The Press 01.06.2023

These stories piqued your interest

at the time of the crash. https://bit.ly/3GoInFE February

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

2022 has left the building. Are you happy or sad or just relieved that you survived? The Press is here to remind you of all the stories you either read or missed. Our list of of Top Stories includes what drew the most views on thepress.net over the past year: January

• 1 dead in Brentwood shooting: An unidentified 43-yearold Turlock man was fatally shot and his family member was taken into custody on suspicion of the shooting during a family disturbance at the Brentwood Park Apartments on Sycamore Avenue in Brentwood on Jan. 9. https://bit.ly/3Icq3ks

• 5 injured in Vasco Road crash: Five people were injured in a six-vehicle crash on Vasco Road in Byron that closed the roadway for about two hours on Jan. 28. https://bit. ly/3WLLGfg

• Car crashes into Brentwood

Ace Hardware: A vehicle drove into Ace Hardware at 8900 Brentwood Blvd. on Jan. 29. No injuries were reported to either the vehicle’s driver or anyone in the store

• Investigation expands: Search warrant served on Antioch home Feb. 1 in connection to missing Oakley woman. https://bit. ly/3I7z667

• Missing woman: The Oakley Police Department released a statement on Feb. 16 regarding the disappearance of 24-year-old resident Alexis Gabe in late January. https://bit.ly/3Ca94vj

• Steeled by fire: Brentwood resident slices through the competition during Forged in Fire on History channel https://bit.ly/3VzoVdz March

• Byron crash: Four hospitalized in Byron Highway crash on March 18. https:// bit.ly/3vIrf7L

A musical tribute to beloved educator

Oakley welcomes two to City Council

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

OAKLEY Two familiar faces joined the Oakley City Council in December: Hugh Henderson and Shannon Shaw.

Shaw and Henderson were serving on the city’s Planning Commission when they won their November election races. In recent separate interviews with The Press, they outlined their priorities for the coming year with both emphasizing public safety and economic development.

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

REGIONAL Nuhad Levasseur spent more than 30 years raising voices in song. Even after their lessons, her students never forgot her. In her time of need, facing a fight with cancer, her students decided to gather their voices again to say “thank you.”

They did more than mail a card. It was a prayer inside a video song.

She opened her first Antioch voice studio, In The Light Voice Studio, in 1992. She opened her second studio in Brentwood in 2007.

Levasseur has had a lasting impact on those around her and remains in contact

with many of her former students and East County residents despite moving to Georgia in 2018. So much so that when she announced her cancer diagnosis on her Insta-

Shannon Shaw Shaw, 44, works as a property manager at Presidio Village Senior Housing in Pittsburg. She was born in Pasadena, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the California Coast University in Santa Ana and joined the Planning Commission in October 2021. She is married to Jason (a police sergeant in Clayton) and has three adult children: Harley 26, Cole 24, and Ashlynn 22; and two granddaughters: Payson 7 and Ellie 4. She moved to Oakley in 2009.

Shaw said in her video interview that her experience on the commission was “a little scary” at first as it was her first as a public official. “But it prepared me well.”

gram page on Dec. 8, current and former students banded together to record a rendi-

Parents

Harvest Park Bowl to the Brentwood Union School District office on Feb. 18.

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Many of Nuhad Levasseur’s current and former students came together and honored her with a cover of “O Holy Night.”

Photo courtesy of Justin Llamas

IORF holds 16th annual Christmas

and toy giveaway

From Staff Reports

of Brentwood.

The foundation held its 16th annual children’s pajamas, toy and grocery gift card giveaway at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brentwood the week before Christmas, led by organizers former Councilwoman Claudette Station and her husband Johnny, who worked with Toys for Tots by the U.S. Marines to help the families this time around.

The families signed up for the giveaway through three organizations: Sisters of Immaculate Heart, Delta Community Services and Village Community Resource Center of Brentwood.

“It was heartfelt to see people, especially the children with smiles on their faces and so grateful to receive the gifts,” Johnny said. “We want to thank the Fremont Bank branch in Brentwood, specifically branch manager Deborah Willis and Community Outreach Manager Julie

Left: Claudette and Johnny Station were joined by volunteers for the 2022 toy giveaway. Right: Gloria Pantoja organizes extra toys given to children who arrive in the cars with their families.

Moore who supported us throughout the years, as well as McNally Insurance Company, as they are our major donors.”

Claudette added: “We also want to thank all those who donated toys and pajamas, Toys for Tots, Got Kicks and Tammy Young of the Streets of Brentwood, the volunteers, JoAnn Klement, Surah and Shaddin Abukishk, Dawn Bass, mother Gloria and daughter Gloria Pan-

toja, Claudia Rodriguez, Allen Payton, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Carol Ilch-Rojo.”

The Statons also thanked donors from the 2021 giveaway, who included Dub 4 Kids and volunteers Jilda Fairhurst, Roy and Elma Richards, Villa Millan Serrano, for helping on distribution day, as well as all the past volunteers, including Glen Combs, over the years.

Finally, they thanked their legal counsel, Hon. Elihu Harris, former mayor of Oakland, and Dr. Sheila Wells.

Johnny said, “I also want to thank my wife, Claudette, for being such a caring person. We do it all for the praise and glory of God.”

For more information and to donate to IORF, visit International Orphan Relief Foundation at www. iorf.org.

Left photo courtesy of IORF. Right photo by Allen D. Payton.

pajama,grocery

Better Business Bureau offers tips on preparation, recovery

After a series of storms like East County residents are facing now, many homeowners have to deal with flood damage. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, just one inch of water in a house can cost more than $25,000 in damage. The Better Business Bureau urges homeowners to take care when choosing businesses and contractors to help with the clean-up work.

What to do when your house is flooded

This is how navigate the recovery and restoration process:

Check your insurance policy – Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. In some high-risk flood areas, home and business owners may be required by law to carry flood insurance.

Repairing the damage – Don’t make any permanent changes to your property until you get approval from your insurance provider. They may not fully reimburse you for repairs made without their permission. Take photos of the storm damage to show your insurance company.

Get multiple estimates – Shop around and get at least three different estimates before deciding on a contractor. Make sure the estimates are broken down the same way. Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics and businesses of questionable repute — research company profiles at BBB. org to find reputable contractors. You can find more helpful tips on choosing a reliable contractor here.

Ask for proof of liability, workers compensation, and licensing – Verify that the contractor has the correct license to do work in California. This protects you in case

something happens while working on your property.

Get everything in writing – Ask for a written contract from anyone you hire. Clearly written, detailed proposals that are broken down into separate line items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an accurate estimate.

Beware of scams

Watch out for scammers who are seeking to take advantage of an owner’s haste to repair the damage. Here are a few red flags:

• Door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials. Check to see if they have solicitation permits and ask for identification. Don’t agree to front porch sales pitches.

• A contractor who shows up unannounced and claims your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about

possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect, or building official inspect it. While most roofing contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work.

• Never pay in full for all repairs in advance. If you are making a down payment, make sure it is no more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.

• Businesses without local addresses. If a company doesn’t have a permanent place of business, this may be cause for concern.

How to prepare for a flood

Steps that businesses and homeowners can take to reduce the impact of a flood:

• Take pictures/video of your business or home as a point of reference in the event of an emergency.

• Back up critical digital files on a portable external hard drive and store it away from the office.

• Properly anchor fuel and propane tanks so they don’t float away in case of flooding. Also, ensure you keep your fuel levels full ahead of storms.

• Have copies of your insurance policies on hand and have an electronic version available.

• Collect family photos and other mementos in a centralized and easily accessible area, preferably in a watertight container.

• Keep medicines together in a waterproof container.

• Prepare an emergency kit with a change of clothes, weather-appropriate footwear, flashlight, water, and battery- or crank-operated radio to monitor the weather without electricity.

• Discuss your emergency plan with your family. Designate a “safe place” inside if you have to take shelter and a meeting place outside in case you have to evacuate.

– Better Business Bureau

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Deep snow not enough to end drought

Latest snowpack survey shows 55 inches in Sierra

From Staff Reports

The Department of Water Resources’ first snow survey of the season at Phillips Station on Tuesday, Jan. 3, recorded 55.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 17.5 inches. That is 177 percent of average for this location.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide the snowpack is 174 percent of average for this date, according to a state press release.

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs and is an important factor in determining how DWR manages the state’s water resources. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

A below-average snowpack affects water users across the state, putting further stress on the environment and critical groundwater supplies, the release said.

Heavy rain and deep snow are forecast in the state over the next several days, with the threat of flooding in parts of California. Conditions this season have proven to be strikingly similar to last year when California saw some early rainstorms and strong December snow totals only to have the driest January through March on record.

“The significant Sierra snowpack is good news, but unfortunately these same storms are bringing flooding to parts of California,” said DWR Director Karla

Nemeth. “This is a prime example of the threat of extreme flooding during a prolonged drought as California experiences more swings between wet and dry periods brought on by our changing climate.”

One year ago, the Phillips survey showed the seventh highest January measurements on record for that location. However, those results were followed by three months of extremely dry conditions and by April 1 of last year, the Phillips survey measurements were the third lowest on record.

More telling than a survey at a single location are DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the state. Measurements indicate that state-

wide, the snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 17.1 inches, or 174 percent of average for this date.

This January’s results are similar to results in 2013 and 2022 when the Jan. 1 snowpack was at or above average conditions, only for dry weather to set in and lead to drought conditions by the end of the water year (Sept. 30). In 2013, the first snow survey of the season also provided promising results after a wet December similar to the newest results.

However, the following January and February were exceptionally dry, and the water year ended as the driest on record, contributing to a record-breaking drought.

In 2022, record-breaking December snowfall was again followed by the driest January through March period on record.

“Big snow totals are always welcome, but we still have a long way to go before the critical April 1 total,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Sean de Guzman. “It’s always great to be above average this early in the season, but we must be resilient and remember what happened last year. If January through March of 2023 turn out to be similar to last year, we would still end the water year in severe drought with only half of an average year’s snowpack.”

Due to these increasing swings from dramatically wet to dry conditions, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recently released “California’s Water Supply Strategy, Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future” calls for investing in new projects and technologies that will modernize how the state manages water. In alignment with the administration’s strategy, the recently adopted 2022 Update to the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan identifies actions needed to adapt much of California’s flood infrastructure to a rapidly changing climate.

Current climate research indicates the state will see bigger swings from extreme heat and dry conditions to larger and more powerful storms that deliver temporary large boosts to the state snowpack as well as flood risk.

DWR encourages Californians to visit SaveOurWater.com for water-saving tips and information, and to continue to conserve California’s most precious resource, rain or shine.

DWR conducts five media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 1.

rian was ready to go Back to the Future when he went to a Fathom event for his favorite movie.

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS!

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Retiring

The Brentwood Police Department presented a plaque of commendation to Capt. Douglas Silva, Badge #415, on Friday, Dec. 30, at his final ‘Radio Sign Off’ and congratulation ceremony on his retirement after 22 years of service to the City of Brentwood for his outstanding service and commitment to the Brentwood Police Department, City, and entire community. His dedication, hard work and excellence in all of his duty assignments

are greatly appreciated at all levels. “Our organization will continue to benefit from your unwavering dedication and leadership for many years to come,” the plaque reads. “Thank you for your 32 years of dedicated service in Law Enforcement.”

Lt. Walter O’Grodnick added: “We wish all the best in your well-deserved retirement.”

To view a video, visit www.thepress.net / multimedia

Are you a middle-class individual or a closelyheld business owner looking for a professional who specializes in accounting and financial statements, as well as payroll and tax preparation? Look no further, Marlen C. Rosales, CPA has over 36 years of experience, is a service-oriented, client-focused business that will exceed your expectations!

“I diligently accomplish client projects as if they were my own,” said Marlen. “I also take great pride in the results and the way I serve my clients, working towards bringing about their peace of mind. I am driven and strive to excel and to achieve my goal of helping to make accounting and taxes less stressful and more worry-free.”

Marlen C. Rosales, CPA is a member of The Better Business Bureau and is located at 50 Sand Creek Road, Ste. 232, Brentwood CA, 94513. To schedule a free 30-minute consultation or a free, no obligation quote call 925-392-8047 or email marlen@rosales-cpa.com www.rosales-cpa.com

MARLEN C. ROSALES, CPA

Brentwood Police Lt. Walter O’Grodnick (left) presents retiring Capt. Douglas Silva with his plaque on Dec. 30, 2022. Photo by Greg Robinson

For print,

email

Look at the many local events on

Events

Saturday, Jan. 7

Trinkets & Treasure Flea Market

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting a Trinkets & Treasures Flea Market from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 215 Second St. They will also be introducing their online charity auction at the event.

Friday, Jan. 13

Knights of Columbus Youth Basketball Free Throw Competition

The Knights of Columbus is hosting their annual Youth Basketball Free Throw Competition at the Giovannoni Parish Center on 21 East 15th St. in Antioch. All boys and girls ages 8-14 are invited to participate. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of Jan. 1, 2023. Proof of age is required via a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Registration for ages 8-11 opens at 5:30 p.m. and registration for ages 12-14 opens at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 16

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of

Saturday, Feb. 25

22nd Heart to Heart Gala: “A Taste of Italy”

An Elderly Wish Foundation is hosting their 22nd Heart to Heart Gala from 5:30-10 p.m. at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. The event will feature an Italian buffet dinner, live auction and live entertainment. The Elderly Wish Foundation grants wishes to individuals 50 and older who are living with chronic illness in Contra Costa County. Tickets are $80. For more information, call 925-978-1883 or visit https://www.elderlywish.org/

Lions Club of Brentwood Crab Feed

The Lions Club of Brentwood is hosting an all-you-can-eat crab feed from 6-10 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building. The event will benefit the Lions Center for the Visually Impaired and features a raffle and table decorating contest. Tickets are $80, and can be purchased at https://eclubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/

Ongoing Events

ACA Women’s Group

The ACA 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.

Nonprofit offers Health Care Career Courses

The nonprofit Opportunity Junction is accepting applications for its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at two locations including the Opportunity Junction Antioch office at 3102 Delta Fair Blvd. Classes began in September. The CNA program includes 12 weeks of training, life skills training, hands-on clinical experience, and job placement assistance. The first step in taking the course is to complete an application form online by visiting https://opportunityjunction.secure.force.com/apply/HCP

Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings

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.

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.

Community Resource Classes

Service

The Antioch Recreation Department is hosting a Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from 9-11 a.m. at Prewett Community Park on Lone Tree Way and Waldie Plaza on 2nd St. in downtown Antioch. Participants are encouraged to bring work gloves for cleaning the park, laying new mulch, planting trees and more. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3GBm3sf

Tuesday, Jan. 17 and Wednesday Jan. 18

The Drama Factory Auditions –The Death of Triboulet

The Drama Factory is hosting auditions for their upcoming production of The Death of Triboulet from 6-8 p.m. at the Nick Rodriguez Community Theatre in Antioch. Auditions feature cold reading and improv, with the cast list being posted the following Friday. For more information, visit https://www. dramafactory.org/

Saturday Jan. 21

City of Brentwood 75th Anniversary Party

The city of Brentwood is hosting a community birthday party celebrating its 75th year from 2-5 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center. The event will feature games.

Cars n’ Coffee

The Discovery Bay Corvette Club is hosting its first Cars n’ Coffee Event of the year from 8-10 a.m. in the parking lot of the Boardwalk Grill Restaurant. They will be selling diecast cars for charity. For more information visit https:// www.discoverybaycorvetteclub.com.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Brentwood Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

The Brentwood Lions Club is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon to support the Lions Wilderness Camp for the Deaf, where deaf children ages 7 to 15 can learn outdoor skills and enjoy nature.

Saturday, Feb. 11

1st annual Sweetheart 5K Run/Walk

The Rotary Club of Brentwood is hosting their first annual Sweetheart 5K (3.1 miles) Run/Walk from 9-11 a.m.at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road, replacing their previous New Year’s Day 5K. The race registration fee is $35 and the sign-up fee is $4. For more information and to register, visit https://www. runbrentwood.com.

Liberty Adult Education Winter Course Catalog

Class registration is open for English Second Language, GED, Computer Technology and Community Interest Classes. Register online at www.libertyadulted.org, call the Adult Education office at 925-634-2565 or in person at the Adult Education office.

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/.

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://eclubhouse.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/

Oakley Senior Center

Food Distribution

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

The nonprofit Discovery Bay Corvette Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5871 Marina Road, Bilge Room. The club is dedicated to the enjoyment of owning and driving America’s sports car. For more information, drop by a meeting or contact the membership vice president at 925-3419433. For more information on the club, visit www.discoverybaycorvetteclub.com

California Striped Bass Association West Delta Chapter Meeting

The California Striped Bass Association meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Sportsmen Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. For more information, call Moe Adams five days before meeting at 916-529-1192. For more information, visit www.csbadeltachapter.org

Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting

The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-338-1775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https:// www.mcl1155.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

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.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting non-denominational community resource classes at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2350 Jeffery Way in Brentwood. The free, 10-week courses will touch on personal finance, starting and growing your own business, emotional resilience, English as a second language, finding a better job and life skills. These are 10-week courses that meet once per week. To register or for more information, visit https://linktr.ee/ antiochSR

Oakley 4-H Club

The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. For location information, email Amanda at oakley@contracosta.org.

Splashball classes

The nonprofit Brentwood Seawolves are accepting registrants for its splashball program. Splashball is an official program of USA Water Polo designed to introduce the sport of water polo to children. “Noodles” are provided to assist with flotation while working on skills and drills, but children must be able to swim to participate. To sign up, or for more information, visit www.brentwoodseawolves.com/ registration-information

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

American Legion Post 202 Monthly Meeting

www.thepress net/ calendar POST AN EVENT! FIND AN EVENT!

rain.

Boy Scouts to pick up Christmas trees Jan. 7, 8, 14

Brentwood Boy Scout troops will be picking up Christmas trees in Brentwood on Jan. 7, 8 and 14. Donations are encouraged as they directly support the local troops.

Trees are to be placed curbside by 8 a.m. Trees can also be disposed of by cutting the tree down to three feet tall or shorter sections and placing the cuttings in the green waste bin for collection.

For more information about tree pickup and donations, contact local Scout troops at 925-450-0318.

Additionally, flocked or uncut trees can be picked up by the City of Brentwood for a $20 fee. For more information, contact the Solid Waste Division at 925-516-6090 or solidwaste@ brentwoodca.gov.

THANK YOU to our Donors

Brent Aasen

Don Aguillard

Jennifer Aldo

Diane Alexander

Laura Allison

Pauline Allred

Christine Andrews

Clayton Bagwell

Karen Baldwin

Soheila Bana

Patricia Barron

Darien Beebee

Debbie Bell

Patricia Bell

Kevin Bernal

HuLynne Besharatpour

Kate Bjordahl

Bruce Blardony

Patricia Blumen*

Delta Breeze Lacrosse Boone

Michael Botelho

Julie Bretz

Marsha Brown

Rochelle Brucker

Deborah Buchta

Bob Butler

Aleta Cain

Sharon Campagna

Lily Campanile

Ginger Campbell

Karen Capra

Ana Carone

Kitty Carton

Bethi Carver Gibb*

Debbie Gibbs

Mel Chaplin

Sandy Chen

Robin Choate

Janet Clarke

Colin Coffey

Betty Cole

Mina Combs*

Kimberly Cope

Janet Costa

Kevin Crachian Sr. Paula Craig Mike Crosby Kandace Curl

Craig Daley

Cathy Daniel

Virginia Davi

Dominic DeBellis

Albert Del Grande

Ofelia Del Real

Estrella DeLaTorre

Heather DePiero

Maureen Dirk

Debra Doherty* Alice Dolan

Monica Doran Clancy Drake

Michael Echeverria

Jon & Julie Elam

Jim Elizondo

Audrey Ellis

Silvia Espinoza

D F

Cheryl Ferguson

Annette Fields

Timothy Finnigan

Edward Fitzpatrick

Ricardo Florendo

Sarah Foster Gloria Foster*

Barbara Freitas

Jeffrey Gann

Marianne Gann Jack Gaughan

Monte George* Monique Gibbs

James Gleeson Barbara Gonzales

Judi Graves Kelly Green Jo Gregg Julie Griffin Rebecca Griffin Robert Grijalva Jeni Groseclose Cecilia Guerrero

Rinaldo Hamade* Allen Hammond William & Myra Harms Gladiola Harrelson Hugh Henderson Joanne Hodge Rob Hogue Lynn Holland Tammy Homan Robert & Marianne Hughlett Maria Hull Lora Jachimowicz Onesia Jackson Lauren & Chad Janusch Udo Jaquet

Pamela Jarvie Nigel Jesson* Kirsten Jobb Norman Johns Stacy Jordan Cindy Kennon David Kerley Elaine Kilpatrick

Jess Kerlin* Catherine Krakower Shirley Krouse

Rose Marie Laguna Erin Lamb* Ken Landoline Larry Langbehn David Lanier

Kathleen LeDonne

Ron Lee

Madonna Leeper

Mark Lemyre

George Liao Roger Lindsay Connie Linscheid

Sam Lipetri

Cathy Little*

Nancy Long

Carol Luke

Patricia Lyday

Cynthia MacDermott

Audrey Madsen

James Martin

Michele McCaffrey

Lynne McCall

Janet McCarthy

Shannon McClelland

Jay McLaughlin

Mike McLaughlin* Chris McLeod

Jamie McManus

Michalene McPharlin

Peter Mendoza

Beth Miller-Rowe

Kryssie Mingst

Michelle Monsef

Alan Moore

Gina Moore

Patricia Moore*

Shani Moore* Michael Moran Tammie Mosley

Lyn Murphy Melba Murray

Gayle L Nammany

Julie Natali Kris Newton Nancy Nguyen Kelli Nunn

Diana Nunnenkamp Jayne Oertwig

Peggy O’Hair Elise ONeil

David Osborn

Margot Parenti

Robert Parkinson

Jeanne Pavao Nick Pearson

Chloe Peterson

Gary Pollock

Jean Pridgen

Mardell Rangel

Kathi Reed Mark Reitz

Gary Reynolds

Roy Richards

Carol Rioux

Linda Morse Robertson*

Norman & Rhoda Rossman

Judy Ryan

Theresa Samuel-Boko

Irene San Filipo

Larry Schaffer

Janet Scheuerman Robin Schmitt

Carol Scotton

Catherine Senior Shirley Sexton Maria Shields

Vicky Shoopman

Carole Silagi Susan Silsdorf

Doug Smart Donald Smith* Dennis Sowels

Birgit Stephens* Michael Stoiber Matt Stone

Tim Stroshane John Sutton John & Judith Sutton

Sue Swackhamer Mary Tappel Zack Taylor

Lana Terry Dinah Thompson

Tracie Thompson

Kathren Thomson

Linda Thuman* Lynn Tiemeyer

Amy Tilley Hector Torres Linda Tucker

Jon Ulricksen

Michael Urback

Jim Valentine

Fred Valverde

Christopher Vetterli Scott Vickers

Jim Wadnizak

Steve Walker

Michele Walls

Julia Wantuck

Jay Warwood

Marilyn Watts Bill Wells Laura West

Theresa Wessler Keith Wheeler Brian Winters

Scott Woodard

Marie Woods

Cody, Chloe & Cali Wong

David Wyatt Leslie Wyatt Guy Yocom

Carolyn Young Joseph Young Larry Young Mary Young

www.thepress.net/contribute/

Local Boy Scouts of Troop 93 after a day of picking up Christmas trees in the

Photo courtesy of Alison Overzet

pini O n

Have something to say? Post a comment or

From the editor’s desk "

This is what we were thinking

Editor Chris Campos

“What were you thinking?”

Editors get this question a lot. Whenever something controversial or touchy gets in the newspaper or on our website, readers want to know why or how. Most of the time, we were thinking. And usually, a hot issue gets thought about a lot and debated in our newsroom.

Recently, The Press published a letter to the editor by Juan Perez of Brentwood. He wrote to us about a recent shooting incident and asked why the police hadn’t identified the Race or descriptions of the suspects.

What were you thinking?

Editor,

In what world do you think printing Juan Perez’s letter was a good idea? The last thing we need in this world of hate is a letter from an illiterate racist to stir the pot. Don’t publish them. It serves no purpose whatsoever!

Jennifer Bracken Brentwood

LETTERS POLICY

The Press invites your comments. Letters must be no longer than 325 words and include name, address and phone number for confirmation.

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.

Editor,

Perez chose to take a stroll into the minefield of Race. The resulting explosions that followed in his wake are visible on our Opinion page by the several outraged readers who wrote back to us.

As a general rule, we don’t promote or publish hate speech or racial comments in our newspaper.

But our job is not to turn a blind eye to it, either. A community newspaper is obligated to tackle and air out raw issues that divide us. Sometimes, that hurts. We know that and appre-

Letters to the editor

Letter mischaracterizes ‘those people’

Sorry Juan, but using the words “those people” three times in your letter of 12/30 is a dead giveaway to your racism.

You want the police to give a description of law breakers that are Black, so that we will know who to look out for? Every day, the law is broken by people of every race. You say “those people” have a lack of character and violent culture.

The only thing ‘those people’ have that is different from other races is more melanin. Otherwise, they are just humans with the same desires for life, liberty, and success as all of the other humans.

As a white male, I don’t want to

ciate the impact of hurtful words.

But the issue of Race has been dividing us since the first slave ship landed on our shores. It’s still there among us every day in every one of our cities.

Your newspaper’s job is to serve as a mirror of your community, good and bad. Sometimes, that experience can be uncomfortable but we don’t think it’s irresponsible to promote a debate. A civil one.

That’s what we were thinking. We wanted to know what you were thinking.

be identified with most of the mass shooters in this country, who also happened to be white males. Do you want to be identified by the worst acts of the people from your culture?

Kevin Allen Brentwood

Press’s decision to run letter ‘baffling’

Editor,

I just wanted to say that I am baffled as to why you would publish in the latest Opinion section what Juan Perez wrote. Whatever excuse you have is not a good excuse, because there is no excuse to publish and print hateful comments from uninformed angry people. REAL CLASSY MOVE, EDITOR!!!

Bracken Helmes Brentwood

Reader ‘disappointed’ in The Press Editor,

I am surprised and very disappointed by The Press. Why did it publish without comment, and therefore give credibility to, the Letter to the Editor by Juan Perez in the Dec. 30 issue?

I do not know Mr. Perez; nor am I aware of the event he is referring to.

The reported event is not the subject of my comments. I am concerned about the fact this letter was published in the first place. You don’t need to be a social scientist (I’m not) or to have been born and raised White in the segregated South of the 1950s and ‘60s (I was) to recognize blatant racist rhetoric.

The Press clearly crossed the line of responsible journalism when it chose to publish the Perez letter. This paper owes the community an apology.

Gary Chambers Brentwood

Former Heritage High student graduates from Marine Corps boot camp

Private First Class Logan Schneider, 19, of Discovery Bay, Calif., graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on Dec. 9, 2022.

Schneider successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in Kilo Company, Training Platoon 3235.

While in recruit training, Schneider was a squad leader and qualified as an expert in the marksmanship course. As a student at Heritage High School, Schneider completed four years in the Air Force Junior ROTC program.

Following 20 days at home on leave, he will report to Camp Pendleton for one month of Marine Combat Training. He will then attend Military Occupation Specialty school for Aircraft Maintenance in Pensacola, Florida.

Joyce Evon Ludwig

Aug. 22, 1937 – Dec. 26, 2022

She was born on her parents’ farm in Union County, South Dakota to parents Andrew (Tommy) and Sigrid Eggen. Her parents were farmers, both of Norwegian ancestry. She had an older sister Lois, an older brother Arlo, and a younger sister Sandra. She attended rural elementary schools Starr and Nora, and then went to Alcester High School in Alcester, S.D., where she and Duane were classmates.

After high school, Joyce worked at a car dealership in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for one year. During that time, she and Duane, who attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D., were dating before Duane joined the U.S. Army.

She married Duane Ludwig on Dec. 29, 1956, while Duane was home on leave and within a few days they moved to Virginia where Duane was stationed at Fort Eustis, headquarters for the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. While in Virginia, she worked at Langley Air Force Base and for the Army AG Reproduction Department as a typist. During that time, she lived in off-base housing with Duane in Warwick (now Newport News) and Seaford, Va.

After Duane’s Army tour ended, Joyce and Duane returned to rural Alcester, S.D., where they lived and farmed for three years. It was during this time that Lori and Lynda were born. They then moved to Vermillion, S.D., where Duane attended Business School at the University of South Dakota and it was during this time that Gregory was born.

After Duane graduated, they moved to Omaha, Neb., where Duane worked for Wausau Insurance Company. In 1970, three weeks after Aimee was born, they moved to Concord, Calif. after Duane received a promotion. Joyce was a stay-at-home mother for the next 20 years while working part-time at the Contra Costa Times Newspaper as a Route Supervisor and then in the Circulation Department.

Joyce is a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Baptized and married at Roseni Lutheran Church in South Dakota, she had attended Lutheran churches wherever she lived.

At Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord, she was an active member of the choir and served as wedding consultant for many years. Since joining Saint Matthew Lu-

theran Church in 1994, she had participated in bible study groups with close friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, older sister Lois and her husband Burdette Sundstrom, son-in-law Terry Wilkinson, husband of Lori, and son-in-law Daniel Zamora, husband of Aimee as well as several dogs.

She is survived by her husband Duane and four children: Lori, Lynda, Greg, and Aimee. Also surviving are grandson Shaun and granddaughter Danielle, children of Lori, grandsons Ethan, Ryan, and Aedan, children of Greg and his wife Christina, and grandson Landon, Aimee’s son. She has four great grandchildren: Benjamin and Abigail, Shaun and his wife Hillary’s children and Brooklyn and Haylee, Danielle, and her husband Curt’s children.

Joyce enjoyed being a mom, grandmother, and great grandmother, visiting with friends and vacationing in various locations, most favorably Maui, Hawaii. She had been in declining health since July and died at home surrounded by family on Dec. 26 just three days short of celebrating 66 years of marriage with Duane.

To our beloved wife, mom, grandmother, and great grandmother......there are no goodbyes for us; wherever you are, you are always in our hearts.

Private services will be held at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church Memorial Garden and Columbarium in Walnut Creek. For those who wish to make a memorial offering please direct it to Hospice of the East Bay: 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523; or Saint Matthew Lutheran Church: 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.

Photo courtesy of Kurt Schneider

Hometown SportS

SeaWolves to hold short-course meet Jan. 7-8

Brentwood team seeks more swimmers

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

The Brentwood SeaWolves will hold a Short Course swim meet Jan. 7-8 at Heritage High School in Brentwood from 7:30 a.m.to 3 p.m., and spectators are welcome to attend.

“Our Zone 2 teams consist of about 30 teams in the Alameda and Contra Costa County area,” said Head Coach Pam Araujo. “What we expect to see at this competition is swimmers having fun and swimming fast!”

Araujo said that the Brentwood SeaWolves are always looking for more swimmers, adding that there are ongoing tryouts for those interested in joining.

“We have been in the community for a while,” said Araujo. “We’d love to see new swimmers come out and try out and have fun and compete.”

Last month, Araujo said three swimmers from the SeaWolves stood out at the Pacific Swimming Winter Age Group Championships in Santa Clara.

• Jonathan Guo placed 10th in the 1314 Boys 200-yard individual medley (2:14.62) and placed 7th in the 13-14 boys 50-yard freestyle (24.70).

• Lyla Ybanez Placed 7th in the 10 & under 50-yard backstroke (34.63)

• Morgan Nelson placed 8th in the 1112 Girls 50-yard backstroke (31.67),

10th in the Girls 11-12 100-yard butterfly (1:06.76), and 6th in the Girls 11-12 50-yard butterfly (28.36).

Nelson, 12, says she has been swimming for eight years and has a goal of one day going to the Olympics.

“It just seems so big to me,” said Nelson, who idolizes legendary Olympian Michael Phelps. “Follow what you like. If you like it, keep doing it. Find your passion!”

The team lends itself to helping young swimmers do just that. Perse-

verance, integrity, and hard work are the essential components of the team’s philosophy, according to their website. Along with self-discipline and attention to detail, teaching these concepts is their primary aim in developing athletic excellence, the website says.

“The SeaWolves provide a safe, supportive and positive environment for all members to achieve their highest potential, both in and out of the water,” according to their mission statement. “We

encourage community, family, and individual participation at all levels.”

The SeaWolves are a year-round competitive team founded in September 2007 by six families, with a goal to teach and promote competitive swimming and provide training, instruction, and encouragement for increased proficiency in competitive aquatic sports to youths of all ages in Brentwood and the surrounding areas, the website says. In February 2008, the SeaWolves held their first practice with 12 swimmers. Water polo was added later that year as the second aquatic sport, and since then have been the longest running USA Swimming and USA Water Polo team in the area, offering both sports under one team. Today, the SeaWolves compete with other USA Swimming teams in sanctioned meets.

“Since we started our program, we have had a number of swimmers go on to swim in college and at the Olympic trials,” said Araujo. “This takes focus, determination, and hard work. We have highly qualified coaches skilled at instructing all ages and abilities. We offer programs from the novice up to national levels.”

In addition to competing at the regional and national level (Olympic Trials), Brentwood SeaWolves athletes have also competed at the Age Group Championship (formerly known as Junior Olympics) level.

More information on the SeaWolves, including an events schedule and swim team registration can be found on their website at: https://www.brentwoodseawolves.com/

To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

2022 all-BVAL water polo teams announced

2022 ALL-BVAL

GIRLS WATER POLO TEAM

Team Champion – Heritage

Most Valuable Player: Athena Ayers, Liberty, Junior

First Team

Amanda Muse,Heritage, Senior Raihana Latifzada, Deer Valley, Senior Athena Ayers, Liberty, Junior Madelynn Lasquete, Liberty, Senior Jordyn Davies, Heritage, Senior Elly Longoria, Heritage, Senior Lauryn Caguyong, Deer Valley, Senior Olivia Sanchez, Liberty, Senior

Second Team

Emma St. Claire, Freedom, Senior Juliette Fajeau, Heritage, Senior Caitlynn Smith, Heritage, Senior

Sofia Goodson, Pittsburg, Senior Peri Lindeman, Heritage, Senior Faith Silman, Liberty, Senior Gabriela Morales, Freedom, Senior Savannah Campos, Liberty, Junior

Sportsmanship

Jaysa VanDeBogart, Antioch, Senior Lauryn Caguyong, Deer Valley, Senior Elisa Del Masso, Freedom, Junior Adelyn St. Michel, Liberty, Junior Mikayla Drewry, Heritage, Senior Yesenia Moffett, Pittsburg, Sophomore

2022 ALL-BVAL

BOYS WATER POLO

Team Champion - Heritage

Most Valuable Player: Connor Tompkins, Freedom, Senior

First Team

Connor Tompkins, Freedom, Senior

Willie Trapanese, Heritage, Senior Danny Fowler, Freedom, Sophomore

Caleb Cayanan, Heritage, Senior Jacob Reposa, Freedom, Senior Seth Venables, Liberty, Junior Zach Lengyel, Heritage, Junior Jose Espinoza, Antioch, Senior

Second Team

Elijah Byrd, Pittsburg, Sophomore

Ethan Esposito, Freedom, Senior Jacob Gonzalez, Liberty, Senior Stephen Stone, Pittsburg, Senior Mathew Vo, Heritage, Senior

Tony Trapanese, Heritage, Sophomore

Jace Cleghorn, Liberty, Sophomore

Parker Stanaland, Liberty, Junior

Sportsmanship

Mason Harrison, Antioch, Freshman

Sayeed Saleh, Deer Valley, Sophomore

Brandon Criswell, Freedom, Sophomore

Alex Block, Liberty, Junior

Ashton Culpepper, Heritage, Junior Patrick Stone, Pittsbburg, Sophomore

The public is invited to attend a swim meet being held by the Brentwood SeaWolves the weekend of Jan. 7.

Photo courtesy of Brentwood SeaWolves

Fall 2022 football champions

The California Football Academy ended its fall 2022 season with Championship Day on Nov. 20, the final games of the season, at Freedom High in Oakley. The day recognized the academy’s 43 teams and 126 scholar athletes who achieved a 3.5 GPA or better.

Top left photo: 7-8 year division Mustangs. Standing left to right: Andy De Castro, Austin Lilly, Coach Mathew Rakchhat, team manager Anjelica Harper, head coach Isaac Harper, coach Isaiah Harper, coach Willi Thomson, Jase Iceman, Ari Vilamo. Kneeling left to right: Gunner Griffin, Jackson DeLuca, Gabriel Gristi, Antonio Pillado, Amiyah Harper, Skyler Thomson, Xavier Rakchhat, Romel Garcia, Antonio Fernande.

Top right photo: 9-10 year division Mustangs: Standing left to right: Austin Smith, Christian Garcia, Tay’Sean Sturgis, Head Coach Isaiah Harper, Coach Isaac Harper, Luca Fragomeno, James McDaniel, Cooper Tweedy. Kneeling left to right: Adrian Garcia, Jason McBride, Ramon Marin III, Cataleyah Naja, Dorien Abercrombie, Owen Wood. Not pictured: Eduardo Benitez, Coach Willie Thomson.

Bottom left photo: 11-12 year division Big Dogs. Head coach Joshua Apanasewicz, Anthony Court, Aidan Jefferson, Shane Jefferson, Phoenix Madsen, Taven Madsen, James Melham, Mason O’Rourke, Jack O’Donnell, Rowen Paulk, Aaron Ponce, Gavin Rinker, Ethan Starr, Manuel Starr.

Bottom right photo: 13-16 year division Jets: Left to right: Zyion Hamlin, Nathan Zaragoza, Giuseppe Lavelle, Maurice Johnson, Destiny Bowman, Marcus Ceja, Brayden Butcher, Kameel Colvin, Gabriel Bayless, Trevor Hoople, Talan Moore. Front/center: Coach Jose Martinez, Head Coach James Thomas. Not pictured: Malachi Cervantes.

Heritage finishes non-league schedule 10-3

BVAL play starts Jan. 11 against Freedom

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

The Heritage High School varsity girls basketball team has had a promising start to their season at 10-3. This record comes after three consecutive wins at the West Coast Jamboree on Dec. 29-30 and a win against Del Oro High School on Jan. 2.

The team opened the West Coast Jamboree on Dec. 29 with a win over Theodore Roosevelt High School, 54-40. Then they beat Pleasant Valley High School in the semifinals, 46-44. The team would then go onto win the Emerald Division of the West Coast Jamboree on Dec. 30, beating St. Ignatius College Preparatory for the title, 40-28. Amanda Muse was named tourney MVP, and Kendall McClure and Caitlynn Smith were awarded all-tournament honors.

Following their success at the Jamboree, the team then beat Del Oro, 64-43. The team has one more non-league game against Kimball High School on Jan. 7 before league play begins against Freedom High School on Jan. 11.

Varsity girls captain Amanda Muse was named MVP at the West Coast Jamboree tournament.

Photo courtesy of Cal-Hi Sports

Public can weigh in on new Oakley Library

City Council to discuss topic at Jan. 24 meeting

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

Residents can weigh in on what they want the new Oakley Library to offer when the City Council meets next on Jan. 24. City Manager Josh McMurray said that the early analysis for the construction of the new Oakley Library will be presented at that meeting.

The city hired the San Jose government consulting firm Management Partners in 2022 to assist with early analysis with findings originally scheduled to be presented towards the end of 2022.

The official agenda for the Jan. 24 City Council meeting will be announced Jan. 19. “City Staff is excited to share the analysis on a potential new Oakley Library

to the City Council and the public January 24th,” McMurray said in an email. “This will be an opportunity to receive feedback and direction from the City Council as well as hear from the community.”

Friends of the Oakley Library president Lorena Campos encourages the community to attend the meeting to show support for the construction of the library.

“This is an important meeting to at-

The

in 1999 and was extended until 2010. The lease is month to month.

“Right now, the Oakley Library is situated in 3,000 square feet of space inside of Freedom High School,” Campos said. “The Oakley Library needs to have a permanent space with enough square footage to accommodate the needs of Oakley residents. Libraries provide vital resources, more than physical books, including spaces and opportunities for residents to get together and build community.”

tend for anyone in support of the city’s very first standalone library,” she said. “We encourage all residents to stay informed on the progress of this discussion and to show support for the library. Our local representatives need to hear support for a library directly from its constituents.”

The Oakley Library currently borrows space that it initially leased from Freedom High School. The lease began

A new Oakley Library has been in the works for some time. During the Sept. 28, 2021 Oakley City Council meeting, McMurray proposed a cooperative agreement between Contra Costa County and the City of Oakley to commit $400,000 to the demolition of the substation, which did not pass.

Oakley City Council then passed the motion at the April 26, 2022 Oakley City Council meeting on a 3-0 vote so that the city and the county will split the $400,000 substation demolition costs.

born Aug. 11, 2022, Joy is just short of five months old. She is very sweet and not shy, but afraid of new things. She loves to be loved on and picked up, but it took her two weeks to come out of her hidey hole. She needs someone with the patience to wait for her to trust her environment. Also, she needs someone to play with. For more information, email  Verleneanddavid@sbcglobal.net

Oakley residents will be able to have their voices heard regarding the construction of a new library at the Jan. 24 council meeting.

city’s library currently operates out of Freedom High School on Neroly Road.

Press file photo

Cop logs

An accident with no injuries was reported on Balfour Road/Griffith Lane. Two vehicles were involved

became a traffic hazard.

BRENTWOOD – December 8, 8:29 a.m.

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:

OAKLEY

Nov. 25, 5:38 a.m. A reckless driver was reported on Main Street/Carol Lane. Nov. 25, 8:07 a.m. A miscellaneous burglary was reported at Freedom High School. Nov. 25, 10:09 a.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported at the 2100 block on Verona Avenue.

Nov. 25, 10:37 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 400 block on Beaulieu Lane. Nov. 25, 11:42 a.m. A burglary was reported at Public Storage in Oakley.

Nov. 25, 1:09 p.m. A case of battery was reported on Laurel Road/Empire Avenue.

Nov. 25, 3:05 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported at the 4700 block on Carrington Drive.

Nov. 25, 5:08 p.m. A health and services violation was reported at the 4800 block on Carrington Drive.

Nov. 25, 6:51 p.m. A misdemeanor DUI was reported on Neroly Road/Oakley Road.

Nov. 25, 7:51 p.m. A patrol request was conducted at the 100 block on Kings Canyon Way.

Nov. 25, 8:04 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at the 1000 block on Quail Valley Run.

Nov. 25, 8:17 p.m. A trespasser was reported at the 4300 block on Sequoia Drive. Nov. 25, 8:26 p.m. A welfare check was conducted on E. Cypress Road/Main Street. Nov. 25, 9:27 p.m. A reckless driver was reported on Neroly Road/Empire Avenue. Nov. 25, 9:28 p.m. A domestic disturbance was reported on Empire Avenue.

Nov. 25, 10:50 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at the 1400 block on Quail Valley Run.

Nov. 26, 12:18 a.m. A non-criminal death was reported at the 100 block on Old Oak Court.

Nov. 26, 5:09 a.m. A public nuisance was reported at the AM/PM in Oakley.

Nov. 26, 8:04 a.m. A strong-arm robbery was reported at the Autozone in Oakley.

Nov. 26, 8:34 a.m. A person was stopped at E 18th Street/Cavallo Road.

Nov. 26, 3:33 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported at the Ace Hardware in Oakley.

Nov. 26, 4:45 p.m. A case of shoplifting was reported at the 2000 block on Main Street. Nov. 26, 6:03 p.m. A domestic disturbance was reported at the 500 block on 3rd Street.

Nov. 26, 6:43 p.m. A welfare check was conducted at the 4900 block on Montague Avenue.

Nov. 26, 8:16 p.m. A patrol request was conducted at the 2600 block on Main Street. Nov. 26, 9:28 p.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 10 block on Sweetwater Court.

Nov. 26, 10:22 p.m. A civil disturbance was reported on Brownstone Road/Anderson Lane.

BRENTWOOD

Dec. 8, 8:29 a.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Balfour Road/Griffith Lane. Two vehicles were involved and became a traffic hazard.

Dec. 8, 9:44 a.m. A civil complaint was reported on Walnut Boulevard. The reporting party rented out two folding tables and 12 chairs and they have not been returned.

Dec. 8, 9:51 a.m. A restraining/court order violation was reported on St. Julien Street. Dec. 8, 12:25 p.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Cottonwood Common. The reporting party says she was scammed out of $5,300 by an unknown person online.

Dec. 8, 3:27 p.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Crescent Drive. A fraud report was filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

Dec. 8, 3:27 p.m. A health and service violation was reported on American Avenue. Dec. 8, 4:52 p.m. A threats complaint was made on Sand Creek Road. Persons came to the reporting party’s job and threatened to kill the reporting party.

SUPPORT FREE PRESS

Please consider contributing to The Press. For just a few bucks, you can help us keep delivering the news. www.thepress.net/contribute

Dec. 8, 6:13 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Sand Creek Road.

Dec. 8, 6:23 p.m. An accident with minor injuries was reported on Lone Tree Way. A vehicle rear-ended the reporting party. The reporting party possibly hit her face on the steering wheel and her head and hip hurt. Dec. 8, 6:36 p.m. A case of identity theft was reported on Avington Court. Dec. 8, 7:23 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported on Corte Vista Street. Dec. 8, 8:13 p.m. A threats complaint was reported on Dawn Court.

Dec. 8, 9:29 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Amber Lane. A transient on a bike stole a black tote full of tools from the construction site.

Dec. 9, 6:31 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Brookdale Drive/Claremont Drive.

Dec. 9, 7:48 a.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Minnesota Avenue. Student rode a bike to the location, a vehicle hit the student, asked if they were OK and then drove away.

Dec. 9, 8:09 a.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Balfour Road/American Avenue.

Dec. 9, 8:48 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Sand Creek Road. Dec. 9, 9:35 a.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Cherry Tree Way. Dec. 9, 10:04 a.m. A warrant was serviced on Orchard Drive.

Dec. 9, 2:17 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Lone Tree Way.

Dec. 9, 3:28 p.m. An accident with major injuries was reported on Spruce Street/ Shasta Daisy Drive. Vehicle hit a pedestrian.

Dec. 9, 4:02 p.m. A fight was reported on Sycamore Avenue. Reporting party said there were two people fighting. There was a crowd around them and they may have fought again.

Dec. 9, 5:18 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. Two males on bikes stole a large amount of items from the reported location.

Dec. 10, 9:07 a.m. A suspicious person was reported on Second Street. A male in a dark blue hoodie was screaming at patrons from outside.

Dec. 10, 11:24 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party came out to find his vehicle, a gray 1997 Honda Accord, missing after shopping for 30 minutes.

Dec. 10, 12:50 p.m. A harassment complaint was reported on Wexford Street. The reporting party recognized calls and texts from a male acquaintance. Dec. 10, 1:21 p.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Goldspur Way. The reporting party recorded scam calls stating that her grandson was in trouble and needed money wired to him immediately. She sent a total of $35,000 to the responsible party.

Dec. 10, 4:55 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported on Henry Hart Drive.

Dec. 10, 10:04 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party said she had a person refusing to leave and then there was a scuffle.

Dec. 10, 11:06 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Solera Street/ Vineyards Parkway. The reporting party drove past and asked if the person was OK. The person said ‘yes’ but they were blocking traffic.

ANTIOCH

Dec. 18, 12:47 a.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Gentrytown Drive/Buchanan Road.

Dec. 18, 2:16 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 3500 block on Fairview Drive.

Dec. 18, 5:13 a.m. A family disturbance was reported at the 2300 block on Manzanita Way.

Dec. 18, 10:17 a.m. A traffic stop was conducted on Russell Drive/Lawrence Avenue.

Dec. 18, noon. A simple assault was reported at the 1100 block on Sycamore Drive.

Dec. 18, 7:16 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 1800 block on Table Mountain Way.

Dec. 18, 7:32 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 0 block on I Street.

Dec. 18, 7:38 p.m. A petty theft was reported at the 3700 block on Lone Tree Way.

Dec. 18, 8:36 p.m. A carjacking was reported at the 1800 block on A Street.

Dec. 19, 12:27 a.m. A collision with no injuries was reported at the W. 4th Street/K Street.

Dec. 19, 4:41 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 2600 block on Larch Way.

Dec. 19, 10:37 a.m. A missing person was reported at the 300 block on L Street.

Dec. 19, 11:02 a.m. A strong-arm robbery was reported at the 1400 block on Aster Drive.

Dec. 19, 11:27 a.m. A narcotics violation was reported on Aster Drive/Crestview Drive.

Dec. 19, 1:40 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported at the 2500 block on Somersville Road.

Dec. 19, 2:17 p.m. A man with a gun was reported at the 4300 block on Lone Tree Way.

Dec. 19, 2:23 p.m. An armed robbery was reported at the 5100 block on Belle Drive.

Dec. 19, 3:36 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 3600 block on Lone Tree Way.

Dec. 19, 5:03 p.m. A collision with unknown injuries was reported on Lone Tree Way/Davison Drive.

Dec. 19, 6:24 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 5700 block on Lone Tree Way.

lassifieds & l egals

ANNOUNCEMENT

NEW AUTHORS

WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-855-667-0380

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-538-9554 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/ Cali

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote -Call now before the next power outage: 1-844-4395645

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855424-7581

Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-844-908-0605

AUTOS WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Fast Free Pickup –Running or Not - 24 Hour Response - Maximum Tax Donation – Help Find Missing Kids! Call 1-888491-1453.

DONATE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-844-491-2884

CABLE / INTERNET/ SATELLITE TV

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer:

Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-855-480-0769

Get DIRECTV for $64.99/ mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-641-5762

EDUCATION/TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 1-877-806-0935 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Over $10K in Debt? Be debt free in 24 to 48 months. No upfront fees to enroll. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 1-888-231-4274.

INSURANCE

SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 1-844-410-9609! (M-F 8am-8pm Central)

REAL ESTATE/ LOANS

RETIRED COUPLE $1 MIL for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan. com Call 1-818-248-0000

Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No Consumer Loans.

NO DOC 2nd Mortgage or HELOC. Loans from $30,000 to $2M. No Tax Returns and No W2s. Good for SFRs, 1-4 units.

Contact (310) 737-8420. NMLS#469849 DRE#01105429

TRAVEL/VACATION

Costa Rica Tour 9 Days $995. Fully guided tour. Includes all hotels, all meals, all activities. Tax, fees extra. Call 1-800-CARAVAN. Book online at Caravan.com.

WANTED TO BUY

TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 19201980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch,

Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-844-910-1960.

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS! CALL 1-916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com

The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com

DID YOU KNOW

The difference in winning and losing an election is how campaign dollars are spent. Get the best ROI by using our deep relationships in every community in California. Our on-theground knowledge is indispensable to campaigns that want results. For more info on multi-market ethnic and non-ethnic solutions call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com

DID YOU KNOW

Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-2886011 or email cecelia@ cnpa.com

Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-2886011 or email cecelia@ cnpa.com

Sportscardliquidator@ yahoo.com

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS! CALL 1-916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com

Sportscardliquidator@ yahoo.com

FREON WANTED: We buy old refrigerants: R11, R12, R113 & more! Quick,

local pickup & dropoff available. Call 1-312-8276204, RefrigerantFinders. com ¡Te pagamos por tu refrigerante!

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS! CALL 1-916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com

The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS! CALL 1-916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com

WANT TO BUY

FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS! CALL 1-916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com

DID YOU KNOW

Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-2886011 or email cecelia@ cnpa.com

DID YOU KNOW

Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-2886011 or email cecelia@ cnpa.com

DID YOU KNOW 7 IN 10 Americans or 158 million U.S. Adults read content from newspaper media each week? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com

CreeksideatCampVerde. com

• Police threatened: County sheriff’s deputies and Oakley police fatally shoot man during suspected domestic violence incident on March 28 in Discovery Bay. https://bit.ly/3PZjq6K

• Overcoming a record: Oakley resident Greg Reynoso is cooking up a second chance. https://bit.ly/3i37Jj2

April

• Safety concerns: Family suspends search for Alexis Gabe. https://bit. ly/3jByrjd

• Suspect escapes: Boy suffers nonlife-threatening injuries in shooting in Oakley April 29. https://bit. ly/3G3OBsV

• Blood spilled: Man stabbed during Bethel Island altercation on April 22. https://bit.ly/3vlpdKx

May

• Cut the ribbon: Los Medanos College opens Brentwood Center campus May 4. https://bit.ly/3WyyUkK

• Pulling the plug: Blown transformer causes power outage May 24 in Brentwood. https://bit.ly/3hXqCnt

• Complete loss: Home destroyed in fire in Oakley on May 28. https://bit. ly/3jE4S05

Teacher

June

• Murder suspect killed: Alexis Gabe believed murdered, only suspect fatally shot, police announce June 2. https://bit.ly/3CbRO8N

• Tassels fly: Independence High School graduates get their diplomas June 7. https://bit.ly/3WyUQfl

• Tragic collision: Three dead in crash June 26 involving train and vehicle on Orwood Road. https://bit. ly/3WU5lcT

July

• House fire: Two people, four pets displaced in residential blaze July 2 in Brentwood. https://bit.ly/3YYqTHu

• Site for sale: Brentwood to sell former college campus for $1.6 million. https://bit.ly/3Q0Gkus

• Clue for search: Note may lead to location of Alexis Gabe’s body. https:// bit.ly/3vIsLqt

August

• Details publicized: Police release timeline of Gabe disappearance on Aug. 5. https://bit.ly/3CbcBcG

• Fatal shooting: One dead, three injured in Brentwood fitness center shooting on Aug. 11. https://bit. ly/3I5QEiZ

• Plea for justice: Alexis Gabe’s family creates petition. https://bit. ly/3WvkRwn September

• Residential crash: Three children in critical condition following vehicle crash Sept. 16 in Antioch. https://bit. ly/3jE85wT

• Robbery at bank: Mother, daughter robbed Sept. 19 at Bank of America in Brentwood. https://bit. ly/3X9nV19

• Suspects held: Bank of America robbery suspects identified, arrested Sept. 22. https://bit.ly/3i4FHn1 October

• Court action: Preliminary hearing set for Discovery Bay burglary suspect. https://bit.ly/3hY7JRc

• Afternoon crash: Erratic driving causes head-on collision Oct. 25 on Vasco Road. https://bit.ly/3WQynKx

• Not so scary: Brentwood Bubbles and Broomsticks Oct. 26 event a huge success. https://bit.ly/3GoNA0a November

• Grim news: Police announce Nov. 4 that the remains of Alexis Gabe have been discovered. https://bit. ly/3WArRYI

from page 1

tion of the Christmas song “O Holy Night” to brighten her spirits and wish her a Merry Christmas.

The goal of the video was not only to do that, but also for her former students to express how much they appreciate her and what she has done for them, “Nuhad is the most giving person you will ever meet,” said Justin Llamas, who was Levasseur’s student from 2009-2018. “She has always shown extra care to her students, making herself available to anyone who has an important audition or show coming up. She really sacrifices herself for the betterment of those around her. We owe her so much, which is another reason why it hurts to see her in so much pain.”

According to Llamas, Levasseur’s students have branched out well past the Bay Area, reaching success all over the world. “She has had students on The Voice, American Idol, Showtime at the Apollo, Sing Like A Star, and much more,” Llamas said. “She also currently has students starring on Broadway, doing national tours, and collecting major record deals. She was very involved with the Golden Hills church, as well as other ministries. Some of her students have become worship leaders and other types of performers all around the Bay Area.”

Hillary Fowlie, Levasseur’s daughter, reached out

Council from page 1

She would like to see the city take an “aggressive” approach to boosting the staffing levels at the Police Department to 44 officers. Shaw is also proposing the establishment of a new substation near Bethel Island or the far east border of the city.

She said she is a big supporter of the city’s proposed 55-acre regional park along Sellers Road.

Shaw also reported that the most pressing issue that Oakley voters were concerned about was the fire evacuation plans along the Cypress corridor.

Hugh Henderson

A former police officer in Brentwood from 1988-1995, Henderson served as a fire captain in El Cerrito from 1995-2005 and as chief of the former East Contra

“

Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies.

”

Edward Bulwer Lytton

to Llamas, who was able to coordinate the group of singers, editing together 14 individual covers of “O Holy Night.” Viewers can see the love shown by her students, as the video begins with “For our favorite voice teacher, Nuhad Levasseur’’ and ends with them all sending her prayers and well wishes in her fight against cancer. The singers then signed off by wishing for her joy, and expressing their love for her during this fight.

The final student to sign off was Christina Jardine, who thanked Levasseur for all she has done and for taking such an active role in her life. “Thank you so much, Nuhad, for being a big part of my life and basically my other mom,” she said. “I love you so much, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas for you and your family. We will all get through this together.”

• Votes are in: New City Council members were elected in Oakley and Brentwood on Nov. 8. https://bit. ly/3Q7LdSs

• Ambulance called: Speed, failure to stop leads to Nov. 25 crash, minor injuries, in Brentwood. https://bit. ly/3Iag3rC

• Up in smoke: Two-alarm fire breaks out Nov. 25 at Brentwood RV repair shop. https://bit.ly/3X9otEf December

• Furry friends: New veterinary hospital comes to Brentwood. https://bit. ly/3G1ogvG

• In the hole: Brentwood Golf Club plans to shut down 9-hole course. https://bit.ly/3Gsx1Az

• Neighborhood shot up: Gunshots pepper Brentwood neighborhood on Christmas Eve. https://bit. ly/3Q3hqdy

• Pandemic Update: Since the December 2019 outbreak of COVID-19 to Dec. 31, 2022, 1,092,679 deaths have been reported in the U.S., 6.7 million have died worldwide and 97,757 have died in California, according to figures compiled by the state and Americares.org.

She also received an outpouring of love and support when she announced her diagnosis, stating that her previous bout of cancer had returned and she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma. Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma is an aggressive form of cancer in which many cancer cells spread throughout the body, according to the National Cancer Institute. Undergoing therapy, she was not available to comment.

Levasseur disclosed that she would be undergoing 10 days of radiation and would begin chemotherapy after that in the hopes that she can proceed with a bone marrow transplant after four months.

She asked her community for prayers and said that she is leaning heavily on her faith to get her through this trying time, “With God, all things are possible and though I have quite the journey ahead, I’m ready for the battle. I love you all!” she said.

To watch the students’ video, see: https://youtu.be/ GiTWqW6twfQ.

Editor’s note: Press Staff Writer Rene De Amaral is a former student of the teacher who is featured in this story. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

orities in a recent interview. “We need to increase the size of the police department to keep up with the growth of the city,” Henderson said. He also hopes to promote more economic development in Oakley particularly along the waterfront, which he called “underutilized.”

Henderson also is firmly behind the development of the city’s proposed Delta regional park. “We need to deliver to the public what has been promised by past city councils.”

Henderson said voters were confused by the new format when the city switched to district elections from general elections.

Costa Fire Protection District from 20102017. Henderson, 60, graduated from Liberty High School and attended Los Medanos College. He is the general man-

ager of Hook, Line & Sinker on Main Street in Oakley.

It’s no surprise that he put public safety at the top of his City Council pri-

The former fire chief promised to make himself accessible to the city’s residents.

To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia

SHAW

HENDERSON