The Press 03.17.2023

Their championship season

Continuation school overcomes struggles to win first basketball title

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

BRENTWOOD Ron Jackson has been coaching basketball for nearly his entire adult life. So when he helped guide La Paloma to win the Presidents Jam tournament a few weeks ago in Stockton, the feeling of glory was just a bit different.

“I know it’s made me a better coach,” Jackson said.

La Paloma finished with an 8-5 record this season, which culminated in their championship win against Village Oaks of Stockton, 52-38, sparked by Riley Hilton’s 28-point effort.

The second-year program is a new and uncharted venture for La Paloma. The basketball team is the school’s first sports program in its 42-year history. Most continuation schools don’t have athletic programs.

For the players at La Paloma, it presents an opportunity for

something positive for students who wouldn’t have had a shot at other area high schools such as Liberty, Heritage, or Freedom.

“I was hopeful that students would really have something to motivate them,” La Paloma Principal Rachel Hancock said. “I was also a little bit nervous — competitive sports for our kids, they haven’t really always competed,

they’ve never been eligible to be on a team sport. Our students struggle with group work and teams in general, but I’ve seen a lot of good come from this, so I’m really excited about next year.”

Jackson added: “We had a few kids who needed pushing in the right direction and (Kristen Capps, a teacher at La Paloma) talked to me in regards to maybe

Council OKs changes to backyards

Coach Ron Jackson helped guide the La Paloma basketball team to finishing this season with an 8-5 record.

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

trying to start a basketball team. She came and she said ‘Ron, these guys need something. They shouldn’t be punished because they are at a continuation school.’”

Jackson has coached almost everywhere in the Bay Area, from San Jose State to Heritage and Adams Middle School. He even once

see Season page 18

Sanitary district wants to develop island

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

OAKLEY Jersey Island, owned by the Ironhouse Sanitary District, has long been a literal dumping ground for the sewage district. Next, it might be the next battleground over development growth.

The island is located between Oakley and Bethel Island on the San Joaquin River. Ironhouse currently grows fodder crops such as hay and alfalfa on the 3,520-acre island. The District purchased the island

for $3 million in 1993. The District is permitted to apply biosolids on the farm fields. Biosolids are an organic, nutrient-rich soil amendment that are produced through the wastewater treatment process. For years, maintenance of the levees surrounding the island has cost the district about $1 million per year according to Chad Davisson, the district’s general manager. Now, the outside sale of biosolids has covered much of the levee maintenance but the district wants to turn its burden into a profitable asset.

Facing the increasing costs of climate change and rising sea levels, the island sits from 4 to 18 feet below sea level, the district teamed up with Montezuma Water Inc. to come up with a development plan. On

see Develop page 18

BRENTWOOD

The Brentwood City Council voted unanimously to adopt a number of changes to the municipal code as it relates to home modifications for residents, such as fence height, sheds and storage containers as part of the council’s March 14 meeting.

“Over the last few years, the city’s community enrichment staff has seen a significant increase in complaints related to accessory buildings and structures that do not comply with the Brentwood municipal code,” Senior Planner Jennifer Hagen said while presenting the agenda item to council. “Staff does not proactively address issues related to accessory buildings and structures, but rather responds to complaints once they are received.”

As a result of the increased complaints, many of the changes adopted as part of the update to the municipal code are meant to provide residents with a greater flexibility when making modifications to their homes. The ordinance had not been updated since its introduction in 1987.

“The text amendment will provide greater flexibility and clarity to residents when improving their properties, which in turn will help to improve property values throughout the city.” Hagen added. “In addition, the amendment will provide greater clarity to Community Enrichment staff to mitigate and abate improperly constructed and/or maintained

see Backyards page 18

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Dawn Morrow (left), president of the board of directors of Ironhouse Sanitary District, came to the Oakley City Council meeting Tuesday night with General Manager Chad Davisson (center) and Director Peter Zirkle.

Photo by Chris Campos

Guitars Not Guns graduates first class since 2020

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

ANTIOCH Brothers Elvis and Eduardo Quintana could be the next rock stars to come out of Antioch, let alone Contra Costa County, and for that matter, the Bay Area. If they do find themselves on the big stage when they get older, they can thank a certain program for giving them their start.

Elvis, 7, and Eduardo, 10, were just two of eight students who graduated from the Guitars Not Guns program recently at the Family Justice Center in Antioch. Guitars Not Guns is a music-based program that takes in at-risk and foster youth and teaches them how to play guitar. At the end of the program, the kids play a song they learned over the course and then get gift bags and certificates.

“There’s a lot of kids that are not athletic, per se,” said Barbara Gorin, the director of the Contra Costa County Chapter of Guitars Not Guns and a professional guitarist. “We need to give them something to do. Bringing music to their lives it’s giving them something that’s a universal language and giving them the basic tools to write their own music.”

“When I was a full-time working musician, every time they had a guitar around the foster kids, the kids were really interested in learning to play.”

For the Quintana brothers, it took them a little while longer than some to get interested in learning to play.

“In the beginning, we were not so much (interested in the class),” Eduardo said. “By the fourth lesson, we were excited (to play). We were just shy.”

“The kids see that all the hard work that they’ve put into these last eight weeks, having everybody come together and everybody appreciating what we’ve taught them that they really get an understanding,” Gorin said.

The program is much more than just a basic, beginning-level music class for kids.

“This program is all kinds of things,” Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said. “It’s an outlet for kids to learn music, which could mean just having positive interactions with other people. It could be learning something that’s a hobby for the rest of their life, or could just be an understanding of the science (of music) or different arts.

“It’s a different outlet for each kid.”

Burgis has been a longtime supporter of the nonprofit, and her late husband, Richard Clayton, was also a volunteer teacher and supporter.

Guitars can cost from $100 to more than $100,000, and that $100 could mean the difference between rent and food for the next month, or, in this case, a guitar.

“Just having access to a guitar, being able to touch it, feel it, and then maybe developing a little bit of confidence and knowledge might be enough to bring them to the next level,” Burgis said.

Guitars Not Guns is still looking for volunteers and help going forward. Those interested are encouraged to reach out to Gorin at barbara.gorin@guitarsnotguns. org.

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

Calen Aragon tunes his guitar before playing during Guitars

Not Guns’ graduation ceremony on March 8.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

BAC Bank closes Discovery Bay branch

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

BAC Bank closed its Discovery Bay branch last month after 34 years in business.

Senior Vice President and Retail Banking Officer Josh Hill said the move came when the branch’s landlords at the Sandy Cove Shopping Center asked BAC to temporarily relocate to accommodate some renovation and expansion work for the neighboring business, Starbucks.

“We took some time to explore the cost of that and what it would look like, so we thought ‘What if we took the opportunity to relocate and have that be our permanent location,’” Hill said. “The more we researched and looked into it, the costs were sky high to move permanently or temporarily, and then we started looking at our Discovery Bay clients, and how many of them do their transactions in Brentwood, how many do their banking mobile-y, and looked at how badly leaving would hurt customers, and what that would look like.”

Hill said after careful consideration of the impacts on the 525 Discovery Bay households that bank with them, BAC began the process of closing the branch. Hill noted there are two BAC locations in Brentwood, one at 2251 Balfour Road near Highway 4 and one downtown at 740 First St., able to serve customers, as well as online – or mobile – banking options.

There is even drive-through banking in Brentwood, an option that was not available in Discovery Bay. All the employees from the Discovery Bay location were transferred to the two Brentwood locations, so Discovery Bay customers will still see familiar faces when they go to do their banking.

Hill said BAC did its best to reach all customers through mailings and in-branch signs starting last Sep-

tember, though some did go to social media to complain of the branch’s “disappearance” after its last day on Feb. 17. Despite some difficulties in the transition, Hill said it went well, overall.

“I think what’s important is that we really wanted to take care and do the right thing for the customers in the community and our employees,” he said.

BAC — or Bank of Agriculture and Commerce — was founded in Brentwood in 1965. With eight branches and 115 employees, the small bank is still committed to its community, and has donated almost $40,000 to local programs since 2020, including the Discovery Bay Lions

Knightsen Elementary School District

Kindergarten & TK Registration

There are two BAC locations in Brentwood: 2251 Balfour Road near Highway 4 and one downtown at 740 First St.

★ ALSO ACCEPTING INTERDISTRICT TRANSFERS FOR GRADE LEVELS (2-8)

Club, Food Bank of Contra Costa, The Hope House, Monument Crisis Center and Freedom House, among others, officials said. BAC also sponsors financial literacy classes given by the Banzai Foundation at local schools.

Contra Costa County Principal Planner Will Nelson said Starbucks did submit an application in 2020. It has not been denied, and the county is waiting for revised plans and additional materials from the applicant. The Press was not able to reach a Starbucks corporate spokesman in time for publication.

For more information, call 1-877-226-5820 or visit www.bankbac.com

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

She wrote the book on East County history

Leighton was a

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

Kathy Leighton spent decades tracking down history. In the wake of her passing on March 4, others started noting her impact on local history.

Leighton spent more than 40 years compiling the written and oral histories of the East Contra Costa County area and its people. She could often be found holding court in the “game room” at her Byron home, pouring bottomless cups of coffee and spinning yarns with enough vigor to entice her multi-generational listeners. Leighton also committed these histories to the page in numerous publications including her book titled Footprints in the Sand, the second edition still available through the East Contra Costa Historical Society (ECCHS).

Chantelle Leighton, her daughter, said recently, “My mother was solid and unwavering in her political beliefs, very quick witted and well informed. It was of the utmost importance to her to give back to the community. Although she was kind and patient my mother didn’t coddle her kids, she raised an army of them. Being with her was always

the most interesting place to be. A few years back, somebody asked me if I ever went to camp and my response was, ’My house was camp.’ It was not uncommon for her to cram 10 children in a station wagon and head out on an adventure for a few weeks. She had a home filled with friends, family, and laughter. She was a great artist, poet and writer. And always encouraged us to find our voice. She will be missed but her life was most definitely a life well lived.”

Steve Verduzco, a volunteer at the Historical Society’s Museum on Sellers Avenue,

said recently, “the biggest thing about Kathy was when I wanted to know an answer to a question about the history of Brentwood I went by the ECCHS and was told to come in on a Monday and ask for Kathy Leighton. Kathy sat me down inside and started to talk about the history of Brentwood… I learned that day that it’s not where you get the information, it’s who you get your information from. From that day forward I have been going into the ECCHS every Monday just to talk to Kathy and learn, as well as read all the information. I didn’t need to read anything when Kathy was around because she knew everything, but Kathy encouraged me to do research on my own and I’m glad she did. I was happy that the new Resource Room was named after Kathy Leighton. She deserved it and much more.”

Shirley McCall, Leighton’s first cousin, noted recently, “She had so many recollections in her memory bank about old timers in Byron, local ‘characters,’ about when and why the history of East County developed, etc. I used to beg her to put a tape recorder in her car and record those memories, many of which were not written down anywhere but in her brain. Alas, I don’t think she heeded my plea. I miss her.”

When Leighton wrote “Footprints in the Sand” 20 years ago, she could have scarcely imagined that the original edition would become a collector’s item with the leather-bound book sometimes selling for $300. Leighton’s roots in East County ran deep, making her an ideal candidate to document the region’s history. Her mother’s family settled close to what is now the Los Vaqueros Reservoir in the 1860s, and her father’s family settled on land now home to the Byron Airport. Leighton’s foray into writing started with genealogy research into her own family history. “I couldn’t collect information about my family without collecting everyone else, and I couldn’t bring myself to throw anything away,” she explained in a Press interview. “Before I knew it, I had 240 binders of East County history. Those 240 binders are what started the (East Contra Costa Historical Society) resource center.”

The book was published by local author and fellow historian Carol Jensen through her company, Byron Hot Springs. “To say the least, the original edition is rare,” said Jensen. “Kathy and I have been friends forever, and she’s been kicking this around forever. If you want to delve into local history, it’s pretty much Kathy’s book. What else is out there? Between Brentwood and Oakley, you’ve got 100,000 people, many of whom haven’t got a clue about local history.”

“One thing I figured out is that, wherever you live, if you kick over the right rocks, you’re going to find something interesting under it. East County is no exception,” Leighton said. “We’ve accumulated lots and lots of stuff.”

A celebration of Leighton’s life, in the form of a good old-fashioned Leighton barbecue is at noon on Sunday, May 21, (the day after the Liberty Union High School reunion 1906-1965) at the East Contra Costa Historical Society, 33890 Sellers Ave., in Brentwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations go to the East Contra Costa Historical Society at https://eastcontracostahistory.org/donate

Brentwood reader wins vineyard gift certificate

George Nelson subscribed to The Press and was the winner of our February Subscription Drawing. For his efforts, he received a $100 gift card to the Campos Family Vineyards in Byron. Nelson and his wife recently moved to Summerset at Brentwood from Vallejo. “We can’t tell you how friendly and welcoming people have been to us since our move here,” Nelson said recently. Nelson, born and raised in Vallejo, retired as a master foreman at the Mare Island Naval Station. Nelson, who favors red wines, said he’s looking forward to visiting the local winery in Byron.

Empowerment Day event inspires girls

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

OAKLEY The Rotary Club of Oakley and the Oakley Union Elementary School District co-hosted its first Girls’ Empowerment Day on International Women’s Day, Wednesday, March 8 as 275 8th-grade girls from Delta Vista and O’Hara Park Middle Schools were encouraged to visualize their high school, college and career goals.

Oakley Rotary president Thuy DaoJensen was the impetus for this event since she wrote a Rotary District Grant that would pay for it. DaoJensen was inspired to organize the event since she was elected president of the Oakley Rotary at the same time Rotary International inducted its first female president, Jennifer E. Jones, after 115 years of only male presidents.

According to DaoJensen, the goal of Girls’ Empowerment Day is to motivate eighth-grade girls to discuss their high school expectations and career goals so they may start planning for their futures. Dao-

Jensen is a former education professor who serves on the Brentwood Union School District Board and wanted to encourage young women to imagine their futures.

“I know how important it is to encourage young women to visualize their

The Oakley Union Elementary School District and the Rotary Club of Oakley celebrated International Women’s Day by co-hosting their first Girls’ Empowerment Day. Tara Sanders was the keynote speaker.

abilities looks like and how to navigate through that, and to view women as mentors and supporters. When young women see other women, especially women of color, in careers that are historically White male dominant, it encourages them to imagine themselves in those roles too.”

The event featured a panel of diverse career-driven women and included:

• Pittsburg Mayor Shanelle ScalesPreston

• Angela Gaines, a security adviser at Chevron

• Karla Guzman-Palacios, finance professional at New York Life

• Jacqueline Dela Merced M.D., Sutter Health OB/Gyn

• former Oakley mayor Claire Alaura

• Yared Oliveros, senior Diversity & Inclusion Business Partner at Tesla.

The keynote speaker was Tara Sanders, manager for Workforce Development at Contra Costa Community College District and owner of Dale Vino, the first wine bar in Pittsburg.

DaoJensen said that exposing young girls to strong women empowers them to plan for their futures.

future selves, as constant learners and in leadership roles,” she said. “The way to do that is through storytelling by diverse women of how they overcame struggles, both personal and career, identifying what lowered expectations of womens’

“When we provide eighth-grade girls with examples of strong women with careers in their community, we empower young women to start planning for their futures of fulfilling and productive lives.”

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Photo by Oakley Union Elementary School District

International Women’s Day gathering implores them to think big

Woman, 18, hospitalized during road rage shooting

Tuesday night

A road rage incident Tuesday night left an 18-year-old woman hospitalized with gunshot wounds and her passengers shaken up after their car crashed into a traffic pole.

Antioch police reported to the on-ramp of Highway 4 East off of Lone Tree Way at about 7:45 p.m. after a black Honda Accord crashed into the traffic light pole.

According to Antioch police and one of the passengers of the Accord, there was a road rage incident between an SUV and a Dodge Charger near their vehicle heading toward the traffic light. Someone in the Charger then opened fire on the SUV, but it was unclear who at press time on Wednesday.

Instead, it struck the driver of the Accord, shooting out the driver’s-side window and forcing the car to drive head-on into the traffic light pole.

The driver was taken to a nearby hospital where her status is unknown, according to Antioch police.

The passengers of the vehicle, three males ranging from ages 16-18 were OK but shaken up after the crash. They all cooperated with police at the scene where their family members met with them.

Antioch police closed Lone Tree Way heading towards the Highway 4 East on-ramp for several minutes while they investigated the scene

Small business development grant applications sought

The City of Brentwood is accepting applications from organizations through the Economic Development Grant Program to provide small business support and marketing, local tourism and community-

based promotional events and projects that support Brentwood businesses.

The grant period covers projects occurring between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

Staff will begin accepting complete applications beginning Monday, March 20, 2023 and applications must be submitted, no later than the deadline of 5 p.m., Monday, April 17.

County transit advisory panel seeks new member

Is public transportation important to you? The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking someone to serve on the County Connection Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Committee reviews and analyzes issues and policies relating to fixedroute and paratransit service and advises the County Connection Board of Directors accordingly.

The County’s appointee will also act as a citizen liaison from the County. Regular meetings of the Advisory Committee are held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Concord. This is a volunteer position.

The appointment will be for a two-year term ending June 30, 2025. Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the county web page at www. contracosta.ca.gov.

Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 7. Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews in Martinez on Monday, April 10.

For more information about the County Connection Advisory Committee, call Ruby Horta at (925) 680-2048 or visit the County Connection website at https:// countyconnection.com.

Deer Ridge Family Dental

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, March 17

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

The St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus is hosting a Fish Fry dinner at the St. Anne Community Life Center at 2800 Camino Diablo from 5-7:30 p.m. The dinner also features a raffle. The cost is $12 for adults (age 13 and up) and $9 for children 12 and under. For more information, contact Mike Stoiber at mjs2082@aol.com or 925-759-4669.

Saturday, March 18

Girl Scouts Cookie Kickoff

Local Girl Scout troops are partnering with Oakley Storage at 4700 Main St., to host a cookie kickoff and start Girl Scout cookie-selling season. The kickoff is from 9 a.m.-noon..

Friday, March 17 through Sunday, April 2

Delta Through a Lens:

Photography Exhibit

The East Bay Regional Park District is inviting East County residents to submit a photo that shares a unique perspective of the Delta and East Bay Regional Parks. Anyone can submit a photo of the nature and/or culture that is related to the Delta. The photo must be at least 1 megabyte and cropped to 8x10. Photos are to be emailed to BigBreakVisit@EBparks.org, with the subject as Delta Through a Lens-Photo Exhibit - 2023 with the photographers name, phone number, mailing address, the location where the photo was taken, a title and three to five sentences to describe how the photo reflects the photographers with East Bay Regional Park or the Delta region. The exhibit will be available to view at the Big Break Regional Shoreline Visitor Center located at 69 Big Break Road. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/3JkxDJX

Friday, March 17 through Saturday, March 25

The Death of a Triboulet

The Drama Factory is putting on performances of the show The Death of a Triboulet at the Nick Rodriguez Theatre at 213 F St. The March 17 show is at 7:30 p.m., March 18 has two shows at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., March 19 has a show at 1 p.m., March 24 has a show at 7:30 p.m. and March 25 has two shows at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. General admission is $15, $10 for seniors. The March 19 show is free for seniors. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http:// bit.ly/3ZW5Bdi

Saturday, March 18

Sons of the American Legion Crab Dinner

The Sons of the American Legion is hosting their first crab dinner at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. The dinner includes all-you-can-eat pasta, crab, appetizer and dessert. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6 p.m. The event will also feature a raffle. Tickets are $65. For more information, call Tim at 925-206-6738 or Scott at 925-250-1405.

Shave for the Brave Fundraiser

Rake Salon at 240 Oak St. is hosting a fundraiser in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and will be shaving heads for children’s cancer research from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information and to donate, visit http://bit.ly/3kOzAEQ

Emmaus First Annual Bike and Car Show Fundraiser

Monkey Wrenches Inc. is sponsoring a bike and car show at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at 500 Fairview Ave. from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. All makes and models of cars are welcome, and the event will feature a raffle drawing, youth model car contest and DJ. Registration is from 8-10 a.m., the

show will begin right after at 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. and awards will follow and end at 2:30 p.m. For more information and to pre-register, call 925-202-6460 or 925-382-3521.

Monday, March 20

All God’s Children

Annual Golf Tournament

All God’s Children Christian School is hosting their annual golf tournament at the Discovery Bay Country Club. The tournament will feature a continental breakfast, a driving range and putting contest. A barbecue buffet dinner with awards will take place after the tournament at 3:30 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The tournament is a shotgun start at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Kaitlyn Lillard at kaitlynlillard@gmail.com or 925-642-5674, or visit http://bit.ly/3YCWrSx

On the Horizon

Saturday, March 25 and

Sunday, March 26

Spring Craft Show and Yard Sale

The Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. is hosting a craft show and yard sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Craft vendors will be located indoors and yard sale participants will be in the courtyard. For more information and to become a vendor, email sandmcraftemporium@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 29

Oakley Community Meeting

Regarding 55-Acre Park

The City of Oakley is hosting a community input meeting at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center at 1250 O’Hara Ave. This meeting will kick off the master planning process for the future 55-acre park at the north end of Sellers Avenue. Attendees can offer comments, ask questions, and participate in interactive activities. The meeting will provide an updated vision and direction for the development of the park. For more information visit http://bit.ly/3Jg8VZF

Saturday, April 1

Easter Spring Fling

Four Legs Brewing at 2010 Elkins Way is hosting an Easter Spring Fling from 1-5 p.m. and will feature free Easter Bunny photos and free Easter baskets for the first 200 kids. The event will also feature 25 vendors, an egg hunt for adults, and a DJ. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3JiPf92

Trinkets & Treasures Flea Market

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting a Trinkets & Treasures Flea Market from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 215 Second St. Vendors will be showcasing new and used items, along with collectibles and antiques.

Wednesday, April 5 and April 12

Oakley’s Got Talent Auditions

The Oakley Youth Advisory Council is hosting auditions for Oakley’s annual talent show on May 20. Auditions will take place on April 5 from 6-7 p.m. and April 12 from 7-8 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center at 1250 O’Hara Ave. Performances are limited to 5 minutes. For those unable to audition in person, video submissions can be sent to http://bit.ly/3yzpVFt

Saturday, April 8

Kiwanis Club of the Delta Annual Romano Marchetti Memorial Tri-Tip/ Chicken Dinner

The Kiwanis Club of the Delta is hosting their annual Tri-Tip/ Chicken Dinner at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building at 815 Fulton Shipyard Road, from 5-9 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with social hour beginning at 5 p.m. The dinner will benefit local Kiwanis programs, youth charities and music scholarships. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://bit.ly/3ZHZkBX

Friday, April 14

Poker Night

The Liberty Lions Band Boosters is hosting a poker night at the Brentwood Community Center at 760 First St. Dinner will start at 5:30 p.m., with poker beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $20 and poker entry is $65, and the top prize is $500. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https:// bit.ly/3YMywzj

Ongoing Events

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.

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. The upcoming meeting on March 27 will feature guest speaker Andrew Pierce from Vector Control.

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.

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/.

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/

www.thepress.net/ calendar

Looking for more things to do?

Brent Aasen

Don Aguillard

Jennifer Aldo

Diane Alexander

Laura Allison

Pauline Allred

Karen Baldwin

Soheila Bana

Ken Bame

Patricia Barron

Darien Beebee

Debbie Bell

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

Robin Choate Janet Clarke

Colin Coffey Betty Cole

Sondra Collier

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

Opini O n

Jon & Julie Elam Jim Elizondo Audrey Ellis Silvia Espinoza Claudia Evers D F Cheryl

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Carol Scotton

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Shirley Sexton

Maria Shields

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Susan Silsdorf

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Tim Stroshane

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John & Judith Sutton

Sue Swackhamer

Mary Tappel

Letters to the editor

Mary Casey Black teacher Cecy Martinez fondly remembered

Editor,

Our school district said goodbye this past week to beloved Mary Casey Black teacher Cecy Martinez, who was taken from us far, far too early.

Cecy fought cancer with the same tenacity and fierce optimism that made her a universally respected teacher, coach and person. Even on some of her most challenging days, she showed

up at school, with a passion for her students and determination in her heart. She was inspirational in every sense of the word.

On behalf of our school district, I wish to thank her family for sharing Cecy with us. She positively impacted hundreds of young lives. Her legacy will continue to live on in her students as they navigate the world, better for what she taught them. It was an honor to know and work with her. #TeamCecy Dana Eaton, Ed.D. Superintendent Brentwood Union School District

Mingst

Zack Taylor

Lana Terry

Dinah Thompson

Tracie Thompson

Kathren Thomson

Linda Thuman*

Lynn Tiemeyer

Amy Tilley

Hector Torres

Jon Ulricksen

Michael Urback

Jim Valentine

Fred Valverde

Christopher Vetterli

Scott Vickers

Jim Wadnizak

Steve Walker

Michele Walls

Julia Wantuck

Jay Warwood

Marilyn Watts

Laura West

Theresa Wessler

Keith Wheeler

Brian Winters

Scott Woodard

Marie Woods

Cody, Chloe & Cali Wong

Leslie Wyatt

Guy Yocom

Carolyn Young

Joseph Young

Larry Young

Mary Young

*Monthly

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Publisher Greg Robinson

Controller Sandie McNulty

Editor Chris Campos

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Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures

Advertising 925-634-1441, ext. 115 Classifieds 925-634-1441, ext. 142 Editorial 925-634-1441, ext. 110

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Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.

Samuel B. Bell

July 10, 1932 – Feb. 12, 2023

Samuel (Sam) Brittian Bell was born

July 10, 1932 in San Francisco, Calif.. Sam passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, 2023 at his home in Discovery Bay, Calif.

He is preceded in death by his son, William B. Bell (Billy).

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years,

Melvin Portue

Dec. 25, 1935 – March 2, 2023

Melvin Portue peacefully passed away from this earth on March 2, 2023 after an extended battle with cancer. He was 87 years old and was a resident of Brentwood, Calif. for many years after formerly residing in San Leandro where he raised his family.

On Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1935, Melesio Natividad Portue was born in Walsenburg, Colorado. The family relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area when he was five years old, and when he finished school at Balboa High School, he joined the Air Force. He was very proud to serve his country, most prominently as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt) loadmaster traveling to many countries around the world.

Mel was quite the linguist and easily picked up Italian, Spanish and Arabic in his travels. He never lost his love of aviation, and it was not unusual to see him wearing a bomber jacket loaded with patches from units he served with, as well as those of his children and grandchildren. While in the Air Force serving in Albuquerque, he met his future wife, Julia.

They married on July 4, 1959, never left each other’s sides for 63 years and were holding hands when he passed.

After the military, Mel worked in scaffolding all around the Bay Area where he met many lifelong friends. In Brentwood, Mel was very active in American Legion Post 202 where he served as

OBITUARIES

Betty Bell, daughter Cindy Bisagno, son-inlaw Don Bisagno and his son, Christopher Bell; his three grandsons, granddaughter in-law, one granddaughter and two great granddaughters, his brother, Tom Sr. along with other relatives and friends.

Sam served his country in the U.S. Army, and he fought in the Korean War. He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. Sam was a lifelong entrepreneur and had many businesses in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area until he retired at the age of 68.

commander for a number of years, distributing scholarships to students, organizing fundraisers for the community and attending countless games, practices and competitions for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often passing on his wisdom affectionately known as “Melvinology.”

Mel also had a passion and talent for art. He painted many things in early Brentwood, preserving them for the future, and many hung in City Hall for a period of time. He painted for joy, and his children and grandchildren are rich for having some of his artwork as heirlooms.

Mel is survived by his loving wife, Julia Portue (nee Barrios) of the home. He is survived by son Keith Portue of Hayward, Calif., son Kent Portue of Las Vegas Nev., son Kenneth Portue of Brentwood, daughter Kimberly Siegfried (nee Portue) of Brentwood, brother Tom Portue of Pleasant Hill, 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Solomon and Nellie Portue (nee Rice), sister Pat Gammon (nee Portue) and brother Raymond Portue. Mel will be inurned on April 7, at 1:30 p.m at Union Cemetery in Byron where his brother Raymond is resting.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mel Portue High School Art Scholarship Fund created by the family to support local high school graduates in pursuit of higher education and training in the world of art, which he cherished. Donations can be made via the GoFundMe account, Melvin Portue Liberty High School Art Scholarship https://gofund.me/80bf54dc

Ray Harris Carter

Feb. 7, 1935 – March 10, 2023

Ray Harris Carter, 88, of Brentwood passed away peacefully Friday morning, March 10 at home in hospice care.

Ray was born on Feb. 7, 1935 in Carthage, Missouri to Homer Harris Carter and Cecile Mae (Dendinger) Carter.

Ray graduated from Carthage High School in 1953 where he was Senior Class president and played on the varsity basketball team. He was also a member of the Junior ROTC program in high school and served in the Missouri National Guard after graduation.

Early in his work life, Ray worked in sales with the Big Smith clothing company and was a dispatcher with Campbell 66 trucking company. Most of his career was spent as a consultant, where he traveled extensively across the United States and Canada.

Nearing retirement, Ray settled in the Brentwood area of California where he was a reporter and columnist for the Brentwood Press. He was active in the Brentwood Lions Club, Historical Society, member of Brentwood SIRS as well as serving on the board of directors for Sutter Delta Hospital Foundation.

Ray also was an ordained minister and experienced Celebrant.

Ray’s interests included crossword puzzles, photography, astronomy and computers. He inherited his mother’s gift of singing, and was active in the local karaoke scene as well as a member of the Summerset Singers choral group.

Survivors include his wife Karen (Lawrence) Carter; children David Carter of Powder Springs, Georgia, Diane Miller of Douglasville, Georgia; grandchildren, Cole Miller, Sarah Miller and Jada Carter. Ray was much loved by Karen’s daughters Stacy Mack, Becky Estenson and Amy Dal Bon and their families.

Plans for a Celebration of Life are pending.

Hometown SportS

Brentwood Dolphins celebrate their 60th birthday – 3 years late

New season starts in April

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

The Brentwood Dolphins Swim Club recently turned 60 years old, maintaining its status as Brentwood’s oldest and only recreational swim team.

The club turned 60 in 2020, but couldn’t celebrate due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global shutdown. So the team is celebrating its belated birthday during its 63rd season, which begins in early April, team officials said.

The club started in 1960 by resident and former Brentwood Recreation Department Director Lou Bronzan as the Brentwood Swim Club, according to a press release. The team would use Liberty High School’s pool for practice, which also served at the town’s pool at the time.

The team would eventually expand and join the Contra Costa Valley Swim Conference and update their name for the first time to the Dolphins Swim Club in the 1980s.

This name change would encourage membership growth and make recreational swim more accessible for residents, with current members coming from all over East County.

After years of hosting meets at various CCVSC team’s pools, the Dolphins moved to the Heritage High School Community Aquatic Center in the mid-2000s. A second name change came with the move, and the team would then become The Brentwood Dolphins Swim Club. For more information on the Brentwood Dolphins Swim Club’s upcoming season, visit https://bit.ly/401Msq0

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

The Brentwood Dolphins Swim Club is belatedly celebrating their 60th birthday –three years late. They pride themselves on being Brentwood’s oldest recreational swim team.

Delta Breeze gets $10,000 grant for youth lacrosse

From Staff Reports

The Bill Belichick Foundation has selected Brentwood’s Delta Breeze Lacrosse as a recipient of the 2022 Foundation Grant of $10,000 to support the expansion of youth lacrosse in East Contra Costa County.

Delta Breeze Lacrosse is entering its fifth season as a competitive sport attracting local boys and girls 6-16 to the game. Although not yet available in Brentwood high schools, Delta Breeze hopes to have a strong pipeline of players to support high school lacrosse teams soon. The grant from the Belichick Foundation will help Delta Breeze expand its reach into the Antioch and Pittsburg areas through advertising and availability of free equipment for all players to borrow.

“Accessibility and coaching is key” say John and Laurie Boone, founders of Delta Breeze. “The game sells itself. We believe the indigenous roots of lacrosse teach a system of beliefs and values well suited to the future our children will face. This grant will help us make the sport more accessible

and diverse, and enhance the character of the sport and its values. It’s the fastest game on two feet!”

Linda Halliday, president of the foundation says, “Your organization exemplifies the mission of the Bill Belichick

Foundation, which is why we are pleased to award you this one-time $10,000 grant. The Bill Belichick Foundation strives to provide coaching, mentorship and financial support to individuals, communities and organizations. We seek out those leaders and athletes who embody our family’s passion for sport, coaching, teambuilding and excellence – in the classroom and on the field. Thank you for sharing our values and doing your job!”

Belichick is the longtime head coach of the NFL’s New England Patriots.

Training and practices are organized and led by John Boone, a seasoned lacrosse professional with over 30 years of lacrosse experience as a player, coach, certified U.S. Lacrosse high school and college-level referee, and past president of the Northern California Lacrosse Referees Association. He is also the recipient of the 2022 U.S. Lacrosse Youth Service Award. Boone is a history and economics teacher at La Paloma High School in Brentwood. Through the Delta Breeze program, he hopes to give back to his community what lacrosse has given him for so many years.

Delta Breeze Lacrosse, a local organization focused on introducing the game to boys and girls ages 6 to 16, received a grant that will enable them to expand across East Contra Costa County.

Press file photo

Press file photo

At left, Delta Breeze player Cyrus Faghih jumps to intercept a pass by the Walnut Creek Warriors. At right, Delta Breeze player Asher Bosco (#17), Jayden Parks, and Noah Shappet, play defensive positions against the Warriors.

Delta Breeze has mixed March 4 weekend

By Daren Shappet Correspondent

Though they battled hard in their first few games of the season, the Delta Breeze boys 12U and 14U teams were outnumbered and outplayed by the visiting Skyline Lacrosse club.

On March 4 at Freedom High School, the 14U team lost 17-2 and the 12U team 16-3. In the 14U game, the Delta Breeze defense put up enough of a battle to enable Basir Allah-Selvin and Noah Shappet to each score once.

In the 12U game, good Delta Breeze defensive plays and passing enabled Shappet to score three times. Delta Breeze’s 12U roster included 9 players whereas Skyline’s roster included 23 players. Delta Breeze’s 14U roster included: Alex Vasquez, Alfred Martinez Jr., Basir AllahSelvin, Caden Kyle, Easton Quiles, Jaxon Salazar, Kory Dake, Mason Beck, and Shane Hamilton.

Earlier in the day, the Delta Breeze 8U boys team beat Skyline 6-5 whereas the 10U team lost 6-3. In the loss, good defensive and offensive by Asher Bosco, Declan Salazar, Henry Garner, Henry Lord enabled Callahan Veach to score twice, with a third score coming

from borrowed Skyline player Murphy.

On March 5, the wind shifted for the Delta Breeze 12U team with a 6-1 victory against the Walnut Creek Warriors Club. Delta Breeze goalie Jett Apodaca performed well with several blocked shots to keep Delta Breeze in the lead. Outstanding defense and offense plays by Alexander Betancourt, Bryson Clark, Cyrus Faghih, Eden Bosco, James Lord, and Jayden Parks enabled Callahan Veach to score twice, Devin Pryor once, and Noah Shappet three times.

– Editor’s note: Daren Shappet is a coach with Delta Breeze Lacrosse

Photos courtesy of Delta Breeze Lacrosse

Putting their heads together to solve problems

Six Brentwood teams to go to state Odyssey of the Mind tournament

From Staff Reports

Six Brentwood Union School District teams are headed to the Odyssey of the Mind state tournament on March 25. These teams qualified for the state tournament by winning or placing in their division at tournaments held at Concord and Natomas High Schools over the previous two weekends, the district announced this week.

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition in which teams of up to seven students work together to create solutions for long-term problems.

“BUSD has seen tremendous success in Odyssey of the Mind competitions over the last several years and is extremely proud of our 11 teams who worked for months to compete at the tournaments,” Superintendent Dana Eaton said.

The six teams heading to the state finals at Adams Middle School are:

• Marsh Creek Elementary – Problem 2, Division 1

• Marsh Creek Elementary – Problem 4, Division 1

• Mary Casey Black Elementary – Problem 4, Division 1

• Adams Middle School – Problem 2, Division 2

• Edna Hill Middle School – Problem 3, Division 2

• Edna Hill Middle School – Problem 4, Division 2

County offers free adoptions this month

Shelters have reached capacity

From Staff Reports

All animals at Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be free to adopt this month in an effort to clear kennel space with the county shelter reaching capacity. CCAS is also seeking qualified foster homes – specifically those that can accommodate large dog breeds – to help reduce the shelter population.

The service was begun in February, but was extended a month because of the number of animals who want a new home, agency officials said.

“We’ve reached a fever pitch,” Dr. Katherine Mills, DVM, CCAS Chief of Shelter

Medicine said last month. “With an already crowded shelter and an average daily intake of nearly 20 animals each day, we’re asking for the community’s help in getting as many pets out of the shelter as we possibly can through adoption and foster.”

CCAS has more than 100 pets seeking permanent or temporary homes. Interested adopters and fosters can view CCAS’s available pets at www.ccasd.org, or come to meet them at the adoption center in Martinez. A $25 licensing fee may apply for pet adoptions.

The adoption center at 4800 Imhoff Place in Martinez is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Public Information Officer Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

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Cop logs

A burglary from a vehicle was reported on Lone Tree Way. Two people broke into the reporting party’s vehicle and took their mother’s oxygen machine. BRENTWOOD – Feb. 25, 3:18 p.m.

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:

OAKLEY

Feb. 25, 10:52 a.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 6000 block on Tazetta Drive.

Feb. 25, 11:06 a.m. A case of indecent exposure was reported at the 2000 block on Main Street.

Feb. 25, 11:39 a.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 4400 block on Fall Lane.

Feb. 25, 12:18 p.m. A traffic hazard was reported on O’Hara Avenue/Chianti Way.

Feb. 25, 3:14 p.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported at the 700 block on Domaine Court.

Feb. 25, 3:51 p.m. An assault with a deadly weapon was reported at the 60 block on Carol Lane.

Feb. 25, 6:38 p.m. A petty theft was reported at the Raley’s on Oakley.

Feb. 25, 8:08 p.m. A traffic stop was conducted on Main Street/Carol Lane.

Feb. 25, 9:49 p.m. A domestic disturbance was reported at the 200 block on Bayview Drive.

Feb. 26, 3:12 a.m. A traffic stop was conducted on Empire Avenue/Oakley Road.

Feb. 26, 3:28 a.m. A DUI misdemeanor was reported at the Shell Station in Oakley.

Feb. 26, 7:29 a.m. An arrest warrant was served at the Dutch Bros in Oakley.

Feb. 26, 9:47 a.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 1500 block on Rutherford Lane.

Feb. 26, 12:55 p.m. A shoplifter was reported at the Raley’s in Oakley.

Feb. 26, 1:06 p.m. A welfare check was conducted at the 4200 block on Empire Avenue.

Feb. 26, 2:01 p.m. A welfare check was conducted on Harvest Drive/Harvest Circle.

Feb. 26, 2:48 p.m. A public nuisance was reported at the Raley’s in Oakley.

Feb. 26, 3:19 p.m. A welfare check was reported on Gardenia Avenue/Camelia Court.

Feb. 26, 5:20 p.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported on Orchard Park Drive/W. Cypress Road.

Feb. 26, 7:37 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported at the 100 block on Matisse Drive.

Feb. 26, 8:10 p.m. A hit-and-run misdemeanor was reported on Laurel Road/Empire Avenue.

Feb. 26, 8:16 p.m. An auto burglary was reported at the 100 block on Copper Knoll Way.

Feb. 26, 8:32 p.m. A case of indecent exposure was reported at the Chase Bank in Oakley.

Feb. 26, 9:18 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at the Grocery Outlet in Oakley.

BRENTWOOD

Feb. 25, 1:15 a.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Oak Street. The reporting party started to record bar security because they had told the reporting party that the bar was closed at 12:30 a.m. Security then smashed the reporting party’s phone because they were recording him.

Feb. 25, 7:57 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Brentwood Boulevard.

Feb. 25, 2:44 p.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Oak Street. A U-Haul hit the reporting party’s vehicle.

Feb. 25, 3:06 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Sand Creek Road.

Feb. 25, 3:18 p.m. A burglary from a vehicle was reported on Lone Tree Way. Two people broke into the reporting party’s vehicle and took their mother’s oxygen machine.

Feb. 25, 4:26 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Guthrie Lane/Harvest Park Drive. A man driving a silver Cadillac hit a fence with his car. The reporting party says there is significant damage to the fence.

Feb. 25, 7:13 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported on Lone Tree Way.

Feb. 25, 8:37 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. A known shoplifter walked out of the store and set off the alarm.

Feb. 25, 11:11 p.m. A fight was reported on Hanson Lane.

Feb. 25, 11:46 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Grant Street/Lone Oak Road.

Feb. 26, 4:57 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Empire Avenue. A man trying to break into a business.

Feb. 26, 8:47 a.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Sand Creek Road/ O’Hara Avenue.

Feb. 26, 12:32 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Balfour Road.

Feb. 26, 2:02 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way.

Feb. 26, 4:57 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Lone Tree way. Door lockers were busted, a wallet was taken and $300 was charged to one of the credit cards in Antioch.

Feb. 26, 6:19 p.m. Threat complaints were reported on Empire Avenue.

Feb. 26, 6:43 a.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Brentwood Boulevard/Pine Street.

Feb. 27, 6:46 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported on Sycamore Avenue.

Feb. 27, 8:43 a.m. An accident with minor injuries was reported on Birch Street/Diablo Way. Silver Ford Focus vs bike, cyclist has injuries on his arm and cuts on his hands and mouth.

Feb. 27, 9:18 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Sand Creek Road.

Feb. 27, 11:14 a.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Oak Street.

Feb. 27, 1:19 p.m. A residential burglary was reported on Cortona Way. The reporting party’s jewelry and cash were taken from their room.

Feb. 27, 1:53 p.m. An accident with unknown injuries was reported on Lone Tree Way.

Feb. 27, 2:47 p.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Black Stone Drive. The reporting party’s vehicle was damaged, and the person who hit them did not have their license or insurance on them. The reporting party followed them to their home and got their license, but not insurance.

Feb. 27, 4:40 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Young Drive.

Feb. 27, 5:31 p.m. A residential burglary was reported on Roosevelt Drive. The reporting party returned home to a shattered sliding glass door to the backyard.

Feb. 27, 7:47 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Brentwood Boulevard.

ANTIOCH

Feb. 26, 7:45 a.m. An auto theft was reported at the 900 block on Hawthorne Avenue.

Feb. 26, 9:04 a.m. A missing person was reported at the 2100 block on Mandarin Way.

Feb. 26, 12:14 p.m. A shooting at an occupied residence/vehicle was reported at the 1900 block on San Jose Drive.

Feb. 26, 12:38 p.m. A commercial burglary was reported at the 5500 block on Lone Tree Way.

Feb. 26, 4:30 p.m. A petty theft was reported at the 3300 block on Delta Fair Boulevard.

Feb. 26, 5:07 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported at the 2200 block on Verne Roberts Circle.

Feb. 26, 5:17 p.m. A drunk driver was reported at the 1000 block on Fitzuren Road.

Feb. 26, 5:28 p.m. A collision with unknown injuries was reported at the 300 block on E. 18th Street.

Feb. 26, 5:51 p.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported at the 4700 block on Shannondale Drive.

Feb. 26, 7:00 p.m. An armed robbery was reported at the 2800 block on Lone Tree Way.

Feb. 26, 7:09 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 2000 block on San Jose Drive.

Feb. 26, 7:59 p.m. A battery was reported at the 4800 block on Lone Tree Way.

Feb. 26, 8:31 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 1200 block on Marie Avenue.

Feb. 26, 9:06 p.m. An aggravated assault was reported at the 400 block on Lawton Street.

Feb. 26, 9:51 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported on James Donlon Boulevard/G Street.

Feb. 26, 10:19 p.m. A collision with no injuries was reported on Deer Valley Road/ Silomar Drive.

Feb. 26, 11:13 p.m. A physical dispute was reported at the 1100 block on E. 13th Street.

Feb. 26, 11:28 p.m. A battery was reported at the 1100 block on Prewett Ranch Drive.

Feb. 26, 11:36 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 4800 block on Lone Tree Way.

Feb. 27, 8:43 a.m. A case of grand theft was reported at the 4000 block on St. Andrews Way.

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Season from page 1

coached Tom Brady in a tournament game in San Francisco where he once worked for Daly City Parks and Recreation. He’s coached some of the best talent at some of the most structured programs in Northern California.

However, La Paloma’s program faces a different set of challenges that Jackson never had to worry about before, nor do the other high schools in the Liberty Union High School District. Besides grades, La Paloma has struggled early with just getting players to practice and finishing out an entire season.

“There were only a few of us that really went,” said junior guard Ty Duggins. “Then there’s some that had stuff to do, so it was like, we can’t force them to come back at the same time.”

“The first six games were pretty rough because no one knew the plays,” senior Marlon Mejia said.

In their debut 2021-22 season, La Paloma had to end their season suddenly after

Develop from page 1

Tuesday night, Davisson presented their proposal to the Oakley City Council.

The island proposal envisions:

• 450 single-family homes

• A hotel

• A “retail village”

• Wind turbines

• A marina

• Farming

• A sports and recreation center

• The interior and northeast portion of the proposal shows roughly 800 acres of “wildlife and habitat refuge.”

Montezuma Water, the developer, will pursue inclusion of Jersey Island into the City of Oakley’s sphere of influence over the next year. This would be the first step towards annexation of Jersey Island into the City of Oakley — a multi-year process — which would be necessary for the existing proposal. Oakley residents would have to vote to extend the city’s urban limit line — a boundary that marks the outer limit beyond which urban development will not be allowed — to allow for annexation.

Davisson admitted to the Council that the proposal faces “significant environmental and regulatory hurdles” before becoming a reality.

He said further on Wednesday, “I

Backyards

the players were deemed ineligible 10 games in due to poor grades. While they didn’t face that this season, they had other schools cancel games on their end due to similar issues, holding them to just 13 games out of their 17-game schedule. They’ve been able to play in only 23 of the 34 total scheduled games in their first two seasons.

Then there’s the league — there isn’t one, at least not an official one like the Bay Valley Athletic League. Jackson took a few rejections at first from other continuation schools before finding schools in Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton that had teams and were able to play.

Finally, there’s the player factor, something that Jackson himself really had to adjust to. Jackson had to adjust to his players not being around campus for several reasons, such as work schedules, having to take care of younger siblings due to other adult relatives not being available, or other personal reasons.

“I may be more of a better person because I could feel for these kids in a way I never did before,” Jackson said. “You have to have some sympathy and empathy for what they’re going through.”

Then there’s actually coaching these students. Because of their individual circumstances, he had to change his approach to not push them away.

“Last year was trying because I had to deal with this stuff initially,” Jackson said. “College kids, they fight for the scholarships, they do everything you ask them to do. Here, they could care less because they may not have eaten that day, or they may have just gotten in a fight with the one person they thought cared about them, stuff like that. More than anything, I kind of get it. There’s more empathy from me, more than anything because I get it. I kind of understand.”

Yet, despite the current shortcomings that the program has had early on, La Paloma’s basketball program looks to become

a new staple for the school’s culture. La Paloma’s teachers and staff aren’t afraid to show their support for the new program as well, helping out however they can by either bringing water and Gatorade to games for the team and even showing up with signs to support the kids at almost every game.

Championship aside, the program has brought a sense of positivity to a school. Its impact has already gone beyond the court.

“It’s a positive upbringing for the school,” Mejia said. “Not for just the students, but for the staff as well to get a positive outlook on this. We’re showing that we’re not just here for our reasons that we were coming to this school for, but for academic reasons and passion to play a sport.”

“It shows that we’re making that good mark that we talked about,” senior Andrew Reynoso said. “We’re putting that positive vibe out because we’re doing something nice and cool.”

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

folks living in and around Contra Costa County.”

The island proposal has already drawn opposition from a regional environmental group, the Greenbelt Alliance, which has met individually with Ironhouse Sanitary District Board members, county Supervisor Diane Burgis, county staff, the Montezuma team, and other stakeholders to share information on what it sees as the risks this development poses to climate goals, economic viability, and public safety. Greenbelt Alliance has stated its hope that Jersey Island remains “a haven for many of the Bay Area’s native avian and aquatic species and an important recreational asset for the county and neighboring jurisdictions.”

In other actions Tuesday night, the Council:

• Approved the sale of property at 204 Second Street for $50,000 to Juli Del Barba Favalora;

from page 1

accessory structures and buildings.”

Changes that would affect residents include modifications to allowed fence heights from six feet to seven feet outside of the front yard setback as well as limiting structures such as trellises, arbors and sun shades to eight feet high.

Other updates to the municipal code as they appear in the agenda packet include:

• The minimum rear and side yard setback requirements for an accessory building that exceeds 120 square feet will be reduced to mirror the requirements for a so-called ‘granny unit,’ which require a minimum four-foot setback from the rear and side property lines (the current Brentwood

appreciated the invitation by the City of Oakley to come and present. There is a lot of great work happening and unprecedented partnerships between the City, Diablo Water District and Ironhouse Sanitary District that we believe will significantly benefit our community.”

He added, “With respect to the future

Municipal Code requires five-foot setbacks);

• Removal of building separation requirements for the main home to open accessory structures such as patio covers or gazebos open on all four sides, and reducing the separation requirement for enclosed, or partial enclosed structures from eight feet, to four feet. In addition, staff recommends removing altogether setbacks for portable accessory buildings/ sheds less than 120 square feet that do not exceed the height of the adjacent fence

• This section of the municipal code provides new guidance and a definition for shipping containers, prohibiting them within any residential

of Jersey Island, our goal is to achieve the highest and best use of the island. What that will ultimately look like will be the result of community stakeholder input, environmental review, zoning, etc. The District believes that Jersey Island is a jewel of the Delta and this project will provide regional economic benefit and enhance the quality of life for

zone, except for allowances to be temporarily placed on a private driveway, or within the public right-of-way with an encroachment permit, for a maximum of 14 days per calendar year or a maximum of 30 days with the written approval of the Community Development Director, or in conjunction with an active construction project that has a valid building permit or other temporary use.

Following the adoption of the changes to the municipal code, residents and council members expressed concern that homeowners would need to be made aware of the changes that would affect them.

“We definitely have to get the word out so all the residents know what to expect and how to comply,” City Manager

• Approved declaring a 40,000 square foot city-owned property near the planned train platform as surplus;

• Heard a consultant group’s report on the city’s economic development plan that includes a light industrial park. For more information: https://www. ironhousesanitarydistrict.com/ To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Tim Ogden said. He encouraged residents to reach out with any questions or concerns while also noting that the Community Enrichment staff would also be pursuing ways to educate the public on the full list of changes through information flyers, the city’s monthly newsletter and online resources.

Other topics discussed as part of the March 14 meeting included an update to the city’s housing plan to make it comply with state legislation and the council lifting a proclamation declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19 that was first enacted in March of 2020.

The full council meeting can be watched online at https://bit.ly/3JjVyrE To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Graphic by Ironhouse Sanitary District

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