Public demands accountability following death of woman in Brentwood police custody
District Attorney is investigating how 72-year-old died
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
More than 100 Brentwood residents
— and some attendees from as far away as Berkeley -– turned up at City Hall in force on Nov. 12 to speak in front of the City Council, demanding accountability and transparency in the death of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez. She died on Oct. 3 after suffering a medical emergency while being arrested by police on Sept. 26.
“I went and walked her to the door, kissed and hugged her and that was the last
time I saw her alive,” Ramirez’s husband, Rudy, told the council when describing the morning prior to the incident. According to Rudy, his wife had told him she was going to
Rudy Ramirez, the husband of the 72-year-old woman who died after being arrested by police, was one of many speakers demanding transparency at the Nov. 12 meeting of the Brentwood City Council.
pick up her brother, Reuben, and would be back shortly.
“They took this woman from me,” he continued. “They took the mom from my
Camp Gold Star veterans resort approved in Stockton
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The San Joaquin County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Frank Morgan’s proposed veteran resort Camp Gold Star on Nov. 6, after “a two-year roller coaster ride” of Morgan campaigning and seeking approval for what he called his dream.
That ride began in 2023, at a crossroads in Morgan’s life. In 2019, he had sold his tour boat business in Discovery Bay, Captain Morgan’s Delta Adventures, and according to Camp Gold Star’s website, he was “wondering if this is what the rest of his life would amount to” –sitting on the couch in front of the television.
Then, “like a divine message,” inspiration arrived from the commercial he was watching, for Frank Siller’s Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit assisting
the families of first responders lost during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The commercial appealed to view-
see Camp Gold Star page 21
kids. They took their grandmother from our grandkids. Nobody’s ever contacted us to explain or give reasons. I don’t know if that’s a way you guys allow the police department to conduct themselves.”
Brentwood police sent a press release on Nov. 5 about Ramirez’s death a month prior. Police said in the release that they responded to a family dispute on Sept. 26 at around 11 a.m. When officers arrived, Ramirez allegedly attempted to flee the scene before being detained and secured in a patrol vehicle.
Following her detainment, officers noticed that Ramirez appeared to be having a medical issue, and contacted medical personnel. She was released from police custody and transported to a local hospital.Several days
see Accountability page 21
Oakley City Council receives road conditions report
57% excellent to good; 33% marginal to very poor
By Connor Robles Correspondent
Oakley got good news and bad news about its roads at the City Council meeting this week.
City project manager Mostafa Nakhaei’s report indicated that the pavement condition index (PCI) of Oakley’s roads, calculated with the type, quantity, and severity of the pavement’s stress, is at 61, slightly below the national average of 65, and
is likely to increase by one point over the next five years if the city maintains its current road maintenance budget of $2 million. An average PCI of 70 can be achieved with a budget increase to $3.5 million, while 75 would require $4.3 million.
According to the report:
• 16 percent of Oakley’s roads are in excellent condition, with a PCI between 85 and 100
• 18 percent are very good (70 to 85)
• 23 percent are good (60 to 70)
• 10 percent are fair (50 to 60)
• 18 percent are marginal (40
see Report page 21
(left to right): Rich Cotton, co-owner of Marina Bar and Grill, Kevin and Leianne Grave and Vanitha Cotton.
Photo by Connor Robles
Press photo
In our comprehensive cancer care programs, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with multiple cancer specialists in one visit to discuss your treatment options and make your care plan, together. With no waiting for multiple appointments, the time between diagnosis and treatment is shortened. What’s more, ongoing collaboration between you and your team of specialists ensures that your care is seamless, coordinated, and effective.
East County residents can get Healthcare 101
County launches pilot literacy program that includes LMC students
By Sean Tongson Correspondent
A new public education campaign launched in East County aims to help improve health literacy.
The Healthcare Literacy Council of Contra Costa County is a program uniting local leaders and organizations to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare and related services.
Formed by Supervisor Diane Burgis with Kaiser Permanente, Contra Costa Health, and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the Council wants to help East County residents, particularly those with Medicare and Medi-Cal, with healthcare literacy, which is defined on their website as “being able to find, understand and use health information and services”.
“Today’s healthcare system can be overwhelming,” said Healthcare Literacy Ambassador Janine LaChaux. “Many residents default to calling 911 for non-emergencies or skip care altogether because the system feels too complicated. This program aims to assist residents in navigating the ever-changing healthcare system.”
LaChaux is one of eight Los Medanos College students selected by the Healthcare Literacy Council of Contra Costa County to serve as Healthcare Literacy Ambassadors. These ambassadors will act as “trusted, community-based messengers”, responsible for providing simple, digestible healthcare information using online resources, in-person classes, bilingual materials, advertising, and community outreach,” according to a press release.
“As a future nurse and student at Los Medanos College, I thought this would be a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge of the healthcare system while interacting with my community,” LaChaux said. “I will leverage my experience of helping my disabled son transition from minor to adult care, as well as my time helping other family and friends navigate their own care.”
Each ambassador will receive comprehensive training, compensation, and continued support to allow them to share vital healthcare literacy information in ways that are easily accessible, can be remembered easily and is respectful to different cultures in the area, according to a press release.
Beginning in January 2026, these ambassadors will teach classes at schools, senior centers, clubs, and faith-based organizations, while also being at fairs, special events, and on social media. LaChaux said in an email that her main goal is to increase community health and wellness by helping individuals better understand and use their healthcare.
“I am excited and appreciative to have been chosen as a Healthcare Literacy Ambassador,” LaChaux said. “The Council and I, as a Healthcare Literacy Ambassador, are devoted to improving health outcomes for the far East Contra Costa County community by fostering relationships through
Newly-appointed Healthcare Literacy Ambassadors are from left to right: Alyssa King, America Delgado Rivera, Andy Nguyen, Brianna Navarro Sotelo, Janine LaChaux, Monique Grant, Natalya Danila Marroquin and Valerie Macha Ramos.
community education, facilitating discussions to better understand the community’s needs and inspiring collective action.”
While the pilot program will run through 2026 focusing on Antioch, Oakley, and Brentwood, along with unincorporated areas of Bethel Island, Byron, Discovery Bay, and Knightsen, there are plans for countywide expansion in the coming years, according to its website.
For details, visit www.rightcarerightway.org/
Local organizations can request community classes from Healthcare Literacy Ambassadors at www. rightcarerightway.org/community-classes.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net / multimedia
Photo by Ben Krantz Studio.
Changes coming to 43rd Annual Holiday Parade in Brentwood
By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer
The 43rd Annual Holiday Parade in Brentwood will take place on Nov. 29 from 5-7 p.m. downtown with the theme of Holiday Toyland, but with two changes from last year.
“Instead of 80 floats, we will have 65,” said parade chairperson Erika Bolds. “There will be no livestream this year (as there was last year). Those are the largest changes.”
She said those were made due to organizers feeling that last year’s parade had too many floats, so organizers wanted to condense the parade more for this year.
The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at First and Birch streets. The parade will then go down First Street and turn right on Oak Street, and will finish at Fourth Street.
Organizers are no longer accepting participants to join the parade. “It is such a lively event and a sought-out event that we have filled our number of participants, but you are able to register to be on a waiting list,” Bolds said.
The parade will be followed by the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony at Brentwood City Park.
“With the holiday parade theme being Holiday Toyland, I wanted to work with them [Brentwood Regional Community Chest] and collaborate where if you were to donate toys or food to these certain barrels that you’ll be entered for a
raffle to have a reception with Santa,” Bolds said. “So that was another additive that I decided to have with the parade.”
There will also be a holiday toy and gift barrel drop-off at 16 locations throughout Brentwood in partnership with Brentwood Regional Community Chest. Residents can drop off non-perishable food, new unwrapped toys, or gifts suitable for children and teens – ‘age-appropriate gifts’, said Lill Pierce of the BRCC, including gift cards up to 18 years old. Drop-off locations can be found here: www.business.brentwoodchamber.com.
Those who donate will have the opportunity to enter the Santa Photo Raffle. For every item donated, participants can scan the QR code at that location to be entered into the raffle for a photo opportunity with Santa from 4-5 p.m. before the Holiday Parade. The winners will be selected prior to the event and each selected family will receive one photo opportunity with Santa as a “thank you.” The location will be disclosed to the winners a couple days prior to the event. The Downtown Brentwood Coalition will be hosting the Santa visit.
The parade will take place in rain, shine or fog and is presented by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and the title sponsor Kaiser Permanente. For more information, visit business.brentwoodchamber.com/events/details/43rd-annualholiday-parade.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
“ With the holiday parade theme being Holiday Toyland ... if you were to donate toys or food ... you’ll be entered for a raffle to have a reception with Santa. ”
Erika Bolds, parade chairperson
The
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News iN Brief
To submit a news item for this page, send it to the editor at editor@brentwoodpress.com
California releases CalFresh benefits for November
California residents are seeing the restoration of their CalFresh benefits to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as the federal government moves to issue 100% of the funding following a court order. CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP), provides critical food assistance to households and County residents.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has confirmed the loading of CalFresh benefits to EBT cards for recipients who are eligible for benefits in November and who should have received them between Nov. 1 and Nov. 6. CDSS expected the loading to continue for those who are regularly scheduled to receive them Nov. 7-10, the state said in a press release.
CalFresh recipients can check on their CalFresh benefits by visiting BenefitsCal.com, calling (866) 663-3225, or visiting an Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) office (find office locations at ehsd.org).
CalFresh participants have been able to pick up debit cards loaded with two weeks of approved benefit amounts starting the week of Nov. 10 at 4545 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch.
For any others, CalFresh/SNAP benefits are delayed this month because of the federal government shutdown. For anyone who receives benefits, the state will notify them directly about the delay. This is not a termination of benefits or a change in eligibility. Encourage recipients to fulfill all reporting requirements, renewals, and other verifications so they can continue receiving benefits when distributions resume. Neighbors can still apply for CalFresh benefits by calling 925-6033316.
If neighbors need food now, use the map at www.foodbankccs.org/find-food/foodbycity/ or the Food Distribution Sites Listed by City tab at the bottom of the page to find a location or call 855-309-FOOD (3663).
Last week, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved up to $21 million from the county’s General Fund authorizing the EHSD to implement the debit card distribution plan. The Supervisors had declared a local emergency because of the federal government shutdown disrupting CalFresh funding. The declaration is for 60 days, and EHSD expects to report back to the Board about the need to continue the local emergency.
East Bay Regional Park District manager ‘constructively terminated’
Sabrina Landreth resigned as General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District on Nov. 6. Following a closed session on Saturday, Nov. 8, the EBRPD Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint current Deputy General Manager Max Korten as the Acting General Manager.
Landreth’s “sudden” departure came two days after her performance was the subject of a closed-session evaluation during the Board of Directors’ regular meeting – which
lasted more than seven hours overall and included pushback on multiple proposals from the general manager in open session, according to Pleasanton Weekly.
“The Board of Directors is incredibly thankful for Ms. Landreth’s service and her numerous substantial contributions to the operations of the Park District,” Board President John Mercurio said in the district’s news release on Saturday.
Landreth revealed her side of the story in a press release of her own Sunday morning, alleging the board “constructively terminated” her by asking her to take actions that would violate the law and harm her reputation. She said she is mulling legal action against her now-former employer.
Landreth served as general manager since March 2021, coming into the position during the pandemic and immediately working tirelessly to improve the Regional Parks, make key acquisitions including Point Molate in Richmond, and ensure parks are accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Newsom revamping of Golden Bear Pass significantly increases access to state parks
As the federal government shutdown drags on, curtailing access and services at national parks, Gov. Newsom continues to expand free access to the nation’s largest state park system, according to a press release.
The new and improved Golden Bear Pass Program, which allows residents on public assistance programs to receive free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 state parks.
Thanks to a streamlined application process that eliminates the need for burdensome paperwork, this program has experienced exponential growth – going from a couple thousand free passes a year to more than 108,000 issued in the past three years.
This free annual pass provides vehicle day-use entry at state parks and is available for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, income-eligible Californians over age 62, and participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
For details about how to obtain a pass, visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/30806.
Calling all poets and short story writers
Popular response to the 1921 book titled Ghost Stories of the San Joaquin Delta suggests it is time for a second volume – Ghost Stories of the San Joaquin Delta - Proposed Volume II
There are more mysteries, histories, and the unexplained to recount. All stories encouraged family lore, myth, history based, or nutria that lurk in the night.
If you have a story from East County to suggest, contact the editor, Carol Jensen, at Historian@ByronHotSprings.com to express your interest, suggest a story, and receive manuscript guidelines.
As Antioch remains hush on hazing scandal, Code of Conduct takes a spotlight
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
It’s been about two weeks since the Antioch Panthers were forced to forfeit their football game at Liberty after a social media video of a player getting what looked to be hazed in the locker room went viral.
The controversy in Antioch has shed a light onto the NCS’s Code of Conduct policy, along with that of other nearby
schools and how student-athletes are managed and handled.
The game was forfeited due to “violations of Antioch’s Code of Conduct policy.”
The Panthers were, however, able to play in last week’s Big Little Game at Pittsburg, losing 56-3, but not without the game itself being played almost in secret. The school also went on to limit social media comments on several of their recent posts and took the scheduled game off of
the team’s MaxPreps schedule, reposting it later on Saturday once the results went final.
Pittsburg livestreamed the annual Big Little Game on Hudl (a website dedicated to live streaming high school sports), but didn’t leave the video available on their Hudl account to be watched later this time, compared to them having most of their other games archived for later viewing.
Antioch will also play in Friday night’s North Coast Section Division 3 playoff
43rd Holiday Parade
opener at Ukiah.
North Coast Section commissioner Pat Cruickshank remained mostly silent on the situation as well, saying that Antioch’s apparent one-game suspension “is under the jurisdiction of the member school.”
Normally, student-athletes are held to a higher standard with their respective schools’ Code of Conduct policies enforced more heavily on them compared to other, regular students on campus.
Holiday Toyland
“I believe it should be (like that),” Liberty head football coach Mike Cable said. “Standards are higher, your expectations are higher than a normal student. We expect our players to be leaders on campus and in the community. With that comes a tremendous responsibility to showcase your character with integrity and pride, especially in situations that are difficult.”
“There’s probably situations like that that don’t get recorded all the time, and that’s the sad reality of the world that we’re living in. …It’s easier to just watch or record than it is to step in and do the right thing. So, when something like this happens, the Code of Conduct is there for a reason. We expect our players to step up in these situations. We want them to grow into men of character. That’s what it’s about.”
Pittsburg High School head football coach Charlie Ramirez says that they have services and guidelines for their players.
“At PHS we like to focus on providing wraparound services for every student,” Ramirez said. “Those wraparound services come in many forms, but ultimately we focus on inclusivity, communication, and consistency. …We feel as a school and as a football program that sticking to these principles will help us manage unforeseen situations.”
“It can feel like a fishbowl environment for our student-athletes because in many cases they’re the first point of contact between the school and the community. So giving them the support and awareness of what comes with it can empower them when they are faced with difficult or awkward scenarios.”
According to the Institute of Directors, a Code of Conduct is defined as an articulation of the standards that govern an organization’s conduct, conveying its commitment to responsible practice to both internal and external stakeholders.
According to the North Coast Section’s sportsmanship bylaws (the section’s Code of Conduct), section 301H, line B says that “Athletes are to share in the responsibility for the conduct of their teammates and supporters of their team by controlling their behavior.” As seen in the viral video, Antioch seemed to have violated that, although Antioch High and the NCS have not stated exactly what part of the code of conduct that they violated.
Antioch school officials have declined to comment despite repeated requests. To comment, visit www.thepress.net
Former Brentwood interim city manager to be named Pittsburg city manager
Pittsburg Mayor Jelani Killings has announced that Darin Gale, former interim city manager for Brentwood, is being “considered’ for the position as next City Manager.
Following a nationwide recruitment conducted by Peckham & McKenney and a comprehensive selection process, the City Council selected Gale as the top candidate to lead Pittsburg’s executive team and advance the City’s strategic priorities. The employment agreement with Gale is scheduled for City Council consideration on Nov. 17, according to a press release from the city.
Gale previously served as Brentwood’s interim city manager following the departure of Tim Ogden earlier this year. A permanent replacement for Ogden, Harold Duffey, was sworn in last month.
“We are excited to announce the anticipated appointment of Darin Gale as Pittsburg’s next City Manager,” Killings said. “His extensive experience in executive leadership, economic development, community partnerships, and municipal operations will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and position our city for long-term success. We’re confident he will make a positive impact, and we look forward to welcoming him to Team Pittsburg.”
Gale is a graduate of the Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. He earned a bachelor’s degree
in economics from Sacramento State and a Master of Business Administration degree from Drexel University.
He served as Senior Development Project Manager with the City of Sacramento, where he designed and administered a federally funded small business loan program and established an economic incentive program for business attraction and retention.
For 10 years, he served the Yuba City in roles with increasing responsibility, including Deputy City Manager.
Pittsburg anticipates that Gale will begin his role as City Manager on Dec. 15.
PROTECTING YOUR LOVED ONES / PRESERVING YOUR LEGACY
By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law
Who has the greatest interest in your financial well-being and your estate plan? You do.
There are innumerable reasons why people need to set up a comprehensive estate plan to deal with events that all of us must someday face. Some reasons to have a comprehensive plan include:
1. Establishing a method for managing your assets efficiently.
2. Designating who will manage your affairs when you pass away.
3. Protecting your children’s inheritance if you pass away and your spouse re-marries after your death.
4. Designating who will manage your affairs if you become disabled.
5. Avoiding the cost of probate after you pass away.
6. Protecting a portion of your estate if you pass away first and your surviving spouse remains.
7. Addressing differing needs of your children.
8. Rewarding and encouraging heirs who make wise life decisions, and preventing the depletion of your estate from those who do not make wise choices.
No one has a greater interest in your financial well-being and your estate plan than you do. For most people, the attention and initial expense involved in setting up a comprehensive estate plan is worth the benefits for family and heirs; the avoidance of probate, and the preservation of privacy and independence.
If you have questions concerning your existing estate plan or setting up an estate plan, please contact Todd W. Moeller at (925) 3018840 or Todd@MoellerEstateLaw.com.
DARIN GALE
It’s been a tough year for California’s wine industry — maybe the toughest in 15 years.
Across the state, from Napa to Paso Robles, many vineyards saw grapes shrivel on the vine or go completely unpicked. Some farmers simply didn’t bother harvesting because prices are down and buyers are hard to find.
Experts say the 2025 grape harvest could end up being one of the smallest in decades. Thousands of acres have already been pulled out, and more could follow if demand doesn’t pick up soon. The days when wineries couldn’t make enough bottles to meet demand seem long gone.
Wine drinking just isn’t what it used to be. Younger folks are reaching for canned cocktails, hard seltzers, and “ready-to-drink” options instead of popping open a bottle of Chardonnay. These easy, grab-and-go drinks are cutting deep into wine sales. Even longtime wine lovers are
drinking a little less.
Adding to the trouble are new tariffs and trade problems. Imported wines from France, Italy, and Spain are more expensive now, and that’s shaking up prices on store shelves. U.S. wineries, meanwhile, are struggling to find customers overseas.
Put it all together, and it’s a messy picture. Too many grapes, not enough buyers, and too many other drink choices competing for attention.
Some winemakers are trying to making lighter, more casual wines or branching into canned spritzers to stay relevant. Others are just hoping the next harvest brings better luck.
One thing is for sure: California’s famous wine country is feeling the pinch. The next year or two could decide which vineyards make it — and which ones fade away.
Calendar
To have your event appear in the newspaper, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. To have your event online, post your event for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
This Week’s Events
Friday, November 14
Oakley Cub Scout Pack 152
4th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Silent Auction
Oakley Cub Scout Pack 152 is hosting their fourth annual chili cook-off and silent auction from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Iron House Elementary School, 4801 Frank Hengel Way in Oakley. There will be a $5 suggested donation per person to try the chili and vote. There will be drinks and treats for sale, and a silent auction will be held with basket donations from local vendors. For more information, visit www cubscoutspack152.com
Veterans Day Game Night
The event will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Check-in will be at 5 p.m., dinner will be at 5:30 p.m., and Texas Hold ‘Em game play will be from 7-10 p.m. There will be raffle prizes and a silent auction. Dinner and game buy-in is $70, dinner only is $25, re-buys are $25, add-ons are $50. For tickets and information, contact Richard Alward at 925-286-3291 or knights7467@gmail.com.
Saturday, November 15
Owl’s Bazaar Community Market
Mary Casey Black Elementary School’s Community Market and Owl’s Bazaar is from 8 a.m.-noon at 480 Farmington Drive in Brentwood. Browse and shop their market of more than 20 local vendors, plus families with yard sale items. There will be face painting and yard games, coffee cart and food trucks for breakfast fare. This is a familyfriendly event supporting local families and businesses.
Turkey Dinner Giveaway Hosted by Perfect Star Heating, Cooking and Electrical
The company revives its annual Turkey Dinner Giveaway to support local families during the Thanksgiving season. Perfect Star, Grocery Outlet Brentwood, Lennox Air and Praise Chapel in Concord to provide 200 complete turkey dinners, each including a turkey and traditional side dishes, to anyone in need from 10 a.m.-noon (or until meals run out) in the Brentwood Grocery Outlet parking lot, 7610 Brentwood Blvd. Visitors should visit the check-in tent upon arrival to receive a voucher for the distribution line. There will be 200 vouchers available, one per family. For more information, visit www perfectstarhvac com
Clothing and Food Drive
‘Thank you’ Barbecue
The Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Myriad Outreach Project are hosting a food and clothing drive from 3-5 p.m. at Veterans Park in Brentwood, 3841 Balfour Road. Nonperishable food (no glass jars) and clothing (new, lightly used, clean) donations will be accepted. Clothing includes coats, jackets, hoodies, gloves, socks and blankets. Food items include canned proteins, vegetables, fruit, rice, pasta, beans and peanut butter.
Free Dementia Care Training for Families
Caring for a loved one living with dementia can be rewarding, but it also brings daily challenges. This free training helps family members build confidence, reduce stress, and create meaningful moments of connection. The training will be at the Bedford Center, 1811 C St., in Antioch, from 9 a.m.-noon. Participants will learn:
How dementia affects memory, communication, and behavior
Practical ways to handle common care challenges
• Tips for safety, daily routines, and engagement activities
• How to care for yourself while caring for someone else
• • Local and national resources for ongoing support.
Led by dementia care professionals and certified trainers, this session blends reallife examples with easy-to-use tools that families can apply right away. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, complete this form: https://forms.gle/ uzuMHUoS4zb9Wo417
Friends of Oakley Library Fall Fiesta
The second annual fundraising dinner will take place from 6-10 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave. All ages are welcome. There will be food from New Mecca Cafe, entertainment by Ballet de Folklorico de Antioch, a raffle and silent auction, and updates about the new Oakley Library and Community Center by Mayor Shannon Shaw and City Manager Joshua McMurray. All proceeds go towards the new Oakley Library and Community Center. Festive colors and attire are encouraged. Ticket prices are $70 for adults and $30 for children under 13. For more information and tickets, visit www.oakleylibrary.org. brentwoodchamber com/events/details/ hawaiian-bingo -night-4106
Harvest Fundraiser Dinner
A harvest feast will be at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., at 5 p.m. There will be dinner prepared and cooked by Chef Tom Hartrick, as well as music and raffle prizes. Receive a raffle ticket for every toy you bring for the toy drive. Toys must be new. Proceeds of the evening will go to local families with children battling cancer. Adult tickets are $30 and children ages 12 years and under are $15. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. For more information, visit dillonsdreams.org. For questions, contact Denise Rundall at dillonsdreams@gmail.com or 925-305-9993.
Tuesday, November 18
RedHawk Casino Bus Trip
Presented by Oakley Senior Citizens and EC Tours, the bus will leave from the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave., at 8 a.m.. Tickets are $47 per person and include driver’s tip. The trip will include round-trip motorcoach transportation, water and snacks. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, Nov. 14. Seats are non-refundable after Nov. 14. For more information and to purchase tickets call Studio 55 at 925-626-7223 or Allan at 925-489-9785.
On the Horizon
Saturday, December 20
Heritage High School Class of 2014 Reunion
Open to all HHS 2014 graduates with a plus one. Share an unforgettable night with former classmates at McCauley Estates Vineyard, 2525 Sunset Road, Brentwood. Follow @heritagehighschool_classof2014 on Instagram for updates.
-Sponsored
show? The students are raising money to cover the cost of the rights, costumes and set design and the production of this kind at www successfund com/hadestown. All donations go directly into the program. The musical is inspired by two intertwined Greek love myths and told through a jazz and folk score. In an era of industrialization, Hadestown depicts the struggle of love versus greed, and the immense power both faith and doubt have in shaping our reality.
Saturday, November 22
Before the Bird Downtown Brentwood Early Morning Shopping Extravaganza
Enjoy a morning (7-10 a.m.) of shopping in your pajamas, with stores opening early at an event presented by the Downtown Brentwood Coalition. For more information, visit downtownbrentwood com/event/ before -the -bird-2025/
Saturday, November 29
COCO Strong Zumba and Dance Fundraiser
COCO Strong supports feeding the hungry through fitness and fun. Come out and dance with them along with all the most popular dance instructors from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 193 Griffith Lane in Brentwood. Join them for a high-energy Zumba fundraiser to support the Summer Lake Food Pantry and families in need. No experience needed. All proceeds go directly toward providing meals and essential groceries to local families. Price is $25 per ticket, plus ticket fees. Tickets include a custom drawstring bag showing your support for the event. For tickets, visit www eventbrite com/e/coco -strong-zumba- dancefund-raiser-feeding- our- community-tickets1957297342039?aff=oddtdtcreator
Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Shop
Sip, shop, and kick off the holiday season in downtown Brentwood from 1-4 p.m. Join the Downtown Brentwood Coalition along with downtown businesses as they partner with the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association to bring participants an afternoon of local wine tastings, holiday cheer, and ‘Shop Small Saturday’. Attendees can expect tastings from local wineries, holiday shopping with special deals, and enjoy the perfect way to support small businesses and find unique gifts. Tickets will be available soon on Eventbrite. For more information, visit downtownbrentwood.com/ event/winter-wine-walk-holiday-shop-2025/
43rd Annual Holiday Parade in Brentwood
Celebrate the annual parade downtown from 5-7 p.m. presented by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. The theme is Holiday Toyland. The parade begins at 5 p.m. at First and Birch Street. The parade then goes down First Street and turns right on Oak Street, then ends at 4th Street. The parade will be followed by the City of Brentwood tree light ing ceremony in City Park. For details, visit https://business.brentwoodchamber.com/ events/details/43rd-annual-holiday-parade
AFTER HOURS BUSINESS MIXER
No After-Hours Mixer in November HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
COMING EVENTS
Cookies, Cocoa & Ice Cream with Santa Tess’ Community Farm Kitchen
8091 Balfour Rd Discovery Bay, CA
Saturday, November 29th, 2025
Seatings between 9am and 1pm
Discovery Bay Golf and Country Club Register for more details
Kris Kringle Mingle
Thursday, December 11th, 2025 5:30 - 7:30pm
1475 Clubhouse Way Discovery Bay, CA Register for more details
State of the Town Gala January 24th, 2026
Roaring 20’s Theme
Tickets on Sale NOW!!
MUST Register for all events at: www.discoverybaychamber.org (925) 240-4114 1355 Riverlake Rd Discovery Bay, CA 94505
Thursday, November 20
Heritage High School Class of 2026 Presents Hadestown
Two shows are offered: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 and 1:30 p.m. Saturday Nov. 22. Purchase tickets at hhsrisingstars net or on the HHS Rising Stars Instagram page. Can’t make a
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EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Letters to the editor
Highway 4 pedestrian overpass a waste of transportation tax dollars
Editor:
A story in your Oct. 31 issue (‘Where do your transportation sales tax dollars go?’) highlighted many of the projects that have been funded by Measure J. taxes.
Not mentioned was the Highway 4 pedestrian overpass that cost $13 million, mostly from Measure J funds. It is a great example of wasteful government spending and poor use of our tax dollars. I drive Highway 4 regularly, at all times of the day, and I usually don’t see any people on the bridge.
Apparently, it was important to local government officials to connect the trail to satisfy a special interest group but it would have been about $10 million cheaper to simply hire staff to shuttle people back and forth.
Bob Graham Discovery Bay
Republicans don’t understand repercussions of budget stalemate on seniors
Editor:
I found it sad to read from one contributor that “Democrats need to get over it ....”
It seems the author does not realize that Democrats do love their country. The shutdown is all about the horrible cost increases faced for medical insurance. I personally have been notified of ridiculous increases for all Medicare advantage plans.
Plans that are available that will include our doctors in the John Muir network are tripling to the point my husband and I have had to make some very difficult decisions regarding what we will be able to afford.
To know some readers still do not
Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.
realize this fact is truly disheartening to me personally. If one has the funds, as the author of this particular letter may have, I am happy for them. But my agent of close to 10 years has expressed her deep sorrow at what all seniors are now facing due to the cuts the GOP wants to make, said she has never seen such increases and the stories she is receiving from her longtime clients are breaking her heart to the point she is considering getting out of the insurance business.
If the author of the letter slamming the Democrats does not have the misfortune to have to make life or death decisions based on costs, good for her. But to make statements that are easily disproved because of loyalty to one man, not to the nation, not to her neighbors, is part of the reason this country has become so divided.
Getting confused because of false information does not make it okay to make blanket statements such as hers denigrating a party that is holding tight for all citizens, not just the right.
I respectfully ask her to reconsider. The medical changes that the GOP is trying to force on all of us is the reason the right has stopped coming to work for over a month, although they are still getting their paychecks and benefits while so many others are not.
Linda Morse Robertson Bethel Island
CORRECTION
In the Letter to the Editor with the headline ‘Island Charity Cruise raises funds for Bethel Island Children’s Support and Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’ in the Nov. 7 edition of The Press, ‘Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’ should have been ‘Meals on Wheels Contra Costa.’ The Press runs online polls periodically This
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Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.
Go vote on www.thepress.net and let us know what is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
Pumpkin pie is the classic holiday dessert
Turkey might garner the bulk of the Thanksgiving feast fanfare, but a notable and wildly popular dessert also provides something to look forward to during a holiday when food is a focal point. After a couple of helpings of turkey and various side dishes, Thanksgiving celebrants know it’s time for pumpkin pie. It’s a testament to the flavor and popularity of pumpkin pie that overstuffed Thanksgiving celebrants still find a way to squeeze in this beloved dessert. Hosts who want to truly impress can prepare a homemade pie that’s sure to please loved ones. This recipe for “Pumpkin Pie” from Lines+Angles can be just what guests are looking for as they seek to tie a bow on their Thanksgiving feast.
Pumpkin Pie
Serves 8 for one 9-inch pie
For the crust:
1 cup butter, cold and cubed
21⁄4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
11⁄2 tablespoons maple sugar
1 pinch salt
1 medium egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons white vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons iced water
For the filling:
1 small pumpkin, halved, seeded and cored
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1⁄3 cup maple sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground cloves
1⁄4 cup maple syrup
1 cup heavy cream
1. For the crust: Combine the butter, flour, maple sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles rough breadcrumbs.
2. Add the egg, vinegar and 1 tablespoon iced water. Pulse until the dough starts to form around the blades; add more water as needed if too dry, or a little more flour if too wet.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc. Wrap in parchment paper and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. For the filling: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the pumpkin halves flesh-side down on a large baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the flesh is tender to the tip of a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool to one side.
6. Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a bowl and mash well until smooth.
7. Beat the eggs with the flour, maple sugar and ground spices in a large mixing bowl until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
8. Gradually beat in 11⁄2 cups of the pumpkin mash followed by the maple syrup and cream until fully incorporated.
9. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large round approximately 1⁄3-inch thick.
10. Drape into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing well into the base and sides. Cut away any excess pastry before crimping the edges with your fingers.
11. Gently prick the base all over with a fork before slowly pouring the filling into the lined pastry.
12. Bake for 20 minutes before reducing the oven to 350 F. Bake for a further 40 to 50 minutes until the filling is set and starting to come away from the edges of the pastry; a knife should come out clean from the center.
13. When ready, remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.
Tip: If preparing in advance before serving, let the pie cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap and chilling.
Liberty aims for redemption at Pittsburg
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Liberty junior quarterback Leysen Rodrigues remembers his time playing in big games -- vividly.
First in Hawaii, and now in Brentwood. For him, the 29-12 loss against Pittsburg back in mid-October stands out the most of his five starts this season.
“The Pitt game hasn’t left my mind at all,” he said. “Every week, every day, that game just comes to my mind and it helps me get through the day and grind harder. I wanted to meet them again – and now I get that opportunity.”
“This is like one year ago – first round of the playoffs (in Hawaii). It’s a big game and I just have to rise to the occasion.”
Rodrigues’s feelings reflect those of the seventh-seeded Lions, who will play the second-seed Pittsburg Pirates Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at Pirate Stadium to open the Division 1/Open bracket of the North Coast Section playoffs. Both teams are familiar with one other since they play each other in league play during the regular season. However, Friday night’s matchup marks just the second time that both teams will play each other in the NCS playoffs, the last time coming in 2019 with Pittsburg defeating the Lions 21-14.
“We look at Pitt every single year and circle that date on the calendar,” Liberty head coach Mike Cable said. “They’re the team to beat – and we haven’t been able to
do so yet. Every year we say, ‘This could be the one.’
“(The last matchup) left a sour taste in our mouths. But, inside, we knew if we got another opportunity, we could really do something. Now we have it.”
Senior running back Jaxon Bell also recognizes the importance of the game for the Lions.
“It’s definitely an opportunity for us to get back,” he said. “To use that fuel and that rage from losing the last game and come out with bigger and better intensity.”
It looked like the Lions were going to pull the upset in their Week 7 matchup in Brentwood.
Liberty’s offense worked their way into great field position on their first four pos-
Liberty running back Jaxon Bell runs in for the Lions’ lone touchdown of their game against the Pittsburg Pirates bacon Oct. 17. Both teams will play one another to open the NCS playoffs Friday night, this time in Pittsburg.
sessions of the game – recovering an onside kick, then working their way to the Pirates 10 from the other side of the field on Bell’s 80-yard catch-and-run, then the Lions recovered a pooch kickoff near their sideline, then the Lions forced and recovered a fumble.
For as mortal as the Lions made the Pirates look for a quarter, Pittsburg’s strength defensively showed up on each drive, forcing the Lions to settle for a pair of field goals while also picking off Rodrigues. With a chance at taking an early, potentially gamechanging, commanding lead, the Lions settled for six points.
“It all comes down to execution,’ Cable said. “Finishing drives, finishing plays, even some of the smaller details. Our defense held
them to the fewest points they’ve had all season (29). If we execute offensively, we’re right there.”
“When we have good opportunities, we can’t stall out in the red zone,” Rodrigues said. “Those first two drives (of the last game against the Pirates) could’ve changed the scoreboard.”
The difference in this matchup, compared to the regular season, is that Friday night’s game will be at Pittsburg, a stadium that brings an intense atmosphere of its own compared to even most other high school programs in the Bay Area, let alone East County.
“It’s like you’re on a different planet,” senior defensive lineman David Calkins Jr. said. “Everybody’s there – the culture of the city, the noise, the band. I enjoy it all.”
“Even if you’re not playing, you hear that band and it just makes you want to go out there and make a play,” Bell said.
Cable said that the team has done a few things different in practice this week to prepare for the noise and atmosphere Friday night.
“We’ve been doing some things like pumping stadium sounds through the speaker and crowd noise and the band just so we can get used to the loudness of it,” he said. “But you can’t fully replicate what it’s like in that atmosphere until you’re there.”
The winner of Friday night’s matchup will take on the winner of top-seeded De La Salle vs. eight-seed San Ramon Valley next week.
Deer Valley feels ‘no pressure’ entering playoffs
Wolverines to play first playoff game since 2013
By Mason Tovani Correspondent
Marcus Malu took the head coaching job for Deer Valley with a simple objective — win. Getting his feet wet in the program in his first year was not an option. Having already been a defensive coach at the end of the season for the Wolverines, Malu was familiar with the roster. Trust and familiarity were already planted months before he assumed the role of head coach.
That trust paid off with the Wolverines (6-4) traveling to Livermore to play Granada High (5-5) on Friday at 7 p.m. for their first playoff game since the 2013-14 season.
“I was already around the kids so they were familiar with me, the way I talked and the way I coached,” Malu said. “I told them, ‘I didn’t come here to lose and I don’t know about you but I’ve never tried losing.’ The structure was not about winning games but about changing their mentality, how they go to school, the way they treat their teachers, the way they treat each other and from there we just kept building. The trust was a big thing.”
Malu breathes football. He is around it with his varsity group and youth teams every day. It’s a mentality he wanted
Coach Marcus Malu and his Deer Valley Wolverines prepare for the team’s first playoff game since 2013 versus Granada High on Friday night.
his team to pick up on throughout the year for them to understand what it takes to win. When his group is focused and prepared, then pressure is non-existent. Not in Week 1 and not on the road in the postseason.
“I told them ‘I don’t miss a day’ and then they come watch me with the youth (teams) and I tell them this how you have to build,” Malu said. “You have to be here every day and lay that foundation. If you prepare, then you don’t feel the pressure and I don’t feel any pressure going into Friday’s game because of the work we put in.”
Senior quarterback Adrian Masaniai is getting a taste of the playoffs for the first time as a Wolverine, though he
is taking a few days off from practice to heal from injury. Masaniai is excited to be a part of the group that brings Deer Valley football back to a place from which they’ve long been absent.
“It’s exciting for us to know that we are making history,” Masaniai said. “We had a long playoff drought and it’s exciting to know we’re the ones to be able to do that. I’ll be good, nothing is too serious. I just want to get as much rest as I can but I will be ready.”
What brings a group closer in a season is the games where they don’t win. And as Malu said, the recipe for building a winning program was not just about the wins on a Friday night. Rather, how their character grows.
“There’s a lot of trust because we’ve gone through some pretty tough games,” Masaniai said. “We’ve shown we can bounce back multiple times so we’re trusting in ourselves and our coach. We just have to trust each other and play together as a team and not individuals heading into the playoffs.”
Those tough times Masaniai referred to tested Deer Valley. They started the season with four straight wins only to be followed by four consecutive losses. In the final two weeks, they were able to pick up two wins to ensure a playoff berth.
“It was very important because our morale was down,” Masaniai said. “To be able to rally together and to get those two wins to end the season was very big for us to build momentum.”
Photo by Mason Tovani
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Just 2 more points: Heritage volleyball fought ‘til the end
Patriots fall just short in CIF State tournament opener
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
For the first time in 12 years, Heritage’s girls volleyball team was back in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State tournament. Tuesday night, the Patriots were two points away from advancing to the second round for the first time in program history, while hosting a State playoff game for the first time in program history.
Foothill-Palo Cedro, who traveled over three hours south to Brentwood for the match, had other plans.
The 11th-seed Cougars rallied, first from a 2-0 hole in the match, then, in the fifth and final set, battled back and forth against the sixth-seeded Patriots, point for point, getting the win on a blocked ball that went out of bounds as Heritage fell 3-2 (2522, 25-15, 24-26, 25-27, 13-15), knocking them out of the State playoffs.
“I was pleased with how we played in the first two sets,” Heritage head coach Janet Hannigan said. “Especially the second one — we kind of really surprised ourselves. It’s just a little bit of mental errors.
“There’s sadness because the season’s over, but not in how they played. There was a lot of good fight (from the team), and to lose by only two points to a good team.”
Despite conceding the third set to the Cougars after winning the first two – the second set of which Heritage dominated –the Patriots had their chances to close out each of the last two matches to advance to the next round, taking advantage of Patriots errors.
In the fourth set, Heritage got to match point at 24-21, then were up 25-24 needing one point to close out — they had to win by two – before the Cougars rallied on their final breath with three-straight points to win the fourth set 27-25.
In the final set, the Patriots were up 1211, then were two points away from closing out again at 13-13 before Foothill rallied off late Patriots errors to end the match and knock Heritage out of the playoffs. While Heritage came back in four of the five sets through the night, they eventually dug one
hole too many.
Heritage reacts to Foothill scoring a point late in their CIF State tournament match in Brentwood Tuesday night.
“It is pretty frustrating and disappointing that there were just a lot of things that were unforced — especially things that we worked on Monday,,” senior Camy De La Chevrotiere said. “We just couldn’t do it. We started fighting at the wrong times when we could have been fighting toward the end.”
“It was more frustrating because we thought we had the first two in the bag,” junior Jaelyn Kinnaird said. “The other two, they came out of nowhere. I feel like they had more fight in them. It was kind of heartbreaking that we had to drop a little bit, but I’m still proud of everyone.”
The 2025 campaign was the program’s best in over a decade, championships aside.
Heritage’s 24 wins was their most since 2014, while it also marked their first 20-win season since 2021.
They won their first North Coast Section title. And compared to their first appearance in the CIF State tournament a dozen years ago, Heritage was two points away from their first State tournament win in each of the final two sets.
With half of the roster consisting of juniors who are expected to return for their senior season next year, Hannigan is excited for the future of the program.
“If nothing else, the underclassmen have learned something from tonight’s match that’s going to help them in the future,” Hannigan said. “I’m thrilled with what this team was able to accomplish, and I’m excited for the future of Heritage volleyball — not just next year, but down the road.”
“These girls really had that fight in them,” Kinnaird added. “I haven’t played on a team like this in a very long time. I’m just proud of everyone and where they’ve come.” She also added what she’s looking forward to in her 2026 senior season.
“Keep fighting and win another NCS title, hopefully,” she said.”
For the senior captain De La Chevrotiere, she ends her Heritage girls volleyball chapter on a high note.
“I had a lot of fun leading this team, and just having it end so suddenly is really disappointing.” she said. “This is the farthest we’ve ever gotten in volleyball history here, ever. It’s usually just not getting past the first (NCS playoff match in the past), but we’ve won (the NCS title). So, we ended on a high note making history here.”
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Liberty softball’s core four sign letters of intent
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Since Liberty head softball coach Brandi Macias took over the Lady Lions in 2022, Liberty’s roster was young with immense raw talent.
On Wednesday morning, the now-senior core of that roster got their rewards for their hard work, signing their national letters of intent to go on to play Division I college softball with their family and friends all on hand for the occasion inside the Roy J. Ghiggeri gymnasium.
“These girls have dreamed of this moment since they were six years old,” Macias said. “To be part of it through their high school years has been an absolute dream. …To see four girls go Division I, it’s incredible. They’ve worked so hard, they lead by example, and they’ve set a standard for what Liberty softball can be.”
Each of the four seniors has played a big role in the program’s recent success through the Brandi Macias era – especially from 2023 and on. After the team went 12-15 in Macias’s debut season in 2022, Liberty has recorded a combined 45-9 record the last two years, including winning the North Coast Section title for the first time in three decades last year and were CIF State Division 2 runner-ups in 2024 as well.
Shortstop Kelsie Skaggs (University of Nevada- Las Vegas), catcher Bella Rice (San Jose State University), first baseman and pitcher Kaitlyn Macias (Weber State University), and ace pitcher Kate Skinner (Illinois State University ) all signed their letters of intent to their respective schools after verbally committing earlier this calendar year. All four seniors are heading to their Division-I schools on full scholarships.
Kate Skinner
“It’s all becoming real,” Skinner said. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.
“I only applied to one school because I knew where I
was going. It helped with the stress a lot. …Illinois State felt like home. Everything about it – the culture, the people, the academics – it’s the best school ever.”
Skinner posted her winningest season in the circle in 2024, going 17-5 with a 2.16 ERA with a career-high 209 strikeouts in 126 2/3 innings pitched. Entering her senior season in the spring of 2026, she’s 34-10 lifetime as a starter, posting a 1.88 ERA with 487 career strikeouts.
Kelsie Skaggs
Skaggs said the program’s recent string of success comes down to one big thing – off the field.
“At the end of the day, it’s the sisterhood,” Skaggs said. “We all want to be better for each other and make our program better. I think we’ve done that.”
Skaggs heads to UNLV after hitting .408 with 21 RBI and four home runs in 2024. She also recorded career highs in RBI and in doubles last year (9). While her numbers were up overall from her 2023 sophomore season where she played in only 15 games, it was her ability to hit home runs in crucial situations that stood out the most in her first full season in action.
Bella Rice
Like Skaggs, Rice’s offensive production saw a big jump in 2024 as she recorded career-highs in almost every category: .390 batting average, 17 runs scored, 30 hits, 33 RBI and 13 home runs.
“It all feels so surreal,” Rice said of the signing day. “I’ve worked my whole life for this moment and I’m just so thankful.”
She added about how special her time at Liberty has been.
“Being able to play for Liberty and Brentwood, with my best friends and the best coaches, has been amazing,” she said.
Kaitlyn Macias
Of all the improvements throughout the Lady Lions lineup in 2024, none stood out more than Kaitlyn Macias’ offensive explosion. The senior first baseman hit a career-best .470 in 27 games last year, with a team-high 40 RBI and 10 home runs (third on the team). She also recorded career-bests in hits (39), RBI (40), runs scored (22) and in doubles (7).
“It’s been really special to see where the program was and where it is now,” Kaitlyn Macias said. “We’ve all played a big part in that. Not just for us, but for our school.”
The Lady Lions also have two juniors who are verbally committed to two SEC schools – outfielder Taylor Jennings verbally committed to Florida over the summer, along with junior Jewel Cooper, who committed to LSU. Brandi Macias explained that having a pair of committed juniors in the wings to, eventually, replace the seniors who are leaving in what’s expected to be a senior-heavy roster in 2026 is part of the process of the program.
“Our expectations will always be higher,” she said. “We’re not rebuilding, we’re reloading. This program is going to keep soaring.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
(From left) Kate Skinner, Kaitlyn Macias, Bella Rice, and Kelsie Skaggs at Liberty softball’s signing day Wednesday afternoon in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Brentwood turns out to honor veterans
Brentwood was resplendent in red, white and blue last weekend as a line of vehicles carrying local veterans rolled through downtown beneath a giant American flag hoisted from a crane. To honor Veterans Day on Nov. 11, families waved, kids called out “thank you,” and neighbors applauded each car as it passed. The mood was part celebration and part quiet reflection on the service and sacrifice of those who served.
Oakley
Brentwood Veterans Day service salutes all military branches
Brentwood residents gathered on Tuesday at Veterans Park in Brentwood for a service recognizing veterans from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The ceremony featured a POW/MIA remembrance table honoring those still missing, a rendition of “God Bless America,” and music performed by a live band. Veterans spoke about the support they’ve received through their veterans service organizations, noting how camaraderie and services helped them continue after returning from war. Attendees stood in quiet reflection during moments of remembrance and offered thanks to those who served and to the community groups that continue to help them. The program closed with applause for all branches and a reminder to thank veterans year-round for their service.
honors local veterans with Civic Center Park ceremony
Members of Oakley’s city government, including Mayor Shannon Shaw and Vice Mayor Hugh Henderson, honored the city’s military veterans at a Veterans Day ceremony in Civic Center Park, next to City Hall. The ceremony featured, among other patriotic acts, a Pledge of Allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 152, statements from the offices of state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, state Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, and U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, presentation of colors by Heritage High School’s Air Force JROTC, and several guest speakers who were veterans or family of veterans, including Mark Carter, Bill Carpenter, and Captain Wayne Tunick. After the cer-
emony, a veterans lunch and memorial ceremony were held at City Hall. “Veterans Day isn’t just a date on a calendar for me,” Carpenter said. “It’s a day that carries deep meaning, a day that brings back faces, moments, and memories that have shaped who I am. Today is our day, a day for all veterans, for this community to come together to honor those who have worn our nation’s uniform, past and present. It’s time to pause, reflect, and give thanks to the men and women who have stepped forward to serve, often without knowing what lay ahead, simply because they believed in something bigger than themselves.”
– By Connor Robles
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www. thepress.net/multimedia To view
Discovery Bay couple takes The Press on a biblical tour
Jeff and Toni Allendorph of Discovery Bay were seen with The Press on Syria Street in the ancient city of Laodecia (Laodikiea), Turkey. They were with a biblical tour through their church for three weeks visiting Turkey and Greece and the cities where Jesus’s apostles Paul and Peter travelled. It’s one of the seven cities Jesus warned through the Apostle John written in Revelation as being “lukewarm”. The city was wealthy and a major commercial hub in Turkey’s Lycus River Valley known for production of black wool and eye ointment, among other things.
Milestones Milestones
Have you or someone you know recently reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it!
Mail or Fax info to: The Press 248 Oak St., Brentwood, CA 94513 or email to: editor@brentwoodpress.com 925-634-1441 Fax: 925-634-1975 | Please note: Photos cannot be returned.
Brentwood celebrates Dia de los Muertos
Residents celebrated Dia de los Muertos at Brentwood City Park on Nov. 9. The park was adorned with “ofrendas” – altars to honor loved ones who have passed away, and sculptures reminiscent of traditional Mexican artwork. Vendors sold Mexican-inspired food, trinkets, and clothing. The Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is rooted in Mexican culture, being a blend of Mexican native and Spanish Catholic beliefs. Every year on Nov. 1-2, family members celebrate their relatives who have passed away by leaving food and marigolds at their graves. It is believed that on one of those two days, the deceased return to the land of the living to celebrate with their families.
Submitted photo
Photo by Isaac Arriaga
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BENEFICIARY
MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): Vishal
Mathur, a married man as his sole and separate property Recorded: 6/19/2014 as Instrument No. 2014-0100238-00 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of CONTRA COSTA County, California; Date of Sale: 12/9/2025 at 9:00
AM Place of Sale: At the Pleasant Hill Community Center, located at 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. In the Auction.com Room Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $177,707.95
The purported property address is: 4858 BAYSIDE WAY, OAKLEY, CA 94561 Assessor’s Parcel No. : 035-740-071-2 All bidders, at the date, time, and place of the scheduled sale, will be required to show satisfactory support to the auctioneer of their ability to pay the amount they intend to bid, unless arrangements have been made with the trustee prior to the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL
BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you
has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800280-2832 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-25-1020517-AB. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 619-645-7711, or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-25-1020517-AB to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any prospective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION by 5 p.m. on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth in the below signature block. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE POST-SALE OVER BIDDERS: For post-sale information in accordance with Section 2924m(e) of the California Civil Code, use file number CA-251020517-AB and call (866) 645-7711 or login to: http://www.qualityloan.com. The above statutorily mandated notices to Tenant, Prospective Owner-Occupant, and Prospective Post-Sale Over Bidders
required under Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. Compliance with all relevant provisions will be required. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. 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. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 800-280-2832 Or Login to: http://www.qualityloan.com Post-Sale Information (CCC 2924m(e)): (866) 645-7711 Reinstatement or Payoff Line: (866) 645-7711 Ext 5318 QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION TS No.: CA-25-1020517-AB IDSPub #0261257 11/14/2025 11/21/2025 11/28/2025. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 95896 Publish Dates: November 14, 21, 28, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0005475 The name of the business(es): Better Bone Chiropractic Located at: 2819 Sunset Ln In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alvarado Chiropractic Corporation. 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: Mario Alvarado, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/20/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/19/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish Dates: November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0005788 The name of the business(es): Mahogany Jane Located at: 2624 Pearlite Way In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alisha C. Johnson. This business is conducted by: An In-
dividual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/01/2022. Signature of registrant: Alisha Johnson, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/05/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/04/2030
Publish Dates: November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0005109 The name of the business(es): Unpingco Electric Located at: 1503 Walnut Ave In: Antioch, CA, 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Peter Uson Unpingco II. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Peter Unpingco II, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/26/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/25/2030
Publish Dates: November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0005543 The name of the business(es): 1. Sierra Laser LLC 2. Sierra Laser Located at: 18 Oak Street, Unit 512 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Daniel Capostagno, Melissa Nielsen. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company,State of Organization. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: Daniel Capostagno, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/21/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/21/2030 Brentwood Press No. 021273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 31, November 7, 14, 21, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0005680 The name of the business(es): Heritage Hat Company Located at: 1701 Arabian Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Joseph Michael Sisneros 2. Shane Martinez. This business is conducted by: Copartners. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Joseph Michael Sisneros. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/29/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0005686 The name of the business(es): EDJE PICTURES
Located at: 8580 Pinehollow Circle In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): EJ Function LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jeffrey Fesunoff, COO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/29/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0005249 The name of the business(es): Good Earth Realty
Located at: 2603 Camino Ramon STE 200 In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Katherine Hope Luther. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Katherine Hope Luther, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/07/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/06/2030
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0005154 The name of the business(es): GOODIES MARKET
Located at: 3550 SAN PABLO DAM RD STE K In: EL SOBRANTE, CA 94803, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): OSAI 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 9/1/2025. Signature of registrant: OSAMAH F ALHASANI, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/29/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Albert Anthony Mathias SUPERIOR COURT OF
CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553
PETITION OF: Albert Anthony Mathias, Albert Anthony Mathias CASE NUMBER: N25-2115 TO ALL INTERESTED
PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Albert Anthony Mathias, Albert Anthony Mathias filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Albert Anthony Mathias b. aka Alberto Antonio Matias to Proposed Name: a. Alberto Antonio Matias. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date:
02/20/2026 Time: 9:00 am Dept.: 30
Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press
Date: October 28, 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to California Civil Code Section 798.56a and California Commercial Code Sections 7209 and 7210, noticing having been given to all parties believed to claim an interest and the time specified for payment in the notice having expired, Woodgate Mobile Home Park (Park) is entitled to a warehouse lien against that certain mobilehome described as 1975 Lance Royal Knight mobile home with a Decal Number of AAY7541, Serial Number(s) S4540U/X (HUD Label/Insignia: 279733/4) consisting of 68’ in length and 24’ (total) in width and now stored at 4603 Balfour Road Space 53, Brentwood, CA 94513. The parties believed to claim an interest in the mobilehome and personal property is the Estate of Marjorie A Brisco The mobilehome and personal property will be sold by the Park (Warehouseman) at public auction to the highest bidder (with a minimum bid of $6,349.09 subject to further adjustments). In order to prevent the mobilehome from being sold at the noticed sale the minimum
bid amount must be paid by a person claiming a right in the mobilehome, prior to the sale date, AND the mobilehome must then be promptly removed from the park. This amount incl. estimated storage charges, publication charges, attorneys fees, incidental and/ or transportation charges, charges incurred by the park in connection with the unit remaining on site, as provided in the Commercial Code, and is subject to further adjustment. The sale is conducted on a cash or certified fund basis only (Cash, cashier’s check, or travelers checks only). Payment is due and payable immediately following the sale. No exceptions. The mobilehome and its contents are sold as is, where is and with no guarantees and without covenant or warranty as to possession, financing, title, or encumbrances. The purchaser of the mobilehome will take it subject to any current or past due real or personal property taxes, registration fees and/or liens incl. H&S § 18116.1. The sale will be held as follows: Date:
Camp Gold
ers to donate to help the loved ones of fallen heroes, ending with a quote from Siller: “While we still have time, let’s do good together.”
Within 60 days of seeing the commercial, Morgan and his wife Melinda had secured a property on the San Joaquin River, in the Delta region that Morgan had worked in since he was 15 years old. When deciding what to do with the property, Morgan remembered his solemn, quiet experiences taking Gold Star families, the families of fallen military servicemembers, out on his river cruises, which were normally loud and boisterous.
“It struck me, they can’t even have fun anymore due to their lost loved one,” Morgan said. “I asked, ‘What can I do to make their pain a little more tolerable?’”
To answer his question, Morgan conceived of Camp Gold Star, named after the term used for families of fallen service members. The resort will be located on 3.2 acres of a 10acre parcel on the shore of the San Joaquin River in Stockton, and will feature numerous amenities with themes inspired by and dedicated to America’s veterans. These will include:
• 25 Hero Lodges, each named after a fallen servicemember or first responder
• an 1,860-foot Freedom Walk paved with stones honoring a veteran or first responder of a donor’s choice
• a 770-foot boat dock, available for use by yacht clubs from San Francisco, Sacramento, and beyond
• a clubhouse, event space, gazebo, pools, and sports fields.
Once they had the property, the Morgans spent much of the next two years pushing their project through various county agencies, each of which charged fees to consider it, and hiring engineers to help plan out the resort’s construction. Despite the bureaucratic difficulties, Morgan said that the reception from the county and local people was “enthusiastic,” with more than 80 letters sent in to the county by local residents and businesses in support of Camp Gold Star.
“I’m very excited for [the project], I’ve been following it with Frank for the two years he’s been working on it, and I think it’s a very wonderful project,” said Diane Layfield, a Gold Star mother and supporter of Camp Gold Star who spoke at the Nov. 6 meeting. “His dedication is loyal, and I believe we need this. I think it would be a good place for our military to do reunions and come together. I’m all for it, absolutely.”
Accountability from page 1
later, police were notified that Ramirez was still hospitalized, her condition had worsened, and that she was not expected to survive. She was removed from life support on Oct. 3 and died the same day. Details about why she was hospitalized are not available.
Following Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, Brentwood police notified the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which initiated an independent investigation. At the time the press release was sent, police said they could not comment on an active investigation.
For roughly an hour during the Nov. 12 meeting, members of the public — including Ramirez’s children and extended family as well as representatives from local groups such as the East County NAACP and the Antioch
Report from page 1
to 50),
• 11 percent are poor (25 to 40)
• 4 percent are very poor (zero to 25).
Any roads with a PCI below 40 are considered backlog, and are more expensive to fix due to their condition. Nakhaei said that his team would focus on repairing this backlog during the next five years to decrease the percentages of poor and very poor roads, which are projected to increase
On the afternoon of Nov. 6, about 75 supporters of Camp Gold Star piled into a bus and several cars waiting at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club bound for the commission meeting in Stockton.
At first, they expected that there wouldn’t be any difficulties, as Camp Gold Star had received no complaints from anyone in two years. That day, however, an unknown group voiced “livid” opposition to the project and stated their intent to protest it at the meeting, and PG&E sent a complaint letter to San Joaquin County, claiming that Camp Gold Star was near a natural gas facility in the area when that was not the case.
The ride to Stockton was tense, and the future of the project uncertain, but supporters remained optimistic due to the universally positive reactions in the past.
“I think, ultimately, the planning commission will approve it,” said Kevin Graves, a friend and supporter of Morgan’s and Gold Star father who also spoke at the meeting. “There’s always stumbling blocks, and there’s always things that come up anytime you’re involved with municipalities. I worked for the state for many years, so I understand that. Ultimately, I believe they’re behind the project, and they know it’s going to be an asset to the community and an asset to the Delta.”
In front of a chamber filled with supporters, Morgan introduced Camp Gold Star to the Planning Commission’s three attending members, all of whom needed to vote ‘aye’ for the conditional use permit to be approved. Early in the meeting, supporters received good news: PG&E had rescinded their complaint, in part thanks to Morgan’s efforts to contact them and correct their misunderstanding of the project’s location, and the unknown protesters made no complaints at the meeting.
“There were no opposition speakers that spoke at the hearing because, I think, the overwhelming presence of Camp Gold Star supporters and the support from the planning commission discouraged them from speaking up at the hearing,” Morgan said.
After Morgan, Layfield, Graves, and Bethel Harbor Marina managing partner Jamie Bolt spoke on Camp Gold Star’s merits, such as its patriotism, its support for military families, and the business it would bring to the Delta, the commissioners made supportive comments toward the project. Commissioner Robert Tuitavuki called it “a feel-good project,” while Commissioner Gloryanna Rhodes said she was “really excit-
Oversight for Police Commission — spoke to the council, expressing skepticism about the version of events described in the police press release. According to several speakers, neighbors witnessed Ramirez being handled roughly and left in the back of the patrol vehicle for roughly 45 minutes. Speakers expressed a number of concerns surrounding the incident, including the perceived lack of transparency caused by informing the public of the incident over a month after it occurred as well as concerns whether or not the arresting officer, Aaron Peachman, had been placed on administrative leave.
“Congratulations. Brentwood is now on the map across the country, “ one speaker lamented, noting that news of the incident went nationwide. “I was born on Minnesota Avenue. I was always proud to live in Brentwood…my faith in Brentwood, my faith in the city council, my faith in the police
by six and two percent, respectively.
Nakhaei also noted that the last road survey was done on a smaller sample of Oakley’s road network, and that future surveys will need to take into account Oakley’s recent expansion into nearby neighborhoods. He recommended that surveys be done at least every five years, every two years as is the case now.
The report also mentioned that:
• the reconstruction of Sellers Avene is
ed” for the project, which fell in her district, and wished it “the best of luck.” The committee subsequently voted unanimously to approve Camp Gold Star’s conditional use permit.
“That was the most stressful thing I’d been through in a very, very long time,” Morgan said afterward. “We didn’t know until literally when the staff came up to me in the chambers that we were a-go. I had to call Alabama, get a phone number to a guy out here in Stockton, call him, and say ‘You’ve got to get this letter rescinded.’”
Morgan also said that he felt “speechless” at the Planning Commission’s approval.
After the meeting, Morgan and his supporters returned to the Discovery Bay Yacht Club for a dinner party featuring a presentation by Morgan covering the first of 13 resting benches dedicated to fallen servicemembers, in this case Airman First Class Alfred V. Komlev, whose family gave a speech; the stones in the Hero Walk, and how to get one engraved; and a surprise donation: Vanitha and Rich Cotton, the owners of Marina Bar and Grill in Discovery Bay, donated $125,000 to fund the first of the 25 Hero Lodges, this one being in honor of Graves’ son, Specialist Joseph A. Graves, and Graves’ Some Gave All charity foundation. Joseph Graves had worked at the site of Marina Bar and Grill before the Cottons owned it.
“We want to contribute to the armed forces community in any way we can, especially things like [Joey] Graves Some Gave All Foundation and 9/11 first responders’ charities,” Vanitha Cotton said. “Frank came to us a year ago, and we’ve been involved since. It’s a great project that brings the community together, and it’s very important to us.”
Now that it has been approved, the project needs $12.5 million to be built. In addition to the money given by the Cottons, Morgan received $100,000 each from three pairs of “permission investors” – Tim and Eileen Bubniak, Chris and Kathy Sasville, and Everett and Nancy Watrous – who gave him the money – no questions asked – after he pitched Camp Gold Star to them.
For more information, site maps or to donate, visit www campgoldstar com or call Morgan at 925-787-0821.
The project is looking for equity share investors for up to 49% ownership of the resort.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia
department has just gone completely away.”
Following the meeting, Interim Police Chief Walter O’Grodnick declined to provide further comments or updates “due to the potential litigation.”
nearly complete, and the road will be opened on Nov. 15
• the California Dawn neighborhood, between East Cypress Road and Main Street, will receive a slurry seal, a mixture of asphalt, aggregate, and water applied to the pavement, to repair its streets
• the Harvest Court neighborhood’s old Sierra-Crete road surfaces will be replaced with a two- to three-inch
After over an hour of public comments, the City Council convened in private for a closed session meeting, described in the agenda as a conference with legal counsel on potential litigation. When the council returned to the chambers, Mayor Susannah Meyer read a statement to attendees of the meeting.
“On behalf of the Brentwood City Council, we’d like to extend our empathy to the Ramirez family,” she said. “We also want our community to know that we heard your comments tonight and are committed to transparency and to ensuring that accurate information is shared as we are able to do so. At this time, we are continuing to gather and review information and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as this process continues.”
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/3LEq18y
overlay of new material. In other council news: Mayor Shannon Shaw gave a proclamation recognizing Nov. 14 as Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Day. Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard accepted the proclamation and lauded his department’s support personnel such as records assistants and services assistants, saying that he “truly appreciates everything they do.”
RAMIREZ
Business Profile
When the Emerald City turned Silver
Welcome back. The album that I will review today was just recently released. It is by the Horace Silver Quintet featuring Joe Henderson (tenor sax), Woody Shaw (TPT), Teddy Smith (bass), Roger Humphries (drums), and, of course, the great Horace Silver on piano.
Silver was cofounder of the great jazz group The Jazz Messengers along with great jazz drummer Art Blakey.
The group was originally called Horace Silver and The Jazz Messengers. He served as the band’s musical director and established the groups, Hard Bop style. The group unfortunately lasted only one year from 1954-1955. Once Silver left the band Blakey changed its name to The Jazz Messengers.
Silver was considered a Hard Bop pianist, which is a combination of bebop, jazz, and blues. Silver recorded for Blue Note Records most of his career with a short stint at Columbia and then established his own record label in 1980 called Silveto Records.
Silver as a jazz composer was responsible for such jazz classics as Senior Blues, The Kicker, Silver’s Serenade, Peace, and Filthy McNasty, among others.
This album spotlights Silver during the peak of his career when “Song For My Father” was the biggest song in jazz.
This album was recorded in 1965 when the group that Silver was leading was considered the most well-rehearsed small group in jazz. The surprising thing is that ”Song For My Father” was a jazz jukebox hit alongside Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” and Lee Morgan’s “The Sidewinder” (these two artists were his stablemates at Blue Note Records).
The band on this album was one of the youngest he had ever played with. Henderson was the mainstay of this band who had played on the classic Silver tune “Song For My Father,” while Shaw was a 21-year-old player with a promising career in jazz, and who was mentored by jazz great Eric Dolphy. He would go on to record on Silver’s album “Cape Verdean Blues.”
This group played at the jazz club The Penthouse in Seattle, Wash. The music in this album is just fantastic. In the set opener “The Kicker,” the exchange between drummer Humphries and Silver with the stop-and-riffs is amazing. Shaw is not afraid of contributing some out notes and playing a musical game of ‘find me if you can” during his solo.
Henderson is truly the one who takes this tune to another level with his soaring rhythmic playing. Also listen as drummer Humphries plays triplet figures
Horace Silver as a jazz composer was responsible for such jazz classics as Senior Blues, The Kicker, Silver’s Serenade, Peace, and Filthy McNasty, among others.
between the snare, tom-toms and kick drum (bass drum).
Even though it was recorded here live, “Song For My Father” is pretty much played note for note with the same balance in sound as the studio version. Humphries does play some solos with limited beats behind the groove, and you can tell Henderson is really enjoying himself whilst he plays with vast melodic range and injects some sounds that are completely unusual as he breaks into lower register on the sax (this brutal sound will become his trademark in later years).
The Penthouse audience also got to hear “Cape Verdean Blues,” which would appear on his next Bue Note album. This is a beautiful calypso-style tune that shows Humphries’ calypso style of playing. The exciting aspect of this tune is the variations across the different sections of it. The short solos of Henderson and Silver are straight to the point.
Shaw shines on the 18-minute “Sayonara Blues.” This tune is originally from the 1962 album “The Tokyo Blues,” and it has some fast and a huge melodic range, which reminds you of Freddie Hubbard (an alum of The Jazz Messengers).
This album will be important to old Silver fans, as well as new ones because he released only one other live recording during his career. This was the 1961 album titled “Doin’ The Thing.” This is totally incredible to believe since his career spanned over 30 years.
So, remember until next time:
“Jazz is not background music. You must concentrate on it to get the most out of it.” – Horace Silver
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE
For second-generation framer Chris Ramos, it’s all in the family. CR Framing serves local artists and residents at wholesale prices, with excellent quality and quick turnaround. They offer an array of services, including custom framing, shipping, shrink wrapping, matting, and framing. The business is located at 700 Harvest Park Drive, Unit I, in Brentwood, and hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call 925-634-7742 email crframing@aol.com or visit crframing.webs.com.
