Summer Fun & Kids Camps_05.05.2023

Keeping kids busy this summer

& Kids Camps & Kids Camps

New gym for special-needs kids

A Taste of Italy comes to Lodi

County wants you to bike more For

Bike to Wherever month, officials

vow

to make roads safer for cyclists

With the rainy season subsiding and the warmer days ahead, Contra Costa County Public Works encourages county residents to get active in support of Bike to Wherever Days 2023 all this month.

Sponsored by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the county wants to create and maintain streets for riders that are safe, comfortable, and convenient, according to a press release.

The county wants to make all of its roads safer for cyclists to get them out of

their motor vehicles, consistent with its recently adopted active transportation plan. The plan is a roadmap to enhance active transportation safety for unincorporated areas in the county by providing a comprehensive assessment of active transportation needs and opportunities.

The plan outlines investments in infrastructure such as new bicycle facilities, upgraded bicycle facilities, upgraded crossings, enhanced trail connections, and improved walkways.

To learn more about the county’s active transportation plan and explore its interactive web map visit: www.contracosta. ca.gov/ActiveTransportation. For more about Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days visit: www.bayareabiketowork.com

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

How to keep your kids busy this summer

Summer is right around the corner, and to go with breaks from school, clear skies, backyard barbecues, and seasonally warmer weather comes with a wide variety of summertime activities for students and children of all ages for East County residents. Here is a list of select activities in the coming months available for Oakley, Brentwood, and Antioch residents.

Oakley

Oakley will be hosting several weeks of Summer Fun Camp at the Oakley Recreation Center at 1250 O’Hara Ave. Children ages 6-11 will be treated to fun, games, crafts, and more, and are encouraged to bring a bag lunch, a snack, water, a towel, sunscreen, and clothes in which they can get wet. Additionally, a Youth Core camp will also be held simultaneously with the Summer Fun Camp as middle and high school students will participate in a variety of community services such as litter

clean-up, weed pulling, and painting over graffiti during the morning and traditional camp activities such as sports, games, water activities, and arts and crafts during the afternoon. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to earn trips on the last day of the week based on attendance and behavior. Due to limited space, residents are encouraged to register as quickly as possible, as the deadline to register

is the Friday before each week of camp. According to Oakley Recreation Manager Lindsey Bruno, it is likely that all of the available sessions will be filled before camp starts in June.

“Earlier this year, our City Council approved the use of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding to provide one free week of summer camp for Oakley youth, as well as one free class session so

parents have some great opportunities to get their kids engaged and having fun this summer,” said Bruno. “We will have approximately 90 children each week at camp for around 450 all summer.”

Oakley’s summer camp runs from Monday, June 19 to Friday, July 21. All camps will be from 9 a.m. -4 p.m. on Monday through Friday, with the exception of the week of Monday June 26 (Monday through Thursday), and Monday July 3 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday). Oakley residents qualify for one free week of camp for their children as residents must submit proof of residency. Residents interested may register at the Oakley Recreation Center and must submit proof of residency. A utility bill may be used to verify residency if a driver’s license doesn’t show an Oakley address. Oakley residents get one free week of camp for their children, however, if parents would like their child to attend more than one week of camp, it is $75 for Oakley residents, and $85 for non-Oakley residents.

Brentwood

For children ages 4 to 6 and from grades 1-6, children are encouraged to bring a lunch, snack water, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a towel for a plethora of activities designed to develop social

see Kids page 8B

SEAN TONGSON

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Take a stroll down Literary Lane

Annual Brentwood event scheduled for May 7

The second annual Brentwood Literary Stroll will take place on Sunday, May 7 from 1-4 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. Presented by Friends of the Brentwood Library, 10 authors will be located in 10 businesses/restaurants. Tickets are $5 and are on sale at https://bit.ly/3nofMth. The list of participating authors includes:

Rosie Bank – She is a health coach who has published four books about creating a healthier life in spite of your family history.

Michael Barrington – His experiences traveling the world as a missionary priest and then member of Rotary International have enriched his variety of books.

T.L. Bequette – He is a criminal defense attorney who has written two Joe Turner Mysteries, and the first one received numerous awards.

Mark Clifford – His experiences in

the Marine infantry and over 25 years as a police officer have enriched his writing as a journalist and fiction author, and he helps survivors of trauma through his podcast.

Jim Hamilton – He is a writer of non-fiction, a memoir, and relationship self-help who strives to help people enhance their lives by improving the way they connect with others.

Carol Jensen – She has taught classes and written several books on the history of Eastern Contra Costa County.

Josephine Mele – Her sense of humor, travel experience, and love of food make her fiction and non-fiction an enjoyable read.

Dana Mentink – She is a national and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 40 mystery and romance novels.

Dorothy J. Wilson – Her autobiography, Look! I Can Fly, is inspiring as she tells of overcoming the difficulties of growing up in the segregated South to lead a successful life.

Stephanie Moore – Gallup-certified strengths coach Stephanie Moore brings her proven method for finding,and living, a path of true joy and fulfillment in The

Gifted Journey: Five Transformative Steps to Uncovering Your Unique Path.

The $5 registration fee goes to support programs at the Brentwood Library, said event chairperson Kim Giuliano, adding that they are able to keep the cost low because of a grant from the City of Brentwood that helps cover its expenses.

The goals of the event, she said, “are to promote reading, promote the Brentwood Library and to promote our amazing businesses downtown. “It was very successful last year and we are very excited to bring it back this year.”

Giuliano said she and her event committee have a system for picking which authors participate. “We do research on Bay Area authors and then reach out to invite them to participate. Our intent is to feature a variety of different genres; both fiction and non-fiction, including mysteries, memoirs, novels, historical fiction, self-help and science fiction books.”

authors this year “represent a variety of genres and some of them are best-selling and award-winning authors. There’s something for all types of readers.”

For more information, contact Giuliano at cakgiuliano@gmail.com.

Lodi to become Little Italy for a day

Festa Italiana returns on June 11

The spirit of Italy at Festa Italiana returns to Lodi on Sunday, June 11 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds where the community comes together with the finest food, activities and entertainment of Italian culture.

Renowned Italian Tenor Pasquale Esposito will once again be the headliner on the Morada Produce Main Stage.

Nino, d’Italiano, local opera singer Bianca Orsi, and the Trucco Band! The Balliamo! Italian Dancers will headline in the Pavilion.

Local entertainment will welcome festival attendees on the Benevenuti Stage, including Stockton Garage Combo, Opera Singer Kerri Scott, Louis Lodi, and the Nicolini Brothers on accordions.

The Bambini Zone will delight the children with Sparkles and Ravioli the clowns, Rhymosaurs, and the Bambini

Dancers who will also teach Italian dance lessons. The Funambulus Italian Stilt Walkers will stroll through the venue.

Festa also offers Italian food from local chefs, a Mercato Marketplace, cooking demonstrations, Italian art and history, bocce ball, salami toss, the automobile show, wine tasting, olive oil and local product tastings. The “Boss of the Sauce” contest is back, and the Pavilion will have an Italian history display.

Festa Italiana! is a family-friendly event for all ages. Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 in advance online. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult.

For more information, visit www. festa-italiana.com

Preserving the past while keeping it fresh

County fair on May 18-21 in Antioch

This year’s Contra Costa County Fair vows to preserve its tradition of popular attraction while also making room for fresh faces to keep modern fair-goers happy, according to fair officials.

The fair’s theme this year is ‘Once Upon A Fair’ at the county fairgrounds at 1201 West 10th St., Antioch.

The fair runs Thursday, May 18 through Sunday, May 21. Gates open at noon each day.

“The theme for the 2023 fair was submitted by a 4H leader, and staff liked it, so we ran with it”, said Fair Executive Director Joe Brengle in an email.

He also said the 2023 fair has some new entertainment including Sea Lion Splash, “which will provide an entertaining and educational experience about both California and South American Sea Lions,” Brengle said.

There’s also Sarah Nap, a worldfamous cheese carver, and Eric Hanes, a one-man band.

The favorite part of the fair for fairgoers, he said, are the carnival rides and the food, adding that his favorite part “is all the people, and the smiles on their faces.”

The biggest improvement this year, like every year, he said, is that the fair “gives members of the community the opportunity to showcase their talents, be it a photograph, or a quilt, or their prize turkey or their dancing and singing talents. The County Fair is a showcase of the community.”

He said nothing from last year needed to be improved, “but we strive each year to provide new and different entertainment and educational opportunities for the fairgoers.”

Brengle said fair officials expect 35,000 and 40,000 fairgoers this year, “but we would be happy if we were even with last year’s attendance of just over 39,000.”

He said attendance at county fairs statewide “tends to go through waves of ups and downs, with various factors. But since the pandemic, fairs have seen an increase in attendance, as the general public wants to get out and do things, and they want to stay local.”

Brengle said that at most fairs stateand nationwide, most aspects stay the same. “There are certain elements of the fair that are traditional,” he said, “and remain somewhat the same each year. But in other areas, we are constantly changing to keep up with the demands of the fairgoing public.”

The Fairgrounds celebrates all that is best in Contra Costa County while preserving the agricultural heritage of the community, according to the fair website. Its mission statement is “to promote agriculture education and to provide and support a safe community gathering place.”

Its vision statement says the fair “is vital to its communities by building upon the past to provide for the future.”

Ticket prices are as follows: Adults (advance) $9; Carnival wristband ($30); child (age 6-12, advance) $6; seniors (62 and older) $6.

For more information, call 925-7574000 or visit contracostafair.com.

A camp for each sport

JEFF WEISINGER

Summer sports camps help your kids either improve their game or introduce them to one. Here are a few.

Skyhawks Summer Camp Olympics kicks off on June 26-30 for all kids seven to 11 years old. The camp combines various sports like baseball, basketball, capture the flag, dodgeball, flag football, kickball, soccer, track and field, ultimate Frisbee, and more to teach boys and girls teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership and strategy. It’s perfect for younger, beginner athletes up to the intermediate ones who may play in other leagues during the school year. The cost is $220 for the week with the camp taking place at Balfour-Guthrie Park at 1701 Balfour Road from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday. For more information, visit https://www.skyhawks.com.

Strike 3 Baseball Academy is for those looking to improve their game on the baseball diamond. The “Smash into Summer” camp is for players aged 6-12. Led by former Minor League pitcher Frank Potestio, the camp works on all aspects of the game – conditioning, pitching, fielding, and hitting – and is designed to build solid fundamentals, a good work ethic, and self-confidence. The camp costs $250 for each of the four four-day-long

sessions. It will start on June 12-15, followed by sessions on June 26-29, July 10-13, and July 17-20. All sessions will be at Oak Meadow Park, Field #1 at 180 Crawford Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit http://www.strike3pitchingzone.com

Kidz Love Soccer offers youth soccer classes that are open to both boys and girls of all abilities from as young as 2 years old up to age 10, and they’ll start their summer camp sessions on June 17 and June 20, running through July 29 and Aug. 8, respectively. The camp is designed to encourage a better “SELF – Sportsmanship, Esteem, Learning, and Fun.” For more information on registration, visit https://www.kidzlovesoccer.com

The Excel Sports League will call Heritage High School in Brentwood home for a few of its summer youth basketball leagues July 8 through Aug. 26. Girls ages 6-14 can take part in the Junior. WNBA League summer program, while the league also offers co-ed leagues for all levels for ages 4-12. Boys 13-17 have two divisions: the Ballers and varsity divisions that also run during that same time. Each league costs $210, which goes towards a six- to seven-week season with scheduled playoffs, an hour of scheduled practice per week with one game per week excluding playoffs. There are also championship trophies and medals for the winning team from each division.

Those interested should vistt https:// excelsportsleague.com/youth-basketball/ for more information or to register.

MAY 18-21, 2023

interaction, and encourage personal growth while creating a fun and safe environment in the city of Brentwood at the Community Center at 35 Oak St. downtown. The cost is $212 for residents and $232 for non-residents for 1st through 6th graders, and $190 for residents and $250 for non-residents for children ages 4 to 6. Programs are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.- 3 .p.m for 1st through 6th graders and 8:30-11:30 a.m. for the age 4 to 6 minicamp. The programs include:

♦ Week 1 – “It’s A Pirate’s Life For Me”

♦ Week 2 – “Spirit Week”

♦ Week 3 – “Retro: Battle of the Decades”

♦ Week 4 – “Party In The USA”

♦ Week 5 – “Detective Challenge”

♦ Week 6 – “Lost In Space”

♦ Week 7– “Campers Got Talent”

Programs for children ages 7 to 13 include moviemaking courses such as Live Action, Lego, Animation, Claymation, and combination courses featuring Live Action paired with Claymation and Lego paired with Animation. For children ages 13 to 16, a recreation leader in training class is being offered that allows teens to learn basic service skills, planning and implementing activities and job interview preparation in a recreational setting with the Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, week-long sports camps for children ages 6 to 11 include:

♦ Basketball ($220 for residents, $247 for non-residents)

♦ Flag Football ($176 for residents, $198 for non-residents)

♦ Mini-Hawk (A multi-sport camp featuring baseball, basketball, soccer, and track and field. $220 for residents, $247 for non-residents)

♦ Summer Camp Olympics (Featuring baseball, basketball, capture the flag, dodgeball, flag football, kickball, soccer, track and field, and ultimate frisbee. $220 for

residents, $247 for non-residents)

♦ Baseball ($220 for residents, $247 for non-residents)

♦ Soccer ($220 for residents, $247 for non-residents)

♦ Volleyball ($220 for residents, $247 for non-residents)

♦ A variety of tennis camps featuring levels for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. ($110 for residents, $114 for non-residents, with the exception of the red ball tennis camp for beginner to intermediate students, which is $60 for residents and $62 for non-residents.)

Antioch

Coyote Hills Camps will be hosting a variety of full-day summer camps for children ages 5 to 12 at the Antioch Community Center at 4703 Lone Tree Way, and will feature a variety of activities including swimming, games, crafts, projects, and field trips to allow children to build friendships and memories. The programs include:

♦ “Going Green”: children will learn about flying and crawling insects, planting plants, and hiking. The program also features an in-person presentation from the SaveNature.org team. ($168 for residents, $180 for non-residents)

♦ “Medieval Madness”: encouraging creativity and imagination and also featuring fashion, art, and activities influenced from Medieval times. This course will also feature a presentation from magician Robert Vogel featuring humor and magic tricks. ($210 for residents, $222 for non-residents)

♦ “Roaring Waters”: features a trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom ($168 for residents, $180 for non-residents)

♦ “Junior Chef”: teaches campers to learn how to cook and bake, while also practicing kitchen safety. This program also features a trip to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. ($210 for residents, $222 for non-residents)

♦ “Out Of This World”: focuses on space and galaxy exploration. This program also features a trip to the Oakland Zoo. ($210 for residents, $222 for non-residents)

♦ “Welcome To Hollywood”: a talent showcase featuring activities and crafts based on Hollywood themes. The

see Kids page 9B

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

program will also feature a visit from the Ultimate Game Truck where campers can play video games on one of the trucks’ six 3D screens with six video game consoles and featuring 50 of today’s most popular video games. ($210 for residents, $222 for non-residents)

♦ “Wipe Out”: dedicated to obstacle courses, team challenges, races, and other surprises. This program will also feature a visit to the Rock n’ Jump indoor trampoline park in Brentwood. ($210 for residents, $222 for non-residents).

For ages 6-10, Antioch Youth Sports Camp also offers to teach young athletes the importance of teamwork, health, and wellness through a variety of sports including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Campers are recommended to bring a bag lunch, two snacks, bottled water, and comfortable athletic shoes, as well as a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel for swim days, with life jackets required and provided for all campers. The following programs for the Antioch Youth Sports Camp include:

♦ “Ultimate Wipeout”: a competitive course featuring obstacle courses, water activities, and teamwork. This will feature a special course teaching campers about various species of insects. ($168 for residents, $180 for non-residents)

♦ “Mount Olympus”: an Olympicinspired program featuring track and field activities including shot-put, 100-meter dash, and long jump. This course will also feature a presentation from magician Robert Vogel featuring humor and magic tricks. ($210 for residents, $222 for nonresidents)

♦ “Nothin’ But Nets”: dedicated to sports with nets including basketball, soccer, field hockey, and volleyball. Campers will learn drills, rules, and skills of each sport while also engaging in small-sided games and scrimmages. This course will also feature a trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. ($168 for residents, $180 for nonresidents)

♦ “Branching Out”: explores the outdoors and hiking. Activities include hiking on nearby trails and visiting local parks while participating in camping-theme games such as cornhole, hacky sack races,

and capture the flag. This course will also feature a trip to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. ($210 for residents, $222 for nonresidents)

♦ “Running Wild”: a group themed after wild animals where groups will create a pack name, symbol, and chant while competing against each other in a variety of sports. This course will also feature a trip to the Oakland Zoo. ($210 for residents, $222 for non-residents)

♦ “Minute To Win It”: dedicated to game shows American Ninja Warrior, The Floor is Lava, Global Guts, and Jeopardy featuring trivia and physical challenges. This will also feature a visit from the Ultimate Game Truck. ($210 for residents, $222 for non-residents)

♦ “The Final Countdown”: features relay races and replays many activities from all throughout the summer to send campers off on a high note “through the finish line” of the summer. This will also feature a visit to the Rock n’ Jump indoor trampoline park. ($210 for residents, $222 for nonresidents)

♦ “First Serve Tennis Camp”: For players at the beginner to intermediate level for kids ages 7-18, this program will focus on the fundamentals and movements of tennis in a fun and positive manner. Students are required to provide their own racquet; tennis balls are provided. ($130 for residents, $142 for non-residents)

♦ “River Camp For Kids”: A camp teaching kids ages 10-17 how to kayak, standup paddle, and fish while also including games, lessons about water safety and the Delta ecosystem. Fishing gear will be provided, but snacks, water, and waterappropriate clothes are encouraged. This program may also include a hike to the Dow Wetlands. ($295 for residents, $307 for non-residents)

For more information, including schedules and registration information on the summer events for the respective cities, visit: Brentwood: https://www.brentwoodca.gov/Home/Components/News/ News/171/550

Antioch: https://www.antiochca.gov/ recreation/activity-registration/ Oakley: https://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/ recreation/

Further information on GrowFit, visit: https://www.GrowFit.camp

A kids gym where nobody has to say they’re sorry

JEFF WEISINGER

Erika Buxton knows the phrase “I’m sorry” all too well, especially as the mother of a son who is neurodivergent.

“I remember from when my son was little, I would take him someplace, he would have a meltdown, and I would be apologizing,” she said. “Apologizing all over myself, because nobody understood what was going on.”

Buxton is the new franchisee owner of the incoming “We Rock the Spectrum” gym on 2755 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, a gym designed specifically for neurodivergent kids.

“It’s designed purposefully not to be overwhelming,” Buxton said. “We’ve addressed the acoustics in the building and we’re changing out the light fixtures that are LED so you don’t get that buzzy sound that you get from fluorescent lights, which drives a lot of neurodivergent kids crazy.”

“We Rock the Spectrum” gyms include a zip line, zip box with a slide, a crash pit, climbing structures, a tunnel, a trampoline, a few swings, swivel rotators, and a rope bridge. It offers open play daily for parents to bring their kids to use the playground, along with a respite and breaktime service and one-to-one attendance care designed to provide a break for families who have children with special needs and the indoor playground can be used for special events and birthday parties.

“When (her son) was little, there was really no place to take him because everything overstimulated him,” Buxton said. “There were too many kids, it was

too loud. It wasn’t a safe environment for him. I want to give the community what I wish I had when he was little: equipment specifically designed to help kids regulate themselves emotionally.”

The franchise was founded in 2009 by Dina Kimmel, whose son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She installed occupational therapy equipment in her home that her son used daily, which helped him with his sensory processing disorder. From this, she opened the first actual “We Rock the Spectrum” gym a year later in Tarzana, in 2010. The franchise now has 30 locations across nine states in the last five years. The Antioch location is also the first in Northern California, with the rest of the California gyms located around Los Angeles, according to their website.

The franchise comes with a saying: “finally a place where you never have to say ‘I’m sorry.’” Buxton takes refuge in that statement considering her past experience and aims to project that when she plans to open her location in Antioch next month.

“Parents just don’t need to be embarrassed if their kid is having a sensory need,” she said. “There’s a calm place where they can go and help themselves and the parents can help them calm down.

“It’s just a place where families can come and have a joyful experience and the kids can learn, thrive, and grow.”

The gym provides more than just a place for neurodivergent kids to play. It will also provide programs for both the parents, kids, and even both to help everyone in dealing with their specific diagnosis and learning more about it. Buxton

plans to create parent support groups and have educational speakers come in to share their experiences to help families who are new to dealing with a child who is neurodivergent.

“When I had my son, I didn’t even know what I didn’t know,” Buxton said. “There’s so much information out there now, but sometimes it can be hard to find exactly what’s going to work for your child.”

“The more comfortable the parents feel, the better they’re going to be able to parent their children.”

Buxton has not confirmed any pricing for the venue.

For more information, visit http:// www.werockthespectrumantioch. com or on all social media platforms at “WRTSAntioch.”

Photos courtesy of We Rock the Spectrum

When it opens, the We Rock the Spectrum kids gym will feature plenty of opportunities for neurodivergent kids to play without all of the overstimulation of a regular kids gym.

For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

This Week’s Events

Friday, May 5

City of Oakley Concerts in the Park

The city of Oakley is featuring concerts in the park in May in partnership with their Friday Night Bites event from 5-9 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main St. The band featured is The Real Thang Band. For more information about the concert, contact Alicia at (925) 625-7044 or email: oleary@ ci.oakley.ca.us.

Saturday, May 6

Oakley Senior Center Car Show

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting their annual car show at 215 Second St. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event showcases antique and collector’s cars, trucks and motorcycles. Ribbons and awards will be given for Best of Show. For more information and to register, call 925-626-7223.

Sunday, May 7

Brentwood Literary Stroll

The Friends of the Brentwood Library is hosting a literary stroll from 1-4 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. The event features several authors from different restaurants and businesses throughout downtown. Check-in tables will be at the corner of First and Chestnut streets and on the corner of Second and Oak streets. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased at https://bit. ly/3MPH9GR.

Tuesday, May 9

4th Annual East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and the city of Brentwood are hosting their annual East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair at the Brentwood Community Center at 35 Oak St. The free event starts at 4 p.m. and will feature raffles, giveaways, free food and a wine tasting. For more information, call (925) 634-3344 or go to https://bit.ly/40CIJz4.

Wednesday, May 10

Senior Health and Wellness Expo

Cogir of Brentwood at 150 Cortona Way and the Laura Nelson Real Estate Team is hosting a health and wellness expo for seniors from 10 a.m.-noon. The expo will include informational resources from Suncrest Hospice, which will provide blood pressure checks, Med Solutions, who will provide walker and wheelchair checks, the Brentwood Police Department, Bass Medical, The Contra Costa Hearing Aid Center, The Key Hom Care, Kaleidoscope, Family Matters and Accent care Home Health. The event will feature giveaways and snacks. For more information, contact Edrienne Baebler at ebaebler@cogirusa.com or (619) 339-3474.

Thursday, May 11

2nd Annual Whiskey Walk

The Rotary Club of Brentwood is hosting their annual Whiskey Walk at De Luna Ranch at 7540 Balfour Road from 6-8 p.m. The event will feature a variety of whiskey tastings, including some from local distilleries, along with music, food, and raffle and door prizes. All proceeds from this event will go to support scholarships in local schools. Tickets are $70 and include five tastings. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/40CJHvc.

Friday, May 12 Mamapalooza

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition and the Tracy Nelson Team are hosting the Mother’s Day- inspired event Mamapalooza in downtown Brentwood from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature live music, photo opportunities, giveaways and raffles, and will have 17 participating stops. Tickets are $10. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://bit.ly/3GPp1cl

On the Horizon

Saturday, May 13

Rotary Club of Oakley

Foundation Gala 2023

The Rotary Club of Oakley is hosting their fourth annual gala at La Grande Estates at 1799 Carpenter Road from 5:30-10 p.m. The theme for this year’s gala is “An Evening Under the Stars.” The event will feature entertainment by DJ Brandon, raffles –silent and live – and dessert auction, along with a door prize. Tickets are $65 that includes dinner and dancing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/3KrKsmc

Denim & Diamonds:

2nd Annual Ladies Luncheon

Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church is hosting their annual ladies luncheon to benefit The Gabriel Project at St. Anthony Parish’s Padua Hall at 971 O’Hara Ave. from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will include a raffle, games and a contest for the best themed attire. The cost is $20 per person. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Patty Loosli at (925) 348-6064 or Pattyfuloosli59@ comcast.com

Rivertown Wine Walk & Artisan Faire

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation is hosting a wine walk and artisan faire on G Street in downtown Antioch from noon-4 p.m. The event will feature live music from Project 4 Band, over 40 vendors and wine samples from 12 local wineries. Wine Walk tickets are $20 and $25 at the event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3NtqYj2.

Dillon Rundall Memorial Run

Dillon’s Dreams is hosting the inaugural memorial one-mile run at Antioch Community Park at 801 James Donlon Blvd. at 9 a.m. Proceeds go to help families affected by childhood cancer. Registration is $20. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3LJZtQV.

Saturday, May 20

Los Vaqueros Reservoir

25th Anniversary Open House

The Contra Costa Water District is hosting a free open house for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir’s 25th anniversary from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Los Vaqueros Interpretive Center at 19 Walnut Blvd. The event will feature information on how Los Vaqueros operates, a shuttle trip to the top of the Los Vaqueros Dam, a nature hike, an augmented reality sandbox along with other family-friendly activities. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit http://bit.ly/3JYSp0E

Annual Kustoms and Klassics Car Show

The Discovery Bay Community Foundation is hosting their annual Kustoms and Klassics car show at the Marina Bar & Grill at 5879 Marina Road from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Special guest will be Erik Estrada, best known from the TV series CHIPs. Car show entry is $35. For more information and to register for the event, visit http://bit.ly/3zNcClt

Monday, May 22

Rotary Club of Brentwood Golf Tournament

The Rotary Club of Brentwood is hosting a golf tournament, sponsored by Shea Homes, at Discovery Bay Country Club at 1475 Clubhouse Drive. Registration and driving range practice begins at 9 a.m., with a putting contest at 9:30 a.m. The tournament will have a shotgun start at 11 a.m. The tournament will also feature awards for Closest to the Pin, Cash Hole in One, Wheel of Fortune Hole in One, A hole in one opportunity to win a car, Beat the Pro and Most Accurate Drive. The event will also have lunch and provided, raffle prizes, cocktails and dinner. Entree fees for individual golfers is $175, and registration ends May 5. For more information call (925) 642-4925 or email

rob@billbrandtford.com. To enter fill out the entry form found at https://bit.ly/3oZuqrv and send the entry form to Rotary Club of Brentwood, PO BOX 325 Brentwood, CA 94513.

Friday, May 26

Shavout: Ice Cream Party & Dairy Buffet

The Chabad of the Delta is hosting a community Shavout event at 1062 Somersby Way. The free event starts at 5 p.m. and will feature a reading of the Ten Commandments, a special program and prizes for children and a dairy buffet. For more information and to RSVP visit https://bit.ly/3nn4jdC.

Ongoing Events

Brentwood Community Chorus Rehearsals

The Brentwood Community Chorus meets on Tuesdays from 7- 9 p.m. at Brentwood Community United Methodist Church on 809 Second St. It is open to all ages and abilities as they prepare for their spring season concert on June 4 at 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3HuqYvi

East County Lions Club Meetings

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

Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit:https:// discoverybaylions.com/who-we-are/meetings/ Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/byron_delta/

East County 4-H Club Meetings

Oakley: The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, email Amanda at oakley@contracosta.org. The Delta-Diablo 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Thursday at 6:30 p.m at 3840 Brown Road in Oakley. For more information contact Megan and Tiffany at deltadiablo@ contracosta4h.org Brentwood: The Brentwood 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m at the Knightsen Farm Center located on 3020 2nd Street. For more information, contact Angela at brentwood@ contracosta4h.org Knightsen: The Knightsen 4-H Club has monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m at Knightsen Elementary School located at 1923 Delta Road. 4-H members are girls and boys ages 5–19 years old.

Delta Informal Gardeners

Monthly Meetings

Delta Informal Gardeners encourages local residents to join them at their local meeting at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

East County Veteran Meetings

Brentwood: The American Legion Post 202 monthly meeting (on the second Wednesday of the month) is held at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. in Brentwood. The meeting is open to all U.S. Armed Services veterans. The organization encourages all veterans in East County to come and see what is available to them. For more information, visit https://www. aml202.org Oakley: The Veterans of Oakley

monthly meeting (on the first Wednesday of each month) is held at 5:30 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center on 215 2nd Street. For more information call 925-783-0818 or visit http:// bit.ly/3mugBjv

Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution

The Oakley Senior Center at 215 2nd St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags.

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https:// www.brentwoodrotary94513.com Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://rotaryclubofoakley.com Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit http://www.antiochrotaryclub.com/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https://www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org/.

Applications accepted for Administrative Careers Training

The nonprofit Opportunity Junction is accepting applications for its administrative careers training program. Classes are taught via Zoom. The intensive training is 12 weeks, followed by up to four months of paid internship. Participants will learn life and business skills, and can earn their Microsoft Office Skills certificate. For more information, visit https://www.opportunityjunction.org/program-application

ACA Women’s Group

The ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) Women’s Group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. For more information, contact Cici at 530-306-7034.

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

A widow and widower grief support group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Sandy Heinisch at 925-513-3412.

Free ESL Classes

The nonprofit organization Opportunity Junction hosts free online English as a Second Language courses online through Zoom on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m. The classes are intended to help attendees learn to speak, write and read in English or improve their English. For more information, call 925-776-1133. To apply, visit https://sforce.co/3KdEfac.

Coffee with Carolyn

Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported by The Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection of Byron. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The location is at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden behind the Byron United Methodist Church (14671 Byron Highway in Byron). For more information, contact Carolyn George at 925-577-3325.

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

Al-Anon meetings, which offer a supportive place for friends and families of alcoholics, are held every Friday from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Brentwood United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There is no need to register. For details, call Trisha at 510-910-1389.