The Press 10.18.2024 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

Germany comes to downtown Brentwood

By Andrew Rulloda Staff Writer

Brentwood’s annual Oktoberfest returned last Saturday, bringing live entertainment, food trucks, and activities for the family.

Hosted by the Downtown Brentwood Coalition and the City of Brentwood, the festival lined downtown streets with vendors of all types promoting and selling their goods and services.

“This is my second Oktoberfest, and I hope to be here many more years to come,” said Jessica Diaz, a vendor who was selling home decor that celebrates various holidays.

Adults explored their beer palettes along with wine provide by local wineries while enjoying a cool afternoon breeze and music provided by Alpine Sound, and Adam Aldama and The Aces. Parents could balance the day with their kids at the “Fun Zone” where kids stayed busy with carnival games, a train ride, and various arts and crafts.

To view a video and a slideshow, visit www. thepress.net/multimedia

Byron School District hopes Measure R money can solve water problem

By Andrew Rulloda Staff Writer

The Byron Unified School District has a water problem. The current water system, which relies on an underground well, continues to fail after going through multiple repair projects, school officials say.

The water system has been pumped out recently to remove sediment leaking into the system deeming the water unsafe for drinking, and can be used only for washing hands and bathroom use.

“We’ve been dealing with the well for about a year and a half,” Superintendent Crystal Castaneda said. “We had our third attempt to help fix the well by patching holes, cleaning it out, and pumping all the sediment out of it. It goes down about 500 feet and there was a

lot that accumulated over time.”

Excelsior Middle School provides drinking water through filtered water stations for stu-

dents to fill up their water bottles, as well as bottled water de-

see Byron page 14A

Lazy Dog delayed until mid-2025

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Brentwood’s long-awaited Lazy Dog Restaurant will continue to be awaited following a request from the developer to grant a one-year extension on construction of the eatery as part of the Oct. 15 meeting of the Planning Commission. The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the extension.

The reason for the delay in construction, according to the agenda packet, is that another project by the same developer LRG Investors fell through. The project in question was a WoodSpring Extended Stay hotel, according to Commissioner Kristopher Brand. Interest from Woodspring waned after the hotel tenant discovered that the city’s Municipal Code prohibits stays longer than 30 days.

“Lazy Dog requires the hotel to be on a similar construction schedules as to avoid operation conflicts,” a document submitted by the developer said. “We have now found another hotel operator and will soon be making planning submittals, putting both projects on schedule to commence construction mid-2025.”

see Lazy Dog page 14A

The water well at Excelsior Middle Shool needs to be replaced.

Photo by Andrew Rulloda

Photos by Andrew Rulloda

By Connor Robles Correspondent

Clothing store Purpose-Built held the Fast and Furious to Fight Cancer Car and Truck Show at their Oakley location for the Hey There Delilah Foundation charity. The event last Sunday, Oct. 13, showcased classic and modern cars and provided Purpose-Built merchandise, food, and live music to those who wished to donate to the cause of bringing, as their shirts say, “Death to Cancer.”

Kris Johnson, founder and CEO of Purpose-Built, is familiar with the disease. “My mom has cancer…my grandma has stage 4 b[reast] cancer. It hits us all hard, it’s the worst disease in the world, and it seems like it’s hitting us more and more every single day.”

When Purpose-Built’s director of retail, Andrea Franco, lost her niece, Delilah Loya, 9, to neuroblastoma on July 21, Johnson and the company supported the ‘Hey There Delilah Foundation,’ created by Loya’s family to relieve the financial burden of treatment for cancer patients.

“Our goal this month is to raise over $25,000 for them, so we’re super excited about that,” Johnson said.

With 176 car owners having paid the $20 entry fee for their vehicles, he figured that the show had raised around $2,000 before it even began. He said the Hey There Delilah campaign has raised over $10,000, mostly from a prior event at Purpose-Built’s Fresno location on Oct. 5. Johnson estimated that 600 to 1,000 people attended the Oakley show, with all proceeds to the Hey There Delilah Foundation.

The fundraiser for the Hey There Delilah Foundation is the latest event in Purpose-Built’s history of charitable work, dating to their founding in 2019, when they started their annual Death to Cancer campaign. The company, which prides

itself on “bringing the blue-collar community together to support big causes,” as Johnson said, also supports charities for first responders and mental health assistance with annual campaigns at different times of the year.

The car and truck show received favorable opinions from drivers who came to show off their classic and custom vehicles.

“It’s a good event, lot of people here…good draw today, nice day, and it’s just perfect,” said Mike Babcock, owner of a massive lifted Chevy pickup called the Jacked Up Denali. “I’ve been out here before; [Johnson] puts on pretty good shows, so I’ve been out to a couple of his different locations and shows,” he said.

Purpose-Built was not the only business represented at the fundraiser. Clothing store Dickies and truck bed liner company Line-X, among other retailers, also set up booths in the parking lot where it was held. Food trucks, including Groovy

Gorditas and Muz Knuckles Barbecue, also were present.

Classic rock band The Free Agents performed and a dunk tank provided entertainment for younger attendees to try their luck at pitching a ball to dunk Purpose-Built employees.

The Hey There Delilah Foundation fundraising campaign will last throughout October. The next event will take place at the Purpose-Built Livermore at 1870 First St. on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with vehicle registration at 8:15 a.m. The full event details and ways to give money to the fundraiser are at: https://bit.ly/3BLHoPY.

Another event, the Tee Up For Purpose golf tournament, will be held all day on Oct. 28 at the Brentwood Country Club on 100 Summerset Drive, Brentwood, according to Johnson. Information and registration are at: https://bit.ly/4dQvEsJ

To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia

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Nearly 150 classic car owners came out to showcase their vehicles at the Fast and Furious to Fight Cancer Car and Truck Show, put on by Purpose-Built in Oakley on Oct. 13.

Photos by Connor Robles

Brentwood Rotary, Perfect Star support H.O.P.E. House

Ministry receives new heating and cooling system for its volunteers and members

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

Perfect Star Heating and Air Conditioning installed a new heating, ventilation and air- conditioning system at the H.O.P.E. House last Thursday in Brentwood as part of Lennox’s Feel the Love Program.

The two businesses have partnered for the last five years to provide and install a complimentary heating and cooling system for needy families and nonprofits. H.O.P.E. (Hope, Opportunity, Prayer, and Encouragement) house, a ministry of Brentwood Community United Methodist Church, serves those in need in Brentwood and surrounding areas with food and clothing assistance.

“This is a great event, Feel the Love, going nationwide and this is our little part of it in Brentwood, California,” said Hank Romero of Perfect Star.

David Funk, director of H.O.P.E House in Brentwood, said he is grateful for the support from Perfect Star, Lennox, as well as the Brentwood Rotary Club for

their partnership with this project.

“We normally see about 250 families a month,” Funk said. They come twice a month to get food from us from the Contra Costa Food Bank. We’re celebrating the Feel the Love donation grant from Lennox and Perfect Star. The Brentwood Rotary has supported this application for these grants and with funding to help with the installation. We’d like to give thanks to everyone and their partnership.”

The Brentwood Rotary Club donated money to the project and covered the cost of the ductwork. Fran Bowman, Treasurer of the Brentwood Rotary Club and H.O.P.E. House volunteer, said the

Rotary club participates in fundraisers to give back to the community.

“Our contribution as the Rotary Club is over $9,000 to this project, so we want to thank our community for being so generous,” Bowman said.

Tim Dahl, president-elect of the Brentwood Rotary Club, said the installation of the new heating and cooling system is ‘much-needed’ for the well-being of their volunteers and residents, especially in hot weather.

“Throughout the day, many of these volunteers work in an environment that can reach over 90 degrees inside,” Dahl said. “This is something our club has been working with H.O.P.E. House on for the

last year. We’re happy to say that today is the culmination of all of our work.”

H.O.P.E. House partners with the Food Band of Contra Costa County and White Pony Express to collect 60 percent of the food they give out. The remaining 40 percent comes from local individuals and organizations who donate food items, and purchases from local stores covered by H.O.P.E. house.

H.O.P.E House is at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit https://brentwoodumc.org/bcumc/ h_o_p_e__house, call 925-634-3093 or email hopehouse@gmail.com.

To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

H.O.P.E. House serves those in need in Brentwood and surrounding areas with food and clothing assistance.

Photo by Keith Halterman

Photo by Nicole Becchina

Brentwood employees speak out again

Council, workers still at impasse in contract negotiations

Brentwood city employees used the public comment portion of a special City Council meeting on Oct. 15 to vent their frustrations regarding ongoing contract negotiations with the city.

Frustration has been building amongst Brentwood city employees who have been working without a contract since the previous three-year agreement expired on July 1 and has affected more than 200 members.

“The morale at City Hall is low and staff often feel undervalued,” a speaker identified as Amanda said. “Many [employees] have left for better opportunities, often switching careers altogether, disillusioned by a lack of fair support and compensation.”

She also said 14 city employees have left in the last three months. According to Amanda, these full-time employees had “100 years of institutional knowledge of the city of Brentwood.”

“This is about fairness and ensuring that those who run the city, not just City Council, are compensated equitably for their hard work,” she continued. “I urge you to make the right decision for employees because that’s the right decision for Brentwood.”

Negotiations with the city on a new contract have been going on since January, with four bargaining groups: The Brentwood Employees’ Association-

Miscellaneous Office Division, The Brentwood Employees’ AssociationPublic Works Division, The Brentwood Managers & Confidential Employees’ Association, and The Brentwood Supervisors and Professionals Employees’ Association.

In previous city meetings, employees have said that they are asking for competitive salaries and benefits that take into account the increasing cost of living, health care, and other expenses to make ends meet for themselves and their families. They’ve also said that Brentwood has fallen behind neighboring cities and comparable positions when reviewing data on the city’s financial health and completing salary surveys where city employee salaries and benefits were compared to other neighboring cities.

“The city of Brentwood has the worst benefit package of all comparable agencies,” one Public Works employee told the council during the meeting. “My group produced 16 proposals to try and address these benefits, or lack thereof, to try and help improve the benefit package…all of them replied to as just a flat ‘no.’ There was no further back-andforth, there were no counter proposals.”

Following the public comments, the City Council convened for a closed session to discuss the topic. Mayor Joel Bryant noted to City Attorney Katherine Wisinski that any “reportable actions” would be made public during the next City Council meeting on Oct. 22.

After the meeting, Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer said she could not comment on the situation.

The full video can be watched at https://bit.ly/4eLkSVN

Candidates answer the public’s questions

Candidates for Brentwood’s District 1, District 3 and mayoral elections gathered in the Emil J. Geddes Theater at Bristow Middle School to answer questions submitted by the public as part of a forum meant to help inform voters about the candidates and their positions on various topics before Election Day on Nov. 5.

The candidates for the upcoming election are:

Mayor

• Susannah Meyer

• Gerald Johnson District 1

• Faye Maloney

• Anita Roberts District 3

• Jovita Mendoza

• Brian Oftedal

During the forum put on by The Press and the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, candidates were given the opportunity to answer a number of questions, including ones about their qualifications and what changes they would make if elected.

A full video of the forum can be watched at https://bit.ly/4eL7aST

“The Mayor gets elected from anyone registered to vote in the Brentwood

city limits, and the candidates for the two districts will get elected from the registered voters in those districts only,” City Manager Tim Ogden said. “All three open seats are for four-year terms.”

Let us know who you are thinking of voting for on our informal poll. To participate, visit https://bit.ly/3YgzJ3Q.

Voting registration deadlines statewide are as follows:

• In person during early voting : Now through Nov. 4

• In-person at voting location on Election Day : Nov. 5

• Online : Oct. 21 by 11:59 p.m.

• By mail (postmarked by) : Oct. 21

More information on the election, including a candidate guide, council district map, and instructions on registering to vote online are at https://www.brentwoodca.gov/government/city-council/ elections.

Pets Frolic Inn

Pets Frolic Inn... A Place for Pets! All kinds of pets - dogs, cats, birds, and more! We hope you will take a good look around and discover that we are so much more than a boarding kennel. Our farm-style kennel offers a wide range of services. Our bed & breakfast has spacious accommodations for your pets. We also have a state-of-the-art

Photo by Andrew Rulloda

MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE

By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

I have written many articles about the importance of having an estate plan. When creating an estate plan, choosing a trustee is one of the more important decisions you will have to make. While most people choose a family member, some of us do not have the luxury of having a family member they trust with their money.

If that is you, you may want to consider a private professional fiduciary as your trustee or agent in your power of attorney. Professional fiduciaries are licensed by the state and trained to help manage financial affairs and legal matters on behalf of an individual.

Many choose a professional fiduciary for the level of trust and expertise they can provide, especially in the context of a trustee of your living trust. Professional fiduciaries have certifications and experience that are important when acting as a trustee.

Their job is to administer the trust, handle all financial trust affairs and distribute assets, to name a few. A professional fiduciary understands the duty of loyalty and standard of care owed to a trust and the beneficiaries of that trust. They are not swayed by family dynamics

YOU?

and are not subject to family pressure. More importantly, their sole function is to carry out the terms of the trust and do so in an ethical manner. They understand their job and the trust that is placed in them to do that job.

Finding the right fiduciary, however, can be challenging. Some resources include friends and family, asking me (your estate planning attorney) or researching online, such as the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau of California and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. When you find a potential candidate, call references, and run a background check. Interview the fiduciary and discuss not only the trust but also their qualifications and experience. While choosing a fiduciary may seem complex, it does not have to be. We work with many fiduciaries and can confidently recommend a fiduciary that is right for you. Feel free to contact us and have a discussion on this important decision.

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., Suite A, Brentwood. www.eastcountyfamilylaw.com

Advertorial

Brentwoodbased Hot Line Construction has sent 47 people and 23 trucks to Florida to help with relief efforts after the state’s two recent hurricanes.

Brentwood company assists Florida victims after hurricanes

47 linemen sent to assist with relief efforts

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Nearly 50 people, 23 trucks and about 2,700 miles. Those are the numbers that Casey Rush, Vice President of Brentwood-based Hot Line Construction, touts as part of his crew makes its way to Lake City, Fla. to help out in the aftermath of the state’s two recent hurricanes.

“Due to the overwhelming need for power line support, we were called in to help,” Rush said.

in Florida rather than California is an “anomaly.” The last time Hot Line assisted with a Florida-based disaster was Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

With Florida-based crews already dealing with issues that arose from Hurricane Helene, Rush said that Florida Power and Light (the main utility company there) needed all the help it could get after Hurricane Milton worsened the problem. That’s how Hot Line Construction ended up with 47 of its journeymen linemen traveling 700 miles a day to help out. The team is expected to be in Florida for at least three weeks.

Back home in Brentwood, two other members of the Hot Line are a “command center.” The pair can track the linemen in real time as they navigate their way to Florida, securing their accommodations and other needs along the way.

Hot Line Construction is a high-voltage electrical contractor that specializes in “transmission, distribution and substation projects for utilities and privatesector organizations,” according to their website.

Since its inception in 1986, projects like this have been common for them, according to Rush. But the job being

Rush said that the people on his team were all eager to be a part of the operation.

“They do it because they love to serve and help the community,” he said. “They’re highly trained, well-respected and passionate about their work.”

Submitted photo

REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

Ballots are on the way to Bay Area residents as elections officials encourage voters to cast their ballots early

General Election ballots are in the mail and those ballots will be arriving in mailboxes this week, Bay Area elections officials have announced.

All registered Bay Area voters will receive a ballot in the mail for the Nov. 5 General Election, and those residents have many ways to cast their ballot, according to a press release from the county elections office.

Mail your completed ballot to your Elections office in your postage-paid return envelope or drop your completed ballot in the return envelope in an official ballot dropbox.

You can vote in person from now through Nov. 5.

“Bay Area voters have many choices when it comes to casting their vote” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “Bay Area Elections Officials have been preparing for this election for months now and are ready to ensure that Bay Area Voters are given every opportunity to vote using their preferred method.”

Voters can track their vote-bymail ballot to know when it is mailed, received, and processed by their county’s elections office. Sign up at https:// wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov. See the attached graphic to better understand the steps of processing these ballots.

Information on this topic as well as direct links to local elections offices can be found on BayAreaVotes.org, or the Facebook page, Bay Area Votes.

For more local information, go to your local county election official, for nonpartisan election information.

October is Creek

and Channel Safety Awareness month in the county

The county Board of Supervisors has declared October as Creek and Channel Safety Awareness Month in support of the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s (Flood Control District) ongoing efforts to educate the public on creek and channel safety.

With the rainy season beginning soons, it is important to remember that water levels in creeks and channels will rise. The water is cold, swift-moving,

and full of debris, so it is dangerous, the county said in a press release. Flood control channels are an integral part of the county’s infrastructure and like freeways and railroad tracks.

The count continues to spread the “Stay Out, Stay Alive” message to children and their parents, with a focus on outreach to all schools in the County during the month of October. Schools across the County can request their own banner to hang in support of Creek and Channel Safety Month.

To learn more about Creek and Channel Safety Awareness, this campaign and how you can spread this safety message, visit www.cccounty.us/ creekandchannelsafety.

Registrations accepted for Holiday Food and Toy Baskets distribution

The Brentwood Regional Community Chest is accepting registrations for its Holiday Food and Toy Basket distributions.

The distribution is limited to 500 registrations, and pre-registration is required. Registration is at the Brentwood Senior Center at 193 Griffith Lane, the BRCC said in a press release.

The distribution dates and locations are:

• Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon

• Nov. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Nov. 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Dec. 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

• Dec. 10, 5-6 p.m.

Identification and proof of residency are required. This distribution is limited to Brentwood, Byron, Knightsen and Discovery Bay residents. Oakley and Bethel Island residents are served by The Friends of Oakley.

For details, visit www.brcchest.org.

The distributions will be on Dec. 21 at Brentwood Elementary School at 200 Griffith Lane at a time to be announced.

State offers grants to help keep waterways clean

California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is accepting grant applications from government agencies to purchase and deploy floating restrooms on lakes and reservoirs with limited land access. About $1 million in federal and state funding is available for four Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant floating restrooms. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit a grant application to DBW by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, ac -

To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com

cording to a press release from the state.

The Floating Restroom grant program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Conservation Investment and California State Park’s Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund. Since 1978, this program has awarded approximately $20 million for 289 units, with an estimated 115 restrooms in use throughout California. The units available for the 2024/25 grant cycle were designed by a California State Parks engineering group and can be towed to shore for scheduled pumpouts or pumped out on-site by pumpout boats.

“The use of floating restrooms is another way to help reduce pollution on California’s waterways,” said DBW Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “We encourage government agencies to apply for this program. The floating restrooms are solar powered and collectively keep more than 1 million gallons of sewage out of our waterways each year.”

For general information on the grant requirements and to access the online application, visit dbw.parks. ca.gov/FloatingRestroomGrants.

The competitive grant applications will be scored and ranked according to need, as well as the ability to operate and maintain the floating restroom(s) for at least 10 years. DBW expects to announce grant recipients in spring 2025.

Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan tied for highest rating in state

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan in California is rated among the best in the state for providing highquality, seamless care, and outstanding service to its 1.4 million Medicare Advantage members, according to a press release.

This year, the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan in California received 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2025 Star Ratings. In addition, the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan in California is tied for the highest star rating in the state.

The Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan in California has been highly rated – with mostly 4.5- and 5-star ratings – for the past 15 years, the press release stated.

Every year, CMS publishes Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) ratings. The ratings offer consumers a way to

compare the quality of Medicare plans.

To develop the ratings, CMS considers many areas of care and service. For example, it looks at how well health plans keep members healthy and manage their chronic conditions. CMS also considers patient experiences, customer service, patient access, and pharmacy services.

Kaiser Permanente provides care to more than 1.9 million Medicare members in eight states and the District of Columbia.

Northern and Southern California are rated together as one contract with CMS. Kaiser Permanente’s Dual Eligible-Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Hcontract (H8794) began in California on January 1, 2024, and is too new to be measured for the 2025 Star Ratings. It will be eligible beginning with the 2026 Star Ratings if the contract has sufficient enrollees and measures rated.

This was the ninth ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California was the highest-rated plan in the region and among the highest in the country, the press release stated. Nationally, only 8% of the health plans are rated 4.5 stars or higher.

NCQA also ranked Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for overall treatment, prevention, equity, and patient experience.

CHP

retail crime task force recovers more than $8 million in stolen goods this year: $300,000

in September alone

California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force continued its high rates of enforcement in September, and is already well on its way to surpassing enforcement totals for all of 2023. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations leading to 1,123 arrests and recovered 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million. Since inception, the task force has made 3,223 arrests, and recovered 880,276 stolen items valued at more than $46 million, according to a press release from the state.

Since the inception of the task force in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 3,000 investigations leading to the arrest of 3,223 suspects and the recovery of over 880,276 stolen goods valued at nearly $46 million.

In September alone, CHP recovered 1,995 stolen items worth more than $306,553, the release said.

Peters, Heritage ready for tough Pittsburg

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Senior quarterback Austin Peters hasn’t started a game for Heritage since Week 3 last year in the Patriots’ loss at Whitney.

However, with quarterback Phillip Babbitt out due to a shoulder injury suffered in last Friday’s Bay Valley Athletic League opening win against Deer Valley, Peters returns to the starting lineup for the team’s toughest matchup of the season when Heritage hosts the North Coast Section’s secondranked team, the defending BVAL champion Pittsburg Pirates.

”Austin’s started 13 (career) games for us. He’s been here the entire time,” head coach Dave Fogelstrom said. “He stepped in and he did a good job against Deer Valley, and made the throws that we asked him to make.”

Peters went 6-for-11 for 145 yards with two touchdowns last Friday against the Wolverines after coming off of the bench in the second quarter. He also ran in for a score from 13 yards out in the fourth quarter.

Peters played well in relief last Friday night. But there’s a big gap between Deer Valley and Pittsburg, and Fogelstrom is aware of the challenge ahead Friday night against the Pirates.

”I’m a senior and being on the team for three years now, the game just runs a little slower,” Peters said about going into his first

start in over a year. “I’m seeing the field a lot better, and just everything is coming along. The biggest thing is eliminating those mistakes, which will allow us to do what we want to do on offense.”

“This is by far the biggest challenge that we’re going to face all season,” Fogelstrom said. “They have talent at every position.”

The Pirates (5-1, 1-0 BVAL) are coming

off of a 49-0 win over the Freedom Falcons last week in their Homecoming matchup at Pittsburg. Their lone loss of the season came on the road at St. John Bosco, the secondranked team in the country.

“As a player, it’s a type of situation that you want to line up against and see exactly like ‘how good am I?’,” Fogelstrom said.

”I talked to the kids and said that if

they’re a guy who wants to get noticed by somebody, you need to do what you’ve been doing against Pittsburg.”

While most eyes will be on Peters and the Patriots’ offense, Heritage’s defense had grabbed a good share of the spotlight through the first six games of the season. The defense leads BVAL schools in interceptions with 13.

”If they are able to get a couple of takeaways, that’ll be great,” Peters said. “Against a good team like Pitt, that’s what you need. You need to make plays.”

”You have to play the cleanest, best game of your life,” Fogelstrom said. “You’ve got to maximize every ounce of talent you have. It’ll take four quarters of incredible effort and the ball bouncing your way in a few key situations.”

Pittsburg has been the best team in the BVAL through the last six seasons. The Pirates have not lost a league game since 2018, when they then fell 24-21 to Liberty. Since then, they’ve won their last 27 straight BVAL matchups in the regular season.

”It begins with their tradition,” Fogelstrom explained. “When the kids walk in, the expectations are already outlined. The community, the alumni, everybody who’s gone through there have been creating that culture for decades. You’re not just playing a team, you’re playing an entire community in a school.”

Freedom girls volleyball primed for playoff return

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

The Freedom High girls volleyball team may be onto something special as the regular season winds down.

The Falcons defeated Pittsburg 3-0 (2515, 25-12, 25-12) Tuesday night to start their final three-game homestand of the regular season in the match that Freedom controlled throughout the night.

But even more so, the Falcons have bigger matches coming up after the homestand ends next week against Deer Valley in the Falcons’ senior night matchup. The Falcons look to be primed for a return to the playoffs, which would be the first time in program history that the Freedom girls volleyball team clinched back-to-back playoff appearances.

“It’s crazy,” senior captain Madison Perry said. “It’s really exciting and we’re just taking every game as a team where we have to be prepared for the playoffs because we don’t know what we’re gonna see.”

Freedom reached the North Coast Section postseason last year for the first time since 2015, falling to Campolindo in the first round last year.

“Just to be able to go back and have like a second chance, that means everything,” Perry said.

With the new NCS playoffs looming, Freedom remains hungry to finish their season on a strong note.

Including Tuesday night’s win over Pittsburg, the Falcons (14-6, 8-1 Bay Valley Athletic League) have now won nine matches in a row while dropping only two sets during the streak. That streak includes a pair of 3-0 sweeps against Liberty and a 3-1 upset win at defending league champ Heritage back on Oct. 1.

Tuesday night’s win is also the team’s 14th of the season, tying both last year’s win total and the most in program history set

Freedom’s girls volleyball team celebrates during their match against the Pittsburg Pirates Tuesday night in Oakley.

back in 2015. As well, with just two matches left in the regular season, Freedom will finish the season with just a single digit loss total for the first time since the 10-match 2005 season (1-9), regardless of the results in the final two matches.

Head coach Elizabeth Rivas knows that while the Falcons are flying at the highest the program has been in years, that the team still needs to keep itself humble while continuing the run.

“We have to think that we have to finish (the regular season) and not until we finish are we guaranteed a spot,” Rivas said.

“Anything can happen. We have to be able to play our game.”

Rivas also added that the Falcons are hoping for one more thing by the end of the regular season.

“This year is different,” Rivas said. “Yes, we’re advancing to the playoffs, but I’m hoping that we can be co-champions. It’s not a done deal yet, until the last (match). That would be a huge accomplishment for us, and that’s our biggest goal.”

Freedom needs a few things to go their way in order to be co-champions with Heritage, or to even outright win it as neither team is in territory to clinch a league title just yet.

The Falcons would need Heritage to lose to any of their last three opponents (Pittsburg, Antioch, or Liberty) in the final three league matches to be able to win the title outright. Even if Heritage wins out, if the Patriots drop a set, they could be co-champions with Freedom if both finish 9-1 in league. If Heritage sweeps the rest of their matchups, they will win their fifth-straight BVAL title.

Freedom hosts Livermore (4-18, 0-10 EBAL) Monday night in Oakley before their Senior Night matchup against Deer Valley on Thursday, Oct. 24 to close out the regular season.

To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows

Heritage senior quarterback Austin Peters will make his first start in over a year when the Patriots host the Pittsburg Pirates Friday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Local tattoo artist wins pro boxing debut

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Marcos Perez of Brentwood made his way onto the ring with an entourage of his coach, his cutwoman, and trainer, settled in his red corner with his red gloves on, and took off his shirt with “Perez” tattooed across his shoulders on his back.

This wasn’t just any other fight for the 27-year-old boxer. This time, this fight was for real. This was his professional debut in Oakland against Richmond’s Ebert Diaz, who was in his fourth professional bout.

”It was a lot of emotions,” Perez said about his pro debut. “Ultimately, the people I have in my corner made it go smoother for me. It was kind of just not shaking, and getting my feet wet for the pros.”

Perez didn’t just get his feet wet. He dove in head first.

From the opening bell, Perez, who describes himself as a forward fighter, or aggressive fighter, wasted no time throwing the first punches against Diaz, who, a forward fighter himself, threw right back.

“I knew the guy. I sparred with him before, he’s a Mexican fighter and a tough dude,” Perez said. “He came forward, I’m just about the same way, so we were just going at it.”

Perez went on to defeat Diaz by unanimous decision in four rounds for his first professional win.

“It was good to get the feet wet and good to shake off the rust,” Perez said.

According to BoxRec.com, a website that tracks boxers’ records, Perez’s last fight before his pro debut came in May 2023, in the 147-pound finals of the USA National Golden Gloves tournament. “Every fight you get better and better.”

With the win, Perez is 1-0-0 as a pro, and 8-4-0 overall dating to his national debut in the amateur ranks. He’s won five of his last six bouts dating to last year’s USA National Golden Gloves tournament.

Perez, who arrived in Brentwood by

way of Richmond when he was seven, grew up around boxing. As a kid, his family had watch parties and get-togethers to watch Mexican boxing great Juan Manuel Marquez.

“There were a lot of family events, watching (the Marquez fights) and I’d see how excited the men in my family got before that, I’ve just always seen that,” Perez said. “And that’s somebody that I looked at and wanted to be like.”

Perez added that after the fights and

every weekend, he and his cousins would “throw on the gloves” and spar. This, along with the family events for the fights, helped him grow and got him into the sport.

“That built a little grit in me,” he said. “You learn a lot about a man when you’re in (the ring) with them. How far he is willing to go.”

Perez is determined to make a name for himself. Like most fighters just starting their pro career, Perez works a day job. He’s a tattoo artist in Brentwood at Tina’s Tattoos of Brentwood, and before that he worked in construction. The shift from construction allows him more schedule flexibility.

“I realized at a young age that you have to sacrifice for the things that are worth it in life,” he said. “I switched careers and took a pay cut to give myself more time to focus on my craft and dedicate myself to it.”

He’s competed nationally since 2021. He reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 USA National Golden Gloves tournament, falling to Alex Holley out of Dallas, Texas, before falling in the finals last year by unanimous decision to Adrian Salazar from Tyler, Texas.

Perez says that his next fight will be in late November or early December, although he doesn’t have details finalized yet. For more, check out this week’s episode of The Press Talks Sports Live podcast, visit www.thepress.net/podcast

Brentwood’s Marcos Perez (left) has his face-off with Ebert Diaz after both did their weigh-ins before their fight at “Showdown in the Town” in Oakland.

Photo courtesy Jose Manharrez Jr.

Delta Breeze lacrosse to hold free fall ball clinics

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

The Delta Breeze youth lacrosse club is holding a free fall ball clinic for the next three weekends, starting on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Fairview Basin Park at 1498 Buena Vista St., Brentwood.

“Fall ball is a great opportunity for new players to try out the sport in a low-pressure environment,” Delta Breeze president Ward Geis said.

The camp will have its second session on Sunday on Oct. 27, and will end on Saturday, Nov. 2. The boys practice is

scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m., with the girls practice starting right after from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Geis adds that the camp will focus on beginner skills, and that they’ll play some games to help reinforce the skills that the kids have learned.

The clinic is for kids ages 6-18. Gear is not required as the club will provide loaner sticks for the kids to use.

There will be four sets of teams for both boys and girls – 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U – along with a high school-level team on the boys side. The club adds that if there is interest for a high school-level

team on the girls side then they’ll add that team as well.

“We need a lot of kids to come out to play to fill out the teams,” Geis said. “If we don’t have enough players reg istered, it makes it tough to form the teams.”

Geis said the Breeze does not hold tryouts and is a “no-cut” organization. “Every kid that wants to play will make the team and get playing time,” Geis said.

For more information and to register, go to the Breeze’s website at www.dblax.com.

BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS

Milestones

Village Community Resource Center’s Health and Wellness Promotores receive Corazon Awards

The Village Community Resource Center (VCRC) in East Contra Costa County’s Health and Wellness Promotores have been honored with the prestigious Corazon Awards, recognizing their dedication to community service through their adoption of the promotor model, the center announced.

The Promotores, a group of people who create positive change, have been instrumental in empowering and supporting local residents.

The Corazon Awards recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities, according to a press release.

The Promotores – mothers, fathers,

grandmothers, aunts, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives – have become agents of change within their community. Their spirit and commitment to helping others have benefitted countless lives. Through their work at VCRC, the Promotores have been advocating for health equity, participating in community meetings and working with policymakers to address pressing health concerns.

One of the most notable programs led by the Promotores is SerenaMente, which aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health within the Hispanic-Latine community. The Promotores have helped individuals reconnect with themselves and find greater empowerment by providing stress management and prevention tools.

Celebrating 96 years

Rosario Rocreo of Brentwood celebrated her 96th birthday this week at Jollibee in Antioch on Wednesday, Oct. 16. She celebrated this milestone in spite of a hip fracture in 2021 and a stroke last summer, according to her granddaughter.

The Press at the Delicate Arch

Anthony Quiroz of Brentwood was seen with The Press recently in Utah where he went to see the Arches National Park with the icon Delicate Arch. He went on a round-trip hike of 3 miles during sunset.

Photo by Village Community Resource Center

Photo courtesy of Kristine Mercado

Photo by Rosie Cardenas

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0004945 The name of the business(es): Human Dwellings

Located at: 12935 Alcosta Blvd # 1891 In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): John Fuery. 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 Fuery, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/11/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires

09/10/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005262 The name of the business(es): AMOR PLUMBING

Located at: 43289 Osgood Road In: Fremont, CA 94539 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Theodore Taclindo Amor. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/23/2012. Signature of registrant: Theodore Amor, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/29/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005437 The name of the business(es): Carolkitchen Located at: 345 Jorgensen Dr In: Pittsburg CA, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Roderick Gaddis. 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: Roderick Gaddis. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/09/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/08/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005278 The name of the business(es): Organized 4 Life Located at: 3724 Edmonton Way In: Concord, CA 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alany Wouters. 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: Alany Wouters, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/29/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 11, 18, 25, No-

vember 1, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005030 The name of the business(es): Nailz By Ime Located at: 2440 SAND CREEK RD E1 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Imeguadalupe Garcia Rodriguez. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2022. Signature of registrant: Imeguadalupe Garcia Rodriguez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/17/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/16/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. 2024-0004817

The name of the business(es): Creekside Church Located at: 444 Fig Tree Lane In: Martinez, CA 94533, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Creekside Open Bible. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/01/2024. Signature of registrant: George Willis, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/05/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires

09/04/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005051

The name of the business(es): Intelligent Investing Located at: 6200 Center Street Suite 240 In: Clayton, CA 94517, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Rory C Vander Heyden. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/30/2014. Signature of registrant: Rory Vander Heyden, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/17/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/16/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005012 The name of the business(es): Clark’s Haul & Go Located at: 617 Topaz CT. In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): BC Clark 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: Brandon Clark, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County

on: 09/16/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/15/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0004845 The name of the business(es): STEPHANIE’S AUTO CLEARANCE Located at: 101 EAST ST In: KNIGHTSEN, CA 94548, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): STEPHANIE E. YURKOVICH. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/02/1982. Signature of registrant: STEPHANIE YURKOVICH, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/06/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/05/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005180 The name of the business(es): Deharo Construction Located at: 4361 Technology Drive, Suite I In: Livermore, CA 94551, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Deharo Construction Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2003. Signature of registrant: Angie Kozas, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/24/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/23/2029 Brentwood Press No. 021273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0004796 The name of the business(es): Daves Hot Chicken Located at: 5401 Lone Tree Way Suite#130 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): AGA Enterprises, Inc This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: Ali Karachi, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/04/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/03/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: BIANCA SOPHIA PHOENIX SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: BIANCA SOPHIA PHOENIX, CASE NUMBER:

to Proposed Name: ELIYANAH OLIVIA CELESTE PHOENIX 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 not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 11/20/2024 Time: 9:00 Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press b. MUST BE SERVED ON FATHER. Date: August 27 2024 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0005300 The name of the

File No. F-2024-0004839 The name of the business(es): Busy Mom Bookkeeping Located at: 239 Whitman Ct In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Taylor Polcar. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/26/2024. Signature of registrant: Taylor Polcar, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/05/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/04/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 2024

Heritage’s STEAM RC program takes to the world’s stage, finishes 5th at competition

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

It started with an email. And that email would eventually propel Heritage’s STEAM program onto a whole new track.

Seven years later, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) program, now with its own hydrogen-powered remote-controlled car team, found themselves taking fifth place amongst STEAM programs from across the world in the Hydrogen Horizon Grand Prix World Final in Anaheim last month with Class of 2024 alumni Thomas Jos and Mason Raymond at the controls.

“2018 was our first season, and this is the first time we’ve ever made it to Worlds,” Heritage STEAM adviser Scott Pennington said. “We’ve gotten close, but they only take the top three teams from California. Placing fifth once we got there was huge.”

“We had a good time,” Heritage STEAM president Likith Tatini said. “We got to meet different teams from various countries such as Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and others.”

Of the 17-team field in the Hybrid division (the upper division of the race), six were from California with two from the Bay Area – Heritage “STEAM RC” and San Jose’s Independence High School’s “Indy 1” team.

Oakwood Pink of Oakwood High School from Studio City, Calif. took first place. However, Heritage, despite placing fifth overall, was the second-highest finishing American team in the race, finishing behind Team Bulgaria, RC Racing Hubalov (Czech Republic), and Kysucki Strojnici (Slovakia).

Byron from page 1A

“It’s safe but it’s not good enough for the kids,” said Kelley Crow, a mother and softball coach at Excelsior Middle School, adding that they can wash their hands with it, but not drink it.

“They should have clean water. I send my daughter to school with bottled water every day, make sure she fills it up every day before she goes to school and then if she has sports after school. We have her put another water bottle on her backpack.”

The Byron Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place Measure R for this November election on the ballot so it will be up to Byron voters whether or not to pass the $24 million school safety and modernization bond whose goal is to repair and upgrade Byron Unified School District’s elementary and middle schools to fix the water well, update and up-

Sandie McNulty

Connie O’Neill

Associate Editor Jake Menez

Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures

Heritage had to qualify through several local and regional races to earn their spot at Worlds.

“There was a pre-qualifier, then a qualifier, then we had State finals,” Tatini explained. “If you get in the top three schools in the state, you get selected for Worlds. But for this year, there was an exception and more schools were allowed to go to Worlds.”

The addition of the remote control race car program was inspired by Pennington’s childhood love for remotecontrolled cars. Pennington, along with two other teachers, were already running an after-school STEAM program. When the opportunity to start the RC car side of the program arose, Pennington jumped at it.

“When I was 13, I loved RC cars,” he explained. “I hadn’t really gotten back into it in years. So, when I saw that email, I thought this could be good for us, so I signed up, applied for the grant that they had, and we

grade the schools classroom and labs for science technology engineering arts, including math ematics. It will also aim to upgrade elec trical wiring and computer networks for infrastructure to support student and classroom technology as well as school security.

“We want to be able to help sup port repairs and renovate our schools to have all of the things our students need to learn and be successful in this current educational space,” Castaneda said.

The measure will come with mandatory conditions such as:

• fiscal accountability, which would mandate that all funds should be controlled locally, and cannot be taken away by

Lazy Dog from page 1A

In the meeting, the developer noted to the commissioners that Lazy Dog would require about seven months of construction. Despite the delays, Lazy Dog “remains very committed” to the project, according to the developer. It would be located across from the Streets of Brentwood on Sand Creek Road.

(from left to right) adviser Scott Pennington, Aditya Nayak, Likith Tatini, and alumni adviser Jacob Denny hold their hydrogen powered remote-controlled car that Heritage’s STEAM RC drove to take fifth place at the Hydrogen Horizon Grand Prix World Final in Anaheim last month.

were accepted in that first year in 2017-18.”

The email from Horizon Education eventually led to a grant of about $5,000 worth of materials to get started focusing on the first build for the car: the remote, batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen stick, and a hydrogen fill station.

One of Pennington’s first recruits was current alumni adviser Jacob Denny, who helped build the foundation for the program to where it is today.

“Early on, we were just finding out every detail (about the cars),” Denny explained. “There’s so much that we could do from the start, small changes we were doing like taking out things that were on the original electronics and stuff like that.”

Denny added that the program making its Worlds “is a huge accomplishment.”

To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

the state.

fort foods,” such as hamburgers, sandwiches and pasta, and it features indoor dining as well as outdoor patio dining. As the name suggests, the restaurants are dog-friendly, although pets are limited to the patio dining area. The closest location is in Concord.

• no funds could be used for administrator or teacher salaries, or pensions, as well as independent oversight, audits.

• reporting to the community to ensure all funds are spent as voters intended.

“The last bond Byron Unified School District asked for was in 2006, and taxpayers were refunded during the COVID times when interest rates were low,” Castaneda said.

Measure R needs 55% approval to pass.

For more information, voters can research Measure R at www byronunionschooldistrict us

To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

serve beer and wine as well as host live entertainment such as jazz performances and book signings. The applicant compared his vision to similar establishments, such as Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland.

Before approving the extension of the project, the commissioners asked what the plan was if the new hotel tenant were to back out of the project in the same way as WoodSpring. The developer assured them that there were other potential hotels that would be interested if that were the case.

Business Profile

FOOD DRINK

A foodie’s guide to East County dining

Editor’s note: A version of this guide to local dining first appeared in the 2024 edition of the Welcome! Magazine.

There is plenty of culture and great food in East County. Whether residents are in the mood for Mexican, American, Chinese, Japanese, Southern, Italian, or something else, East County boasts a vast and plentiful amount of food variety and tastiness. Here are some restaurants with great food:

Attraversiamo

Attraversiamo showcases a “Cal-Ital” menu using a farm-to-table approach. Almost everything served on the menu is gathered within 100 miles of the restaurant –including its tableware created by the Heritage High Clay Club. Attraversiamo strives to achieve a culinary standard without pretense or snobbery, and delivers plates full of local ingredients. 2485 Sand Creek Road in Brentwood. (925) 420-6506, https://attrabrentwood.com/

Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill

For the fans of Italian cuisine, Cap’s is your go-to for your Friday Date Night. With pasta, meat dishes, calzones, fish dishes and desserts, Cap’s is the place for a fabulous time. Their Banana Fosters are flaming good, and their pasta is so tasty it’s pre-pasta-rous. 144 Oak St, Brentwood, (925) 634-1025, https://www.capsrestaurant.com/

Samurai Teppanyaki Sushi Bar

The staff at Samurai Teppanyaki Sushi Bar pride themselves on providing excellent service with their authentic Japanese Teppanyaki and sushi dinner shows, according to owner Stan Lee. The Antioch-based restaurant provides a fun, friendly, and family-oriented experience with its pleasant, modern Japanese atmosphere and variety of teppanyaki dishes such as steak, chicken, seafood and vegetables prepared with fresh ingredients right before guests’ eyes as well as a wide variety of sushi rolls for every taste.5007 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, (925) 206-4644, (menu) places.singleplatform.com, https:// samuraiantioch.com/

Shirasoni

East County is home to a variety of good restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes.

Dinner and a show is always a great combination. Located on Lone Tree Way across the street from Chili’s, Shirasoni offers the options of regular table dining or sitting in front of a grill. The staff is friendly and the food is marvelous, ensuring a great time as you enjoy your meal. Shirasoni is the place to try delicious PanAsian cuisine. 6367 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood, (925) 240-7808, shirasonirestaurant.com.

Smith’s Landing

Smith’s Landing in Antioch is the self-proclaimed “quintessential waterfront dining experience” on the

see Dining page 3B

Stewart’s invites family and friends to enjoy our beautiful restaurant and delicious traditional Thanksgiving dinner! We are also offering a selection of steak, seafood and pasta for those who are looking for something a little different.

accepting reservations from 3pm - 7pm. For more information, please go to our website or

make reservations call us at 925-240-2828.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Delta. The restaurant offers picturesque views of the water in addition to a menu that has a little bit of everything. From pasta dishes and steaks to appetizers and wild seafood, there’s something for everyone at Smith’s Landing.1 Marina Plaza, (925) 775-4862, https://www.smithslandingantioch.com/

Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill

If you ever want to head to the bar on a Friday night to watch the Warriors, then head to Tailgaters. With locations in Brentwood and Antioch, Tailgaters offers great food, good drinks, and a friendly staff. One is sure to have an awesome experience at Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill. 8065 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, (925) 513-8281, 4605 Golf Course Road, Antioch, (925) 754-2277, http://tailgaterssportsbars.com/.

Vic Stewart’s

Fine dining at Vic Stewart’s in Brentwood offers a relaxing and sophisticated dining experience in an elegant Western interior. Cherry wood tables, fine art and three fireplaces provide a welcoming environment. Its refined menu suits every age and palate, including mouthwatering aged Midwestern beef, fresh fish, pastas, chicken and vegetarian dishes. 2270 Balfour Road, Brentwood, (925)

240-2828, https://www.vicstewarts.com/

Vine+Grain

Vine+Grain redefines the bar experience without pretense or snobbery. Their guests can either set a reservation or walk in to sip, eat and relax. With two locations to choose from, both offer specialty cocktails, more than 40 wines, rotating craft beer and a seasonal changing menu. 2475 Sand Creek Road #112, Brentwood, (925) 513-5359, https://ilovevine.com/

The Yard

The Yard is one of the newest familyfriendly spots to get food or drinks in downtown Brentwood. Its communal seating plan encourages those who stop by to get together after a long workday and get to know each other better. For more information, see page 5B. 200 Oak St, Brentwood, https://brentwoodyard.com/

Zephyr Grill & Bar

American food could easily be described as hearty and filling. If you’re looking for something that meets these standards, check out Zephyr Grill & Bar in downtown Brentwood on First Street. Zephyr Grill & Bar is an upscale dining experience with a comfortable atmosphere. Zephyr is perfect for an evening date or friendly sit-down burger. With tasty food and drinks, it is a good place to have a good time with a good meal. 613 First St., (925) 418-4708, zephyrgrillbrentwood.com.

Oakley to hold annual autumn festival on Oct. 26

The annual Oaktober Festival will take place in Civic Center Plaza on Oct. 26 to celebrate the fall season, the city of Oakley has announced.

“Join us for our 16th annual Oakley Oaktober Fest as we wrap up 25 amazing years of community fun,” City Manager Josh McMurray said of the event in an email. “Let’s celebrate the start of the fall season with music, costumes, great food, and all the

take place from noon until 4 p.m., and will feature the following attractions, including:

♦ 30 vendors selling a variety of wares

♦ A pumpkin decorating contest

♦ A petting zoo

♦ Food trucks selling a variety of options

♦ Beer and wine for sale

♦ Pet adoptions through JoyBound Pets (formerly ARF)

♦ A family-friendly costume parade

♦ A canine costume parade

♦ Live music performance by Dustin Heer, an Oakley musician

More information about Oaktober and other upcoming city events can be found at https://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/ recreation/special-events/.

JAKE MENEZ

‘Ultimate family hangout spot,’ The Yard, opens in downtown Brentwood

The Yard, a family-friendly outdoor eatery, opened last month at 200 Oak St. in Brentwood. The restaurant offers communal seating in a vibrant atmosphere that gives guests a backyard feel and encourages them to “love your neighbor,” according to their social media platforms.

Alyssa Roost, co-owner of The Yard, said the name “The Yard” felt “most fitting” for the new restaurant.

“Our turfed space, picnic tables and communal spaces feels like you’re in a friend’s backyard,” Roost said.

The casual dining space offers yard games to guests and “hometown vibes,” Roost said. Customers are able to place their order indoors and enjoy their meal in the outdoor dining space. According to Roost, the set-up is “working out great.”

“Guests are able to place orders on the inside at their convenience while their family can play cornhole or connect 4,” Roost said.

HONORING OUR

“As parents of an active 4 year old, we wanted to build a space where we could enjoy a meal and a great cocktail and he could play. So far, we’re all enjoying it

beyond words. He loves playing Jenga while we enjoy a burger and a Pickle Spritz.”

It is home of the Brentwood Smashburger and Pickle Spritz, according to their website, brentwoodyard.com.

“We wanted to be a burger shack at heart,” Roost said. “Having a small menu, with just a handful of options. Doing a few things with great quality is more important to us than to have a large menu and it only be half-great.”

Roost, who is also co-owner of two other local restaurants, said the best part of opening The Yard so far is the community.

“Having two restaurants in the Streets of Brentwood since 2014, our community is what made us want to open another in Brentwood,” she said.

“We also love how this space is so different than Vine+Grain and Attraversiamo, because it’s family-focused. Having a place for the kids to play while mom and dad have a Margarita is the best way to spend an afternoon.”

For more information, visit brentwoodyard.com, or find them on Instagram @theyard_brentwood. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Publication Date: Nov. 1, 2024

Deadline for space reservation: Oct. 23, 2024 The Press’ Honoring Our Veterans special edition presents your business with a

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Photo courtesy of The Hards Instageam

The Yard, featuring casual outdoor dining in a family-friendly atmosphere, opened last month in downtown Brentwood.

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Why Boba tea is big in Brentwood

By Connor Robles Correspondent

“It’s rare that you see an alternative to Starbucks continue to grow, and that’s what’s happening with Boba,” City Economic Development Manager Ricardo Noguera said.

In recent years, the tapioca pearl-filled Taiwanese milk tea known as Boba or bubble tea has exploded in popularity in the United States, with 240 Boba establishments and counting in the Bay Area as of September 2023, according to Yelp.

Ten are in Brentwood, Noguera said. Only a decade ago, there were none, so why are there so many now? To Noguera, it’s because young people desire more variety in their beverages, and as demand has risen, so too has supply.

“It’s because of demographics,” Noguera explained. “We have lots of young people who like [Boba tea]...it has a lot to do with millennials under 30 that enjoy new outlets.”

Noguera compared the growth of Boba cafes to that of Dutch Bros Coffee, whose upcoming third Brentwood location at the Streets of Brentwood was approved by the Brentwood Planning Commission in August.

One competitor, TeaZenTea was founded by Phu Nguyen and his wife Hsiang Li in 2017. Phu identified the large Asian community in the Bay Area as the cause for Boba’s growing popularity; since Asian culture is so familiar to Bay Area residents, they will more readily adopt aspects of it, including culinary aspects. He also credited the customiz-

able nature of Boba and the large number of toppings as another reason, giving Boba tea a “fun” reputation.

“My wife is from Taiwan,” said Nguyen, the TeaZenTea owner. “I’ve been to Taiwan, and loved the tea there. Over here, the tea isn’t as good quality as it is in Taiwan, so we wanted to open a shop to sell good tea,” Phu said. “We wanted to offer customers quality drinks along with a welcoming environment where people can gather, either with friends or families.”

Phu said most of his customers are in their teens and 20s, with a few others over 30 and a few children as well. As for why they come, he said that he believes that they notice the quality and diversity of the drinks at TeaZenTea and tell their friends, leading to more regular customers.

“We also have themed drinks every season,” Phu said. “It makes it more fun; this season we have our spooky series. We also do fundraising with high schools, and for disaster relief, and we gave out free masks during COVID. We believe in giving back, and we believe that helps bring people to our shop.”

Concord was forced to close by the coronavirus pandemic. Her first location was in Pinole, with Brentwood Boba Corner being her second. Business has been average, she said, due to a lack of name recognition among locals.

“This location opened in November of 2023, so not even a year ago. We wanted to open near Liberty High School, since kids love Boba now,” she said.

Boba outlets are a relatively recent arrival in Brentwood. The first place to serve the tea in the city was Quickly, a chain cafe whose Brentwood location was opened by Dat Nguyen in 2015.

“My family and I emigrated from Vietnam in 2010 with a hope for a better future,” Dat explained. “As a kid, I always enjoyed Boba drinks back home and continued to do so after coming to the U.S.. Quickly was the first Boba brand I tried in the U.S. and I’ve been hooked since.”

A more recent opening is the Brentwood Boba Corner, owned by Lakshmi Setti, who started her business after her family’s Indian restaurant in

Dat chose to open a Quickly franchise due to positive experiences that his friends and family had with the chain. He said business was good for the first five years, but the coronavirus pandemic and the rise of competing Boba outlets nearby have hampered his business. Why are young people are so fond of Boba? Setti said that they are look ing for different, novel drinks, which many boba outlets provide--not just Boba tea, but smoothies, slushies, and other cold drinks, which help cool them down on increasingly hot summer days.

This Week’s Events

Friday, October 18

Tree Trunk or Treat

Moon Valley Nurseries, 7021 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood, is hosting a free Halloween Trunk or Treat from 4-5 p.m. Kids in costume can trick-or-treating around the nurseries. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and have a spook-tacular time. For more information about Moon Valley Nurseries, visit https:// www.moonvalleynurseries.com/events/ halloween-trunk-or-treat

Empowering Families Together Dinner Fundraiser

The fundraiser will be from 6:30-10 p.m. at Cap’s Oak Street Bar and Grill at 144 Oak St. in Brentwood. Families Empowered and Transformed (F.E.A.T.) is a nonprofit organization serving families with Positive Parenting classes, supporting father involvement, domestic violence and anger management classes. Participation will directly support their scholarship fund, providing resources for families in need. General admission is $120 per guest and includes a dinner choice of Chicken Chardonnay or Tri-Tip. There will be a live auction, keynote speakers and more. For tickets or for more information, visit www.featcoco.org or call 925-234-4415.

Come Alive California-Worship Night

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this outdoor event, and worship will be from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at 3501 Byer Road, in Byron. There will be a coffee truck, a food truck and spontaneous Baptisms. Admission is free, but participants should register their group prior to the event at www. camposfamilyvineyards.com.

Nukeville Nightmares-Presented by Condemned Compound and Brentwood PAL

This haunted house will be at 6181 Brentwood Boulevard in Brentwood. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the haunted house will be from 7-10 p.m. There will be a jumpy house and a mini train. The attraction will be open on October 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31. For more information, visit the Condemned Compound’s Facebook page @the condemned compound haunt

Saturday, October 19

Digs ‘n’ Rigs

From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., children of all ages can explore vehicles of all types in this handson event sponsored by The Rotary Club of Brentwood and Los Medanos College. LMC will offer older children exposure to educational

opportunities including public service, emergency services, utility, construction, landscaping, transportation and delivery industries at the Los Medanos College campus, 1351 Pioneer Square in Brentwood.

Marsh Creek State Park Hike, Lunch and Film Screening

This event will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Marsh Creek State Park. Lunch will be provided by Taquiza Limon, and there will be a short film on the life of John Marsh. Participants will learn about the upcoming plans for the interpretive center and house restoration. Space is limited to 60 people. Tickets are $50. Register at, https://www. eventbrite.com/e/an-event-celebrating-johnmarsh-and-the-surrounding-marsh-creekstate-park-tickets-1012420716617?aff=oddtd tcreator.

Wine in The Bay

The 20th anniversary of this event is from 1-5 p.m. at Community Life Center, 2800 Camino Diablo Road in Byron. There will be local wine samples, local artisans, hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auction, cork draw and wine cooler draw. Tickets are $60. Proceeds will benefit various non-profits, including the Food Pantry, John Muir Mobile, youth, and senior citizens. This event is for those age 21 and older. For more information, visit www.anne.church or call Peggy 925-8905255 for tickets.

VFW Casino Night

The event, hosted by American Legion Auxiliary, is from 6-10 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. There will be casino games, appetizers, beer, wine, music, dancing and more. Tickets are $125. For tickets or for more information, contact Dolores Long at (925) 584-6712.

Thursday, October 24

Soroptimist of the Delta Halloween Bingo

This Soroptimist International of the Delta fundraiser for educational scholarships given to local women and girls, will be at De Luna Ranch, 7540 Balfour Road in Brentwood from 5-9 p.m. Dinner and bingo games with cash prizes are included. Costumes are encouraged. Attendees must be 21 or over. Tickets are $50 each, and are available at Gursky Ranch, 1921 Apricot Way in Brentwood. For more information call 925-6344913 or visit http://SIofthedelta.com

Friday, October 25

Oakley Senior Citizens Casino Day Bus Trip

Round-trip motorcoach transportation to Redhawk Casino is provided. Participants

will meet at the Senior Center at 215 Second St. in Oakley and the bus will leave at 8 a.m. Reservations are $47 per person and must be paid by Monday, Oct. 21. To reserve a spot, call Joyce at 925- 626-7223 or Allan at 925-265-3417. The Streets of Brentwood-Treats at Streets

This free trick-or-treat event will be from 5-7 p.m. at 2455 Sand Creek Road in Brentwood. Trick or treat at the stores while supplies last. A free pumpkin with a $10 receipt from any The Streets of Brentwood retailer. One pumpkin per person per receipt while supplies last. One free treat per child while supplies last. For more information, visit https://shopstreetsofbrentwood.com/events.

Trunk or Treat at Delta Valley Health Club

Delta Valley Health Club’s annual free Trunk or Treat event will be from 5-8 p.m. at 120 Guthrie Lane in Brentwood. There will be more than 20 vendors, a jumpy house, candy, face painting, food trucks and more for all ages. For more information visit https://deltavac.com/

On the Horizon

Saturday, October 26

Paws on Parade

The Discovery Bay Lions Club presents Paws on Parade at the community center at 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd. from 9 a.m.-noon. There will be vendors, adoptions, canine demonstrations, photo opportunities, kids face painting and a dog parade. Prizes awarded for best costume.

Admission is free. For details, contact Rita Caruso at 925-640-5746 or rcaruso@homeownersfg.com, or visit discoverybaylions.com.

Halloween Party at Brentwood

ACE Hardware

There will be a barbecue demonstration outdoors – rain or shine – hosted by ACE Hardware. Inside, there will be free pumpkin decorating for kids, Halloween treats and local favorite Face Painting by Wandie. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 8900 Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood.

Hometown Halloween: Monster Mash Bash

The event will be from 4-8 p.m. in downtown Brentwood on Oak Street, First Street, and Brentwood Boulevard, from Third Street to Diablo Way and Chestnut to Maple. Trick-ortreating is free, and there will be booths from local merchants. For more information, visit http://brentwoodchamber.com.

Sunday, October 27

Kiwanis 2024 Pride of the Delta Restaurant Tour-Antioch Participants will have the opportunity to sample food from 10 restaurants from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds benefit local charities. To purchase tickets contact Kay Power at 925-202-3519 or Allison Norris at 925642-5404. For more information and to see a list of participating restaurants, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/pride-of-the-deltaantioch-restaurant-tour-tickets-998875131407