The Press 03.01.2024

Oakley investigates ransomware attack

State of emergency declared in town

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The ransomware attack on Feb. 22 that triggered a state of emergency in Oakley on Feb. 23 is under investigation, City Manager Josh McMurray says.

“The City learned of the cybersecurity threat on February 22nd,” Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro said via email. “Our IT Division immediately took action and engaged with law enforcement and cybersecurity and technology experts to begin addressing the issue. The next day, the City Manager declared the state of emergency and partially activated the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to allow the City to ex-

pedite the procurement of equipment, materials, and services related to the incident.”

The activation of the Emergency

Operations Center means that all city employees were given official notice that they are on standby for reporting to work at any time when needed during the de-

Street, mobile vendors may get new rules to follow

Brentwood City Council takes first step

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The Brentwood City Council took the first step in a twostep process to change the municipal code around sidewalk and mobile vendors as part of their Feb. 27 meeting. The vote in favor of the changes was 5-0.

Although the Council will still need to adopt the changes to the municipal code at their next meeting – the second part of the two-step process – Interim City Attorney Katherine Wisin-

“ Sometimes things we do at a bureaucratic level stifle people from having the opportunity to reach the American Dream.

Councilmember Pa’tanisha Pierson

ski said that does not mean the item is up for reconsideration. It is standard procedure and the approval will be part of the consent calendar at the next meeting. Once that approval happens, the new rules for sidewalk vendors will take effect on April 12 and those for mobile vendors on June 1.

The Brentwood municipal code defines a vendor as a business of selling things such as food and drink, merchandise or

goods. Examples of sidewalk vendors include people selling hot dogs out of mobile carts or selling flowers on the corner. Mobile vendors include food trucks and other similar services being offered out of a trailer or vehicle.

The new stipulations are extensive, Director of Community Development Alexis Morris said during the meeting. They in-

see New Rules page 18

clared emergency, Navarro said. The last time the city activated it was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A state of emergency is defined in Oakley’s municipal code as “the actual or threatened existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within this City caused by such conditions as air pollution, fire, flood, storm, epidemic, riot, or earthquake, or other conditions, including conditions resulting from war or imminent threat of war, but other than conditions resulting from a labor controversy, which conditions are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this City, requiring the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat.”

see Ransomware page 18

East Cypress Road widening projects start this spring

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

East Cypress Road, a main thoroughfare linking Oakley with Bethel Island and the Summer Lakes neighborhood, is set to undergo a series of widening projects in connection with housing developments in the area.

Originally constructed by Contra Costa County as a twolane road before the City of Oakley was incorporated, East Cypress Road was designed to accommodate the low traffic volumes of what were primarily agricultural properties along its corridor. In recent years, however,

several sections of East Cypress Road have been widened and reconstructed along the new Emerson Ranch, Delaney Park, and Cypress Crossing subdivisions. These improvements have included a new four-lane roadway, bicycle lanes, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, street lights, traffic signals, landscaping, and a new storm drain system.

“The section of East Cypress Road from Knightsen Avenue to west of Jersey Island Road will be fully reconstructed with the above-mentioned improvements,” said Oakley Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro. “The

see Cypress page 18

The Press graphic

Pioneer students enjoy Oratorical

Annual ceremony honors Black History Month

by Alex DeLuna Correspondent

The Pioneer Parents Club hosted their second annual Oratorical Fest and Showcase at Pioneer Elementary School in Brentwood that featured students delivering poetry recitations, speeches, dances and monologues by influential African- American figures and bringing to attention topics that revolve around the Black experience.

The Feb. 22 event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Pioneer Parents Club co-chairs Twila Long and Tamara Osivwemu, as well as principal Casey McClure.

“Now in its second year, the Oratorical event has already become an annual tradition at Pioneer,” McClure said.

The student performers brought history to the stage by researching and highlighting the stories of Black poets, speakers, and writers so parents, friends, family and school staff could see how they learned about and celebrated Black History month.

“The Pioneer school leadership and Brentwood school district have supported events like this one in the past and now

other schools like Ron Nunn Elementary have been inspired to partner with Pioneer Elementary,” Osivwemu said.

“We plan on deepening more of the awareness of the Black origin and excellence, “ Long said. “A lot of the icons that have set the stage and bar have been attributed to American history, particularly

Downtown Brentwood gets 8 new parking spaces

The City of Brentwood and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District have teamed up to add eight temporary parking spaces downtown. More downtown parking was a discussion topic at a recent town hall meeting with City Manager Tim Ogden. The suggestion was to use the space in front of the Downtown Fire Station project for additional parking. The parking spaces next to the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building will be available for at least the next six months and will allow residents some additional front-row parking for shopping at the local shops, grabbing a bite to eat downtown or visiting the weekend farmers market. Town hall meetings are the opportunity to share ideas and concerns, and talk directly to the city manager to get things done. Great job by everyone involved. For more information on the next town hall meeting, visit www.brentwood.ca.gov.

with a focus on artists this year.”

Osivwemu added: “We are very excited and hope people really just have a good time. That there is joy, excitement and connection across families and communities by exposure. People will be able to hear of artists, authors and poets that they may have never heard of before, from the mouths of our kids. That is the perfect way to be exposed, it is to learn more through our own kids.”

“Right at the heart of what the Oratorical really is,” Long said.

McClure, who is in his sixth year as school principal, said school staff was not sure how many students would participate at first. He said the turnout at the first such event last year was great, so

staff followed up with a second oratorical by adding a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee, which is the goal of their celebration efforts.

“The DEI has really been instrumental in continuing these efforts and building upon them,” McClure said. “So we are happy to have Ronn Nunn be included this year. Hopefully we will have many more schools jump on board in the following years.”

“I do believe as a model if you will that Pioneer is setting an example that many other schools are welcoming to be a part of. Then maybe they take it and run with It on their own as well.

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

Students at Pioneer Elementary School participated in the school’s second annual Oratorical Fest and Showcase on Feb. 22.

Photos by Alex Deluna

Staff photo

DEMYSTIFYING PATENTS: A QUICK GUIDE FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND INNOVATORS

by Punita Bhasin, Ph.D., JD.

Imagine you’ve just invented a groundbreaking device set to revolutionize an entire industry. Excited to share your creation with the world, you quickly realize the importance of safeguarding it from imitation or theft. This is where patents come into play.

A U.S. patent gives you, the inventor, the right to “exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” an invention or “importing” it into the U.S. What category of patents applies?

The three primary types are Utility Patents, Design Patents, and Plant Patents.

a. Utility Patents: for inventing a new or improved and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter

b. Design Patents: for inventing a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture

c. Plant Patents: for inventing or discovering and asexually reproducing any distinct and new variety of plant.

But why bother with patents? Beyond the thrill of holding exclusive rights to your creation, they offer tangible benefits. Patents provide a shield against copycats, giving

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In essence, patents are the cornerstone of innovation, safeguarding the fruits of your collective creativity. By understanding the patent process and harnessing its power, inventors like you can pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future. For assistance navigating the complexities of patent law, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted patent attorney.

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State announces plans to control invasive plants in Delta

California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) said it plans to control aquatic invasive plants in the West Coast’s largest estuary, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its southern tributaries.

From March 6-Nov. 30, DBW crews will begin herbicide treatments on water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, Alligator weed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, coontail, ribbon weed, and fanwort in the Delta, the DBW said in a press release. Depending on weather conditions and plant growth/movement, treatment dates may change. Select areas of the Delta with high infestations or coverage of water hyacinth will be controlled using mechanical harvesting efforts through December 2024.

DBW works with local, state, and federal entities to better understand the plants and implement new control strategies. These aquatic invasive plants have no known natural controls, and they harm the Delta’s ecosystem as they displace native plants.

Continued warm temperatures help the plants proliferate at high rates. Plants are also known to form dense mats of vegetation creating safety hazards for boaters, obstructing navigation channels, marinas, and irrigation systems. Due to their ability to rapidly spread to new areas, it is likely that the plants will never be eradicated from Delta waters. Therefore, DBW operates a “control” program as opposed to an “eradication” program.

All herbicides used in DBW’s Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program are registered for aquatic use with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, the press release stated.

Treated areas will be monitored to ensure herbicide levels do not exceed allowable limits and follow EPA-registered label guidelines. The public may view the public notices and sign up to receive weekly updates on this year’s treatment season on the DBW’s website.

Former sheriff’s deputy reaches plea deal with DA’s office for several offenses

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office reached a negotiated plea against Matthew Allen Buckley, 42, for offenses that occurred when he was a deputy with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

Buckley was charged in February

2023 with six felonies and one misdemeanor related to offenses that occurred in 2020 and 2022. In a negotiated disposition, Buckley pleaded no contest to three felonies, including possession of an illegal assault weapon, filing a false police report, and preparing false documentary evidence.

Buckley will receive a sentence of 3 years and 8 months, which he can serve on mandatory supervised release if he successfully completes a six-month drug rehab program. The case began in September 2020 when Buckley, assigned to the Contra Costa County Anti-Violence Support Effort, participated in a task force executing a search warrant in Antioch. During the operation, Buckley seized two illegal AR-15s, phones, laptops, heroin, and drug paraphernalia.

After seizing the AR-15s, Buckley wrote a police report in which he falsely claimed to have booked the firearms into evidence. Instead of booking the illegal weapons, Buckley separated the upper sections from the lower sections of the firearm. He returned possession of the upper sections of the firearms to the original owner, but never returned the lower sections of the firearms. As part of this investigation the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department discovered that Buckley created false documents and signed for a judge without his consent on multiple search warrant returns for unrelated cases. In August 2022 as the investigation was concluding, Deputies with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office searched Buckley’s residence and found the lower sections of the AR-15s as well as a small amount of methamphetamine. Pursuant to California Government Code, Buckley will be legally ineligible to serve as a police officer.

Unidentified teen fatally shot in Antioch

An unidentified teen-aged boy was fatally shot while sitting in a vehicle in Antioch on Feb. 24.

Shortly after 5 a.m., police were dispatched to the 1700 block of Observation Way. Officers arrived on scene and found a 16-year-old male with at least one gunshot wound, police said in a press release. After life-saving measures by ConFire and paramedics, the male victim was transported to an area hospital where he died.

But police soon determined that the shooting took place in the 2000 block of Tupelo Way. The press release did not say how police determined the different location for the shooting versus the area to where they were dispatched.

No other information, including the names of the victim or suspect, is being released, the press release stated.

Oakley calls unlicensed commercial cannabis a ‘public nuisance’

City Council votes to impose fines

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

The Oakley City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to crack down on unlicensed commercial cannabis activity in the city.

“I am strongly opposed to introducing cannabis operations within the city of Oakley,” councilmember George Fuller said. “I believe it doesn’t fit our lifestyle, it doesn’t fit our safety plans, and it doesn’t fit our needs.

I’m glad that we’re taking measures to ensure that we don’t have any marijuana growth and handling this in a professional manner.” City officials did not say how many unlicensed cannabis dealers are believed to exist in town.

According to Oakley city clerk and paralegal Libby Vreonis, the City Council was recommended to waive the first reading and introduce the ordinance that was originated by Assembly

Bill 1684. It was approved last fall and codified into the California Government Code effective as of Jan. 1, 2024.

It allows for immediate administrative fines or penalties for unlicensed commercial cannabis activity – cultivation, manufacturing, processing, distribution or any retail sale – through adoption of the ordinance and authorizes it to declare unlicensed cannabis activity a public nuisance.

The ordinance also allows for administrative fines to not exceed $1,000 per violation or $10,000 per day. Currently, the city can issue administrative fines in escalating order from $100, $200 and as high as $500 for code violations per violation per day.

The fines or penalties can be imposed on a property owner and each owner of an occupant business entity engaging in the unlicensed activity and holding those both jointly and separately liable.

The ordinance also calls for certain language to be changed in the municipal code, more specifically where those involved who were labeled once as licensees now be called persons or entities.

Improves Customers’ Experiences

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Reaches New Customers Faster and Finds

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Join us for our next webinar on Thursday, March 1st at 10am: 3 INCREDIBLE ways RED BOX can help my business GROW. THREEways. Eventbrite.com or call (925) 513-0000.

Calendar

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

Events

Friday, March 1

Lenten Fish Frys each Friday during Lent

This fish fry is presented through March 22 from 4–7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Presented by the Knights of Columbus Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, each dinner comes with coleslaw, French Fries and either water or soda. Drive-through pickup and dine-in (beer and wine available for dine-in) are available. Tickets are Shrimp dinner $16, Adult fish $15, senior/youth (less fish) $12. For details, call Chris at 925-642-8782.

St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus Fish Fry is on the same nights at the community center at 2800 Camino Diablo Road in Byron. Diners can eat in or take out three pieces of fish, fries, coleslaw, dessert and the fixins’ each Friday from 5-7:30 p.m. through March 22. Tickets priced at $17 for adults and $13 for children are at the door.

Legally Blonde: The Musical at Heritage High School

The theater program at Heritage High School “Rising Stars” presents Legally Blonde: The Musical with performances through March 9, including three matinees. Tickets are on sale at https://hhsrisingstars.seatyourself.biz Prices are $10 for students and seniors, and $14 for adults. Shows are March 1, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and March 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. at Heritage High School at 101 American Ave. in Brentwood.

Mamma Mia! at Liberty High School

Liberty High School’s production of “Mamma Mia!” brings the famous songs of ABBA to life. Performances at the Performing Arts Center, 850 Second St. Brentwood, run through March 8 (Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. and a March 9 performance is at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are sold online only, and cost $16. Tickets are $10 for senior citizens and students. For details, visit https://gofan.co/ app/school/CA22957

‘Alice By Heart’ at Freedom High

The Freedom High Performing Arts Theatre presents ‘Alice By Heart’ on March 1 at 7 p.m.,and March 2 at 2 and 7 p.m. at 1050 Neroly Road in Oakley. Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens, and $15 general admission. For tickets, go to https://gofan.co/event/1352110.

Sunday, March 3

Heritage High School FBLA Car Wash

Get your car washed from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Les Schwab Tire at 6361 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood. The cost is $10, and the money goes to help the Future Business Leaders of America attend their first state conference.

On the Horizon

Saturday, March 9

Brentwood Sons Of The American Legion Crab Feed

For the second annual dinner, doors open 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. Dinner features crab, shrimp cocktail, garlic bread, pasta, salad and dessert. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased by calling Tim at 925-206-6738 or Daniel at 925-437-9536.

Oakley’s Got Talent

The Oakley Youth Advisory Council hosts its annual Oakley’s Got Talent Show featuring youth and adults, this year from 1-3 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave. The

free event begins at 1 p.m., and no tickets are required.

Saturday, March 16

Volunteer Day for injured Marine in Byron

Volunteers are sought to help landscape the home of Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia’s new, specifically adapted, custom home. Check-in is at 9:30 a.m. with landscaping from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 3995 Camino Diablo. Lunch is provided. Bring garden gloves; this event is held rain or shine. For more information, call Jocelyn Phipps at 508-789-3501 or email JPhipps@hfotusa.org.

Sunday, March 17

Heer’s Socials Sip n’ Shop St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day

From 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Garden Brownstone at 91 Brownstone Road in Oakley, festivities include live music by Dustin Heer, children’s activities, shamrock bingo, green beer, wine, and mimosas, local artisans and makers, and taste the rainbow with corned beef and cabbage, paired with red potatoes and rye bread (tickets are $17 or two for $30 (price increases to $20 and $35 at the door). Admission is free. For details, call 925-4184532 or visit https://heerssocials.com/event/ sip-n-shop-st-patricks-day-family-fun-day/.

Saturday, March 23

2nd Annual Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt at Oakley Self Storage

The hunt is at Oakley Self Storage at 4700 Main St. is for ages 2-12 and will start at 11:30 a.m. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance from noon-1 p.m.. There will be golden egg prizes and lots of eggs filled with goodies. This is a free event. Bottled water, candy, and snacks will be available. For details, visit https://www. EasterEggHuntsAndEasterEvents.org/

Friday, April 5

No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament

The Rotary Club of Brentwood presents its 14th annual No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner, then the tournament starts at 7. Cost is $75 per player, which includes buffet dinner, drink ticket and tournament play. Proceeds benefit the Brentwood Rotary Charitable Fund.

First-place prize is $500, second place is $300, third place is $200 and fourth place is $100. For more information, call Steve Gursky at 925584-8708 or email sgursky@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday, April 6

Child wellness Fair and marketplace

The fair and marketplace at 3901 Walnut Blvd., suite C, in Brentwood from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. focuses on child wellness with tools, resources, and guest speakers. Admission is free. For details, visit brentwooddance.com.

Ongoing Events

Liberty Adult Education Winter Course Catalog

Class registration is open for English Second Language, GED, Computer Technology and Community Interest Classes. Register online at www.libertyadulted.org, call the Adult Education office at 925-634-2565 or in person at the Adult Education office.

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https://www.brentwoodrotary94513.com. Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club

meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://rotaryclubofoakley. com. Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/antiochrotaryclub/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday 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 Straw Hat Pizza on Lone Tree Way. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/brentwoodca/. Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center, for more information, visit https://eclubhouse.org/sites/oakleyd/. 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 gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags.

ACA Women’s Group

The ACA Women’s Group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. For more information, contact Cici at 530-306-7034.

Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings

The nonprofit Discovery Bay Corvette Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5871 Marina Road, Bilge Room. The club is dedicated to the enjoyment of owning and driving America’s sports car. For more information, drop by a meeting or contact the membership vice president at 925-341-9433. For more information on the club, visit www. discoverybaycorvetteclub.com.

California Striped Bass Association

West Delta Chapter Meeting

The California Striped Bass Association meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Sportsmen Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. For more information, call Moe Adams five days before meeting at 916-529-1192. For more information, visit http://www.striper-csba.org/.

Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting

The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-3381775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https://www.mcl1155.org/.

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

A widow and widower grief support group

from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Sandy Heinisch at925-513-3412.

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

Al-Anon meetings, which offer a supportive place for friends and families of alcoholics, are held every Friday from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Brentwood United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There is no need to register. For details, call Trisha at 510-910-1389.

Coffee with Carolyn

Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported by The Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection of Byron. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The location is at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden behind the Byron United Methodist Church (14671 Byron Highway in Byron). For more information, contact Carolyn George at 925-577-3325.

Oakley 4-H Club

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.

Parents spar with Brentwood Union School District over curriculum

Opt-out health class called ‘pornographic’

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Brentwood Union School District board members came under fire from some parents at the board’s Feb. 21 meeting over the school’s optional “Family Life curriculum” that some said is too graphic for fourth and fifth graders.

“I’m really tired of coming down here,” resident Holly Bishop told the board during the meeting. “Most people feel like you have to have our head on a swivel and we have to review everything that comes through because there’s a lack of transpar-

ency.”

The transparency in question related to a cur riculum change that introduced new learn ing materials about puberty to students in fourth through sixth grade, which Bishop said she felt was not properly communicated. In her speech, she indicated that she thought the ma terial was about “an updated textbook, not anything to do with gender teachings.”

A letter explaining the curriculum changes, dated January 2024, is available on the school district’s website in both English and Spanish.

email contacthalo@ yahoo.com or visit www.eccchalo.org

Meet Cassie and Scout

Cassie (a Tabby) and Scout are both extremely sweet and gentle girls who love to sit in your lap and be petted. Scout will come to you for attention. Both girls get along well with other cats. Email Shelly at shellisima@sbcglobal.net  to meet them.

“For those of you that are familiar with our Family Life curriculum from years past, please be aware that this year’s program will contain different topics for all three grade levels,” the letter reads in part.

“Therefore we highly encourage you to attend the informational webinar to gain a clear understanding of the new content. For those of you unable to attend, this will be recorded and available on the BUSD website for viewing at a later date.”

The webinar mentioned by the letter

was held on Feb. 15. A slide deck for the presentation is on the district’s website as well as a form to request access to the recorded version of the webinar.

Bishop drafted a letter to the school board.

“The revelation that our school board, superintendent, and director of curriculum have actively advocated for the exposure of fourth graders to pornographic material, without providing adequate translation services for non-Spanish speaking families, is nothing short of abhorrent,” the letter reads in part.

Although board member Stephanie Williams-Rogers made a motion to “discontinue Family Life education in grades four and five,” it was ultimately not passed, with no other board members voting to discontinue it.

see BUSD page 18

“Us”

We went from dynasties

To captivity on foreign land

My great uncle was a war hero

But still was only 3/5ths of a man

We went from being denied an Opportunity

Drugs dumped in our community

Having to see my friends die

Before we hit puberty

We’re stronger than most people cause of our immunities

But I bet we make it look good

Influencing crowds of people to talk walk dress and try to look hood

But it ain’t even nothing to us

We was dressed in gold as young kings since king tut

We got dreadlocks, braids all from back in the day

When we were living amongst each other

But all they see now is the old slaves

The history books don’t tell you about yo greatness

They don’t even tell you the revolutions that took place on the slave ships

But we made this

The ones that came before us paved this

Our identity was stolen but through the participation

Of every generation

We have come together and created

A new culture

That’s one of the most prominent of this nation

But they don’t know the history

Gave us heroin in the ‘60s

More felonies in the ‘70s

Crack babies came from the ‘80s

More funds for military guns in the ‘90s

Our lifestyle been grimey

But this what they gave us

Our struggles are way bigger than society being racist

But you wouldn’t even get it

That’s why when I talk that talk you can comprehend what I’m spittin

That’s why you dress like me but don’t stress like me

That’s why you talk like ‘Pac but wouldn’t walk my block

That’s why you stay in yo lane cause you ain’t felt my pain

And what I mean by my and me is we

I’m a representative of my people

We all we got

If you ain’t wit me you against me

Me as in we

We as in us

The

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Not sure what to write? The following guidelines will help you develop a solid letter and get it printed:

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Milestones

OBITUARIES

Steven Gregory Bina

Oct. 14, 1962--Feb. 18, 2024

Steven Gregory Bina, 61, of Brentwood, Calif., passed away on Feb. 18, 2024. Born on Oct. 14, 1962 in Cherokee, Iowa, Steve was known for his fearless and fun-loving spirit, and his unwavering faith.

Steve grew up hunting and fishing in Sutherland, Iowa before moving to California, where he discovered his passion for waterskiing, hiking, dirt biking, and mountain biking. As much as he played, he was also a ded-

icated electrical foreman at the Richmond Chevron refinery for 34 years.

A beloved father, Steve is survived by his daughters, Michelle and Stephanie Bina, as well as his sister, Susan Nash. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gregory and Dolores Bina, and his brother, Scott Bina.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 4 at 1 p.m. at Cornerstone Fellowship, in Brentwood, where Steve worshiped and found solace.

Discovery

Bay Chamber cuts the ribbon for Marina Grill reopening

The Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce announces the reopening of the Marina Grill at the Discovery Bay Marina. New owners Richard and his wife, Vanitha, take over the business from Joe and Denise Eldam. Marina Grill is at 5879 Marina Road at the Discovery Bay Marina.

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

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

Catherine Emma Short (“Kati”)

March 20, 1941 - Feb. 22, 2024

wife, scholar, activist, teacher, author and feisty lady.

Catherine Emma Short (“Kati”) was born March 20, 1941 in Harlingen, Texas, and died on Feb. 22, 2024, in Antioch, Calif., from a sudden illness. She was a mother,

Kati was Brentwood’s Poet Laureate from 2010 through 2020, and emeritus until her death. She promoted the literary arts, making public appearances with her own poetry, leading monthly Open Mics, and publishing anthologies of local authors, In Mt. Diablo’s Shadow, Vol I thru VI.

A Celebration of Life is planned for the coming days.

Brentwood proclaims Women’s History Month

The Brentwood City Council issued a proclamation during their Feb. 27 meeting recognizing March as Women’s History Month. The Soroptimist International of the Delta group was present to receive the proclamation in honor of their 40-year history of “improving the lives of women and girls through programs that promote social and economic empowerment”

Submitted photo

Submiited photo

Defense and reflection fueling Heritage CIF run

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

There’s something different about Heritage’s current run in the CIF State tournament this time around.

Last year, opposing teams focused on one particular player from Heritage, Amanda Muse. While Muse excelled during the regular season, their playoff opponents focused on her, making the rest of Heritage’s young team beat them. The Patriots struggled in the NCS Open bracket in the postseason and eventually crashed out in a loss at St. Mary’s in Stockton in the opening round of the CIF State tournament as the Patriots fell apart, then, in the third quarter at the Rams. Muse had the team-high 16 points in the loss while two others barely got into double-digit scoring.

This year, the Patriots are winning games as a team, which was on full display in their 52-40 victory at Grant High School in Sacramento on Tuesday night. The Patriots’ defense forced the Pacers to commit numerous turnovers, especially in the second half as Heritage worked on closing out the game.

“It feels amazing,” head coach Mark Hurtado said. Tuesday night’s win marked Hurtado’s first career CIF State playoff win in just his second season at the helm. “There’s nothing harder than winning at someone else’s gym in the playoffs like this.”

The win came just a week after Heritage ended their NCS playoff run in a 51-

47 loss against Salesian Collegiate Prep in the semifinals as the Patriots could only watch the Pride rally from a 10-point halftime deficit.

“We did some self-reflecting,” Heritage senior guard Kendall McClure said. “We said ‘What can I do better?’ What can we do better collectively?”

“When we lost to Salesian, it was like ‘Oh, this could really be over,’ and that feeling has been kind of driving me the past couple of days. I don’t want this to end.”

Tuesday night’s win in Sacramento saw Heritage finish the game the way they hoped they would’ve a week prior. Led by senior forward Abby Livermore and freshman Zion Patterson, Heritage fought for

Heritage’s Ze’Ni Patterson shoots a buzzer-beating three-pointer in the Patriots CIF Division III State

Girls Basketball Tournament game at Grant High School in Sacramento Tuesday night.

shots were going down.”

Of her buzzer-beating shot from what seemed to be from as far as the next major city, Patterson said that her coaches said “If there’s that much time left on the clock, don’t drive it, just shoot it. And that’s what (she) did.”

The win Tuesday night was Heritage’s first CIF State playoff win since defeating McClatchy back in March 2020 and just their fourth State playoff win in program history, according to MaxPreps.

It also sets them up with a rare home State playoff game against Caruthers, a rematch of the team’s Jan. 27 loss against the Blue Raiders in the Alameda Showcase.

rebounds and grabbed offensive boards that led to second-chance points. Instead of simply allowing the open shots, Hurtado’s zone defense was almost everywhere it needed to be and forced Grant turnovers all over the court. When Heritage needed big shots from beyond the arc, they got them from players who are expected to be big shooters for them – McClure, along with freshman Ze’Ni Patterson who nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer from 25 feet away – about six feet beyond the arc – to end the third quarter.

“We actually picked it up on defense and realized that we’re a good defensive team,” Ze’Ni Patterson said. “That fueled our offense. We picked up our defense and

“We get to get some payback on Caruthers on our home court,” Hurtado said. “It feels really good playing against teams like this. Our job now is to fight through this bracket and see what we can do.”

The CIF quarterfinal matchup is Heritage’s first home State playoff matchup since 2019. A win would send them to Fresno on Saturday, March 2 to take on the winner of the game between seven-seed San Joaquin Memorial and second-seed Central.

“I can’t wait to play in front of our people,” Patterson said.

“It’s extremely special.” McClure said of having the opportunity to play at home during the CIF tournament. “This team is really special, so to have the opportunity to play in the State quarterfinals is really cool.”

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

Freedom baseball focused on the process

Falcons lose 3-1 to Dougherty Valley

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Freedom baseball head coach Ken Evanson is not worried about the Falcons losing an early non-conference game. Much like he does with his lineup, he preaches patience – both at the plate, and at the process.

“If you peak in February, you’re not going to have a very good ending to your season,” he said.

This was on display Tuesday afternoon in Oakley after Freedom’s 3-1 loss against Dougherty Valley, a day when the Falcons’ lineup was nearly non-existent against the Wildcats.

“We see them early in the season, first or second game of the year,” Evanson explained of the recent annual early non-conference matchup against Dougherty Valley. Tuesday marked the third-straight year both teams played against one another with the Wildcats taking all three games so far.

“They play in a very strong league.

They’re not strong overall with the record, but they’re usually a very better than average team, I’d say. That game is 50-50 every year and they just won the last three coin flips.”

Falcons starting pitcher Caleb Emmons started the game strong, pitching a shutout through four innings until he lost control in the fifth.

Emmons hit the leadoff batter with a

Freedom’s Caleb Emmons walks up to the batter’s box during the Falcons game against Dougherty Valley Tuesday afternoon in Oakley.

pitch, two straight hit batters after an infield error put runners on first and second base. The second batter who was hit by a pitch scored the tying run for the Wildcats with no outs.

Freedom’s bullpen struggled as well in relief of Emmons in the fifth inning, allowing Dougherty Valley to score a pair of runs on two bases loaded walks before ending

the inning on a double play and a strikeout.

The Falcons’ lineup struggled to get much going at the plate Tuesday afternoon, just a couple of days after they scored four runs in their 4-1 win over California High on Opening Day. They stranded runners in scoring position in three of the first four innings before Wildcats starter Adhil Khan retired the final nine Falcon batters to secure the five-hit, complete-game win.

“A lot of things go into it, and we’ve already talked about it with our guys,” Evanson said. “It’s doing the little things right, whether that be having a proper approach and knowing what to do in different situations, letting a pitcher come to you so he’s not going to be so efficient, grinding their at-bats. We’ll just continue to build and they’ll get better as the year goes on.”

Freedom (1-1) is set to take on San Leandro (0-3) in the finale of their opening three-game homestand on Friday in Oakley. USC-bound senior ace Adrian Boles will take the mound in his second start of the season against the Pirates. To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Heritage boys volleyball beats Cal in season opener

Victory despite Patriots coach sitting 3 players who showed up late

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

If there’s one thing that Heritage volleyball head coach Janet Hannigan demands, it’s that her players show up to matches on time.

Even without three players in the lineup due to their tardiness, Heritage’s boys volleyball team opened the season last Saturday, sweeping the Cal High Grizzlies 25-21, 25-17, 25-17. However, Hannigan says that the team is better than what fans saw on the

court in the season opener.

“We’re way better than what you saw,” Hannigan said. “I had three players that showed up late. They didn’t play the first set and it changed the dynamics and everything.”

Hannigan added that not playing a player due to their tardiness is something she’s always done, including playoffs.

“I want them to understand the value of everyone’s time. When you let someone down it affects everybody,” Hannigan said.

Heritage’s boys volleyball team returns this season with 10 players from last year’s roster. The Patriots’ 2023 campaign ended with a first-round exit in Division 1 North Coast Section playoffs after the team blew a 2-0 set lead to James Logan.

However, Hannigan isn’t letting herself nor her team dwell on last season.

“When it’s over, I just can’t dwell on it. That team’s gone and I can’t dwell on it,”

Hannigan said.

The Patriots’ schedule this season consists of matchups against five East Bay Athletic League opponents, including an invitation to Foothill’s tournament later in the season. Last year, seven teams from the EBAL qualified for the NCS playoffs between Divisions 1 and 2. All four that qualified for Division 1 playoffs reached the final four.

Hannigan said she hopes the schedule she organized can help the team in terms of playoff seeding, but also raise the level of competition they will see.

However, Hannigan said the main goal before NCS playoffs is to win a Bay Valley Athletic League title. The Patriots have finished second in BVAL each of the past three seasons.

“It’s something that we’ve tried to do for a long time again and we’ve fallen short,” Hannigan said.

At the team’s preseason jamboree the weekend prior to the season opener, the Patriots played some of the top boys volleyball teams in NCS, such as De La Salle, Foothill and Campolindo. She remains hopeful her team can hang with some of the best competition on their schedule this season.

“If you’re looking at a jamboree you’re trying lots of different things,” Hannigan said. “But I felt like they held their own, so that would be my hope – that we hold our own against those teams.”

Hannigan said she believes she has set her team up well with the jamboree and schedule, and now wants herself and the players to focus on executing their style of play.

“I feel like I’ve set them up for the right schedule,” Hannigan said. “It’s a matter of them executing, and if it’s like tonight, it wasn’t good enough.”

Photo courtesy of Nicole Coccimiglio

Mountain bike team competes in league race

The East County Shred Mountain Bike Team competed in its first league race of the season at Fort Ord last weekend. This year, the high school team and middle school team raced on different courses at this venue, making league history, said team director Jared Willbergh of East County Shred, in a press release. Several athletes did well. Addy Tulley (sixth grader, Bristow Middle School) took 10th out of 18; Graceyn Williams (eighth grader, Bristow Middle School) took 7th out of 12, Nathan Moomey (seventh grader, Vista Oaks Charter School) took 15th out of 58 and Owen Van Hook (sixth grader, Vista Oaks Charter School) took 19th out of 58. To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia

Photos courtesy of Jared Willbergh

Since

CHP applications increase defies statewide problem

As many law enforcement agencies across the country report hiring difficulties, the California Highway Patrol is seeing a significant surge in job applications. The agency just experienced the highest number of monthly applications in seven years.

Following the launch of the CHP 1000 recruitment campaign and other recent recruitment efforts and hiring investments — including a new recruitment web series, “Cadets” — CHP reports that January 2024 saw the highest number of monthly applications in seven years, according to a press release Gov. Newsom’s office.

“The significant increase in the number of applications the Califor nia Highway Patrol has received since the onset of our recruitment campaign is encouraging,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “To accom modate the surge of interest, the CHP has been holding three Academy classes simultaneously for the first time in the Depart

ment’s history. As we continue to uphold our mission of safeguarding California’s roadways and communities, the CHP is committed to identifying and recruiting qualified candidates who represent California and its diverse demographic makeup, and we welcome all those who share our dedication to join us in making a difference.”

The CHP is the largest state law enforcement agency in the United States with more than 6,500 sworn officers across California. As part of California’s $1.1 billion investment to improve public safety, in 2022, CHP launched a multiyear recruitment campaign to fill 1,000 officer positions by hiring qualified individuals from California’s diverse cities.

Next month, a new class of more than 100 cadets is expected to graduate from the CHP Academy and the total number of CHP cadets in training is 332, the press release stated. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0000578 The name of the business(es): Express Enterprises

Located at: 3699 Otter Brook Loop In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s):

1. David M Johnson 2. Chanel T Johnson This business is conducted by: A Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/08/2023. Signature of registrant: David Johnson, Party of Marriage. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 2/1/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/31/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0000571 The name of the business(es): Pinnacle Home Buyers LLC Located at: 14850 Hwy 4, Suite A174 In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Pinnacle Home Buyers 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: Ron Hess, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/01/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/31/2029 Brentwood Press No. 021273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024

Signature of registrant: Sohyun Park, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/25/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/24/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0000515 The name of the business(es): CLOUDLEDGER ACCOUNTING SERVICES Located at: 3358 BETTY LANE In: LAFAYETTE, CA 94549, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): WILMA M HOLGERSON . This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION, STATE OF INCORPORAT ION: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/2024. Signature of registrant: WILMA M HOLGERSON, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 1/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/29/2029 Press No. 02-1273

Publish dates: February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024.

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553

PETITION OF: ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR, ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR CASE NUMBER: N24-0221 TO ALL INTERESTED

PERSONS: 1. Petitioner ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR, ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present

Name: a. ALBERT BEAN GARCIA JR to

Proposed Name: a. ALBERT GARCIA.

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a.

Date: 03/18/2024 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept.: 30 Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted

LEGAL NOTICES

above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press

Date: February 09 2024 Judge of the Superior Court

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0000206 The name of the business(es): WORDS TO VIBE TO Located at: 14 Vella Circle In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by

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: MAY 12, 2024 Time: 9:00AM

Dept: 15. 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 author-

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estate, or both, of: CONSTANCE MARIE MYERS, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: KATRINA MYERS in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: KATRINA MYERS 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,

Ransomware from page 1

According to Navarro, declaring a state of emergency also helps “set the stage” for the city to apply for reimbursement from the state if any apply.

“Emergency services have not been

New Rules from page 1

impacted during this incident as the City contracts with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for 911 dispatching,” Navarro said. “Fire and paramedic services are not provided by the City.”

Non-emergency services such as code

clude requirements such as licensing from the city, hours of operation and district restrictions from certain locations and other vendors.

“The staff report is a good resource for all those specifics,” Morris said. “I don’t really want to go through them all right now because there are so many.”

One of the next steps in getting vendors into compliance with the changed requirements, according to Morris, is outreach to the vendors of whom city staff is aware. This will be done in part by posting information in both English and Spanish on the city’s website and social media accounts.

One concern addressed by the council in discussing the topic was that too strict of regulations could limit opportunities for vendors.

Cypress from page 1

City’s Public Information Officer would like to remind motorists to please slow down through construction zones and to plan ahead for longer travel times in and out of the area.”

According to Navarro, this phase of improvements is estimated to cost $11,180,000, with all improvements made benefitting residents and emergency per-

enforcement and business licensing did experience delays. According to the city, some of its services – code enforcement as well as recreation and administration services – were returned to “substantially normal levels” on Feb. 26 while others re-

“I want to make sure that we are not perpetuating systems that keep people who are commonly disenfranchised from operating businesses,” Councilmember Pa’tanisha Pierson said during the discussion. “Sometimes things we do at a bureaucratic level stifle people from having the opportunity to reach the American Dream.”

This led the council to strike some additional stipulations they had been considering, such as a proposed limit that would have allowed mobile vendors a four-day window to operate in a location every 30 days.

“I do want to thank staff for all of your diligent work. I also want to thank our local businesses for your love for our community,” Mayor Joel Bryant said following the motion. “It wouldn’t be our community without you.”

Other topics discussed at the meeting included:

sonnel trying to get in and out of the corridor, and to and from Bethel Island.

Navarro added that there will not be any new curbs, gutters, or sidewalks constructed in front of the older homes on the southern side of East Cypress Road; the current road will serve as the frontage road for those residents, while a new road will be constructed north of the existing road.

“Work is anticipated to start this spring

mained affected by their inability to take payment. These services include business licenses, planning and engineering services.

The city says it plans to provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Proclamations declaring that the city recognizes March as both Women’s History Month and Red Cross Awareness Month.

A future agenda item request from Councilmember Jovita Mendoza to discuss the calendar on the city website to make it clearer for residents to see when city meetings are taking place. Staff is expected to bring proposed changes to the council later.

The postponement of a discussion regarding the Lone Tree Way residential project. The subdivision map was meant to be discussed by the council at the Feb. 27 meeting but new information was received regarding the application after 4 p.m. the same day. Legal counsel requested more time to look into the concerns.

The full meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/42ZO5XW

and to be completed by next spring with phased construction of the remaining two segments to Bethel Island Road beginning in spring 2025 and spring 2026,” Navarro said.

In addition to plans to widen East Cypress Road, there are plans to extend Bethel Island Road from its current terminus at East Cypress about 1.5 miles south to Delta Road. There are no detailed cost estimates, but preliminary estimates for this extension, according to Navarro, are more than $20 million, and will involve the County along with private developers, who will construct the new Grand Cypress Pre-

“The goal of the program is to provide medically and scientifically accurate information to students that is age-appropriate, helps prevent risky-behavior and prevents abuse,” Superintendent Dana Eaton Ph.D said via email. “We understand that every family knows their own child best and that we have a wide variety of perspectives on this issue in our community. This is an optional program that parents are able to opt out of.”

The process to adopt any new curriculum is led by teachers, according to Eaton.

“There was a volunteer committee of classroom teachers, under the leadership of the Curriculum and Instruction Department, who worked together over multiple months to look at state guidelines, examine curriculum and make recommendations to the Board,” he said. “The Board of Education has the ultimate authority to approve or not approve curriculum. That team then worked together to create pacing guides and recommendations for their fellow teachers.”

According to an FAQ put together by Eaton, the legal requirement to review and provide feedback on the selection of adopted materials was met through the district’s public review process from March 9, 2023 to April 12, 2023.

The curriculum change was “in order to make sure that the adopted curriculum

serve subdivision in the future.

“The extension of Bethel Island Road south of East Cypress Road to Delta Road is a project that will involve Contra Costa County, as most of this new roadway will be in unincorporated county,” Navarro said. “The Council recently awarded a contract for environment impact report work to assess the feasibility of alternative options in lieu of the connection to Delta Road for secondary vehicle and emergency access.”

For details, visit https://www ci oakley ca.us/east-cypress-corridor-specific-planproject/?noamp=mobile

aligns with state laws that guide health education and sex ed instruction,” according to the FAQ document. “Sexual intercourse and anything related to that is not taught in fourth or fifth grade (other than to mention in 5th grade that a sperm and egg must meet to produce a baby via penis and vagina). It is addressed for the first time in 6th grade.”

The district’s Family Life curriculum lessons are scheduled for March 4-8. Parents who wish to opt out for their children may send a letter or an email to do so.

The full meeting can be watched at https://bit.ly/49vm1y5. Further information about the curriculum, including the slide deck, can be found at https://www. brentwood.k12.ca.us/page/family-life To comment, visit www.thepress.net

EATON