City declares ‘happy birthday to us’

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

BRENTWOOD The City of Brentwood had no problem drawing a crowd for its 75th birthday party Saturday at the Community Center.

“As one resident told me, ‘Everything is better in Brentwood,’” Darin Gale, assistant city manager said Monday.

Hundreds of residents, community and nonprofit groups, local government officials and agencies set up booths to explain their mission and work to the public, recruit job candidates and volunteers or just celebrate the small-town warmth of the growing city they call home.

“It’s amazing to see back to the small town of 1500 residents, just a stop on the train line, to where it has become this bustling city of 60,000. It has a unique identity.” Gale added.

Police Chief Tim Herbert said he was pushing recruitment among the teens and youth who came by to inquire about a career in law enforcement.

Outside the hall, a crew from the Contra Costa Fire District showed off a shiny fire engine as “Sparky” entertained the young children.

City Manager Tim Ogden called the event, “truly awesome. The turnout is fantastic, far more than I expected.”

These are the items that were taken from the time capsule that was opened on Jan. 21 as part of Brentwood’s 75th anniversary celebration.