THE ENGAGED CITIZEN
Costa County Recorders office voter turnout in Contra Costa County primary elections typically ranges between 34% and 48%, significantly lower than the 74% to 84% seen in general elections.
• This is often your only real opportunity to support a candidate who shares your principles — or to replace an incumbent who no longer does.
• It’s especially important if you care about strong character and leadership that reflects your deepest values.
As we head into the Primaries on June 2, 2026, don’t forget that voting early matters! Be sure to register to vote early so you’re all set.
If you miss the deadline, no worries! You can still conditionally register and vote in person from May 19 through Election Day (June 2) at your county elections office, a vote center, or polling place.
• Paper option
If you prefer, grab a paper voter registration form at your local post office, library, DMV, or county elections office.
Pro tip: Once you’re registered, you’ll
automatically receive your ballot by mail. You can then vote early from home and drop it off at a secure ballot box or mail it back with a postmark date prior to elections day — super convenient!
Encourage your friends and family to register too — every voice counts, especially in the primary when your vote has even more impact.
You’ve got this! Take a few minutes now and do your homework so you can vote with confidence and feel good about your choice! Find more information about registration, campaign measures, voting districts and more. www.contracostavote.gov/elections
The Engaged Citizen
& STATE TAX SERVICES: • Individual (1040)Returns (including single member LLCs)
Partnership Returns (including multi-member LLCs)
IRS Representation • Bookkeeping Ser vices Available
Behind in Payments?
Questions About Foreclosure?
Is your house underwater? Are you in pre-foreclosure? Do you have a NOD or notice of default filed? Is the notice that came form the bank an actual notice of default or just a warning? These are some of the many questions that you may have. If you are feeling overwhelmed ask for help. Open those notices ignoring them will not make them go away. Call the help lines that come with your notices, they can help. Call us it’s what we are here for, we can help.
What kind of modification can I expect?
Many more lenders are now offering modifications to homeowners in distress. Usually the bank will offer to lower you payment by temporarily lowering your interest rate and extending the loan period to 40 years. These are often more of a temporary solution as the banks seldom offer principal reductions and therefore you still have little promise of future equity. Depending on your goals
and situation this may be a good option for you.
-What is a “Short Sale”?
A short sale is when the borrower/owner sells a property to a third party during a pre-foreclosure process. It is called a short sale because the owner will sell the property “short” of the balance owed to the lender or the bank.
Can the bank come after my other assets or attach my wages?
California law or SB 458 ensures that once a lender has agreed to accept a short sale payment on a property, all lien holders — those in first position and in junior positions — will consider the outstanding balance as paid in full and the homeowner will not be held responsible for any additional payments on the property. What about income tax and the IRS?
Act now, you may be able to claim special tax relief and exclude the debt forgiven from your income. There is no guarantee that this will be extended. For more info visit: http://www.irs.gov/
What about scams?
Be cautious of scams. Never pay an upfront fee, these are illegal. Do not sign your deed over to anyone or make a payment to anyone other than your mortgage servicer without seeking your servicer’s approval directly.
If you have tried to modify your loan and have been unsuccessful and are thinking of walking away from your house, it’s time to get the facts, we may be able to help you. Even if you have stopped making mortgage payments and have gotten a notice of default, it is not too late. We can give you a comparison on your options to a Foreclosure. Get an action plan.
Loan modification, Short Sale or Strategic Default Which one is right for you?
Call today and speak with an experienced Short Sale agent to discuss and compare your options. Take control of your situation while you are able. Remember to always seek legal and tax advice before making any decisions and if you have any questions or need more information please call, and let me help you make the best real estate decisions.
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.
Ongoing Events
AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMY
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 - BRENTWOOD
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 - DISCOVERY BAY
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.
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.
ANIMAL RESCUE RECON DOG ADOPTIONS
Saturdays, 10am-1pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info 925-392-7654 or animalrescuerecon.com.
BETHEL ISLAND LIONS CLUB
1st and 3rd Wednesday, 7pm, Scout Hall, 3090 Ranch Ln., Bethel Island. Info Dave 925-595-1451.
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
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 Bill Montgomery 925-462-3674.
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
1st Saturday, 11:00am, (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 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.
DELTA QUILTERS GUILD
For information REGARDING meetings & events, go to deltaquilters.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.
GFWC - BRENTWOOD WOMENS CLUB
3rd Wednesday, 11:30am,Contact Sedar for more Info 925-550-4486.
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, 12-1:30pm, Antioch Pet Food Express, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch (excludes the 3rd Sat).
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 ( Summer Schedule 6/18-8/27) Wednesday, 10:30-11:30am, will be changing meeting location during summer, Veterans Park, Balfour Rd., Brentwood. Widow/widower Grief Support Group. Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 or Connie Conover 925-392-8037
POLKA DOT POWERHOUSE ( BW Chapter)
2nd Tuesday, 11:30am-1:30pm or 5:30pm-7:30pm Zephyr’s Bar & Grill, 613 1st St., Brentwood. A worldwide community of positive, purpose-driven women in every stage of life who are committed to connection, collaboration, and celebration. Info Gloria Guzman 415-760-8202.
