Participants will have five hours at Black Oak Casino to gamble and eat. The bus will arrive back at the parking lot around 6 p.m. To reserve a spot, call 925-626-7223 or Allan at 925-265-3417, or email oakleyseniors@gmail.com. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 268, Oakley, CA 94561 or accepted via Zelle at oakleyseniors@gmail.com. Participants must have money paid by July 22 or their seat may be forfeited.
Saturday, July 26
Back-to-School Book Sale
Teachers, parents, and homeschoolers can discover bargains on a large variety of educational materials, children’s books and other back-to- school items at the Friends of the Brentwood Library Back-to-School sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 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. For more information, visit www fobl org
Saturday, August 2
NovaCon 2025 – Brentwood’s First Pop Culture/Cosplay Convention
NovaCon is the first event of its kind in Brentwood and it will take place at 790 Second St. from 3-9 p.m. NovaCon 2025 brings together anime, comics, cosplay, live entertainment, vendors, artists, live panels and family-friendly fun. The free event will feature special guests Selah Victor, the voice of Chloé Bourgeois (Miraculous Ladybug), Arachne (Smite), and more fan-favorite characters. Also joining is voice actor Paul St. Peter, known for Xemnas (Kingdom Hearts), Kurama (Naruto), and Leomon (Digimon). Featured cosplay guests include Starwind Cosplay and Peperjaq – creators bringing fandom to life. To register: www.eventbrite.com/e/novacon-2025-tickets1275833906559?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information visit lovelynovaarts.com.
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 eclubhouse 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://eclubhouse org/sites/byron delta/
St. Anthony’s Church Food Distribution
Oakley Senior Center food distribution has moved out of their previous location. For the foreseeable future, they will be operating out of St. Anthony’s Church at 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley on Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own bags/containers. For more information, call 925-783-0818. Call to confirm hours for special holiday distributions. Hope House Food Distribution The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.
Hometown
The City of Brentwood breaks ground on long-awaited Sand Creek Sports Complex
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
In 2027, the city of Brentwood will finally have home-field advantage.
After two years of planning, with some delays in between, members of Brentwood City Council broke ground on the anticipated Sand Creek Sports Complex Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of Sand Creek Road and Fairview Avenue.
“I’m just so thankful that we can do this,” City Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza said. “We know that funds are limited, and we know that we have to pick and choose projects. The fact that this is going to actually help so many people in the community is just so exciting. The community is excited about it.”
Construction on the $20.1 million first phase of the Sand Creek Sports Complex is set to be completed in the spring of 2027. It will include:
• three full-size, multi-use synthetic turf athletic fields lined for both soccer
and lacrosse with lights
• parking lots
• restrooms
• a shaded picnic and warm-up area
• a park maintenance and storage
building
• space for food trucks
• artistic team photo area and ADAcompliant pathways
• landscaping
• shaded spectator areas. Mendoza was one of the strongest voices for getting the project for the new fields approved.
“I was a really strong advocate for park and rec, and I think it’s one of the things that we’re known for,” she said. “We have a lot of kids and families here. …We had a lot of town halls with our community, because if we did
it, we wanted to do it right and give (the people) what they wanted. It did take a little bit longer, but it was the right thing to do to involve the community to get their say in the way they wanted.”
The complex will be the future home of East County Revolution Football Club and Delta Breeze Lacrosse.
Young Heritage girls basketball aims for ‘growth’ entering 2025-26 campaign
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Heritage’s girls basketball team is preparing themselves for the 2025-26 season in unfamiliar territory. For the first time in a long time they’re not the defending Bay Valley Athletic League champions (Freedom is), and the Patriots are coming off of a season in which they won fewer than 20 games (16-11) for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign along with recording their worst record in league play (7-3) in 10 years when they went 6-4 in the BVAL.
As the Patriots completed their first month of summer league tournaments against other schools two weeks ago at Dublin High School, the Patriots are focusing on one theme as preparations for 2025-26 begin.
”What we preach to the kids is just growth,” head coach Mark Hurtado said following the team’s 50-31 win over American (Fremont) on June 22. ”We’re just looking for growth and just trying to be good in February, not in June. That’s the focus (of summer league). We started in Napa at the Justin- Siena tournament (a week earlier) and to where we are now is a big, big difference.”
Heritage’s 2024-25 campaign was a down year for the Patriots, especially when compared to just a season earlier — the team won their ninth consecutive BVAL title and had their run in the CIF Division III State tournament, defeating Grant on the road in Sacramento before falling to eventual champion Caruthers at home.
Last year, the Patriots struggled to find consistency
with a much younger and inexperienced roster compared to their lineups in years past. The team’s youth and inexperience was even more exposed after Heritage lost former BVAL MVP freshmen guard Ze’Ni Patterson and her sister, former all-BVAL honorable mention Zion
in traffic in
sum-
Patterson during the offseason, two players the team was hoping to build around for the next three years. The highly regarded twin guards transferred to Archbishop
Heritage’s Nella Toeaina goes up for a layup
the Patriots’ girls basketball
mer league game against American (Fremont) last month at Dublin High School.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
see Heritage page 12
see Sand Creek page 13
Members of Brentwood’s City Council put shovels to dirt as construction is set to begin on the Sand Creek Sports Complex, slated to open spring 2027.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
PEST TALK WITH LIBERTY
By Robert Ayres, Owner of Liberty Pest Services
If you live in East Contra Costa County, you’ve probably already heard the complaints: “They started in the kitchen, now I’m chasing them into the bathroom, the hallway, even the bedroom!” That’s right, summer’s heat means ants are on the move, and they’re not shy about making themselves at home.
It’s a common story. Someone spots a trail near the sink and grabs a can of Raid or sprays down the baseboards with Home Defense. While those products can help with other pests, they’re actually some of the worst to use for ants. Here’s why.
Ants are social insects. They don’t just wander around aimlessly, they communicate constantly using pheromone trails. That trail tells the rest of the colony where the food and water are. When you spray a repellent product, you might kill the ones you see,
but it alerts the colony, and they just reroute around it, meaning you end up “chasing ants” room to room.
At Liberty Pest Services, we take a smarter approach. We use professionalgrade, undetectable treatments that the ants can’t detect or avoid. They carry the product back to the nest, sharing it with the colony. That’s how real control happens, from inside the colony out.
So if the ants are winning this summer, stop chasing and start solving. Call Liberty Pest Services at (925) 628-3030 or visit libertypestservices.com to learn how we can help you take your home back.
Pest control service for homes & businesses, Real estate inspections and termite treatments, Rodent exclusion and inspections. Licensed – Insured – Bonded. Opr#14018
Heritage from page 11
Mitty, one of the top girls basketball programs in the country.
But if time to jell is what the team needed, the Patriots have shown their progress through this summer so far, especially in the Dublin tournament. Heritage won their five games in Dublin including a 44-29 win over host Dublin High and a blowout 78-9 win over Las Lomas before ending with the win over American.
”Summer league is just allowing us to build our team chemistry from the start,” senior Alxira Wilright said. “Team chemistry is super important, especially when it comes to our regular season games.
As a junior, Wilright showed her potential in the paint in her varsity debut season, especially on the boards, going on a stretch of 10-or-more rebounds in five of the team’s first six games as the calendar turned to 2025, and double-digit rebounds in two of the team’s final three games of the year.
In the Dublin tournament, Wilright averaged 8.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in the five games, including recording a double-double in the team’s 50-41 win against Salesian where she scored 14 points with 12 rebounds.
For her, the summer is just her preparation for what she hopes is a bounceback season this winter.
”Just from last season alone, we have a fiery passion under us,” Wilright said. “We want to come back with a bang, we want to win all the games we can in league and just come back with a fire.”
Wilright’s growth has also caught the eye of Hurtado.
“(Wilright) is playing at a very high level right now,” Hurtado said. “Just that experience being on varsity for the first time last year, and that playoff experience she’s come a long way. Then we got the young ones coming up. It’s a bright future ahead.”
To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows
Heritage’s Payton Ladrido passes the ball in the Patriots’ summer league game against American (Fremont) at Dublin High School last month.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Sand Creek from page 11
“This is massive,” said Tom Ginocchio, director of coaching at East Country Revolution FC. “With the World Cup coming (to the Bay Area) next year, (Brentwood) is a growing community, and we need more space to play.”
“There’s different leagues that are popping up here and there,” Revolution FC president Bobby Ramirez said. “Having a complex of this nature and this size for soccer is a very big deal for us.”
The city also officially celebrated the official title of its main championship field, named in tribute to late Brentwood educator Cecy Mar-
tinez. The City Council approved the naming of the championship field for her last summer.
The groundbreaking ceremony was also the public debut of new parks and recreation director E. Harith Aleem, who started his position with the City of Brentwood on Tuesday.
“This is awesome,” Aleem said. This is a great way to spend the first day with the organization. It’s really amazing to have such a huge asset here for the youth and families and the community of Brentwood. I think it’s a huge achievement.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
localProfessionals
Experience is key at Golden Legacy Law Group
Since 1997, Michael Amthor, owner of Golden Legacy Law Group, has offered experienced, compassionate and realistic counsel for family law, divorce, estate planning and probate and trust administration issues. The firm offers both legal representation and paralegal services to accommodate all budgets,
with each staff member having more than 20 years of experience.
All of our staff have personally gone through divorce or custody issues, so they bring the experience that no other firm can provide. This enables them to offer a unique level of empathy and a clear understanding of what it takes to handle a difficult divorce. A closely bonded group of professionals, they offer a wide range of high-quality services to the residents of East County and beyond. Golden Legacy Law Group is located at 1181 Central Blvd., Suite A, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-516-4888.
The Press scales the Great Wall of China
Submitted photo
e wanted to bring The Press with us to Beijing as we climbed The Great Wall of China on a Wong family trip on June 23. Pictured are Lily, Cali, 14, Chloe, 18, Cody, 19, and Melton Wong.
Three new Brentwood police officers sworn in
Brentwood police Chief Herbert swore in three new members on June 17: Marcos Zambrano (left), Dispatcher Taylor Bascom (middle), Dispatcher Joseph Hughes (right), Community Service Officer. Dispatchers help keep residents and officers safe, police said on their Facebook page. As a Community Service Officer, Hughes will assist with a variety of non-emergency calls and provide support to patrol teams.
Antioch’s three newest police officers complete field training officers sworn in
Services
Antioch police Officers Merrill, Ahmed, and Siemietkowski (left to right) have officially completed their field training programs and are now hitting the streets on patrol, according to the City of Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of Brentwood Police Department
Photos courtesy of Antioch Police
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What to do if you see a coyote in a regional park
As more people visit East Bay Regional Parks in warmer months, encounters with coyotes become more common. Coyotes are native to California and are found in various wildland habitats, as well as in rural and urban areas.
During the pup-rearing season (MarchAugust), coyotes can be very protective of their pups. Visitors may experience a type of behavior known as escorting, in which a coyote follows at a closer distance than usual to encourage departure from the area. Coyotes might also make vocalizations or bare their teeth in ways that appear threatening. However, escorting is not unsafe and does not usually result in aggression. The best thing to do is to leave the area calmly and without running, the park district said in a press release.
Coyote safety tips
• Avoid hiking alone to ensure there is help in case of emergency.
• Keep children and pets nearby; keep dogs on a leash.
• Be aware of the surroundings when walking, jogging, or riding.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Never attempt to feed a coyote. What to do if you see a coyote
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003319 The name of the business(es): COLLEY PI Located at: ANTIOCH In: ANTIOCH, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): James M Colley. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: James M Colley, Owner - Qualified Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/20/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/19/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003092 The name of the business(es): Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop Located at: 4049 Lone Tree Way, Ste A In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): CZM Restaurants, Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Chris Schefler, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/06/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/05/2030 Publish Dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003053 The name of the business(es): The Happy Hive Located at: 2755 Lone Tree Way In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Erika E. Buxton. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company, State of Organization. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/10/2025. Signature of registrant:
J. Lara, Deputy Clerk. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/05/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/04/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish Dates: June 27, July 4, 11, 18, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003295 The name of the business(es):
1. Pilipili Moto
2. Just Bee Cause Located at: 26075 Marsh Creek Rd In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Chesumot Shamba Limited 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 09/15/2016. Signature of
Keep an eye on the coyote and observe from afar. Do not approach or engage with the coyote; walk away calmly and leave the area immediately. Do not run. Keep small children close by and dogs on a leash. What to do if approached by a coyote
Most coyotes fear people, but those that learn to associate humans with food may adjust to the presence of humans. Documented coyote attacks on people are rare and are usually related to handfeeding or the presence of a dog. When a coyote is encountered within 50 feet and does not move away on its own, use the following tactics — known as hazing — to intimidate it and encourage it to maintain a safe distance.
Maintain eye contact
• Be as big and loud as possible.
• Wave arms or use a tool like an umbrella to scare, not injure, the animal. If the coyote continues to approach, do not run or turn away. Continue to exaggerate the above gestures while backing away slowly.
To report a sick or injured coyote, or an aggressive encounter, contact the nonemergency dispatch line at (510) 881-1833. For any emergencies, call 911. Coyotes and your pets
registrant: Michael K Roberts, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/18/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/17/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0003371 The name of the business(es): 1. Bugs Be Gone Pest Control 2. Apple Tree Pest Control Located at: 420 Beatrice Ct., Ste. E In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Pepper Investments, Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Deane Sheppard, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/24/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/23/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0003115 The name of the business(es):
1. Calculated Punkture Tattoo Studio LLC
2. Golden Heart Tattoo Gallery
3. Golden Heart Gallery Located at: 737 Second Street In: Brentwood ca 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Calculated Punkture Tattoo 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 6/1/2025. Signature of registrant: Estrella Juarez, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/09/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/08/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 27, July 4, 11, 18, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0003491 The name of the business(es):
1. Teacherville
2. Danielle Pennewell Coaching Located at: 89 Longview Ct In: Danville, CA 94526, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Pennewell Ventures LLC. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Danielle Pennewell, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk
of Contra Costa County on: 06/27/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/26/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003436 The name of the business(es): Photobywu Located at: 3827 Sunrose Road In: San Ramon, CA 94582, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Allyson Wu. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/22/2025. Signature of registrant: Allyson Wu. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/25/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/24/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003207 The name of the business(es): Tranquility Acupuncture Healing Center, Inc. Located at: 191 Sand Creek Road Suite 230 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tranquility Acupuncture Healing Center, Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/21/2024. Signature of registrant: Chad Harwood, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/12/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/11/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0002921 The name of the business(es): G&B Partners Located at: 100 Metairie Place In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Brittany Wright. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/11/2024. Signature of registrant: Brittany Wright, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/29/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/28/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 13, 20, 27, July 4, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0003161 The name of the business(es): Paylink Solutions Group Located at: 513 Caper Drive In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the fol-
Coyotes can pose a danger to pets. Understanding their behavior and modifying human actions can help promote peaceful coexistence. Most human-coyote conflicts in urban areas involve off-leash dogs. Follow these guidelines to keep dogs safe:
• Obey leash laws and signage. If signs warn that coyotes have recently been active in the area, keep dogs closer than usual and be in control of their behavior. Never let dogs chase or play with a coyote.
• Avoid walking at dawn/dusk when coyotes are particularly active.
lowing owner(s): Grady Business Group, Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: William Grady, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/10/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/09/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003119 The name of the business(es): Kapwa Matcha Located at: 5052 Fioli Loop In: San Ramon, CA 94582, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Mykaela Mae Ebalo. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 5/2/2025. Signature of registrant: Mykaela Mae Ebalo, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/09/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/08/2030
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003149 The name of the business(es): Yum Cha Boba Tea and More CM Located at: 380 W Country Club Drive In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Michelle Pasang 2. Cerf Walter Pasang. This business is conducted by: a Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Michelle Pasang, Party of Marriage. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 6/10/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/9/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0002613 The name of the business(es): Local Backroads Located at: 2420 Sand Creek Rd C-3 #253 In: Brentwood, Ca 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Nancy Mai. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Signature of registrant: Nancy Mai, Proprietor. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/05/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/12/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025
• Avoid walking near thick brush, which offers coyotes a natural hiding spot.
• Consider purchasing a vest designed to deter coyotes and to prevent a lethal puncture if a coyote were to bite a pet. When encountering a coyote, leash larger dogs, pick up smaller dogs, haze the coyote (as described above), and leave the area calmly. Coyotes see domestic cats as prey. Keeping cats indoors is the best way to ensure their safety. Free-roaming cats are more likely to be killed by vehicles than coyotes, but there is a risk of coyotes still killing them. Keeping cats indoors also helps protect native birds and other wildlife.
In the neighborhood
Coexistence with local wildlife is a neighborhood effort. Do these five things to reduce conflict with coyotes:
• Never feed or attempt to tame a coyote!
• Never leave pet food outside.
• Tightly secure garbage, compost, and recycling bins.
• Remove fallen fruit from the ground as quickly as possible.
• Trim bushes and close off access to spaces under porches and decks to minimize opportunities for coyotes to shelter.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0002615 The name of the business(es): Walker Creek Ranch Located at: 1200 N Gate Rd In: Walnut Creek, CA 94598, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Joshua Robert Van Gompel. 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: Joshua Van Gompel, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 05/13/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 05/12/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: June 13, 20, 27, July 4, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003093 The name of the business(es): Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop Located at: 3080 Main St In: Oakley CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): CZM Restaurants, Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Chris Schefler, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/06/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/05/2030 Publish Dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DREW ANNE KIM, deceased CASE NUMBER P25-01104 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: DREW ANNE KIM, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: JOHN LOUIS DAMON in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: JOHN LOUIS DAMON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: JULY 30, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: 30. b. Address of
court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Solen Cashman, Esq. Nielsen Cashman & Dean 2850 Harris St., Eureka, CA 95503 707-269-0167 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 18, 2025
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JOHN A. HARVEY, deceased CASE NUMBER P25-01038 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: JOHN A. HARVEY, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: JONATHAN ANDRE HARVEY in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: JONATHAN ANDRE HARVEY be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in
this court as follows: a. Date: SEPTEMBER 10 2025 Time: 9:00AM Dept: 38. 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. Attorney for petitioner: Adam S. Shiells 3400 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 220 Roseville, CA 95661 (916) 917-5914
REGIONAL & LOCAL
News iN Brief
Parks California accepting tribal organizations’ applications for 2026 Route to Parks grants
California State Parks and Parks California are accepting applications for its 2026 Route to Parks grants, inviting community and tribal organizations to apply for money that helps remove transportation and access barriers to California’s 280 state parks.
This grant continues Parks California’s commitment to ensuring that all Californians — regardless of background or location — can experience the health, cultural and recreational benefits of time in nature, the state said in a press release.
Launched in 2020, Route to Parks is part of a broader public-private partnership between Parks California and California State Parks. The Waterway Connections Initiative and philanthropic investments from supporters, including the PG&E Corporation Foundation and BMO, make the program possible.
“Route to Parks represents what’s possible when community leaders and State Parks work hand-in-hand to lower barriers and open new doors to nature,” said Geoff Kish, vice president of programs at Parks California. “Together, we’re helping ensure that every community sees themselves reflected in California’s state parks.”
In five years, the program has supported more than 120 projects with community, government and tribal organizations and connected more than 20,000 people — many visiting a state park for the first time. Grantees have enjoyed experiences through camping programs, cultural heritage outings, wellness hikes, youth leadership activities and more. Grant awards are anticipated to average between $25,000 and $30,000, with around 30 grants expected.
Applications for the 2026 Route to Parks grants are due by Friday, Aug. 8 at 5 p.m.
For the 2026 grants, Parks California encourages proposals that:
• Remove transportation and access barriers to California State Parks;
• Give low-income people park access;
• Offer recreational, environmental, cultural or historical programming, with most activities hosted at California State Parks;
• Strengthen collaboration between applicants and State Parks staff (coordination required before applying).
In 2025, a Route to Parks grant enabled Salton Sea State Recreation Area to host curated programs designed by Grower’s First as part of its Kids Club Nature. These programs focused on introducing youth and their families to the outdoors through birdwatching, migration tracking activities and other learning experiences.
“One of the most important things
about the Route to Parks program is seeing the connection between the participants and the park,” said Cassandra Van Dyne, interpreter at Salton Sea State Recreation Area. “Partnering with Parks California and community organizations helps us open doors for the families in our own community.”
Route to Parks aligns with the Outdoors for All initiative, championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and supports the California Natural Resources Agency’s commitment to equity and inclusion in public lands access, the press release stated.
Visit the Parks California website for application details, learn about previous grantees or watch a replay of the 2026 grant information session.
CCTA awarded $58 million to relieve I‑680/Highway 4 bottleneck in county
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved $58 million for the next phase of the Interstate 680/ Highway 4 Interchange Improvement Project, a long-awaited upgrade that will untangle one of Contra Costa County’s most persistent traffic chokepoints.
The new state dollars will be paired with approximately $160 million in Regional Measure 3 and Contra Costa’s Measure J transportation half-cent sales tax, enabling the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to begin construction next year, the county said in a press release.
Highway 4 is the primary east-west link connecting Antioch, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Brentwood with central Contra Costa County and the wider Bay Area, while Interstate 680 serves as the north-south backbone through the county. The existing interchange forces drivers into a short, hazardous weave movement that contributes to collisions and backups, the county said in its press release.
The forthcoming improvements will:
• Construct an elevated ramp that carry traffic directly between southbound I-680 and eastbound Highway 4 to replace the existing tight loop ramp that causes the weave conflict.
• Extend the connector ramp from eastbound Highway 4 to southbound I-680 to eliminate the weave from the Muir Road on-ramp.
• Add modern ramp-metering system on the new connector to smooth merging onto the freeway Remove the tight loop ramp that causes the double-weave conflict.
Together, these upgrades will reduce travel times, boost safety, and cut greenhouse-gas emissions by smoothing traffic flow and reducing idling. Final design for this phase is nearing completion, with construction slated to begin next year and wrap up by the end of 2028, the press release stated.
To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com
“CCTA wants to express our deep appreciation to CTC staff and commissioners for funding this important project,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director of CCTA. “This interchange is a critical bottleneck in Contra Costa County, and the project will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve operating efficiencies for all users — including the freight movement that keeps our economy moving.”
Discussion on ‘civil immigration enforcement’ at July 22 Supervisors meeting
The Contra Costa County TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.
The discussion will focus on local immigration enforcement activities in 2024 and law enforcement interactions with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The annual event has been held since 2017 as part of California’s State Assembly Bill 2792, the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act, which aims to increase transparency and accountability among federal and local law enforcement agencies. The Board meeting will also include the Sheriff’s Oversight Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. Notably, the Sheriff also provides regular ICE interaction data to the public and the Board of Supervisors at these quarterly oversight reports.
“The TRUTH Act forum is an important opportunity for community dialogue and trust,” said Board Chairperson Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “It gives our immigrant neighbors and those who are concerned about these issues the chance to ask questions, share concerns, and be part of a transparent conversation about how local law enforcement interacts with ICE. This forum is one way we show that every resident matters, and that Contra Costa County is committed to accountability and inclusion.”
For language access at the forum: Spanish language interpretation is available. The meeting will be closed-captioned in real-time.
Watch the forum at www.contracosta.ca.gov or on CCTV channels: DirecTV Channel 99, Comcast Channel 27, or Astound Channel 32. Send comments or questions to TRUTHAct@cob.cccounty. us or to Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, 1025 Escobar St, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA, 94553.
Adventure awaits at the Brentwood Library
This summer, the Brentwood Library encourages exploration with a wide range of services to support learning, adventure, and connection. To help you get outside,
check out the Library of Things for free resources like the California State Parks Pass, Outdoor Explorer Backpack, and Seed Library, the library said in a press release.
With Discover & Go, cardholders can enjoy free and discounted access to museums, science centers, and other cultural venues in the Bay Area.
To keep readers engaged, a curated summer booklist offers hand-picked suggestions to inspire beach reading fun and relaxation.
From backyard garden beds to majestic landscapes, the Library makes it easy to discover, hang out, and grow all summer long.
Summer Reading adventure at Brentwood Library
Summer Reading is well under way at the Brentwood Library, but it’s not too late to dive into your Summer Reading adventure.
Prizes are now available for pick up at any library branch, the library said in a press release. Bring your completed passport or show your online completion badge to get your free book and pin and to be entered into the drawing for more prizes.
Print your passport here – https:// ccclib.org/summer/#print
Summer Reading ends Aug. 2. Walnut
Creek celebrates Disability Pride Month at Superfest on July 30
The county is celebrating Disability Pride Month at Superfest on July 30. Superfest is an in-person and virtual film festival marking the experiences and achievements of people with disabilities. The featured films at the Walnut Creek library frolm 4-5:30 p.m. are suitable for all ages and include American Sign Language interpreters and closed captioning.
The Walnut Creek Library will host an in-person watch party complete with refreshments and crafts. In addition to these programs, you can always access ASL storytimes on the Library’s YouTube channel @theccclib.
The library is at 1644 N. Broadway. For details, call (925) 977-3340.
Brentwood Library offers ways to avoid the ‘summer slide’
Avoid the academic “summer slide” by staying engaged with Brainfuse HelpNow’s Summer Skills Camp.
This online learning module offers students in grades 3–12 access to live tutoring, interactive mini-lessons, and skillbuilding activities in math, science, and writing. It’s a fun and flexible way to stay sharp during the summer, the Brentwood Library said in a press release.
For details, visit https://ccclib.org/ resource/#azindex-letter-B.
Suspects from ‘reckless’ boating incident in Discovery Bay in custody
By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Contra Costa sheriff’s deputies arrested two men from Oakley after what they called a “reckless” boating incident at Discovery Bay Marina on Sunday, June 22. No injuries were reported though boats were damaged.
The men, identified as the operators of the boat during the incident, are Erick Garcia, 33, and Danny Garcia, 34. The ski boat they were driving was found abandoned in Stockton on June 23.
Deputy sheriffs from the Marine Services Unit launched an investigation after witnesses reported a Malibu ski boat chasing personal watercraft, or wave runners, through the marina at high speeds.
Erick Garcia was detained last week during a traffic stop in Oakley. With assistance from detectives in the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, marine patrol deputies served a search warrant at Danny’s home in Oakley, leading to his arrest.
Both men were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on identical charges, including:
• assault with a deadly weapon because boat operators assaulted the riders on the wave runner by hitting them with the boat.
• criminal threats
• vandalism due to damage done by the boat at the marina, where four boats were damaged
Each is being held in lieu of $95,000 bail.
Shawna Stephenson lives on Harbor Bay, across from the Discovery Bay Marina. She said she was outside
with her son when the wave runners sped into view.
“My son was yelling at them to slow down and some other people started yelling at them too, and we heard them say they were being chased and that’s when the big boat sped past our house and chased them down to the bay,” Stephenson said. “The boat was doing doughnuts, and they were yelling back and forth.”
Stephenson said the chase went on for about 10
minutes. During that time, she said the boat “rammed” into one of the wave runners, and she heard crashing sounds repeatedly.
“At first I thought it was gun shots, but it was the boat crashing into all the other boats,” she said.
Stephenson also said she saw a man either fall or jump off the boat, without a life jacket, and start swimming toward the wave runner.
“I’m not sure what he was thinking, if he thought he could catch him or was that frustrated,” she said. “The boat was chasing the Jet Ski around the guy in the water, and I thought someone was going to die.”
Though eyewitness accounts and video of the incident show the ski boat hitting both docks and boats at the marina, operating company Suntex would not confirm any damage, stating only, “the matter is currently under investigation.”
Dino Lunardi’s boat was one of the ones hit. He said the damages amount to $22,000, but he doesn’t want his own insurance to pay.
“I feel like the driver’s insurance should cover everything,” Lunardi said.
Stephenson has lived in Discovery Bay for 30 years and said she never saw anything like this happen before.
“This is not our community,” she said. “It’s awful that this happened here.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information or video footage is encouraged to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit at (925) 383-4906.
THE PRESS INVITES YOU TO
Photo from Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol webpage
Buses from page 1
redesigned network offers faster, more convenient service that improves connections to employment opportunities.
Barnes was asked whether ridership is increasing or decreasing. “Our fixed route ridership has not fully rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers. However, our ADA paratransit services, which provide specialized services for our senior and disabled populations, are at 110% of pre-pandemic ridership numbers. With the majority of residents of eastern Contra Costa County working outside of the county, our ridership will continue to directly correlate with the region’s job market volatility. Tri Delta Transit’s focus is on providing highfrequency fixed-route, dependable, and safe service, which will complement the cities’ and county’s goals of bringing jobs to eastern Contra Costa,” Barnes said when asked if the ridership is increasing or decreasing. Records show that over the past six years, ridership has decreased in 2019-2023. In 2024, these numbers spiked.
Future programs and changes
“We’re also working closely with Bay Area transit agencies to standardize wayfinding signage across the region. This effort aims to create a more consistent, intuitive experience for riders, making transfers and overall navigation easier and
Amphitheater
from page 1
venue and sculpture garden/adventure playground for children.”
According to Wanden, the project has been subdivided into three phases, with the city currently focusing on Phase 1 before potentially building the venue out further. Phase 1 would include a small event stage, parking and an area for food trucks, according to Director of Engi-
Rodeo from page 3
more seamless,” Barnes said.
Barnes added that Tri Delta Transit is leading a Mobility Hub Study focused on developing a new hub where commuters can conveniently park and transfer to transit.
“This project reflects our commitment to integrated, ac-
neering Allen Baquilar when he spoke in front of the City Council back in March. According to Wanden, the first phase of the project would cost $9.4 million. Wanden also said that the Council had approved city staff to prepare for bids on the project this summer.
Commissioner Sandra Myer called the project a potential “neighborhood horror,” over concerns related to both parking and noise. Myer cited concerns
es slip and fall. I’ve seen horses break their legs. I’ve seen some bad falls.”
Holman said she is fortunate to not have been injured during her long career. Despite the potential dangers, Holman also said she was determined to keep riding, remembering the support of her late husband, John Holman, who passed away in May 2024.
“John always encouraged me to go and do the best I could,” Holman recalled. “He was my biggest supporter of it. He’d always tell me ‘I just want you to come back home safe.’”
Without her husband’s help at the Holman Ranch, Holman said she now finds it hard to go to rodeo competitions outside of California. Last year, Holman competed in 16 of the 20 California circuit rodeos and said she hopes to do it again this year.
When she is not competing, Holman trains every day, preparing her younger horses for competition and keeping the older horses active. She also trains young riders who want to compete in barrel races as well as training younger horses for riders to be used in rodeo competitions. At least once a week, Holman also competes in Barrel Racing jackpots, smaller and more relaxed tournaments that enable riders to compete with their less-seasoned horses.
Holman said she will continue to compete for another four to six years, but she has noticed in recent years, the rodeo
cessible mobility solutions. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to continuously evaluating our services, programs, and operations to innovate, streamline, and enhance the rider experience. We’re excited about the road ahead — and confident that the future holds tremendous opportunity,” he said.
that the “million-dollar homes” near the proposed venue site would be subjected to noise from the music, and said she felt that 250 parking spaces would not be sufficient for a venue that is described as having 750 seats.
“This project has taken a few different shapes,” Wanden said to the commissioners when discussing potential challenges it could face. “It was based on a couple of different feasibility stud -
ies that took place.”
Myer conceded that if studies had taken place and had been considered when coming up with the proposed design, then that was okay but that she wanted it noted that she had her concerns.
City staff is expected to bring the project back to the City Council this summer for final discussion.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/44tJLS9
becoming a more popular sport due to social media and popular culture stepping into Western and rodeo culture. Holman has also tried keeping up with social media, posting her career highlights on Instagram and Facebook. However, younger riders are now competing in the rodeo, including Holman’s grandson, Lefty Holman who competes riding broncos.
At 62 years old, Brentwood resident Shelley Holman raced against women who are on average 30-40 years younger than her.
“We’ve got a granddaughter that married a Canadian bronc rider, Dawson Hay. He’s been to the (National Finals Rodeo) several times,” said Holman about her family’s connection to the rodeo. “And then Lefty’s sister, Billie, she married a bull rider from Florida, Clayton Sellars, and he’s been to the NFR four or five times. So rodeo’s kind of in our family. It’s just part of who we are.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Submitted photo
Source: Tri Delta Transit
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