ThePress_04.11.2025 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

Brentwood cracks down on vagrancy

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Brentwood is seeking a long-term solution for unhoused residents camping out on city property. A change to the municipal code that was passed 5-0 by the City Council on April 8 will give local law enforcement the ability to make them leave that area.

Under the new ordinance, someone seen sleeping on the street and establishing what Lieutenant Chris Peart with the Brentwood police department called a “sleep setting” could be given 48-hour notice to vacate the area because the sleep setting crosses the line from loitering, such as sitting on a bench downtown, to camping. If the person is still

there 48 hours later, a citation is issued and another 48-hour deadline imposed. At the end of that second 48-hour window, someone who has still not vacated the premises can be subject to arrest. The potential charge

Stricter homeless policies part of statewide trend

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

A new ordinance passed by the city of Brentwood is part of a broader statewide trend toward stricter policies targeting homeless encampments. This comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling last summer allowing cities to criminalize unhoused people for sleeping outside, in their vehicles or makeshift encampments.

Gov. Newsom issued an executive order over the summer calling for removal of encampments on state property. In response, several cities have passed laws banning camping on public property and making permitting, aiding or embedding encampments illegal.

Some cities, such as Brentwood and Oakley, do not have services targeted toward assisting people experiencing homelessness, relying instead on county resources and community policing.

“Our officers often utilize outreach resources and services available through the county and work with local service providers (C.O.R.E. Team) to offer assistance while ensuring public spaces remain safe and accessible,” said Sgt. Michael Maanao, homeless

would be ‘disorderly conduct,’ according to the agenda packet, a misdemeanor.

“This ordinance…is but one tool amongst the many that our law enforcement agencies use and our partners use to tackle

homelessness,” City Attorney Katherine Wisinski explained to the council during her presentation on the topic. “It’s a very difficult problem – no single ordinance or law is going to be the answer to it. But we’re hopeful that this will get us one step closer to addressing these issues locally.”

Wisinski went on to explain to the council that the current city ordinance around camping on city-owned property was vague, simply stating that doing so was prohibited with the exception of overnight camping by youth organizations with a special permit. No records exist of a permit for this type of activity having been issued, she said. The new ordinance omits this exception to treat all people equally, according to Wisinski, while also creating new definitions for both camping and city property for greater transparency when enforcing the ordinance.

Oakley might put rules on

Airbnb-like rentals

By Connor Robles Correspondent

The Oakley City Council held a planning and zoning work session at their April 8 meeting. The three matters discussed were:

• encouraging and regulating shortterm rental properties such as Airbnbs downtown;

• allowing livestock raising in agricultural and residential zoning areas by 4-H organizations;

• whether to set up an inclusive housing policy mandating a certain percentage of affordable housing in Oakley.

Short-term rentals downtown

Oakley currently allows short-term rental properties downtown, but there are no specific restrictions on them -- all regulations on short-term rentals apply equally across the entire city, according to community development director Ken Strelo.

Short-term rentals now must provide hosted stays only, with the property owner living alongside the renters on the property while the renters stay there, and rentals may not exceed 30 days in length; vacation rentals, or rented-out properties, which are not the owner’s primary residence, are banned altogether.

The primary debate among the members of the council was whether to leave the situation as it is or to encourage more short-term rental properties downtown. Councilmember Aaron Meadows voiced his support for more short-term rentals in both the core of downtown and in neighboring areas to the northwest and southeast.

“My thinking on downtown … is that we’re trying to increase the [number of] people down here, trying to bring more business, more restaurants, more entertain-

Oakley page 18

The Brentwood City Council passed a new ordinance that empowers police to make those camping on city property move or be subject to citations or arrest.

Press file photo

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East County Adult Literacy Program seeks tutors to help reduce 20% illiteracy rate

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

Twenty percent of residents in Contra Costa County struggle with basic reading and writing skills, according to a video from the county’s library system (www.youtube. com/watch?v=nx9utt7gVZg). Project Second Chance Adult Literacy Program wants to change that, starting this season.

Project Second Chance Adult Literacy Program is seeking volunteer tutors for spring. PSC, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 is a nonprofit fundraising and advocacy board with a mission to develop financial resources and promote public awareness to support Project Second Chance.

The Contra Costa Library Library’s Adult Literacy Program provides adults who read or write in English at a sixth-grade level or lower basic literacy instruction with volunteer tutors that Project Second Chance trains and supports, according to the library.

Senior Library Literacy Assistant Leslie Mladinich is the tutor-learner coordinator for the East County libraries for Project Second Chance.

“Project Second Chance offers life-long learning in a safe, free, and confidential setting,” Mladinich said. “For some adults experiencing low literacy, a classroom environment is just not a good fit. PSC offers individualized instruction and can boost the confidence of a learner toward an important goal. I’ve seen our adult

learners get promotions, launch businesses, read to their children, and volunteer themselves.”

The services Project Second Chance offers are free and confidential. Volunteers and learners of any race, ethnicity, country of origin, immigration status, religion, gender, or sexual orientation are welcome to join the program.

According to the Project Second Chance website, tutors are trained volunteers who meet the following criteria:

• Are comfortable with their own English reading, writing and spelling.

• Meet with a learner for 90-minute lessons twice a week for at least six months.

• Complete the Project Second Chance training program, with no teaching experience required.

The adult literacy program relies on volunteer tutors to help it succeed. “Paying it forward is really important in my life so in being a tutor with Project Second Chance I’ve made a difference in the lives of people and it’s great to see that change in them,” said Susie, a volunteer tutor who was identified only by her first name.

Anyone interested in becoming a tutor can complete the 30-minute online Project Second Chance prospective tutor information session to see if it is a good fit. The link to complete the

session can be found at ccclib.org/psc/.

Tutoring is one-on-one and lessons are scheduled around each individual’s personal schedules. Tutoring sessions can be virtual or inperson at a public space, typically at the library.

Bernard, one of the learners of the program who was identified only by his first name, said he joined the program because he was going to have a grandson and he wanted to be able to read to him.

“It has been one of the biggest successes I’ve had in my life,” Bernard said. “It’s almost magical. I read things without thought now. It’s like being in the dark and someone hits the switch and the light is on, and the world just opens up.”

Not only do learners benefit from the program, becoming a tutor comes with its own benefits.

“Our tutors often say that they get to learn alongside their learners, and they get to see progress first-hand,” Mladinich said. “Some pairs stay in touch after the program and even become friends.”

Project Second Chance staff are available at the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St., on Tuesdays and Fridays by appointment. To become a volunteer tutor call 925-691-3960 or email psc@library.cccounty.us. To donate to Project Second Chance, Inc. visit https://pscfundraising.org/.

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

Project Second Chance Adult Literacy Program offers literacy instruction with volunteer tutors.

Photo courtesy ccclib.org/psc/

Kids can show through art how water is used

Contra Costa Water District holding youth contest

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

The Contra Costa Water District is holding a youth art contest showcasing how water is used at home or in the community. Submissions will be accepted through May 9 at 5 p.m.

The contest is open to children ages 8 to 18 years who reside or attend school in the Contra Costa Water District service area, which includes Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley, the district said on their website at www.ccwater.com/. Contest rules are:

• Entries must be drawn by the named artist. No help from parents, adults, or siblings is allowed.

• Entries must be drawn on a single horizontal 8.5-inch by 11-inch piece of paper.

• Entries must be hand drawn. Digital artwork of any kind will not be accepted. Acceptable mediums include, but are not limited to, pen, pencil, crayon, chalk, charcoal, marker, paint, or watercolor.

Winning entries receive a $75 gift card, their artwork framed with a certificate of appreciation, advance copies of the calendar and a chance to be featured in Contra Costa Water District’s 2026 calendar. You also grant the district a royalty-free, nonex-

clusive right, in perpetuity, to:

• Use the artwork in its calendar and other print publications.

• Use the artwork in its internal and external communications, including, but not limited to, websites, advertising, presentations and printed and digital materials.

• Use, in connection with the contest, the artist’s first name and city of residence. Winning artwork will be credited in the calendar with the artist’s first name and city.

• Retain a digital copy of the artwork.

• Entries must not include trademarked or copyrighted materials, and should not promote bottled water.

“If submitting artwork online, a good photo produces the best results. Scan your artwork or take a well-lit photo so people can see the details of your art,” according to the district. “If taking a photo, tape it to a wall or place it flat on a table and try to fill the entire frame.”

Submit artwork by mail or in person the original, unfolded artwork and the completed consent form on the flyer to:

CCWD Calendar Contest 1331 Concord Ave. Concord, CA 94520

CCWD will screen all entries based on message, merit, creativity and originality. “Winning entries will be announced in June.”

Submission forms can be found at https:// bit.ly/3FVUxYV. For more information about the contest, email Oliver Symonds at osymonds@ccwater.com.

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Fundraising walk for mental health awareness on May 18

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

An Oakley woman has organized the local Move For it 5K+ walk/run to help raise awareness and funds for mental illness.

The 3.1-mile event, scheduled for May 18 in Oakley starting at 9 a.m., will raise money for mental health programs at Freedom High School, scholarships for therapy and access to affordable mental health resources. The goal is to raise $35,000.

Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children. Register by May 1 to ensure you get your T-shirt and medal, said event organizer Barbara Pollard, a registered nurse with John Muir Health. The event starts in front of Purpose Built at 1530 Neroly Road, with registration at 9 a.m. and the event at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, visit https://give.twloha.com/event/move-for-it-5koakley/e657333

Pollard said the walk is a satellite event to a larger one organized by To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), a non-profit that offers hope and finds help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.

“They always had the walk at their home base in Florida, and then it went away with COVID,” Pollard said. “Last year they had a virtual walk so people all over could participate. So I asked if we could have a satellite event here. It’s the first one in California.” There are two other

such events in the state in May as well – one in Los Angeles and one in Los Banos, according to the non-profit’s website.

Pollard said the event is sponsored by John Muir Health, Diamond Hills Sports Club and Spa, Purpose Built, Fleet Feet. All funds raised during the event will go back into the local community in the way of scholarships for therapy and access to affordable mental health resources.

In addition to the walk, there will be food trucks and vendor booths. Pollard said she hopes everyone will come out to support the cause.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month nationwide, so this is a good time,” Pollard said. “We want to erase the stigma and let people out there struggling know that people care, the community is here to help, and we can reach out and take your hand.”

The + in the event name “just means ‘more’, meaning you get more than just the walk/run from the event. You get a community that is there for you,” Pollard said.

There will be non-event shirts available for purchase that are from TWLOHA, and the event shirt designed by Purpose-Built specifically for this fundraiser will be for sale starting the week of the walk at their store on Neroly Road, Pollard said. Packet pick-up will be available locally Thursday-Saturday and at the event for all pre-registered participants. An email with date/time/location will be sent out in the first week of May.

HOME IS WHERE THEIR HEART IS

By Nikki Lopez, Caring Haven

Aging Together: How Family Involvement Strengthens Home Care BECAUSE

Aging is not just an individual journey, it is a family experience. When a loved one chooses to age at home, the support of family plays a vital role in making that experience fulfilling and successful. While professional caregivers provide essential assistance, family involvement strengthens the foundation of home care, creating a balance of comfort, familiarity, and emotional connection.

Seniors with involved family experience better well-being. Social interaction reduces isolation, boosts cognitive health, and promotes longer, healthier lives, reinforcing belonging and security.

The consequences of isolation in aging populations are becoming more evident worldwide. In Japan, a growing number of seniors have resorted to minor crimes — not out of necessity, but as a way to find companionship in prison. Many live alone, with little to no social interaction, and see incarceration as a place where they are cared for and surrounded by others. Their struggles highlight a fundamental truth: human connection is essential at every stage of life.

Ways family can enhance home care:

• Maintaining routines: Helping seniors keep familiar schedules fosters stability and independence.

• Providing emotional support: Regular conversations and quality time boost mood and reduce loneliness.

• Coordinating care: Family members can communicate with caregivers to ensure personalized and consistent care.

• Encouraging engagement: Sharing meals, reminiscing, or participating in favorite hobbies keeps seniors mentally and emotionally active.

Family involvement does not mean doing everything alone. It is about working together — with professional caregivers, healthcare providers, and community resources — to create a wellrounded support system.

At Caring Haven, we believe that aging is a shared journey. By combining quality care with the love and presence of family, seniors can continue to thrive in the place they call home. Because when we age together, we create a home filled with warmth, dignity, and connection. Call us today 925.331.0590 or visit www.caringhavenhomecare.com.

WHAT IS AN ESTATE?

By Todd W. Moeller

An Estate is a term used to describe all the assets a person owns. Typically, estates consist of money, real estate (sometimes called real property), automobiles, and other personal property.

Whether you own a little or a lot, we recommend creating legal documents, such as a Trust or in certain cases, a Will, to protect your assets. It is also important to remember that after you have met with a lawyer to draft your estate planning documents, there will need to be periodic reviews. We have found that life has a funny way of slowly adding up little changes to real property holdings and assets. Then you look back and see how large the total change has been. Most of these come in the form of new minor children or grandchildren, additional assets such as purchasing new jewelry, the replacement of assets like buying a new car to replace one that bas broken down, the sale or purchase of a home, and other similar events.

A good estate plan provides a sense of security and comfort by ensuring that many

future contingencies will be met. Estate planning not only defines a person’s wishes to be carried out after death regarding his or her estate, but also sets out the means for personal well-being far into the future.

Whether your estate planning needs are simple or extremely complex, we can bring peace of mind to you and your family. We will provide options and opportunities to fit your individual circumstances and assist you with implementing and appropriately funding your plan.

If you have questions concerning your existing estate plan or setting up an estate plan, please contact Todd W. Moeller at (925) 301-8840 or www.MoellerEstateLaw.com.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this advertisement is provided for general information only. Todd W. Moeller is licensed to practice law in the State of California only, and any information contained in this advertisement is based on general principles of California law. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

Brentwood Rotary honors students for good character

The Rotary Club of Brentwood hosted its first Good Character Awards at Isaac R. Montañez Elementary on April 3.

Twenty-two fifth-grade students from across the Brentwood Union School District were honored for exemplary character, as nominated by their teachers.

Guest speakers included Mayor Susannah Meyer, Isaac Montañez, Superintendent Dana Eaton, Ed.D, Police Capt. Walter O’Grodnick, Rotary past president Julie Deck, and Assistant City Manager Darin Gale. Each student received a special gift bag, a certificate, and recognition for their positive impact.

The Rotary Club defined ‘good character’ as “being kind, honest, responsible, respectful, and fair when no one is watching,’ said Deck, the event organizer. “Comments made by the teachers who nominated the students ranged from ‘being helpful in the classroom’, ‘being kind to others,’ ‘setting good examples for fellow students’ and ‘treating classmates fairly and showing a compassionate spirit.’ These awards were not based on academic achievements but on the kind and considerate behavior mentioned above. Everyone who was there that night were all very proud of these students.”

Photo courtesy of Brentwood Rotary Club

An album with the sound of world jazz

Welcome back. I just did an article that was titled “The revolution of jazz In Japan.”

This got me thinking just how global jazz is around the world. It is much believed that European classical music is the most listened to music, but this is not true. It is a fact that most major countries have some system of classical music e.g., an orchestra of some type, but jazz is played more frequently on the radio, in concert halls, and multiple jazz festivals are heard staged throughout the world.

These festivals range from The Monterey Jazz Festival in California to the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The album being reviewed in this article will be by the Italian jazz saxophonist Emanuele Cisi, along with some of the most prominent jazz players outside of the U.S. today. They include Dado Moroni (pianoItaly) , Nicolas Thys (bass-Belgium), Jorge Rossy (drums- Spain), Cesare Mecca (trumpet-Italy).

This album was recorded for Italian jazz label Mono Jazz. The album was originally recorded in 2024 (released in 2025) in Torino, Italy in two days.

What intrigues me about this recording is that it has the sound of playing that takes you back to the Blue Note, Impulse Record recording style, and

This album displays a return to music rich in melody, swing, and blues - not just a style but as a statement of how jazz was played in the past. There are several tunes on this album that are noteworthy in relationship to the styles of how they are played, and the artist that they honor by the style of play. For example:

“Baubles, Bangles, and Beads”, originally a 3/4 waltz transformed into a Broadway classic when sung by Frank Sinatra. Here, it is infused with the essence of Coltrane, sounding somewhat in the tone of “My Favorite Things” and “Inch Worm.”

Cisi’s original “Pharoah’s Message” reaches towards a spiritual jazz that has, in recent years, captivated younger audiences. This tune honors both his heroes – Sanders and Coltrane.

An album like this demands someone who has a good knowledge of the genre of straight jazz/spiritual. This album also plays homage to some of the great artists who played on Blue Note Records. They breathe new life into Hank Mobley’s “My Groove Your Move,” and play homage Lee Morgan’s “Sidewinder” with the tune “Boogaloop” (these were two of the biggest stars on Blue Note jazz).

1950-1970. Each piece on this album shines brightly. This is an album that celebrates jazz not as a lesson but as a personal and collective experience.

Until next time, remember:

You can tell that Cisi put together a European group that understands the American style of jazz from

“Where’s jazz going? I don’t know. Maybe it’s going to hell. You can’t make anything go anywhere. It just happens.”

- Thelonious Sphere Monk

Youth Press

After five years at Heritage, Speech and Debate Club ‘Finds their voice’!

Heritage High School’s Speech and Debate team celebrates their fifth anniversary of being an official club during the 2025-2026 year.

During the 2020-2021 school year, Joshua Cauley , an English 11 and Speech and Debate teacher at Heritage High, founded the Speech and Debate Club, to accompany the class being taught at the school.

“I saw the potential of the club, and so did the activities director at Heritage.” Cauley said.

“Speech and debate is this place where [students] have the freedom to do and say what [they] want, and I think that is an especially important thing for high schoolers.”

Starting with about 20 members, they quickly formed a board and attracted more members. During its inaugural year, they attended only one tournament, Lions Club, sending 16 competitors. Over the years, the club grew in members and eventually started attending more tournaments, and joined the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) and the Golden Gate Speech Association (GGSA), which host Speech and Debate tournaments in which the club competes.

Heritage Speech and Debate participates in several forms of speeches such as Original Oratory, Informative, Interpretation, and Impromptu Speaking, as well as forms of debate such as Parliamentary, Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, and Congressional Debate. Consequently, the club is split into subsections, with each event being a team.

Leadership within the club is split into an officer board and a team lead board, with each event having a respective head team lead and vice team lead.

Board members consisted of the President Vibhati Bindra; Vice President Rohan

Erika Chiu and Natalia Gamboa, and a large spectrum of team leads. Officers primarily handle logistics behind the organization and funding to ensure the club runs smoothly.

Elected team leads are people who have competed and done well in their respective style of speech or debate. They help educate and mentor other members and competitors in order to prepare for competitions.

“Being a team lead and teaching impromptu is so fun,” said Jaydon Spears, the Impromptu Co-Team Lead. “It’s amazing getting to watch people find their voice through the quick thinking and silliness within Impromptu.”

The club competes in a variety of tournaments throughout the year, making them one of the most competitive clubs at Heritage. Tournaments occur about once per month. As of now, the Speech and Debate club is the largest club at Heritage that competes regularly in tournaments, with 75 consistent competitors.

“With the level of competition and dedication that is needed, we function more like a sport than a club, really,” Cauley said.

The 2025-2026 school year marks the club’s five-year anniversary. This year alone, Heritage’s Speech and Debate Club attended 15 tournaments, beating their previous year’s records.

Heritage Speech and Debate sent 38 competitors to this year’s international tournament, the Cal Invitational hosted by University of California Berkeley, being both the largest tournament they have competed in and the most competitors sent for the club.

“I really enjoyed [competing in] Berkeley Congress. Not only was I able to learn from competitors across the country, but I also won semifinalist.” said Nini Ravichandran, sophomore and member of the Heritage Congressional Debate team. Juniors Erika Chiu and Rachel Lei also contributed to Heritage’s Speech and Debate achievements, being the first students from Heritage to compete at the state level in their debate event, Lincoln Douglas. Sophomore Jaydon Spears and senior Rez Wilson also qualified as alternates to the state level for their events, Impromptu and Interpretation, respectively.

“State [qualifiers] was one rollercoaster ride of a tournament... it was incredibly exciting and I’m so glad that I get to go on

to debate at a state-wide level with such a talented friend of mine,” Lei said.

Currently, the main advisers of the club are Cauley and Autumn Wright, an English 10 teacher at Heritage. However, they have expressed the need for more external support, through the school district as well as from parents.

The club hopes to receive support for its growing members and for the costs of tournaments by establishing a parent board, as well as accepting additional financial support through donations by competitors and parents alike.

“Tournaments are surprisingly expensive... and our fundraising only goes so far. Somehow we need to convince the school, or the district to have more official help,” Cauley said.

As a celebratory finish to this Speech and Debate competitive year, the club held a banquet to recognize competitors and their families and the effort and dedication they showed throughout the year. The club’s first official banquet was on April 7 at the Brentwood Community Center, open to friends and family.

Club members describe themselves by using their motto, ‘Find your voice.” Created by Natalia Gamboa, her process of writing this representative motto was aided by her observations of the nature of members within the club and how many members slowly found their voices through the style of speech and debate they chose.

“At Heritage Speech and Debate, every member is encouraged to find their voice!” Gamboa said.

The 2024-2025 school year helped the Heritage Speech and Debate program find their voice through their successes and progress as a club.

- Ishita Khanna, 10th grade, Heritage High School

Tyagi; Treasurer Caden Tang; Fundraising Treasurer Juli Rady; Secretary Nini Ravichandran; Logistics Manager Rachel Lei; Webmasters

Photo taken by Goutham Sri Sai Lakumalla from Heritage’s Photography Club

Y outh W riter

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

This Week’s Events

Saturday, April 12

Brentwood’s Community Day of Service

Brentwood’s second annual Community Day of Service will start at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road, with most projects beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. More than 20 local nonprofits and service groups are involved. Attendees can meet city leaders, bring donated items, participate in a project, enjoy kids activities, and visit local nonprofit booths. For more information or to submit a project idea, visit https://www brentwoodca gov/government/city-manager/ community- day- of-service#ad-image -0 Oakley’s Day of Service

Oakley’s first Day of Service will be from 8 a.m.-noon at 1250 O’Hara Ave. Help maintain the beauty of Oakley through a variety of volunteer projects. All residents are invited. For more information or to register, visit https://secure rec1.com/CA/oakley- ca/catalog

Tomato Mania Spring Event

Brentwood Ace Hardware hosts a celebration of gardening, grilling, and fun with family and friends from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 8900 Brentwood Blvd. Featured during the event will be an Ooni pizza oven demonstration, a Blackstone griddle demonstration, raffle prizes (must be present to win), face painting for the kids by Face Painting by Wandie, shaved ice by Brentwood Kona Ice and more. Local vendors will also be there.

SJYC Opening Day on the Delta Parade

The parade starts at noon at the San Joaquin Yacht Club docks, 550 Riverview Road in Bethel Island. The route will be from San Joaquin Yacht Club clockwise around Bethel Island and will last about two hours. Viewing locations include the Rusty Porthole, the Sugar Barge, and the San Joaquin Yacht Club. For more information or to enter your boat contact Andy Rowland at andy.h.rowland@ gmail.com. Awards will be at 4:30 p.m. and will include the announcement of the Bethel Island Citizen of the Year Awards. All floating craft are welcome, including classics, small craft, personal water craft and dinghies. There is no registration fee. Dinner will be at 4:30 for $15, and will include hamburgers, macaroni salad, and a bag of chips. DJ Daniel Vega and dancing will be at 2:30 p.m. There will be cash prizes for decorated boats.

Discovery Bay Yacht Club Opening Day Boat Parade –“Living in Paradise”

The parade will begin at noon. Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats in tropical decorations. All boats are welcome. A “Living in Paradise” party will be at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club after the parade with paradise cuisine, cocktails, music and awards. For questions, contact portcaptain@ dbyc.com. To register your boat or view the parade route map, visit https://www dbyc com/event-5885144

Banner Up! Community Art ProgramBanner Pickup

Local artists can pick up banners to paint for the upcoming Banner Up! 2025 program organized by Art Guild of the Delta. This free community art program is available to adult and high school artists. Completed banners will be hung in downtown Brentwood over the summer. Sale of the banners at the annual Banner Up! Gala on Sept. 20 will benefit Adventure Therapy Foundation and the banner artists. Banners can be picked up at Starry Nite Studios, 2545 Sand Creek Road, #136 at The Streets of Brentwood, on

April 12 and 19 between noon and 4 p.m. For more information, contact Frank Littman at FrankLittmanArt@gmail com

Tuesday, April 15

Helping One Woman Fundraiser

The Brentwood Rotary Club is helping to organize the Helping One Woman Dinner in honor of Shellie Seyer, who is battling cancer, to help assist with her immediate medical bills. Seyer is a Brentwood Rotarian. The event will take place at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St., from 5:30-8 p.m. To make a cash donation or to donate an item for the raffle, call Wendy Turner at 925-446-5963 or Jayne Oertwig at 925-219-2670. Any contributions, no matter the size, will make a difference. Tickets for the dinner, provided by Vin Alegro, are $26, and there will be a $10 minimum monetary donation at the door. To register (pre-registration is required), visit mysosevent com/events/shellie -seyer. Seating is first come first serve. No walk-ins allowed. Each dollar raised at the dinner goes directly to Seyer.

On the Horizon

Friday, April 18

Heritage High School Improv Night

The Improv Team will make up the whole evening up on the spot—characters, song lyrics, situations, and entire scenes. The 7 p.m. show will be at the high schoo at 101 American Ave. in Brentwood. Tickets are $5. For details, visit https://hhsrisingstars seatyourself biz

Saturday, April 19

Banner Up! Community Art ProgramBanner Pickup

Easter Egg-Stravaganza

Enjoy an afternoon of Easter egg hunting and pictures with the Easter Bunny in Rivertown in Antioch at Waldie Plaza next to the Antioch Chamber at 640 W. 2nd St. This is a free, family-friendly event. Rivertown merchants have a Merchant-2-Merchant egg hunt from noon-4 p.m. Waldie Plaza events include a petting zoo from 1-3 p.m., photos and the Easter egg hunt will be from 3-4 p.m. For more information, visit celebrateantioch org Easter Eggstravaganza at Merrill Gardens

Enjoy an Easter egg hunt with over 800 eggs for kids to find. There will be a bouncy house, spring crafts, face painting, refreshments and games and prizes. The Easter bunny will be hopping over to take pictures with families from 1-3 p.m. at Merrill Gardens Brentwood at 2600 Balfour Road.

6th Annual Egg Hunt and Pet Event

This free event is from 10 a.m. – noon at Knightsen School, 1923 Delta Road, where hundreds of children and their family enjoy the hunt. Free to all attendees, only egg hunters need to register. The top local animal rescues for education and adoption will be there, plus live music, the Easter bunny, Brentwood and Knightsen 4H groups and

treasure map and prizes. For details, visit http://bit ly/4loE4fV Saturday, April 26

Friends of Brentwood Library Pop-Up Book Sale

Find bargains on children’s books at the Friends of the Brentwood Library Pop-Up Book Sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. The sale will also feature a large selection of used books for all ages, puzzles, and more. All proceeds benefit the Brentwood Library. For more information visit www friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary org Multicultural Faire in Brentwood

Enjoy a celebration of cultures featuring food trucks, craft vendors, and a cultural fashion show showcasing traditional attire from around the world. This is a family friendly event presented by the Brentwood Youth Commission at noon-3 p.m. at City Park, City Park Way in Brentwood. To become a vendor for the event, visit brentwoodca.gov/ BYCMulticulturalFaire

The 2025 Liberty Union High School District Athletic Hall of Fame

The Induction-Enshrinement banquet will be held at the Ghiggeri Gym at Liberty, 850 Second St. in Brentwood. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the ceremony. The inductees are: Rich Barrios (Liberty) - coach; Ryan Barsanti (Heritage) - athlete, Jett Charvet (Heritage) - athlete; Darrell Daniels (Freedom) - athlete; Haley Rose Love (Heritage) - athlete; Kyle Quinn (Liberty) - athlete, Roman Runner (Freedom) - athlete, and the 2005 Liberty girls volleyball team coached by Linda “Gooch” Ghilarducci. This event is open to the public. Reservations are $60 and can be made by contacting Amy Sickenberger at luhsd.athletic.hof@gmail.com.

Monday, April 28

Patriots Parent’s Organization Golf Tournament

A day of fundraising and golfing will support the Heritage High School Patriot Parents first annual golf tournament. Hosted by the Heritage PPO, the event will take place at the Lone Tree Golf Course, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. The funds raised will benefit the Heritage High School PPO. Registration (prices range from $50 for lunch only to $540) starts at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. A tri-tip lunch will be served at 1 p.m. and an awards ceremony will start at 2 p.m. Included in the price are 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, and lunch. There will also be raffles. To purchase tickets, visit www successfund com/jvgx6

Tuesday, April 29

6th Annual East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair

The free East Bay Business Expo and Job Fair enables businesses and entrepreneurs to network and reach out to the general public in a professional setting, showcasing their businesses, meeting new customers, and hiring potential employees. There will be raffles, giveaways, food and wine and beer tastings from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For more information or to register as a vendor, call 925-634-3344 or visit https://business brentwoodchamber com/events/details/6thannual- east-bay-business- expo -job -fair17546?calendarMonth=2025-04-01

Thursday, May 1

The 74th Annual National Day of Prayer

Join Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood, for the National Day of Prayer at 10 a.m. Pour out to the God of hope and be filled-Romans 15:13.

Saturday, May 3

Kim and Davy’s Benefit for the LMC Foundation

A party with a Kentucky Derby-inspired theme benefits the Los Medanos College (LMC) Foundation will be hosted by LMC Foundation Board member Kim Wentworth and her husband Davy. They celebrate LMC’s 50th anniversary with an array of Southernstyle small plates, desserts, and drinks, including wine and local craft beers. During the event at 1221 Hookston Road Concord from 5-8 p.m., an LMC student willl discuss how the foundation has helped their life: supporting them to stay in college, transfer to a university, and earn an education — an achievement that imparts a lifetime of benefits. Ticket prices vary between $75 and $5,000, and all proceeds go directly to the LMC Foundation helping to meet the $15,000 fundraising goal to help students where their needs are greatest and knowing that100% of the ticket price goes to the LMC Foundation. RSVP by Saturday, April 26. For details, contact Kim, Davy, or Sara Marcellino at kwentworth@losmedanos.edu, davy. wentworth@gmail.com or smarcellino@4cd. edu or at 510-289-3004.

Strut For A Cause Fashion Show fundraiser

The St. Anne’s chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be hosting the Strut For A Cause Fashion Show fundraiser for its thrift store and charity programs at St. Anne’s Catholic Church at 2800 Camino Diablo Road in Byron from 1-3 p.m. There will be a 30-minute mixer with light refreshments before the fashion show begins at 1:30. Tickets are $20 for general admission and VIP Runway seating will be $30. All fashion show proceeds will go to St. Anne’s “Helping Our Neighbors in Need” program that assists low-income people who need help paying their utility bills, provides families with groceries from the local food bank, and distributes vouchers to families for clothes from the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Tickets are available at www eventbrite com/e/st-vincent- de -paul-fashion-showtickets- or can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

Saturday May 3, Sunday, May 4

Drinks de Mayo Pickleball Tournament

Discovery Bay Pickleball will host a tournament Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 at the Discovery Bay Community Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd. There will be women’s doubles and men’s doubles on Saturday with mixed and youth doubles and moneyball brackets on Sunday. Registration is $80 and ends April 19. Bracket fees are $15 for regular, free for youth, and $25 for moneyball. All moneyball event fees go to cash payouts. All players will receive a T-shirt. For more information, contact Aaron Hill at thepickleballhills@gmail com To register, visit app pickleballden com/ external-tournament/1518672

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

BVAL back up for grabs after Heritage boys volleyball knocks off Liberty

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

For a night, the Lions have been tamed. And with that, the Bay Valley Athletic League boys volleyball title race is on after Heritage handed Liberty their first league loss of the season 3-2 (17-25, 25-18, 14-25, 25-16, 15-12) Tuesday night at Heritage.

The win is a big sigh of relief for a Patriots team that entered the night losing five of their last seven matches, including a loss in five sets at Pittsburg a week ago.

”We’ve been very inconsistent,” Heritage head volleyball coach Janet Hannigan said. “We’ve been without players at times and having to sit people to make up for their practices that they’ve missed. I’m just pleased with how it ended up that they performed in the end today.”

Liberty took the first set handily and looked to be in charge of the night. However, it turned out to be a rare off-night for the Lions, whose mistakes throughout the sets cost them in the end.

“Definitely had our ups and downs tonight, and we didn’t play consistently,” Liberty head boys volleyball coach Haylie Bustamante said. “We didn’t play consistently, and it cost us at the end.”

The Lions nearly rallied from down 14-6 in the fifth and final set with a 6-0 run with the Patriots at match point, to pull back to 14-12. But Sapond Mashal’s kill at the post clinched the win for Heritage.

“(The match-winning kill) was really big for me,” Mashal said. “I haven’t played in about two weeks, so I had to sit out two games. So, personally, it was really big, and it probably will impact a lot (for us) through

the rest of league.

“This shows that we can play at the highest level and play higher than others in our area.”

Mashal finished with a team-high 11 kills in the win.

The victory puts the Patriots a game behind Liberty in the race for the BVAL league title at 3-2 in league play with five league matches left. The Lions still hold onto the top spot at 4-1 in league play as they have the tiebreaker over Deer Valley, also 4-1 in BVAL play, who defeated Freedom Tuesday night to keep their league title hopes alive.

Heritage hosts Freedom on April 15 before a pivotal matchup against the Wolverines a week later. They’ll travel to Liberty for the regular-season finale on May 1.

Hannigan said that Tuesday night’s win over Liberty gives the team much-needed positive momentum entering the final stretch of the regular season.

”Momentum is huge, …especially in volleyball,” Hannigan explained. “It was a big win for us tonight. We needed this to believe in ourselves a little bit more. We found some momentum today, and that really helped us.”

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

Liberty softball prepares for first BVAL championship defense in three decades

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Liberty’s softball team will open Bay Valley Athletic League play on April 15 at Antioch in a position they haven’t found themselves in to start league play in 30 years: defending undefeated league champions on a 10-game league winning streak.

However, as the saying by former U.S. Army General George S. Patton goes, “pressure makes diamonds.” And Liberty is embracing the pressure of being defending league champions.

“There is a sense of expectation, which creates pressure,” Liberty head softball coach Brandi Macias said. “But it’s a great pressure in that at one point, there was zero pressure because there were no expectations. Our goal now is to be the last ones standing.”

Liberty comes off of last year’s 20-win season with a 5-2 start to the 2025 campaign. They have won their last three in a row entering this weekend’s Livermore Stampede tournament, the last tournament before league play begins.

The 5-2 start, however, began a bit on the rocky side. The Lady Lions lost their opening game to Tracy at home, then falling in extra innings at San Ramon Valley. However, the Lions’ loss at the Wolves in early March has sparked Liberty’s current run.

“We learned (from the loss) that the little things matter,” Macias said. “For example, getting our bunts down and be-

ing better at situational hitting. Sometimes we focus so much on hitting when the short game is just as important.”

Since the loss to San Ramon Valley on March 6, Liberty has looked more like the team that powered their way through the schedule last year. Liberty outscored their last three opponents 22-6, getting contributions from almost the entire lineup.

In the win over College Park in a rematch of last year’s

NCS semifinal, Liberty’s lineup was powered by home runs from Kaitlyn Macias, Isabella Rice, and Kelsie Skaggs. Then they got an unlikely homer from senior Isabel Mercado, the first of her high school career, in their win against Castro Valley. Then in last Saturday morning’s win against Dublin, the Lady Lions led the game off with a leadoff home run by Taylor Jennings, a bomb of a home run that ended up near the baseball field by Rice, and a home run by Savannah Page, her second of the season.

“They have the confidence in knowing what they are capable of and playing as one,” Brandi Macias said of the lineup. “This team understands that on any given day, any one of them is able to step up and do what’s needed for us to be successful.

“It’s so much fun to see different people step up at any given time. I know no matter what the score is, we are capable of coming back because we are so strong.”

The constant through the current win streak, however, has been junior pitcher Kate Skinner.

Skinner has been masterful in the circle since the loss at San Ramon, tossing three complete-game wins, striking out 33 batters including tying her career-high 15 in last Saturday’s win against Dublin.

“As I’ve said before, Kate’s a competitor and has a pure joy of dominating when she is in the circle,” Macias said. “Our strengths consist of a very powerful lineup, an excellent pitching staff, and great defense. As long as we compete to the best of our ability, everything else will work out.”

Heritage’s boys volleyball team celebrates after defeating Liberty in five sets Tuesday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Liberty’s Kate Skinner celebrates after the team’s win over Dublin last Saturday morning.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Sposito ‘has all the faith’ in Falcons softball despite 1-3 start to season

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Freedom head softball coach Kenny Sposito is not worried about the Falcons’ slow start to the season following their 6-1 loss to the 2024 North Coast Section finalist College Park last week in Pleasant Hill. The loss dropped the team to 1-3 in the young season prior to this weekend’s Livermore Stampede tournament.

“I have all the faith in my team,” Sposito said. “We’re young, but we’re learning every day.”

Freedom’s slow start is understandable considering Sposito took over the job late in the offseason, which affected the team’s non-league schedule to start the campaign. The Falcons have played only four games since the season started back on Feb. 28 (a 7-1 loss at Rodriguez in Fairfield), Sposito said the team has had several non-league games cancelled because of the recent rainy weather. Prior to the team’s last two games against Tracy and College Park, the Falcons had a 22day break from their last win at Granada on March 6 and their game against Tracy on March 28.

”It’s been a little frustrating,” Sposito said of the dearth of non-league games. “But we just got to stay ready so we don’t

have to get ready. We do a lot of practice in the rain, hoping to get the games. We’ve had four (cancelled games).”

Freedom softball has recently been in this situation before as well. The Falcons were 1-3 in the first four games to start the 2023 season with an almost similar

schedule. Like this year, they also had a 24-day gap between the second and third games of the season, then playing just three games between Feb. 22, 2023 and March 27, 2023.

Last year, Freedom played seven games from the start of the season in late

February until the start of Bay Valley Athletic League play on April 1.

This year, for comparison, Liberty has played seven times since the start of the season, and Heritage has played 13 games as of April 7.

Junior Yasmeen Sanchez, who went 1-for-4 with an RBI in the loss at College Park, has been on the team since she was a freshman under previous head coach Hannah Williams. She said she’s noticed the difference in the team this year, especially when compared to her first two years with the program.

”It’s definitely been a big change,” she said. “Obviously we definitely had a really competitive team the past two years, and we lost a lot of our starting lineup. We just need to get back into (rhythm). (The loss at College Park was) only our fourth game, so it’s definitely different.”

She added playing so few games has hurt the team early.

“It’s definitely a change because it’s different from practice and actual, live at-bats,” she said. “I feel like that’s what’s kind of eating us up right now.”

Freedom took on Whitney, then Livermore High, in back-to-back games at the Livermore Stampede tournament both on Thursday, April 10.

Freedom head softball coach Kenny Sposito talks to one of his players during the Falcons game at College Park on April 3.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Kylie Wisely

Kylie is a remarkable athlete and

within the Heritage High School community. She has demonstrated

dedication across multiple sports as the captain of the cross country, basketball, and track teams. Her leadership on and off the field has inspired her teammates to strive for excellence. In addition to her athletic prowess, Kylie has showcased her dedication to academics, maintaining a GPA of over 4.0. Her hard work and determination have earned her a well-deserved spot at Saint Mary’s College, where she will continue her athletic career in cross-country and track.

At Train Smarter + Harder, we believe success comes from effort, a can-do attitude, and consistent preparation. We’re proud to sponsor the Athlete of the Week, recognizing young athletes who embody these values. As part of this recognition, the athlete will receive three complimentary sports performance training sessions to help further their development.

3341 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood • Call or Text: 925-306-0888 www.trainsmarterandharder.com

LUHSD announces 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

The Liberty Union High School District announced the newest inductees for this year’s Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class includes Liberty coach Rich Barrios, Class of 2013 Heritage swimmers Ryan Barsanti and Haley Rose Love, Freedom football’s Roman Runner (2009) Freedom football and track athlete Dar-

rell Daniels (2013), Liberty football and basketball’s Kyle Quinn (2008), Heritage’s Class of 2018 cross country and track athlete Jett Charvet, and the 2005 Liberty girls volleyball team.

The induction ceremony will be held on April 26 at the Ghiggeri Gym at Liberty High School, starting at 5 p.m. Dinner reservations to the ceremony are $60 each, and those interested in attending can contact Amy Sickenberger at luhsd. athletic.hof@gmail.com.

Help parents plan activities and promote

Publication Date: May 2, 2025 Deadline for space reservation: April 18, 2025

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Bethel Island woman, 73, ‘politically motivated’ again at ‘Hands-Off’ rally

Last Saturday at the Hands-Off demonstration in Walnut Creek was not my first rodeo, so to speak. At 73 years of age, I had been in “the streets” demonstrating against Vietnam, for equal rights, for women’s rights, for equal pay.

I started to feel politically motivated once again due to the war in Ukraine. When I saw the picture of the two very old women, sitting on upside down plastic buckets, making Molotov cocktails to protect their villages, curiosity peaked, I started reading about the nation’s history and why they were in a war.

I read about the demonstration in Maidan in 2014, how the populace stood up, facing bullets, getting killed, to remove the Russian dictator in power at the time.

And as I saw the current Trump administration taking away those same rights I stood for in the “old days”, I started posting that WE needed to be like Ukraine and stand up and fight back.

Historical Society thanks community, supporters for record Opening Day turnout

Editor:

With a record turnout, the East Contra Costa Historical Society opened its doors for the 2025 season on Saturday, April 5. Opening Day was a family day of old-fashioned fun enjoyed by more

I ran across the Indivisible group that was promoting nonviolent demonstrations in order for our nation to “go back” to the same rights we used to have. Never did I think our nation would once again have to fight, again, for those same rights.

I signed up to attend the anti-Trump and Musk protest in Walnut Creek this past weekend. I received emails advising of how to behave, how to deflect any violence that might come our way and was truly impressed with the thoughtfulness provided by this group.

I arrived early, not knowing what to expect. When I arrived at the Broadway Plaza, there were hundreds of people already there, with signs, many petitions on tables that I also signed. I did not expect to see THOUSANDS more show up. Every right we wanted back were stated on the myriad signs people were holding.

There was every age group represented from young people to a lot of us old people who have “been there, done that”.

The organizers introduced U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, who spoke eloquently of why we had to do

Letters to the editor

than 500 visitors. Kids enjoyed a petting zoo, sitting on the fire engine, writing their name on a slate in the schoolhouse, and cranking homemade ice cream while adults enjoyed learning their local history and visiting with friends. Families together enjoyed a yummy pancake breakfast and playing games on the front lawn.

The East Contra Costa Historical Society wishes to express our deep gratitude

what we were doing. I wore my Ukraine T-shirt, had people approach and ask why I supported that nation, which led to great discussions and a few hugs!

We started the march from the plaza towards the Tesla showroom. And being only 5-foot, 2-inches tall, I did not see the one anti-demonstration protester who necessitated one of the leaders calling for the police on her bullhorn. It was the only negative thing that happened that I am aware of.

Our chants were ‘HANDS OFF our democracy,’ ‘HANDS OFF our schools and universities,’ ‘HANDS OFF our Social Security, Medicare,’ our trans people, our immigrants, our libraries, our gay people, our Constitution. I was hoarse by the time it was all over.

I have not felt that kind of camaraderie in ages. I will go to every one in the future.

If we don’t stand up, fight back, we will lose it all.

to the Lions and Rotary Clubs of Brentwood for co-hosting the pancake breakfast as a fundraiser to benefit ECCHS. Their tireless support of community is always a boost to local events such as this. A ‘thank you’ to Brentwood Café for donating sausages for the breakfast. We also send a huge ‘thank you’ to Oakley 4-H for the petting zoo and the Delta Quilters for hanging vintage quilts to add to the special day.

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Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.

Send correspondence to The Press, 248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.

The museum is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday and the third Sunday of the month until the end of October at 3890 Sellers Ave., in Brentwood/Knightsen. Visit us to enjoy ‘Bringing History to Life’!

Mary Black, President East Contra Costa Historical Society

Linda Morse-Robertson Bethel Island

News iN Brief

Becton responds to effort to recall county District Attorney

Supporters of County District Attorney Diana Becton have responded to a petition to recall her.

The petition to recall Becton was filed March 28, with the Elections Department of the Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder’s Office.

The recall effort against Becton ‘is an effort to undermine the will of the people of Contra Costa County,” the response says. “In 2018 and 2022, the voters decisively chose DA Becton because they agree with and trust her steadfast dedication to public safety, fairness and justice for all.”

“This recall is not about safety; it’s a politically motivated attack that misrepresents her record and undermines the will of Contra Costa voters.”

“Becton’s approach balances accountability with smart, evidence-based policies that reduce crime and keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Supporters of the recall effort say otherwise. The headline on their webpage declares ‘WE DESERVE BETTER”.

“We are a committed group of Contra Costa residents united in our effort to initiate a recall of District Attorney Diana Becton,” their statement reads. “We are fed up with the numerous crimes that go unaddressed!”

“We are frustrated by her continuous empty assurances to victims and their families that justice will prevail, all while she permits offenders to roam free. Her lack of openness regarding crime in our community and her attempts to keep criminals out of jail have left us disheartened. We stand for the people of Contra Costa County because everyone deserves to live in a safe environment. We advocate for all crime victims who

feel ignored, exasperated, and hopeless in their pursuit of justice for themselves or their loved ones. We support the business owners who are repeatedly victimized by thieves while Becton remains indifferent. Regardless of your background, profession, financial situation, or political beliefs, we care deeply and are determined to take action.”

Recall supporters said in a press release that they expect to receive word of approval or rejection of their effort within 10 days of receipt of the petition. If approved, they can start gathering signatures..

Newsom appeals abrupt end of USDA farm subsidies used to supply food banks

Gov. Newsom sent an appeal to the United States Department of Agriculture appealing the abrupt and inexplicable termination of funding for California’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program. Since 2022, California has used more than $88.5 million in program funding to support local farmers, strengthen the state’s food supply system, and distribute high-quality nutritious food to families that don’t have enough to eat.

Despite the inevitable harm that will fall upon farmers and communities, California’s $47 million from USDA for the program, plus millions more under the Local Food for Schools Program, that had been awarded for next year have been completely terminated.

“California’s agriculture sector – which produces nearly half the country’s fruits and vegetables – relies on the support of the Department of Agriculture to ensure that they can get fresh, healthy foods onto families’ tables,” Newsom stated in the letter. “The irrational and malicious slashing of funds will not only hurt our farmers, but also the fami-

lies who need food banks and school meals to stay healthy and thrive. I implore the USDA to immediately reverse this decision.”

California produces nearly half of the country’s fruits and vegetables.

The local food production sector faces mounting pressures, including climate change, labor shortages, and market fluctuations, all reducing food availability and affordability, the press release said. In 2024 alone, California’s food purchase assistance program allocated the California Association of Food Banks more than $22.3 million to provide local healthy food and 18,647,546 meals to Californians who don’t have enough food to eat.

The sole basis for ending the food assistance program was that the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service determined that this agreement does not reflect agency priorities, so it was “appropriate” to do so even though USDA’s mission includes “promot[ing] agriculture production that better nourishes Americans,” the press release states.

State to implement boat launching requirements to prevent damage from golden mussels

Effective Monday, April 14, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will require all trailered or motorized vessels launching at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine to participate in a vessel inspection/quarantine program to help prevent the spread of golden mussels.

This highly invasive aquatic species was recently identified in the Delta, the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. Golden mussels pose a significant threat to the ecological health of all waters of the state, its water conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality, the state said in a press release.

These invasive mussels can also cause significant damage to boats by attaching to hulls and clogging engines, which will lead to increased costs for boat owners.

Here are the new requirements:

• Beginning April 14, Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine will be temporarily closed to all trailered or motorized vessel launching. Vessel owners wishing to launch at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine at Auburn state recreation area must have their vessels inspected and a quarantine seal (watercraft band) applied for 30 days.

• During the quarantine, the vessel will not be permitted to launch. Beginning May 14, vessels completing the 30-day quarantine may return to the two lakes, have the seal removed by authorized staff, and be allowed to launch. Boaters wishing to return to the lakes in the future will have the option to have their boat sealed upon exiting the water and will not be required to quarantine thereafter as long as the seal remains intact.

• All trailered vessels are subject to the inspection, quarantine and seal program. Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowing shells, outrigger canoes and rowboats are not subject to the inspection, quarantine and decontamination requirements. Handlaunched watercraft with electric trolling motors, such as fishing kayaks, are also exempt from these requirements.

As part of this new golden mussel prevention program, only hand-launched boats will be permitted on Lake Natoma. Trailered vessels will not be permitted. The existing 5 mph speed limit on Lake Natoma for motorized craft will remain in effect. All boaters, including paddlers and rowers, must arrive with their watercraft clean, drained, and dry.

C lassifieds & l egals

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

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 2/15/2023. Signature of registrant: Kelly Houck, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/31/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires

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Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001705 The name of the business(es): JMS Woodworks Located at: 922 Outlook Court In: Brentwood CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Temple Joseph Steadman III. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/28/2025. Signature of registrant: Temple Joseph Steadman III, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/28/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires

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Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0001211 The name of the business(es): S L Plumbing And Remodeling Located at: 1315 Gloria Dr In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sergio Manuel Quintero. 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: Sergio M Quintero, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 5, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 3/4/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 2025

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NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001541 The name of the business(es): Mountain Mike’s Pizza Located at: 1185 2nd St Ste M In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Seita Corporation. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/28/2013. Signature of registrant: Luis Seita, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/20/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/19/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001132 The name of the business(es): JC Handy Solutions Located at: 5106 Griffiths Ct In: Antioch CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Jeremy Caesar Contreras 2. Kari Louise Contreras. This business is conducted by: A Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 2/24/2025. Signature of registrant: Kari Louise Contreras, Party Of Marriage. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/28/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/27/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001390 The name of the business(es): 1. CR8 IT 2. UPRIGHT INNOVATIONS Located at: 1310 BIRMINGHAM ST In: OAKLEY, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Klear Koncepts 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: Douglas Gusimat, Manager. This statement was

filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/17/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 3/16/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0001251 The name of the business(es): Trakside Apparel Co Located at: 4670 Lariat Ln In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Bloomfield Enterprises. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Shannon Bloomfield, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/06/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/5/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Raymond James Sweeney, In Pro Per SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Raymond James Sweeney, aka, Raymond James Hinaus CASE NUMBER: N25-0479- TO ALL INTERESTED

PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Raymond James Sweeney, aka, Raymond James Hinaus filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:

a. Raymond James Hinaus

b. AKA Raymond James Sweeney to Proposed Name: a. Raymond James Sweeney

Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above.

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

Date: March 06 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Renee

Kathryn Kern SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Renee Kathryn Kern, Renee Kathryn Kern CASE NUMBER: N250624 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner Renee Kathryn Kern filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Renee Kathryn Kern to Proposed Name: a. Renee Kathryn Marrone

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 06/20/2025 Time: 9:00am Dept.: 30 Room: 201 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: March 27 2025 Judge of the Superior Court

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 2025

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Ahead of the meeting, Assistant City Manager Darin Gale said homelessness is a broad term that encompasses a number of situations, including runaway teens and those escaping abusive relationships who end up in shelters. While people in those situations are also considered to be homelessness, residents camping out on city-owned property represent a specific type of homeless known as vagrancy.

People who spoke on the topic during public comment were split. Some were in favor of the ordinance due to its ability to allow police to remove vagrant residents from cityowned areas, such as in downtown where some of them have set up sleeping quarters near businesses, while others worried that it would effectively criminalize poverty and homelessness rather than providing a solution to them.

Peart, who also spoke during the discussion to help field questions from the council and share his experiences, has been involved in outreach to homeless residents, such as those downtown.

“One of our first priorities is to try and build a rapport with them and offer resources and services and see what we can do to help get them off the street,” he said, describing the approach as “case by case.”

Councilmember Tony Oerlemans asked Peart how many “success stories” the department had under its belt when it comes to getting people off the streets. Peart replied that he had one while also mentioning that many of the people the department contacts decline the services being offered.

“Homelessness is not a crime,” Peart said. “But they need to want the help.”

liaison for Brentwood police. “The City of Brentwood enforces local ordinances regarding camping in public spaces in accordance with California law and recent court rulings, such as Grants Pass vs. Johnson. “Unauthorized camping or sleeping on sidewalks and in parks is generally prohibited under California law and Brentwood,” Maanao said.

Oakley follows a similar approach.

“When our Police Special Services Team makes contact with unhoused individuals, they offer them health resources available through Contra Costa County,” said Danielle Navarro, assistant city manager of Oakley.

For results received over the last few years, she added that their Special Services Team makes contacts with unhoused individuals monthly and their Special Services Team Officers get to know many of the unhoused population by having repeat contacts with many of them on a regular basis. On average, Navarro said they make about 10 contacts with unhoused people per month. She does not expect Newsom’s policy changes to affect the city’s approach.

Mayor Susannah Meyer described the ordinance as hard because of the impression it creates of criminalizing homelessness, but said that she felt the city’s response is “as compassionate as it can be,” due to the lack of preventive measures in place against homelessness.