The Press 09.23.2022

Parks district helps buy Finley Ranch

by Chris Campos Staff Writer

REGIONAL Called the “key stone” to protecting open space on Mount Diablo, the East Bay Parks District recently approved spending $11.4 million to pur chase the 768-acre Finley Road Ranch

Theproperty.parkdistrict’s board of directors authorized the option agreement on Sept. 6. Long time Board member Beverly Lane announced the pact Sept. 10 at Save Mount Diablo’s 50th anniversary Moonlight on the Mountain gala.

“I’m retiring this fall after 28 years as an elected member of the East Bay Regional Park District board of directors,” Lane reflected. “I do feel that it’s been an honor to be on this board. The Park District has really helped ensure that the natural beauty that we have all around us is protected. In a lot of ways this is my opportu nity to say goodbye to the Park

On Sept. 6, the East Bay Regional Parks

robbedPair AmericaBankBrentwoodatof

BRENTWOOD A mother and daughter were left shaken fol lowing a robbery in the Bank of America parking lot on Lone Tree Way in Brentwood, Mon day, Sept. 19.

District with another great suc cess.”The park district paid $200,000 for the option to pur chase the property. The district has until Nov. 22 to exercise the purchase option, but may ex tend the option through March 24, 2023, for an additional $200,000 payment.

The property is one of the largest remaining pristine, but unprotected, open space landscapes adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. It is located on the southern flank of the park at the mouth of Riggs Canyon, which extends deep into the park and the adjacent Morgan Territory Regional

Preserve. The proposed acquisi tion would secure a site for the eventual development of a stag ing area at the entrance to the canyon, greatly improving rec reational access into this rela tively remote area that is laced with an extensive trail network.

see Parks page 22A

Oakley woman charged with murdering boyfriend

by Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer

by Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer newspaper racks and inside businesses around town this week.

The annual magazine features top restaurants, general services, businesses, parks and hundreds of other categories as voted by Press readers. If you did not receive a magazine, call (925) 6341441 or stop by The Press building at 248 Oak Street in Brentwood to pick up a free copy. To view online, visit www.thepress.net

OAKLEY Several months after the Oakley Police Department deter mined that 74-year-old Judith Good ner shot and killed her estranged boyfriend in an act of self defense, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged her with murder.

Goodner was taken into custody on September 9 and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Bail has

The mother and daughter – whose names, ages and home town were not released – were attacked in the parking lot at about 3:30 p.m. The suspects, described as Black males, were able make off with a purse and wallet containing $3,500 that the victims had just withdrawn, ac cording to an eyewitness. A cell phone was also stolen, but later recovered near the scene.

A woman who witnessed the crime described hearing the vic tims scream for help.

“He was swinging punches at these two women and he was pulling on the woman’s purse, while trying to get away,” said Emily, the eyewitness who re quested her last name not be used,The victims were not in jured in the incident, accord ing to Brentwood Police Public Information Officer Lt. Walter O’Grodnick.Surveillance footage recov ered by police showed that the main perpetrator had entered the bank and was allegedly scop

see Robbery page 22A

Photo by Michael Reeves

Antioch participates in 38th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day

“We are focused on keeping the com munity clean, especially with the homeless population in Downtown Antioch, and in general making sure trash doesn’t go into the ocean,” Flanagan said.

by Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

ANTIOCH

The city of Antioch is now 115 bags of trash cleaner after volunteers partic ipated in the 38th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day at the Antioch Marina down town or at the Antioch Waterpark across from Deer Valley High School.

Antioch has previously participated in Coastal Cleanup Day, but this year had an especially high turn out of volunteers who signed-up online and others who showed up on Sept.

Rhonda17.Flanagan, the Antioch Senior Center’s Nutrition Department Program Specialist and the local Coastal Cleanup organizer, said more people — 50-60 –signed up this year due to COVID-19 lim iting the event to self-guided cleanups the past two

“There’syears.also a lot of people show ing up to both locations who didn’t sign

up and just want to come down and help,” she Accordingsaid. to a preliminary results report from the California Coastal Com mission, Coastal Cleanup also operates as a community science project, as volunteers are expected to keep track of the trash and recycled material removed from their en vironment. Data collected from previous years clean-up efforts states that 75 percent of debris removed was plastic. Addition ally, data from the statewide cleanup pre vents 80 percent of trash that originates on

Photo by Rene De Amaral

California land from ending up in the ocean. The current state wide count of trash and recycled materials collected stands at 125 tons collected by 27,185Californiavolunteers.Coastal Cleanup Day is a part of the International Coastal Clean up, organized by Ocean Conservancy, the world’s largest volunteer event dedicated to the marine environment. The goal is to en courage participants to clean up their local waterways and coasts and their local com munities and neighborhoods.

Local service groups at the event in cluded the Antioch Rotary Club. The Coastal Cleanup day lines up with Ro tary’s goal of ways to serve the commu nity. “We’re always looking for and keep ing projects in front of us, especially in our backyard,” said Antioch Rotary President Ron Parish. “Rotary International made the environment a priority this past year. So we’re trying to organize more of our ef forts. We’ve always prioritized medical care, seniors, schools, and overall healthy citi zens, and the environment is a part of that.”

Former Antioch Rotary president and current public relations chairperson Tir rell Muhammad encourages people to get active in your community by looking for initiatives or programs that already exist. “If someone wants to get active, the goal is to find out what’s already going on in the community that we can be supportive of and double down on. If there’s a gap you can participate in, it makes things easier and enjoyable.”

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

115 bags of trash collected at Antioch Waterpark and Antioch Marina

More than 50 volunteers in participatedAntioch in the 38th trash.100pickingwatersthetoDayCoastalCaliforniaannualCleanuponSept.17helpkeepcityanditsclean,upoverbagsof

Algae experiment fizzles along with algae

by Dawnmarie CorrespondentFehr

An experiment to mitigate harmful blooms from Blue Green Algae has sunk due to communication and supply issues.

The experiment ran for six of the planned 12 weeks earlier this summer in Wil low Lake, but when the manufacturer of the chemical being tested in the waters pulled their product, the operation was canceled.

“It was supposed to be a three-month project, everyone was on board, $200,000 worth of product, and we started going,” said Jim Mattison, who brought together the necessary entities for the experiment. “Then the main company in Israel decid ed they didn’t want to use as much prod uct as the project was originally slated for. So they decided to back out.”

The product being tested in Willow Lake was a hydrogen peroxide compound designed to float on the water where it could attack and mitigate the toxic algae blooms. Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide products can fight the blooms without disturbing the rest of the Delta environment. However, it seems this year, the algae is on a downward trend.

Frank Morgan is a longtime resident of Discovery Bay and lives in a home with a deep water dock. He said he hasn’t seen the telltale scum of the algae blooms con gregating in the corners of local bays like they have the past five years.

“I could see the particles of algae in the water, like glitter, but (the blooms) were not an issue where I’m at, and even at the marina I walk to several times a week, I didn’t notice at all the issue we have had in years past,” Morgan said. “So yes, you can have issues in some places, but it’s not at all widespread throughout Discovery Bay this year. And usually where it collects is where water does not flow or refresh.”

Algae blooms have been a hotly de bated topic in Discovery Bay each sum mer for the past five years. While fast-wa ter areas where boaters congregate aren’t affected, residents who enjoy a swim off their dock might see the trademark green, white or brown foam or scum indicative of algae blooms before jumping in.

When the algae bloom, they release toxins, and the scum can float on top of the

water or suspend in the water. This only hap pens in warm, shallow and stagnant water.

The toxins are usually only danger ous if ingested. Most people aren’t in clined to swim in scummy water, but pets who enjoy a dip in the Delta could get the scum on themselves and inadvertently in gest it when they lick themselves.

Media reports have been detrimental to businesses, home values and the local economy and residents resent that, espe cially since the blooms are only in outof-the way corners and don’t affect recre ational water

Mattison,visitors.whois also president of the Discovery Bay Community Founda tion, said he has no proof, but thinks the liquid Diquat used to treat aquatic weeds may be the Mattisonreason.isnow working with the Army Corps of Engineers to find a new product to mitigate algae blooms. The project will involve the county, local and state water boards and the Reclamation 800 District. The Town of Discovery Bay has no authority on the Delta and won’t be involved.“Wewill look at similar products to the ones we used in Willow Lake,” Mat tison said. “Army Corps of Engineers is going to be a lead agency in the state for Blue Green Algae. If they like the product they will fund the whole thing. We will find a similar hydrogen peroxide product and see what we can do.”

A 12 week plan to eliminate harmful Blue Green Algae blooms ended after just six weeks after the manufacturers of the chemical treatment backed out of the project.

Press file photo

State sets up website abortionfacilitatingaccess

SACRAMENTO As other states ban re productive health care and criminalize doctors and patients, Gov. Gavin New som has announced the launch of abor tion.ca.gov. The website provides state residents and those outside of California with information about abortions, their legal rights, where to find providers, how to pay for services and financial assis tance, ways to locate wellness and emo tional support, and more.

While other states try to prevent people from accessing this information or traveling to other states to obtain re productive health care services, abortion. ca.gov provides information specifically for those coming to California for an abortion. The website does not collect any personal information about visitors to the site, according to a press release from the governor’s Abortion.ca.govoffice.is available in Spanish and will be translated into sev eral additional languages. It includes a Find a Provider tool for users to search for health care providers, as well as in formation if you live outside of Califor nia about the legal right to an abortion in California and traveling here to get services.“In California we’ve made it clear that we trust women and respect every woman’s right to make decisions about

their reproductive health and future,” said first partner Jennifer Siebel New som. “We know that when those rights are taken, it can have grave consequenc es on women’s health, safety, economic security, and ability to live and thrive. So as other states seek to limit and fully strip their residents of these basic rights, we’re taking real steps to make it easier for those here – and out of state –to access care.”

Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Califor nia, applauded the new website.

“This new website is a critical re source, providing essential information to patients in and out of California, and can hopefully serve as a model for the rest of the nation,” Hicks said. “No per son should be forced to travel outside of their home state for essential health care, including abortion care, yet extreme politicians are making that a reality for millions across the country. This new website will increase access to accurate information and is critical so that peo ple can seek the care they want or need here in California. Planned Parenthood was proud to support this effort and we thank Governor Newsom for making it a reality – this website truly demonstrates California’s commitment to expanding abortion access.”

County offering Omicronspecific COVID booster shots

Boosters targeting the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are being offered through Contra Costa County via vac cinations clinics, according to county health

Boostersofficials.from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration Aug. 31. and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sept. 1. The boosters target the BA.4 and BA.5 sub variants of omicron along with the origi nal COVID strain, county officials said in a press release.

The Pfizer booster is available to people ages 12 and older while the Mod erna booster is available only to adults. The bivalent boosters are available to those who received their last vaccine dose two months prior.

According to the FDA’s website, the bivalent booster will be used for all future booster vaccinations for people ages 12 and up. Boosters for children aged 5-11, primary series vaccinations and additional dose vaccinations for those who are immunocompromised are unchanged.Booster vaccination appointments for

Brentwood service clubs clean up trail

Over 100 volunteers, including community members and volunteers from local service organizations, came out on Sept. 10 to clean up a section of the Marsh Creek Trail between Creekside Park and Sand Creek Road in Brentwood. The event was a joint effort between the Brentwood Rotary Club, Soroptimist International of the Delta, Brentwood Lions and the City of Brentwood. “This trail is a jewel in our community,” said event organizer Dana Eaton. Eaton is also the president of Brentwood Rotary. “I am so pleased that so many members of our community gave up part of their Saturday to make this area even better. While I am a Rotarian, I feel fortunate to live in a community where we have several outstanding service organizations that work hard to make Brentwood even better. In addition, I sincerely appreciate the support of the Brentwood Police Department who supported this effort with supplies and labor. We hope to have another event early next year.” To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Contra Costa County residents can now schedule an appointment for a booster shot that targets the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Contra Costa County can be made at andersAntioch,Countyorcovidvaccine.cchealth.org/COVIDVaccinehttps://bycalling(833)829-2626.ContraCostaisalsoofferingwalk-inclinicsinConcordandRichmond.Boostarealsoavailablebyhealthcareprovidersretailpharmacies.

Sponsored by: Contra Costa Jewish Community Center CCJCC

Press photo

Fall salmon fishing off to a slow start due to drought

by Dane CorrespondentDickerson

Climate change has taken its toll on the Chinook salmon migration from the Pacific Ocean into Delta waters. This year’s fall run is late due to various environmental factors, causing concern for fishermen and conser vationists alike.

The inland Chinook Salmon fishery in the Central Valley opened the fall salmon fishing season from July 16 to Dec. 16. Still, local anglers are waiting for the right time to hit the water. Popular spots to hook keepers this time of year, including Sherman Island, the Antioch Marina by Smith’s Landing Sea food Grill, and Rio Vista banks, are barren. These venues, where in past years as many as 100 or more shore anglers and boats gath ered, are empty, save for a hopeful few.

High water temperatures and low water levels are to blame, according to many area fishermen, with Delta water measuring 70 de grees Fahrenheit during the recent heat wave.

The state Department of Fish and Wild life says ideal Delta temperatures for salmon migration should be in the low- to mid-60s, so ideal spawning ground temperatures should be in the mid-50 degrees or lower range.

Jonathan Nelson, environmental pro gram manager of the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, explains several factors at play: “One of the challenges is that we are in the transition between the ocean and river migration and over the past several years we have been seeing later return timing into the Delta and river, so this may just be a delay in migration timing… During elevated water

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temps, they are primarily focused on getting upstream and less interested in holding in the lower river and being tempted by fish ing lures.” Increased water temperatures, re cently harmful algae blooms, a high number of pathogens, and poor oxygen levels due to low water flow all increase their risk for prespawnDespitemortality.thescarcity of fresh water, some say saving the fish should be more of a prior ity. Ken How, a Stockton angler who fishes the fall salmon run annually, believes raising the Delta water levels is imperative.

“Yeah, you know they should be think ing about what’s going on. If it’s that hot and the fish are running, let’s let some more water out even though there’s a shortage. Let’s save the fish, you know; winter’s right around the corner,” How said. “If there’s not any water, fresh water coming in, they die.”

Water temperatures are expected to con tinue cooling, which will hopefully allow bet ter conditions for salmon spawning and deter mined anglers. Hugh Henderson, manager of Hook, Line & Sinker tackle shop in Oakley, says people are still buying salmon gear.

An unnamed worker at Antioch’s Got cha Bait and Tackle Inc. suggests that bank fishermen upgrade to a heavier spinner when fishing deeper Delta waters because they sink further and cast much farther..

“There is always a concern when we see low early returns and pre-spawn mortalities this early in the season, and yes, if there turns out to be low returns that result in reduced spawning there will likely be some reduction or impact to future year returns,” Nelson said.

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Antioch library gets $1 million state grant for improvements

The Antioch Library has been awarded a $1,057,533 state grant for in frastructure improvements.

“The money was in response to an application made by the library which specified the project to be undertaken,” said Alex Vassar of the Cali fornia State Library system told The Press via email. “The selec tion criteria was set in the most recent state budget, and Round One funding was prioritized for projects in highpoverty areas and ad dressing life-safety and critical maintenance and infrastructure needs.”The Antioch Library, located at 501 W 18th Street, will use the grant to fund a roof replacement, an electrical service upgrade and new LED interior and exterior Antioch,lighting.partof the Contra Costa County Library system, is one of the 172 cities statewide to receive $254 million in grants from a $439 million

Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program – the largest investment in public library infrastructure in Cali fornia history, according to a press re lease from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

“Public libraries are the hearts of com munities across the state and our hubs of learning, discovery, and oftentimes – safe ty,” Newsom said in a press release. “While states across the nation are banning books, California is awarding $254 million in grants for our historic public libraries – an investment to make books more accessible by repairing and mod ernizing libraries throughout the state.”

First priority for grants was given to the state’s least-resourced commu nities and projects that address longdelayed critical life and safety facility needs including seismic safety, heating and air system replacement, building security, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.

When: October 8, 2022 Ages: 4-15 Time: 9:00 am - Noon

Where: Waldie Plaza, Downtown Antioch

When: October 13, 2018 Time: 9:00 am - NoonAges: 7 - 14 10:45

Calendar

Events

Friday, Sept. 23

Pillars of Hope, Inc. First Golf Tournament

Pillars of Hope, Inc., a local non-profit organiza tion, is helping victims of human trafficking through our Victim Assistance Program by raising funds with their first golf tournament at Lone Tree Golf Course to provide services to victims of human trafficking. In-person registration and a Putting Competition start at 11 a.m. The tournament will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m. with a buffet dinner and awards after play. Registration is $150 per golfer. For more information and to register visit https://bit.ly/3B2mhGc

Saturday, Sept. 24

Heart of Oakley Festival

The Heart of Oakley Festival runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza. The festival is an annual open-air market that brings local makers, families and residents. Live music from Carnaval (Santana tribute) and Fleetwood Mask (Fleetwood Mac tribute). For more information, call 925-625-7041 or visit heartofoakleyfestival.com

Bethel Island Boats & Berries Music Festival

The Bethel Island Boats & Berries Music Festival runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Bethel Island Scout Hall. The Festival will feature a variety of entertainment, including a boat show, parade, berry pie-eating contest, a dog show, and many more family-friend ly activities. For more information and to register for the free event, visit https://bit.ly/3f4gYxz

Banner Up!

The Art Guild of the Delta is hosting a Banner Up! gala fundraising event at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building. The event begins at 5 p.m. and includes live music by 4 X West, Dinner catered by the Holy Smoker and a banner auction at 8 p.m. Dinner tickets can be purchased online at https://rb.gy/yw355j or at the Delta Gallery during open hours.To view a gallery of the banners, visit banner-up-gallerywww.artguildofthedelta.org/

Sunday, Sept. 25

High Holy Day Services

Congregation B’nai Torah is hosting a High Holy Days at the Brentwood Community Center on Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 4-5. Services included are Erev Rosh Hashanah, a Family Fun Day, Rosh Hashanah morning service, and Tashlich Service/Bring Your Lunch. For more information and to register for the services, visit https://bit.ly/BT2022HHD

Friday, Sept. 30

Great Gatsby

A Night at the APOL Speakeasy

A Place of Learning (APOL) is hosting a fundraiser at Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill from 6-10:30 p.m. APOL is a nonprofit program dedicated to offer ing free tutoring services to low-income students that runs solely on donations. Tickets are $75. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3Bzcs2F

Senior Resource Fair

The Antioch Senior Center is hosting a resource fair from 10 a.m. to noon. This free event will offer seniors information on caregiving resources, educational programs, financial retirement, and much more. For more information, call (925)778-1158.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Fall Fest and Barbecue Cook-Off

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation is hosting a Fall Fest and barbecue cook-off in downtown Antioch’s Rivertown District from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. The Fall Fest will have live music, craft vendors, and local wine and beer.

Out of the Darkness Community Walks

The annual Oakley Out of the Darkness Community Walk will start at Cypress Grove Park at 9 a.m. This event will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education, research and survi vor support programs. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3LsxjZ3

Saturday, Oct. 8

OktoberFest in Downtown Brentwood

OktoberFest is a free community event that runs from 2-7 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. The annual festival will feature traditional German fare, food and beers. Guests can enter their dachshunds into the Wiener Dog Races, and enjoy a variety of other contests and games.

Thursday, Oct. 13

Antioch’s Big Truck Day

Antioch’s Recreation Department is hosting the family-friendly event, Big Truck Day, where kids can learn about all the different vehicles that clean, repair, and keep the city safe. Police cars, trash trucks, street sweepers and other vehicles will be on display. This free event will be at the Antioch Community Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15

Health and Resource Fair

A free health and resource fair will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 971 O’Hara Avenue, in Oakley. Organizations expected to attend include BART, City of Oakley, Oakley Police Dept, Oakley Recreation, Oakley Seniors, Oakley Veterans, Rotary of Oakley, East Bay Park District, CAL Fresh, Columbiettes of St. Anthony’s, Liberty Adult Education, Oakley Library, Oakley Delta Lions, ConFire, Tri Delta Transit, Contra Costa County Health, Diablo Water District, Iron House Sanitary District, Delta Veterans Group, California Department of Insurance and more. A blood drive and vaccine clinic are also planned. For more information, call 925-813-9069 or email rsnmhig@yahoo.com.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Oaktober Harvest Festival

The 14th Oaktober Harvest Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, from noon-4 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza in Oakley. This year’s Oaktober has been revamped to include beer and wine, a familyfriendly costume parade, the return of the canine parade, a pumpkin decorating contest, and more.

Saturday, Oct. 29

Hometown Halloween

Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Hometown Halloween, a free trick-or-treating event from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. There will also be a free showing of the film Hotel Transylvania in the park following the event.

Ongoing Events

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https:// www.brentwoodrotary94513.com Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://rotary clubofoakley.com Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit http:// www.antiochrotaryclub.com/ Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Rotary club meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at Peony Restaurant.

East County Lions Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth

Looking more things to do?

Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more informa tion, visit: are/meetings/https://discoverybaylions.com/who-weByron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://eclubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/ Brentwood Community Chorus

The Brentwood Community Chorus meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church (809 Second St.) in Brentwood to rehearse for their holiday concerts. All are welcome.

Delta Gallery Art Show

Delta Gallery Community Art Center in Brentwood is hosting two art shows. These include the Art Guild of the Delta Third Quarter Art Show with original artwork by local artists and a special show by the P.A.I.N.T. Group (Promoting Arts, Individuals and Natural Talents) program. The second quarter show from the Art Guild of the Delta includes painting, pho tography, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. The P.A.I.N.T. Group art show is a collection of artwork showcasing local talent from participants of the P.A.I.N.T. Group program, a Brentwood-based creative arts day program for adults with intellec tual challenges. The gallery is at 2485 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128. The gallery is open ThursdaySunday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.deltagallery.com/ Life and Times of John Marsh Art Show Opens at the Delta Gallery

The Delta Gallery in association with the John Marsh Historic Trust, is hosting The Life and Times of John Marsh an art show consisting of artwork featuring the John Marsh property, Rancho Los Meganos or pastoral views of Contra Costa County as it would have been in the 1850s. The free show is being displayed at the Delta Gallery at 2485 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128, in Brentwood. The gallery is open Thursday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.deltagallery.com/

Nonprofit offers Health Care Career Courses

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

Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings

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

East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum opens

The East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum (3890 Sellers Ave. in Brentwood) is now open Saturdays between 2 and 4 p.m. and the third Sunday of each month until October. Displays in Byer-Nail House and Homer’s Shed have been updated, according to officials. For more information, visit https://eastcontracosta history.org

California Striped Bass Association West Delta Chapter Meeting

The California Striped Bass Association meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Sportsmen Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. For more information, call Moe Adams five days before meeting at 916-529-1192. For more infor mation, visit www.csbadeltachapter.org

Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting

The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-338-1775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https://www. mcl1155.org/

Applications accepted for Administrative Careers Training

The nonprofit Opportunity Junction is accepting applications for its administrative careers train ing program. Classes are taught via Zoom. The intensive training is 12 weeks, followed by up to four months of paid internship. Participants will learn life and business skills, and can earn their Microsoft Office Skills certificate. For more infor mation, visit org/program-applicationhttps://www.opportunityjunction.

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

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

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

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

Coffee with Carolyn

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

Community Resource Classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting non-denominational community resource classes at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2350 Jeffery Way in Brentwood. The free, 10-week courses will touch on personal finance, starting and growing your own business, emotional resilience, English as a second language, finding a better job and life skills. These are 10-week courses that meet once per week. To register or for more information, visit https://linktr.ee/antiochSR

Oakley 4-H Club

The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. For location information, email Amanda at oakley@ contracosta.org.

Boondoggies serves up Casper hot dogs, polish dogs, nachos and much more! Since starting in 2018 with a vintage-style hot dog cart, they’ve added an AirstreamStyle concessions trailer, two concessions stand locations, including Sunset Park Athletic Complex, Contra Loma Regional Park Swim Lagoon, and, most recently, a new storefront in downtown Brentwood. (Where Dino’s used to be) Boondoggies looks forward to serving the community for many years to come. First St., Brentwood 925-684-7825

Governor signs bill to down on illegal sideshows

by Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer

East County cities are going to re ceive help from new state legislation to re duce the number of dangerous sideshow and street racing incidents.

On Monday, Sept. 19, Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2000, a bipartisan measure that aims to crack down on dan gerous driving including street racing, “sideshows,” and street takeovers which continue to cause injuries and fatalities across California, according to a press re lease from District 45 Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s office.

AB 3, signed into law in 2021, autho rizes the court to revoke a person’s license for 90 days to six months if caught driving at excessive highway speeds. Statewide law enforcement groups have determined that driver’s license suspension is an effective de terrent to illegal and dangerous motor ve hicle operation. AB 2000 will allow courts to issue a driver’s license suspension for the exhibition of motor vehicle speed during a sideshow taking place in a parking lot—an area not currently covered under the law— and thereby helps to further deter individu als from engaging in these dangerous ac tivities, according to the press release.

Across the state, COVID-19 has caused a sharp rise in illegal street racing activity as drivers took advantage of roads emptied by stay-at-home orders. In 2020, the Cali fornia Highway Patrol responded to more than 25,000 calls involving illegal street rac ing activity statewide, an increase of more than 3,500 calls from the year before, ac cording to Gabriel’s office.

“AB 2000 will help us save lives, and prevent further crashes and drivers going to prison for manslaughter,” said Lili Tru jillo, Founder and Executive Director of Street Racing Kills, a non-profit created in 2014 after Trujillo’s 16-year-old daughter,

Valentina, was killed in a street racing inci dent. “An exhibition of speed in a parking lot is way too common now and people are being hurt and killed, AB 2000 is definitely a great tool to help us save lives.”

In 2021, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe declared his city to be a “no side show zone.” However, police officers have been struggling to enforce the policy, as evidenced by a large sideshow event that took place at the intersection of 18th and A streets in Antioch in May. This particular incident resulted in one Antioch police ve hicle being rendered inoperable and several others being hit with bottles from sideshow spectators and participants from inside their vehicles, according to officials.

“These incidents bring great danger to responding officers, participants and by standers,” said Antioch Police Chief Steve Ford during a May news conference. “Let me be clear: Violent, disruptive behavior

will not be tolerated. To those from out of town, you are welcome to enjoy our city, parks and amenities. But if you engage in sideshow activity, your vehicle will be towed. Going forward, there will be a zerotolerance approach to sideshows in the city of Antioch, and all resources at our dispos al will be used to mitigate these activities.”

In Antioch, sideshow participants al ready face having their vehicles impounded for 30 days, with a $3,000 cost to recover them and a $300 citation.

Brentwood Police Lt. Walter O’Grodnick said this type of behavior has become more prevalent and dangerous.

“The people participating in these sideshows are acting with reckless disre gard against the safety of themselves, oth er drivers around them and to law enforce ment,” O’Grodnick said. “Their actions are unpredictable and dangerous.”

O’Grodnick said that their investiga

tions don’t end when the crowds disperse. He said officers use all the equipment at their disposal to investigate, including dash cameras and license plate readers in their patrol units. Investigators will also utilize social media to see if videos of the inci dents have been posted.

“We do our best to monitor social media platforms to investigate, or in some cases, prevent such incidents,” he said.

If the evidence warrants action, Brentwood police will sometimes issue seizure orders of suspect vehicles and in some cases cite people and make arrests after the fact.

“We make every effort to follow up on sideshow activity,” O’Grodnick said. “We want to see this type of activity curbed.”

The City of Oakley has passed an an ti-sideshow ordinance that allows them to take legal action against both participants and spectators of the illegal activities. Any person who violates this ordinance could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and sub ject to jail time and a $1,000 fine.

In July, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard gave a presentation to the City Council on the dangerous nature of side shows, reiterating that they can result in damage to vehicles, public and private property damage, lack of road access for first responders, and injury or death to participants and onlookers.

“We did have a sideshow here in Oakley where one of our officers was attacked,” said Beard. “He was not injured. They began to descend on his car, but he was able to back out of the scene. A shot was fired. We don’t believe it was at our officer, but we believe it was more or less just a shot in the air.”

Following the April incident, there was a pursuit, and a stolen vehicle and stolen gun were recovered, according to Beard.

“[Sideshows] are a problem state wide,” Beard said.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

A new bipartisan bill introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to crack down on dangerous driving, including sideshows. Police in Brentwood, Oakley and Antioch say they have seen a rise in this activity recently.

Press file photo

Hometown SportS

Heritage alum honored for long fight back to mound

by Michael CorrespondentDixon

Baseball handed Garrett Jensen a knockdown pitch before his college career even Jensen,began. a Brentwood pitcher on the San Francisco State’s baseball team, was recently honored with the CalHope Cour age Award for the month of September. Jensen, a 2019 Heritage High School grad uate, was honored for overcoming signifi cant adversity in pursuing his sport. Cal Hope’s issues the monthly award to honor student-athletes at California colleges and universities “for overcoming the stress, anxiety, and mental trauma associated with personal hardships and adversity.”

Jensen (who received the honor along with female winner, Stanford basketball player Cameron Brink) has overcome a number of Duringobstacles.hissophomore year with the Patriots, Jensen began noticing a seri ous problem with his left leg. It started in workouts. During physical education class, his leg would drag while running bleach ers. During travel baseball, Jensen, then an outfielder, would have a hard time chasing down fly balls. Then, he began to drag his left leg during more routine activities, like walking around campus.

Initially, Jensen, who stands 6-foot-4 inches tall, thought it might have been a challenge of going through puberty. But

eventually, his left side became partially paralyzed. Doctors eventually found a tumor on his spine, roughly the size of a lemon.“I was on break from school and couldn’t walk around the house,” Jensen recalled. “I was in a wheelchair and com pletely unable to walk on my own. That was when they found it. I remember hear ing the exact quote. They said if they had waited 24-48 more hours to do the X-ray, they think I would have been completely paralyzed from the waist down.”

Finding and removing the tumor was the first hurdle to clear but it was far from the last. After the surgery, Jensen spent a week in intensive care then more physical rehabilitation for a week at a Vallejo facil ity. While there, he had to relearn activities like moving his hands, brushing his teeth and standing up. Eventually, he began walking. Three weeks later, he went home.

From there, the gradual recovery pro cess continued. After relearning how to walk, Jensen began running again. Even tually, he began working on other baseball activities, such as throwing and hitting, as well as lifting weights and rebuilding his strength.“It’s a slow process. Each day there are small steps,” he said. “I was very hesi tant on the mental side. It’s scary. On the mental side, you don’t know if you’re going to reinjure something.”

Early in Jensen’s senior season at Her

itage, he experienced another problem. He was experiencing some of the same issues again. An MRI showed spinal curvature that required surgery. The bad news? It was going to sideline him for the rest of his senior season at Heritage. That news also came shortly after he received the offer to play at San Francisco State.

“I had to tell the coaches I wouldn’t be playing much my senior year,” Jensen recalled. “And my freshman year of col lege, I wasn’t going to be 100 percent. That was the COVID year and it actually gave me time to get my feet under me and catch up.”

Jensen was grateful to his teammates, as well as his parents, Bruce and Kirsten, and many other friends from home for their help in his recovery process.

Jensen was honored to receive the award several years after his initial plight began, knowing that his journey has been impactful to people. He enjoys hearing sto ries from people who say they were inspired and said that “being honored for that was something I’ll forever be proud of.”

While just returning to play again was a huge accomplishment for Jensen, but how did he do?

“I think with everything, there are positives and negatives,” he said. “The team wasn’t as good and personally I wasn’t as good as I wanted. But that doesn’t take away from the positives. I hit 90 mph for the first time in my career.”

“Being able to evolve as a college baseball player was really uplifting,” added Jensen. “It’s crazy that after 3-4 years I got to play a full season. Not a day goes by where I don’t appreciate that.”

FalconsCorrespondentDixon down Knights for first win

by Michael

After starting the season 0-2, Free dom’s football team entered last Friday’s game against Menlo School needing a win. They got that, defeating the visiting Knights 38-14. The game was scoreless after one quar ter. Menlo punted on the first play of the second quarter, pinning Freedom back on its ownThat’s12. when the Falcons took over. One play later, Freedom was in the end zone on an 88-yard touchdown run from senior Dominick Tomlin. The Falcons were back in the end zone on their next drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Myles Hunt to senior Samaje Featherstone for a 13-0 lead at halftime.

What was the difference between the first and second quarters? “Just the momen tum, hearing the crowd and everyone getting pumped,” Tomlin said. “Realizing that this

team isn’t good -- or not good enough to stop us -- and they’re not going to keep up with our tempo.”

The third quarter was more of the same. Junior running back Herschel Turner Jr. scored a touchdown on both of Free dom’s first two pos sessions on runs of 25 and 58 yards. The Knights finally an swered to cut the deficit to 25-7 but Turner scored his third touchdown of the game on the final play of the quarter to give the Falcons a 32-7 lead, putting the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

Both teams added a touchdown in the final quarter to round out the scoring. Freedom’s score came on defense when line backer Luis Aleman-Sapinozo recovered a fumble and ran 50 yards for the touchdown.

While Freedom moved to 1-2 with the win, it was initially supposed to be the

fourth game of the season. The Falcons were initially scheduled to play at Grant High School in Sacramento on Friday, Sept. 9, but bad air quality forced that game to be canceled. One week later, the Freedom play ers saw how much the unintended bye week helped“Thatthem. gave us an advantage, too,” Turner said.

“It really helped us,” Tomline agreed. “We had a few bad practices and that really hit us. We don’t want to have bad practices, espe cially during game week. Us miss ing a week gave us an extra week to want to strive to be better.”

While the Falcons were pleased with the lopsided victory, they also saw some areas to improve upon with the Bay Valley Athletic League season fast approaching.  One area of improvement is special teams, specifically extra points, coaches

said. Freedom scored six touchdowns on the day but missed out on five points with four failed“Onconversions.thePATs, we’re going to add more practice time,” coach Zach Sims said. “Those are just the kind of things that hap pen in the excitement of the game.”

“I wasn’t really satisfied with the win, and everyone was asking me, ‘What’s wrong?’” Turner said. “That team shouldn’t have been that close with us. We could have done better. We’re going to go to practice and fix up those things.”

Freedom will next be in action on Friday, Sept. 23 against Chula Vista High School from Southern California. That will also be the homecoming night for the Fal cons. After that, Freedom will get its BVAL schedule going with a home game against Heritage on Friday, Sept. 30. All remaining games for the Falcons, home and road, have 7 p.m. kickoffs.

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Heritage graduate Garrett Jensen, seen here pitching for the San Francisco State baseball team, was one of the September recipients of the CalHope Courage Award. Jensen had to relearn several motor functions after a tumor left him partially paralyzed.

Photo courtesy of Garrett Jensen

Liberty smiles after Homecoming win

by Juan CorrespondentCebreiros

The Liberty High Lions defeated Monte Vista with ease at Liberty’s Homecoming last Friday, taking home a 37-13 victory over the visiting Mustangs. Jamar Searcy was doing it all on all three parts of the game, running the ball well on offense, intercepting a pass on de fense, and returning a punt for a touchdown on special teams. Nate Bell had another out standing performance. However, this time not through the air like weeks prior but this time getting more involved in the ground game. The three-headed rushing attack of Searcy, Bell, and Giancarlo Olveda was too much for the Mustang defense as the Lions were able to march up and down the field at will.

The Lions defense continued to be domi nant as pass rushing Jackson Moore picked

up two sacks as the Mustangs air attack could not get on the same page. The Lions back seven forced three interceptions as the Mus tangs tried to catch the Lions off guard out of the gate with lots of quick passes however this didn’t sputter Liberty’s defense one bit. Apart from one big play in the second quarter and one long drive in the fourth, the Lions defense was dominant throughout holding the Mus tangs to just 13 points.

Through the first quar ter, the Lions defense came out dominant by forcing an interception on the Mustangs’ first possession of the game. The Lions’ of fense marches down the field with their pun ishing rushing attack but the drive stalls after turning the ball over on downs on a 4th-andlong. The Mustangs got the ball back but im mediately gave it back to the Lions offense as they were unable to pick up a first down.

This time, the Lions punished the Mus tangs with hard runs from Searcy, Olveda,

and Bell to set up a slant pass to receiver Kyle Cook to put them on the board first and a 7-0 lead. The Mustangs were again unable to move on offense and punted the ball. This time, Jamar Searcy returned the punt 65 yards for a touchdown giving Liberty a 14-0 lead to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Mustangs offense was finally able to make something happen, connecting on a 77-yard pass, setting up a touchdown run from one yard out to cut into the Lions lead and get some points on the board making it a 14-6 game following a missed PAT. Getting the ball back the Lions offense didn’t miss a beat as behind their bread and butter run attack they marched down the field with ease and scored from one yard out but also missed the PAT making the score 20-6 going into halftime.

Coming out of half, Lions head coach

School spirit abounds at Liberty Homecoming parade

by Juan CorrespondentCebreiros

Liberty High School’s homecoming pa rade was once again a big draw Friday, Sept. 16, as people lined up along the sidewalks of downtown Brentwood with phones and cameras at the ready to record the parade go ing by. The parade started at 6 p.m. near First Street then made a right onto Oak Street and finished off in the high school parking lot.

Faculty of Liberty, members of the Liberty Union High School District board, homecoming royalty, and members of the Liberty High School Hall of Fame all rode in top-down convertibles and each had candy to throw to kids in attendance of the parade. The main attraction was the line of parade floats. Many came in differ ent shapes and sizes.

Each graduating class had a big city that was set to be the theme of their float. The sophomore and senior classes tied for first in the vote for fan favorite float. Lib erty’s teacher of the year winner, Laura Carreon, sported her own float with a piano she played while she and her choir students entertained during the parade.

To advertise their newest perfor mance, Liberty playmakers created a float showing the remaining dates for “Damn Yankees”. The Liberty band, dance and

cheer teams also lent their school spirit to the community’s support.

Down Oak Street one Liberty sup porter said, “It’s cool to see these kids not only have the spotlight shined on them for

those in homecoming court, but what’s even more impressive is the creativity be hind these floats.”

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

Mike Cable said, “On offense, we need to ex ecute better, we aren’t executing well enough. On defense, we gave up the one big play. But apart from that we’ve done a great job there”.

The Lions’ offense heard the message for the second half and moved down the field with ease scoring another touchdown to ex tend their lead to 27-6. Looking to use up the clock the rest of the way, the Lions on their next two drives took a majority of the third quarter as well as scoring a field goal and a touchdown to pad their lead to 37-6.

In the fourth quarter, Monte Vista’s of fense was finally able to gain some momen tum but it was too late. While they scored a touchdown in just three plays making it a 37-13 game, they couldn’t keep the spark on offense going as they threw their third inter ception of the day and turned the ball over on downs on back to back drives allowing for the Lions to get the ball back and kneel out the rest of the clock taking home their victory.

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

Students and faculty from Liberty High made their way through downtown Brentwood on Sept. 16 as part of the school’s homecoming parade.

Photo by Juan Cebreiros

West Coast Soccer 06 Krossfire girls win twice

West Coast Krossfire traveled to Granite Bay last Sat urday for the girls Academy league fixture vs Sacramento United GA. Sac United would take the early lead in the eighth minute by a well placed shot just inside the box. West Coast would respond with a goal of their own in the 16th minute with a strong cross from Payton Hoover to Addison Sanchez who was able to turn her defender and slide it past the goalkeeper.Inthe23rd minute Sacramento United took advantage of a miscommunication in the box for a loose-ball poke in goal to take the lead back.

Krossfire responded as Hayden Romero crossed a beautiful ball to Reese Olivera who volleyed a shot up and over the keeper to tie the game at two goals a piece. In the 31st minute Emily Chacon stripped the opponent and placed a nice pass into Hayden Romero who passed the ball through to Payton Hoover who found a streaking Addison Sanchez down the left side for a side slot goal to put West Coast in the lead for the first time.

West Coast Krossfire pulled away from there with great leadership from captains Adriana Paneda and Taylor Sals man and were able to score a final goal in the 82nd minute from a throw-in from Brittany Hahn to Haylee Sousa to Pay ton Hoover who came onto the ball striking a beautiful shot into the upper corner to give West Coast a 4-2 GA victory.

NorCal State Cup

On Sunday, Krossfire traveled to Davis Legacy Fields for their first round of NorCal State Cup, taking on the host Davis team that had scored nine goals in the prelimi nary Withround.windy and rainy conditions West Coast was able to put two goals past Davis.

Taylor Salsman’s pass up field to a streaking Addison Sanchez, who slipped a nice pass to Payton Hoover. Hoover cut the ball inside and blew past Davis last defender scoring the first goal.

Hoover would return the favor, winning the ball inside the opponents end, touching it to Sanchez as she turned on her left foot and bent a shot into the side corner for the second goal. West Coast midfield Dakota Baird, Hayden Romero, Taylor Salsman & Emily Chacon combined to shut down opposing players and forwards Gabriella Carl ton & Mia Leval put in great shifts up top.

The strong defensive efforts from goalkeeper Shea

Spencer, defenders Brittney Hahn, Madylin Harrell, Hay lee Sousa, Jayden Jimenez and Reese Oliveira secured the shutout.“I’m

proud of my team’s effort and resiliency after go ing down twice in the first game, to battle back for the GA Academy league win and shutting out a strong Davis Lega cy team in the first round of State Cup,” Coach Dayak said.

– Courtesy of Adaurie Dayak

West Coast Krossfire girls Academy league handily won two of their recent soccer games against opponents in Sacramento and Davis.

Photo courtesy of Adaurie Dayak

MAXIMIZE YOUR VEHICLES FUEL ECONOMY

Brentwood golf course renovations approved

by Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

The Brentwood Planning Commission this week approved a one-year time exten sion of its earlier design approval for a new cart barn at the Brentwood Golf Club.

The proposed project includes a 4,000-square-foot replacement mainte nance building, exterior golf cart parking, a new putting green, construction of biotreatment basins, and relocation of an exist ing above ground gasoline fueling tank.

The project was originally approved by the Planning Commission Aug. 21 2021, but applicant Rex Choe cites inflation and switching architects as the primary setback in the projects execution “we tried to extend for another year because we had some dif ficult time for ordinary inflation and also we had to have a chance to adjust to the delay on other architecture matters.”

The planning commission also held

time for an introduction and review of the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update Public Review Draft with the goal of informing the public of the purpose of the Housing Element, along with allowing the public to voice their Followingconcerns.theclosure of the discus sion of the Housing Element Update, the Planning Commission passed a mo tion to adopt resolution 22-0203, which amends recommendations to the Priority Area 1 Specific Plan, which controls 431 acres bounded by Lone Tree Way, Heidorn Ranch Road, Old Sand Creek Road, and Shady Willow Lane.

The project will provide for residential, professional office, technology, medical, manufacturing and research and develop ment uses in a mixed-use business park campus and adjoining neighborhoods. These recommendations will be presented to the Brentwood City Council for approval at a later date.

✔ Set all tire pressure to recommended spec and road test vehicle

Call for appointment and service details.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Local organization helps students save

by Dawnmarie CorrespondentFehr

A Pittsburg-based organization has a new way for students to save money for college and the program is being tried out in a New York City school

Dubbeddistrict.Coins for College, the organization gives micro scholarships in digital currency to students start ing in kindergarten for meeting educa tional milestones. It is meant to remove mental, financial and academic bar riers to college for all students.“Youshow up for school, micro scholarship,” said founder Joshua Samuel. “You do well on a test, micro scholarship. We call those micro scholarships ‘points,’ and the more

points you earn, the better chance you have of getting a scholarship when it’s time to go to college. The student who has one million points when they gradu ate will have a better chance of getting a scholarship to Harvard, while the one who graduates with 400,000 might get a scholarship to LMC.”

The other com ponent to CFC is tuition coins, actual curren cy family and friends can pur chase to pay for tuition scholar ships do not cover.

The program de buted at

intriedAntioch,ChristianCornerstoneSchoolinandisbeingonalargerscaleNewYork.Samuel

hopes to have it available to all students in theForfuture.more information, visit www. coinsforcollege.org

Please recycle this paper.

Antioch to get new desalination plant

Antioch is investing in its water supply future.A new $110 million desalination plant is being built in Antioch. With construction underway at an existing water treatment facility, the new desalination plant will ser vice the needs of Antioch’s population of more than 115,000 people, as well as help to improve its water supply reliability, city officials“Thissay.project is essential for ensuring our ability to provide a reliable drinking water source for our community, which has been reduced as a result of increased water diversions upstream of our intake, climate change, and severe droughts,” said Antioch Director of Public Works John Samuelson. “We estimate that it will cost $1,200 per acre-foot to create potable water using this new plant.” An acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons.Jennifer Allen, the public affairs direc tor at the Contra Costa Water District, said Wednesday that current prices in the state for wholesale treated water are running from $1,100 to $1,300 per acre-foot.

Design and planning for this longawaited project began in January 2016, with groundbreaking on Feb. 19, 2021. Accord ing to http://www.antiochbrackishdesal. com/, the project will consist of replace ment of the San Joaquin River intake pump station, a new 3,000-foot pipeline that will connect the city’s existing raw water pipeline to the city’s water treatment plant, a new 6 million gallons per day desalination facility, along with 4.3 miles of a new brine disposal pipeline from the Delta Diablo Wastewater Treatment Plant for disposal into the San Joaquin River, which although will result in minor local increases in salinities, are within tolerance range of native species.

The project will also consist of using existing infrastructure in an effort to re duce construction and costs, including use of an existing raw water pipeline from the San Joaquin River to the water treatment plant, as well as using the existing water treatment plant to pretreat raw water before being routed to the new advanced treatment facility.Additionally, effluent (liquid waste or sewage) waters from the existing wastewater treatment plant will be blended with reverse osmosis brine to reduce salinity to meet riv er discharge requirements, as well as use of the effluent pipeline and Delta Diablo Sani tation District Outfall to combine brine and mixed effluent to the San Joaquin River for safe discharge. To accommodate this proj ect, the city of Antioch has designed the new facility with the capability of expan sion to double its size in the future.

“The new Brackish Water Desalina tion facility is attached to one of our exist ing water treatment plants,” added Samuel son. “When the water turns brackish, it will be diverted to the new facility, which will use filters and membranes to remove the salt from the water.”

The primary reason for the need for the desalination plant is due to increased salin ity in the water supply. The city of Antioch derives much of its water source from the San Joaquin River, which is supplemented with untreated water purchased from the Contra Costa Water District. Due to cost reasons, the city tries to use as much river water as possible, but increased salinity in the river water over the years has forced the city of Antioch to purchase more water from the water district. The process of de salination includes removing minerals and salts from water to produce purified water,

which is achieved through reverse osmosis membranes by pushing water at high pres sure.“We will treat the water like we typi cally do to remove sedimentation and bacteria from the water,” said Samuelson, adding that other cities and water districts are exploring construction of additional brackish water facilities. “It essentially is a reverse osmosis system on a larger scale. We will convert (8 million gallons per day) of brackish water to 6 (million gallons per day) of potableAccordingwater.”to Samuelson, the project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2023, with an overall construction time of two and a half years. More information on this project, including a timeline of con struction, can be found at http://www.an tiochbrackishdesal.com

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Brentwoodthe WEEK

A long-awaited new desalination plant is coming to Antioch to improve the city’s water reliability, according to city officials. The project was first conceived in 2016 and construction is estimated to be completed in 2023

Press file photo

by Sean CorrespondentTongson

The Press readers, meet your new editor

Editor

My name is Chris Campos. I’m the new editor of The Press.

Stepping into the shoes of a newspaper’s editor can be akin to an awkward introduction of a blind date. You, the subscribers and read ers of this newspaper, don’t know me and I’m still trying to wrap my arms around the whirlwind that we call East Contra Costa County.

newspaper, we had a required style for this geographic location within the Bay Area – The Delta. This simple capitalization says it all.

dedication to fairness, facts and faith in the truth.

Chris Campos

As a grizzled (I mean that literally) veteran of another local

Troubled by Oakley City Council

Editor:

It is with regret that I pen this letter. However, I cannot remain silent in the face of the recent machinations of the Oakley City Council, specifically Mayor Randy Pope and Councilman Aaron Meadows. Up for consideration at the Tuesday, Sept. 13 meeting, was an “urgency ordinance” that would have prohibited drilling for oil and gas in Oakley. The “urgency” is where the trouble arises.

LETTERS POLICY

The Press invites your comments. Letters must be no longer than 325 words and include name, address and phone number for confirmation.

The Press reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, potential libel and taste, or to not print letters we feel violate our standards of Opinionsacceptance.expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.

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

A short title for the sprawling river hub pumping the water of life through the heart of Cali fornia. It’s a very special place. Compelling and fascinating stories spin around every slough bend and jetty. It’s my job to bring those stories to you with a dogged

I’m not only “old school,” I AM old. And that’s why I’m in this job. The value of my experi ence. I’m here to ensure that our reporting staff keeps digging until we’ve exhausted the well of facts without fear or favor.

I’m here to make sure that your stories are told with accu racy, empathy and care.

Letters to the editor

Unlike a regular vote, anything posited as an “urgency ordinance” requires a 4/5 majority vote, and not a simple majority as with any other proposed regulation. Since it seems that the two named members are pro-development (at any cost), and have not exhibited concern for the environment, they deliberately set this “urgency” in motion for the express purpose of defeating it!

Councilwoman Sue Higgins was absent, and, therefore, a unanimous 4-0 vote was required. The conniving pair knew full well this was an impossible obstacle to overcome in the circumstances, as they were planning all along to vote “no.”

This is a shameful, even heinous, misuse of power and position, and shows willful disregard for those whom they are supposedly elected to

represent. It is negligence in the worst way of husbandry of the environment and the health and well being of the citizens.They would rather pad their own resumes with political “achievements” and turn Oakley into a wasteland, in direct opposition to the official “mission statement” adopted by the city.

Following this debacle, they then had the nerve to propose a new rule demanding respect for the council members from the public!

Respect must be earned; it can’t be demanded. Oh sure, folks can playact a show of respect, but it will be covering up deep resentment. By their actions, they have utterly and miserably failed to earn said respect.

Disgustedly andLizAngrily,Elias Oakley

Community newspapers, now an endangered institution, are like our beloved rivers. They serve as conduits of ideas and the eyes and ears for public discourse.

I’m thankful for the opportu nity to sit in this editor’s chair and mind the store. Let me know how we’reYoudoing.can reach me at editor@ brentwoodpress.com or via phone at 925-634-1441, ext. 110.

Glad city council voted against drilling proposal

Editor:

I am glad that some of our city council members have some common sense and voted against the outlaw drilling proposal.

Our governor is today bragging about how all of the renewable energy bailed us out of last week’s disaster by producing a whopping 8% of total needs. So that is only 92% to Havinggo?

more people adopt solar panels is more dependent upon the unscrupulous door-to-door solar companies and making the costs reasonable. So naturally, let’s tax those homeowners some more.

Currently dealing with solar panels on a property sale or the death of the homeowner is a real nightmare. But that is a subject for another time..

Jeff Miller Oakley

C lassifieds & l egals

Legal Deadline: Monday at 1 p.m. Classified Deadline: Monday at 3 p.m. Call: 925-634-1441 x142 E-MAIL: classifieds@brentwoodpress.com

Place 100,000 East County

LOCAL

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: ALLISON JACOBS SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: ALLISON JACOBS CASE NUMBER: N22-1631 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner ALLISON JA COBS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. JAKE MORGAN JACOBS-OLIVET to Pro posed Name: a. JAKE MORGAN JACOBS

2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 11/4/22 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the follow ing newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: 8/30/22 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 88944 Publish Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30, 2022.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: APONIVA PAL ATA SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: APONIVA PALATA CASE NUMBER: N22-1645 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner APONIVA PALATA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. APONIVA PALATA b. APONIVA NANCY LEPOLO to Proposed Name: a. APONIVA FONOTI - LEPOLO 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEAR ING a. Date: 11/02/22 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspa

per of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: August 31, 2022. Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 88968 Publish Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30, 2022.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: JASON LEVAR MCCLAIN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: 640 BAILEY ROAD #414 CASE NUMBER: N22-1776 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Jason Levar McClain filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present a.Name:JASON LEVAR MCCLAIN b. aka JASON LEVAR SCOTT to Proposed Name: JASON LEVAR ARCHIELD. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this mat ter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objec tion at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 11/21/2022 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hear ing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: 9/15/2022 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89048 Publish Dates: September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2022-0005273 The name of the business(es): Bright Ideas Located at: 355 Hansford Way In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Edward Torrento. This business is conducted by: An In dividual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of regis trant: Edward Torrento, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: September 20, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 9/19/2027 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89064 Publish dates: September 20, 2022.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC LIEN SALE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intend to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said prop erty pursuant to the California Storage Act (Sec tion 21700-21718 of the Business & Professions Code) Cypress Self Storage: Property is located in separate storage unit at Cypress Self Storage, 207 E Cypress Rd Oakley CA 94561 The auc tion will be conducted entirely on line at Bid13. com. Auctioneer: Bid13.com 1-888-992-4313; agent for Owner. Pictures of the contents of the storage unit may be viewed on line. Bids must be entered online beginning October 1st at 8am, ending at midnight of October 8th,

Name2022.

- James Weaver Unit: D1037

Items - Office desk, filing cabinets, printer, stereo speakers, various books and magazines, tools, totes/boxes unknown contents

Name - Delois Seals Unit: C2204

Items - lots of bags contents unknown, lots of totes contents unknown, lots of clothes, crystal dish set, baskets, kid’s toys

Name - Fernando Garibay Unit: C3153

Items - 2 sets of golf clubs and bags, misc. landscaping equipment, edger, blowers, Crafts men tool chest,2 JBL outdoor speakers ,gas engine generator, Drive amplifier, mixing board, Paymentschainsaw must be paid for at time of purchase. All items in unit are sold as is and must be re moved within three days from the time of sale. Deposit of $200.00 cash at time of purchase and will be refunded when unit is emptied and clean. Sale is subject to cancelation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89056 Publish Dates: September 23, 30, 2022.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are format ted as a 9x9 grid, broken 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 num bers will appear by using the numeric clues already pro vided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easi er it solve

Live Oak Storage,1315 Main Street Oakley, CA 94561, has possessory lien on all of the goods stored in the prospective units below. #222 Me lissa Frey, #13 Gayle & Pamela Finley, #369 Ilah Anderoson, #2043 & #2044 Richard Brown, #3053 & #845 Justin Aiello, #9012 Brett Danielsen, #45 Angela Brown, #375, #911 & #927 Malinda Lowry, #900 Cassie Cavanaugh, #934 Frank Rosa, #942 Andrew Simpson, #951 Lowell Gresham, and #903 Jay Hines. The goods are described as furniture, tools and miscellaneous personal property items being sold pursuant to the asser tion of the lien on October 6th at 10:00 am In order to collect the amounts due from you. The sale will take place at 1315 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 County of Contra Costa state of California. This lien sale is pursuant to Chapter 10 Section 21700-21716 of the California Self Service Storage Facility Act. Auction is to be held by Jason Whitt ms#199016. Owner reserves the right to bid at the sale. Purchase must be in cash only paid at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to prior cancellation, in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89062 Publish Dates: Sep tember 23, 30, 2022.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

The following persons are in lien at Oakley Gateway Self Storage 2101 Laurel Rd. Oakley, CA. 94561: Kay

T.S. No. 22-00961-QQ-CA Title No. 2142768 A.P.N. 037-383-037-1. YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 01/28/2020. 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(s) must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation), drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or fed eral credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Sec tion 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state; will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made in an “as is” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, posses sion, 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. Trustor: Matthew Lingo AKA Matt Lingo a married man Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corpora tion Recorded 02/05/2020 as Instrument No. 2020-0022440-00 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Contra Costa County, CA. Date of Sale: 10/11/2022 at 9:00 AM Place of Sale: Pleasant Hill Community Center, Auction.com Room, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $392,480.94 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 221 Northgate Pl Oakley, CA 94561-3158 A.P.N.: 037-383-037-1

The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or oth er common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designa tion 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.

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, ei ther of which may charge you a fee for this infor mation. 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 mort gagee, 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 or visit this Internet Web site www.ndscorp.com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 22-00961-QQ-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflect ed in the telephone information or on the Inter net Web site. The best way to verify postpone ment information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT*: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auc tion 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 888-264-4010, or visit this internet website www.ndscorp. com, using the file number assigned to this case 22-00961-QQ-CA 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 re ceives 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. *Pur suant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code, the potential rights described herein shall apply only to public auctions taking place on or after January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, unless later extended. Date: 08/30/2022

National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tif fany & Bosco, P.A., its agent, 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line 855-219-8501; Sales Website: www.ndscorp.com By: Gabriela San chez, Trustee Sales Representative 09/09/2022, 09/16/2022, 09/23/2022 CPP353091 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 88964 Publish Dates: Sep tember 9, 16, 23, 2022.

The items to be sold include: Misc. Furniture, Clothes, Toys, Electronics, Household Items. All bids mist be placed prior to Auction posted end time. The date of the sale will be 10/05/22 @ 12:00 pm. The location of the sale will be: Online at www.storagetreasures.com Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89061 Publish Dates: September 23, 30, 2022.

If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The requirements of Cali fornia Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself.

Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Yuli Guada lupe Leon SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Yuli Guada lupe Leon CASE NUMBER: N22-1541 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Yuli Guadalupe Leon filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Angel Ruben Garcia to Proposed Name: a. Angel Leon Garcia 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 10/24/22 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the follow ing newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: 08/18/2022 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 88902 Publish Dates: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022.

3 children critical following vehicle crash in Antioch

by Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer

ANTIOCH Three children are fighting for their lives af ter a speeding car slammed into another car while pass ing through an intersection in Antioch and struck them down, Friday, Sept.16.

At about 3:20 p.m., Antioch Police Department and Con Fire emergency personnel were called to the scene of a major injury collision on the corner of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita Way.

“It was determined that a tan Mercury Mystique was traveling westbound on Sycamore, attempting to turn left and make a southbound turn onto Manzanita Way,” said Antioch Police Department Public Infor mation Officer Darryl Saffold. “Simultaneously, a red Chevrolet Impala was exiting Sycamore Square, travel ing westbound at a high rate of speed when the vehicle approached the tan Mercury and attempted to overtake

Parks from page 1A

Bay Area–based land trust Save Mount Diablo is supporting the park district in this acquisition effort through its advocacy work with state and local elected officials and funding agencies. Save Mount Diablo has also contributed $50,000 to help with the cost of the ini tial option payment.

“We are so pleased to support our good partners at the park district by do nating $50,000 as 25 percent of the atrisk option payment to help secure the purchase option for Finley Road Ranch, which will provide time to raise the funds needed to acquire and protect the prop erty,” said Ted Clement, Save Mount Di ablo’s executive director. “We have part nered with the East Bay Regional Park District and California State Parks for decades to create the Mount Diablo to Morgan Territory wildlife and recreation corridor. This property will open up Riggs Canyon and make many miles of trails and thousands of acres easily ac cessible so that the public can better con

Charged from page 1A

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

A vehicle collision on the corner of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita Way in Antioch has left 3 juveniles fighting for their lives, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022.

or pass on the left-hand side, as the Mystique simultane ously began turning onto Manzanita Way.”

The Impala then struck the Mystique on the driver’s

nect with nature. We also stand ready to help the Park District raise the remain ing funds required to acquire this special landscape.”SethAdams, the land conservation director at Save Mount Diablo, called the Finley Road Ranch land a “keystone and a top priority for 20 years because it’s the missing piece, a limited oppor tunity to acquire land buffering the two parks with an ideal location for a new, low elevation staging area. It’s the key to opening the canyon.”

Adams added, “It’s the most im portant land acquisition in the Mount Diablo area since 2013 when Save Mount Diablo signed its 1,080-acre Curry Can yon Ranch at the heart of Mount Diablo State Park and the East Bay Regional Park District optioned the 1,185-acre Roddy Ranch to create the new Deer Valley Regional Preserve.We have seven months to raise $11.4 million. The Park District has bond funds for part and is seeking grants for the remainder.”

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

been set at $2 million. Goodner’s arraignment hearing is set for September 22. She will be facing one felony count of murder, with an enhancement of personally and will fully discharging a handgun that caused great bodily injury and death, according to Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer to the District Attorney.

On May 20, 2022, Oakley police were dispatched to a shooting on the 200 block of West Cypress Road in Oakley. When they arrived on scene, they found Ruben Ortiz, 51, lying in the driveway of the residence, suffering from gunshot wounds. Police and emergency personnel performed life-saving measures on Ortiz, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to a press re lease from the City of Oakley.

After Goodner provided an initial statement to Oakley police, officers determined that she was the pro

Robbery from page 1A

ing out customer transactions, but police were unsure why he chose to specifically target the duo. He did not conduct any business of his own while inside the bank, police

“Thissaid.serves as a reminder to any

side, propelling the Mystique into a spin. The Impala continued onto the sidewalk, striking three kids who were walking home from school, before coming to rest against the home located on the corner lot, according to Saffold.Two of the three children were flown by medical helicopter – one to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and the other to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. The third youth was transported by ground to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. All three kids sustained critical injuries as a result of the crash, ac cording to Contra Costa Fire Battalion Chief Whit Mac Donald. The names, ages and hometowns of the three were not released because of their ages.

Of the drivers involved in the collision, one was listed as being in critical condition, while the other sus tained minor injuries.

Police said the incident is still under investigation.

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

The theirkeystoneofficialsconservationbybeenpropertyFinley767.8-acreRoadhasdescribedlandasatoefforts.

tected person in an elder abuse restraining order against Ortiz, due to a “history of violence,” according to an earlier statement from Oakley police. In her statement to police, Goodner alleged that Ortiz had attacked her, which led to her shooting him in self defense.

“Due to this being a self-defense shooting, and ab sent any other crimes committed by the female, she was not booked,” police said in a statement at the time of the shooting.However, through follow-up interviews and collec tion and analysis of digital and forensic evidence, it was later determined that facts of the case did not align with Goodner’s initial statement to officers after an exhaus tive and thorough examination of all of the evidence that is now available to them, according to the press release.

“[The investigators] informed me that they were go ing to bring her in for an interview,” said Oakley Chief

body that’s coming to, or from, a bank to be very vigilant and be aware of your sur roundings,” O’Grodnick said. “If you see anything or hear anything suspicious, no tify the police department immediately.”

The suspects fled the scene in a black sedan, which was last seen traveling east

bound on Lone Tree Way.

of Police Paul Beard. “They brought her in for that in terview, and during the interview, additional information was turned up. And that led them to believe that they should arrest her for homicide.”

A key component of the investigation was a security surveillance video that showed no physical altercation had taken place before Goodner retrieved a gun from her home and shot Ortiz. Detectives have also learned that Goodner picked Ortiz up and brought him back to her residence shortly before the shooting. Police learned that Goodner had misrepresented her relationship with Ortiz, and the two had been involved in a romantic relationship prior to the Anyoneshooting.withany further information about this case is asked to call Detective Locke of the Oakley Police De partment at 925-625-8822.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

“A minute later, and [the suspect] could have been attacking me and grab bing my bag,” said Emily. “In all the years that I’ve been here, and all the years my mom has been here, I never saw anything like this happen in broad daylight.”

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Brentwood Police are fol lowing up on current leads. If you wit nessed the incident or have further infor mation to offer, contact Detective Jordan Sares at (925) 809-7733.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Info graphic by East Bay Regional Parks

Carey provides award-winning service

There are many benefits to remodeling a home. A remodel is a great way to give an older home a fresh look and to increase property value on a house. But a remodel is also a great way to add stress into a homeowner’s life with concerns over budgeting, decision-making and timelines for the renovations.

However, stress does not have to be part of the process. Homeowners feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of home remodeling may find it much more manage able when partnering with professionals who can help them navigate the process. That’s where Carey Bros. Remodeling comes in.

Carey Bros. Remodeling is an awardwinning East County business run by third-generation licensed general contrac tors James and Morris Carey. The brothers, Pittsburg natives, have been in business for

nearly 40 years, running a company that has completed over 750 projects in that time, according to their website.

“When we began, our office was in a bedroom in my brother’s home in Pittsburg,” James said. “Things began to grow, the demand for our services increased, so my brother’s wife said she wanted us out of the bedroom, so we looked for a new home for our office.”Asbusiness continued to grow over the years, the company relocated to larger and larger spaces before finally settling in the

Brentwood location it occupies today. James credits the Carey Bros. Remodeling team as a major part of what makes their work stand“Weout.have a competent team of design ers, and we have, of course, a very well qualified crew in the field that performs the work,” he said. “We have a marvelous team of people who are the best in their field. We are just a part of something bigger and I think my brother and I both feel very honored and fortunate to be surrounded by so many talented people who share our passion and

love what they do. We love what we do, we love our clients and we love seeing and experiencing the transformation.”

The team prides itself on its planning and being thorough from start to finish, according to their website. They have a nine-step process in place that begins with assessing a client’s needs and their budget to create the most effective design solution and ends with their five-year written guar antee on all home improvements.

A meticulously detailed estimate –“right down to door bumpers,” according to their website – is provided by Carey Bros. Remodeling before a contract is signed by the client to ensure that they are not caught off guard. A review of the estimate is provided to the client that can be changed if it exceeds their budget before the project begins. To this end, the team also provides different financing plans.

“We do our best to be thorough and include as much detail as possible to prevent unnecessary change orders, cost overages and project delays and extensions,” the brothers write on their website. “We like to think that our commitment to quality and our personal integrity will come shining through to you before, during and after we have completed your project.”

More information on Carey Bros. Remodeling can be found by visiting www.careybros.com or by calling them at 877-734-6404.

JAKE MENEZ

Photo courtesy of the Carey Bros.

Carey Bros. Remodeling is an award-winning local business that has been serving the East Bay community for nearly forty years. The company is run by brothers James and Morris Carey, third-generation licensed general contractors with a commitment to quality.

ON THE COVER: Brothers James and Morris Carey, owners of Carey Bros. Remodeling, take their years of experience and mastery of their craft to create beautiful spaces that their clients will love forever.

A beginner’s guide to fall planting and maintenance

Spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens.

Fall planting and maintenance can extend gardening season and improve the chances of growing a healthy spring garden.The tree and bare root retailer Bower & Branch says that soil temperatures in many regions of the country may still be warm enough to encourage root growth well into the start of winter. Furthermore, fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year’s bounty.

Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.

Think about fall annuals and bulb planting.

Near the end of September, start planting cool-weather-loving pansies and violas for pops of color as summer flowers fade. Also, stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the tempera tures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.

Sow salad seeds.

Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler temperatures. Try new and interesting lettuce varieties and enjoy salads well into the fall season.

Check where the sun is.

Positioning a garden carefully means maximizing hours of sunlight, which begin to dwindle in the fall. Experts say gardens grow best in sunny locations that receive six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is where container gardens can be helpful, as

Clean unwantedup growth.

Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent vegetable plants and get rid of errant weeds. Rather than bagging leaves, mow them with a grass catcher and then add the mix to a vegetable garden as an excellent soil insulator. The nitrogen and carbon will fertilize the soil, enhancing growing possibilities and limiting weed growth.

plantsPropagateinthe fall.

courtesyPhoto of Metro Creative

they allow gardeners to move plants into spots that will get ample sunlight.

Fill in landscaping gaps.

Some fall plants can add color around the landscape and brighten up homes to add curb appeal. In addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. So take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be enjoyed next year as well, sprouting in early spring and develop ing leaves and buds through late summer.

As temperatures gradually begin to cool, start taking cuttings from perenni als, gathering seed pods from azaleas and rhododendrons and dividing hardwood cuttings, says the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horticulturist on the proper ways to propagate stems using rooting hormone and other techniques.

toContinuewaterplants.

Water is essential in the fall and winter as roots can still be growing. Gradually reduce watering duration as plants go dormant.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

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

The team at the 3-time “Best of Brentwood” winning Perfect Star Heating and Air Conditioning were asked for their tips on extending the life of your home’s central heating and cooling system while saving you lots of headaches and money along the way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to determine if it’s time to downsize

Individuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes.

And the hard work doesn’t end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs. And even when buyers find a home that needs no such work, maintenance requires homeowners’ utmost attention.

All that hard work is perhaps one reason why seniors may be a little reluctant to move into a smaller house as they advance through their golden years. In addition to the sweat equity homeowners put into their homes, all the memories they’ve made within their walls can make it harder to put a home on the market.

Downsizing is a difficult decision that’s unique to each homeowner. Seniors who aren’t certain if moving into a smaller place is right for them can consider three key factors to make a decision that’s in their best interests.

♦ Cost: Perhaps no variable affects senior homeowners’ decisions to make their homes smaller as much as cost. No one wants to out live their money, and moving to a smaller home can help seniors reduce their monthly expenses a lot. Even homeowners who have long since

paid off their mortgages can save substantial amounts of money by downsizing to a smaller home or even an apartment or condominium. Lower property taxes, reduced insurance premi ums and the need to pay for fewer repairs are just some of the ways such a move can save seniors money.

♦ Space: Many people love the extra space that single-family homes provide. But seniors can take a walk through their homes and see how many rooms they still use consistently. If much of the home is unused, seniors can prob ably move to a smaller place without much effect on their daily lives.

♦ Market: The real estate market is another factor to consider when deciding if the time is right to downsize. A seller’s market can help se niors get the biggest return on their real estate investment, potentially helping them make up for meager retirement savings. For example, home prices have skyrocketed across the coun try during the COVID-19 pandemic, making that a great time for sellers to put their homes on the market. Seniors selling to downsize may capitalize on such spikes since they won’t be looking to turn around and buy larger, equally expensive homes once they sell their current place. If the market is down and seniors can withstand the work and cost a little longer, it may be best to wait until things bounce back in sellers’ favor.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

DIY projects that can conserve energy around the house

Home renovation projects can pay dividends.numerousTheyhelp resale

value, make homes more livable for residents and, in some ways, make homes more affordable.

Renovation projects that aim to conserve energy can save homeown ers substantial amounts of money. Such projects don’t often require considerable effort or even sizable financial investments, which can make homeowners skeptical as to just how much they can save after completing the project. But the scale of a project may have little to do with how much homeowners will save. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that a relatively effortless task like turning back a thermostat between 7 degrees and 10 degrees for eight hours per day can save homeowners as much as $83 per year. A more labor-intensive task like planting shade trees saves homeowners an average of between $35 and $119 per year.

When looking for ways to conserve energy around the house and save money, homeowners need not necessarily commit to expensive projects. The DOE notes that the following are some energy-saving projects and details what homeowners can expect to save after completing them.

While each individual project may not result in jaw-dropping savings, homeown ers who follow many of these recom mendations may end up saving more than $1,000 per year.

Project: Seal uncontrolled air leaks.

What is it? Air leaks let cool air in during winter and warm air in during summer. Caulking, sealing and weather stripping all cracks and large openings can cut back on costly air leaks. The DOE recommends hiring a contractor to seal any leaks on heating and cooling ducts.

How much can I save? Homeowners who seal uncontrolled air leaks can save 10-20 percent on their annual heating and cooling bills.

Project: Plant shade trees.

What is it? If you plant a deciduous tree 6-8 feet tall near your home, it will begin to shade your windows within a year of being planted. Depending on the species of the tree and the home, the shade tree will begin shad ing the roof within five to 10 years. The DOE notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce air conditioning costs.

How much can I save? Properly planted shade trees can reduce air conditioning costs by 15-50 percent.

Project: Insulate the water heater tank.

What is it? New water tanks are likely already insulated. But homeowners with older hot water tanks can insulate their tanks with a water heater insulating blanket kit.

How much can I save? Insulating a water heater tank can save homeowners as much as 16 percent on their annual water heating bills.

Even the smallest DIY projects can produce big savings. More information about energy-saving home improvement projects can be found at www.energy.gov

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Caulking and sealing cracks can seal off expensive air leaks

Photo

3 DIY mistakes to avoid

Homeowners feel proud when they successfully complete do-it-yourself (DIY) projects on their homes. In addition to saving homeowners money, DIY projects provide a unique way for men and women to personally connect with their homes.

As fun and fulfilling as DIY projects can be, they also can be nerve-wracking and induce anxiety. When DIY projects falter, fixing them can prove costly, as homeowners typi cally must call in contractors to correct their mistakes and get a project back on track. That results in additional labor and material costs that might have been avoidable, especially for homeowners who make an effort to avoid some common DIY mistakes.

♦ Failure to secure permits. Even though homeowners own their homes, that does not mean they have carte blanche to do what they want with them. Many renovation projects require homeowners to secure permits before projects can commence. Some may even require additional permits as the projects advance. If proper permits are not secured, homeowners may be fined and projects may be nixed, regardless of how much money homeowners have spent up to that point.

Before beginning a home renovation project, homeowners should always contact their local permit office to determine if any permits are required. Bankrate.com notes that permits are often required for any project larger than paint ing or wallpapering.

♦ Overestimating your abilities. DIY televi sion shows make home renovation projects look easy, but reality suggests otherwise. Homeowners with little or no experience renovating a home may want to take classes before they think about starting a project on their own. Even online tutorials tend to make jobs appear easier than they are. Roofing and plumbing projects tend to be best left to the professionals, as these projects can be either dangerous or vulnerable to disaster if not ad dressed by trained professionals.

♦ Incorrect materials. Whether it’s to save money or a byproduct of inexperience, DIYers do not always choose the correct materials for a job. Experienced contractors have ample experience working with all sorts of materials and are therefore in a unique position to rec ommend the best materials for any given job. That resource is not available for DIYers, who must perform ample research before beginning a job so the project involves the most appro priate materials. Incorrect materials can be a sunken cost that derails a project, but even jobs completed using incorrect materials may need to be redone a lot more quickly than those that employed the right materials the first time.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Signs

Taking care of a home or buying a new one can be stressful enough without having to contend with a potential pest infestation. Much like any other home issue, like a leak or faulty electrical system, pests can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

The best way to stay ahead of potential pest problems is to recognize signs that pests are present.

♦ Droppings

A classic sign of infestation, pet waste includes fecal droppings or urine trails. Certain waste is easier to spot than others. For example, bed bug droppings are much smaller than mice or rat droppings. Homeowners can carry out thorough examinations of furniture, bedding, walls, floors, and areas of the home that get little foot traffic to look for pests.

♦ Dead bodies

Another sign that points to pests is the presence of dead insect or animal bodies. A large number is indicative of a pest problem.

♦ Active pests

The experts at Batzner Pest Control

say that live animals or insects in and around the home are potential signs of infestation. Most are very good at hiding, so finding live specimens may require some investigating in the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoors near the perimeter of the home.

♦ Evidence of nesting

Most animals want somewhere cozy and comfortable to bed down and will use materials available to them when making nests. Look for shredded paper, feathers, gathered twigs or grasses, home insulation piles, or any other red flags that could be nests.

♦ Smells, sights and sounds

Animals and insects can give off smells and make sounds. Roaches are said to have an “oily” odor, while mice may produce “musty” smells. Homeowners may hear gnawing, squeaking, scurrying, or scratching. In addition, there may be holes, gnaw marks, signs of burrows, and other signs of pests. Wood shavings or sawdust could indicate the presence of termites, which cause serious structural damage.

♦ Stored pesticides

People who are viewing a potential new home and find cans and canisters of pesticides or pest traps should recognize that there is likely a problem with animals or insects there.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

your landscape

Family-owned-and-operated, Morgan’s Home and Garden has a wide selection of high-quality landscaping supplies. Along with our trained, knowledgeable our store has the resources you need to complete the landscape your property us be your primary source for stone, concrete pavers, gravel, and sod. You will not regret it. We proudly feature an affordable and extensive inventory that is constantly being updated to include the latest products.

Symptoms gutters may need repairs

Fall marks a great time to prepare for upcoming projects that can make winter work that much easier. For example, fall is a great time to take stock of your gutters so you can address any issues before leaves begin to fall or the first snowstorm touches down. Compromised gutters can contribute to water issues in basements and adversely affect a home’s foundation if not addressed immediately, so it behooves homeowners to learn the signs that gutters are in need of repair or replacement.

♦ Gutters hanging off the home: Gutters were once installed predominantly with spikes. However, many industry profession als now install gutters with hanger brackets. Why the change? Spikes loosen over time, leading to the gutters hanging off the home. That can contribute to serious issues if left

untreated. Gutters hanging off the home need not necessarily be replaced, but rather secured to the home, ideally with hanger brackets instead of spikes. Brackets hook into the front of the gutter and are then screwed into the fascia of a home. A profes sional who specializes in gutter repair can perform this task relatively quickly, and it’s an inexpensive yet highly effective solution.

♦ Gutter separation: Gutters that are no longer fastened together can leak and con tribute to issues that affect the home’s foun dation, siding and appearance. Clogs and the accumulation of debris can cause gutters to separate because they are not designed to hold too much weight. Replacement of separated gutters may or may not be neces sary depending on how big the problem is and the condition of the existing gutters. If replacement is not necessary, separated gut ters may be remedied by securing the joints, another relatively simple and inexpensive fix.

♦ Peeling exterior paint: Paint that ap pears to be peeling off of your home may indicate that water is seeping over the edge of the gutter closest to your home. When that happens, water is coming down the side of the house, causing the paint to peel. In such instances, replacing the gutters is often necessary.

Low-maintenance lawn alternatives

Atraditional lawn may not be right for every property nor desired by every homeowner.

There is no denying that lawns take time and effort to establish and daily or weekly maintenance to thrive. Homeowners who find that a traditional lawn is not practical can explore some low-maintenance alternatives.

Wildflower meadow

Homeowners with wide swaths of property may discover meadows are cost- and time-efficient. Stores sell special wildflower meadow mixes of seeds or homeowners can use wildflower plug plants throughout areas where grasses are left to grow longer. This

natural area can be a home to wildlife and an idyllic backdrop to a home. Most meadows only require a spring or summer and autumn cut to thrive and look good.

Ornamental grasses

Partition areas of the property for ornamental grasses to grow. The gardening resource Elemental Green says ornamental grasses tend to be drought-resistant and low-maintenance. They won’t need much fertilizer and are often resistant to pests as well. Ornamental grasses grow in tufts or sprays and will not require mowing. However, they are not ideal for areas that get busy with people.

Moss

Moss can thrive in shady areas and ones where the soil tends to stay a bit damp. Moss is velvety soft and green, so it can mimic the look of a traditional lawn but won’t require

quite rapidly. You will need to protect areas where you do not want moss by creating barriers to stop spread.

Gravel

Stone and gravel areas can reduce maintenance in the landscape and require very little upkeep. When gravel is installed correctly, weeds may not grow readily. Gravel installation may include laying heavyduty, semi-permeable landscape fabric, which is available in home improvement centers. Gravel is cheaper than pavers and can be just as beautiful.

Artificial turf

If the desired look is a lawn with out all the upkeep, there are various artificial grass options on the market. Homeowners who opt for artificial turf can save money and space devoted to lawn mowers and other lawn tools.

Grass may be ideal for some, but there are alternatives for people who have troublesome landscapes or desire a low-maintenance product for their homes.–Courtesy of Metro Creative

6 steps to organize your home office

Remote working has become popular in recent years, but the “working-fromhome” economy bloomed exponentially as the world was forced to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, as of summer 2020, 42 percent of the United States labor force was working from home full time.

The need for home office spaces has increased as more people work from home. Many people have retrofitted vari ous spaces around their homes into areas to get work done. More organized home work spaces can increase productivity. Individuals can follow these guidelines to create effective, organized home offices and help remedy common problems.

Begin with the desk

The desk is the primary spot where work will take place. The right desk accessories can provide visual appeal and also serve practical purposes. Have cups for holding pens and pencils, baskets and bins for larger items, and store whatever you can elsewhere so it does not lead to clutter on the desk. Store wireless printers in a cabinet or even on a bookshelf so it doesn’t take up space on the desk.

Create a printing station

While you’re moving that wireless printer elsewhere, designate a space to serve as the central printing hub. This way, children who need to print assignments for school will know where to go as well. Printer supplies like extra ink cartridges and printer paper can be kept in decorative storage boxes nearby.

More shelf space

Shelves can help keep items organized and off the desk in home offices without closets or drawers. Look for shelves that blend in with decor but are sturdy enough to be functional.

Organize paperwork

Figure out a system that works for you to help tidy up papers you choose to save. While some papers can be scanned and stored as digital files, color-coded file folders can organize statements and other important documents. This makes it easy to find the folder you need when looking for certain documents.

Establish a charging station

Repurpose certain items, such as a desk organizer, into an easily accessible electronics charging station where phones and tablets can charge at one time.

Make essential binders

HGTV suggests making binders that can store the most important papers for easy access - even in an emergency. Set up a binder for automotive paperwork, including repair receipts, a medical binder where key medical records are kept, a binder for manuals for devices in the home, and one to store financial planning documents.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

As of two years ago one

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Revitalize your landscape on a budget

Many homeowners think they have to spend lots of green to get green in their landscape, but that isn’t necessarily so. Homeowners can improve their landscapes without digging themselves into financial holes. These strategies can help anyone save some cash and still end up with attractive gardens and more.

Use stones or gravel for a walkway.

If commercially installed pavers or concrete walkways are not within your budget, there are some affordable alternatives. Flagstone or individually purchased and spaced pavers and pea gravel can be used to create pathways. Some construction sites even offer free stones when asked. Soften the look with moss or other plants on the perimeter.

Remove some lawn.

Lawns can require hours of upkeep that may involve the application of expen sive fertilizers and weed-killing products that are not always so eco-friendly. Reduce the size of a lawn by putting in a mixed planting bed of perennials or ornamental grasses, or use landscape fabric and mulch.

Look for free mulch.

Municipal recycling centers may offer residents access to free mulch made from grinding up leaves, branches and other plant debris collected throughout the town. Simply bring a few containers to the recy cling center and spread the mulch for an ornamental look or to insulate landscapes over winter and protect against weeds.

Repurpose old items into planters.

Old wheelbarrows, barrels, watering cans, and other items can be repurposed into container gardening vessels. Figure out if items marked for the garbage bin can be incorporated into garden features instead.

Invest in plants that are easy to propagate.

Perennials are the gardener’s friend when it comes to saving money. These plants sprout anew each year, and many, such as sedum, catmint, ferns, hostas, and black-eyed Susans, can propagate by division. Figure out the best times of year to divide the plants and start growing them in individual containers before planting the sturdy new shoots in the ground. A single variety of plants grouped together in mass plantings is affordable and easy.

Shop end-of-season sales.

Garden centers may begin to make room for holiday items come the fall. Take advantage of reduced costs on remaining plants and landscape accessories during this time of year. Plants can be covered or allowed to thrive indoors until they can be planted in the spring.

Pool your resources.

Homeowners planning on a big land scaping or revitalization project may want to speak with neighbors to see if they’re interested in doing the same. Contractors guaranteed business from a few homes in the same neighborhood may be willing to negotiate lower prices for the volume of work on things like driveway repaving, deck- or fence-building, or installation of paver patios.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Pea gravel edged with moss and plants is a budget-friendly way to create a walkway in your home’s landscape.

Signs your air-conditioner could be fading

Aday outdoors soaking up the sun’s rays is many people’s idea of the perfect way to spend a summer or early fall afternoon. On such days, a periodic retreat indoors into an air-conditioned home can offer some much-needed relief from the heat.

Learning to recognize the signs of a fading HVAC system can help homeowners replace their units before they cease work ing, saving everyone the uncomfortable ordeal of being stuck at home without cool air on hot summer days.

Weak air flow

An HVAC unit operating at peak capac ity produces a strong flow of air through the vents of a home. The experts at Select Home Warranty note that when the air flow from the vent is weak, this could be a warning sign of a damaged AC compressor or blocked or damaged vents. Damaged vents might be replaceable, but issues with the AC unit might require a replacement. That’s especially so if the unit is old. Repairs might be possible, but it might be more cost-effective to replace an aging unit rather than commit to costly repairs.

Excessive moisture around the unit

Excessive moisture around the unit may indicate that its refrigerant is leak ing. In addition, Home Select Warranty notes that large pools of water around the unit could contribute to mold growth and floor damage. Homeowners are urged to contact a qualified HVAC technician immediately if they notice any leakage or moisture issues around their units.

Interior temperature

If your home is not the respite from summer heat that it once was, despite the AC being on and running, then this could be indicative of a fading system that may need to be replaced. However, the home warranty firm American Home Shield notes that hot interior temperatures also may indicate a clogged ductwork. HVAC technicians may be able to fix clogged ductwork without replacing the AC unit. If the problem persists even after ducts have been cleaned and unclogged, then a new unit might be homeowners’ best bet.

Foul odor

Sometimes the nose knows best when an AC unit needs to be replaced. Unusual odors emanating from the vents when the AC is on suggest that the unit is distribut ing mold or mildew throughout the home.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative