While the presidential election may have had many East County residents keeping an eye on national politics, the Nov. 5 election also saw a number of faces, both old and new, elected to local government positions.
Although the Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder states Dec. 5 as the target certification date for the election, these were the candidates who had amassed the majority of votes as of press time on Wednesday, Nov. 6 with 100 percent of precincts reporting.
Brentwood
• Susannah Meyer netted
62.39% of the votes for mayor compared to the 37.61% of the vote for Gerald Johnson.
• In District 1, Faye Maloney received 63.91% of the vote while Anita Roberts received 37.61%
• In a close race for District 3, incumbent Council -
member Jovita Mendoza received 53.69% of the vote while Brian Oftedal received 46.31% Oakley
• In the race for District 5, incumbent Councilmember George Fuller received 43.37% of the vote, surpassing both Christina Pena
Langley and Oleskii Chuiko, who received 37.58% and 19.04% of the vote, respectively.
Antioch
• The mayoral race ended with 63.31% of the vote for Ron Bernal. Incumbent
see Election page 18
Poll workers told to assure Brentwood voters about integrity of counting process
By Dale Satre Correspondent
The poll workers at Brentwood’s six in-person polling places on Election Day were working under the national backdrop of increasing voter mistrust in the election and voting process, according to numerous polls conducted over the past year.
Ian Cohen of Brentwood volunteered for his first general election as a poll worker at Golden Hills Community Church.
“Voting is a crucial right in our
country, and I wanted to be here to help voters express that right,” he said.
Cohen said the county provided some education on how votes are verified so that poll workers could tell voters who were concerned about the validity of their votes. “The county trained us on how the vote process is verified, with multistep factor authentications, and where to direct people,” he said. “In fact, I gave [a voter] the phone number to Martinez [the
see Poll Workers page 18
Ian Cohen was one of the poll workers who helped to oversee Election Day voting.
Oakley pushes for library fundraiser
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
“If you look around at all the beautiful, amazing upgrades we’ve made to Oakley, we need a library and community center that supports that.”
This quote from Mayor Anissa Williams kicks off a new video published by the city on its social media channels about fundraising efforts for their new library. With the Dec. 11 deadline approaching, the video is intended to highlight the need for a larger library – which is currently housed in the Freedom High School library – than the one the city has.
In the video, county Supervisor Diane Burgis notes that Oakley is one of the largest growing cities in the county and needs a library that reflects that. To that end, the city pledged over $9 million for the construction of a combined library and community center to be located in Oakley’s Civic Center Plaza.
“Earlier this year, the Oakley City Council set a December 2024 goal of identifying and raising funds over the $9.5M allocated by the City to build a new larger Oakley Library and Community Center in Civic Center Plaza for our growing community,” the social media post reads. “Since then,
see Library page 18
Photo by Dale Satre
Could wastewater be new source of groundwater supply for Delta region?
By Dale Satre Correspondent
The Diablo Water District is considering using treated wastewater from the Ironhouse Sanitation District to replenish local groundwater supplies, according to officials from both agencies.
If implemented, both agencies said they hope that replenished groundwater aquifers would strengthen East County’s resilience to water supply changes and meet water reuse goals directed by the state government. Reports from the California Department of Water Resources advise that such an operation can produce safe drinking water provided that significant water quality tests are done before distributing the treated water.
The Diablo Water District provides water for residents, parks, and businesses in a 21-square-mile area consisting of Oakley, Cypress Corridor, Hotchkiss Tract, Summer Lakes, and portions of Bethel Island and Knightsen. The Ironhouse Sanitation District provides wastewater treatment for Oakley and Bethel Island.
“We started this conversation in 2019 with a joint study with Ironhouse Sanitation District on what was the best way to reuse water,” according to Diablo Water District General Manager Dan Muelrath. “Our question is if it is a better investment to use the treated water for landscape use or for refilling the aquifers.”
Diablo Water District General Manager Dan Muelrath
The process of refilling the aquifer with treated water is referred to as “indirect potable reuse” in water systems engineering. In California, there have been a number of indirect potable reuse projects in Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties.
The upfront cost for Diablo Water District to construct facilities for indirect potable reuse would be upwards of $100 million, according to Muelrath. “We would need a portion of the cost to be grant funded,” Muelrath said. Grants for such a project would come from the state, with the remaining portion financed by bonds and/or ratepayers. Muelrath estimates that it would take 8 to 10 years to start operations if his agency decided to perform indirect potable reuse.
California’s 2022 Water Supply Strategy report identifies indirect potable reuse as a key method in creating storage space for water and reusing water for growing water demand. The strategy hopes to reuse at least 800,000 acre-feet of water per year by 2030 and 1.8 million acre-feet by 2040, with most of that additional recycling in-
volving treated wastewater that is currently draining to the ocean. One acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons of water. Currently, recycled water supplies 9 percent of the state’s water demand, according to the report. The report predicted a 10 percent reduction in water supplies around the state by 2040 based on current trends without infrastructure improvements.
Ironhouse Sanitation District’s water treatment facility in Oakley can process 4.3 million gallons of wastewater per day,
with capacity for storing additional storm runoff, according General Manager Jean Marc Petit. The water is treated through a multistep process that removes particulates, impurities, and sanitizes pathogens.
According to a Department of Water Resources memo on indirect potable reuse, the primary concern about such projects is protecting water quality. While the treated wastewater is typically highly purified, geochemical reactions between the treated wastewater and aquifer sediments may harm water quality. Therefore, an indirect potable reuse project must show it will not harm groundwater quality.
Muelrath says the Diablo Water District faces significant hurdles with state regulations and structuring the project’s financing. “Everything is on the table with the future.”
To comment, visit www.thepress.net
Oakley man: ‘I always
Business owner completes 15th Ironman World Championship in Hawaii
By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer
Not many people can say they’ve completed the Ironman Challenge. There are even fewer who can say they’ve completed 15 Ironman competitions. Ron Brown, 66, just completed his 15th Ironman last month in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii at the men’s Ironman World Championship. The event is held every year in Kona, and consists of swimming 2.4 miles, a 112-mile bike ride and running a marathon (26.2 miles) in that order.
“The Ironman is considered one of the hardest one-day events in the world,” said Brown, a business owner in Oakley who has owned a barber shop for 35 years. “The one in Kona is considered the mecca or the Super Bowl of Ironmans. Everyone that is a triathlete, that’s their dream – to go to Kona.”
Brown has been training for the competition since January.
“You have to qualify, that’s the only way to get in,” Brown said. “All the other Ironman races you can just sign up and go. In Kona, you have to qualify. There are two ways to qualify. You can place first in your age group in a race around the world or you have to complete 12 Ironmans, not in a row, just 12 complete and then you can register for it. It is called the Legacy Program and that’s how I got in. I completed 12. This is my 15th Ironman.”
Brown said he spends most of his free time training for the Ironman.
“I train 7 days a week,” he said. “I do each discipline, swim, bike and run, three times a week for each one. I train about 15 hours a week on average.”
Brown said he was athletic in high school and was an all-league athlete. He said when he got out of school and joined the workforce and began to raise a family, his gym membership began to dwindle. He said over the years people tend to get out of shape as metabolism changes and they tend to gain weight. This began his motivation to make a change.
“The doctor said I was a little overweight for my size, so I decided to do something about it,” Brown said. “I started bicycling with a friend of mine who had gotten in pretty good shape and lost some weight, and that started my getting back into shape.”
Brown got interested in endurance riding and rode his bike for about three years. He completed the Death Ride in Lake Tahoe, which includes 129 miles of cycling and about 15,000 feet of climbing over five mountain
be in Kona. He lost some weight and concentrated on his diet to give himself more energy.
“I didn’t want to go there and not finish, so I trained super hard, probably more than any other Ironman to do that event, because I wanted to make sure I was good and ready,” Brown said. “Going into it I knew with being familiar with the course, my target was anywhere between 16 and 16.5 hours. I was telling my friends that if I could get under 16 hours I’d be ecstatic. I finished in 16 hours and 19 minutes. I’m pretty happy with that.“
Triathletes have to complete the full distance of swimming, biking and running, in that order, with a time limit of 17 hours. For that reason, Brown considers it the toughest athletic event in the world.
“My best time was in 2013 my first Ironman, 13 hours and 54 min in Arizona,” Brown said. “The one this year was the hardest with all the heat and humidity and terrain. Over 5,000 feet of climbing on the bike and about 1,000 feet of elevation on the run so it’s not a flat course.”
Brown says that although this was his last full Ironman, he is planning to do three half Ironmans next year. He has completed nine half Ironmans – exactly half the distance of a full Ironman – already.
“I enjoyed just the whole aspect of the venue, just the camaraderie and being there and you know it’s like when you’re there it’s like a dream come true,” he said. “It’s like everybody says, take it all in, just enjoy the whole thing, every aspect of it.”
Brown encourages other athletes who have an interest in the Ironman to “go for it.”
passes.
“I always like a challenge,” Brown said. “So I signed up for that, and I ended up doing that three years in a row. After that I was at the gym one day and I took some swimming lessons and learned how to swim. One of the instructors asked me if I’ve ever done a triathlon. and she said a mini one was coming up in Antioch.”
So he signed up for that and “got hooked.”
“It’s like all my athleticism came back from the past,” he said. “I did that, and then I started doing smaller triathlons and worked my way up to Ironman.”
Brown said cycling is his strength. He considers himself a developing swimmer, as he began the sport later in life.
“I just started swimming when I was in my 50s,” he said. “I’m still considered a developing swimmer. I was never a long-distance runner, I was a sprinter in high school when I was young. I’ve always rode bikes all my life so bike seem to be my strongest.”
Brown was not taken by surprise at the amount of training he had to do leading up to the Ironman competition, as he was aware of what the difficulty level would
“It would be one of the best decisions in your life if you did,” Brown said. “It’s a life-changing experience. It defines who you really are, and it changed my life. It made me a better person. What I learned about myself is that you can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it. My motto has always been ‘anything is possible’ to those who believe.”
When Brown is not training for the Ironman, he enjoys traveling and seeing other parts of the country and relaxing. He describes the opportunity to compete in the Ironman competition as a miracle.
“I just want to give glory to God because without his spirit in my life and the prayers that have gone forth to do this competition I believe I wouldn’t be able to do it without God’s strength, and that’s the bottom line,” Brown said. “I put God first and prayed and asked him to give me the strength and he’s been with me throughout the whole journey. It’s kind of a miracle all of this took place. I mean, I would’ve never dreamt I would have done this. Lifes a journey and you never know where God’s going to take you. I give him all the credit for this, I really do.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia
Ron Brown crosses the finish line at the Ironman competition in Hawai’i.
Photo courtesy of Ron Brown
News iN Brief
Soroptimists accepting nominations for awards
Nominations are being accepted for four Soroptimist International awards. Honoring Young women for Volunteer Action honors women 14-18 for exemplary volunteer action. Application is due by Dec. 15.
The SI Delta Legacy Award honors high school girls who participate in a public speaking forum for women’s issues, giving a 3- to 5-minute presentation to judges. For senior high students in the Liberty Union School District. Application is due by March 1, 2025.
The Delta Dreamers Award increases access to education for women and girls who are facing obstacles. For girls 17 years and older. It must be used for tuition, application fees, books, computers and other supplies. Application is due by Dec. 15.
The Live Your Deam Award is a unique education award for women who are the financial breadwinners for their families. They prove a financial need and are in an undergraduate degree program. Application is due by Nov. 15.
For details and application information, visit siofthedelta.com.
Knightsen Elementary School presents Disney’s Newsies Jr.: A musical for all ages
Knightsen Elementary School students present Disney’s Newsies Jr., a musical adaptation of the hit Broadway show on Friday, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. in the school auditorium.
“It is such an honor to work with amazing, talented young people,” said Melissa Cakebread, Drama Lead for Knightsen Elementary School. “I love the job of Drama Lead at Knightsen Elementary. For over 20 years, I have watched students grow as actors and watched their passion for theater take root. This year, the cast of Newsies Jr. worked their magic on me, as others have before them. Since the first day of class, their excitement and passion has only grown and encouraged all of us to produce a great show.”
Set in turn-of-the-20th century New York City, Newsies Jr. tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who rallies a ragtag team of young workers to strike against unfair conditions. This junior adaptation brings to life all the joy, determination, and camaraderie that have made Newsies a family favorite, while also creating a unique opportunity for Knightsen’s students to showcase their talents.
“I truly love the theater program at Knightsen Elementary. I have been in it since I was in 2nd grade,” said Issac Diaz, who plays the role of Jack Kelly. “I have been in five different plays, and this program has allowed me to fall in love with theater. I love being in the Knightsen plays because I feel that I can be myself with peers who have common interests and because we have a small group of teachers, students, and parents that work hard for the best for all of us. As this is my last play at Knightsen, I am sad to leave this really great program, but I am really excited to be Jack on stage.”
Tickets for the Friday, Nov. 15 dinner performance are $15 for students
and $25 for adults. Dinner begins at 5 p.m., followed by the performance. The ticket price includes both dinner and admission to the show.
Tickets can be purchased at the door with cash or check, making it easy for friends, family, and residents to support Knightsen Elementary School.
Digital4Good is launching its #ICANHELP Every day Initiative
Digital4Good is launching its #ICANHELP Every day Initiative, a monthlong social media challenge that celebrates Digital4Good’s Gratitude and Giving Month.
This initiative honors National Block It Out Day, a nationwide effort to promote mental wellness by encouraging youth to take control of their daily digital habits and how they use social media. Through daily acts of kindness and gratitude, participants wil reshape their web presence and foster positive digital habits, according to a press release.
This day is about reclaiming your digital world, and making it a space that supports your growth, mental health and overall well-being, according to the statement.
Here are the highlights of the effort:
• Compliment threads: Encourage students to start a social media thread with compliments to spread positivity.
• Text challenges: Send kind messages to three friends and encourage them to pass it on.
• Kindness shout-outs: Use social media to celebrate teachers, staff
or peers with the hashtag #Good Apple.
Service members get free access to state parks on Veterans Day
To show appreciation for the service of U.S. military members, California State Parks is offering free admission to 144 select state parks, including Mount Diablo State Park, on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.
“California State Parks deeply values the sacrifices made by members of our nation’s military and their families,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Offering free admission to our beautiful state parks is a small but meaningful way we say ‘thank you’ for their invaluable service. We hope our parks will serve as great spaces to find peace, reflection and connection for our nation’s heroes and their families.”
Signed by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2013, Assembly Bill 150 authorized California State Parks to offer veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the National Guard of any state a reduced fee or free day use at participating state parks.
A full list of the participating park units is at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2024. To enter these parks for free, a valid military ID or a California driver’s license identifying you as a veteran must be shown to park staff. The VA.gov app when accompanied by any valid government photo ID will also be accepted.
Brentwood Turkey Trot a fundraiser for local schools
5K run/walk on Thanksgiving morning
By Connor Robles Correspondent
This Thanksgiving will mark the 11th annual Brentwood Turkey Trot, a fundraiser run that has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Brentwood schools’ physical education and sports departments.
The Turkey Trot 5K (3.1 miles) will begin at the Streets of Brentwood, next to the AMC Theater, at 8 a.m. on Nov. 28, according to Jane Rodriguez, unofficial race finance chairwoman and mother of race co-chairman Phil Rodriguez. Sponsors for the run, including Vitality Bowls, Ruth and Doug Eaton, and four local dental and orthodontic practices, will provide free food and drinks at the starting line.
“The sponsors come and bring things like doughnuts, granola bars, water, and Rotary gives out their infamous pancakes,” Jane Rodriguez said. “We’ve got a DJ who
plays music; it’s very festive, we’ve got a big blow-up turkey!”
Race registration prices from Nov. 1 to Nov. 27 are $15 for ages 4 to 9, $25 for ages 10 to 18, and $40 for ages 19 and up. On race day, these prices will increase to $25, $30, and $50, respectively.
Participants can checkin and pick up their race bibs and t-shirt at packet pick up, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 3-7 p.m. at Pio neer Elementary School at 2010 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood.
A virtual run also is offered for those runners and walkers who are unable to attend the race, but still want to participate in it.
For the virtual run, you can run whenever and wherever you want starting on Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 1. All participants will receive a 2024 race T-shirt and medal, according to the race website.
shirt, bib, and medal at packet pick-up. Race officials are not able to ship out race swag, according to the website.
The run will likely attract a few thousand runners and walkers, based on its history. In 2023, the Trot attracted 2,265 attendees, said Jane Rodriguez, who hopes that this year will bring in 2,400. She also hopes that the total funds raised by every Turkey Trot, currently $482,000, will pass the halfmillion mark in 2024.
“Last year was our biggest run ever, that raised the most money ever; we raised $80,000, split in half between the Brentwood Union School District,” she said.
“The high schools used the funds to improve their long jump pits and purchase exercise bikes,” he said.
Since the first Turkey Trot, which had 565 participants and raised $7,000, the Thanksgiving fundraiser has grown into “the largest race of its kind east of Mt. Diablo,” according to Phil Rodriguez.
“It surpasses any other race I know of out here year after year. We’ve got a lot of momentum and a lot of interest,” he said with pride.
Dana Eaton, Brentwood Union School District superintendent and co-creator of the Turkey Trot alongside Phil Rodriguez, also was excited about the run.
Virtual racers will need to pick up their
The proceeds from the run are given to Brentwood schools to purchase new equipment for physical education and sports. Elementary schools typically buy equipment suitable for small children. Edna Hill Middle School bought basketballs and track and field equipment, Phil Rodriguez said.
“The Turkey Trot has become a wonderful Brentwood family tradition over the past 11 years. Brentwood and Liberty students benefit greatly from the money that goes directly to sports and physical education programs,” Eaton said. “My only complaint about the Turkey Trot is that my finish times keep getting slower.”
For details, visit https://www brentwoodturkeytrot org. Run registration can be found at https://runsignup com/Race/CA/ Brentwood/BrentwoodTurkeyTrot
Perfect Star’s turkey dinner giveaway a success
Perfect Star Heating and Air, Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship of Concord, and Grocery Outlet teamed up to give away 250 turkey dinners to Brentwood residents last weekend.
Families lined up at the Brentwood Grocery Outlet from 10 a.m. to noon to receive the dinners.
Each family received one free turkey and a bag of side dishes, with the sponsors supporting residents in the Brentwood area who may not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner, according to a press release.
Voted “Most Community-Minded Company” and “Best Heating & Air Company” by The Press readers for the past two years, Perfect Star Heating and Air continued its mission of giving back. “At Perfect Star,
from the day we started, we’ve always felt that it was the right thing to give back to the community where we live and work,” Perfect Star owner Chris Donzelli said.
“Every year. Every month. Every day. That’s the way we live our lives.”
While Perfect Star and Praise Chapel provided the 250 turkeys, the Brentwood Grocery Outlet contribute 250 bags of traditional Thanksgiving side dishes.
“As long-time Brentwood residents, my wife and I were thrilled to become the owners of Brentwood Grocery Outlet — not only because Brentwood is our home, but because it allows us to help our local community,” said Greg Pitts, owner of Brentwood Grocery Outlet. “Perfect Star shares these values, so partnering for this event was a no-brainer. We’re happy to provide the sides to go along with the turkeys that Perfect Star is donating.”
Photo courtesy of Perfect Star
ESTATE PLANNING STRATEGIES
By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law
Would you like to help your family and friends avoid making critical estate planning errors? Of course you would. The following provides examples of common errors:
No. 1: Purchasing one size fits all (e.g., canned) estate planning documents online or through a trust mill. These “estate planning” documents are of little or no value as they often do not address the structure and provisions necessary to create an effective estate plan. Using canned estate plans has the same effect as swerving into what I refer to as “The Diamond Lane to Disaster” ( i.e., Probate).
No. 2: Failing to name current beneficiary designations for life insurance, annuities and retirement plans or not designating alternate beneficiaries. If the named beneficiaries die before you do, and no alternate beneficiaries have been named, your estate could face a probate proceeding.
No. 3: Failing to regularly review your estate planning documents and seek sound legal advice. I assisted a gentleman who wanted to know how he could ensure that his son received
his condo when he (the father) died. He told me that he and his wife had set up a Married Trust, which passed everything to him when she died. She died over 13 years ago. Unfortunately, he was mistaken. I reviewed their Married Trust and determined that it required the surviving spouse to set up an irrevocable trust funded with one-half of their estate assets when either of them died. He did not review their Trust or consult with his attorney after his wife died. Consequently, he had limited expensive options (a court proceeding) to resolve the issue that could have been avoided had he reviewed his Trust and/or sought advice from his attorney.
Estate planning errors can be prevented. Please contact me to schedule an appointment to discuss effective estate planning strategies for your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this advertisement is provided for general information only. Todd W. Moeller is licensed to practice law in the State of California only, and any information contained in this advertisement is based on general principles of California law. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.
– Advertisement
Wine on the Bay wineries celebrate 20 years
Some 22 years ago, three women with St. Anne Women’s Fellowship sat on the deck of a home in Discovery Bay enjoying wine and the sun and came up with the idea of having a benefit that showcased local wineries, homes and artisans. On Oct. 19, they celebrated their 20th anniversary. Three wineries – Bloomfield Vineyards, Hannah Nicole Vineyards, and Viano Vineyard & Winery have been to all 20 of these events. Other wineries have followed from Sonoma, Lodi, Livermore. The event features local artisans – Arkwright Arts has been there since the beginning. Sue Arkwright says it gets better year after year. Many new guests enjoyed the silent auction doing some early Christmas shopping. The live auction featured balloon rides, 65 pounds of beef and a week in Hawaii. First-time guests are saying this was the classiest event in the area. The opportunity to meet and chat with the wineries provided the best part of the event along with the appetizers. Artisans with their hand-made items provided a great shopping experience for Christmas and other special moments where unusual and unique gifts are needed. The environment allowed for a leisurely experience to chat, walk around, eat, and listen to music just as if you were in an autumn garden. We are grateful for all of the businesses that support this event. We help make life better for those served by Pillars of Hope, Shepherd’s Gate, St. Vincent de Paul, Delta Christian Community Food Pantry, American Red Cross, and those students who need scholarships.
Photo courtesy of Peggy Valley
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
Saturday, November 9
Holiday Faire at Cogir Senior Living
The free faire will take place at Cogir Senior Living, 150 Cortona Way in Brentwood. There will be crafts, jewelry, home decor, Christmas gifts and more from 9 a.m-2 p.m. For more information, visit https://cogirusa.com/ communities/cogir-of-brentwood/ Holiday Pop-Up Book Sale at Friends of the Brentwood Library
Find bargains on a variety of books from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. The sale will feature holiday books and puzzles, holiday classics, fiction, children’s books, and many of today’s bestsellers. For more information, visit https:// www.friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary.org/
St. Anthony’s Columbiette’s 15th Annual Holiday Boutique
The annual Holiday Boutique will be at St. Anthony’s Church, 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This free gathering will have local vendors, small businesses, entrepreneurs, food and raffles. For more information, email Columbiette10414@gmail.com.
Tasting Room Music with Randy Sykes
This is a free, family-friendly event outdoors on the lawn at Campos Family Vineyards, 3501 Byer Road, in Byron. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on. No EZ-up umbrellas and no pets. The event will be moved indoors if it rains or there are extreme temperatures. Fat Jack’s BBQ will be available for purchase. The tasting room is open from noon-5 p.m. and there will be music from 12:30-4:30 p.m. No outside alcohol is permitted.
Pasta Feed Fundraiser for Heritage Track and Field and Cross Country
The Heritage High School track and field and cross country teams host a pasta dinner at the Antioch Community Center Ballroom, 4703 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 10 and younger. A transaction fee of $2 will be applied to each ticket. There will be a photo booth, a DJ and a silent auction. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.successfund.com/ HHSpasta. Donations are always welcome. Friendsgiving Fundraiser Dinner
Enjoy a Friendsgiving Fundraiser Dinner supporting Seminarians and other Catholic Daughters of the Americas charities at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Parish Hall, 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Tickets are $45 per person. A discount is available for purchasing a full table of 8 tickets. The adult-only event will be catered by The Holy Smoker. There will be a DJ, dancing, raffle prizes and a silent auction. For more
information, email IHMCDA2714@gmail.com. To register and purchase tickets, visit https://forms. gle/KsUvfYQYu1wL2UV68.
Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10
Willow Park Mercantile
Anniveversary Celebration
Willow Park Mercantile, 205 G Street in Antioch, will celebrate their nine-year anniversary from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. as they kick off their Winter Wonderland. There will be drawings throughout the day, refreshments, and the first 50 customers will receive a gift. Guests can take a Christmas photo or selfie in an antique one-horse open sleigh. For more information, visit http://www.willowparkmercantile.com.
Saturday, November 9 and Saturday, November 16
Oakley Rotary Club Christmas Gift Basket Registration
The Rotary Club of Oakley will continue a long-held holiday tradition with the 2024 annual Christmas Basket Program. Christmas baskets and toys will be provided for families in need in Oakley and Bethel Island. The baskets include everything one might need for a holiday meal, such as turkey, trimmings, and vegetables. Children are provided with ageappropriate gifts, as well. To qualify to receive a basket, families must register and provide proof of residency in Oakley or Bethel Island. Families can register by visiting www.rotaryclubofoakley.com or in person. Registration dates are Nov. 9 and 16 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Les Schwab Tire, 89 Carol Lane in Oakley.
Sunday, November 10
Brentwood Veterans Day Celebration Parade
Brentwood will host its inaugural Veterans Parade at 9:30 a.m. Those who are a part of a veteran organization, a veteran-owned business, or simply want to show support for local veterans can participate in the parade. Those who are not a veteran/active duty military member, veteran organization or veteran owned business may only participate in the “flag walk” portion of the parade. Participants can bring their own American/military flag and walk/ scoot/bike at the end of the parade. Viewers can expect to set up on First Street between Birch Street and Maple Street in downtown Brentwood. At the start of the parade at Birch Street there will be a special take-home surprise for attendees. Admission is free. For more information visit https://www.brentwoodca.gov/ government/parks-recreation/special-eventsand-programs/veteran-programs-events/ veterans-parade-registration.
Suppertime Follies
Presented by Deer Valley Academy of Performing Arts, it will be an evening of music,
Register for the on Saturday November 9th and the 16th from 10am-1pm at Les Schwab Tire Center, 89 Carol Ln.
food, and good company in the dinner show, where guests will enjoy renditions of the Great American Songbook. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the event will be from 5-8 p.m. at Deer Valley High School South Gym, 4700 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. Dinner will be catered by Olive Garden. Tickets are $30 per person. Proceeds will benefit choral department activities, materials, guest artists, trips and events. For more information, visit https:// gofan.co/event/1721095?schoolId=CA22900. Monday, November 11
Brentwood Veterans Day Ceremony
The Brentwood Veterans Services Organizations is holding their annual Veterans Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road. There will be guest speakers (Master Sgt. Rebecca Pash, Persephone Gee, Denny Baker, Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant and police Chief Tim Herbert), a tribute to veterans, a rifle salute, and taps. It is sponsored by the local Veterans Service Organizations and the City of Brentwood. For more information on this free event, visit https://www.facebook. com/groups/1504007233250596.
Oakley Veterans Day Ceremony
The City of Oakley will have a free Veterans Day ceremony from 11 a.m.-noon in Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://www.OakleyInfo.com
Tuesday, November 12
American Legion Auxiliary Free Breakfast
American Legion Auxiliary will host a free breakfast for veterans at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First Street, in downtown Brentwood from 8-10 a.m. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, coffee and tea will be served. Veterans are invited to enjoy breakfast as a “Thank You” for their service. Veterans may feel free to bring a friend, or two, and hang around for some special giveaways. For any questions, contact Dolores Long, Auxiliary president, at 925-584-6712.
Starry Nites Art Party
To kick off the holiday season, ACTS Senior Assistance is hosting a fundraiser, Starry Nites Art Party. It will be $55 per person at Starry Nites Studio, 2545 Sand Creek Road #136 in Brentwood, from 7-9 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://starrynitestudios.com/event/ acts-senior-assistance-fundraiser-266630/
On the Horizon
Friday, November 15
A Place of Learning Annual Fundraiser Dinner Black and White Gala
The fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. at Lone Tree Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in
BUSINESS ON THE BAY AFTER HOURS BUSINESS MIXER BOTB Resumes in 2025
No After-Hours Mixer in November HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
COMING EVENTS
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa Saturday, December 7th 9:00am - 1:00pm Tess’ Community Farm Kitchen 8091 Balfour Rd
Kris Kringle Mingle
December After-Hours Business Mixer
Thursday, December 12th 5:30-7:30pm
Not Too Shabby 1502 Discovery Bay Blvd
Bring a new toy for the toy drive!
SAVE THE DATE! DISCOVERY BAY STATE OF THE TOWN GALA Talk Derby to Me! Saturday, January 25th, 2025
MUST Register for all events at: www.discoverybaychamber.org (925)240-4114 1355 Riverlake Rd Discovery Bay, CA 94505
Antioch. Attendees should wear formal attire. There will be an Italian buffet, raffles, a silent auction, a photo booth, a DJ and a no-host full bar. Tickets are $75 per person, and can be purchased on Eventbrite or Venmo @ APOLFUND. For more information, visit www. aplaceoflearning.org
Dr. David Hill’s Comedy Hypnotist Dinner Show
The St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus, 2800 Camino Diablo, Byron, hosts a hypnotist show and dinner fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. Attendees will enjoy dinner and a dessert auction. After dinner, the hypnotist performance by Dr. Dave Hill will begin. Proceeds will support St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus charitable activities. Tickets for dinner and the show are $50 each, or $400 for a table of 8. No tickets will be sold at the door, and only 200 tickets will be sold. For questions, call WGK Joe Riggs at 925-980-4712, or Mike Stoiber at 925-759-4669.
St. Anne Knights of Columbus Fall Event
Please bring a photo ID and a current utility bill to verify residency in Oakley or Bethel Island.
One meal will be provided per residence. *Duplicate or invalid registrations will be voided* Registration will close at 1PM on November 16th or when we reach our maximum capacity of families. Christmas baskets will be distributed on Dec. 15th at O’Hara Park Middle School.
Comedy Hypnotist Dinner Show
Friday, Nov. 15 • 6PM - 10PM Marinated Tri-Tip Huli Huli Chicken • Salad Roasted Potatoes Vegetable Medley • Garlic Bread $50 Per Person • $400 Table of 8 Dessert
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Isaac Montanez school dedication creates reunion
Editor:
What a wonderful and exciting evening when the school community, the Brentwood community, former students from 52 years ago and later, and many family and friends coming together to dedicate the new Isaac Montanez Elementary School.
My most sincere ‘thank you’ with a heart full of gratitude to the school staff, leadership students, parents club and the Brentwood Union School District Board and staff for organizing an amazing ceremony on Sept. 25.
The special performance by the Ballet Folklorico Jaracue directed by Sandra Ortiz was so beautiful.
I am truly humbled by the whole experience.
A big ‘thank you’ to the cafeteria staff for preparing delightful refreshments. Also to Shelly Person for the beautiful art piece to be displayed at the school.
It is my hope and prayer that this new school will always be a safe, secure learning environment for all students;
Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.
Letters to the editor
that our children will look forward to coming to school every day.
Thank you, Brentwood, for honoring me in so many ways.
Isaac Montanez Brentwood
Teacher appreciative of The Press teaching students about journalism
Editor:
An appreciation is in order for the members of The Press for hosting four days of field trips for the Gifted and Talented Education students of Brentwood.
Greg Robinson, along with members of his editorial and production team, led fourth- and fifth-graders in discussions and a tour of The Press in an effort to teach the students what it takes to run a newspaper.
The students said they really enjoyed the trip and learned so much about journalism.
They will now take the skills they’ve learned and put them to use while publishing their own school newspapers.
The Brentwood Union School district thanks The Press for the amazing
Carey Bros. gives away Haunted Playhouse
partnership we have created with our GATE program over the years, and we look forward to more visits in the future.
Thank you for going above and beyond to support your community. We appreciate and value the work you do.
Jessica Ranger
BUSD GATE Teacher
Honor veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day
Editor:
Veterans Day, observed each year on Nov. 11, is a time to honor the dedication, bravery, and sacrifices of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally proclaimed as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to mark the end of World War I, this day has evolved into a profound tribute to all veterans who have safeguarded our nation.
For Americans, this day is a moment to express sincere appreciation to the people who have defended our freedoms and way of life. While Nov. 11 is a focal point, we must remember that veterans’ contributions are felt every day in our communities. Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are
dedicated to ensuring that the importance of veterans’ service is recognized yearround, not just on Veterans Day.
In California — home to countless veterans and several major military bases — the legacy of their service is deeply ingrained. Californians have a proud history of supporting veterans, and this day brings us together to uphold that commitment. Veterans Day is not only about commemorating service through parades and memorials; it’s also an opportunity to educate younger generations on the importance of sacrifice, resilience, and duty.
As Veterans Day approaches, we encourage you to take a moment to thank a veteran or consider ways to support veterans in your community. Reach out to your local VFW Post to learn how you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and their families. Let us pledge to honor our veterans by ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and that no veteran is ever left behind.
Deb Johnson, State Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of California
Carey Bros. Remodeling
congratulates Amiyah, the winner of their second annual Haunted Playhouse Giveaway at this year’s Hometown Halloween.
Remodeling joined in the excitement, handing out candy to young trickor-treaters while parents entered for a chance to win the Haunted Playhouse.
“It’s always a joy to connect with our community at events like this, and we’re grateful for the chance to bring smiles to local families,” said Jamie Altman of Carey Bros. Remodeling.
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The Press reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, potential libel and taste, or to not print letters we feel violate our standards of acceptance.
Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.
Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.
Photo courtesy of Carey Bros Remodeling
Norma Lillian Lewis
March 26, 1927-Oct. 28, 2024
Norma Lillian Lewis, 97, of Brentwood, passed away on Oct. 28, 2024 after a short illness.
Norma, a lifelong resident, was born on March 26, 1927 to Mary and Anthonio Ghiozzi.
She attended a one-room school in Marsh Creek. She attended Antioch High School for her freshman year and then transferred to Liberty High School where she earned her high school diploma in 1945. She was known as the “sweater girl.” Her family lived on a ranch on Marsh Creek Road where she had fun riding horses with her brothers. In 1946, Norma met Richard (Dick) Lewis at a dance in Oakley. They were married in Carson City, Nevada. Norma and Dick went on to have three children: Lana Lewis, Lane Means and Richard Lewis (Diana).
She was very active in the parent organization of Byron Elementary School. She was a seamstress making many clothes for her children. She was known for her baking ability. While her husband was a farmer and her children
John Mitchell Pitau
Jan. 29, 1962 - Sept. 13, 2024
were growing up, it was normal for her to bake three times a day. She tended a large flower garden. She hosted many Lewis family reunions. She was proud of the fact that our family had five generations twice in her lifetime.
Norma was predeceased in death by: her husband Richard Lewis, her mother, Mary Ghiggeri and father Anthonio Ghiozzi, brothers Anthony and Gene Ghiozzi and grandchildren Becky and Josh Lewis. She is also survived by two granddaughters: Elizabeth Weston (Steve) and Laura Means (Victor Oregel). She has four great-grandchildren: Janelle Dollarhide (Wes), Alyssa Jones, Nathan Alvarez, Max Oregel, and one great-grandson Luca, on the way whom she wanted to meet. She has three great-great grandchildren: Dominic Dollarhide, Elliana Dollarhide and Braxton Tonegato.
She is also survived by her sister Joanne Bjornstad (Roger) and Andrew Ghiggeri and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Services will be private at the Union Cemetery in Brentwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either East Contra Costa County Historical Society or Sutter Hospice.
Heritage High alum earns Eagle Scout rank
Spencer Peddy, a 2024 Heritage High graduate, earned the rank of Eagle Scout earlier this year. He was a scout in Troop 21, chartered by Veterans Foreign Wars Post 10789. Peddy’s Eagle project involved interviewing veterans for the LOC* Veterans History Project to capture veterans’ memories and experiences for future generations. Peddy started as a Cub Scout, has been a part of the Boy Scouts of America program for 12 years, and is now an adult leader in Troop 21. Peddy had his Court of Honor in July.
John Mitchell Pitau, 62, was born in Antioch on Jan. 29, 1962, to Donald Pitau and Sheilia (Foust) Pitau. He grew up in Byron with his sister Lynette. He graduated from Liberty High School, class of 1980. John loved sports. In high school, he played basketball, baseball, and football. He continued to play basketball throughout most of his life. He also enjoyed watching sports; his alltime favorite was UCLA basketball. He loved animals, rescuing many dogs and cats over the years, including his dog Karlie and cat Stormy. In 2014, John retired from his role as a
maintenance worker for Contra Costa County, a position he held for over 30 years. John will be remembered for his kind heart. He was always the first one to offer help to anyone in need. He loved his family and friends deeply. John is survived by his parents, Don and Sheilia Pitau; his niece, Christina Valenzuela; his great-nephews, Andrew and Miles Valenzuela; his great-niece, Brielle Valenzuela; and his beloved cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA in his honor. Donations are accepted online or via mail at ASPCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, D.C., 20090-6929. John passed away on Sept. 13 in Redwood City.
A celebration of life will be on Nov. 15 at noon at the Oakley Recreation Center, at 1250 O’Hara Ave., Oakley. Please RSVP to Sheilia at 925-408-9828.
Eagle Scout candidate installs Friendship Rock Garden
Eagle Scout candidate and former Marsh Creek Elementary student Adam Boccia of Boy Scout Troop 93 installed a Friendship Rock Garden at the school. Adam designed the project, supervised volunteers, and spent many weekends creating the Rock Garden. The Marsh Creek Elementary School Art Docents helped students and staff paint a unique and special rock to represent themselves as part of the Marsh Creek community. Adam is a senior at Freedom High School and will be entering college next fall. The Marsh Creek Community will enjoy the Rock Garden for many years to come.
Liberty girls flag football wanted –and got – second-straight BVAL title
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
In the inaugural girls flag football game last year at Heritage High School, Heritage defeated Liberty 25-6 at home.
The Lions took it personally.
Liberty went on to win eight of their last nine regularseason games, including clinching the 2023 Bay Valley Athletic League title in a blowout win over the Patriots at Liberty 52-6, their highest scoring output all season. To this day, Liberty still takes that inaugural game loss personally and, again, blew out Heritage 34-7 Monday night to take the 2024 BVAL title at home.
“It feels so good,” Lions senior Kaleigh Cook said. “I remember the first game last season, how we lost pretty badly, then we beat them (in the regular-season finale). So it feels nice beating them again.”
Since that opening-night loss last year, Liberty has been the best team in the BVAL, record wise. The Lions have won 27 of their last 30 games, according to MaxPreps, heading into Wednesday night’s regular-season finale where it all, technically, started: at Heritage. Liberty enters Wednesday night riding a 17-game winning streak, with their last loss coming at San Ramon, 20-6, back on Sept. 4.
“It’s the BVAL,” Liberty head coach Matt Malzahn
said. “That’s what we wanted.”
“Last year, being the first year (of varsity girls flag football), I kind of didn’t know what to expect. (This year) we had an early loss against San Ramon, and we’ve just been on a heater right now and we just keep our foot on the gas pedal.”
“It’s basically revenge season,” Lions senior Shyanne Smith said. “We wanted to get it done (winning a second BVAL title) and we got it done.”
Cook added that last year’s North Coast Section tour-
nament loss against Cal High has motivated this team’s run.
“It made us stronger and (helped) start the season stronger, especially for the girls that were on the team last year,” Cook explained. “It made us just want to fight harder and knowing that there are playoffs this year, one of our end goals is to win the playoffs.”
Entering last Wednesday’s regular-season finale at Heritage, even with their current 17-game win streak, the Lions may be hitting their stride entering the NCS inaugural girls flag football playoffs that start next Tuesday. Liberty has scored 30 or more points in 13 of their last 17 games and have not allowed more than 14 points throughout the streak. A year ago, Liberty scored 20 or more points just four times in the 10-game debut season.
There is a little bit more at stake than just ending the regular season on an 18-game win streak. A win Wednesday night at Heritage could solidify a top seed for the Lions in next week’s NCS playoffs. If the Lions can secure a topfour seed, they will host their playoff opener on Tuesday in Brentwood.
Despite all of what’s possible for the team entering the postseason, Smith is keeping the mission simple: “We just gotta keep going.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia
Liberty’s girls flag football team celebrates after the Lions clinched their second Bay Valley Athletic League title Monday night in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Liberty gears up for high-stakes game with playoffs on the line BRENTWOOD BOWL 2024
By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent
Liberty head coach Mike Cable returns to the sideline this week as the Lions will travel west on Balfour Road on Friday to battle Heritage in the Brentwood Bowl.
Cable said not being on the sideline last week for the Bell Game was “difficult, to say the least.” However, he was pleased his players behind interim head coach Dennis Orgoglio were able to keep the Bell trophy at Liberty for another year.
“(Orgoglio) did a great job,” Cable said. “I knew he would. All season he’s done a tremendous job with preparation and his poise on the sideline. I knew it’d be a good fit.”
Cable also praised Orgoglio and his players, and said he was “proud of them” for being able to put everything that the team has dealt with off the field to the side and be able to focus on the field.
The Lions enter this year’s Brentwood Bowl with the same record as Heritage at
6-3. This year’s Brentwood Bowl is also a high-stakes game for both teams in terms of possible North Coast Section playoff spots. Liberty is ranked ninth in NCS,
A Liberty receiver catches a pass surrounded by defenders during Tuesday’s practice.
which would typically put them as one of the top seeds in Division 2 NCS playoffs. However, North Coast Section commissioner Pat Cruickshank announced on Monday that El Cerrito High would be
banned from this year’s playoffs of using ineligible players, which possibly thrusts Liberty into the eighth seed in Division 1/ Open and a possible first-round matchup against De La Salle.
However, Cable said he and the team are focused solely on the Brentwood Bowl, and he says they will “let the chips fall where they may” after that.
“We’re going into this game as if this is one of the most important games of the season,” Cable said. There’s extra going into this game and we’re aware of it. But again, we know we have a job to do.”
Cable before has said that if the Lions play their game, he feels they can compete with a lot of teams.
“We have to play our defense, our offense and get back to fundamentals,” Cable said. You can never prepare for unknown things, and when those situations arrive, you just trust our players to recognize and be able to make plays in that situation.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Heritage High School.
Heritage looking to reduce mistakes heading into annual rivalry game on high note
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Following a pair of games in which Heritage played some of its sloppiest football at Freedom and Antioch, head coach Dave Fogelstrom is looking for the team to end the regular season on a high note with fewer mistakes.
“The only way to address (the mistakes) is when you see it in practice, to go over it when you watch film and emphasize it every single day, and we’ve been doing that now for nine weeks,” Fogelstrom said. “Sometimes when you get in a game, if you don’t move your feet as a lineman, you end up getting a holding penalty, and sometimes your emotions get carried away and you make a first down signal, and we get a personal foul for 15 yards. These are things that should be controllable and we’ll just continue to address them.”
In last week’s loss at Antioch, Heritage had two big pass plays negated after penalties. Quarterback Austin Peters’ early deep ball to Chiemezie Nomeh that would have put the Patriots at the eight yard line was pulled back 15 yards after Nomeh made a first-down signal after the catch. Heritage settled for a field goal on that drive.
In the second quarter, Peters had an-
Heritage works on their run game during Tuesday’s practice.
other deep ball, this one to JJ Kinnaird, that also would have put Heritage inside Antioch’s 10 yard line called back due to a holding call. Heritage was forced to punt three plays after.
The focus on mistake-free play in Friday’s Brentwood Bowl matchup against
Liberty at 7 p.m. comes as the stakes continue to grow for the Patriots. According to the MaxPreps rankings, Heritage could clinch as high as the second seed in the Division 3 bracket in the upcoming North Coast Section playoffs with a win Friday night, while, at the same time, playing spoiler to Liberty
who is projected to be the eighth-seed in the Open bracket.
Quarterback Austin Peters is expected to make his fourth start in relief of Phillip Babbitt in Friday night’s game. However, Fogelstrom said that Babbitt will be available if need be. He suited up in last week’s loss at Antioch, his first time back in pads since his shoulder injury against Deer Valley in the league opener on Oct. 11.
Babbitt has started to throw in practice, took snaps this week and has continued to show improvement through his recovery. Fogelstrom explained that they’re not rushing him back with the team heading to the playoffs.
”Right now, we’re just kind of taking it day by day,” Fogelstrom said. “Austin will be starting this game, but that doesn’t mean that Babbitt won’t be available. Babbitt is 100 percent available.”
Heritage enters Friday night on a seven-game losing streak against their crosstown rivals, with their last win against the Lions coming on Sept. 30, 2016 when the Patriots defeated Liberty 54-21, according to MaxPreps.
”We’re gonna pull out all the stops,” Fogelstrom said. “We’re gonna do everything we can to win this football game. That’s the goal, that’s the plan.”
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Photo by Juan Cebreiros
Welcome back.
The album that is being reviewed when it was released set the jazz world on its head. This album released/recorded in 1969 by CTI Records marked Quincy Jones’s (also known as “Q”) return to the jazz world.
This album features some of the greatest jazz artists every assembled in a modern-day band.
This album contains the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Stamm, Snooky Young, J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding, Roland Kirk ( Bay Area jazz great), Hubert Laws, Jerome Henderson, Eric Gale, Ray Brown, Toots Thielemans (known as the whistler in the Old
Spice commercial) and singer Valerie Simpson (from R&B duo Ashford and Simpson).
This album was one of the major albums that established the jazz-funk music boom after the release of Les McCann’s album Swiss Movement. This particular album stayed on the main Billboard Album Chart for 27 weeks, a first for a jazz-oriented album. ‘Q’ is one the 20th century marvels having his contributions to jazz as an arranger, composer, for such famous people as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra and the brilliant album with Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald.
‘Q’ is also the driving force and producer behind the megahit Michael Jackson album Thriller (plus several more), which is the biggest-selling pop album of all time. ‘Q’ used this album as his return after being a record executive, and film composer for such famous movies as in Cold Blood, The Pawnbroker, and In The Heat Of The Night.
The first side of this album features two cuts from the hippy musical Hair and leans more to toward cosmic jazz and orchestral psychedelia, having grown up in that era. This
opening track sets you up for take-off and the second cut takes into space. This album is full of jaw-dropping solos.
Bob James’ electric keyboards kick off the album with “ Dead End” before the rest of the band comes in , about halfway through the brass section joins Ray Brown’s heavy bass lines, kicking the rhythm section way up ‘Q’ is definitely thinking of this album as Ray Brown’s bass solo ends the first cut and tran-
sitions into the title track “Walking In Space” before statements from Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Hubbard and others come in.
This album has so many high points it would take about four pages to cover them all. But when you listen to the solo vocal by Valerie Simpson on Walking In Space, it is a masterpiece. The great jazz tune Killer Joe is taken to a new level with the whole band lending solos that that are pure jazz-funk.
But for me the closing song on the album “ Oh Happy Day” written by the Bay Area’s own Rev. Edwin Hawkins is amazing and became a hit on the billboard charts for 19 weeks.
As you read this not only is this a great album, that changed the direction of jazz, but some of the main players are right from our own backyard here in the Bay Area.
So, until next time remember: “Music is liquid architecture; Architecture is frozen music.”-- German poet Joann Wolfgang von Goethe
(Damu Awasei (an African expression)
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Election from page 1
Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe received 29.85% of the vote and 6.84% of the vote went to candidate Rakesh Christian.
Island Charity Cruise raises funds for Bethel Island Children’s Support
Local businesses and residents gathered at the San Joaquin Yacht Club recently for the first Island Charity Cruise. Attendees enjoyed personal watercraft rides, hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, and views of the Delta. The event was a tremendous success, with $9,000 in proceeds benefiting Bethel Island Children’s Support.
Thanks to the San Joaquin Yacht Club, especially the event organizers Nancy and Glenn Hammonds, as well as boat owners, donors, and attendees, it raised funds to help provide more than 300 children with new toys and coats this Christmas.
Additionally, the academic success campaign will continue providing over 250 new backpacks to students, laptops to juniors and seniors, tuition assistance to college applicants and free weekly tutoring for grades 3-12.
A special ‘thank you’ to TowBoatUS for being a Platinum Sponsor.
Additional sponsors were:
Boat owners who gave up their boat and time, who without them the event wouldn’t be possible, The Rusty Porthole, The Bethel Island Chamber of Commerce, Delta Docks and Decks, One Chance Metal Works, Lessler Associates, Marcy and Mike Hawkins.
• In the race for District 2, Louie Rocha received 61.13% of the vote compared to the 38.87% received by Dominique Kind.
Poll Workers from page 1
• In District 3, Don Freitas received 51.57% of the vote, with candidates Addison Peterson and Antwon Ra -
county elections office] because they kept questioning the explanation. I’ve gotten a few comments, and a few direct concerns today.”
Cohen said he often fielded questions from voters about ballots being submitted in a voting box, and how to verify that their votes actually counted.
Jessamyn Hazzard, a staff member of the Contra Costa County Election Day Operations team, said the 2024 election was “unique” because of the overwhelming interest from residents. The county recruited 1,277 seasonal volunteers who were responsible for greeting voters, providing directions on how to cast a ballot, and ensuring that votes were counted. The county assigned 49 poll workers to Brentwood for Election Day.
“A lot of people have been interested in working, and it’s come to the point where it’s so hard to turn them away from the overwhelming response, which usually doesn’t happen,” she said. Her office recruited 402 returning poll workers to staff county polling stations, which is about one-third of the total poll worker staff. Hazzard was optimistic about returning poll workers as
Library from page 1
our community partners have been working hard to raise funds for the project.”
The money raised before Dec. 11 would be used to make the library bigger than the proposed 9,500 square-foot facility that is paid for by the $9.5 million. According to the project’s description on the city website, the fundraising goal for the project is $28 million, which would enable the facility to be almost 28,000 square feet, with over 23,000 square feet dedicated to the library. As of their update by the Friends of the Oakley Library at the Oct.
mon Webster receiving 28.16% and 20.27% of the vote, respectively. Discovery Bay
• Discovery Bay will appoint two candidates to its Board of Directors. Incumbent Carolyn Graham received
evidence of increased community interest and the experience they bring to operating polling places.
Vern Schultz of Brentwood said he had been volunteering for elections for 22 years. “I would like to do whatever I can to make voters’ experience more enjoyable so they have a good experience at the polling place,” he said.
According to Schultz, there was minimal training from the county on how to respond to voters’ questions on election integrity. “I think it’s inherent on the poll
7 City Council meeting, the project exceeds $10 million.
“We really need a new library that’s going to really be what a community that’s already in existence needs and a library for the people that are going to be moving here in the future,” said Lorena Campos, president of the Friends of the Oakley Library. “I really encourage folks in the community to help make the new library and community resource center a reality by either volunteering, donating or helping spread the word.”
More about the project can be found at https://engage.oakleyca.gov/
41.93% of the vote, Lesley Belcher received 38.25% and Leonard D. Woren received 19.38% of the vote
For more information on local elections, including results on state ballot measures, visit https://bit.ly/48Gispa
worker to have the confidence in the system and convey the confidence to voters.” Schultz said he didn’t personally encounter any voter seriously questioning the integrity of the system.
Crystal Avalos of Discovery Bay returned to work for her 19th election since she started volunteering in 2008. Avalos said that while the procedures of checking in voters and registering votes has been standard over the years, the technology has changed.
“The training is the same over the years, but now we have tablets that people sign into instead of signing on a paper,” she said. “Since we switched to dropping votes in a box instead of a scanner, some people did not like that because they don’t think their votes count, even though it gets counted back in Martinez.”
California registered voters or U.S. permanent residents that are interested in serving as a poll worker in Contra Costa County can apply to volunteer at https:// www.cocoteam.us/
Editor’s note: The author of this story was a volunteer poll worker on Election Day who, like other volunteers, received a stipend from the county.
