The Press 11.18.2022

A glimpse into area’s indigenous culture and protected wildlife

By Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer

REGIONAL Tucked away in the hills, and protected by the East Bay Regional Park District, lies an ecologically vibrant space that has been sacred to the indigenous peoples of this area for centuries.

Guided tours of Vasco Caves Regional Preserve are a popular way for locals to learn about the nature and history of the area. The park district only recently restarted these reservation-only tours after COVID-19 restrictions prevented the district from offer ing these explorations.

The area surrounding the preserve is home to the Bay Mi wok, Ohlone, and Yokuts people, specifically the Ssaoam and Vol von villages. Ancient pictographs scatter the walls and cupules (a

form of ancient rock art) and mortars, used for grinding herbs and acorns, dot the bedrock.

While the immediate area surrounding the preserve didn’t house the native population, it

Vasco Caves Regional Preserve is home to various native and rare flora and fauna, and is considered a sacred place to the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the area.

What to know about RSV

As the number of RSV cases continues to spike across parts of the U.S. — with some areas near ing seasonal peak levels — those typical “bugs” your child brings home may have you feeling on edge. It can be difficult to know what’s behind a constant cough, es pecially if your child is very young.

lies at the center of a network of ancient trade routes that linked Bay Area Ohlones, Bay Miwoks, and Northern Valley Yokuts, see Vasco page 18A

Brentwood approves sports complex design

BRENTWOOD The Brentwood City Council voted unanimously at their Nov. 15 meeting to begin the design phase of the long-await ed Sand Creek Sports Complex.

“This is very, very exciting,” Mayor Joel Bryant said following the vote. “I’m very much looking forward to this.”

Construction of the sports complex was considered a “top priority” as part of the city’s Stra tegic Initiative, according to Direc tor of Parks and Recreation Bruce Mulder, who presented the agenda item. To this end, the city began seeking applications from firms that could potentially provide their design services to the city. Of the 23 firms that expressed interest,

two submitted documents for con sideration. Following an interview process, the council decided unani mously that Verde Design Inc., a California-based firm, was the frontrunner and that the council would vote on whether or not to award them the contract.

“Upon approval of this agree ment, services will commence by the end of November,” according to the agenda packet. “Following completion of a public outreach process and workshop with the Park and Recreation Commis sion, staff will return to City Council with the concept designs and cost estimates.”

Verde Design will provide consultation services in five phases

beginning with the preliminary de sign services and including all con struction documents and bidding services for the construction of the sports complex. The estimated cost for the services, according to city staff reports, is $1,945,331.95. This amount includes both the agreed upon base estimate of $1,691,593 and a 15% “contin gency amount” of $253,738.95 for potential additional services as the project progresses.

While the council generally agreed that the city should maxi mize the number of soccer fields at the future complex, a point of contention was the council’s interest in using artificial turf. The initial Strategic Plan did not

specify what sort of turf would be used, City Manager Tim Og den said during the meeting, but could be amended to clarify that design element.

“You folks don’t even want to get the party started unless it’s specifically artificial turf,” resi dent Danny Dohrmann said dur ing public comments. Dohrmann expressed concerns that artificial turf would not be usable yearround due to getting hot in the summertime, a concern echoed by resident Brayden Haena, who had formerly played football on artifi cial turf, he said.

Other residents spoke both in

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can include symptoms sim ilar to a common cold. However, the virus can develop into some thing more serious. RSV can in fect people of all ages but is most severe for older adults and young children.

Usually, almost every child under the age of 2 has been ex posed to RSV, but due to the pan demic response over the last few years, kids have not been exposed as much to RSV. That is one of the reasons why we are seeing such a spike this year, as well as RSV in children older than 2.

RSV symptoms may vary and typically begin four to six days af ter infection. The most common symptoms might include:

• Runny nose

• Low appetite

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Fever

• Wheezing

For infants with RSV, they might be irritable, sluggish or find it harder to breathe.

Your pediatrician will be able to figure out whether it’s a common cold, COVID-19 or RSV, if you have concerns about symptoms

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Students earn money by being kind

cally use part of that donation money to fund our free monthly family events at Krey, such as Gingerbread Night, Movie Night, Paint Night and the Ice Cream Social. ‘We specifically try to offer these events free to our school in order to foster an inclusive and involved school community.”

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

Krey Elementary School raised nearly $60,000 recently during a twoweek kindness fundraiser known as the Raise Craze from Oct. 17-30. Raise Craze is an online platform that enables students to set up secure custom web sites where they request donations via email.

As part of the Raise Craze program, students completed Acts of Kindness for others. The goal of Raise Craze is to encourage participants to pay kindness forward rather than students focusing on selling cookie dough, gift wrap and discount cards, according to the Raise Craze website.

During these two weeks, students ask friends and family to sponsor their Acts of Kindness. Examples of these Acts of Kindness include sending mes sages to the Brentwood Senior Activities Center, local firefighters and healthcare workers, children’s hospitals and school staff. Other acts the students could par

ticipate in include donating toys, clothes and books, volunteering, helping with chores or a sibling without being asked or giving out daily compliments.

This year’s Raise Craze was the sec ond time Krey Elementary has partici pated in the fundraising program, hav ing raised about $35,000, with 991 Acts

of Kindness completed by 351 students during 2021, organizers said.

According to the Krey Elemen tary fundraising co-chair Jacqueline Gandenberger, the students completed 2,246 Acts of Kindness, raising a total of $58,745 by 689 students. “Our school goal was $45,000,” she said. “We specifi

The school also enabled the stu dents to participate in three free school wide Acts of Kindness days, Krey Com pliment Day, Keep Krey Clean Day and Krey Rocks. For Krey Rocks, students were given free paint kits to all Krey El ementary families to paint a kind mes sage on a rock that will be decorated in front of the school.

Gandenberger and her fundrais ing co-chair Lindsay Zimmer are proud of the program and how it teaches the students to be kind and active in their community. “Two years ago we decided to try a different fundraising approach, one that would not focus simply on fi nancially supporting our school but also a fundraiser that would provide an opportunity to instill values of generos ity and kindness in our students,” she said. “So to be on campus and see that come to fruition within our community, it warms my heart, and I consider it a job well done.”

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

FIND

RHYTHM WHERE

PEOPLE PLAY

Krey Elementary kindness fundraiser raises almost $60,000

Photo by Jacqueline Gandenberger

The City of Oakley hosted a Veterans Day event celebrating all veterans on November 11th at 11am. This ceremony included the Presentation of Colors, Student Art Show case, a rifle salute and music by the Freedom High School Marching Band. To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows

Photos by Christian Raitt

The American Legion Roy Frerichs Post 202 held a Veterans Day ceremony in Veterans Park on Balfour Road on Nov. 11. The event featured guest speak ers such as Mayor Joel Bryant and Police Chief Tim Hebert, vocalists, a tribute to veterans and a rifle salute.

view a video and a slide show of the event, visit www. thepress.net/multimedia

Photos by Jake Menez

Holiday cheer to parade through downtown Brentwood on Nov. 26

New route for 40th annual Chamber of Commerce event

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

Brentwood’s 40th annual holiday pa rade will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, rain or shine. Hosted by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, the lighted pa rade’s theme, “A Holiday Tale,” is inspired by the film “A Christmas Story.”

While Brentwood may lack in snow and sprawling pine forests, the parade brings residents holiday cheer via the free and family-friendly parade and tree-light ing events in downtown Brentwood.

The parade route has shifted from previous years. It still follows a path through downtown but now it starts at Birch and First streets, goes north on First Street towards the Brentwood Me morial Veterans Building, and rather than taking a right turn on Maple Street, the parade will now make a right turn on Oak Street and end on Fourth Street.

As of Nov. 16, the Chamber of Com merce has over 45 floats registered for the parade in comparison to 30 entries last year, parade organizers said. The Chamber is still accepting float entries, and potential participants can call to register their float at 925-634-3344 or online at https://bit. ly/3UNyTsb by Monday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m.

The City of Brentwood Christmas Tree lighting will take place immediately

afterward in City Park. Parks & Rec reation Recreation Supervisor Stacey Dempsey says that the events have been separate before, and putting the events to gether was better for attendees.

“The two events have been separate in the past, but it just made sense to put them together,” she said. “Our goal is to have it start as close to 7 p.m. as possible. We used to have performances, but now with the events being on the same night, many of those per formers are now a part of the parade.”

Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant sup ports these annual events, saying they are an important way to unite the community during the holiday season. “The holiday parade and tree lighting is one of the great reasons that I love to call Brentwood home,” he said. “It is a time that all of our families can join together and celebrate each other’s traditions while focusing on the things that unite us as a beautifully diverse, and yet loving, community. It’s the kind of thing that Brentwood is all about.”

Parks & Recreation staff will lead at tendees in the reading of the Night Before Christmas while Santa Claus prepares to come on stage. Bryant will make a brief speech and introduce Santa Claus, who will then lead the lighting of the city’s 24-foot-tall Christmas tree while it “snows” in City Park, which is similar to the soap snow used in Disney parks.

“Parades are amazing because they bring the community together and every one is there to have a good time,” Cham ber Director and parade chairman Jamie Duran said via email. “We hope to see you at the 40th Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting next Saturday. ”

Dr. Hall and her team of handpicked, pediatric dental specialists are committed to providing

dental

children and adolescents. Each licensed assistant delivers compassion with a smile. To keep your child’s smile bright and cavity free, they offer sealants, fluoride treatments, tooth-colored fillings and regular check-ups in a fun-filled environment, while achieving optimal oral health

for

For more information, call 925-308-7608 or visit www.kidscaredental.com

Image courtesy of city of Brentwood

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.

Events

Saturday, Nov. 26

A ‘Holiday Tale’ Parade

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 40th annual lighted parade from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature 35 floats and will precede the City of Brentwood’s annual Christmas tree lighting in City Park. Floats can still be registered by calling 925-634-3344 by Nov. 21 at 4 p.m.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

The City of Brentwood is hosting their annual Christmas tree lighting in City Park from 7-8 p.m. The tree lighting will be led by Santa Claus and staff from the Parks & Recreation Department will read the Night Before Christmas to the crowd. The tree lighting will take place immediately after the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Holiday parade.

Brentwood Turkey Trot for Schools

The annual Brentwood Turkey Trot for Schools 5K will be at The Streets of Brentwood at 8 a.m. Start and finish lines are next to the AMC Theaters. Registration is $35 for either the virtual or inperson race, and money raised supports athletics programs of both the BUSD and LUHSD schools. For details, visit http://www.brentwoodturkeytrot. org/

Winter Wine Walk & Tasting Tour

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition is hosting their annual Winter Wine Walk & Tasting Tour from noon-4 p.m. The event will feature 20 wines from local vineyards and wineries, exclusive deals at featured shops and stops along with food pairings by downtown Brentwood restaurants. Tickets are $40 per person and $10 for desig nated drivers. For more information visit https:// www.brentwooddowntown.com/

Saturday, Dec. 3

City of Oakley Tree Lighting

The City of Oakley is hosting its annual Christmas Tree Lighting starting at 4 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St. Civic Center Plaza will be adorned with lights and Christmas decorations. There will be free cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more. Santa Claus will also be making a special visit. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call Alicia at (925) 625-7041 or email: oleary@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Holiday Delites Celebration

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation is hosting their Holiday Delites Celebration, which features a Sip & Shop Craft Fair from 2-6 p.m. with 30 craft vendors, along with live music and local wines and beers. There will also be a lighted Christmas parade at 4:30 with the lighting of the City Christmas Tree and Pictures with Santa Claus following after. For more information, visit http:// bit.ly/3X75pHq.

Sunday, Dec. 4

Christmas on the Farm

The East Contra Costa Historical Society is hosting their annual free Christmas on the Farm event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., featuring a day of Christmas activities, including storytelling, a historical trea sure hunt, cookie decorating and more. For more information, contact Mary Black at 925-206-5087.

Bethel Island Holiday Boutique

Bethel Island is hosting a Holiday Boutique at Scout Hall at 3090 Ranch Lane from 1-5 p.m. with a variety of vendors and free pictures with Santa Claus.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Annual Holiday Boutique

The Wi Cha Ka council #222 is hosting their annual Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Red Men Pocahontas Hall in Oakley on Main

St. The event will feature wares from a variety of different sellers. There will also be a pancake breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m.-noon, a raffle and Yellow Ribbon fundraiser for the Veterans Hospital in Martinez. For more information, con tact Alicia at 925-625-1102.

Ongoing Events

Hijas Del Campo Annual Coat Drive

Hijas del Campo donated 500 coats to campesinxs and their families last year. This year their goal is to double their impact and donate 1,000 coats to keep campesinxs and their families warm. New coats can be dropped off at com munity partners Chrome Coffee, Wanna Waffle or Estilo Checha until Dec. 4. For more information email Hijas del Campo info@hijasdelcampo.org or call 925-384-2431.

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 7:00 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 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/

Brentwood Community Chorus

The Brentwood Community Chorus meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church (809 Second St.) in Brentwood to rehearse for their holiday concerts. All are welcome.

Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution

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

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

Looking for more things to do?

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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

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 meet ing or contact the membership vice president at 925-341-9433. 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 fea ture camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more informa tion, 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 infor mation, 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.

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.

O n

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A Rockwellian re-envisioning Thanksgiving

and to define values that could help mo tivate and guide America’s own war pre paredness. Inspired by Roosevelt’s vision, Rockwell’s paintings and Post covers gained instant popularity, and the paint ings toured the country in an exhibit that helped raise millions in war bonds.

the point of view of working people – in dividuals who didn’t view freedom as an abstract value, but as a concrete manifes tation of economic just sice:

Guest comment

With Thanksgiving around the cor ner, it’s worth revisiting some of the holi day’s most cherished expressions. In such a revisiting, we can discover not only the gaps between aspirations and lived reali ties, but also redemptive possibilities. Take, for example, one of the most iconic of Thanksgiving images: Norman Rockwell’s painting, “Freedom from Want.” In the painting, a family, a white family, sits around a table. As the matri arch sets down a plump turkey before her seated clan, the glow from a background window casts a luminous image of to getherness, abundance, anticipation.

Rockwell painted the picture in 1943 as one of four paintings that became cov ers for the Saturday Evening Post, cov ers that illustrated and idealized the four freedoms President Franklin D. Roos evelt had espoused in his January, 1941 State of the Union Address.

Roosevelt had articulated these free doms (freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want) to rouse support for Great Britain in its war with Nazi Germany

What is less remembered, however, is that each of the Post covers were accompanied by essays composed by well-known writers, including the labor activist, poet, and novelist Carlos Bulosan. Bulosan’s brief essay on freedom from want is particularly worth reading today, for he not only presented a vision of America starkly different from Rockwell’s; he also prophetically addressed issues that continue to vex the nation today.

Though Bulosan alluded to the fight against fascism, he devoted most of his essay to the struggle within America: a struggle for economic justice and human dignity. Coming to the U.S. as a teenager in 1930, he had experienced first-hand the hardships of agricultural labor as well as the racism directed at him as a Filipino immigrant.

Addressing his readers in the plural first-person, as “we,” Bulosan wrote from

“…we are not really free unless we use what we produce. So long as the fruit of our labor is denied us, so long will want manifest itself in a world of slaves. It is only when we have plenty to eat — plenty of everything — that we begin to understand what freedom means.”

Bulosan made itclear that such freedom is not a “gift” that is philan thropically bestowed. It must, he said, be struggled for: “But sometimes we wonder if we are really a part of America. We recognize the mainsprings of American democracy in our right to form unions and bargain through them collectively…”

And he posed a challenge to the America that had been for him a less than hospitable home: “We are the mirror of what America is. If America wants us to be living and free, then we must be living and free. If we fail, then America fails.”

Today, the challenge posed by Bu losan is more sharply defined than ever, with 33 million Americans living in households that are don’t have enough food to eat, with indications pointing to

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

a deepening crisis of homelessness, and with the extreme inequality of American society continuing to rise.

Carlos Bulosan died tragically young (mid-40s) in 1956, of pneumonia complicated by tuberculosis, but not before producing many other works, including his powerful and moving fictionalized memoir, America is in the Heart. The message in his “Freedom from Want” essay is as important to recall this Thanksgiving as is the radiant image in Rockwell’s painting.

Rockwell conveyed the joy of human gathering, a joy recognized by later artists whom he inspired to recast his Thanks giving tableau more inclusively. Their versions honor America’s rich diversity of ethnic, racial, and gender identity and expression, expanding the representa tions of the holiday moment – when time seems briefly and joyfully suspended.

Bulosan, on the other hand, calls his readers to the work yet unfinished – to the journeys yet to be taken on a true road to freedom.

– Andrew Moss, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a professor emeritus (English, Nonviolence Studies) at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

City of Brentwood City Manager and City Council City Hall 150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-516-5440 www.brentwoodca.gov

City of Antioch City Manager and City Council City Hall 3rd and H streets Antioch, CA 94509 Phone: 925-779-7000 www.ci.antioch.ca.us

City of Oakley City Manager and

City Council City Hall 3231 Main St. Oakley, CA 94561 Phone: 925-625-7000 www.ci.oakley.ca.us

Town of Discovery Bay Town Manager and Community Services District 1800 Willow Lake Road Discovery Bay, CA 94505 Phone: 925-634-1131 www.todb.ca.gov

County Supervisor, Dist. III Diane Burgis 3361 Walnut Blvd.,

Suite 140 Brentwood, CA 94513

Phone: 925-252-4500 Fax: 925-240-7261 dist3@bos.cccounty.us

County Supervisor, Dist. V Federal D. Glover 190 E 4th St. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: 925-608-4200 Fax: 925-427-8142 district5@bos.cccounty.us

State Sen. Steve Glazer

Seventh Senate District Capitol Office: State Capitol, Room 4082

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-651-4007 District Office: 420 West Third St. Antioch, CA 94509 Phone: 925-258-1176 Fax: 925-258-9982 Cell: 925-963-1611 http://sd07.senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember Jim Frazier

11th Assembly District Capitol Office: P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249 Phone: 916-319-2011 District Office:

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Phone: 202-225-1947 Fax: 202-225-4060 Antioch Office: 4703 Lone Tree Way Antioch, CA 94531 Phone: 925-754-0716 Fax: 925-754-0728 www.mcnerney.house.gov

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Washington, DC Office: 331 Hart SOB Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-3841 Fax: 202-228-3954 San Francisco Office: One Post St., Room 2450 San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: 415-393-0707 Fax: 415-393-0710

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Milestones

Mario Michael Mandy

BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OBITUARIES

OBITUARY

February 5,1926 – October 19, 2022

Mario Michael Mandy, beloved father and grandfather passed away on October 19th at the age of 96 with family by his side.

He was born on Feb. 5, 1926 in Tiltons ville, Ohio. He was the son of Fiorendo and Rose (Companaro) Manente. He worked at the Statistician Wheeling Company in Yor kville, Ohio from 1944–1954; at Lever Broth ers Company in San Mateo, California from 1954–1956; and at Ben Franklin Store in Red wood City, California from 1956–1957 where he was the manager.

He decided to go into the insurance busi ness and worked for Prudential Insurance Company in San Mateo from 1957–1960. At Prudential, he earned many company awards for his superior sales skills. He then opened his own insurance business and was the owner, manager, and Broker of Mario M. Mandy Insurance Agency in San Carlos from 1960–2000.

He attended San Mateo College. He was also a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and enjoyed his position as VicePresident of the San Mateo chapter in 1957. He was a member of the Palo Alto Toastmas ters where he served as president from 1955–1957 and then was named “Toastmaster” in 1960. He was an avid speaker and presenter at their weekly meetings. He was a member of the San Mateo Professional Insurance Agents Association where he served as vice president and then president.

His immediate family was affiliated with the famous boxer Rocky Marciano whom he helped manage and train from 1947–1967.

Mario was manager of the World Boxing As sociation from 1972–1982. During this time, he trained and managed professional boxers and traveled with them to bouts held around the world. He also served as president of Save Rural Woodside in 1975. He was a member of the Redwood City Chapter of the Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th Degree Past Grand Knight. He was instrumental in ac quiring funds that went to help high school students apply for scholarships through the Knights of Columbus. He continued his membership with the Knights of Columbus Yorba Linda, California chapter from 2020–2022.

Mario was ahead of his time and strived to lead a healthy lifestyle. He converted his three-car garage into a gym and worked out daily. He was an avid lover of sports, and do nated to special causes close to his heart such as the “Special Olympics.” At the age of 80, he took up tennis and was invited to help coach at the local high school.

Mario is survived by his wife Linda Mandy, his four daughters – Vickie Mandy, Kathleen Sais, Maureen Bush and Gina Ad ams – his son Michael Mandy; and his five grandchildren: Travis Sais, Taylor Sais, Mi chael Mandy Jr., Merrielle Mandy and Nich ole Adams.

The funeral and celebration of life will be held on Nov. 21 in Redwood City, Califor nia with a reception to follow. If you are in terested in attending, you can email Maureen at turnkeysol@aol.com. In lieu of flowers, please give a contribution to the Knights of Columbus in remembrance of Mario Mandy. Please make checks payable to: St. Jude As sembly #2375.

Mail to: Knights of Columbus, St. Jude Assembly # 2375, P.O. Box 11, Yorba Linda, CA 92885-0011

Have you or someone you know reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it! Email your information to editor@brentwoodpress.com.

Seen in Portugal

Chris Zahnd of Brentwood was in Nazare, Portugal for eight nights with the big waves at the Praia Do Norte. They were made famous by the city of Nazare and world-famous American big-wave surfer Garrett McNamera who is featured in an HBO documentary about the 100-foot waves.

Photo by Chris Zahnd

Hometown SportS

Liberty beats Amador for first playoff win in 3 years

Lions to play Clayton Valley in NCS Division 1 semifinal

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

For the first time since 2019, the Liber ty Lions qualified for the Division 1 North Coast Section playoffs and beat Amador Valley High School, 35-21, in a first-round game last week. It marked the school’s first playoff win after three years of failing to even qualify for postseason play.

Liberty advances to the semifinal round of the playoffs where they will travel to Concord to play the Clayton Val ley High School Ugly Eagles. The game is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.

The Lions’ offense was flying through out the night, totaling over 400 yards in their opening-round home playoff win against the Dons. Quarterback and Bay Valley Athletic League Most Valuable Player Nate Bell not only ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns but also threw for 148 yards and two more scores.

Two-way star Jamar Searcy had a stel lar game both at running back and safety, tallying 67 rushing yards, a rushing touch down, and two interceptions on defense as he and Bell led the way for the Lions’ victory.

The game started off fast as the Lions’ offense scored on their first posses sion in just two plays following a big run by running back Giancarlo Olveda. Bell capped off the drive with a scoring run to give Liberty a quick 7-0 lead.

However, Amador responded to Lib erty’s touchdown just as quickly as Brady Nasser scored on a one-yard run to tie the game at 7-7. On the Lions’ next drive, they again moved quickly down the field

to score with Searcy breaking tackles on a 19-yard run.

On Amador’s next drive, quarterback Jackson Visconti connected with receiver Nate Jetter to tie the game at 14.

Bell hit receiver Ryan McKendry on the Lions’ next drive for a 61-yard touch down pass to give the Lions the lead again, 21-14.

Up to this point, both teams had been trading scores and it looked as if the Dons

Liberty, Antioch win at BVAL meet

The Liberty High School girls team and the Antioch High School boys team each came in first at the Bay Valley Athletic League cross country meet at Contra Loma Park in Antioch on Nov. 9. Teams from the six participating high schools in Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch and Pittsburg turned out with 164 athletes to run the two- and three-mile courses. Girls MVP and varsity winner was Liberty High School senior Rylee Guinn, and boys MVP and varsity winner was Liberty Senior Dylan Baptista. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

would respond once again until Searcy in tercepted a long pass along the sideline to give the Lions another scoring opportu nity before going into halftime.

Liberty head coach Mike Cable want ed to score a touchdown instead of set tling for a field goal with 11 seconds left in the half and the Lions not having any timeouts left to stop the clock. Bell threw a 22-yard strike over the middle to receiver Deuce Carr for a touchdown with just four seconds left in the first half.

Coming out in the second half, both offenses would begin to trade punts in stead of touchdowns until late in the third quarter when Bell would keep it himself and run into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown and fourth overall.

Moving into the fourth quarter, the Amador offense had been getting shut down by the Lions’ defense since their touchdown pass from early in the second quarter. They continued to struggle as Searcy made a spectacular leaping inter ception along the Amador sideline, giving the ball back to the Liberty offense and enabling them to burn off almost all the remaining time until they turned the ball over on downs with less than two minutes to play. The Dons scored again with less than a minute to play to make it 35-21, but even with the score the outcome had already been determined.

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

The Lions beat the Dons 35-21 in a hard-fought victory that gave them their first playoff win in 3 years.

Photo by Juan Cebrieros

Photos by Dawnmarie Fehr

The annual Brentwood Turkey Trot 5K

fundraiser is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at 8 a.m.

Stuffing yourself with turkey without the guilt

Annual Brentwood Turkey Trot 5K fundraiser on Nov. 24

By Christian Raitt Correspondent

This year’s Brentwood Turkey Trot for Schools 5K fundraiser will be held at The Streets of Brentwood at 8 a.m. on Thanks giving Day, Nov. 24.

This ninth annual Turkey Trot is host ed by the Brentwood and Liberty Union school districts as a community event to promote a fun and healthy time for families and friends of all ages before they dive into their Thanksgiving feasts, organizers said.

“The Turkey Trot for Schools has quickly become a local holiday tradi

tion,” said Dana Eaton, superintendent of Brentwood school district. “It is really a per fect fundraiser. Joining in a 5K (3.1-miles) walk or run is great for you, and all proceeds go to benefit athletic and physical education programs throughout Brentwood and Lib erty Schools. Last year’s race raised $56,000 for schools. Every Liberty and Brentwood Union School District School benefits from this event. Schools have received thousands of dollars over the last several years.”

Some examples of what the race pro ceeds helped purchased recently includes climbing walls, ball pits, junior golf equip ment, disc golf and exercise bikes for Lib erty track teams, Eaton said last year.

The Turkey Trot had almost 1,500 entrants last year because of COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Organizers said they hope for about 2,000 runners and walkers this year.

Oakley Pee Wee Falcons win Turkey Bowl title

The Pee Wee division Oakley Falcons defeated the Milpitas Knights 12-6 on Saturday, Nov. 12 to win the EBYFC Turkey Bowl Championship.

The Falcons finished the season with a record of 10-1 behind a dynamic offense and stifling defense. The Falcons were coached by Jon Bell, Mori Sue’Sue, Bryan Arlaud, Steve Briscoe, David Torres, and Joel Munoz.

Also assisting the team were Junior coaches Travis May and Tyler Arlaud, both of whom play for the Freedom Falcons varsity football team.

The season was dedicated to Cristian Munoz who was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer and underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor prior to the season. Cristian was unable to play this season due to chemotherapy, but he was the lone Team Captain for the championship game.

Submitted photo

LMC hygiene drive raises $1,500

By Muskaan Adeel and Aliyah Ramirez Correspondents

Helping one another is exactly what the Rotaract Club at Los Medanos Col lege strives for. The club works together with Rotary International to provide ser vice for the community.

Coming back from the pandemic, president of the Rotaract Club, Evan Perez, worked with club officers and members to raise money for the non profit, SHARE Community. As a result, they came up with the hygiene drive, where the club raised over $1,500 worth

of monetary donations for supplies to give to the organization.

With months of preparation for this event, the hygiene drive was held on Fri day, Nov. 4 in Antioch, where the club presented the multitude of products raised, including toothbrushes, tooth paste, hair brushes, floss, wipes and more.

“The purpose of joining is, if you’re really interested in community service,” said Perez.

According to advisers, the success of the hygiene drive is “one of the most as tounding accomplishments,” done by an LMC club, leaving Perez and members grateful to have brought this project to life.

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity

OAKLEY

Oct. 30, 12:31 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped on Shady Oak Drive/Cedar Glen Drive.

Oct. 30, 2:18 a.m. A suspicious person was stopped on Marathon Drive/Delaney Parkway.

Oct. 30, 8:38 a.m. A welfare check was con ducted on Laurel Road/Neroly Road. Oct. 30, 11:50 a.m. A civil problem was re ported at the 1300 block Tuolumne Way Oct. 30, 1:43 p.m. A civil disturbance was re ported at the 100 block on W. Cypress Road. Oct. 30, 7:03 p.m. A trespasser was reported at the 5900 block on Bridgehead Road. Oct. 30, 8:19 p.m. A hit-and-run was report ed on Neroly Road/Empire Avenue. Oct. 30, 10:13 p.m. Suspicious circumstanc es were reported at the 100 block on Vella Circle

Oct. 30, 11:45 p.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the Oakley Police Department. Oct. 30, 11:45 p.m. Suspicious circumstanc es were reported on Sherry Circle/Sauterne Way

Oct. 31, 12:48 a.m. A suspicious person was reported on O’Hara Avenue/Brownstone Road.

Oct. 31, 7:34 a.m. A case of grand theft auto was reported at the 1800 block on Lake wood Drive.

Oct. 31, 8:01 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 1600 block on Neroly Road. Oct. 31, 8:52 a.m. An ordinance violation was reported on Golden State Parkway/ Holstein Drive.

Oct. 31, 8:55 a.m. A case of grand theft auto was reported at the 400 block on Star Street. Oct. 31, 1:11 p.m. A civil disturbance was re ported at the 200 block on Coolcrest Drive. Oct. 31, 1:53 p.m. A verbal dispute was re ported at the 1800 block on Hamburg Street. Oct. 31, 4:02 p.m. A neighbor dispute was reported at the 1800 block on Teresa Lane. Oct. 31, 4:48 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at the 5100 block on Stratford Drive.

Oct. 31, 7:14 p.m. Fireworks were set off at the 1800 block on Locke Street Oct. 31, 8:27 p.m. Fireworks were set off on Isleton Court/Gateway Drive.

Oct. 31, 8:52 p.m. 911 abuse was reported at the 1800 block on Locke Street.

Nov. 1, 12:04 a.m. A domestic disturbance was reported at the 4600 block on Duarte Avenue.

Nov. 1, 12:39 a.m. 911 abuse was reported at the 1800 block on Locke Court.

Nov. 1, 8:25 a.m. A hit-and-run misdemean or occurred at Freedom High School. Nov. 1, 10:38 a.m. A suspicious person was reported at Fetzer Lane/Fetzer Court.

Nov. 1, 12:27 p.m. A reckless driver was re ported on E Cypress Road/Bethel Island Road.

Nov. 1, 12:37 p.m. A reckless driver was re ported on E Cypress Road/Summerlake Drive.

Nov. 1, 12:42 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported at the 1100 block on Donatello Way.

Nov. 1, 1:46 p.m. A domestic disturbance was reported on Main Street/ Sandy Lane. Nov. 1, 2:01 p.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 5000 block on Winchester Drive.

Nov. 1, 3:11 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at the 1000 block on Main Street. Nov. 1, 3:40 p.m. A misdemeanor DUI was reported on Laurel Road/Harvest Drive.

Nov. 1, 4:27 p.m. A public nuisance was re ported at the 80 block on Big Break Road. Nov. 1, 4:43 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at the 400 block on Wilbur Avenue. Nov. 1, 5:35 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at the 50 block on Carol Lane.

Nov. 1, 6:40 p.m. A suspicious person was re ported at the 1200 block on Rutherford Lane. Nov. 1, 7:03 p.m. A verbal dispute was re ported at the 400 block on Shannon Way.

BRENTWOOD

Oct. 30, 9:33 a.m. A restraining order viola tion was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. Oct. 30, 11:18 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. Two females stole fragrance gift sets.

Oct. 30, 12:01 p.m. A case of petty theft re ported on Norris Street. A wallet was taken out of an unlocked vehicle.

Oct. 30, 2:42 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Lone Tree Way trying to steal merchandise, cussing at Home Depot asso ciates and refusing to give back the product, That led to an arrest.

Oct. 30, 6:36 p.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Balfour Road.

Oct. 30, 7:33 p.m. A hit-and-run with no in juries was reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party was rear-ended by a white Ford F150.

Oct. 30, 10:55 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Sand Creek Road. Customer was upset about a refund. Suspect grabbed the reporting party and scratched him.

Oct. 31, 12:26 a.m. A physical fight was re ported on Oak Street.

Oct. 31, 6:21 a.m. A restraining order viola tion was reported on Shady Willow Lane. Oct. 31, 7:23 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Fairview Avenue. Suspect was inside and possibly took a small safe. Oct. 31, 7:40 a.m. A dumpster fire was re ported on Jeffery Way.

Oct. 31, 8:17 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Balfour Road. Computers were taken.

Oct. 31, 9:08 a.m. A burglary from a vehicle

was reported on Amber Lane.

Oct. 31, 10:04 a.m. A harassment complaint was made on Carter Place.

Oct. 31, 12:05 p.m. An assault with a deadly weapon was reported on Randy Way. The reporting party’s girlfriend’s brother tried to stab the reporting party with a pocket knife. Oct. 31, 1:39 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Sand Creek Road. Oct. 31, 2:23 p.m. A case of forgery and fraud was reported on Middlefield Court. The reporting party wrote and sent a check to one of her vendors, someone intercepted it, put their own name on it, changed the amount and cashed it.

Oct. 31, 8:12 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Shady Willow Lane. An un locked gray truck was broken into. A purse, credit cards, wallet and phone were taken. Nov. 1, 8:09 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Minnesota Avenue. Nov. 1, 1:52 p.m. An accident with no in juries was reported on Brentwood Bou levard. The reporting party spun out and blocked half the lane. Nov. 1, 2:08 p.m. A restraining order viola tion was reported on Solano Drive. Nov. 1, 3:50 p.m. An accident with no inju ries was reported on Second Street.

Nov. 1, 4:55 p.m. A case of forgery and fraud was reported on Sand Creek Road.

Nov. 1, 5:27 a.m. A restraining order viola tion was reported on Charisma Way. Nov. 1, 6:21 p.m. A missing adult was report ed on Brentwood Boulevard.

ANTIOCH

Oct. 30, 12:57 a.m. An assault with a deadly weapon occurred on the 2700 block on Hillcrest Avenue.

Oct. 30, 1:14 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported at the 200 block on E. 18th Street. Oct. 30, 1:22 a.m. An aggravated assault was reported on Via Dora Drive/Golden Bear Drive.

Oct. 30, 1:24 a.m. A simple assault was re ported at the 5200 block on Belle Drive.

Oct. 30, 7:31 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported at the 3000 block on Delta Fair Boulevard.

Oct. 30, 9:04 a.m. A vehicle theft was re ported at the 1700 block on Somerset Place. Oct. 30, 1:27 p.m. A hit-and-run with no in juries at the 700 block on W. 18th Street.

Oct. 30, 3:30 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 2700 block on Lone Tree Way. Oct. 30, 5:54 p.m. A simple assault was re ported at W. 2nd Street/I Street.

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who were drawn to the area for economic, social and ceremonial events. Vasco Caves continues to serve as a ceremonial gather ing place for the area’s native tribes even today, and the sacredness of the place is still recognized.

EBRPD Naturalist Kevin Dixon, a 15year veteran of the district, explained that there were many layers of cultural history surrounding the Vasco Caves area.

“Native people say they have been here since time immemorial,” Dixon said. “They were created in this place.”

Dixon is referring to The Birth of Wek`-wek and the Creation of Man, a Hool-poom`-ne (Julpun) story of creation. The legend outlines how O-let`-te (Coyote), the Creator, and his grandson, Wek`-Wek (Falcon), worked together to obtain the music of the lah`-pah (elderberry tree) from Hul-luk mi-yum’-ko—the great and beau tiful women-chiefs of the Star-people and bring it back to their home on Oo’-yumbel’-le (Mount Diablo). Once the task was completed and the lah`pah obtained, Olet`-te and Wek`-wek went out and traveled all over the country, planting the lah`-pah, so that it would furnish music, food, and medicine for the people they were going to create. O-let’-te told Wek’-wek that the ber ries would make food, the roots and blos soms medicine, and the hollow branches music, according to the story.

“Things changed with the arrival of the Spanish and their missions, and that really impacted a lot of people here in the East Bay,” Dixon continued. “Within a pretty short amount of time, most of those people who had been here for hundreds of generations had to leave their land. They were forced out, or their whole ecosystem was changed, and in various ways they were forced off of their ancestral land. That’s one layer of the relationship of people with the

Sand Creek from page 1A

land and the culture that was here.”

Dixon explained that the culture of the native people in the area is closely tied to the land and exists in and around the land. People considered themselves to be so closely connected to the land, that they were almost like a part of the land, including all the plants and animals of the area, as well.

As time moved on, the relationship be tween people and the land began to change. Mexican settlers would graze their cattle in the hills, and post-Gold Rush settlers ran sheep ranching operations. More and more, the culture shifted to exploitation of the land in various ways, as opposed to living with it and cultivating it in a gentle way and tending it as native people did for a millenia, according to Dixon.

“With the coming of the Los Vaque ros project, when the Los Vaqueros Res ervoir was built, which started in the ‘80s, the worth of the land was recognized in a new way,” said Dixon. “It was set aside as a preserve and also as a protected water shed. So, as a preserve, as part of this more cosmopolitan culture in the East Bay now, it’s been recognized by a broader audience that this is a sacred place. Native people

have known this all along.”

district Naturalist Kevin Dixon (kneeling) said the culture of native people is

ders, both of which are listed as threatened, according to the National Wildlife Federa tion and Center for Biological Diversity.

First-time visitor David Dawson of Livermore was happy to learn the impor tance of setting aside a space for nature to “do its thing.” Dawson said his favorite part of the hike was seeing the vernal pools and “the structure and the little pieces of life that can only exist there, and how important it is to protect them and how fragile they are.”

Elderberry still grows throughout the area, and the preserve remains home to many species of native flora and fauna, some of which are considered protected and/or endangered species.

Centuries of shifting weather pat terns have resulted in uplifts of sandstone, known as inselbergs, the elements carving depressions and caves into their surface. Massive sandstone concretions, which are rocks formed by the accumulation of min erals into dense, compact spheres, are scat tered throughout the hills like abandoned cannon balls.

Among these fragile rock outcrop pings, you’ll find vernal pools, which fill during the rainy season, but remain dry the remainder of the year. The pools are home to three different species of fairy shrimp, in cluding the extremely rare and endangered longhorned fairy shrimp.

“They’re not very big, not as big as a shrimp you’d want to put on your plate,” Dixon quipped.

Additionally, the pools, known also as a tinaja, are home to the rare California redlegged frog and California tiger salaman

Other plants and animals that call the area home include valley and blue oak, creeping wildrye, purple needlegrass, the San Joaquin kit fox, coyote, and western burrowing owl. Bobcats and mountain lions prowl the hills, as golden eagles and condors fly overhead. The area is even home to the American badger, although they remain the most elusive, according to Dixon.

“Our primary responsibility is to pro tect the sacred site and also the creatures that live there.” Dixon said. “The only way we can do that is by limiting access… Through the park district, people have a place now where they can come and experi ence pieces of what used to be here, what’s been lost and what still remains, and reflect on the changes of the land and culture over time…That’s the culture that we’re part of when we come out here to visit.”

In order to continue to protect the culture and ecology of the vulnerable land scape, access to Vasco Caves Regional Pre serve is limited and available only through advanced reservation guided tours. EBRPD offers 24 guided hikes throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The hike is a 3to 4-mile loop and moderately strenuous. Space is limited to 22 attendees, and spots can fill up quickly. For more information, visit https://www.ebparks.org/parks/vascocaves

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

favor of natural grass and in favor of artificial turf. Council member Karen Rarey pointed out that previous outreaches regarding a possible sports complex showed a community interest in synthetic material over natural grass, particularly from the local soccer teams.

“The more we optimize [the sports complex], I think the better it is for our city overall,” Councilmember Jovita Mendoza said. Mendoza framed the sports complex as a

your child is showing. They might perform tests, like chest X-rays, to see if pneumonia has developed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes an increase in RSV-associated emergency room visits. However, most cases will go away on their own in a week or two. Symptoms are typi cally at their worst on Days 3-5 of infection. Only 3% of children with RSV will require a hospital stay.

If symptoms become severe, contact your pediatrician right away. This may include:

• Symptoms of bronchiolitis

• Symptoms of dehydration (only one wet diaper in 8 hours or more)

• Difficulty breathing

• Gray or blue lips, tongue or skin

potential economic boon to the city by drawing in soccer teams that would increase patronage of local stores, restau rants and hotels.

Following the vote to retain Verde Design’s services, the firm is expected to begin the design process by the end of the month, according to the agenda packet.

Other business

The other major business item discussed at the meet ing was the censure of Vice Mayor Johnny Rodriguez fol

• A significant decrease in activity or alertness

Even though RSV is common, and it might seem difficult to figure out how severe it will become, there are some risk factors parents should be aware of:

• Children who are born premature or are 6 months old or younger are most at-risk for RSV complications

• Children with chronic heart or lung dis ease, or a weaker immune system, can also be susceptible to RSV

There’s currently no vaccine to prevent RSV and no specific treatment for the infec tion. As stated, most cases will resolve on their own. However, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms:

• Manage pain and fever with over-thecounter medications (consult your pe diatrician for guidance and never give

lowing an allegation from Rarey that he had given classified information to a third party. Following a lengthy discussion among the council and several public comments both in fa vor and against disciplinary action, the council voted 3-2 in favor of censure, with Bryant and Rodriguez dissenting. Ro driguez’s term on council expires at the end of 2022.

The full council meeting can be watched online at https://bit.ly/3OgdoxF

To comment visit www.thepress.net

aspirin to children)

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Nasal saline to help with breathing

• Cool-mist humidifier to help break up mucus

Talk to your health care provider before you give any over-the-counter cold medicine to your child.

RSV is typically spread through coughs and sneezes, but can spread when someone touches a surface that has the vi rus on it and then touches their face, before washing their hands.

The following tips may help reduce your family’s risk:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hands

• Avoid close contact with others, espe cially those who are sick

• Wash your hands frequently

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home

• If you’re sick, stay home

The best way to avoid transmission of RSV is what we have been doing over the last few years: Scrupulous hand hygiene with washing our hands frequently with soap and water, and cleaning the surfaces small hands get to, such as doorknobs and handles. Also, wear a mask if you have any respiratory symptoms.

With the knowledge of what RSV may look like — and how it is different from other viruses — you’ll be able to take steps to keep your child as healthy as possible all year round.

– By Frederick Kuo UnitedHealthcare, Northern California

Park

tied to their land.

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Pitfalls to avoid when making

New Year’s resolutions this year

Estimates vary depending on the year and scope of the study, but research into New Year’s resolutions has generally found that fewer than 10 percent of people who make resolutions each year stay the course until they’ve accomplished their goal.

In fact, a 2020 poll conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Crispy Green found that the average person has aban doned his or her resolution by Feb. 1.

Resolutions could fall victim to various pitfalls that can affect anyone. Recognition of these pitfalls when making a resolu tion may improve your chances of being successful in the year ahead.

♦ Lack of specificity:

When making a resolution, be as specific as possible. If you want to read more, resolve to read two books per month (or however many books you feel you can reasonably read in a month). If you want to lose weight, speak to your physi cian to help you set a specific weight loss

goal you can meet without compromising your overall health.

♦ No measuring stick to track progress: Specificity is important, but it’s not the only tool you can use to stay the course with a resolution. Maintain a resolu tion journal or blog that allows you to

gauge your performance. This can help you engage more fully in your resolution efforts, providing an outlet you can use to explore your successes and failures. The more engaged you are in your resolution efforts, the more likely those efforts will prove successful.

♦ Going it alone:

The buddy system works when pursuing various goals, and New Year’s resolutions are no exception. A friend or family member along for the resolution journey can make it easier to maintain your motivation. For example, anyone who wants to read more can join a book club, which can provide the motivation to finish books or excerpts before a weekly discussion.

♦ Biting off more than you can chew:

Small resolutions may not seem like much, but minor efforts can serve as the stepping stones to realizing larger goals. If your goals are too ambitious at the outset, you’re more likely to give up at the first setback.

♦ Not anticipating setbacks:

Setbacks will happen, and as noted, it’s easy to let them derail your efforts when they first appear. Recognize that there will be bumps in the road but that these bumps should in no way end your journey. Take setbacks as the valuable lessons that they can be, and use them as an opportunity to examine what you did that didn’t work and what you can do to avoid future setbacks.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Recognition of these pitfalls when making a resolution may improve your chances of being successful in the year ahead.

SantaCon to ride through East County

The Contra Costa Santa Convention (CoCo SantaCon) takes off on Saturday, Dec. 17, in three locations across Contra Costa County.

SantaCon is a merry pub crawl that includes drink specials, games, team competitions, prizes and opportunities for networking and socializing. CoCo SantaCon is one of 465 SantaCons in 52 countries and a “FUNdraiser” for 10 chil dren’s charities in 10 cities in Contra Costa County, organizers said. This convention of thousands dressed as Santa gathers to have a good time and raise money for a charity: improving children’s lives.

The first-time event locally is part of the event that includes 50 venues in 10 cities, supporting 10 children’s charities –one in each city. Organizer and Discovery Bay resident Amanda Dove hopes to raise $50,000 for each charity, which would include the $10 minimum donation to join the parade. The transportation is donated and many of the bars and restaurants will have drink specials available and live music.

Because it is a fundraiser, 100% of money raised is used to support children’s organizations in Contra Costa County that deliver an essential service to local chil dren. They include opportunities for at-risk youth, mental health support, healing for exploited and trafficked children, school backpacks and supplies, scholarships to teenage foster kids, new winter coats and clothing, access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), music and arts education, and summer camps for young foster children.

Dove said bringing people together with the spirit of Christmas is what SantaCon is all about.

“I love seeing people get together,” Dove said. “And if it’s for a charity and celebrating Christmas, then that’s for me. It started because people want to celebrate the joy of Christmas and now it’s world wide. They have SantaCons everywhere, and in Contra Costa County, it’s hard to do it in one town. So we said ‘Let’s stretch it across the whole county,’ and we did it.”

There are three starting locations: The DB Sports Bar and Steakhouse in Discovery Bay, Retro Junkie in Walnut Creek, and E. J. Phair Brewing Company in Pittsburg. That way, Dove explained, the crowds won’t get too overwhelming for businesses. After that, the remaining locations are secret.

“Our list of Santa Stops is mostly secret,” Dove said. “People know the first stop, but we don’t release the list until two days before, and each stop has reindeer games and there’s prizes and it’s so ridiculous and fun. At each start loca tion, we take a big group photo, and here in Discovery Bay at the start, we’ll have a band playing.”

“You can join any time – we go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – so it doesn’t interfere with the business in the evening,” she added. “So even though we have thou sands of people, it won’t be that huge at every location, because everyone will be in their cities. And we have the buses because it’s a Santa pub crawl and we want to keep people from driving (under the influence).”

Dove noted these events – even in Stockton and San Francisco – happen yearly without incident. Participants are asked to refrain from inappropriate behavior, and local business centers, property owners and charity volunteers are heavily involved to ensure a peaceful and fun event.

Registration is still open and spon sorships are available. For more infor mation, follow CoCo SantaCon on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit the website at www.santacon.info/ Contra_Costa_County-CA/

DAWNMARIE FEHR

Discovery Bay pub is area party zone for first-time pub crawl, fundraiser Dec.

Chanukah traditions you may not know about C

hanukah is a relatively modern holiday in regard to the Hebrew calendar. Unlike Yom Kippur or Passover, which are steeped in rich traditions, there are few Chanukah customs.

Chanukah celebrants still participate in various customs each year, some of which are customized accord ing to family preferences. While some traditions, such as the lighting of the Chanukah menorah, are familiar, others may not be as widely known - especially to those outside of the faith. Here’s a look at a select few.

Saying the Shehecheyanu blessing:

Traditionally, there are two blessings that some people say each night while lighting the candles. The first is recited while holding the lit shamash, and the second is said while lighting the candles. Another blessing, known as the “Shehecheyanu,” is said the first night. According to 18Doors, a resource on the Jewish faith, it’s the same blessing traditionally said on the first night of all Jewish holidays and other special occasions.

Display or use of the shofar:

A shofar is a type of instrument made from a ram’s horn. It is a symbol of the ram that Abraham offered as a sacrifice in place of his son Isaac, exemplifying heroic faith of the fathers of the Jewish people. The shofar also serves as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jeru salem, and calls people to strive for Israel’s renewal and fellowship with God.

Singing “Ma’oz Tzur”:

Chanukah songs may not be as numerous or as widely sung as Christmas carols during the holiday season, but there are a select few that are part of the festivities. “Oh Chanukah Oh Chanukah” and “The Dreidl Song” are some of the most widely known songs, but some people also follow the custom of singing “Ma’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)” around the menorah. The words were composed in the 13th century, and the song summarizes historical challenges faced by the Jewish people who were overcome with God’s help.

Use of oil in Chanukah feasts:

It’s well known that latkes, or fried potato pancakes, are served around Chanukah. The reason is due to the oil used to fry them, which traditionally is olive oil. Fried foods call to mind a specific Chanukah miracle. After the Greeks destroyed the sanctuary and defiled what was thought to be all of the oil, one jug sealed with the imprint of the High Priest was found. That one jug managed to keep the Temple’s menorah lit for eight days, despite it being insuf ficient to handle this task. This was considered a miracle and celebrated in subsequent years.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

While some traditions, such as the lighting of the Chanukah menorah, are familiar, others may not be as widely known.

SEAN TONGSON

is approaching around the corner, with

already building elaborate displays for Christmas trees, lights, and gift wrap, towns and cities announcing plans for holiday events and community celebrations, and party planning companies in full swing in anticipation of the holiday season.

Driving out and about, motorists and passers-by are more likely to find more Christmas lights and increasingly festive and inviting home Christmas displays deco rating front yards.

The approach of Christmas also means another certainty along with snowmen, reindeer, and pres ents – Santa Claus.

Whether it is at a parade, store, mall, party, corporate event, or TV appearance, the demand for a St. Nick appearance is always high each and every year, bringing cheers and smiles to millions of people across the globe. Companies that specialize in Christmas celebrations, like HireSanta.com, said that the demand for Santa Claus is always high, resulting in constant sell-outs and a further demand for more Santas.

“We sell out every year, and 2022 will be no exception,” said HireSanta.com founder and head elf Mitch Allen. “We’re going to have a much busier season, and we’re up 30 percent in terms of requests over last year. And last year was a record year. It’s going to be an extremely busy season this year!”

According to Allen, HireSanta.com was started in 2012 to help bring the season to life to the growing demand of people and companies that needed a Santa Claus. Furthermore, HireSanta. com recently purchased Santa Claus & Company, which at 50 years old, is the oldest Santa Claus Staffing company in the world. In addition to staffing Santa Clauses for stores, malls, family gatherings, and corporate events, Hire Santa also staffs Mrs. Clauses, elves, and mascot entertain ers nationwide and worldwide.

“The biggest thrill is bringing the love

and joy of Christmas to millions of people around the world,” said Allen. “It’s a great honor that HireSanta.com is able to be a small part of Christmas and help so many brands like Disney and Bloomingdale’s, as well as just families to enjoy Christmas in new and exciting ways. We help brands associate themselves with Christmas through the use of holiday entertainers. HireSanta.com works with companies all over the world, and it’s very exciting to be able to help them.”

The demand and allure of Christmas and Santa Claus also brings out many volunteers to play the role of Santa as well for gatherings for local churches, commu nity functions, and family gatherings as well.

“A friend asked me to dress up as Santa for their Boy Scouts Christmas party,” said Christopher C., an Antioch resident who asked that his last name not be used, and who volunteered to play Santa Claus for four years.

“I enjoyed it a lot. It’s easy to volunteer a few hours of your time and it is time well spent. The biggest thrill for me were the smaller kids whose eyes got wide.”

Amongst some of the popular ques tions asked by children include asking what it’s like to live at the North Pole, questions about the North Pole, Mrs. Claus, the where abouts of Santa’s reindeer, and if they are, in fact, the “real” Santa Claus.

‘Kids aren’t stupid,” Christopher said. “The most common questions were about where my elves were, was my beard real, and was my stomach real.”

According to Allen, HireSanta.com is always looking for more Santa Clauses, highlighting the difficulty in finding people to play Santa, resulting in shortages as they receive hundreds of requests every day from people who want a Santa Claus. Hire Santa performs background checks, insures, and professionally trains all Santa Claus entertainers.

“We are always looking for new Santa Claus entertainers,” said Allen. “Santa needs to have a real beard, a real belly, and be real jolly! It’s not easy because we always run out of Santa Claus entertainers and have to turn people away.”

More information, including informa tion on hiring a Santa Claus, as well as prospective jobs for Santa Claus entertain ers, can be found at the following link: https://www.hiresanta.com/hire-santa/

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

Have joined forces at their new location in Downtown Brentwood 8335 Brentwood Blvd. (next to Jalisco’s) M-F 9:30-5:00 • Sat 9:30-2:00 634-4313 or 634-1593 www.brentwood-florist.com

You can be Santa for a senior

DE AMARAL

The Brentwood Senior Activity Center has opened registration for its annual Adopt-A-Senior program for the holiday season.

The program provides seniors with holiday cheer through local nonprofit BrentwoodSTRONG and community generosity to help seniors who are on fixed incomes with the rising cost of living.

According to senior center Recreation Supervisor Olivia Alvarez, the program had a goal of serving 50 seniors, and ended up serving double that number.

“2021 was the first year we piloted this program in the hope of adopting 50 seniors in our community. We were all amazed at our community’s generous response since we surpassed our goal and were able to adopt 103 seniors,” she said.

“This year, we plan to serve and adopt 150 seniors,” Alvarez said. “The current economic climate has impacted seniors’ ability to obtain their basic needs. Since we started registrations this year, we have regis tered over 150 seniors who have not all yet been adopted.”

According to Alvarez, programs like these are important because of how they benefit local seniors who are isolated at home. “For

those who are adopted, it improves their quality of life and gives them holiday joy and a sense that their community cares about them and that they matter,” she said, “For donors and sponsors, this program provides them the opportunity to make a positive impact and make a difference in the life of a senior. For those behind the scenes who coordinate the program, there are no words that can describe the sense of fulfillment and joy we feel to see the smiles of joy and tears of gratitude in their eyes as they receive their sponsor’s gifts. It is truly priceless.”

Once sponsors sign up for the program, they agree to purchase items from a wish list created by the seniors at a total value of $75, organizers said..

Sponsors will receive the wish lists in the order that they are submitted to the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. Sponsorship gifts are due no later than Friday, Dec. 9 and all gifts must be delivered to 101 A Sand Creek Road.

Donation drop-off times are Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m.; Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m.

Anyone interested in joining their efforts to spread some holiday joy can do so in two ways. They can sponsor a senior or make a donation to the program. To sponsor, participants may register online at https://bit. ly/3g2WkhY. Donation checks made payable to BrentwoodSTRONG may be mailed to City Hall 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, CA 94513

Frolic Inn

Pets Frolic Inn

RENE

The late-night revelry of New Year’s Eve has made New Year’s Day brunch a go-to tradition for millions of people. Staying up until the calendar officially turns from one year to the next at the stroke of midnight can make it harder to get out of bed on the morning of Jan. 1, so there may be no better day to plan a brunch than the first day of the calendar year.

Many restaurants offer brunch specials on New Year’s Day, but people need not leave home to ensure their first meal of the new year is delicious. This recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices” from “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) by Betty Rosbottom can be just the dish to begin a new year.

Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices

Serves 4

Mushroom Sauté

11/4 ounces mixed dried mushrooms

11/2 cups boiling water

3 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces sliced brown mushrooms

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary (see tip)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Toast and Eggs

4 1/2-inch thick sourdough slices Olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 eggs

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. For the Mushroom Sauté: Place the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and cover with the boiling water. Let stand until softened, 20 minutes. Strain in a sieve lined with a double thickness of paper towels and reserve the soaking liquid. Coarsely chop the mushrooms.

2. Heat the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the brown mushrooms

and sauté, stirring often, for 6 minutes. Add the reserved mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir for 1 minute. Add the mushroom liquid and cook, stir ring, until it has evaporated, 4 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and several grinds of pepper. Remove the frying pan from the heat and cover with foil to keep warm. (The mushrooms can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)

3. For the toast and eggs: Brush both sides of the bread slices generously with olive oil. Set a 10- to 11-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, and, when hot, add the bread and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the toast and cover loosely with foil. When pan is cool enough to handle, wipe it out with clean paper towels.

4. Add the butter to the frying pan and set it over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam, break an egg into a saucer, being careful to remove any shell fragments., and gently slide it into the frying pan. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cook, basting the eggs with some of the butter in the pan frequently, until the whites are firm and the yolks are still soft and runny, 3 minutes.

5. While the eggs are cooking, arrange a toasted bread slice on each of four plates. Mound the mushrooms evenly over the toast.

6. Remove each egg with a spatula and arrange on top of the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and, if desired, garnish each serving with a rosemary sprig. Serve immediately.

Tip: If you can’t find dried crushed rosemary, crush regular dried rosemary in an electric spice mill, or place it in a selfsealing plastic bag and roll over it with a rolling pin.

Photo by Betty Rosbottom

This recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices” from “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) by Betty Rosbottom can be just the dish to begin a new year.