LUHSD gets new, but familiar, leader
dent, giving her a strong understanding of the district, its challenges and strengths.
“I think the board made a good call,” said Volta of Rugani’s promotion. “She was the very first person that I hired when I was superintendent, and there’s not much about the district she doesn’t know.”
By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
The Liberty Union High School District (LUHSD) is in new, but familiar, hands.
Denise Rugani officially took the reins as superintendent on July 1, but she has been with the district since her predecessor, Eric Volta, hired her 13 years ago. During her time with LUHSD, Rugani was assistant superintendent, then associate superinten-
Earlier this year, Volta became superintendent of the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District, a small district in the South Bay where he will manage two public high schools, a continuation school and an adult education program. Rugani said Volta will be missed, but she is excited to start meeting people under her new “hat.”
“My first goal is to just go out and meet people,” Rugani said. “I will be on campuses a lot and work with staff and make sure everyone feels valued and appreciated.”
Rugani began her career in education as an administrator with a counseling degree. She has also served as a history teacher, assistant
principal, principal, curriculum supervisor and administrator. She has worked in leadership, human resources and curriculum planning,
Teen accused of stabbing Brentwood cop gets 6 years
a kitchen knife at City Park on the evening of Oct. 11, 2023.
The 16-year-old who was accused of stabbing a Brentwood police officer last October at City Park was sentenced last week to six years in prison.
Brentwood police had sought attempted murder charges against the teen, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
According to Brentwood police, the suspect, who remains unidentified because he is a juvenile, was given the maximum six-year sentence under California law in connection with the stabbing of the Brentwood police officer with
On that day, according to Brentwood police, officers responded to a call of a person at the park near the intersection of Oak and Third streets armed with a kitchen knife. According to a caller, the person was taunting other people with the knife.
After officers talked to the teen and tried to deescalate the situation before taking him into custody, police say the teen attacked and stabbed the officer. When the cop tried
to approach the teen, the suspect turned around and stabbed him in the neck with the knife, yelling and cursing at him afterward. The officer’s partner drew her weapon at the teen, ordering him to drop the knife. Meanwhile, a passerby came in and tackled the suspect, helping the police detain him.
The officer, whose identity has not been released, was then rushed to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
see Stabbing page 18
and said she believes in supporting school staff.
“If the staff is happy, the students are happy,” she said. “And hiring the best teachers for the district is a priority.”
She said she initially chose to work in education because of the positive experience she had while attending Concord High School. As part of her class’s leadership team, she said she saw firsthand what a good teacher could do for their students and wanted to pay that forward.
“I really wanted to make a difference in the lives of students,” she said. “As an administrator, I thought I could broaden that scope.”
As she settles into her new position, Rugani said she doesn’t have big plans to change things because LUHSD “is already a really strong, positive district.” Her goal is to keep things moving in the right direction and help where she can. She said she believes in open communication and looks forward to letting families know
see Leader page 18
What happens to East
County wastewater?
By Sean Tongson Correspondent
Water is an essential resource to any community, coming from a variety of sources including a lake, river, reservoirs, or from groundwater sources such as a well or an aquifer.
Once water has been used and disposed of however, it then becomes wastewater, originating from everyday living such as toilet flushing, bathing, laundry, food preparation, or dishwashing, while also coming from commercial or industrial uses such as beauty salons, automobile repair shops, or agricultural purposes.
However, once that water that has been used flows down the drain, where does that water go, and what happens to it?
According to statistics from Wastewater Digest, wastewater is composed of 99.9 percent water, with the remaining 0.1 percent containing toxins that must be removed, with a composition of organic matter, microorganisms, inorganic compounds, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Additionally, wastewater may also include storm runoff, which can contain harmful substances that wash off roads, parking lots, and rooftops. As a result, wastewater must be treated before it is released back into streams and for use as recycled water.
Casey Wichert, Brentwood Director of Public Works, says everything that goes down a drain from inside a building in Brentwood from sinks, show-
Wastewater page 18
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Former student laments Liberty High’s ‘inability to communicate’ its art plans
Allison Giles is a Liberty High alum, class of 2023.
With respect to the Liberty Union School Board’s decision to paint over the student artwork of Liberty High School, I am upset by their lack of communication and failure to follow through on their promise that certain artwork on Liberty’s campus would not be painted over.
At the most recent board meeting on June 18, the board approved a painting contract that aims to paint the S, F and L-wings of Liberty High School. It was discussed however, that the artwork on the exterior of the classroom doors was able to remain, as it posed no threat to students and didn’t violate any fire code.
The board also promised to hire a photographer and take pictures of each piece that was to be covered as part of the contract. The motion was approved, and according to board president Dr. Tamela Hawley, only on the basis that the contractors “honor our request[s]” and include “the caveats [that were] talked about,” (referring to the doors and photos).
Since then, all of the beloved doors in the S-wing and L-wing have instead been painted over. Numerous art pieces from students painted anywhere from 25 years ago, to only one month ago, are gone. We have also received no information on the photos and whether or not they were taken professionally, as we requested (this way the photos could be blown up into posters if teachers wanted).
The lack of communication has been there from the start, as this whole project went unannounced to the public until only a few days before school’s end, and student artists working on murals in L-wing were left scrambling for answers. To withhold this information for so long and allow students to paint, knowing it would be covered in a matter of weeks, is wrong.
To promise that certain artwork will be allowed to stay, and then immediately paint over it all, is also wrong. The district officials and administration at Liberty High School have handled this project poorly, and offended the artists who have worked tirelessly to make their school a welcoming, expressive environment.
I graduated from Liberty in 2023, and have done two murals on the school’s campus. The L-wing is the school’s art wing, and until July was filled with artwork from students who came before me, my friends, myself, and students who came after me. It was a place where the school’s artists felt safe – and seen. Basketball players get the gym, and football players the stadium…if one of those were taken away, there would be a replacement, and announcement to the players. What do the artists get? Where is their replacement, or their announcement?
Beyond the L-wing, the doors around campus have always worked to identify
the teachers working behind them, as staff have customized and decorated their doors with help from student artists for 25 years without any issue. In reference to the fire code cited as being in violation by the doors artwork, according to fire marshal Joe Ottolini, chapter 10, section 1032.6 of the California Fire Code refers only to “means of egress”, meaning the artwork featured on the ingress side of the doors (the exterior) had no reason to be taken away.
These doors represented tradition, pride, culture and personality, and according to one student... showcase[d] the creativity of our students and their incredible ability to turn something plain into a masterpiece.”
Now, all the murals in L-wing, and all the doors, are replaced with the same shade of red and gray. The L-wing is no longer a safe haven for artists, and the doors all look identical to each other. How can Liberty preach diversity, and house so many great art programs like PADA, and yet take away the very art that once made the campus so special?
Chief Business Officer Dina Stewart presented to the board that the reason for painting the L-wing was to ensure the structural integrity of the building, as it was “in need of a new coat of paint.’’
To that we ask, ‘why weren’t students involved in the initial conversations, and could the board have worked together with students for a solution that didn’t involve completely covering the L-wing?’
It comes as no surprise that we artists are very creative; could Ms. Stewart have identified the specific areas in need of new paint and tasked art students with painting over those areas with new murals?
This past month, I’ve been working with two amazing students – Rose Hannah and Kathryn Souza – of Liberty High School to voice our concerns. A week before school got out, these two were informed by Ms. Stewart that the murals they were working on wouldn’t make it past the summer, as the wing was being painted over by the district. The board’s lack of communication throughout this
entire process is unacceptable when dealing with an issue as personal as student art.
It was mentioned numerous times during each board meeting throughout June that the student involvement was wonderful to see, as many came to speak and show support for the arts at the district office. Actions speak louder than words, however, and to quote an LUHSD alum who spoke on June 12: “According to your [the board’s] words, this is the most interesting public hearing you’ve had with some of the most amount of people coming to express their feelings- and if that changes nothing, then I see no reason for this…”
Their actions have shown that student feedback means nothing, and works only to discourage students from speaking up, or being involved in their school. Regardless of how many emails we’ve sent to the administration, speeches
we’ve written and spoken at board meetings, and the more than 500 signatures we gathered on a petition, it seems nothing has made a difference.
The walls are painted, the doors are gone, and we’ve heard little to nothing back from the board or Liberty admintrators. The district staff works to serve the interest of their students, and a part of their mission statement says that “Schools will provide a safe and personalized environment, value diversity and collaboration, and encourage respect for others and self.”
The district’s inability to follow through with what was promised to the community and students does not respect us. Just as the basketball players or football players would receive, we ask the board to issue an official announcement and apology towards the artists who spent so much time fighting to keep the artwork, only to be pushed aside and unheard.
My team and I would also appreciate an update from the board on the progress of the photos promised. My father and I plan on presenting to the board on July 24 a plan on how students can continue to create public artwork on Liberty’s campus without the threat of their work suddenly being covered. If any readers want to attend and hear the board and I discuss this topic further, please come to the July 24 district meeting at the district office.
You can always make a public comment during the meeting if you have something to say. In the meantime, reach out to any artist you know and let them know their art means more than just paint on the wall.
Editor’s note: LUHSD School Board President Tamela Hawley declined to comment, calling the situation ongoing and saying she’d like to hear all sides.
Photos by Allison Giles
Welcome back to another review.
One of the most amazing things about jazz is that it is the only musical genre that is played by heads of state and royalty. Let me give you some examples: President (Lester Young), King (Clarence ‘King Pleasure’ Beeks), Queen (Dinah Washington), Lady (Billie Holiday), Prince (Miles Davis), Count (Count Basie), and a Duke (Duke Ellington).
On Sept. 17, 1962, Duke Ellington went into Sound Makers Studios in New York and recorded his second trio album (the first being “Piano in The Foreground” in 1961). We all know Duke as being one of the greatest big-band leaders, arrangers, and composers in jazz.
It has been said that if “Piano in The Foreground” was Duke Ellington’s trio album from heaven, then “Money Jungle” is his trio album from hell.
The title track of this album opens with a disturbing sound, something between fingernails scratching on a blackboard, and a single blade saw cutting through wood, tripping doubles, siren-tense.
It is bassist Charles Mingus doing something to his instrument – running his fingernails against the strings, snapping them, making them percuss. A violent sound. Five seconds of the bass bleating and the drums burst, a crisp wave of a sound from the hi-hat, a parade over the lowing of the bass, cresting and dipping in preparation for the piano, and after another five seconds the piano comes in loud, bursting, a chord played with all the pianist’s strength. The track ends not in an explosion but in exhaustion.
“Money Jungle” had been intended as a collaboration of styles and generations:
• Ellington 63, big-band genius, measured and smooth, a living legend albeit slightly passe’, playing around with two emissaries of hard-driving bop
• drummer Max Roach, 38;
• bassist Charles Mingus, 40, a man occasionally proclaimed to be the heir to Duke’s mantle, a musician who named “Duke and Church” as his influences. The hell part of this album suddenly came in the
late afternoon of this recording session when Mingus stopped playing, pulled the cover over his bass cursing to himself, and left stomping down the hallway.
It was hinted that Roach sitting at the drums said something to Mingus and rolled a trilling note on his snare while smiling at Mingus. It was also hinted that Mingus was upset because he had brought some of his compositions to session, he hoped to be considered for recording but were not even looked at.
It was said that Duke followed Mingus out of the studio into the street, convincing Mingus to come back to finish recording (Duke said this was not true). They eventually finished the recording of this album, but it is important to understand that most collaborations are a triumph of harmony, “Money Jungle” is a moment to disharmony, and it is a masterpiece.
To complete this album, Mingus seemed to be intent on harrying Duke, bumping him, playing over him, trying to throw him off. But Duke pushed back, his playing is flawless and aggressive, and playing in a style that most would consider not like him, but I always knew Duke could rise to any occasion.
This is truly one of the greatest trio albums ever recorded. There is a lot of psychology going on between the musicians on this album. There is nothing rote about this album. So please seek it out and add it to your collection.
Until next time remember the words of Duke Ellington: ‘I love you madly.’
REGIONAL & LOCAL
News iN Brief
Caltrans installs 186 video cameras on Bay Area highways, including four in Antioch, one in Oakley
Caltrans has installed 186 video cameras on local highways as part of its Safety Camera Pilot Program, and there are four in Antioch along Highway 4, and one in Oakley on Highway 160.
The four in Antioch are on Highway 4 at the Hillcrest Avenue, Laurel Road, Lone Tree Way and Contra Loma Blvd./L Street exits.
The camera in Oakley is at Highway 160 and Oakley Road, state Assemblymember Mia Bonta said in an email to constituents last weekend.
These cameras are supposed to detect traffic incidents and wrong-way drivers, but will also decrease highway crime, increase traffic safety, and provide law enforcement critical data to hold perpetrators accountable, she said in the email.
Highway safety has become a major concern for the Bay Area, Bonta said. While there was a 23% reduction in highway shootings for 2023, there were still 79 highway shootings in Alameda County, requiring investments in safety measures and accountability for those committing crimes.
The installation of these cameras is part of the California Transportation Commission’s $2 billion economic infrastructure investment.
New
data shows California’s
TK enrollment has doubled in size in last 2 years
New state enrollment data shows that the number of students in transitional kindergarten (TK) has doubled in size over the last two years, following unprecedented early learning investments. TK enrollment went from 75,465 in the 2021-22 school year to 151,491 in the 2023-24 year, according to a press release from the state. In 2021, Gov. Newsom signed legislation providing free and high-quality TK for all 4-year-olds.
Over the past years, California has invested in early education, from $500 million in Universal PreKindergarten Planning and Implementation Grants, to the statewide expansion and support for the campaign to raise awareness of free, early learning programs.
This is how California is transforming education:
• Universal Pre-Kindergarten: California’s children will have access to crucial high-quality instruction by age 4 – effectively adding a new grade to the traditional K-12 system – regardless of a family’s income, with full-scale implementation anticipated by 2025.
• Universal Extended-Day Learning: All elementary school students will have access to before- and after-school
programs, as well as summer learning opportunities, by 2025.
• Universal Free Meals: No student will need to learn on an empty stomach, with all students having the choice of two free, nutritious meals per day –regardless of income or family status.
• Youth Behavioral Health: Youth up to age 25 will have access to a revamped youth behavioral health system, including an online one-stop hub and billions invested to integrate mental health services with schools.
• College Savings Accounts: Every low-income public school student will have an account opened in their name with a seed deposit of $500 to $1,500 – cultivating a college-going mindset, building generational wealth, and promoting college affordability.
• Tutoring + Literacy + Math: Schools are helping students accelerate academic progress and reduce learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic through tutoring, increased instructional time, and other student supports.
• More teachers, more counselors, and more paraeducators: Lower staff-tostudent ratios is more support for students. Ratios will be lowered across settings and $1.1 billion in annual funding for high-poverty schools to hire up to 5 more staff each.
• Master plan for career education: Aligning and simplifying the TK-12, university, and workforce systems in California to support greater access to education and jobs for all Californians.
Former Antioch nanny sentenced 15 years to life for sexual abuse of child 10 or younger
Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, 29, of Antioch has been sentenced in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child after she pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger.
Hidalgo was a part-time nanny to the victim and has been in custody since her arrest on Sept. 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison, which begins immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
On Sept. 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being posted on X. A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch and Hidalgo was arrested. .
Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on Sept. 19, 2023. Evidence also showed that Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users.
Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited
To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com
Children to ensure those images are flagged if posted online in the future.
County TRUTH Act community forum scheduled for July 23
The Contra Costa County TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 23, during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.
The discussion will focus on local immigration enforcement activities in 2023 and law enforcement interactions with the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The annual event has been held since 2017 as part of California’s State Assembly Bill 2792, the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act, which aims to increase transparency and accountability among federal and local law enforcement agencies.
“The TRUTH Act forum in one way we can support our immigrant communities to ensure they feel safe and empowered,” stated board chairman and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. “This forum allows residents to engage the County regarding the extent of access provided to ICE in its law enforcement activities, which is vital for transparency and accountability.”
• Spanish language interpretation is available.
• The meeting will be closed-captioned in real-time.
Watch the forum at www. contracosta.ca.gov or on CCTV channels: AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Comcast Channel 27, or WAVE Channel 32. Send comments or questions to TRUTHAct@ cob.cccounty.us or to Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, 1025 Escobar St., 1st Floor, Martinez, CA, 94553.
Nearly $2 billion going to California public transit
Gov. Newsom has announced that more than $1.9 billion will support public transportation throughout the state. The funding was approved by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), and is the first wave of funding from the transit recovery package in the 2023-’24 state budget.
As part of Senate Bill 125 from last year, $5.1 billion will be distributed among regional transportation planning agencies over multiple years, according to a state press release. This money comes with the flexibility to pay for transit operations or capital improvements. The money will go to 22 agencies, with amounts varying based on regional population. TriDelta Transit said they are not aware of any of the money coming to the agency. CalSTA anticipates approving additional allocation packages for remaining planning agencies throughout the summer, totaling nearly $500 million.
The remaining 125 funds will be approved annually through fiscal year 2027-’28.
“California’s commitment to public transit is unwavering, and with billions more in funding in the pipeline – including for zero-emission equipment and operations – we are just getting started in delivering a more sustainable and equitable transit system for the people of California,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin.
The transit recovery package also includes accountability measures to help stabilize transit systems and retool their long-term operations to better align with the needs of the public. As part of that effort, CalSTA has convened the Transit Transformation Task Force to develop policy recommendations to grow transit ridership, improve the transit experience and address long-term operational needs.
Oakley and MDRC offer free compost, wood chips to residents
The city of Oakley and the Mount Diablo Resource Center are offering free compost and wood chips to local residents on Saturday, July 20, from 9-11 a.m. at the City Yard at the corner of Neroly Road and Main Street.
Oakley residents must bring and their own work gloves, shovels and containers for the chips or compost, and a tarp, if needed, according to a press release from the city of Oakley. There is a five-yard limit of any combination of compost and chips per customer. A valid ID might be required.
The offer also will continue on the third Saturday of every month.
The chips are organic and mixed with leaves and twigs. It is not the commercialgrade chips you might buy at a landscape store, but it has the same benefits, the release said.
The chips are good for moisture retention in soil (it helps prevent evaporation), helps prevent weed growth, and protects roots during hot weather
The compost is derived from locallysourced materials, the press release said.
Knightsen wetlands project in-person public meeting set for July 30
The Knightsen wetlands project team has made progress with the design, and it is holding an in-person meeting on July 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Knightsen Farm Bureau, 3020 Second St., for anyone who wants an update.
No reservation is required; interested people can simply show up, according to a news release from county Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.
The goal of this meeting is to discuss developments in the project design and respond to community input from prior meetings. Representatives from the Project team will be available to answer questions.
For details about the project, visit www.tinyurl.com/Wetland-Knightsen
Back-to-school free supply give-a-way on July 27
To help students prepare for
Mt. Diablo
Now in its fifth year, this annual giveaway is popular, so families are encouraged to come early for the best selection. No registration is required, according to a press release.
“My favorite aspect of this event is hearing from kids and parents that they were able to gather ev-
erything they need to start the new school year without spending any money,” says MDRR CEO Kish Rajan. “The fact that we are getting these items into the hands of people who can use them instead of sending more items to the landfill matches our company’s philosophy.”
“This giveaway is not just about providing free, reusable supplies. It’s a testament to our dedication to resource recovery,” Rajan added. “Reuse is a critical component of the sustainability puzzle and is one example of how we optimize the use of
the materials we collect and process.”
Throughout the year, the MDRR Reuse Team gathers a variety of pre-owned school supplies, which are later redistributed through the company’s network of more than 20 nonprofits.
A parent or guardian must accompany minors under 18. All guests are required to sign a Media Consent and Release of Liability at check-in.
For more information, visit mdrr.com/school-supply-giveaway-2024.
For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
This Week’s Events
Saturday, July 20
Book sale at Brentwood library
Teachers, parents, and homeschoolers will find bargains galore on a large variety of educational materials, children’s books and other back-toschool specials at the Friends of the Brentwood Library Educational Supplies/Teachers Pop-Up Book Sale. The sale, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. In addition to the educational materials, other reading favorites, such as adult books, books for young adults, and more will be available at discount prices. Visit https://www.friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary.org.
Sunday, July 21
Flor do Oakley Holy Ghost Festival
A parade will begin to form at 8:30 a.m, and leave at 9 a.m. At 10, there will be a Mass at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, 971 O’Hara Ave., where sopas will be served. There will be a performance by Portuguese Folklore group - Rancho Folclórico “Saudades do Ribatejo,” *Bazaar, Sweet Bread, Tremoço, Linguiça & Bifana Sandwich sales throughout the day. This free event is at Flor do Oakley Hall. For details, visit http://www. flordooakley.com.
Thursday, July 25
Hometown Nights - A celebration of Community and Nostalgia
The Downtown Brentwood Coalition presents its newest event series, Hometown Nights, from 4-8 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. This nostalgic, family-friendly evening will be a celebration of all things Brentwood, including a ‘50s theme with classic cars and an ice cream social area offering a variety of treats for purchase. For details, visit contact Executive Director Amy Tilley at specialevents@downtownbrentwood.com or visit www. brentwooddowntown.com.
On the Horizon
Thursday, August 1
“Tip A Star” fundraiser for Working Wonders
Zephyr Grill and Bar at 613 First St. #100 in McCauley Plaza hosts a fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. for Working Wonders, a Brentwood nonprofit for adults with disabilities. For reservations, call 925-418-4708.
Friday, August 2-Sunday, August 11
Monty Python’s Spamalot at Ghostlight Theatre
The players present six performances of Spamalot. Ripped from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical has everything from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, catchy songs and The Lady of the Lake. This show is considered PG-13 and not recommended for children under the age of 13. Tickets are $25-$28. Showtimes are Friday, Aug, 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. For details or to get tickets, visit https://ghostlightte.org/
Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11
2024 Quilt Show
The Delta Quilters Guild presents their annual show from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 10 and 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 at the Brentwood Community Center at 35 Oak St. There will be quilts, demonstrations, vendors, a boutique and raffles, plus lunch and shopping specials presented by downtown merchants. Entry fee is $12, good for both days. Those younger than 8 or older than 80 are admitted free.
Sunday, August 11
Pancakes and More Breakfast for Oakley Seniors
Pancakes and more will be served at the Oakley Park and Rec Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave., from 8 a.m. – noon. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $5 for 5 years and younger.
Tickets are available to purchase at the Senior Center or by calling 925 626-7223.
Friday, August 16
“Let’s Build a New Oakley Library and Community Center” Fundraising Dinner
Tickets are $50 for the Hawai’an-inspired event from 6-9 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave, in Oakley.
Guest speakers include Jeff Palmquist, Superintendent of Schools for the Oakley Union Elementary School District. Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder, former president and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council and Executive Director of the Contra Costa Economic Council.Susan Hildreth, Former California State Librarian and Director of the National Institute of Museum and Library Services.For details and tickets, visit https://www.oakleylibrary.org/ new_fundraising_event
Saturday August 17
Cruise Out Car Show
Liberty High School Auto Shop presents their car show at the Independence High parking lot at First and Pine streets in Brentwood from noon- 4 p.m. (cars start lining up at 11 a.m.). Entry fee is $30.
Hot August Cruise Night
From 5-9 p.m., downtown Antioch restaurants and stores will be open. A lot of classic cars, music and food as part of the Celebrate Antioch Foundation and Rivertown Merchants Event. For details, visit www.celebrateantioch.org
Tuesday, August 20
Oakley Senior Center Bus Trip to Hard Rock Casino
The bus will leave the senior center at 215 Second St. at 8 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. to allow for five hours of gambling and lunch. Tickets are $47. RSVP by Aug. 12 by calling Joyce or Allan at 925-626-7223.
Saturday, September 7
La Gran Fiesta Hispanic Heritage Event
Presented by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, celebrate La Gran Fiesta from 2-8 p.m. at Brentwood City Park with live musical performances, a car show, a free kids zone and authentic Hispanic food. For details, call 925-634-3344.
Rivertown Peddlers Faire!
From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at G and 2nd streets in Antioch’s Historic Rivertown Business District, the faire features more than 70 vendors offer vintage goods, antiques, furniture, home decor, repurposed and upcycled items, home & garden, handmade items, arts and crafts, jewelry and gifts, live music, food , beer and wine, and shopping. Admission and parking are free. For details, visit: https://www.rivertownpeddlersfaire.com
Saturday, September 14
Banner Up! Live Auction
Art Guild of the Delta’s Banner Up! 2024 Live Auction is from 6-9 p.m. at the Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffith Lane, Brentwood. Proceeds support local artists and Adventure Therapy Foundation. Pick up your free banner guide at the community center. For more information, visit ArtGuildoftheDelta.org or call Rosie Grejsen at 925-698-2077.
Looking for something to do?
Look at the many local events on
Saturday, September 21
2024 PJTF 11th Annual Benefit Gala
The Patriots Jet Team Foundation’s 11th annual benefit gala from 5–10 p.m. is Patriots Jet Team Center Byron Airport at 760 Osprey Court, Byron, features Champagne reception, dinner and live music. The cost is $225 per person until Aug. 15. For details, call (925) 338-7583 or visit https://www.pjtf.org/.
Saturday, September 28
Brentwood Rotary Club
Craft Brew Festival
The Brentwood Rotary Club’s third annual Brewfest is an annual event that brings the community together to enjoy a diverse selection of craft beers, live music, and local food vendors. The festival at City Park from 1-5 p.m. is a major fundraiser for the club, supporting its various charitable projects and initiatives. Attendees can sample beers from breweries, participate in fun activities, and enjoy a lively atmosphere. The event is designed to celebrate local craft brewing culture while raising funds for causes, enhancing community spirit. Ticket information will be announced shortly.
Saturday, October 5
Pawstoberfest
Ruff Day Rescue presents Pawstoberfest from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood. There will be a beer garden, artisan and pet booths, food trucks, onsite adoptions and microchipping/vaccination, kids area, canine demonstrations, dog parade and costume contest (small dogs at 1:30; large dogs at 2:30) and live music by Dawglips from 1-5 p.m.. For details, visit ruffdayrescue.org.
Ongoing Events
East County Rotary Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https://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 http://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 https:// www.facebook.com/antiochrotaryclub/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https://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 Westmont of Brentwood, 450 John Muir Parkway. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/. Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions.com/ who-we-are/meetings/. Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/ sites/byron_delta/.
Oakley Senior Center
Food Distribution
The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own
grocery bags. It also hosts a flea market, vendor fair, which includes trinkets, arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, happens the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Table space is $10 or 3 for $25. For details, call Jim Fridas at 925-813-1007 or the senior center at 925-626-7223. The center also offers bingo the every second Tuesday of the month. Doors open at noon and you must be 18 to play.
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.
Golden Hills Community Church
Food Distribution
The SENT (Serving and Engaging Neighbors Together) Ministry, in partnership with Team Jesus Outreach Ministries will be distributing food to anyone in need on these Saturdays — Aug. 10, Oct. 12 and Dec. 14 — from 12:30 -2:30 p.m. while supplies last. Everyone is welcome. The church is at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For details, call (925) 5160653 or visit https://goldenhills.org.
Soroptimists of the Delta Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For details, contact president Sue Pretzer at spretzer303@yahoo.com at 760-583-3058.
ACA Women’s Group
The ACA Women’s Group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. For more information, contact Cici at 530-306-7034.
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/.
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. We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Delta Informal Gardeners
The group meets the fourth Monday of most months at the Brentwood Community Methodist Church at 809 Second St. at 7:30 p.m.. For details, contact Roger Marman at 562-421-8036 or ramarman@gmail.com. The next meeting on July 22 will feature Lori Caldwell talking about Gardening All Year, and Prepping Your Garden for Fallm covering techniques on how to transition to your fall garden: cool-weather edible crops, bare root fruit trees/vines, seed saving, sheet mulching, nontoxic pest control and planting native plants.
MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE
By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.
ARE YOUR ESTATE PLAN DOCUMENTS ORGANIZED?
Organizing your estate plan documents – and letting your family and trustee/executor know where to find them is important. If the original estate plan documents cannot be located, then they do not exist. All the effort and money spent to create your estate plan will be wasted.
There are online applications to assist with this type of organization. But an accordion file or binder is just as effective. In the binder you can store your estate plan documents, financial documents, life insurance policies, bank statements, etc.
The best place to store documents is in a fire-proof safe at home. Historically, a safe deposit box was the way to store important documents. However, most banks are phasing this out. Besides, it can be expensive and difficult to access after you die.
Also, creating a digital copy of your estate planning documents is immensely helpful. Cloud storage is the best way to store electronic copies of your documents rather than saving the files on your computer. It is more secure and easier to access from any computer.
Although it is not an estate plan document, providing access to those all-important online passwords should also be a part of your estate plan binder. Either write them down in the binder or use a password management tool. Most allow you to share passwords with others. Using such a tool requires that you only write down one password in the binder, which gives access to all the saved passwords in the program.
Finally, make sure to update the information in the binder annually or any time there is a major life event such as a death of a family member, births, etc.
By being organized, you will feel more prepared, and those you leave behind will thank you for the effort. Most of us do not want to leave a financial mess for our family. If you like your family (even a little bit) make sure to prepare an estate plan and keep your finances organized.
If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 516-4888. East County Family Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Ste A, Brentwood www.eastcountyfamilylaw.com – Advertisement
Construction on Sand Creek Sports Complex could start in 2025
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Brentwood may just have to wait a little bit longer for the anticipated opening, let alone construction, of the Sand Creek Sports Complex.
According to City of Brentwood Recreation Manager Thien Nguyen, construction for the complex looks to begin in 2025. The city is going through its review process on the project, and Nguyen adds that Parks and Recreation is planning on taking back submittal plans to the City Council by the end of the year. Submittal plans are documents submitted by contractors that must be approved before a project can begin construction, according to the Division of the State Architect. They include information about equipment, materials and other elements of construction.
“Parks and Recreation has been reviewing submittal plans and working on CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) for Sand Creek with intent to take
it back to the City Council by the end of this year,” Nguyen said. “From there, we would look to bid and award the project and, once we have that in place, a better timeline for construction will be known.”
The Sand Creek Sports Complex was officially given its name at a City Council meeting late last month, with the championship field there being named after the late, beloved Brentwood educator Cecy Martinez.
The nearly 34-acre complex will feature three multi-use fields that are primarily soccer fields but can be used for other sports like lacrosse. Of the three fields, one will measure 75 by 120 yards, with the other two measuring in at 70 by 110 yards, all meeting FIFA requirements.
The construction of the project will be split into phases, as described in a City Council meeting last year.
Phase 1 is estimated to cost $31 million, and the first part of it, which costs an estimated $18.9 million, will consist of the three soccer fields and the parking lot.
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
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Boy Scouts: the adventure that is worth starting
Editor’s note: The author is an eighthgrader at
For decades, BSA, or the Boy Scouts of America, has been a nationwide phenomenon. From its humble beginnings as an American’s visit to London, to Scout summer camps such as Wolfeboro and Royaneh, BSA has come a long way. Scouting has always been a big part of my life; from making new friends to trying new things, there is no negative from Scouting. Scouting is worth joining because it teaches you many lifelong lessons, it is fun, and you can make many friends from it.
Social Talk about town...
First, BSA is worth joining because it teaches you many lifelong lessons. According to the Scout Oath, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and to my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
To explain, everything that is mentioned in the Scout Oath stays with you for life. Because the advice from the Scout Oath is so rich, Scouts are encouraged to follow it for the rest of their lives. It is said that if you follow these rules, you will have a longer and happier life. That is one reason why Boy Scouts is worth joining.
Another reason Boy Scouts is worth joining is that it is fun, like really fun. If you are an outdoors kinda guy like me,
Boy Scouts is a safe haven. From multiday camping trips, to week-long summer camps, Scouting is fun for all types of people. In my troop, Troop 90, Scouting is the main gateway to fun for some kids in our troop. It’s a great way to turn normally phone-obsessed kids into kids who would rather go outside and play than to stay inside and play games.
All in all, Scouts is a great way to go outside, grab a football and some friends, and have some fun.
Finally, Scouts is worth joining because you can make many new friends from it. Ever since I joined Scouts, I have made many new friends that are even outside my age group. My friendship bonds with my old friends have gotten even stronger. Having more friends makes
Scouts more fun, life more happy, and an overall improvement in mental health.
Fortunately, making friends in Scouts is easier than ever. Often, older Scouts encourage younger Scouts to become familiar with the new Scout, which makes the new Scout’s life a whole lot easier. That is another reason why you should join Scouts.
To conclude, joining Scouts is valuable because it offers important life lessons, is enjoyable, and allows you to make many friends, but you can’t just sit there and do nothing, right?
You have got to join Scouts! Reach out to your local troop, speak to the Scoutmaster, and watch your new adventure play out and start.
Nahar Grewal Brentwood
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“Warm temperatures bring people and boats out on the Delta. But they also bring toxic bluegreen algae blooms, turning the water green”
“Keep your dogs away from it will kill a dog before you can get help”
– @rhmimages via Instagram
“Were at the end of our bay, its so nasty.”
– @epenguina via Instagram
“Another reason to leave asap.”
– @zoanom via Instagram
“Yuck”
– @ptsouvas via Instagram
“Put some chlorine pods in the water”
– @therealgogettersceo555 via Instagram
“Looks like our pool at Havenwood/Applewood Commons. HOA has done nothing about it and is allowing the community to swim in it even though its been reported!!!”
– Rosalie Ramirez via Facebook
Dudley, Antioch “happy to be the underdog”
Editor’s note: This is one in a
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Antioch High School football head coach Brett Dudley is not worried about the upcoming season.
Even after losing his offensive coordinator, Juan Corral, to the football program at the City College of San Francisco and graduating 24 seniors, Dudley is happy for the team’s role to start 2024: underdog.
“I’m happy to be the underdog,” he said. “I think we’ll surprise some teams.”
Dudley and the Panthers continued the team’s summer camp this week as the team draws closer to the start of the academic year, training camp in pads, and the start of the 2024 season.
“I’m really happy with the turnout (at the team’s summer camp so far),” Dudley said. “The kids have put in some pretty good attendance, pretty consistent. We’re lifting weights every day, doing weekly 7-on-7s, and getting better every week with that. I’m pretty happy with the progress they’re making.”
The Panthers are coming off of a 7-3 season (3-2, BVAL) that saw them miss the NCS playoffs for the first time since 2019. Antioch missed the postseason last year despite having an offense that was able to seemingly score at will, scoring 40 or more points per game in six of their 10 games and scoring
in double digits in every game except for the annual Big Little Game at Pittsburg in which the Pirates held them to just six points in the regular-season finale.
One of Antioch’s biggest losses amongst the 24 seniors and brightest spotlight this season is replacing quarterback Larenzo Mayfield.
“It hurts,” Dudley said of losing almost half the roster to graduation. “Especially our quarterback. To me, he was in the running for BVAL MVP for the end of the season. It’s hard to replace that many yards and that many touchdowns.”
Through nine games last year, Mayfield
threw for 1,065 yards with 18 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He also ran for 877 yards with eight touchdowns on the ground, rushing for 100 yards-or-more in five games.
One of those sophomore quarterbacks looking to fill Mayfield’s shoes is Dakshin Krishnamoorthy, up with the varsity team for the first time, with a little bit of help along the way.
“Our growth (as a team) has been exponential for sure (as camp continues),” Krishnamoorthy said. “The people that really helped me are the seniors and a lot of the coaches too. They’ve always been there, helped me out, gave me tips, and even when I
mess up, they’re always there to pick me up.”
Krishnamoorthy and fellow sophomore Jelani Carter are battling to replace Mayfield at quarterback.
“They’re both sophomores, very accurate, great kids and students,” Dudley said. “They’re going to be inexperienced and are going to make some mistakes. But with the run game we have and with the receiver talent that we have, the more we can do to take the pressure off of them, I think their confidence will grow.”
Both quarterbacks will also benefit now, and soon, from a young offensive line that Dudley says will feature two senior starters, but is a group that has he and the Panthers excited for what’s to come in 2024 and beyond.
“It’s a talented group,” he said. “I think it’s one of the more talented offensive line units I’ve ever had, so I’m really excited about them. I think that they’ll just keep getting better every week as they get game experience.”
Antioch kicks off the 2024 season with three games on the road, starting on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Arroyo High School, then the following week at Weston Ranch in Stockton on Sept. 6 before capping the road trip in Union City at James Logan on Sept. 13.
They’ll open the BVAL schedule against Liberty in Antioch on Oct. 4 and host Heritage for Senior Night on Nov. 1 before ending the season in the Big Little Game at Pittsburg on Friday, Nov. 8.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Emerald High football excited for challenge ahead
New Dublin team prepares for BVAL debut in 2025
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
With the EA Sports College Football 25 video game releasing this week, Emerald High football head coach James Berry reminisced about when he was younger and rebuilding schools in the old NCAA Football video games.
Now, he’s getting the experience in real life at the new Emerald High School in Dublin, coming to the BVAL in 2025.
“I was younger, playing the college football games and rebuilding a team using all of that,” he explained. “It’s something that I’ve always wished and wanted to do and really put in for these kids a program that fits for them and something that can help them get opportunities to go to college.”
The Aerouants (a Celtic word for a dragon-like beast) launched the football program last season, having just under 20 kids total and played one game. Now, at their new campus off Dublin Boulevard and new stadium in Dublin, the team, closer to double the size of the original roster, continues to prepare for their first full season.
“Having a full season is going to be huge,” Berry said. “Every single game is going to be a challenge for us, and I don’t think it’s gonna be easy, but I don’t think it’s gonna be hard. It’s gonna be a great challenge and it’s gonna test these kids specifically.”
Both of what’s to become the school’s first football team
and its first girls flag football team continued their camp this week in preparations for their 2024 debut campaigns.
The two teams will play independently in 2024 before joining the BVAL in 2025. Emerald will be the farthest team of the league distance-wise and the only team that’s not along Highway 4. They will not field a varsity team in 2024. Instead, it will have a junior varsity team filled with freshmen and sophomores, which is also expected to be the school’s population as the campus opens this fall.
“We’re going to be the new kids on the block, with the new school and it’s going to be challenging for these kids,” Berry said. “Now we are looked down on as if we’re the little brother.”
We kind of have to earn our way into the BVAL. It’s kind of like fighting our way into it, having a chance. But I’m extremely happy that the BVAL opened its arms and took us in to give us that experience and give us that chance to kind of fight our way, to use our stepping stones to get to the top.”
Berry played his high school football at Serra, then his junior college football at the College of San Mateo before spending two years with Pacific University, then went on to coach at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo.
He and the coaching staff have their work cut out for them, however. A solid portion of the team is inexperienced with the sport with just a few who played Pop Warner – those stand out the most during the team’s camp.
However, Berry looks forward to the challenge ahead and the opportunity to teach the game to his team and grow program organically.
“I’m a big detail person,” he explained. “Throughout my time playing in high school and college, it was big on development and understanding that process. We are trying to give these kids opportunities, and the only way we can do that is by developing these kids and giving them that potential to have the opportunity to shine when that does come and when they move on. That’s the main goal, to prepare them to that standard.”
Emerald’s schedule hasn’t been fully finalized, but Berry says that they will play mostly freshman teams throughout the debut 2024 campaign on Thursday nights, starting with Cal High in the first game.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia
Antioch sophomore quarterbacks Jelani Carter (left) and Dakshin Krishnamoorthy (right) throw during the Panthers’ summer camp.
Photo by Juan Cebreiros.
Players from Emerald High School run drills during practice in Dublin Tuesday evening.
Photo by Juan Cebreiros
series of stories about Bay Valley Athletic League high school football teams’ summer camps.
Brentwood natives taken in 2024 MLB Draft
Burke, Jones go to Brewers, Rangers
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
The dream of playing in the big leagues continues for two Brentwood natives.
Blake Burke and Keith Jones II were selected in the 2024 Major League Baseball draft earlier this week. Burke was taken in the second round, 34th overall, by the Milwaukee Brewers, and Jones II was selected in the ninth round, 285th overall, by the Texas Rangers.
Blake Burke
Burke, a 6-foot-3, 236 pound first baseman makes his way to the Brewers off of an award-filled season with the Volunteers where he was a first-team All-American by Baseball America, the American Baseball Coaches Association, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and Perfect Game. Burke was also second team All-SEC and named to the 2024 SEC All-Defensive Team.
Burke was one of the top hitters for the national champion Vols last season, reaching career-bests in his junior season in batting average (.379), runs scored (74), hits (108), doubles (30), home runs (20), and RBI (61). Altogether, he hit .332 for Tennessee, with 50 career home runs and 136 RBI. He broke the team’s career home run record when he hit his 41st home run in Tennessee’s win against Auburn back in early April.
He was the No. 65-ranked prospect by MLB.com entering the draft.
Burke played his high school baseball at Concord De La Salle where he hit .554 with six home runs and 32 RBI in his senior season in 2021 and helped lead the Spartans to a 78-10 record during his four seasons there.
He also garnered numerous awards in his 2021 se-
nior season, including being named a Collegiate Baseball
High School Second Team All-American, West Coast Preps Bay Area Baseball Player of the Year, Bay Area News Ground Player of the Year and San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Player of the Year.
Keith Jones II Jones II heads to the Rangers after recording a breakout season at New Mexico State where he earned first-team All-Conference USA honors, hitting a teamhigh .367 with other team-highs with 81 hits, and 17 homers with 67 RBI and 67 runs scored. He was the first New Mexico State Aggies player to win the Triple Crown since 2007 and only one of two players on the team to play in all 54 games, starting in 53 of them.
He is just the ninth Aggie to get drafted in the first
10 rounds of the MLB Draft and the 35th overall to get drafted since 2000. He is the first, however, to get drafted by the Texas Rangers.
The former Heritage Patriot was the 11th ranked outfield prospect in California, 79th nationally by Perfect Game, and was the 423rd ranked overall player in Perfect Game’s Top-500 nationally. He was on pace for a stellar senior season in 2020 before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his shortened senior season he hit .533 with three doubles, two triples, and nine RBI. As a junior, his last full high school season, Jones II hit .295 with three doubles, two triples, 19 RBI, and had five steals, earning All-Bay Valley Athletic League second team honors.
BURKE
JONES
Brentwood planners reject plans for Bridle Gate subdivision
Proposed 272-home neighborhood
has been discussed since 2006
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
The Brentwood Planning Commission stayed late into the night on Tuesday, July 16 to discuss the hotly-debated Bridle Gate subdivision project. It was not until around 2 a.m. Wednesday that they ultimately voted 4-0 to deny the approval of a subdivision map. Chairwoman Anita Roberts was absent.
“The question really becomes ‘What’s acceptable to us?,’ ” Vice Chairman David Sparling said in discussion with the rest of the commissioners. “We have to stay focused on what’s in front of us. If we want to vote ‘yes’, great. If we vote as a group no, great.”
Sparling’s comment about what was in front of the commission was in reference to comments from residents, many of whom spoke out as being against the project. Sparling explained that the commission’s job was to either
approve or deny the project map as it was presented, rather than going back and forth with the developer, Discovery Builders and West Coast Homebuilders, about tweaks they could make to bring the project more in line with resident concerns.
The proposed project would have seen 272 homes built on 135 acres west of Sand Creek Road and the Highway 4 interchange. Concerns expressed by residents at the meeting ranged from
potential overcrowding to traffic safety to the lack of any large parks in the subdivision, with the map instead proposing smaller parks interspersed within the neighborhood.
Ultimately, the commission denied the subdivision proposal due to inconsistencies with elements of the city’s General Plan. Among them were concerns that the proposed design would have a negative impact on traffic in the Shadow Lakes neighborhood, according to the resolution drafted by the commission at the meeting.
“The project’s proposed design does not discourage cut-through traffic but rather would lead to traffic cutting through the Shadow Lakes residential neighborhood,” the resolution reads, in part.
The project was also deemed inconsistent with the city’s General Plan
based on the proposed development of the ridgeline along Cottonwood Avenue between Bridle Gate Drive and Heatherwood Drive. The city’s General Plan prohibits development of ridgelines.
During the meeting, Sparling noted that the Planning Commission was considered the decision-making authority on this project, but that the City Council could pull the topic for discussion at a future meeting of theirs if they chose to and the builder could potentially appeal the decision within 10 days. It is currently unclear if either of those will happen, but the commissioners said they anticipated West Coast Homebuilders would file an appeal.
The Bridle Gate subdivision has been an on-again off-again topic of discussion for the city since it was initially approved in 2006, according to the agenda packet. The approved Tentative Subdivision Map for the project was never finalized or recorded, so it expired. A revised version of the Bridle Gate Project was proposed in 2020, with “substantial changes,” according to the agenda packet. The City Council denied the modified project on March 9, 2021, leading to the current proposed version of the Bridle Gate project submitted to the City of Brentwood in late 2021 and was deemed complete in June 2022.
In September 2023, the Planning Commission chose to hold off on making a decision about the project, postponing it to the July 16 meeting after more than 40 residents voiced their disapproval with the project.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/3xSJdZU.
City of Antioch
Project Site
City of Brentwood
Brentwood Hills Neighborhood
The area map for the Bridle Gate project.
Image courtesy of City of Brentwood
BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OBITUARIES
Milestones
Brentwood, Antioch students among Travis Credit Union college scholarship winners
Travis Credit Union has announced the 20 winners of its 2024 Community Impact Scholarship, and one Brentwood and one Antioch student are among them.
Each of the graduating high school seniors who will be attending college in the fall is receiving $2,000 in recognition of their outstanding academic and community service achievements.
The area winners are:
• Chima Oluo of Antioch , graduate of Deer Valley High School, who will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles, to study political science.
• Morgan Purvey of Brentwood , graduate of Heritage High School, who will be attending California State University, Monterey, to study business and education.
The scholarship program is open to all high school seniors who are credit union
Successful celebration of 10th International Day of Yoga
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
Brentwood successfully conducted a free yoga session on the eve of the 10th International Day of Yoga. The event was a success, with numerous yoga enthusiasts starting their day rejuvenated, organizers said in a press release. Yoga is more than just a physical exercise; it’s a practice that encompasses mental and spiritual well-being. Regular yoga practice helps in improving flexibility, strength, and posture. It reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and enhances mental clarity. Yoga also fosters a sense of inner peace and mindfulness, making it an invaluable tool for navigating the challenges of modern life.
members and pursuing higher education, according to a press release. The money may be applied toward tuition, supplies or other costs associated with attending college. Each winner had to submit a completed application form, certified high school transcript, and a written or recorded personal statement describing their background, academic goals and post-college plans.
The scholarship program was established in 2004 and was initially named after Mary Keith Duff, the first woman to serve on Travis Credit Union’s board of directors and who believed in the credit union’s positive influence locally.
In the past 20 years, 384 students have been awarded Travis Credit Union scholarships amounting to a total of $597,000.
Photo courtesy of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Brentwood chapter
over
Photo by William Thornton
OLUO PURVEY
THANK YOU to our Donors
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Brentwood discusses possible ban on self-storage units
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
The Brentwood City Council could soon vote whether or not to ban selfstorage facilities in the city following the city’s recent Land Use Development Committee (LUD) meeting on Monday where the topic of regulation of selfstorage units was discussed.
Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza was passionate about her desire to ban selfstorage units within the city limits. “I want to ban them 100 percent,” she said in Monday’s meeting. “I’ve been coming to council probably for 15 years asking them to ban them. I don’t think they add any value at all. We have plenty (of selfstorage facilities), they all have vacancies – because I have called them because we store a lot of Halloween stuff.”
“I don’t see that there’s a supply and demand. There’s no demand driving in, I think we have enough supply, and this is one of the number one things that residents don’t want. I just feel adamant that we need to ban them. I would like to not see one more storage unit facility built at all. …I don’t want them anymore. I’m done. We might need to go to council and just vote on it.”
Brentwood has six self-storage facilities within city limits, each varying in size. But, according to the presentation by consultant Perry Banner of De Novo planning group, they “generally occupy large parcels with multiple single-story structures.”
Banner also disagreed with Mendoza’s statement about the lack of demand for self-storage units in the presentation he delivered before Mendoza and Pa’tanisha Pierson discussed the matter.
“Self-storage facilities are having quite a day,” he said. “In fact, demand
for self-storage facilities is very strong. At the moment, one in 10 U.S. households is now renting a self-storage facility.
“Some of the pros are that they do offer important service for people that are in various lifestyle transitions, such as marriage or divorce, and retirement, or death in the family. But they also have some negatives and those might include the limited aesthetic value that the builds have.”
One public speaker, Steve Thomas, explained to Mendoza and Pierson that there is demand for the facilities, but that the focus of self-storage in Brentwood should revolve around location and design.
“Brentwood deserves high-quality development,” he said.
The discussion surrounding selfstorage in Brentwood comes following recommendations from the City Council and city staff that the land-use committee discuss and provide recommendations on potential new regulations for land use.
Pierson disagreed with Mendoza’s idea of a total ban on self-storage faciltiies, although she agrees that the city does not need any more being built.
“I just hate when we do absolute bans in a city on something,” Pierson said. “I’m not advocating for more storage facilities. But, I do think that we need some design standards, without a doubt some regulatory language in place to maintain even the existing aesthetics.”
Mendoza added that she’d rather have new storage facilities open up in nearby cities like Oakley.
“My thing is if that’s a lower level commodity, let’s put that in another city,” she explained. “You can go put your storage in Oakley, I have no problem with that.”
Photo courtesy of City of Brentwood
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Best wines to beat the summer heat
We have gone through a few heat waves this summer, and one way to cool things down is with a nice glass of chilled wine. But what wines go well with summer? Lighter wines are the way to go, and this article will explore a few great choices.
Uncorked:
The first great wine to drink poolside or in your back yard is Rose. These wines are light bodied, fruit forward, and great to drink when chilled. The best come from France where they typically blend a few grapes like grenache, mouvedre, cinsault, and several others. Other countries produce great roses as well: Italy with Sangiovese; Spain with Tempranillo; California with Pinot Noir.
Another great wine to try that is usually not on anyone’s radar is Vinho Verde. These white wines come mainly from Portugal and are light-bodied, crisp and lower in alcohol. They have zesty aromas of lemon and lime that makes these very refreshing. You could pair these with salads, seafood and ceviche if that’s on the menu.
Staying on the Iberian Peninsula, try an Albarino, a white wine from Spain. These are produced mainly in Northwest Spain in the region of Rias Baixas, where it is cooler and the grapes grow in mineral-rich soil much like that from the Loire Valley in France. These wines are medium-bodied, golden lemon in color, crisp and refreshing. In Portugal, they produce this wine but call it Alvarinho.
One other white wine to try is a Vermentino from Italy. This wine is produced mainly in Liguria, Piedmont, Sardinia and Tuscany. They drink similar to
a Sauvignon Blanc; dry, acidic and herbaceous (think bell pepper, grass, lavender). Consider pairing these with fish, grilled vegetables and even sausages cooked on your barbecue.
If you are a red wine fan like me, don’t despair. Try a glass of Beaujolais Villages from France or a Sancerre Rouge. Both are fruit-forward, light in tan-
nins, and easy to drink. I enjoy these wines chilled, which usually works better with younger varieties like Pinot Noir and Gamay.
There are many wines you can try to beat the summer heat. These won’t drop the temperature a few degrees, but at least you will feel a little cooler. To comment, visit www.thepress.net
History by
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Frank MaiUri
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Wastewater veteran new Ironhouse new leader
Ironhouse named wastewater industry expert JeanMarc Petit as its new general manager, effective July 22. Petit brings nearly four decades of water industry and engineering experience to the role.
Petit will direct Ironhouse in creating clean water solutions for more than 47,000 residents and businesses in Oakley and unincorporated Bethel Island, according to a press release. He will lead with Ironhouse’s core values of stewardship, innovation and community trust as the district advances projects, including recycled water efforts, development on Jersey Island, and continued public outreach. Petit’s goal is to reinforce a resilient system and partner with regional and federal agencies to provide unparalleled benefits to the area.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jean-Marc Petit to the Ironhouse family,” Ironhouse Board President Chris Lauritzen said. “Jean-Marc is well-respected in the wastewater industry for his capability as an engineer and wealth of knowledge. We know he will serve the region with integrity and reliability.”
Petit comes to Ironhouse from HDR Engineering, where he served as Wastewater Business Class Leader. Petit led and grew HDR’s largest Water Business Group as an
experienced mentor and project manager. Before his time at HDR Engineering, Petit was Senior Vice President at CDM Smith, a global engineering and construction firm. Petit helped lead the firm, noted for its exceptional service to cli-
Leader from page 1 “
about what is going on in the district.
One of her first tasks will be to fill her old position of assistant superintendent of human resources; she is juggling both jobs. She said there is no timeline for that to happen.
ents and honest, transparent representation of employees. Petit spent more than eight years as the Director of Engineering and Technical Services at Central Contra Costa Sanitary district where he oversaw planning and development, regulatory and environmental compliance, and capital projects divisions for the Engineering and Technical Services Department at the District. Petit led a 15-year career at Carollo Engineers, working his way up from Senior Project Manager in Denver to Vice President in the Bay Area. Carollo Engineers has been focused on water and wastewater solutions for more than 90 years.
Before making his way to the Bay Area, Petit was a Project Manager at Strand Associates for 12 years in Madison, Wisconsin. Petit has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in Civil-Environmental Engineering “I am grateful to be part of the Ironhouse team,” Petit said. “I hope to apply all I have learned in my 40 years in wastewater to lead Ironhouse into the future. I know the District is dedicated to its customers and keeping them educated and informed, and I will serve the public first with these values in mind.”
Learn more at www.ironhousesanitarydistrict.com.
Stabbing
from page 1
“I’m dedicated to the community and to student success,” she said.
Rugani still lives in Concord, where she grew up. She enjoys traveling and watching sports, and is a former swimmer and swim coach. Students are likely to see her at their games, cheering on from the sidelines.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Some witnesses at the scene say that the suspect is a student from Liberty High School and that he was walking away from an altercation with another juvenile when police arrived. He was walking away from the officer towards Oak Street before the officer approached him and he stabbed the officer.
One Liberty student who was leaving the football field from school, said that he saw the incident from the beginning and said that it all stemmed from a fight between the
Wastewater
from page 1
ers, and toilets ultimately ends up at the wastewater treatment plant located at 2251 Elkins Way. Once there, the “dirty” water undergoes what is described as a “complex” biological treatment process, which entails removing pollution from the water. From there, the treated clean water is considered “recycled” water, where it is disinfected and used for irrigation to water parks and landscape medians throughout the City.
“Wastewater contains naturally occurring bacteria that originates in our gastrointestinal systems,” Wichert said. “The treatment process involves fostering an environment that allows this naturally-occurring bacteria to thrive. This bacteria consumes the organic matter in the wastewater, which is how the pollution is removed.”
According to Wichert, all of the wastewater is treated to the level of recycled water. The remaining bacteria are captured, rendered relatively inert, and hauled to a landfill for disposal. During the summer, approximately 75 percent of recycled water is used as irrigation, with the remainder being released into Marsh Creek. Wichert also said that the general rule is that nothing should be dumped down a drain, including fats, oils or grease,
“
My first goal is to just go out and meet people. I will be on campuses a lot and work with staff and make sure everyone feels valued and appreciated. ”
Denise Rugani, new LUHSD superintendent
suspect and another unidentified teen.
“Some kid and some other kid had a beef,” he said. “And one kid brought a knife to the fight. He ran up and tried to press the kid and some cop came up behind him and tried to tackle him.”
Another witness, a senior from Liberty, also saw the end of the incident.
“We just came down from the stairs in the back of the parking garage and we saw the officer get stabbed,” he said.
“The guy came out, had a knife in his hand, I thought he punched him at first.”
On July 3, some Brentwood Police officers and the stabbed officer attended the hearing for this case. The case was adjudicated and resulted in the juvenile being sentenced to a maximum 6-year sentence which was the maximum sentence allowed by law.
The involved officer is still recovering from his injuries, police said in a social media post.
What we do every day is protect the public health of our community and safeguard our local environment.
”
Tyson Zimmerman, Ironhouse Sanitary District assistant general manager
“flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, egg shells and fibrous foods, as fats, oils, grease, and wipes can clog pipes both in homes and in the water system.
“Residents are advised to call the Wastewater Treatment Plant if they have liquids they need to dispose of,” Wichert said. “Wastewater staff can help determine the appropriate disposal method.”
The Ironhouse Sanitary District provides wastewater treatment to Oakley and Bethel Island, where its water recycling facility handles and treats an average of 4.3 million gallons of water daily during dry weather flow. The water recycling facility, at a cost of $54.5 million, opened in 2011 and has a future expansion capacity of treating 6.8 million gallons of water daily to accommodate future population expansion. Ironhouse Sanitary District Assistant General Manager Tyson Zimmerman said that wastewater treatment is an “invisible
service,” saying that the district are known only when something goes wrong.
“We take what goes down the drain and transform it into biodegradable biodiesel, biosolids-a natural fertilizer, and clean water for the Delta,” Zimmerman said. “What we do every day is protect the public health of our community and safeguard our local environment, enhancing the quality of life for everyone here in Oakley.”
According to their website, the detailed process of turning wastewater into a product that is safe for the environment and for use in irrigation begins when raw sewage enters a 10-stage process, beginning with grit and solids being removed by a rotating cylinder. From there, wastewater is mixed and aerated in large, 16-feet holding tanks with 300 horsepower highspeed turbo blowers to allow removal of soluble matter and nitrogen compounds. The partially treated wastewater is then
transferred by pumps to Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Basins, which are integrated with an ultrafiltration membrane system composed of thousands of hollow, narrow tubes. Vacuum pumps then draw the treated water from the pores of the membranes, leaving solids outside, creating a high-quality effluent. Lastly, the remaining effluent is further disinfected by passing it through channels equipped with ultraviolet light lamps, which expose microorganisms to lethal doses of ultraviolet radiation. Following this ultraviolet disinfection, the wastewater is now fully treated.
David Heinzmann, Veolia Communications Manager for Discovery Bay’s wastewater and water operator, said there is a growing demand for recycled water in California.
“It’s not a chemical treatment process; the main wastewater treatment is a biological process,” Heinzmann said. “One of our other California operations sites is West Basin in Los Angeles County, which produces up to 40 million gallons of recycled water daily in five different qualities for different types of uses, including parkland irrigation and refinery tower coolant.”
For details on wastewater, visit www. ironhousesanitarydistrict.com/ or https:// www.wwdmag.com/wastewater-treatment/ article/10938418/what-is-wastewater
PETIT
