Planning Commission delays fire station decision
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
The Brentwood Planning Commission voted 4-0 during their March 18 meeting to delay making a decision on the design of Fire Station 94, the proposed fire station to be located on First Street.
Commissioner Jeremy Jones recused himself from the discussion, citing the fact that his employer has a building near the proposed site. The vote to pick up the discussion later came just before midnight after more than four hours of deliberating on the topic.
“I don’t want to spend another five hours talking about things that, had we had this information in the packet, we could have made some kind of determi-
nation,” Chairperson Anita Roberts told city staff shortly before the decision. “It would have gone better for all people involved in this very important agenda item to have equipped us with what it is that we needed in order to move on this.”
Concerns cited by Roberts, as well as other commission members, included the need for more information regarding what effect the fire station would have on traffic as well as what changes it would bring to the air quality and noise level downtown.
“Brentwood has grown, and it’s continuing to grow,” Roberts continued, explaining that downtown Brentwood in 2025 is different from the city in 2014, when the old fire station located on the same plot of land ceased operations.
The discussion also included many public comments, both from representatives of the fire district and veterans from the neighboring Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, who have taken issue with the proposed location for the fire station.
“As direct neighbors of this massive project, we will bear the brunt of construction noise, disruptions, loss of parking,” said Daniel Duran, one of the chairmen of the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building. Duran said the negative impact would continue to be felt after construction was completed, citing the description
Oakley Planning Commission approves new look for La Michoacana Bakery
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The Oakley Planning Commission unanimously approved a request to alter a proposed redesign of the facade of La Michoacana Bakery, located in Suite B at 3370 Main St., Oakley.
The new design features brighter colors, a red brick veneer, and a change in door position, among other alterations. It is meant to bring the building more in line with downtown Oakley’s building design principles and “vibes,” said Commissioner Oleksii Chuiko.
Applicant Daniel Cosgrove said that the new design was meant to invoke “more of a bakery feel and look,” and that it bet-
ter matched the aesthetic of downtown.
The original redesign for the bakery was approved on Feb. 6, 2024, and featured the removal of one of the suite’s entrances, 12 aluminum windows and two doors, a dark stone veneer and dark metal awning, and a predominantly beige paint scheme. The new redesign was approved at the Planning Commission meeting on March 18, and features a door shifted to the right, a red brick veneer, a parapet atop the facade for business signage, a cloth awning, and larger front windows; the paint scheme remains unchanged from the original redesign.
Photo by Nicole Becchina
Photo courtesy of City of Brentwood
Hikmah Co-Op school
beats
bigger schools to win science Olympiad tournament
By Sean Tongson Correspondent
A local co-op school’s recent victory at the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad is exemplifying how a school can overcome resource disadvantages through determination, community support, and hard work.
Hikmah Co-Op Islamic School, with just 100 students operating from portable classrooms in Brentwood, won first place at the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad (Division B) at the College of San Mateo on Saturday March 8. The victory represents more than academic achievement, according to Hikmah School Principal Saadah Galadanci.
“We’re beyond proud of our students for taking first place at the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad,” Galadanci said. “It demonstrates how determination and community support can overcome significant resource disadvantages in STEM education. It’s a huge achievement and a reflection of their dedication,
teamwork, and love for learning.”
The Science Olympiad is a highstakes competition at the regional, state and national levels. Founded in 1984, the Science Olympiad is a national STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) competition, providing standard-based challenges to 6,300 teams at 425 tournaments across all 50 states, according to their website.
The key points of winning first place include Hikmah’s team, consisting of 15 students, defeating established programs from districts that have annual budgets exceeding $400 million, according to
coach Fauzia Fakhruddin.
A co-op for homeschooled students, it receives no state or district funding, team officials said without specifying what their budget is. All extra-curriculars are paid for through fund-raisers. Other schools are funded through state and districts who support multiple teams for different sports and extra-curriculars.
While competing schools field multiple teams and receive millions in foundation support, collecting up to $1,250 per student in parent contributions, Hikmah operates out of three portable classrooms, with no district or state funding, aside
from tuition fees used to hire instructors to teach, and a fraction of the resources.
“As we are a co-op and have limited student attendance with no funding or sponsorship, we relied on hard work, dedication, perseverance, and bake sales to raise funds to build devices and generate funds to send our students,” Fakhruddin said. “We relied on friends that opened up their church’s gym for our students to practice. We were up against schools who send multiple teams and have million-dollar district budgets like San Ramon, Carmel,
see Teamwork page 18A
Hikmah Co-Op Islamic School, with just 100 students operating from portable classrooms in Brentwood, won first place at the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad at the College of San Mateo on March 8.
Photos courtesy of Fauzia Fakhruddin & College of San Mateo
By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.
ARE YOU PROCRASTINATING OVER ESTATE PLANNING?
There are many reasons to avoid procrastination when it comes to estate planning. Here are five of them:
1. Reduce estate tax and income tax. Proper estate planning can reduce estate and income taxes for both you and your family. Depending on the size of your estate, proper planning could cut your taxes by half.
2. Name guardians for minor children. Clearly, the future of your children is extremely important. In your absence. Perhaps nothing is more important than who will watch over them. You can nominate guardians only for your minor children in a properly drawn Will.
3. Choose the timing and circumstances of distributions. Deciding who should receive your assets is the easy part. Deciding how and when they should receive the assets is much more important and more challenging. By holding the assets in trust, you can protect those assets from your beneficiaries’ creditors and future ex-spouses.
4. Make provisions for heirs with special needs. Children and other loved ones with special needs require extra attention during life. Estate planning for them is no different.
What might work for someone without special needs might not work for someone with those needs. By planning effectively, you can help make sure your assets go for the use of the special needs beneficiary yet do not disqualify them from receiving government assistance such as Medicaid.
5. Choose who will make decisions for you if you are disabled. People often think that estate planning includes planning only for what happens at your death. However, a major aspect of estate planning is addressing what is to happen in the event of your incapacity. Who will make financial decisions for you? Who will make health care decisions for you?
The reasons for doing estate planning are as numerous and as unique as we are as individuals. However, we all have one thing in common: We want to make sure that we and our families are taken care of in times of need. Planning is important to achieve these goals.
If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 516-4888.
Golden Legacy Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Brentwood www.goldenlegacylaw.com
Barnes & Noble to host East County native’s book signing
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
Author Kimberly Wilkerson is hosting a book signing on Saturday, April 12 from noon - 3 p.m. at Streets of Brentwood at 2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100, for her new book Kingdom of Grace.
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Wilkerson will be handing out promotional gifts to the children reading her book and will be spending time reading to them some of her favorite books that she read to her son when he was growing up.
“First and foremost, everyone should come to the event in support of their community, growth and understanding for all who live here and across the world that deal with the same situations in differing ways,” said Wilkerson, owner and founder of: First Comes Love Media. “I grew up in the area (not Brentwood itself, although many friends and family live here now, including my mother). I’ve lived the majority of my life across the East Bay (Contra Costa County). I attended Antioch High School when it was only one of three high schools in a 15mile radius; yes, I’m that old. All those who grew up from Knightsen, Oakley,
Brentwood, Antioch and Pittsburg had ties to each other. It was a smaller community back then.”
“The book is a fairytale about two kingdoms that suffer a drought and need to overcome the challenges of life when in a position of high responsibility,” she said. “It touches on many things in soft undertones from gossip, innocence, kindness, judgement and infidelity (for the older crowd).”
“I wrote the book while I was transitioning into a new chapter of life and doing a deep self analysis of my beliefs, morals and ethics.”
It is targeted for young adolescents but teens and adults can still enjoy it, she said. “I wrote it as a children’s book in hopes that families will read together and have those difficult conversations that help develop healthy morals from a young age; and also to allow the younger generation to influence and spark the older generation’s memory on what innocence looks and feels like.”
For more events at the Barnes & Noble in Brentwood, visit https://bit. ly/3DQSTXO
For more about First Comes Love Media, visit https://bit.ly/3FNKd4O
WILKERSON
Antioch shooting victim dies at hospital of gunshot wounds, suspect charged
Antioch police are still investigating a suspected homicide that took place on Feb. 12 near Hillcrest Avenue and Larkspur Drive.
The Contra Costa County District Attor ney’s office on Feb. 24, filed felony charges of possession of a firearm against De mundre Wal ton, 27.
On Feb. 20, the United States Marshal Service and Antioch po lice executed a search warrant at an undis closed address in Antioch and the suspect, Walton, was arrested without incident for suspected homicide. Evidence from the home was collected, as well as the vehicle used during the commission of
the crime.
The initial incident occurred on Feb. 12 at 10:24 p.m. when Antioch police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area. Officers found a victim who had been shot at least once. The victim–later identified as Jacob Frank Hernandez, 23, was transported to a local hospital where he died later from his inju-
Due to the active nature of the investigation, no further information will be released. Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email jcox@antiochca.gov.
Our office takes a comprehensive approach to Estate Planning. If you pass away intestate (without a will/ trust) the State of California has statutory provisions that will divide your estate, often these provisions are not aligned with your wishes. As you mature and acquire assets, don’t forget to plan for how those assets will be managed and divided upon your departure from this world.
Celebrating Brentwood Gala nominees
The Brentwood Chamber is excited to announce the top 3 finalists per category for the Celebrating Brentwood event on April 11th
Youth
of the Year award honors outstanding local students
Megan Reese Dowdy
She dedicates her time to the Contra Costa Food Bank, assists with Operations Finance with Wings, supports the clothing drive for disabled American veterans, and launched the “Food Totes” reusable cloth bag project.
Aniyah Clark
Aniyah is a dynamic student leader, serving as President of the Teaching and Learning Careers Club, a member of the Brentwood Youth Commission, and a volunteer with the Special Olympics.
Lexi Peluso
Lexi’s commitment to service extends across multiple organizations, including Cornerstone Fellowship in Brentwood, Fellowship Church in Antioch, and Woodleaf Camp, where she has been a devoted summer camp leader.
Employee of the year, recognized for outstanding service
Stephanie Bird
As General Foreman, Stephanie consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and a strong work ethic, successfully overseeing multi-million dollar projects.
Corrine Comeaux
For over 21 years, Corrine has been a cornerstone of customer service at Quick Stop in Brentwood. She goes above and beyond to make every customer feel valued, fostering warm and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the TV show Cheers – where “everyone knows your name.”
Marcus Moreno
A key contributor to Bird Electric, Marcus has played a vital role in the company’s growth and ongoing success. His dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving operational growth and success of the organization.
Citizen of the Year honors community champions
Lynn Gursky
A steadfast figure in the Brentwood community for many years, Lynn has dedicated countless hours to volunteer work and civic engagement. She is an active member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, a committed member of Soroptimist of the Delta, a devoted supporter of Relay for Life, and a familiar face at numerous local events.
Tricia Piquero
As the owner of 110 Magazine, Tricia showcases local businesses and families, bringing visibility and value to the community. A passionate supporter of all things Brentwood, she has been actively involved with the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and volunteers for “A Place of Learning.”
Gloria Guzman
Gloria is the Managing Director of Polka Dot Powerhouse, a sisterhood organization dedicated to fostering meaningful connections among like-minded women. She leads by example, donating her time and resources to local events while actively advocating for others.
Volunteer of the Year, recognized for community service
John Meyer
A dedicated leader within the Brentwood Lions Club, John is the incoming President taking the helm in July 2025. While most people are asleep, John is out collecting “free” bread donations and distributing them to those in need. Despite managing his own successful business, John selflessly dedicates his time and energy to making a positive difference in the Brentwood community.
Lisa McLaughlin
As a former art teacher for the Brentwood Union School District, Lisa ensured students had access to creative expression when funding was available. Even after official funding ended, she continued her work – spending weekends running the kiln at Edna Hill Middle School to provide students with an artistic/ creative outlet.
Christine Canales
A Realtor, wife, mother and grandmother, Christine still finds time to serve as a committed member of the Brentwood Rotary. She actively supports multiple causes, including Sacred Heart Community Service, Toys for Tots, United Way of Northern California, and the Humane Society.
Non-Profit of the Year recognizes community impact
Be Exceptional
Be Exceptional, an East Bay nonprofit, serves individuals with developmental, physical, and emotional challenges. With a mission to provide recreational classes and social events for those in need, Be Exceptional operates across four locations in Brentwood, Antioch, and Oakley. Described as a lifeline for the special needs community, Be Exceptional fosters an inclusive environment where individuals can connect, grow and thrive.
Vasco Forever Helping Families (VFHF)
Founded by Cynthia Loredo after a personal loss inspired her to take action, Vasco Forever Helping Families is deeply committed to improving community safety on Vasco Road. The nonprofit raises awareness by educating drivers on safe practices and advocating for crucial roadway safety improvements. Their efforts have led to increased awareness and driven positive changes, making the region a safer travel for all.
Village Community Resource Center (VCRC)
VCRC provides essential services to underserved communities, including an after-school academy, youth leadership programs, mental wellness support, and food distribution. The organization also collaborates with local businesses and community colleges to expand opportunities for students and parents alike, serving as trusted resource for the Brentwood community.
Business of the Year honors local excellence
California Gleamin
Located in downtown Brentwood, California Glea min is a luxury wellness spa and boutique owned by Sarah Christine. Beyond offering premier wellness ser vices, the business actively engages with the community by partnering with local nonprofits, leading backpack donation drives, and offering wellness classes.
R12 Window Cleaning
R12 Window Cleaning is known for delivering a level of service that exceeds expectations. Owners Tim and Tammy Zickuhr prioritize both customer satisfac tion and community support.
In addition to their exceptional work, the Zickuhrs and R12 also provide space for local vendors to show case their products and dedicate their time to organiza tions like the Police Activities League (PAL) and Women Helping One Woman, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the local community.
Pro Medic
Pro Medic specializes in providing high-quality du rable medical equipment tailored for Medicare patients. Their offerings include mobility aids, continuous glucose monitors, and orthopedic braces, ensuring Brentwood residents have access to essential healthcare equipment from the comfort of their homes. With a focus on com passionate service, Pro Medic makes healthcare more ac cessible and manageable for those in need.
Startup of the year recognizes new business making an impact
Curated
Founded by Ro Byas, Curated is an eclectic boutique showcasing unique products from local small businesses. Ro’s passion for personalized service sets her store apart - if customers cannot find what they are looking for, she is passionate about sourcing it for them. More than just a shopping destination, Curated offers visitors a warm, welcoming atmosphere where they leave not only with a special find but also with a new friend.
Kristy’s Confections
Kristy J has mastered the art of gluten-free baking, creating delicious high-quality desserts that cater to those with dietary restrictions while satisfying any sweet tooth.
Balanced Wellness and Beauty
Opened in 2024, Balanced Wellness and Beauty pro vides holistic wellness and beauty treatments designed to nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Owner Kim Bailey has made giving back a core part of her business, sup porting local school events, first responders, and veterans organizations.
Come celebrate all the nominees on Friday, April 11th at the Brentwood community center. Doors open at 6:00pm. To reserve your tickets call 925-634-3344 or visit www.brentwood chamber.com or scan QR code.
DINNER
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net
Brentwood Teen Theater to offer classes for seniors
The Brentwood Teen Theater soon will have classes designed for seniors.
For nearly 23 years, grandparents have been supporting their grandkids in shows at Brentwood Teen Theater. Many times after a performance, Artistic Director Steve Kinsella has had a similar conversation with those grandparents. “I remember when I did shows,” they would tell me, as they saw their grandkids surrounded by well wishers,” he said in a press release.
“Many of these older audience members have been asking me for years if I would consider offering classes that would give them an outlet to dust off their chops and do some performing again.”
There have been lots of calls for improv training, plus a handful of other fun classes, Kinsella said.
Classes at the theater starting soon include Group Singing Class, Intro to Musical Theatre, Audition Workshops, Improv, and Scene Study. Most classes for Seniors take place on Monday afternoons.
The classes will be in a nurturing environment and focused on equipping actors with tools to reach their goals, Kinsella said.
For registration, class descriptions and schedule details, visit www.brentwoodteentheater.com or write DirectorKinsella@gmail.com.
School District Measure B Citizens’ Oversight Committee releases public notice
The Measure B Citizens’ Oversight Committee is required by law to report to the public at least once each year, and review the annual Financial and Performance Audits, according to Education Code Sections 15264(c), 15280(b), and 15286.
The Measure B approved in 2016 authorized the school district to borrow $158 million, of which $95 million has been borrowed as of June 30, 2024. Five major construction projects have commenced at 11 of the district’s sites, with one project, Bristow Middle School Theater, closed this fiscal year.
To date, the committee has met 36 times since the inception with four quarterly meetings and two special meetings during this fiscal year. The “Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” is published online along with meeting agenda and minutes, serving as a reminder to the committee of its duties and responsibilities.
The Committee can independently inquire, explore and investigate the Measure B construction program, as the California Legislature intended.
To date, of the $158 million in borrowings that the ballot measure authorizes, $95 million of bonds have been sold, leaving $63 million authorized but not spent. Of the $95 million borrowed, as of June 30, 2024, $92,139,928 has been spent – 58.32% of the total funds approved by the voters.
The committees produced their first annual report to the public. A subcommittee met several times in December 2022, and January 2023, drafting a report that was presented to the committee in February 2023. The committee reviewed, discussed, and held several working sessions to complete revisions to the report, which was published in January 2024 covering Measure B projects and activities for the fiscal year.
The district appointed three new committee members replacing members who had termed-out or were otherwise unable to serve.
Highlighted on the next page are the five major projects funded by Measure B dollars, providing benefit for Brentwood and the school district for years to come, the release said.
Members of the public with ques-
tions about the committee’s activities can attend a meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 3:30 p.m., at the Brentwood Unified School District office at 255 Guthrie Lane.
County Superior Court seeks comment on proposed changes to local court rules
Consistent with California Rules of Court, Rule 10.613, the Contra Costa Superior Court seeks comments regarding proposed changes to the Local Court Rules that will become effective on July 1, 2025. The comment period will run through Monday, April 21, 2025.
To view the complete text of proposed changes, visit the Court’s website at: https://www.cc-courts.org/general/ local-rules.aspx.
Printouts of the Local Rules are available upon request to the Public Information Officer. Comments, which must be in writing and received no later than April 21 at 5 p.m., may be sent to: mediainfo@ contracosta.courts.ca.gov
or:
Public Information Officer
Contra Costa Superior Court 725 Court St. Martinez, CA 94553
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
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The Gulf of Mexico has a storied culture, and Trump just erased it with the stroke of a pen
On Monday, Jan. 20, President Trump ordered the restoration of “names that honor American democracy.” Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the “Gulf of America”, a name never before borne, and Mount Denali to be renamed Mount McKinley, its official name from 1917 to 2015 Trump declared Sunday, Feb. 9, ‘Gulf of America’ day while sitting next to a large map displaying the name. Mount Denali’s name change has precedent, but the Gulf of Mexico retitling has no degree of validity.
Nobody has ever considered the Gulf of Mexico to be America’s. For those who have, it was purely satirical. The Gulf houses the Caribbean nations while bordering six Mexican states. When the Gulf was named originally, part of the northern coastline bordering it – Texas –belonged to Mexico.
The President’s grandiose leadership style has lacked rationality. His executive order retitling Mount Denali is a red herring to distract from the absurd renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.
President Trump claims that promoting American heroes and ideas is in our national interest.
We cannot condone this disgusting display of neo-colonialist power. Instead, we, the American people, have a civic duty to rebuke this. It is anti-democratic to impose
Resident
‘shocked’ at
library’s story time policy
Editor:
I was shocked and disappointed after reading how the Brentwood Library has established a policy limiting the attendance of children to story time.
The library is using a ticketing system to let children and parents into their story
Production
Ad
Associate
this name on the Gulf, inhabiting millions of non-U.S. citizens without consulting them.
Former President Obama‘s administration declared the changing of Mount McKinley to Mount Denali in 2015 to honor the sacred status of the mountain to Alaskan Natives.
As disrespectful as the first part of President Trump’s executive order may be, it is merely a distraction from the “Gulf of America.”
Naturally, all federal organizations have quickly accepted the switch, considering their implications in the executive order. Shortly after Trump’s order, the news agency Associated Press announced their plan to maintain the Gulf of Mexico name. On Feb. 7, an AP reporter was barred from a White House event over that decision. The White House claims that by refusing to use Trump’s new name, these journalists are publishing lies.
The Associated Press has filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials, citing a violation of their First Amendment rights. On Feb. 24, a federal judge rejected immediately restoring AP’s access to the White House.
Interestingly, numerous maps will show both names. However, on Feb. 10, Google Maps began showing the Gulf of America for U.S. users. On Feb. 13, Apple Maps followed suit. Chevron and the National Weather Service will also refer to the new
name seemingly to avoid confusion, once again conforming to the Trump administration. These actions show how much influence President Trump has on business.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, ‘If necessary, we will file a civil suit against Google for the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ name change.’Like any sane person, she believed this was originally a joke. “For us, it is still the Gulf of Mexico, and for the entire world, it is still the Gulf of Mexico.”
Obviously, this is a direct attack on Mexico, something President Trump has built his political career on.
Alongside The Associated Press, polls done on college campuses show that students reject the name change.
Trump intends to lead by fear. His attacks on journalism prove this. But, his constant ‘othering’ of Mexico creates this notion of criminality. For him, the U.S. is the big brother to Mexico, and he is constantly disappointed by their antics.
President Trump has promoted neocolonialist ideas. His recent acts include suggesting the seizure of Greenland and the Panama Canal, proposing the U.S. take over the Gaza Strip and ordering airstrikes on Somalia.
Ironically, Cuban-American men played a crucial part in his election. Even some other islanders from the Caribbean believe his babble. Some buy his nonsense because they embrace his sexism and appeals to
Letters to the editor
time while turning away everyone who is unable to get there in time to receive a ticket.
Exercising neglect on children from such a young age is extremely wrong and critical to developing minds. There needs to be a change to the idea that excluding kids is okay. If this is a space or safety issue, find a solution that doesn’t cut off our community.
Our children deserve to grow and learn to the best of their abilities.
LETTERS POLICY
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Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.
Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.
Our local library can be that safe space for development. This issue needs to be discussed with our library staff and the mayor immediately.
Ashleigh Green Brentwood
2005 document shows new fire station’s intended site in Brentwood
Editor:
Supervisor Diane Burgis and the Contra Costa Fire District have repeatedly claimed that the intended location for Fire Station 94 has always been downtown Brentwood. However, documents uncovered during our research contradict this assertion.
The 2005 Barrington Project final environmental impact report clearly indicates that the replacement for the original downtown fire station (Fire Station 54) was intended for the corner of Sand Creek Road and Laurel Creek Way. This site was specifically prepared for a fire station, including a median opening on Sand Creek Road and pre-installed warning lights. The Barrington Project references a March 21, 2005 report by Loving & Campos Architects titled “Preliminary Site Evaluation Fire Station #54
male privilege, while others don’t understand the American electorate. Now, they have the privilege to watch him erase the legacy of their home waters.
As a Jamaican-Cuban-American, I have strong connections to the Gulf of Mexico. So does my extended family, who will never ever call it the Gulf of America. It’s sickening to think my 98-year-old greatgrandmother, who lives in Jamaica, has been forced to watch to the body of water she has lived next to her entire life smugly given a name she doesn’t recognize. It does not matter what enforcement there is or who conforms to this executive order, nobody should accept this name change.
The executive order addressing Mount Denali and the Gulf of Mexico must be rescinded. It will move America backward, not forward. It will continue alienating our neighbors and further divide a polarized political climate. Congress should pass laws dedicated to canceling this order. This is especially important considering that when you remove culture, you begin to remove America’s identity. Trump is not taking America back; instead, he’s leaving America behind.
Jayden Lawrence is a sophomore at North Central College. He reports on hip hop and politics for WONC FM89, North Central’s student-run radio station. His work has been published in the Brentwood Youth Press, Los Medanos College Experience, and North Central Chronicle.
Relocation Brentwood, California,” which further supports this site as the intended location.
In 2005, veterans became aware of discussions regarding the potential closure of the original downtown fire station. At that time, concerns were raised about preserving the property dedicated specifically for veterans’ use.
Additionally, as recently as 2017, Brentwood’s own Downtown Specific Plan designated the former fire station site as suitable for “a restaurant, gallery, or retail shop,” further indicating that a fire station was not always the intended future use.
In the first week of March, veterans formally requested a copy of the Loving & Campos Architects report from the County. To date, this report has not been provided. The City should delay any further decisions regarding this issue until the report is released, ensuring transparency and accountability.
As taxpayers and residents, we deserve clarity on why a location explicitly prepared for a fire station has been overlooked, while land historically dedicated for veterans’ use is instead being targeted.
Paul Radliff
Discovery Bay
As softball continues to grow, so does Liberty’s spring youth camp
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
For all of the good things that Brandi Macias has done with Liberty High’s softball program, one thing has stuck out: keeping up with the demand for her camp.
The Lady Lions held their annual spring youth camp from March 17-19, shortened from the four-day length it was last year to three days due to Liberty’s game against College Park on Thursday, according to Macias. This year, they had about 80 kids attend throughout the three days, and still sold out the camp because of space and some players unable to attend because it was already sold out. The 80 in attendance is up from 60 last year, although several of the attendees are returning players from a year ago, she said.
“It’s been really exciting to see the returning faces year after year,” Macias said. “Just seeing the relationships that they had the first season, and then they’re looking forward to seeing the girls year after year, and now word has spread of what we do and what these girls provide to the campers. The growth has definitely been exciting for all of us.”
Liberty’s youth softball camp is for girls from first to eighth grade and focuses on player development using on-field drills.The days are split into focuses. The first day was
defensive work, while the second day was all offensive with the girls taking to the batting cages. The third and final day consists of competitive play as the girls put together everything they learned.
“It was really energetic,” Jyla Bryant, 12, said. “I felt very pumped up when we were doing drills and stuff. It was fun.”
Macias adds that the camp is not meant
to be a recruiting camp of any kind.
“This is more about getting the community of kids that are in this area and just want to be a part of the game and to get to know the players out here,” Macias explained. “Of course, when there’s kids that come up to me and say that they’re going to Liberty in a couple of years, it’s really exciting to see those kids and build those relationships, get
to know them and they get a chance to see what the coaches are like on the field, including myself and the players. It’s really just giving back to the kids.”
“In general, Liberty and Brentwood itself already have a big, heartfelt community,” senior shortstop Kelsie Skaggs said. “But being able to do this and have all these girls give back to the younger ones, it just strengthens it even more.”
The players are coached by Liberty’s own players, each of whom has their own softball journey and have attended camps similar to the one that Liberty is hosting.
“Camps like this make the kids love it even more,” Skaggs said. “When we’re out here having fun with them, they want to come back. These girls are already asking all of us and our coaches about the next summer one.”
The campers, especially those returning, already feel a strong connection to the current players on the team, something that the camp emphasizes.
“It’s really special because in two years, we’ll be coming here,” said Kylee Dean, 12, a player who also attended the spring camp last year. “It’s just really fun to get to know the coaches more.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
How Liberty boys volleyball has won 6 in a row
A looser personality stems from better chemistry
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
There’s something a bit different about Liberty’s boys volleyball team this year.
The team is just as good, if not better than they were a year ago, as recently shown in their 3-0 win (25-18, 25-11, 2519) at the Freedom Falcons in Oakley Tuesday night. However, this year’s squad seems to have one different thing than the team that reached the North Coast Section semifinals a year ago – personality.
“The chemistry is a little different than it was last year, and that changes in personnel (each year),” Liberty head volleyball coach Haylie Bustamante said. “Each team is unique and it was a lot of fun to see the character and what comes out in each team each year.”
The Lions’ personality has come out at times this season at random moments during each set, usually with the Lions in the lead.
“It’s another year together,” senior Tyler DeGuzman said. “It’s the years of club that we have, the experience that we have. It gives us confidence, then the way that we play together, it also gives us more confidence, but it’s the way that we’re comfortable playing together.”
The looser, more personality-shown Lions have proven
They’ve even shown that, this year, they can put teams away even when not playing at their best, something that was on display at Freedom.
“Whether we have the energy or not, we can always pull through with what we have,” DeGuzman explained. “We’re such a strong team with the chemistry that we need, and I think that just shows that we have the character.”
“We’re seeing some improvement,” Bustamante added. “That just comes from the fact that, overall, we’re a little more mature. We’ve got a few more upper classmen than we’ve had for the last couple of years on the squad, so that ends up making a difference.”
DeGuzman, one of three seniors on a junior-heavy team with eight juniors, one freshman and one sophomore, added that he’s enjoying watching the team grow, especially the younger players.
“The juniors have stepped up and actually show a role as an upper classman,” DeGuzman said. “Maturing is definitely realizing that they have a bigger spot on this team and more influence on the court.”
that they are better than they were a year ago. Last year, they were a younger, more stiff team that had trouble putting teams away in what would have been 3-0 sweeps. This year, Liberty has proven that they can put teams away in three sets.
Throughout the Lions’ current six-match win streak following Tuesday’s win at Freedom, the Lions have conceded just two sets and have yet to concede a set in Bay Valley Athletic League play.
“I see them as my brothers, like my family. My first year, I looked up to (the upperclassmen), and it’s like they’re starting to look up to me. It just means the world to see my brothers getting better day by day.”
Liberty (9-2, 3-0 BVAL) takes on the Granite Bay Varsity Invitational Tournament this weekend before returning to league play on April 1 at Deer Valley.
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia
Liberty boys volleyball celebrate with freshman Ryder Villaroman during their match at Freedom in Oakley Tuesday night.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Campers participate in hitting drills with Liberty softball players during the team’s youth camp in Brentwood Wednesday morning.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
How a breather could help Heritage softball
Spring Break coming for area high schools
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Coming off of a wild, come-frombehind 7-6 win over Arroyo last Thursday in Brentwood, Heritage’s softball team prepares to take on Woodcreek High School in tournament play in Reno … on March 28 – 15 days after their last game.
”I treat it like a bye,” Heritage head softball coach Ron Rivers said. “No different than football. I give them time off for Spring Break, so they get a chance to unwind, come back, and refocus.”
The break coincides with the Liberty Union High School District schools and the Brentwood Unified School District schools Spring Break from March 17-28 with students returning for classes on March 31.
Unlike Heritage, Liberty hosts College Park on March 20, and takes the second week of Spring Break off before their next game against Castro Valley at home on April 1, putting them 12 days in between games (not including last week’s rained-out game against Berkeley).
Freedom played Castro Valley on Saturday, March 15 and will host Alameda next on March 28, the last Friday of
Spring Break, putting them 13 days in between games.
The 15-day gap in between games for the Patriots is the second 15-day span in between games that the program has had since the 2023 season, when they defeated Arroyo on the road in San Lorenzo, then took on Chico in tournament play 15 days later in the first of a triple-header on March 31, 2023.
Then, the long gap in between games paid off as the Patriots won four straight
after the break. Last year, Heritage had a 10-day gap after starting the season 0-2, then went to win four of their next six games including double-digit wins against Millennium. and Antioch in their opening game of Bay Valley Athletic League play.
Heritage’s most notable rebound off of a long break was in 2019, when the team’s longest break was just eight days following a loss to Cosumnes Oaks. Although that was their first loss of the season then, the Patriots bounced back and won 23 of their
next 24 games, riding the momentum all the way to the NCS championship game, where they eventually fell to Foothill 2-0.
The first five wins of that stretch came in tournament play in the span of two days.
Rivers explains that the long breaks aren’t anything new to the program.
”I don’t think they need it,” he said. “I just think it’s the fact that that’s what I’ve always done. Just trying to give them a little break before going into the tournament, before going into league. I think that helps a little bit for them to just be out and do something else, think about something else, other than softball. So, it’s good to give them a little break and we come back and focus.”
Despite entering the extended break off of a win, the break may come at a perfect time for the Patriots. Heritage’s exciting win last Thursday is overshadowed by the team’s 0-3 start to the campaign that saw them get outscored 21-5. Heritage’s lineup struggled throughout the first three games, totaling just 10 hits before Thursday’s seven-run, 15-hit explosion.
”We’ve been working harder,” junior pitcher Kylie Garcia said. “We say ‘one percent (more) every day for practice and that’ll lead us, hopefully, into wins for Reno.”
“We’re gonna be working so hard even on our off days,” freshman pitcher Violet Miranda, who earned the win in relief against Arroyo, said. “I know the girls will be working hard.”
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Heritage freshman Violet Miranda screams in celebration late in the Patriots softball game against Arroyo Thursday afternoon in Brentwood.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Pickleball club fundraiser to pay for six new courts at Discovery Bay Community Center
The
“These courts are
than just a place to
said Chris Sullivan, president of the club, in a press release. The new courts will expand recreational opportunities, promote wellness and make one of the fastest-growing games in the U.S. accessible to more people.
The club’s goal is to raise $120,000 by
July 1, 2025, with $60,000 already secured. Sullivan said there are three ways to help or donate:
• join the club for an annual fee of $50 per individual or $80 per family.
• play in a tournament to show
your involvement or support
• donate via Venmo @RecSport or Zelle at RecSportFunds@gmail. com and mention ‘court donation’ in the ‘remarks’ section.
The club has two tournaments coming up.
The first one to cel-
ebrate ‘Dinko de Mayo’ on May 3-4 and the second one is September Smash on Sept. 13-14.
All donations are tax deductible, according to the press release.
The club offers free clinics for beginners on the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the community center at 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd.
For details on the club and the courts, visit www.dbpickleballclub.org or call Doug at 925-766-8677.
BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS
Milestones
OBITUARIES
Have you or someone you know reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it! Email your information to
Susan Elizabeth Harris
Aug. 21, 1944 - Feb. 15, 2025
her Akitas and raising cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, dogs and dozens of cats over the years.
God called Sue home on Feb. 15, 2025. Born on Aug. 21, 1944, in Wisconsin, yet Sue spent most of her life in California, where she built a home and community. Some of her favorite childhood memories included living on Mt. Hamilton and “befriending” wild deer and raccoons while her dad ran Lick Observatory. These early years instilled in her a deep love for animals, leading her to care for many beloved pets. She took pride in showing
Dale King Welin
June 29, 1937 - Feb. 16, 2025
Dale King Welin, 87, previously of Discovery Bay, passed away Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Chicago, Ill.
Born June 29, 1937, in Long Beach, Calif., Dale and younger brother Dean were very involved in Boy Scouts, where they learned the values of hard work and perseverance. Dale completed all his schooling in Long Beach, graduating with a business degree from California State University, Long Beach, in 1959.
Dale was active at East Side Christian Church, where he married wife Sonja on Oct. 14, 1960. They have three children – Ron, Dennis and Lisa – who always made them proud. As a young man, Dale served in the
Sue had a true servant’s heart. Her faith was evident in her 25 years of service at Golden Hills Community Church where she led women’s Bible studies, helped with Vacation Bible School, led men’s breakfasts several years and served on the security and memorial teams.
Beyond faith and family, Sue had a successful career as a sales director in the pharmaceutical, health, and fitness industries, earning deep respect from colleagues. She was also an active Rotary Club member making significant contributions to her community, particularly when she and Ray owned Mail-
USMC Reserves for five years and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
Dale’s career in distribution and logistics moved the family across the country six times until retiring in Discovery Bay for nearly 30 years. He and Sonja were avid golfers and members of Discovery Bay Country Club. He enjoyed traveling, attending church, gardening, walking, and he treasured spending time with family.
Dale is survived by wife Sonja, children Ron (Katie), Dennis (Julie), Lisa (Keith), grandchildren Dan (Tracy), Emily (Curtis), Ellen, Allison, Amy, Mike, Brendan and Sam, greatgrandchildren Nora, James and Elizabeth. Dale is preceded in death by parents Glenn and Jean, and brother Dean.
A Celebration of Life at Delta Community Presbyterian Church at 1900 Willow Lake Road in Discovery Bay on April 5 at 11 a.m. Fellowship to follow.
boxes Etc. in the Fremont Hub. A lover of sports and fitness, she grew up at the beach in Southern California, enjoying volleyball and weekends spent sailing with her late brother, Robbie. Sue loved music and dancing. In her early 20s, she was a Go-Go and belly dancer, even performing as part of opening acts for Sonny and Cher and The Beach Boys. Her adventurous spirit shone through in everything she didwhether running a 5K in a mailbox outfit or proudly throwing the first pitch at an A’s game, Sue always brought lighthearted joy.
In retirement, she and Ray embarked on numerous tandem bicycle tours across the U.S., creating lasting memories together. Sue was a devoted wife and partner
Margaret (Margie)
Catherine Vieira
Oct. 25, 1945 - March 13, 2025
Ms. Margaret (Margie) Catherine Vieira, age 79, of Oakley, Calif., passed away due to a long illness after a visit with family on March 13, 2025 in Pittsburg, Calif. She was the daughter of Anthony and Mary Vieira from Oakley, Calif.
Margie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family members. She had a beautiful smile and always opened her home to caring for others. She helped raise many children in the family and
to Ray Harris for 46 years and a loving mother to Mindy Esau, Steve Harris and Scott Harris. She was a cherished “Nonny” to Sofia Esau, Brooke Harris, Paige Harris, Hunter Harris and Brody Harris, as well as bonus grandchildren Stephanie, Sarah, Austin and Samy. Her family was her world, and she took immense pride in their happiness.
We will always remember her as a pillar of strength, wisdom and grace.
A memorial service will be held on April 7 at 11 a.m. at Golden Hills Community Church at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. Come and help celebrate Sue’s remarkable life and the countless hearts she touched.
would read stories, provide snacks and play time for them. She was always generous to everyone, even with the often little she had to share. She also enjoyed spending time reading, doing crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.
Margie is survived by three siblings – Matilda (Tillie) Delgado, Phillip Vieira and Isabelle Petrathelis – her two children, Cathy Barlow and Robert Barlow, daughter in law Lori Barlow, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Have you or someone you know recently reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it!
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.
This Week’s Events
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
Meet-and-Greet Painting Activity
Diablo Valley Assembly #84 IORG is a non-profit philanthropic organization for girls ages 8-20. Join them for a meet-and-greet and a painting activity, and learn more about IORG. Learn about community service, friendships, leadership opportunities, travel, scholarships and make friends at this free event. The painting meet-and-greet will be at Straw Hat Pizza, 6680 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood, from 1-3 p.m. To RSVP, call or text 925-384-2489, or email DV84IORG@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.gocarainbow.org.
Monday, March 24
Delta Informal Gardeners Meeting
Delta Informal Gardeners meets the fourth Monday of most months at 7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Methodist Church at 809 Second St. Andrew Pierce from Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control will speak to the club about mosquitoes, rats, mice, skunks, ground nesting yellow jackets, and the identification of biting and stinging insect pests (example: ticks). Light refreshments will be served after the lecture. For more information, call 562-421-8036. The meeting is open to the public.
Tuesday, March 25
Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce
After-Hours Business Mixer
Hosted by Golden State Tan at 14850 Highway 4 Suite F in Discovery Bay, the free mixer will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is required at www.discoverybaychamber.org.
On the Horizon
Saturday, March 29
Kiwanis Club of the Delta Romano Marchetti Memorial Dinner
In honor of past Distinguished Member Romano Marchetti, the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch hosts their Annual tri-tip/chicken dinner at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 815 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch. The social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Garlic butter tri-tip, roasted herb chicken, Bam beans made with no meat, fresh Bam Slaw, a fresh roll with butter, and an ice cream cup catered by Archie’s S and Q Smoked Meats will be served. Tickets are $40 per adult and $20 for children. Attendees can win prizes in the opportunity drawing, live auction and silent auction. All profits of the dinner, Opportunity Drawing, and Auction contribute to the support of the local Kiwanis community, youth charities, and local scholarships. Tickets can be purchased at: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ romano-marchetti-memorial-tri-tip-chickendinner--2025
Wednesday, April 2
Introduction to Solar Energy at Liberty Adult Education
Join this class to learn more about solar energy systems, a battery for your home or are considering purchasing an electronic vehicle. This course is an introduction to solar energy systems, batteries and electric vehicles for homeowners. Register for the next class, which will be from 6-9 p.m. Sign up at Liberty Adult Education, 929 Second St. in Brentwood, or call 925-634-2565.
Saturday, April 5
Opening Day at the East County Historical Museum
The East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum of local history will be open for free. Visit the Byer-Nail House, Eden Plains Schoolhouse, Homer’s Shed and old vehicles to bring back memories of yesteryear. A pancake breakfast hosted by Brentwood Lions Club and Rotary Club of Brentwood from 9 a.m.-noon is available for purchase. Tickets are $10 for adults, $25 per family (up to 2 adults and 3 children ages 2-16). Tickets will be available at the gate. There will be a petting zoo, quilts, and games. Attendees will also be able to help crank homemade ice cream and butter at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Thursday, April 10
Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce
Business on the Bay
The Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce Business on the Bay will host a free Zoom webinar from 3-4:30 p.m. Learn about Business Accounting 101 from Julie Healy, owner of Clear Cents Bookkeeping. Registration is required at www.discoverybaychamber.org.
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-gala-15857?calendarMonth=2025-04-01 .
Saturday, April 12
Brentwood’s Community Day of Service
Brentwood’s second annual Community Day of Service will start 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. Help 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.
SJYC Opening Day on the Delta Parade
The parade starts at noon at the San Joaquin Yacht Club docks, 550 Riverview Road in Bethel Island. The route will be from San Joaquin Yacht Club clockwise around Bethel Island and will
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last about two hours. Viewing locations include the Rusty Porthole, the Sugar Barge, and the San Joaquin Yacht Club. For more information or to enter your boat contact Andy Rowland at andy.h.rowland@gmail.com. Awards will be at 4:30 p.m. and will include the announcement of the Bethel Island Citizen of the Year Awards. All floating craft are welcome, including classics, small craft, personal water craft and dinghies. There is no registration fee. Dinner will be at 4:30 for $15, and will include hamburgers, macaroni salad, and a bag of chips. DJ Daniel Vega and dancing will be at 2:30 p.m. There will be cash prizes for decorated boats.
Saturday, April 26
Friends of Brentwood Library Pop-Up Book Sale
Pick up bargains on children’s books at the Friends of the Brentwood Library Pop-Up Book Sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St.. The sale will also feature a large selection of used books for all ages, puzzles, and more. All proceeds benefit the Brentwood Library. For more information visit www.friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary.org
The 2025 Liberty Union High School District Athletic Hall of Fame
The Induction-Enshrinement banquet will be held at the Ghiggeri Gym at Liberty, 850 Second St. in Brentwood. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the ceremony. The inductees are: Rich Barrios (Liberty) - coach; Ryan Barsanti (Heritage) - athlete, Jett Charvet (Heritage) - athlete; Darrell Daniels (Freedom) - athlete; Haley Rose Love (Heritage) - athlete; Kyle Quinn (Liberty) - athlete, Roman Runner (Freedom) - athlete, and the 2005 Liberty girls volleyball team coached by Linda “Gooch” Ghilarducci. This event is open to the public. Reservations are $60 and can be made by contacting Amy Sickenberger at luhsd.athletic. hof@gmail.com.
Monday, April 28
Patriots Parents Organization first annual Golf Tournament
A day of fundraising and golfing will support the Heritage High School Patriot Parents first annual golf tournament. Hosted by the Heritage 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 (prices range from $50 for lunch only to $540) 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 www.successfund.com/jvgx6.
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-bay-business-expo-jobfair-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 www. 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 www.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 www.facebook.com/ antiochrotaryclub.
The Rotary Club of the Delta: 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 www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org.
East County Lions Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit: www.eclubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/.
Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd.
Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions. com/who-we-are/meetings/.
Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://eclubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/.
Oakley Senior Center
Food Distribution
The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags. It also hosts a flea market, vendor fair, which includes trinkets, arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, happens the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Table space is $10 or 3 for $25. For details, call Jim Fridas at 925-813-1007 or the senior center at 925-626-7223.
Hope House Food Distribution
The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.
IHMC Food Distribution
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.
Soroptimists
Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.
Attention commercial venues! The Press is excited to announce we are now allowing commercial venues, bars and for-profit events to list your events in The Press’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.
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LEGAL NOTICES
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Alexis Nani Gonzales-Meyer SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Alexis Nani Gonzales-Meyer and Nicholas Anthony Souza CASE NUMBER: N25-0335 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Alexis Nani Gonzales-Meyer and Nicholas Anthony Souza filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:
a. Jaxon Gregory Meyer to Proposed Name: a. Jaxon Gregory Souza
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:
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05/14/2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press
Date: February 14, 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 2025
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: WILLIAM VERNON JOHNSON JR., deceased CASE NUMBER P25-00289
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: WILLIAM VERNON JOHNSON JR., deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: MARGARET DORFF AND CHARLES CHRISTOPHER ADAMS in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: MARGARET DORFF AND CHARLES CHRISTOPHER ADAMS be appointed as personal representative to
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administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: APRIL 16, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: 30. 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
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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
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. 2025-0000693 The name of the business(es): Miles Martin General Engineering, Inc. Located at: 1650 Quail Trail Rd In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Miles Martin General Engineering Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 5/6/2020. Signature of registrant: Nina L. Morrill, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 7, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/6/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94382 Publish dates: February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000273 The name of the business(es): SKGT Located at: 1021 Market Place, Suite B, 10 Cedar Pointe Loop, Apt 115, In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sri Karpaga Ganapathi Temple, Cultural And Community Center. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Pushkala Devi Viswanathan, Treasurer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 17, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires
1/16/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94370 Publish dates: February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000341 The name of the business(es):
1. BEASTWOOD KICKBOXING AND FITNESS
2. BEASTWOOD KICKBOXING FITNESS
3. BEASTWOOD KICKBOXING
Located at: 5561 Lone Tree Way, Suite 100 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 110 FOR LIFE, INC. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Matthew Johnson, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 22, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/21/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94381 Publish dates: February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000434 The name of the business(es):
Kyle Cunningham Farrier Service, Kyle Cunningham Farrier Service Located at: 1040 Chaucer Dr In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kyle Clifford Rustrum Cunningham. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/2025. Signature of registrant: Kyle Cunningham. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 28, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/27/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94450 Publish dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000484 The name of the business(es): A Man’s Choice Barber Shop Located at: 3533 Plaza Way In: Lafayette, CA 94549, is hereby registered by the following owner(s):
1. Maria G Baccaro
2. Nancy L Taylor
This business is conducted by: A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/23/2020. Signature of registrant: Maria Baccaro, General Partner. This statement
was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 29, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/28/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94444 Publish dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000596 The name of the business(es): Juna Beauty Located at: 6061 Lone Tree Way, Suite J Room 107 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jennifer Sua Cho. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jennifer ChoIndividual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 4, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/3/2030 Brentwood Press No. 021273 94518 Publish dates: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000662 The name of the business(es): Pressley Accessories Located at: 119 Steinbeck Court In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. John Pressley 2. Kimberly Jett Preessley. This business is conducted by: A Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Kimberly Jett Pressley, Party of Marriage. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 6, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/5/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94458 Publish dates: March 14, 21, 28 April 4, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No.
F-2025-0000789 The name of the business(es): Little Dreamers Home Daycare Located at: 179 Brush Creek Dr In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Mireivis M Cadenas. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 2/12/2025. Signature of registrant: Mireivis Cadenas. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 12, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/11/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94368 Publish dates: February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000830 The name of the business(es): Milys Cleaning Services Located at: 279 Colima In: Pittsburg, CA 94565 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Emilia Rodriguez. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/7/2024. Signature of registrant: Emilia Rodriquez, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 13, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/12/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94460 Publish dates: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0000831 The name of the business(es): Verdin Gardener Located at: 279 Colima In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Isrrael Verdin. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/16/2014. Signature of registrant: Isrrael Verdin. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 13, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/12/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94457 Publish dates: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
File No.
NAME STATEMENT
F-2025-0000844
The name of the business(es): ATALIT ENTERPRISE Located at: 2187 Toulouse Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Juanito Atalit. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 8/19/2024. Signature of registrant: Juanito Atalit. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 14, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/13/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94451 Publish dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0001004 The name of the business(es): The Glamour Vault Located at: 6061 Lone Tree Way J In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Nancy Cendejas. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Nancy Cendejas, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 25, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/24/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94441 Publish dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0001011 The name of the business(es): RMG Handyman Services Located at: 3017 Greenhall Way In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Ramon Guzman This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Ramon Guzman, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 25, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/24/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 94459 Publish dates: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0001057 The name of the business(es): A&K Machine Shop Located at: 4916 McBryde Ave In: Richmond, CA 94805, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Patrick Scipi. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 2/21/2025. Signature of registrant: Patrick Scipi, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 26, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/25/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94499 Publish dates: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0001086 The name of the business(es): Light House Cafe Located at: 690 Railroad Ave In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Azul Food Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Arezki Dahmouh, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 27, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/26/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94456 Publish dates: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0001096 The name of the business(es): China Garden Restaurant Located at: 8610 Brentwood Blvd. #G In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Lian Yun
Zhang. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Lian Yun Zhang. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 27, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/26/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94452 Publish dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0001305 The name of the business(es): Paradise Building Materials Located at: 2601 Walnut Blvd In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Mark Wagner 2. Loretta Markakis. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Mark Wagner, A General Partnership. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 11, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/10/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94508 Publish dates: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2025-0001306 The name of the business(es): Empire Building Materials Located at: 2601 Walnut Blvd
In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Mark Wagner. 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 03/10/2025. Signature of registrant: Mark Wagner-President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 11, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/10/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94509 Publish dates: (4 runs) March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 2025.
NOTICE INVITING BIDS BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Brentwood Union School District of Contra Costa County, California, acting by and through its Governing Board, hereinafter referred to as the “Owner” or “District”, will receive prior to 2:00pm on the 8th day of April, 2025 sealed bids for the award of a Contract for the following: MARY CASEY BLACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – FLOORING REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The work consists of removal and replacement of existing flooring, including but not limited to carpet, LVT, VCT, Linoleum, rubber base, and underlayment where required. The Contract Time is Eighteen (18) Calendar days Estimated Start date: June 30, 2025. Completion date: July 18, 2025. CONTRACTOR should consult the General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, and General Requirements regarding Milestones and Liquidated Damages.
Miscellaneous Information
To verify when available and request an electronic copy of the plans and specifications, please contact Ramon Parocua at (925) 586-3736 or email him at ramon.parocua@cumming-group.com. All inquires concerning this bid shall be directed in writing via email to Ramon Parocua. There will be a Mandatory PreBid Conference on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 9:00a.m. at Mary Casey Black Elementary School, 480 Farmington Drive, Brentwood. Any Contractor bidding on the Project who fails to attend the entire mandatory job walk and conference will be deemed a non-responsive bidder and will have its bid returned unopened. Each bidder shall be a licensed contractor pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code, and be licensed to perform the work called for in the Contract Documents. The successful bidder must possess a valid and active Class “C-15” License at the time of bid and throughout the duration of this Contract. The Contrac-
tor’s California State License number shall be clearly stated on the bidder’s proposal Subcontractors shall be licensed pursuant to California law for the trades necessary to perform the Work called for in the Contract Documents. Each bid must strictly conform with and be responsive to the Contract Documents as defined in the General Conditions. In accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22300, the Owner will permit the substitution of securities for any moneys withheld by the Owner to ensure performance under the Contract. Prevailing wages are applicable to the Project. These per diem rates, including holiday and overtime work, as well as employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, and similar purposes, are available from the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations. Pursuant to California Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq., it shall be mandatory upon the Contractor to whom the Contract is awarded, and upon any subcontractor under such Contractor, to pay not less than the said specified rates to all workers employed by them in the execution of the Contract. A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in the Labor Code, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Section 7029.1 of the Business and Professions Code or by Section 10164 or 20103.5 of the Public Contract Code, provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded. The Contractor and all subcontractors shall furnish certified payroll records as required pursuant Labor Code section 1776 directly to the Labor Commissioner in accordance with Labor Code section 1771.4 on at least on a monthly basis (or more frequently if required by the District or the Labor Commissioner) and in a format prescribed by the Labor Commissioner. Monitoring and enforcement of the prevailing wage laws and related requirements will be performed by the Labor Commissioner/ Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Separate payment and performance bonds, each in an amount equal to 100% of the total Contract amount issued by a California admitted surety as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, are required, and shall be provided to the Owner prior to execution of the Contract and shall be in the form set forth in the Contract Documents. It is each bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure its bid is timely delivered and received at the location designated as specified above. Any bid received at the designated location after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids shall be returned to the bidder unopened. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94476 Publish Dates: March 14, 21, 2025.
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: Mertie Watkins Day, deceased CASE NUMBER P25-00315 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Mertie W. Day, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: Jeffrey P. Day in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA. The Petition for Probate requests that: Jeffrey P. Day be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions,
however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: 4/16/2025 Time: 9:05 a.m. Dept: 30. b. Address of court: 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Walter C. Youngman, Esq., Youngman Roberts Suen LLP 1470 Maria Lane, Suite 340 Walnut Creek, CA 94596. (925)430-5885 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 94449 Publish Dates: March 7, 14, 21, 2025.
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No. 129057-CA APN: 019-870-0031 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 6/20/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On 4/16/2025 at 1:30 PM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 6/27/2007 as Instrument No. 2007-0185603-00 of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Contra Costa County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: CARLOTA A MONTOYA A MARRIED WOMAN, AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; AT THE NORTH SIDE OF THE PITTSBURG CIVIC CENTER OUTSIDE NEAR THE GRASS LOCATED AT 65 CIVIC AVENUE, PITTSBURG, CA 94565 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: LOT 93, AS SHOWN ON THE MAP OF SUBDIVISION 8849, FILED MAY 24, 2005, IN MAP BOOK 479, PAGE 7, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY RECORDS. EXCEPTING THEREFROM: ALL OIL, MINERALS, GAS, CASINGHEAD GAS, ASPHALTUM AND OTHER HYDROCARBONS AND ALL CHEMICAL GAS NOW OR HEREAFTER FOUND, SITUATED OR LOCATED IN ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE LANDS DESCRIBED HEREIN LYING MORE THAN 500 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE THEREOF, TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO SLANT DRILL FOR AND REMOVE ALL OR ANY OF SAID OIL, GAS,
CASINGHEAD GAS, ASPHALTUM AND OTHER HYDROCARBONS AND CHEMICAL GAS LYING BELOW A DEPTH OF MORE THAN 500 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE THEREOF, BUT WITHOUT ANY RIGHT WHATSOEVER TO ENTER UPON THE SURFACE OF SAID LANDS OR UPON ANY PORTION THEREOF WITHIN 500 FEET VERTICAL DISTANCE BELOW THE SURFACE THEREOF, AS RESERVED IN THE DEED FROM CURRIN INVESTMENTS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, ET AL, RECORDED JULY 8, 2003, SERIES NO. 2003322660, OFFICIAL RECORDS. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1649 LILLIAN STREET, BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be held, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, condition, or encumbrances, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to pay the remaining principal sums of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $1,086,177.39 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned or its predecessor caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (855) 313-3319 or visit this Internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 129057-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the
of the fire station as a deterrent for those who would normally rent out the veteran building for events, leading to a direct loss in revenue for the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building.
Other veterans and their supporters expressed concerns with the noise caused by the station and how it would affect those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The expanding list of concerns also included safety of residents who might be walking through downtown as well as complaints that the proposed design of the building was too reminiscent of East Coast fire stations rather than something that felt like Brentwood, with one resident comparing it unfavorably to the fire station in the film Ghostbusters.
One question asked by residents during the public comment period was clarification as to why the fire district did not use a plot of land on Sand Creek Road that had been earmarked for a station in the early 2000s.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAlister, that plot of land had been ruled out before Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) annexed the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District in 2022. During the annexation process, all documents identified the
Teamwork
from page 3A
and Pine Valley. It’s a lot of hard work, compassion, dedication and perseverance against all odds to pull it through.”
According Fakhruddin, the competing teams Hikmah went up against in the NorCal State tournament are at least 15 years old, while Hikmah’s participation began only three years ago at the middle school level. “Each team in Science Olympiad competition has a limit of 15 students,” Fakhruddin added. “The cost is between $250 to $400 to participate per team in each competition. Devices take around $1,200-$1,500 per team to build, plus the cost of practicing. We relied on fundraising to cover all that.”
Galadanci further noted that the students have put in countless hours of preparation — studying, practicing, and perfecting their devices, adding that watching their hard work pay off has been “truly rewarding”. Eighth grader Saniya Khani
Bakery from page 1A
“We made some changes because when we originally planned for the redevelopment of this building, we were going to use it for a different entity,” Cosgrove explained. “But after spending time with the current tenants, who have been with us for about 20 years, we’re really excited about the transition to the younger generation that’s taking it over, and they’re super excited about the changes that they’re making.”
In other Planning Commission news:
The second Oakley Climate Action Plan workshop was scheduled for March 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the City Council chamber at Oakley City Hall. Like the workshop held in 2024, it is an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
This plot of land on Sand Creek Road was originally earmarked for a fire station in the early 2000s but was determined to be disadvantageous due to its location and the cost associated with developing it. The site is next to Mary Casey Black Elementary School.
First Street location as the planned home for Station 94, McAlister said, adding that during the annexation process, the county did not acquire the Sand Creek property, despite preparations that had been made by the city for a fire station, such as a cutout in the median. This was due, in part, to the previous fire district determining the Sand Creek location to not be viable partly because its placement would be near where Sand Creek Road dead ends just past Garin Parkway. The lack of a through street would slow response times to some areas as a result.
describes taking first place as an incredible milestone individually and for the school, confirming their belief to win was justified, despite being underdogs.
“Since we’re one of the youngest science Olympiad programs to win Bay Area regionals in just three years of our team being created, winning the trophy for our school is a really big moment for us as a young, all-Muslim team,” Khani said. “For our school, it establishes us as a serious academic competitor in the region, showing that even newer programs can rise to excellence with the right commitment.”
Khani, along with seventh grader Ahmad Mukhtar and eighth grader Alina Musazay, described the preparation as “intense and long”, beginning in September with weekly and early morning weekend team meetings for coordination practices consisting of deep dives into scientific concepts, building experimental designs, and mastering skills. A lot of
McAlister said that Con Fire had “inherited” the decision.
According to McAlister, the fire district was disappointed in the decision to delay design discussions while requiring Con Fire to produce more studies that would take time and cost the district $50,000 to $100,000 “at expense to the taxpayers.”
“I see it as an equity issue,” he said, explaining that Brentwood’s fire service was “substandard” compared to other local cities in response time. McAlister characterized the roughly 400 square feet of land that the veterans would lose as
credit is attributed to Fakhruddin for not only building the program from scratch, but also from her students for helping them to stay motivated and pushing them to their limits, while instilling hope and creating an environment where excellence was expected, but mistakes were viewed as learning opportunities.
“A great help in this very long and extensive journey would be to Ms. Fauzia who led, carried, and guided our team to first place,” Musazay said. “The road to first place was a very long and intensive journey, with everyone individually spent multiple hours working on our devices and our notes. First place gave me the validation that all my hard work paid off.”
While celebrating and absorbing the accomplishment of their March 8 win, focus now shifts ahead to next month, for the NorCal State Championships at CSU East Bay on Saturday April 5. Mukhtar and Musazay have expressed a desire to
the plan.
The Oakley Day of Service is scheduled for April 12 from 8 a.m. to noon. The day will begin with a pancake breakfast and nonprofit fair at the Oakley Recre-
undeveloped gravel, while also saying that the county had offered to, in exchange, build a storage building for the veterans and provide them with parking spaces that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The offer remains on the table, he said.
There have been conversations about the county meeting with the veterans for further discussion, McAlister said, but no concrete meeting dates have been set as of press time Wednesday, March 19.
Other discussion topics included:
• The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to grant an extension on the renovation of the clubhouse at the former Deer Ridge golf course. The building and surrounding property are owned by local developer Sean McCauley. He originally came before the commission last year to request permits to renovate the property in order to convert the clubhouse into a restaurant. Because her remote attendance had not been included in the documents for the public hearing, Chairperson Anita Roberts was not part of discussion.
• Rod Flohr was appointed the new chairperson for the Planning Commission in a 4-1 vote, with Gerald Johnson dissenting.
The full meeting can be watched at bit.ly/3DYxPyo
win medals, while hoping to be among the top 10 teams.
“For next month’s state championships, our goals are to continue our strong work ethic, gain valuable experience competing against top-tier, motivated teams, and apply what we’ve learned,” Khani said. “We see this as an important opportunity to grow while competing at the highest level in the state.”
Galadanci added, “This win is a historic moment for our school and the Brentwood community. As we gear up for the NorCal State Championships, our goal is to keep improving, give our best performance, and, most importantly, inspire more students to explore STEM and push their limits.”
For details about Hikmah School, visit www.hikmahschool.com For details about the Science Olympiad, visit www. scilympiad.com
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
The new design of the facade of La Michoacana Bakery features brighter colors, a red brick veneer, and a change in door position, among other alterations.
ation Center, it will feature several community service activities, including beautification of Neroly Road, a creek cleanup at Creekside Park, and tree planting at the Recreation Center.
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
CUT CENTER MEDIAN
Photo by The Silvergate
Mortgage rates decrease slightly amidst uncertain economy
Mortgage rates have dropped slightly, but concerns about inflation and the future of the economy have East County experts wondering which direction the housing market will trend.
Interest rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate stand as of March 17 at 6.69 percent whereas a 15-year fixed rate is 5.98 percent, according to Bankrate.com. That is a slight decrease from interest rates from this time last year.
“Currently, mortgage rates are around 6.5 percent, which are good when you view rates from a historical standpoint,” said Oakley mortgage broker Eric Love. “However, they don’t compare to the low 3 percent rates of recent memory.”
The higher mortgage rates, while coming down slightly from their peak, are still higher than the historically low rates seen in recent years, as elevated monthly mortgage payments can affect affordability for prospective homebuyers. According to Love, the housing market is a sellers’ market due to overvalued houses and lack of inventory. However, the tide is slowly
turning back into a buyers’ market.
“My advice to prospective homeowners who want to sell their home would be to sell now while it’s a sellers’ market,” Love said. “The prices are up so high that they only have one place to go, and that’s down.”
The economy is experiencing a mix of stabilization and uncertainty at the national level due to cooling inflation and steady job growth, but with fluctuating interest rates, global economic pressures, and potential policy changes. Interest rates remain a key factor, as the Federal Reserve is closely monitoring inflation before making any significant rate cuts, according to Naja Phillips, Realtor at Keller Williams East County Realty.
“Buyers should be prepared to act decisively when they find the right property, as competition still exists in desirable neighborhoods,” Phillips said. “For local buyers in the Bay Area, this means a continued focus on budgeting wisely and exploring loan options that make homeownership attainable. The demand for housing remains strong due to limited inventory, and home prices are holding steadily.”
According to Phillips, the market is leaning towards a more balanced state. But in many parts of the Bay Area, sellers still have the advantage due to limited housing supply. However, with the fluctuation
of interest rates, buyers who have been waiting to buy could re-enter the market, which could create more competition. Phillips says it is crucial for sellers to price a home correctly and to ensure it is ready for the market. For buyers, persistence and preparation are key, along with being open to creative financing solutions.
“For sellers, this could be an opportunity to attract motivated buyers, especially if inventory remains low,” Phillips said. “For buyers, it’s essential to stay informed, be financially prepared, and work with a knowledgeable real estate professional to help navigate potential market shifts.”
According to Patrick McCarran, real estate broker from Realty One Group Elite in Brentwood, the market should remain mostly steady for 2025 without any drop in values, barring any major crisis.
“My advice to buyers is ‘no time like the present,’ “ McCarran said. “There’s no guarantee that rates won’t go up so it’s good to lock him in now, and if they drop they can always refinanced. Same goes for sellers if you’re looking to make a life change. There’s no time like the present.”
Phillips, while noting it is hard to make an accurate analysis, predicted a more balanced market for 2025 if the Federal Reserve begins lowering interest rates. This could lead to increased buying, since more people will be able to afford homes. But this could also lead to rising home prices
due to more demand.
“For buyers, do get pre-approved for a loan before starting your search--this gives you - competitive edge,” Phillips said. “Do work with an experienced agent who understands the local market and can help you make strong offers. Do be patient and flexible--finding the right home takes time, but the right strategy will get you there. Don’t make emotional decisions or stretch your budget too thin. Don’t assume waiting will necessarily get you a better deal. If interest rates drop, competition could drive prices up.”
Phillips advised that those interested in selling their homes price their homes competitively because overpricing can cause homes to sit on the market longer than necessary. He also stressed the importance of not waiting too long if one is ready to sell. Since market conditions can shift, timing can impact the sale price.
“Invest in minor upgrades, staging, and curb appeal to make your home stand out,” Phillips said. “Be open to negotiation, as buyers today are looking for value and may ask for concessions. Don’t ignore the importance of marketing -- professional photos, online listings, and a strong agent can make a huge difference.”
For more information, contact Naja Phillips at 925-494-8261or Patrick McCarran at 925-899-5536, visit www. najaphillips.kw.com.
SEAN TONGSON
Tariffs on real estate: There is hope for home prices and homebuyers in the East Bay
BY TAYLOR SHEPHERD
With the already expensive price tag on products,
President Trump’s tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada are making homes nationwide and in East County more expensive.
“Industry estimates suggest an increased cost of 5% to 20% per new home, which will likely be passed onto buyers,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. “The tariffs could also result in fewer homes being built, leading to higher competition.”
Heid Hurst, a Brentwood Realtor for The Hurst Team, said what the U.S. is experiencing now and have been for years is inflation. For the real estate industry as a whole, Hurst said that there is a global effect that brings Americans jobs to the U.S., those overseas come back and that allows more people to want to buy houses here.
“People lose jobs over the tariffs because of the high costs of tariffs,” she said.
Jeff Kenney, a Brentwood Realtor for JDK & Associates Realty Inc., said it seems too early to put blame on today’s economy and the slowdown of the real estate market in Brentwood on tariffs.
“Prices have softened and sellers are slow to lower their expectations understandably,” Kenney said. “High interest rates have put purchasing on hold with many first-time buyers, as some who would sell to downsize or go bigger for the growing family, locked in several years ago at incredibly low rates (i.e. 2.75%) and won’t move forward with rates near or at 7%.”
Kenney added that this would raise a buyer’s mortgage rates immensely.
“The housing prices in Brentwood have remained steady over the past few years, but homes that used to say ‘pend-
ing’ with an accepted offer that were once in the teens, are now taking closer to 45 days to find a buyer,” he said.
Although unsure about the future of home buying and Realtors, Hurst added that on a scale of being a buyer agent, she sees a lot of multigenerational families moving in together.
“A lot of people will have to brace themselves for years or repair,” Hurst said. “Next year will be better for buyers and sellers.”
In January 2022, the median home price for Brentwood was $850,000. In January 2025, it was $840,000. With the ‘pause’ Kenney has witnessed from home buyers in today’s market, these prices could continue to drop.
“Brentwood’s real estate market, in my opinion, will continue to have a bright future,” he said. “You can still get more home for your money here than in other Bay Area markets.”
Both Hurst and Kenney said the tariffs will have more effect on one area than another, and for that won’t affect Brentwood much.
Realtors will always do well because Brentwood is now the No. 1 city in the country for the longest commute, Kenney added.
“When commuters decide that they would rather get less house for their money than tolerate the commute, they
leave Brentwood,” he said. “With the new Costco, coming restaurants and more, Brentwood will continue to be a growing and desirable community, especially with our reputable schools.”
His outlook for Brentwood’s market for buyers, sellers and Realtors is bright. “I’ve often said, ‘This, too, will pass!’ Home prices have averaged a 4% increase annually over the past 40 years.”
Kenney’s advice to first-time homebuyers is to get into the California housing market as soon as you can because over time your equity will grow.
“You will eventually refinance at a lower rate,” he said. “As Brentwood leaders continue to improve the quality of life for all of us, more people will move here, jobs will be created, and perhaps someday, we’ll be dethroned as the city with the worst commute in the country.”
Hurst and Kenney both said to buy a house if it is a ‘need’, not a ‘want.’ “There are various types of programs for buyers,” Hurst said. “Lending programs will show you low rates in the fours.”
However, tariffs on imports are leaving builders with few options as the new tariffs
Photo courtesy of New York Post
Homebuyers feel they may never be able to afford a home in these uncertain times.
could increase builder costs anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000 per home, said Rob Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders, citing estimates from U.S. homebuilders.
So, how did we get here? Trump put a tariff on all aluminum and steel imports that could increase construction costs by 4% to 6% over the next 12 months, adding roughly $17,000 to $22,000 to the prices for new homes, according to NBC Bay Area.
Carl Oliveri, construction practice leader and partner at Grassi said, “The
tariffs, set at 25% for steel and 10% for aluminum, are intended to help domestic production and protect American jobs.” Local developers did not return requests for a comment. Hurst said they have been seeing low inventory.
However, the construction industry, which relies heavily on these materials, may face significant challenges such as rising material costs, inflationary pressures (slowing down the pace of construction), supply chain disruptions and impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises that could result in layoffs or business closures.
Tariffs from page 3B
Photo courtesy of CNN
Tariffs on aluminum shipped from China to the U.S. reportedly rose to 45% this week.
5 renovations that provide a strong return on investment
Renovations that make homeowners and residents of a home happy are always worth the investment. Though it’s certainly true that projects that create more functional, usable space and add comfort and convenience are worth the price, such renovations are even more beneficial if they provide a good return on homeowners’ financial investment.
Returns are often cashed in when homeowners put their homes up for sale, and each year Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which considers a wealth of data across the United States to determine which renovations return the highest percentage of homeowners’ financial investment.
According to the “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” the following are five projects that provide a strong return on investment.
1. Garage door replacement
The average job cost for this project is about $4,500 but the project is valued at $8,751, providing an especially high 194 percent return.
2. Steel door replacement
Remodeling magazine notes that a steel entry door replacement is worth double what it was worth in 2023. This project offers a 188 percent return on an average investment of $2,355.
3. Manufactured stone veneer
A manufactured stone veneer is a manmade product that appears as if it’s natural stone. Many homeowners prefer manufactured stone veneer to natural stone because of the price, as the former is less expensive and easier to install, which means lower labor costs as well. The comparatively low cost of manufactured stone veneer is perhaps one reason why it averages a roughly 153 percent return on an average cost of about $11,000.
4. Grand entrance upscale (fiberglass)
Few things are as awe-inspiring as an impressive entryway, and upgrading to a grand fiberglass entrance door provides a 97 percent return. Components of these entryways can vary, but Remodeling magazine notes the project may entail removing an existing entry door and cutting and reframing the opening for a larger with dual sidelights.
5. Minor kitchen remodel
According to the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research, kitchens were the most popular rooms to renovate in 2023. There’s no denying the appeal of a newly renovated kitchen, and homeowners considering such a project may be happy to learn that a minor kitchen remodel that costs an average of around $27,000 provides a 96 percent return. Bankrate.com notes that minor kitchen remodels typically keep the current kitchen design, size and layout intact, but these projects may involve painting walls, refreshing backsplash, replacing lighting and plumbing fixtures, and changing cabinet hardware and facades.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
The pros and cons of open concept floor plans
Open floor plans that make it easy to move through primary living and entertaining areas have been popular for decades. Open concept floor plans join the dining room, kitchen and living (great) room into a communal space where sight lines are maximized and walls are minimal.
According to JJones Design Co., the origins of open concept floor plans may be traced to the deaf community. An open layout allows for better visual communication and awareness of one’s surroundings, and some deaf individuals modified their kitchen and living spaces to facilitate more room for social gatherings and signing. Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to find a new construction with closed-off rooms. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of having an open-concept home.
Benefit: Open concept plans make small spaces feel bigger. When smaller homes are broken up by walls, they can seem even smaller. By tearing down walls, one can trick the mind into thinking there is more square footage.
Drawback: The space may feel too
large. An open concept floor plan in a large home can make interior spaces feel cavernous. A cozy home can be difficult to achieve with fewer walls.
Benefit: Open concept plans facilitate the flow of natural light. Without walls to break up rooms, homeowners can maximize light coming in through their windows. This also may help to brighten darker rooms that do not get as much
natural light.
Drawback: Privacy can be hard to achieve. Unobstructed views from windows and doors can make it more challenging to create privacy when desired. When window shades are open, passersby can see into a home. Also, sunlight may end up wearing out flooring and furniture throughout the home.
Benefit: Open floor plans allow more
space to spread out when entertaining. One of the biggest plusses of open floor plans is that it makes it easier to host crowds. Guests can enjoy the communal space, while hosts can still interact with friends and family even while preparing meals in the kitchen.
Drawback: Homeowners are likely to need to do more cleaning ahead of hosting guests, as multiple rooms will be on display. Also, cleanup afterwards may be more arduous since guests have spent time in multiple spaces.
Benefit: Open concept plans can improve property value. The home renovation experts at The Spruce note open floor plans are desirable and increase the value of a home by up to 7.4 percent a year.
Drawback: Some home buyers are beginning to shy away from open floor plans. This may have been prompted by stay-at-home requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, when multiple family members were working and doing school work at home. In that environment, an open-concept layout didn’t provide the privacy or distraction-free spaces residents may have needed.
Open floor plans have been around for more than 30 years, but they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Photo by Metro Creative
The pros and cons of this design style merits consideration when renovating or shopping for a home.
Before you offer property as a vacation rental...
… consider these safety measures
Vacations have changed dramatically over the last several decades. Social media has opened doors to new places, as millions of people are inspired to visit locales they first caught sight of via platforms like Instagram. But it’s not just where people are going that has changed, but where they’re laying their heads when they arrive at their destinations.
The online marketplace for vacation rentals has no shortage of inventory, as popular websites such as Vrbo and Airbnb continue to attract property owners and renters alike. Property owners may want to consider using a home or apartment to generate some extra money. According to Alltherooms.com, the average annual host earnings on Airbnb in North America exceeded $41,000 in 2021. That income is notable, and it’s undoubtedly one reason why Airbnb reported adding more than 1 million active listings in 2023. Property owners should consider the pros and cons to listing homes via a vacation rental service. Those who decide to go forward can take the following steps as they prepare to offer their properties as vacation rentals.
♦ Hire a home inspector. A certified home inspector is typically hired when individuals enter a contract to purchase a home, but these skilled professionals can be just as useful when preparing to offer a property as a rental. Certified, experienced professionals can identify any potential problems or safety issues with a home that could cause trouble when renting a home down the road. Address any safety or structural issues with a property prior to offering it through a rental service.
♦ Install new safety devices. New smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, locks on exterior doors, and other safety features should be upgraded prior to renting a property. In between each rental, test batteries in alarms and detectors to ensure each device is operating at peak capacity. A new security system with external cameras also can reassure prospective renters that a property is safe. Remote locks that allow for keyless entry to a home is another upgrade that can make it more convenient for hosts and renters to enter a property.
♦ Do your insurance homework. Existing homeowners insurance coverage likely will not apply when renting a home as a vacation property. Prior to listing a property for rent, confirm with your homeowners insurance company the coverage you need to ensure you are protected when renting a home or apartment. Liability and accidental damage coverage are two of the many variables
prospective hosts should consider.
♦ Keep emergency supplies on site.
A fully stocked first aid kit, functioning fire extinguishers (more than one) and a listing of local emergency responder contact information (i.e., police department, fire department, nearest hospital, etc.) should be made readily available to renters. Check supplies before each new group of renters gains access to the property, and restock when necessary.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
Renting a property as a vacation home is a great way to generate extra revenue. But prospective hosts must take steps to protect themselves and their guests before renting a home or apartment.
BY SHEA HOMES
