The Press 10.21.2022

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Planners delay housing decision

by Jake Menez Staff Writer

BRENTWOOD The city Planning Com mission voted unanimously at its Thurs day, Oct. 18 meeting to defer a decision regarding the Vineyards at Marsh Creek housing development project.

The agenda item brought before the commission was a public hearing for the application of a two-year extension on the subdivision map for the parcel of land that would become the housing de velopment as well as an extension on the design review process for the 140 homes

Brentwood hosts Diwali

Has anyone seen Lamar Thorpe?

the video muted. He did not attend in per son nor did he participate in any council discussions or offer any comments.

City residents called him “coward” for avoiding the public Tuesday night. Other supporters have called attacks on Thorpe “a lynching.”

by Chris Campos Staff Writer

ANTIOCH Mayor Lamar Thorpe is a wanted man. A court wants him to show up for a DUI hearing in December. City residents want him to show up for a City Council meeting. But for now, he remains the missing man.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Thorpe cast two votes via Zoom call with

If you thought the national political climate was overheating, you haven’t been keeping track of the temperature in East Contra Costa County.

Was the heat rising because of the council’s split between progressives and conservatives? Was it Thorpe’s DUI charge? Or was it a $350,000 settlement for a sexual harassment suit?

On March 19, Thorpe was arrested while driving in Pleasant Hill at 1:15 a.m.

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Trauma counseling offered in county

by Chris Campos Staff Writer

MARTINEZ If you are a victim of violence in Contra Costa County, help is just a call away.

The county Board of Su pervisors threw a spotlight on the Family Justice Center in this week’s meeting.

Susun Kim, executive direc tor of the center, brought a team from the group to update the supervisors Tuesday on two new services the organization is offer ing: TeleCare and their Trauma Recovery Center.

Launched in 2011, the nonprofit group now has three loca tions to offer its services. The first, West Center, was opened on 256 24th St. in Richmond.

The second center, Central Cen ter, was opened in 2015 at 2051 Salvio St. in Concord. The third center, East Center, was opened in 2019 at 3501 Lone Tree Way, Suite 4, in Antioch.

Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood, who serves on the center’s board of directors, hailed the progress of the organization, “Not only do they do a wonder ful job in Contra Costa but they are a leader in California…. They are creative and innovative,” she said at the meeting.

Karen Mitchoff, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, add ed, “They go above and beyond” to provide a critical service.

TeleCare allows clients to have a no-cost, virtual appoint ment regardless of insurance. Ser vices include prescription refills,

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Brentwood’s inaugural Diwali celebration came to City Park on Oct. 16. The celebration, put on by the United Indian Association, featured food, dancing and music as part of the celebration of the Festival of Lights. More photos can be found on page 6.

Photo by Christian Raitt

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe speaks at an Oct. 18 celebration following Antioch City Council’s decision to pass rent control ordi nances as part of the city’s Oct. 11 meeting.

photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Oakley’s Big Break Visitor Center turns 10

by Dane Dickerson Correspondent

The Big Break Visitor Center cele brated its 10th anniversary Sunday, Octo ber 16 with park staff and the community at 69 Big Break Road in Oakley.

A short program was followed by cake and an array of activities for all ages.

“It’s a space for people to come and learn about the really important Delta and wetland habitat,” said Wyatt Moore, Supervising Naturalist at the center. “It’s a space where people can connect with one another and find out more about the places that they live.”

The center featured educational exhibits previously used over the past decade to commemorate its evolution. Speakers, including Colin Coffey, presi dent of the Board of Directors of East Bay Regional Parks, addressed attend ees at 11 a.m. before offering birthday cake. Visitors then joined informative stations, including mammal displays, and stream tables to learn about water flow in the Delta, and nature-inspired art projects. Moore guided a short hike around Big Break Regional Shoreline to educate people about the local wildlife and geography.

The East Bay Regional Park district consists of 73 parks, 125,000 acres of land, 1,200 miles of trail and 55 miles of shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda

counties. Big Break is just one of these parks, spanning 1,648 acres. It was ini tially home to the Julpin, a Bay Miwokspeaking tribe, before the California Gold Rush of 1849 prompted settlements and wetland “reclamation,” or draining of the Delta, drastically changing the landscape, park officials said.

Today, Big Break is home to 70 bird species and several mammals, including beavers, muskrats and river otters. Rich marshland attracts wading birds like great blue herons, great egrets, green her

ons, and white-faced ibis, and nesting has been confirmed for black rails, northern harriers, white-tailed kites, and yellow-

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breasted chats. These marshes provide vital breeding habitats for Western pond turtles, designated as a “species of special concern” in California. The Delta water contains striped bass, bluegill, catfish, sturgeon, and sunfish, Moore said.

Outdoor recreation is popular at Big Break, but visitation has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a return to the outdoors. It is a popular venue to walk dogs, cycle, fish, kayak, and attend naturalist programs by East Bay parks.

Moore said Big Break is a resource for wildlife, as well as visitors, to enjoy.

“East Bay Regional Parks District is really committed to taking care of and stewarding these natural landscapes,” says Moore. “We really try to find that beauti ful balance of taking care of the natural spaces that are still here and making sure they’re open for people to enjoy. Whether that’s hiking, biking, sitting, meditating, or just looking at things. It’s all about having this wonderful resource available to everyone in the East Bay.”

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The Big Break Visitor Center at Big Break Regional Park in Oakley celebrated its 10th anniversary Sunday, Oct. 16. The center features educational exhibits, hands-on experiences, and digital displays.

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Antioch OKs rent stabilization ordinance

by Chris Campos Staff Writer

“We don’t want to turn us into an other Antioch,” Brayden Haena said dur ing a recent Brentwood City Council can didates forum. It’s a sentiment shared by several neighboring suburbs in East Con tra Costa County. But political changes happening to the north may have impacts in the cities that border it. The “fear” of becoming like Antioch often focuses on crime. But the progressive majority on the Antioch City Council has pushed a num ber of reform programs outside of their police department.

One of them is rent control. At their Oct. 11 meeting, the City Council voted final approval of a rent stabilization or dinance.

The Antioch Rent Ordinance’s rent control protections shields tenants by limit ing rent increases each year. For units cov ered by Antioch Rent Control, the landlord may not increase the rent in an amount more than the lesser of either 60% of Con sumer Price Index for the Bay Area or 3%.

Under the new law, landlords may not serve a rent increase notice in any 12 months. Only covered rental units are subject to Antioch Rent Control.

All rental units built on or before Feb. 1, 1995, in Antioch are covered, ex cept for the following:

• single-family homes

• condominiums

• a unit owned, operated, or managed by the government

• school or college dormitories

• mobile homes in mobile home parks

• a unit in a hotel, motel, inn, tour ist home, or rooming and boarding house primarily rented to transient guests for 30 consecutive days or fewer

• a unit in a hospital, medical care facility, residential care facility, asy lum, group home for seniors or the disabled, or a homeless transitional housing program

• a unit where the landlord or their immediate family occupied, as their principal place of residence at the beginning of the tenancy, and con

tinues occupying

• a unit within a dwelling unit is shared with the landlord, as the landlord’s principal residence, and the landlord also shares a bathroom or kitchen with the tenant.

At the same Oct. 11 meeting, the Antioch City Council also voted in sup port of further study of the ShotSpotter acoustic sensor system.

ShotSpotter is gunshot detection, acoustic surveillance technology that uses sensors to detect, locate and alert law en forcement agencies of gunfire incidents in real time. The system, developed by a Fremont company, is in use now by San Francisco, Oakland and the California Highway Patrol along Highway 4.

The highway sensor network covers Bay Area highways from Interstate 80 east through Antioch, according to Sgt. Andrew Baggerly of the CHP Golden Gate Division in Martinez.

Pittsburg is the lead agency for the countywide Freeway Security Network, a three-year pilot project that installed cameras and license plate readers at sev eral locations on Highway 4 and I-80. The project was funded with a $3.5 million grant from the state of California, which recently authorized $360,000 for a oneyear extension to the project. If approved, the resolution allocates the additional grant funds to the project. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

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The Antioch City Council voted final approval of a rent stabilization ordinance at part of their Oct. 11 meeting. Advocates of the ordinance rallied on Oct. 18 to show their support.

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Local Girl Scout Troop 33793, under the leadership of Stacey Tuley and Nancy Easter, spent a recent fun-filled weekend at Camp Menzies in Arnold, California. The Scouts made sure to bring the latest copy of their hometown paper. The troop would like to thank everyone who bought cookies from them last spring. They were able to use the money raised from the cookie sale to pay for their weekend at the Sierra Nevada camp.

be difficult to list all the ways I’ve changed because of my hospice volunteer work.

more attentive and less self-absorbed, more understanding and less fearful, more accepting and less critical. I’m simply happier

had these opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Troop

Brentwood hosted its first Diwali Mela, the Indian Festival of Lights, as part of a fundraiser for the United Indian Association in Brentwood City Park last weekend. The event featured a wide variety of foods from India, Mexico and Sri Lanka, a kid-friendly area and numerous vendor booths, along with Bollywood performances and traditional Rangoli display. The celebration featured about 1,200 people, according to organizer UIA Manish Jain. “I was glad to see happy smiles on the face of everyone, especially because nothing like this has ever happened in Brentwood before,” he said. Diwali falls on Oct. 24 this year, and is both a major religious and cultural holiday that spans five days with celebrations peaking on the third day, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The holiday celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. ‘Mela’ is the Indian word for a festival or fair. Jain said the large crowd inspired him to look to next year. “We are going to make it an annual event,” he said. “Our next event is going to be in March called Holi, which is the Festival of Colors.”

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

Photos by Christian Raitt

Funding from the federal government will allow the Los Vaqueros Reservoir to fund projects to improve re gional wa ter supply reliability.

Press file photo

Federal money to improve Los Vaqueros Reservoir

The Los Vaqueros Reservoir is get ting help from the federal government so it can improve regional water supply re liability and for environmental benefits.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has allocated $82 million for the expan sion of reservoir as part of $203 million of total requested federal investment in this effort

“We are pleased that Congress and Reclamation have recognized the value of years of cooperative planning to ex pand Los Vaqueros Reservoir as a 21stcentury water project to meet our needs in an uncertain future,” said Los Vaque ros Reservoir Expansion Project Board of Directors chair Angela Ramirez Holmes. “Our partnership with the Bu reau of Reclamation has been immensely valuable in developing the project to this point. This next round of funding will help us across the finish line.”

When completed, it will increase the Los Vaqueros Reservoir capacity from 160,000 acre-feet to 275,000 acrefeet (an acre-foot is about 326,000 gal lons of water, and add new and modi fied conveyance facilities to provide environmental, water supply reliability, operational flexibility, water quality,

and recreational benefits.

The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Proj ect was previously authorized for federal funding under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016. The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA) provides gover nance and administration for the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project. The JPA was formed in Octo ber 2021 to govern the project that would increase Bay Area and Central Valley water supply reliability, develop water supplies for wildlife refuges, and improve water quality while protecting Delta fisheries and providing additional Delta ecosystem benefits.

The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Project received the largest portion of money al located to seven projects in the Western United States as part of federal water storage funding under the Bipartisan In frastructure Law approved by Congress in November 2021.

“The expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir will improve water manage ment for our federal, state, and local partners,” said Taryn Ravazzini, execu tive director of the Los Vaqueros Reser voir Joint Powers Authority.

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

inion

Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms

Letters to the editor

Reader ‘disappointed’ in Press’ coverage of childhood cancer

Editor:

I’m extremely disappointed with the Brentwood Press. I was sure that you were a leader in the news industry, but I see you’re a follower just like everyone else. I asked you to do an article on childhood cancer awareness, but you decided to do articles on breast cancer instead.

Breast cancer is 99% curable if caught early and women should test regularly, and breast cancer gets 19% of the national research cancer funding to find cures. Childhood cancer is made up of 12 different cancers and our children only get 4% of the national research cancer funding to find cures.

There is not a pretest to help catch childhood cancer early, and only 4% divided by 12 cancers is not much money. Most childhood cancers have less than a 75% survival rate.

Freedom High school girls’ volleyball team did a fantastic job bringing awareness to childhood cancer and honoring two children who are fighting cancer. Our children are our future, and without

bringing awareness to get the federal government to fund more research our children will never get more than 4% of the national cancer research funding.

Denise Rundall

Letter writer needs a reality check Editor:

Not sure what universe Mr. Trevino lives in. He recites a laundry list of Republican “No” votes. Firstly, baby formula shortage became an issue this year in January when President Biden had been in office for a year. There is still a shortage of formula in the stores.

A “no” vote on lowering gas prices? Gas under President Trump cost me $3.59 a gallon; now it’s $5.89 a gallon. Biden shut off major pipelines as soon as he came into office and gas prices soared immediately.

And a “no” vote on protecting womens’ “rights”? Abortion, whether you agree with it or not is still legal in California so not sure why Republicans are being blamed for not protecting women’s rights. Reversal of Roe versus Wade has not affected California laws on abortion.

Lastly, a “no” vote on ending human trafficking is just false. Donald Trump

did everything he could to stop illegal immigration through the Southern border in an attempt to stop human trafficking, drug trafficking (which kills over 100,000 Americans a year) and millions of illegal immigrants pouring into our country. Mr. Biden has done absolutely nothing – zero –to stop human trafficking.

Mr. Trevino needs to get his facts straight and join the real world.

As for turning America into an autocracy, the Democrats are doing a great job of doing just that. Are you better off now than two years ago? I’m not.

Bernadette Buchanan Brentwood

City of Brentwood City Manager and City Council City Hall 150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-516-5440 www.brentwoodca.gov

City of Antioch City Manager and City Council City Hall 3rd and H streets Antioch, CA 94509 Phone: 925-779-7000 www.ci.antioch.ca.us

City of Oakley City Manager and City Council City Hall

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

3231 Main St. Oakley, CA 94561

Phone: 925-625-7000 www.ci.oakley.ca.us

Town of Discovery Bay Town Manager and Community Services District 1800 Willow Lake Road Discovery Bay, CA 94505 Phone: 925-634-1131 www.todb.ca.gov

County Supervisor, Dist. III Diane Burgis 3361 Walnut Blvd., Ste. 140 Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-252-4500 Fax: 925-240-7261 dist3@bos.cccounty.us

County Supervisor, Dist. V Federal D. Glover 190 E 4th St. Pittsburg, CA 94565

Phone: 925-608-4200 Fax: 925-427-8142 district5@bos.cccounty.us

State Sen. Steve Glazer Seventh Senate District Capitol Office: State Capitol, Room 4082 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916-651-4007 District Office: 420 West Third St. Antioch, CA 94509 Phone: 925-258-1176 Fax: 925-258-9982 Cell: 925-963-1611 http://sd07.senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember J im Frazier

11th Assembly District Capitol Office: P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249

Phone: 916-319-2011 District Office: 150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-513-0411 Fax: 925-513-3511 www.asmdc.org/mem bers/a11

Gov. Gavin Newsom State Capitol, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-445-2841 Fax: 916-558-3160 www.gov.ca.gov

LETTERS POLICY

The Press invites your comments. Letters must be no longer than 325 words and include name, address and phone number for confirmation.

The Press reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, potential libel and taste, or to not print letters we feel violate our standards of acceptance.

Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.

Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.

LOCAL EVENTS & SERVICE CLUBS

Calendar

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.

Events

Saturday, Oct. 22

Oaktober Harvest Festival

The 14th Oaktober Harvest Festival is sched uled for Saturday, Oct. 22, from noon-4 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza in Oakley. This year’s Oaktober has been revamped to include beer and wine, a family-friendly costume parade, the return of the canine parade, a pumpkin decorating contest, and more.

Brentwood Peace Community Garden Potluck

The Brentwood Peace Community Garden Potluck is at 5 p.m. on Maple Street. The event will include a tabletop Scarecrow contest, singa-long, music and prizes. Cider and pumpkin pie will be provided. For more information, text Cici at 530-306-7034.

Thursday, Oct. 27

Trunk or Treat Tailgate

Delta Valley Health Club is hosting a free community Trunk or Treat Tailgate from 4-8 p.m. that will include face painting, food trucks, cornhole, jump houses, and more. Attendees do not need to be members of Delta Valley Health Club. For more informa tion, visit https://www.facebook.com/

deltavalleyhc

Halloween Bingo

Soroptimist International of the Delta is host ing a Halloween Bingo at 5 p.m. at De Luna Ranch. The event will include a raffle, cash prizes and costumes encouraged. Tickets are $50 and include Bingo games and dinner.

Liberty Adult Education Fall Job Fair

Liberty Adult Education is hosting a job fair from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Liberty Adult Community Education Center. There will be employment representatives from BART, the Antioch Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, Bay Area Community Resources, the City of Brentwood and many more. The event is free and open to the public, and participants are encouraged to bring their resume and dress professionally. For more information, visit https://liberty adulted.org/

Fall-O-Ween festival

Antioch is hosting its annual all-ages FallO-Ween festival at the Antioch Water Park from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature a maze, pumpkin patch, a scavenger hunt and more. This year’s festival will also feature a scarecrow contest. Tickets are $5. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3eBtIMd.

Saturday, Oct. 29

Hometown Halloween

Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Hometown Halloween – free trick-or-treating from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. There will also be a free showing of the film Hotel Transylvania in the park afterwards.

Hot Rods 4 Paws Benefit Car & Bike Show

Hot Rods 4 Paws is hosting a Car & Bike Show from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in downtown Antioch. The event includes a trunk-or-treat, pinup contest, pet costume contest, kids costume contest, music and vendors. For more infor mation, call 925-481-2294 or visit https://bit. ly/3RU4aY6

Sunday, Oct. 30

Dia de Los Muertos - Celebration of Life Azúcar Dulcería is hosting a Dia de Los Muertos celebration at their venue at 7860 Brentwood Blvd. from 4-10 p.m. The event will include a parade, an altar contest, live dancers, an art expo and more.

Monday, Oct. 31

Fall Festival

The Bay Church is hosting their Fall Festival from 6-8 p.m. at the Brentwood Campus location. The event will feature face painting, hayrides, jump houses and more. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3D8HQGf Thursday, Nov. 3

Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast

Excelsior Middle School in Byron is hosting a Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast from 7-7:50 a.m. in the Excelsior Middle School cafeteria. A student body assembly will follow the break fast starting at 8 a.m. For more information and to RSVP call (925)-809-7530.

Friday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day Dinner & Game Night

Immaculate Heart of Mary No 7467 Knights of Columbus is hosting a Veterans Day Dinner & Game Night at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brentwood. The event opens at 5 p.m. for check-in, with games going from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Dinner and participation in the games is $75.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show

St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus is hosting a Murder Mystery dinner show at the St. Anne Community Life Center in Byron. The event opens at 6:30 p.m., dinner is at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and pro ceeds support The Delta Christian Community Food Pantry, RotoCare Clinics, Scouts and Eagle Scouts, Complete Christmas Meals for Needy Families. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Roaring Twenties attire. For more informa tion visit https://www.anne.church/ Saturday, Nov. 12

Summerset II Holiday Boutique, Bake Sale, and Quilt Show Summerset II is hosting a holiday boutique from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Summerset Palms Clubhouse in Brentwood. The event is free and open to the public, and features a wide variety of holiday wares from over 22 ven dors. For more information, contact Mel at 925-306-2339.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Annual Holiday Boutique

The Wi Cha Ka Council #222 is hosting their annual Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Red Men Pocahontas Hall in Oakley on Main St. The event will feature wares from a variety of independent sellers. There will also be pancake breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m.noon, a raffle and a Yellow Ribbon Fundraiser to the Veterans Hospital in Martinez. For more information, contact Alicia at 925-625-1102.

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://www.brentwoodro tary94513.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://rotaryclubofoak ley.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 http://www.antiochrotaryclub.com/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https://www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org/.

POST AN EVENT! FIND AN EVENT!

www.thepress.net/ calendar

East County Lions Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Straw Hat Pizza on Lone Tree Way. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse.org/ sites/brentwoodca/ Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center, 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 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/ Brentwood Community Chorus

The Brentwood Community Chorus meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church (809 Second St.) in Brentwood to rehearse for their holiday concerts. All are welcome.

Delta Gallery Art Show

Delta Gallery Community Art Center in Brentwood is hosting two art shows. These include the Delta Quilters Guild Art Show and features workshops from Oct. 6 to Nov. 4. The second show features the Art Guild of the Delta and includes fine art, cards, gifts and jewelry. The gallery is at 2485 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128. A reception for both shows is on Oct.15 6-8 p.m.The gallery is open Thursday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For more infor mation, visit https://www.deltagallery.com/ Life and Times of John Marsh Art Show Opens at the Delta Gallery

The Delta Gallery in association with the John Marsh Historic Trust, is hosting The Life and Times of John Marsh an art show consisting of artwork featuring the John Marsh property, Rancho Los Meganos or pastoral views of Contra Costa County as it would have been in the 1850s. The free show is being displayed at the Delta Gallery at 2485 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128, in Brentwood. The gallery is open Thursday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For more infor mation, visit https://www.deltagallery.com/

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.

Nonprofit offers Health Care Career Courses

The nonprofit Opportunity Junction is accepting applications for its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at two locations including the Opportunity Junction Antioch office at 3102 Delta Fair Blvd. Classes began in September. The CNA program includes 12 weeks of training, life skills training, hands-on clinical experience, and job placement assistance. The first step in taking the course is to complete an application form online by visiting https://opportunityjunction. secure.force.com/apply/HCP.

Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings

The nonprofit Discovery Bay Corvette Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5871 Marina Road, Bilge Room. The club is dedicated to the enjoy ment of owning and driving America’s sports car. For more information, drop by a meeting or contact the membership vice president at 925341-9433. For more information on the club, visit www.discoverybaycorvetteclub.com

M ilestones

BIRTHS,

Brentwood youth earns Eagle Scout rank

Travis N. Kralj is a proud Boy Scout of Troop 90 in Brentwood. He achieved the Eagle Scout rank on June 23. To reach the Eagle rank, Travis has earned 31 merit badges, camped 126 nights, hiked 161 miles, and completed 280 community service hours. For the last step of the Eagle rank, Travis led a team to create a Native Pollinator planter bed at Heritage High School. While doing this, he has managed a 4.0 and played water polo for Heritage High.

Sylvia Jean Giles

July 27, 1941 – August 12, 2022

Sylvia Giles, a proud mother, grand mother, and wife whose fiery spirit equaled her big heart, died on Aug. 12. She was 81 years old.

Sylvia was a rural mail carrier for 11 years in Discovery Bay who knew every dog along her route by name. She enjoyed bingo, bowling, puzzles, garage sales, fishing with her husband on the Delta, and raising hell.

Brentwood was her happy place for 40 years. Sylvia Jean was born in Michi gan to Sylvain and Edna Thurman. She had two beloved brothers, Richard and David, who passed away before her.

Sylvia attended St. Joseph’s School in Farmington, Missouri and the Univer sity of Missouri. She followed her brother David to California in 1976 to begin a

Milton Everton Brissett

September 14, 1963 – September 21, 2022

On September 21, 2022, Milton Everton Brissett went home to be with the Lord, sur rounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Jane of 22 years, his sons Evan and Charles, parents Mear lena and Kenneth, siblings, nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. Milton was born in Ha nover, Jamaica and raised in Kingston.

Eighteen-year resident of Brentwood, former Comcast IT Management, Shadow Lakes Homeowners Association Board Member.

Milton’s Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 11 a.m., Golden Hills Community Church, 2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513. Donations to The Brissett Family gofundmehttps://gofund.me/ff3dd8d4

new life.Sylvia is survived by her husband of 42 years, Bill; their son, Brian; her daughters Lena and Anne; her grandchildren Ashli, Daniel and Aiden, her great-grandchildren Ma dyson, Lilliana, Piper, DJ, and Lukas.

Her beloved grandson Jonathan pre ceded her in passing.

The family is grateful to Sylvia’s care givers, Virginia and Tunde, for their four years of loving care and companionship.

The family will celebrate her life at the Giles Ranch in October. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local ani mal shelter or to the MS Society.

Linda Ann McCoy Reeder

February 21, 1952 – October 9, 2022

Linda McCoy

Reeder passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 9 at her home in Discovery Bay.

Linda is sur vived by her hus band Michael; daughter Christie, son Jon and his wife Tamara, daughter Melissa and her husband Leo, as well as seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a brother Wayne.

Linda worked as a paraeducator at Old River Elementary School. She was greatly devoted to her family, and was often seen at her grandchildren’s sporting events. Linda will be missed by all who loved her.

There are no funeral arrangements at this time. A Celebration of Life will be planned for some time in November or December.

Submitted photo

Hometown SportS

Liberty beats Freedom; keeps The Bell

Lions trample Falcons, 50-18; quarterback Bell stars in victory

by Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

For the sixth year in a row, the bell stays with Liberty as the Lions defeated their local rival Freedom Falcons in what is known as “The Bell” game.

However, that wasn’t the only notable storyline for the night as it was also Lib erty’s quarterback Nate Bell’s birthday, and he put on a special performance for the occasion. Bell ran for two touchdowns and threw for a third as the Lions blew out the Falcons 50-18.

With the opening kick, the Falcons tried to get a leg up on the Lions by try ing an onside kick, but it failed. The game didn’t have early indications of a blowout as the Falcons struck first with running back Dominick Tomlin busting loose on a long touchdown run to give Freedom a 6-0 lead before their PAT at tempt was blocked.

The Lions were stuck in the mud for the first quarter as the defense had given up the long touchdown, and the offense wasn’t able to move with their running game like they had in weeks prior. How ever, the second quarter was a different story as the Lions would take the lead and never look back, scoring 28 unan swered points on offense and recovering two fumbles on defense.

The score was 28-6 with less than a minute left to go in the first half, and Free dom tried to gain any momentum they could take into the second half. Liberty’s defense backed off to prevent the big oneplay touchdown, but doing so allowed the

Falcons to pick up chunks of yards in the run game. With less than 20 seconds left in the half, running back Dominick Tomlin broke off his second long run of the night for a touchdown to bring the game closer 28-12, after a failed two-point attempt, in hopes of swinging the momentum coming

out for the second half.

Coming out in the second half, Lions head coach Mike Cable said, “Apart from the two big plays, the first half went very well for us.” Cable also said his outside cornerbacks on defense needed to do a better job of taking away

the sideline on running plays and forc ing the running backs to the middle of the field. Immediately, in the second half, the Falcons carried their halftime momentum down the field and scored a touchdown in less than three minutes. But the two-point conversion failed again to make the score 28-18.

It seemed as if the Falcons had all momentum on their side as they trailed by only 10 and were getting the ball back after their defense got a crucial stop against the Lions’ offense. All momen tum was soon lost as quarterback Jacob Wasso threw a pass that was intercepted by Lions safety Jamar Searcy and set up the Lions offense in prime field position to score. Running back Giancarlo Olveda scored a touchdown from a few yards out and now the blowout was on with the score 34-18 after yet another missed PAT, this time by Liberty.

The Falcons were unable to recover from this with their defense being on the field a majority of the second half while the offense struggled to get anything go ing and turned the ball over five times overall.

Freedom’s offense never crossed mid field again while the Lions’ offense was in full form running at will on the Falcons’ defense, adding two more touchdowns and another field goal over their last three possessions for the 50-18 final score.

After the game, during the Bell tro phy celebration, Cable said, “Keeping the Bell at Liberty was a goal I had when I first took over, it feels amazing especially as a first-year head coach.”

The Lions improve to 4-3 on the sea son and 1-1 in league play as next they travel to play Antioch high on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in another league match. The Free dom Falcons drop to 2-4 and 0-2 in league play as they travel to Pittsburg to take on the Pirates also on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows

Seniors golf club supports high school team

young people involved in the game,” Harris said.

by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

The Discovery Bay Senior Mens Golf Club donated $3,500 to the Liberty High School golf program last week.

The check was handed over by club President Rick Harris, who said it is important to support youth in the sport. “It’s important for the health of golf to have

“Liberty High School uses our club as its home course for its tournaments and they do their training there, and it’s sort of a natural place to go and help the young golfing community … Golf is an expensive sport, and they need equipment, bags, clubs, shirts, things like that, and they have to pay tournament fees for various things. And our donation helps support that, especially for families that may not have as much money to spend on things like this.”

The money was raised by the club’s invitational golf tournament, a two-day event with golfing, sponsors, a raffle, a silent auction, and other events.

Curtis Cunningham, Liberty High’s girls and boys varsity golf coach, accepted the check on behalf of the

program. He said the money is appreciated and will go toward supplying equipment and paying tournament fees for his players.

This year’s donation comes after the club donated $2,500 to the team a year ago that the team coach said would cover the same expenses.

“We as a program are just so grateful for all the things we get to enjoy from them,” Cunningham said. “We are thrilled and very grateful … We are the luckiest team around to have sole access to Discovery Bay Coun try Club, it’s absolutely wonderful and the support we get from their membership – not only financial – but they are interested in finding out how everyone is doing and had the teams involved in various events ... It’s a great com munity we are involved with out here.”

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HIGH SCHOOLS, RECREATION & SIGN-UPS

Despite a handful of big plays, the Falcons ended the annual Bell game losing to the Lions. This is the sixth year in a row Liberty has come out on top.

Photo by Juan Cebreiros

Rolling to a win

The Robin’s Nest bocce ball team took home the fall season championship on Oct. 6 after beating three other teams in the playoffs. The team, named after captain Helen Torres’ late daughter, beat out Brentwood Embroidery, The Rookies and Bocce Buddies to take home the win. Torres says she could feel her daughter’s presence during the playoffs. Top row, left to right: Mike Berman, Ron Torres, Larry Barron, Richard Griek. Middle: Judy Griek, Ruth Perkins, Lynda Oliver. Bottom: Mary Zamora, Betty Riemondi, Helen Torres.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District

Photo courtesy of Helen Torres

Antioch police are asking residents to help identify a woman who was found engulfed in flames on Oct. 17.

Images of her jewelry have been released in an attempt to help with identification

Photos courtesy of Antioch Police

Images of jewelry found on dead woman’s body in Antioch released

by Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

Antioch police have released images of jewelry found on an unidentified woman whose body was found on fire on the Moke lumne Trail in Antioch Monday, Oct. 17.

At 5:36 a.m., a resident reported a small fire on the city paved trail north of Lopez Drive between Gentrytown Drive and Contra Loma Boulevard. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District found a human body on fire. The fire district requested that Antioch po lice and fire district arson investigators respond to the scene while firefighters put out the fire.

Initially, authorities believed the woman had died at the scene. But after the autopsy, investigators learned that the victim was dead before being discovered by the fire district, ac

cording to an Antioch Police press release.

The remains were identified as female. But due to her severe burns, investigators are having difficulty identifying her, the press re lease said. She was found with a ring on her right ring finger and a metal necklace with a pendant with the letter “K” attached.

Additionally, the victim is believed to be African American, about 5-foot, 6-inches tall and younger than 30 years old who also had extensive dental work, including three missing left lower molars and a gap between her top front teeth, the press release said.

The incident is still being investigated. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department’s non-emergen cy line at 925-778-2441, or Detective Whita ker at wwhitaker@antiochca.gov or at 925779-6890.

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Kaiser Permanente and the Na tional Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) reached a tentative agree ment on Tuesday, Oct. 18, for a new contract, ending the 10-week strike by mental health therapists in Northern California.

The new four-year agreement will benefit Kaiser Permanente patients and

is aimed at improving access to mental health care while recognizing and bet ter supporting mental health therapists, including those at the Antioch facility, in their work.

Nearly 2,000 Kaiser Permanente therapists, represented by NUHW, started the ratification process Tuesday night.

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CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): 22-CIV-00892 NOTICE TO DE FENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): MAVRIK CONSTRUCTION & DE VELOPMENT, INC., a CALIFORNIA corporation; MAURICIO GALAHAD SERNANDE II, an individual; CAR MELINO MUSCA ALVAREZ, an in dividual and dba CMA COMPANY; YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMAN DANTE): LU CHEN, an individual; and GUANG DAI, an Individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you with out your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the in formation below. You have 30 CAL ENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plain tiff. A letter or phone call will not pro tect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/self help), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services pro gram. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Ser vices Web site (www.lawhelpcalifor nia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar asso ciation. NOTE: The court has a statu tory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde den tro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

ión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servi cios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por im poner un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SAN MATEO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, 400 COUNTY CENTER, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063.

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: Christopher A. Klapperich 323625 ALLEN, BAKER & STEPHAN, PC 66 BOVET ROAD, SUITE 250 SAN MATEO, CA 94402 (650) 347-5000 (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del deman dante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): DATE (Fecha): 4/6/2022 Clerk, by (Secretario): NEAL I. TANIGUCHI, Dept (Adjunto) TANESHA GAINES NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89325 Publish Dates: October 21, 28, No vember 4, 11, 2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2022-0005584 The name of the business(es): BJKAJKJA DBA AADVANTAGE CARPET CLEANING Located at: 830 Almond Dr In: Oak ley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): BJKAJ KAJA 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 1/1/2022.

DATED 7/29/2017. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A pub lic auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal sav ings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly ap pointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust de scribed below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Valentin A. Guerra, unmarried Duly Appointed Trustee: Nationwide Re conveyance, LLC Recorded 8/21/2017 as Instrument No. 2017-0151565-00 in book XX, page XX of Official Re cords in the office of the Recorder of Contra Costa County, California, Date of Sale: 11/7/2022 at 1:30 PM Place of Sale: AT THE NORTH SIDE OF THE PITTSBURG CIVIC CENTER NEAR THE GRASS LOCATED AT 65 CIVIC AVENUE, PITTSBURG, CA 94565 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $42,500.52 Street Address or other common designation of real prop erty: 5200 Sandmound Blvd Oakley, CA 94561-5056 A.P.N.: 032-191-014-

LEGAL

one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if appli cable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (714) 986-9342 or visit this Inter net Web site www.superiordefault. com, using the file number assigned to this case LO-52469-CA. Informa tion about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement informa tion is to attend the scheduled sale.

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta cit ación y papeles legales para presen tar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una co pia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presen tación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bi enes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediata mente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remis

Signature of registrant: Benjamin Smith, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: October 4, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/3/2027 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89213 Publish dates: October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 2022.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

The following persons are in lien at Oakley Gateway Self Storage 2101 Laurel Rd. Oakley, CA 94561: Vijayta Lakshman Maria Castro Jaome Soto Mark Reed

The items to be sold include: Misc. Furniture, Clothes, Toys, Electronics, Household Items All bids mist be placed prior to Auc tion posted end time. The date of the sale will be 11/04/22 @ 12:00 pm The location of the sale will be: On line at www.storagetreasures.com Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89318

Publish Dates: October 21, 28, 2022.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No.: LO-52469-CA Loan No. ******3419 APN: 032-191-014-3

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST

3 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. NOTICE TO POTEN

TIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by con tacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROP

ERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed

For sales conducted after January 1, 2021: NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the prop erty if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (714) 986-9342, or visit this inter net website www.superiordefault. com using the file number assigned to this case LO-52469-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contact ing an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: 9/30/2022 Nation wide Reconveyance, LLC 5677 Oberlin Drive, Suite 210 San Diego, California 92121 Sale Line: (714) 986-9342

By: Rhonda Rorie, Trustee (TS# LO52469-CA SDI-24693) Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89241 Publish Dates: October 14, 21, 28, 2022.

Did You Know? You must renew your Fictitious Business Name statement every 5 years.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005139

The name of the business(es): Juarez Fram ing Located at: 272 Madison Ave In: Bay Point, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Edgar Juarez Munoz. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious busi ness name or names listed above on 4/30/2022. Signature of registrant: Edgar Juarez Munoz, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: September 12, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 9/11/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89324 Publish dates: October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005446

The name of the business(es): TR HOMES Lo cated at: 1855 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 750 In: Concord, CA 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): NRT WEST, INC. This busi ness is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: California.

The registrant commenced to trans act business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Ron ald Conklin, Assistant Vice President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: September 28, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 9/27/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89254 Publish dates: October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005609 The name of the business(es): Boyd Real Estate & Property Management Located at: 6170 Bethel Island Rd In: Bethel Island, CA 94511, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jackson Boyd Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorpora tion: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 7/22/2022. Signature of regis trant: Julie Jackson, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: Oc tober 5, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/4/2027 Brentwood Press No. 021273 89236 Publish dates: October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 2022.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

Kristin McBride- Tools, Hobby Equip ment, Mattress/Box Spring, Chairs, Cabinets, Baby Carrier, and Toys

Jeff O’Connor- Lawn Equipment, Wood, Tools, Big Screen TV, Dresser, Shelves, and Storage Cabinets

Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only. All pur chased items sold as-is, where-is, and must be removed at the time of sale.

Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Call ahead to make sure sale is still scheduled. Con traband, or items subject to regulation or registration will not be transferred with the liened unit unless otherwise noted. Dates Published: 10/21/2022 and 11/04/2022 or Cal Storage Auc tions, Inc., Bond #7900390179, Tel. (916) 604-9695.

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89312

be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obli gated party. Call ahead to make sure sale is still scheduled. Contraband, or items subject to regulation or registra tion will not be transferred with the liened unit unless otherwise noted.

Dates Published 10/21/2022 and on 10/28/2022 Nor Cal Storage Auctions, Inc., Bond #7900390179, Tel. (916) 604-9695

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89315 Publish Dates: October 21, 28, 2022.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE

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: 12/5/2022

File No. F-2022-0005234

The name of the business: STARBREADBRENTWOOD Located at: 50 Sand Creek Road, Unit #30 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Five Star Bakery, Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Carli to Carrera, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: September 15, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 9/14/2027 Brentwood Press No. 021273 89122 Publish dates: Septem ber 30, October 7, 14, 21, 2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005443

The name of the business(es): Susan & Shawn Located at: 1855 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 750 In: Concord, CA 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): NRT WEST, INC. This busi ness is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: California.

The registrant commenced to trans act business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Ron ald Conklin, Assistant Vice President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: September 28, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 9/27/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89322 Publish dates: October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005523 The name of the business(es): BRENTWOOD PROGRESSIVE DEN TAL PRACTICE OF MANKAD AND TIBURCIO DMD INC. Located at: 1140 2nd St, Suite D In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MANKAD AND TIBURCIO, DMD 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 10/3/2008.

Signature of registrant: Amor G Tiburcio, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: September 30, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 9/29/2027 Brentwood Press No. 021273 89173 Publish dates: October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2022-0005586 The name of the business(es): Luz Cleaning Lo cated at: 573 Shore Rd In: Bay Point, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner: Luz Oseguera. This business is conducted by: An Indi vidual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Ma De La Luz, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: October 4, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/3/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89239 Publish dates: October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 2022.

SELF STORAGE AUCTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the un dersigned intends to sell the liened personal property described below, pursuant to the provisions of the Cali fornia Code of Civil Procedure and the provisions of the California Self-Stor age Facilities Act, Business and Profes sions Code Sections 21700 et seq.

On the 9th day of November 2022, at 10:30 AM, the undersigned will sell the contents of liened storage units by public sale by competitive bidding on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Acorn II Self Storage LLC, at 6900 Lone Tree Way, Brent wood, California 94513, Tel. (925) 240-5000. Self-storage liened units generally include miscellaneous household goods, office or busi ness equipment, furniture, fur nishings, clothing, and personal effects. In addition to those general contents, the pre-lien inventory re vealed the following described goods:

Names: Jennifer Throntveit- Computer Monitor, Printer, File Cabinets, Paper, and Boxes

Linsey McCain- DVD Player, Dining Table/ Chairs, Lamps, Sofa, Flat Screen TV, Drawers, and Bed Frame

Ifeoma Onyejiekwe- Lap Tops, Ley Boards, Bikes, Paintings, Clothes, and Electronic Games

Madalene Turner- Lawn Equipment, Kindergarten Chairs, Hand Truck, Strollers, Vacuum, Desks, and Musical Instruments

Prinsess Futrell- Sectional Leather Sofa, Entertainment Center, Flat Screen TV, Fans, and Clothing

Publish Dates: October 21, November 4, 2022.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

SELF STORAGE AUCTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the un dersigned intends to sell the liened personal property described below, pursuant to the provisions of the Cali fornia Code of Civil Procedure and the provisions of the California Self-Stor age Facilities Act, Business and Profes sions Code Sections 21700 et seq..

On the 9th day of November, 2022, at 11:45 A.M., the undersigned will sell the contents of liened storage units by public sale by competitive bidding on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Acorn Self Storage LLC, at 5205 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, California 94565, Tel. (925) 432-3200. Self-storage liened units generally include miscellaneous household goods, office or business equipment, furniture, furnishings, clothing and personal effects. In ad dition to those general contents, the pre-lien inventory revealed the follow ing described goods: Customer Name: Darwin Alexander- Freezer, Suitcas es, Armoire, clothing, fans, 6+ Boxes & Bags.

Debra Prentice- Suitcases, Din ing Table, Chairs, Lamps, Dresser, Mirror,Head Board/Footboard, Bed frame, 15+ Boxes & Bags.

Celeste Wright- Shelves, Suitcases, DVD’s, Speakers, Clothing, Shoes, Desk, Misc. Table & Chairs, 25+ Boxes & Bags

Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only All purchased items sold as-is, where-is, and must

OF: Diane Mary Hewson, deceased CASE NUMBER P22-00757 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contin gent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Diane Mary Hew son, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: Evan P. Molakides in the Superior Court of California, Coun ty of: CONTRA COSTA. The Petition for Probate requests that: Evan P. Molakides be appointed as per sonal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codi cils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests author ity to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the per sonal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration au thority will be granted unless an inter ested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the author ity. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: 12/27/2022 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: 15. b. Address of court: 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the peti tion, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file writ ten objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail

a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as de fined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal au thority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may ex amine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Pro bate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Barbara G. Knox 73200 El Paseo, Suite 1B, Palm Desert, CA 92260. (760)340-0034. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89155 Publish Dates: October 7, 14, 21, 2022.\cs2

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: MARCIA LEE SCHWARTZ ROBERT DONALD SCHWARTZ

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: MARCIA LEE SCHWARTZ AND ROBERT DONALD SCHWARTZ CASE NUMBER: N22-1836 TO ALL INTER ESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Marcia Lee Schwartz and Robert Donald Schwartz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name: a. Marcia Lee Schwartz b. Robert Donald Schwartz. to Proposed Name: a. Marcie Lee Stapleton b. Robert Donald Stapleton.

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all per sons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hear ing 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

Time: 9:00 a.m. 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 news paper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: 9/26/2022 Judge of the Superi or Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89171 Publish Dates: October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Rachel O. Rabaye SUPERIOR COURT OF CALI FORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553

PETITION OF: Rachel O Rabaye CASE NUMBER: N22-1865 TO ALL INTER ESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Rachel O Rabaye filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Rachel O. Rabaye b. Rachel O. Mishler-Rabaye to Proposed Name: Rachel O. Mishler-Rabaye. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons inter ested in this matter shall appear be fore 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 in cludes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must ap pear 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 HEAR ING a. Date: 12/7/2022 Time: 9:00 a.m. 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 gen eral circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press

Date: 19/28/2022 Judge of the Supe rior Court Brentwood Press No. 021273 89174 Publish Dates: October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022.

Flashpoints in Antioch race relations

ANTIOCH Race relations. In this city, it’s often “the elephant in the room.”

In the November 2020 city election, the city’s first with district voting, Mayor Lamar Thorpe was elected along with City Council member Tamisha Torres-Walker, forming with Monica Wilson the city’s first African-American majority on the five-member council. The three officials brought along a progressive political program to a city government that had been majority conservative and generally white for decades.

With a 2020 population of 117,875 according to the U.S. Census, Antioch is the 55th largest city in California

The racial demographics of the city are:

• White: 39.65%

• Black or African American: 20.85%

• Other race: 15.21%

• Two or more races: 11.65%

• Asian: 11.58%

Planning from page 1A

that would be built. According to the meet ing agenda, the commission was to make a recommendation to the City Council for their final action on the decision.

Commissioner Emily Cross said she was leaning toward a postponement, adding “That really gives us the oppor tunity to let the research happen within the city. We can learn more and make the best decision. Otherwise, we’re making a

Thorpe from page 1A

• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.55%

• Native American: 0.51%

The new council majority fueled a conservative back lash and recall campaigns were launched at Thorpe and City Clerk Ellie Householder which both failed. Both failed be fore news of the mayor’s DUI arrest and the county sex case settlement involving him.

Another local controversy surrounded Torres-Walker when she was accused of obstructing or resisting a city police officer responding to a shooting call in her neighborhood in October 2021. Antioch police filed a misdemeanor charge on Nov. 9, 2021 against her, which was dismissed by the county District Attorney last month.

The racial and political friction tends to boil over in pub lic comments at city council meetings. Defenders of Thorpe have often characterized his recall attempt a “lynching.” At the Oct. 11, 2022 meeting, one speaker using the name “Atti

decision without all the information we really need.”

The research referenced by Cross was the feasibility of adding more af fordable housing options to the develop ment, and which fire station would serve the housing development. Commissioner Dirk Zeigler made a passing reference to wanting 13% of the homes to be afford able housing but did not delve into the idea in detail.

He was subsequently charged with two misdemeanors for driving under the influence. He initially entertained a not-guilty plea. On social media, the mayor apologized for his behavior and admitted to drinking and driving. “Although I never felt inhibited by the drink I had with my dinner, I’m deeply sorry for the lapse in judgment and I hope that you can forgive me,” Thorpe said in a video message on Twitter.

At a hearing last week, Thorpe’s lawyer, William O’Malley, indicated that his client intends to change his plea at a hearing Dec. 13. His options would be to plead guilty or no contest, which legally is not an admission of guilt, but the defendant is at the mercy of the court. Either one would result in a conviction. O’Malley did not respond to a request for a comment Friday.

What also raised the heat on Thorpe was the release this month of an investigative report on Thorpe’s actions in his previous job as executive director of the Los Med anos Community Healthcare District (LMCHD).

Two employees of the district accused Thorpe of sexual harassment in September 2021. Jocelyn Munoz of the district authored a letter to Patt Young, the presi dent of the district’s Board of Directors alleging she was subjected to a hostile work environment and harassment during her employment with the district. Several of her allegations pertained to Thorpe, then the executive di rector. On Sept. 7, 2021, Jasmine Cisneros, another em ployee of LMCHD, authored a letter to Young alleging

Counseling from page 1A

health care advice and treatment, followup to emergency department visits and doctor referrals. The Trauma Recovery Center provides trauma-informed mental health counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management to all victims of violent crimes without barriers and at no cost at all three locations.

Burgis added Wednesday via email, “As a member of the Family Justice

cus Finch” called Thorpe a “coward” for not facing the pub lic. Another public comment from Leslie May at that Oct. 11, 2022 meeting, stated that “a group of people from Antioch who formed a lynch mob against all the Black people work ing for all the citizens of the city.”

Another resident, Melissa Case, spoke at the same meet ing on Oct. 11 and called out council supporters of Thorpe saying, “You stand behind this drunk, misogynist, narcissis tic excuse for our mayor ...We should not support predators.”

Torres-Walker took some time during that same meet ing to tell the audience about the list of names she has been called in public and online over the past two years in office. It was a list filled with obscenities, racial insults and tropes including the few we can print: “N-----r bitch,” “Jiggerboo,” and “Hood Rat.”

– Chris Campos

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

“I don’t know that it benefits where the city is right now to move forward with this plan as is,” Commissioner Ani ta Roberts said.

The panel decided to broach the topic next at the Dec. 6 meeting rather than the next meeting on Nov. 1 because the com missioners said staff would need more time than the November meeting would allow to research the subject and provide data on how to proceed with potentially

harassment and inappropriate conduct by Thorpe.

A lawyer retained by the health district, Lisa Banay at, initiated an investigation and conducted multiple in terviews which led to a report stating that Thorpe’s be havior towards Munoz and Cisneros was inappropriate. The employees reported Thorpe drinking heavily, mak ing frequent inappropriate comments and unwelcome touching. Thorpe denied the claims.

Later, the Los Medanos health district was dis solved and absorbed by the county. In April of this year, Banayat’s report was submitted to the county Board of Supervisors.

On Sept. 19, the Board of Supervisors, in its capac ity as successor agency to the Los Medanos healthcare district approved an out-of-court settlement relating to claims submitted by Cisneros and Munoz against the dis trict and its former executive director, Thorpe. The total amount of the settlement of both claims was $350,000, including attorneys’ fees and costs. Of the settlement amount, $321,000 was paid by the former district’s liabil ity insurance carrier. The remaining settlement amount of $29,000 was paid from the Los Medanos Community Healthcare fund, as an insurance deductible payment. The settlement includes a release and waiver of all claims by Cisneros and Munoz against the district, the former executive director, and the county. The settlement also avoids potentially expensive federal court litigation relat ing to the claims.

The Press has made multiple efforts to get the mayor

Center Board of Directors, I am so very proud of the amazing services this orga nization provides to our community. I am very proud to have helped open the East County FJC in Antioch. The Family Jus tice Center not only provides support to folks impacted by interpersonal violence but also helps prevent such violence by partnering with nonprofits, law enforce ment and the district attorney’s office. The very important mental health ser

adding more affordable housing and an swering the question of fire services.

Other topics discussed by the com missioners included the application for a conditional use permit for a by-appoint ment tattoo parlor in Brentwood. The permit was approved unanimously.

The full Planning Commission meeting can be viewed at https://bit. ly/3SkGsoa

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

to comment or agree to an interview. He has declined to respond.

A campaign to recall Thorpe begun in 2021 ended in May 2022 when backers failed to gain the required num ber of signatures.

A recent effort by City Council member Mike Bar banica to censure Thorpe has also failed to gather a council majority. Council member Lori Ogorchock has called on the mayor to resign but Thorpe has maintained the backing of council members Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker.

The progressive council majority of Thorpe, Wilson and Torres-Walker has pushed a broad range of reforms on the Antioch police department. Amid their campaign to purchase police body cameras came a series of con troversial in-custody deaths, the resignation of the police chief and, most recently, a county and FBI investigation into eight Antioch police officers. All were placed on ad ministrative leave.

In March, the county District Attorney’s Office an nounced a criminal investigation involving officers with both the Pittsburg and Antioch police departments. Prosecutors said the investigation involves a “broad range of offenses” and “crimes of moral turpitude,” but no further details about the offenses were available.

In other actions at the Oct. 11 meeting the City Council voted to support plans for a downtown Veterans Park, and a vote to extend remote meetings failed.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

vices they highlighted is just one of many services they provide. If you or someone you know needs help, I encourage them to reach out to the Family Justice Center.”

In other actions taken by the supervi sors Tuesday:

• Approved a lease amendment with Lau ritzen Yacht Harbor, to extend the term through Dec. 31, 2024 for a 1,725-squarefoot station house for the Sheriff-Coro ner Department, Marine Patrol Unit at

70 Lauritzen Lane in Oakley, at an initial annual rent of $27,720 for the first year with two 2-year renewal terms.

• Appointed Emil Geddes to the Trust ee 2 seat on the Byron-BrentwoodKnightsen Union Cemetery District for term ending December 31, 2026, as recommended by Burgis. For more information, visit www.co cofamilyjustice.org.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

New View Landscaping

Maintenance has been serving all of Contra Costa County for 16 years.

Sergio Fierros has been in the landscaping business for 27 years, and he offers a friendly, flexible and custom ized approach for his clients. Specializing in stamped color concrete, retaining walls, sprinkler systems, landscaping and

maintenance, clean up, tree services and fences, Fierros’ familyowned business always put their clients’ needs first.

NOTICE

TO READERS

California law requires that contractors taking

that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321CSLB. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

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Delicious soup perfect for the cooler season

ooler weather arrives just as prime entertaining season heats up. Those who will be hosting gatherings soon can expand their recipe repertoire to feed guests and keep them satisfied. Borrowing some flavors from the season can make entertaining festive and even more flavorful.

Pumpkins and winter squashes are popular in fall, and their versatility undoubtedly contributes to that popularity. However, when chilly days require something to warm you up from the inside out, nothing can beat a soothing soup. And soup recipes can be altered to easily feed a crowd.

Cooks can step out of their chicken soup comfort zones and try this recipe for “Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippeli.

Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps

3 to 3 1/2 pounds pumpkin

6 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Pinch of cayenne pepper

4 cups vegetable stock

Salt and ground black pepper

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish

For the pumpkin crisps

Wedge of fresh pumpkin, seeded 1/2 cup olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prick the pumpkin around the top several times with a fork. Brush the pumpkin with plenty of the oil and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.

Leave until cool enough to handle.

2. Take care when cutting the pumpkin, as there may still be a lot of hot steam inside.

When cool enough to handle, scoop out and discard the seeds. Scoop out and chop the flesh.

3. Heat about 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil (you may not have to use all of it) in a large pan and add the onions, garlic and ginger, then cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin flesh and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender.

4. Cool the soup slightly, then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to the rinsed out pan and season well.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin crisps. Using a swivel-blade potato peeler, pare long thin strips off the wedge of pumpkin. Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the strips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

6. Reheat the soup and ladle it into bowls. Top with the pumpkin crisps and garnish each portion with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Cooks can step out of their chicken soup comfort zones and try this recipe for “Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps.”

Yucatan Chicken Skewers Harvest Salad

Double Cut Pork Chop

Duck Confit

Fall Harvest Salmon

Sparkling Bourbon Pear | Smooth & Smokey Rosemary Old Fashioned

PB& J Tiramisu

JAKE MENEZ

igger’s Diner in Brentwood may be best known for their extensive menu of diner staples, but its owners, sisters Yesenia Madrigal and Yolanda Gonzalez, also want their restaurant to be known for its place in the community.

“One of the most important things to us is being able to give back,” Gonzalez says. “Our community is so great and we just want to be able to say ‘thank you.’”

To this end, the sisters are involved in the community, whether sponsoring the annual Hometown Halloween celebration put on by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce or making their food avail able at Brentwood’s high school football games.

ON THE COVER: Digger’s Diner owners, sisters Yolanda Gonzalez (left) and Yesenia Madrigal (right) pride themselves not just on their food but on their place in the community.

The staff at Digger’s Diner in Brentwood wants to stay involved with the local community.

Madrigal and Gonzalez took over the restaurant, located at 2261 Balfour Road, in 2018 after working there since 2008 and 2010, respectively. Madrigal recalls shedding tears of joy when the restau rant’s previous owner, DiAnn Lei, asked her if she and her sister would like to buy the restaurant.

“She had always said she wanted to sell it to us when she retired,” Madrigal says. “But we didn’t think that would be

for a long time. I just couldn’t believe it.”

The Brentwood diner, named for its original owner “Digger” Dave Sturgill, opened in 2008, following the success Sturgill and his wife Kathy had found with their original Concord location since opening in 1994. Lei, Sturgill’s niece, took over the restaurants around the same time the Brentwood location opened. When she retired, she sold the Brentwood location to Gonzalez and Madrigal and

the Concord location to another buyer. The two locations have different owners and run different specials, but communi cate with each other to maintain the same menu.

Gonzalez and Madrigal said one of the biggest challenges they faced after acquiring the restaurant was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just rode the waves,” Gonzalez says when talking about keeping Digger’s Diner successful during the early stages of the pandemic when restaurants were clos ing. “Our loyal customers are what kept us going by continuing to order through DoorDash and GrubHub.”

Now that they have weathered those challenges for their restaurant, the sisters are looking ahead. Digger’s Diner will once again serve as a sponsor for Brentwood’s Hometown Halloween this year on Oct. 29, where they also hope to win for best decoration for the fourth year in a row. Other plans in the works also include a Digger’s Diner food truck by next summer to make it even easier for customers to get their fill of the diner’s food.

“The best part of the job is seeing the smiles on people’s faces,” Madrigal says. “They see their food and know they’re about to have a great meal.”

For more information, call 925-2408958 or visit www.diggersdiners.com

Photo by Andrew Rulloda

Take Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with these wine pairings

JAKE MENEZ

Thanksgiving dinner is a chance to gather with friends and family and enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal.

It’s also a chance to enjoy a glass of wine that will elevate the meal. Whether you’re a guest bringing a bottle to the festivities or the host looking to improve the menu, the right wine pairing can tie together the whole meal.

♦ Before dinner: You don’t need to wait for the main course to come out of the oven before uncorking the wine. Wine can be an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite and get the taste buds excited for the meal ahead. The key to serving wine as an aperitif is to select one that is light-bodied and low in both alcohol and sugar, as anything heavier is likely to suppress the ap petite than stimulate it.

Two popular choices are Sauvignon Blanc and spar kling wine. Sauvignon Blanc, particularly those from the Marlborough region of New Zealand, have a grassiness that pairs well with appetizers like salad while also having a crispness and gentle acidity that can cut through the richness of other foods such as deviled eggs or the greasi ness of potato chips.

Sparkling wine offers the same light crispness while replacing the grassy notes with a gentler taste of apple or honeysuckle. Prosecco, the Italian style of sparkling wine, is a popular choice because of its general affordability and the subtle hint of sweetness that many have. ♦ Main courses: Determining the type of wine to pair with the Thanksgiving meal is dependent on the main course.

For turkey, try pairing it with a Pinot Noir, a lightbodied red wine that complements both the turkey and the cranberry sauce because of the notes of dark fruit found in the wine, such as cassis or black cherry. The mild flavor of Pinot Noir makes it a great crowd-pleasing wine, even among those who do not typically consider themselves fans of red wine.

Pinot Noir is still a strong pairing if ham is the main course, but a Zinfandel complements the flavors even better. Zinfandel has a wider range of flavors – ranging from peppery to fruity – than does Pinot Noir depend ing on the specific region it’s from. A fruitier Zinfandel complements the savory taste of ham and its subtle sweetness. Look for Zinfandel out of Lodi for this flavor.

Sweeter hams, like a honey glaze, can be paired with Riesling, a crisp white wine that cuts through the decadence of the dish.

Merlot or Malbec are perfect for pot roast or other beef dishes. Beef is a heartier flavor that can stand up to robust wines without being overpowered. Merlot and Malbec are both bolder than a choice like Pinot

Noir or Zinfandel without being as heavy as Cabernet Sauvignon. For guests who insist on Cabernet, those from Argentina offer an alternative that provides a more scaled back option to the bold Napa varietal without compromising flavor.

♦ Dessert: No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without a slice of pie for dessert. Whether it’s pumpkin pie or pecan, fortified wine is the perfect pairing. This cat egory of wines includes Port, sherry and Madeira and get their name due to being fortified with the addition of a spirit – typically brandy. All three of these choices have a nutty sweetness that would complement either type of pie, although a tawny Port tends to be a better match than a ruby Port, which is less aged and tends to have a fruitier taste.

For those who would rather offset the decadence of dessert than lean into it, the leftover prosecco from before dinner would be an excellent choice or a moscato d’asti for those who would like more sweetness.

Enjoy Thanksgiving at Vic

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. We are accepting reservations from 3pm - 7pm. For more information, please go to our website or to make reservations call us at 925-240-2828.

How to throw a lastminute dinner party

Do you feel like having a party? A spur-of-themoment desire to host friends or family is not uncommon. Though it may be ideal to give yourself a few days to plan a dinner party and assemble what’s needed to be your best host, sometimes inspiration strikes and compels people to throw last-minute dinner parties.

In such instances, these tips for putting together a feast on the fly can be especially valuable.

♦ Keep it simple.

Build your menu around your own specialty, ideally one that is easy to prepare. Don’t try out that fancy new cookbook recipe right now. Single-pot casseroles or pasta dishes whip up in a flash and can feed a crowd.

♦ Stock essentials at home.

It’s easier to invite people over at the last minute if you don’t have to shop for supplies. Keep a running inventory

of foods that can be brought out at a moment’s notice, such as items that may go on a charcuterie platter. Olives, block cheeses, crackers, salad fixings, cured meats, and fresh vegetables can be arranged in a heartbeat. With a can of chickpeas, some garlic, lemon juice, and parsley at the ready, you can quickly create a homemade hummus, too.

♦ Consider a potluck.

Guests may want to help out if they are invited over on short notice. A potluck is a perfect way to fill a table with food with minimal effort, as everyone contributes a little something.

♦ Clean the visible rooms.

There likely won’t be time to clean your entire home before an impromptu party.

Therefore, focus on the kitchen, dining area and guest bathroom. Gather errant items from around the house and store in a bedroom behind closed doors. Close doors on other spaces that are off-limits during the party.

♦ Get the kids involved.

If you have children, give them jobs to help out. They can set tables, fill ice cube trays or run the vacuum over high-traffic areas. Removing some tasks from your to-do list can free your time for other needs.

SCAN ME FOR DIRECTIONS

PUT THE PLAY IN PLAYER’S CLUB

At Harrah’s Northern California, we say, take a day - whatever kind of day you want to take. Try a cool drink at Louie Oliver’s, give the Roulette wheel a spin or

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Chavelita’s prospers with its food and in the community

Chavelita’s Taqueria opened its doors in 2019 and has prospered with its authentic flavors and quality ingredients stemming from the hard work of Jorge Garcia and his family.

Garcia named Chavelita’s after his mom and was inspired to open the restau rant after learning her recipes.

“I would always tell her, ‘Hey mom, you getting tired? You gotta show us your recipes and she would always show us how to make her food.”

Garcia says they are famous for their tacos and tortas, but their entire menu is filled with fresh options.

“It’s a small, simple menu,” Garcia said. “And before I opened anything up, I wanted to make sure everything was made fresh from the get-go. We get here really early to start, and we end up selling out of a lot of stuff.”

Chavelita’s has received a lot of love from the community, especially during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and having been open for less than a year at their location at 3664 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

“Actually, it’s been great from the community. We had the support through word of mouth, and of course the food speaks for itself, so that kept us going through the pandemic. We get support through DoorDash from Discovery Bay, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg – really from the whole community,” Garcia said.

Not only is Garcia’s restaurant an ode to his mother, his charity work is as well.

“I donate to STAND!,’ Garcia said. “It’s a battered women’s shelter. Before I opened my business I promised myself I would help out the people who helped out my mom, she unfortunately was with that organization for a couple years and they helped her out. So that’s why I help out every year. I do a car show, we hire a DJ, we raffle prizes out. When Christmas comes up, we donate our food and our time, I dress up as Santa and I speak to the kids and the moms that year. It hits home,” Garcia said.

They also conduct an annual toy drive, and this year’s drive is Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. It includes food, music and a raffle. Attendees will receive raffle tickets for every one toy or every five cans of food brought to the event at the restaurant and entry is $20 with a toy.

For more information visit www. chavelitas.comedited

RENE DE AMARAL

Photo courtesy of Jorge Garcia

Jorge Garcia relies on his mother’s recipes, fresh ingredients and hard work to make Chavelita’s an east county staple.

Planning a night out

You’ve checked your phone and your socials are blowing up with people interested in getting together. There are a lot of ideas flowing, from pre-gaming options to references to the newest restaurant that just opened in town. It’s exciting, but also a tad overwhelming.

While a night out with friends can happen organically, for a truly enjoyable and memorable time, it’s wise to put some fore thought into planning the night. But what does one do when there are several people with their own ideas of how the night should go? Groups can heed these suggestions.

Keep it intimate

It’s great to be part of a large crowd having fun, but the more cooks in the kitchen, the more difficult it may be to solidify plans. Stick to a core group of six to eight people. This reduces the likelihood that anyone will get separated from the group, and it’s easier to coordinate with everyone involved.

Adopt a leader

It’s a tough job, but someone has to step up and organize the night. You probably

know someone in your group of friends who is excellent at making plans or knows all of the top spots in town (it may be you). Enlist that person to help narrow down the possibilities and come up with a road map of what the night will look like. This includes choosing a time to meet, the guest list and how everyone is getting there and back.

Choose the location

Select a location that is convenient for most, if not all, of the people in the group. This could be a bar or club close to work, if coworkers are getting together, or a location in a neighborhood where everyone lives. An accessible spot, such as one that has public transportation or is near major roadways, also will be convenient. Be sure that everyone knows the exact address.

Create a group chat

Organize a chat group so that details can be shared collectively. Also, if someone is running late or hits a snag finding the place, it will be easier to offer them assistance.

Focus on the activity

Think about gearing the night out around an activity rather than just eating and drinking. Head to a driving range, an escape room, a paint and sip shop, or a hatchetthrowing business. Less focus on imbibing can make for a safer evening for all.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Twin Rivers Insurance Agency

Twin Rivers Insurance Agency Principal Agent Dale Manning has over 45 years of experience.

“As brokers, our agency has many markets to choose from,” said Manning, who heads up the personal and commercial division. “In our business, we know customers like to do business with people they know and trust.”

Twin Rivers Insurance Agency offers a variety of insurance policies, including home, auto, boat, yacht, rental property, contents coverage, motorcycle, motor homes and travel trailers, umbrellas and commercial insurance for small business owners. www.twinriversinsuranceagency.com 925-777-2180