ThePress_02.21.2025

4th graders advance in ‘Mind’ tournament

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

Five fourth graders from Brentwood Elementary School placed third in the Odyssey of the Mind Regional Qualifying Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Edna Hill Middle School, advancing them to the state tournament on Saturday, March 8.

There were six teams total in the Technical division in which the team competed. The top three scoring teams advanced. There are two qualifying regional tournaments, the one they participated in at Edna Hill and another regional tournament Feb 22 at Inderkum High School in Sacramento. The top three teams from there will advance to State as well, so the Brentwood team will compete against five other teams at State.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that enables students to showcase their creativity by thinking outside the box. Students choose a long-term problem that they work on over a four-month period during which they have to meet specific require-

Local law enforcement will not heed federal immigration order

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Since taking office on Jan. 20 of this year, President Donald Trump has signed more than 10 executive orders related to immigration, with an emphasis on the mass deportation of noncitizen immigrants being one of his campaign promises. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly relies on involvement from local law enforcement when conducting immigration enforcement. However, local law enforcement agencies have approached the situation in a number of different ways.

Brentwood

Brentwood police will not ask immigration status when contacting members of the community, the organization said in a Jan.

31 press release.

ments. Students have to design, build, and use engineering techniques to make their own props without any outside assistance, while teaching students to be thorough readers, paying attention to detail, and how to use research tools while learning how to budget. Head coach Jodie Hoagland along

“The Brentwood Police Department remains dedicated to serving all members of our community with professionalism, fairness, and respect,” the statement reads in part. The statement explains that the Brentwood Police do not participate in immigration enforcement but will “take action” in situations that involve:

• Clear and immediate public safety threats

• Emergencies that require law enforcement intervention

• The “apprehension of dangerous felons” that pose a risk to the community

The topic of immigration enforcement is part of the policy manual for the Brentwood Police Department, with the policy stating that an officer “shall not detain any indi-

see Immigration page 19A

with co-coaches Patrick Hoagland and Pearl Driver have been preparing alongside the students since mid-October.

“This requires students to use their problem-solving skills and work together to figure out difficult tasks,” Jodie Hoagland said. “This program also teaches students that there are no wrong answers and that they can accomplish tasks that may seem impossible.”

Jodie Hoagland said that there were some differences from last year due to having three students; Hami Fujio, Daxton Shieler, Ella Speer being new to the program, with Gavin Hoagland and Nora Driver returning from last year. The students also chose a different long-term problem than last year, which was described as being more challenging.

“Students learn how to think on the

see Fourth Graders page 19A

Brentwood commits to more culturally diverse celebrations

By Jake Menezt Staff Writer

Brentwood is looking to celebrate its diversity with a number of events throughout the year following a meeting of the Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI) Committee on Feb. 18 in City Council chambers. The committee members are Councilmember Faye Maloney and Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson.

– Councilmember Faye Maloney

“Brentwood is a diverse place,” Maloney said. “It’s a diverse community, and we all embrace one another.”

While Brentwood already hosts an annual Juneteenth event, the DEBI Committee expressed interest in finding ways to celebrate other culturally

see Diversity page 19A

The team practicing solving a spontaneous problem.

Photo courtesy of Jodie Hoagland

Brentwood Black History Month Oratorical returns for third year, now bigger than ever

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

This year’s third annual Black History Month Oratorical is moving to a bigger venue to accommodate popular interest in the show. The first two years, it was held at Pioneer Elementary School. But this year, organizers expect more participants and a bigger crowd. So it was moved to the Liberty High School Theatre, which holds almost 600 people, on March 3 from 6-8 p.m.

“The Black History Oratorical is an opportunity for students to highlight AfricanAmerican authors, poets or singers in a format that is comfortable to them,” said Anitra Simpson, a member of the planning committee for the event. “A historical or more traditional Oratorical is more of a competition, but for Brentwood we wanted it to be more of a celebration of highlighting kids’ talents and giving them an opportunity to share what they’ve learned about an AfricanAmerican literary figure, if you will.”

Because more schools said they wanted to participate this year, the event has expanded to the larger space. Nearly 150 students are set to perform at the celebration, including the Bristow Jazz Band and Adams Middle School Choir.

“The first year was all Pioneer students performing,” Simpson said. “In Year 2, we found that there were families and students

in other schools that wanted to participate. So we opened up a few slots to allow for their participation. As we were going into Year 3, and some of our students were transitioning to middle school, we were like ‘Why wouldn’t we expand this throughout and try to make it a district event?’ So that’s where we are this year where we have four schools participating.”

The Oratorical will feature participants from Bristow Middle School, Adams Middle School, Pioneer Elementary School and Ron Nunn Elementary School.

This year’s event was originally going to be held at Bristow Middle School, but during the planning phase the planning committee realized they were going to need more space to accommodate more participants, according to Simpson, which she called a “great problem to have.”

“We have four schools that are participating in the district and some of the principals from the other schools have already committed to wanting to be a part of it next year,” Simpson said. “So we’re hoping to get everyone else on board next year.”

Students from the four schools will collaborate to honor Black excellence with public speaking, self-expression, poetry, speeches, monologues, music, dance and more.

“Some of the submissions literally brought us to tears,” Simpson said. “It’s just amazing to see children as they want to come out and show and highlight their talents. They are working hard and practicing and preparing for this. So it’s been amazing to watch.”

Simpson thanked the Brentwood Union School District for its support “and for their continued support as it relates to DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) belonging,” she said. “Representation matters and it’s amazing.”

The event is free to attend and the committee is expecting a full house. Due to space constraints, tickets will be provided to student performers, up to two guests per performer and a limited number of staff. Once these tickets are claimed, the remaining tickets will be available to the public, and those details have not been released as of press time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the children’s faces the night of the event and just how proud they are when they’re performing,” Simpson said. “There is just a sense of pride that I’ve seen the last couple of years that is just amazing to see.”

Students have the opportunity to showcase their talents at the Brentwood Black History Month Oratorical, as seen here at last year’s event.

Photo courtesy of Anitra Simpson

Brentwood girl raises money for schools affected by L.A.-area wildfires

by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

A Brentwood girl used her “entrepreneurial” spirit to raise almost $1,000 for schools affected by the Los Angeles County wildfires by selling valentine grams.

Ellie To, a fifth-grader at Mary Casey Black Elementary School, led the Valentine Gram Project after learning she could not sell her own homemade crocheted items to her friends and classmates.

“I sold my crocheted items for our school currency called hoot loot,” Ellie said. “We use it at a place called The Owl’s Nest and there’s candy and toys and I wanted to save up for something big.”

Selling items for personal gain is not allowed in public schools, so when school principal Maria Gonzalez learned of Ellie’s sales, she spoke with the family and came up with a new way for Ellie to channel her efforts.

“We had a good conversation,” Gonzalez said. “I had shared with her dad we were thinking about giving away valentine grams, and we were thinking about having Ellie lead that to help with the entrepreneurial ideas she had going on.”

Ellie is part of the school’s leadership program, led by Gonzalez. The program provides opportunities for students to

Ellie To said she was inspired to send proceeds from sales of her valentines cards to schools in the Los Angeles area because the students there might need basic supplies she and her fellow students already had.

volunteer at school and give back to the community. With the help of her parents, the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and her fellow leadership students, Ellie designed a valentine gram, created a marketing plan and began selling the grams during recess.

“We sold 1,806 grams,” Ellie said. “It was $1 for two grams. Our leadership team

put together this little business and made almost $1,000.”

The grams were divided by classroom and distributed to teachers to hand out during the week of Valentine’s Day. Ellie said afterward she was happy to help people in need.

“I’m so thrilled that our efforts actually contributed,” Ellie said. “I was concerned that we weren’t going to make that much.

But we made almost $1,000, and that’s something that can help.”

Ellie said she was inspired to send proceeds to school in the Los Angeles area because the students there might need basic supplies she – and her fellow students –already had aplenty.

Gonzalez said the donations would be sent through the California Teachers Association. She also hopes this project inspires other students who have big ideas to turn them into opportunities.

“Ellie really took this chance to give back to the community, and it was a great experience for all involved,” Gonzalez said.

With the valentine gram project over, Ellie is on the lookout for her next big idea. She did say she hopes the “gram tradition” doesn’t disappear.

“I go to middle school next year, so I hope someone brings this back,” she said.

She plans to attend some craft fairs to sell her own homemade crochet items and make some money for herself. Her father, Tim To, said Ellie’s younger sister has been influenced by her big sister’s example.

“She also started selling things at school because she wanted to be just like big sister,” To said. “Ellie’s been quite the influence.”

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

,

We’re excited to welcome Eric Soiland, CFP ® CIMA®, CIMC® as the new Managing Director at Presidio Group Wealth Management. With 38 years of experience in retirement income planning and holistic investment planning, Eric brings a wealth of expertise to our team.

Eric is focused on delivering personalized financial strategies and building strong, lasting relationships with clients. He has an office conveniently located in Brentwood, CA. We’re proud to have him on board and look forward to the positive impact he will make.

Photos courtesy of Tim To

Eagle Scout presents bench to Brentwood Rotary Club

Bench downtown commemorates group’s 75th anniversary

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

Liberty High School senior Michael Peccorini recently completed his Eagle Scout Project with a helping hand from other scouts in Troop 90 in Brentwood.

Michael planned, developed, fundraised and executed the project, which was presenting the Rotary Club of Brentwood with a bench in downtown Brentwood’s City Park to commemorate the club’s 75th anniversary. The club is known for providing “Service Above Self” in the community and the world.

“I donated the bench to Rotary because I’ve been a part of their organization and events for so long, and I know all they’ve done for the community, and I wanted to give back and show them that we appreciate them,” Michael said.

To assist with the purchase of the bench, 14 Rotary Club members made donations. Each member who donated

received a commemorative brick to be displayed at the foot of the bench as recognition for their support.

“We are very honored to have this bench commemorating the 75th year anniversary of “Service above Self” for the Rotary Club of Brentwood donated by my son for his Eagle Scout project to honor all those people who have given their time, treasure and talent throughout the 75 years of service to the community,” said Oscar Peccorini, president of the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

With this project complete, Michael has reached the highest rank in Eagle Scouts in Scouts of America. His achievement has been 12 years in the making.

“The 75th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Brentwood is a milestone that reflects decades of service, leadership, and community spirit,” said Julie Deck, who was club president when the project began. “Commemorating this legacy with a bench in the city park not only honors the club’s contributions but also provides a lasting symbol of its dedication to bringing people together, fostering goodwill, and making a difference for generations to come. It was great that Michael wanted to take on this project to become an Eagle Scout.”

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

Saturday, March 8, 2025 5:30 pm Cocktails (no host bar) / 7:00 pm Dinner

Church of the Good Shepherd 3200 Harbor Street, Pittsburg $80 EACH

ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call: Janet Frazier 925-584-4086 or email janetfraz123@gmail.com (no tickets sold at door) www.eventbrite.com/e/the-network-of-cares-19th-annual-crab-feed-tickets-1131341535989

The bench was Michael Peccorini’s Eagle Scout project and was presented to the Rotary Club of Brentwood to commemorate their 75th anniversary as a club.

Photos by Nicole Becchina

MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE

By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

ARE LETTERS OF INSTRUCTION RIGHT FOR YOU?

Estate planning documents cover the distribution of assets after death but do not always provide the details you may want those you leave behind to have. This is partly because these types of details and information typically change often. Changes to a will or trust require certain formalities (i.e. must be in writing, signed by you, etc.) This is where a letter instruction can be helpful.

Although the letter is not binding, it can be very helpful in identifying final wishes you may have, such as social media posts, financial information, a list of assets and even desired distributions of personal property to assist those appointed to make those distributions. The letter can include account numbers, location of important documents, a list of professionals you use, website passwords, etc. Obviously, it is important to make sure the letter is updated on a regular basis to make sure the information is current.

On the issue of personal property, another option is the use of a separate letter to make a binding distribution of personal property items such as vehicles, jewelry,

furniture, family heirlooms, etc. To use a letter in this context, your will must state that you are authorizing the distribution of personal property in a separate writing, the separate writing must be dated and be either in your handwriting or signed by you. The benefit here is that you can change this letter at any time and add and subtract property as you see fit. Changes do not require you to amend your will or even contact an attorney, etc.

In short, this method provides you flexibility in the distribution of personal property. If your will does not already include a reference to the use of such a letter, make sure you revise your will ASAP and have the necessary language added.

We can certainly assist you with this and all other estate planning needs you may have. Every person is different, and we have many suggestions and options available to address your unique situation.

If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 5164888. East County Family Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Brentwood www.eastcountyfamilylaw.com – Advertorial

Brentwood police officer Christopher McBride (center) was recognized by the City of Brentwood for his outstanding service.

Brentwood police officers win awards from city

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Two Brentwood police officers and a member from the department’s youth explorer program were awarded for their service during the city’s recent awards ceremony.

“Each year, our department comes together for an annual award ceremony to recognize all the hard work and dedication put forth by staff from the previous year,” Brentwood police Lt. Christopher Peart said. “Their dedication to employee and community relations, exceptional work performance, commitment to organizational integrity, and tireless service make them very deserving of this recognition. They both have been dedi-

cated to serving the City of Brentwood for several years, and we look forward to their continued service in the years to come.”

Community Services Officer Ronald Stanley and Officer Christopher McBride, along with explorer captain Jose Coronado were recognized for their service to Brentwood police.

Stanley was named the Support Staff Employee of the Year after 12 years of service to the department.

“Year after year, he has proved to be a tremendous asset, both in his role as a senior CSO on patrol and in his capacity as a homeless liaison,” Peart said. “He continues to be

see Awards page 8A

Photo courtesy Lieutenant Christopher Peart

For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

This Week’s Events

Friday, 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,” 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

Heritage High School 3rd Annual Lunar New Year Festival

This annual celebration will be from 9 a.m-1 p.m. on Oak Street in downtown Brentwood. There will be Bay Area vendors selling unique products, Heritage High School clubs, and a traditional lion dance to represent good luck and prosperity for the new year. The event is hosted by Heritage High School’s Chinese Culture Club, and will celebrate the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar.

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 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. For more information, visit www.elderlywish.org.

American Legion Annual Crab Feed

The American Legion Post 202 hosts its annual crab feed 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.

On the Horizon

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. To buy tickets, call Shana Ortega at 510-5590655 or Jasmine Pacheco at 925-2121-9222.

Saturday, March 1

Tea Party for Mental Health Awareness

PETALS at 2535 Sand Creek Road in Brentwood, is hosting a tea party for mental health awareness from noon-3 p.m. Guest speaker is Karina Martinez. Tickets are $65 per person, and will include a welcome drink, scones, bites, treats and organic teas. A portion of the proceeds will go to Village Community Resource Center. For more information, visit www. petalsoakley.com/upcomingevents.

– Sponsored Listing

Saturday, March 8

Brentwood PAL Crab Feed

The Brentwood PAL Crab Feed will begin at 5 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.. Tickets are $90 per person or $800 for a table, and include crab, tri tip and pasta. Order your tickets at www. BrentwoodPALCrabfeed.eventbrite.com

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.

Sunday, March 23

Brentwood Bridal Fair at PETALS

PETALS, located at the Streets of Brentwood, 2535 Sand Creek Road, is presenting an opportunity to meet local wedding vendors in one place. Join them from noon-4 p.m. for their Brentwood Bridal Fair. Attendees can pre-register online for free at http://bit. ly/4hjwMXX. Registration is $10 at the door. To request a vendor application, email info@petalsoakley.com. – Sponsored Listing

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 free East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair enables businesses and entrepreneurs 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,

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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-baybusiness-expo-job-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://e-clubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/.

Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd.

Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions. com/who-we-are/meetings/.

Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://eclubhouse.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/.

Delta Informal Gardeners

The group meets the fourth Monday of most months at the Brentwood Community Methodist Church at 809 Second St. at 7:30 p.m. For details, contact Roger Marman at 562-4218036 or ramarman@gmail.com.

Widow and Widower Grief

Support Group

A widow and widower grief support group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Connie Cononen at 925-392-9037.

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

Al-Anon meetings, which offer a supportive place for friends and families of alcoholics, are held every Friday from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Brentwood United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There is no need to register. For details, call Trisha at 510-910-1389. Coffee with Carolyn Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported by The Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection of Byron. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The location is at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden behind the Byron United Methodist Church (14671 Byron Highway in Byron). For more information, contact Carolyn George at 925-577-3325.

4-H Clubs

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

Knightsen: Knightsen 4H meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Knightsen Elementary School at 1923 Delta Road. Open to boys and girls ages 5-19 as well. For details, contact Rosa Sherwood or Maria Jehn at knightsen4h@gmail.com.

Brentwood: The club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month with dinner at 6:30, and meeting at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. We meet at the Knightsen Farm Bureau Hall at 3020 2nd St. in Knightsen. For further details, email Angela at brentwood@contracosta4h.org.

Attention commercial venues! The Press is excited to announce we are now allowing commercial venues, bars and for-profit events to list your events in The Press weekly printed community calendar. For only $25 per week, it will include 55-60 words or a 380-390 character count with enlarged font and will be hotlinked to your website on the e-Press. To place your event, let us know by Friday at noon for the following Friday publication at ads@brentwoodpress.com or call 925-634-1441. Scan

Law Office of Ruth N. Buzzard

Awards from page 6A

a team player and acts as a role model and mentor in his role as a Community Service Training officer. His attention to detail and empathetic approach to dealing with homelessness through outreach and support service highlights his dedication to improving community welfare. He has embodied the city’s core values and is very much deserving of this honor.”

Brentwood community service officer

Ronald Stanley (center) was recognized by the City of Brentwood for his outstanding service.

player, and he is routine engaging with the community to build public trust and strengthen relationships within the community.”

McBride has spent his entire law enforcement career with the Brentwood police department.

”It’s great to be recognized individually for this award,” McBride said. “It just shows that it’s a testament to the hard work that I am putting in and it’s being recognized by everyone.”

“The recognition from my peers is probably more important to me,” Stanley said. “It’s much more important to me that my peers are observing what I’m doing on a daily basis.”

McBride was named the Officer of the Year after nine years with the department.

”Officer McBride has been known, year in and year out, for his exceptional dedication to the department and the community,” Peart said. “He has been a vital piece to the patrol division through his work as a Field Training Officer, Crisis Negotiator, high function team

Coronado, who wasn’t at the ceremony, was named the Explorer of the Year after spending two years in the department’s explorer program.

”Through his hard work and dedication, he was quickly promoted through the ranks to the highest rank of Explorer Captain,” Peart said. “He has been a great example for the other explorers to follow and has developed into a great leader and mentor.”

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

Photo courtesy Lieutenant Christopher Peart

The third time is the charm for Liberty

Lions girls soccer upset

No. 2 seed San Ramon Valley in NCS opener

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Sometimes, all you need is a little bit of luck and for the ball to give you a favorable bounce.

That was the case Wednesday night at Liberty, as the Lions scored the game-winning goal late in the second half of extra time to defeat San Ramon Valley 3-2 to advance to the North Coast Section quarterfinals.

“We’ve just been able to gain that trust in each other that we have the right pieces here to be very dangerous to compete with,” Liberty girls soccer head coach Nikki Toeaina said as the team was celebrating the big win behind her.

Wednesday night’s win in the NCS playoff opening match comes after Liberty lost to the Wolves in each of the last two seasons.

“Since Sunday, when we found out that we were going to play SRV, we came with a different strategy the last two times,” Toeaina explained. “This time, we were just gonna play them straight up because we believe in the pieces that we have. [The win] is one more thing, one more accomplishment this season and it’s been a historic season already.”

Liberty’s match-winning goal came with just under three minutes left in the second half of extra time, with penalty kicks looming, as the Lions kept playing aggressively into San Ramon Valley’s attacking third. Liberty’s Kenley English crossed the ball on the ground into the Wolves’ six-yard box, and freshman goalkeeper Adrianna Lozano lost control of the ball as it went through her gloves as she attempted to make the save. Although Sofia Henderson got to the loose ball, Lozano, trying to dive on top of it, accidentally tapped the ball with her knee across the goal line and into the back of the net for the own-goal.

“I talk to [the girls] about creating your own luck,” Toeaina explained. “Just keep working hard and putting maximum effort and you’re going to create your own luck.”

Aside from the eventual match-winning goal, the Lady Lions created their own luck throughout the night. Liberty scored the opening goal, heading in a long-throw into the back of the net in the 15th minute to take a 1-0 lead.

For the next 40 minutes, the Lions struggled to create many chances on goal as the Wolves kept Liberty mostly stuck in their own half throughout the end of the first half and midway through the second.

The Wolves rallied in the second half with a pair of goals by Ashley Dodson. She pulled San Ramon Valley even with her goal fresh off of the halftime whistle in the 41st minute, driving right through Liberty’s defensive backfield on her way to goal, then put the Wolves ahead in the 63rd minute with her shot following a pass back to the middle of the pitch with a wide open net.

Then Liberty found their attacking rhythm.

In the 77th minute, senior Selah Simms was running in on what looked to be a chance on goal, but was tackled just outside of San Ramon Valley’s 18-yard box, forcing a free kick.

Enter freshman Malerie Darling. She curled in her free kick to the near-left post, getting it over the wall in front of her from 19 yards out to tie the match at 2-2.

“It’s interesting,” Toeaina said of the match-tying goal. “I haven’t been calling on her to hit free kicks like that, but

soccer is such a game of feeling. If you’re feeling it, then I’ll give it to you. That was huge for her to step up like that.”

“It was probably one of the most rewarding kicks I’ve taken,” Darling said. “Just the climate that was happening, it was amazing.”

From that point on, the Lions attack continued to pressure San Ramon Valley, especially in the extra time periods.

“We just wanted to win for each other,” Darling said. “I think just us playing for one another really made us keep going.”

Liberty advances to the NCS quarterfinals where they will travel to Danville to take on Monte Vista. The 10th-seed Mustangs defeated Casa Grande on the road 3-0 Wednesday night to advance.

NCS girls soccer playoff recap:

Heritage 3, Archie Williams 3 (Heritage wins on penalty kicks 3-0)

Heritage’s girls soccer team won a dramatic playoff opener on the road at Archie Williams in San Anselmo on Tuesday afternoon, defeating Archie Williams in penalty kicks 3-0.

The win comes after the Peregrine Falcons stormed back from a 2-0 halftime deficit with three goals in the second half. Heritage scored the equalizer late to force penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Juliana Ruvalcaba shut out Archie Williams with three-straight saves in the penalty session. Baylee Gregerson, Leah Guerrero, and Izzy Tognolini were perfect in order with a goal each in the penalty kick shootout.

Heritage advances to the NCS quarterfinals where they will take on fourth-seed Montgomery in Santa Rosa Friday at 7 p.m.

Freedom 0, James Logan 0 (Freedom wins 4-2 on penalty kicks)

The 14-seed Freedom girls soccer team pulled a stunning upset in Union City Tuesday night, defeating the third seed James Logan Colts 4-2 in penalty kicks after both teams played to a scoreless draw in regulation.

The Falcons will travel to Castro Valley on Friday to take on the Trojans at 7 p.m.

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

Heritage boys basketball wins playoff opener

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

The last time the Heritage boys basketball team won a playoff game was during the 2019-20 season when, as a 14 seed, the Patriots knocked out the third seed. Five years later, Heritage has done the same thing, upsetting Saint Mary’s 48-43 in overtime in the opening round of North Coast Section playoffs..

“I knew we could come into this game and win,” Heritage senior forward Nate Grube said following the playoff win on Wednesday night.

Since the middle of January, Heritage had struggled to close out games that were decided by 10 points or fewer. Head Coach Jeff Carter was proud of his team for securing the close win. “They deserve it after all those close losses.”

“Our track record hasn’t been the greatest in the clutch, and in the fourth quarter pulling stuff like this off. But we did what we

needed to in those last two minutes,” Carter added. “But we knew that whatever happened the last three to four months doesn’t matter anymore. We had a whole new season start today, and we can peak at the right time and watch what happens.”

Defense was the key to the Patriots’ road win over the Panthers. Heritage held Saint Mary’s to 10 points or fewer in four of the five quarters as only one Panther scored in double digits. The Patriots’ defense was what kept the game within reach after Heritage scored just six points in the second and third quarters combined.

“We just played really good defensively,” Carter said. “We struggled in the third quarter obviously. We scored three points in the quarter and couldn’t make a free throw, but they grinded it out.”

Both team’s shot less than 50 percent from the free throw line as Saint Mary’s went 12 for 25 from the line, while Heritage was 7 for 19.

Saint Mary’s’ trap defense, along with consistent on-ball pressure, gave Heritage’s half-court offense fits throughout the night, leading to the low scoring numbers in the middle quarters.

“They were doubling the ball and just played so aggressively in that third quarter,” Carter said. “We kind of got on our heels and stopped playing the way we played in the first half where we were the aggressor and then all of a sudden we got on our heels.”

Aiding Heritage throughout the night was their strong start in the first quarter. Junior guard Josiah Thomas came off the bench to make three three-pointers in the period as the Patriots took a 20-10 lead by the end of the opening quarter.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be this way, but I’m glad it happened,” Thomas said of his first-quarter shooting performance.

Heritage entered the halftime break leading 23-13 after holding Saint Mary’s to just three points in the second quarter.

However, out of the halftime break the Panther’ went on a 16-3 quarter-long run. Saint Mary’s led 29-26 by the end of the quarter and held their lead until midway through the fourth quarter when Grube hit a threepointer to tie it at 34, and then on the ensuing possession Olanre Owoborode made a layup to give the lead back to the Patriots at 36-34.

In the final 20 seconds of regulation, Heritage turned the ball over twice, Saint Mary’s once and the Panthers’ potential game-winning three-point shot hit off back iron as time expired, sending the game to overtime with the score tied at 37.

In overtime, Grube would make his fourth three-pointer of the night to start the period and later made the game-clinching free throws to put the game out of reach.

Heritage’s win sends them to the quarterfinals of the NCS Division 2 bracket where they will play 11th seeded Marin Catholic. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Marin Catholic High School.

Liberty’s girls soccer team celebrates after winning their NCS playoff opening match against San Ramon Valley in extra time Wednesday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger/The Press

Heritage Nick Wisely ‘honored and privileged’ to be new head football coach

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Heritage High School’s football program has a new head coach. Nick Wisely will take over the program after Dave Fogelstrom stepped down after the end of last season due to health reasons.

”I am honored and privileged to have been chosen to lead the football program at Heritage,” he said. “I am excited to build upon the strong foundation of football tradition here. I look forward to bringing my energy and knowledge to the student-athletes at Heritage High School as we take the next step together.”

Wisely becomes the fourth head coach in the history of the program, taking over for Fogelstrom who spent the last five seasons as the head coach.

Fogelstrom announced that he was stepping down in December because he needs hip surgery. Throughout his time at the helm, the Patriots went 27-23 along with back-to-back North Coast Section semifinal appearances in his final two seasons in 2023 and 2024.

Wisely takes over the Patriots’ football program with 20 years of coaching experience in football and other sports.

In football, he was an assistant for four years at Concord High and an assistant for three years at Deer Valley. He was a head coach at the lower lev-

els, spending six years as the head junior varsity and freshmen coach at Antioch. Most recently, he was the assistant head coach for Antioch’s girls flag football

“ I am excited to build upon the strong foundation of football tradition here. ”

Nick Wisely

teams through the last two years.

He’s also was an assistant coach with other sports teams at various schools. He was an assistant with Deer Valley’s girls basketball team for five years, Antioch’s girls basketball team for three years, and he is an assistant with Heritage’s girls basketball team. He was also the head girls golf coach at Antioch for six years and the head softball coach for Antioch for 10 years. He also spent time as the throwing coach at Deer Valley and Heritage’s track and field programs.

The Patriots finished 7-5 last season, the program’s best record in the Fogelstrom era and its best since 2017, one win shy of the team’s 8-4 record the year prior.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

New Heritage head football coach Nick Wisely watches a girls basketball game as an assistant with the Patriots.

Photo courtesy Al Wilright

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

“You rarely see things happen like this and, if you do, it is in a movie or a dream,” Barajas said. “To go up against someone I grew up watching like Damian Lillard, and even beat him in a contest, is something I never dreamed of accomplishing.”

He added that “this is something every kid dreams of happening, and for it to be me is unimaginable and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Photo courtesy Jaren Barajas

BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS

Oakley police add officer to two middle schools

The city of Oakley will provide police services for the Oakley Union Elementary School District, specifically to the Delta Vista Middle School and O’Hara Park Middle School campuses. Oakley Police Officer Garrett Wayne will serve as the first School Resource Officer (SRO) for these campuses, the city and police said in a press release. He was assigned to those schools based on his overall performance as a peace officer and his previous assignment as the SRO for Freedom High School, according to a press release from the city of Oakley. On Feb. 10, Wayne made his first appearance on the campuses, and he has been busy all week getting to know the staff, students and parents. In his role as the SRO for the two middle school campuses, Wayne will be focused on providing site safety and security to the students, staff and the campuses. Wayne will also promote positive relations between the two schools and the police department, as well as provide general law-enforcement services to the two campuses. Wayne was hired as one of the founding members of the Oakley Police Department in 2016. Before that, he was a police officer in Clayton.

Byron Delta Lions Club announces winner of 2025 Student Speaker Contest

The Byron Delta Lions Club announced that Aaroah Ranjan, a ninth grader from Heritage High School, as the winner of the club-level competition in the 88th Annual Lions Student Speaker Contest. This year’s theme was Artificial Intelligence (.A.I) -- Friend or Foe?” Aaroah’s speech was one of five delivered by students at the Heritage High School auditorium, the club said in a press release. Students who win during the first two stages of the five-level California Lions Clubs Student Speaker competition receive cash awards. Winners who advance through the upcoming stages of the California Lions Clubs Student Speaker competition – including district, area, and state championships – will be awarded scholarship funds that can be used at any accredited two- or four-year college or university. The next stage of the competition, the Zone contest, will take place on March 1 at 9 a.m. at the Lions Center for the Visually Impaired at 175 Alvarado Ave., Pittsburg.

Milestones Milestones

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Photo courtesy of Oakley Police Department

Photo courtesy of Delta Lions Club

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

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Fire Station 94 – where is the right location?

You may have heard some rumblings about the location of the new fire station in downtown

Brentwood on First Street between Oak and Maple streets. Until the old fire station building that was torn down in 2022, there has been a fire station on that site since the 1930s. Now for a little history.

In the early 1920s through the different agencies and people involved, there was some land dedicated to the veterans (the parcel in question). When the land was purchased and dedicated to veterans, the cost was financed by a special tax to be used for the veterans’ purpose.

Sometime around 1927, when Brentwood’s population was only about 1,000 people they wanted to build a little fire station for the fire truck that was to be used by the volunteer firemen. So, a the parties involved discussed the matter, and they all agreed to build a little fire station for the fire truck that would be used by the volunteers. Since the people in town, who were the volunteer firemen – many of whom were also veterans – decided they could build the station because they had the dirt lot there (there wasn’t much in downtown Brentwood in the 1920s), they built a little fire station to house the volunteers’ fire truck.

Then around the 1950s, they needed to build a little bigger station. So the parties agreed again to build a bigger fire station with four bays, and the new station took up more of that parcel. That station was operational until 2014 when it was shuttered because of a lack of funds to keep it open.

The building existed until 2022 when they determined the station was uninhabitable for full-time firefighters because it did not have the proper sleeping quarters, it was not seismically up to date, and it had mold from being shuttered for about eight years.

Fast-forward to today. Now, downtown next to the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, you’ll see the construction fencing of where the new fire station is planned to go.

ers Market or any parade from happening downtown.

Brentwood Boulevard or on Sand Creek road next to the Mary Casey Black school where Station 54 was planned to go back in 2015. They also want the county to make right a wrong from more than 40 years ago.

I think they have some valid points.

But the question becomes ‘Who is going to pay for the new land that the fire station would be on?’

Is it the city’s responsibility to say ‘We own some dirt. We will donate or sell it for a lower price,’ or give it to the fire department like they did on Empire Avenue?

(Stay tuned for a follow-up op-ed on this property in a few weeks).

The fire district and the County are telling the current veterans who use that building that they are taking another 9-10 feet of the gravel lot on the south side of the building to square off the property line to build a new two-story, two-bay fire station that will provide its own off-street parking for the fire personnel who will be working at that station.

It will have one standard-size fire truck and one rescue vehicle (the size of a large SUV). It will have entrances from the front and rear so they can drive in or out from either direction.

The thought process for the station to stay downtown is that having a medical response team and a small fire truck downtown would be good so that they can get to the residences and businesses who live and work downtown more quickly.

The project will also provide a net increase of two to three new parking spaces that can be designated as handicapped if so desired and will not prevent the Farm-

Letter to the editor

Mayors urged to protect immigrants from ‘unconscionable’ ICE raids

Editor:

In one of Donald Trump’s first acts in office, he stripped away protections for schools, hospitals, and places of worship from immigration enforcement. These were once safe spaces where people could learn, receive health care, and pray without fear. Now they have been turned into targets for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.

This is unconscionable. As the world’s largest historical climate polluter, the United States has a responsibility to immigrants. Our pollution is causing the climate chaos — droughts, floods, hurricanes, rising waters — that is forcing people in Latin America, Asia, Africa and elsewhere to leave their homes. Others are fleeing violence, poverty, and hunger — all of which are caused or made worse by the

climate crisis.

People have the right to be able to leave their homes and migrate with dignity to find safe haven. But right now, immigrant families are facing the unimaginable: the fear that seeking education or health care could mean deportation, or that a peaceful moment of prayer might be shattered by ICE agents barging in.

As municipal leaders, mayors have the power to fight this. They can protect immigrant families by ordering police not to participate in ICE raids and even to block ICE agents’ entry into schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

The future of so many families in our communities is on the line. We must call on local leaders to do the right thing, even as the federal government does not. I’m writing to urge mayors to hear this call and take action to protect immigrants.

Anthony Carreon Antioch

Now let’s talk about veterans’ concerns and their thoughts. The veterans are concerned about parking, noise and increased traffic, and they say that it’s just not the right location any more for a new fire station. They are asking the County, fire district and City of Brentwood to do a new CEQA study (California Environmental Quality Act) and traffic study since downtown has changed quite a bit in the past 15 years.

Their new slogan is “Say Yes to the Station - No to the Location.”

Their contention now is that since the building is gone and no longer a fire station, they want that land back and for that dirt to revert to the veterans for their use, as they have said, to build a little park, a memorial garden, add more parking for the hall or just a new gathering place for the community and veterans downtown.

Yes, we all want more fire stations, but what is the right location? Someplace close to downtown that is quick and easy to get to where a lot of people and events are?

Even though that piece of land has had a fire station on it for many years, veterans would like to see the fire station at a different location; maybe someplace off

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.

Are the residents of Brentwood willing to say ‘Yes, we will tax ourselves to pay for some land to put the new fire station at a different location?’

So whose responsibility is it to buy land for the fire station that is a separate entity from the City of Brentwood?’ The fire department is run by the county. At this point, we’re not aware of any property owned by the county in the Brentwood city limits that would be suitable for a fire station.

So here’s what we all need to think about – ‘We all agree we need a new fire station in the downtown area, and that we love our veterans, we care about them, we appreciate their service and sacrifices they gave us and our country and continue to provide service today.’

I don’t think anybody is disputing that the veterans are loved and important to us and underappreciated.

Some food for thought…..

We’re curious to know what you think. To comment, write a letter to the editor and send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com. Or if you are reading this online, put your comments below.

For more information on the veterans’ thoughts or the county’s plans, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov.

Greg Robinson, Publisher

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REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

East Bay Regional Parks issues annual wild mushroom personal health advisory

During the rainy winter season, wild mushrooms pop up in great numbers throughout East Bay Regional Parks. Mushrooms are an ecologically important part of the parklands and can look beautiful, but some of them contain toxins.

The death cap (Amanita phalloides) and western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found in regional parks during the rainy season, according to a press release from East Bay Parks.

The death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms contain amatoxins, molecules that are deadly to many animals. Symptoms may not appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and kidney failure if treatment is not sought immediately.

Both of these mushrooms can be lethal to humans and pets if consumed. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet may have eaten a toxic mushroom. They are mainly associated with oak trees and can be found growing anywhere oak roots are present. Collecting any mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is not allowed.

The best way to stay safe is to ensure that no mushrooms are consumed by humans or pets. As an added safety measure, learn to recognize poisonous mushroom species when encountering them in regional parks.

The death cap is a medium to large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem. Although the death cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks and is now slowly colonizing the West Coast. The death cap is not native to California.

The western destroying angel is a medium to large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that can disappear with age, and a thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring. It is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the death cap, it is a native California mushroom.

While the death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly toxins can also be found in Galerina and Lepiota mushroom species, which also occur in the Bay Area.

For more information about toxic mushrooms, visit ebparks.org/safety/trails/ toxic-mushrooms.

submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoodpress.com

Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee seeks applicants for opening

Contra Costa County is accepting applications for the upcoming Member at Large opening on the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC). This position is designated for someone who works or resides in Contra Costa County to represent all County stakeholders in matters related to Buchanan Field and Byron Airports. Upon appointment by the Board of Supervisors, the new appointee would serve a term expiring on Feb. 29, 2028.

The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to the Contra Costa County Airports. The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or at www.contracosta. ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-CommitteesCommissions. Applications should be submitted online or returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., 1st floor, Martinez, CA 94553, no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7.

Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews in person or via Zoom, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at 10 a.m. at Buchanan Field Airport, 181 John Glenn Drive, Suite 100, Training Room, Concord, at the Airports Committee Meeting.

For more information on the Contra Costa County Airports or the AAC, visit www.ContraCostaCountyAirports.org or call (844) Fly-ToUs or (844) 359-8687.

Martinez oil refinery discloses toxic chemicals released during recent fire

The Martinez Refining Company, owned by PBF Energy, has told local health officials that chemicals and combustion byproducts from a recent fire at the refinery included chemicals that can cause cancer, as well as heart and lung disease.

Dr. Ori Tzvieli, the County’s health officer, said the community was fortunate that the wind blew most of the toxic smoke north of the refinery, away from populated areas.

“This could have been much worse,” Tzvieli said in a press release. “We got lucky this time. But our community shouldn’t have to rely on luck.”

Air-quality measurements taken by Contra Costa Health’s hazmat staff during the incident showed that concentrations of chemicals in the air during the event were mostly below the threshold considered dangerous. There was a short period when the smoke from the fire stayed closer to the ground and particulate matter immediately north of the refinery measured at a high level, but because that was not sustained over a long period it is not expected to have a significantly harm most people’s health, the press release stated. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District also took air samples during the incident, which the health depart-

ment will review after the results are available.

The blaze started at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 as refinery workers prepared for a planned maintenance of a process unit that had been shut down earlier in the week. While opening equipment, hydrocarbon started to leak and ignited the fire, according to refinery’s 72-hour follow-up report to the County. Six refinery workers were evaluated by medical personnel and released.

The County initially issued a health advisory to residents in nearby Martinez, Pacheco and Clyde. Contra Costa Health later told residents in Martinez north of the refinery to stay inside when the smoke got closer to ground level. That order was lifted later that night, although the health advisory remained in effect until the fire was completely put out on Feb. 4, the release stated.

On Feb. 5, Contra Costa Health (CCH) sent the refinery a letter asking the refinery to disclose what products were released or caught fire during the blaze.

In its response, the refinery revealed that the following chemical products were involved: naphtha (petroleum), light thermal and light catalytic cracked; distillates (petroleum), light catalytic cracked; isobutane-rich C3-C4; diethanolamine; and distillates (petroleum), intermed cat cracked. Combustion byproducts from the fire included particulate matter from the smoke, benzene, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and xylene.

The combustion byproducts pose the greatest health concern. CCH will be working closely with a toxicologist to assess whether there may be any long-term health impacts, including potential impacts to soil and water.

The refinery is scheduled to provide CCH a 30-day follow-up report in early March. The County is hiring a firm to do an independent root-cause analysis to determine why the accident happened and how it can be prevented from happening again, the release stated.

Air quality district issues three violations against Martinez oil refinery

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office understand the community’s concerns following the Feb. 1 fire at the Martinez Refining Company.

The air district has been evaluating the fire’s air quality impacts and has issued three notices of violation to the refiner for violating air district regulations. These notices of violation were issued for creating a public nuisance, for failing to operate equipment as permitted, and for excessive smoke and soot fallout, the Air District and the county District Attorney’s Office said in a joint statement.

The air district’s investigations are ongoing, and the agency will issue further notices of violation for any additional violations uncovered, so the district can’t say what the violations were, the press release stated.

Additionally, the air district and the District Attorney’s Office continue the joint civil enforcement action against the refinery for previous violations there, and are collaborating to make sure the refinery complies with all air quality regulations, the release stated.

Cop logs

A case of petty theft was reported on Lakeview Drive. An entire mailbox was taken.

January 27, 4:17 p.m.

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:

BRENTWOOD

January 26, 12:44 a.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Oak Street. A person was dumped in front of a bar and was bleeding badly.

January 26, 1:27 a.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Gracie Lane. The reporting party could hear glass breaking and things being broken.

January 26, 9:06 a.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Malbec Lane. The reporting party sent a direct deposit to someone claiming to be Publisher’s Clearinghouse. People were then threatening to come to her house the next day if she did not give more money.

January 26, 4:52 p.m. A suspect wanted on a warrant was located at Chandler Drive. An adult was arrested.

January 26, 5:35 p.m. A restraining/court order violation was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The reporting party was supposed to pick up their daughter at 5 p.m., but the child’s father was not communicating with the reporting party.

January 26, 6:20 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Lone Tree Way. A suspect was stealing.

January 26, 8:42 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Oak Street. Someone was messing with a water meter and then there was a leak.

January 26, 11:45 p.m. Property was found at Brentwood Boulevard.

January 27, 7:22 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Hummingbird Way. The suspects broke into several containers and drove the forklift across the properties. The loss included equipment and materials.

January 27, 7:45 a.m. A restraining/court order violation was reported on Yelland Way. The reporting party wanted to make a report against the child’s mother for violating a court order and making false claims against the reporting party.

January 27, 8:31 a.m. An uncontrollable/truant juvenile was reported on Central Boulevard. A student was threatening staff and

throwing objects.

January 27, 9:17 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. The suspect was white male with a tattoo on his neck wearing a jacket, blue jeans and brown shoes. He took 10 items.

January 27, 10:26 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Windsor Way. The reporting party advised that he wakes up in the morning and sees different scratches/damage on his vehicle in different places, and his vehicle is parked in the driveway.

January 27, 12:26 p.m. A restraining/court order violation was reported on Amber Lane.

January 27, 1:47 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Balfour Road. A male was in the store filling up a cart with Tide detergent. An adult was arrested.

January 27, 2:54 p.m. Lost property was reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party lost their wallet less than an hour ago.

January 27, 3:43 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Lone Tree Way. A white Volkswagen Atlas was broken into within the last 30 minutes. A toiletry bag with the reporting party’s insurance cards was taken.

January 27, 3:52 p.m. A non-injury accident was reported at Sand Creek Road and Highway 4.

January 27, 4:17 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lakeview Drive. An entire mailbox was taken.

January 27, 7:11 p.m. Property was found on Second Street. The reporting party found an ATM card and wanted to turn it in.

January 27, 9:21 p.m. A case of indecent exposure was reported on Sand Creek Road.

January 28, 10:28 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported at Second Street.

January 28, 3:34 p.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Sherwood Drive. The reporting party’s credit card information was changed to this address.

January 28, 7:22 p.m. A restraining/court order violation was reported on Yelland Way. The reporting party’s and children’s phone calls are being monitored, and they stated that this is against the court order.

Police seek public’s help in armed robbery case at Antioch Wells Fargo Bank

A person who had just withdrawn “a significant amount of money” from the Wells Fargo Bank on Lone Tree Way in Antioch on Feb. 13 at about 3:30 p.m. was confronted by three suspects dressed in dark clothing, believed to be adults, Brentwood police said in a press release. One suspect threatened the unidentified victim with a gun while another physically assaulted the victim. The suspects then stole the victim’s cash and ran away. The victim did not sustain serious injuries, police said, and this incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this incident, contact the Brentwood Police Department Dispatch at 925-809-7911 or 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. Callers may remain anonymous. Police encourage everyone to stay vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Be aware of your surroundings, and if you suspect you are being followed, call 9-1-1 immediately.

BRENTWOOD

Brentwood City Hall, 150 City Park

Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Brentwood Library, 104 Third

Brentwood Senior Activity Center, 193

Golden Oaks Senior Community, 5000 Kelsey Ln.

Oakley City Hall/Police Dept., 3231

Oakley Library, Freedom High School, 1050 Neroly

Oakley Post Office, 400 Del Antico

Oakley Senior Center, 215 Second St.

C lassifieds & l egals

Jobs

MULTIMEDIA SALES PERSON WANTED

Can you talk to a stranger like you’ve known them forever?

Come help us sell multimedia advertising packages to local business owners! Work close to home in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Outside Sales experience required.

• Must be very detail-oriented.

• Have proven organizational skills.

• Reliable transportation.

Salary plus commission options, Matching 401K program. Full time and part time positions available. Flexable schedule. Send resume to greg@thepress.net

Services Services

CAREGIVER

25 yrs exp. Hourly or 24/hr live-in care avail. For more info call Sepi. (925) 518-6577

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0006609 The name of the business(es): Property Sales Group Located at: 2603 Camino Ramon, Ste 200 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 N/A. Signature of registrant: Sergei Kucher, Individual. 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 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

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

fax 925-634-1975 or email to classifieds@brent woodpress.com

Classified Deadline: Mon. at 3pm

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!

Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0000721 The name of the business(es): ReNude Beauty

Located at: 2465 Discovery Bay Blvd In: Discovery Bay, CA, 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Megan Lozano. 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: Megan Lozano, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/10/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/09/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0000473 The name of the business(es): In-Shape Fitness

Located at: 4099 Lone Tree Way In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): In-Shape Solutions, LLC. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company,State of Organization. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2025. Signature of registrant: Nate Whaley, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/29/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/28/2030

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Publish Dates: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0000476 The name of the business(es): In-Shape Fitness

Located at: 180 Griffith Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): In-Shape Solutions, LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: DE. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2025. Signature of registrant: Nate Whaley, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on:

01/29/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires

01/28/2030

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0000644 The name of the business(es): My Once Upon a Time Entertainment Located at: 325 Orchard Dr. In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jordyn Patricia Foley. 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: Jordyn Foley, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/06/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/05/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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Publish Dates: February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0000477 The name of the business(es): In-Shape Fitness Located at: 5294 Clayton Road In: Concord, CA 94521, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): In-Shape Solutions, LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: DE. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2025.

Signature of registrant: Nate Whaley, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/29/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/28/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0000501 The name of the business(es): JE Consulting Located at: 609 Amaryllis Ct In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jacob Ewart. 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: Jacob Ewart, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/30/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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Publish Dates: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0000164 The name of the business(es):

1. BRP Enterprises 2. BRP Construction 3. BRP Property Services 4. BRP Hardening Experts 5. BRP Inspection Services 6. American Brush

Located at: 6680 Alhambra Ave, Suite 446 In: Martinez, CA 94553 is hereby 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

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Publish Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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Publish Dates: February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 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 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-2025-0000388 The name of the business(es): 925 CAR KEYS Located at: 1162 Saranap Ave 26A In: Walnut Creek , CA 94595, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Nenad Jovovic 2. Cedomir Jovovic. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Cedomir Jovovic, General Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/24/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/23/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0000489 The name of the business(es): Black Diamond Sound Located at: 1517 Coventry Dr In: Oakley CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sandra Dee Ann Patterson. 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: Sandra Patterson, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/29/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/28/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 Publish Dates: February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF WAREHOUSE LIEN SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, in accordance with California Commercial Code Sections 7209 and 7210 and California Civil Code Section 798.56a, the mobilehome described as a 1967 FLEETWOOD Decal No. ABJ4054, Serial No. YK7M1S0526, located at 4400 Gateway Road Space 39, Bethel Island, California 94511 will be sold at public auction at 9:00 a.m. on March 11, 2025 at Bethel Island Estates MHC, 4400 Gateway Road Space 39, Bethel Island, California 94511. The parties believed to claim an interest, Marvin K. Herron, Marge Herron, Ronald A. Doolittle, Lynnette DR Jackson have been given notice and the time specified for payment has expired. The undersigned is entitled to a warehouse

File No. F-2025-0000509 The name of the business(es): NLB Designs Located at: 2225 TAYLOR RD In: BETHEL ISLAND, CA 94511, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Linda Bertolucci. 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: Linda Bertolucci, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/29/2030

lien against said mobilehome to satisfy the lien, storage and other related charges incurred including reasonable charges of notice, advertisement and sale. Marvin K. Herron, Marge Herron, Ronald A. Doolittle, Lynnette DR Jackson, Registered Owners, Legal Owners, interested Parties please take further notice that, in order to prevent the mobilehome from being sold at the noticed sale, the following amount must be paid prior to the sale. Total claim to date of $6985.99 (additional amounts incurred shall be added to this amount as provided in the Commercial Code). Bidders are required to show proof of cashier’s check(s) / money order(s) in an amount equal to the claim to date amount prior to bidding to Lisa McKee, 3511 Del Paso Rd. Ste. 160 PMB 445, Sacramento, CA 95835 (916) 601-6149. Authorized Agent for Bethel Island Estates MHC, LLC Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: February 21, 28, 2025 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: GREGORY KEITH DORMAN, deceased CASE NUMBER P24-02298 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: GREGORY KEITH DORMAN deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: DAVID DORMAN in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: DAVID DORMAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: JUNE 03 2025 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: 38. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553 If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: DAVID DORMAN. Attorney for Petitioner: Jeffrey R. Loew, Esq. 1650

spot, work as a team, and use a variety of materials such as straws and toothpicks that they wouldn’t typically think to use,” Jodie Hoagland said. “Solving long-term and spontaneous problems builds confidence, and Odyssey of the Mind really gives students a taste of what success feels like.”

Out of the five long-term problems to choose from (vehicle, technical, classics, structure, and performance), the problem students decided to solve was called “Mech-Animal Sidekick” in the technical category. The problem entailed designing and engineering an original robotic animal that performed three tricks to cheer up two or more characters. The three tricks were:

1) To make a tangible object disappear

2) To walk, with all contact points having to alternate so that no contact point touched the floor at the same time

3) A team-created trick, which was a built-in catapult that the mech-animal used to shoot hoops with a ping-pong ball. The team also created a storyline that involved a group of fourth graders wandering off while on a field trip to NASA, where they are taken on a journey to a galaxy on a rocket ship.

From there, they embark on a journey that featuring a life-sized time machine that teleports to places like the fictional world of Dreamland before being stuck in Ancient Egypt.

Immigration

from page 1A

“They created a mech-fox named Finnlius using motors, a pulley system, wires, and batteries,” Jodie Hoagland said. “Throughout the performance, there was live music playing that included part of the Star Wars theme song played on a handmade xylophone, the chorus of “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club played on a mini piano while the mech-fox played with the antistress chameleon toy, a bottle board where rhythmic notes where played on bottles and cans using two wooden mallets.”

In addition to solving a long-term problem and creating a script to perform, students are also given one spontaneous problem at the competition. The three types of spontaneous problems are hands on, hands on-verbal, and verbal. According to Jodie Hoagland, these problems are

vidual, for any length of time, for any other criminal immigration violation of federal immigration laws,” which the department says is in line with state law, specifically Government Code 7284.6.

“California law enforcement agencies shall not:(1) Use agency or department moneys or personnel to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes,” the law reads in part. The law also prohibits placing “peace officers under the supervision of federal agencies or employ peace officers deputized as special federal officers or special federal deputies for purposes of immigration enforcement. All peace officers remain subject to California law governing conduct of peace officers and the policies of the employing agency.”

The Brentwood Police policy manual can be found online at https://bit.ly/4gWnJfa

Antioch

Antioch police also announced that they would not be contributing to immigration enforcement.

“The Antioch Police Department is committed to serving and protecting all members of our community, regardless of immigration status,” begins a Jan. 30 release by the department. “Our priority is public safety for all. You can contact us without fear—our officers are here to protect and serve, not to enforce immigration laws.”

The statement notes that Antioch police do not ask individuals about their immigration status or detain individuals for civil immigration violations, according to their

Diversity from page 1A

significant holidays, such as:

• Black History Month in February

• Women’s History Month in March

• Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) in May

• Pride Celebration in June

• Disability Pride Month in July

• Hispanic Heritage Celebration in September

advanced to the state tournament on March 8.

unknown to students until they enter the competition room, where they are given six to 10 minutes to solve the problem. It requires building a structure, giving creative verbal responses about a certain topic, creating a storyline based on a picture, or a combination of building and giving verbal responses about what they created.

Nine judges score a certain category of the problem. Those scores are then totaled into a “raw score,” Hoagland said. Whichever team has the highest raw score is awarded the maximum 200 points for long-term problem along with a separate style score (up to 50 points). There are five style categories, three of those are chosen by Odyssey of the Mind and two are chosen by the team. Lastly, they receive a separate score for their spontaneous problem,

policy manual and state law, specifically Senate Bill 54.

“This bill would, among other things and subject to exceptions, prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies, including school police and security departments, from using money or personnel to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes,” SB 54, also known as the California Values Act, reads in part. “ A law enforcement official shall have discretion to cooperate with immigration authorities only if doing so would not violate any federal, state, or local law, or local policy, and where permitted by the California Values Act.”

Policy 424 of the Antioch Police Policy also prohibits officers from inquiring about immigration status when contacting a member of the community.

“An officer shall not detain any individual, for any length of time, for a civil violation of federal immigration laws or a related civil warrant,” the policy reads. “No individual who is otherwise ready to be released should continue to be detained only because questions about the individual’s status are unresolved.”

The Antioch police policy handbook can be read online at https://bit.ly/434n8EW

Oakley

Policy 414 of the Oakley police policy handbook addresses law enforcement’s involvement with federal immigration, according to Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro. The text of the policy, in part, prohibits officers from inquiring about immigration status when contacting anyone in the community.

• Native American Heritage Recognition in November

Maloney and Pierson voted to bring a discussion forward to the full City Council at a later meeting to discuss funding an event in June for Pride Month, a monthlong celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and history. The council will also discuss the possibility of adding educational exhibits to the Brentwood Community Center

which they solve on the spot in front of a judge. All three of the above scores are totaled for an overall score.

“Being awarded third place at the Regional Tournament and advancing to State in March is very meaningful to our team,” Jodie Hoagland said. “Brentwood Elementary School and Brentwood Union School District have given students the opportunity to showcase their talents and learn important skills that will be used throughout their lives.”

Any student attending a school with an Odyssey of the Mind membership is eligible to participate. A team is allowed to have one team member that attends a school without an Odyssey of the Mind membership, according to their program guide rules. Hoagland says Brentwood Elementary has been a participant of Odyssey of the Mind for many years, with the team feeling a great sense of pride for their accomplishments.

“Our team would like to express our gratitude to Brentwood Elementary and give recognition to staff that have supported their OM journey; Angie Buttner (Gavin and Nora’s third-grade teacher), Suzi Redman ( Odyssey of the Mind Coordinator), Patty Schneider (Brentwood Elementary Vice Principal), and Jessica Ranger (GATE Program Teacher),”Jodie Hoagland said.

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

Like other local agencies, the Oakley Police policy cites Government Code 7284. 6, which states that “an officer shall not detain any individual, for any length of time, for a civil violation of federal immigration laws or a related civil warrant.”

Oakley’s policy manual can be read online at https:// bit.ly/436Virp

Contra Costa County

According to comments made by Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston at the Jan. 21 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department will also comply with SB 54, which limits the organization’s interactions with federal immigration enforcement.

““We follow the law here in California…which limits our interaction with any official regarding immigration,” Livingston said. “These are only violent and serious offenders to be released that we do notify ICE about, all the other requests we do not comply.”

The county’s policy handbook reiterates that the sheriff’s office does not involve itself with federal immigration enforcement.

“ICE has primary responsibility to investigate and enforce federal immigration laws. Office of the Sheriff personnel shall not assist ICE in the enforcement of federal immigration laws,” it reads in part.

The Jan. 21 Board of Supervisors meeting can be watched in full at https://bit.ly/41pfIuF

The County Sheriff’s policy handbook can be read online at https://bit.ly/3EMJpwP

that would give visitors the opportunity to learn more about other cultures.

“You have so many different cultures in Brentwood that we need to be a little bit more educational,” Maloney said of the potential exhibits. “There’s work to do [as a country], but we need to move forward together as a community.”

In other committee action:

An update was provided regarding the

2025 Juneteenth celebration at Pierson’s request. According to Stacy Dempsey, a member of city staff with the Parks and Recreation Department, contracts are “being executed” and the headliner for the event will be announced soon. Last year’s event featured Lenny Williams, formerly of the Oakland-based R&B group Tower of Power.

The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/41beXDW

The Brentwood team

Photo courtesy of Jodie Hoagland

SAINTANNE VILLAGE

Saint Anne Village

Adult Day Care

• Alzheimer & Dementia Care

• Cognitive Based Activities including Arts, Crafts & Games

• Daily Stretching & Chair Yoga Exercises

• Weekly Music & Singing with Visiting Musician

• Beautiful Compound for Walking

• Gated Patio for Outdoor Gatherings

• Daily Animal Therapy

• Weekly Toddler Time

Saint Anne Village Inc. is a non-profit, state-licensed adult day care center.

We opened our door in late 2016 and have continuously thrived in serving our community members who are living with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. We pride ourselves in having an original director from inception and long-term caregiver/employees with clients who flourish by participating in our daily program.

While our main focus is providing a safe, loving environment of supervised socialization for the impaired, we strive to assist families in many areas as well.

Not only do we give respite, but we also offer guidance and resources for financial assistance, tips on managing the progression of these diseases and placement referrals for when their loved one can no longer live at home.

Recognized by Kaiser, Sutter and John Muir Memory Care Programs

Medicare Enrollment: What you need to know

If you are 64 and nearing your 65th birthday, it’s time to start thinking about enrolling in Medicare, the federal health insurance program that helps millions of older adults and people with disabilities pay for their health care.

Unless you are disabled, most individuals’ health care insurance is associated with their employment. But if you plan to retire at 65, it is imperative to enroll in Medicare so you don’t have a lapse in medical coverage. Not having health insurance is a road that you do not want to discover. So let me help you prepare with some useful tips from Medicare.gov, Healthline.gov, and aarp. org. Again, Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors age 65 and older. It is free for people who have worked and paid taxes for at least 10 years. When I say that Medicare is free, it means you have access to it because it has been funded by taxes paid throughout your years of employment.

Having said that, there will be out-ofpocket costs like co-pays, deductibles, and it doesn’t cover dental, prescriptions and other medical necessities that I will address later.

According to Medicare, if you are already receiving Social Security, once you turn 65 you are automatically enrolled. However, don’t wait for the government to act. Be proactive in advocating for yourself. If you feel it is overwhelming, enlist a trusted friend or family member to help.

First – Do your research before the open enrollment period.

♦ Find out when your enrollment period begins and when it ends. There is a small window of enrollment three months before your 65th birthday and three months after your birthday month. If you miss this window, you can still enroll but there could be costly

penalties and gaps in coverage.

If you plan to retire at 65, it is imperative to enroll in Medicare so you don’t have a lapse in medical coverage

the “free” portion covering hospital stays and limited skilled nursing and home health services) and B (medical visits and preventive care).

Whether or not you choose original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. you still need to sign up for parts A and B as a foundation of your plan.

♦ Create a My Social Security account, which is necessary if you aren’t already receiving Social Security. This will be useful to enroll in Medicare.

Second – Enrollment. Again, you will have to do this if you aren’t already receiving Social Security.

♦ Decide whether you plan to keep any health insurance you are receiving from you or your spouse’s employer.

♦ Decide if you want original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare allows you to use any doctor. Medicare Advantage has restrictions that may or may not meet your needs. Again, it’s very important to go back to step 1 – do your research early.

Third – Sign up for Medicare parts A (A is

Fourth – Decide if you need financial assistance. Medicare, in general, is not free to participants. You are expected to share costs by paying Part B premiums, as well as deductibles, copayments or coinsurance for the services you use. If you need financial assistance, there are government programs that can help with subsidies. Check the Social Security website for details.

Fifth – Choose additional coverage. This is done after you select parts A and B of Medicare because it’s likely you’ll need additional cover for prescriptions (Part D)

If you need dental, vision and hearing, these are separate insurance plans with their own costs.

Although the Medicare system seems complex, we are fortunate to have a program in place to address many unique situations. If you need help, there are resources available. Call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), or live chat on your computer. Just click on the Chat Now button on Medicare’s Talk to Someone webpage. You can also get help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

BRENTWOOD SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

The Brentwood Senior Activity Center is open for activities geared towards adults ages 50 and better! Weekly classes include fitness, art, acting/improv, music, and more.

Free Game Social takes place every Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

The Café Costa lunch program serves meals

Monday - Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Brentwood, CA 94513

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm

(925) 516-5380 brentwoodca.gov

reimagining aging!

Photo by Adobe Suite

Nurse’s CorNer

sheri Griffiths

Lots to do for seniors in East County

Brentwood Senior Activities Center

Thursday, May 15

Senior Health and Resource Fair 2025

At the Senior Health and Resource Fair. East County seniors, along with family members and caregivers, can connect with agencies and vendors to gain insights to stay healthy and engaged while enjoying a day filled with information 193 Griffith Lane in Brentwood from 1-3 p.m. Vendor registration is now open. To register or for details, visit https://www.brentwoodca.gov/ government/parks-recreation.

Antioch Senior Center

Wednesday, February 19

Rivercity Uke Jam

The new six-week session began Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. The resident rate is $27 per person. The non-resident rate is $37 per person. To register or for more information, call 925-779-7074.

Senior Weekly/ Recurring Activities

Brentwood Senior Activities Center

Senior Club Weekly Activities

The activities below are free for all Senior Club Members. For those interested in joining the club, an application can be filled out online here, https://www brentwoodca gov/government/parks-recreation/

recreation/senior-activities-and-programs/ brentwood-senior-citizen-s-club

MONDAY

♦ Billiards M/W/F 9 a.m.-noon

♦ Bingo 12:30-3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

♦ Bridge 9 a.m.-noon

♦ Knitting, Crocheting Circle & Quilting 12:30-3:30 p.m.

♦ Decorative Painting 1-4 p.m.

♦ Place to Paint 1-4 p.m.

♦ Quilting 1-4 p.m.

♦ Single & Mingle 1st Tuesday 1-3 p.m.

♦ Book Banter 3rd Tuesday 1:30-2:30 p.m.

♦ Mahjong (Chinese) T/Th 1-3 p.m.

Pinochle T/Th 1-4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

♦ Line Dancing 12:30-2 p.m.

♦ Billiards M/W/F 9 a.m.-noon

THURSDAY

♦ Ballet Folklorico 3-4 p.m.

♦ Brown Bag 2nd and 4th Thursday 10-11 a.m.

♦ Mahjong (Chinese) T/Th 1- 3 p.m.

♦ Pinochle T/Th 1-4 p.m.

FRIDAY

♦ Game Day Social 1-4 p.m.

♦ Bridge Lessons 2-4 p.m.

♦ Billiards MWF 9 a.m.-noon

♦ Bunco 2nd Friday 6:30-9 p.m.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

♦ Book & Media Center 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

♦ Café Costa (60 and older $3 donation/$6 Cost younger than 60) Open 11 a.m./ Serves 11:30 a.m.

Antioch Senior Center Weekly Activities

The Antioch Senior Center offers a variety of activities for seniors. All activities are on a drop-in basis. Must be an Antioch Senior member to participate To register for a membership, call the front desk at 925-779-7074.

MONDAY

♦ Inner Work of Age 9:30-10:30 a.m.

♦ Badminton 8-10 a.m.

♦ Drop-In Tech Support 9-11 a.m.

♦ Cane-Do 9:30-10:30 a.m.

♦ Intro to Kani Ka Pila 9-10 a.m.

♦ Kani Ka Pila 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

♦ Beginner Exercise *M/W/F* 10:3011:15 a.m.

♦ Painting Club *M/W* Noon-3:00 p.m.

♦ Pickleball 1-3 p.m.

TUESDAY

♦ Beginning Sewing 9:30-11:30 a.m.

♦ Mindfulness Class 9:30-10 a.m.

♦ Knitting & Crocheting Noon-3 p.m.

♦ Cribbage Noon-2 p.m.

♦ Women’s Friendship Circle Noon-1 p.m. (2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month)

♦ Spanish for Beginners 1-2 p.m. WEDNESDAY

♦ Ukulele 10-11:30 a.m.

♦ Beginner Exercise *M/W/F* 10:3011:15 a.m.

♦ Pickleball 1-3 p.m.

THURSDAY

♦ Rivertown Band 9:30-11 a.m.

♦ Hula Dance 8:30-10:30 a.m.

♦ Ballet Folklorico 10-11 a.m.

♦ Line Dancing 10-11 a.m.

♦ Bingo 1-3 p.m.

FRIDAY

♦ Piano Class 9:15-10:15 a.m.

♦ Arts & Crafts 9:30-10:30 a.m.

♦ Beginner Exercise *M/W/F* 10:3011:15 a.m.

♦ Movie Friday 12:15 p.m. movie starts

♦ Guitar Class 1-3 p.m.

Oakley Senior Center Recurring Activities

THURSDAY

♦ 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.

SATURDAY

♦ Flea market/Vendor Fair every 1st Saturday

♦ Painting Club *M/W* Noon-3 p.m.

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.

Marwa Hakimi, MD Medical Dermatology

Jay Zimmerman, MD Medical Dermatology

Hovik Ashchyan, MD Mohs Surgeon

Lam Le, PA-C Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology

Monica Ascencion, RN Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology

Lamai Walker, RN Cosmetic Dermatology

Veronica Rodriguez, LE Licensed Esthetician

“After touring several communities, we chose TreVista to be my mom's new home. My mom has lived at TreVista for over a year and is thriving! The staff, from top to bottom, has been phenomenal! They are always cheerful and truly care about the residents. We are so happy with our choice.”

Lisa,

Daughter of a TreVista Resident

Reading may delay cognitive decline

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3950 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94509 TreVistaSeniorLiving.com | RCFE #079200748

ging and change go hand in hand. Although some may bemoan the gray hairs that start to arrive or stiffness in the knees that seems to sneak up on a person in middle age, such concerns are not necessarily enough to lose sleep over. However, many people 50 or older are nervous about the potential for cognitive issues like dementia as they grow older.

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 6.7 million people have Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. The Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates that there were 733,040 people living with dementia in the country as of Jan. 1, 2024. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can rob people of their memories, personalities and abilities to live satisfying, independent lives. While it may not be impossible to prevent all cognitive issues completely, there is reason to believe that reading could be an ally in cognitive care.

The American Academy of Neurology says that reading stimulates the brain and has been shown to slow down cognitive decline in old age. Reading also may help slow down memory loss.

The powers of reading were noticed more than 10 years ago when a 2013 study from researchers at Emory University measured readers’ MRI scans as they read books. They found the deeper readers went into a story, the more areas of their brains were activated. This activity remained elevated for several days after participants finished their books. The more a person reads, the stronger complex networks in the brain become.

Additional evidence that reading can help the brain was noted by researchers at the Texas A&M School of Public Health. A 2024 study suggests that older people with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities like reading, hobbies and word games have better memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed than those who do not take part in such endeavors.

Furthermore, a 2021 study published in Neurology found that high levels of cognitive activity, like reading and writing letters, can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by five years among those age 80 and over.

– Metro Creative.

Strategies to manage and tame stress

Stress is a part of life. In small doses, stress can have a positive effect. But when stress is chronic, it can take its toll on the body and mind.

Stress can make people irritable and cause them to lash out at others. Stress also can contribute to high blood pressure and adversely affect sleep. When confronting chronic stress, individuals may have to take action to find relief. These stress-busting strategies can help.

Engage in physical activity.

The Mayo Clinic says any form of exercise can help relieve stress. Physical activity boosts chemicals in the brain and endorphins that help a person feel good. Exercise also can refocus attention so a person is not preoccupied with a stressful thought or situation.

Listen to music.

Music can be calming and serve as a distraction from stressful feelings. Simply listening to music can be a quick fix for a stressful situation and a bad mood.

Review your lifestyle.

It’s easy to take on too much, but doing so can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, says the Mental Health Foundation. Prioritizing some things over others and delegating when possible can tame stress.

Practice mindfulness.

Breathing and mindfulness exercises can be practiced anywhere. Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. Deep breathing and being in a quiet moment when stress peaks may help to reduce stress.

Step away for a few minutes.

If possible, step away from a stressful situation, whether it is a difficult project at work or a loud room with a lot of activity going on. Many people find commuting stressful. Changing the route to one that avoids busy roads, even if it takes a bit longer to get from point A to point B, might help.

Talk it out.

Sometimes connecting with others and sharing experiences can help to relieve stress. Keeping feelings in and fixating on a situation may exacerbate feelings of stress. Social situations that encourage talking and laughing can lighten a person’s mental load, says the Mayo Clinic.

Don’t turn to substances.

Alcohol and drugs may temporarily relieve stress, but this approach can lead to addiction and even worsen the physical and mental toll stress takes on the body. – Metro Creative.

Older age may make a person wiser, but the risk for various health issues and certain diseases increases with age. Routine health check-ups can keep doctors and patients on the same page.

Photo courtesy Adobe Stock

exams after age 50

eniors are a growing and increasingly prosperous demographic. As the senior population increases, a greater emphasis is recommended for keeping aging people healthy. Wellness checks are important at any age, but they bear even more significance as individuals grow older.

Age brings with it many things, including experience and wisdom. But age also brings

an increased risk for health problems. Aging men and women are vulnerable to chronic conditions like heart disease, COPD, cancer, and arthritis. It’s noteworthy that many chronic health conditions fail to produce any symptoms until they have progressed to a point where treatment is difficult.

Annual wellness exams can help older adults take charge of their health and stay as healthy as possible. It’s possible for a person to preserve his or her health (and possibly life) through check-ups and easy tests. Here are some common screenings and health recommendations that come up in the prime of one’s life. see Wellness Exams page 11B

Empty nesters have more free time to redirect to their own passion projects and interests.

to stay busy

The rewards of parenting are bittersweet. Raising children successfully means they will one day leave home and embark on lives of their own. Once the proverbial chicks leave the nest, individuals may be left with a lot of empty home and a lot of time to fill.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 22.5 million empty nesters in the country in 2020, with most having become empty nesters between the ages of 40 and 60. Statistics Canada says roughly one-third of adults between the ages of 20 and 34 lived with their parents in 2023. Although some parents whose children have reached adulthood still provide financial assistance to their grown children due to high costs of living, many empty nesters in their 50s have greater financial resources and much more time to fill their days with activities unrelated to parenting. But how does one spend those hours when they had been filled with parenting-related obligations and activities for so long?

The following are five ways empty nesters can stay busy and socially engaged as they seek to avoid empty nest syndrome.

1. Take care of yourself. After all those years of putting children first, now is the time to make yourself the priority. Explore all of the ways to take care of yourseld. Maybe you were thinking about signing up for a monthly massage package at a nearby wellness clinic but procrastinated because of the added expense? Or you may have wanted to splurge on a facial or new hair treatment? Now is the time to make those appointments.

2. Prioritize hobbies. Identify rewarding hobbies that might have been pushed to the back burner for years. If you always wanted to learn a new language, why not immerse yourself in it and the associated culture by spending a month or more in a country where that language is spoken? Now can be a great time to pick up new hobbies as well. Aim for activities that are social, like the ever-popular pickleball.

3. Travel far and wide. Travel is a popular pastime among empty nesters and retirees. When you no longer have to coordinate travel around school schedules and holidays, you can take advantage of great deals on off-peak travel and really see the country or even the world.

4. Indulge your social life. If parenting made it hard to attend certain

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

see Empty Nesters page 11B

♦ Colorectal cancer screening: A colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone at age 45. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and risk increases at age 45. Although people seldom look forward to a colonoscopy and the required preparation, putting off this test due to a little discomfort may result in missing colon cancer at its earliest stage when it is most treatable.

♦ Cholesterol screening: This simple blood test can help evaluate the risk for heart disease. High cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, making them narrower and less flexible, according to Sharecare, Inc.

♦ Mammogram: Most health organizations recommend annual mammogram screenings from age 40 until menopause. Then it may be possible to have a mammogram every other year for those who are at average risk. It is important for women to discuss mammogram frequency with their doctors, particularly if there is a family history of breast cancer.

Empty Nesters

from page 10B

social functions, now you’ll have the time to engage with friends more regularly. You can reach out to old friends and start a weekly walking group, join a book club, sign up for a fitness class together, or even do a monthly wine-and-dine meet-up at new restaurants in the area.

♦ Diabetes: ChenMed says diabetes may be more common in older adults, so regular screenings for this illness can enable early diagnosis and management.

♦ Testicular cancer screening: This test generally is not recommended without symptoms. Some organizations suggest men with a family history or other risk factors consider performing self-examinations.

♦ Vaccination needs: Doctors can alert patients to recommended vaccinations during wellness exams. Seniors should receive an annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccination as available. Pneumococcal vaccine can protect against pneumococcal disease that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Adults over 50 also should receive a vaccination for shingles, which can occur in older age in those who have previously experienced chickenpox.

There are additional advantages to routine health checkups. Doctors can inquire about fitness routines, stress, sleep, and diet to see if patients are within the guidelines for healthy living.

– Metro Creative

5. Adopt a pet. When children were still at home you likely lavished attention on them each day. You can redirect some of that affection to a pet who needs a good home. Visit a nearby animal shelter and pick out a pup or kitten looking for a good home.

– Metro Creative