Oakley to get more affordable and supportive housing to meet mandate
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The Oakley City Council reluctantly approved amendments to the Oakley Municipal Code that would allow for more 100 percent affordable housing developments in Oakley at their July 8 meeting.
These developments would include at least 25% or at least 12 units of supportive housing for the recently homeless, those with disabilities, and others who need as-
sistance with daily living. The changes will bring Oakley into alignment with new state housing laws, but councilmembers voiced their disapproval at having additional housing requirements “crammed down from the state,” as Councilmember Aaron Meadows said.
The changes were grouped into three
policy actions, which the Planning Commission recommended to the City Council in June.
• Policy action 1.1 allows the affordable housing overlay to be layered over commercial districts as well as residential ones, and changes the density of affordable housing from a set density of 24 dwelling units per
Despite ban, fireworks light up the sky for July 4th weekend in Brentwood and Oakley
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Despite the signs posted throughout East County cities warning that fireworks are illegal in the area, Brentwood and Oakley residents of the neighboring cities lit up the sky for the July 4th weekend, resulting in both police departments responding to over a combined 150 calls on the Independence Day holiday last week.
Despite the high volume of fireworks-related calls, no major incidents were reported.
Fireworks have been banned throughout the county since 2021, with the Board of Supervisors citing the risks of serious injury and the risk of causing wildfires.
Brentwood
acre to a range of 20-30 units per acre.
• Policy action 3.5 streamlines the process of applying for reasonable zoning accommodations in order to build more accessible supportive housing. Changes include a 45-day decision window, no filing fees, and a clearer appeals process.
• Policy action 3.6 will allow transitional and supportive housing to be built in limited agricultural, multi-family residential, and mixed-use zones, the latter two by-right and 100 percent affordable. Residential care facilities are also permitted in all residential zones.
The council voiced worries and disagreements with the state policies that required these changes to be made. Council-
Water rate increase less than projected for Brentwood
from the public works department explaining the lower rate stated. “City staff closely monitors the financial health of the City’s enterprise funds, and when cost savings are identified, we act on them.”
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
Brentwood residents can expect the city’s water savings to trickle down to them following a special meeting of the City Council on July 1 in which it determined that a previously approved 6.5% increase to water rates would be lowered to a 4% increase instead.
Brentwood reported 74 fireworks-related calls, which they
see Fireworks page 19A
“Thanks to favorable weather conditions and improved water quality from the Delta, the City’s water treatment costs were lower than expected,” a press release
The original increase was approved by the City Council in 2023, where they agreed to a 6.5% annual hike in cost starting in fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2028, according to the agenda packet for the July 1 meeting. According to city staff, the increase is intended “to support long-term infrastructure needs and maintain highquality water service.” According to the staff report, a number of factors made it so that a 4% in-
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State and county officials discuss using artificial intelligence in vote-counting process
prevent mistakes
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
County elections officials are considering using artificial intelligence in an effort to make their process more efficient, credible and easy for voters.
“It was important to prioritize and make sure that we had a meaningful conversation about AI, cybersecurity, and how to keep ourselves safe,”said Kristin Connelly, the Contra Costa County clerk, reporter, and registrar. “It was exciting to have the opportunity to bring together the Attorney General with the Secretary of State because we’re their partners as local elections and clerks, elections officials and clerks, and we’re their partners on the ground.”
With the focus on A.I. and elections, Connelly mentioned that Contra Costa County did not use any artificial intelligence with its elections last year. However, they are exploring its possibilities during the conference this week.
“We’re going to explore (A.I.) at the conference with some national experts that
are coming in with the elections group and talk about what the opportunities are and how to do it well and some things to think about to make sure that you don’t have any problems,” Connelly said.
“There are some offices that have used A.I. to help proofread their ballots, help make sure their translations are correct, and so are some of the things that are going to be considered — how to help us improve access, and it may help us avoid making mistakes, because we have to be perfect. We have to make sure that our elections are efficient and they have to get the right outcome.”
During this week’s California Association of Clerks and Elections Officials (CACEO) annual conference in San Ramon,
State Attorney General Rob Bonta discusses artificial intelligence and elections at the California Association of Clerks and Elections Officials annual conference in San Ramon Wednesday afternoon.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
State Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Ph.D discussed the possibilities of using artificial intelligence to assist with the upcoming elections.
The focus of this year’s conference was to discuss how and whether A.I. can help with
In
productivity, with a focus on the upcoming election process, while building it on a secure cyber posture, while not discussing the technical aspects of the growing technology itself.
The Contra Costa County Elections office organized the panel.
“I think that the technological advances seen today, particularly A.I., has huge upside, unlimited in terms of potential to save lives, for example, improve health, make us safer, and improve efficiency,” Bonta said during the CACEO’s panel called “Leaf it to A.I..” “It also has downsides. It’s a tool, and this tool can be used in the right hands for good, or it can be used for bad. …For example, they can be used as fakes — video and graphic images — well as audio and robocalls.”
A.I. briefly made itself known politically in a negative way during the 2024 primaries.
Oakley provides overview of Sellers Avenue reconstruction project
Sellers Avenue is a two-lane road that was constructed by Contra Costa County decades ago and has needed repairs and resurfacing in recent years with the additional traffic that is on this roadway from the East Cypress Corridor, the City of Oakley said in an update on July 6.
The City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025/2026 budget in May, which includes the Capital Improvement Plan. That plan provides information on two Sellers Avenue capital projects:
• Project #335, Sellers Avenue Reconstruction from Railroad Tracks to Delta Road Project – This project reconstructs Sellers Avenue using full-depth reclamation process – a pavement rehabilitation technique in which the entire existing asphalt pavement and a portion of the underlying base material are pulverized and blended in-place, creating a stabilized base for a new asphalt surface.
Meritage Homes is constructing the new Sellers Subdivision on the west side of Sellers Avenue. The City staff and Meritage Homes have collaborated on the best ways to improve Sellers Avenue and full-depth reclamation process was determined as the best option to be performed by Meritage Homes.
The city will reimburse Meritage Homes’ costs associated with this roadway reconstruction work of $810,000 from the General Capital Projects Fund.
• Project #336, Sellers Avenue Reconstruction from East Cypress Road to Railroad Tracks Project – This project reconstructs Sellers Avenue using full-depth reclamation process similar to Project #335. Meritage
Homes has agreed to perform this roadway reconstruction to take advantage of the economy of scale and one continuous operation.
The City will reimburse Meritage Homes for the
costs associated with the City’s portion of this project of $690,000 from the General Capital Projects Fund. Read about City projects in construction at https:// www.oakleyca.gov/253/Capital-Improvement-Program.
Courtesy of City of Oakley
Contra Costa Fire offers prevention tips for slightly busier summer
California’s fire season now year-round
By Sean Tongson Correspondent
While fire season in Northern California historically occurs from May and October, according to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Wildland Battalion Chief Tom Zurflueh, fire season in California is year-round now. “There’s only a slight increase in fires with the lower humidity and drier vegetation in the summer,” he said.
“It might be slightly higher during the summer, but not noticeable,” Zurflueh said. “The biggest concerns are the increase in winds, higher temperatures, low humidity, and dryer grasses. It is not a great difference. There are just different types of starts. We get more structure fires during the winter season.”
The length of the fire season in California can vary, depending on summer temperatures, rainfall, and the wind, According the Western Fire Chiefs Association, risk factors for wildfires include:
• Drought: Wildfires thrive in hot, dry climates, with drought conditions significantly elevating fire risk, making landscapes more flammable due to trees, shrubs, grasses, and soil with little moisture.
• Wind: Hot and dry weather paired with wind increases fire hazards due to increasing the speed of fires and
potentially causing extreme damage in a short amount of time.
• Human activity: 90 percent of wildfires are started by humans, which can include unattended campfires, vehicle accidents toppling power lines, disposed cigarettes, vehicle accidents, or use of equipment that creates sparks.
“A lot of fires start from trees or anything on or outside their property,” Zurflueh said. “Make sure homes are clear of trees and brush, vegetation is cleared out, roofs and gutters are clear, and anything flammable, like piles of wood, combustible materials, even aban-
doned vehicles. People can lose homes from that stuff.”
Zurflueh stressed the importance of being proactive in fire prevention, and to be ready if a fire breaks out. Specifically, Zurflueh emphasized having a plan if a fire burns in their area, which include having an evacuation route, ensuring personal and important belongings are easy to grab while evacuating, along with taking enough to allow someone to sustain themselves for a couple of days, such as food, medication, money, and pet food.
Zurflueh also offered tips on what to do if anyone encounters a grass fire or a structural fire.
• Grass fire: “If one breaks out in your neighborhood, get to a safe place away from the fire,” Zurflueh said. “Report your address and what you saw, but get moving! Don’t stand there and look at it. If the fire is coming in that direction, the best advice is to get out. Understand evacuation routes in the neighborhood, and find a safe place away from the incidents. Make sure you’re not blocking the roads for emergency vehicles, and make sure roadways are clear.”
• Structure fire: “Pretty much the same idea; do what you can to get out,” Zurflueh said. “Get the residents out of the home. Once you get out, stay out! Don’t go in to get personal belongings. The moment you leave, that is crucial time for the fire to grow. Get to a safe location. Call 911. And then be available for the crew who arrive to tell them. Don’t leave. Make sure you can get everybody out, and direct the crew to get whatever they need.”
Zurflueh further advised to people to try to limit activities outside, but if you go hiking, camping, or even mowing a lawn, carry a way to extinguish or suppress a fire, making sure you have a phone to report a potential fire, and planning appropriately for warmer weather conditions, such as carrying water.
Zurflueh also issued a reminder about fireworks being illegal in Contra Costa County, and pose not a just a fire risk, but a risk for personal injuries as well when people ignite them for celebrations other than the Fourth of July.
Fire season in California is year-round now, according to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Wildland Battalion Chief Tom Zurflueh.
Photo courtesy of Tom Zurflueh
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR ASSETS IF YOU DON’T SET UP AN ESTATE PLAN?
By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law
What happens to your assets if you do not have an estate plan? Well, California has one for you, but you may not like it. The following provides the intestate succession order in California if you die without a will:
A decedent’s (the person who died) “heir at law” is determined by California’s intestacy laws and is based on rules of descent and distribution. If the deceased person is married at the time of death, then his or her husband/wife is legally entitled to receive the assets and property.
If the deceased person is not married, the order of intestate succession in California is as follows:
• Son/Daughter
• Mother/Father
• Siblings
• Grandfather/Grandmother
• Issue of the grandparents — Uncles, Aunts, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins Community property will pass to the surviving spouse unless the deceased
person is legally separated at the time of his or her death. The deceased person’s separate property also passes to the surviving spouse unless children are involved. In that case, they will receive a portion of the separate property to be allocated equally.
Please keep in mind that even with a will, your estate will likely be subject to probate when you die. To avoid intestate succession scenarios and probate, you should consider setting up a Living Trust.
If you have questions concerning your existing estate plan or setting up an estate plan, please contact Todd W. Moeller at (925) 301-8840 or www.MoellerEstateLaw.com.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this advertisement is provided for general information only. Todd W. Moeller is licensed to practice law in the State of California only, and any information contained in this advertisement is based on general principles of California law. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship
A.I.
Elections from page 3A
People in New Hampshire received calls from what sounded like then-President Joe Biden’s voice telling them not to vote in the January 2024 primary, according to a story last year from NPR. The suspect of that situation, Steven Kramer, was charged with felony voter suppression charges, but was acquitted last month by a New Hampshire jury. He was also fined $6 million by the Federal Communications Commission. But the company that transmitted the calls, Lingo Telecom, reportedly agreed to pay a $1 million settlement to the FCC in August.
A.I. has been primarily used so far for social media entertainment through apps like ChatGPT, and productivity, as seen with Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa.
Bonta says that despite its exponential growth into mainstream culture, those who use A.I. in a negative way are still charged to the fullest extent of the law.
do the things we know how to do,” she said during the panel. “Sometimes we don’t use it for the purpose that’s designed to assist us to do the things and maybe do more a lot faster, more effectively. We see how folks give their documents to A.I. and A.I. can generate an analysis for you, but can you do the analysis yourself? That becomes a real concern.”
Despite their concerns, neither state official swayed too heavily one side or another in using artificial intelligence. Instead, both were focused on their thoughts on keeping the sanctity of the election process, with or without A.I. assistance.
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“One of the things that some people have misunderstood, in my view, is that, because A.I. is new, that there’s no laws that apply to it,” he explained. “That’s not true. All existing laws apply. A.I. is a tool, and if A.I. is used for criminal conduct, it’s still criminal conduct. If A.I. is used to harm and violate someone’s protection rights, it’s a violation of the law. If it’s used to violate voting rights, it’s still a violation.”
One of Weber’s concerns wasn’t just on the use of the technology, but rather the growing full reliance on it.
“The fear is that we will become so dependent upon it that we will forget how to
“I think it’s really interesting and important that the two folks that were on the stage today, talking about the integrity of our elections, protecting our democracy, defending against any attacks or efforts to undermine it, have personal stories where democracy and the right to vote for our families and in our backgrounds, was under threat,” Bonta said afterward. “Many countries do not have a peaceful transfer of power — it’s by force, it’s by fight, it’s by war., it’s by power. Because we live here (in the United States), we take (elections) for granted, but it is special and unique, and we must protect and defend it.”
“The most valuable thing is the right to vote,” Weber said at the conference. “Because it’s the only voice that people have. … The Secretaries of States are pretty much aligned with each other when it comes to A.I. in terms of the disinformation, misinformation that’s there. Generally speaking, most of them are looking for ways and tools and ideas that they can actually counter this.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
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News iN Brief
Superior Court is accepting applications for Grand Jury alternates
The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for alternates for the Civil Grand Jury 2025-2026 term. The application deadline is July 31.
The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts, and school districts.
Grand Jurors must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older, who have been a resident of Contra Costa County for at least one year riot to selection. They cannot currently hold any elected position withing the county. Applications should have reliable transportation to Martinez and must be prepared to devote at least 30 hours per week to Civil Grand Jury service.
Applicants should have access to a computer, be familiar with Microsoft Word, and be able to send and receive email. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform their duties.
Jurors receive a stipend for attending full jury and committee meetings and are reimbursed by 70 cents per mile for allowable jury travel.
Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621, or visit their website at www.cc-courts.org/civil/grand-jury.aspx to receive additional information regarding service on the Civil Grand Jury and to obtain an application.
Amid Trump’s
assault on public lands, California conserves 1 million acres of land and coastal waters
Gov. Newsom has announced that California protected more than 1 million acres of land and coastal waters in the last year, marking significant progress toward the state’s goal of conserving 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. The amount of
land and water protected in the last year is equivalent to the size of Glacier National Park.
The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues its assault on public lands and National Parks. Last month, the Newsom administration sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior warning of public safety risks and reduced access due to major cuts proposed to staff and programs that support National Parks and other federal public lands. In contrast, California is expanding access to the outdoors, investing in communities and laying the groundwork for further expansion.
The state’s 2025 30x30 Progress Report marks the halfway point toward the state’s goal of conserving 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. The report shows significant progress: as of June 2025, 26.1% of California’s lands and 21.9% of its coastal waters are now under long-term conservation and care, bringing the state well within reach of its 30x30 target.
Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee accepting applications for opening on panel
The County is accepting applications for an upcoming Airport Neighbor position opening on the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC). This position is designated for someone who works or resides in Byron, Brentwood, Knightsen, or Discovery Bay. Upon appointment by the Board of Supervisors, the new appointee would serve a term expiring on Feb. 28, 2027.
The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to Contra Costa County Airports. The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport.
Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or at www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions. Applications should be submitted online or returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Ad-
To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com
ministration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553, no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8.
Applicants should plan to be available for public/Zoom interviews, currently scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. at Buchanan Field Airport, 181 John Glenn Drive, Suite 100, Training Room, Concord, at the Airport Committee meeting.
For more information, contact Greg Baer at (844) 359-8687, or email at airport. team@airport.cccounty.us.
Public is encouraged to report poachers through CALTIP
As California’s population increases, the ill effects of pollution and habitat destruction are damaging the state’s natural resources more and more. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife considers incidents of agricultural pollution, dumping of household waste, industrial spills and illegal marijuana gardens to be serious crimes, as they devastate native species and the habitat they need to survive. To combat polluting, concerned citizens who become aware of such acts can become involved and report their observations, the state said in a press release.
They can do so with CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters), a confidential secret witness program that encourages the public to provide Fish and Wildlife with factual information leading to the arrest of poachers and polluters.
Poaching is the illegal taking of fish and wildlife. It can involve hunting or fishing out of season, the taking of more fish or game animals than the law allows, or illegal commercialization of wildlife. It can also include trespassing, hunting or fishing in closed areas such as marine life protection areas or game reserves.
CALTIP was introduced in California in 1981 to give Californians an opportunity to help protect the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The toll-free telephone number operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to give your name.
For more information, visit https:// wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/CalTIP.
State gives law enforcement $35 million to fight impaired driving
Helping to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Gov. Newsom has announced that more than $35 million is going to nearly 150 local law enforcement agencies, local governments, crime laboratories, and nonprofit organizations to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The majority of the funding will support combatting impaired driving, such as drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as localized public outreach efforts, the governor’s office said in a press release.
Administered by the California Highway Patrol, the grant funding comes from the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California. CHP administers grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing.
“This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.”
On top of combatting impaired driving through trainings and public education campaigns, grant recipients will use the funds to inform cities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants will use the money to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.
Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
HOME IS WHERE THEIR HEART IS
By Nikki Lopez, Caring Haven
Summer safety at home: keeping seniors cool BECAUSE
When temperatures rise in the summer, the familiar comfort of home becomes a crucial sanctuary for seniors. Proper hydration and heat management aren’t just comfort issues, they are vital safety concerns that require thoughtful attention, especially for older adults who may not sense thirst as keenly as they once did.
Studies from the National Institute on Aging reveal that seniors are at significantly higher risk for heat-related illness, with dehydration being a leading cause of summer emergency room visits. The body’s natural ability to regulate temperature and sense thirst diminishes with age, making proactive hydration strategies essential. Creating a hydration-friendly home environment can make all the difference.
Accessible refreshment stations: Place water bottles or small beverage areas throughout the home as a visual reminder to drink regularly. Cooling comfort zones: Designate the coolest rooms in the house as primary living spaces during peak heat hours helps prevent overheating.
Hydration-rich foods: Fresh summer fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and berries offer
delicious hydration alternatives when plain water becomes monotonous.
Routine reminders: Incorporating hydration into routines – drinking a glass of water with medications, before walks, or during favorite TV programs – helps build sustainable habits.
Professional caregivers can provide additional summer safety through:
• Regular hydration checks and gentle reminders
• Assistance preparing cooling foods and beverages
• Help managing air conditioning and fans
• Recognition of early dehydration symptoms
The home that has supported a lifetime of independence can continue being a safe haven during challenging summer months with these thoughtful approaches. With proper hydration support, seniors can enjoy the season’s pleasures while maintaining wellness in the place they love most. When it comes to summer safety, there’s no place like home to keep comfort and health in perfect balance.
Call us today at 925-331-0590 or visit www.caringhavenhomecare.com
Fire safety from page 5A
Lastly, Zurflueh stressed the importance of listening to the police and fire departments, and to stay out of the way of crew fighting the fire to not create more hazards or obstacles.
“Our first goal is to protect the citizens,” Zurflueh said. “We can’t fight the fire if citizens are in the way. We’re going to do everything we can to protect and
save their homes. Move away from the house, so that it gives it a bit of a clearance to help our crews get in there. Even though it looks like a chaotic event, it is very disciplined on how we get homes protected.”
For details, visit www.cccfpd.org/ An in-depth guide to the California fire season may also be found at https://share. google/Kf8d6SijL5ukerLP2
East County celebrates Independence Day
Downtown Brentwood heats up on July 4th
Brentwood residents braved the summer heat to watch this year’s Fourth of July parade in downtown Brentwood Friday morning.
The parade started with a childrens parade open to all families and then 40 entries entertained the crowds lining the streets of downtown Brentwood. The 4th of July parade was put on by the Brentwood Parks and Rec. Department.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Antioch celebrates the Fourth of July despite lower turnout at parade
Antioch’s annual Fourth of July parade kicked off with a slow march down 2nd Street in the Rivertown District.
The parade featured only a handful of floats as attendance at this year‘s parade was noticeably smaller than in previous years.
The event still brought plenty of activities to do from carnival rides for kids, live music, and food trucks to explore one’s palate.
“There’s definitely a change in sentiment for many people and what Fourth of July means to them,” said Nick Dovie who was visiting from Oakley. “I’m not surprised at all about the attendance given the current political climate.”
The festival ended promptly at 8 p.m. followed by the annual fireworks display on the Delta.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
‘Sibling competition’ runs in the family
Liberty’s Jaxon Bell looks to close high school chapter with NCS title run
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Liberty senior running back Jaxon Bell could have been a star player no matter where he went. In the age of transfers, for Bell, there’s been no place like home in Brentwood.
As the team continues their summer camp, the Lion and the three-star running back has the full spotlight on him as he enters his senior season. Yet, for all of his big plays and runs throughout his two years with Liberty, there’s one that’s eluded him that he hopes to get this season: a North Coast Section title run.
“Just, with the motivation from last season, that’s definitely pushed our guys to want to work more and want to get to that next level,” Bell said. “That (experience) helped us.”
The Lions enter the 2025 campaign after going 7-3 in the regular season a year ago, matching their 2023 record when they just missed the NCS postseason. However, last year, the Lions qualified for the 2024 NCS Division 2 playoffs, clinching home-field advantage in the bracket and defeated Vintage in the quar-
Jaxon Bell is the youngest of three brothers. One is former Liberty star quarterback Nate Bell (who is entering his third year at Eastern Washington), and their oldest brother, Brenden Bell, as a junior on the Lions’ 2018 CIF State Championship team.
terfinals before falling to Bishop O’Dowd in the semifinals 23-15 in a rainstorm at home.
“That was a weird week all around,”
Bell said. “We didn’t have many fans there, we were kind of goofing off the week before, I remember, and just, that was kind of triggering. …That definitely
“ My freshman and sophomore year, it was definitely more like a burden to live up to their standard,” he said. “They were both great players. But, now as I got a little older, I kind of proved myself a little more.
”
put a chip on our shoulder.”
Bell has been a staple of the Lions’ offense since he took over the starting varsity job as a sophomore in 2023. After running for 1,537 yards and 25 touchdowns in his sophomore debut season in 2023, he built upon that by rushing for 1,805 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, while also catching 28 balls for 474 yards with six scores. Bell has also started in every game for the Lions since 2023, entering this season having started the last 22 straight games.
He’s received several college offers so far, including two full-ride scholarships from Eastern Washington and Northern
Deer Valley football wants consistency in 2025
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
As summer football camps hit their midway point, new Deer Valley head football coach Marcus Malu aims to take on seemingly the big task in the Bay Valley Athletic League: turning around Deer Valley football. The first step of the process seems to be simple enough as the new-look Wolverines prepare for the 2025 campaign, with new uniforms and Malu now at the helm.
“(It starts with) consistency,” Malu said. “When they hired me, I was making sure that they understand that the classroom has to be taken care of in order for (the team to hit) the field. The field is going to be the easy part, they’ll show up to the field. (The players) got to show up to class, and that’s the biggest thing, just making sure that they understand and staying on them every day.”
Since 2014, the Wolverines have been consistent in all of the wrong ways.
Deer Valley enters 2025 off of 11 straight losing seasons including last year’s 2-8 campaign and winless seasons in 2019 and 2022. It looked as if Deer Valley was starting to turn things around in Matthew Mills’ final season coaching the team last year coming off of a 4-6 record in 2023, all on the road while renovations took place at Deer Valley’s stadium. However, injuries and
academic problems decimated the Wolverines roster in the second half of the season.
The lead-up to 2025 seems different though, compared to a year ago, this time under Malu. The team has
been in its offseason program just about since he arrived on campus in the spring.
“These kids have worked hard,” Malu said. “The staff have been showing up consistently and I think that we are far ahead of what we thought we were gonna be at. But there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Part of the consistency that the team is preaching both on and off the field comes with the roster. Quarterback Adrian Masaniai and receivers Jaylan Bryant and Sundiata Walker return for their senior season. Bryant has already received offers from the likes of Idaho, West Alabama, and Nevada entering his 2025 senior season. Last year, Bryant racked up 1,306 total yards both offensively and in the kick return game, and scored eight total touchdowns.
“He’s got the offers, he’s got the grades, he’s got the stats and he’s got the swag,” Malu said. “But I told him, this year depends on how you lead. It’s the leadership this year that I’m excited to see.”
Masaniai returns behind center after taking over the starter’s job for the first time in his career last season and split the time with Walker when league play started. Masaniai threw for 506 yards and six touchdowns in six games last season, one of those touchdowns coming on the first play from scrimmage to open the season last
Jaxon Bell see Deer Valley page 11A
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
see Bell page 11A
Deer Valley senior quarterback Adrian Masaniai sets to throw during the team’s summer camp practice.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Arizona University.
“He’s a very crucial part of what we do,” Lions head coach Mike Cable said. “It’s his attitude, his work ethic, his character. He is a very humble kid. He’s always, always ready to work, never misses a day, never complains, always gives 110%, and just does literally everything right. He’s just a machine when it comes to his preparation. So that’s for a lot of reasons, put him into place where he is. He’s a talented kid, but by far it’s his character, his attitude and his work ethic that’s got him here.”
Bell’s success to this point also comes with a bit of personal motivation – finishing on top at Liberty with, potentially, a title also means finishing on top at home.
“I’m sure there’s sibling rivalry,” Cable said. “But I don’t think he’ll ever admit it, but privately, how could you not? They’re all different players and they’ve all had a great impact on this program in
Deer Valley from page 10A
Bell from page 10A year.
“His confidence has been better,” Malu said of Masaniai. “He’s worked hard this offseason, and he has the confidence of the staff and his teammates to be the starting quarterback.”
“There’s been a lot more responsibility on me,” Masaniai said. “I’ve got to take it up upon myself to do things I can do outside of practice and things like that so I can be more ready and prepared.”
different ways.”
“There’s kind of a little sibling competition,” Bell admitted. “It’s just surreal to think about. I feel like I’ve been here my whole life just with my brothers going here.”
Jaxon is the youngest of three. His brothers are former Lions’ star quarterback Nate Bell (who is entering his third year at Eastern Washington), and their oldest brother, Brenden Bell, who was a junior on the Lions’ 2018 CIF State Championship team. Jaxon admitted that he felt the pressure of trying to keep up to his brothers’ successes early on.
“My freshman and sophomore year, it was definitely more like a burden to live up to their standard,” he said. “They were both great players. But, now as I got a little older, I kind of proved myself a little more.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
As far as 2025 is concerned, “I have the confidence in our guys to go out and compete with the other teams in our league,” he said. “I’m not going to go out and say that we’re going to beat everyone, but I feel like we have a lot of young talent from last year that we kind of get to advance into this year. I’m really confident our guys are able to move up in the standings.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
To be eligible, the athlete:
• Must be high school age
Please provide:
• Short explanation describing reason for nomination
• Relationship to athlete (coach, trainer, former coach, etc.)
• Photo (action shot preferred)
Featured athletes will receive three complimentary sports performance training sessions, courtesy of Train Smarter + Harder.
• May participate in a high school sport or recreational league All submissions can be sent to: ads@brentwoodpress.com Subject line: “Athlete of the Week”
Cool down with these four summer wine gems
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to trade in the bold reds for wines that chill, thrill, and refill your glass with sunshine.
If you’re wondering what to stock in your fridge or bring to the next patio hangout, here are four bottles that scream ‘summer.’
Vinho Verde is Portugal’s gift to hot weather. Light, crisp, and often just slightly fizzy, it’s low in alcohol and big on refreshment. With hints of citrus, green apple, and a gentle spritz, this wine begs for a beach chair and a plate of grilled shrimp.
Chablis, the flinty, mineral-driven Chardonnay from northern Burgundy, offers razor-sharp acidity and elegance. It’s dry, clean, and pairs beautifully with oysters, ceviche, or a classic goat cheese salad. If you like your whites with a little backbone, this one is a must.
White Grenache (aka Grenache Blanc) is a bit of a sleeper hit. Often lush and slightly fuller-bodied, it brings notes of stone fruit, pear, and subtle herbs. It’s the perfect wine for a golden hour barbecue, especially with
grilled chicken or Mediterranean fare. Finally, no summer list is complete without a rosé, but not just any pink wine. Reach for a full-bodied rosé from Tavel or Bandol. These southern
Simple spare ribs
to satisfy your craving for barbecue
The aroma of barbecue is hard to resist and the flavor is even better.
Barbecue is an art form, as that enticing aroma and undeniable flavor is truly a labor of love. But even novices can try their hands at barbecue and end up with delicious results. For those who want to craft their own barbecue concoctions, this recipe for “Barbecue Spare Ribs” from Lines+Angles is easily followed, and the finished product is undeniably flavorful.
Barbecue Spare Ribs
Makes 6 servings
2 tablespoons paprika
1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black peppercorns
6 lbs. spare ribs, racks cleaned and trimmed
13 ounces barbecue sauce, low sugar, if possible
1 ounce flat-leaf parsley, torn
1. Stir together the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly rub the spice mix into the rib racks. Place in a shallow dish, cover and chill for at least 8 hours.
3. After chilling, remove the ribs from the fridge. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to about 300 F.
4. Cook the ribs on the grill, covered with a lid, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone, about 2 hours.
5. As the ribs cook, periodically brush them with some barbecue sauce, reserving any unused sauce.
6. When ready, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest under aluminum foil for at least 10 minutes.
7. After resting, brush the ribs with any reserved barbecue sauce before cutting and serving with a garnish of parsley.
French stars are dry, complex, and packed with berry, spice, and earthy notes. Tavel is zesty and bold; Bandol is deeper, sometimes even age-worthy. Either one can stand up to anything from
charcuterie to spicy grilled sausages. So skip the usual bottles and elevate your summer sipping. These four wines are chill, versatile, and anything but ordinary. Cheers!
Whip up a quick pasta salad
with ingredients fresh from the garden
Fresh produce is refreshing and delicious.
Whether it’s recently plucked fruits or freshly harvested vegetables, these foods boast a flavor and nutritional profile unlike any other.
Comfort foods might reign supreme during colder winter months, but come summer, lighter fare can be just what people need to maintain their energy and avoid feeling sluggish on warm days and nights. This recipe for “Pasta Salad with Broad Beans, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Herbs” courtesy of Lines+Angles offers a midday energy boost that can lighten your culinary load in the months to come.
Pasta Salad with Broad Beans, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Herbs
Makes 6 to 8 servings
1 lb. farfalle pasta
4 vine tomatoes, diced
8 ounces broad beans
1 yellow pepper, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped flatleaf parsley
1 sprig chopped thyme
1 small bunch chives, snipped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly ground black peppercorns Salt
1. Cook the farfalle in a large saucepan of salted, boiling water until al dente; 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Drain and refresh immediately in iced water.
3. Once cool, drain again and toss in a large mixing bowl with the vegetables and chopped herbs.
4. Add the olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning, tossing again thoroughly before serving.
Adobe Stock photo
No summer wine list is complete without a rosé.
Uncorked:
History by
tHe Glass
Frank MaiUri
Social Talk About Town...
Sand Creek Sports Complex Ground Breaking
-Photos published on social media July 1
“Missed opportunity not including an aquatics complex that actually stays open all year around.”
– Chris Da Sie, Facebook
“Why not baseball fields” – Jayson Debo, Facebook
“City still does not know what the people need or want” – Greg Pirnik, Facebook
“What would be nice would be an outdoor exercise set up with pull-up bars, parallel dip, bars, push-up bars, so people can exercise outdoors, and do body weight exercise exercises when the weather is really nice. They need more of those
Publisher & Editor Greg Robinson
Controller Sandie McNulty
Production Manager Eric Kinnaird
Ad Services Manager Connie O’Neill
Associate Editor Jake Menez
Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures
exercise set ups in parks.”
– Dean Henry, Facebook …
“Now hopefully the fields won’t get blocked out by the soccer league like they do at Sunset and it will be open during the daytime so everyone can enjoy the new fields.”
– Don Longanecker, Facebook
“Synthetic turf? Are you kidding me? Artificial turf can get very hot, especially on sunny days, reaching temperatures significantly higher than natural grass. On warm, sunny days, synthetic turf can heat up to 120-180°F (49-82°C), potentially causing discomfort, burns, or heat-related illnesses for people and pets.”
– Tatiana Garachtchenko, Facebook
“City of Oakley should the notes... instead of putting up more gas stations, car washes or storage within walking distance of one another...Oakley has been considering a park for years all talk NO ACTION on the park but approves the gas stations car washes and storage!”
– Howard Wong, Facebook
Suspects from ‘Reckless’ Boating Incident in Discovery Bay in Custody
-Published in the July 4 issue of The Press
“They got bailed out already” – lindsayykellerr, Instagram
“Becton better prosecute them!!!” – shirleysquirrels, Instagram
AFTER HOURS BUSINESS MIXER
Good Vibes on the Water
Michelle Powell-Evans
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 5:30 - 7:30pm 1760 Surfside Place Discovery Bay, CA Register for more details
BUSINESS ON THE BAY TBD
COMING EVENTS
Denim and Diamonds Bingo Fundraiser
Campos Family Vineyards
August 7th, 2025
SAVE THE DATE
State of the Town Gala January 24th, 2026
Roaring 20’s Theme
MUST Register for all events at: www.discoverybaychamber.org (925) 240-4114 1355 Riverlake Rd Discovery Bay, CA 94505
This Week’s Events
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, 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.
Calendar
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
Ruff Day Rescue Adoption event
Come meet all of the available puppies from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 8800 Brentwood Blvd. and save a life this weekend at Tractor Supply in Brentwood. Ruff Say Rescue is a nonprofit organization that saves dogs off the euthanasia lists in shelters. For details, visit www.ruffdayrescue.org.
Tuesday, July 15
Fun and games with Cub Scout packs in Brentwood
Local Cub Scout packs are hosting a free game playing event from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St. Bring a game to share and bring a friend. Scouting America troops and Cub Scouts leaders will answer questions.
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.
Saturday, July 19
Comedy Uncorked® at Hannah Nicole
Sip, laugh, repeat! Join Johnny Steele, Larry Bubbles Brown, & Michael Meehan at Hannah Nicole Vineyards Saturday July 19, 7pm. A perfect evening in the vineyard: wine /other beverages for sale, delicious food trucks, and side-splitting laughs. General Admission and table seats available. Wine and food sold separately. Info at comedyuncorked.com/ brentwood..
– Sponsored Listing
On the Horizon
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 23
Casino Bus Day 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.
Annual Backpack Giveaway
Think Big Act Bigger is hosting their annual backpack giveaway from 8 a.m.- noon at 4700 Main St. in Oakley. Students of all ages can collect their school supplies while supplies last. Students must be present to collect supplies. Limit one per student. For more information, visit tbactbigger.org.
Saturday, Aug. 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.
Saturday, Oct. 11
10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk
The annual walk in Oakley, is a free, familyfriendly event hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. Attendees can walk in honor of loved ones, volunteer, or connect with local resources through the community partner tables at Civic Center Park in Oakley. For details, visit https:// afspwalks.donordrive.com/Oakley
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.
IHMC Food Distribution
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.
Soroptimists
Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting
The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-3381775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https://www.mcl1155.org/.
Attention commercial venues! The Press is excited to announce we are now allowing commercial venues, bars and for-profit events to list your events in The Press’s weekly printed community calendar. For only $25 per week, it will include 55-60 words or a 380-390 character count with bigger font and will be hotlinked to your website on the e-Press. To place your event, let us know by Friday at noon for the following Fridays publication at ads@brentwoodpress.com or call 925-634-1441.
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003204 The name of the business(es): Poke Hana Located at: 2440 Sandcreek Rd, Suite E-10 In: Brentwood, CA 94513 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Wanhzhuque 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: Julio Wu, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 12, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/11/2030. Brentwood Press No. 021273 95021 Publish dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003310 The name of the business(es): RJMS2911LLC Located at: 2433 Spyglass Drive In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): RJMS2911 LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: ID. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 3/4/2025. Signature of registrant: Randall Jay Galusha, Vice President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 20, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 6/19/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95116 Publish dates:
July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003328 The name of the business(es): The Embroidered Edge
Located at: 460 Ellisa Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Teresa Lynne Speer. 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: Teresa Lynne Speer, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 20, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 6/19/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95100 Publish dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003338 The name of the business(es): Alex & Lorena Services
Located at: 200 Bernauer In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Lorena Carranza. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2025. Signature of registrant: Lorena Carranza, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 23, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/22/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95072 Publish dates: July 4, 11,18, 25, 2025.
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NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0003502 The name of the business(es): Sweet Kay’s Located at: 454 Wisteria Ct In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kalynda Walton. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business
registrant: Kalynda Walton, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 27, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 6/26/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95099 Publish dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0003571 The name of the business(es): California Magic Club Located at: 514 Main St. In: Martinez, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): John Gardenier. 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: John Gardenier, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: July 2, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 7/1/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95127 Publish dates: July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 2025.
NOTICE OF LIEN SALE
SELF STORAGE AUCTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the liened personal property described below, pursuant to the provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure and the provisions of the California Self-Storage Facilities Act, Business and Professions Code Sections 21700 et seq.. On the 16th day of July, at 11:45 A.M., the undersigned will sell the contents of liened storage units by public sale by competitive bidding on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Acorn Self Storage LLC, at 5205 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, California 94565, Tel. (925) 432-3200. Self-storage liened units generally include miscellaneous household goods, office or business equipment, furniture, furnishings, clothing and personal effects. In addition to those general contents, the pre-lien inventory revealed the following described goods: Customer Name: Jon Smithey – lawn equipment, fridge, 20+ boxes
Yolonda Easley – auto parts, pro tools, 15+ boxes and 3+ bags
Cayla Coleman – Bike/trike, lamps, clothes
Tierra Grooms Talbert – Trike, table/ chairs, lamps, mirror, painting Kim Hefner-Crawford – Fridge, tables/ chairs, 200+ boxes
Nicole Coleman Youngblood – Ladders, hand truck, armoire, cabinets, 60+ boxes
Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only. All purchased items sold as-is, where-is, and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Call ahead to make sure sales are still scheduled. Contraband, or items subject to regulation or registration will not be transferred with the liened unit unless otherwise noted.
Dates Published 7/4/2025 and on 7/11/2025 Nor Cal Storage Auctions, Inc., Bond #7900390179, Tel. (916) 604-9695. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95082
Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 2025.
NOTICE OF OUR PLAN TO SELL PROPERTY (MOBILE HOME)
Dated June 27, 2025 Debtor(s): Abraham Eclevia Edulag 50 The Trees Dr Concord, CA 94518 Estate of Alma Tong
Corporation 620 Market Street One Center Square Knoxville, TN 37902 Other
Parties Receiving Notice Department of Housing and Community Development Registration and Titling P.O. Box 277820 Sacramento, CA 95827 Subject Collateral: 1980 SKYLINE MOBILE HOME BEARING SERIAL NUMBER 04740497N
Situs Address: 50 The Trees Dr, Concord, CA 94518 Due to a breach of your obligation to repay the Consumer Loan Note and Security Agreement executed by you on or about August 19, 2020, 21st Mortgage Corporation will sell the 1980 SKYLINE MOBILE HOME BEARING SERIAL NUMBER 04740497N at public sale. A sale could include a lease or license. The sale will be held as follows: Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Time: 1:30 PM Location: At the north side of the Pittsburg Civic Center near the grass located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565 You may attend the sale and bring bidders if you want. The money that we get from the sale (after repaying our costs) will reduce the amount you owe. If we get less money than you owe, you will not owe 21st Mortgage Corporation the difference. If we get more money than you owe, you will get the extra money, unless we must pay it to someone else. You can get the property back at any time before we sell it by paying the full amount you owe (not just the past due payments), including our expenses. To learn the amount you must pay, call 21st Mortgage Corporation at 800-955-0021 or fax to 800-813-8164 . Payments may be remitted to the following address: 21st Mortgage Corporation 620 Market Street One Center Square Knoxville, TN 37902 If you want 21st Mortgage Corporation to explain to you in writing how it has figured the amount that you owe, you may call 800-9550021 or fax to 800-813-8164 and request a written explanation. If you need more information about the sale, you may call us at (619) 685-4800 or write to us at: McCarthy & Holthus, LLP, 2763 Camino Del Rio S. Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108. By: Melissa Robbins Coutts, Esq. McCarthy & Holthus, LLP 2763 Camino Del Rio S, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92018 Phone: (619) 685-4800 Fax: (619) 685-4811 Attorneys for 21st Mortgage Corporation CA-25-1010591-CV IDSPub #0249117 7/11/2025 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95111 Publish Date: July 11, 2025. NOTICE OF PUBLIC LIEN SALE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE 21700
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the California Self-Storage Facility Act (Business and Professions Code 2170021718). The undersigned reserves the right to refuse any and all bids. All rights to damages by reason of a deficiency on this resale and incidental damages, and any and all other appropriate remedies are hereby reserved. The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on or after JULY 16, 2025 @ 10:15am Located at: Discovery Bay Self Storage 2400 Newport Dr. Discovery Bay, CA 94505, the abandonment of personal property belonging to: W. DAmbrogia, A. Cleveland, M. Sparke, E. Fibrow General Description of Goods include but are not limited to: Lamps, Furniture, Clothing, Bedding, Mattress & Box Spring, Bed Frame, File Cabinet, Ladders, Lawn Equipment, Tool Box, Dishes, Sterio equipment, Exercise Equipment, Suitcases, Shoes,
Art, Computers, Automotive Parts, Dollie, Vacuum, T.V. Boxes & Bags, Rugs, Tables & Chairs, Artwork, Holiday Décor, Metal Pipe, Pots & Pans, Pressure Washer, Small Plastic Row Boat, Tires & Wheels, Desk, Wood, Gas Cans. Property to be sold as is to the highest bidder in the form of cash only. Auction conducted by NOR CAL STORAGE AUCTIONS, INC. CA Bond #7900468597
More information and pictures of inventory www.norcalstorageauctions.com (916) 604-9695 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95092 Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 2025.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
Notice is hereby given pursuant to California Business and Professional Codes#21700-21716, Section 2328 of the UCC of the Penal Code, Section 535. The auction will be held online at www. StorageTreasures.com. The undersigned will sell by online sale by competitive bidding the personal property of: Gloria Saldivar
Marguerette Vampelt William Burrell Roxie Barhaugh Samuel Ortega Auctioneer Company: www.storagetreasures.com The sale ends at 11:00 am 7/18/2025. Goods must be paid for by credit/debit card & removed at completion of sale. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner & obligated party. Run Dates 7/4/25 and 7/11/25. Storelocal Storage 190 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood CA 94513 #925-240-7353. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 95107 Publish Dates: July 4, 11, 2025.
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE APN: 008-140-013-7 FKA 008-140-013 TS No: CA08001153-24-1 TO No: 240579825-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d) (1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED July 19, 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 PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On July 31, 2025 at 01:30 PM, at the north side of the Pittsburg Civic Center near the grass located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on July 26, 2022 as Instrument No. 2022-0118051, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Contra Costa County, California, executed by HONG TUYET NGUYEN, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as Beneficiary, as nominee for DEEPHAVEN MORTGAGE LLC as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: See Exhibit “A” Attached Hereto And Made A Part Hereof Exhibit “A” Parcel One: Lot 3, As Shown On The Map Of Subdivision 6761, In The County Of Contra Costa, State Of California, Filed October 7, 1987, In Book 317 Of Maps, At Page 7, Contra Costa
County Records. Excepting Therefrom: 1. The Undivided 1/2 Interest “In And To All Oil, Gas, Hydrocarbons And Minerals Of Every Kind And Nature” Granted In The Deed To Frank A. West, Recorded December 21, 1962, In Book 4268, Official Records, Page 334, Not However, The Interest, In That Portion Thereof Lying Within 500 Feet Of The Surface, Granted In The Deed To Bixland Corporation, Recorded January 22, 1969, In Book 5796, Official Records, Page 446. 2. The Undivided 1/4 Interest “In And To All Oil, Gas, Hydrocarbons And Other Minerals” Reserved In The Deed From Fred Pezzi, Et Al, Recorded November 2, 1965, In Book 4985, Official Records, Page 351, Not Excepting However, The Interest, In That Portion Thereof Lying Within 500 Feet Of The Surface, Granted In The Deed To Bixland Corporation, Recorded January 22, 1969, In Book 5769, Official Records, Page 446. 3. The Undivided 1/4 Interest “In And To All Oil, Gas, Casinghead Gasoline And Other Hydrocarbon Substances Of Any Kind Below A Point 500 Feet Below The Surface Of Said Lands Herein Above Described, Together With The Right To Take, Remove, Pass Through And Dispose Of All Said Oil, Gas, Casinghead Gasoline And Other Hydrocarbon And Mineral Substances, But Without Any Right Whatsoever To Enter Upon The Surface Of Said Land Or Upon Any Part Of Said Lands Within 500 Feet From The Surface Thereof, As Granted In That Certain Quitclaim Deed From New Discovery Inc., A California Corporation, To Alta Mortgage Company, A California Corporation, Recorded August 29, 1986, In Book 12483, Official Records, Page 128. Parcel Two: A Right Of Way (Not To Be Exclusive) For Use As A Roadway To Vehicles Of All Kinds, Pedestrians And Animals, For Water, Gas Oil, And Sewer Pipe Lines, And For Telephone, Television Service, Electric Light And Power Lines, Together With The Necessary Poles Or Conduits, As An Appurtenance To Parcel One Above, Over, Under, And Across: Lot B (Sunset Point), As Shown On The Map Of Subdivision 6761, Filed October 7, 1987, In Book 317, Of Maps, Page 7, Contra Costa County Records. Parcel Three: A Portion Of The Subdivision 6761, Discovery Bay, Filed October 7, 1987 In Book 317 Of Maps, At Page 7, Contra Costa County Records, Further Described As Follows: Commencing At The Southerly Property Corner Dividing Lot 2 And Lot 3, Of Said (317 M 7), Said Corner Being The True Point Of Beginning Of This Description; Thence From Said Point Of Beginning Along The Easterly Property Line Of Lot 3 Of Said (317 M 7) A Bearing Of North 34° 14’ 29” West, 31.38’ Feet To An Angle Point; Thence Continuing Along Said Easterly Property Line A Bearing Of North 04° 21’ 34” West, 76.66 Feet To The Edge Of A Concrete Driveway; Thence Along The Edge Concrete Driveway A Bearing Of North 78° 32’ 54” East, 2.64’ Feet To An Angle Point Of Said Edge Of Concrete Driveway; Thence South Of 07° 19’ 36” East, 73.60 Feet Along Said Edge Of Concrete Driveway To The Beginning Of A Tangent Curve Concave To The East, Having A Radius Of 67.50’ Feet, Thence Along Said Curve Through A Central Angle Of 27° 27’ 47” An Arc Length Of 32.35’ Feet To The True Point Of Beginning. Bearings Are Based On The California Coordinate System Zone III. (CCS 27). The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2220 SUNSET POINT, DISCOVERY BAY, CA 94505-1314 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 made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $1,819,854.35 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a 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 California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. 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. 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 to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the 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 visit the Internet Website address www.nationwideposting.com or call Nationwide Posting & Publication at 916.939.0772 for informa-
tion regarding the Trustee’s Sale for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA08001153-24-1. 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 Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER 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 916.939.0772, or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA08001153-24-1 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. Date: June 24, 2025 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA08001153-24-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 949-252-8300 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 By: Loan Quema, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.nationwideposting.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Nationwide Posting & Publication AT 916.939.0772 NPP0476010 To: BRENTWOOD PRESS 07/11/2025, 07/18/2025, 07/25/2025 Brentwood Press No. 021273 95113 Publish Dates: July 11, 18, 25, 2025. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Justin Okodogbe SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Justin E. Okodogbe CASE NUMBER: N25-1190 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Justin Ehianeta Okodogbe filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Justin Obehi Okodogbe b. AKA Justin Ehianeta Okodogbe to Proposed Name: Justin Ehianeta Okodogbe 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should
member Anissa Williams pointed out that the changes were a result of a previous lack of affordable housing in California, but also said that the new state requirements took away the ability for cities to “limit saturation” of housing, even when residents complain that there is already too much. A similar oversaturation of supportive and affordable housing is occurring in Orange County, Williams said. Legislators there are attempting to deal with the effects and reassure residents who “thought their next door neighbor was going to be a family,” instead of affordable or supportive housing.
Councilmember George Fuller said that he was “very nervous,” since he feared that developers coming in and building more housing would drive up the costs of utilities provided by such entities as the Diablo Water District, due to the District having to supply so many more homes with water.
Mayor Shannon Shaw complained that Oakley has not built enough affordable and supportive housing partly because developers simply do not want to build it. She stressed that this is not the fault of the city, which can only “provide space, show land, and … hope they do it,” Shaw said.
Failure to approve policy actions to bring the Municipal Code in line with state law by January 2026 would have resulted in the use of the builder’s remedy in Oakley, according to the city staff. This is a process used to expedite construction of housing in a city even if the housing does not conform to the city’s General Plan, which can hinder city planning.
“It’s not by our doing, it’s not what our
Fireworks
from page 1A
Mayor Shannon Shaw disapproved of the way that the state was going about building affordable housing.
citizens want … it’s not what’s best for our community necessarily,” Meadows said of the policy actions. “A lot of these housing needs should be directed towards denser areas, but that’s not what happens. We have a gun held to our head to vote for [the changes].”
Shaw disapproved of the way that the state was going about building affordable housing.
“We all thought the housing (plan) itself was going to be the hard part, but now we have all of these hoops, changes, requirements, regulations, and threats to be [in] compliance, and we have this timeline to do it,” Shaw said. “The next hoop, the next regulation, the next threat will potentially
say is on pace with previous years. The city has banned fireworks since 2016, because city officials feared they might inadvertently set off wildfires and because of the expense, according to then-City Manager Tim Ogden.
Ahead of the holiday, Lt. Christopher Peart had said that enforcement of a fireworks ban can be a challenge.
“We have hundreds of fireworks calls on the Fourth of July,” he explained. “Most of them, when we get there, either it’s just a crowd hanging out and so we don’t know who set off the fireworks, and there’s no fireworks there, or we get there and there’s no one there, and the fireworks already been set off, and so it’s just debris in the roadway.”
Water from page 1A
crease for fiscal year 2025/26 would be “sufficient to cover expenditures and maintain the financial health of the (water system). These factors were:
• Cancellation of the Los Vaqueros Expansion Project
• Services and Supply: The quality of water in the Delta has been better than anticipated, resulting in lower treatment costs to convey and treat water than previously expected
• Operational budget savings of 10.7% in personnel costs
The staff report notes that a lesser increase for solid waste or wastewater services was not supported by financial analysis.
put us out of compliance. There’s builders’ remedies and all the big, bad, scary things that will happen if we don’t do it.”
Williams pushed for “advocating for our cities in all the places we can advocate for our cities” to bring the housing issue to the attention of the state in the future.
“We’re doing the right things, we’re accepting things, we’re making an effort to build what our residents and community need,” Williams said.
After discussion concluded, Williams “begrudgingly” proposed a motion to approve the policy actions changing the Muncipal Code. Meadows equally begrudgingly seconded the motion, which passed 4-1 with Fuller voting ‘no.’
As a result, Peart had said that only a small percentage of offenders end up being cited. However, he said after the holiday weekend that it had gone “smoothly.”
“Our department was well-prepared for the night and maintained a strong presence throughout the evening,” Peart said.
Oakley
The City of Oakley reported about 80 fireworksrelated calls on July 4th.
“Historically, fireworks have been very disruptive in the City of Oakley,” police Chief Beard said while preparing for the holiday. “Every year, personal injuries and fires occur in Oakley because of fireworks. When you consider the fact we are in the heart of the fire season, even the usage of “safe and sane” are not only illegal, but also very irresponsible.
“ We have a gun held to our head to vote for (the changes).
Councilmember Aaron Meadows
In other council news:
• The City Council unanimously approved the creation of a new paid internship working with the administrative services and community development departments. The internship was born out of a partnership with the nonprofit Working Wonders, which provides work opportunities for people with disabilities so that they can develop skills and confidence to live independently. Specifically, a Working Wonders client named Evan (no surname given) so impressed the city staff with his work that they approved the paid internship for him and others like him in the future. The holder of the position will work 10 hours per week for six months.
• The council also held a work session discussing the potential for public art programs in partnership with local nonprofits. The members and City Manager Joshua McMurray discussed potential rules for what art could be approved, and where it could be placed. Williams and Shaw were supportive of the program.
• Two city events will occur soon. Movies on Main Street will give a public showing of Kung Fu Panda 4 on July 26 from 7:1510:15 p.m., while the annual Fishing Derby will occur on Aug. 9 from 8-11 a.m.
Oakley police Lt. Robert Roberts will compile this year’s fireworks statistics and present them at the August City Council meeting, according to Oakley Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro. There, he will inform the council how many administrative citations were issued by the city.
Antioch
The biggest fireworks-related incident on the night of July 4th happened in Antioch.
Police said five people were injured, one critically, after a fireworks explosion on the 2200 block of Spanos Street near Linden Way. Antioch police are calling this an “active investigation.”
The other incident was on Palomar Drive, where illegal fireworks sparked a fire on a hill behind a family’s house that came within inches of burning down the house.
The Water Operations Division is responsible for the production and delivery of the City’s drinking water supply.
Increases to these utilities had also been approved in the 2023 meeting where water rates were discussed.
“Residents expect excellent utility service – clean water every time they turn the tap,
dirty water flushing and going where it should to be treated, and garbage to be picked up on time and properly disposed of,” then-City Manager Tim Ogden said at the time. “These costs increase every year with inflation, state
mandates, personnel costs, and major capital costs including replacing vehicles, treatment plants, pipes and pumps, etc. Residents are invited to learn about the cost factors triggering the rate increases, all of which are needed to address maintaining a compliant and efficient system for all three utilities.”
The full July 1 meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/40Ilir5
Press file photo
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
GLP-1s for weight loss: the pros and cons
MANAGING YOUR WEIGHT
is always a hot topic. Especially as we age, it becomes more difficult to lose weight and keep it off.
Let’s be honest, most people would like to shed pounds without having to do endless exercise and starve yourself. We want to lose fat and do it with the least amount of physical effort possible.
The good news is we now have injectable weight-loss medications called GLP-1s that have taken the world by storm.
It’s an exciting time for all who qualify for these medications to meet their weight-loss goals and lower their risk factors for certain illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, to name a few. GLP-1s perform several different actions to promote weight loss, it mimics a hormone that reduces appetite, stabilizes blood sugar, and slows down digestion so you feel full faster.
This all sounds great, but the drawback is that if you had an unhealthy diet to begin with, the desired outcome you are looking for could lead to malnutrition or dehydration. According to the National Institutes of Health and Science Direct,
12.7% of users had nutritional deficiencies diagnosed within six months and 22.4% within one year of starting GLP-1 treatment.
You might ask, “How you can become malnourished or dehydrated?” The side effects of this GLP-1 can cause a feeling of constant nausea leading to vomiting. So, if you are vomiting the food you are eating and can’t keep fluids down, your stomach is not able to absorb any basic, vital nutrients that your body needs to function efficiently.
Diarrhea is also a reported side effect with a similar idea. Diarrhea prevents your body from absorbing vital nutrients. When you become malnourished, you’re
missing vitamins B12, D, and E, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium, to name a few, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN.org) and the National Center for BioTechnology Information (Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Another potential side effect is muscle loss, known as wasting, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Because GLP-1s can potentially cause rapid weight and muscle loss, wasting is a reality. This is especially worsened if you cannot keep food or fluids down. If you’re able to keep some food down, GLP-1’s because you get full quickly, so again you may not get the important nutrients your body
needs to function at its fullest potential. In this case, it is paramount to prioritize protein in your diet.
Bone loss is another problem that also is related to nutritional deficit and lack of regular exercise. Who wants to exercise when you can’t keep food or liquids down because you’re nauseated. Not only are you nauseated but you’re probably feeling weak because you haven’t been able to keep a nutritious meal down. In this case, you really should consult with your doctor and a registered dietician who could help design an appropriate diet plan.
If you decide to use GLP-1s, here are some guidelines to avoid malnutrition and enjoy the benefits of weight loss:
♦ Prioritize protein, fruits, and high-fiber vegetables
♦ Avoid processed foods
♦ Decrease sugar intake
♦ Avoid alcohol because it can irritate the gastrointestinal system
♦ Eat high-quality foods in small portions frequently
♦ Avoid spicy foods
♦ Eat whole foods
It may be helpful to write out a meal plan so you can cover all the bases.
You decide: Are GLP-1s right for you? For more information, consult your doctor and follow up with a registered dietitian.
For more information, visit nih.gov, Sciencedirect.com, or ajcn.org
Adobe Stock photo
Nurse’s CorNer
sheri Griffiths
Brentwood Dental Excellence an ‘excellent fit’ in Brentwood and far East Contra Costa County
Something stuck out to Dr. Vishnu Shankar when he opened Brentwood Dental Excellence on Lone Tree Way in late May.
“One of the key things with Brentwood is the layout of the community,” Dr. Shankar said. “Where the growth has been, with the new homes coming in and new communities being built, we wanted to be somewhere where there is active growth. We want to be where the people need us, basically, and Brentwood seemed to be an excellent fit for our vision and we see great potential for growth.”
Brentwood Dental Excellence, his newest practice that’s inside Lone Tree Plaza across from the Chevron gas station, is the city’s newest dental office, offering all kinds of dental services seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They offer everything from cleanings to whitenings, and the latest in dental surgery options with their Yomi robot technology, the city’s first robotic dental system.
For Dr. Shankar, a graduate of the University of Pacific School of Dentistry, providing advanced patient care has been his goal since he started studying medicine back in the Fijian Islands over three decades ago.
“I have a passion for patient care,” he said. “I’ve worked closely with hospitals there (in Fiji) and saw how people (there) kind of always had a vision for advanced medical care, be it in the dental field and the medical field.
“Here in Brentwood, we have brought the technology home, and I call it ‘home’ because I’ve been closely affiliated with the Brentwood community for a very long time as a teacher, a volunteer, and as a healthcare worker providing dental services.”
Dr. Shankar’s practice, his third in the Bay Area – the others are in San Bruno and in Danville – offer the Bay Area’s first experience with Yomi.
“I see our practice growing and being able to reach out to the newer communities, helping more patients, bringing this technology to the people, instead of people reaching out and traveling out of the way,” Dr. Shankar said. “We want to become part of the new community here, and we have had so many patient testimonials, cards of appreciation, saying how the technology has benefited them.”
Yomi was introduced to the United States in 2016 after spending four years in development by Neocis, a surgical dental robotics company in Florida, and the manufacturer of Yomi. Neocis says on their website that Yomi is the first and only FDA-cleared robotic system for dental surgery.
Yomi works in two parts. First, a separate device takes a 3D scan of the patient’s head using a technology that is more focused than a CT scan viewing on the mouth and jaw area so the dentists can see on a separate screen the area that they plan to work in. The imagery is sent to the Yomi via Wi-Fi where it plans and navigates the placement while the dentists are able to design where they want the implants to go, location and distance.
“It might sound strange, but (Yomi) does use A.I.,” Dr. Shankar said. “Robotics has been a good vehicle for placing dental implants, which is the growing trend in the (dental) community. It uses A.I. to exactly guide the surgeon, in this case the dentist, to go into and place a dental implant safely, precisely, and in good bone. The dentist has the sense of security knowing that this is going to last a patient’s lifetime.
“(Yomi) basically guides the surgeon. We call it ‘robotics that is human driven,’ and it’s just very efficient and a safer way to do dental implants. We can do single, multiple, and in most cases, we can do immediate placements where we take the tooth out, in absence of infection, we’re able to navigate into the solid bone and place an implant that has initial stability to temporize and heal.”
Dr. Shankar added that “the patient has the advantage of knowing minimal discomfort and a faster and more predictable healing time. With these advantages, why would someone not use the technology to their advantage?”
Dr. Shankar has worked with Yomi for several years and has done over 1,000 dental procedures with the new technology throughout his practices. Shankar said there have been no reported problems with Yomi.
“(Patients) love the advances (in technology),” Dr. Shankar said. “They love how we are able to relate the technology to their benefit, and we are in a very technologically advanced era moving forward. And especially with the inception of A.I., we love the technology that makes our
work so much safer.”
As Brentwood Dental Excellence continues to welcome new patients, Dr. Shankar says that the office offers free consultations, and has brochures that “educate the patient as to how the technology can benefit and be customized to the patient’s dental needs.”
The office also has in-house dental plans, a feature along with their flexible financial options.
“We want to be your friend when it comes to your dental care,” Dr. Shankar said. “We want to educate you, tell you what the advances are, how this can benefit your health, and you’ll be amazed at the way the practice is set up. It’s a very modern practice, I’m very proud of it, we’ve spent a lot of time planning it, and we have the greatest staff.”
To schedule your appointment with Dr. Shankar and meet Yomi, call the office at 925-420-5030 or stop in the new office at 5611 Lone Tree Way, suite 140, or visit www.brentwooddentalexcellence.net.
To view a video of the interview, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
JEFF WEISINGER
ON THE COVER: Dr. Vishnu Shankar, DDS of the new Brentwood Dental Excellence stands next to the office’s Yomi Dental Robot, Brentwood’s first robotic dental system.
Advertorial
Photos by Jeff Weisinger
Dr. Vishnu Shankar, DDS of the new Brentwood Dental Excellence brings something new to dentistry locally – a dental robot named Yomi.
Doctors stress the importance of sleep for good health
Just over one-third of men and women in the U.S. are not getting enough sleep every night, and a 2024 study showed that child care was the number one culprit for 49 percent of women and 41 percent of men not getting enough shut-eye.
The Sleep Foundation’s research, among other studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows that the number of adults with sleep deprivation from 2013-2022 ranged from 30 to 48 percent, depending on the state, which equates to less than seven hours of sleep per night, according to Dr. Raheel Khan, a psychiatrist with Sutter Health with 15 years of experience.
“There’s no clear answer on the number of hours these people are getting, but my experience in working with patients that are suffering from sleep deprivation is about 4-6 hours,” Khan said. “Those that are sleeping well are getting about 7-8 hours.”
According to Khan, the ideal amounts of sleep are as follows:
♦ Newborns: 14-17 hours of sleep per day
♦ Toddlers: 11-14 hours of sleep per night
♦ Kids (ages 3-5): 10-13 hours of sleep per night
♦ Kids (ages 6-12): 9-11 hours of sleep per night
♦ Teens (ages 13-18): 8-10 hours of sleep per night
♦ Adults (ages 18-64): 7-9 hours of sleep per night
♦ Seniors (65 and older) : 7-8 hours of sleep per night
Khan added that chronic sleep prob-
lems increase risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, including heart attacks, diabetes, weight problems, memory problems, thyroid problems, a weakened immune system, dementia, and mental illness. Furthermore, psychiatric and substance use problems can potentially occur, while Khan also stressed problems could arise from overuse of caffeine-related products, interfering with sleep and also potentially leading to heart problems, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, kidney problems (including kidney failure with higher amounts of use), along with increased irritability, anxiety, and headaches.
“Typically I recommend avoiding energy drinks all together, even for generally healthy adults,” Khan said. “When it comes to coffee, I recommend not drinking coffee after 3 p.m., ideally after 12 p.m. if possible. A lot of the energy drinks are high in sugar and a lot of people put creamer and sugar in their coffee, which increases the risk for diabetes as well.”
Dr. Melody Brewer, a pulmonary physician and intensive care director with Sutter Health, said sleep is meant to heal and reenergize, rebuild lost energy, solidify memories and knowledge. However, Brewer added there is a strong connection
between sleep and depression, as depression can make sleep worse or less efficient or less restful, while a lack of sleep can trigger or worsen depression.
“A lack of sleep increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which can trigger or exacerbate depression,” Brewer said. “It also causes imbalances in serotonin and dopamine, which are major factors in depression. If someone is dealing with both, they really need to address both and not assume that addressing one will fix both. In some cases, it can but in most cases both issues need to be managed to reach optimal health.”
In addition to aiding with weight loss and weight management, Brewer added that sleep is also important for after surgeries, fractures, training for events, and injuries, including burns. Brewer also added that another group that gets overlooked is pregnant women, since they are growing a whole new human to go along with their own energy needs, so seven to nine hours might seem insufficient.
“All of these require extra energy and therefore extra sleep,” Brewer said. “If someone is trying to max at the gym, their muscles need energy to heal and grow so they should try to get more sleep. An older adult that has incidental compression fractures likely needs more sleep to allow the body to heal. We know there is a significant connection between sleep apnea and the heart and some of that may be related to lack of restful sleep and lack of healing sleep.”
Khan added that good sleep promotes a healthy heart, reduces risk of heart disease, regulates blood sugars, improves immune systems, helps with stress and weight management, provides more energy, and helps people think more clearly and sharp.
“The worse our sleep is, the more likely that we will have multiple health problems to manage,” Khan said. “When evaluating depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, one of the first things we look for is how they are sleeping. That’s the first symptom I focus on. If I’m able to help them sleep better, then it’s easier to start to get the rest of their symptoms under control.”
SEAN TONGSON
Photo from Adobe Stock
Insufficient sleep could lead to various health problems.
What is holistic medicine, and how can it
The medical community has made many notable advancements in the treatment of various diseases and conditions over the first quarter of the 21st century. The general public has reaped the benefits of those advancements, as many challenging medical conditions are now more treatable than ever.
Changes within the health care sector also include a growing emphasis on treating the whole person. Such an approach to health care is known as holistic medicine, a term many might recognize but not necessarily understand.
What is holistic medicine?
According to the Pacific College of Health and Science, the word “holistic” means “dealing with the whole.” Medical practitioners of holistic medicine treat physical ailments and conditions as well as the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects they feel might aggravate the condition. Holistic medicine practitioners believe there is an interconnectedness between a person’s physical and emotional state.
What else does holistic medicine entail?
The Pacific College of Health and Science notes practitioners of holistic medicine follow several guiding principles when treating patients. Those principles include:
♦ A belief that everyone has inborn healing abilities
♦ A belief that patients and doctors must work together as a team to address all areas of life that affect health and wellness
♦ A philosophical commitment to treating a
patient as a person, not a disease
♦ A commitment to addressing the cause of the ailment, not just relieving its symptoms
♦ Focusing on the mind-body connection to treat the whole person
Are holistic medicine practitioners limited to natural remedies?
No. WebMD notes that some holistic medical practitioners employ conventional treatments, including medication, when caring for patients. Practitioners who practice
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naturopathy, a form of holistic medicine, use only natural remedies, including herbal medicines. This distinction is significant, as it helps people recognize that there are various types of holistic medicine practitioners.
What are some types of holistic medicine practitioners?
Various disciplines fall under the umbrella of holistic medicine, and approaches can very considerably depending on which type a person sees.
♦ Integrative physician: WebMD notes integrative physicians are licensed medical doctors (MDs) who may combine holistic practices like massage and acupuncture with treatments such as medication.
♦ Osteopath: Osteopaths (DOs) also are licensed and these professionals are trained in what WebMD characterizes as “manual medicine.” Hands-on manipulation of tissues and joints may be recommended by osteopaths.
♦ Ayurvedic medicine: The Pacific College of Health and Science notes that ayurvedic medicine employs herbs, metals and dietary changes to address health issues. Practitioners of ayurvedic medicine also focus on the interaction between patients and their environments.
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How you know when you have ‘wellness’
Wellness is an oft-heard buzzword among those looking to live a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also something of a mystery. People aspiring to be the best version of themselves with a strong body and mind may be curious about how various wellness strategies can help them achieve that goal.
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. Some experts break wellness down into four categories: spiritual, social, psychological, and physical. Similarly, the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program says wellness is promoted through self-care, including four key strategies: rest, relaxation, replenishment, and release.
Although the terms wellness, health and well-being often are interchanged, each of these factors are their own unique entity.
Health
The University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign says health often is defined as the absence of illness and disease, so various physical, social and mental conditions
The concepts
fall under the health umbrella. Well-being
Although there are different definitions for well-being, the term generally refers to living a fulfilling life in which a
person feels content. The World Health Organization says well-being is “a positive state experienced by individuals and societies.”
Wellness
The whole-health organization Take Care® says wellness refers to the pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that create health. Wellness acts as the plan or individual pursuit to achieve health and thus a greater sense of well-being.
Better understanding of the niche components of overall health and wellness can help people enjoy physical and mental benefits and live more fulfilling lives.
Promoting wellness
The following are some avenues for pursuing wellness.
♦ Self-care
♦ Routine medical exams and immunizations
♦ Healthy diet and exercise habits
♦ Being aware of one’s feelings
♦ Cultivating an optimistic outlook
♦ Learning ways to avoid or manage stress
♦ Being open to new ideas and perspectives
♦ Engaging in social activities, volunteerism and contributing to the community
♦ Finding meaning or purpose
Caring Haven offers respite care services to support caregivers
Caring Haven has launched its dementia-specific respite care program, made possible through a grant from the Center for Dementia Respite Innovation.
This initiative is designed to provide much-needed relief for caregivers supporting people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, according to a press release from the Antioch-based organization.
“With the support of the CDRI grant, we are launching a new respite care program in the Bay Area, giving caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge while the person living with dementia receives highquality, dementia-capable care,” said Chief Executive Officer Nikki K. Lopez. “Caregiving can be overwhelming, and we want families to know they don’t have to do it alone.”
Why respite care matters
There are more than 11 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. providing care for people living with dementia, Lopez said. Many struggle with stress, exhaustion, and burnout, yet access to respite care remains limited. This program aims to bridge that gap by offering caregivers flexible, compassionate care solutions so they can take a much-needed break.
What this means for caregivers
Through this program, Caring Haven offers:
♦ In-home care, adult day programs, overnight stays, weekend hours, and evening hours
♦ Flexible scheduling options to accommodate caregivers’ needs
♦ Trained staff who specialize in dementia care
♦ Affordable options
Caregivers interested in learning more about dementia-specific respite care can contact Caring Haven at 925-331-0590 or visit www.caringhavenhomecare.com.
Caring Haven
nikki Lopez
How seniors with limited mobility can stay active to be healthier longer
Physical activity can help you fight against chronic disease and other conditions. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic highlights physical activity among its nine ways to prevent disease in an effort to live a long and rewarding life.
Children, adolescents, young adults, and even men and women in middle age may not face too many physical hurdles when they try to exercise, but seniors are not always so lucky. Aging men and women with mobility problems may wonder if they can reap the rewards of physical activity, and thankfully there are many ways to exercise even if getting up and going isn’t as easy as it might have been in years past. Sometimes referred to as “aerobic exercise” or simply “cardio,” cardiovascular exercise is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of physical activities that raise the heart rate and improve endurance. Seniors with mobility problems can look to various forms of cardio for inspiration as they seek to be more physically active without compromising their overall health.
Even seniors with mobility problems can find safe and effective ways to be more physically active. Prior to beginning a new exercise regimen, seniors with limited mobility are urged to discuss activities with their physicians.
Walk your way to a healthier you.
Walking is a form of cardiovascular exercise that is ideal for older adults with mobility issues because it need not be physically demanding and it’s safe to walk just about anywhere. Walking in a place such as a local park can be particularly good for older adults because they can take periodic breaks
on benches if aches, pains or stiffness is affecting their ability to keep moving.
Swimming might be tailor-made for seniors with mobility issues because it’s a great workout and exercising in water tends to be less taxing on muscles and joints. The Cleveland Clinic notes that swimming promotes heart health, strengthens the
lungs, helps to burn calories, and builds muscle, among other benefits. And many seniors find swimming is just as fun in their golden years as it was in their youth, which means aging adults might not face problems with motivation when the time comes to get in the pool.
Use an exercise bike or portable pedal exerciser. Cycling is a wonderful exercise but one that seniors with limited mobility may feel is no longer possible. If doctors advise against riding a traditional bike, an exercise bike or portable pedal exerciser can provide many of the benefits of cycling without as great a risk for accident or injury. A portable pedal exerciser can be carried to a park, where seniors can still spend time in the great outdoors, which is one of the most appealing reasons to get on a bike and go.
Take beginner yoga or tai chi. HelpGuide.org notes that gentle yoga or tai chi can help to improve flexibility and reduce stress and anxiety. Though yoga and tai chi can provide as much demanding physical activity as individuals allow, beginner classes in each discipline don’t require much movement but do provide enough for seniors hoping to be less sedentary.
Metro Creative