The Brentwood City Council is looking into whether or not they want to allow tattoo parlors to potentially come to the core downtown area.
The discussion took place as part of the Jan. 28 Council meeting as part of a request from Councilmember Tony Oerlemans and Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson. The pair brought the item forward on behalf of Calculated Punkture Studio, a tattoo parlor operating on Brentwood Boulevard that has
expressed interest in moving into a building on Second Street formerly occupied by The Pink Door. The 1,900-square-foot building is divided into three relatively equal-sized suites, according to the property owner,
Tom Gregory.
Oakley chooses new Planning Commission members
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The Oakley City Council selected Kerry Ann Harvey and Yared Oliveros to serve on the Planning Commission at their Jan. 28 meeting. Their terms will begin on Feb. 28 and last two years instead of the typical four so they can set up a new system of staggered four-year terms in which half of the council’s terms expire every two years. The new commissioners will replace Jimmy Ramirez and Jeanne Krieg on the Planning Commission.
To select the new commissioners, the City Council interviewed each candidate. Harvey and Oliveros were selected from a group of six candidates, which included the two of them, Christina Pena Lang-
ley, Pierre Goudie, Jay Connor Brown Ortega, and Paschal Iwuh.
The written applications of all six can be found starting on page 57 of the agenda packet for the Jan. 28
meeting, here: https://bit.ly/4aAsw4l
Kerry Ann Harvey
Harvey, an 11-year resident of
see Oakley page 19
The Pink Door Boutique building is a possible future location of a tattoo shop and salons.
“We could look at what the market study is kind of showing already,” City Manager Tim Ogden said at the meeting. “What the demand looks like, what the va-
Tattoo shop downtown is a sticking point for Brentwood City Council
cancy list looks like…if you want to set a cap so that you’re not over-concentrating in that industry.”
Ogden said that city staff can look at all those factors and then bring the information to the Council in order to help them make a more informed decision. Although the council will not make a final decision until hearing more from staff, they discussed the topic.
Pierson, an attorney outside of her role on the dais, voiced concerns that not allowing tattoo parlors downtown could be seen as infringing on the First Amendment rights to free speech and free expression, citing a lawsuit that happened in Hermosa Beach when discussing a ban on tattoo parlors.
“A ban on tattoo parlors was uncon-
Discovery Bay takes next step to get ‘desperately needed’ new offices
By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Discovery Bay is on its way to getting the new offices town leaders say are “desperately needed.”
Last summer, the town’s Community Services District (CSD) board voted to explore the option of a modular building built by Mobile Modular, and now those plans are coming to fruition.
In December, the board voted to spend $4.15 million on the new building, as well as $2.5 million on site work – paving, drainage, utilities and landscaping. This is far less than the $13 million the board considered spending on a new construction building in 2023.
“We are excited for this to come,” said CSD board president Carolyn Graham. “The office that
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Have an interesting photo or breaking news story? Email your information to
Story time limits imposed at Brentwood Library
By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Brentwood Library patrons were recently surprised by a new policy limiting attendance during story time on Thursday mornings.As of Jan. 9, the library began limiting the number of caregivers and children allowed in the story time room by handing out, then collecting, free tickets.
“I just think it’s really sad that kids are being turned away,” Brentwood mom Cathy Voortman said.
Voortman took her daughter to story time on the first day the new policy was enacted, though she was unaware of its existence. She arrived early enough to get a ticket for herself and her daughter. But when she gave up her ticket to the child, and stood outside the locked door while story time began.
She questioned why the library would turn away kids who had come to the popular event. “If there were behavior issues that kept kids from focusing, it seems there could be better solutions rather than physically
locking children out,” Voortman said.
Contra Costa County Library spokesperson Brooke Converse said the new limits were established to address safety and accessibility concerns for the often-crowded story times.
“The goal of story time is to teach kids early literacy skills,” Converse said. “And if there’s not enough space for that, it goes against the library’s goals”
Gia Paolini, a services manager at the Brentwood Library, said her branch is piloting the ticket system in the county, but
The Brentwood Library has recently implemented a new policy limiting attendance during story time on Thursday mornings.
similar methods are in place in other library systems in the country. As for the number of people being let in, there isn’t a decision on what that number will be.
“The library is still in the process of deciding how many children and parents would be an ideal number,” she said. “We will assess our story time processes and make adjustments as needed to ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality programs and services to our community.”
Each week since its inception, librarians have handed out a different number of
tickets, though library staff would not comment on how many had been handed out. Voortman estimated there were 40 people in the story time room Jan. 9.
There are two story time options on Thursday mornings at the Brentwood library. Paolini said patrons looking for more choices can check story times at other library locations in Antioch and Oakley. Antioch offers story time on Thursday mornings, while Oakley hosts one Tuesday evenings.
“We currently do not have plans to increase our story time offerings, due to limited staffing and a shift toward school engagement as a primary strategic priority for the Contra Costa County Library,” Paolini said.
Dana Eaton, superintendent of the Brentwood Unified School District, said there are no imminent plans to bring librarians into the schools on a regular basis, but that something could be in the works. He also said all the district schools already have their own libraries and librarians.
For more information on the Contra Costa County Library and programming at its different locations, visit www.ccclib.org.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Heritage High robotics team advances to state championship
By Sean Tongson Correspondent
The Heritage High FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team won the “Inspire Award” during their league championships on Sunday, Jan. 26 at Piedmont Middle School.
The Inspire Award recognizes teams who excel in technical accomplishments, community, and Think (document and portfolio) award accomplishments. This team is an all-around inspiration for others, according to organizers.
The award, according to Heritage Business and Technology instructor Robert Pardi, is the highest honor given to a team showing that they excelled in all judging categories.
Teams are judged in six categories; design, innovation, connecting with community, promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), documentation of their work, and programming,” Pardi said. “After their first three qualification events in November, December, and January, teams went into the league tournament on January 27th with their rankings established.”
The FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team qualified for the league championship on Saturday, Jan. 11 at their third and final competition at Berean Christian High School in Walnut Creek. Winning four out of five matches that day enabled them to move up
For more information, email contacthalo@ yahoo.com or visit www.eccchalo.org.
from fourth to first place in the East Bay Hills FTC Robotics League, thus positioning them to win their league championship.
Throughout the league championship, however, Pardi says the team struggled in the field of competition, running into hardware and software issues, before eventually overcoming them and reaching the finals.
“It was difficult with a part breaking, so they didn’t win all their matches, and went down in their rankings as a result,” Pardi said. “At the end of the matches, they were ranked fifth. Afterwards, there is a secondary tournament that happens, wherethe top
The Drive team is Gavin Vera, Katti Wallace, Adithya Krithik Vasan Rajesh and Timothy Susanto.
four teams can select their partner to play in this tournament. We got selected by the fourth seed to be their partner, which was a perfect pairing because they complimented our abilities very well.”
Pardi added that their alliance with the fourth seed going up against the secondseeded alliance enabled them to qualify for the finals. Despite being outscored, Pardi says this was a great recovery after the team’s earlier hardware issues.
The winner of the Inspire Award gets an automatic bid to the Northern California Championships on the weekend of Feb.
22-23, when 48 teams from Northern California will compete. Other awards include the Think, Connect, Motivate, Design, Innovate, and Control.
“During competitions, many members of our team are responsible for scouting and noting the strengths and weaknesses of our competitors in order to formulate game strategies and to aid in the selection of the best alliance partner,” Pardi said. “We’re partnered up with random partners throughout the day, with each event typically involving five matches with a two-on-two battle.”
According to Pardi, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was created by engineer and inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. Kamen’s goal was to get young students excited about technology and engineering while creating an environment similar to a sports competition where top students in computer engineering are pitted against each another. Every year in September, Pardi says the organization comes out with a new game scenario, with new challenges created and a game design being announced.
“The Heritage team was one of 16 teams in the East Bay Hills League, and also includes teams from Piedmont, Lafayette, Alameda, and Walnut Creek,” Pardi said.
see Robotics page 6
Maine Coon, Female, DOB 12-17-23 Rocket is sweet, loves to cuddle, and is incredibly intelligent. She responds to her name and gets along well with adults and children over 10 years old. Rocket will be your new BFF! To meet Rocket, please contact angehamel@gmail.com
Photo by Andrew Sherman
Brentwood cuts ribbon on New Sand Creek Road extension
By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent
The City of Brentwood held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to celebrate the upcoming opening of the Sand Creek Road expansion.
The approximately $13 million extension allows for easier access to the city’s future Innovation Center, which will be a more than 100-acre business park and town center, as well as the upcoming Costco warehouse.
Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer was enthusiastic for the new roadway.
“The Sand Creek Road Extension is a shining example of Brentwood’s dedication to building a thriving and connected community,” she said. “This new roadway will provide residents and first responders with im-
proved access between two major roadways -- great for both convenience and safety.”
City Manager Tim Ogden stressed the importance of the expansion of Sand Creek Road for Brentwood’s future. “This is more than just a road; it’s a vital connection that will pave the way for economic growth and innovation in Brentwood,” he said. “Extending Sand Creek Road from Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road has been a strategic effort to alleviate traffic on Lone Tree Way and support new opportunities with the Innovation Center. Costco’s arrival marks just the beginning of exciting opportunities ahead for our community.”
The new Sand Creek Road westward extension from Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road is expected to open to the public in early February.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Press photo
“The Sand Creek Road Extension is a shining example of Brentwood’s dedication to building a thriving and connected community,” Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 28.
Discovery Bay Chamber hosts Kentucky Derby State of the Town Gala, announces winners
The Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce announced its Business, Citizen, Nonprofit, and Teacher of the Year at last Saturday’s State of the Town gala.
The winner of the Citizen of the Year was Michelle Campos.
“I was shocked,” Campos said. “I was very honored. I take it as a great honor and I’m very grateful. I’ve lived in this community for 35 years. We know a lot of families. Our highest calling, I believe, is to serve and serve the community.
I was honored just to be nominated.” The other winners are:
• Business of the Year, Discovery Bay UPS store
• Nonprofit of the Year, Byron Delta Lions club Teachers of the year are:
• Andrea Kanazeh - Timber Point Elementary and District Teacher of the Year
• Angela Dizon - Excelsior Middle School Teacher of the Year
• Allyson Dougherty - Discovery Bay Teacher of
the Year
Classified Employees of the Year are:
• Heather Capelli - Discovery Bay Elementary Classified Employee of the Year
• Lisa Garcia - Timber Point Elementary Classified Employee of the Year
• Deana Lubecky - Excelsior Middle School Classified Employee of the Year.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Some Freedom seniors get surprise gift
Oakley Chamber raises $3,500 for class trip
By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent
Freedom High School teacher Angelica Espinoza tries to stay close with all her students. She says that by respecting them and helping them when they are down, she gains their trust. Being so close with her students has allowed her to know about their personal lives and struggles. When a student expressed her yearning to go on the senior class bus trip to Disneyland on May 9, yet her inability to be able to reserve her spot because she could not afford it Espinoza wanted to help.
Espinoza began by contacting Jeannette Trevino, who was in charge of organizing the senior trip to ask for some extra time to reserve space for students who could not afford it. When Espinoza brought up the students’ financial need, Trevino came up with the idea to raise money for the students to be able to afford their tickets. Espinoza gave Trevino a list of seven students who were unable to afford their own tickets.
As Trevino was planning to host a fundraiser, she reached out to her neighbor Katy Kerling, who is also the Vice President of Public Relations for the Oakley Chamber of Commerce. When Kerling heard about the seven students, she assured Trevino that she would bring up the fundraiser to
the Oakley Chamber.
With the help of anonymous donors in the Chamber, Kerling was able to raise $3,500 to pay for the seven students’ trips. Kerling said, “it’s not typical,” for the Oakley Chamber to help with fundraising but we wanted to get more involved with the community, where everyone is coming together to build one another up.”
Espinoza had no idea about the Chamber’s involvement, and was surprised when Kerling presented her with the $3,500 raised for her students. Espinoza says all seven children were thankful to have their tickets paid for them and are excited to be able to enjoy Disneyland with their classmates in May.
“Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for helping with this situation,” she said. “It reminds me of what my dad used to say, ‘If we are in the position to help those who are in need, we need to help.’”
Trevino is still raising money for all the students who are going on the trip who may need help with purchasing food and drinks.
If you want to help, call Trevino at 925-331-7973 or donations through Venmo @Jeannette.Photgraphy
Brentwood non-profit delivers more than 350 loaves of Challah bread in 48 hours to Chabad of the Delta
By Daniel Gruen Correspondent
More than 350 loaves of challah bread were delivered to homes across the East Contra Costa Jewish community in just 48 hours, according to Chabad of the Delta, a Brentwood non-profit.
Diane Alexander
Kevin Allen
Miriam Bell
Jerry &Mary Black*
Patricia Blumen*
Jamie Bolt*
Mark Branson
Marsha Brown
Vince Buchanan
Bethi Carver
Gibb*
Gary Chambers
Janet Clarke*
Robert Conner
John Cooper
Kimberly Cope
Donna Corrigan
Denise Cosgrove* DF
Rosa Daley
Albert Del Grande
Debra Doherty*
John Dodson
Michael Echeverria*
Larry Fancey
Irene San Filippo
Timothy Finnigan
David Foster
Gloria Foster*
David Goodwin
Carol Grossman
Deena Gruver*
Carol Guadagni
April Guarascio
Rinaldo Hamade*
Bill Harms
Geraldine Hogan
Marianne Hughlett
Udo Jaquet
“There’s nothing like a home-baked challah,” said Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, a Brentwood resident who, along with his wife, Rebbetzin Mashie Goldshmid, runs the non-profit Chabad of the Delta out of their home.
Challah is a traditional Jewish Shabbat bread. It’s fluffy, and often braided,
Nigel Jesson* Martha Karamanougian
David Kerley
Elaine Kilpatrick
Lauren Kovaleff
Erin Lamb*
Pat & Mary Lamb
Cathy Little*
Carlee Lopez
Karen Mann
Janet McCarthy
Jay McLaughlin
Jamie McManus
Kryssie Mingst*
Lawrence Moglia*
Elizabeth Montgomery
Shani Moore* Narmadha
Rick Nelson
Brian Oftedal
Ken Olson
Sharon Ouka
Gary Pollock
Sue Pretzer
Leonard Price
Gloria Rodda
Annette Rodrigues
Lourdes RosadoFord
Kitten Russell
Gary Sands
Irene San Filippo
Gwendolyn Schmid
Craig Schoenthale
Jorge Segovia
Tim & Cindy Shehorn
Donald Smith*
Wayne Steffen
Birgit Stephens*
Mike Suboez
Sue Swackhamer
Kiran Taunk
Zack Taylor
Linda Thuman*
Amy Tilley*
David Wahl
Larry Wallace
Julia Wantuck
Judi Weisenberg
David Wyatt
Carl Yost
Carolyn Young
Joseph Young
Larry Young
Mary Young
*Monthly Donor
according to Chabad.org. “It’s nostalgic for anyone that’s Jewish,” the rabbi said.
The rabbi and rebbetzin call the weekly program, “Loaves of Love.” Earlier this month, they held the annual “Mega Loaves of Love,” during which they aim to deliver challah bread to the Delta’s entire jewish community. “We get an overwhelming amount of positive feedback,” the rabbi said.
Mikayla, 10, was one of the volunteers delivering challah bread. “I like to make the deliveries because people seem happy when they see young kids delivering Challah for Shabbat,” she said.
Robotics from page 4
“It’s gotten so big in Northern California that they have to create geographic leagues around the Bay Area and Northern California, while the team has also grown to over 20 students.”
While also promoting STEM in their community, Pardi says teams must also raise funds, get sponsors, and reach out to the technical community to get mentors and assistance.
Additionally, teams are to document their work and their progress while also creating a portfolio. “The students have to go through the engineering process, decide how are they going to build a robot in a couple months timeframe, play this game effectively, and score as many points as they with various tasks they have to accomplish on the playing field.”
In addition to teams working for months building robots and formulating a game plan, teams have also been doing a lot of community outreach local elementary and middle schools, connecting with and receiving support from many local businesses and families, the Brentwood Lions club, Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer, along with The Patriot Jet Team Foundation, their major sponsor for the past two years helping to buy much-needed parts to enable Heritage to compete at the highest level.
The Lions Club invited the team to do
All of the challah loaves were baked out of the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s own kitchen. “We were able to bake over 350 loaves in order to pass it out with our dedicated volunteers,” the Rebbetzin said.
“It’s a blessing both for me and for those that receive challah and candles,” said Arthur Solomon, resident of Discovery Bay and Mega Loaves of Love volunteer.
Another volunteer, Gary Issacson, said, “I feel it helps bring the community a little closer, which is always a positive thing.”
To sign up to make challah bread deliveries or explore other volunteer opportunities, visit www.JewishDelta.com.
a presentation at one of their meetings Pardi said. “They loved the presentation and immediately gave the team a donation and became a sponsor of the team.”
“The Mayor was in attendance; she was so impressed as well,” Pardi said. “She and her husband made a donation to the team as well. It happens that her son years ago was a member of our robotics team.”
Furthermore, Pardi praised the team’s connection with NASA engineer Michael Lashore at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena who worked on the Mars Rover project. They did a Zoom call during which he advised them on their design challenges. “It basically shines a light on young students involved in technical work and engineering and computer science,” Pardi said. “It puts Brentwood against the best teams in the Bay Area, and puts them on the map, going up against the likes of Silicon Valley and all of Northern California. There’s a lot of pride in that.”
For more details, visit https://www. firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc. Information regarding the upcoming NorCal Championship, including where to sign up, is at www.norcalftc.org. For an animated video, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ewlDPvRK4U4.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Submitted photo
Angelica Espinoza (left) reacts with surprise when Katy Kerling from the Oakley Chamber of Commerce tells her that the Chamber raised enough money to send her and some of the school’s seniors to Disneyland for their class field trip.
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
Saturday, February 1
Vendor and and Craft Fair in Oakley
A free vendor and craft fair is from 10 a.m-3 p.m. at Redmen & Pocahontas Hall, 1403 Main St. in Oakley. The fair is hosted by Wi Cha Ka Council, and there will be a raffle fundraiser for the VA Hospital in Martinez. Local crafters, small businesses and independent sellers will be selling their wares. The event will take place place rain or shine.
Downtown Brentwood Coalition’s Crab Feed
This fundraiser will be at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. with cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner of crab, Caesar salad, cheesy bread, pasta bolognese and chocolate decadence at 6 p.m. This fundraiser assists the Downtown Brentwood Coalition’s “efforts to enhance the economic growth and vitality of downtown Brentwood.” Tickets are $85 per person, which includes two drink tickets. For details, visit http://tinyurl. com/dbccrabfeed
Sunday, February 2
Brentwood PAL King of the Grill 25th Anniversary
The barbecue competition will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Bowlero, 5000 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $50, and they include three tastes of chicken ribs or tri tip, plus salad, a roll and potato salad. Live music by Funk Shui. To buy tickets, visit Purchase tickets on Event Britehttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/24th-annualking-of-the-grill-bbq-cookoff-tickets-1109492 404649?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. For details, call Darin at 925-642-2399 or email darinhassig@ gmail.com.
On the Horizon
Saturday, February 8
Third Annual Sweetheart Run/Walk Presented by the Rotary Club of Brentwood
The 5K route starts at 9 a.m., rain or shine, from Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood. To register or for details, visit www. RunBrentwood.com. Registration is $39.50 for adults and $28.45 for kids 10 to 18 years old.. Food Distribution at Golden Hills Community Church
Golden Hills Community Church at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood is hosting a food distribution from 12:30-2:30 p.m. that is open to anyone while supplies last. More food distributions are scheduled for the following Saturdays: April 12, June 14, Aug. 9, Oct. 11 and Dec. 13.
Lions Club Crab Feed in Brentwood
The crab feed will take place at VFW 10789, 757 First St. in Brentwood. There will be cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., which includes all-you-can-eat crab, salad, pasta, and bread. There will be a raffle and table decorating contest. The table decorating contest begins at 11 a.m. Tickets are $80 per person. Only 300 tickets will be sold. No tickets will be sold at the door. The event will benefit the Lions Center for the Visually Impaired. For details, visit http:// www.lcobw.com
Thursday, February 13
Galentines Day Fundraiser Luncheon
Presented by GFWC Brentwood Women’s Club, the luncheon will be at Zephyr Grill and Bar, 613 First St., Suite #100 in Brentwood, from 11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to
wear red or pink. The event will feature guest speaker Suzanne Osborn, owner of Art of Makeup and Skincare by Suzanne, raffles, and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 per person and will benefit GFWC Brentwood Women’s Club and their selected charities. For more information and to purchase tickets, call Sally at 916425-0155. The registration deadline is Feb. 10.
Soroptimist International of the Delta ‘Share the Love of Bunco’ Fundraiser
Soroptimist International of the Delta will hold its annual Share the Love Bunco fundraiser at the Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffith Lane. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and Bunco starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, and include Bunco and dinner catered by Sticky Chicken. Funds raised are used for educational scholarships for local girls and women. Tickets are available from any Soroptimist member or at Gursky Ranch. There will be cash prizes, raffle baskets, and door prizes. Donate a pair of new women’s socks to receive an extra door prize ticket. More information is available at SIoftheDelta. com, or contact Laurie at Lnardinelli@gmail. com, or 925-420-5367.
Friday, February 14
Sixth Annual Knights of Columbus Crab Feed
This event is a fundraiser at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. for local organizations and student scholarships. It features salad, pasta, bread and dessert, a raffle and door prizes. Tickets are $70 each. For details or to buy tickets, call Chris at 925-6428782 or John at 925-698-6362.
Friday, February 21
Brentwood FFA Boosters
Surf and Turf Dinner
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St. in Antioch, and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with dessert and auction to follow. Tickets are $65 per person, and will be available to purchase through a Brentwood FFA student. The meal will include New York steak, prawns, baked potato, salad and bread. There will be a DJ and a no-host wine and beer bar. Purchase of large table groups is available. For more information about buying tickets, contact johnstons@luhsd.net.
Shrek the Musical
Heritage High School’s Rising Stars present “Shrek The Musical.” It’s the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wise-cracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Irreverently fun for the whole family. Performances are at Heritage High School, 101 American Ave. in Brentwood from Feb. 21 - March 8, with two matinees. For tickets ($10-$14) and show information, visit www. hhsrisingstars.net
Saturday, February 22
Liberty Lions Band Boosters 12th Annual Crab Feed
Liberty Lions Band Boosters and the City of Brentwood will host their 12th Annual Crab Feed at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and a no-host bar begin at 6:30 p.m. Early-bird tickets are $70 per person or $750 for a table of 10, plus two bottles of wine. For details, visit https://www.successfund.com/qw493
Rock and Roll for Wishes –
An Elderly Wish Foundation Benefit
Dress to impress in your ‘50s best. Doors open at 5 p.m. at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, 4800 Golf Club Road in Antioch. Tickets are $80 per person. Reserve seats by Feb. 10. For more information, visit www.elderlywish.org.
Looking for more things to do?
Look at the many local events on
American Legion Annual Crab Feed
The American Legion Post 202 is having its annual crab feed at 5 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6. Dinner includes crab, pasta, salad and bread. Tickets are $75 per person and are non-refundable. To purchase tickets, call Phil at 925-516-2141 or Mike at 925-787-8087.
Friday, February 28
IHMC CYO Crab Feed
This fundraiser for the CYO team is at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. with doors opening at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7. The event includes no-host bar, raffle tickets, music and door prizes. Tickets are $65. For details or to buy tickets, call Shana Ortega at 510-559-0655 or Jasmine Pacheco at 925-2121-9222.
Saturday, March 1
Tea Party at PETALS for Mental Health Awareness
PETALS, 2535 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128, in Brentwood, is hosting a tea party for mental health awareness from noon-3 p.m. It will feature guest speaker Karina Martinez, and there will be a welcome drink, assortments of scones, bites, treats and a selection of organic teas. Tickets are $65 per person. A portion of the proceeds will go to Village Community Resource Center. For more information, visit https://petalsoakley.com/upcoming-events.
Saturday, March 8
The Network of Care’s 19th Annual Crab Feed
The crab feed will take place at Grand Shepherd’s Parish Hall, 3200 Harbor St. in Pittsburg. All proceeds benefit The Network of Care, feeding families of children in hospitals. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7. Attendees must contact Janet Frazier in advance to RSVP and for seating arrangements by calling 925584-4086 or emailing janetfraz123@gmail. com. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite at https://bit.ly/4gLKAKV. Attendees should bring their Eventbrite ticket with them for admission.
Friday, April 11
2024 Celebrating Brentwood Gala
The Celebrating Brentwood Gala recognizes individuals and businesses who have devoted their time and efforts to enhance the wellbeing of Brentwood. This gala, which starts ats 6:30 p.m. expresses gratitude and celebrates their contributions at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.. Guests should attend in formal attire. Tickets are $80 per person and includes dinner. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https:// business.brentwoodchamber.com/events/ details/2024-celebrating-brentwood-gala15857?calendarMonth=2025-04-01
Tuesday, April 29
6th Annual East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair
The East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair is a free event that provides businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and reach out to the general public in a professional setting, showcasing their businesses, meeting new customers, and hiring potential employees. There will be raffles, giveaways, food and wine and beer tastings from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For more information or to register as a vendor, call 925-634-3344 or visit https:// business.brentwoodchamber.com/events/ details/6th-annual-east-bay-business-expojob-fair-17546?calendarMonth=2025-04-01
Ongoing Events
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:// brentwoodrotaryclub.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 https://www.facebook.com/antiochrotaryclub/.
The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesdays 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 the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit: https://eclubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/.
Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd.
Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions.com/ who-we-are/meetings/.
Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/byron_delta/.
Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution
The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags. It also hosts a flea market, vendor fair, which includes trinkets, arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, happens the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Table space is $10 or 3 for $25. For details, call Jim Fridas at 925-813-1007 or the senior center at 925-626-7223.
Hope House Food Distribution
The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.
IHMC Food Distribution
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.
Soroptimists
Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-338-1775, email MCL1155@outlook. com or visit https://www.mcl1155.org/.
Barnes & Noble starts new chapter in Brentwood
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
Patrons lined up around the block for a chance to be one of the first ones to see the new Barnes & Noble location in the Streets of Brentwood shopping center on Jan. 29.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mayor Susannah Meyer and Councilmember Jovita Mendoza, as well as members of city staff. The retailer had previously been in the Slatten Ranch shopping center in Antioch for more than 20 years before closing in October to prepare for the move.
“It just felt like the right time,” store manager Caitlyn Szymkowiak said of the move. The new location is roughly 20,000 square feet. For comparison, she estimated the old location to be closer to 17,000 square feet, according to Szymkowiak.
The Jan. 29 ceremony was followed by a number of events throughout the day, such as a book signing with author Evelyn Skye (who cut the ribbon) signing copies of her books. Skye is a New York Times bestselling author of adult fiction and young adult fiction. The children’s book character Arthur the aardvark was
No charges filed in killing of Alexis Gabe of Oakley
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has concluded its investigation into whether the mother of Marshall Curtis Jones, III acted as an accessory after the fact in connection with the death of Alexis Gabe in January 2022. The DA’s office declined to file charges against her, the office said in a press release.
“After a thorough review of the totality of the evidence, the District Attorney’s Office has concluded there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the elements required to charge that Alicia Coleman-Clark acted as an accessory after the fact,” the release stated.
Since the May 26, 2022, charging of Jones with the first-degree murder of Gabe, and Jones’ subsequent death while law enforcement was serving him a warrant near Seattle on June 1 that year, the District Attorney’s Office evaluated whether any individual, including Clark, Jones’s mother, could be criminally liability for actions taken after the crime.
The District Attorney’s Office determined that while some information raised suspicion about Clark’s potential culpability as an accessory after the fact there are plausible alternative explanations that point against her guilt.
Report on jobless rate changes released for state
With the U.S. having gained 256,000 jobs in December, WalletHub has released updated rankings for its report on changes in unemployment rate by state.
Barnes & Noble opened in the Streets of Brentwood with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 29. The retailer had previously occupied a spot in Antioch for more than 20 years.
also on hand to greet younger readers. Szymkowiak noted that the bookstore will continue to host events throughout the year and that information about them can be found on the retailer’s website and
on the store’s social media accounts. Barnes & Noble is experiencing “tremendous growth” and opening 60 new stores this year after more than 15 years of declining store numbers, according to
News iN Brief
For perspective and context of how rates are changing throughout the U.S., WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on six key metrics that compare unemployment rate statistics from the latest month for which data is available (December 2024) to key dates in 2024, 2023, 2020 and 2019.
• Unemployment change in California: Overall rank for California: 47th
• 0.57% change in unemployment (December 2024 vs. November 2024) 1,061,267 unemployed people in December 2024 vs. 1,055,260 in November 2024; 23rd best change in the U.S.
• 7.17% change in unemployment (December 2024 vs. December 2023) 1,061,267 unemployed people in December 2024 vs. 990,259 in December 2023; 23rd best change in the U.S.
• 37.18% change in unemployment (December 2024 vs. December 2020)
• 1,061,267 unemployed people in December 2024 vs. 1,689,360 in December 2020; 16th best change in the U.S.
• 30.86% change in unemployment (December 2024 vs. December 2019)
• 1,061,267 unemployed people in December 2024 vs. 810,966 in December 2019; 12th worst change in the U.S.
• 9.37% change in not seasonally adjusted continued claims (December 2024 vs. November 2024)
• 363,372 continued claims in December 2024 vs. 397,421 in November 2024; 23rd best change in the U.S.
a Jan. 22 press release by the company.
Szymkowiak attributed the store’s ability to sustain growth and move to a larger location partly due to reading’s increasing popularity with younger generations. She said that the prevalence of “BookTok” – a corner of TikTok filled with people sharing their favorite books and other literature-focused videos – has been one of the driving forces in getting younger people to read more.
“We are delighted to return to Brentwood with such a beautiful new Barnes & Noble,” company CEO James Daunt said in the press release. “It has been worth the wait to find this fantastic space, just a five-minute drive from our previous location. We are very grateful to our team of booksellers for all their patience and hard work during the building out of the store. They have done a wonderful job, and I know that they will be thrilled to welcome back their customers.”
For more information about the Brentwood Barnes & Noble location, see their Instagram page at @bnbrentwood and their Facebook page at https://www facebook com/BNbrentwood
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
• 5.5% unemployment rate (December 2024)
3rd highest unemployment rate in the U.S.
County library system, services will be inaccesible temporarily
The county library system’s network experienced a brief downtime last Friday, but services were restored in the afternoon after a temporary fix.
But the library said in a press release that “Our provider experienced an issue with a piece of hardware and was able to use a temporary replacement part to fix it. The permanent replacement part has been ordered and is on the way.”
“At a later date, there will be a short scheduled downtime while the new part is installed,” the library said in the press release without specifying which date. Visit ccclib.org for updates.
Contra Costa Health for Pedestrian and Safety Program gets $208,475 state grant
Contra Costa Health has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (TOS) for continued support of its Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program. The program will promote safety among pedestrians and bicyclists and emphasize the drivers’ responsibility to look out for people using roads and paths. The grant program runs through September 2025, the state said in a press release.
Local data shows an increase of nearly 30% in fatal crashes involving pedestrians
over the past decade in the county, and that pedestrians and bicyclists are 2.4 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash compared to drivers. The grant funds efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a top priority for our office,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Everyone moves, and not always by car. It’s important that we invest in efforts to protect people walking, biking and rolling that helps establish a strong traffic safety culture where everyone on California roads can travel to and from places safely.”
Grant funds will support various activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:
• Support for local jurisdictions to include public health principals in road safety plans and address conditions that create unsafe environments for non-motorized road users.
• Promote the Contra Costa Health traffic safety campaign, “Slow Roads Save Lives.”
• Bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with high rates of pedestrian or bicyclist fatalities and serious injury crashes.
• Bicycle training courses that teach skills to youth to help them stay safe on the road.
• Events that promote bicyclist and pedestrian visibility and the importance of sharing the road, slowing down, and staying alert to bicyclists and pedestrians while driving.
The Office T S, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, paid for the program.
Press photo
oP inion
Letters to the editor
Former fire commissioner: new fire station downtown is wrong location
Editor:
I agree with the veterans that locating the new fire station next to the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building is the wrong location.
I was a member of the Brentwood Volunteer Fire Dept. for 25 yeas, and then for 12 years as a commissioner. I have lived in Brentwood all my life.
There are several locations that could be used for the new fire station. One is located on Balfour Road west of the railroad tracks, another is located within three blocks of the property in question, and another location is on Walnut Boulevard at Central Boulevard. One or more of these lots is owned by the city.
All of the above locations have exits for moving traffic conditions, and would not have to maneuver through a congested intersection, such as at Oak and First streets.
Dewey DeMaritini Brentwood
Brentwood 4-H needs your help to determine what year it started
Editor:
Hi. My name is Arianna Hammer, and I am the Brentwood 4-H civic engagement officer. I need help from our community. We are trying to find the actual year (or estimate year) of when Brentwood 4-H started.
Our county records show the year 2008, but we know that is not correct. So we are looking for people who were in Brentwood 4-H, had a family member in Brentwood 4-H, or knows someone from before 1995. If you have any information or contacts to someone who was a member, I would love to talk to them or you.
As we are gearing up for the Contra Costa County fair, this information is going to be helpful, and we would love to add it to our historical book.
To contact me with information you can email me at brennahammer@ hotmail.com.
Arianna Hammer Brentwood
LETTERS POLICY
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Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials. Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.
Hometown SportS
Freedom wants more after sweeping Patriots
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
For the first time since 2006, Freedom’s girls basketball team completed their regular-season sweep of the Heritage Patriots, winning 54-39 Tuesday night in Brentwood.
“It feels great,” Freedom head girls basketball coach Richelle Najera said. “I feel like there’s always this big cloud when it comes to Heritage, and for us to sweep them, it feels great. It makes me proud and makes Freedom proud.”
“It’s definitely surreal,” Freedom senior Ariel De La O said of the win. “It’s a good feeling to know that we put in a lot of hard work this season, and it’s paying off, and obviously it’s showing.”
De La O recorded her first doubledouble since Freedom’s win against Amador Valley on Jan. 4. She scored a game-high 17 points and added 10 rebounds in the win Tuesday night.
At 7-0 in league play, the Falcons are now in control of their own destiny when it comes to the Bay Valley Athletic League title, which would be the program’s first outright, regular season league title. Freedom needs to win two of their last three games, starting Friday night at Liberty (Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m.), their road finale. The Falcons will finish the season at home with games against Pittsburg (Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.) and against Deer Valley (Feb. 13, 7 p.m.), the team’s Senior Night.
Tuesday night’s sweep of the nine-time defending league champions didn’t come easily, at least at first. Freedom struggled to get anything going in the first quarter, trailing Heritage 12-4 after the first period. The Falcons, however, found their rhythm almost
immediately in the second quarter, starting with a layup by De La O, then a hook shot to pull the Falcons within 12-9 with just over six minutes to play.
A layup by Camarah Kittles about a minute later pulled the Falcons to within one point, 12-11, then De La O’s jumper gave Freedom a 13-12 lead.
The Falcons never looked back, opening the second quarter on a 15-0 run through the first five minutes, and Freedom outscored Heritage 21-2, holding the Patriots to just a pair of free throws entering halftime up 25-14.
“We didn’t necessarily start off slow,” De La O explained of the first quarter. “Our shots just weren’t falling. In the second quarter, we just didn’t give up and kept playing our game and the shots started falling.”
Along with being two wins shy of the Bay Valley Athletic League title, Freedom is also now two wins shy of tying the record for most wins in a season with 18, achieved by the Falcons in the 2019-20 season when the team went 18-9, according to MaxPreps.
Freedom’s rise toward the top of the league comes as no surprise to anyone within
the program.
The Falcons returned to double-digit wins last year after going 8-16 in the 2022-23 campaign and reached the North Coast Section Division I playoffs where they were immediately ousted by Monte Vista in the opening round. The Falcons hid their building blocks under the radar with Heritage and Liberty above them battling it out for the league title until the final night of the regular season.
The Falcons, then, were never satisfied with just making the playoffs last year, and that attitude seems to have carried into the 2024-25 campaign. This year’s team isn’t satisfied until they officially claim the BVAL title, and possibly even more.
“We let them know what they’re capable of,” Najera explained. “When you’re not satisfied, you always have something to work for. That’s the biggest thing – it’s that we’re not satisfied. We want more. And that’s something I’m preaching to the girls consistently, playing Freedom basketball.”
De La O adds that the team’s confidence has continued to grow since last year’s playoff cameo, and it’s showing on the court this season.
“We can make it to that higher level and compete for the league (title) and get through the first round of the playoffs,” she said. “I think we just have the confidence in ourselves to keep going, and we’ve always been capable of winning and playing hard.”
“But just being able to push through, especially in games like [Tuesday night] where we started slow, we didn’t put our heads down at all and we just kept fighting. We just keep pushing and keep fighting.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Liberty boys basketball’s goal: state playoffs berth
By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent
The State playoffs are on the minds of the Liberty players and coaches as this year’s team believes they can be the one’s to be the Lions’ first boys basketball state playoff team.
“It’d be big,” head coach Rich Morton said on possibly taking Liberty to the state tournament in his first year as head coach. “I wouldn’t be surprised because I’m used to winning, that’s in my blood. What I’ve gone through in all of basketball between coaching and playing, I’ve just been used to winning.”
The Lions’ deepest playoff run came just last season when the team reached the semifinals of the North Coast Section Division 1 bracket, but fell to Dublin 58-55. Liberty is ranked fifth in NCS. This means if the season ended today, Liberty would play in the NCS Open Division bracket and have an automatic bid to state.
“Our goal is to make Open. It’s never been done at Liberty to either go to State or Open,” junior guard Dante Vigil said. “We take that to heart. We know we gotta win to go Open and make history.”
With just three games left in the season, Liberty needs to win its remaining games. According to MaxPreps, they have a 28.07 rating, just a point ahead of sixth-ranked
“If we go 24-2 and it’s good enough for Open, then it’s good,” Morton said. “We can only control what we can control and that’s to get the wins. If we finish 24-2 we can be proud of that and go to Open.”
While the Lions have not lost a league game since the last day of the 2020-21 season, they’ve had to fend off possible league upsets this season. On Jan. 21, Heritage led Liberty at halftime, but a late 13-2 run lifted them past Heritage. Then, just three days later, the Lions trailed Pittsburg by seven entering the fourth quarter. A 26-8 fourth-quarter from Liberty kept their BVAL win streak alive and their Open Division playoff chances in their hands.
“I think we as coaches got to make sure we keep the kids fighting and let them know how important it is and not let them relax,” Morton said. “We mentally have to keep them here, but also have to let them know that if you want to be a champion, you’ve got to have heart. That’s my message to them.”
California and just over two points ahead of seventhranked Dougherty Valley.
However, Morton said he wants to stay focused on the games themselves rather than worrying about the ramifications they have. Liberty is on a 16-game win streak, and has not lost a game since Dec.19 against Lincoln, ranked seventh in the state.
Liberty’s last three games are at Freedom Jan. 31, hosting Deer Valley Feb. 7 and at Heritage Feb. 13 to close out the season, all scheduled for 7 p.m.. Former head coach and now assistant coach Jon Heinz said the team understands the circumstances of the high stakes these last three weeks of the regular season saying “We know one loss will likely push us back to Division 1.”
Photo by Juan Cebreiros
Head coach Rich Morton talks to his team at the end of the third quarter as they trailed Pittsburg 52-45.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger/ Freedom’s Anisa Blalock goes up to grab a rebound against Heritage’s Gelenna Smithers on Tuesday night in Brentwood.
Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu looks ahead to Academy’s 20th anniversary and continued community impact
Professor Crosley Gracie walks into his gym as he always has since its opening in Brentwood on Feb. 1, 2005.
A late-morning Adult Jiu-Jitsu class has just started. At the helm is Gracie, the founder, owner, and head instructor of the academy. A fifth-degree black belt with over 22 years at the black belt level, Gracie exudes both experience and dedication. Dressed in his traditional uniform (gi), adorned with the academy’s sleek black-and-silver circular logo stitched across the back, sleeves, and pants, he oversees the class as the day’s training begins.
During the session, Gracie personally demonstrates key techniques, joined by his first black belt student, Professor Ryan Murphy, who holds the rank of third-degree black belt. Together, they guide students through the intricacies of the techniques, ensuring that everyone gains valuable handson experience while working with their training partners.
“The title of Martial Arts Professor is awarded upon achieving a third-degree black belt, a distinction granted only after nine years of black belt rank, as recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the sport’s highest governing authority,” Gracie said.
The program embodies the academy’s commitment to fostering community, discipline, and growth in every student who steps onto the mats. For the past two decades, Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has been dedicated to expanding the reach of Jiu-Jitsu, not just as a martial art but as a way of life.”
“My vision has always been to share the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu training and its lifestyle with as many people in the community as possible,” he said. “From the beginning, I focused on taking it one day at a time, continuously improving our services and refining every aspect of the business to better accommodate and efficiently serve our students.”
Reflecting on the academy’s journey, he added, “Looking back after 20 years, seeing our academy grow steadily year after year reaffirms that we are on the right path.”
Through the last two decades, the Crosley Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy, at 3291 Walnut Blvd., #140, has become a cornerstone of the local martial arts community in the city of Brentwood, with moments and memories that are easy for Gracie to look back on.
“It’s extremely rewarding to witness students of all ages — children, adults, everyone — gaining confidence through their training,” Gracie said. “We see kids who once struggled with self-assurance standing up for themselves against bullying. Women who may have initially been reserved, both socially and physically, gradually embrace the training and the culture. They learn to appreciate the daily challenges and the personal growth that Jiu-Jitsu fosters.”
For Gracie, this evolution is at the heart of his mission. “That’s what it’s all about for me — seeing the confidence that training instills in every student who commits to the journey.”
On Saturday, Feb. 15, Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu will celebrate its 20th anniversary in a big way. “We want to create a fun and positive experience for everyone,” he said. “We have a lot of exciting activities planned for everyone in the family, and it’s going to be a truly special day.”
Reflecting on the academy’s journey, Gracie expressed deep gratitude for the support from the community. “We are honored by the trust and encouragement we’ve received over the past two decades. This community has embraced us, and I can’t imagine ever leaving the place that has given us so much.”
The Academy is set to host a familyfriendly community event from 10 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m., offering a variety of activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy music, Brazilian barbecue, and children-specific entertainment. A highlight of the event will be a special guest appearance by UFC legend Royce Gracie, a pioneer in introducing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the world. In addition to the festivities, the Academy will offer exclusive membership specials for new students, along with raffles and other exciting giveaways.
“Royce is one of the original ambassadors of Jiu-Jitsu,” said Crosley, a cousin of the UFC pioneer. “I love bringing him to our school so our students can gain a deeper understanding of the history behind what they practice. It’s important that they don’t just learn self-defense techniques but also appreciate the roots of the art—where it came from and how it evolved.”
Gracie’s visit will offer students and families a unique opportunity to engage with the sport’s rich history. “Having Royce here to train with both kids and adults, meet parents, and inspire everyone in the room is truly a meaningful experience,” Crosley added.
As part of the academy’s anniversary celebration on February 15, UFC legend Royce Gracie will lead two exclusive JiuJitsu seminars. The first session, designed for children ages 8-13, will take place from 10-11 a.m., followed by an adult seminar
A class in the Adult Jiu-Jitsu Program and a female student completing her 12-Week Intro Course and earning her first stripe from the hands of Crosley Gracie, owner and founder of Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. These seminars are open to martial arts practitioners of all gyms and affiliations. Those interested in participating can register through the academy’s official website at www.crosleygracie. com, or email us at info@crosleygracie.com with questions.
Following the seminars, the community will have a rare opportunity to meet Royce Gracie during a public meet-and-greet session from 2-3 p.m. During this special event, Gracie will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans, offering a unique chance for attendees to engage with one of Jiu-Jitsu’s and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) most influential figures.
Longtime UFC fans, particularly those who have followed the sport since its inception in the early 1990s, will undoubtedly recognize the Gracie name—one synonymous with the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in mixed martial arts. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was co-founded in 1993 by Crosley’s uncle, and Royce’s brother, Rorion Gracie, alongside businessman Art Davie.
The early UFC events were conceived as a proving ground for martial artists from various disciplines, featuring an eight-man tournament format in which competitors faced off within a closed cage to determine the most effective fighting style. As the first three-time tournament champion, Royce Gracie participated in no-holds-barred bouts with no time limits, triumphing in three matches on a single night. His victories showcased the superiority of Brazilian JiuJitsu, as he consistently overcame opponents who outweighed him by 40 to 70 pounds. Between 1993 and 1994, Royce claimed titles at UFC 1, 2, and 4, using his Jiu-Jitsu expertise to defeat much larger and stronger adversaries. His unparalleled success solidified his status as a pioneer in the sport and demonstrated the unmatched efficacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — an enduring legacy that continues to influence martial artists worldwide.
Crosley Gracie was also an accomplished competitor in Mixed Martial Arts.
In his professional MMA debut at the Pancrase 10th Anniversary event in Japan in 2003, he secured a unanimous decision victory over the seasoned Pancrase Welterweight champion, Kiuma Kunioku (29-137), in a non-title bout. In his second MMA appearance at Pride Bushido 5, also in Japan, Gracie faced veteran Hayato Sakurai (35-9-2), who was regarded as one of the world’s top welterweight fighters at the time. Gracie triumphed by submitting Sakurai with an armbar, marking the first time in Sakurai’s career that he had been forced to tap out. Crosley’s final competition took place at the 2010 No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Long Beach, Calif. after a four-year hiatus from competition. There, he submitted all of his opponents to claim the gold medal.
As Crosley Gracie prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his academy, his focus remains on shaping the next generation of instructors, leading classes, and raising his daughter, Kivian, who is excelling as a freshman in varsity wrestling at Heritage High School.
Gracie expressed deep appreciation for the Brentwood community and the local media for their continued support in spreading awareness about his academy’s mission.
“I am incredibly grateful to our local community and media for helping us share what we do,” Gracie said. “Our goal will continue to be reaching as many people as possible—those seeking a healthier, more positive lifestyle, greater confidence, and personal growth.”
As he looks to the future, Gracie remains committed to his academy’s mission. “We’re excited for another 20 years of improving public health and empowering individuals through Jiu-Jitsu.”
For more information, go to www.crosleygracie.com, or call (925)634-6958.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia – Advertorial
Picture above is one of Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Adult Jiu-Jitsu classes.
Photo courtesy of Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Photo courtesy of Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Liberty alum, former MLB coach to host baseball camp
Event that includes life lessons is on Feb. 8 at Liberty
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Liberty High School baseball alum and former minor league pitcher and major league coach Mike McCarthy is returning to his roots and giving back to his community.
The former Lions pitcher will host a free baseball clinic for kids in the fourththrough the eighth-grade (ages 8-13) on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9-11:30 a.m., along with the coaching staff from Liberty’s baseball program at Liberty High School.
“The ability to impact the next generation is something that I think is very instinctive to all of us,” McCarthy said. “Now, being able to pass that on to the next generation is something that feels like such a privilege and an honor to be able to make that impact on other people.”
The general skills camp will focus on pitching and throwing, along with life skills seminars with McCarthy.
“The focus is going to be on having to pass on something greater than just baseball,” McCarthy said. “For a lot of these kids, I want to teach them about life and matters of the heart, matters of the building, these virtues that baseball can bring into our lives which I think is really important.”
“The game of baseball is not just about learning a skill within a sport, but it’s learning life skills -- things that will last them a lifetime.”
The camp is McCarthy’s first at Liberty, but his second time returning to his alma mater. He spoke at an assembly at Liberty in 2023.
McCarthy graduated from Liberty in 2006, was a first-team All-Bay Valley Athletic League selection and team MVP
that spring, recording a 1.04 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched. He led the Lions to their first playoff berth in 13 years at the time.
Collegiately, he pitched for Division III University of Redlands on an academic scholarship before transferring and finishing his collegiate career at Cal State Bakersfield where he recorded a 1.60 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 16 starts for the Roadrunners, according to Base-
ball Reference.
He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox with the 21st pick in the 14th round in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft and spent six seasons in the Red Sox minor league system, along with a year pitching overseas in Perth, Australia, before joining the coaching ranks.
“I never thought that I’d ever be in the Major Leagues when I was at Liberty,” McCarty said. “You always have the idea of hoping that could happen one day, or that there’d be an opportunity to go to the Major Leagues. But really the aspiration was to play, make the varsity team, and play in college or something like that.”
In his six seasons in the minor leagues, McCarthy was 28-27 with eight saves and a 4.57 ERA.
He started his professional coaching career with the Minnesota Twins organization in their player development system. He earned his first Major League coaching assignment in 2023 as the bullpen coach of the Oakland Athletics.
He coached in the Atlanta Braves player development system last year as the pitching coach for the Gwinnett Stripers, the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in the International League.
Those interested in registering for the baseball camp can go to https:// formsmarts.com/form/2e53.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Mike McCarthy when he pitched at Liberty High (left) and when he was bench coach of the Oakland A’s (right).
Photos courtesy of Mike McCarthy
Exploring top college opportunities –Ivy league school visits Freedom High
Students at Freedom High School had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the college application process and life at one of the nation’s most renowned universities. A Yale University admissions ambassador, who is a Freedom alum, presented at the College and Career Center on Jan. 8 to explain the benefits and affordability options offered by Yale University and to encourage the students to explore a wider range of educational opportunities.
Youth writer
The Yale admissions ambassador’s presentation covered key topics, including Yale’s unique residential college
system, academic opportunities, athletics, and available financial aid resources. Originally planned for 30 students, the event ended up attracting over 50 students from all grades.
The presentation was interactive and informative, with pamphlets and a Q&A session afterwards. The students eagerly asked questions ranging from campus life and available majors to the admissions process, receiving advice directly from a current Yale student. The students’ enthusiasm was contagious, creating an engaging and dynamic environment throughout the session.
Students left with a well-rounded understanding of what life at Yale could offer, especially valuable insights into
financial aid opportunities that make an Ivy League education more accessible and affordable to students from all backgrounds.
Many high school students often assume that attending a major private university like Yale is financially out of reach. However, during the session, Freedom students learned that Yale’s financial aid program is designed to meet 100% of student needs and, in many cases, students can graduate without any loan debt.
“Yale is often seen as out of reach for many students due to misconceptions about affordability,” the admissions ambassador said. “We want to show that it’s not only a viable option but also a place where students from all backgrounds can
An arcane acronym that’s creating
For many years, critical health issues such as cancer and heart disease were considered incurable. Even today, we face many challenges battling these issues
However, this all could change soon. Induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, are revolutionizing the world of medicine and regenerative therapies. But what exactly are iPSCs, and what role might they play in the future?
The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine states that stem cells are cells that can develop into any type of specialized cell, such as heart and nerve cells. A specific kind of stem cell, iPSCs can be created from a skin or blood cell sample. This makes them a powerful tool when researching diseases, conducting drug testing, and developing therapies for patients. But how can they make a difference in the world?
According to the National Institutes of Health
thrive.”
This event served as a stepping stone for the students to network with a student from an Ivy League school and explore options to higher education. At the end of the day, the students left feeling more confident and excited about their future possibilities that had seemed distant before.
Preparing to head to a university is not easy, but receiving resources and assistance from your school’s College and Career Center will help you navigate the process more easily. I strongly encourage all high school students to reach out to their College and Career Center.
Vivien Wittstruck
10th Grade Freedom High School
a scientific revolution
(NIH), iPSCs are used in multiple ways by researchers and scientists. One application is in the field of personalized medicine. In many chronic conditions like cancer, the disease develops differently for each individual, making it harder to create a cure that works universally for all patients.
This is why a personalized approach to treating patients would be more effective, as the NIH proposes. Researchers can take a skin or blood sample from the patient and reprogram the cells into iPSCs in the lab. From here, the iPSCs would be generated into a new cell type. If the patient has heart disease, for example, the iPSCs could be generated into heart cells.
This will allow the researchers to study the cause of the disease in the patient without conducting surgery on the patient while searching for possible solutions.
According to the NIH, this approach minimizes the inherent risks of surgery and ensures that the treatment fits the patient’s specific needs.
Another potential application of iPSCs identified by the NIH is to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs.
Scientists are working toward using iPSCs to generate organs for transplantation. Since iPSCs can be derived from a patient’s own cells, this eliminates the major problem of immune rejection, in which the recipient’s immune system attacks the transplanted organ because it recognizes it as foreign.
iPSCs have opened up new avenues for scientific research and potential treatments for diseases that were once thought untreatable. With continued research, iPSCs could become the solution for current medical challenges and pave the way for new treatments and therapies. It is an exciting time for aspiring scientists, healthcare workers, and researchers who want to make a difference in the world.
Vivien Wittstruck, 10th grade Freedom High School
Brentwood Chamber, city celebrates new business
Train Smarter & Harder! No days off… the new gym celebrated its grand opening on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3341 Walnut Blvd. in Brentwood with friends, family, Chamber members and city staff.
Oakley man becomes Eagle Scout
Manuel Gutierrez of Troop 152 in Oakley has finished his Eagle Scout project. “I decided to build a movable raised planter box for Merril Gardens’ Memory Care residents to add to their gardening accessibility,” he said. “Planting and caring for plants can be a great therapy activity, and I know they will enjoy taking care of and seeing the results of the outcome, while also supporting, and improving the quality of life for both physically, and mentally.”
Train Smarter & Harder gym offers personal training as well as 24/7 access to their ‘No Days Off’ gym. For more information, go to www. trainsmarterandharder.com
Liberty High alum becomes a Marine
The Gutierrez family has announced that Alexander J.B. Gutierrez, a 2024 Liberty High graduate, has graduated from MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) San Diego, Lima Co., Platoon 3247 on Jan. 17. Alex shot Expert at the Rifle Range, 1st Class Physical Fitness Test and was 1st Squad Leader for his Platoon. He graduated with a Meritorious Promotion as Private First Class and earned the title of U.S. Marine.
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LEGAL NOTICES
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000139 The name of the business(es): INSURANCE 101 Located at: 2012 Tempranillo Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): D&B Rich Enterprises LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Doyle Wayne Rich, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 10, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/9/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0006465 The name of the business(es): Diablo Pacific Property Group Located at: 1547 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek, Suite 227 In: Walnut Creek, CA 94597, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Diablol Pacific, Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/20/2019.
Signature of registrant: Lauren Dent, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/09/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires
12/08/2029
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0006370 The name of the business(es): PVOLVE WALNUT
CREEK Located at: 1845 Ygnacio Valley Road In: Walnut Creek, CA 94598, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): VRISI VENTURES, LLC. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Venetia Vonich, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/03/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/02/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0006803 The name of the business(es): Linton Taxes Located at: 164 Lombardy Lane In: Orinda, CA 94563, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Renee Wanda Linton. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Renee Linton, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/29/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0000164 The name of the business(es):
LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0006763 The name of the business(es): Wild Olive Located at: 74 Kings Oak Place In: Walnut Creek, CA 94597, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Cornerstone Creative LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Alison Stripling, Chief Executive Officer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/27/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/26/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0006775 The name of the business(es):
1. Light Made Designs
2. Creationary Located at: 933 Suntan Ln In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Mark Garetz. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Mark Garetz, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/29/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0000032 The name of the business(es):
1. Show Ready Photo 2. Show Ready Event Photography 3. Swaddle Photography 4. Event Photo School Located at: 3327 Beechwood Dr In: Lafayette, CA 94549, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Show Ready Photo LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/2025. Signature of registrant: Irja Tannlund, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/06/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/05/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0000030 The name of the business(es): Two Fast Transportation LLC Located at: 23 Da Vinci Court In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Two Fast Transportation LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/2025. Signature of registrant: Ahmad Fardous Hoseny, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 6, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/5/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477
Publish Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0000272 The name of the business(es): Point Place Auto Sales Located at: 5600 Main St Ste C In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered
registered by the following owner(s): BRP Enterprises LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Brett Poole, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/14/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/13/2030
by the following owner(s): Woodys Auto Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Andre Alamsjah, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 17, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/16/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0006824 The name of the business(es): Personal Fuel Nutrition Located at: 1235 Sierra Trail Rd In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Megan McUmber Glick. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/01/2024. Signature of registrant: Megan Glick. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/31/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/30/2029
Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
T.S. No. 24-02952-CE-CA Title No. 240520242-CA-VOI A.P.N. 018-280-0060 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DA TED 05/21/2003. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE.
IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, (cashier’s check(s) must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation), drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state; will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made in an “as is” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Charles W. Surges an unmarried person Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 06/06/2003 as Instrument No. 2003-0267588-00 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Contra Costa County, California. Date of Sale: : 03/04/2025 at 9:00 AM Place of Sale: Pleasant Hill Community Center, Auction. com Room, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $40,862.79 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 460 Memory Ln, Oakley, CA 94561 A.P.N.: 018-280-006-0 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful
bidder shall have no further recourse. The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800-280-2832 or visit this internet website www.ndscorp.com/ sales, using the file number assigned to this case 24-02952-CE-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT*: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” you may be able to purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 888-264-4010, or visit this internet website www.ndscorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 24-02952-CE-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. *Pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code, the potential rights described herein shall apply only to public auctions taking place on or after January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, unless later extended. Date: 01/17/2025 National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tiffany and Bosco, P.A., its agent, 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line 800-280-2832; Sales Website: www. ndscorp.com Connie Hernandez, Trustee Sales Representative A-4833117 01/31/2025, 02/07/2025, 02/14/2025. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 94129 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 2025.
MULTIMEDIA SALES PERSON WANTED
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Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
OFFICE & SHOP FOR RENT Ready TODAY! Two Large Offices 913 Sunset Dr, Antioch 4600 sq. ft.
Two 12-ft roll-up doors Full HVAC system, kitchen, restroom with shower, HWY 4 visibility and easy access, lots of parking, 220 /3 Phase available, completely remoded Nov. 2024. Lease Terms: 5 yrs - $5600/mo. For questions and appointments, call Clif: 925-565-3118
Cop logs
The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:
BRENTWOOD
January 17, 1:49 a.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Picadilly Lane. The reporting party heard a loud noise inside her home and shuffling below the room.
January 17, 10:11 a.m. A case of a restraining/court order violation was reported on Minnesota Avenue. A custody order was violated.
January 17, 11:17 a.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Birch Street. The reporting party’s son’s phone was stolen from the locker room.
January 17, 11:57 a.m. Property was found on Brentwood Boulevard. A firearm was found in a returned vehicle.
January 17, 12:54 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Sand Creek Road. A suspect was putting large amounts of product in her bag and walked out. The suspect was a Black female in her 50s wearing a black puffer jacket, camouflage pants and black Uggs. An adult was arrested.
January 17, 4:50 p.m. A loitering complaint was reported on Oak Street. A male was in a caged dumpster area in the corner
of a parking lot. An adult was arrested.
January 17, 5:44 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Sycamore Avenue. There was a scratch on the reporting party’s new 2024 grayish blue Honda Accord.
January 17, 5:55 p.m. A case of a restraining order/court order violation was reported on Prominent Drive.
January 18, 12:27 a.m. A physical fight was reported on First Street. An adult was arrested.
January 18, 9:41 a.m. A non-injury hit and run was reported on Cristina Way. The reporting party’s vehicle was hit overnight.
January 18, 9:57 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. A transient female walked out with two pairs of Nike shoes. The suspect was a white female in her 40s wearing a black head wrap, face cover, and a brown jacket with green sleeves.
January 18, 4:56 p.m. A non-injury hit and run was reported on Elkins Way. A black Cadillac hit another customer’s vehicle.
January 18, 5:51 p.m. A non-injury accident was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The reporting party was in a black Chevy Impala and was involved in an accident with a black Acura or Honda.
January 19, 8:11 a.m. An accident with
minor injuries was reported at Jeffery Way and Lone Tree Way. This was a solovehicle accident.
January 19, 10:59 a.m. Property was found on Garin Parkway. The reporting party found a car key.
January 19, 4:36 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. The suspect stole from Kohls. They filled a backpack with merchandise and left on foot.
January 20, 11:48 a.m. A non-injury hit and run was reported on Lone Tree Way. Someone hit the reporting party’s parked vehicle.
January 20, 1:07 p.m. An accident was reported on Balfour Road. One vehicle hit another vehicle. Unknown if an ambulance was needed.
January 20, 1:26 p.m. An accident with minor injuries was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The reporting party was driving and hit a pedestrian. There was a scuffed ankle and hurt wrist.
January 20, 1:46 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. Two suspects walked out with a handful of merchandise.
January 20, 2:47 p.m. A non-injury hit and run was reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party’s mom’s parked vehicle was hit by a minivan.
January 20, 4:00 p.m. An accident with major injuries was reported on Stonewood Drive. A juvenile on a dirt bike crashed into a pole and possibly had a broken leg.
January 20, 5:19 p.m. Property was found at Third Street and Oak Street.
January 21, 6:00 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Balfour Road. The back window was slid open.
January 21, 7:52 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Second Street. A known suspect stole liquor and food, and was walking across the parking lot. An adult was arrested.
January 21, 9:27 a.m. A case of vehicle theft was reported on Pippo Avenue. A Ford F250 was taken overnight from the driveway.
January 21, 10:24 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. A known female was concealing merchandise. An adult was arrested.
January 21, 3:27 p.m. A non-injury accident was reported on Fairview Avenue. There were two vehicles involved. One party did not have a driver’s license.
January 21, 5:32 p.m. A case of a restraining/court order violation was reported on Yelland Way. A child custody order was violated.
Petitioner Daniel & Megan Rangel filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Clara Ruby Rangel to Proposed Name: Ivy Ruth Rangel
2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 4/7/2025 Time: 9:00
a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press
Date: January 22, 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94146
Publish Dates: January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2025.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: JAJBIR
SINGH SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: JAJBIR SINGH CASE NUMBER: N25-0064
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner JAJBIR SINGH filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before
this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 3/21/2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: January 10, 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94124 Publish Dates: January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2025.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Primjai Pantuyakorn Chea SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Primjai Pantuyakorn Chea CASE NUMBER: N25-0146 TO ALL INTERESTED
PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Primjai Pantuyakorn Chea filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Primjai Pantuyakorn Chea
b. AKA Primjai Pantuyakorn to Proposed Name: Primjai Pantuyakorn.
2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 4/7/2025 Time: 9:00
a.m. Dept.: 30b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press
Date: January 22, 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94186 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025.
PETITION TO CONFIRM CONTRACTUAL ARBITRATION
AWARD
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY: The Moore Law Group, A Professional Corporation*, Adam Brumage (283180) Matthew W. Keim (331020) John Phan (338677) Linda Doan (343453) P.O. Box 25145, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5145, 3710 S. Susan Street, Ste 210, Santa Ana, CA 92704, CALit@collectmoore.com
800-506-2652 Attorney for Petitioner Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553, Wakefield Taylor Courthouse CASE NUMBER: N23-0580
PETITIONER: Forward Financing, LLC RESPONDENT: Singh Transport Inc d/b/a Singh Transport; Davinder Kaur, an individual Jurisdiction
Action is an unlimited civil case (exceeds $25,000) Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94161 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0006583 The name of the business(es): APC LATH AND PLASTER Located at: 421 Del Antico Ave In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alberto Perez Canales. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Alberto Perez Canales, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: December 16, 2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/15/2029 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 94141 Publish dates: January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0006796 The name of the business(es): Oaken Hide Designs LLC Located at: 2063 Main St. Suite 234 In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Oaken Hide Designs LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Makaela Dobson, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: December 30, 2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/29/2029 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 94089 Publish dates: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000150 The name of the business(es): ZAC-TEC Located at: 421 Woodmont Pl. In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Raymond Michael Zaccardi. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Raymond Zaccardi, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 13, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/20/2030 Oakley Press No.030477 94093 Publish dates: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000197 The name of the business(es): Succulent Big Heart Land Located at: 1084 Delta Rd In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Roberto Tomas. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/14/2025. Signature of registrant: Roberto Tomas, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 14, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/13/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 94189 Publish dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000259 The name of the business(es): Positive Vibes Only Night Care
Located at: 753 Westmoor Cir In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): La Toya Gomez. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: La Toya Gomez, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 17, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/16/2030 Oakley Press No. 030477 94140 Publish dates: January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2025.
NOTICE OF LIEN SALE
Live Oak Storage,1315 Main Street Oakley, CA 94561, has possessory lien on all of the goods stored in the prospective units below. #109 Sunny Jacobson, #112 Anthony Loquiao, #384 & #820 Greg Ashby, #406 & #708 Blair Martin, #812 Heidi Werner, #900 & #913 Cassie Cavanaugh, #951 Lowell Gresham, #958 Gary Acosta, #966 Gerardo Hernandez, #967 Thea Woods, #30, #49, #24, #991, #91, #87, #25, #36 John Dryden, #923 & #925 Bruce Alcorn. The goods are described as furniture, tools and miscellaneous personal property items being sold pursuant to the assertion of the lien on February 6th, 2025 at 10:30am. In order to collect the amounts due from you. The sale will take place at 1315 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 County of Contra Costa state of California. This lien sale is pursuant to Chapter 10 Section 2170021716 of the California Self Service Storage Facility Act. Auction is to be held by Jason Whitt ms#199016. Owner reserves the right to bid at the sale. Purchase must be in cash only paid at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to prior cancellation, in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 94142 Publish Dates: January 24, 31, 2025.
NOTICE OF LIEN SALE
The following persons are in lien at Oakley Gateway Self Storage, 2101 Laurel Rd, Oakley, CA 94561: Luis Barraza Eric Mosely
All bids must be placed prior to Auction Sale Date 02/12/2025 @ 12 pm. The
sale location is online: www.storagetreasures.com Oakley Press No. 03-0477 94162 Publish Dates: January 31, 2025.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
Notice is hereby given pursuant to California Business and Professional Codes#21700-21716, Section 2328 of the UCC of the Penal Code, Section 535. The auction will be held online on www. StorageTreasures.com. The undersigned will sell by online sale by competitive bidding the personal property of: Amber Garcia-Foley Fabio Mahoney Melissa Seals Melvia Britton Nicholas Peterson Michael Hanlon Auctioneer Company: www.storagetreasures.com The sale ends at 11:30 am on 2/18/2025. Goods must be paid for by credit/debit card & removed at completion of sale. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner & obligated party. Run Dates 1/31/2025 & 2/07/2025. Oakley Self Storage 4700 Main Street, Oakley CA 94561 #925-625-7867. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 94185 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0006609 The name of the business(es): Property Sales Group Located at: 2603 Camino Ramon In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sergei Kucher. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2023. Signature of registrant: Sergei Kucher, owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/16/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/15/2029 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025
FICTITIOUS
Business Profile
Oakley, focused on her commitment to agile, logical, unbiased thinking and breaking down complex issues into basic problems to be solved. Though she has not held any prior city office, she did attend last year’s Oakley Leadership Academy sessions, which inspired her to apply for a seat on the Planning Commission. She has led problem-solving projects as a contractor in the technology industry. Harvey also said she wants to preserve Oakley’s commitment to “continuity and public safety,” while at the same time preparing for future policy changes, such as alterations to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – environmental preservation is also one of her priorities – and she believes that it is one of the city’s priorities as well.
She described the city’s current development trajectory as “incredible,” but expressed concern about evacuation routes in the area of East Cypress Road.
“Sometimes, a request isn’t what you really need. You have to really analyze it and look at what your outcome is,” Harvey said of community needs and requests. “First, principles thinking helps you to do that. You go, ‘What do we need? How do we accomplish that?’ without any real emotion attached to it, and then bring in the emotion of caring about our city.”
Discovery Bay from page 1
Yared Oliveros
Oliveros, a seven-year Oakley resident, said her desire to become “an advocate” between the community and city staff and leadership, and to provide value from her experiences as an Human Resources manager and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) partner at major businesses such as Tesla and Nestle.
She also spoke on her experience organizing events such as National Night Out, which brings together law enforcement officers and their neighbors. In the future, she wants Oakley to bring in more businesses to provide local employment and cut down on commutes, as well as more agricultural enterprises, especially in the wine industry, which “attracts people in a variety of generations to come.” Oliveros also hopes for more young families to come to Oakley, bringing more school enrollment and more opportunities for academic success among the youth.
“Other than [car wash proliferation], I think you all are doing a wonderful job,” Oliveros said about the future of Oakley’s development. “We obviously select our councilmembers based on what you are able to bring to the table. I’ve seen a lot of improvement in terms of things the city can offer for our families. Most of the time, we gravitate towards Brentwood because they have a lot of the events, a lot of the community-based
staff are in now is a trailer and over 40 years old.”
CSD director Ashley Porter noted that up to 3,000 homes will be constructed in town in the next decade, and current staffing and infrastructure are not prepared for the many homes to be added to existing power, water and wastewater infrastructure. She said the new office building will be a place for staff to run its water and wastewater operations, which includes allowing public access to pay bills. That access comes with specific security requirements the current building does not fulfill, Porter said. The building that staff are in now is not secure or up to code the way state law requires.
The town already has $3 million set aside for the project and, will cover the remaining cost with reserve funds. There is no date set for construction.
In addition to new offices, the Discovery Bay Community Center will also get solar panels, though construction
Tattoo shop from page 1
stitutional,” she said of the lawsuit. “It infringed on the right of freedom of expression, which is protected speech.”
Oerlemans said the downtown area should allow tattoo parlors because of the number of letters the council received in support of Calculated Punkture.
“Everybody in the city of Brentwood had the opportunity to come here and tell me why they didn’t want a tattoo parlor in the downtown, and I heard from one [person],” Oerlemans said. “Everyone in the city of Brentwood – all 65,000 – had the opportunity to come in here or write in why they wanted it and I heard from 45. Forty-five is way more than one, so I tend to lean towards that.”
Contrasting Oerlemans’ approach to listen to residents and “move it forward,” Councilmember Jovita Mendoza suggested bringing on a consultant to help determine what the tax impact of the decision would be. She also said that the Council needed to think about what they want the downtown to be.
“What is the goal for downtown? Is it entertainment?,” she asked the rest of the
local businesses…but I’m slowly seeing that there’s been, already, these really small changes that have been happening in Oakley, which is great.”
After the interviews, the councilmembers wrote down their top three candidates on paper, these votes were counted by city staff, and Harvey and Oliveros came out on top. The council also debated nominating an alternate candidate, in case one of the two chosen individuals withdrew, but decided against it and resolved to go through the normal selection process again if this happened.
Councilmember George Fuller was impressed with the entire group of candidates, calling them “exceptional.”
“Everyone was prepared, articulate; they had direction and an understanding of Oakley,” Fuller said.
In other council news:
At a special meeting one hour before the regular meeting, the City Council held a joint
will not begin until 2026, officials said.
Discovery Bay paid PG&E about $1.4 million last fiscal year. Due to the end of bill credit programs the town was participating in, and new federal programs providing incentives to municipalities to generate clean energy, the board voted to move toward with solar energy. Through their water and wastewater contractor, Veolia, the town can design, install, operate and maintain solar energy to leverage savings and maintain performance.
Elevated solar panels will be installed in the community center parking lot, also offering shade to parked vehicles. The project will cost about $3 million, with roughly $575,000 being covered by tax credits, officials said. The rest of the project will be financed through the California Energy Commission at 1% interest. According to the staff report presented during a board meeting in December, this will result in $12 million in savings over the life of the infrastructure, and a 400% return on investment. Construction is
council, pointing out that residents had contributed to the Downtown Specific Plan two years ago during a workshop to determine what they wanted the area to be like. To change the zoning to allow a tattoo parlor could potentially go against the wishes of the residents who contributed to that plan and be seen as “arbitrary,” she said.
Councilmember Faye Maloney also said she would like to see what the residents had to say if the topic moved forward.
“I definitely personally have nothing against tattoo parlors,” Mayor Susannah Meyer said. “We’ve heard in the past that there’s a waitlist to get downtown. I guess my question would be more around are we taking away from some other business that might be entertainment or might be retail or might be the restaurants that people keep asking us for.”
According to Gregory, who owns the building that would potentially house Calculated Punkture, the direction from the council for more information could set the decision-making process back six months. Gregory characterized the directions as “a
work session with the Planning Commission as part of the ongoing process of development for their 2025 Climate Action Plan. They reviewed the previous planning done in 2024, especially at a climate workshop in November, as well as a presentation of the plan’s goals; discussed potential funding issues due to significant recent changes in federal policy, as well as potential solutions; and received reports on disused gas wells and the state of the Delta and the proposed tunnels there.
The City Council voted to amend a zoning law, OMC section 9.1.1238.c.6, to remove a clause dictating that there be at least 1,000 feet between gas stations in Oakley. This change applies to only one site at the intersection of Main Street, Neroly Road, and Bridgehead Road. Despite this, Councilmember Anissa Williams expressed concern that this exception could lead to more down the line, leading to the zoning law being made effectively impotent over time.
The City Council approved a new governing policy for elected officials in Oakley. The policy states that, although councilmembers are elected by district, they would continue to govern on a city-wide basis, not based on their districts – councilmember decisions would apply to the whole city, not just their specific district. City services will also continue to be city-wide rather than district-based.
expected to begin next year.
“I am extremely pleased with the solar project, one of the most significant cost-saving projects we have been working on,” said longtime CSD board member Kevin Graves. “I commend the staff for their hard work in getting this accomplished.”
Town communication with residents was highlighted last year as part of the board’s continued efforts to remain transparent and share information. Residents can sign up for SMS text alerts on the town’s website and receive information on urgent or critical neighborhood issues, major service disruptions, unexpected road closures, or temporary water and wastewater service detours.
Messages are sent by town staff to ensure individuals affected by various situations receive critical information. For more information on board meetings and agendas, visit www.todb.ca.gov. To register your mobile device for SMS text alerts, visit www.todb.ca.gov/sms-community-alerts.
waste of staff’s time.”
“It’s inappropriate for a council person to imply the city has any jurisdiction to tell a landlord who they’re going to put in their building,” he said after the meeting, adding that the city should buy buildings if the council wants to control what tenants are allowed where. “If the city doesn’t permit the tattoo parlor, I obviously have a line of people trying to get in the spot, and those would be my choice, not City Council’s choice.”
Other discussion topics include:
The appointment of three planning commissioners. The terms of Vice Chairperson David Sparling, Commissioner Rod Flohr and Commissioner Kristopher Brand expired, prompting the Council to fill the three now-vacant seats. Brand and Flohr were reappointed at the end of the interview process with the candidates and newcomer Jeremy Jones was appointed to the third spot. Jones is an eight-year resident of Brentwood who moved here with his wife and children from San Jose. While in San Jose, he says he served on a large Homeowners Association. Johnson told the Council
that he looks forward to serving the city because he loves Brentwood.
Sparling had sought reappointment as well but was not interviewed. The Council explained that with more than 20 candidates for the role, they had to be selective about who they chose to consider, and one of the criterion was that at least two council members had to express interest in a candidate for them to move forward to the interview process. According to Meyer, Sparling fell short of that criterion.
The council voted 5-0 to look into changing the scope of the downtown Farmers Market, expressing an interest in potentially expanding it to include more streets or changing the configuration of it to incorporate tents for local businesses. Tom Gregory suggested that the Council potentially also look into adding a Thursday night Farmers Market, something he said staff has been looking into it. City staff was directed to research some of the suggested changes and bring the topic before the council at a later date.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/3CrnzOA
