$3 million more OK’d for new Oakley library, senior center
By Connor Robles Correspondent
At their Feb. 25 meeting, the Oakley City Council approved a revision of the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget that will provide $3 million from the city’s General Fund for the upcoming Oakley Library and Community Center project and $185,000 for the renovation of part of the Oakley Recreational Center for use as the new Oakley Senior Center.
While the additional library funds were well-received, there were still some concerns from the Senior Center board members that the space they are being given is not enough to house all of their desired activities.
According to City Manager Joshua McMurray, the current plan is to use the original planned plot for the library, on the corner of O’Hara Avenue and
Ruby Street, as a source of funding for the library in its current planned location at Civic Center Plaza, selling the original plot for $2 million for use as a housing development.
Additional funding came from the General Fund, ARPA, public facility funds, and fundraising efforts by the Friends of the Oakley Library throughout last year. In total, just over $10 million has been or will be raised from all sources, McMurray said.
As they put together the mid-year budget report, the city manager and staff also identified $3 million from the General Fund that they recommended be put toward the library project. McMurray did not say how these funds were identified. With the additional money, which would bring the total to
see Oakley page 18
BBy Jake Menez Staff Writer
Some Brentwood residents will soon have the opportunity to sign up for a midnight basketball league thanks to a partnership between the Brentwood City Council and Grace Arms of Antioch that was approved 5-0 in the Feb. 25 council meeting. The city plans to look into other avenues for the program in the future.
The agreement between Grace Arms and the city of Brentwood is for $25,000 to help support the league ahead of the upcoming season that begins in April. This will also see the league included in Brentwood’s
digital activity guide and promoted on social media. Per the agreement, the city will be responsible for reaching out to school districts to request they add information about the league to their newsletters while Grace Arms will be tasked with reaching out to people to further promote the program.
Midnight basketball is an
initiative to curb crime by keeping youth off the streets and offering alternatives to drugs and crime, according to the nonprofit’s website. The Antioch league at 3415 Oakley Road was established in 2020 and caters to men aged 18 to 29, enabling them to play basketball during the peak crime hours of 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., their
rentwood’s new Costco opens to the public on March 7 with a ribbon-cutting at 7:30 a.m. that will be attended by local business owners and city officials. The warehouse store is at 5151 Heidorn Ranch Road, and has been a longgestating project for the city. It had been approved in 2023 but hit a roadblock after a local developer filed a lawsuit to stop the project. The suit was dropped in early 2024, and construction on the project began last July. The store will also serve as a catalyst to attract more national retailers to the remaining four acres adjacent to the store and continue to strengthen Brentwood’s role as a leader in the East Contra Costa County shopping experience, Assistant City Manager Darin Gale said in an email at the time of the groundbreaking. The store is also expected to bring in tax revenue of ‘roughly seven figures annually,” said then-Mayor Joel Bryant.
Brentwood gets closer to midnight basketball league
website says. According to organizers, more than 25% of their participants come from Brentwood and Oakley. According to Michael Williams, the program’s director, young women are also welcome to join.
The decision to help fund the program initially had the council members at a crossroads due to some expressing interest in hearing proposals from different groups about the establishment of a midnight basketball league program rather than partnering with Grace Arms.
“Nobody in Brentwood asked, “ Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson said. “All three of our cities – Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley – are affected by this midnight basketball league. At that time, there was absolutely no other ask.”
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE
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Oakley man helps clean up aftermath of Eaton Fire
Manzo joins state Conservation Corps to assist with L.A. area blazes
By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent
Oakley resident Raul Manzo was watching a Golden State Warriors game when a halftime advertisement caught his attention. The ad was for the California Conservation Corps, a program for adults aged 18 to 25 to work on environmental projects and respond to disasters throughout the state. The program, begun in 1976, provides hands-on outdoor experience for anyone who joins.
Manzo, wanting to pursue a career as either a firefighter or game warden but lacking experience as a recent San Francisco State graduate, saw the California Conservation Corps as an opportunity and joined last year when he was 25. After
state parks departments, CalFire, and arborist services. Manzo decided to take on the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, or HAZWOPER, course.
joining the corps, Manzo, and the other recruits who joined the same month as he did, were given a list of training courses to
be certified in the many conservation jobs the program offered. It enabled recruits to work with organizations such as Caltrans,
A year later, Manzo was sent down to Altadena with 11 other young adults, and one supervisor, in his crew out of Solano County to help with the cleanup of the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. From Jan. 20-Feb. 12, Manzo and an average of 10 to 12 other crews from all over California worked to restore Altadena’s watersheds. Corps members who were deployed in Altadena stayed in the corps’ second base camp in Pasadena. Their food was provided by the state. With their 40 hours of HAZWOPER training and the provided personal protective equipment of N95 masks, hard-hat helmets, boot protection, and hazmat suits, the crews laid down filtration socks around Altadena’s wells and storm drains. The socks were filled with organic decomposing materials that trap water and filter out hazardous contami-
see Helps page 6
Members of the California Conservation Corps work together to unravel silt socks near destroyed properties in Altadena from the Eaton Fire.
Photo courtesy of California Conservation Corps
East Contra Costa food pantries fight hunger amidst rising grocery prices
By Connor Robles Correspondent
As food prices continue to rise, many American families, especially those with low incomes, are having trouble being able to afford daily meals. Because of this, many charitable and community organizations are setting up weekly food pantries for those that can’t afford enough food to eat. Most food at the pantries comes from donations to the community and senior centers, and especially churches, who run the programs. Below is a list of food pantries with details about their locations, who they serve, and contact information.
OAKLEY
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.
BRENTWOOD
Brentwood Community United Methodist Church: The church runs its HOPE House (Hope, Opportunity, Prayer, Engagement) program at 218 Pine St. on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11:30 a.m. for East Contra Costa residents with photo IDs; there is also an income requirement based on family size. Additionally, HOPE House distributes clothing for all at the same time as their food distribution, and partners with the Contra Costa Food Bank to distribute fruit and vegetables in an alley next to the church
on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 4-5 p.m. HOPE House is closed on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Support Life Foundation Brentwood: Support Life also has a distribution location at the Brentwood Muslim Community Center at 7701 Lone Tree Way.Their website, where you can sign up for food deliveries, is https://supportlives org, their email address is info@supportlives.org, and their phone number is (510) 541-6293..
Team Jesus at Golden Hills Community Church: Team Jesus has a Brentwood park and shop location at Golden Hills Church at 2401 Shady Willow Lane, starting at 12:30 p.m. on the following dates: April 12, June 14, Aug. 6, Oct. 11. Their phone number is 925-516-0653 and their email is info@goldenhills.org
St. Vincent de Paul Society at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church: The SVdP Society distributes food at Brentwood’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 500 Fairview Ave. from 7:30-11 a.m. on Fridays. Their website is http://svdp ihmbrentwood
Most food at the pantries goods come from donations to the community and senior centers, and especially churches, who run the programs.
com/#xl anchor start, their email address is svdpihmbrentwood@gmail.com, and their phone number is (925) 634-4154.
Seed of Faith Christian Fellowship: This church at 605 Harvest Park Drive, gives out food from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and on every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Their website is www sofcf org, their email address is seedoffaith@comcast.net, and their phone number is (925) 513-2970.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 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. in Brentwood from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon. For more info call 925-634-4154.
ANTIOCH
Agape International Church and Ministries: Located at 605 West Madill St., Agape’s Pastor John Ojewole opens his church’s food pantry every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. “Everyone who comes receives food, regardless of who they are or where
they come from,” Ojewole said. He also noted that many people arrive early, from 12:15-12:30 p.m., to better avoid long lines. Their website is www agapeicm org and their phone number is (925) 709-4424.
Antioch Ministerial Fellowship Food Closet: Located at 2507 San Jose Drive, this food pantry is for Antioch residents only, and you must provide proof of an Antioch address if you go. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Their phone number is (925) 757-1672.
Grace Arms of Antioch: The Grace Closet program provides food, clothing, and computer access at 3415 Oakley Road from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays to people “experiencing genuine financial challenges,” according to their website. They accept donations of shoes and clothes from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Their website is www gracearmsofantioch org and they can be contacted by phone at Option 5 after calling (925) 522-2017.
St. Vincent de Paul Society at Most Holy Rosary Church: This 150-year-old Catholic church at 21 East 15th St., Antioch hosts the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry for Antioch residents with ID and proof of residence from 9-10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Their website is https://holyrosaryantioch org, their email address is office@holyrosaryantioch.org, and their phone number is (925) 757-4020.
OTHERS
Delta Community Presbyterian Church Every Tuesday at: Byron: 2800 Camino Diablo Road, 8:30 a.m. Knightsen: 3090 Curlew Connex Road at 9:30 a.m.
Bethel Island: 6080 Bethel Island Road, 10:30 a..m.
Photo by Adobe Stock
News iN Brief
Friends of the Oakley Library receive $400,000 from Lesher Foundation for new building
The Friends of the Oakley Library has announced that the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has awarded the group $400,000. The money will be paid out over two years, with $200,000 given in both 2025 and 2026.
Money from this grant will go directly towards the construction of the new Oakley Library and Community Center. The Friends’ fundraising goal was to raise $1 million for the project, and they now have commitments for $980,000, all raised within 10 months, according to a press release.
“The Lesher Foundation’s generous gift will help Contra Costa County’s efforts to build libraries and other services that meet the needs of East County’s growing population,” District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis said in the release. “It takes the entire community to do big things, and the Lesher Foundation’s help will go a long way toward creating the new library and community center that Oakley and East County residents deserve.”
Oakley Mayor and Library Ad hoc Committee member Shannon Shaw said that “the City is thrilled to hear about the generous donation from the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation. These funds will absolutely help us build a new library and community center that can meet the needs of our residents. We give many thanks to the Friends of the Oakley Library, who have worked so incredibly hard the past year to bring funds and attention to this critical project.”
The Friends envision a space that everyone can enjoy, from storytimes for young children, study rooms and work areas for teens and adults, and programs for all ages.
For more information about the library project or to get involved, visit the Friends’ website at www.oakleylibrary.org/ or email the Friends at friendsoftheoakleylibrary@gmail.com.
More information can also be found at the City of Oakley’s website dedicated to the project at engage.oakleyca.gov/en/projects/oakleylibrary-and-community-center-1.
El Campanil Theatre to offer special concerts for seniors
El Campanil Theatre in Antioch is happy to announce a series of free concerts. These concerts are especially produced with seniors in mind. Each program will run approximately 2 hours and begin at 1 p.m. on a Thursday at El Campanil Theatre, 604 W. 2nd St. The first program is scheduled for Thursday, March 13.
The program will feature two-time Grammy award-winning Violinist and composer Mads Tolling. Guests will experience his groundbreaking Looper Show, where he blends classical virtuosity with cutting-edge looping technology to create a full orchestra sound – all with just a violin.
Each production will also feature an Easy County non-profit that specializes in assistance to seniors. The first show will feature Elderly Wish Foundation.
Future programs are scheduled for July 10 and Nov. 13.
All information and ordering tickets is at www.elcampaniltheatre.com. There is no charge for the tickets.
The shows results from a grant from the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund,
If you need assistance, all the box office staff at 925-757-9500.
County jury convicts two men of attempted murder in Antioch
A jury in Contra Costa County returned a guilty verdict on Feb. 18 convicted Lonnie Ray Decker and Steven Robert Kelly of the murder of Roberto Gonzalez-Lamas and the attempted murder of Richard O’Mary. The shooting occurred on Jan. 23, 2024, in Antioch.
Police responded to multiple gunshots on Bryan Avenue, where both victims were shot several times. Gonzalez-Lamas later died at a hospital, while O’Mary sustained severe injuries but survived.
Both defendants will remain in custody without bail. They will be sentenced by Judge Christopher Bowen in Martinez on June 6.
Man arrested in Antioch after firing gunshots at a woman
Antioch police officers used de-escalation tactics to take a man into custody on Feb. 23 after he allegedly fired shots at a 30-year-old woman in the 3000 block of Ash Street in
Antioch just before 4 a.m.
Antioch police responded to a call from the woman who reported that a man fired shots at her. The alleged victim was unharmed and was able to flee the scene, police said in a press release.
Additional calls were received by Antioch Police Dispatch regarding gunshots heard in the same area.
The alleged victim also informed officers that the man, Melvin Savoy, had gone back into the home, which was occupied by several individuals, including four children. Officers located the victim nearby. A perimeter was established, and officers made announcements for Savoy to exit the residence.
Initially, he refused to cooperate with officers’ requests and did not exit. Eventually, Savoy exited the residence, the press release said, but he did not comply with officers’ instructions. After several minutes of de-escalation efforts, Savoy was taken into custody without incident.
Officers checked on all occupants inside the home, including the children, and found they were unharmed during the incident.
Savoy was transported later to the Martinez Detention Facility where he was booked for suspected:
– assault with a firearm on a person
– domestic battery
– resisting arrest
– felon in possession of a firearm
– possession of a loaded firearm in public.
Members sought for the Public Advisory Committee
The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy seeks one individual or organization representative to fill a vacancy on the Public Advisory Committee to provide input on the implementation of the East Contra
Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan / Natural Community Conservation Plan to the Conservancy’s Governing Board.
The committee members represent a variety of interest groups, including three members from the development community, three representatives from the conservation community, three private landowners and/or agriculturalists, three representatives of suburban and/or rural residents within the Plan area, as well as staff members from public agencies.
Committee members are appointed for a four-year term and are expected to attend all committee meetings (four per year). The vacancy is for one suburban or rural resident from the plan area.
The committee meets quarterly to review and comment on the general implementation processes of the conservation plan, including providing input on implementation policies, budgeting, workplan, restoration projects, a small research grant program, the operation of preserves, adaptive management, and the adherence to plan commitments.
For more information on the plan and the role of the committee, visit http://www.cocohcp.org or contact Maureen Parkes (see below).
Application materials are available at: https://www.cocohcp.org/275/Public-Advisory-Committee
To be considered, applications must be received by Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m. either by mail or email at the following address (hard copy or electronic):
Maureen Parkes
East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy
30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553
Email: Maureen.Parkes@dcd.cccounty.us
Vera’s Travel Tips
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Due to hazardous debris left from the fire, it was imperative to protect the Los Angeles-area watersheds that provide the public’s drinking water, officials said.
Despite handling materials that could cause potential health issues, “I wasn’t nervous,” Manzo said. “We were certified to handle (hazardous materials). We did sweat in those suits, though. Got a good workout. The weather was good, the air quality was good.”
While the Eaton Fire had been put out by the time the corps arrived, other active fires in the Los Angeles area were only 20 to 25 percent contained. However, that did not stop the California Conservation Corps from completing one of the largest operations in the program’s history, according to the California Conservation Corps. More than 400 corps members across California were deployed for the watershed protection mission in areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Although Manzo is now 26, the California Conservation Corps will keep corps members who joined the program at an earlier age. The program offers oneto three-year contracts that pay through stipends and provides healthcare to its members, according to California Conservation Corps contracts.
Would he volunteer again? “ Yes, whether it comes up again, I’m always willing to volunteer and help out whenever I can,” he said. “For any young adult who doesn’t know what they want to do,
but wants to benefit from something to build up their resume, gain experience working with your hands, or get focused the (California Conservation Corps) program is really for those that want take advantage by putting their work forward. It’s not for everyone, as it can be physically demanding. But, it provides a wide range of jobs and routes that a person can go, and you’re helping the community.”
Manzo hopes his work in conservation projects, protecting California’s natural resources, during his time in the California Conservation Corps, and his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University, will help his pursuit of a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a game warden.
MANZO
Digger’s Diner expands into Discovery Bay
By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer
Digger’s Diner, a Brentwood restaurant that serves classic American diner food, has expanded with a second location in Discovery Bay. The new location officially opened on Dec. 20, after an unofficial opening on December 19.
The current owners of the eatery, sisters and business partners Yolanda Gonzalez and Yesenia Madrigal, who worked for the previous owner, took over the Brentwood location in October 2018. The Brentwood location has been open since 2008.
“My favorite part about owning Digger’s Diner is that I get to have fun doing something that I like with my family,” Gonzalez said.
The new location, at 2453 Discovery Bay Blvd., has an outdoor patio that overlooks the golf course at The Discovery Bay Golf and Country Club and pond.
“We fell in love with the location and we wanted to keep learning and keep growing so we felt like it was just the right
opportunity for us,” Gonzalez said.
While the menu and prices remain the same, the Discovery Bay location features a full bar and TVs.
Gonzalez said they wanted to incorporate the retro theme into the drink menu, which will feature drinks such as a Dirty Shirley, spiked coffee drinks and milkshakes with alcohol. They are running several drink specials.
“We just created a new drink menu,” Gonzalez said. “We’re just trying to have fun with it and stick to the theme.”
Gonzalez is most looking forward to
building new relationships as the business grows with a second location.
“We’d love to thank everybody for all of their patience and all of their support along the way,” Gonzalez said. “We’re really excited to be there. We’re looking forward to building those new relationships.”
Gonzalez has received positive feedback from customers since the opening in December. As there are not many breakfast spots in Discovery Bay, customers have expressed their content about having a new one locally now.
“They’re very happy,” Gonzalez said.
“ I think that we have pretty good products at a very reasonable price. I think that we are kind of like a happy medium for most people.
”
Yolanda Gonzalez
“They’re happy to have a local breakfast place now with reasonable prices.”
Digger’s Diner in Discovery Bay is open daily from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
“I think that we are willing to go the extra step to keep customers happy,” Gonzalez said. “We try really hard. I think that we have pretty good products at a very reasonable price. I think that we are kind of like a happy medium for most people.”
According to Gonzalez, they have received support not only from Discovery Bay residents, but from their Brentwood customers.
“Thats very encouraging and motivating for us,” Gonzalez said. “It keeps us going.”
For more information on Digger’s Diner, visit their website at https://diggers-diner-brentwood.eggscellent.site/.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
The new location, at 2453 Discovery Bay Blvd., has an outdoor patio that overlooks the golf course at The Discovery Bay Golf and Country Club and pond.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
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 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 510-559-0655 or Jasmine Pacheco at 925-2121-9222.
Shrek the Musical at Heritage High 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 through March 8, with two matinees. For tickets ($10-$14) and show information, visit www hhsrisingstars net
The Prom the Broadway Musical “The Prom”, presented by Freedom High School, is a Broadway musical about four fading Broadway stars who, seeking a cause to revive their careers, travel to a small conservative town in Indiana to support a high school student, Emma. She is banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom, creating a media frenzy and forcing the community to confront issues of acceptance and equality. The musical will be at the Freedom High School Performing Arts Theatre at 1050 Neroly Road in Oakley on Feb. 28 and March 1. General admission tickets are $15 per person. Student and senior citizen tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, visit https :// search seatyourself biz / webstore / accounts / freedomhs / buy - tix
Attention commercial venues!
Grease the Musical
Presented by Liberty High School Playmakers, performances will be Feb. 28, March 1, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on March 15 at 2 p.m. at 850 2nd St. in Brentwood. Tickets are $11-$16 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www lhsplaymakers com/tickets html 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/upcoming-events – Sponsored Listing
On the Horizon
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. 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 925-584-4086 or emailing janetfraz123@gmail.com. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and they can be purchased on EventBrite at https://bit ly/4gLKAKV Attendees should bring their Eventbrite ticket with them for admission.
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$47 and includes the driver’s tip. There will be a regular bonus $20 on the player’s card. There will be extra cash or gifts for new card members. The bus will leave the Oakley Senior Center parking lot, 215 Second St., at 8 a.m. Attendees will have five hours to gamble, look around and eat. The bus will arrive home around 5 p.m. Reservations must be made by March 17. To make a reservation, call the Oakley Senior Center at 925-6267223 or Allan at 925-265-3417.
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 well-being of Brentwood. This gala at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. starts at 6:30 p.m. and expresses gratitude and celebrates their contributions. 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 . Saturday, April 12
Brentwood’s Community Day of Service
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, 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
The Press is excited to announce we are now allowing commercial venues, bars and for-profit events to list your events in The Press’s weekly printed community calendar. For only $25 per week, it will include 55-60 words or a 380-390 character count with bigger 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 Fridays publication at ads@brentwoodpress.com or call 925-634-1441. Fridays, March 7 – April 11 • 5:00–7:30pm
Tuesday, March 18
Oakley Seniors Casino Bus Trip to Cache Creek
Presented by Oakley Seniors and Alexandra Bus company, the casino bus trip will include bingo, a 50/50 raffle, snack and water. Tickets are
Brentwood’s second annual Community Day of Service will kick off at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road, with most projects beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. More than 20 local nonprofits and service groups are involved. Attendees can meet city leaders, bring donated items, participate in a project, enjoy kids activities, and visit local nonprofit booths. For more information or to submit a project idea, visit https://www brentwoodca gov/government/city-manager/ community- day- of-service#ad-image -0 Oakley’s Day of Service
Oakley’s first Day of Service will be from 8 a.m.-noon at 1250 O’Hara Ave. This is a chance to maintain the beauty of Oakley through a variety of volunteer projects. All residents are invited. For more information or to register, visit https://secure rec1.com/CA/oakley- ca/ catalog
Monday, April 28
Patriots Parent’s Organization first annual Golf Tournament
A day of golfing will support the Heritage High School Patriot Parents first annual golf tournament. Hosted by the Heritage High School PPO, the event will take place at the Lone Tree Golf Course, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. The funds raised will benefit the Heritage High School PPO. Registration starts at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. A tri tip lunch will be served at 1 p.m. and an awards ceremony will start at 2 p.m. Included in the price are 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, and lunch. There will also be raffles. To purchase tickets, visit https:// www successfund com/jvgx6
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://e - clubhouse org/sites/byron delta/
Oakley Senior Center
Food Distribution
The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags. It also hosts a flea market, vendor fair, which includes trinkets, arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, happens the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Table space is $10 or 3 for $25. For details, call Jim Fridas at 925-813-1007 or the senior center at 925-626-7223.
Hope House Food Distribution
The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.
IHMC Food Distribution
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.
Local students share their perspectives on local and national news. To submit, send to editor@brentwoodpress.com
Oakley music teacher to bring ‘decorated pianos’ to Brentwood
Jump-started by Oakley-based music teacher
Laura Cook and inspired by Walnut Creek’s painted pianos, the Delta Decorated Piano initiative is sparking support for more accessible music education in Brentwood.
Youth writer
The initiative aims to approve short-term installations of public pianos in Brentwood community spaces. According to Cook, these pianos would “encourage the public to interact together” and inspire “musical discovery,” especially for children and families who may not have had exposure to instruments. Furthermore, these pianos would come from residents, decorated by local artists, and later donated to specialty
organizations, schools, and/or community nonprofits.
In addition to encouraging community building through music, the initiative aims to give local busi-
nesses and music teachers the opportunity to sponsor a piano. Tentatively, the sponsorship would cover the piano’s maintenance fees, and the initiative would advertise the business/donor’s services.
“From young to old, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t benefit from this,” Cook said.
An official proposal for the project is underway, and the priority is to gather more public support. If you would like to provide input on the project, feel free to offer public comments to City of Brentwood officials, or refer to the following survey: tinyurl.com/deltapianos.
If you and/or your business would like to get involved, contact deltadecoratedpianos@gmail.com or @ deltadecoratedpianos on Instagram or Facebook.
Rachel Lei is a junior at Heritage High School
Proud to be one of Brentwood’s best burgers, Digger’s Diner is the place to go for a quality meal. Choose from a list of 15 burgers, made with only the freshest ground beef and produce. Whether you want a classic burger, mushroom swiss or a patty melt, the chefs have something for everyone – even turkey burgers for those watching their calorie intake.
2261 Balfour Road, Brentwood 925-240-8958
2453 Discovery Bay Blvd., Discovery Bay 925-420-3942
Adobe stock photo
O pini O n
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
Downtown Brentwood fire station will return life-saving services County
It’s been more than 10 years since the permanent closure of East Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s Station 54. But thanks to Contra Costa County’s Measure X and the 2022 merger of East Contra Costa Fire into Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, downtown Brentwood will soon have a revitalized fire station.
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Longtime residents will remember that multiple fire departments have used a fire station at 739 First St., beginning with the Brentwood Fire District in 1928 and most recently East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD). When the fire district was forced to close Station 54 in September 2014, it was due to the financial difficulties of a small fire district serving an ever-growing East County population after the Great Recession. But the need for fire and EMS services never decreased.
Thankfully, the merger into Contra Costa Fire and voters’ passage of the
countywide Measure X sales tax have increased service levels in East County. While the fire protection district had only nine firefighters on duty at any time to cover 249 square miles, Contra Costa Fire now has funding to cover that same area with more than double the staff – 19 firefighters and paramedics who can carry out advanced life support in an emergency.
This year, Station 94 will be constructed on the site of the former Station 54 to bring back the fire protection and emergency medical services that Central and East Brentwood deserve. There has been some misinformation spread about whether a fire station can still fit in downtown Brentwood. Allow me to share the facts about incoming Station 94:
–Station 94 is in the perfect location to address the needs of the majority of Brentwood. Contra Costa Fire has mapped the density of calls for service in East County, and the largest, densest area of need is around downtown Brentwood, exactly around the planned Station 94 site.
–The Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. will continue to operate fully on County-owned land that the veterans groups lease for $1 per year. While Contra Costa Fire owns the parcel for the station, the neighboring parcel for
Downtown is wrong place for fire station
Editor:
the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building is owned by the County. Contra Costa County staff, Contra Costa Fire leadership, my staff and I have been consulting since 2023 with the veterans groups using the building. We have granted an easement for their wheelchair ramp and earmarked $350,000 to improve the building, including adding permitted storage and official on-site handicapped parking.
The Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building is here to stay, and it is located on County- owned land. Fire responses from Station 94 will not interfere with outdoor special events, parades or farm-
ers markets in downtown Brentwood. Station 94 will have Type I and Type III fire engines, which are smaller and more maneuverable than ladder trucks.
Fire and ambulance responses downtown currently have no navigational issues.
Locating Station 94 on First Street is the best use of taxpayer dollars and the fastest way to build a station in Brentwood’s area of greatest need. Building a station on land that Contra Costa Fire already owns saves taxpayers millions of dollars and potentially years of delays to search out and purchase a new parcel and complete new environmental reviews.
Residents should fully understand what their county government is doing to make them safe and improve the important community buildings that honor our veterans. Please read the facts at my website and on Contra Costa Fire’s FAQ page about the new stations.
• District 3 Website: contracosta. ca.gov/District3
• Contra Costa Fire: www.cccfpd.org/ new-stations/
If you have questions, call my office at 925-655-2330 or email supervisor_burgis@bos.cccounty.us
Diane Burgis is a County Supervisor whose district includes Brentwood.
Letters to the editor
Brentwood residents deserve answers about downtown fire station
Editor:
Call or sign up online: 925-634-1441 www.thepress.net/subscribe
Publisher & Editor Greg Robinson
Controller Sandie McNulty
Production Manager Eric Kinnaird
Ad Services Manager Connie O’Neill
Associate Editor Jake Menez
Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures
In response to the Feb. 21 editorial regarding Fire Station 94, the First Street location is absolutely the wrong place for a fire station. It was a good site in the 1920s when Brentwood was a fraction of the population it is today and no traffic.
Downtown is a wonderful place for families to eat and visit, enjoy parades and visit the library and park. Brentwood encourages new businesses to move downtown. The new fire trucks are huge. They do not fit in that location. Oak Street is a mess with traffic to and from Liberty High School or other activities downtown.
Even if the fire trucks turned left instead of right, they still have to drive on Brentwood Boulevard. It’s fine if you go north but not south.
Look at the fire station on John Muir Parkway. It’s beautiful and roomy. You see the firemen washing their trucks outside. It’s so easy for them to take off from there. And last but not least, that property on First Street belongs to the veterans.
Luci Flynn Brentwood
There are a lot of questions swirling around out there about the new fire department being built at the same location in downtown Brentwood that it was built on in the 1920s.
(1) Why no traffic study? Brentwood has changed drastically since the first station was originally built. Also since the current station’s closure in 2014.
(2) Why no CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) study?
(3) Have there been any public meetings for input?
(4) Who actually owns the property? If the property was funded by a special tax for the veterans in the 1920s, then the property should still be theirs. If the city or county is claiming the property, then there should be some documentation of proof of purchase from the veterans for that property.
(5) What about the effects on the businesses downtown for deliveries and parking?
(6) What about the alley behind
the station that will be used by fire department? Can it handle the weight of the fire trucks? What about the businesses that use the alley? Will they have to change ways they run their businesses to accommodate the fire department?
(7) Does the city/county own property that might be a better site for a fire department?
So many unanswered questions. But the number one concern should be about public safety. There needs to be a traffic study to evaluate response time. Is there a map available to the public showing the area that this fire department will be responding to for calls?
I would hope that response time is the most important item that our government officials are studying before approving this project.
As a lifelong resident of this area and business owner, I hope that the city will grant a injunction on this project until the residents get answers to the above questions.
Linda Wilson Brentwood
BURGIS
Liberty boys basketball ready for State
Lions bounce
back with win
over Cal, await Tournament playoff seeding
By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent
The Liberty boys basketball team bounced back from their opening-round playoff loss with a 74-58 Wednesday night victory over the visiting California Grizzlies to finish in fifth place in the North Coast Section Open Division bracket.
After struggling to make shots in their first-round loss to Dublin, the Lions had one of their finest shooting performances of the year, making 11 three-pointers en route to their 16 point win.
“It was big because guys felt we didn’t play our best basketball (against Dublin),” Lions’ head coach Rich Morton said following the win over the Grizzlies. “We talked about some things we did wrong against Dublin, and we just wanted to come out and correct those areas. We felt, had we knocked a few shots down against Dublin, the game would have been a lot different.”
After he scored just three points in their playoff loss to Dublin, sophomore
guard Jaiden Miller led the team in scoring Wednesday night with 24 points, including three three-pointers. Senior forward Andrew Vixon scored 12, including two dunks in the second half that energized the home crowd.
Liberty opened up the game with two quick layups, which prompted a timeout from California. Coming out of the timeout, the Grizzlies went on an 11-0 run.
Morton said during his own timeout, he was able to get his team back on track.
“I told the guys they play in a tough league so they’re not going to give up,” Morton said. “They’re gonna continue to fight and we knew we had to stay on course and we knew they were gonna make a run.”
By halftime, Liberty led 35-24. But in the third quarter the Lions would extend
their lead to 20 thanks to the team getting hot from beyond the arc.
Liberty opened the second-half with three straight three-pointers to lead 45-33 midway through the third quarter. The Lions would score 22 points in the quarter.
“When you’re making shots, kids’ energy starts to go up a lot more,” Morton said. “We were knocking down shots, so guys were more energetic and flying all over the place. Sometimes when you’re not knocking down shots, guys put their heads down and don’t give that energy like they’re supposed to. But, tonight was different.”
Because they made the Open Division bracket, Liberty is guaranteed a spot in the state playoffs. Seedings for playoffs will be revealed Sunday, March 2, and Morton said he feels his team needs to increase their energy level as the stakes continue to grow.
“Depending on where they seed us, I think the kids are just ready to play no matter what,” Morton said. “But in the same token, we got to get better in practice every single day because we don’t know who we’re playing. It could be a good or a bad thing. But at the same token, we just got to continue to stick with our principles we’ve been doing all season long.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Liberty softball feels pressure, but stays confident
Lady Lions remain confident after Opening-Day loss
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
For the first time in a long time, Liberty’s softball team finds themselves in unfamiliar territory – defending Bay Valley Athletic League champions with a new bullseye on their back as one of the top teams in the Bay Area last season after recording their best record in nearly 30 years.
So, does Liberty recognize the newlyfound pressures of being at the top of the league in 2025? Yes, according to head coach Brandi Macias.
The real question entering 2025 isn’t whether or not the team can compete. The question is how they handle the pressure of staying on top.
After Tuesday’s season opener, the Lions seem to be feeling the early heat.
“There’s definitely pressure on them,” Macias said after Tuesday’s 7-3 Opening Day loss to Tracy at home. “But people say pressure is a privilege. Pressure is what
you make of it, and I think they’re sometimes trying to do more than what they need to be doing, they’re thinking a little bit too much.”
“But we’ve only had two practices together (as a team), so this is not peak time. This is growth, and we’re going to continue doing that.”
The Lions showed some of their firepower from last year, highlighted by junior Kaitlyn Macias’ two-run homer in the third inning, and a pair of twohit games by returners Isabella Rice and Madison Tuttle. However, they also
Liberty’s Kaitlyn Macias hits a home run in the Lions’ seasonopening game Tuesday afternoon against Tracy in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
showed signs of rust defensively, committing four errors on the day, three of which led to Bulldogs runs.
Liberty had a chance to stage yet another one of their signature multi-run, late-inning rallies that they displayed in non-conference play last season after loading the bases down 6-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning. However, two strikeouts and a flyout ended the comeback effort.
Kaitlyn Macias, the junior pitcher and first baseman, isn’t worried about the team’s slow start, even after Tuesday’s loss
to start the season.
“We had a great year (last year),” she said. “This is how we started last year, we lost our first non-conference games, then we won the rest from there on out. So, I think, it’s just the little jitters, little things to work out and we’ll be fine from there.”
Tuesday’s Opening Day loss extends their losing streak in season openers to 11 straight with the last season-opening win – 8-6 against Washington High of Fremont – in 2014.
Last year, the Lions started the season 0-2 before winning the next 12 games in a row. In the first year under Macias, Liberty started 0-5 before turning things around in BVAL play, going 7-3 then to reach the playoffs.
“I don’t worry about these girls at all,” Brandi Macias said. “I have so much confidence in them and I see what they put in day to day. If this is an example of what the last couple of seasons have been like, I have all the confidence in the world.”
The Lions host East Union High of Manteca on Monday at 3:30 p.m before their first road test of the season at Granada in Livermore on Tuesday.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Liberty’s Andrew Vixon dunks the ball during the third quarter of the Lions’ fifth-place game in the North Coast Section Open bracket against California High School Wednesday night in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Sponsored by Train Smarter + Harder
Izzy Tognolini
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Liberty wrestling sends three to State
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
A trio of Liberty wrestlers are heading to the CIF State tournament in Bakersfield after their top placements in last weekend’s North Coast Section tournaments.
David Calkins Jr. (192-pound) and Christopher Anderson (122-pound) each won individual NCS titles at the NCS boys wrestling tournament at James Logan High School in Union City, while Rosa Diaz (170-pound) took second place in the girls tournament at Albany High School in Albany. All three are heading to this weekend’s CIF State tournament in Bakersfield.
For Calkins Jr, the NCS championship is his third in a row as he becomes the first Liberty wrestler to become a three-time NCS champion. Liberty boys wrestling as a team took second place overall with 181.5 at the NCS tournament meet as Windsor took the team title with 187.5 points.
Liberty had six others finish in the top 10 in the NCS tournament weekend, including Attilio Del Monte taking third place in the 152-pound bracket in the boys tournament.
Elsewhere, the defending BVAL champion Heritage girls wrestling saw one of their wrestlers reach the NCS semifinals as Gianelin Trejo defeated Romi Green of San Leandro by technical fall in the 130-pound quarterfinal, but fell to eventual 130-pound champion Savannah Talmadge of Clayton
Valley in the semifinal matchup. Liliana Trujillo (100-pounds), Jaycelin Smith (135-pounds), Makyla Carillo (145-pounds), and Brooklyn Tuttle (155-pounds) also reached the Round of 16 in their respective brackets
For Heritage’s boys side, Caden Keith reached the semifinals of the 159-pound bracket, falling to Casa Grande’s Caleb Quintua, and Osiris Dossey (134-pounds) reached the Round of 16 in the consolation bracket where he fell to Livermore’s Jace Whatley.
BVAL runner-up Freedom sent a total of 21 total wrestlers between the boys and girls teams to NCS last weekend. Marcelo Garibay (217-pounds) finished in eighth place in his bracket, and both Andrea Luna (110-pounds) and Julia Hermosillo (145-pounds) took fifth and fourth place on the girls side, respectively.
Photo courtesy Liberty wrestling
Liberty’s David Calkins Jr. (left) and Christopher Anderson (right) and head coach Alex Encarnacion (middle).
Heritage girls soccer season ends in NCS semifinals
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Heritage’s girls soccer team’s North Coast Section playoff run ended in Tuesday’s semifinal matchup in the same fashion that the Patriots have experienced the postseason throughout the last week – dramatically.
The 12-seed Patriots fell 2-1 at Maria Carrillo in Santa Rosa as a goal in the 72nd minute sent the Pumas through to the NCS Division 3 championship game where they will play seventhseeded Petaluma. They defeated Castro Valley 4-3 on penalty kicks in the other semifinal matchup.
“It was a hell of a season,” Heritage head girls soccer coach Sienna Zabroski said. “We definitely had our ups and downs, but I could not be any more proud of this team.”
Down 1-0 at halftime, Heritage tied the match in just minutes after the halftime whistle in the 49th minute on a goal by senior Baylee Gregerson. Maria Car-
“ We definitely had our ups and downs, but I could not be any more proud of this team. ”
goalkeeper Julianna Ruvalcaba denied the Peregrine Falcons on three straight penalty kicks in San Anselmo, then Heritage upset fourthseeded Montgomery 2-1 in Santa Rosa last Friday to reach Tuesday night’s semifinal.
Zabroski
Heritage head girls soccer coach Sienna
rillo took the initial lead with a goal in the 23rd minute.
“All I asked for as a coach is for the players, on the field and on the bench, to give their all until the final whistle, and that’s exactly what they did (Tuesday) night,” Zabroski added.
The loss in the semifinals caps the Patriots’ best postseason run in nearly 14 years, with Heritage reaching the semifinals for just the second time in program history and the first since 2010-11.
Heritage defeated Archie Williams 3-0 in penalty kicks in the opening round of the NCS playoffs last week as
The Patriots finish the season with an overall 10-9 record, their second-straight double-digit win season, second campaign of 10 or more wins in the last three seasons, and with a 7-3 record in Bay Valley Athletic League play, good for third place in the league.
Heritage’s 61 total goals scored marks the secondstraight season of 60 or more goals for the Patriots and falls just one goal shy of their record 62 goals scored a year ago. Gregerson led the team with 20 goals this season
By Dale S. Satre Correspondent
with fellow senior Isabella Tognolini tallying 10. As for next season, Zabroski said that “I will miss my graduating class so much, and am incredibly honored to have been a part of their soccer journeys. For my returners, they are ready to get back into this in seven months and make our school proud again.
Brentwood school district announces top employees
The Brentwood Union School District has announced its 2024-25 Employees of the Year. “Amie, Uma and Esther have a profound positive impact on students and families every single day in our schools,” said Superintendent Dana Eaton said. “We are honored to share these exemplary employees who so positively represent our 13 schools and over 1,200 employees.”
Teacher of the Year
Amie Radabaugh - 8th grade teacherAdams Middle School
Mrs. Radabaugh is in her 12th year of teaching. She takes on many leadership roles on campus including Language Arts Lead, Advisory Lead, English Language Development Lead and End of Year Activities Lead. Amie firmly believes that every child can learn and succeed when provided with the right tools, encouragement, and support. She sees education as a means to empower students, helping them build the skills they need for future success while encouraging a love for learning.
“Amie understands that strong
relationships are at the heart of effective teaching,” Adams Principal Lauren Griggs said. “She takes the time to know her students personally, celebrating their achievements and supporting them through challenges. She creates a sense of belonging in her classroom, where students feel encouraged to take risks and express themselves. As a professional, she is always the first to volunteer.“
Classified Support Staff Members of the Year (Tie)
Uma Steinhauer - Secretary - Montañez Elementary School
Mrs. Steinhauer is the lead school secretary of the new Montañez Elementary School. She previously served as the district office receptionist. Mrs. Steinhauer takes on so many responsibilities across the school campus that it is difficult to find her at her desk. You will typically find her running down the halls trying to help students, parents and staff.
With a big heart and an unwavering commitment to the school community, Uma handles everything with patience and grace. She fosters a warm and wel-
coming environment in the front office, ensuring that new students feel at home, often giving them personal tours to ease their transition. Whether she’s setting out traffic cones, changing toner, stepping in as a nurse, helping teachers set up accounts, or organizing the office to keep things running smoothly, she does it all with efficiency and care.
Montañez Principal Danielle Daubin said, “Uma is one of the first to arrive each morning and one of the last to leave, proving time and again that her dedication to IME knows no bounds. Uma is deeply respected and admired by her coworkers, who often express their gratitude for her dedication and impact.”
Esther Lee - Kitchen Production Manager - Ron Nunn Elementary School
Ms. Lee is the kitchen production manager at Ron Nunn Elementary, managing a team that serves several hundred meals each and every school day. She strives to have an efficient kitchen that provides healthy meals in a warm and inviting environment every month.
Ms. Lee credits her wonderful Ron
Nunn food services team for all of the accolades her department has received.
Ms. Lee is a master of organization and efficiency, ensuring that every meal service runs smoothly and on time. Her ability to juggle multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of attention to detail is remarkable. From managing daily meal schedules to overseeing the logistics of field trips, she handles it all with grace and precision. Her creativity shines through in the cafeteria’s monthly decorations. Each month, she transforms the space with fresh, fun themes that make the environment even more inviting. These thoughtful touches create a warm, engaging atmosphere that brightens the day for everyone who walks through the cafeteria doors.
“Esther is an incredible example of dedication to both her role as the cafeteria lead and to the Ron Nunn School community,” Ron Nunn Principal Nick Casey said. “Every single student at Ron Nunn receives a birthday treat, and their faces absolutely light up when they receive it. It’s a personal touch that makes them feel special and celebrated on their big day. Her consistent efforts to make students feel seen and important truly speak to her heart for this school and its community.”
McLaughlin honored by ACSA Friends of Education
Retired Brentwood Union School District teacher Lisa McLaughlin has been named the recipient of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Friends of Education Award, the Brentwood Union School District announced.
This annual recognition honors individuals and organizations that provide exceptional support to local schools, and McLaughlin’s dedication to education has left an indelible impact on students and educators alike, according to a press release from the district. The award will be presented during a ceremony at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center on March 4.
McLaughlin’s dedication to education and her community exemplifies the spirit of the ACSA Friends of Education Award, the press release said. Her passion, leadership, and tireless efforts continue
MCLAUGHLIN
to enrich the lives of countless students, teachers, and families. Her contributions are a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the future of education.
Throughout her career, McLaughlin
has worn many hats in education. She was as a kindergarten teacher in Inglewood, a teacher at Dainty School where she spent three years shaping young minds, a GATE (Gifted and Talented) instructor, a middle school teacher at Edna Hill, and a fifthgrade teacher at Loma Vista. At Edna Hill, she played a crucial role in producing two school plays and taught physical education, home economics, art, and science.
She also introduced the region to the Odyssey of the Mind program, a program that encourages students to develop creative problem-solving skills. This program later made its way to the school district.
Even after retiring in 2014, she returned as a substitute teacher in the Brentwood Union School District in September 2015 and continues to take assignments. Her contributions to the district extend far beyond the classroom. She
spearheaded the Art Docent Program, which brings art education to students across the district’s 13 schools. She coordinates meetings, secures funding, curates lessons, and oversees the district-wide Art Show at the Brentwood Community Center that showcases student artwork and recognizes outstanding pieces with awards for Best of Show and grade-level winners.
McLaughlin also served as a Sunday School teacher and has volunteered as a docent at the Byer Nail House, a historical site operated by the East Contra Costa Historical Society.
“It is hard to believe that Lisa has been retired for a decade as I am always running into her at schools,” said district Superintendent Dana Eaton. “This community is so fortunate to have Lisa contributing so much. Her continual contributions to Brentwood and our students is inspiring.”
Worship Services
$13.5 million, the library could be expanded to 13,500 square feet in size.
“We feel like this number, although it’s a large number…our financial picture still looks good,” McMurray said. “We’re able to complete all the projects that have been directed and prioritized by the City Council, and this is an opportunity for us to try to build the [library’s] first phase as big as possible from the get-go.”
Councilmember George Fuller congratulated the Friends of the Oakley Library for their fundraising efforts. He also approved the additional funds, and suggested that moving the library site to a new plot two blocks west of the northwest corner of Main Street and Vintage Parkway may “provide greater returns” to the city.
Vice Mayor Hugh Henderson saw the new library as a starting point for potential expansions a few years down the line and something that should begin as soon as possible before costs increase even more.
Councilmember Aaron Meadows expressed gratitude at the library finally being built, as the project has been discussed for “over 30 years.”
Public commenters also supported the $3 million transfer. Liz Fuller, the treasurer of the Friends of the Oakley Library, noted that the additional square footage could be used for study rooms, book sales, computers, and furniture, and that the library needed to be high quality because she expected it to last over 50 years.
“It feels like this is the one shot Oakley has to provide a good library within the city budget,” Liz Fuller said.
Friends president Lorena Campos spoke on the widespread support for the library among Oakley residents. She said, support
League from page 1
is so strong that many people believe that the library is already under construction. Friends supporter and fundraiser Angela Lowry read out a list of businesses that support the library project, including Dutch Bros Coffee, Amazon, Safeway, and Black Bear Diner.
In addition to the large sum approved for the Oakley Library, McMurray and administrative services director Jeri Tejeda recommended that $185,000 be transferred to the renovation project for the Oakley Senior Center, which will soon be located in two connected studio buildings behind the Recreational Center.
This money will be used to acquire new flooring, paint, accessible doors, awnings, running water connections, cabinets, program and first aid supplies, and technology, according to the presentation, as well as for staff hiring, and will be a one-time cost.
McMurray and Tejeda asked for this money to cover costs while they await a potential Measure X senior services grant of up to $250,000 that will be awarded to them in March.
Tejeda explained to the council that one room of the new Senior Center would be used for dining and the other for socializing. The Senior Center organization may choose to remain a nonprofit. But after the move, all of their programming will be handled by city staff, including those senior volunteers who wish to continue providing services while being paid for their work. The center will be open to all seniors over 55 and will have an $25 annual membership fee. Tejeda assured the council that, like the Antioch Senior Center and its dropbox system, the new Oakley Senior Center will have some way of gauging members’ desires for programming and amenities. As part of the new schedule, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday
Pierson’s comment came in the wake of public comments on the discussion topic during which organizers of other local leagues expressed a combination of interest in partnering with the city and frustration at the lack of a bidding process.
The council split the difference by agreeing that a partnership with Grace Arms would be a stopgap to get kids in the area into a basketball league now and that the city could then look into accepting proposals for a different program in the future. To this end, the council tasked city staff with developing a plan for setting up a process in which different programs could propose a partnership with the city going forward. Key factors the city will look at include the location of the program, accessibility for individuals with disabilities and what age ranges will be served by the program.
For more information, visit www gracearmsofantioch org/midnight-bb
In other council news:
During the public comment period at the start of the meeting, members of local veteran organizations spoke out to express their displeasure with the location of the new Station 94, a fire station being built next to the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building on First Street. The main point of contention expressed by the veterans is that the station is in the wrong spot and would not be able to effectively serve the downtown area while also taking away some of their land. For more about this topic, including a comment from County Supervisor Diane Burgis, see page 10.
The full meeting can be watched at https://bit
to Thursday, there will be a daily lunch provided by Cafe Costa.
Numerous members of the Senior Center’s board and organization were present at the council meeting, and their opinions were varied. Some, like Donna Baker, were pleased with the city’s assistance in moving to a new location. Though they mourned their old building, they were confident that they could make the new one work.
Others, like board member Diane Merritt, were displeased with the center’s shortened hours and lack of public transport options, and feared the impact this would have on disabled and working members of the center, especially since the seniors themselves will not have keys to the Recreational Center if they need to get in after hours, on weekends, or during holidays.
Still others, including Mike Castro, criticized the lack of space for the Senior Center’s numerous partnerships with nonprofits such as Meals on Wheels and Veterans of Oakley, as well as their food pantry program.
“You’re trying to help us, but trying to kill us at the same time, it looks like,” Castro said.
The City Council supported transferring the renovation money to the new Senior Center, and also agreed to waive center membership fees until 2026, as the center will not have a full year of services in 2025 due to being scheduled to open in May. Mayor Shannon Shaw assuaged concerns about a lack of hours and days by pointing out that the seniors could reserve more days beyond what their city-given schedule includes, and asked for patience while the center’s scheduling and programs are finalized. Councilmember Anissa Williams suggested that those people who receive food from the current Senior Center’s pantry could find new
distribution sites.
George Fuller lauded the increase in senior lunches at the new center as a chance for people to socialize because in American culture, “we socialize around the table.”
He said his hope that the lunches will help make the local members of the “lonely generation” less lonely, and concurred with board members’ concerns about a lack of transportation, which he hoped would be resolved. Henderson saw the new senior center as a starting point, much like the library.
“Is it the Cadillac that everyone wants? Probably not. But it’s a great start, and it can be built upon and improved,” he said.
Meadows approved of the senior center renovations, and like Henderson, hoped to build upon the initial programs and scheduling of the new senior center to potentially fit in more activities. Until then, the Senior Center organization would get to be “the fun makers,” and “focus on socialization.”
Meadows also made the motion to approve the entire mid-year budget adjustment, which passed unanimously.
In other council news:
• The mid-year budget revision also included the transfer of $8 million to the second phase of the East Cypress Road improvement project, spread between the Road Maintenance and Rehab fund, the Traffic Impact Fee fund, and the Street Maintenance and Rehab fund.
• The City Council held a work session to discuss making a new contract with Mount Diablo Resource Recovery, which has provided solid waste disposal services for Oakley since 2010. The new contract would contain higher service standards and allow for the possibility of additional services. It would also automatically renew upon expiration each year.
Quick Quack car wash fundraiser helps two Oakley families
Oakley’s new Quick Quack car wash donated $17,000 to Bertha and Ma. Dolores, two parishioners of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, as part of the grand opening of the car wash at 1054 Laurel Road in Oakley on Feb. 17. Bertha is active in her community, volunteering and helping at events year round. Ma. Dolores also goes above and beyond to help those around her, organizers of the event said. The money being donated to them is to help with their bills due to recent hardships they have experienced. “We are excited to expand our Quick Quack service and convenience to Oakley,” said Jason Johnson, CEO of Quick Quack, in a press release.
Photo courtesy of Weblative Media
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