The Press 05.29.2020 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

Home & Garden Edition Page 1B

YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS | SERVING EAST COUNTY

Vol. 22, No. 22

WE’RE BACK With a new name and new look!

REGIONAL After 21 years of printing your hometown newspaper, the Brentwood Press and its sister papers — the Oakley Press, Discovery Bay Press and Antioch Press — we are excited to announce we are now folding our local names into one easily recognizable masthead: The Press. Many of you already refer to us as The Press, so we have updated our newspaper banner to reflect the name and keep our branding simple. We plan to

keep gathering all the news for you as we have done in the past, and as we go back to printing the paper this week, we want you to know the rebranding was not a decision we took lightly. We are dedicated to providing an even stronger voice for the community. Meaning you, our readers, our advertisers, Delta supporters, fire and school districts, local heroes — everyone who calls East County home! Our numbers reflect that many of you (80,000+ a month) are enjoying our daily news website, www.thepress.net. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you should! Get your local news updates 24/7, with more photos, videos and breaking news, all online, all the time.

Even more exciting, and in keeping with our new branding, we have also officially launched our brand-new, free app. We are excited that we were able to secure the name “The Press” in the worldwide Apple app store and Google play stores. Of all the newspapers around the globe with the word “Press” in their name, we were able to secure “The Press,” as our app name! All you have to do is download The Press to keep up with your local news. “The release of our new app coinciding with the rebranding of our newspapers was a great opportunity for our team to expand and enrich our presence in East County while offering our readers the most up-to-date

applications for receiving their news,” said Ruth Roberts, managing editor. “It’s a very exciting time at The Press for us and for the community.” The addition of the new Press app serves as another means to represent the residents of East County. “Providing our readers fast access to the most recent local news is very exciting,” said Lonnie Tapia, associate publisher. “The Press app makes it simple to get all local news you can trust all day, any day, anywhere. We invite you to download The Press app and check it out.” Accessing the app is simple, and it offers some exciting apsee Back page 22A

Closed Brentwood golf course could have future as an organic garden by Kyle Szymanski Correspondent

BRENTWOOD The future of Brentwood’s permanently closed Deer Ridge Golf Club may yet sprout and grow strong. The nonprofit World Business Academy is exploring turning the Foothill Drive property into a working farm with a host of other features. World Business Academy representative Robert Shelton, a consultant hired last year by the golf club’s owner, said the possible project is still in the preliminary stages, but the club’s ownership (Deer Ridge Golf

The Deer Ridge Golf Club could possibly become the site of a working farm and other agricultural amenities.

see Golf page 22A

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May 29, 2020

City council process may change by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer

OAKLEY Legal pressure is expected to prompt Oakley leaders to change the city council selection process. The switch, likely to take effect in time for the 2022 election, would replace the current at-large election process with a system in which councilmembers are elected by a district that each would represent. The move comes amid a Southern California attorney’s legal threats alleging that Oakley’s current voting system violates the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) by fostering an arrangement that dilutes the Latino vote. The CVRA, signed into law in 2002, bans at-large election methods that impair a protected class’s ability to elect its selected candidates or influence an election outcome. Attorney Kevin Shenkman sent a letter to the city threatening legal action if it did not voluntarily change its at-large election system. Shenkman represents the nonprofit Southwest Voter Registration Education Project — the nation’s largest and oldest nonpartisan Latino voter participation organization — which he says includes Oakley residents. “The mundane decisions at the local level really affect us,” said Shenkman. “It’s important that the elections for these (council) positions are fair and legal — that no one is kept out see Council page 22A

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Boating Safety

Cannabis Sales Up

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The Office of the Sheriff Marine reminds boaters to be safe, alert and obey the rules.

State announces revenue numbers for first quarter cannabis sales are up.

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MAY 29, 2020

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Community NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS & EVENTS

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East County businesses adapt to survive by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer

As many East County nonessential businesses owners grapple with operating amid COVID-19 restrictions, they experience a flood of emotions while using every tool available to attract customers. Most business owners reached by The Press this week expressed confusion over current county-imposed rules and general uncertainty or fear, but all professed a will to survive using any allowable means. “Everybody’s hands are tied,” said Pete Jacoway, Downtown Brentwood Coalition president. “They just need to get creative.” For the first time since mid-March, nonessential county retailers were allowed to reopen last week for curbside sales and other outdoor pickups, provided they implement a series of coronavirus-controlling measures. Business owners say that step toward a semblance of normal is welcomed, but it still has its challenges. Drawing customers to the business is the real battle.

“ Small businesses like us are suffering like crazy. We are hoping things change in June.

”

Vicky Smith, owner of Rancho Co-Op To achieve that feat, many are relying on out-of-the box-thinking and online tools. Vicky Smith, owner of Rancho Co-Op, has launched a weekly “sip and shop” Facebook Live event, featuring games, prizes and an exclusive look at a selection of available merchandise. She concedes that the online sales are “better than nothing,” but her business is treading just above the survival mark. “There is no way to show everything (on Facebook),” Smith said, noting that she tries to showcase two items from each of her

30 vendors. “We hope like heck stuff sells on Wednesday for pickup on Thursday.” Deborah Spinola, owner of downtown Brentwood’s Spinola Farm & Co. and a 20acre ranch, has turned her business’s website and Instagram over to her daughters while scrambling to launch a Shopify account, analyzing what products to sell and shipping others. She uses her 20-acre ranch to accommodate certain business elements, but trying to wade through operating regulations has been challenging, she said. She’s only opened her downtown shop twice recently and has arranged for a few byappointment visits. “What we are doing is trying to shift to find out what we are allowed to do downtown and what we are allowed to do on our farm,” she said. “We are trying to get creative.” Fellow downtown Brentwood business owners Randi Moser and Karen Berg of Alluv Place put their entire store online after shelter-in-place regulations forced their brickand-mortar to close just a week after opening.

The business offered online purchasing and local pickup or delivery since the beginning of the shutdown. “It wasn’t a choice of someday (putting the store online), it was survival,” Berg said. “We got to work putting all our time into putting the store online.” While small-business owners try to maneuver through the turbulent times, many look around in disbelief. Some question why big-box retailers like Walmart and Target are able to operate with large crowds in their stores, while small businesses are reduced to curbside operations. Others, especially in downtown Brentwood, say they would love to fully reopen, but with limited public events and current conditions, their in-person clientele base would be slim. “There is nobody downtown,” Spinola said. “The only time you see people downtown is the farmers market. And it’s hard because you don’t know what the future is, either. So many people are buying online. Are see Businesses page 8

Photo by: Cali Godley

Thanks to all visitors of East Bay Regional Parks.

Together in nature, we’ll get through this. We appreciate your commitment to the Regional Parks, practicing social distancing and wearing masks in outdoors when appropriate. Providing access to parks in the East Bay is our commitment to you. To learn how you can support your parks visit…www.regionalparksfoundation.org

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MAY 29, 2020

Weed spraying delayed due to COVID-19 by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Discovery Bay residents are growing irritated with invasive aquatic plants and the COVID-19 pandemic slowing down weed abatement. While the town can be the ideal place to enjoy a vacation lifestyle year-round, this spring’s crop of weeds is ruining the bays and inhibiting movement around docks on the west side of town. “The weeds here make boating and watercraft not able to make it in and out of the bay,” said Chris Rossi of Cabrillo Bay. “The weeds get sucked up into the intake, and I even saw a guy stranded in the middle of the bay at one point … the weeds are making the free access to navigable waters somewhat impossible.” Rossi, who has been in his home since 1998, said the weeds are very bad this year and attributes their growth to the fact the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW), which treats the weeds annually starting in March, hasn’t sprayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jim Mattison of the Discovery Bay Community Foundation (DBCF) has been working directly with DBW since 2012 to help ensure the bays on the west side of Discovery Bay, which see more growth than the east side, are maintained and navigable every year. He said the pandemic has held up funding for the chemi-

Weather and the pandemic have delayed the annual aquatic weeds spraying in Discovery Bay and Delta waterways.

Photo courtesy of Dawnmarie Fehr

cals DBW uses to treat the weeds. “We are still waiting for the liquid Diquat treatments to begin in all five bays along Kellogg Creek, including Kellogg Creek, Lido Bay and Indian Slough,” Mattison said. “We understand what a challenge it has been for getting boats and wave runners out of their docks and into fast water this year, and hopefully, the Department of Boating and Waterways can make a dent in the aquatic weeds in all the bays west of Discovery Bay Boulevard by the middle of June.” Currently, DBW uses one of two methods to treat the weeds. Technicians either drop slow-release fluoridone pellets into the weeds or spray the area with liquid Diquat, which encapsulates the weeds and eradicates them quickly. Since the Delta is

adjacent to farmland, DBW is limited in the amount of chemicals it can use. Gloria Sandoval, California State Parks deputy director of public affairs, said that while the Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program (AIPCP) allows treatment to begin March 1, the pandemic — along with weather and water temperature — prevented the DBW’s operations. She noted that concern for the safety of employees is a priority, and personal protection equipment and classes on social distancing had to be given to each employee before work could begin. “In order for the herbicide to be most effective, DBW has been working with a model that helps to predict the best time to apply herbicides to effectively target the growth habits of the plants,” Sandoval said in an email to The Press. “Additionally, this year COVID-19 also played a key factor in the delay of the 2020 AIPCP.” Sandoval added DBW began treatment this month, following the strict guidelines and monitoring requirements outlined by the State Water Resources Control Board. She said it was unknown whether treatments would be able to catch up with the weeds’ head start on

the growing season. Once the weeds are killed by one of the two treatments, their dead foliage can cause its own set of problems — decaying plants act as fertilizer for other weeds as well as the blue green algae, which grow in shallow, stagnant parts of the Delta in hot summer weather. The solution may be to dredge bays on the west side of town, especially those like Cabrillo Bay that are close to the opening of the Delta and have a constant flow of silt. The catch? Dredging all the bays would be a multimillion dollar project. “Since the dirt in all our bays is owned by Reclamation 800, I am wondering what they are planning to do as Cabrillo is now only 7 feet deep at low tide and will continue to get worse,” Rossi said. “I understand most of the bays on the west side are very shallow and need attention.” Currently, Reclamation 800 District does not have any permits to put any kind of chemical into open water or any plan to dredge bays. In his quest to keep Discovery Bay beautiful, Mattison and the DBCF have also aligned with the Central Valley Water Board to help mitigate the blue green algae, applying for and receiving an $80,000 grant for a load study and potential remedies to help the dangerous algae in all 32 bays and Willow Lake. While he waits for the weeds to be sprayed, Rossi said he is hopeful he will get his boat out this summer and thankful to Mattison. “Jim has been as asset to the community,” Rossi said. “We live here because we love the water, and when you can’t embrace what you love, it’s makes you wonder, what do you do?” For more information about aquatic weed treatment, email Mattison at jim@ dbcf.info.

YES, WE’RE OPEN. Certified farmers’ markets, like the Brentwood Farmers’ Market, have been designated by the state of California as essential businesses during the Shelter in Place order. While we are open during this time, we ask you follow these guidelines when you visit: Maintain 6 ft. space from other shoppers If you’re sick, stay home • Buy pre-bagged items whenever you can Bring small bills • Refrain from spending time socializing or lingering Wait until booths are clear of other customers to shop Minimize group size • Thank your farmer!

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MAY 29, 2020

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East County charity meeting increased need “ For us, it’s a blessing

by Aly Brown Staff Writer

As the state continues to shelter in place, charitable organizations are working overtime with less staff to meet the increased need in the community. One such nonprofit, St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), serves more than 81,000 residents in Contra Costa County. On an annual basis, it distributes more than $2 million in direct financial aid, food, clothing, furniture, shelter, medical and dental services, and more. With COVID-19 leaving many without work, leadership and volunteers of the organization continue to adjust with limited hands on deck and a heightened demand for help. “We’ve increased our outreach for sure due to the number of people being out of work,” said Joyce Ohanesian, a Brentwood SVdP volunteer. “The difference now is that food choices are limited; people used to be able to come into the hall and tell us what they wanted, but now they have no choice. We pack up stuff for them and put it in their trunk, and we tell them if they get something they don’t really want to please share it with your neighbor.” In Oakley, volunteer Pat Walsh said his team serves 110 to 125 families — factoring out to about 400 to 500 people — at each food distribution, which occurs twice a

St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), a nonprofit organization serving the needy, has seen a surge of families requiring food and rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, teams distributed over 500 boxes of food at SVdP’s Pittsburg location. Those who are able to donate can visit http://www. svdp-cc.org.

to be able to participate and be able to serve those in need in our community.

”

Pat Walsh, St. Vincent de Paul volunteer month in his city. He gave a nod to his crew of volunteers, naming specifically Luisa Ruiz, who coordinates the food pantry. “Families come from all across the community, and some of our families are homeless,” Walsh said. “For us, it’s a blessing to be able to participate and be able to serve those in need in our community.” Barb Hunt, SVdP development director, said the organization’s number of safety-net programs are not only continuing during the shelter-in-place but the group is finding alternate ways to stay connected with clients, such as virtual home visits. “We have long-term relationships with people as we mentor them through their crisis,” she said. “From the 28 SVdP branches, 750 volunteer ‘Vincentians’ do the work every day, and every week, of answering the call for help when neighbors need food, rental/utility assistance and more.”

Photo courtesy of Pat Walsh

Hunt noted donations to be the lifeblood of SVdP but also requested donors avoid dumping unusable materials. “People are dropping off loads of clothes, and they’re soiled or torn — furniture that’s stained or ripped — and we can’t resell them in the thrift stores,” Hunt said. “If someone wouldn’t wear it or put it in their home, we also can’t resell it. The thrift stores are the earned income part of our business and support the other programs we offer.” Due to unwanted dumping of dam-

aged materials, Hunt reported disposal costs in the amount of $3,000 or more a month, which she said was taking food right out of the mouths of hungry people. Last week, SVdP distributed 500 boxes of food from its Pittsburg location with the help of 23 volunteers and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. “It looks like we’re giving people food,” Walsh continued, “but really we’re giving them hope and love.” Those in need of assistance or wishing to donate can visit http://www.svdp-cc.org.

Cannabis tax generates millions for first 2020 quarter As of May 15, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $68.3 million in revenue reported on the first quarter 2020 returns due by April 30. The cultivation tax generated $16.4 million. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, first quarter 2020 is a unique reporting period since approximately half of the taxpayers normally reporting have yet to file a return with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Revisions to first quarter 2020 data are expected in mid-August after the second quarter return filing due date of July 31. Additional information on the relief offered due to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/covid19.htm. Sales tax from cannabis businesses to-

taled $50.2 million in revenue for the same period. Sales tax applies to sales of cannabis, cannabis products and other tangible personal property. Certain retail sales of medicinal cannabis are exempt from sales and use taxes when the purchaser provides at the time of purchase a valid medical marijuana identification card issued by the California Department of Public Health and a valid government-issued identification card. Total tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry is $134.9 million for first quarter returns due by April 30. This does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction. Previously reported revenue for fourth quarter 2019 returns was revised to $177.3 million, which included $85.9

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million in cannabis excise tax, $24.1 million in cultivation tax, and $67.3 million in sales tax. Revisions to quarterly data are the result of amended and late returns and other tax return adjustments. Since January 2018, total program revenue to date is $1.17 billion, which includes $569.8 million in cannabis excise tax, $140.2 million in cultivation tax, and $456.9 million in sales tax. In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes went into effect: a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market and a 15% cannabis excise tax upon purchasers of

cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products are subject to state and local sales tax. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California’s sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis taxes, as well as a variety of other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs account for over $70 billion annually, which in turn supports local essential services, such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars going directly to local communities.

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County remains stricter than state on reopening by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer

As Contra Costa County enters its 11th week under a shelter-in-place order, the prospects for further loosening of restrictions remain unclear. The current Contra Costa Health Service (CCHS) order expires May 31. As of this writing, the county has not indicated what, if any, restrictions will be eased when an updated order is put into effect. “For everyone looking for a date to put on the calendar, I’m afraid I have to disappoint,” said Anna Roth, CCHS director. “We are dealing with a virus that won’t be contained by a clock. COVID-19 is capricious by its nature.” Statewide, the easing of restrictions is occurring at a faster pace. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-stage Resilience Roadmap is guiding the effort to restart the economy. Under that plan, late Stage 2 activities — including in-store retail shopping, in-person religious services and reopening hair salons and barbershops — have all been OK’d by the state with restrictions, contingent upon local approval by county health officers. “Together, our actions have helped bend the curve and reduce infections in our state,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, state public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health. “As sectors continue to open with changes that aim to lower risk, remember that COVID-19 is

still present in our communities.” However, residents of Contra Costa County will not be able to enjoy these activities. Most counties, 46 of the state’s 58, have been approved to advance further into Stage 2 of the governor’s roadmap based on their progress against the state’s criteria. Contra Costa and several other Bay Area counties have yet to take that step. The criteria includes measurements of hospitalization rates, positive testing rates, the number of residents tested on a daily basis, contact tracing capabilities and surge capacity management. Each county must also provide plans to monitor progress and reinstitute restrictions if COVID-19 cases begin to climb again. Contra Costa remains in an early phase of Stage 2. Last week, CCHS modified its existing order to allow curbside pickup for retail businesses, though restrictions apply. Stores may not display merchandise for sale outside the stores, and customers may not enter the store or interior of any indoor shopping mall. Stores must also employ reasonable measures to require customers to comply with social-distancing requirements in pickup areas. “While this is not a return to normal, it is one step in that direction,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County’s health officer. “We will be closely monitoring the effects of allowing curbside retail on the spread of COVID-19 in the community.” CCHS reports 1,375 confirmed CO-

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July Session @ Oakley Recreation Center Monday- Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm July 6- July 17 $200 Residents $210 Non Residents

Please send your child with a snack, sunscreen, clothes that can get wet and a bag lunch everyday, there will be no access to a microwave or refrigerator for lunches.

Registration: Registration is now open. You may register via email or online at www.ci.oakley.ca.us/registration. Space is limited and may fill up quickly. For more information contact the Recreation Division at 925-625-7041.

“ For everyone looking for a date to put on the calendar, I’m afraid I have to disappoint.

”

Anna Roth, Contra Costa Health Services director VID-19 cases in the county as of May 26. The rate at which new cases are being reported has increased. The weekly growth rate in new cases for the week ending May 23 was 15.2% compared to 9.6% the prior week, a 58% increase week over week. That growth is primarily attributed to more testing. “Cases will initially go up as testing increases,” explained Will Harper, CCHS spokesperson. “But over time as testing is brought to scale, we would hope to see the case numbers flatten or decline because of social distancing and other prevention measures. We also look at hospitalization numbers to assess whether or not we are seeing a true surge or just more testing.” In East County, Antioch has reported 120 positive COVID-19 cases; Brentwood, 68; Oakley, 51; Discovery Bay, nine; and Bethel Island, one. Hospitalization numbers have been falling steadily since they peaked in the middle of April. There are currently 13 patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infections. The number of patients was as low as nine and ticked back up to 15 over that last week, a fact that

was a cause for concern at CCHS. Harper noted that CCHS is watching hospitalizations closely, and while the daily numbers are up, the seven-day average is down from one week ago. The daily average of completed tests was 993 for the week ending May 23 compared to 639 per day the prior week, a 55% increase week over week. Though the number of daily tests is increasing, it still falls short of the county’s goal, which Farnitano pegged at 2,200 per day. “Like other counties, we’ve had challenges with testing for a variety of reasons, such as supplies and staffing,” Harper said. “We’ve been encouraged to see our numbers improve recently as the county has increased its capacity by adding staffing at testing sites and redeploying employees to help schedule testing appointments.” Over the month of May, the rolling seven-day average of positive tests has run roughly from 2.5% to 3.5%. According to Harper, the World Health Organization indicates positive tests should be lower than 5% for 14 days. “By that measure, we’re doing well,” he said. “Still, we are keeping an eye out for increases in the positivity rate as a barometer of how widely COVID is circulating in Contra Costa.” There have been 37 deaths in the county. The majority of deaths have occurred in patients aged over 70 with this age group accounting for 27 of the fatalities in the county. Only a single patient under 50 has died as a result of COVID-19. “We think virus spread in our community is stable at this time,” Harper concluded.

Antioch man charged in murder of roommate In connection with an Antioch shooting, 41-year-old Marc Alexander Siegel was charged May 20 for the murder of Michael Moreno, 43. Siegel was charged with murder with an enhancement for the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held at the county jail in Martinez with bail set for $2 million. Siegel was first arrested May 18, when officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 1900 block of Iron Peak Court. It was determined there had been an argument between Siegel and Moreno, who were roommates, during which time Siegel opened fire. Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene. Antioch Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives with the

SIEGEL Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

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MAY 29, 2020

A special thank-you for Memorial Day

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UPDATE ON FORBEARANCE

The Mortgage Banker’s Association (MBA) has recently reported that the share of mortgages in forbearance is 8.16%. That translates to about 4 million home loans in forbearance, according to the MBA. The percentage of VA and FHA loans may be even higher. There are some signs that the number of people requesting forbearance of their payment may be cresting, so that’s a hopeful sign. When the first batch of forbearance approval letters went out, there was a hue and cry when people read the fine print. Yes, they could skip making payments for 3-6 months BUT most lenders were asking them to pay ALL their missed payments in a lump sum at the end of that forbearance period. Since then, many lenders have said that they will consider either spreading the missed payments out, or more likely, having them come due when the home is either sold or refinanced, or when the loan is paid off. So if you got one of those letters, be sure to check with your loan servicer at the end of that forbearance period to see if they are offering an option like that.

One bit of bad news in regards to the forbearances has come to light. Despite written promises that these forbearances would not damage your credit, that appears to not entirely be the case. They aren’t supposed to show your payment as being delinquent, and it isn’t supposed to hurt your credit score. However, many lenders won’t consider you for a refinance for 12 months after a forbearance is completed. That means many people who accepted a forbearance now can’t refinance for another 15-18 months. Keep in mind that different lenders will have different rules and guidelines for all of the above. So there are no hard-and-fast rules for all forbearances and all refinances. Check with your servicer and favorite loan representative for specifics to your situation. If you have questions about real estate, call me at (925) 240-MOVE (6683). Voted “Best of Brentwood” multiple times. To search the MLS for free, go to: www. SharpHomesOnline.com. Sharp Realty. #01245186 – Advertisement

E S TAT E P L A N N I N G We are open to help during this crisis!

n HC-130J Combat King II from the 129th Rescue Wing flies over John Muir Medical Center in Brentwood, Monday, May 25. The aircraft flew from Moffett Air National Guard Base, Mountain View. According to a California Air National Guard socialmedia post, the event was an expression of gratitude toward health care providers, first responders and other essential personnel on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19.

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COMMUNITY

MAY 29, 2020

Boating tips for safety The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Marine Services Unit would like to remind all boaters to be safe, alert and obey the rules. Here are some important rules: â&#x20AC;˘ As of Jan. 1, 2019, anyone 25 or under who operates an engine-propelled vessel must have in their possession a California Boater Card issued by the state. â&#x20AC;˘ All vessels must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person. â&#x20AC;˘ You must be at least 16 years old to operate a powerboat or personal watercraft. â&#x20AC;˘ Boats over 16 feet are required to have an approved throw-able flotation device, which must be readily accessible. â&#x20AC;˘ Always travel at a safe speed. At a cross waterway, the boat on the right has the right of way. â&#x20AC;˘ Always have an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, warm clothing, cell phone, VHF radio and chart. For emergencies on the water, boaters should call 9-1-1 or Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dispatch at 925-646-2441. Be sure to file a float plan before you depart. If anyone has any questions about boating safety, contact the Marine Services Unit at 925-427-8507.

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they going to come back and shop?â&#x20AC;? Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County public health officer, hinted that officials are closely tracking key metrics â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as whether COVID-19 cases surge in the few weeks following relaxed regulations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that will dictate the time line for further changes. In the meantime, local business and government leaders say they are sympathetic to the current state, with some entities stepping up to provide support. Brentwood, Oakley and Contra Costa County all feature small-business resources on their websites. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our local businesses are both valuable to our economy and valued by our community,â&#x20AC;? Oakley Councilmember Claire Alaura said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through the continued patronage of our citizens and the barrage of social-media support, I hope our local businesses feel the support of our community and keep going through this temporary, but testing, time.â&#x20AC;? Brentwood Councilmember Karen Rarey said she spent over a week personally calling restaurants to aid them and give the community an overview of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available. Rarey and her fellow councilmembers also forwarded plans to discuss helping small businesses this week, which could include figuring out a way to safely expand restaurant seating outdoors; hosting a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brentwood night outâ&#x20AC;? event; or posting additional business-related information online. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It could kind of jump-start their businesses,â&#x20AC;? said Bentwood City Councilmember Claudette Staton, alluding to the potential event. For many business owners, however, the only help they need is a return to normal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small businesses like us are suffering like crazy,â&#x20AC;? Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are hoping things change in June.â&#x20AC;?

EDUCATION

MAY 29, 2020

Soroptimist honors youth Soroptimist International of the Delta (SI of the Delta) recently delivered its 2020 Student Recognition Awards to each of the eight local middle school’s eighthgrade outstanding citizens. Congratulations, best wishes for a successful future! The 2020 SI of the Delta’s eighth-grade Outstanding Citizens are: Knightsen School – Gabriella Loren Pantoja (seen here) Adams Middle School – Alejandro Cervantes Bristow Middle School – Annabelle Bruesewitz Delta Vista Middle School – Mackenzie DeFrates Edna Hill Middle School – Sandra Brown Photo courtesy of Jan Schults

Excelsior Middle School – Gianna Stephenson O’Hara Park Middle School – Stella Venegas

Old River Elementary – Alexys Grace Acosta To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows

BUSD issues school update This week, Brentwood Union School District Superintendent, Dana Eaton, issued to district families a status update regarding the reopening of schools and the anticipated state budget shortfall for the 2020-2021 school year. Below is the statement in its entirety: Dear Brentwood Union School District Community, Last week, California State Superintendent of Instruction Tony Thurmond shared that school districts will be making independent decisions about opening schools in the fall. “There will not be a common opening,” Thurmond said in a press conference Wednesday. “Instead, school districts will make their own decisions about when and how to reopen.” We are hopeful at the news that the California Department of Education is set to release reopening guidelines this week. Those guidelines are critical for our district to make determinations about the start of school. The Contra Costa County superintendents continue to meet regularly to discuss issues that impact all of our communities. We have weekly conferences with the Contra Costa County Health Department and will take their guidance seriously in eventually determining when and how to reopen our schools. Any decision about when and how school will reopen will be made by our Board of Education with student and staff safety at the forefront, based on guidance from public health professionals. When the state guidelines are published, we will work together with our community stakeholders to sort through the many obstacles and challenges that exist. I have seen

many versions of “school reopening requirements” that have been floating around social media in the past week. Certainly, some of what I have seen would make it very difficult to reasonably reopen a school. However, we are waiting until the official California guidelines are released to start our reopening planning process. It is critical that we make our decisions based on the official guidelines, with input from our County Health Department and with the perspectives of family and staff stakeholders. In addition, Governor Newsom released his 2020-21 May Budget Revision predicting more than a $41 billion drop in state revenues. The global pandemic has hit our local, state and national economies dramatically. Less tax revenue coming into the state means that schools are projected to receive $18 billion dollars less in the state K-12 education funding. Reduced funding of this magnitude will have a historic impact on public schools within California, including our district. State fiscal experts project the impact on education in 2020-21 will be significantly worse than the worst year of the Great Recession. While the state budget process will continue well into the summer and beyond, the potential impact of this unprecedented budget shortfall will have a large impact on our planning and programs. I sincerely regret that I cannot share more concrete plans with all of you at this time, but I wanted to update you as to what is taking place. We are hopeful that the state guidelines will soon be published as promised, and that we will be able to quickly work together to make a recommendation to our Board of Education. I will continue to send information out as it becomes available.

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HAS THE PANDEMIC DECIMATED YOUR FINANCES?

by Joan Grimes, Esq.

If Covid-19 has decimated your finances, you are not alone. Covid-19 has caused economic destruction across every sector of the economy. If you have credit card debt or past due mortgage payments you cannot pay, you may consider if bankruptcy is the right option for you. The most common form of bankruptcy is a Chapter 7. A Chapter 7 is an individual bankruptcy that can be filed every 8 years. In a Chapter 7 case, all assets and liabilities are included, and the Chapter 7 Trustee has the right to liquidate non-exempt assets for the benefit of creditors. In many cases, there are no assets available to creditors because the assets are exempt or encumbered by liens to the full extent of their value. Exempt assets include IRA or retirement plans, equity in a car up to $5,850, most household goods and furnishings, life insurance, and up to $30,825 in all other assets. If a person has equity in their principal residence, there is a different set of exemptions which allows a person to keep a limited amount of equity in a principal residence. In exchange for including all assets and liabilities, an individual’s promise to pay on most debts are forgiven through a discharge. Likewise, most people who are having problems paying their bills qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to low income or disproportionately high debt in relation to their income. A Chapter 13 is a Consumer Reorganization which is usually used when a borrower needs one

of the special “bells and whistles” provided by the bankruptcy code. Usually, this occurs when the Debtor has non-exempt assets that they want to keep, such as a house with equity over the exemption, or a car loan older than 910 days that they can reduce to the current fair market value. The Chapter 7 process takes approximately 4 months from the date of filing to closing of the case. The Chapter 13 process takes between 3-5 years, but provides greater relief in many situations. While a bankruptcy can stay on a person’s credit for a maximum of 10 years, Fannie Mae’s guidelines provide that a person will be eligible to purchase a FHA loan product in as little as 2 years after the closing of the bankruptcy. New credit is usually granted within 1 year, but at lower limits and higher interest rates. If you are having financial problems, seek legal counsel. We are all struggling at this time. There is help available to you. Do not lose sleep and your sanity worrying about financial problems. We offer free 30-minute consultations in Walnut Creek and Brentwood. WE ARE A DEBT RELIEF AGENCY. WE HELP PEOPLE FILE BANKRUPTCY RELIEF UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY CODE. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT PROVIDED AS LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON IN MAKING A DECISION REGARDING A VOLUNTARY DEFAULT, SHORT SALE, FORECLOSURE OR BANKRUPTCY. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR OBTAINING TAX & LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING AN INDIVIDUAL SITUATION. © 2020 GRIMESBKLAW.COM (925) 939-1680

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MAY 29, 2020

WE’RE OPEN!

These Businesses are OPEN for you! Please support them! Tell them you saw them in The Press.

Dallas Shanks & Sons Brentwood Florist COMPLETE AUTO CENTER Kathy Mertens-Pickett Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID #3274 Individual NMLS #325906

TOP 1% OF MORTGAGE BROKER IN THE USA 2016-2019

During these unusual times we are here to assist you with your home loan needs. Whether it is refinancing or a new purchase loan, let me guide you through this process. 925-584-4368 kpickett@guildmortgage.net www.kathymertens.com

Dallas Shanks Chevron Convenience Store, Gas Station and Car Wash are open 24/7. Lobby Hours 5am - 8 am only. Use your Safeway Gas Rewards here and we now have Amazon lockers to pick-up your online purchases at 190 Griffith Lane, across from water park in Brentwood. Open 24 hours a day for your service 513-2815. www.facebook.com/ dallasshanks.chevron

OPEN Mon.- Fri. 7am to 4pm For all general Auto Repairs and any Smog Services needs. Call today to make an appointment 634-9213. 40 Sycamore Drive and Brentwood Blvd. www.facebook.com/ dallasshanksandsonsauto

WE ARE OPEN FOR YOU Mon-Sat. 8am-4:30pm, Sun. 10am-2pm Perez Nursery is a 10 acre nursery, come stroll the grounds at 2601 Walnut Blvd. and relax while shopping our large selection of shade trees, tropical plants, shrubs, Fruit trees & Veggies. To place a order e-mail Irmazperez@pereznursery.com or call 516-1052 and we will deliver locally for FREE www.pereznursery.com Lis# C-27857915

+ Flowers

by Gerry

DON’T FORGET YOUR 2020 GRADS! Let them know you love them! For same day delivery or pick up Please order by noon. Open Mon.-Fri. 10 – 5 • Sat. 10 -2 8335 Brentwood Blvd.,next to Jalisco’s Call 634-4313 or 634-1593 www.brentwood-florist.com

We are currently open for curbside pick up and home delivery, Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Give us a call and we can schedule a VIRTUAL FIT, if you have never been fitted for proper running and walking shoes. 6061 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood 925.306.0830 MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE $10 OFF YOUR NEW SHOE PURCHASE. www.fleetfeetbrentwoodca.com

Learning Tree Tutors WE ARE OPEN TO SERVE YOU! Mon.-Fri. 8am to 6pm Sat. 8am to 5pm For all Tire Sales and Services on your Brakes, Shocks and Alignments... CALL OR SCHEDULE ONLINE Brentwood: 6361 Lone Tree Way • 513-3432 Oakley: 89 Carol Lane • 625-4532 www.LesSchwab.com

Christina Dalton of Learning Tree Tutors is open to help during the shelter in place. She offers Remote Tutoring Support for K-12 and Adults Learners. Over 39 years of Educational Experience and Teaching! Call Today 625-4960 or email: calberkgirl65@yahoo.com

HEALTH HUT Serving Brentwood since 1973

IS OPEN Tues. - Sun. 10am - 5pm Local Honey & Olive Oil in stock Dried Fruit, Nuts, Candy, Fruit Pies too! CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS AVAILABLE... Call in advance to save time or just come to the Ranch for curb side pickup… 634-4913 1921 Apricot Way Brentwood www.gurskyranch.com

OFF With this ad. Expires 6/30/2020

WE’RE STILL OPEN Certified Station

SMOG INSPECTION 925-625-1818

MEDAL LD AWARD

3605 Main St., Oakley 2019 Same Day Appointments Available

IS OPEN Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm and Sat. 8am - 4pm with a wide assortment of the freshest nuts, dried fruits, gourmet candies and trail mixes! Order online and have it mailed to you or call ahead to pick up at the door! 625-2355 112 Sandy Lane, Oakley www.continentecountrystore.com

WE ARE OPEN TO SERVE YOU! It’s a great time to buy, sell or refinance! We’re all working and fully operational for all your mortgage needs... Call us today with any questions 925-634-6600, your neighborhood lending experts or email teamomalley@summitfunding.net 141 Sandcreek Rd., Brentwood Branch NMLS ID# 880995, NMLS ID# 240904, CA DRE # 01423655

www.summitfunding.net/romalley

WE’RE STILL OPEN Special Offer During Shutdown GO

SMOG CHECK

Your health is your number one asset, now and always. Support your immune system with vitamins, minerals, herbs, local honey & bee pollen. Now offering delivery service, mailing service and taking email & phone orders for quick pickups. Store hours: 11-4 Tuesday-Wednesday, 11-6 Thursday-Friday, 8-2 Saturday. 161 Chestnut Street, Downtown Brentwood • 925-634-5361 brentwoodhealthhut@gmail.com www.brentwoodhealthhut.com

OAKLEY PRESS

OA KLEY

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*Offer expires 6-30-2020.

570 Valdry Ct. #C-1, Brentwood (behind ACE Hardware) Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm

www.deltaautorepairs.com • 925.684.7931

MAY 29, 2020

Milestones

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11A

BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Oakley Rotary Club celebrates anniversary

Jeff Skaggs

Jan. 27, 1960 – May 17, 2020 Longtime East County resident Jeff Skaggs, 60, passed away after a long illness on May 17, in Antioch. Jeff is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara; daughter, Melissa; son, Jeffery (Mallory); grandchildren, Will, Gage and Codie; sister, Vanessa; brother, Vince; nephew, Vince Jr. (Jasmine); niece, Tameka; and extended family and in-laws. He loved fishing (DJ’s Fishing Rods and Repairs), hunting and auto racing at Antioch Speedway. A Celebration of Life was held on May 27.

Higgins Chapel of Antioch handled the arrangements, and Jeff was placed to rest in Union Cemetery in Brentwood, California. https://www.higginsmortuary.com/tributes/Donald-Skaggs

Donna Marie Johnson

dren, Brian Johnson (Heidi) of Alamo, Kerri Johnson of San Jose, and Kelly Johnson of Clayton. Also surviving her are three grandchildren, Chris Johnson (Heather) of Roseville, Kyle Johnson of Playa del Rey and Conor Ridley of Santa Rosa; and one great-grandson, Logan Johnson of Roseville. Her generous and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew her. The family will gather at Union Cemetery in Brentwood, CA to lay Donna to rest with Roy. A celebration of life gathering with friends and family will be planned when shelter-in-place restrictions for the current coronavirus pandemic are lifted.

Resident of Discovery Bay, CA July 21, 1931 – May 4, 2020 Donna Marie Johnson passed away on Monday, May 4. She touched many lives with her devotion to family and her competitive spirit. Donna was born in North Dakota and moved with her parents to Sacramento in 1948. She graduated from Sacramento High in 1949 and then attended San Jose State University. Donna was married in 1955 to the love of her life, Roy Johnson, until his passing in 2008. They raised their family in Carmichael, California, where Donna enjoyed boating, golfing and volunteering in community activities. In 1989, Donna and Roy moved to Discovery Bay where they cherished golf and travel with their new community of friends. A lifelong dog lover, Donna always had a furry friend by her side or on her lap. Donna is survived by her three chil-

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.

The Rotary Club of Oakley celebrates its one-year anniversary this week since being chartered by Rotary International on May 29. Though the members miss their weekly breakfast meetings at Black Bear Diner and the friendly banter and ribbing that takes place, the weekly Zoom meetings still draw about 25 members each Thursday morning. “Moving the meetings online has allowed members to stay in touch and has actually expanded our opportunities for quality programs from speakers who just can’t get to Oakley at 7:30 a.m.,” said Dave Wahl, club president. In its first six months, the club dove into supporting various community events by staffing first aid stations at the annual Cityhood Celebration and Heart of Oakley Festival. The club also took on tritip barbecue duties for the annual Bell and homecoming football games in support of the Freedom Athletic Boosters. After a very successful Charter Night Dinner and Comedy Show fundraiser in September, the club invested the proceeds back into the community by distributing dictionaries to all 600 Oakley third-graders by funding the purchase and installation of landscaping for the Oakley Senior Center (delayed until fall), by awarding $2,000 to Freedom High School graduating seniors and by cooking breakfast for close to 500 Gehringer Elementary School

students and parents who brought gifts to support the Friends of Oakley Christmas toy distribution. Though the majority of the club’s focus is on local community service projects like the sand dunes restoration at Big Break Regional Shoreline Park, minor home repair for seniors through Rotary Home Team and a partnership with Oakley Kiwanians to provide after-school snacks for students at the Oakley Library, Oakley Rotarians are committed to another of the fundamental aspects of Rotary, International Service. An April event that would have involved 50 to 60 middle and high school students packing 10,000 meals for distribution to young people in developing countries in Central America or the Philippines had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Oakley middle school Leadership students and Freedom High Interact students will have an opportunity to participate at some point in the months to come. Thanks to a connection with one of its members, Oakley Rotary is working with Club Rotario de Ciudad de Guatemala supporting a grant to bring personal protective equipment to hundreds of health care professionals and first responders throughout Guatemala. The Rotary Club of Oakley invites anyone to inquire about membership by visiting www.OakleyRotary.com or emailing OakleyRotary@gmail.com.

Worship Services Camino Diablo Rd. & McCabe Rd. Byron • 634-6625

MASSES

Sat. Evening 5:00 pm Mass Sunday Community Life Center 8:30 & 10:30 am 12:30 pm/Español Weekday: Mon-Thurs: 9:00 am – Chapel P.O. Box 476, Byron 94514

www.stannechurchbyron.com

Immaculate Heart of Mary

www.IHMBrentwood.com

MASSES / MISAS SATURDAY/SÁBADO: 5pm English; 6:30pm Español SUNDAY/DOMINGO 7:30am • 9:00am • 12:30pm English 10:45am • 2:00pm Español; 5:00pm Latin 500 Fairview • Brentwood • 634-4154

REZ!

Resurrection

OPEN HEAVENS

Ministries

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Come experience Open Heavens in your life at our

“Connecting People to Christ”

Pastor Dave Prill

Sunday Worship

• 8:30 - Classic • 9:30 - Sunday School - all ages • 10:45 - Family Praise 1275 Fairview Ave. • Brentwood

634-5180

www.rezministry.org an outreach of the Lutheran Church Missouri – Synod

Delta Community Presbyterian Church SUNDAY 10:00AM WORSHIP SERVICE 1900 Willow Lake Rd. Discovery Bay (925) 634-0184

www.dcpcfamily.org

Brentwood rentwood C Community ommunity B U nited M ethodist Church hurch United Methodist C Reconciling Congregation Love God... Love People... Serve The World... Sunday Worship Service

SundayAM Worship Service 10:30 10:30 AM Sunday School Sunday School & Youth&Ministry Youth Ministry 809 Second Street 809 Second Street Downtown Brentwood Downtown Brentwood (925) 634-3093 (925) 634-3093

www.brentwoodumc.org www.brentwoodumc.org

SUNDAYS @ Knightsen School 1923 Delta Road, Knightsen

10:00 AM - Worship See Website for Details Pastor: Frank Griffith

Join us Sundays online @ 9am www.goldenhills.org office (925) 516.0653

• Sunday Worship 10am • Daily Fellowship 7pm to 8pm • Friday Miracle Prayers 10pm to 1am 3933A Walnut Blvd. Brentwood • 481-4936

www.openheavenscommunitychurch.org

Let others know about your services Advertise your hours & location here for as low as

Call 634-1441 today!

Mariner's

DISCOVERY Church

MDC Online Sunday Worship Music & Message at Home Click here to go to marinersdiscoverychurch.com and watch the latest message

You may be home, but you are not alone. God is With You! MDC is here for you, too! New Services Online every Sunday.

12A

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WE’RE OPEN! Oak Street Bar & Grill We are open Wed. - Sun. 4pm to 7:30 pm for takeout orders and delivery with DoorDash. Full menu available online. Curbside pickup at 144 Oak St. Downtown Brentwood. To order dinner call 634-1025. www.capsrestaurant.com

We are open Daily from 8am to 8pm For Takeout & Delivery Check out our New menu online You can order from us or from Uber Eats, Postmates, or Doordash Phone in orders are welcome! Call today 625-3555 3201 Main St., Oakley www.blackbeardiner.com

Is Open Daily from 1 – 7 pm for you! Great selection of Wines & Beers to Go! Come pick some up or we will deliver to you. Order online at shop.harryswinedepot.com And order some appetizers to go too! 761 Second St. Bwd, across from City Hall 408.318.0881 or 925.464.3202 www.harryswinedepot.com

These fine restaurants and bars are open to serve you! Please support them! Tell them you saw them in The Press.

WE ARE OPEN FOR YOU! Daily 11am – 8pm for takeout orders and delivery with DoorDash & Grubhub. Alcohol available for purchase with any food order and I.D. Outside pickup at 642 First St. Downtown Brentwood. To order call 516-2233 www.lafuentebrentwood.com

We are open to sell you Wine & Beer To Go! Fridays from 2 - 7 pm and Saturdays 9 am -2pm 20% off all in stock wine and beer 30% off 6 or more mix and match okay 633 1st St. Brentwood • 634-9463 For full menu selection visit: www.facebook.com/cocowineco/ or www.cocowineco.com

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT ORDERS Wed & Thurs 3pm - 8pm Fri & Sat 2pm - 8pm Check our weekly menu specials and updates on Facebook, Instagram or our website. Alcohol TOGO with Food Orders CALL-IN OR WALK-UP ORDERS 925-626-5547 311 Oak St., Brentwood www.311oakstreetpub.net

famous for steaks

VIC STEWART’S STEAKHOUSE IS OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT! Tues.-Sat. 3:00pm to 8:00pm Visit our website or Doordash for latest menu options. Alcohol is available To-Go with any food order. Check us out on Facebook or Instagram for the latest specials or call us at 925-240-2828 to place your order. Pick-up orders at 2270 Balfour Rd., Brentwood www.vicstewarts.com

MAY 29, 2020

Is open Daily from 2pm till 8pm TO MAKE YOU SMILE! For takeout or delivery with DoorDash, Uber Eats & Grub hub Call in advance for large orders 925-513-6600 and pick up at 2530 Sand Creek Rd. & Hwy 4 www.menchies.com

WORLD FAMOUS PIZZA

BREAKFAST ALL DAY ALONG WITH YOUR OTHER MELS FAVORITES We are Open for Carry-Out & Delivery Sun-Thurs: 10 am – 10 pm Fri-Sat: 10 am – Midnight Delivery with Postmates, DoorDash or Grubhub 2523 Sand Creek Rd., Brentwood 925-240-6357 Check out our Limited Menu... www.originalmels.com

Roadees DELICIOUS HAND CRAFTED SANDWICHES AND MORE, TO GO! Open Mon.-Sat. 11am-2pm for Lunch and 5pm-7pm for Dinner. Call your order in 684-7035. Pick-up at 761 Second St., Brentwood (across from city hall) www.roadeecafe.com

Tacos • Burritos • Chips & Salsa Open Daily 8:00am - 8:00pm For Takeout and Curbside pickup Call in your order: 925-240-6105 8335 Brentwood Blvd. See full menu online: jaliscosmexican-restaurant.com

OPEN TO SERVE YOU! Tues. - Thurs. 2 - 8pm, Fri. 12 - 8pm, Sat. & Sun. 11am -8pm SPECIALS THIS WEEK $8.00 Burger & $6.50 Hot Dog Full menu available for take-out or delivery with DoorDash. Now Offering Alcohol TO-GO. Call in your order to 513-2499 5879 Marina Rd., Discovery Bay www.boardwalkgrill.net

World Famous Pizza, Pasta & Wings Open Tues.-Sat. 4 - 8pm, Sun. 4 -7pm Try our Pizza Kits To Go! Large Pizza Only $15. Curbside pickup at 253 Oak St. Downtown Brentwood. Call in your order to 634-4263. www.rubianosbrentwood.com

WE ARE OPEN TO SERVE YOU! Mon. to Sat. 7am - 8:30pm Sun. 7am - 3pm FULL MENU AVAILABLE! Take-out with Curbside Pick-up Delivery with DoorDash or Grubhub Call in your order 240-8958 2261 Balfour Road, Brentwood www.DiggersDinerBrentwood.com

NOW OPEN TO SERVE YOU! Daily from 4pm to 8pm For Pick up or Delivery Check out our full menu online 5007 Lone Tree Way Antioch Call ahead-save time 206-4644 www.samuraiantioch.com

OPEN Sun - Thurs. 11am - 7pm Fri - Sat. 11am - 8pm See Our Full BBQ Menu Online Tri-Tip • Chicken • Ribs • Pork CALL FOR DAILY SPECIALS 240-2153 or Text 510-325-2113 Pick-up at 561 1st Street, Brentwood or delivery w/ Doordash www.stickychickenandribs.com

MAY 29, 2020

WE’RE OPEN! IS OPEN TO QUENCH YOUR THIRST! Mon.-Fri. 1-8pm, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 12-7 For takeout to enjoy at home. Over 100 Beers, Wine & Cider to choose from and bar bites too! Growlers also available for purchase. 234 Oak St., Brentwood 428-1616 or 367-7374 www.facebook.com/ Brentwoodcraft/

Open Daily 11am - 9pm For Pick-up or Delivery to Brentwood, Oakley and Discovery Bay FREE Cheesy Bread when you mention this ad. Call in your order at 240-6363. 4411 Balfour Rd. Brentwood www.aladinosbrentwood.com

Take Out & DOORDASH Available Mon. - Sat. 11am to 9pm Sun. 11am to 8pm CALL or TEXT ORDER 925-978-9398 5019 Lone Tree Way, Antioch www.HDBurgerAndMore.com

Open Thurs-Sun 9am-6pm for Farmers Market Items: Eggs • Honey • Olive Oil • Local Wine • Etc. NOW Offering Dinners to go! Preorder by 5pm Wed. for Pick-up on Friday after 11am. 8091 Balfour Rd. 800-800-5373 www.communityfarmkitchen.com/ events

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These fine restaurants and bars are open to serve you! Please support them! Tell them you saw them in The Press.

BOAT-IN DOCKSIDE OR DRIVE-UP CURBSIDE TAKEOUT AND LOCAL DELIVERY! We’re OPEN Friday-Saturday-Sunday 11am to 8pm. Limited menu – Family Meal Specials! Beer/Wine/Cocktails available with any to-go food order for ages 21+ with ID. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Located at 1440 Sugar Barge Road, Bethel Island for curbside or Piper Slough/Frank’s Tract for dockside! CALL (925) 684-9332 www.sugarbarge.com

Downtown Cafe & Bakery We are OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am to 2pm for Breakfast & Lunch Mon.- Fri. Dinner Specials 2pm-5pm for only $15.00 Takeout or FREE delivery for anyone in Brentwood, Oakley or Discovery Bay. Curbside pickup at 655 First St. Downtown Brentwood. To order call 684-7242 or text to 766-0107. www.mjsdowntowncafe.com

BOTH LOCATIONS OPEN DAILY FOR TAKE-OUT ONLY From 12-7:30pm. Full menu online. Call your order in for curbside pickup BRENTWOOD: 513-8281 8065 Brentwood Blvd. ANTIOCH: 754-2277 4605 Golf Course Rd. www.tailgaterssportsbar.com

Pizza, Pastas, Subs and More! Open for Delivery and Takeout Sun - Thurs. 11am - 9pm Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm Call 925-240-0000 or order online 4550 Balfour Road, Brentwood www.amecibrentwood.com

Bridgehead Cafe

STEAKHOUSE • TEPPANYAKI • SUSHI BAR

Open Daily For Take Out 11:30am - 2:30pm for Lunch 4:00pm - 8:00pm for Dinner Full Menu Items. Order online for pickup or delivery. Now Offering Beer & Wine To Go with I.D. Call in your order 240-7808. Pick up 6367 Lone Tree Way www.shirasonirestaurant.com

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List Your Restaurant or Bar Here! Let everyone know you’re open. Only $40 per week. June Special: Buy 4 weeks get one week FREE Includes your ad in the printed newspapers and ePress newspapers. Also on the home page of thepress.net website with a direct link to your website.

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We’re going green Let us know if you want the paper delivered to your home weekly When I started working at the paper in 1999, we had only one email address for the entire company and most people got their local news and ditorial information exclusively from their hometown community newspaper. Well, things have changed a lot over the last two decades. Today, most of us carry a phone, a minicomputer at our fingertips to keep us

MAY 29, 2020

constantly informed and updated. Fortunately, a decade ago, we realized that the world of news delivery was changing, and we started building a wonderful website, www.thepress.net. Thank you to the 80,000+ users who are already enjoying the site. We’ve seen a 45% increase in usage since the first of the year. Since many businesses are still shuttered due to the uncertainty of the future and to be ecologically

conscientious, we have decided to move to a 100% paid home-delivery model. If you have not signed up to be a paid home-delivery customer by July 6, you will no longer receive the newspaper at your home starting July 10. I want you all to know that the intent is to keep our news free. The papers will be available in racks around town and inside high-traffic areas. You can also read the digital newspaper on our very cool page-turner software at www.thepress.net (There are also more photos and videos embedded into the digital newspaper.) However, we can no longer conscientiously deliver the newspaper to all the homes in Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay and surrounding areas to people who are not reading the printed version.

Help us save a tree and go greener! Let us know how you want your hometown news delivered, and over the next few weeks, we will be reminding you that the deadline to sign up is Monday, July 6, for the delivery date of July 10 and beyond. Call us, fill out the form on page 15 or send us an email. We thank our many readers who have already signed up as faithful subscribers. I would also like to extend the offer — if there’s anybody out there with extenuating circumstances, feel free to send us a note, and we will see about providing assistance. Help us go green and sign-up for guaranteed home delivery by July 6. Sincerely, Greg Robinson Publisher

Letters to the Editor Setting the record straight

Editor: To my fellow Discovery Bay residents — I would like to introduce myself and my family. We are the McCaslin’s. We have lived in Discovery Bay for over 17 years and have raised our two boys here. We love Discovery Bay and the community, this is our home. Throughout all the years, we have always supported local businesses and to this day we are patrons and support many local restaurants, farms, wineries and consider many of the owners our good friends. I would like to take this opportunity to address the rumors and the back and forth “he said/she said” on social media. We recently purchased the Boardwalk Grill, and we are very excited about the opportunity to serve the community. However, with the global pandemic we understand these are unprecedented times for all businesses and families. During these unprecedented times, we need to support each other and

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Publisher ......................................................... Greg Robinson Controller ........................................................ Sandie McNulty Managing Editor ......................................... Ruth Roberts Associate Publisher.................................... Lonnie Tapia Sales Manager............................................... Gloria George Social Media Manager ............................. Michele Chatburn Ad Services Manager ................................ Connie O’Neill Founder & Publisher Emeritus ............. Jimmy Chamoures Advertising ................ 925-634-1441, ext. 115 Classifieds .................. 925-634-1441, ext. 142 Editorial ...................... 925-634-1441, ext. 110 Circulation ................. 925-584-7773 Editorial email ........ editor@brentwoodpress.com Main Office / Brentwood 248 Oak St., Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-634-1441 Fax: 925-634-1975 www.thepress.net No part of this publication may be reproduced for commerce or trade without written permission from the publisher.

our community. My inquiry about the food trucks came from my surprise to learn that so many of these scheduled food trucks were from outside our community. During these uncertain times it’s more important than ever to support local businesses. The Boardwalk Grill and other open local businesses have a team of people that count on these jobs to support their families. We understand consumers have choices, and we too enjoy a good food truck meal. After all they’re fun. My

intention is to support local businesses. Simply finding a balance of influx when these trucks come in would help our local businesses. By no means did my inquiry include our fellow local businesses. The claim that food trucks do not compete with any local business is simply false. My family and I look forward to things returning to an semblance of normalcy and seeing you and your family on our back patio enjoying a meal just as we did when we brought our kids here. We are looking forward

to seeing all of your windblown boat hair and sun kissed faces here soon. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call me direct on my cell at 925-354-1802. Please understand, I will not be responding on social media outlets. We wish you and your families stay safe, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community. Life is short, be kind. Ron McCaslin Owner, Boardwalk Grill Discovery Bay

MAY 29, 2020

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Hometown Sports

MAY 29, 2020

HIGH SCHOOLS, RECREATION & SIGN-UPS

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IMPACT Soccer Club thrives during pandemic by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic has kicked the local Impact Soccer Club fully into the virtual world. But that hasn’t stopped the organization’s members from finding ways to bond, train and prepare for the future. The Brentwood-based nonprofit hosts weekly virtual training sessions; online yoga classes; and social-media bonding events to keep its youth members engaged and practicing. Coaches also routinely distribute training tools, instructional videos and encourage members to post their own footage as part of contests. “With this whole COVID-19, a lot has been taken away from the kids: their friends; their ability to go to the park to play soccer; school and other programs,” said Robert Garvin, Impact president. “This gives them the opportunity to continue the shelter in place but be physically active and also find ways to have fun with their friends in a virtual sense.” The club’s social-media channels give viewers a glimpse of the unique activity that’s ensued since the county’s March shelter-in-place order took hold. Impact’s Facebook page displays workout challenges tied to participants’ names and the alphabet; team-created motivational messages encouraging everyone to shelter in place; Zoombased training sessions, complete with multiple players all visible on one screen; player-created footage showcasing skills; and team leaders relaying unique training tips and tools.

Garvin applauds the organization’s coaches and the many volunteers who continue to carry the approximately 1,400-member club forward in the current pandemic-induced state, but he admits that the forced changes have been challenging. With in-person club activities halted, the nonprofit has had to cancel some programs, reduce some coaches’ pay and seek continued donations. All the while, IMPACT leaders, many of whom are volunteers, are scrambling to ensure that the club retains its solid foundation — a feat that’s been achieved thus far, Garvin said. “Our goal is to do everything we can so that when we do come out of COVID-19, we will have a club to come back to,” Garvin said. It’s possible that organizations like Impact could soon begin holding small-group camps over the summer, Garvin said. Impact officials are already engaged with Brentwood, Oakley and Contra Costa County leaders in anticipation of possibly being able to offer such options. The club is also in discussions with other similar organizations, in an attempt to maximize available services once in-person activities can resume. “Even if we have to start small, starting somewhere benefits these kids,” Garvin said. “We want to make sure these kids can come back as soon as they can in a safe and structured way.” The club, which features options for youth all the way up to adults, is proceeding with recreation league and competitive season sign-ups, hoping both will commence at some point.

Photo courtesy of IMPACT Soccer

Members of the nonprofit Impact Soccer Club displayed a helpful message reminding their club mates to stay home during the shelter-in-place order. The club has relied on virtual methods to keep its players training and bonding during the pandemic. Until then, the club strives to make the best of the current situation, one virtual move at a time. “We are doing the best we can

with the tools that we have,” Garvin said. For more information on Impact, visit www.impactsoccer.org.

Diving into Press archives: A look back at the best of sports The Press continues its look at the archived athletic moments and feats that frame history and provide much-needed sports action during this pandemic-induced stoppage of play. 2019 The sixth-seed Heritage baseball team defeated third-seed Acalanes to advance to the North Coast Section semifinals. The Patriots’ Bryce Arana went 2 for 3 with two RBI, Keith Jones drove in another run, and pitchers Reece Dexter and Jeffrey Heinrich held the Dons to one run on four hits. “These guys are just really resilient, and they got the job done,” said Heritage head coach Kevin Brannan. 2018 A number of Impact Soccer Club players finished their home appearances in the NorCal National Premier League 3 season. A total of 10 players from the team graduated and moved on to future endeavors. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Impact. That year’s senior Impact class, comprised of Deer Valley, Liberty and Freedom

Heritage players celebrated as the sixth-seed Patriots beat the third-seed Acalanes Dons 5-1 in the North Coast Section Division 1 Baseball Championship quarterfinal. Press file photo

high school players, was made up of Zach Johnson, Ryan Eng, Jayson Phoebus, Leo Cabrera, Rudy Saucedo, Armando Fajardo, Isaiah Moreira, Andrew Thomason, Diego Ruiz Orta and Jorge Rondan. 2017 Freedom’s softball team could not have possibly asked for more from pitcher Vanessa Strong in its opening round at the North Coast Section (NCS) playoff game against the visiting Arroyo Dons.

The junior hurler threw a perfect game, overwhelming the Arroyo hitters by striking out 19 of the 21 batters she faced, leading the Falcons to a 7-0 win. “I definitely threw it really good today,” Strong said. “I feel like every game I try to work hard to put my team in the best position to win. But I threw it really well today. I’m always going to push hard to do my best. I don’t want to give them the opportunity to get ahead.”

2016 Liberty High School outside hitter Taylor Dixon signed her letter of intent to attend Cal State San Marcos. She was named to the all-Bay Valley Athletic League first team in 2014 and 2015. “I am so incredibly proud,” Dixon’s mom said. “This girl works harder than anybody I know.” 2015 The third-seed Mount Diablo Wrestling Association won the state freestyle title and 24 hours later captured the Greco-Roman title as the fourth seed at Livingston High School. The squad, which included Bay Valley Athletic League competitors Mason Hartshorn and Tyler Bennett from Freedom, Jordan Jimenez and Riley Briggs from Heritage and Bryar Edwards and Ryan Vanderwerf from Liberty, swept the event to finish 4-0 in each of the competitions. 2014 Liberty grad Jarod Jamerson earned a contract with the L.A. Dodgers. see Archives page 17A

SPORTS

MAY 29, 2020

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Athlete of the Week

Liberty High School outside hitter Taylor Dixon signed her letter of intent to attend Cal State San Marcos in 2016.

by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Name: Logan Morris School: Liberty High School Sport: Wrestling Year: Senior Coach: Greg Chapple

Press file photo

Archives

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About: from page 16A

As a self-described jack-of-all trades handy man for the Baseball Factory, a development program, Jamerson attended a showcase in Arizona where his primary job was to be sure the players and coaches had Gatordade and water in their dugouts. At the showcase was guest speaker Logan White, who served as scouting director for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hoping to maybe get a chance to play in front of some scouts, Jamerson introduced himself to White. White surprised Jamerson by offering him a chance to work out at the end of the camp a few days later. “You never know what these scouts can do, but it never hurts to ask,” Jamerson said. “I got to the field, and it was just me and a couple of the Baseball Factory staff watching. I took ground balls and hit.” Jamerson was impressive enough that he was offered a chance to go to extended spring training for the Dodgers,

playing with other late signers or injured players on rehab assignments. 2013 The Deer Valley boys’ volleyball team defeated Amador Valley to win its first North Coast Section Division I championship. The top-seeded Wolverines (40-1) controlled the match most of the way, defeating the Dons 25-15, 24-26, 25-16, 25-15 to win the title. “I’m really happy for these guys,” said Deer Valley head coach Lou Panzella. “We accomplished what we set out to do. They worked hard all year to get here.” Deer Valley, which had won 34 straight matches, continued its dominant run against the Dons. After Amador Valley pulled within 15-11 in the first game, Deer Valley scored seven of the next eight points to run away with a 25-16 win. After losing the second game, the Wolverines regained control in the third and fourth games to take the title in front of their home crowd.

Logan Morris is an athletic kid who represented Liberty well in multiple sports, but he truly shone in wrestling. A relative newbie to the mat, Morris joined the school’s wrestling team his freshman year and enjoyed learning how far he could push his limits. “I love the rewarding feeling when you can push yourself beyond what you thought was possible, physically and mentally,” Morris said. “Whether it’s winning the match or going for longer during practices without collapsing to the floor because it’s a physically demanding sport.” Before the wrestling season was cut short this year by the COVID-19, Morris was awarded the Contra Costa Wrestling Officials Association Bay Valley Athletic League award for Outstanding Achievement for leadership, scholarship and athletic excellence. To stay in shape between matches, he worked out and ran. “I think being a great wrestler takes dedication and discipline,” he said. When he isn’t training or studying, Morris enjoys playing guitar, painting or riding

N OPE E R A WE

Photo by Dawnmarie Fehr

his Yamaha dirt bike. He lives in Brentwood with his parents and younger brother.

Future Plans:

Morris currently has no scholarship offers to wrestle in college and isn’t sure he would want one if it were offered. He wants to be a nurse anesthetist and plans to commit his time to classes for the foreseeable future.

Athletic director’s quote:

“Logan’s toughness, commitment to athletics, talent and academics has proven his successes on the wrestling mat and in the pool. Liberty athletics takes pride in student athletes like him, and we are proud of his accolades and excited to see his promising future.”

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County ordinance stops eviction and rent increases At a special board meeting on May 26, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an urgency ordinance that continues an eviction moratorium for residential tenants and small businesses in the County through July 15, 2020. The urgency ordinance also continues a moratorium on certain residential rent increases through July 15, 2020. The new ordinance temporarily prohibits evictions of residential tenants in Contra Costa County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The eviction moratorium also applies

Memorial Day remembrance

to tenants who are small businesses or non-profit organizations. A small business is an independently-owned and operated business that is not dominant in its field of operation, has its principal office in California, has 100 or fewer employees, and has average annual gross receipts of $15 million or less over the previous three years. This law applies to properties in all 19 cities in the county and in all unincorporated areas. To the extent that a city has adopted a law on the same subject matter, then its provisions would apply in that city.

For more information, email contacthalo@ yahoo.com or visit www.eccchalo.org.

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Meet Quincy Quincy is a cute male orange tabby born on March 23, 2020. He is sweet huggable, playful, adoptable and is looking for his forever home. For more information, contact his foster at 408-799-6308.

OPEN DURING SHUTDOWN

en Robinson was part of a Memorial Day service attended by members of American Legion Post 202, Marine Corps League Detachment 1155 and VFW Post 10789 at Union Cemetery in Brentwood, Monday, May 25. After the brief service, members of Warriors Watch organized a motorcycle ride past other veteran memorials in the area. To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia/slideshows

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East County’s newest indoor/outdoor baseball training center, will be hosting our grand opening (GO) baseball camp starting on Tuesday, June 9th. We have carefully reviewed camp requirements posted by Contra Costa Health Services and have determined Tenacity Training Center’s Grand Opening (TTC GO) Baseball Camp exceeds all required safety measures. TTC CAMP-GO 4 weeks long (Contra Costa Health Services Guideline), 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), 3 hours a day (9 AM – 12 PM). **Additional sessions and hour blocks may be created based on demand and age interest** • Hitting sessions will include video and metrics upload through the Blast Sensor App (accessible at home!). • Camp will include weekly HitTrax hitting league games/tournaments. • Each group will have No More That 12 Players (C.C.H.S. Guidelines). • Each group will have one lead instructor (Pro or Collegiate experience) and one assistant instructor (Collegiate experience). 6-1 Ratio! • To keep a 6-1 ration, a younger age group may have a varsity HS assistant instructor. • Strength and conditioning with focus on the fundamentals of athletic based movements. *Camp outto$115 to $115 *Campfee feeequals equals out per per weekweek *1xTrain $150 Train andSensor, take home a Blastaccount, MotionHitTrax Sensor, *1x $150 fee includes: andfee takeincludes: home a Blast Motion Blast premium account, camp shirt Blast premium account,Send HitTrax account, and camp shirt Register at www.tenacitytc.com. all inquiries to joseph@tenacitytc.com

MAY 29, 2020

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An uncontrollable juvenile was reported near the intersection of Redhaven and Norris streets. Brentwood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 6, 6:25 p.m.

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The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity.

BRENTWOOD May 5, 3:56 a.m. A woman on Carlisle Drive called authorities to report she was the victim of a scam. May 5, 5:05 a.m. A missing adult was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. May 5, 8:23 a.m. Authorities received a report that tenants came to an office on Central Boulevard to threaten the manager. May 5, 8:34 a.m. Officer initiated activity was reported on Mojave Drive. May 5, 8:35 a.m. Officer initiated activity was reported on Flowering Plum Place. May 5, 8:35 a.m. Officer initiated activity was reported at the Brentwood Police Department. May 5, 8:36 a.m. Officer initiated activity was reported on Stratford Court. May 5, 8:36 a.m. Officer initiated activity was reported on Alta Street. May 5, 11:15 a.m. Authorities received a report that two men ran out of a store on Lone Tree Way with product worth $250. The men got into an older, four-door silver Cadillac El Dorado and left. May 5, 3:12 p.m. An employee at a business on Lone Tree Way called to report a customer got an oil change and when they tried to pay for it, their credit card was declined. The customer then left without paying. May 5, 4:17 p.m. Activity was reported on Palm Court. May 5, 4:18 p.m. Activity was reported on Continente Avenue. May 5, 4:19 p.m. Activity was reported on Tiffany Drive. May 5, 11:22 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported on Arlington Way. May 6, 8:41 a.m. A person went to the Brentwood Police Department in a gold Lexus SUV to report they had sent $100,000 to a person they possibly thought was a friend. The person said the transaction was made on Bamboo Drive. May 6, 12:55 p.m. A person called from Walnut Boulevard to report $4,900 had been taken from their business account. May 6, 3:18 p.m. A person called from a business on Brentwood Boulevard to report they had video of someone in the store at 12:30 p.m. taking a large amount of Yeti cups and leaving. May 6, 5:38 p.m. A person called authorities to report finding a purse on Shady Willow Lane. May 6, 6:25 p.m. An uncontrollable juvenile was reported near the intersection of Redhaven and Norris streets. May 6, 8:10 p.m. Transients were reported as disturbing the peace near Brentwood Boulevard and Pine Street.

OAKLEY May 5, 6:14 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on the 80 block of Carol Lane. May 5, 6:43 a.m. A security check was made at Diamond Hills Sports Club and Spa. May 5, 7:10 a.m. A traffic hazard was reported on the 4700 block of Burgundy Drive. May 5, 7:47 a.m. A service to a citizen was performed at Delta Vista Middle School. May 5, 8:47 a.m. An auto burglary was reported on the 1600 block of Gateway Drive. May 5, 9:00 a.m. A security check was made at Oakley Town Center. May 5, 9:15 a.m. Petty theft from a vehicle was reported on the 1900 block of Hemlock Drive. May 5, 12:40 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported on the 100 block of Hill Avenue. May 5, 12:49 p.m. Reckless driving was reported near Chablis Court and Gamay Drive. May 5, 3:31 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at Best Western. May 5, 3:36 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported near Calle De Oro and Frandoras Circle. May 6, 7:03 a.m. Vehicle theft was reported on the 6000 block of Bridgehead Road. May 6, 7:32 a.m. A service to a citizen was reported on the 3200 block of Crismore Drive. May 6, 8:13 a.m. A security check was made at Diamond Hills Sports Club and Spa.

May 6, 9:13 a.m. An auto burglary was reported on the 4100 block of Richard Way. May 6, 9:46 a.m. A disturbance of the peace was reported on the 20 block of Poco Lane. May 6, 9:53 a.m. A false alarm was reported on the 1700 block of Pecan Lane. May 6, 9:57 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on the 2000 block of Rubens Way. May 6, 10:33 a.m. A patrol request was made at Amberwind Circle and Willowrun Way. May 6, 11:25 a.m. A runaway juvenile was reported on the 1300 block of Bynum Way. May 6, 11:45 a.m. A service to a citizen was reported on the 5100 block of Claremont Lane. May 6, 11:51 a.m. A patrol request was made at East Cypress and Jersey Island roads. May 6, 2:13 p.m. A disturbance of the peace was reported on the 5500 block of Main Street. May 6, 2:42 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported on the 3900 block of Cloverbrook Avenue. May 6, 2:47 p.m. A service to a citizen was performed on the 4800 block of Canopy Lane. May 6, 2:48 p.m. A patrol request was made at Hook, Line and Sinker. May 6, 3:16 p.m. A loud motorcycle was reported on Longhorn Way and Rose Avenue.

ANTIOCH May 10, 1:24 a.m. A hit-and-run with no injuries was reported on Lafayette Drive. May 10, 8:03 a.m. Vehicle theft was re-

ported on Lobelia Court. May 10, 10:03 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Wilbur Lane. May 10, 10:55 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped on Wilber Avenue. May 10, 2:09 p.m. A person driving under the influence was reported on E. Tregallas Road. May 10, 2:13 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Deer Valley Road. May 10, 6:11 p.m. Property was found near Reimche Drive and Cooper Court. May 10, 8:35 p.m. A stolen vehicle was recovered on Wainfleet Court. May 10, 9:00 p.m. A traffic accident with injuries was reported near the intersection of Robert Street and Lone Tree Way. May 11, 1:05 a.m. A harassment complaint was made on West 20th Street. May 11, 5:07 a.m. An audible alarm was reported on E. 18th Street. May 11, 7:30 a.m. A service to a citizen was reported on W. Fourth Street. May 11, 7:48 a.m. A stolen vehicle was recovered on Delta Fair Boulevard. May 11, 8:23 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Lone Tree Way. May 11, 11:41 a.m. An unwanted guest was reported on Mayflower Drive. May 11, 12:48 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported on E. 18th Street. May 11, 1:56 p.m. A traffic stop was made on L Street. May 11, 5:03 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Auto Center Drive. May 11, 5:45 p.m. Assault was reported on Null Drive. May 11, 11:56 p.m. A traffic accident with unknown injuries was reported on West Tregallas Road.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

MAY 29, 2020

CITY NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT ANNUAL LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING ASSESSMENTS AND CITYWIDE PARK MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR FY 2020-21 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Brentwood will, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the normal course of business permits on June 9, 2020, hold a public hearing on, and take the following actions related to: Accepting public comments and questions; consideration of the Final Engineer’s Reports and approval of resolutions for the Citywide Park Maintenance District No. 98-1, Landscape & Lighting Assessment District No. 19-3 and the following Consolidated Landscape & Lighting Assessment Districts for Fiscal Year 2020-21; ordering the maintenance of improvements; confirmation of diagrams and assessments; the levying and ordering of the collection of assessments; and finding that the actions to be taken are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The Consolidated Landscape & Lighting Districts to be considered are as follows: annual update of No. 94-1 (Brentwood Country Club); No. 95-2 (Hawthorne Landing); No. 95-3 (Pheasant Run); No. 95-4 (Diablo Estates); No. 95-5 (California Spirit and Glory); No. 95-6 (Gerry Ranch); No. 95-7 (SPA D); No. 95-8 (Garin Ranch); No. 97-1 (Brentwood Lakes); No. 97-2 (Marsh Creek Apartments); No. 97-3 (Brentwood Park Apartments); No. 98-3 (Solana); No. 98-4 (Birchwood Estates); No. 98-5 (Arroyo Seco); No. 99-3 (SPA ‘ L’); No. 99-4 (California Grove); No. 99-5 (Deer Ridge Country Club); No. 99-6 (Trailside); No. 99-7 (Termo); No. 99-8 (Gerry Property); No. 99-9 (Richmond American); No. 00-2 (Lyon Woodfield); No. 00-3 (California Orchard); No. 00-4 (Brentwood Park); No. 01-1 (Laird Project); No. 02-2 (Oakstreet); No. 02-3 (Apricot Way); No. 02-4 (Braddock & Logan); No. 02-5 (Sand Creek & Brentwood Blvd.); No. 02-6 (Balfour & John Muir); No. 02-7 (San Jose & Sand Creek); No. 02-8 (Lone Tree); No. 02-9 (Balfour Plaza); No. 02-10 (Lone Tree Center); No. 02-11 (Lone Tree Plaza); No. 02-12 (Sunset Industrial); No. 02-13 (Stonehaven); No. 03-2 (Meritage Lone Tree); No. 03-3 (Brookdale Court); No. 03-4 (Tri City Plaza); No. 03-5 (West Summerset); No. 3-6 (Arbor Village); No. 03-7 (Garin Ranch Commercial); No 3-8 (Blackhawk Commercial); No. 04-2 (Balfour-Griffith Commercial); No. 05-2 (South Brentwood Blvd. Commercial); No. 06-2 (Palmilla); No. 06-3 (Vineyards); No. 06-4 (Villa Amador); No. 06-5 (Barrington); No. 11-1 (North Brentwood Boulevard); No. 14-1 (Mission Grove); No. 14-2 (FerroRonconi); No. 15-1 (Bella Fiore); No. 15-2 (Renaissance Estates); No. 16-1 (Bond Lane); No. 16-2 (Sellers); No. 17-1 (Sparrow); No. 17-2 (Catching’s Ranch); No. 17-3 (Cornerstone Fellowship); No. 19-1 (Terrene); No. 19-2 (Alvernaz); Landscape & Lighting District No. 19-3 and the Citywide Park Maintenance District No. 98-1. This hearing will be held at the City Council Chambers, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, California. A Resolution of Intention to levy and collect assessments for the above referenced Assessment Districts was approved by the City Council of the City of Brentwood on May 26, 2020, by Resolution No. 2020-58. Information regarding the Final Engineer’s Report for the Consolidated Landscape & Lighting Assessment Districts, Landscape & Lighting District No. 19-3, or the Citywide Park Maintenance District No. 98-1 may be obtained from the Parks & Recreation Department, City of Brentwood, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, California

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CITY NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

94513, (925) 516-5444. If you challenge any City Council actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence or voicemail delivered to the Brentwood City Council, at or prior to, the public hearing. Please be advised, that in line with social distancing standards, seating will be limited in the City Council Chambers to approximately 20 seats. Available seats will be spaced out and individuals will not be able to sit next to one another. Should more than 20 individuals be present for the meeting, alternate procedures will be provided for public participation. Pursuant to current County Health Orders, attendees are required to wear face coverings while attending the meeting in person. Along with attending the meeting in person, while the Contra Costa County Health order to shelter at one’s place of residence is effective, public comments can be submitted via e-mail to cityclerk@ brentwoodca.gov. Any public comments received up until one hour prior to the meeting will be: • distributed to the Council at the dais or emailed to them at their teleconference location, • included in the public access binder in the entrance to the City Council Chambers prior to the start of the meeting, • posted online for public inspection within 1 day of the meeting with the agenda packet, and • later summarized in the minutes. As e-mails containing public meeting comments are part of the official record, note that personal contact information (potentially including email addresses) may be published if it is included with your e-mail. Should you not have access to e-mail, a voice mail message not longer than 3 minutes can be left at 925.516.5182. Messages received one hour before the meeting will be briefly summarized for the City Council prior to the meeting and made part of the official meeting record. Dated: May 29, 2020 Margaret Wimberly City Clerk Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82703 Publish Dates: May 29, 2020.

Located at: 2517 Squaw Ct In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Newerton DeSouza. 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: Newerton DeSouza - Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 12, 2020 by Deputy P Cornelius Expires 5/12/2025 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 82675 Publish dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2020.

statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 22, 2020 by Deputy J Celestial Expires 4/22/2025 Brentwood Press No. 021273 82493 Publish dates: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2020.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE SELF STORAGE AUCTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the liened personal property described below, pursuant to the provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure and the provisions of the California Self-Storage Facilities Act, Business and Professions Code Sections 21700 et seq. On the 10th day of June 2020, at 9:30 AM, the undersigned will sell the contents of liened storage units by public sale by competitive bidding on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Acorn II Self Storage LLC, at 6900 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood, California 94513, Tel. (925) 240-5000. Self-storage liened units generally include miscellaneous household goods, office or business equipment, furniture, furnishings, clothing and personal effects. In addition to those general contents, the pre-lien inventory revealed the following described goods: Names: 1. Rosa Rios - Sofa, dresser, nightstand, bedroom furniture, totes & storage cabinets. 2. Burnetta C. Payne - Desk, lamps, shoes, flat screen, BBQ, ladder, Christmas décor, speakers & refrigerator. 3. Alexandrea Hargrove - TV stand, clothing, end table, boxes & totes. 4. Nicholas Taliaferro - Porcelain bricks & boxes. 5. Juan Mendivil - Clothes, end table, collectables, toys, BBQ, hobby equipment & totes. 6. Damis Andino - Clothing, speakers, boxes & suitcases. 7. Dalilah Brooks - Clothes, bedding, silk plants & plant pots. 8. Lowanda Kennedy - Speakers, bathroom items, routers & boxes. 9. Teresita N. Delrosario - TV, lawn art, ping pong table, armoire, chairs & treadmill. 10. Lisa Wooten - Tennis rackets, baby crib, trunk, collectables, toys, suitcases & pictures. 11. Shareen Malik - Ice chest, totes, toys, vacuum, moving blankets & bathroom items. 12. Cindy Martin - Clothing, games, bikes, vacuum, toiletries, wheels & tires. 13. Mike Smith - End table, clothing, head and foot board, books, flat screen TV, lamps & tools. 14. Tehetena Befikadu - Mirror, painting, statue, silk plants, lamps, collectables & totes. 15. Justin Handley - Toys, collectables, clothes, pillows, baby furniture, hobby equipment & bags. 16. Lorraine Bryant - Armoire, toaster & appliance. 17. Damian Cronin - Lamps, chairs, shoes, flat screen TV & baskets. 18. Joey Simonetta - Power tools, BBQ, clothing, boots & collectables. 19. Nico Martindale - Dining room table, chairs, toys, TV, clothes, totes & bike parts. 20. Nico Martindale - Refrigerator, washer/dryer, bedroom furniture, appliance, trunks, end table & totes. Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only. All purchased items sold as-is, whereis, and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Call ahead to make sure sale is still scheduled. Contraband, or items subject to regulation or registration will not be transferred with the liened unit unless otherwise noted. Dates Published: 5/22/2020 and 5/29/2020 or Cal Storage Auctions, Inc., Bond #7900390179, Tel. (916) 604-9695 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82622 Publish Dates: May 22, 29, 2020.

business is conducted by: A Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Rebecca Stone CEO and Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 6, 2020 by Deputy J Celestial Expires 5/6/2025 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 82695 Publish dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2020.

opment of the school does not occur), and 19.59 acres for future commercial development; • A Design Review for the singlefamily and multi-family portions of the site; and • A Development Agreement (DA) between the City of Brentwood and the project applicant. The proposed project would include subdivision of the site for development of 252 single-family homes and associated improvements within the southern portion of the site, as well as a 258-unit apartment complex in the northwest portion of the site, 19.59 acres of future commercial development north of the Sand Creek Road portion of the site, and dedication of 4.3 acres of land to the City of Brentwood for use as public parks. In addition, the project includes an 11.35-acre section of the site to be developed as an elementary school, or, alternatively if the school development does not proceed, as a residential development with 63 singlefamily units. The proposed project would also include water, sewer, and stormwater utility improvements. In particular, stormwater draining off impervious surfaces would be directed to four bio-retention basins located throughout the project site. Water and sewer service for the proposed project would be provided by the City of Brentwood. SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT: The DEIR analyzes potentially significant environmental impacts of the project in regards to (1) Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions; and (2) Transportation and Circulation. As described in the DEIR, most impacts related to the Project can be mitigated to less-thansignificant levels through mitigation measures incorporated into the DEIR. However, certain impacts to Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Transportation and Circulation have been determined to remain significant and unavoidable, even with implementation of the mitigation measures set forth in the DEIR. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES: The project site does not contain any sites listed on State databases compiled pursuant to California Government Code Section 65962.5. DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY: The DEIR is available for public review on the City’s website at: https://www. brentwoodca.gov/gov/cd/planning/ ceqa.asp. As set out in Order No. 20-01 of the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Brentwood, City Hall is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 emergency. Per Order No. 20-01, as well as Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Orders, (including, but not limited to Order N-54-20, issued April 22, 2020), the DEIR is not available for review at City Hall at this time. However, if City Hall re-opens to the public prior to July 15, 2020, the DEIR will be available at City Hall, located at 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, CA 94513, at the Planning offices through the end of the public review period. PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The DEIR is available for review and comment from June 1, 2020 – July 15, 2020. No public meetings or hearings are currently scheduled on the proposed project. The City will provide public notice prior to any such meetings or hearings. All comments on the DEIR must be received no later than 5:00 PM, July 15, 2020. Written comments may be sent via U.S. mail, e-mail, or fax to: Community Development Department Attn: Erik Nolthenius, Planning Manager 150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513 enolthenius@brentwoodca.gov (925) 516-5407 [fax] If you have any questions about the DEIR or the project, please contact Erik Nolthenius by phone at (925) 516-5137 or via e-mail at enolthenius@brentwoodca.gov. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82719 Publish Dates: May 29, 2020.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Brentwood will, at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the normal course of business permits on June 9, 2020, hold a public hearing to consider the following matter: Consideration of a resolution adopting the 2020/21 - 2024/25 Capital Improvement Program including Roadway, Parks and Trails, Water, Wastewater and Community Facilities Improvements to be constructed during the next five years. This hearing will be held at the City Council Chambers, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, California. Further information may be obtained from City Hall, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, California 94513, (925) 516-5400. In any court challenge of City Council decisions, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Brentwood City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. A copy of the Draft 2020/21 - 2024/25 Capital Improvement Program is located on the City of Brentwood Website under Financial Documents (https://www. brentwoodca.gov/FinancialDocuments-CIP). Please contact the Finance and Information Systems Department at Finance@brentwoodca.gov or (925) 516-5460 if you would like to obtain a hard copy. Dated: 5/29/2020 /s/ Margaret Wimberly, CMC City Clerk Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82694 Publish Dates: May 29, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0002220 The name of the business: NORCAL JUNK REMOVAL Located at: 2127 Banyan Way In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner: Luz Maria Tovar. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 5/9/2020. Signature of registrant: Luz Maria Tovar Cruz. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 13, 2020 by Deputy J Celestial Expires 5/13/2025 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 82678 Publish dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2020. PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, T-Mobile West, LLC proposes to install a new antenna structure at 360 W. Tregallas Road Antioch, CA 92509 . Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-8984866 regarding site BA99132A. 5/22, 5/29/20 CNS-3365676# ANTIOCH PRESS Antioch Press No. 06-1617 82652 Publish dates: May 22, 29, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0001872 The name of the business: East Bay Backflow and Cross-Connection Service Located at: 132 Cottage Grove Dr In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Nicholas Steiner. 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: Nicholas Steiner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 21, 2020 by Deputy J Celestial Expires 4/21/2025 Brentwood Press No. 021273 82461 Publish dates: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0001879 The name of the business: 1. Integrity Dispatch 2. Integrity CDL School 3. Integrity Brokerage 4. Integrity Logistics, LLC Located at: 2950 Buskirk Ave Suite 300 In: Walnut Creek, CA 94597, is hereby registered by the following owner: Integrity Logistics, LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Co. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Mecca Watson-CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 21, 2020 by Deputy P Cornelius Expires 4/21/2025 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82574 Publish dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0001883 The name of the business(es): KM Construction Located at: 4925 North Point In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner: K.M. CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN, INC. This LEGAL NOTICES business is conducted by: A Corporation. The registrant commenced to FICTITIOUS BUSINESS transact business under the fictiNAME STATEMENT tious business name or names listed File No. F-0002194 The name of the above on 4/13/2020. Signature of business: Independent Mobility registrant: Kenneth Murney, CEO. This

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0001909 The name of the business(es): Chronobox Located at: 2259 Salice Way In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Shawn Michael Stappen. 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: Shawn M. Stappen. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 28, 2020 by Deputy P Cornelius Expires 4/28/2025 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82601 Publish dates: May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0002093 The name of the business: Brentwood Petroleum Located at: 7920 Brentwood Blvd In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): HM Enterprise Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 4/13/2020. Signature of registrant: Asia Chaudhry, C/O Vice President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 5, 2020 by Deputy P Cornelius Expires May 5, 2025 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82547 Publish dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0002108 The name of the business(es): MZ Media Marketing Located at: 2112 Gold Poppy Street In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Matthew Wieland 2. Zachary Pakin. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Zachary Pakin. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 6, 2020 by Deputy J Celestial Expires 5/6/2025 Brentwood Press No. 021273 82696 Publish dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0002148 The name of the business: 7 Eleven 38737A Located at: 5931 Lone Tree Way In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Air Investments Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jappanbir Singh Sarang / President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 7, 2020 by Deputy P Cornelius Expires 5/7/2025 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 82673 Publish dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0002211 The name of the business: SVAS Located at: 2581 Camelback Road In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner: Sujatha A Padavettan. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 3/1/19. Signature of registrant: Sujatha A Padavettan. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 13, 2020 by Deputy J Celestial Expires 5/13/2025 Brentwood Press No. 021273 82663 Publish dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0002105 The name of the business: Stone Builders Incorporated Located at: 1487 Mallard Lane In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Stone Builders Incorporated. This

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-0002201 The name of the business: Ozment Build To Suit Construction Located at: 4998 Gardenia Ave In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner: Robert M. Ozment. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04-05-2004. Signature of registrant: Robert Ozment. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May 12, 2020 by Deputy P Cornelius Expires 5/12/2025 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 82657 Publish dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2020. NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT BRIDLE GATE PROJECT DATE: June 1, 2020 TO: Responsible Agencies and Interested Parties FROM: Erik Nolthenius, Planning Manager SUBJECT: Bridle Gate Project Draft EIR The City of Brentwood has completed a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Bridle Gate Project (proposed project). PROJECT LOCATION: The project site is located at the western terminus of Sand Creek Road and to the west of State Route (SR) 4 in the city of Brentwood, California. The project site is within the City of Brentwood’s General Plan Planning Area and is currently designated Regional Commercial (RC) both north and south of the Sand Creek Road alignment, Residential - Low Density (R-LD) from the southeastern corner of the site through its interior, Permanent Open Space (P-OS) along the southwest boundary of the site, and Park (P) along the western boundary of the site north and south of the Sand Creek Road alignment. The project site is currently zoned Planned Development 36 (PD-36). PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project includes development of an approximately 137.3-acre site for single- and multi-family residences, parks, open space, and commercial uses. The City is the lead agency for this project. Implementation of the proposed project would require approval of the following entitlements: • A General Plan Amendment to (1) change the land use designation for the northwesterly 13.98 acres of the site from RC to Planned Development (PD) for up to 258 multi-family units, as well as to change the land use designation for 4.3 acres of the site south of the Sand Creek Road alignment to Park (P) for two public parks; and (2) modify the Circulation Element by changing the alignment of the proposed San Jose Avenue extension to terminate at a new intersection with Sand Creek Road (which will be extended) and no longer connect to Hillcrest Avenue; • A Rezone to modify the existing development standards for PD-36 to accommodate single-family and multi-family portions of the site; • A Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map to subdivide the approximately 137.3 project site into 4.3 acres for public parks; 13.98 acres for up to 258 multi-family units, approximately 28.35 acres for permanent open space, 252 single-family units, an 11.35-acre elementary school site (or, alternatively, a residential overlay that could accommodate an additional 63 single-family units if devel-

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plications: just one-touch from your phone or tablet lets you see every news story we’ve published in chronological order. We’ve added other great features too, such as “favorites” and “notifications.” Just click on the heart icon to mark your favorite stories for easy reference and set your notifications for alerts

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when news breaks. “The launch of The Press mobile app marks an exciting milestone for our team,” said Michele Chatburn, socialmedia manager. “Our new app gives the community the ability to get trusted local news in a convenient one-touch platform. The Press app is now available for our community to download for both iOS

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and Android devices (by looking for “The Press” in your app store), and we hope to see everyone in East County using it to stay informed.” We will continue as always to report the news in a timely, fair and accurate manner and then deliver it to you — on social media, in print, online and now via our app. however you want it delivered,

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of the mix and all are able to have a fair say in who represents them.” Oakley City Manager Bryan Montgomery, who noted there could be drawbacks to ward representation, said the only feasible way for the city to comply with the CVRA is to switch to a district-election method. Several other state entities, including the nearby cities of Brentwood, Antioch, Concord and Martinez, have voluntarily adopted ordinances to transition from atlarge to district-based election systems after facing similar demands. “The state law was really written in such a way that districts are the only practical way to comply, so that is what cities do now,” Montgomery said. The number of future Oakley districts and its mayoral election method is yet to be determined, although the district-forming process will involve intensive future demographic studies and a series of public hearings on proposed districts, Montgomery said. The council must approve the final arrangement. Councilmember Sue Higgins said she supports the switch to districts. “I am very supportive of districts,” she said. “Districts are supported by a number of my constituents. We will follow the process that many other cities and districts have already.” Mayor Kevin Romick indicated he was disappointed by the way the demand materialized, although he noted fighting the proposed change doesn’t appear to

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Club, LP) agreed to donate the property to the academy. At least two Brentwood councilmembers — Joel Bryant and Karen Rarey — favor exploring the idea, after a briefing of the project. The World Business Academy is a nonprofit think tank and action incubator that explores the role of business in relation to critical moral, environmental and social issues of the time. Deer Ridge Golf Club closed its doors last September amid low demand for golfing and expensive maintenance issues. “We believe if it is developed the way we want it to, it will be green, flowered and smell like fresh flowers and fruit,” Shelton said. As envisioned, the sprawling golf club could turn into an “agrihood” (agricultural neighborhood) — in this case featuring already established single-family homes with a working farm. Other potential elements include redevelopment of the course’s clubhouse into a farm-to-table restaurant or market; bicycle and jogging trails; fitness stations; and solar panels that would form a community microgrid, promoting local energy resiliency. “I think there are a lot of good prospects in this,” said Rarey, who noted that

be a viable option. “I would have rather seen the move to change the electoral process in Oakley come from the citizens rather than the threat of a lawsuit,” he said. “Standing on principle and challenging the lawsuit could be prohibitively expensive. Currently, I am unaware of any public agency that has ever won a California Voting Rights lawsuit.” Shenkman said his group’s demands stem from the current at-large system stifling Latinos’ ability to elect candidates of their choice or otherwise influence the outcome of council elections. The 2010 census data revealed that Oakley’s 35,432 population was 35% Latino, but Latino representation on the council has never reached proportionally equal levels, Shenkman said in his letter. Shenkman highlighted Latino candidate Dezi Pina’s failed 2016 and 2018 council election attempts, despite receiving significant support from the city’s La-

a key next step will involve securing the Deer Ridge community’s buy-in. The reuse idea comes around two years after community uproar and city officials’ concerns forced the course owner to scrap a plan to develop the financially struggling Deer Ridge and nearby Shadow Lakes courses. The proposal included a single, 18-hole facility and two agerestricted or memory-care housing facilities — up to three stories tall and totaling 560 units — to be built on 32 acres of the property in close proximity to existing single-family homes. Shelton, who noted that dead golf courses around the nation are mired in similar community battles, said the nonprofit’s budding project could be a test case for how to settle such conflicts. “What is happening is real estate developers motivated principally by making money see a failed golf course as an opportunity to pick up a whole lot of acreage for a relatively cheap price per acre, and they want to develop the property to make the most money,” Shelton said. “That typically means putting more density on the property, and when they choose to do that, they are basically killing what motivated property owners to purchase property around the perimeter of the (golf course).” Shelton said the potential project

MAY 29, 2020

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tino community. “These elections evidence vote dilution, which is directly attributable to the city’s unlawful at-large election system,” Shenkman’s letter states. Not everyone, however, is convinced that a district setup will benefit the city. Montgomery pointed out that in the new system residents will only get to vote for one, not five, council members; parochial interests that often arise with districts could potentially harm the whole; and districts can cause an over-politicized use of very limited financial funds if council members focus on their own district instead of the entire city. “The rationale for districts is much clearer for larger cities and where there are distinct ethnic or otherwise marginalized geographic areas,” he said. “Oakley is relatively diverse throughout the city, and there really aren’t clear geographic areas where racial polarization takes place. Where there are pockets of higher diversity, these are fairly small in area and not large enough for a complete council district. With all that said, to comply with the strict provisions of CVRA, districts are what is required.” Romick expressed similar concerns. “Dividing the 16-plus square miles of Oakley up into districts has the potential to pit one side of the street against the other and encourage political deal making to serve the interest of districts as opposed to the city as a whole,” he said. No timetable has been set for beginning the formal district conversion process.

would keep in place a similar lushly landscaped amenity, much like the course; create a community attraction; possibly raise property values; address the state’s mandates for cleaner energy resources and energy resiliency; and encourage other property developers and lenders to redevelop their struggling or closed golf courses in similar ways. If the proposed idea materializes, it’s expected that project leaders would try to attract high-tech farming and irrigationsystem suppliers — such as academic institutions, nonprofits, government agencies and technology companies — to showcase cutting-edge agricultural land management technologies and test crops, in addition to solar-collection and longterm energy storage vendors, Shelton said. Organic agricultural methods would be employed to avoid chemical pesticide and petroleum-based fertilizer use, and sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems would be emphasized, Shelton added. “We hope to create a mixture of pastoral ambiance and purposeful use of cutting-edge, green technologies to create this agrihood as a demonstration project and to enhance life and property values in the adjacent neighborhood,” he said. The potential 14 acres of solar collection panels on the course’s south-facing

hillside would front onto Briones Valley Road, creating minimal to no visual impact for residents, given the site’s topography, Shelton said. The green energy harvested could stabilize participating residents’ monthly utility bills, in addition to allowing them to skirt the adverse effects of power outages. Assistant City Manager Terrence Grindall said the potential project’s immediate next steps would likely involve garnering the community’s formal feedback — especially those living in the Deer Ridge community — through surveys, virtual meetings or other methods that take into account the need for social distancing. At least one Deer Ridge resident reached by The Press this week said the project is “very appealing at first look” but that more details are needed. Area resident Rod Flohr said some of the neighbors he’s spoken with favor the project at first word, but others have expressed concerns about the proposed solar panels’ appearance. He noted that he’d favor the golf club ownership group placing a conservation easement on the course if and when it’s transferred to the World Business Academy, to ensure the land’s future. “In general, I think it’s a cool idea, but it needs to be fleshed out,” Flohr said.

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California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

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If you have ever considered a reverse mortgage, Today is the day!

reverse mortgage was originally designed for the purpose of giving seniors financial security during times of uncertainty. Well, if we look in the dictionary, I think these crazy times would be the definition of uncertainty. Many seniors have thought about a reverse mortgage at some point. They have wondered if it would work for them, would they qualify, what would it mean to their heirs. These are questions I hear every day from people who decide, for one reason or another, to pick up the phone and call me. These uncertain times have inspired many people to try to find a safety net, especially those who are currently enjoying retirement. There is no going back to work when this is all over. This is it. When your retirement assets are getting beat up by the markets, it can feel very scary. And what about those who were nearing the end of their working career but just not quite ready to retire. Now they are home, hoping that their jobs will exist when all this ends. Will they be welcomed back to work, will there be a job waiting for them? Very daunting to say the least. With Wells Fargo, Chase, and many small banks and Credit Unions no longer offering Home Equity Lines of Credit, the proverbial safety net seems a bit out of reach. If you already have a HELOC, it can even be reduced, frozen, or even closed without notice. A reverse mortgage can offer a line of credit depending on your current equity position. The difference between the reverse mortgage line of credit vs. the home equity line of credit, is that the FHA reverse mortgage LOC can not be frozen, or reduced, and can not be closed. This is the epitome of financial security. The FHA reverse mortgage line of credit will be there for you, no matter what the economic conditions, no matter your future equity position, no matter value of your home. You are responsible for paying your property taxes, your homeowners’ insurance, living in the home, maintaining the home, and paying the HOA dues, if any. As long as you do those five things, and have not filed for bankruptcy, then no one can close or freeze or reduce your line of credit. As long as we are on that topic, I had a client say to me the other day that someone told her after a certain amount of time “they” make you sell your house and move into a nursing home. I asked where she had heard that and she said, from a friend. I told her exactly what I said above, as long as you do those five things no one can ever, ever, ever make you move from your home. Another friend of hers was sitting with us and she said to my client “see I told you that you needed to hear for yourself from someone who knows”. It amazes me how many wild stories people hear about how reverse mortgages work. The truth is that reverse mortgages were designed to allow seniors to stay in their homes, while still accessing some of the equity. It is a loan against your home, just like the loan you have right now. The difference is that you don’t have to make a payment to the bank, and, of course, how you pay it back is different. There are many consumer protections built into the

Beth Miller-Rowe has been in the mortgage industry for 36 years specializing in reverse mortgages for the past 10 years. Beth has degrees in economics and business administration. program because we are working with a protected class, and it is an FHA insured program. HUD has designed the program to make sure, as long as you do your part, the five things I mentioned, you are protected. You cannot be “kicked out of your home”. You cannot “outlive” your reverse mortgage. You will have a roof over your head until you decide to sell, or you pass away. Even though it is not required, some people do choose to make payments on their reverse mortgage, but honestly most do not. Those who choose to do so are generally still working, or perhaps they know they are going to come into money at some point in the future and they want to pay down the reverse mortgage when that happens. That is totally okay. What it does is to reduce the loan balance and increase the available line of credit. It preserves equity and allows for a larger safety net. Win Win. The key to today’s reverse mortgage is the flexibility it provides. You can pay any amount you want, whenever you want, or not make payments at all. With the new math implemented by HUD in 2017, you can utilize a reverse mortgage during your retirement years, and very likely have a nice legacy to leave to your heirs, whether you choose to make payments or not. As for how you pay the loan back in the end, it is just like any other loan except you do not have to pay it back until you leave your home. That might mean that you decide to sell your home and move to Florida. That is okay. You call your Realtor, open escrow, sell your home, and the escrow officer pays us off, just like any other loan that you may have against your home and the remaining proceeds go to you. Or you may want to stay in your home until you pass away. That is okay too. When you pass away your home goes to your heirs and they have the option to sell it or to refinance it. If your heirs are “of age” at the time you pass, they may even qualify for their own reverse mortgage and use that to pay off your reverse mortgage. The reality is that a reverse mortgage is so very much like any mortgage. If you have a traditional/forward mortgage you have to pay your property taxes and insurance. If you do not pay for your insurance, they will force place insurance which is horrendously expensive. If

you do not pay your taxes, they will add them to your monthly payment so your monthly payment goes up. The bottom line is, you have to pay your property taxes and insurance no matter what kind of loan you have against your property. Let’s face it, this crazy Covid 19 thing has wreaked havoc on our finances, and for our generation this is the second, or for some, the third, major shock to our finances. People are still recovering from the 2008 – 2012 debacle, and now this. Everything about the reverse mortgage program of today is built to protect you and provide you with financial security. Depending on your equity position, we may be able to pay off your current mortgage, and/or provide you with monthly income or a line of credit. Any of those scenarios puts you in a better cash flow position than you are in today. Take a few minutes today and find out about “today’s reverse mortgage”. It is vastly different than the reverse mortgage of yesteryear. During this crazy time we are living in, we are providing phone appointments with either myself, or my right hand, Cheryl James. Either of us can go over your options, review your goals, and help you to decide if a reverse mortgage can help you to achieve the financial security, we are all looking for right now. The key is, learn for yourself, do your own research, hear it from a reverse mortgage specialist, not a friend of a friend. Make an educated decision about your financial future. Call me today. I look forward to talking to you. Take care, be safe, and stay well. – Advertorial

Let’s take a look and see if we can Make Your Retirement Dreams Come True.

Beth Miller-Rowe NMLS: 294774

Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist

The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corp.

Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com

3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True! A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

DRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

*Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out. Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency. **American Pacific Mortgage Corporation is not financial service company or licensed tax advisors; the material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors. We are not financial or tax advisors, please contact your financial professional for your personal financial situation.

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MAY 29, 2020

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Spring gardening looks different this season We are seeing a lot of vegetable gardens, they are number one right now.

DAWNMARIE FEHR

heltering-in-place has afforded many East County residents the time to focus on their favorite

– Luis Perez, Perez Nursery and Landscaping

hobbies, and gardening’s popularity is in full bloom. Local nurseries have seen an increase in business that cannot be explained by spring fever alone and one of the trends is edible gardens. “We are seeing a lot of vegetable gardens, they are number one right now,” said Luis Perez, president of Perez Nursery and Landscaping in Brentwood. “Followed by succulents, and third, your typical flowering garden.” Perez theorized the COVID-19 pandemic and all its turmoil has ushered in a new interest in growing produce at home. He said home gardens are a great project worthy of the attention they are getting. He also noted that many customers are planting their vegetables in container gardens and raised garden beds. “That way, they can control them and keep animals out,” Perez said. “For the succulents and flowers, we are seeing those go in the ground.” Perez mentioned there is a market

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Gardening trends this year are including many first-time vegetable growers, thanks in part to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. for California native plants, which can withstand the area’s long, dry summers, and which tend to be especially popular in dryer, drought years. “When the drought was more talked about, that became more of a thing,” he said. “This year, people are still into drought tolerant, but not as much.” Nino Pompei, owner of Pompei Nursery in Oakley agreed, adding that

native plants have dropped in popularity this year, although his nursery still has a steady demand for them. His top sellers this spring: citrus trees. “We have seen people putting in a lot of citrus – lemons, limes, grapefruits – even more than fruit trees, which is different,” Pompei said. “Also a lot of fruit trees, and a lot of edible gardens, more than any previous year.”

Pompei said his customers are putting their vegetables in raised garden beds, maximizing yard space and finding calm in the pandemic’s storm by producing food for themselves. “There’s this crazy possibility that something may not be available in the food supply chain,” Pompei said. “People want to be able to produce these fruits and vegetables in their own back yards.” Pompei said his nursery leans heavily on organics, with a full line of organic based nutrients, fertilizers and soils. Perez Nursery and Landscaping is located at 2601 Walnut Blvd. in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-516-1052 or visit www.pereznursery.com. Pompei Nursery is located at 4701 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, call 925-625-7330 or visit www.pompeinursery.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

MAY 29, 2020

Housing industry is changing, adjusting A LY B R O W N

n the state’s journey toward reopening from shelteringin-place, those in the real

estate industry report COVID-19 has had a definitive impact on consumer confidence, but the unprecedented changes could have lasting benefits. In a report published by National Association of Realtors (NAR), NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun noted the current conditions are naturally bringing an abundance of caution among buyers and sellers, but he also gave a nod to what the market could look like once the economy reopens. “With fewer listings in what’s already a housing shortage environment, home prices are likely to hold steady,” Yun said. “The temporary softening of the real estate market will likely be followed by a strong rebound once the economic ‘quarantine’ is lifted, and it’s critical that supply is sufficient to meet pent-up demand.” East County’s James Carey — who owns Carey Bros. Remodeling with his brother, Morris — said their first concern when health orders from the county and state first took effect was for the health of

Press photo

This group of billboards along Walnut Avenue in Brentwood highlights the continued growth of new homes in East County.

their crews and clients. “We had to step down operations, close down some jobs,” Carey said, while noting they did not completely shut down. “The county allowed us to continue on a couple of kitchen projects we had because they were deemed essential.” The crew also had some home additions in the works that needed completion in order to limit exposure to the homeowners, and

they were granted permission to complete those in the early stages. But from a business standpoint, Carey said the phones stopped ringing and the team pressed forward with a level of financial uncertainty. But it’s not all gloom and doom, he said. “People are bouncing back; people need home improvements,” he said. “They still need aging-in-place upgrades; they still need comfort, convenience and safety upgrades;

ongoing maintenance …” Carey reported one positive change that stemmed from COVID-19 to be the call for more home office remodels. “This whole experience has created demand to reconfigure space or to add on for home offices,” he said. “What many people have learned is that they can work from home and harness technology to do what they need to do without having to go into the office every day. We see that as very, very positive — it gets people off the road and allows them to spend more time with family instead of behind the wheel in bumper-to-bumper traffic.” The trend for home office remodels includes converted bedrooms with spacesaving wall beds, enhanced window sizes for more natural light or even converting windows into sliding glass doors. “The sliding doors make it easy to get out from the home office without walking through the rest of the house, which can interrupt your workday and train of thought,” Carey explained. Carey reported the second benefit of COVID-19 to be the realization that, even in the remodeling industry, some work can be conducted virtually. Instead of hopping on the freeway to meet with potential clients for home remodeling consultations, the team utilizes technology to offer virtual consultations — something that will serve as a benefit long after the shelter-in-place order lifts.

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Continuing conservation well into summer … we just ask the residents to do their part and monitor themselves, and they have been doing a good job.

DAWNMARIE FEHR

alifornia’s capricious rainy season has pretty much left us following a dry winter,

and local water districts are working to spread the word about conservation and asking residents to continue in

– Aaron Goldsworthy,

their water-saving efforts. With temperatures rising, there are easy steps people can take to use less water and conserve for the dry days ahead. In Discovery Bay, water and wastewater manager Aaron Goldsworthy said the town is asking its residents to maintain a 15-20% reduction from 2013 usage. “It’s voluntary conservation, and we just ask the residents to do their part and monitor themselves, and they have been doing a good job,” Goldsworthy said. He suggested watering lawns in the early morning or late evening, allowing water to sink in before it evaporates in the sun. He also said now is a good time to check watering times and adjust as necessary, and check irrigation systems for leaks. Another tool for residents is the EyeOnWater dashboard available on the town’s website, allowing residents to track

Discovery Bay water and wastewater manager

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

their usage and check for leaks. The Diablo Water District is also asking customers to check their irrigation systems by watching the systems run. “50-75% of water use is happening through outdoor irrigation and that’s where customers can get the biggest bang for their buck by reducing use,” said Diablo Water District general manager Dan Muelrath. “So we recommend our customers run the irrigation system and watch it while it’s running.”

He further noted yards requiring 30 minutes of watering would benefit from three 10-minute sessions, spaced an hour or more apart. This gives the water the opportunity to be fully absorbed, preventing run off and evaporation. Muelrath also had some tips for eliminating water waste indoors and suggested installing low flow toilets, faucets and showerheads to conserve water. He said newer, more efficient aerators can make less water feel just the same as a normal

flow showerhead. Muelrath said his district has seen a slightly higher demand than normal since the shelter-in-place orders were issued, but not significantly more. He added his district is in good shape in terms of overall water supply, and a dry year doesn’t cause concern. For more information on EyeOnWater, call 925-634-1131 or visit www.tobd. ca.gov. For more information on Diablo Water District, or tips to conserve water, call 925-625-3798, visit http://diablowater.org, or check out the district’s Facebook page.

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HOME & GARDEN

MAY 29, 2020

Garden tools for beginners

he right tool for the job is essential to working safely and efficiently.

This is as true in the workplace as it is in the garden. Novice gardeners may not know where to begin in regard to which tools they need. The following are eight items that can serve as a solid foundation for beginning gardeners. 1. Gloves: Your hands will be working hard, so it pays to protect them from calluses, blisters, splinters, insects and dirt. Look for water-resistant gloves that are also breathable. 2. Hand pruners: Hand pruners are essential for cutting branches, cleaning up shrubs, dead-heading flowers and various other tasks. Choose ergonomic, no-slip handles that will make work easier. Rustresistant, nonstick blades also are handy. 3. Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow can transport gear to garden beds or tote dirt, leaves, rocks and other materials around the landscape. A good wheelbarrow is strong but light enough to maneuver when full. 4. Loppers: Long-handled loppers will fit the bill for thick branches. The long handles provide leverage to cut through branches an inch or more in diameter. 5. Hand trowel: A hand trowel is a handy tool that lets you dig holes or unearth

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

The right tool for the job is essential to working safely and efficiently.

weeds. While shopping for a trowel, consider getting a hand-held garden fork, which can aerate soil and cut through roots. 6. Hose/watering can: Keeping gardens hydrated is part of ensuring their health. That makes a hose and a watering can two invaluable tools to have around. Invest in a lightweight, expandable hose if storage space is at a premium. An adjustable nozzle will enable you to customize the water flow as needed. A watering can is an easy way to tote water to hard-to-reach pots and containers. see Tools page 7B

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MAY 29, 2020

HOME & GARDEN

What can and cannot be turned into compost

vid gardeners know that compost can add vital nutrients to soil used in gardens,

container plants and lawns. Compost is relatively easy to make, and there are scores of materials that can be put into compost. But it is just as essential to know which ingredients cannot be used in compost. Good for compost Most organic materials, or items that were once living, can be used in compost. Plantbased items used in cooking can be added to compost, such as potato peelings, carrot skins, banana peels, cocoa hulls, coffee grounds and filters, corn cobs, apple cores, egg shells, fruit peels, kelp and nut shells. Other items from around the house can be successfully added to compost, including unused kitty litter, hair, shredded newspapers and cardboard, leaves, flowers, paper, pine needles, ashes and sawdust. Stick to items that are not treated heavily with chemicals. NOT good for compost Inorganic and nonbiodegradable materials cannot go into compost. These are items like plastic, glass, aluminum foil and metal. Although a natural material, pressure-treated lumber is treated with preservatives and often pesticides that can be harmful if they leech into the garden. The small-gardening resource Balcony Garden Web indicates coated or glossy printed papers — such as those from catalogs, magazines, wrapping paper, marketing materials and business cards — should not be added to compost piles because of the chemicals and inks used in these pages. Planet Natural Research Center says to avoid pet droppings from dogs and cats. Animal products like bones, butter, milk, fish skins and meat may decompose and start to smell foul. Maggots, parasites, pathogens and other microorganisms can form in the compost. These materials also may attract flies and scavenger animals. Plus, they decompose very slowly. Any personal hygiene products should be avoided because they are tainted by human fluids and that can pose a health risk.

Tools

from page 6B

7. Garden kneeler: Gardeners often bend and kneel while working in the soil. That puts pressure on the back and knees. A comfortable garden kneeler with memory foam or one made from shock-absorbing material can reduce aches and pains. 8. Garden hoe: Garden hoes till soil, remove weeds and perform many other tasks. A garden hoe can be used along with a full-sized shovel, trowel and garden rake. This list is just the tip of the garden tool iceberg. Visit a garden center and speak with a professional about other tools that can be added to the mix. – Courtesy Metro Creative

While weeds are not harmful in compost piles, there is the risk that seeds can germinate and then infiltrate garden beds when the compost is used. The same can be said for tomato plants and some other hardy fruits and vegetables. Compost is a winner in the garden and around the landscape. Learning which ingredients can and can’t be added to compost piles is useful for any gardener. – Courtesy Metro Creative

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The look of home design post-pandemic DAWNMARIE FEHR

I think one thing we have discovered, if we don’t take anything else away from this, I think we can safely say that many of us realize that we can work from home.

s we all shelter in place, spending more time at home than normal, will what we

want in a home change? Some experts suggest it will. Soothing tones that reflect the colors of nature will likely be at the top of homeowners’ lists, along with a desire to fix any flaws that might have been overlooked in the past when not in such close quarters with them. One thing James Carey of Carey Bros. Remodeling sees in the future is the desire for a dedicated home office or workspace. “I think that if there is a change in home design, it’s going to be where people will utilize existing space, reconfiguring existing space in their home or adding onto their home to create a workspace at home,” Carey said. “I think one thing we have discovered, if we don’t take anything else away from this, I think we can safely say that many of us realize that we can work from home.” Carey noted he has already completed several home office projects since the shelter-in-place started, creating spaces for singles and couples to work. He said his company is able to create a workspace

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Experts suggest that one of the new trends to come out of the shelter-in-place restrictions will be the addition of working spaces or home offices. with places for computers, laptops and printers – homeowners just need to add the internet. Another trend Carey noted was the addition of accessory dwelling units. Legislation passed on Jan. 1 relaxed existing laws that prohibited attached and freestanding units on single home lots. He said the units can consist of a bedroom, living area and kitchen and the goal is to help relieve the housing crunch.

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– James Carey, Carey Bros. Remodeling

“What this does is provide affordable housing and creates space for a loved one, aging parent or youngster who wants to go to school but not live in the primary residence,” Carey explained. “The biggest trend in 2020 is accessory dwelling units.” The final trend Carey discussed was creating or improving accessibility for adults who want to age in place. Many people would prefer to spend their twilights years at home, rather than an

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adult care facility and this can be made possible by adding ramps, replacing carpet with hard floors, walk-in showers and a plethora of other senior-friendly hardware. “People want to avoid paying $4,000 to $8,000 a month for assisted living care,” Carey said. “They want to stay in their homes, they want independence and they want dignity.” Carey Bros. Remodeling is located at 2624 Verne Roberts Circle in Antioch. For more information, call 877-734-6404, email info@careybros.com or visit https:// careybros.com.

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Outdoor projects with added value

xterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more

enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which ones have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact. ♦♦ Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed-control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent homeowner is an attractive feature. The National Association of Realtors says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI. ♦♦ Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low-maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing and inorganic mulched beds. ♦♦ Firepit: A firepit can be used for much

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of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the firepit can make for a cozy retreat. A firepit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag. ♦♦ Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edgin and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home. ♦♦ Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function. – Courtesy Metro Creative

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American National is a group of companies writing a broad array of insurance products and services, comprised of American National Insurance Company, headquartered in American American National isisa agroup groupof ofcompanies companies writing writing a abroad broad array arrayofofinsurance insurance products products and andservices, services,comprised comprised ofofFarm American American National National Insurance Insurance Company, Company, headquartered headquartered inin Galveston, Texas, National and its subsidiaries including American National Property And Casualty Company, Springfield, Missouri; Family Casualty Insurance Company, Glenmont, New Galveston, Galveston, Texas, Texas,and and itssubsidiaries subsidiaries including including American American National National Property Property And Casualty Casualty Company, Company, Springfield, Springfield, Missouri; Missouri; Farm Farm Family FamilyCasualty CasualtyInsurance Insurance Company, Company, Glenmont, Glenmont, New York; United FarmNational Family Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York; FarmofFamily LifeAnd Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York; and American National Life Insurance Company of in New American is aits group of companies writing a broad array insurance products and services, comprised of American National Insurance Company, headquartered York; York; United United Farm Farm Family Family Insurance Insurance Company, Company, Glenmont, New New York; York; Farm Farm Family Family Life LifeInsurance Insurance Company, Company, Glenmont, Glenmont, New NewYork; York;and and American American National Life Insurance Insurance Company Company of New York, Glenmont, New York. Not all companies areGlenmont, licensed inNational all states. In New York,Casualty business is conducted by the above companies with a homeNational office inLife Glenmont, New York. of Galveston, Texas, and its subsidiaries including American Property And Company, Springfield, Missouri; Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Glenmont, New American National is aresponsibility group of companies writing a are broad arrayinin of insurance products and services, comprised of American National Insurance Company, headquartered in New NewYork, York, Glenmont, Glenmont, New New York. York. Not Not allallcompanies companies are licensed licensed allall states. InIn New New York, business business isisconducted conducted by bythe the above above companies with with a ahome homeoffice office in inGlenmont, Glenmont, New NewYork. York. Each Company has financial only for theGlenmont, products and itstates. issues. Agents contracted with American National arecompanies independent contractors, notInsurance employees. York; United Farmand Family Insurance Company, Newservices York; Farm Family LifeYork, Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York; and American National Life Company of Galveston, Texas, its subsidiaries including American National Property And Casualty Company, Springfield, Missouri; Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Glenmont, New Each Each Company Company has hasfinancial financial responsibility responsibility only onlyfor forthe thelicensed products products and and services services it New itissues. issues. Agents Agents contracted contracted with withAmerican American National National are areindependent independent contractors, contractors, not notemployees. employees. New York, Glenmont, New York. Not all companies are in all states. In York, business is conducted by the above companies with a home office in Glenmont, New York. York; United Farm Family Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York; Farm Family Life Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York; and American National Life Insurance Company of 14-065-87147.V3.2.2017 Each Company has financial responsibility only for the productsinand issues. Agents contracted with American National are independent contractors, not employees. New York, Glenmont, New York. Not all companies are licensed all services states. Init New York, business is conducted by the above companies with a home office in Glenmont, New York. 14-065-87147.V3.2.2017 14-065-87147.V3.2.2017 Each Company has financial responsibility only for the products and services it issues. Agents contracted with American National are independent contractors, not employees.

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This spring, homeowners can embrace various strategies, both big and small, to give their homes a whole new feel.

PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

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Warm weather and longer hours of daylight make spring a perfect time to imagine a home’s interior design in a new light. The following are a handful of decor ideas that may inspire homeowners to give their homes an entirely new look this spring.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper fell out of favor years ago, but new styles that aren’t so heavily patterned can make for wonderful additions to any room. Large-scale prints can give a room a whole new feel without giving homeowners or their guests the impression that they have stepped back in time. A simple, mural-style floral wallpaper on the walls surrounding a table in a breakfast nook can bring nature inside. see Decor page 11B

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Often, the most subtle changes to an interior space make the biggest impression. Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Decor from page 10B

Pastel colors

Nothing embodies the spring quite like pastel colors. If colorful, bright flowers dot the garden in the backyard, homeowners can bring those uplifting pastels inside by painting an accent wall or even adding some brightly colored accent furniture to rooms that could use a lift.

Declutter

Clutter is often conquered during spring cleaning sessions, but homeowners who want to create more free-flowing interior spaces can downsize their furniture or look for multipurpose features that make it hard for clutter to take over a room. Create more open space in entertaining areas by mounting the television and getting rid of a bulky entertainment center. Create even more space by replacing rarely used end tables with a storage ottoman where books and magazines can be stored to give a room a fresh, clean look.

Sometimes the smallest changes to an interior space make the biggest impression.

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Accent features

Sometimes the smallest changes to an interior space make the biggest impression. Replace dated accents like vases and table lamps with newer items that reflect the latest styles and trends. Such adjustments won’t break the bank, and they can give rooms a whole new feel. Spring is a great time to reconsider home interiors. This spring, homeowners can embrace various strategies, both big and small, to give their homes a whole new feel. – Courtesy Metro Creative

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Conserving energy around the house with DIY projects

ome renovation projects

seal any leaks on heating and cooling ducts. Homeowners who seal uncontrolled air leaks can save between 10% and 20% on their annual heating and cooling bills. Plant shade trees If you plant a deciduous tree between 6- and 8-feet tall near your home, it will begin to shade your windows within a year of being planted. Depending on the species of the tree and the home, the shade tree will begin shading the roof within five to 10 years. The DOE notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce air conditioning costs. Properly planted shade trees can reduce air conditioning costs by anywhere from 15% to 50%. Insulate the water heater tank New water tanks are likely already insulated. But homeowners with older hot water tanks can insulate their tanks with a water heater insulation blanket kit. Insulating a water heater tank can save homeowners as much as 16% on their annual water heating bills. Even the smallest DIY projects can produce big savings. More information about energy-saving home improvement projects can be found at www.energy.gov. – Courtesy Metro Creative

can pay numerous dividends. Renovations can

have a positive effect on resale value, make homes more livable for residents and, in some ways, make homes more affordable. When looking for ways to conserve energy around the house and save money, homeowners need not necessarily commit to expensive projects. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that the following are some energy-saving projects and details what homeowners can expect to save after completing them. While each individual project may not result in jaw-dropping savings, homeowners who follow many of these recommendations may end up saving more than $1,000 per year. Seal uncontrolled air leaks Air leaks let cool air in during winter and warm air in during summer. Caulking, sealing and weather stripping all cracks and large openings can cut back on air leaks that are costing you money. The DOE recommends hiring a contractor to

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Planting blueberries can be a rewarding hobby that also can save gardeners money at the grocery store.

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Tips for planting blueberries

trip to the produce aisle at a local grocery store can unveil a host of healthy additions to

anyone’s diet. Such a jaunt also can raise eyebrows, as produce, particularly organic fruits and vegetables, can be very expensive. Consumers may feel helpless to corral the cost of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but all hope should not be lost. That’s especially so for people willing to give gardening a try. Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods people can eat. The USDA National Nutrient Database notes that blueberries, which are low in calories and high in fiber, are great sources of the vitamins C, K and B6. However, organic blueberries can be among the most expensive foods in the produce aisle. Various factors, including where blueberries come from and whether or not they’re organic, dictate their cost. But it’s not uncommon to pay roughly $4 for a six-ounce package of organic blueberries. For some, such costs are prohibitive. Growing blueberries in a home garden can save blueberry lovers substantial amounts of money while ensuring they reap all of the benefits of this highly nutritious and edible berry. The following are some tips novices can employ as they plant their first batch of blueberries. ♦♦ Consult a local garden center. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council recommends con-

sulting a local garden center before planting blueberries. The professionals at such centers can recommend the best variety of blueberry to plant. That’s an important first step, as the USHBC notes that farmers cultivate dozens of varieties of highbush blueberries across North America. Lowbush varieties also may be a gardener’s best option depending on where he or she lives. A local garden center can help you determine which variety best suits your local climate. ♦♦ Plant where there is ample sun and welldrained soil. The roots of blueberry plants should remain moist throughout the growing season, so choose an area where the soil drains well. If that’s hard to find, consider planting in raised beds or patio containers. In addition, the University of Minnesota Extension notes that blueberries require full sun, so plant in a spot where the blueberries will not be denied daily sunlight. ♦♦ Prepare the soil. Blueberries require acidic soil, so running a soil test prior to planting is a good idea. Speak with a local garden center about soil adjustments if the soil is unlikely to promote growth. ♦♦ Fertilize carefully. The USHBC notes that established blueberry plants will respond well to acid fertilizers. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as blueberries are sensitive to over-fertilization. Follow fertilization instructions and speak with local garden center professionals for advice. ♦♦ Be patient. The UME notes that plants won’t bear much fruit in their first two to three years, and that harvests are bigger after five years. So patience is a virtue blueberry planters must embrace. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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Tips to successfully grow tomatoes

licing into the first tomato of the season is a much-anticipated moment for gardeners.

Tomatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious, juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes. And since tomatoes

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can just as easily be grown in a full backyard garden or in a container on a patio or balcony, tomatoes appeal to gardeners regardless of their living situations. While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they are prone to certain problems and pests. Knowledge of what to expect when planting tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season’s worth of delicious bounty. ♦♦ Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Gradually introduce seedlings to the elements for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted outdoors when temperatures are consistently over 60 F. ♦♦ Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight, according to The Home Depot. Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive. ♦♦ Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave anywhere from 24 to 48 inches between plants to accommodate for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunted. ♦♦ Plant deeply. Tomatoes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward. Snip off the lower

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branches and cover with soil up to the first set of leaves. This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants. ♦♦ Give the plants support. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touching the ground, which can cause rot and, eventually, death to the tomato plant. ♦♦ Lay down a layer of mulch. Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from watering and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soil-borne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains. While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains well and is slightly acidic. ♦♦ Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce “suckers,” which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circulation and keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing fruit. – Courtesy Metro Creative

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Tomatoes are a rich addition to any garden. A few simple tricks can help even novice gardeners grow delicious tomatoes.

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tools and components, including trowels, rakes, soil, amendments, and fertilizer, can help gardeners create beautiful spaces. It’s also important that pollinators are made to feel welcome in the garden. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that one-third of all agricultural output depends on pollinators. The USDA notes that insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food, fibers, edible oils, medicines, and other products. Pollinators also are essential for maintaining habitats and ecosystems that many wild animals rely on for food and shelter. The U.S. Forest Service says that, without pollinators, the human race and all of the earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Pollination done the natural way often yields large, flavorful fruits. Pollinators are make-or-break components of large-scale agriculture, and they’re just as important in private home gardens. The Pollinator Partnership, an organization that works to protect pollinators and their habitats across North America, says pollinators include bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, and bats. These animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies. The following are some ways to maintain healthy pollinator habitats. ♦♦ Consider the soil and types of plants that will thrive in it before choosing what to plant. Fix drainage issues and plant with sunlight in mind. ♦♦ Vary the colors and shapes of plants to attract a greater array of pollinators. Plant

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food, fibers, edible oils, medicines, and other products. flowers close to vegetable gardens to attract pollinators. ♦♦ Group plants together when planting to more effectively attract pollinators. ♦♦ Select plants that flower at different times of the year so that nectar and pollen sources are available year-round. ♦♦ Whenever possible, choose native plants. ♦♦ Avoid the use of pesticides. ♦♦ Provide a water source for pollinators, such as a shallow dish with stones halfsubmerged for perching. Pollinators are important for gardens, whether those gardens are commercial operations or small backyard plots. Allow pollinators to share spaces and be mindful of behaviors that can threaten their survival. – Courtesy Metro Creative

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