The Press 04.07.2023

Telugu community celebrates Hindu culture at festivals

By Hemananthani Sivanandam Correspondent

BRENTWOOD The first Saturday of April saw a local school auditorium in Brentwood filled with enthusiastic adults and children to celebrate two Hindu festivals among the Telugu community.

The April 1 event at the R. Paul Krey Elementary School had more than 200 area residents dressed in traditional attire attending the Ugadi and Sri Rama Navami celebrations.

Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, is derived from two Sanskrit words- “yuga,” which means era or age, and “adi,” which means beginning or start. The springtime festival signifies the New Year for the people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka in South India.

Sri Rama Navami marks the birth anniversary of one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, Lord Sri Rama, believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The holy festival is celebrated widely in India and

across the world.

These festivals typically fall in March or April, depending on the Hindu calendar. This year, Ugadi was on March 22, while Sri Rama Navami was on March 30.

Tri-Delta Telugu Association member Ravi Vedantham said such events promote Telugu culture not only to the younger gen-

Tejaswi Yenamandra, who has been practicing the traditional Bharatanatyam dance for more than 20 years, performs in Brentwood recently. She started the Saadhana School of Dance in Antioch, teaching children and adults.

eration but also to people elsewhere.

“We live in Brentwood. And last year, my wife and I organized a Ugadi festival in our backyard, and we had more than 100 people attending it,” Vedantham said.

“Looking at the interest and passion

see Festival page 18A

More housing coming to Discovery Bay

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

MARTINEZ Discovery Bay’s town motto, “live where you play,” will soon apply to new homebuyers after the county Board of Supervisors approved Pulte Homes’ Seagrass development at their April 4 meeting.

Details about the homes in the 277-unit development – such as pricing and floor plans – will not be available until “a month or so” before the opening, according to Jennifer Blumberg, a new home specialist with Pulte Homes. She said model homes are expected to be built by the fall or winter.

The project, originally ap-

Panel supports housing project

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

OAKLEY The Planning Commission gave their blessing to the Sellers Avenue subdivision Tuesday night. The positive vote, however, was solely advisory since the City Council will make the final decision on the 77-home project proposed for a 20-acre property that lies between the railroad tracks and Sellers Avenue.

proved by the county in July 2021, also includes two ornamental lakes, a clubhouse and miles of walking trails. The land – located at the end of Point of Timber Road in Discovery Bay – was purchased by Lazares Companies over two decades ago and originally included Delta access. Hurdles to adding more docks to the Delta forced an overhaul to their plans and resulted in lake waterfront sites.

According to Pulte Homes, the Seagrass subdivision will consist of two developments: The Estates at Seagrass and The Residences at Seagrass. No details have been provided about the differenc-

see Housing page 18A

SEAGRASS New Development

A number of Sellers Avenue neighbors appeared before the Commission to express their opposition to the project with objections concentrating on traffic safety and the spoiling of the rural nature of the farming area. The property is on a stretch of Sellers Avenue with a 50-mph speed limit zone and lined with agricultural operations and a variety of livestock. Neighbors noted the difficulty of just entering the street during high traffic hours, particularly from Wildhorse Road nearby.

The Commission’s 4-1 vote to support the project came with some qualifications and suggested conditions. But Ken Strelo, the city’s Planning Manager, advised the panel that speed limits were not within their authority to review. Since the project will require a rezoning amendment, which only the City Council can grant, their review will determine its ultimate fate.

see Panel page 18A

Photo courtesy of Tri-Delta Telugu Association

Old River Bridge closures end in Discovery Bay

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

Commuters now have full access to the Old River Bridge outside Discovery Bay following the finish of a $9.4 million renovation program on Sunday, April 2.

The purpose of the project is preventive maintenance to delay or minimize the bridge’s future rehabilitation needs and to restore the moveable bridge to good operating condition. The existing mechanical and electrical components needed to be upgraded, and structural repairs to this 100-year-old bridge were implemented to increase the reliability and serviceability of this swing span bridge, the state Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said.

Caltrans re-opened extended full closures of Highway 4 and Highway 120/Manteca Bypass several hours ahead of schedule thanks to the concerted efforts of Caltrans’ construction teams and its contractor partners. All lanes of eastbound Highway 120/Manteca Bypass, from Interstate 5 to Airport Way, were safely reopened to traffic 18 hours ahead of schedule when work was completed at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. The scheduled 64-hour closure for emergency approach slab replacement near McKinley Avenue began at 10 p.m. on Friday, March 31 and was estimated to be completed at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 3.

Caltrans would like to thank motorists for their patience and being mindful of the safety all highway workers during these extended closures. Caltrans also thanked all local partners, including CHP and first responders, for their coordination and cooperation.

The original project completion date was April 2023. However, new traffic gates to be installed at the bridge are on back order from the manufacturer and are scheduled to arrive for installation in August 2023, according to Skip Allum, a Caltrans spokesman.

Some one-way traffic control will be required again for this installation work with dates and times to be determined, sometime in August or September 2023, once the traffic gates arrive from the manufacturer, Caltrans said,

adding that no more extended, weekend full closures of Highway 4 are required.

For more information: https://dot.ca.gov/caltransnear-me/district-10/district-10-current-projects/10-1c800

Top: The $9.4 million renovation of the Old River Bridge outside Discovery Bay was nearly finished Sunday, April 2. Bottom: CHP officers close off access to the Old River Bridge Saturday, April 1, during renovation work.

Photos by Chris Campos

Scout troops launch American flag service

Fundraiser for ‘rite of passage’ to include 5 major holidays

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

East Bay residents will have the opportunity to show their patriotism and have an American flag displayed in their front yard on major holidays thanks to a new subscription service two local Boy Scout troops have launched.

Scouts BSA Troop 21 and Troop 22 are offering their services to residents of Brentwood, Antioch, Oakley and Discovery Bay as a way to raise funds for an upcoming trip to Philmont, a Scout Reservation in New Mexico, the organizers of the flag service said. The cost of the flag service is $100 a year.

“Philmont is the largest high adventure base in the United States and is fully owned and operated by Boy Scouts of America,” the website for the flag service states.

“Located in the northeast corner of New Mexico the ranch consists of over 140,000 acres of rugged wilderness and backcountry trails. A trip to Philmont is widely considered the pinnacle of the Scouts BSA experience, and has been

a rite of passage for scouts since the ranch was established in 1938.”

According to Christina Bell, whose child is participating in the service, fundraisers like the flag service are important to local Scouts because parents are not supposed to help them pay for the trip to Philmont.

“Philmont is a weeklong, 50-mile hike,” she said. “It’s a rite of passage because it’s something kids have to fundraise and pay for themselves. Parents cannot just write their child a check.“

Flags will be placed in the early morning on Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, September 11, and Veterans Day and taken down before dark, according to the website.

All five holidays must be purchased as a set, with no option for individual days. Scouts are responsible for placing and collecting the 3-feet by 5-feet flags rather than the homeowners.

Bell said Brentwood had this service for close to 30 years and was often done by scouts or local veterans. But the service has not been active for about 10 years.

Residents interested in signing up for the service can do so at www.brentwoodscoutflags. org or by calling (925) 642-4067.

The website also contains a Venmo link for the Brentwood troops for those interested in donating without subscribing.

Local

Two local Boy Scout troops are reviving a service that has been inactive in Brentwood for the past 10 years that would enable homeowners to have an American flag displayed in their yard on five holidays over the course of the year.

Photo courtesy of Christina Bell

N ews i N B rief

Roy J. Ghiggeri Gym dedication on April 13

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony in the Roy J. Ghiggeri Gym at Liberty High at 20 Oak St. at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.

At the Jan. 18 Liberty Union High School District board meeting, the Board voted 5-0 to dedicate the main gymnasium at Liberty High School in honor of Ghiggeri. The “new gym,” as it is called at Liberty, was completed in 2002 to accommodate the then-growing school population. Until now, it has not formally been named.

Ghiggeri has been a part of the Liberty Union family since 1964 when he entered Liberty Union High School and twice served as a class officer. He began his professional career at Liberty in August 1974 to teach and to coach basketball after a career at the University of the Pacific.

Applicants sought for county’s employee retirement board

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals with a sound business background, experience in pension fund investment or administration, or in equity investments or banking to serve on the Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association Board of Trustees.

To be considered, candidates must be County residents, must not be Retirement System members or retirees, and may not market any investment, consulting, or related service to the Contra

Costa County Retirement Board or any other 1937 Act Retirement Board.

Regular meetings of the board are on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 9 a.m. and sometimes extend into the afternoon. There may also be additional meetings on special topics that arise from time to time.

Board members receive $100 per meeting up to a monthly maximum of $500, plus reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses. The appointment will be for a full three-year term beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2026.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 21. Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews in Martinez on Monday, May 9.

For more information, call Gail Strohl at 925-521-3960 or by visit www. cccera.org

Give blood to Red Cross, get a Snoopy T-shirt

During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross is joining forces with PEANUTS as a reminder that it’s cool to be kind! We rely on the kindness of volunteer donors every day to ensure blood is available when patients need it.

“The short amount of time it takes

to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition,” said Brian J Oftedal, and American Red Cross Volunteer and the Contra Costa County Leadership Council. “We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, your donation could be the difference between life and death. Please sign up to donate today”.

As a thank-you, all who come to give through April 23 will receive a Red Cross and PEANUTS T-shirt featuring Snoopy as Joe Cool, while supplies last. Those who come to give through April 30 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Sonoma County. This getaway includes flights, hotel, $1,000 gift card and special tours of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Snoopy’s Home Ice. Details are available at rcblood.org/ cool.

People coming together to care for one another is the humanitarian spirit shared by the Red Cross community and PEANUTS. Donors are encouraged to take a page from the comic strips that have charmed generations and take care of one another by making a blood or platelet donation.

Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities through April 23 in Contra Costa County include:

Brentwood

April 18, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Summerset at Brentwood III, 1581 Regent Drive Antioch

April 27, 9:30 a.m.- 03:30 p.m St. Ignatius of Antioch, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd.

Pleasant Hill

Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

April 7, 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

April 8, 7:45 a.m. -

April

7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

April 17, 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

April 18, 12:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

April 19, 12:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

April 20, 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.

April 21, 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

April 22, 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

April 23, 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana. org, or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.

Food (and a) fight! about political issues

The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley is hosting appetizers and a verbal ‘fight’ about politics on Wednesday, April 12, in Walnut Creek. Learn how to productively talk through differences as Carlos Hernandez and Ellie Sears of the San Francisco Alliance of Braver Angels discuss a controversial political issue in a powerful new way.

The League and the Braver Angels will host this kickoff meeting from 6-8 p.m.in the Walnut Creek Public Library, which is part of a series. Gain skills in having your own conversations whether around the dinner table or around the office. They’ll take issue topics from the audience so we’ll have a lively demonstration of how the Braver Angels’ way works.

RSVP and get more information on Eventbrite.

Tax & Financial Specialist Meet

Marlen C. Rosales, CPA: for all your accounting needs!

Are you a middle class individual or a closely-held business owner looking for a professional who specializes in accounting and financial statements, as well as payroll and tax preparation? Look no further, Marlen C. Rosales, CPA has over 39 years of experience, is a serviceoriented, client-focused business that will exceed your expectations!

“I diligently accomplish client projects as if they were my own,” said Marlen. “I also take great pride in the results and the way I serve my clients, working towards bringing about their peace of mind. I am driven and strive to excel and to achieve my goal of helping to make accounting and taxes less stressful and more worry-free.”

Marlen C. Rosales, CPA is a member of The Better Business Bureau. To schedule a free 15 minute introduction or a free, no obligation quote call 925-392-8047 or email marlen@rosalescpa.com. www.rosales-cpa.com

Where can you go to find an Easter egg hunt? Right here

7 are scheduled around Brentwood, Antioch and Discovery Bay

East County has a wide variety of family friendly events for the upcoming Easter weekend. Residents who want to celebrate the holiday can find a selection of local Easter-themed activities listed below:

APRIL 8

4th Annual Egg Hunt and Pet Event

Lori Abreu of Delta Ranches and Homes and Patti Shaner of The Loan Ladies are hosting their annual free egg hunt and pet event at Knightsen Elementary School at 1923 Delta Road from 10 a.m.-noon. The egg hunt is for registered children ages 13 and younger. The event will also feature a treasure map for additional prizes. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/3JNyMbO

2nd Annual Egg-Stravaganza & Recreation Expo

The Antioch Water Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way is hosting their annual egg-stravaganza and recreation exposition 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will feature an egg hunt, activity showcase and games. A bag will be provided to collect eggs for the egg hunt. Tickets are $8 if purchased in advance and $12 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/411mJyJ

Discovery Bay Easter Egg Hunt

The Discovery Bay Lions Club is hosting their annual free Easter Egg hunt at the Discovery Bay Community Cen-

ter located at 1601 Discovery Bay Boulevard. Gates open at 9 a.m., and the egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. The event will also feature a bonnet contest and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Antioch Police Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The Antioch Police Department is hosting their annual Easter egg hunt at 8 a.m. The event will also feature a visit from the Easter Bunny. The location of the hunt will be announced the morning of on the department’s Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and Twitter pages.

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

Local Realtors Melissa Ahern, Lisa Fitzpatrick and The O’Malley Team are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt in Wheatfield Park at 2143 Gold Poppy St., from 10 a.m.noon. The event will include a coloring contest and a grand prize drawing for three different age groups. For more information and to RSVP, visit http://bit.ly/3zrkPeK

7th annual Antioch Rotary Club Bunny Hop 5K

The Antioch Rotary Club is hosting their annual Bunny Hop 5K run/walk from 9 a.m.-noon in the Corteva Wetlands area. Participants must park in the Antioch Marina parking lot at 1 Marina Plaza, and walk about ¾ of a mile to the race site. There will also be a Bunny Hop Kid’s Dash at the Antioch Marina from 10:30-10:45 a.m. Registration is $40, and participants can run or walk, or both. For more information and to sign up, visit http://bit.ly/3MfgjYy

APRIL 9

Brentwood Church of Christ

Egg Hunt

The Brentwood Church of Christ is hosting an egg hunt from 1-3 p.m. at Creekside Park at 1010 Claremont Drive. Participants must bring their own baskets for their kids, lawn games will also be available to play after the egg hunt.

AANHPI culture to be honored

From Staff Reports

The county Board of Supervisors will honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander culture and traditions at the celebration on Tuesday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m. in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) multicultural celebration will showcase dance, music, food, and customs from some Asian and Pacific Islander communities represented in Contra Costa County, including Nepalese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao, Thai, and Burmese communities.

The AANHPI multicultural celebration will offer simultaneous interpretation in eight languages on the County’s website through Zoom: Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Nepali, Punjabi, Korean, Spanish or American Sign Language. Use the Zoom link in the Agenda to access this feature during the event. You will see a small globe icon at the bottom of your screen. Click the icon and select your preferred language Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Nepali, Punjabi, Korean, Spanish or American Sign Language and select “Mute Original Audio”.

Subtitles in each language will also be available on the Contra Costa Television YouTube channel, and American Sign Language will be provided. In addition, this multi-faceted, multi-media production ceremony will be televised on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) channels, AT&T U-Verse 99, Comcast 27, or Astound 32 and 1027. Television viewers can enable SAP to hear Mandarin interpretation.

HAVE YOU BEEN HACKED?

By Seana Fippin, Red Box

This is what every hacker hopes you believe. “We’re small, nobody wants to hack us.” This is the No. 1 reason why people and businesses get hacked. They dismiss the importance of IT cyber-security, because they are only a “small business.”

One thing is for certain: No one is immune to cybercrime. In fact, one in five small businesses fall victim to cybercrime and that number grows every year. Plus, half of all cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses because they make themselves low-hanging fruit with sloppy or nonexistent security protocols.

If you aren’t giving IT cyber security the attention it deserves, how do you think your clients would

feel about that? If for no other reason, you need to do it to protect your clients’ data — even if the only information about them that you store is an e-mail address. If your system gets breached, hackers will now have access to your clients’ email and can use that for phishing scams and virus-laden spam making you responsible. Your clients want you to be a good steward of their information and privacy, so it is time to get serious about putting essential security practices in place.

Have questions about cybersecurity or the technology at your company? Red Box Business Solutions can help. Call us today at 925-513-0000 to book a 10-minute call to learn more.

www.getredbox.com

Brentwood police investigate shooting after attempted robbery

O’Grodnick said. “There has been consistency (amongst these types of crimes) across several counties.”

Brentwood police are investigating a shooting in front of a residence after an attempted robbery last weekend.

Officers responded to a call at about 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 2, in the 2700 block of Serene Court to investigate the shooting. Upon arrival, police determined that the victim discovered suspects in the driveway of their resi dence trying to break into the victim’s vehicle. When the vic tim confronted the suspects, one of them fired toward the victim. The victim, who was also armed, fired back, shooting three to four rounds towards the suspects who fled shortly after in a vehicle.

Nobody was reported injured in the shooting.

“These are not uncommon for our city,” Brentwood police Capt. Walter

A neighbor’s security camera nearby didn’t capture the incident as it happened, but captured the vehicle as it turned around at the end of the court to get away. The car is a blue, two-door BMW convertible with a black top.

The suspects are described as two white male adults – one wearing a black hoodie, the other wearing a white hoodie – and both were wearing ski masks.

Brentwood police recommend residents do what they can to secure their vehicles and park inside garages if possible. The department is also asking anyone with any information about the suspects, the suspects’ vehicle, or if they are a potential witness, to call Dispatch at 925-809-7911.

Doggie Depot

Pet Grooming, Spa and Boarding Doggie Depot offers full-service and express grooming, nail care, pet bed laundry and spa packages. The friendly, talented staff is constantly upgrading its education through competitions, classes and seminars, providing your four-legged friends with new styles and trends. Doggie Depot is the leader of the pack in pet care, voted Best Pet Groomer for 20 years in a row.

Youth fair on April 8 to highlight Brentwood’s diversity and cultures

From Staff Reports

BRENTWOOD Brentwood’s growth and diversity will take center stage this weekend at City Park with the city’s youth leading the way.

For the first time, Brentwood’s Youth Commission will host the Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 8, from 1:30-4 p.m. The event will showcase some of the cultural clubs from Liberty, Heritage and Freedom high schools, and will include booths from the three high schools, along with various games, performances, music, food trucks and a fashion show at 3:15.

“There’s so much diversity here, it’s awesome,” said Owen Spishock, a Youth Commissioner for the City of Brentwood. “We’re trying to showcase that, especially within the youth because that’s going to be our next generation Brentwood residents. So we’re trying to foster that.”

According to the Brentwood Youth Commission Vice Chairperson DD Salazar, the event is an opportunity for Brentwood youth to share their culture, “We wanted to give a space for youth to share their culture with our community in hopes of creating a welcoming community environment.”

Heritage and Liberty High Schools are scheduled to have clubs at the fair, including Heritage High School’s Fil-Am club, The Ethiopian & Eritrean Student

Association Council, the Polynesian Club and a Tahitian group from Liberty High School’s Culture Shock club. Local dance group Asi Se Siente Mexico Ballet Folklorico will also perform at the fair.

The first major event for the Youth Commission follows several of their smaller events, such as the pool parties in the summer and craft nights. While the schools have done a similar type of event individually, Saturday marks the first time that they’ll all come together to host the event.

“We’re trying to incorporate it where it’s an entire community event where the community can really see what the youth and the community as a whole has to offer,” Spishock said.

Salazar highlighted that the event is important to Brentwood and its youth, as it creates an open environment and fosters safe spaces.

“The fair is very important for Brentwood youth because it’s creating a welcoming and safe space for youth and adults to learn about different cultures,” Salazar said. “Everyone will have a better understanding of each other’s cultural differences and similarities, which will ultimately create a more positive environment.”

Those going are recommended to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

P lease recycle this paper.

A WILL IS NOT THE ANSWER by Martin

C. Johnson, Attorney at Law, MBA,RMA®, EA

Back in the day, for the average person the common estate plan was a Will, a Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive. If you were wealthy, you might have a Trust. But for most people if you weren’t wealthy, there was going to be very little in the way of assets left after their death, so a Will was going to be fine.

However, we are now living in a world where the average house that sold last month in this county was $770,000. Unlike our parents, it is estimated that we will be transferring between $30-$40 Trillion in wealth to our children and beneficiaries. A standard Will is not going to work for this kind of transfer of wealth.

Here are just a few of the problems with Wills: Where there is a Will, there is a Probate. Unless the total value of your assets that need to be probated is less than $184,500 and you have no real property, you will need a probate.

Probates are expensive and time consuming. The average probate in California takes over 1 year. The statutory fees are 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000. Fees are not on equity in property, but rather the fair market value. To make matters worse, these fees are paid to the attorney and the person who is the executor. This means that if you have an estate valued at $1 Million dollars at the time of your death, $46,000 will be paid to the attorney and your executor to probate your estate.

If you become incapacitated prior to your death, a Will is not going to help you because a Will is only effective after you die. Without a Trust, there is not a mechanism for you to

appoint someone to be in charge of you and your finances.

A Will cannot hold assets for the benefit of a third party If you have a beneficiary that is receiving governmental benefits, may receive governmental benefits in the future, or needs a third party to control distribution of assets, a Will is not going to be able to do this without a court establishing a separate trust and providing for control of the trust after you die.

Real Property cannot be transferred by Will without court approval. If you have real property, it is still going to be cheaper and faster to have the property in a trust than going through the probate process.

A will is not a substitute for a trust. Even if you do not own real property, most people need to have a trust in order to avoid a conservatorship if they become incapitated prior to death. It is much better for you to select the people who will be in charge of you and your finances versus the court making that determination at your expense.

If you have questions about estate planning or need help reviewing your Trust, we offer FREE 30 minute consultations in our Walnut Creek office. This article provides only general legal information and not specific legal advice. The information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. 360 Estate Planning, Inc, Phone (925) 289-8837; 1600 S. Main St., Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. © 2023 Martin Johnson

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Letters to the editor

Odyssey of the Mind a success thanks to local help

Editor,

I would like to thank all those who helped make our 2023 Norcal Odyssey of the Mind Tournament a success!

We got amazing support from local businesses for our non-profit organization, including: Brentwood Rotary (pancake breakfast for our judges), Brentwood Fine Meats (our judges’ lunch), Sip and Scoop (coffee and dessert for teams), Straw Hat Pizza (lunch for teams), and Willy’s Bagels and Blends

(morning coffee and bagels for teams).

A special thank-you to Sal from Straw Hat Pizza for continuing to support our organization over the years.

Finally, thank you to the Brentwood Union School District for your continued support for our organization. Adams Middle School is a great location and always impresses our teams from out of town. We had amazing custodial help too!

See you all next year!

Marilyn Tamura, Tournament Director Brentwood

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This Week’s Events

Friday, April 7

Brentwood Rotary 13th Annual Poker Tournament: No Limit Texas Hold ’Em

The Brentwood Rotary Club is hosting their annual poker tournament at the Brentwood Community Center at 35 Oak St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the tournament starts at 7 p.m. The cost is $75 per player and includes a buffet dinner, drink ticket and tournament play. Participants must be 21 or older to play. First prize is $500. For more information and to buy tickets, call Steve Gursky at 925-584-8708 or email at sgursky@ sbcglobal.net

Saturday, April 8

Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Annual Romano Marchetti Memorial Tri-Tip/ Chicken Dinner

The Kiwanis Club of the Delta is hosting their annual Tri-tip/chicken Dinner at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building at 815 Fulton Shipyard Road from 5-9 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with social hour beginning at 5 p.m. The dinner will benefit local Kiwanis programs, youth charities and music scholarships. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://bit. ly/3ZHZkBX

4th Annual Egg Hunt and Pet Event

Lori Abreu of Delta Ranches and Homes and Patti Shaner of The Loan Ladies are hosting their annual free egg hunt and pet event at Knightsen Elementary School, located at 1923 Delta Road from 10 a.m.-noon. The egg hunt is for registered children ages 13 and younger. The event will also feature a treasure map for additional prizes. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/3JNyMbO

Discovery Bay Easter Egg Hunt

The Discovery Bay Lions Club is hosting their annual free Easter Egg hunt at the Discovery Bay Community Center located at 1601 Discovery Bay Boulevard. Gates open at 9 a.m., and the egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. The event will also feature a bonnet contest and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Youth Multicultural Fair

The Brentwood Youth Commission is hosting a multicultural fair from 1:30-4 p.m. in Brentwood City Park at 790 Second St. The event will feature live music, food trucks, performances, booths and a fashion show.

Antioch Police Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The Antioch Police Department is hosting their annual Easter egg hunt at 8 a.m. The event will also feature a visit from the Easter Bunny. The location of the hunt will be announced the morning of on the department’s Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and Twitter pages.

2nd Annual Egg-Stravaganza and Recreation Expo

The Antioch Water Park, located at 4701 Lone Tree Way is hosting their annual egg-stravaganza and recreation exposition 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will feature an egg hunt, activity showcase and games. A bag will be provided to collect eggs for the egg hunt. Tickets are $8 if purchased in advance and $12 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/411mJyJ

Tuesday, April 11

Oakley Senior Center Bingo

The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. is hosting a bingo game from 12:30-3 p.m. 4 card sign is $20. To register for the event, call 925-626-7223.

Wednesday, April 12

Oakley’s Got Talent Auditions

The Oakley Youth Advisory Council is hosting auditions for Oakley’s annual talent show on May 20. Auditions April 12 from 7-8 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center at 1250 O’Hara Ave. Performances are limited to 5 minutes. For those unable to audition in person, video submissions can be sent to http://bit.ly/3yzpVFt

Friday, April 14

Liberty Lions Band Boosters

Poker Night

The Liberty Lions Band Boosters is hosting a poker night at the Brentwood Community Center at 760 First St. Dinner will start at 5:30 p.m., with poker beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $20, poker entry is $65, and the top prize is $500. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://bit. ly/3YMywzj

On the Horizon

Saturday, April 15

Art in the Park

The Oakley Recreation Department is hosting their annual Art in the Park in Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main St. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will feature original work from artists from Oakley, along with music and family-friendly activities.

The Makers Boulevard

The Makers Boulevard is hosting their monthly community event that features local artisans, makers and small businesses. The event takes place on Oak Street, between Second and Third streets from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event also features family-friendly activities, live music and themed photo opportunities. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3K2Xghd

Saturday, April 22

Friends of the Brentwood Library used book sale

The Friends of the Brentwood Library is hosting their bi-annual used book sale from 10 a.m.-2 p.m in the community room of the Brentwood Public Library at 104 Oak St. From 2-3 p.m. Friends of the Brentwood Library members will provide bags customers can fill for $7.

Saturday, May 6

Concours D’Elegance

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting their annual Concours D’Elegance at the Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The event showcases antique and collector cars, trucks and motorcycles. Ribbons and awards will be given for Best of Show. The deadline to register is April 30. For more information and to register, call 925-626-7223.

Sunday, May 7

Brentwood Literary Stroll

The Friends of the Brentwood Library is hosting a literary stroll from 1-4 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. The event features 10 authors – Rosie Bank, Michael Barrington, T.L. Bequette , Mark Clifford, Jim Hamilton, Carol Jensen, Josephine Mele, Dana Mentink, Gail Tsukiyama and Dallas Woodburn – from different restaurants and businesses throughout downtown. Check-in tables will be at the corner of First and Chestnut streets and on the corner of Second and Oak streets. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at http://bit. ly/42Lo1zp

Saturday, May 13

Rotary Club of Oakley Foundation

Gala 2023

The Oakley Club of Rotary is hosting their 4th annual gala at La Grande Estates at 1799 Carpenter Road, from 5:30-10 p.m. The theme for this year’s gala is “An Evening Under the Stars.” The

event will feature entertainment by DJ Brandon, raffles, a silent, live, and dessert, auction, along with a door prize. Tickets are $65 and includes dinner and dancing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/3KrKsmc

Saturday, May 20

Los Vaqueros Reservoir 25th

Anniversary Open House

The Contra Costa Water District is hosting a free open house for the Los Vaquero Reservoir’s 25th anniversary from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Los Vaqueros Interpretive Center at 19 Walnut Blvd. The event will feature information on how Los Vaqueros operates, a shuttle trip to the top of the Los Vaqueros Dam, a nature hike, an augmented reality sandbox along with other family-friendly activities. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit http://bit.ly/3JYSp0E

Ongoing Events

Oakley Senior Center

Food Distribution

The Oakley Senior Center at 215 2nd St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags.

Widow and Widower

Grief Support Group

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

Free ESL Classes

The nonprofit organization Opportunity Junction hosts free online English as a Second Language courses online through Zoom on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m. The classes are intended to help attendees learn to speak, write and read in English or improve their English. For more information, call 925-776-1133. To apply, visit https://sforce.co/3KdEfac

Coffee with Carolyn

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

Nonprofit offers Health Care Career Courses

The nonprofit Opportunity Junction is accepting applications for its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at two locations including the Opportunity Junction Antioch office at 3102 Delta Fair Blvd. Classes began in September. The CNA program includes 12 weeks of training, life skills training, hands-on clinical experience, and job placement assistance. The first step in taking the course is to complete an application form online by visiting https://opportunityjunction. secure.force.com/apply/HCP

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https:// www.brentwoodrotary94513.com Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://rotary-

clubofoakley.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 http://www.antiochrotaryclub.com/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https://www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org/.

Delta Informal Gardeners Monthly Meetings

Delta Informal Gardeners encourages local residents to join them at their local meeting at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Brentwood Community Chorus Rehearsals

The Brentwood Community Chorus meets on Tuesdays from 7- 9 p.m. at Brentwood Community United Methodist Church on 809 Second St. It is open to all ages and abilities as they prepare for their spring season. For more information visit http://bit.ly/3lsKIHP8

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

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

East County Lions Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Straw Hat Pizza on Lone Tree Way. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/ Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center, for more information, visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/ Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit:https:// discoverybaylions.com/who-we-are/meetings/ Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/byron_delta/

Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings

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

East County 4-H Club Meetings

Oakley: The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, email Amanda at oakley@contracosta.org. The Delta-Diablo 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Thursday at 6:30 p.m at 3840 Brown Road in Oakley. For more information contact Megan and Tiffany at deltadiablo@contracosta4h.org, Brentwood: The Brentwood 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m at the Knightsen Farm Center located on 3020 2nd Street. For more information, contact Angela at brentwood@contracosta4h.org

Knightsen: The Knightsen 4-H Club has monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m at Knightsen Elementary School located at 1923 Delta Road. 4-H members are girls and boys ages 5–19 years old.

Discovery Bay boaters launch season on Saturday, April 1

Boats of all types and sizes gathered for the “Fool’n Fun on the Delta” boat parade marking the opening of boating season near the Discovery Bay Yacht Club on Saturday, April 1. Some 23 boaters were blessed by sunny skies and a 65-degree day.

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

Local students get academic kudos

Named to their university’s, honors, academic, chancellors lists

Eboni Olivares of Antioch was named to the Troy University Chancellor’s List for Term 3 of the 2022-23 school year.

Undergraduates who are regis-

tered for at least 12 semester hours and earn a grade-point average of 4.0 are named to the Chancellor’s List.

Angela Del Rosario of Antioch was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Honors List for the 2023 Winter Quarter. Del Rosario is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Undergraduate students who have earned a grade-point average of 3.20 or higher for the quarter are named to the Honors List.

Brentwood woman a nursing graduate

Kathryn Ann Strock of Brentwood recently graduated Cum Laude from South Dakota State Uni-

versity with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Nursing for the 2021-22 academic year.

Roberts makes Dean’s List

Maile Roberts of Brentwood has been named to the Champlain College Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester. Students at the Burling -

Milestones Milestones

ton, Vt. private college must have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be named to the Dean’s List.

Have you or someone you know recently reached a “milestone”?

If so, we’d like to know about it!

To place your announcement, complete the form at www.thepress.net/announcements

925-634-1441

Photo by Jim Mattison

Antioch High cements alumnus’s legacy

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

ANTIOCH Mike Hurd needs no introduction, at least, to most Antioch alumni. Nor would he necessarily want one. When it comes to the current students, however, even the current track and field roster who “have never heard of that guy in their life,” an introduction wouldn’t hurt.

The history of Antioch’s track and field program cannot be talked about without bringing up Hurd and the Panthers’ dynasty of the 1970s.

Now, when you walk into Eells Stadium at Antioch High School, you’ll see his name and his program’s legacy cemented throughout the Mike Hurd Track at Eells Stadium in name and on a plaque planted by the tree just behind its gates.

“I was shocked because it’s never been about me,” Hurd said. “It’s always been about the athletes and my coaches and that sort of thing. I got plenty of recognition as a head coach, and I didn’t need to go out and find any more. So the idea that somebody would think to do this was more shocking than anything else.”

In between rainstorms, a dedication ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 29. Several alumni were on hand for the event and told their stories with and about Hurd with numerous other alumni, family, and friends throughout the stands. The rain moved the event from the track itself to the gym. However, the rain stopped just in time for the official unveiling at the stadium entrance. “It’s very humbling,” Hurd said. “This is not something I would have ever campaigned for, and the thought that there were people that thought highly enough to put all of the work that’s taken to do this, I just feel really blessed. My feelings are somewhat between embarrassment and humble.”

Louie Rocha, the former principal at Antioch High School and the current coordinator of the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, was a sprinter under Hurd’s guidance in the late 1970s towards the end of the Panthers’ dynasty run. He told his story about how he and his relay team, all football players at Antioch at the time, would show up to events where they were bigger than everyone else and would surprise the entire event because they knew how to run and exchange handoffs better than the competition.

“He had the knowledge and the know-how to build not only a team, but individuals to fit into that team,” Rocha said. “He always had a way of letting

us know how to get the most out of our ability and how to do it as a member of a team. That’s how it resulted in so many championships.”

Hurd’s impact on the track program goes further than just results. On the track, he led the Panthers “B” teams to five then-Diablo Valley Athletic League titles in the early ‘70s, including a threepeat from 1974-76. He guided the varsity team to five championships as well, including a pair of back-to-back titles twice – in 1973 and 1974, and 1976 and 1977 – along with a title in 1979. The 1973 championship was the first DVAL championship in program history.

“I knew I wanted to coach, and the

opportunity to come back here. It was just a matter that I said ‘If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right,’” Hurd said.

Under Hurd’s guidance in the ‘70s, the Panther’s track and field program never finished below second in the DVAL and amassed a 68-10-1 record, defeating rival Pittsburg in eight out of nine years.

“It’s well deserved,” Rocha said. “When you think about those 10 years, he accomplished all of those championships, it’s pretty amazing.”

Hurd grew the team from a mere 30-athlete roster to more than 120. He was one of the first few coaches to include a girls side in 1973, and later on incorporated them with the boys programs to make one entire program, much like that of today. He had nine relay teams and 60 individual athletes and assistant coaches remain on Antioch’s all-time top 10 lists as of 2010.

Off the track, Hurd created and was the meet director for the Antioch High Chuck Stapleton Relays for eight years, naming it for the Antioch athlete and long-time booster. He also organized the Hershel Miles Cross-Country Jamboree from 1976-78, named after the late distance runner and booster and the greatuncle to pro baseball player and Antioch native Aaron Miles.

Hurd’s impact was felt by everyone he either coached or worked with. Along with those he named some of Antioch’s biggest track and field events after, Rocha felt it the most.

“The experiences that we had back then as youth under his leadership, it was a family,” Rocha said. “What he did for all of us was give us the opportunity to compete and excel and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

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

Freedom boys edge Heritage in volleyball

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

The Freedom Falcons boys volleyball team defeated the visiting Heritage Patriots 3-2 (25-22, 11-25, 25-16, 2025, 15-7) on March 28 in the opening Bay Valley Athletic League match for both teams.

The two teams entered the match with their seasons going in opposite directions starting league play. The Falcons had lost four of their previous last five games while the Patriots were riding a six-game winning streak.

“My boys have a lot of potential, and it’s just a matter of bringing them together and for them to believe that they are able to contend,” said Falcons head coach Elizabeth Rivas about her team looking to turn their season around entering league play.

The Falcons won the opening set 25-22, but the mo-

mentum would not last as the match moved into Set 2. The Patriots jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead to start the second set and the Falcons were never able to recover, which tied the match at 1-1.

“We had too many unforced er rors, we were caught off guard and we relaxed too much,” said Rivas about her team’s second-set performance.

The two teams traded scores to open up the third set, but the Falcons went on a 5-0 run and never looked back as they cruised to a 25-16 victory in Set 3 to regain momentum and put their team at match point.

Set 4 started similarly to Set 2 as the Patriots rushed out to a 6-0 lead. However, this time, the Falcons fought their way back this set and managed to pull to within three

points. The comeback fell short, however, with the Patriots taking the set victory 25-20 and forcing a deciding Set 5. “Explaining to them to work together as a team and bringing it back to basics is what gained our momentum to end the set,” Rivas said.

This time, the momentum carried over into the next set, and the Falcons were able to secure a victory. The Falcons scored six unanswered points to win Set 5 15-7.

“I believe we are contenders,” Rivas said about league play. The Falcons start league play 1-0 and improve their overall season record to 5-13. Their next match was at Pittsburg High School on April 4 against the Pirates. The Patriots start league play 0-1 with this loss snapping their six-game win streak and dropping their record to 7-4. Heritage played next on the home court of the Deer Valley Wolverines on April 4.

Antioch High honored former head coach Mike Hurd, left, on March 29 with a ceremony hosted by Louie Rocha, right, dedicating the school’s track in his name. Hurd was instrumental in leading the track and field team to multiple victories in the 1970s.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Residents offer ideas for Oakley regional park

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

OAKLEY The City Council spent about 90 minutes gathering residents’ input on the plans for the city’s Community Regional Park on Wednesday, March 29, at the city’s Recreation Center.

The outreach open house meeting, led by Brian Fletcher of Callander Associates, design consultants hired by the city, kicked off the master planning process for the future 55-acre park at the north end of Sellers Avenue. Attendees were asked to offer comments, ask questions, and participate in interactive activities that will provide an updated vision and direction for the future development of the park.

Since the previous master plan was completed in 2019, the city has continued to grow, recreational needs have continued to change and the construction of the Dutch Slough Tidal Restoration project, including the levee system adjacent to the site, has been completed.

Kevin Rohani, the city’s Public Works director, said following the meeting, that the event “went very well and drew a lot of public participation. We collected the public input and will work on preparing for the next open house sometime later in May.”

Council member Hugh Henderson said last Friday, “It was nice to see about 50 residents at the meeting. It seemed like people were looking at sports fields like softball/ baseball and soccer fields. There was also

discussion about access to the water by boat or kayaks. Overall, it was a great kickoff.”

Council member Shannon Shaw added via email Friday, “The turnout was great. So many ideas from residents. Baseball fields were a hot topic. The consultant having a map that residents could move to different scaled fields and other potential uses around was a popular table that really showed the limitations of trying to get everything squeezed into this space… some of the things that were mentioned to me were wanting to see baseball/ softball fields, Frisbee golf, kayak and paddle boarding options, a community garden and covered picnic areas.”

Shaw finished by saying,”Yes, I fully support this park”

Vice Mayor Anissa Williams said last Friday, “ Overwhelmingly we got comments,

especially from the sports teams, that this is desperately needed. A lot of people want a lot of things in this space, and the people I talked to were grateful to have a forum to express their desires, and they also hoped the project would move along finally.”

Council member George Fuller, who had earlier expressed some skepticism about the park plans, offered a variety of comments via email after the meeting:

• “One person heavily involved in the preservation of the Delta voiced an opinion that the parkland could be best used in its natural state, enhancing river recreation in the process.

• “I heard that the parents of Little League players were concerned about the location of the new ball fields. Parents expressed an interest in having them

moved closer to the city population centers, with greater access to the areas from those locations. The parents were not keen on the dual usage of the fields with soccer teams.”

• “There were many insights I gained from attendance at the gathering. One was the remoteness of the park. The area is a distance away from the populated areas of the City. There is no public transportation available to access the remote park. Marginalized people in the City will be further marginalized by not having access to the park. The marginalized groups would include disabled people and socio-economically impacted people in Oakley.”

• “In reflection, I did not hear enthusiasm for the park but a resignation that it was better than what exists now for recreational use…I did gain insight that our City is growing and consequently does need increased recreational areas for play, especially for the children. We have a vibrant community dedicated to the best interests of children. I would like to see the fields relocated into the City, allowing for single-use on natural turf. Also, the recreational services of the regional park moved into the population centers. The move would allow greater access to the facilities by our marginalized groups in Oakley.”

For more information: https://www. ci.oakley.ca.us/55-acre-community-meeting/

Oakley’s proposed 55-acre Regional Park will be developed along Dutch Slough.

Photo courtesy of City of Oakley

Glazer to hold town hall meeting in Brentwood on April 13

State Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, is hosting a Brentwood Town Hall, Thursday, April 13, at the Heritage High School Multipurpose Room at 101 American Ave. This is the second in-person town hall meeting he has had since 2019, previously holding 20 via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assemblymember Tim Grayson of Vallejo will also be a part of the

meeting. The town hall will take place from 6-7 p.m., and is an opportunity for residents to learn about 2023 legislative issues, along with sharing their thoughts on community concerns and issues.

For more information, call 925258-1176. To RSVP for the town hall, visit https://bit.ly/3Gigv5k. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Cop logs

A suspicious vehicle was reported on O’Hara Avenue. A small white SUV was left with a door and trunk open for 90 minutes. No one was seen in or around the vehicle.

BRENTWOOD – March 19, 6:39 p.m.

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:

OAKLEY

March 17, 5:33 a.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported at the 100 block on Willowrun Way.

March 17, 8:07 a.m. A reckless driver was reported on Live Oak Avenue/Main Street.

March 17, 8:43 a.m. A patrol request was conducted at Delaney Park.

March 17, 10:15 a.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 600 block on Miller Drive.

March 17, 11:04 a.m. A domestic disturbance was reported at the 5200 block on Robert Way.

March 17, 11:52 a.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the Oakley Police Department.

March 17, 2:02 p.m. A reckless driver was reported on Coral Bell Way/Myrtle Lane.

March 17, 5:06 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at the 100 block on Willowrun Way.

March 17, 5:18 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported on El Lago Drive/ Hagar Lane.

March 17, 6:17 p.m. A reckless driver was reported on Laurel Road/O’Hara Avenue.

March 17, 6:45 p.m. A public nuisance was reported on Main Street/Bridgehead Road.

March 17, 6:48 p.m. A reckless driver was reported on Woodhaven Lane/Woodglen Road.

March 17, 8:12 p.m. A petty theft was reported at the 200 block on Coolcrest Drive.

March 17, 11:19 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 300 block on Blue Lake Court.

March 18, 12:03 a.m. A burglary was reported at the 4900 block on Wilbur Avenue.

March 18, 12:42 a.m. A reckless driver was reported on Laurel Road/Main Street.

March 18, 6:37 a.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 2600 block on E Cypress Road.

March 18, 6:54 a.m. A public nuisance was reported at the 500 block on 4th Street.

March 18, 9:04 a.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 10 block on Renoir Court.

March 18, 9:07 a.m. A petty theft was reported at the 5000 block on Gaspar Court.

March 18, 9:44 a.m. A verbal dispute was reported at the 4700 block on Duarte Avenue.

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March 18, 9:59 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 1800 block on Teresa Lane.

March 18, 10:43 a.m. A civil problem was reported at the Oakley Police Department.

March 18, 11:29 a.m. A burglary was reported at the 3800 block on Harvest Circle.

March 18, 12:36 p.m. A civil problem was reported at the 4400 block on Fall Lane.

March 18, 12:53 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at the 1000 block on Vineyard Drive.

March 18, 2:11 p.m. A suspicious subject was reported at the 2000 block on Laurel Road.

March 18, 4:48 p.m. A case of panhandling was reported on Laurel Road/Empire Avenue.

March 18, 4:49 p.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported on Lariat Court/Lariat Lane.

March 18, 4:51 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported at Orchard Park Elementary School.

March 18, 5:17 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported at the Jack in the Box in Oakley.

March 18, 9:00 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at the 4900 block on Calle De Oro.

March 18, 9:25 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 500 block on Susie Street.

March 18, 10:12 p.m. A welfare check was on Big Break Road/Main Street.

BRENTWOOD

March 18, 10:11 a.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Sesame Court.

March 18, 10:24 a.m. A restraining order violation was reported on Eclipse Place.

March 18, 11:11 a.m. A fight was reported on Sand Creek Road. A male was reported to be physical with a female.

March 18, 3:13 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported on Jacaranda Street.

March 18, 6:02 p.m. An accident with unknown injuries was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. Two vehicles in front of a business, one was a Tesla and it was on its side.

March 19, 9:03 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported on Oxford Lane. A black 2018 Jeep was taken.

March 19, 12:25 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported on French Drive. A silver 2018 Kia Sportage was taken.

March 19, 3:46 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Sand Creek Road. Male reportedly broke into two vehicles and took a purse.

March 19, 3:58 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way.

March 19, 5:46 p.m. A restraining order violation was reported on Windmill Court.

March 19, 6:39 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported on O’Hara Avenue. A small white SUV was left with a door and trunk open for 90 minutes. No one was seen in or around the vehicle.

March 19, 7:17 a.m. A petty theft was reported on Second Street. Two males ran out with a basket full of cleaning supplies into a black Honda Accord.

March 20, 6:00 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Castellina Court. A vehicle tire was slashed and egged.

March 20, 7:32 a.m. A restraining order violation was reported on Fourth Street. The violation occurred via email.

March 20, 7:47 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Larkspur Court. A large cable box on the sidewalk was broken into.

March 20, 8:10 a.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Amber Lane. Heating,ventilation, air-conditioning/ electrical construction tools were taken by two people on bikes.

March 20, 8:15 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Trinity Place. Items were taken from the bed of the reporting party’s red Ford F150.

March 20, 8:55 a.m. A petty theft was reported on Katherine Court.

March 20, 1:31 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Nighthawk Way/O’Hara Avenue. A male was refusing to get out of the reporting party’s vehicle.

March 20, 1:58 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Balfour Road.

March 20, 2:07 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Sycamore Avenue. The reporting party’s gray Jeep Cherokee window was shattered.

March 20, 2:56 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A female stole an unknown number of pants and fled in a vehicle towards Balfour Road.

March 20, 3:02 p.m. An identity theft was reported on Cosmos Court. The reporting party says someone opened a Verizon account under his name. Verizon is asking for a police report in order to close the account.

March 20, 3:06 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Sycamore Avenue. A person in a ski mask was walking around the complex knocking out cameras.

March 20, 4:02 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Lone Tree Way.

March 20, 7:30 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Griffith Lane/Balfour Road. This incident led to an arrest.

ANTIOCH

March 19, 12:13 a.m. An animal traffic hazard was reported on Buckeye Way/ Leopard Way.

March 19, 1:30 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 1900 block on Crestwood Drive.

March 19, 4:32 a.m. A residential burglary was reported at the 4100 block on Lone Tree Way.

March 19, 5:22 a.m. A petty theft was reported at the 4500 block on Horseshoe Circle.

March 19, 9:32 a.m. A weapons violation was reported at the 3300 block on Tabora Drive.

March 19, 3:14 p.m. A simple assault was reported on Hillcrest Avenue/Davison Drive.

March 19, 3:15 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 1100 block on James Donlon Boulevard.

March 19, 6:54 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported at the 5700 block on Lone Tree Way.

March 19, 8:04 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 3000 block on Harbour Drive.

March 19, 8:28 p.m. A traffic accident with injuries was reported on Hillcrest Avenue/Laurel Road.

March 19, 10:34 p.m. A residential burglary was reported at the 0 block on E. 19th Street.

March 19, 10:48 p.m. A family disturbance was reported at the 4600 block on Shannondale Drive.

March 20, 12:29 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 4300 block on Reimche Drive.

March 20, 2:56 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 3900 block on Lone Tree Way.

March 20, 3:39 a.m. A petty theft was reported at the 1200 block on W. 4th Street.

March 20, 8:49 a.m. A case of fraud was reported at the 300 block on L Street.

March 20, 10:22 a.m. A welfare check was reported at the 5700 block on Lone Tree Way.

March 20, 10:33 a.m. A case of stalking was reported at the 300 block on L Street. March 20, 12:20 p.m. A weapons violation was reported at the 2200 block on Lemontree Way.

March 20, 3:20 p.m. A petty theft was reported at the 3000 block on Terrace View Avenue.

March 20, 5:37 p.m. A trespasser was reported at the 4000 block on Galenez Way.

March 20, 7:08 p.m. A commercial burglary was reported at the 4500 block on Country Hills Drive.

March 20, 7:57 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 1500 block on W. 10th Street.

March 20, 11:45 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 2000 block on Mahua Way.

The name of the business: Dilene’s Boutique Located at: 327 E Leland Rd Ste A #109 In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Angelica M Rodriguez Torres. 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: Angelica Rodriguez Torres, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/30/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/29/2028

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. 2023-0000764 The name of the business(es): Finatics Aquarium Located at: 324 Brighton Ct In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s):

1. Michael Felmann 2. Diana Felmann. This business is conducted by: a Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/01/2023. Signature of registrant: Michael Felmann, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/09/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/08/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001312 The name of the business: Bee Waxed by Brittany Located at: 2069 Main Street In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Brittany Elizabeth Carnegie. 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: Brittany Carnegie, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/10/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/09/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001637 The name of the business: Farm 121 Sanitation Located at: 2920 Delta Rd In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owners: Farm 121 LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: California. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jarred Tomasini, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 28, 2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 3/27/2028 Brentwood Press No.02-1223 Publish dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023.

Publish Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0001608 The name of the business: ALVIN’S AUTOMOTIVE INC Located at: 6240 BRENTWOOD BLVD G In: BRENTWOOD CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner: ALVIN’S AUTOMOTIVE 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 04/01/2018. Signature of registrant: ALVIN COLLIER, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/27/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/26/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001480 The name of the business: Araniko Village D.B.A. Luigi’s Italian Delicatessen And Catering Located at: 2709 Clayton RD In: Concord, CA 94519, is hereby registered by the following owner: Araniko Village LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Rohan Khadka, Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/20/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/19/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001223 The name of the business: Probox Demolition Located at: 1155 Arnold Dr, Ste C, #123 In: Martinez, CA 94553, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): PROBOX DEMOLITION, 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 02/08/2023. Signature of registrant: Randerson Chaves S Suguino, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/06/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/05/2028

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001458 The name of the business(es): Poppy Movement & Wellness Located at: 2910 Camino Diablo #130 In: Walnut Creek, CA 94597, is hereby registered by the following owner: Whitney Ann Kossman. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/05/2022.

Signature of registrant: Whitney Ann Kossman, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/17/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/16/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0001443 The name of the business(es): 150 Middlefield Court Brentwood California Owners Association Located at: 150 Middlefield Court In: Brentwood, CA. 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Jason Beltrama 2. Andrew Cummings. This business is conducted by: An Unincorporated Association Other Than a Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jason Beltrama, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/17/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/16/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001288 The name of the business(es): Mirror Mirror Beauty Located at: 5541 Lone Tree Way, #150, Suite 109 In: Brentwood, CA, 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alyssa Nava. 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: Alyssa Nava, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/08/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/07/2028 Brentwood

Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001585 The name of the business(es): GI Joe Homes Located at: 2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Joseph L Knipp. 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: Joseph L Knipp, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/24/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/23/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001623 The name of the business(es): Legacy Barbershop

II Located at: 50 Sand Creek Road Suite 220 In: Brentwood CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Fehlandt Nelson. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company,State of Organization. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/28/2023.

Signature of registrant: Fehlandt Nelson, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/28/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/27/2028 Brentwood Press No. 021273

Publish Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0001098 The name of the business(es): Gourmet on the Go Located at: 3685 Main Street In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Gail Knight. 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: Gail Knight, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/27/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/26/2028 Brentwood Press No. 021273

Publish Dates: March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0001046 The name of the business: Stampinn with Jenn Located at: 2812 Pristine Way In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jennifer Fetz. 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 N Fetz, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/23/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/22/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0001230 The name of the business(es): LS TODO Located at: 5080 MESA RIDGE DRIVE In: ANTIOCH, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): LEONARDO SANTISTEBAN. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: LEONARDO SANTISTEBAN, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/06/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/05/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Jason Cohen SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Jason Cohen + Rowena Cohen CASE NUMBER: N23-0575 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Jason + Rowena Cohen filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Naya Cohen to Proposed Name: a. Naya Gisele Cohen. 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,

Area elected officials help Meals on Wheels celebrate

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region celebrated the 2023 March for Meals with the help of many elected officials including Brentwood Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer.

The annual March for Meals commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors aged 60 and older.

Last month, Meals on Wheels programs

Festival from page 1A

shown by the Telugu community, we wanted to start an organization to create a platform for our children to promote the culture and festivities,” said Vedantham.

His wife, Samatha Narra, the Association’s president, said there was tremendous support in creating awareness about the cultural aspects and festivities in the community.

Another member, Usha Vallamdas, said such events not only bring back childhood memories amongst the Indian diaspora but also present an opportunity to create new ones for the next generation.

“I get to explain to my children the significance of Ugadi and Sri Rama Navami so they know their culture better,” she noted. “My kids were shy before, but after getting connected to their Indian roots, I see them being more comfortable and having the confidence to talk about their culture to their friends.”

Mahir Khanna,17, who volunteered at the event, said it is necessary to keep the culture and traditions alive.

“I feel happy as this is one of the organizations in the East Bay area that has taken pride in their own culture, bringing it to a foreign land, and trying to connect every-

The project, submitted by MLC Holdings of San Ramon, lies at 5911 Sellers Ave. and is zoned P-1 (Planned Unit Development) District. The project is located along the western boundary of Sellers Avenue, which is also the City limit line at the project location. The project site frontage along Sellers Avenue runs 728 feet. From there, the property continues west where it intercepts the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) railroad tracks that run in a northwestsoutheast direction.

The new single-family residential subdivision of 77 lots would include private streets, a stormwater detention treatment area, and a neighborhood park. The project will also be dedicating 2.73 acres of land along Sellers Avenue and the future Laurel Road extension right of way along the project’s northern boundary.

The 2.73 acres is open space

from across the country joined forces to celebrate more than 50 years of success and garner the support needed to ensure these critical programs can continue to address families not having enough food to eat and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence, and improve health for years to come.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region fights senior hunger and isolation in Contra Costa County.

“I wanted to get a first-hand experience to see what the program’s all about,” said Mark Armstrong, Vice Mayor of San Ra-

one locally, especially since there is a growing population of Indians in Brentwood,” said Khanna.

Charan Venkata Sai Karthik Kanchana, 17, said he is learning about his culture and hopes to pass it down to the future generation.

“One of the few ways I would keep the culture going for the future generation would be to talk to my future kids, informing them and teaching things I learned every day so there isn’t any stigma against any religious (and cultural) activities that we do,” he added.

The event kicked off with a pooja (prayers to God), followed by a coloring competition for children, and rangoli drawing (a traditional Indian art form using colored sand or powder to decorate a floor). Other cultural activities included singing and dance performances..

One of the dances was by Tejaswi Yenamandra, who has been practicing the traditional Bharatanatyam dance for over 20 years. She holds a Masters in Bharatanatyam from the University of Hyderabad, and started the Saadhana School of Dance in Antioch, teaching dance to children and adults.

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

right-of-way on north and eastern borders, leaving space for potential sidewalks, landscaping and utilities.

Some 2.76 acres will be required for the stormwater detention basin and open space/park area. Rural residential properties lie to the north, south, and east.

Neighbors commenting at the meeting also mentioned the legality of placing the subdivision within a county-imposed buffer zone around Knightsen to the east, an unincorporated part of the county and outside Oakley’s city limits. Other comments focused on the type of sound walls planned and privacy concerns.

The project includes three different floor plans ranging from 2,054 to 2,493 square feet of livable area consisting of two onestory and one two-story plans. All plans include a front-facing, two-car garage door, and a minimum of four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

mon. “I was able to get a better understanding of the value of what Meals on Wheels Diablo Region brings to the community and to seniors.”

Also showing support and joining in delivery ride-alongs were Meyer; Mayor of Walnut Creek Cindy Silva; Mayor of Lafayette Carl Anduri; County Supervisor Ken Carlson; District Representative Alejandra Sanchez; Danville Mayor Robert Storer and Mayor of Pleasant Hill Tim Flaherty.

“Being a part of the March for Meals celebration has been incredibly fulfilling. It reminds us how critical these services and programs are for the well-being of the people served,” said Meyer. also a former Meals on Wheels Diablo Region employee. “Everyone has a story, and every person should have a voice and be able to share that story. I felt a lot of really great memories from this campaign, and to be able to come back as Vice Mayor has truly been an honor.”

Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, discussed the importance of participation in March for Meals.

“We commend all of our 2023 Community Champions for stepping up to ensure

es between the two developments.

Pulte, based in Atlanta, has built more than 700,000 homes nationwide since 1950, according to their website. Previous local Pulte developments include the Brentwood Park and Rose Garden subdivisions, both in Brentwood.

In other actions Tuesday, Supervisors:

• Unanimously approved $600,000 for the rental of equipment for road and flood control;

• Approved $600,000 in grant funding for Project Second Chance, the Contra Costa County Library adult literacy program, to provide English as a Second Language

that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need. We must maintain and expand the programs that have helped so many get through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the nationwide Meals on Wheels movement going.”

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for the seniors in Contra Costa County beyond March, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org

services from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026;

• Held their 29th annual Cesar E. Chavez commemorative celebration, which included music, dancing and a keynote speaker;

• Proclaimed the week of April 23-29 as National Library Week, which included a presentation from librarian Alison McKee on the county library system.

More information on the Seagrass development, including concept art of the homes, about the development can be found at https://bit.ly/413DuJz. The full list of consent calendar items can be found at https:// bit.ly/3U8TRSZ and the full meeting can be found at https://bit.ly/40EWAG2

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Housing from page 1A

Panel from page 1A

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Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Creating memories and lifestyles one pool at a time

Mike Soares spent most of his professional life building things. A veteran in the construction trade, Soares took a career turn in the early 2000s by stumbling, or diving, into a happy “accident.”

“I built my own pool,” Soares said. “We purchased a home in Oakley, and I didn’t know what to do with the backyard. My cousin was a designer for a pool company up north, so he came down and drew up a pool and he goes, ‘Oh, these are a piece of cake for you, you’ll be able to do it.’”

“So, I did. I built my own pool, and we were in a new neighborhood and I helped a few others. Then it was just a great way to make a living and very enjoyable, so we were creating a lifestyle and it went from there.”

That happy “accident” turned into Diablo Pools, which has built pools for customers around Northern California, mostly throughout East Contra Costa County, for more than 20 years.

Every pool that Soares has built, including the one for himself, has a story to it. For Soares, building his own pool in his backyard got him started in the business that he’s in now. For some others, it represents

a way to create memories and ways for families to spend time together.

“The (story) that always comes to mind is a pool I did for a friend and the dad paid for the pool,” Soares said. “He did it because he wanted to enjoy the time with his grandsons.”

Diablo Pools in Brentwood specializes in premium, custom pool designs and construction. The more than two decades worth of iron-working experience from Soares, along with the advancement in construction technology and planning, has opened the way for Diablo Pools to soar.

First, they brainstorm and meet with

More than just a place to swim, Diablo Pools transforms space into a sanctuary.

“We used to do everything on pen and paper, do it by hand,” Soares said. “To do it by hand with the computer software that is out there like this, for every detail it makes it much easier. The hard part was getting used to the computer programs.”

Gabriel Graham, a Brentwood resident and a recent customer of Diablo Pools, benefited from the company’s modern approach to pool construction.

“We’re still talking about how much we love it,” Graham said. “We love the way it looks at night and during the day, so we can’t wait to have people over to look at it.”

Graham, who is renovating his house, had the pool installed about a month ago.

the customer to see what they really want before diving into the design process. Then, using 3D rendering technology, they design the pool precisely to the customer’s specifications before the shovel digs into the ground to make sure it’s exactly to the customer’s request.

When it’s time to build, Diablo Pools uses some of the top materials and current techniques to build the pool. The process has come a long way since the days of paper blueprints and having everything drawn out, although it may not have been the easiest transition from the old-school way of pen and paper.

“We’ve never been through a pool building project before,” Graham said. “It was really amazing to see it come together with all of the steps involved. There were a lot of parts of the process that we weren’t aware of and the amount of attention that would go into detail, and we’re very satisfied.”

“Diablo was great to work with, they were very responsive in the beginning and we collaborated together on the design and putting it all together was a very successful collaboration.”

If you’re looking to install a new pool in your backyard, you can contact them at DiabloPools.net, on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/people/DiabloPools or by calling 925-625-1516.

✔ CONSTRUCTION

Bathroom and kitchen remodel? We can handle it from start to finish!

✔ PLUMBING

✔

Faucet, sink, toilet or drain problems? No problem!

ELECTRICAL

Need additional outlets, ceiling fans, sconces or recessed lighting? We do that, too!

✔ PAINTING

Interior, exterior, fence or other structure that needs painting? We’ve got you covered!

✔ MAINTENANCE

Gutter cleaning, pressure washing, fence repair, landscaping, hauling? We’ve got you covered!

JEFF WEISINGER

Photo courtesy of Diablo Pools

CA Lic. #1073709 construction

What to know about landscape lighting

Home improvement trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizable in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transformed how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.

Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentially safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.

Are there different types of landscape lighting?

When considering landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights project a concentrated and narrow beam of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a component of

the landscaping. Individuals who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlights, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees.

Inground lighting is among the more sophisticated landscape lighting options. Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminates the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look. These circle-shaped lights also are great at illuminating walkways and driveways.

Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so

it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.

Is landscape lighting a job a DIYer can handle?

Many homeowners consider a do-ityourself approach when pondering a potential home renovation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibility of DIY in regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install

it. Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYer, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the professionals. Homeowners whose homes currently have no or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a professional. Solar lighting that does not require any electrical work can be installed quickly and easily by anyone, but such options may not provide the look homeowners are aiming for.

How much lighting is necessary?

The amount of lighting homeowners want to install is up to them. If the home currently has little or no landscape lighting, a consultation with a professional can help to determine how much lighting to install and where to install it. When discussing landscape lighting, homeowners may want to inquire about dimmers. Dimmers can increase or decrease lighting depending on the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary.

Homeowners considering adding landscape lighting to their property are urged to work with a skilled professional to devise and install a set-up that makes their homes more appealing at night.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Houseplants can clean indoor air

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can pay a host of dividends, both for the planet and the people doing the gardening. Healthy plant life can help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and various air pollutants, while the act of gardening can help gardeners combat stress.

Published in 2011 in the Journal of Health Psychology, a study from researchers in the Netherlands found that gardening promotes relief from acute stress. In the study, two groups of participants were asked to complete a stressful task and then instructed to either read indoors or garden outdoors for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the latter group had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and even reported being in a better mood than the group instructed to read indoors.

But gardening does more than just provide gardeners with a reason to spend some time relaxing outdoors in an effort to relieve stress. Gardeners who raise certain plants may be able to bring those benefits with them when going inside as well. According to an article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives

in October 2011, houseplants can work wonders when it comes to improving overall health, removing toxins from air, soil and water by metabolizing some toxic chemicals and releasing harmless byproducts while sequestering such toxins by incorporating them into plant tissues.

Clean indoor air is important for everyone, but especially so for those people who suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology considers indoor air filtration an essential part of any strategy to improve respiratory health. But filtration systems and air purifiers are often not enough, and those who want the air in their homes to be as clean as possible may benefit from introducing certain houseplants into their homes. The following are a handful of plants that can help to improve indoor air quality.

♦ Aloe vera: Aloe vera might be most often associated with hand creams and hand soaps. But the aloe vera plant, a succulent that even novice gardeners should have no problem growing, can clear indoor air of formaldehyde and benzene, two common byproducts of chemical-based cleaners many people use in their homes.

♦ Spider plant: Spider plants are resilient, and that makes them great houseplants for busy men and women who tend to be forgetful when caring for their plants. In addition, spider plants are pet-friendly and can

be used to combat benzene, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and xylene.

♦ English ivy: NASA researchers exploring the possibilities of long-term space habitation found that certain houseplants were more effective at cleaning air inside energy-efficient, non-ventilated buildings than others. One such plant was English ivy, which can effectively combat the formaldehyde found in certain household cleaning products.

♦ Bamboo palm: Bamboo palms also found their way onto NASA’s list. Bamboo palm plants thrive indoors, where they are especially effective at filtering out the chemicals benzene and trichloroethylene.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Abnormally wet winter delays spring planting

Every year, the months of March and April traditionally represent the time when the cold, rainy winter season transitions into the warmer, blossoming spring season.

As the mostly sunny weather returns, the aroma of the combination of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass along with trees sprouting new leaves and plants awakening from their dormant state symbolizes the kickoff of the annual gardening season.

However, Northern California is coming out of its wettest winter season in years. The state has received more than 78 trillion gallons of water during the last several months of rainfall, more than 150% of the average rainfall California normally receives, and a statewide average of 27.6 inches of water, according to the National Weather Service. Consequently, the prolonged wetter winter has delayed the start of the spring gardening season, as the rain and uncharacteristically cool weather have prevented gardeners from heading out to restart, add, or maintain

their yards and gardens.

“While we love the fact that all this rain helps us get out of the drought, being a landscaper dealing with this unpredictable weather has been a pain,” said Greg Horton, owner of Complete Landscape

of Oakley. “Luckily, all of our clients have been understanding for any delays and our scheduling hasn’t been too adversely affected.”

Meanwhile, officials from retail stores like Home Depot say while the recent

rainy weather has affected garden sales, the prediction is that since the worst of the storms is over, the gardening season is primed to take off once the weather begins to warm up. The upcoming weeks and weekends are projected to be the busiest for the gardening season.

The added caveat is that due to the severity of storms in some regions, it has necessitated some repair and additional maintenance work that will also bring out shoppers. March is traditionally the time of the year when sales begin to heat up, according to Todd Gonzales, a former operations and merchandising manager for Home Depot. This increases the need for seasonal employees to handle the heavy influx of garden product sales, which traditionally lasts through the end of July.

“The rainy season definitely impacts sales,” said Gonzales, who worked with Home Depot for eight years. “Shoppers are fair weather. When the sun is out, people are out enjoying the day and shopping at a nice garden center. You will still get some traffic – however much, much less.”

The abundance of rain and ensuing eventual melting of the snowpack has allowed the state of California to lift many of the drought restrictions that have handicapped much of the state during

SEAN TONGSON

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Although the recent heavy rainfall has delayed spring planting for many, the gardening season is predicted to be one of the busiest thanks to the lifting of drought restrictions.

see Wet Winter page 7B

the past several years. Data graphs from the U.S. Drought Monitor show that only 2 percent of California is still in “severe” drought, compared to 44 percent this past January, and 41 percent experiencing “extreme” drought just a year ago. The recent drought conditions have led to the increasing popularity of succulents, which are easy to grow, are low maintenance, and require less water.

The heavy rain and reduced drought restrictions may allow for plant and garden enthusiasts to rejoice somewhat this season, though water conservation is still highly encouraged.

“The last seven years we have been in business, we may have only been rained out a couple times a year, but this year it has been over two weeks’ worth,” said Horton. “Also, with the large amount of water, it has saturated the ground so much it delayed some hardscaping projects as the ground is too soft to properly install new materials. The one good thing is the ground is really soft when it comes to digging the holes for all the plants, as digging in the hard ground has been a lot more work.”

According to home improvement website The Spruce, gardeners are advised to plant warm-season plants, add fertilizer to perennials, and add mulch around trees and shrubs. Additionally, the website urges shoppers to prioritize use of mulch, topsoil, fertilizers including weed and feed; lawn fertilizer with herbicide that helps feed

Sod

lawns and controls weeds, irrigation and drip systems, along with pavers and garden wall blocks.

Going into the spring season, shoppers and garden enthusiasts are advised and encouraged to seek out help and ask questions at local nurseries or at retail places like Home Depot or Lowe’s, where knowledgeable associates can educate shoppers on how they can beautify or expand their gardens.

“Fertilize your lawn with slow-release fertilizer, and do not overfertilize,” advised local garden expert Francisco Vega. “Start using mulch around your trees and shrubs, and after all the rain and weeds, weed killer such as RoundUp is another popular item right now that kills weeds in unwanted areas.”

Gonzales noted that one of the highlights of the kickoff of every garden season is driving by any garden center or nursery and seeing walls of mulch and garden soil for sale. He further encouraged shoppers to plan, measure, and do some research on what they feel could work best in their yard depending on what area they live in.

“Most garden retailers sell what works in the area, and if you don’t know, ask,” said Gonzales. “People that love gardening love to talk about gardening, and are usually very informative. Customers will be out in force and ready to go.”

More spring gardening tips, ideas, and information can be found at https://bit. ly/3MoVyJQ and at https://bit.ly/40Y3SVg

Brentwood spring cleanup dates announced

Brentwood residents who have an active garbage account are invited to participate in free Neighborhood Cleanup events on the following dates: April 29, May 6, 13 and 20.

Residents can bring up to two cubic yards (one pickup truck load or a small utility trailer load) of unwanted household items including general yard waste, appliances, furniture, mattresses, metal, computers, TVs and other electronic waste, free of charge, to the Brentwood Transfer Station at 2301 Elkins Way. From Brentwood Boulevard, go east on Sunset Road, then north on Elkins Way. Continue to the end of the road, then turn left.

Online registration for the spring cleanup events is open at www.brentwoodca.gov/cleanup.

Residents must register online by selecting from the pre-scheduled dates and times in order to participate. Registration closes when at full capacity or two days prior to the event date, whichever comes first.

What to bring:

♦ Have your email confirmation, your City of Brentwood utility bill and your identification (driver’s license) available at event check-in.

♦ Wear closed-end shoes. They are required for safety reasons.

♦ Children/pets must remain in cars when materials are dropped off.

What you can drop off

♦ Recycling – When loading separate these items for recycling: appliances, electronic waste, mattresses, metal, clean wood (unpainted, no particle board), cardboard, yard waste and passenger tires only (max. 4 tires).

♦ Remove batteries – They are considered hazardous waste.

How to make a backyard safe for dogs

Dogs, particularly puppies, can be full of boundless energy. Channeling that energy into exercise with long walks or play sessions can help stem dogs’ propensity to get into trouble around the house as they burn off extra adrenaline. Pets who don’t have an energy outlet may chew off-limits objects or get into other mischief.

According to the American Kennel Club, the amount of exercise a dog needs depends on the animal’s age and breed. For example, border collies or Siberian huskies may require much more exercise than English bulldogs, simply because the former are working breeds. Pet owners with large backyards often find those outdoor spots are ideal for when their dogs get the “zoomies,” something that tends to be a daily occurrence. Letting their dogs run around yards, whether on their own or chasing tossed tennis balls, is an ideal way to provide exercise and tire out pups. In such scenarios, it’s vital that pups have a dog-friendly yard in which to play.

Use safe lawn care products

An expanse of grass is the perfect place to frolic or enjoy some sunbathing - for people or pets. But contact with chemically treated lawns can cause a number of health issues for dogs, such as allergies or intestinal upset.

Switching to native grasses can reduce the need to use chemicals to get lush lawns. When supplementation is needed, homeowners can switch to organic products or natural compost as safer alternatives than chemical-based products.

Fence off the yard

Off-leash running and bounding through the yard will make any dog smile. However, a fence is a must-have to ensure a dog doesn’t become an escape artist. Be sure the fence is high enough so that the pup cannot jump over it. Burying chicken wire in the dirt beneath the lower edge of the fence also can help prevent dogs who like to dig from exiting by crawling underneath the fence.

Consider installing a lock on the fence gate so that no one can wander in and surprise the dog, which may startle the animal and prompt it to defend the property. A lock also helps prevent dog theft.

Keep the yard tidy

Maintaining a clean yard also is key to safety. Inspect the yard regularly to make sure nothing is around that can prove harmful, whether it’s poison ivy, felled branches or broken fence panels. Also, keep shrubs and grass trimmed to reduce flea and tick populations on the property.

Don’t plant poisonous plants

Certain plants can be dangerous if they’re consumed by curious pups. Chrysanthemums, peonies, irises, and hydrangeas are some plants that can be poisonous. For a full list of poisonous plants, visit the ASPCA website (aspca.org).

Keep an eye on animals

Dogs can spend some unattended time in the yard, but check in from time to time. Should wildlife get into the yard, dogs may get hurt by tussles or bites. Birds of prey, such as owls, hawks and even vultures, may attack small dogs in a yard. According to Pat Silvosky, director of the Milford Nature Center in Kansas, some birds can be territorial. While they might not view a dog as an easy meal, they could swoop down and attack to defend territory. The same may occur with other wild animals.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

A dogfriendly yard may require a little effort to create, but it’s worth a little sweat equity to keep pups safe.

Photo by Metro Creative

5 Perfect Steps to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System and Save Money!

The team at the 5-time “Best of Brentwood” winning Perfect Star Heating and Air Conditioning were asked for their tips on extending the life of your home’s central heating and cooling system while saving you lots of headaches and money along the way.

1) Changing your Filter: “This is hands down the easiest step in keeping your system running properly all year long,” says Perfect Star Senior Comfort Advisor Chuck Anderson. “We recommend changing your filter every 2-3 months,” says Anderson. Bonus tip: Find out what kind of filter your system uses and stock up on them. Purchasing filters directly from stores like Walmart, Target, or any home improvement store will give you peace of mind while also saving you a lot of money.

2) Annual Seasonal Maintenance: “This is critical in improving performance and preventing breakdowns” says Perfect Star Senior Comfort Advisor Gilbert Caceres. “Scheduling your maintenances before peak usage seasons is important because it prevents breakdowns on hot summer days or cold winter nights, when the systems are working their hardest. On every maintenance call, we ensure that everything is working properly. We test all running parts and make sure all the safety sensors are fully functioning.  On top of that, we provide a thorough safety inspection on your furnace and air conditioner.” Tip: Perfect Star offers membership plans for everyone. The

Perfect Star membership allows clients to get their system serviced biannually. Perfect Star Members are contacted seasonally to schedule their maintenances and in addition to that, members receive a 20% discount and earn $100 in Perfect Star Rewards for every year of membership that can be used for repairs or new equipment.

3) Don’t Put Off Repairs: “If your system starts acting irregularly, such as making a weird noise or not working to its fullest capacity, contact an HVAC service technician ASAP,” says Perfect Star Owner Chris Donzelli. “The sooner you address the issue and get it solved, the less chance you have of facing unnecessary long-term damage to your system.”

Bonus Tip: If necessary repairs are beyond your current budget, Perfect Star is happy to announce that they not only have 0% financing available on new home comfort systems but now offer 0% financing available for repairs over $999.

4) Your Thermostat: This one’s super easy! “Changing the batteries in your thermostat once a year, can erase connectivity issues between your thermostat and your HVAC units,” says Anderson. “Also upgrading to a programmable thermostat can take a lot of stress off your plate and allow you to plan out your ideal temperature throughout your morning, afternoon and evening.”

5) Your Indoor Air Quality: “Living in a confined space means that the cleanest home may still be unsanitary. Think about it this way: the average person needs 2 quarts of water a day to survive, but needs 15,000 quarts of air to survive so you must ask yourself ‘Why do people purchase filtered/bottled water yet don’t feel the need to purify and clean their air?’” Donzelli says. “We are proud to be able to offer our clients the Plasma Air, an affordable, safe, and effective whole home air purification system. Plasma Air not only neutralizes and reduces pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, smoke and odors, but it has been tested and proven to reduce viruses and bacteria such as the live SARS-CoV-2 virus.” Plus, in addition to keeping your air clean it also helps keep your HVAC system clean!

For more information, please call Perfect Star at 925-255-5527 or visit us at www.PerfectStarHVAC.com.

Photo by Hank Romero

The Perfect Star team is more than happy to pass its expertise on to you. The team includes Senior Comfort Advisor: Chuck Anderson and Perfect Star Owner: Chris Donzelli.

Spring cleaning tips and tricks

Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up.

Spring cleaning projects are popular this time of year as residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning.

♦ Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention.

♦ Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated cleaner, microfiber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand.

♦ Curate your cleaning playlist. Find songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean.

♦ Work from top to bottom. Work efficiently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items first, as dust and debris will trickle down and need to be cleaned next.

♦ Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean That Up, carpets help filter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug.

♦ Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces.

♦ Deep-clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegar-and-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well.

Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Fertilizing in spring can help a lawn recover from the previous summer and winter, ensuring it’s lush and green when summer entertaining season arrives.

The basics of how to fertilize a lawn

Spring marks the return of lawn and garden season. Lawns often bear the brunt of winter’s wrath, so spring is a great time to nurse them back to health, and fertilizing can be an essential component of that process.

Fertilizing a lawn can be intimidating. An array of fertilizers, with each seemingly designed to address a different issue, can make homeowners’ heads spin when visiting their local lawn and garden center. However, fertilizing is a very simple task that any homeowner can tackle. Fears about fertilizing are often unfounded and

see Lawn page 12B

Photo Courtesy of Metro Creative

can be overcome with some basic knowledge of the process.

Identify which type of grass is in the yard.

The home improvement experts at HGTV note that turfgrass is divided into two categories: cool-season grass and warm-season grass. A local lawn and garden center can help homeowners identify which type of grass is in the yard, and this often depends on location. Fescue, bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are some examples of cool-season grasses, while Bermuda, bahia, St. Augustine, and zoysia are considered warm-season grasses. Identifying which type of grass is in the lawn is important because that will indicate when to fertilize. Cool-season grasses are typically best fertilized in early spring, while warm-season lawns can benefit from an application just before especially warm temperatures arrive.

Survey the lawn to identify which spreader to use.

A small yard or a thriving lawn with only a few bald or unsightly patches may not need a full application of fertilizer. In such instances, a hand spreader can suffice. For larger lawns and areas, a broadcast spreader is the ideal option.

Spreaders have multiple settings, and the fertilizer package will indicate which setting to use when using the product.

Test the soil prior to purchasing fertilizer.

The lawn experts at Pennington® note that a simple soil test can reveal soil pH and phosphorous and potassium levels. Soil tests can be purchased at most home improvement stores and lawn and garden centers, and they can help homeowners determine which fertilizer will most benefit their lawns.

Water the lawn prior to fertilizing.

The experts at Scotts recommend a good watering a few days prior to fertilizing a lawn. Such an approach ensures the soil is ready to accept the fertilizer once it’s applied.

Follow the instructions carefully.

Detailed instructions are typically provided on fertilizer product packaging. Once homeowners have identified and purchased the product they need, they can simply follow the instructions on the packaging, including how and when to water after application, which can make fertilizing less intimidating.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Lawn from page 11B

Budget-friendly ways to freshen up your home’s exterior

As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope determines the cost of a renovation project.

Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale. Navigating such an expense at a time when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budgetfriendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.

Power washing

Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home.

Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home, and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware store chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars or less. Power washing after winter can be a good idea because the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can, thus, give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.

Furnished front porch

A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.

Window box planter installation

Installing window box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows

on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens recommend that homeowners consider weight before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box as well as one that has drainage holes.

Replace hardware

Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.

Exterior renovations need not break the bank. Various simple and inexpensive tweaks can quickly revitalize the exterior of a home.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

How to spot, prevent threatening species

Introducing chemicals or pollution into the environment can compromise an ecosystem. However, seemingly harmless non-native plants and animals can do an equal share of damage as well. Many people might be surprised to learn that invasive species can cause turmoil in the environment, even contributing to the destruction of certain ecosystems. Certain invaders are more virulent than others.

Non-native species of animals and plants are like enemy marauders. They may look like the other wildlife around, but they do not quite meld with the environment. When the ecosystem is not equipped to handle a non-native species, these species can quickly consume all of the resources and multiply so quickly that they effectively obliterate the native species.

Many non-native species of plants and animals become problematic when they are put into an environ ment inadvertently, such as when they hitch a ride on other items. Plant life may be brought home from a vacation abroad, or new animals can be introduced to the environ ment if they escape as pets. Shipping vessels can bring back microscopic sea creatures, and insects have been known to hitchhike on various modes of travel. Although efforts are made

to prevent new species from invading an area, it’s impossible to catch everything. Because these plants and animals likely have no natural predators in their new surroundings, they can reproduce much faster and take over. The following are just a few of the globally invasive plants and animals that can threaten local ecosystems.

Asian tiger mosquito:

Spring and summertime outings have changed thanks to this highly invasive mosquito. Its distinctive black and white stripe pattern helps the Asian tiger mosquito stand out from others. Native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, scientists believe it has quickly become one of the planet’s most widely-distributed animal species, spreading to at least 28 countries in a matter of 20 years. It’s believed these mosquitoes hitch rides on imported

Asian carp:

There are many different species of carp, which are native to Russia and China. Large fish with voracious appetites, carp take food right out of the mouths of native fish. These fish also stir up sediment in lakes and riverbeds, changing clear water to murky water, thus pushing out some species that can no longer survive.

Burmese python:

These tropical snakes have been introduced into many warm areas, including Florida. Many were taken as pets only to outgrow their indoor habitats. They can live in the water and climb trees. With their massive size (20 feet in length), the pythons have few pred-

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Non-native plants and animals can destroy environments, and men and women must always be careful when dealing with such species. This is a field of kudzu.

ators and require a lot of prey. Florida wildlife experts estimate 30,000 Burmese pythons reside in Everglades National Park alone. They even feast on alligators.

Soapbush:

Sometimes referred to as Koster’s Curse, this is a perennial shrub that is highly invasive in many tropical regions of the world. Originally from Mexico and the Caribbean, soapbush was introduced to Hawaii in the 1940s and quickly began taking over.

Kudzu:

This vine is native to Japan and can grow upward of a foot per day in the right conditions. It was brought to the United States to help prevent soil erosion and has never left. Since its introduction, Kudzu has been spread-

ing across the United States at a rate as fast as 150,000 acres annually, according to environmentalists.

Cane toads:

Cane toads were introduced to many countries with warm climates as a method of naturally controlling crop pests. However, the toads’ own defense mechanism of secreting toxins makes them deadly to predators outside of their normal habitats. Therefore, there’s nothing to keep these cane toads in check, and they have wreaked havoc on native animal and plant species, especially in Australia.

Asian long-horned beetle:

Another invasive insect, the beetle does most of its damage in the larval stage. This is when it burrows through and feeds on tree wood beneath the bark. In large concentrations, the larvae can destroy a tree. The

University of Vermont Entomology Research Laboratory says the beetle is infesting trees in Ohio, Massachusetts and New York. Trees must be removed, chipped and burned to destroy the invader.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Experience is key at East County Family Law Group

Since 1997, Michael Amthor, owner of East County Family Law Group, has offered experienced, compassionate and realistic counsel for family law, divorce, estate planning and probate and trust administration issues. The firm offers both legal representation and paralegal services to accommodate all budgets,

with each staff member having more than 20 years of experience.

All staff has personally gone through divorce or custody issues, so they have experience no other firm can provide. This enables them to offer a unique level of empathy and an accurate view of what it takes

to handle a difficult divorce. A closely bonded group of professionals, they have offer a wide range of high-quality services to the residents of East County and beyond.

East County Family Law Group is located at 1181 Central Blvd., Suite A, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-516-4888

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

State License Board.

Rick