The Press 07.28.2023

Elementary schools get “new” vice principals

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The Brentwood Union School District will begin its new school year with new vice principals at many of its schools. But while the titles may be new to these educators, the roles are not.

The role of vice principals at elementary schools has been largely eliminated over the past 15 years as part of budget cuts, according to Superintendent Dana Eaton. Before this school year, the only elementary school in the district to have a vice principal was Pioneer due to the school’s size. Instead, the other schools “used site funds to cobble together teachers on

special assignment to support the running of schools,” Eaton said. Many of the newlyappointed vice principals were previously on special assignment at their respective schools. “We are excited to bring more consistent support for students, staff and parents to each and every school site this year,” Eaton said. “We are thrilled with the high quality professionals that will be taking these positions and are excited to see the positive impact they have on students.”

Each of the newly-selected vice principals has been in the district previously, Eaton said. They have administrative cre -

see Principals page 22A

Costco gets approved to come to Brentwood

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Costco is coming to Brentwood following unanimous approval from the City Council at its July 25 meeting after a local builder’s appeal to stop the approval fell short.

“This project has taken a very long time to get to this point,” Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer said. “I would be happy to move forward with this.”

The proposed Costco warehouse, to be built south of Lone Tree Plaza Drive near the Antioch/Brentwood border, previously received unanimous approval from the Brentwood Planning Commission at their June 20 meeting. Ahead of the

July 25 Council meeting, West Coast Home Builders, LLC had filed an appeal asking the city of Brentwood to consider denying approval of the proposed

Costco.

According to City Manager Tim Ogden, West Coast Home

see Costco page 22A

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

MacArthur Way just off of Central Boulevard in Brentwood was a quiet neighborhood until Tuesday morning when an unidentified female was arrested on the suspicion of stabbing her husband to death.

“We’re all in shock,” said one resident of the neighborhood who asked not to be named.

“Obviously things can happen anywhere, but this was pretty surprising,” another unnamed neighbor said.

Brentwood police went to the 300 block of MacArthur Way at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday after

a call for a welfare check on a house turned into a crime scene.

Shortly after officers arrived and talked to the female whose name and age were not released, they found an adult male, her husband, whose name and age also were not released, fatally stabbed. The female was arrested.

“We thought it was some accident or some medical emergency,” one neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said. “It took them like an hour or two for the officer to say it was a family dispute.” He said that in the two years that his family has lived on that block, that this

see Stabbing page 22A

Teen’s flower shop starts to bloom

A new flower business has sprouted in Brentwood. Jenna Mejia, 17, opened FloresbyJen in early July, marking the latest social media-run flower shop.

Built on the foundation of gratitude, FloresbyJen aims to foster thankfulness and appreciation through the language of flowers.

Mejia’s passion for floral artistry as well as encouragement from others has navigated the journey of starting a small business.

When Jenna contemplated starting a business, she had hesitations. To solidify her decision, she decided to post an Instagram story asking others what their thoughts were about her business idea. Mejia described how her followers’ shocking feedback pushed her to begin FloresbyJen.

“I was not expecting all the support that I had received,” she said. “My direct messages were flooded with sweet comments and encouragement from relatives, friends and acquaintances- everyone. Those messages I give credit to jumpstarting it all.”

The abundance of support left Jenna speechless, as starting a small business is difficult. Jenna described the behind-thescenes of what she does for FloresbyJen.

“My mornings start early, picking up the prettiest and freshest flowers. Then, I take them home to arrange the bouquets, and voila. I manage the money and social media and coordinate with all of my beautiful customers. So, it is a one-woman show over here!” she said.

FloresbyJen is based entirely on Instagram, and has been an asset to the growth of her business and she can easily communicate with new, current and prospective customers to understand each requested bouquet, she said.

“The best part about starting my business has been the interpersonal connections that I have been able to make and strengthen with others,” Jenna said. “Whether this may be among new friends who have purchased from me, my family helping me overcome an obstacle, or my community supporting my business, I am truly blessed to be a part of it all.”

The transition from a hobby to a business required Jenna to make difficult decisions. “One particular struggle was mustering up the courage to actually charge my clients! Having evolved an intrinsic pursuit into something that could be profitable was tough because I had been used to gifting bouquets for free, not

selling them,” she explained. “I wanted to make sure that what I would be charging my customers was fair to them and myself — I did not want to overcharge, and I certainly did not want to sell myself short.”

Jenna turned to her family for direction when any obstacles blocked her path. “My mom plays a big role in helping me sort out any bumps in the road. Whenever things get tricky, I go to her for advice. For instance, when it came to pricing my bouquets, together we sought out other florists and their prices to figure out what I should be charging,” Jenna said.

Bouquets can be purchased via Instagram to @floresbyjen.

– By Emma Reynolds

Our vibrant community allows residents to socialize, relax and thrive by offering upscale comforts and premium amenities, including spacious apartments with full kitchens, heated pool, exquisite cuisine, and a wide variety of activities. From

FloresbyJen is Brentwood’s new florist

Youth writer

Submitted photos

Residents want help with unpermitted house parties

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

“My biggest fear was one of these parties is going to turn into someone pulling out a gun, and not more than 30 minutes later I heard about six rounds of the gun go off just after I put my kids to bed.”

Aimee, who didn’t reveal her last name, spoke with several others via Zoom during Brentwood’s City Council meeting Tuesday about her experience witnessing the shooting death of Abel Juarez, the 17-year-old who was shot and killed on July 14. Juarez was shot after he and recently arrested Antonio Barajas. 20, of Walnut Creek, allegedly tried to rob a 21-year-old Antioch man on Marjoram Drive following an unpermitted house party at 1785 Chili Court.

“My husband just picked a package up from the porch 15 seconds prior to the shots going off,” Aimee added. “This was directly in front of my home. I watched this man die right there, go limp as they were putting him on the stretcher.”

Aimee, along with several others who called in via Zoom are asking the City Council to step in to do anything possible about the unpermitted house parties that have been held at the residence, tucked toward the end of Marjoram Drive as you turn into Chili Court. Several families live there with kids typically running around outside, now something that most of the families in the court are against letting them do.

“Once I found out about it I refused to let them go back to that house,” said Russell, a former resident of the neighborhood whose 13- and 10-year-old kids now live with their mother. “To have something go on like this and to find out it’s been going on for a while is absolutely absurd.”

Residents mentioned that they tried to reach out and talk to the owner of the residence they identified as Ty Brown, but the residents said in the Zoom session that nothing was done after they talked to him.

“As a community, we’ve tried to reach out to him and tried to handle this civilly, but the parties continued,” said Shante Williams, a resident on Chili Court through the last decade. “They continued in such a way that we felt like we were held hostage. We couldn’t walk up and down the street. We couldn’t drive our cars because they would block the cars.”

Last year, the residence hosted a party called the

“Thick N’ Wet Pool Party - Big Girl Edition” where tickets were sold on Eventbrite for $40 each. On the Eventbrite website, the event is listed as canceled.

Williams says that the party happened as others did afterward.

“The neighborhood was left in shambles, loud music, unruly guests, lots of trash left out,” Williams explained. “On many occasions, I would grab the dust pan outside and clean the trash.”

“This is a matter of public safety, cut and dry,” Sam Haider, another resident of the neighborhood said. “We don’t have peace. This is something I feel very strongly that the City Council owns now and it’s in your hands to do something about. I would hate for this to continue and for the blood to now be on your hands for nothing to be done.”

Mayor Joel Bryant responded to the calls for immediate action, but also reminded the people that “by law, the City Council is very limited to any response (they) can make right now.”

“I am heartbroken for the families and I am furious that this happened here,” he said.

According to Alexis Morris, the Director of Community Development for the City of Brentwood, “forprofit parties in residential neighborhoods are not allowed in the municipal code or zoning ordinance.”

“There’s no permit that you can get to conduct that activity in a residential neighborhood,” Morris said. “You cannot have this type of business in a residential neighborhood.”

Brentwood police Chief Tim Herbert added that since June of 2022, Brentwood police have had 12 calls for service to that neighborhood, that the department was aware of the party in July of 2022 and that it was shut down. He would not go further into the investigation of the shooting. However, he said that he “encourages residents to call when the parties happen.”

Brentwood police encourage people to call (925)634-6911 or 911 for emergencies. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Residents of this neighborhood in Brentwood are asking the City Council to help them put a stop to the unpermitted house parties in their neighborhood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Resident witness leads to burglary arrest in Brentwood

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Brentwood police arrested three suspects on suspicion of burglary on July 19 after a resident who witnessed the suspected crime led to their capture.

According to Brentwood police, officers were called to a residence on the 700 block of Allbrook Court in the afternoon for a burglary in progress. The suspects fled when the officers arrived. It’s un-

known whether or not the suspects were able to get anything.

But a resident who witnessed the alleged crime helped the officers find the suspects, who were then arrested, police said.

Three suspects are: Antioch resident Keoni Temple, 18; Rashand Lewis of Brentwood, 19, and an unidentified 16-year-old minor were arrested for suspected burglary.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

One hospitalized in 3-car crash in Oakley

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

One male was hospitalized after a three-car crash in Oakley on July 21.

ConFire and Oakley police responded to a call about a three-car, head-on crash on E. Cypress Road between Jersey Island Road and Bethel Island Road at 2:11 p.m.

According to a preliminary investigation by Oakley police, a red Lexus IS250 heading east on E. Cypress Road initially collided with a black pickup truck. A white Dodge Ram veered onto the side of the road heading westbound, trying to

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avoid both vehicles involved in the crash. Police believed that the Lexus drifted into the oncoming lane when the crash happened.

The crash caused Oakley police to close the stretch of E. Cypress Road for nearly an hour during the Friday afternoon commute.

The driver of the Lexus was taken out of the car on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital with major injuries while the two drivers of both pickup trucks suffered minor injuries and were treated on the scene and left the scene on their own, officials said.

Travel can benefit your overall health. Here’s how.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Oakley residents discuss proposed park on Sellers Ave.

By Chase Wheeler Correspondent

The Oakley City Council met on Wednesday, July 19 to discuss changes to the Park Master Plan, for the future park at the end of Sellers Avenue. The meeting focused on the two current plans and what elements residents liked the most.

The first plan for the 55-acre park was created in 2019 and the two newest plans have been heavily influenced by community feedback.

“It was important to go back and take a look at what people wanted,” said Brian Fletcher of Callander Associates, the company designing the park.

There will be one or two more City Council meetings on the topic, and the plans will continue to be revised, then chosen at one of those meetings, officials said. The goal, they added, is to have another draft of the master plan in September, and the final draft in October.

While both plans include multipurpose fields for soccer and baseball, access to fishing and other water activities, and more. However, there are also large differences between the two, and people commented on the aspects that they liked and disliked.

Of the two plans shown at the meeting, one was based on a more “traditional park theme.” According to Fletcher, this theme covers, “active field sports, destination play, other active sports, fishing, agri-

culture with community gardens.”

This first plan is more of what would typically be seen at other sports complexes such as Sunset Park in Brentwood. This focus on active recreation would encourage those who visited to enjoy their time playing sports as well as the trails around the park.

The second of the plans emphasized “outdoor recreation.” This plan is focused more on its location being on the Emerson Slough and close to the Delta. So while fields are included, though smaller than the other plan, it offers more for fishing

and camping with the possibility of drawing a fishing competition to the area.

“We wanted to use this opportunity as a means to show you something a bit different,” said Fletcher. “We wanted to show you an alternative that celebrates what is unique about Oakley and the region.”

This region also will incorporate the wine industry of Oakley by including a small-scale vineyard and tasting rooms.

Both of these plans are still being developed, and a section of the meeting was dedicated to hearing public opinion on what was proposed. While different chang-

es were proposed for each of the plans, many said they thought that community gardens would fit well with both plans and should be emphasized more.

John Cain, who has led the restoration of the nearby Dutch Slough and the Delta, said he was glad that the project was finally making progress and how it would benefit greatly if the project was further integrated into the restoration of the Dutch Slough. Further information about the restoration can be found at https://bit.ly/3Qd2I5U

According to Cain, the Dutch Slough “has more plant and wildlife at the Dutch Slough site than any other site in the Delta. The more we can show this park site and the plan is compatible with the restoration the easier it is to get it funded.”

During public comments, fisherman Nick Cloutier spoke in support of the second plan for a more fishing-based park. “There are multiple kids in our neighborhood that ride around on their bikes trying to find places to fish and everything is private out here,” he said. “You can’t go on a shoreline, you can’t do anything.”

The plan is still being developed and the designers are working to ensure it is what the citizens of Oakley want. The city has planned more workshops on a date to be announced. The goal is to have the completed master plan by the end of the year.

For more details, visit engage.oakleyca.gov/en/projects/oakley-communityregional-park-1

Submitted photo

Driver hospitalized after truck plunges into canal

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

A driver of a pickup truck had to be rescued out of his truck after the pickup truck he was driving into a creek off Shady Willow Lane in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to ConFire, they responded to a call just before 4 a.m. regarding a vehicle in a ditch on Shady Willow Lane near Las Montanas Court in Brentwood. When emergency personnel arrived, they saw a red pickup truck that was wedged into a canal next to the bridge on Shady Willow Lane with the driver trapped inside.

ConFire says that the truck was trav-

eling southbound on Shady Willow Lane from Lone Tree Way when it veered off of the road and crashed into the canal adjacent to Sand Creek trail, next to the bridge that goes over the canal.

Because the truck was wedged perpendicularly in the canal, it took rescue personnel about 45 minutes to get the unidentified driver out of the vehicle. Firefighters had to use extrication equipment to not only cut and rip the roof apart to get the driver out, but also to stabilize the truck.

Once the driver was taken out of the truck, he was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek in critical condition, fire officials said.

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

CONSIDERING PROVIDING FOR YOUR CAREGIVER IN YOUR TRUST? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

by Martin C. Johnson, Attorney at Law, MBA,RMA®

Do you have an exceptional caregiver who has gone above and beyond to support you? Showing your appreciation by including them in your trust is a wonderful gesture. However, there are crucial factors to consider before proceeding.

In California, it’s important to distinguish between non-family member caregivers and family member caregivers. According to state law, a gift, especially those exceeding $5,000, made by a “dependent adult” to a non-family member caregiver is presumed to be a result of fraud or undue influence. But fear not, this presumption can be challenged with a “Certificate of Independent Review.” This document, prepared by a neutral attorney who understands the gift’s nature and has met with you, confirms in writing that the gift is not a product of fraud or undue influence. Family member caregivers are exempt from this presumption.

Regardless of the caregiver’s relation to you, clarify your intentions for the gift in your trust. For instance, if you wish to express your gratitude by gifting your daughter $50,000 more than your other children, state the reason clearly in your trust. By outlining the specific reasons for the gift, such as the invaluable help

she provided over the years, you ease any potential tension among your children. Don’t limit your generosity to posthumous gifts. Consider providing for your caregiver during your life as well. If your caregiver is a non-family member, a tip or bonus could be a thoughtful gesture. For family member caregivers, you can compensate them for their services or reimburse their expenses (such as gas and food). To avoid potential disputes, family member caregivers  must maintain detailed records of the services they provide.

Consulting an attorney is strongly advised to ensure your wishes are properly honored after your death. Claims of undue influence and fraud can lead to costly legal battles that may harm family relationships. We offer free 30-minute consultations, Monday to Friday, in Walnut Creek, where we can discuss the best approach to providing for your caregivers.

Remember, the information provided in this article is for general legal information about gifting to caregivers and not specific legal advice. It is no substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.” 360 ESTATE PLANNING INC, phone number is 925-289-8837; 1600 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA  94596     © 2023 Martin Johnson

Photo by Art Ray

A pickup truck traveling southbound on Shady Willow Lane from Lone Tree Way veered off of the road and crashed into the canal adjacent to Sand Creek trail. The driver was hospitalized.

Cop logs

A suspicious person was reported on Shady Willow Lane. The reporting party says her ex is at the front door despite a restraining order against him. BRENTWOOD - June 29, 2:21 a.m

The following is a selection of recent law enforecement activity:

OAKLEY

July 8, 12:18 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped at the Creekside Park in Oakley.

July 8, 1:44 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped at Laurel Fields in Oakley.

July 8, 3:23 a.m. A misdemeanor DUI was reported on Laurel Road/Harvest Drive.

July 8, 5:50 a.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported at the 700 block on Stickney Way.

July 8, 8:33 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped at the Best Western in Oakley.

July 8, 8:56 a.m. An unwanted guest was reported at the AM/PM in Oakley.

July 8, 10:10 a.m. A welfare check was conducted on Oakley Road/Neroly Road.

July 8, 10:49 a.m. A reckless driver was reported on Main Street/Carol Lane.

July 8, 1:11 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported at the 4000 block on Live Avenue.

July 8, 1:49 p.m. A fight was reported at the 1700 block on Walnut Meadows Drive.

July 8, 6:03 p.m. Possession of stolen property was reported at the McDonald’s.

July 8, 9:09 p.m. An arrest warrant was reported on W. Cypress Road/Duarte Avenue.

July 8, 10:38 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped at the ARCO.

July 9, 12:32 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped at the 2400 block on Laurel Road.

July 9, 12:45 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped on E. 18th Street/Viera Avenue.

July 9, 3:39 a.m. A reckless driver was reported on Laurel Road.

July 9, 8:30 a.m. An ordinance violation was reported at the 10 block on Foreman Street.

July 9, 12:48 p.m. A reckless driver was reported at Iron House Elementary School.

July 9, 3:44 p.m. A harassment complaint was reported at the 700 block on Verifine Drive.

July 9, 3:50 p.m. A hit and run misdemeanor was reported at the 100 block on Zartop Street.

July 9, 4:42 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 1400 block on Carpenter Road.

July 9, 8:22 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 100 block on E. Ruby Street.

July 10, 2:20 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at the Antioch/Oakley Pier.

July 10, 2:36 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at Jims Holiday Harbor in Oakley.

July 10, 8:03 a.m. A case of harassment was reported at the 1000 block on Warhol Way.

July 10, 9:37 a.m. A civil problem was reported at the 4700 block on Lucchesi Court.

July 10, 10:26 a.m. A verbal dispute was reported on Main Street/Norcross Lane.

July 10, 10:30 a.m. An ordinance violation was reported at the 300 block on Star Street.

July 10, 10:35 a.m. A vehicle theft was re-

ported at the 2200 block on Ventnor Lane.

July 10, 12:06 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at O’Hara Park Middle School.

July 10, 12:51 p.m. A welfare check was reported at the 1800 block on Santa Fe Street.

July 10, 2:50 p.m. A case of identity theft was reported at the 800 block on Foremost Drive.

July 10, 3:18 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported on Bridgehead Road/Wilbur Avenue.

July 10, 3:56 p.m. A case of identity theft was reported at the Oakley Police Department.

July 10, 4:20 p.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the Oakley Police Department.

July 10, 5:59 p.m. A case of fraud under false pretenses was reported at the 800 block on Foremost Drive.

July 10, 7:41 p.m. A verbal dispute was reported at the 30 block on Chantilly Place.

BRENTWOOD

June 28, 12:58 a.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported on Walnut Boulevard/Carnegie Lane.

June 28, 2:18 a.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Brentwood Boulevard.

June 28, 3:45 a.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported on Shady Willow Lane. The reporting party’s garage door glass was broken.

June 28, 10:38 a.m. A petty theft was reported on Balfour Road.

June 28, 11:02 a.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Brentwood Boulevard.

June 28, 11:20 a.m. A petty theft was reported on Brentwood Boulevard.

June 28, 11:37 a.m. A petty theft was reported on St. Julien Street. The reporting party received proof of package delivery with photos. When she arrived at her home, the packages were missing.

June 28, 1:37 p.m. An uncontrollable/truant juvenile was reported on Sugarloaf Court. A 12-year-old had a knife and made threats to the reporting party.

June 28, 3:20 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way.

June 28, 5:07 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Brentwood Bou-

levard/Sims Road.

June 28, 10:07 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported on Lone Tree Way.

June 29, 2:21 a.m. A suspicious person was reported on Shady Willow Lane. The reporting party says her ex is at the front door despite having a restraining order against him.

June 29, 9:25 a.m. A petty theft was reported on Goose Creek Avenue. The reporting party said someone stole his FedEx package from his porch.

June 29, 10:30 a.m. A restraining order/ court order violation was reported on Second Street.

June 29, 12:56 p.m. An accident with unknown injuries was reported on Central Boulevard/Walnut Boulevard. A white vehicle hit a tree and possibly a wall.

June 29, 4:44 p.m. A grand theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. Two men ran out with a full cart into a black Sedan, with more than $1,000.

June 29, 4:48 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Second Street. A woman was pulling a shopping cart with her bike and more than $300 was taken.

June 29, 6:04 p.m. An accident with unknown injuries was reported on Central Boulevard/Peachwillow Drive.

June 29, 6:26 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported on Marigold Drive.

June 29, 7:49 p.m. An accident with major injuries was reported on Lone Tree Way/ Gann Street.

ANTIOCH

July 9, 5:20 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 3500 block on G Street.

July 9, 7:03 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 0 block on E. 6th Street.

July 9, 7:45 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 500 block on Greystone Drive.

July 9, 9:36 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 5100 block on Monitor Pass Way.

July 9, 12:39 p.m. A grand theft was reported at the 2200 block on Verne Roberts Circle.

July 9, 1:00 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 1900 block on Tioga Pass Way.

July 9, 1:55 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 2100 block on D Street.

July 9, 2:23 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 5100 block on Homestead Way.

July 9, 3:07 p.m. A petty theft was reported att the 3900 block on Delta Fair Boulevard.

July 9, 5:30 p.m. A man with a gun was reported at the 2400 block on Shelbourne Way.

July 9, 7:36 p.m. A fight was reported at the 5100 block on Tepee Court.

July 10, 1:25 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 2700 block on Entrada Circle.

July 10, 2:24 a.m. An attempted robbery was reported at the 3900 block on Lone Tree Way.

July 10, 3:00 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported at the 900 block on Fitzuren Road.

July 10, 3:31 a.m. A business burglary was reported at the 1400 block on W. 4th Street.

July 10, 5:30 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 4500 block on Donegal Way.

July 10, 5:51 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 3100 block on Buchanan Road.

July 10, 6:17 a.m. A case of battery was reported at the 1600 block on G Street.

July 10, 8:24 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 4500 block on Bonraven Way.

July 10, 8:35 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 2000 block on San Jose Drive.

July 10, 9:31 a.m. A trespasser was reported at the 2600 block on Cooper Court.

July 10, 9:53 a.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 300 block on L Street.

July 10, 10:54 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported at the 3600 block on Delta Fair Boulevard.

July 10, 10:59 a.m. An auto theft was reported at the 4500 block on Imperial Way.

July 10, 11:54 a.m. An auto theft was reported at the 4500 block on Imperial Street.

July 10, 12:15 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 300 block on L Street.

July 10, 12:19 p.m. A commercial burglary was reported at the 5400 block on Majano Way.

July 10, 5:30 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 3500 block on Waxwing Way.

July 10, 8:45 p.m. Suspicious circumstances was reported at the 5800 block at Lone Tree Way.

July 10, 10:28 p.m. A hit and run with injuries was reported at the 300 block on L Street.

July 10, 10:50 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported at the 4800 block on Lone Tree Way.

July 10, 11:05 p.m. An auto theft was reported at the 2700 block on Harvest Lane.

July 10, 11:19 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 1300 block on W. 8th Street.

July 10, 11:54 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 900 block on W. 10th Street.

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Earline Dal Porto

February 4, 1926-July 17, 2023

OBITUARY

Our beloved mother Earline passed away peacefully at her home in Brentwood on July 17, 2023. Earline was born on February 4, 1926, in Coody’s Bluff, Okla. to Felix and Viola Long. She grew up there with her three sisters: Maxine Adams, Wanda Long and Patricia Casey.

In the summer of 1942, the Long family migrated to California, settling in Brentwood first staying at the Davis Auto Camp known for welcoming folks from Oklahoma. Earline attended Liberty High School where she graduated in 1943 with honors.

One of her first jobs in Brentwood was working at the local post office. Outside the post office is where she first met Joe Chapman, who she later married in March of 1944. Together, they had three children: Vickie Del Colletti, Dennis Chapman (Barbara), and Denise McClune (Randall).

Tragedy struck when she was widowed by her beloved husband, Joe, at the early age of 33. However, instead of succumbing to the grief, Earline displayed her incredible resilience and took on the role of owner-operator of Brentwood Motors (Ford franchise) breaking barriers and proving that women could run successful car dealerships too. Her strength of character and determination were traits that would shape her life.

Earline’s entrepreneurial spirit also led her to venture into real estate sales and investments, mobile home sales and owner of women’s clothing stores. She continued to sell cars even after selling the dealership to Bill Brandt in 1972.

Her favorite activity included the love of golf, and she was always a competitive player. During her few years living in Aptos, she was active in the Seascape Women’s Golf Club, winning many tournaments. After returning to

Brentwood, she was instrumental in establishing the Discovery Bay Women’s Golf Club. She was honored in 2021 for being the first team captain and winning the tournament. She continued to play golf well into her 80s. She loved to travel. She visited several countries, her most joyous was our annual girls’ trips with family to locations such as New York, Mexico, London, Hawaii, which was her favorite.

After being widowed for 30 years, she fell in love and married Robert A. Dal Porto, Sr. in September of 1990. They enjoyed many years of traveling and family get- togethers and attending Cal football games and several college bowl games. She was predeceased by Robert in 2015, her sister Wanda Long in 2018 and Maxine Adams in 2022.

Earline is survived by her three children – Vickie, Dennis, and Denise – and her sister, Patricia Casey. She is also survived by her four grandchildren – Andrea Del Colletti, Joe Del Colletti (Janee’), Raina Chapman, and Jennifer Chapman – along with three greatgrandchildren – Ashley, Lindsey, and Zaida – niece Karen Mancuso (John) and nephews Mike Casey (Roxanne) and Mark Casey (Gina).

Her presence in our lives left a lasting impact, and her memory will forever be cherished.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The Antioch United Methodist Church On The Rock feted

May Schrader’s 103rd birthday and (right) Bonnie Dunham’s 95th birthday on July 17 after the Sunday church service. They are both so blessed by God for their longevity. May they be encouraged because they are loved by so many.

(left)

Photo courtesy of Joan Shively

Hometown SportS

High school football teams cope with heat

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Heat safety remains one of the top priorities for football coaches throughout the country, let alone here in Brentwood, as numerous teams get ready to put on the pads to start training camp.

As both football programs at Heritage and Liberty count down the days to training camp, heat safety remains a priority for the head coaches of both teams.

“I have been coaching in East County for 30 years. It’s always been hot out here,” Heritage head coach Dave Fogelstrom said.

“(The heat) is something that we have to deal with a lot more here, especially in Brentwood,” Liberty head coach Mike Cable said.

Brentwood received a bit of a break from the heat as temperatures dropped below triple digits this week for an entire week for the first time since mid-June. Last weekend saw four straight days of temperatures over 100 degrees with last

Friday and Saturday topping out at 106, according to The Weather Channel.

With the heat in mind and in preparation of more to come next month and

into the beginning of the season in September, both programs are taking necessary steps to not only prepare their players for training camp in the August heat,

but to also prevent any heat-related illness before it can even come up, coaches said.

Both teams are slowly introducing equipment in phases, a new rule allowed by the California Interscholastic Federation this year. The organzation said it allowed players to get their helmets in July in an effort to prepare them for training camp with gear on.

Liberty practiced in helmets for the first time on Monday; Heritage has practiced in helmets as well. Traditionally, players got all of their pads at once, usually on the day before or the first day of training camp.

“This will allow them to acclimate to the heat in preparation for wearing full pads in August,” Fogelstrom said. “The science is pretty clear that this period of getting used to pads and heat will lower the risk of problems when those 100-degree days hit in mid-August.”

The programs also are adjusting practice accordingly, depending on the

see Heat page 13

California Football Academy bestows honors

Spring 2023 champions announced

The California Football Academy spring season enjoyed a wonderful season with 60 teams and 170 scholar athletes being recognized on Championship Day, said Judi Weisenberg of the California Football Academy. Here are the winners.

courtesy of Judi Weisenberg

9-10 year division Champions - MEGA Boyz Head Coach, Michael Figaroa; Assistant Coaches, Justin-Alexander Chin and Travis MCcall; (players listed in no particular order): #15 Joseph Chin, #6 George Epps III, #7 Jace Figaroa, #5 Michael Gulley Jr, #11 Jasani Highsmith, #3 Dominic James, #10 Demetrie Lampkin, #12 Travis McCall, #14 Christopher Metcalf Jr, #21 Noah Payne, #2 Ryder Percelle, #00 Finnley Roesti, #44 Andrew Soto, #45 Salanoa Taliva’a, #8 Alii Taliva’a, #4 Travion Wright, #1 Kyree Young

11-12 year division Champions - Panthers

Head Coach, Johnnie Cooper; (players listed in no particular order) #37 Jason Cook, #2 Miles Cooper, #23 Dustin Dear, #11 Miles Foreman, #12 Karson Herrera Amate, #20 Robert Armani Hoeke, #44 Aidan Jefferson, #8 Prince-Michael Johnson, #18 Jazmyn Kohlweck, #6 Malosi Limutau, #9 Dominic Martinez, #04 Zaccheo Matias, #0 Isaiah Watkins

7-8 year division Champions - Shark Tank Head coach, Chris Chatman; Assistant Coaches, Carlos Torres and Andre Darby; (players listed in no particular order): #9 Josiah Briones, #0 Jax Chatman, #23 DAndre Darby, #14 Colin Hamilton, #22 Kalon James, #15 Macklin McMullen, #13 David Merino, #80 Lucca Merino, #8 Jerald Stroughter III, #27 Antawn Thomas, #1 Elias Torres

13-16 year division 7 versus 7 Passing League Champions - Panthers Head Coach, Joshua Apanasewicz; (players listed in no particular order): #7 Cameron Barnhart, #54 Julian Gonzalez, #15 Phoenix Madsen, #18 Porter Madsen, #29 Taven Madsen, #11 James Melham, #19 Eric Mendez, #21 Demari Murphy, #50 Frankie Rael, #13 Leandro Rubio, #22 Darien Salcedo, #20 Dylan Simmons, #17 Jayden Verduzco, #14 Jordan Verduzco, #09 Jowell Vigil

Photos

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Girls flag football coming to area

Free clinics on Aug. 13, 20 in Oakley

The California Interscholastic Federation announced in February that flag football would become a girls’ high school sport starting the 2023-2024 school year, with the popularity of the game and the push to get more female athletes on the field, said Judi Weisenberg of the California Football Academy in a news release.

“We want to get the girls to start looking at the game of football as a sport they too can play. The girls who

Heat from page 12

heat. “When it does get hot we’ll modify the amount of conditioning we’ll do or the intensity of practice,” Cable said. “We’ll also give frequent water breaks, and if it gets to a certain point we’ll take the shade or we’ll go inside, which is air conditioned and do film or chalk talk.”

Heat-illness prevention comes down to education, coaches said. Both coaches said they remind their players about staying hydrated throughout the day and the importance of eating properly, especially with school starting next week at both campuses.

“With technology now I can send out reminders and texts about hydrating throughout the day before I ever see them,” Fogelstrom said. “The kids are

have played in our co-ed league have developed into such amazing football athletes, excelling in both offense and defense.”

On July 6-8, the federation hosted a free three-day camp where 50 girls participated and were able to play games on the final day of camp. This first girls flag football camp was organized by camp coordinator/CFA League Advisor, James Thomas, Weisenberg said.

Two free all-girls flag football clin-

also great at bringing their own water to weights and field work.”

Cable added: “We educate them about the importance of getting a nice sleep and eating well. “To transition all of a sudden now it’s time to get up and go to school, it’s a different demand that’s going to take some time for them to get acclimated to. We’re aware of it and we’re conscious of it. It’s difficult sometimes, and again, they’re still just kids. To be out here in pads when it’s 100-plus degrees and you’re on the turn, which adds another 10, 15 degrees and you’re running, they may not be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion as much as we just say it.”

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

ics are scheduled for Aug. 13 and 20, for girls ages 7-16, in addition to our free co-ed flag football clinic and free 7-versus-7 Passing game clinic. These clinics will be held at Freedom Basin in Oakley. They will need to register on-line to attend any free clinics due to limited space.

Anyone interested in participating or getting more information can go to www.californiafootballacademy.com for dates and times of the free clinics and the fall registration.

Photo courtesy of Judi Weisenberg

Byron Delta Lions Club makes annual school supply donations

One of the many Byron Delta Lions Club’s community projects is to annually donate and deliver school supplies to Excelsior Middle School, Discovery Bay Elementary and Timber Point Elementary.

On July 7, each school received papers, pens, pencils, binders, art supplies and more. In addition to the supplies, and for the second year in a row, the Hayward Silicon Valley Lions Club donated 60 backpacks and notebooks. Their club has a private endowment designated to help give needy students the supplies they need, the group said in a press release.

Lions Clubs are a community service organization that helps students succeed.

BBB scam alert: how to avoid scams as student loan pause ends

After more than three years of relief, the payment pause on student loans is coming to an end. The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that student loan interest will resume Sept. 1, 2023, and payments will be due starting in October 2023.

This student loan news affects millions of Americans, which creates an excellent opportunity for scammers. In fact, Better Business Bureau has already received reports of scams related to student loan repayment citing “new 2023 guidelines.” Get to know the signs of a scam and always be sure to do your research before sharing any personal information. How the scam works

You receive an email, letter, or phone call from someone claiming you are eligible for “student loan consolidation,” “payment reduction program,” or a similar service. This new benefit is allegedly part of “the new 2023 guidelines,” and the scammer may even claim to represent the Federal Student Aid (FSA) department.

If you respond, the scammer will ask you for personal information to “confirm your identity” or to “check your eligibility.” This information might include your Social Security number, name and address, and even your FSA.gov login information.

After “verifying your identity” the scammer will offer you an enticing plan to reduce your loan repayment. If you agree, you may end up making payments to a third-party in vain for months or even years. None of your payments will go towards your student loan. And even if you don’t make a payment, giving out personal information puts you at risk for

To submit a news item for this page, send it to editor@brentwoopress.com

identity theft. Tips to avoid student loan forgiveness scams

• Know the terms of your student loan and the relief program before acting. Do your research before giving out personal information. Understand the ins and outs of your specific loan and how student loan terms affect you. For information, go to official government websites, such as ED.gov and studentaid.gov.

• Never pay money for a free government program. Scammers often trick victims into paying for free government programs – or they claim you can get additional benefits, faster benefits, etc., for a fee. A real government agency will not ask for an advanced processing fee.

• Be wary of out-of-the-blue calls, emails, or text messages claiming to be from the government. Generally, the government will not contact you using these methods unless you grant permission.

• Watch out for phony government agencies or programs. If you speak to someone claiming to be a government representative offering you student loan relief, research before you agree to anything. Scammers often make up look-alike government websites that sound similar to legitimate agencies or programs.

• Think something seems suspicious? Contact the agency directly. If you have any concerns about an alleged government representative’s legitimacy, hang up the phone or stop emailing/texting. Then, find the official contact information (look on ED.gov and studentaid.gov or other official sites) and call to verify. Then, report

suspicious calls or messages.

• Be careful, even if the information comes from a friend. Even if a close friend or family member you trust sent you the information regarding student loan relief, make sure the claims are real first. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Better Business Bureau received many reports of hacked social media accounts being used to spread government impostor scams.

State parks to get $24 million for recreational projects

California State Parks will receive $24.8 million for state-established outdoor recreation priority projects from the Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Land and Water Conservation Fund, said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.

“California State Parks is thrilled to be receiving a portion of this federal funding as public demand for access to outdoor recreation continues to grow every year,” said Armando Quintero, California State Parks director. “The department received a large number of applications for funds and will be working to prioritize those with the greatest need in the coming months.”

In anticipation of this funding, State Parks conducted an extensive statewide competitive grant application process resulting in 77 applications requesting $154.5 million. Applications received by the June 2023 deadline are under review and will be funded by this recent allocation.

Since its inception in 1965, the LWCF program in California has funded more than 1,600 projects totaling $360.9 million.

istration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representa tive will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a.

Date: AUGUST 10, 2023 Time: 9:00 AM

Dept: #30. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553 If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgea ble in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Peti-

tioner: KRISTOPHER SCOTT

Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: July 14, 21, 28, 2023

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

TS No. CA-22-910813-CL Order No.: FIN-

22003291 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 1/14/2013. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale.

BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN

THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): Ariel Bauman and Brian Bauman, wife and husband as community property with rights

of survivorship Recorded: 1/17/2013 as

Instrument No. 2013-0013804-00 of Official

Records in the office of the Recorder of CON-

TRA COSTA County, California; Date of Sale:

8/15/2023 at 9:00 AM Place of Sale: At the Pleasant Hill Community Center, located at 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. In the Auction.com Room Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $265,217.98 The purported property address is: 1029 CLEAR

LAKE DRIVE, OAKLEY, CA 94561 Assessor’s

Parcel No.: 032-390-037-3 NOTICE TO PO-

TENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off

all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800280-2832 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-22-910813-CL. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 800-280-2832, or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-22-910813-CL to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

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Trash it, SELL IT.

NOTICE TO

PROSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any prospective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION by 5 p.m. on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth in the below signature block. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 800-280-2832 Or Login to: http://www.

down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

pini O n

Letters to the editor

Brentwood’s parks program structure recognized many Editor:

The discussions being held by the Brentwood City Council regarding contracting our staff positions are interesting and bring back memories from past similar discussions.

Brentwood is one of the few communities in the Bay Area that has the maintenance of all city parks and grounds done by private contractors. Credit for this rests with former parks director Craig Bronson. Although it is hard to believe today, just over 20 years ago, Brentwood did not have a parks department. In shaping the parks program (it consists of 91 sites), the issue of maintenance of those was on the City Council’s agenda.

A small Park and Recreation District was created to provide a swimming program in the old Liberty High School pool so people had a summer swimming program. As development came to town, leaders created a development fee program for future parks, and, of course, roads. water and sewer.

The council still had the challenge of park maintenance and how to carry it out. Like today, the issue of managing city staffing was critical. Park construction came from new development fees, and trying to get a handle on what it would cost was for a park consultant who went through each proposed park design and determined costs.

So became the foundation for a proposal that resulted in opening bidding by numerous maintenance firms. Even more innovative, the town was divided into two sections with each having its own maintenance contract.

Based on these work activities, each could be compared, and as one contractor became more versed than the other, a contractor was dropped and another bidder came on board.

Now, 20 years later, this program of

private contract service is embedded into the city’s parks program and is recognized by many for its innovation and quality.

On the other hand, as the city undertook its program of garbage collection, it evolved from a small private company into a service provided by the city.

Being at the far ends of the county and a small community at the time, it was difficult to find a completive order, and the city filled the gap by creating its own city until that has stood the test of time. But like the park program, by watching the actual disposal costs – the actual charges –we pay for remains well below where if we had contracted it out would be with service options well beyond what most providers give.

We are now a good-sized city, and it is

harder than ever to contain costs coming from every direction.

With a city service population of more than 22,000, even with the recent rate process had just 192 objections to the rate adjustments.

In conclusion, communities are built piece by piece. What Brentwood has become is the envy of every community in Contra Costa County, thanks to the great leadership that past council’s have brought.

Jon Elam Brentwood

Cultivated meat research needs more money

Editor:

In order to save God’s creatures from unnecessary harm, our political

representatives should support increased public funding for cultivated meat research.

For those who don’t know, cultivated meat is grown from animal cells, without slaughter. It has the potential to eliminate tremendous suffering we inflict on livestock.

While the revolutionary product is already for sale in select restaurants, further development is needed for cultivated meat to reach price parity with incumbent offerings.

This is crucial for widespread adoption. Christians should remember that in the Garden of Eden, God’s ideal, there was no killing.

Jon Hochschartner Granby, Conn.

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County, veterans clash over downtown property

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

A property conflict in Brentwood over two parts of downtown are at a stalemate over boundaries and inadequate communication.

The Contra Costa Fire Protection District is developing plans for a multi-story fire station in downtown Brentwood on a lot adjacent to the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. The new fire station, estimated to cost a total of $10 million, is slated to replace Fire Station 54, which was demolished last October after permanently closing in 2014.

However, plans for the new fire station have not been well-received by the veterans. In late June, veterans building Board President Daniel Moses said he was surprised to discover new bright orange spray-painted lines and property line wording on the veterans building property. The proposed plans for the new fire station exceed the capacity of the existing space previously occupied by the former fire station, thus requiring the shifting of the lot line. Both the building and the land of the planned fire station sit on countyowned property, But according to the building board, communication and input from the veterans have been ignored by the County despite assurances that they would be included in the planning process, leading to a lack of clarity, questions, and feelings of neglect.

“My initial thought when I saw the survey lines, is that veterans are being ignored again, and this land grab will be done without

any input from veterans, or the community in Brentwood that has been served on this property for nearly 100 years,” said Brentwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Bill Weber. “Until now, it appears that the veterans and the community have been silenced and ignored, and run over by bureaucracy with a huge freight train that isn’t going back the other way. They are taking more and more as they deem meets their needs without concern to veterans or the community.”

The veterans organization of Brentwood has voiced concerns regarding the project, including loss of storage space, parking areas for veterans with disabilities, and space for popular local events because the new fire station will require more land for larger fire engines; land the veterans say they have used for over a century. The proposed development raises concerns regarding its impact on the veterans and their activities downtown that feature narrow streets and lots of shoppers at businesses there. The veterans have argued the increased presence of fire engines maneuvering through these narrow streets

could lead to disruptions and potential safety concerns for both pedestrians and motorists in downtown.

“The community has held weddings, funerals, memorials, quinceañeras, the carnique, reunions, retirements, veteran benefit and job fairs, formal and informal veteran events, and it seems that none of that matters now,” Weber said. “It seems that some people enjoy supporting veterans when it is convenient for their own purposes, but veterans are the first to be sacrificed if they get in the way. It should not be like this. Honorable people do not behave this way.”

The planned new fire station is deemed necessary to accommodate larger fire engines, while also improving fire and medical response times in Brentwood and across East County while meeting the needs of a continually growing community. Furthermore, building codes and building permits have different requirements than a fire station that was built over 50 years ago, as the former Station 54, built in 1957, was deemed functionally obsolete and unsafe for occupancy,

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according to a 2021 report by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, thus necessitating the need for a replacement. According to county Supervisor Diane Burgis, the new fire station has been in the works for some time and that the reallocation of county-owned land should not be mischaracterized as an “invasion”, with the new lot line shifting by less than seven percent while highlighting the importance of a fully equipped and staffed fire department able to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of local residents.

“There is absolutely a need to improve our fire stations,” said Burgis. “I’m really proud of the work East Contra Costa Fire has done. But I also appreciate the service that the veterans have done for our community and our country. We are one of the fastest growing areas in all of Contra Costa County. I know the public really wants fire service. All people, including our veterans, will benefit from the new fire station.”

According to Burgis, Contra Costa County has hosted the veterans building for decades at a below-market cost of $1 per year, while investing more than $100,000 in building improvements over the past five years. Those include a major roof repair and an automated external defibrillator (AED) for use in the building earlier this year. Another $199,000 in improvements to the facility is being pursued between now and 2025, which entail upgrades to the fire alarm systems, air conditioning, exterior siding, and kitchen exhaust. Additionally, there is an offer to

see Clash page 21A

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The Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s new fire station on First Street in Brentwood is in conflict with the veterans hall next door over property lines.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Clash from page 20A

replace, pave, and mark the current handicapped parking spot and replace the current gravel lot and bring it up to standards.

Con Fire Public Information Officer Steve Hill stressed the need and importance for better fire and emergency fire and emergency medical services in East County while discussing some of the background for planning for the replacement of the new fire station.

“East County has been underserved historically,” said Hill. “That means that up until not that long ago, if you were an East County resident, you got substandard care in those areas as compared to their neighbors in the west. That changed a year ago when a variety of things came together with Con Fire. We started looking at geography and the response times; they were not good for a variety of reasons. Two things were immediately apparent. We’ve upped the ante on response times significantly and advanced life support emergency responders, as we pretty much stock them like a rolling emergency room. None of that existed before July 1, 2022. We also didn’t have the fire stations in the right places. One of them is the historic site of Fire

Station 54. It sorely needed to deliver the right responses. It’s the only way we can keep a small fire small. We immediately realized that we needed to go down the path to establish a fire station in downtown Brentwood. We started working on that sometime after last July when we took over the entire east county fire operation. We started working on the plans to plan and develop to further solve these historic problems.”

Weber reaffirmed their support of the firefighters and fire department because firefighters, like veterans, serve others while acknowledging that the community deserves better fire service. Weber also wants to keep communication lines open while working towards a solution.

“The community would be better served with a fire department building on a site that would accommodate the current physical needs of the structure, not be restricted by the site restrictions on this site in downtown Brentwood, and allow for expansion to meet future needs.” said Weber. “We do not agree that trying to fit a square peg in a round hole is the correct approach. Brentwood is continuing to grow. We also do not agree with taking away 6.8 percent of the land from veterans

to make this work, impacting the use of the remaining land, not consulting with veterans, and trying to make this an issue of firefighters versus veterans. That is not acceptable.”

Marine Corps League Commandant Donald Hester has made clear to extend offers to assist the county in locating a more suitable site for the fire station.

“As veterans, we are offering to collaborate with the county in finding a more appropriate location for the fire station, one that will have minimal impact on downtown businesses and events, while preserving the land dedicated to veterans one hundred years ago,” said Hester, also a veterans building board member. “We firmly advocate for a thorough and thoughtful approach to ensure that the fire station is situated in the most suitable spot from the beginning without taking shortcuts or taking the easy way out. Together, let us strive for a resolution that supports the fire district’s needs, honors our veterans, supports local businesses, and strengthens the bond within our community.”

Burgis said there have been misunderstandings, and the need for better communication, yet she remains optimistic that both parties can reach a quick resolution.

“I’ve asked not just a member of the Board of Supervisors, but a board of the fire department that they communicate with the veterans,” Burgis said. “I think it was not great communication, and I ask that we lean in and give some reassurance on that, and make sure there is adequate communication. I think the veterans need some certainty and know that they weren’t going to lose anything.”

Hill, an Army retiree, said he agrees with Burgis that better fire service is needed, adding that 10 percent of the Con Fire workforce is veterans.

“We appreciate veterans and we are them,” Hill said. “I think we could have done a better job keeping in touch with the veterans. We want to work with the community to get some the fire service they deserve. We are aware of the boundary issues. It is our hope and it seems apparent to us that are opportunities to find some agreeable compromises to where we could all peacefully coexist. We are agreeable to consider reasonable accommodations. We’re eager to find resolutions to this. But the property line issue we have to turn to the county because it is their property, and that needs to be worked out with the county. That’s a county issue.”

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Principals from page 1A

dentials and have previously taken on leadership roles as teachers.

Below are the new vice principals by school:

• Brentwood Elementary —Patty Shneider

• Garin Elementary — Melissa Warner

• Krey Elementary — Brie Hague

• Loma Vista Elementary — Matthew Jensen

• Marsch Creek Elementary — Angela Mullen

• Mary Casey Black Elementary — Tiffany Ward

• Pioneer Elementary — Deanna Lengyel (returning to the role from last year)

Costco from page 1A

Builders contends that further environmental review is required on the project to, among other things, evaluate aesthetics, air quality, and wildfire hazards. A staff report drafted in response to the developer’s concerns “demonstrates that there are no site-specific or peculiar impacts associated with the project,” Ogden said via email.

Ellis Raskin, senior counsel at Hanson Bridgett LLP, spoke on behalf of West Coast Home Builders, who his firm represents. Raskin originally sought to postpone the hearing after submitting a roughly 150page document for consideration during the 7 p.m. meeting at 5:45 p.m.

Councilmember Pa’tanisha Pierson said she was “really disturbed” by the submission of such a large document that late. “I absolutely perceive this as a tactic to delay a process for which people have had a substantial amount of time to go ahead and respond.”

Residents who spoke during the public comment portion of the hearing were largely in support of Costco for both its convenience as shoppers and the potential revenue that it could generate for the city through taxes.

“Do you know what B.C. really means?” One resi-

Stabbing from page 1A

was the first time that anything like this has happened. Another resident, who also asked not to be named and recently moved to MacArthur Way, said that what happened was “crazy.”

“It’s a surprise to everybody and a sad situation,” she said. “It’s a nice neighborhood. It’s clean, the price point is on the higher side, it’s an HOA neighborhood. Nothing happens. We just don’t know what happens behind closed walls.”

• Ron Nunn Elementary — Julie France

The appointment of the new vice principals is intended to help strengthen and support the growth of after school enrichment programs, according to Eaton. The district introduced these programs at every school last year to “better serve families.”

Eaton said the district has seen a need post-pandemic to increase its support for students academically and emotionally. More administrative staff is one way to do that, he said.

“Being a teacher is both incredibly important and incredibly challenging,” he said. “We want to make sure

dent joked while stressing how helpful Costco would be. “B.C. really means ‘Before Costco.’”

Costco’s real estate development director, Pari Holliday, stated at the June Planning Commission meeting that Costco looked forward to coming to Brentwood, that Costco donates 1% of its revenue to local charities and said that the warehouse’s construction and opening would bring “significant job opportunities.”

The major concern was expressed during the June meeting was what effect Costco would have on traffic in the area, as the main entrance is planned to be at the intersection of Lone Tree Plaza Drive and Canada Valley Road. There are four additional driveways located on Lone Tree Plaza, and the Sand Creek pedestrian bridge being built that would provide additional access, Holliday said.

Amy Lopez of Kittelson & Associates Inc., a traffic engineering and planning firm, spoke at the June meeting. Lopez said an estimated 15,106 vehicle trips (trips equal to and from) would go in and out of the area on a daily basis. With 7,400, or 3,750 cars, of those trips being to and from Costco. The number includes vehicles that are on the road or passing by. She also confirmed

Residents say that the family that lives in the house under investigation moved in earlier this year and kept to themselves.

“We’ve seen them all the time, but just never talked to them,” one neighbor added.

One of the residents from MacArthur Way said that a nearby friend and neighbor called him while he was at work.

“She said there were cops that were

our teachers have as much support as possible as they take on this critical role in our community.”

Other new staff members being introduced to the district ahead of the new school year include:

• Karen Gnusti — New Harvest Grove Virtual Academy Principal

• Diane Deshler — New Chief Business Official

• Justine Melendez — New Special Education Director

• Danielle Daubin — Principal of the new school to open in 2024-25

that the extensions would be completed before the warehouse store opened.

“It’s important to Costco that the circulation network of improvements that you just described are in place before opening day.” Traffic congestion is also expected to be alleviated by 38% on Lone Tree Way, according to a previously conducted traffic study provided in the staff report.

Ultimately, the City Council voted to approve Costco unanimously.

“I do want to thank the Costco corporation and all of your experts for the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship for our residents,” Mayor Joel Bryant said following the vote.

Other topics discussed at the meeting included:

The approval of $4.1 million for the Sand Creek extension project

The approval of a construction contract to bring pickleball courts to Creekside Park

Approval of a pay raise for members of the Planning Commission

The full meeting, and all supporting documents, can be found at bit.ly/46YT9NY

surrounding our house with guns out,” he said. “I’m like, I don’t know. I’m not even home. “

“She sent me sort of text updates throughout the morning saying the police were here and the fire department and everything was roped off, then they saw grandma get walked out in handcuffs. All I was told was it was an older lady walking out in handcuffs covered in blood.”

According to the neighbor, there’s a

wife and husband with their teenage son living in the house along with the grandparents.

“I would see grandpa all the time,” he added. “He would come out and he’d be on his scooter going to the store, but I never saw her. I didn’t even know she lived there.”

The homicide is still under investigation and Brentwood police are asking people with information to contact Detective Goold at 925-809-7872.

Homeless man hit by train in Antioch loses left arm, but survives

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

A homeless man in Antioch lost his arm on July 21 after he was hit by an Amtrak train heading toward the Antioch station.

ConFire responded to a call around 9:48 a.m. Friday regarding a man hit by a train near the intersection of W. Second St. and E St.

According to both ConFire and witnesses at the scene, a 29-year-old homeless Black man, whom officials did not identify, was sitting on the train tracks when he was hit by the train. When ConFire arrived, they saw the man sitting up and alert with an amputated left arm.

He was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center for treatment where he’s ex -

pected to recover.

The Amtrak train was held just shy of the Antioch station for nearly an hour while ConFire treated and eventually airlifted the victim and Antioch police, along with Amtrak Police, investigated the incident.

Residents who live close to the tracks in Antioch say that people from the homeless encampments there cross the tracks all the time.

Alfonzo Edwards, who helps take care of the homeless throughout Contra Costa County as a member of the National Alliance on Mental Health, was one of those who saw the aftermath of Friday’s incident.

“There’s an unsheltered encampment on the other side of the tracks,” he said. “They tend to cross the tracks, but I’m trying to get them not to do so.”

DeSaulnier’s $1 million to aid juvenile justice

U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (District-10) has announced he will present more than $1 million to the Contra Costa County Probation Department’s Office of Reentry and Justice on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at the county Supervisors meeting.

This funding will connect local law enforcement with training to better respond to young adults to help reduce the number of youth arrests.

Money for this project was part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 2617), which included $21.7 million in federal funding DeSaulnier secured for 15 projects throughout Contra Costa County.

DeSaulnier and all five county Su-

pervisors, including Diane Burgis who represents the Delta region, will be at the announcement. Also in attendance will be:

• Esa Ehmen-Krause, Chief Probation Officer, Contra Costa County Probation Department

• Melvin Russell, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Contra Costa County Probation Department

• Patrice Guillory, Director of the Office of Reentry and Justice, Contra Costa County Probation Department

• Denise Zabkiewicz, Research and Evaluation Manager, Office of Reentry and Justice, Contra Costa County Probation Department.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Photo by Melissa Van Ruiten

How to buy a home in a tricky housing market

East County Realtor sheds some light

JEFF WEISINGER

Tracy Nelson remembers how she got into real estate. It wasn’t anything planned, nor was it because of a family history in the profession.

In 2004, along with a friend of hers, they bought a place in Arizona, sold it for more than she paid for it and bought another off the court steps and liked it so much that she went on to get her license. However, the start of her journey in real estate was anything but perfect.

“I was thinking, ‘Oh, this is amazing. I like this. Then I went and got my license,” she said. “Then the market crashed a couple of years later, and I was like, ‘Whoa, this is a horrible, but you win some and lose some.” For fi ve years, she was a loan offi cer, prior to being licensed in California

Fast-forward nearly two decades, and she’s become one of the top real

estate agents(top 1.5% nationwide), in Northern California, let alone East County since she was the top individual agent in 2022 and 2021 at another fi rm and in the top 1% Elite Agent group for that fi rm for Northern California. She is now with E3 Realty in Antioch.

“That (experience starting out) has helped me build rapport with people when they realize that I’m not just giving them advice from nowhere,” she said. “I have well educated myself, gone through hard times and through the ups and downs of real estate.”

The Press talked to her about the real estate market in Brentwood and East County:

Brentwood Press: So last time we talked was in the spring of 2022. How different is it buying a home now compared to then?

Tracy Nelson: Well, the rates are higher. We were spoiled for so long that we think a less-than-average rate over the last three decades is extremely high. And given the housing prices in our area, it makes a huge difference. As of last week, they’re below 7 percent, but we’re expected to have a little slight increase again this week. I do see a difference with the amount of buyers coming out, but it’s hard to put a blanket statement on that because we are seeing such a

micro community, tight market where if someone asked me if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market in Brentwood, you’d have to get into the neighborhood and specifi c development to even be able to answer that.

BP: Considering how volatile the market is, how hard then is it to navigate through it for both yourself and with your clients?

TN: It comes down to education

(in real estate) and taking the time to listen to what someone wants or needs, really understanding the microneighborhoods and what they want and where they want to be as a buyer. As a seller, it’s about making sure they understand that this isn’t 2021 or 2022, let me know what you need,but also let me educate you on how we can get there. Then setting those realistic expectations and making sure that it will work for everybody. It’s diffi cult in some ways, but I love what I do. I love getting in there and really just digging into the numbers because nobody can argue with facts, right? So whether I’m meeting with a buyer or a seller, I’m meeting them prepared with ‘Here’s what happening and here are the numbers. Nobody really has any confl ict with that, and now we’ve developed that trust because those numbers don’t lie. I’m listening to what they need and want, and setting realistic expectations and doing my homework, and where they want to make an offer, so that when I speak to that other agent on the other side, I know what they’re dealing with. There are plenty of other ways besides the list price and purchase price to get an offer accepted. It’s been tricky. But that’s kind of part of the fun

Photo courtesy of Tracy Nelson

of it; is actually doing it right, putting those puzzle pieces together.

BP: In our Real Estate Special Section last year, you mentioned that the housing market in East County has low inventory and high prices. Is that still the case?

TN: The prices in most of the Bay Area went down during the late fall and winter, which is a normal (pre-2020 seasonal change), then they flattened and some areas went back up a bit with the beginning of summer, along with low inventory. We have low inventory still and not enough housing for the amount of buyers out there, but that’s what kept the neutralness of the market, and one of the reasons we didn’t get a crash. But mostly sellers realized they needed to bring their prices down a little bit as rates went up.

BP: Given everything that we just talked about, what’s the state of the market right now?

TN: The state of the market …is extremely diffi cult unless you get into that micro community level. If you look at the broad Bay Area average, it’s a neutral market. But if you go into some areas, for example, in Brentwood, one development can be completely different from the other across the street. That’s because you have buyers that are not wanting to rush into a bidding war on a home at a higher rate that isn’t everything they’ve wanted. They are willing to wait for the right one. However, when

the right home checks all their boxes, some buyers are still willing to offer $50,000 - $80,000 over list. ‘A sale of mine this month went for $90,000 over list.’ A Realtor has to get really microneighborhood specifi c to be able to help their client, whether that’s list price strategy or offer price.

BP: What tips or advice would you give to someone looking to buy their fi rst home?

TN: The fi rst step is dialing in the fi nances and getting pre-approved with my team. Many times, buyers make the mistake of assuming monies paid off on certain debts will help them when a lot of the time the licensed mortgage offi cer can show where that money can be better spent so they qualify for better loan terms. Once that’s done, we get to the fun part, which is to dial in what they’re really looking for. I think it’s important for people to go drive in that community they want to be in, drive in that neighborhood that they think they want to be in morning, noon, and night. Don’t just look online. Go into the school your kids would attend, speak with the administration, speak with neighbors. You want to see what it’s like during commute time, after school time, during nighttime, and ask your Realtor for the list of questions they should be asking. An experienced and well-educated Realtor is your guide to taking the right steps.

Exterior renovations for the best return

Remodeling with a return on investment in mind can be a smart strategy for homeowners, whether one is thinking about moving in the next few months or farther down the road.

Though this approach is an inexact science, in many instances, it’s savvy for homeowners to consider what buyers may want when planning home improvements. Homeowners may be surprised to learn which renovations garner the best return on investment at resale. The home loan and refinancing company RenoFi indicates that overall home improvement projects provide a 70 percent return on investment on average. Many high-return on investment projects add functional space and improvement. The following are some exterior renovations that help homeowners recoup the most money at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2022 Cost vs. Value Report.”

1. Garage Door Replacement: 93.3 percent recouped of $4,041 cost

2. Manufactured Stone Veneer: 91.4 percent recouped of $11,066 cost

3. Siding replacement (Fiber Cement): 68.3 percent recouped of $22,093 cost

4. Window replacement (Vinyl): 67.5 percent recouped of $20,482 cost

5. Siding replacement (Vinyl): 67.2 percent recouped of $18,662 cost

6. Window replacement (Wood): 66.3 percent recouped of $24,388 cost

7. Deck addition (Wood): 64.8 percent recouped of $19,248 cost

8. Entry Door Replacement (Steel): 63.8 percent recouped of $2,206 cost The majority of renovations on Remodeling magazine’s list of the best investments are exterior renovations, making this area of a home a particular point of interest for homeowners. The only interior project that cracked the Top 10 return on investment for projects was a minor midrange kitchen remodel.

Exterior renovations perhaps add the most bang for your buck because they’re not only functional, but also because they add

immediate curb appeal. Much in the way it has been said people eat with their eyes first — which is why chefs spend so much time on elaborate plating — buyers will judge a property by how it looks when they arrive, even before they’ve stepped inside a home. In essence, home buyers often judge a book by its cover. A worn exterior may indicate

Homeowners should consider all factors before beginning a renovation. Certain projects offer a stronger return on investment than others, and that’s a significant consideration for homeowners thinking of selling their homes.

to potential buyers that the home was not maintained, however false that assumption may be.

For advice on how to upgrade your home, contact Carey Bros. Remodeling at www.careybros.com or by calling 877-734-6404

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Matthew Anderson DRE#01417175

Your Hometown Realtor ®

Making your new home a reality!

9030 Brentwood Blvd., Suite H Brentwood • (925) 584-6761

matthew.anderson1@yahoo.com

www.eastcontracostacountyrealestate.com

Courtesy of Metro Creative

Publication Date: August 11, 2023

for space reservation: August 1, 2023

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Buying a home still a numbers game

Potential home buyers still face financial shock this year while shopping for a home mortgage.

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate are 7.25% as of July 25 while a 15-year fixed rate is at 6.57%, according to Bankrate.com. This marks a contrast from the beginning of 2022, when interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate was at 3.55% and resulted in a housing market boom. However, with interest rates rising due to record inflation, the housing market cooled, thus creating a shortage of housing inventory, difficulty, and uncertainty for homeowners or prospective homeowners, local experts say.

“There are fewer buyers who can qualify for mortgages at the higher rates,” said Senior Financial Adviser David Roche of Apex Securities and Asset Management in Brentwood. “With rates going down, the value was going up. It’s a challenge. You’ve got other folks who are trying to get in. You have to come up with a bigger down payment, and I don’t know if people are sitting on all that extra cash. They know what they can afford.”

Statistics help explain the correlation between inflation and rising interest rates. Mortgage rates in 2020 dropped to historic lows as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate to nearly 0 percent to help stabilize the economy in the wake of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, experts said. By December 2020, the 30-year mortgage rate dropped to a new historic low of 2.68%. During 2021, mortgage rates varied between 2.70 and 3.10%, which enabled people to purchase properties or refinance at some of the lowest rates on record.

By March 2022, however, data from MPAMag.com shows that the consumer price index rose by 8.5%, the largest increase

since 1981. However, a recent Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the inflation rate has slowed to 3 percent last month, easing for 12 consecutive months and sitting at its lowest rate since March 2021.

What does this mean for the mortgage industry? Are interest rates still what they are because of inflation? “That’s the million dollar question these days,” said Cynthia Ulricksen of the Delta Lending Group of Brentwood. “Inflation is easing and improving, and we have not seen the equivalent of easing with interest rates. But yes, typically interest rates follow inflation, and we’re really hoping to see interest rates drop come the end of 2023 into 2024.”

According to Ulricksen, nothing much has changed with mortgages since March. Buyer activity has slightly increased as people have been forced to adjust to higher interest rates, while a few down payment assistance programs, such as CalHFA, have come and gone. Mortgage interest rates were hovering around 3.25 percent in January 2022. Prior to the release of an inflation report, mortgage rates were already increasing in early 2022, up from 3.45 percent at the start of the year.

In general, in Contra Costa county, year over year, as of June 2023, prices are down about 2.2% and the median price is around $840,000, said Nancy Gonzales of Homes 4 U By Nancy in Brentwood. While inventory is increasing in most cities in the county, “we are still running very low on inventory. A normal market carries 6 months of inventory. We are carrying about 1.25-2 months. There are buyers still out shopping and want home ownership. However, interest rates are playing a big part in qualification. There are sellers wanting to sell and maybe downsize, upsize or move out of the area. However they don’t as they have fixed rates as low as 2.9-4%. Why move and take a higher rate if they finance the new home. The current

see Buyers page 7B

SEAN TONGSON

market conditions do give homebuyers more negotiation power with sellers, with seller credits, and repairs.

Is there any other advice that you would like to give to any prospective homeowners going forward into the second half of 2023?

While interest rates now compared to the last two or three years may be considered high, historical data shows that mortgage interest rates now are comparatively low. Mortgage rates now are a stark contrast to those in the 1970s and 1980s, where mortgage rates remained in the double digits due to the rising annual inflation rate, topping out with a record high of 18.45 percent in 1981.

“Prices have continued to rise in all neighborhoods,” said Simone St. Clare, a real estate agent at Classic Real Estate Sales in Martinez. “There are fewer homes on the market for sale, and that is the main reason for the continued uptick in prices. Interest rates are now at their highest since April 2002. Not only are interest rates high, but the prices in 2002 were much lower than now, which results in an overall cost burden to buyers.”

Differing from fixed-rate mortgages are adjustable-rate mortgages, which are home loans that begin with a low, fixed interest “teaser” rate of three to 10 years, followed by periodic rate adjustments. Whether or not an adjustable-rate mortgage may be beneficial to a potential buyer can vary, as an adjustable-rate mortgage gives individuals flexibility and predictable, low payments for a certain amount of time. This could allow people to save money, but could also result in unpredictability and increased payments.

Shortening loan terms, converting loans, private mortgage insurances, consolidation of high-interest debts, buying investment properties, and financing repairs, renovations, or additions to a home are primary reasons people refinance, according to Banks.com. The primary reason however, is so people can obtain a lower interest rate and payment and therefore save money.

“Ever heard of ‘marry the house, date the rate’? Many buyers get into a home at the prevailing interest rate then refinance when the rates become more attractive,” said real estate agent Katherine Prinzivalli, who works for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Brentwood.. “There are currently loan programs that allow a buyer to lock in a rate, then refinance within a certain period at little to no cost.”

Still, in spite of mortgage rates remaining elevated, there are reasons for optimism looking ahead due to the easing of inflation, experts say.

“My best advice right now for a buyer’s financial future is this; yes interest rates are high right now, but most people don’t realize that in 2020-2021, 90 percent of homeowners that obtained a 3 percent or lower interest rate on their mortgage were already homeowners and obtained the low rate via a refinance,” said Ulricksen. “It’s financially sound to purchase a home now while the real estate prices are favorable with the knowledge that you can refinance to lower your rate and payment when rates drop again versus waiting for rates to drop like the majority of buyers are doing

because when rates drop and droves of buyers come out to the market it will create a buyer frenzy. And a buyer frenzy will drive prices up. Purchase your home at a reasonable price and rent the rate.”

St. Clare said there are some programs that have either grant money to offer or special pricing for some buyers, particularly first-time buyers, in the form of down payment assistance and lower rates. She advises finding an experienced real estate agent who knows how to work with buyers in this market and get educated on loans, while also advising sellers to work with an agent who will professionally stage the home and market it properly to receive top dollar as opposed to thinking that just sticking a sign on the front lawn will bring the best offer.

“Check references and be choosy. Not all agents are good at working with sellers, just as not all agents are good at working with buyers,” said St. Clare. “That agent needs to have excellent contacts with lenders who offer programs that have creative ways to qualify for a mortgage, including programs from the State that offer rate and/or payment reductions for certain categories of borrowers. Get educated on loans. There are programs out there that help borrowers with 3.5 percent down payments and rate reductions.”

Gonzales’ advice? “Buyers have much more negotiating power right now,” she said. “Use it to their advantage and ask the seller for credits to help pay down the interest rate. Look at the overall BIG picture of buying vs. renting, tax benefits. Rent is so high. If you can own, maybe not exactly your dream home right now, go for it , start somewhere, and get your foot in the door. You can refinance later. Ask yourself: If my payment to OWN is a few hundred more dollars, can I /am I willing to change some spending habits to be become a homeowner?”

More information about current mortgage rates can be found at the following link at https://www.bankrate.com/. Further information for the Delta Lending Group can also be found at https://pacresmortgage.com/delta-lending-group.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

The benefits of energy-efficient homes

Consumers’ efforts to be more eco-conscious are more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83 percent desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81 percent wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80 percent preferred energy-efficient lighting.

Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make

their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

Save money

Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3 per-

cent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.

Improve resale value

As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energyefficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.

Be healthier

The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.

- Courtesy of Metro Creative

What to know about installing a pool at home

Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people thinking of installing a pool in their backyard.

Pools definitely have a wow factor that’s hard to replicate. Homeowners considering pool installation can take note of these factors as they try to decide if a pool is right for them, especially if they are considering selling their house at some point because experts say it can add resale value.

Cost

The cost to install a pool depends on a host of factors, including which type of pool homeowners are considering and where they live. According to the online home improvement resource Angi (formerly Angie’s list), the average cost to install an above ground pool in the United States in 2022 was $3,322, while the average inground pool installation in the same year was $55,000. That’s quite a disparity in price, and homeowners should know that the average cost of each project

is higher in certain regions and under certain circumstances. Potential ancillary costs, such as excavation and plumbing relocation, will add to the final cost of the project. The erection of fencing around the pool if no fencing currently surrounds the area where the pool will be located also will add to the final cost.

Pool type

As noted, above ground pools, on average, require a considerably smaller financial investment than inground pools. This is an important consideration, but which option

may ultimately prove the better investment is worth researching. Homeowners can speak with a local real estate professional to determine if an inground pool or above ground might yield a significantly higher return at resale. If an inground pool is likely to increase property value by a substantial amount, it could be well worth the extra upfront costs.

Maintenance

Pools are undeniably fun, but they still require maintenance. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that vinyl liners in

pools last approximately six to 10 years, while painted concrete may require a fresh coat of paint every five years. Plaster finishes may last as long as 15 years, while cement-coated products can last a lifetime. Pools also need periodic cleaning, and chemicals to keep the pool operating safely and cleanly will require an additional, if somewhat minimal, financial investment. Homeowners investing in a new pool should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the pool clean and be willing to do that maintenance. And though homeowners typically can open and close pools on their own, it’s also possible to hire someone to do it for a relatively small fee each season.

Location

A survey of the land in a yard can reveal how smoothly a pool installation may or may not go. Though it’s possible to install a pool in just about any yard, some spaces might require greater preparation and pre-installation effort than others. Sloped backyards, for example, may require the services of a landscape architect to prepare the space, which can extend the time it takes to complete the project and add the overall cost.

These are just some of the factors that merit consideration when mulling a pool installation. A homeowners’ best resource might be a local pool company who can visit a home, provide an estimate and point out any challenges that may arise during the install.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Courtesy of Metro Creative

Installing a backyard pool can add resale value to a home.

Turn the key to your next vacation rental

Vacation time is included in many full-time professionals’ benefit packages. Too often, however, employees feel that personal time off is a luxury they cannot afford to use. When looking at vacation as a necessity rather than a luxury, workers may be more inclined to start planning time off.

The Harvard Business Review reports that data supports the notion that those who take more than 10 days of vacation are 30 percent more likely to receive a raise. Those who vacation often have greater job satisfaction. The World Health Organization found working 55 hours or more per week was associated with a 35 percent higher risk of stroke and a 17 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease than a standard work week. Studies have found that taking regular vacations may help reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome, which raises a person’s risk for various diseases.

People have different choices when planning vacations, and that includes a bevy of lodging options. The following is a breakdown of the types of properties vacationers can choose from.

♦ Rental by owner: Various companies facilitate the relationship between rental owner and renter. These include Airbnb, HomeAway and Vrbo, among others. These properties are stand-alone or in shared buildings. They’re frequently large and feature cooking spaces and multiple bedrooms, and typically do not come with the extra fees that some other vacation accommodations may tack on, such as paid parking.

♦ Bed and breakfast (B&B): A B&B rental is in a private home or inn. While accom-

modations may vary, one may get a private bedroom in the residence that may or may not include a private bathroom. B&B accommodations are smaller in scale than hotels, but offer a measure of personalized attention. B&B staff can help plan excursions and give opinions on attractions or restaurants in the area. As the name implies, breakfast is likely included in the stay, but guests may need to ferret out other meals.

♦ Hotel: A hotel is one of the more familiar vacation rentals that customers may encoun-

ter. They traditionally are large buildings that house many rooms. Shared spaces can include restaurants, gyms, pool areas, bars, and conference spaces. Some meals may be included in a hotel stay, like a continental breakfast. Perks may vary depending on the property.

♦ Motel: Motels are smaller and tend to be less luxurious than hotels. However, they can include basic accommodations that are perfect for short-term stays or breaks from long drives.

♦ All-inclusive: All-inclusive rentals generally are housed inside resort facilities. One price tends to cover the room, meals, activities, and sometimes even spirits. All-inclusive properties can cater to adults only or families. If the desire is to drop your bags and relax, an all-inclusive resort may be a place to consider.

♦ Timeshare: Technically not a rental, a timeshare, according to Investopedia, is a shared ownership model of vacation real estate. Multiple purchasers own allotments of usage of a property, which means they are allowed to use the property during certain times of the year - typically one-week stays. Those who purchase a timeshare may be restricted to one hotel or condominium, or those part of a larger company may be able to mix and match stays among a number of different properties for their designated weeks.

- Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Vacation

rentals enable people to get away throughout the year, which is good for individuals’ overall health and can even help them be more productive at work.

CALENDAR

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

This Week’s Events

Saturday, July 29 State of California Commissions

Appointments Workshop

The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls is hosting a workshop at the Brentwood Library at 104 Oak St., from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about state commissions, the application process and tips for a strong application. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3Kcqtas.

Sunday, July 30

2023 Celebrating Brentwood Gala Event

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a gala where they will announce winners for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Employee of the Year, Youth of the Year and Start-up of the Year. The gala will be at the Brentwood Community Center at 35 Oak St. from 4-8 p.m.

Tuesday, August 1

The Golden Years Expo Westmont of Brentwood at 450 John Muir Parkway is hosting an expo from 10 a.m.-noon. The event will feature a variety of senior services including information on downsizing your home, financial services, home health services, and mobile dentistry for Alzheimer’s patients, along with a classic cars display. For more information and to RSVP, call (925) 392-3991.

Thursday, Aug. 3-Saturday, Aug. 5

Used Book Sale in Antioch

The Friends of the Antioch Library is hosting a used book sale at the Antioch Library at 501 W. 18th St. Thursday hours are noon-6 p.m. Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday’s hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with a $5 brown bag sale open from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/43ARMlI.

Friday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 13

Ghostlight Theatre Presents: The Drowsy Chaperone

The Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble is putting on a production of The Drowsy Chaperone at the Edna Hill theater at 140 Birch St., on Aug. 4-6 and 11-13. The Aug. 4-5 shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Aug. 6 show begins at 2 p.m. The Aug. 11 show begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Aug. 12-13 shows begin at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $28; senior/student tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3pAZ9fa.

On the Horizon

Saturday, Aug. 5

Back-to-School Bash

The Streets of Brentwood at 2455 Sand Creek Road is hosting a free back-to-school party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. that will feature musical performances, face painting and other kid-friendly activities. Local schools and community groups will also have tables set up. For more informa-

Looking for more things to do? Look at the many local events on

tion, visit https://bit.ly/3ry27lb.

Trinkets & Treasures Flea Market

The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. is hosting their monthly flea market from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 6

Brentwood Rock N’ Rides Car Show

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition, in partnership with Bill Brandt Ford, is hosting a car show in downtown Brentwood on First, Oak and Chestnut streets from noon-5 p.m. The event will feature a kids zone, a performance by Choros Charas and other live music. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3q1pJ14

Monday, Aug. 7-Tuesday, Aug. 8

The Drama Factory Presents: The House on Galloway Street Auditions

The Drama Factory is hosting auditions for their upcoming show The House on Galloway street at the Nick Rodriguez Theatre, at 213 F St. at 7 p.m. both nights. For more information, contact Lee Ballesteros at director@dramafactory.org.

Thursday, August 10-Saturday, August 12

Big Cat Poker Run

The Discovery Bay Lions Club annual Big Cat Poker Run will be held at the Discovery Bay Marina at 5901 Marina Road. The event features a Sponsor Appreciation Night on Thursday from 6-10 p.m., a Lunch Run at 11:30 a.m, and a welcoming party from 5-9 p.m. on Friday and the Poker Run at 9 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/43sNI6Z

Saturday, Aug. 12

Beyond the Reef & Back to School Bash

Market in the Park is hosting a free back-to-school party in Brentwood City Park at 790 Second St., from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will feature DJ Jack Hook, a meeting spot with Princess Ariel (from the Little Mermaid movie), more than 40 vendors and back-to-school donation bins.

2023 Kids Fishing Derby

Oakley Recreation is hosting a fishing derby at the Oakley/Antioch Pier off Bridgehead Road at Wilbur Avenue from 8-11 a.m. Registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the derby runs from 9-11 a.m. For more information, call Alicia O’Leary at (925) 625-7044. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3XTujLv.

Saturday, Aug. 26

9th annual Hot August Bites

RioVision is hosting their annual rib and chili cook-off, Hot August Bites, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. in downtown Rio Vista. The event features live music, vendors, pony rides and a car and truck show. For more information and to enter the car and truck show and the rib and chili cook-off, visit https:// bit.ly/3pp0W72.

2023 Salvation Army 5th Annual Car Show & Fundraiser

Rivertown Community Church and the Disciples Car Club Ministry are hosting their fifth annual car show and fundraiser to benefit the Salvation Army from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration is $25 for cars and motorcycles, and $15 for bikes. The event will also feature raffle prizes and community craft vendors. Registration opens at 8 a.m.