Tuesdays-Thursdays, 1:30-6:30pm, Village Community Resource Center, 633 Village Drive, Brentwood or Byron Community Library Club, 3926 Main St., Byron. Literacy and homework support for K-5th Grade. Info 925-626-7892 or jose@vcrcbrentwoodca.org.
AL-ANON MEETING
Friday, 8pm, Brentwood United Methodist Church, 809 2nd Street, Brentwood. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Trisha 510 910-1389
AL-ANON MEETING
Monday, 12:15pm, Delta Community Presbyterian Church, 1900 Willow Lake Rd., Discovery Bay. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Charlie (925) 858-5382.
AL-ANON MEETING
Wednesday, 12:00pm, Contra Costa Fellowship Hall, 8385 Brentwood Blvd. ST B., Brentwood. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Trudy (626) 576-8146.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
1st Tuesday, 5pm, Legion Hall, Basement, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info Dolly 925-890-7357.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 202 MEETING
2nd Wednesday, 6:30pm, Veterans Hall, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info AML202.org or 925-516-2141.
ANCIENT SCRIPTURES AND LANGUAGES OF THE BIBLE Wednesdays, 7-9pm, Brentwood. Info 209-642-0278.
ANIMAL RESCUE RECON DOG ADOPTIONS
Saturdays, 10am-1pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info 925-392-7654 or animalrescuerecon.com.
BRENTWOOD ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Thursday, 7-8:30pm, Brentwood. Please call 800.272.3900 to register for the meeting.
BRENTWOOD LIONS CLUB
1st Wednesday, 6:30pm, BW Community Center., 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Call for more info 925-587-3783. www.lcobw.com
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF HELP GROUP
2nd Wednesday, 1pm. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Info Julie 925-437-5681.
BYRON DELTA LIONS CLUB
1st Friday, 10am, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2800 Camino Diablo Rd., Byron. Info Kathy 925-980-6696.
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Tuesdays, 1-3pm, 3505 Lone Tree Way., Suite 3, Antioch.
DASH ADOPTIONS
Fridays, 5-8pm at Petsmart, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. 1st & 3rd Sunday, 12-3pm, Petco, 5481 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood. Info 925-219-0151 or deltaanimalssafehaven.org.
DELTA SHADOW BOXERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
1st Wednesday, 2-5pm. Merrill Gardens., 2600 Balfour Rd., Brentwood. Info Sue 925-550-2756
DISCOVERY BAY CORVETTE CLUB
1st Thursday, 7:30pm. Discovery Bay Yacht Club, Bilge Room Info Tim Denham 408-210-3814.
DISCOVERY BAY LIONS CLUB
1st Tuesday, 6:30pm, Discovery Bay Yacht Club. Info Rita Caruso 925-640-5746, www.discoverybaylions.com.
DISCOVERY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB FREE TRAINING
First Saturday of the month, 11am, (weather permitting) Discovery Bay Community Center 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd, Discovery Bay.
DELTA GROUP SIERRA CLUB
2nd Friday, 5pm, Oakley Tavern, 3685 Main St., Oakley. Covers Antioch, Pittsburgh, Bay Point, Oakley, Brentwood, Bethel Island, Discovery Bay, and unincorporated areas of ECCC. Info Joeandlu@comcast.net.
DELTA QUILTERS GUILD
For information about meetings/events, go to deltaquilters.org.
DELTA WOMEN’S SOCIAL CLUB
2nd Thursday, 11:30am. Info Gloria 925-513-8731.
DIG - DELTA INFORMAL GARDNERS
4th Monday, 7:30pm, Brentwood Methodist Church, 809 Second St., Brentwood. Info Bob 925-642-0080 or deltainformalgardners.org.
DOFBWOW (Daughter’s of Faith Becoming Women of Wisdom) 2nd & 4th Thursday, 6:45pm, via Zoom. Contact True Free Love Ministry via email truefreeloveministries@gmail.com.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, 5pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary Library, 500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood. Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 or Linda Quilici 925-308-7799.
HELPING ONE WOMAN
3rd Tuesday’s, 6-8pm, Brentwood Community Center 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Email: howdiscoverybay@gmail.com
HALO ADOPTIONS
Saturdays & Sundays, 12-3pm (cats), Petsmart , 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Saturdays and 4th Sunday (dogs), 12-3pm, Petco, 5481 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood. Saturdays and Sundays (cats), 2nd Sunday (dogs) 12-3pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.
HOSPICE OF THE EAST BAY
Informational Session and Training. Info 925-887-5678 or volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
HOW OVER-EATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING
Thursdays, 10-11am, Brentwood Professional Plaza, Fellowship Hall, 8385 Brentwood Blvd., Suite B, Brentwood. AA Big Book Discussion. Info Peggy 925-200-2281
MINISTRY OF CARING
Thursdays, 5-6:15pm, IHM Church Library, 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. Monthly potluck and happy hour (emphasis on fellowship). Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 or Linda Quilici 925-428-2364 or Connie Conover 925-392-8037
Ongoing Events - Cont’
MOMS IN PRAYER
Moms in Prayer is an international organization that equips women to pray for kids and schools at weekly prayer meetings. Find a local group: Crystal - momsinprayer58@gmail.com or momsinprayer.org.
MOBILE HOME OWNERS ADVOCACY GROUP
1st Saturday, 1-2:30pm, Oakley. Teach mobile home owners their legal rights and how to defend themselves. Mobile home owners in Oakley, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron, Brentwood, Antioch and Pittsburg welcome. Info/register 925-625-6251.
OAKLEY SENIORS INDOOR FAIR & FLEA MARKET
1st Saturday, 9-3pm, Oakley Senior Center, 215 2nd Street, Oakley. Arts & Crafts, New & used items, collectibles and antiques. Vendors Contact OSC President Allan Perry 925-626-7223.
PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Tuesday, 5:30-7pm, Tony LaRussa’s Pet Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Info 925-887-5678 or hospiceeastbay.org.
P.E.O. CHAPTER XQ OF BRENTWOOD
3rd Thursday, 6:45pm, Women’s philanthropy group supporting women’s education. More info contact President Cassidy Nelson at cassidynelson713@gmail.com.
POLKA DOT POWERHOUSE
2nd Tuesday, 6:45pm, Changing The World By Connecting The Dots. More info contact Gloria Guzman 415-760-8202.
SEAMS TO HELP
1st Sat & Tues, Volunteers use sewing and other skills to create needed items for our community and beyond. Volunteering information www.seamstohelp.org.
SUTTER DELTA FREE DIABETES CLASS Wednesdays, 2-4pm & 4-6pm. Info 925-779-3605.
TYPE 1 DIABETIC PUMP GROUP
2nd Thursday, 4-5:30pm, Kaiser Sand Creek Hospital, Rooms 1A & 1B, Antioch. Info Cheryl 925-516-7725.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
After School Academy to work with students on their reading/ literacy and homework. Our students are K-5th grade. Two locations in Brentwood and in Byron. Info Village Community Resource Center 925-626-7892 or vcrcbrentwoodca.org.
VFW AUXILLARY POST 10789
2nd Tuesday, 8:00pm. 757 1st Street, Brentwood. For more info contact Bill Weber Commander 925 584-1452.
WI CHA KA COUNCIL
1st and 3rd Thursday, 7:30pm, Red Men Pocahontas Hall, 1403 Main St., Oakley. Info 925-759-2998.
Business Meetings
AKTION CLUB OF EAST CONTRA COSTA
2nd Tuesday, 5:30-7pm, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 1185 2nd Street, Station M, Brentwood. Adults with Special Needs sponsored by Kiwanis Int’l. Info 925-890-2563.
BETHEL ISLAND LIONS CLUB
1st and 3rd Wednesday, 7pm, Scout Hall, 3090 Ranch Ln., Bethel Island. Info Dave 925-595-1451.
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER MIXER
3rd Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm. Info 925-634-3344.
BRENTWOOD ROTARY CLUB
Mondays, 12-1:30pm, Wedgewood Banquet Center, 100 Summerset Dr., Brentwood. Info 888-556-0083.
BNI REFERRAL FACTORY
Thursdays, 11:30am-1pm, Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Info Liz 925-206-9314 or liz.litaea@lhfs.com.
BNI - GIVING TO GAIN
Tuesdays, 7am, Via Zoom. Info Maria 925-323-6313.
BUSINESS ON THE BAY
2nd Thursday, 3:00pm. Discovery Bay. Info Elizabeth 925-351-4444.
CREATIVE COMMUNICATORS TOASTMASTERS MEETING Tuesdays, 7:10-8:15pm, Kaiser Hospital, 4501 Sand Creek Rd., Conference Room IC, Antioch. Info Joe Amaro 510 812-2282 or ccclub.toastmastersclub.org.
DELTA NETWORKING PARTNERS
Tuesdays, 8:30-9:45am, Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, 234 Oak Street, Brentwood, Gabriela Manciulea, 408 750 7436 or email dnp.brentwood@gmail.com.
DELTA TOASTMASTERS MEETING
Tuesdays, 7:10-8:10am, MiMi’s Café, 5705 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info Greg Hullen, President 707-373-6890.
DISCOVERY BAY CHAMBER MIXER
4th Tuesday, 5:30pm. Info Cindy 925-513-4175.
DISCOVERY BAY LIONS CLUB
1st Tuesday, 6:30pm. Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5781 Marina Blvd., Discovery Bay. Info 925-240-3486.
KIWANIS CLUB OF BRENTWOOD
Thursdays, 12:30pm, Jalisco’s, 8335 Brentwood Blvd. #B, Brentwood. Info brentwoodkiwanis.portalbuzz.com.
POLKA DOT POWERHOUSE
2nd Tuesday, 11:30am, Zephyr Bar & Grill, 613 1st St., Brentwood. Info Gloria Guzman guzmang2020@gmail.com.
SONS IN RETIREMENT-DISCOVERY BAY BRANCH
2nd Tuesday, 11:30am, Discovery Bay Country Club, Discovery Bay. Info Luis Figueroa 949-400-4715.
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE DELTA 1st Tuesday, 6pm, Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Conf Room B Brentwood. Info Sue Pretzer 760-583-3058.
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF ANTIOCH
1st & 3rd Wednesday, 6pm, Lone Tree Golf & Event Center,, 4800 Golf Course Rd. Antioch. Info Mary Ann Redden 925-586-3161
The 2024 Bay Area Housing Market
Summed Up
The 2024 Bay Area housing market summed up in a word was uncertainty. Home prices did overall grow moderately. Homes typically stayed on the market a bit longer.
While we still saw multiple offers on desirable homes, the homes that were as a rule upgraded and staged, the bidding wars of past years were few and far between. Throughout the year we saw more houses coming on the market, keeping inventory stronger than previous years. Overall Buyers however did not appear to be in a hurry to make a purchase, a byproduct of more and generally steady inventory. More inventory translates to more options and decreasing urgency for Buyer to make a purchase. Buyer also were on the fence waiting for interest rates to come down, no one wants to pay full price if it goes on sale tomorrow.
Overall in the Bay Area, home prices remained historically high and while inventory was up compared to previous years it remained tight overall. This I believe was driven by strength of our local economy and to some degree fed by Silicon Valley investors and Buyers. The California economy in the top ten as compared to other countries combined with our mostly stable weather is of course a factor as well. The Bay Area’s job market continued to be strong despite some layoffs and new home construction was significantly less than in past years. These facts combined with other factors helped protect home values in general.
The ambiguity over the future was a driving factor to slower sales. The uncertainty over rates and the future of the economy kept the market stable. We definitely saw a cool down leading the election as the uncertainty of the outcome caused Buyers to wait it out. Existing homeowners were affected by the uncertainty as well and chose to stay in their current homes longer to see if rates would drop even further. If mortgage rates drop it could motivate more owners to sell their existing homes so they could make a move they may have been putting off., This would help add much needed inventory to the market and while it may not be enough to tip the scales it definitely would keep things
moving along.
With the election over, life marches on. There is still hope that mortgage interests rates will fall. Note that home interest rates and not always linked to the prime rate. Often when the prime rate drops mortgage interest will increase as we saw recently. Traditionally the market slows during December and January, however we are currently experiencing a renewed sense of activity. Although the focus on interest rates is still a primary concern, Buyer confidence seems to be strong.
I personally feel reasonably optimistic about 2025. I think we will see a focus on productive issues and a strengthening of the Economy and the Country as a whole.
Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling, this more stable market means buyers can take their time finding the right home, while sellers can still rely on California and the SF bay Area’s strong appeal to attract Buyers. There as always many factors that drive the real estate market but I believe 2025 will be a good and prosperous year.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker. Call/text 925-899-5536 • pmccarran@yahoo.com • CallPatrick.com Independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE#0193160.
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