She is a driving force for growth
portation department.
By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer
Shanti Wilson is the new Director of Transportation at Liberty Union High School District. Prior to accepting her new role, Wilson worked in the transportation department for Hayward Unified School District. She began her career as a school bus driver in 1993.
“I’ve been a school bus driver for over 30 years, and I truly love it,” Wilson said in an email. “I’m also a statecertified school bus trainer. Additionally, I was involved in helping the new bus company, Zum, get started, which was a rewarding experience in building something from the ground up.”
Wilson said she is “excited” for new opportunities to help grow the trans -
“I’m excited to work alongside a dedicated team and to help develop our transportation department,” Wilson said. “During the interview process, I was impressed with Superintendent Rugani’s openness and vision for growth in transportation. Additionally, I appreciated the focus on environmental sustainability, a passion I share. I previously wrote and received a grant for an electric bus, and I’m eager to explore similar opportunities here.”
Wilson said one reason Liberty Union School District stood out to her is because of their commitment to growth and sustainability that she observed.
“Superintendent Rugani’s openness to development and Chief Business Officer Dina Stewart’s vision for environmental sustainability made this position an exciting choice for me,” Wilson said.
much I appreciate their dedication each day. My office staff, many of whom are also drivers, make the department operate smoothly — they make things happen, and I’m grateful for their hard work.”
The Liberty Union High School District has two open positions for school bus drivers. They are also looking for trainees who are interested in becoming certified school bus drivers, Wilson said.
Oakley celebrates fall at Oaktober Fest
By Connor Robles Correspondent
The City of Oakley held its 16th annual Oaktober Harvest Festival, or Oaktober Fest, on Oct. 26 at Civic Center Plaza. The event featured 31 craft and five food vendors, a live performance by Oakley singer Dustin Heer, a pumpkin decorating contest, and Halloween costume parades for both humans and their dogs.
Oaktober Fest proved attractive to parents and children alike, with 1,200 people attending the four-hour event, according to recreation coordinator Alicia O’Leary. The festival had several attractions catering to the younger crowd, from a petting zoo hosted by the Dingle Family
The best part about her job, Wilson said, is the bus drivers who inspire her with their dedication and support for one another.
Farm and Stables to two short costume parades--one for dogs at 2:20 p.m. and one for children 10 minutes later. Twelve dogs participated in the former parade, and 40 attendees in the latter parade, O’Leary said.
“I found out about the event online, on Instagram,” said parent Sarah Silva, “and we came just to do something fun with the kids. I love it. There’s good food and good people.”
Silva’s son Karter, 4, said that his favorite part of Oaktober Fest was Dustin Heer’s live singing, as he danced to the beat of the song Heer was playing. His sister Ella, 6, was most fond of a vendor selling Hello Kitty merchandise.
“The drivers are the heart of our department,” Wilson said. “Their willingness to step in and support each other is inspiring, and I want them to know how
She described another aspect of the district that appealed to her.
“Everyone at Liberty Union has
Shanti Wilson
WILSON
Oakley Rotary Club continues annual Christmas Basket Program
Registration starts November 2
By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer
The Rotary Club of Oakley will continue a long-held holiday tradition with the 2024 annual Christmas Basket program.
Christmas baskets and toys are provided for families in need in Oakley and Bethel Island. This tradition was started nearly 20 years ago by the Friends of Oakley and transitioned to the Oakley Rotary Club this year, according to a press release.
The Oakley Rotary Club has provided support to the Friends of Oakley since 2019 to assist with this program and make sure families receive a Christmas basket of food and gifts to share during the holiday season.
“We’re hoping to keep that long outstanding tradition of serving Oakley and Bethel Island with food baskets and toys,” said Hugh Henderson, a member of Rotary Club of Oakley.
The baskets include everything one might need for a holiday meal, such as turkey, trimmings, and vegetables. Children are provided with age-appropriate
gifts, as well.
The Oakley Union Elementary School District provides bins at schools
where students can donate toys, canned goods, and hygiene items. Many local businesses have donation bins, as well, in-
cluding Oakley City Hall, 3231 Main St.; Shred Shed Fitness, 3675 Main St.. BMO Bank, 2195 Main St.; MDRR Office, 85 Carol Lane; Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Lane.
The Rotary Club of Oakley will collect and assemble baskets in partnership with Les Schwab Tire, Grocery Outlet and other local businesses, according to the press release. The baskets will be distributed to local families on Dec. 15 at O’Hara Middle School at 1100 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley. Pick-up times are specified on the registration form. ID is required for pick-up.
“The best part about the program is seeing the families receive the baskets on our giveaway day and how appreciative they are,” Henderson said. “Being able to give back to the community.”
To qualify to receive a basket, families must preregister and provide proof of residency in Oakley or Bethel Island. Families can register by visiting www.rotaryclubofoakley.com or in person. Registration dates are Nov. 2, 9 and 16 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Les Schwab Tire, 89 Carol Lane in Oakley.
“This is a great event and we hope to get the whole community involved in it,” Henderson said.
• Find holiday books you loved and share them with your children.
• Shop with your children and help them find books they’d like to read.
• Look at our puzzles and pick some you’d enjoy.
• Explore a wide variety of fiction, including today’s best sellers. Find books you always wanted to read. All this and more, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. Money raised from our book sales funds programs at the library. Want to help us? Join the Friends! FOBL.Org
The Oakley Rotary Club will carry on the tradition of the annual Christmas Basket Program this year. The program was originally started by the Friends of Oakley nearly 20 years ago.
Press file photo
Middle school orchestra hits the big time
First of its kind to play local festival
By Jake Menez Staff Writer
The Adams Middle School Orchestra made local history on Oct. 24 when they became the first junior high school ensemble to play at the annual Area festival at Heritage High School. Now they are hoping to formalize the group into a class offered by the school.
“These kids continue to prove that despite meeting half as often as a regularly scheduled class they will show up and perform with the best in the city,” the orchestra’s director, Andi Isaac, said. “Their dedication and commitment deserve to be in the spotlight alongside their band counterparts.”
The Area festival showcases the increasing involvement of various music programs at Adams, Bristow, and Heritage, according to Adams Middle School Orchestra volunteer Cleo Jose. Jose said the event is significant for local educators, students, and families, showcasing the importance of orchestra programs, such as the one from Adams Middle School.
The Adams Middle School orchestra was created in 2023 by Isaac and Beau Reed and has more than 60 participants, according to Jose.
“Orchestra is a collective experience that not only enhances our students’ musical abilities but also builds social connections and a sense of belonging within their school and the Brentwood community,” she said.
Despite the group’s quick growth, Isaac and Reed did not have outsized expectations for the orchestra when they established it, Isaac said.
“We expected 10 kids to show up with violins and ended up with 40 kids and an orchestra,” she explained. “We ran the club as volunteers for the next 18 months.”
The success of the club prompted them to push for it to become a class, although those efforts have not been successful.
“Together with our orchestra families, we made petitions, spoke at board meetings, and constantly communicated with the district to get these kids a class of their own,” Isaac said. “Over and over again we heard
Adams Middle School Orchestra takes center stage at Heritage High School
excuses of why it couldn’t be a class. One prominent excuse was funding. Then Proposition 28 passed and we expected the district to utilize that funding for the 2023-2024 school year. They did not but instead used it against us telling us that no funds could be used to support Orchestra for that year because it might hurt the proposition money in the future. So we ran it as a volunteer after school club for 2024 and the program continued to grow and the students continued to impress us with their dedication.”
According to Isaac, the school board did end up approving using Proposition 28 money to pay for an orchestra class in March of this year, but then did not make it one. Instead, the board “insisted” that it be a club that could meet before or after school and would offer no grades for the students. Isaac said she hopes that the orchestra’s performance at the Area festival will make peo-
ple more aware of the orchestra, potentially leading to it being formalized as a class.
“The orchestra program at Adams Middle School has seen significant growth and plays an essential role in fostering community and student connections,” Jose said, echoing Isaac’s sentiments. “With ongoing efforts to formalize it as a class, this program continues to enhance the experience for its participants. For the past two years, advocacy for the orchestra to be recognized as a formal class has been a priority. Supporters believe that official designation will enhance curriculum offerings and provide more resources. Petitions were created through gathering signatures from parents and community members to demonstrate support.”
Brentwood Union School Distrcit
Superintendent Dana Eaton said that the school board will continue to look at the orchestra’s perfoamnce to determine next steps.
“Our district is one of the few in the state that has an option for middle school students to learn string instruments. This is the first year that all middle schools are doing after school orchestra,” he explained. “We will continue to look at the success of the orchestra program, the needs of our students and the ability to offer other school programs as we move forward. Our Board is committed to connecting students to school through the arts.”
To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Photo by Andrew Rulloda
Brentwood’s ghoulishness and ghastliness comes out in The Press’s home, costume photo contest
The Press asked readers to submit photos for its Halloween home decorating contest and its costume contest. Here is a sampling of those photos.
The deadline to submit home decorating photos is Friday, Nov. 1, and for costumes, the deadline is Sunday, Nov. 3. Send them to:
Costume Contest Link: https://www.thepress.net/living/ press-sponsors-virtual-halloweencostume-contests/article_ae1f8ae60402-11eb-98e6-438837c271e3.html
Home Decorating Contest Link: https://www.thepress.net/site/ forms/contest_forms/halloween_decorating_contest/halloween_decorating_contest/
Anne Knights of Columbus Fall Event
News iN Brief
Ballot drop boxes are located throughout East County
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and ballot drop boxes are located throughout the county. You can take your ballot to any drop box in the county until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Here is a list of locations of ballot drop boxes:
• Antioch City Hall, 200 H St.
• Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way
• Antioch Public Library, 501 W 18th St.
• Balfour Village Safeway, 3110 Balfour Road, Brentwood
• Brentwood City Hall, 150 City Parkway
• Regatta Park, Parking lot at Sailboat Drive and Porthole Drive, Discovery Bay
• Oakley City Hall, 3231 Main St.
Seven ports get more than $1 billion to shift to zero-emission operations and reduce pollution
California ports are about to become cleaner and more climate friendly thanks to new funding from the Biden administration in the Clean Ports program.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that seven California ports are receiving more than $1 billion to build zero-emission infrastructure and implement plans to clean up air quality. California ports received a third of the total nationwide funding. The Port of Los Angeles is receiving the nation’s largest clean ports grant of $411 million, which will help the port shift to zeroemission operations.
California’s ports handle about 40% of the nation’s containerized imports and 30% of America’s exports. This funding is key to Gov. Newsom’s build more, faster infrastructure agenda. See local and regional projects at build.ca.gov.
California ports receiving funding from the federal program include:
• Port of Los Angeles — $411.69 million: This project aims to accelerate the port’s transition toward zero-emission on-terminal operations by significantly reducing air pollution in and around the port, deploying zero-emission cargo handling equipment, and enhanc-
ing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
•Port of Oakland — $322.17 million: This project will support the vision of reducing emissions and fully decarbonizing port activities by transitioning to zero-emission alternatives for drayage trucks and cargo handling equipment.
•Port of Stockton — $110.47 million: This project will transform the port into the first small port with zero-emission terminal operations and increase the zero-emission workforce in Northern California.
•Port of San Diego — $58.6 million: This project will support the port’s longstanding commitment to the electrification of San Diego’s maritime cargo handling facilities and freight transportation by implementing the final electrification elements to transform San Diego’s maritime cargo terminals and the goods movement network on San Diego Bay.
•Port of San Francisco — $55.39 million: This investment will transition ferry operations along the San Francisco waterfront to zero-emissions, removing 455,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases and enhancing air quality at the Port of San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.
•Port of Hueneme — $42.29 million: The Port of Hueneme Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) project consists of two components: PHRESH START (Sustainable, Thoughtful And Resilient Transformation), which includes planning activities, and PHRESH AIR (Accelerating Implementation and Results), which involves the deployment of roughly 35 pieces of zeroemission terminal equipment and a drayage truck incentive program.
• Port of Redwood City — $1.97 million: This project, in partnership with a private entity, includes climate and air quality planning for hydrogen-based fueling and infrastructure. Black residents can take survey to shape their wellness services in county
Black/African American residents of Contra Costa County are invited to participate in an important survey to shape the future of wellness services in our community. Their feedback will directly influence the design, services, and locations of a new AfricanAmerican Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub — a center dedicated to providing cul-
turally relevant and responsive services the community’s needs.
Why does this matter?
The African-American community faces disparities in access to health, wellness, and other critical services. This Hub is designed to put the interests and experiences of African-American residents at the center of solutions. Your participation ensures that the Hub offers what truly matters to you and your family.
By completing this 15- to 20-minute survey, they will help shape decisions on services and locations that will best serve the AfricanAmerican community. Your input will directly influence critical choices about wellness support.
As a thank-you for their time, the first 1,000 respondents with valid email addresses will receive a $15 digital Visa gift card.
Take the survey today to ensure the future African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub reflects their needs. The deadline to complete the survey is Nov. 20.
To take the survey, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSdFWCJ3swYa-mx7mAmBZbW8e2ujmNbgXUUSY9hShCrTyDcNw/ viewform
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees seeks members
The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector
Control District was established in 1986. The boundaries of the current District are all of Contra Costa County. The District provides Countywide public health services through the control of mosquitoes, rats, skunks, yellowjackets and other vectors. This is important to prevent the transmission of disease and to minimize vector population outbreaks, which would interfere with recreational, residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. The District Board of Trustees meets on the second Monday of every other month at 7 p.m. in Concord.
The County is recruiting volunteers to fill two vacancies. The term of office is four years, beginning on January 6, 2025 and ending on January 1, 2029. The County Board of Supervisors will make the appointment. Contra Costa residents 18 or older are encouraged to apply. The District provides an expense stipend of $100 per month conditioned upon meeting attendance.
Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage at https://www.contracosta. ca.gov/3418.
Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. More information about the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District can be obtained by visiting the District’s website at http://www. contracostamosquito.com.
EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY
O pini O n
Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.
Editor’s note: As The Press receives political candidates’ press releases, we will run ONE per candidate as space permits leading up to Election Day, Nov. 6. The Press invites all candidates to submit a press release if they choose to editor@brentwoodpress.com. Running these releases is not an endorsement of any candidate.
County elections chief: Your vote is secure – make it count
My name is Kristin B. Connelly, and I am honored to serve as your elected ClerkRecorder and Registrar of Voters in Contra Costa County.
While there is a lot of noise out there about elections, I want you to know that the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department is your trusted source of election information. If you see any information on the internet, in your mailbox, or anywhere else that you are unsure of, please go to our website to double-check that what you are seeing is true. You can also reach out to us via email at Voter.Services@vote.cccounty.us or by phone at (925) 335-7800 with questions.
Voting in Contra Costa is safe and secure. We layer security into every aspect of Contra Costa County’s elections by protecting technology, processes, facilities and peo-
ple. Before election results are finalized, election officials ensure that every eligible ballot is counted, that voters only voted once, that all proper procedures were followed and that the vote tabulation system properly counted ballots. We built a website – secure-election.org – to highlight these security features.
With Election Day coming up on Nov. 5, plenty of misinformation is floating around the internet.
Nevertheless, all Contra Costa residents should feel confident that our elections systems are safe and secure.
From the beginning of a voter’s journey, our processes ensure voter rolls are accurate, up to date and secure, and only active registered voters receive ballots. Mail-in ballot signatures are double-checked against voter records. If signatures don’t match, staff con-
Letters to the editor
It’s time for a change in Brentwood’s leadership
Editor:
This upcoming election, let’s consider those candidates who represent a new way forward. Let’s support leaders who prioritize collaboration, transparency, and respect for differing opinions. We need individuals who can bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table, ready to listen to residents and adapt to meet the needs of a changing Brentwood.
As a member of our community for more than 20 years, I take pride in our city’s legacy — a vibrant, family-friendly place with a strong sense of community
After observing a few members on our City Council for the past four years, I’ve arrived at the realization and hard truth -- it’s time for change. Brentwood deserves leaders who listen, lead with integrity, foster respect, and welcome fresh
Sandie McNulty
Eric Kinnaird
Ad Services Manager Connie O’Neill
Associate Editor Jake Menez
Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures
perspectives. Leaders that can help us address current challenges and embrace future opportunities.
Our current leadership has worked hard in its capacity, But over time, we’ve seen signs that some, not all, of Brentwood’s government is becoming increasingly insular, resistant to new ideas, and, at times, mired in a combative tone that does not serve our community well.
This lack of civility has sown division, hampering our ability to work collaboratively and achieve the best outcomes for all. We need leaders who can restore respect in our government — leaders who understand that while disagreements are natural, mutual respect and professionalism are essential for good governance.
A respectful, collaborative government is not only possible; it’s essential for the success of our city.
Please take a careful look at all the candidates and elect leaders who will bring back civility, foster innovation, and embrace the diverse voices that make Brentwood such a special place to live.
Olga Vidriales
Letter writer endorses Oftedal for Brentwood City Council
Editor:
Brian Oftedal has dedicated his career to public service and safety.
I was honored to sit with him as a fellow East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Director.
Brian always recognized that annexation into the Contra Costa Fire Protection District was the best way to resolve the district’s fire and emergency
tact voters to confirm their identity by “curing” their signature. The system logs voter activity and only the first ballot received from a voter is counted.
Once a voter’s signature has been confirmed, ballots are removed from the voter’s identifiable envelope and separated to ensure that all Contra Costa voters’ right to vote a secret ballot remains intact. After the ballots are separated from the envelopes, all ballots are scanned by machines that are never connected to the internet and are consistently audited. Ballots are tracked from start to finish — ensuring registered voters vote only once.
We secure our technology. Voting equipment can’t be hacked or manipulated. All ports are locked and never connected to the internet.
The elections office secures our facilities
Why you should vote for Meyer, Roberts and Mendoza
Editor:
Our national and local elections are four days away - make your vote count!
With this in mind, I’m pleased to announce my endorsements for Brentwood’s City government seats:
• Susannah Meyer, Mayor;
• Anita Roberts, District 1 Council member;
• Jovita Mendoza, District 3 Council member.
It is imperative we support this dynamic team of extraordinary leaders to keep Brentwood’s quality of life protected, and to advance progressive business opportunities that will bring in quality jobs and tax revenue. All of these are needed to guide us to a bright future as we approach build-out.
Their opponents seem to imply that we are somehow floundering without a plan, we need to change direction - nothing could be farther from the truth. With Sacramento mandating myriad housing bills that try and circumvent our local smart-growth plans, including 32 new bills recently signed by the governor, we need the
response shortcomings. Still, he had the wisdom to recognize that we had to resolve historical issues to make that possibility a reality.
He also had the leadership and maturity as the president of the Board of Directors to facilitate that process efficiently and productively.
Brian is a collaborative bridge builder who can bring diverse groups together in conversations that yield outcomes that make our community better and safer.
and our staff. All staff are trained, and their backgrounds checked. Security is state of the art, outside observers are always supervised, and strict chain-of-custody protocols ensure no ballot is left alone.
Readers can see these state-of-the-art security systems in action at secure-election. org. You can also sign up to track your ballot at Ballottrax.net, so you can be confident your vote has been received and counted by Election Day.
Our systems are safe and secure. You can rest assured your vote will be counted. Election Day is almost here. I encourage you to return your ballot early and make your voice count.
Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters in Contra Costa County.
experience on the dais to navigate these new laws.
I have admired their dedication, analytical skill, and strength to stand up to outside pressures for many years, specifically the last four years in their roles on the Council and Planning Commission.
These three ladies have been at the forefront in guiding the Innovation Center development and adherence to housing ordinances, surfacing resources that benefit residents, benchmarking practices and applying successes, encouraging community engagement and camaraderie, as well as promoting agricultural enterprise development that will keep Brentwood unique and flourishing.
All their qualifications and accomplishments are summarized in my full endorsement at this link: https://tinyurl.com/yhfkwa25.
For continued Brentwood council leadership and decision-making driven by residents, join me in voting for Susannah Meyer, Anita Roberts and Jovita Mendoza on Nov. 5. Thank you.
Kathy Griffin, 27-year Brentwood resident and co-founder, Alliance for a Better Brentwood.
His commitment to the community is evident in his responsiveness and receptiveness to listening to residents. I often hear back from residents who have contacted officials with public safety concerns that Brian Oftedal always gets back to them.
I enthusiastically endorse Brian Oftedal for Brentwood City Council, and encourage everyone who wants what’s best for Brentwood to do the same.
Respectfully, Susanna Thompson
Barnes & Noble closes the book in Antioch, is moving to Brentwood
The Barnes & Noble bookstore in Antioch’s Slatten Ranch shopping center (top photo) has closed its doors after more than 20 years in that location. The bookstore is expected to reopen at its new location in the Streets of Brentwood shopping center (bottom photo) in December. An initial November opening date was pushed back due to construction delays, according to employees.
Photos by Andrew Rulloda
BY STEVEN BIBBY, COBALTIA TRAVEL
Unique experiences of “repositioning” cruises Cobaltia Cruising Corner
When a cruise line needs their ship in a different part of the world, unusual and one-of-akind itineraries are offered.
A repositioning cruise offers a rare and exciting travel experience, offered as ships move from one region to another at the end of a season or when a ship is redeployed to another region. These cruises feature unique and often infrequent itineraries, such as a scenic journey through the Panama Canal, a trip around the tip of South America, or an exotic voyage from San Francisco to Japan.
What makes repositioning cruises truly special is the chance to visit ports that aren’t part of regular cruise routes. They offer fantastic value, often at lower rates than standard cruises, while providing a more leisurely pace and longer time at sea to relax and enjoy
the ship’s amenities.
To enhance this unique experience, our agency now offers escorted repositioning cruises, providing added value with onboard contact, exclusive group activities, private shore excursions, port transportation, and perks throughout the trip. Curious about repositioning cruises? Contact us today to learn more about these unique itineraries and our escorted cruise packages.
If you have questions on this or any other travel topic, call me at 925-3034565 or visit www.CobaltiaTravel.com.
and spa packages. The friendly, talented staff is constantly upgrading its education through competitions, classes and seminars, providing your four-legged friends with new styles and trends. Doggie Depot is the leader of the pack in pet care, voted Best Pet Groomer for 21 years in a row.
Panama Canal on a repositioning cruise
Photo by Steven Bibby
Theatre
602 W. Second Street • Antioch
Tribute to The Eagles
Tribute Artists: Midnight Flyer
Presented by El Campanil Theatre
Saturday, November 2 @ 7pm
Adults: $32
Seniors: $29
Youth: $15
Sanskriti by Saadhana School of Dance
Presented by Saadhana School of Dance
Sunday, November 17 @ 4pm
Gold Circle: $36 (1st 3 rows Orch/Loge)
Orchestra: $30
Loge: $25
Opera: $20
Renegade Orchestra
“The Beauty of a Symphony, the Soul of a Rock Band”
Presented by El Campanil Theatre
Saturday, November 23 @ 7pm
Adults: $32
Seniors: $29
Youth: $15
Nutcracker by Black Diamond Ballet
Presented by Black Diamond Ballet
1 pm Sat - December 7 (Sensory Friendly)
2 pm Sun - Dec 8 & Sat-Sun Dec 14-15
7 pm Fri - December 6 & Sat Dec 14
Gold Circle: $36 (1st 3 rows Orch/Loge)
Orchestra: $30
Loge: $25
Opera: $20
Motown
Holiday Review
Top Shelf Entertainment
Presented by El Campanil Theatre
Youth: $15 Look for more great acts in 2025! El Campanil
Wednesday, December 18 @ 2pm
Adults: $32
Seniors: $29
Calendar
This Weeks Events
Saturday, November 2
Knightsen Wetland Restoration Project
Open House
The on-site open house will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The entrance is near the intersection of the Byron Highway and Eagle Lane in Knightsen. For directions and to register to attend, visit http://wetlandopenhouse2.eventbrite.com.
Representatives from the Knightsen Wetland Restoration Project Team will be available to answer questions. For more information, email aaron@catalystgroupa.com, call (415) 524-2224 or visit the project website at www.tinyurl.com/ Wetland-Knightsen.
Holiday Boutique Charity Fundraiser
The event will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5871 Marina Blvd. There will be holiday gifts, decor, artisan vendors and treats. Lunch will be available for purchase from the Bay Grill. All proceeds will benefit Coyote Crossing and the Delta Food Bank. For more information, call Cheryl Cados at 408-768-7209.
Heritage Jazz Benefit Concert
The Heritage High Combined Jazz, Heritage High Latin Combo, Jonah Greth’s Jazz Band, and Elijah Lopez’s Jazz Band will perform at 5 p.m. at the Heritage High School Theatre, 101 American Ave. in Brentwood. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children ages 4 and under are admitted free. Donations will also be accepted. The concert is an Eagle Scout project helping to raise funds for professional music stands for the Heritage High School Band program.
8th Annual Tamale Festival
Brentwood PAL Fundraiser
This year’s Tamale Festival will be from 5-10 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. Enjoy food, entertainment, and a live auction and raffle. Each meal includes an all-you-can-eat dinner with tamales, rice, beans, salad, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $40 per person, or $400 for a table of 10, and can be purchased at https://www. accelevents.com/e/brentwoodpaltamalefestival. Proceeds benefit the Brentwood PAL “Shop with a Cop” holiday program.
November 2, 9 and 16
Oakley Rotary Club Christmas Gift Basket Registration
The Rotary Club of Oakley will continue a longheld holiday tradition with the 2024 annual Christmas Basket Program. Christmas baskets and toys will be provided for families in need in Oakley and Bethel Island. The baskets include everything one might need for a holiday meal, such as turkey, trimmings, and vegetables. Children are provided with age-appropriate gifts, as well. To qualify to receive a basket, families must register and provide proof of residency in Oakley or Bethel Island. Families can register by visiting www.rotaryclubofoakley.com or in person. Registration dates are Nov. 2, 9 and 16 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Les Schwab Tire, 89 Carol Lane in Oakley.
Sunday, November 3
Tree of Lights-East County
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & THROUGH THE BOX OFFICE
@ ELCAMPANILTHEATRE.COM
BOX OFFICE: (925) 757-9500
RENTAL INFORMATION: OUR VENUE IS A PERFECT PLACE FOR RECITALS, CONCERTS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, POETRY READING, GRADUATIONS, WEDDINGS, PLAYS, MUSICALS AND MANY OTHER EVENTS.
Hospice East Bay Presents its 38th annual Tree of Lights 2024 at Brentwood City Park where participants will recognize the Lights in their lives and honor the role hospice plays providing a way for families and friends to honor their loved ones and find solace in the symbolism of light as the names of their loved ones are read. The funds raised by these ceremonies make it possible for Hospice East Bay to provide hospice care to patients who are not covered by insurance. Community support also allows them to offer additional services and programs, such as music therapy and children’s grief programs. This free event will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 710 2nd St. at Oak Street in Brentwood. For more information, visit http://www.hospiceeastbay.org/TOL
To have your event appear in the newspaper, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. To have your event online, post your event for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
On the Horizon
Saturday, November 9
Holiday Faire at Cogir Senior Living
The free faire will take place at Cogir Senior Living, 150 Cortona Way in Brentwood. There will be crafts, jewelry, home decor, Christmas gifts and more from 9 a.m-2 p.m. For more information, visit https://cogirusa.com/communities/ cogir-of-brentwood/
Holiday Pop-Up Book Sale at Friends of the Brentwood Library
Find bargains on a variety of books from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. The sale will feature holiday books and puzzles, holiday classics, fiction, children’s books, and many of today’s bestsellers. For more information, visit https://www.friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary.org/
St. Anthony’s Columbiette’s 15th Annual Holiday Boutique
The annual Holiday Boutique will be at St. Anthony’s Church, 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This free gathering will have local vendors, small businesses, entrepreneurs, food and raffles. For more information, email Columbiette10414@gmail.com.
Tasting Room Music with Randy Sykes
This is a free, family-friendly event outdoors on the lawn at Campos Family Vineyards, 3501 Byer Road, in Byron. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on. No EZ-up umbrellas and no pets. The event will be moved indoors if it rains or there are extreme temperatures. Fat Jack’s BBQ will be available for purchase. The tasting room is open from noon-5 p.m. and there will be music from 12:30-4:30 p.m. No outside alcohol is permitted. Pasta Feed Fundraiser for Heritage Track and Field and Cross Country
The Heritage High School track and field and cross country teams host a pasta dinner at the Antioch Community Center Ballroom, 4703 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 10 and younger. A transaction fee of $2 will be applied to each ticket. There will be a photo booth, a DJ and a silent auction. To purchase tickets, visit https:// www.successfund.com/HHSpasta. Donations are always welcome.
Friendsgiving Fundraiser Dinner
Enjoy a Friendsgiving Fundraiser Dinner supporting Seminarians and other Catholic Daughters of the Americas charities at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Parish Hall, 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Tickets are $45 per person. A discount is available for purchasing a full table of 8 tickets. The adult-only event will be catered by The Holy Smoker. There will be a DJ, dancing, raffle prizes and a silent auction. For more information, email IHMCDA2714@gmail.com. To register and purchase tickets, visit https://forms.gle/ KsUvfYQYu1wL2UV68
Sunday, November 10
Brentwood Veterans Day Celebration Parade
Brentwood will host its inaugural Veterans Parade at 9:30 a.m. Those who are a part of a veteran organization, a veteran-owned business, or simply want to show support for local veterans can participate in the parade. Those who are not a veteran/active duty military member, veteran organization or veteran owned business may only participate in the “flag walk” portion of the parade. Participants can bring their own American/ military flag and walk/scoot/bike at the end of the parade. Viewers can expect to set up on First Street between Birch Street and Maple Street in downtown Brentwood. At the start of the parade at Birch Street there will be a special take-home surprise for attendees. Admission is free. For more information visit https://www.brentwoodca. gov/government/parks-recreation/specialevents-and-programs/veteran-programs-events/ veterans-parade-registration
Suppertime Follies
Presented by Deer Valley Academy of Performing Arts, it will be an evening of music, food, and company in the dinner show, where guests will enjoy renditions of the Great American Songbook. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the event will be from 5-8 p.m. at Deer Valley High School South Gym, 4700 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. Dinner will be catered by Olive Garden. Tickets are $30 per person. Proceeds will benefit choral department activities, materials, guest artists, trips and events. For more information, visit https://gofan.co/ event/1721095?schoolId=CA22900
Monday, November 11
Brentwood Veterans Day Ceremony
The Brentwood Veterans Services Organizations is holding their annual Veterans Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road. There will be guest speakers (Master Sgt. Rebecca Pash, Persephone Gee, Denny Baker, Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant and police Chief Tim Herbert), a tribute to veterans, a rifle salute, and taps. It is sponsored by the local Veterans Service Organizations and the City of Brentwood. For more information on this free event, visit https://www. facebook.com/groups/1504007233250596
Oakley Veterans Day Ceremony
The City of Oakley will have a free Veterans Day ceremony to honor those who have served from 11 a.m.-noon in Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main Street in Oakley. For more information, visit http:// www.OakleyInfo.com
Wednesday, November 13
BINGO for Education
It will be an evening of BINGO fun and fundraising to benefit Los Medanos College students. The fundraiser will take place at Los Meganos Event Center,1700 Trilogy Parkway in Brentwood, from 7-9 p.m. Registration is $30 and includes 6 bingo cards. Additional cards are 3 for $10 cash. Snacks will be provided, and there will be cash prizes each game. The event is Co-sponsored by the Trilogy WOW & TEACH club. For questions regarding the fundraiser, contact Beverly Bell at bell.beverly@ comcast.net. For questions regarding RegFox registration, contact Meryl Miernik at mdwiernik@ gmail.com. Attendees must register on RegFox for tickets by Nov. 5 here: https://wowoftrilogy.regfox. com/bingo-for-education
Friday, November 15
A Place of Learning Annual Fundraiser Dinner Black and White Gala
The fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. at Lone Tree Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. Attendees should wear formal attire. There will be an italian buffet, raffles, a silent auction, a photo booth, a DJ and a no-host full bar. Tickets are $75 per person, and can be purchased on Eventbrite or Venmo @APOLFUND. For more information, visit www.aplaceoflearning.org
Dr. David Hill’s Comedy Hypnotist Dinner Show
The St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus, 2800 Camino Diablo, Byron, hosts a hypnotist show and dinner fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. Attendees will enjoy dinner and a dessert auction. After dinner, the hypnotist performance by Dr. Dave Hill will begin. Proceeds will support St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus charitable activities. Tickets for dinner and the show are $50 each, or $400 for a table of 8. No tickets will be sold at the door, and only 200 tickets will be sold. For questions, call WGK Joe Riggs at 925-980-4712, or Mike Stoiber at 925-759-4669.
Saturday, November 30
Holiday Sip and Shop
The 9th Annual Holiday Sip and Shop will have a DJ, food trucks, local vendors, prizes and wine. This is a free family-friendly event from noon-5 p.m. at 3501 Byer Road in Byron. Children must be attended by their parents or guardians at all times. No outside alcohol is permitted, and no pets. For more information, visit www.camposfamilyvineyards.com or call 925-308-7963.
Brentwood man graduates to become a Marine
Michael Davidson Jr. has earned the title U.S. Marine and graduated from MCRD 3rd recruit battalion lima Co Platoon 3255 on Friday, Oct. 4. Michael Jr. was in Cub scouts and Boy scouts, a captain with Brentwood Police Explorers, and was in band and choir at Liberty High School.
Brentwood
TRotary
The Press goes to Alaska
Ted Curran of Brentwood spent a few days up at his house in Ninilchik, Alaska. He made sure to bring The Brentwood Press along for this trip. Ninilchik is located on the Cook Inlet about 130 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska. The photo is in front of the Russian orthodox church, which has been there for over 100 years. Ninilchik has a rich Russian history.
Club poster contest winners announced
he Rotary Club of Brentwood presented awards last week to winners of its Youth Poster Contest. The contest offers high school and middle school students a chance to express their concerns about issues that are particularly important to them. The winner in the high school category was Anessa Schutz, a student at Heritage High School, for the poster, “Unplug.” The winner in the middle school category was Coleigh Pepito, a student at Adams Middle School, for the poster “NO to Bullying.” In second place in the middle school category was Gemma Jeffrey, also a student at Adams, for the poster, “Leave them Be, Share the Sea.” Others who placed in the high school category, were Heritage High School students Lily Helfenberger, second place, for the poster “Searching for the Light” and Eva-Marin Hards, third place, for the poster “Burning our Earth is Burning our Future.” Jonathan Cuason at Adams Middle School, placed third in the middle school category for the poster “Don’t Break Yourself.”
Photo courtesy of the Davidson family
Photos courtesy of Bill Harms
Photos courtesy of Mr. Curran
COLEIGH
GEMMA
ANESSA
How Freedom High girls volleyball embraced the underdog role this season
That mentality led Falcons to first co-league title
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
As Freedom’s girls volleyball prepares for their first home North Coast Section playoff game in program history, they’ve embraced a role that they haven’t considered much before: the underdog.
“A lot of the teams in our league happen to think like ‘It’s just Freedom,’” senior captain Madison Perry explained. “They try to assume that we’re not very good. I think us taking out our big rivals like Heritage and Liberty, it just really shows that you can’t really underestimate the underdogs.”
The team’s underdog mentality this season has led the program to its best overall and Bay Valley Athletic League finish in program history, 16-6 overall and 9-1 in league with a share of the league title with now five-time defending champion Heritage.
“It’s a monumental moment for me,” Perry explained of the team’s success this season. “As a senior, just being able to play really hard with my teammates and everything, and just being able to host a playoff
game, it just reflects the hard work.”
“It’s been a team effort. The fact that we were able to do this for the first time and bring a playoff game to Freedom, I think it’s gonna be held as an example to other teams in the future.”
Freedom’s 16-win season marks just the fifth time the team has finished with double-digit wins in the MaxPreps era (since 2004) while the consecutive playoff appearances, including last year, also marks a first for the team.
“The feeling is unexplainable and very surreal,” head coach Elizabeth Rivas said. “All the years that I have been coaching there are many accomplishments this season. It’s so satisfying to see that Freedom’s volleyball program is get-
Freedom’s girls volleyball team celebrates together on the court after defeating Deer Valley last week in Oakley.
ting the recognition it deserves.”
The road to get to this point has been a long one. From 2016-2021, Freedom didn’t win more than three games in a season. They snapped that streak by going 14-17 in 2022, their first double-digit win season since 2015.
Last year, the Falcons finished with an overall winning record (14-11) for the first time since 2015. However, they stumbled into the playoffs losing two of their last three against Heritage and at Deer Valley. They were bounced out of the playoffs at the 13th seed in the first round as fourthseed Campolindo swept the Falcons.
Freedom took lessons from the playoff return entering this season.
“The first two sets were rough,” Perry
said. “Even when we started fighting hard through that third set, I noticed how capable this team is to deal with and just push through that.”
“That’s what I take into this first playoff game. I want us to start off really strong and stay consistent the whole game.”
Rivas added: “I remind them to believe in themselves because I believe in them. During those times that we’re struggling, I remind them to breathe, believe, and battle.”
Consistency was one of Freedom’s strengths during the regular season. Unlike last year when they lost three of the last five entering the postseason, the Falcons have soared through the campaign so far. They enter their playoff opener winners of 11 in a row, including a season sweep of Liberty in a pair of 3-0 victories and defeating Heritage in Brentwood 3-1 on Oct. 1. The Falcons have also conceded a total of two sets throughout the streak, one in a tournament win over Granada on Sept. 7, and the lone set that the Patriots won in Brentwood on Oct. 1. They have swept their last four opponents 3-0 each entering the playoffs.
If Freedom wins their playoff opener Friday night, they will play the winner of Heritage and Cardinal Newman. If Heritage wins, Freedom will host. If Cardinal Newman wins, Freedom goes to Santa Rosa for the quarterfinals.
To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia
Heritage ready for tough match-up at Antioch
By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer
Heritage head football coach Dave Fogelstrom is familiar with the Antioch Panthers.
“We’ve played Antioch the four times I’ve been a head coach, and the last three years we’ve lost to them in the last two, three minutes of the game,” Fogelstrom said about it after last Friday’s win at Freedom. “The Antioch game is always hard. It’s a physical football game.”
Last year, Heritage lost to the Panthers at home 18-17 as Antioch scored on a last-second touchdown by Yusef Jenkins.
Heritage (6-2, 2-1 Bay Valley Athletic League) is looking for their second-straight win as they travel to Antioch on Friday night (Nov. 1, 7 p.m). Heritage got back on the winning track last week, beating Freedom in Oakley last week.
Meanwhile, the Panthers (4-4, 2-1 BVAL) seem to be finding their groove after winning back-to-back games against Freedom and Deer Valley, respectively, to claw back from a previous three-game losing streak.
Both teams have balanced each other out on the field, leading to several tight match-ups over the years.
“I think we’re equally matched most years in differ-
Heritage lineman Cole Wetherbee works on blocking during a play in the Patriots’ practice Tuesday in Brentwood.
ent ways,” Fogelstrom said. “They usually have the size advantage on us; we’ve had a little speed advantage in certain places.”
Antioch’s physicality and size in the trenches, despite the offensive and defensive line’s youth, has been something that the Patriots are preparing for for Friday night.
“They’re a very big team,” senior offensive lineman Cole Wetherbee said. “They’re very young, but they’re very talented.”
One boost that the Patriots will have Friday night is the return of senior wide receiver JJ Kinnaird. He missed last week’s game at Freedom due to a one-game suspension.
“JJ is one of the most exciting players in the league, and he plays (both) offense and defense,” Fogelstrom said.
Senior quarterback Austin Peters is expected to make his third start in relief of an injured Phillip Babbitt who’s remained out of the lineup with a shoulder injury since the team’s league-opening win against Deer Valley on Oct. 11.
Peters has been a bit up and down in his first two starts of the season against Pittsburg and Freedom, but Fogelstrom believes that he has the experience to be able to lead the team to a win.
“We have to give him plays that he’s comfortable with,” Fogelstrom explained. “And we have to help him out. We dropped two touchdowns in the last two games that were nice passes that he’s thrown, but, also, he’s just got to get a little better with his reads. He’s a confident kid and he’s a competitor.”
A win on Friday night would also mark another milestone for the Patriots – their first winning record in league play since 2020, and just their second since 2012.
“This Antioch game has been the difference the last three years between having a winning record in league and not,” Fogelstrom explained. “It would just confirm what hard work does for a program and for a group of kids who set their minds towards achieving a goal.”
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Photo by Jeff Weisinger
Lions head football coach inexplicably suspended for
By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent
The Liberty High football team has beaten Freedom seven straight times, but the Lions will be without one key person for this Friday night’s Bell Game: Head Coach Mike Cable.
Cable told his team after Tuesday’s practice that he was suspended for this week’s game against the Falcons.
Cable and the Liberty High School administration declined to comment on the suspension.
“I was really surprised when he said that,” Liberty quarterback Sage Robertson said of his reaction when Cable said he was suspended. “He’s the number one hype man, always letting you know what you could do better or how well you did. It’s great having that on the sideline so it’s going to be tough not having him there.”
No decision has been made on a possible interim head coach for Friday night, but Robertson said it’s crucial for the team to rally together for this year’s newest chapter of the Bell Game. “We gotta just go out there, play for him and do our thing,” Robertson said.
Liberty finds themselves in a tight
race for the top seed in Division 2 playoffs alongside Amador Valley and Clayton Valley. Last Friday night’s loss to Pittsburg won’t hurt the Lions’ playoff
hopes too drastically as Pittsburg is ranked in the top 20 in the state. Liberty defeated Amador Valley 34-28 and lost to Clayton Valley 21-17 earlier this
“ He’s the number one hype man, always letting you know what you could do better or how well you did... it’s going to be tough not having him there. ”
Sage Robertson, quarterback
season.
However, Cable said it’s crucial the team to finish of the year beating their two biggest rivals.
“There’s always a little something more to it,” Cable said of the Bell Game.
“As an outsider coming to this community, it’s one of the first things you hear about. These kids grew up together and, even playing a game of Monopoly with your best friend you don’t want to lose. These are must win games that mean a lot to us.”
The Lions, without Cable, will host Freedom this Friday night in what’s also the team’s Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net
Liberty head football coach Mike Cable addresses the Liberty football team after Tuesday’s practice.
Photo by Juan Cebreiros
Motorcyclist dead after solo crash on Hillcrest Avenue
Do I need to get the flu shot again?
The season is changing, leaves are falling from the trees and yes, it’s about to get colder. This is the time of year that everyone starts thinking about whether to get the flu shot. Unfortunately, this is a yearly decision, it is not a one and done. Here are some facts to help you make the decision that is right for you.
The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and sometimes lungs and it is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations per year, according to the National
Institutes of Health, and was responsible for more than 20,000 deaths during the 20222023 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you look at these numbers, instinct will tell you a resounding ‘yes!’ Run, don’t walk, to get your flu vaccination. Even if you don’t end up hospitalized, the flu virus is a miserable, easily transmissible illness that again is very contagious. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue and body aches, according to CDC.gov.
Why should you get a vaccine every year? Because the flu is a virus, and we know that viruses change quickly. So last year’s vaccination may not protect you even if it is the same strain. Also, as time goes on, your immunity wanes, making you susceptible to infection, according to the Mayo
Clinic. Vaccines are updated yearly by research scientists who decide which virus will be most virulent each year. Who should get a flu vaccination? Everyone 6 months and older with some rare exceptions. People who have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients shouldn’t be vaccinated, according to Health.harvard.edu. Although latest research states that even people with egg allergies can get vaccinated depending on the severity of their egg allergy, there are egg-free flu vaccines available, according to Health.harvard.edu. It is important to discuss this with your doctor first. Vaccines are important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu. These are people with chronic respiratory diseases, kidney disease, cardiovascular
disease, diabetics, people with weakened immune systems, elderly and young children to name a few, according to the CDC.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated and take the everyday precautions such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, avoid contact with other people and wear a mask if you must be around others. Wash your hands properly, cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze, dispose of the tissue in the trash, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Invest in an air purifier or simply open the windows and let in fresh air.
Getting vaccinated is an individual decision. Hopefully after reading this, you will be closer to making the decision that is best for you. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or even your pharmacist.
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0005367 The name of the business(es): UFC GYM Sunvalley
Located at: 185 Sun Valley Mall In: Concord, CA 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Karan Sharma, Gurwinder Singh, Sahibjit Singh. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company,State of Organization. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/30/2022. Signature of registrant: Bishal Sharma, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/07/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/06/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0005565 The name of the business(es): Pool Yetis Located at: 3 MIDDLE RD. In: Lafayette, CA 94549, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Yard Yetis LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/23/2024. Signature of registrant: Timothy Young, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/16/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/15/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0005437 The name of the business(es): Carolkitchen Located at: 345 Jorgensen Dr In: Pittsburg CA, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Roderick Gaddis. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Roderick Gaddis. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/09/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/08/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0005278 The name of the business(es): Organized 4 Life Located at: 3724 Edmonton Way In: Concord, CA 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alany Wouters. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Alany Wouters, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/29/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0005407 The name of the business(es): 1. Sunrise Cafe 2. Sunrise Bistro
3. Sunrise Catering Located at: 1559 Botelho Drive In: Walnut Creek, CA 94596, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): JORODA INC. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/10/2019. Signature of registrant: Joseph Stein, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/08/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/08/2029 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0004945 The name of the business(es): Human Dwellings Located at: 12935 Alcosta Blvd # 1891 In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): John Fuery. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: John Fuery, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/11/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/10/2029
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. F-2024-0005262 The name of the business(es): AMOR PLUMBING
Located at: 43289 Osgood Road In: Fremont, CA 94539 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Theodore Taclindo Amor. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/23/2012. Signature of registrant: Theodore Amor, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/30/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/29/2029
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0005180 The name of the business(es): Deharo Construction Located at: 4361 Technology Drive, Suite I In: Livermore, CA 94551, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Deharo Construction Inc. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2003. Signature of registrant: Angie Kozas, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/24/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/23/2029 Brentwood Press No. 021273
Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Jocelyn Vanesa Figueroa SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Jocelyn Vanesa Figueroa, Ozias Zunon-Cruz CASE NUMBER: N241701 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Jocelyn Vanesa Figueroa
and Esteban Zunon-Cruz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:
a. Ozias Zunon-Cruz to Proposed Name: a. Ozias Esteban Zunon-Figueroa
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: 12/13/2024 Time: 9:00am 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 newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: September 20, 2024 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: BIANCA SOPHIA PHOENIX SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: BIANCA SOPHIA PHOENIX, CASE NUMBER: N24-1562 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
1. Petitioner BIANCA SOPHIA PHOENIX filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. ELIYANAH ESTHER SCHULMEYER to Proposed Name: ELIYANAH OLIVIA CELESTE PHOENIX
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: 11/20/2024 Time: 9:00 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 newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press b. MUST BE SERVED ON FATHER.
Date: August 27 2024 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273
Publish Dates: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0005300 The name of the business(es): AST Installations Located at: 228 Merganser Dr. In: Oakley, CA, 94561, is hereby registered by the
following owner(s): Arturo Rosas Sandoval. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/01/2024. Signature of registrant: Arturo Sandoval, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/01/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/30/2029 Oakley Press 03-0477 Publish Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 2024
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: THOMAS E. TROST; THOMAS ELI TROST, deceased CASE NUMBER P24-01832 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: THOMAS E. TROST; THOMAS ELI TROST, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: THOMAS BRUCE TROST in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: THOMAS BRUCE TROST be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: NOVEMBER 13, 2024 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: 33. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94533. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested
East Bay Regional Parks District Park Advisory committee seeks members
The county Board of Supervisors is seeking an individual who is interested in park land use to represent the County on the East Bay Regional Parks District Park Advisory Committee (PAC). The committee is a 21-member citizens’ advisory group that studies issues and makes recommendations and comments on myriad policy issues, such as grazing, dogs, horses and bikes in parks, the Park District budget, naming of park facilities, park land
from page 1A
use plans, new concessions, and more.
Members are appointed for two-year terms and may serve a total of four consecutive terms, or eight years. The term of office for this appointment will be Jan. 1, 2025Dec. 31, 2026. Service is voluntary and members receive no compensation. Meetings are held virtually from 4-6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month via Zoom.
Application forms are at the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling
Several of the numerous vendors at the festival said they attended due to previous positive experiences at events organized by the City of Oakley. Elizabeth Brambila, owner of craft business Lizzie’s Wreaths, heard about Oaktober Fest exactly this way, her husband Miguel explained, and the decision to attend was easy.
“We set up here because it’s fun,” Miguel said. “We get to meet different people, and people sometimes share about their lives. There’s also quite a few people buying, and we’ve gotten a good turnaround.”
Shelly Hearn, owner of Shell Bell’s Poppin’ Treats, found out about the festival through a friend, also at a previous event. Though she hadn’t been able to look around at many booths, Hearn stated that her business has at least broken even from festival sales.
“Business has been okay. We’ve made our money back so far, so that’s good,” Hearn said.
Alongside the many businesses, Oaktober Fest also hosted a few nonprofits, including the Friends of the Oakley Library and Adventure Therapy Foundation. Alan Kemp, the Friends of the Oakley Library’s volunteer coordinator, was pleased with the big turnout.
“We chose to present our table as a form of outreach to the community, and to inform them about the Friends of the Oakley Library, library support programs, and the progress on the library itself,” Kemp said. “We’ve gotten a very good turnout, folks started coming around lunchtime, and there’s lots of dogs in costumes and foot traffic.
Growth from page 1A
been extremely supportive and welcoming,” she said. “It’s a collaborative environment where you feel part of a team, and the community culture is a wonder-
(925) 655-2000, or the application can be completed online by visiting the County website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418.
Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.
Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
For other details, call Elsa Grandvoinet at the East Bay Regional Parks District at 510-544-2024.
Oakley residents came out to enjoy the 16th annual Oaktobr
tured a number of performances and vendors.
“We have about a dozen people who signed up to receive updates, to volunteer, to receive Friends membership, and to donate.
Lauren Huffmaster’s Adventure Therapy Foundation was there to raise awareness and money for fighting cancer. They raised the money by running the event’s beer and wine booth, as the City of Oakley only allows
ful aspect for anyone looking to join.”
Wilson has extensive experience in the field over the years, and has gained a variety of skills to help her succeed. She encourages others to join the team.
nonprofits to sell alcoholic beverages at events.
“We found out about the event when the city reached out and gave us the opportunity to raise money here. We like to show up in our community, and meet new families that might be impacted by cancer,” Huffmaster said. To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia
“Bus driving is an art — a careful dance with traffic and precision,” Wilson said. “It’s a job where you develop valuable skills every day, and I’d encourage others to join us in that dance.”
Available positions at Liberty Union High School District can be found on the district’s human resources webpage at https://ca01001129.schoolwires.net/ site/Default.aspx?PageID=13675.
Oaktober
Harvest Festival. This year’s festivities fea-
Photo by Connor Robles
Cop logs
The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:
BRENTWOOD
October 21, 3:31 a.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Wildrose Way. A black Dodge Challenger with stripes pulled up to a location with an open garage. Two suspects ran into the garage, took items and left.
October 21, 3:44 a.m. A suspicious person was reported on Presidio Drive. The reporting party saw a person in his backyard trying to open vehicle doors. An adult was arrested.
October 21, 8:20 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Presidio Drive. A Jeep Cherokee was rummaged through and items were taken.
October 21, 8:39 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. A locked bike was taken from in front of a store.
October 21, 9:14 a.m. A case of vehicle theft was reported on Business Center Drive. 2017 silver Hyundai Sonata.
October 21, 9:52 a.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Cherry Tree Court. There was an attempted theft of the reporting party’s vehicle.
October 21, 11:42 a.m. A non-injury accident was reported at Balfour Road and Summerset Drive.
October 21, 1:21 p.m. A case of forgery/ fraud was reported on Sand Creek Road.
October 21, 3:08 p.m. An accident occurred at Lone Tree Way and Slatten Ranch Road. Injuries unknown. A citation was issued.
October 21, 3:46 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Lone Tree Way.
October 21, 10:05 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Second Street.
October 21, 11:12 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Dainty Avenue. The reporting party’s FasTrak was taken from the vehicle.
October 22, 8:50 a.m. Found property was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A vehicle was recovered and there was possibly crystal meth in the vehicle.
October 22, 10:42 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Empire Avenue. A window was smashed on the driver side back window.
October 22, 11:59 a.m. A case of identity theft was reported on Oxford Lane. An unknown person has been changing the reporting party’s bank account information online. The lost amount was $1,995.
October 22, 12:20 p.m. A civil complaint was reported on Arrowhead Street. The reporting party said two males came to her door and asked for her cellphone in order to upgrade.
October 22, 1:39 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. Items were stolen.
October 22, 2:31 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Balfour Road.
October 22, 2:45 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported at Arrowhead Street and Silverwood Street. The reporting party’s vehicle was vandalized.
October 22, 2:49 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. The theft was made by a known suspect.
October 22, 3:49 p.m. A physical fight was reported on West Country Drive.
October 22, 3:55 p.m. A harassment complaint was reported on Red Rome Lane.
October 22, 4:21 p.m. A suspicious cir-
cumstance was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The reporting party believes a male was following him from the bank. The suspect was driving a white Nissan.
October 22, 4:52 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party’s wallet, car keys, clothes and gym bag were all taken while he was working out. The reporting party received notifications on his phone about his card being used. When he went to check his locker, he noticed his items were missing.
October 22, 5:29 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. Shoes were taken.
October 22, 8:30 p.m. Found property was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The reporting party picked up car from tow yard and found a firearm in the trunk. The vehicle was previously stolen.
October 23, 3:15 a.m. A case of commercial burglary was reported on Lone Tree Way. There was a hole in the wall and a suspect inside.
October 23, 7:41 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Sand Creek Road.
October 23, 7:55 a.m. A commercial burglary was reported on Sand Creek Road. An employee noticed file cabinets were gone through and exited. The employee drove around back and noticed the back doors were broken and glass was everywhere.
October 23, 8:17 a.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on First Street. The side panel door was busted open and glass was everywhere.
October 23, 9:59 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on First Street. A window was broken out.
October 23, 11:43 a.m. A case of petty
theft was reported on Fairview Avenue. A statue was stolen.
October 23, 2:13 p.m. A loitering complaint was reported on Lone Tree Way. The reporting party wanted the strawberry sellers in the parking lot to leave.
October 23, 5:12 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Vision Lane. The reporting party wanted out of her residence.
October 23, 6:51 p.m. A two-vehicle accident was reported at Armstrong Road and Balfour Road.
October 23, 7:25 p.m. A case of vehicle theft was reported on Business Center Drive. A black Hyundai Elantra was taken.
October 24, 8:31 a.m. A hit and run was reported at Fairview Avenue and San Jose Avenue. No injuries were reported.
October 24, 11:14 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Balfour Road. Three suspects took $400-$500 and left in a gold Toyota.
October 24, 11:32 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Balfour Road. Two suspects left in a gold Toyota Camry and took a few hundred dollars.
October 24, 1:13 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported at Second Street.
October 24, 1:41 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Schilling Court. An iron fence next to the location was cut.
October 24, 2:00 p.m. A restraining order/court order violation was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. When the reporting party arrived, the suspect left on foot.
October 24, 8:06 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Sand Creek Road. The suspect was inside a store and is a known thief.
THE PRESS HONORING OUR
Brentwood to celebrate Veterans Day with inaugural parade on Nov. 10 downtown
The public is invited to join the city of Brentwood on Sunday Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. for its inaugural Veterans Day parade as part of weekend festivities. Veterans from all branches and generations and family members are encouraged to attend and participate to celebrate veterans. Entry is free.
“We are providing an opportunity for the public to use this day to celebrate patriotism,” said Veterans Day Ceremony chairman and organizer Michael Clement. “Many times, family members are separated from the veterans in their family and this parade gives them an opportunity to acknowledge them and celebrate their service. Most importantly, it gives the youth of our city an opportunity to see, visit and talk to veterans about their service.”
According to Clement, also an Army veteran life member of the American Legion, the Veterans Day parade is an opportunity for veterans and families to share their experiences and honor the legacy of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, while reminding those of the cost of freedom.
SEAN TONGSON
Local veterans get help filling out VA claims
Seminar’s goal to help them navigate VA bureaucracy
DALE S. SATRE
The Veterans for Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10789 hosted a seminar on Sunday, Oct. 27 to assist local veterans with filing disability claims with the Veterans Administration (VA).
The event, hosted at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Hall and attended by about 20 veterans, was spearheaded by Archie Smith, Jr., a VFW Post 10789 officer and former veteran service officer with Disabled American Veterans. Smith, Jr. also catered the event with his business, Archie’s S&Q Smoked & BBQ Meats.
“I’m volunteering here so that veterans who want an answer can get one,” Smith, Jr. said. “I put this seminar together because [VFW Post 10789] is going to be an education post to teach people and help veterans get through the system. This isn’t about
filing claims. It’s about helping veterans understand their own claim before it goes to the VA.”
During the seminar, Smith, Jr. discussed how to strategically prepare a veterans disability claim to maximize chances for success, and the importance of citing specific symptoms and diagnoses to align with guidelines in federal law. According to Smith, Jr., the biggest struggle with veterans claims is navigating the VA bureaucracy that often leads to denials for vague and ambiguous reasons from the agency in what can feel like an adversarial process. He also stressed the value and necessity of preparing a personal statement to add context to one’s claim, adding that the VA is legally obligated to read and consider every document submitted.
Samantha Stack, an Army veteran, attended to help volunteer her services as a
Veterans for Foreign Wars (VFW) Post
10789 hosted a seminar at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St.
notary public to veterans filing claims. “This seminar two years ago saved my life,” she said, crediting the seminar with connecting her with much-needed post-service care. She hoped that more veterans would take advantage of help to get the treatments they needed.
Richard Kelley, a representative of Antioch-based beer distributor Markstein Sales Company and its supplier AnheuserBusch, spoke to the event as a representative of both companies to inform veterans about scholarship programs.
“I’ve been coming here for over a decade,” Kelley said. “From my first event here, I created the community outreach program at Markstein. We’ve donated beverages, laid wreaths, and helped however we can. The thing that drives me is that veterans have already given and sacrificed so much, and they’re still doing it.”
The event was also attended by representatives of the Menlo Park-based nonprofit Paws for Purple Hearts, which trains service dogs for veterans with disabilities. “We try to promote and do outreach for the Bay Area,” staff member Megan Franke said. “We like to inform veterans how service dogs can help them.”
Smith, Jr. is concerned about the decline in veteran participation in veterans service organizations such as the VFW and American Legion. For example, the American Legion went from 2.3 million members in 2011 to 1.7 million members in 2021, according to data from the Legion. The VFW has faced a similar decline over the period.
“These organizations are chartered by Congress to channel veteran complaints and feedback,” Smith, Jr. said. “Every February we go to Congress, but we don’t have a togetherness. Without new membership, we lose political representation.”
Smith, Jr. said he believes the VA should make a more concerted effort to publicize the veteran suicide epidemic – 22 veterans are killing themselves each day over the past 10-15 years – and make it easier for veterans to access help to prevent suicide.
Any veteran seeking help with a claim, or any resident interested in supporting veterans can contact Smith, Jr. at askarchieVA@gmail.com.
Press photo
8 ways to honor veterans all year round
Millions of people make considerable sacrifices to protect the freedoms of their fellow citizens. According to the Pew Research Center and data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 18 million living veterans in the United States. The 2021 Census counted 461,240 veterans in Canada, according to Veterans Affairs Canada.
The term “veteran” refers to a person who served in the active military, naval, air service, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. In the U.S., there are actually five types of protected veterans, according to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge
Parade from page 1B
The parade route will be on First Street starting at Birch Street, where attendees can look forward to a surprise giveaway. From there, the parade will continue north on First Street, with bandstands at Chestnut and Oak streets, ending at Maple Street and the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, with the final stage announcing entries and members of the veterans service organizations doing a pass in review. The parade will also conclude with an American/military flag walk, with residents being able to participate by bringing an American or military flag and walking the end of the parade route.
“It is a common practice in some big cities to have over a thousand participants walk with the United States flag to show their pride,” Clement said. “If the public would like to participate, we will have a place for them to walk with their flag in the parade. The public can register at the city’s Parks and Recreation website and have a spot in the parade, where they can hold their flag and walk in the parade.” Check-in for the parade is 8-9 a.m.
Immediately following the parade,
veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran. Veterans deserve respect and admiration all year long, but also get their own holiday each November. Veterans Day celebrates veterans’ patriotism and willingness to sacrifice and serve. This Veterans Day, people can consider these eight unique ways to honor local veterans.
♦ Attend events. Organize or participate in local Veterans Day celebrations, such as parades and ceremonial events.
♦ Get involved with veterans’ affairs. Support veterans by volunteering with organizations that assist them, such as the VA, local veteran’s groups, VA hospitals, or charities dedicated to veteran services.
♦ Petition for veteran speakers. Reach out to schools, scout troops or other groups and arrange opportunities for veterans to share their stories and contributions. Learning about the sacrifices these men and women made can heighten individuals’ appreciation for veterans.
♦ Support the families of veterans. Reach out to veterans’ families, who also must make sacrifices and concessions. Anything from shopping, babysitting, doing chores, or making a meal can help the families
the public is invited and encouraged to attend a small ceremony at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. in honor of the 100-year anniversary of the building, which will include:
♦ Breanna Watkins singing the national anthem
♦ The public being asked to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance
♦ A live performance of the playing of Taps.
♦ A youth coloring contest
♦ A display of pictures and artifacts of veterans’ service inside the hall
♦ Display of a 15-foot by 25-foot
U.S. flag inside the hall for photo opportunities
Brentwood Recreation Supervisor
of veterans.
♦ Make a donation. If finances allow, make contributions to reputable charities that provide services for veterans like those that offer mental health counseling or job placement services. If there isn’t a charity that fits with your vision, begin one.
♦ Hire veterans to work. If you are a business owner or hiring manager, consider hiring veterans for open positions at your company. It can be challenging to re-enter the workforce after service, so make it known that your firm welcomes veterans.
♦ Offer personal acknowledgements. Take the time to speak to veterans and thank them for their service. If possible, when dining out, ask the server if you can pay for the meal of a veteran who also is dining that day.
♦ Don’t forget the fallen veterans. Although Memorial Day is designed to honor those who lost their lives through military service, people still can honor the fallen veterans on Veterans Day by sharing stories or placing flags at veteran cemeteries.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
Amanda Cheney says the city is focusing this year on entries from military groups, organizations, and individuals or businesses that support active duty personnel and veterans. The Brentwood City Council agreed in August to pledge $32,000 to veterans-related events, with $12,000 allotted for this parade. “Since this is the first year of operations, staff time was not budgeted in advance, so this money will go to cover staff costs including Public Works, Brentwood Police department, and Parks and Recreation,” Cheney said. “This estimated cost is consistent with costs for the City to host a downtown parade. The City Council also allocated other funding to a veteran luncheon and to the City’s Military Veteran Banner Program.”
Cheney added that due to not wanting to conflict with the annual Veterans Day ceremony hosting by veterans service organizations at Veterans Park, organizers decided to host the parade prior to Veterans Day after discussing it with the service organizations, with the weekend date better allowing for the community to participate. The Veterans Day ceremony will take place at Veterans Park on Monday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m., and will be hosted by the American Legion and veterans service organizations.
“The event will include free hot chocolate and coffee for the community, and will have military- themed vendors before and after the ceremony,” Cheney said. ”The City, with its partners, has also purchased lunch to honor veterans in attendance of the ceremony and will distribute lunch to Veterans immediately after the ceremony.”
For more parade information, including where participants can register, is at https://www.brentwoodca.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-eventsand-programs/veteran-programs-events/ veterans-parade-registration.
For more local Veterans Day events see page 6B.
Brentwood resident fondly recalls time in Army
Manuel Pastor vividly remembers his first experiencing in the Army at the age of 18. Approaching Fort Ord in Monterey in the summer of 1958, Pastor recounts getting off of the bus and immediately coming to face to face with a sergeant, who had some immediate, not uncertain instructions.
“From now on,” the sergeant commanded. “I’m not your mother! I’m not your father! I’m God!” according to Pastor. “So get in line, and do what you’re told!’”
Pastor, now 84, looks back at his six-year tenure in the Army with reverence, vividly recounting the highs and lows chronicling his time service. Born in Brentwood in 1940, Pastor graduated from Liberty High School in June 1958. A month later, Pastor joined the Army, following in the footsteps of his uncles Henry and Joe Fernandez, who served in World War II, and his father, who was a soldier stationed in Spain.
“That was a place where you have to straighten out,” Pastor said. “At the time, we had a draft, and a lot of guys were getting drafted. So, I might as well sign up; it’s
going to get me sooner or later.”
Pastor said his job in the Army was a field artillery gunner, which entailed lifting a lot of heavy artillery, and a lot of “big-time hard labor”, with harsh conditions, little to no sleep, and being on alert for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Nothing was easy,” Pastor said. “My job was to get the guys from point A to point B. We were all together as a team, and even provided support for the 82nd Airborne. If they got in trouble, we got them out of trouble. That was my job.”
Pastor’s time in the Army occurred during the predevelopment process to the Vietnam War, when U.S. Troops were deployed in covert, short-term operations without being sanctioned by the Department of Defense while sanctioned deployments to Vietnam were still taking place. Stationed in Laos, Pastor describes the seriousness and
intensity in Laos and Cambodia, eventually making its way to Vietnam, with strict instructions on having to be “top secret”, with soldiers prohibited from writing home or taking pictures.
“Every day was a war!” Pastor said. “You learn that at that point, you don’t have your life in your hands. You learn to rely and depend on each other for survival. It’s a team; a very dangerous team.”
In the wake of adversity and danger, Pastor looks back fondly on the bond he created with his fellow soldiers, remarking that regardless of whatever differences they may have had or experienced pertaining to race or backgrounds, Pastor and his soldiers put all of that aside for one common goal.
“The biggest word is ‘US’, which means all of us; we’re all together.” Pastor said.” We’ll find out one thing – when we get shot, we’ll find out that blood is all the same color.
You have to understand where you came from. We were there for one thing, protect America, and that was what we did.”
For all of his challenges, Pastor said the most difficult of his time in the Army was leaving, having created bonds and relationships with many of his fellow soldiers due to the amount of time spent together.
While he hasn’t kept in touch with them, he says he still has the memories and the pictures. Pastor says he still thinks about them, and is sure they still think about him, too.
“You become so attached to each other,” Pastor said. “We were all crying. And it hurts me now because when I found out a lot of my friends got shot in Vietnam, I wish I could have been there to help. That stuff stays with you.”
After leaving the Army in 1964, Pastor settled in Brentwood, meeting his future wife and they had three children.
Today, Pastor considers himself “blessed”. And while he said that he suffers from some PTSD, adding that “some trauma never leaves,” Pastor says he is lucky to be alive, proud and grateful that he served in the Army. Would he recommend any young person to sign up today? Pastor had an emphatic response.
“It is a good education, you have to get along to survive,” Pastor said. “You become a family, and you get very close to each other. To tell you the truth, I think it is the greatest blessing in the world.”.
TreVista Honors Our Veterans
Claudell Woods Ralph Knauss Arthur Harris Martin Enni Alec Fontana
Bryan Carver Tom Scanlon Billy Wilburn Larry Matthews Ken Lassiter
Dolores Weiman Douglas Pollard
William Davis
Tommy Hudson Daniel Lupher
SEAN TONGSON
PASTOR, THEN (LEFT) AND NOW
‘I wanted to be a part of something
bigger than myself’
Jake Briner is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served from 2015-2022. Briner grew up in Brentwood and graduated Heritage High School in 2014. He is reenlisting in the Coast Guard.
Why did you sign up? Why did you want to serve our country?
I signed up for the Coast Guard because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I always wanted to serve but wanted to be different from the normal Army.
What was your highest rank?
I was an Operations Specialist Petty Officer 2nd class. I ran communications, which means talking to civilians, and talking to our own assets on the radios. Where were you deployed and for how long?
I was at Honolulu for 3 years and stationed on the Coast Guard cutter USCGC Sherman. When we were on her, she was the only active-duty ship to have sunk an enemy combatant in wartime
(she had sunk a Viet Cong surface craft). We went for drug interdiction around the Galápagos Islands. We also patrolled Alaska two times and I got my arctic service ribbon.
Then, I was at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, one of the biggest searchand-rescue (SAR) sectors, averaging 20,000 calls for service a year. It was an especially busy 4 years.
What did you do there?
On the boat, my day-to-day was unique. When you’re in drug interdiction, every day is different. You’re either
see Coast Guard page 7B
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DALE S. SATRE
BRINER
Veterans Day festivities schedule
East County cities are collaborating with local veterans groups to host events to mark Veterans Day, Nov, 11.
Brentwood:
While the area’s veterans groups will participate in the city’s first Veterans Day parade on Sunday, there is also a celebration at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood, from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. This free public event is sponsored by the City of Brentwood and local veterans service organizations. It will include guest speakers, and a special tribute to veterans, taps and a rifle salute.
Speakers are Master Sgt. Rebecca Pash, Persephone Gee, Denny Baker, Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant and police Chief Tim Herbert.
Pash and Gee were chosen because the city likes to have female veterans give their perspective, organizers said. Baker was a Navy pilot who flew 122 missions and has been awarded for valor; he flew the FA Crusader and received a distinguished flying cross.
“The veterans park event is traditionally our big event each year,” said Travis Martin of the Brentwood Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post.
For more information, call 925-787-8087.
After the event at Veterans Park, the City of Brentwood , in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Brentwood and the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, is sponsoring a luncheon for veterans at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center at 193 Griffith Lane. Brentwood spokesperson Amanda Chaney said hosting a luncheon for veterans after the annual ceremony was a goal of local veteran service organizations.
will feature speeches, performances and presentations from the Heritage High School JROTC, Freedom High School Marching Band, Local Boy and Girl Scouts Troops, The Oakley Youth Advisory Council and local dignitaries.
Antioch:
“The City of Brentwood is proud to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans and active duty military through our Veterans Parade, Veteran Luncheon and Military Veteran Banner Program,” said Chaney in an email. “These initiatives serve to recognize and celebrate the individuals who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms.”
Members of the VFW will also hand out poppies Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Safeway on Balfour Road in Brentwood, Ace Hardware in Brentwood, and Safeway in Discovery Bay, to commemorate Veterans Day, and raise funds and awareness for needy veterans and their families.
Oakley:
The 2024 Oakley Veteran’s Day Ceremony will take place in Oakley Civic Center Plaza on Main St. at 11am and
The Delta Veterans Group will host a breakfast, parade and ceremony to honor veterans on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial Antioch Marina, 5 Marina Plaza. The schedule starts with a free breakfast sponsored by the Antioch Rivertown Veterans Lions Club at 8 a.m., followed by the Veterans Day ceremony at 9:30. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and goes through downtown Antioch. The festivities end with a free lunch hosted by the Antioch Veterans of Foreign Wars at 12:30 p.m. at 815 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch. For more information, or to participate, call 925-240-3703 or visit www.deltaveteransgroup.org.
County:
The county Board of Supervisors will host a Veterans Day tribute at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, in the Board Chambers, at 1025 Escobar St., in Martinez. The event will include a speech from Port Chicago Alliance Executive Director Yulie Padmore, a color guard ceremony by the Pittsburg Police Department and a musical performance by Yesenia Roman, who will sing the Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful. For more information, visit www. contracosta.ca.gov/6035.
chasing narcotics traffickers or talking to helicopters on comms. In San Francisco, it was 2 days on, 2 days off. Every day started early, if you didn’t already had a SAR case at the start of the day you usually had one by (9 a.m.). It was a very fast-paced and busy schedule.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your service?
Hard work and dedication. Teaches you respect, teaches you that you won’t get anywhere sitting on your ass.
Would you recommend any young person to sign up today? Why or why not?
It’s one of those things I recommend to people who want to see their world and do something unique. Coast Guard is close to home and exposes you to many experiences. It teaches a lot of dedication and hard work and respect and manners.
What was the hardest part of serving?
The schedule sometimes. Being underway [deployed at sea] in general is hard, especially when you’re away from your family for months at a time. It was a rewarding but hard experience, especially missing holidays with your family.
What was the easiest part?
Getting to see the world. We went through The Big Ditch [Panama Canal], the Galápagos Islands, mainland Panama, Guantanamo, and Alaska.
What are you proudest of with your service?
I’m proud of the fact that I helped a lot of people’s lives. SAR is one of those things where you’re going to save a lot of lives, and miss a lot of lives. I was involved in saving peoples’ lives that otherwise wouldn’t have made it.
Do you have family members in the military?
No, I was the first in my family to serve.
Were there times you wished you had never signed up?
No, there has never been a time I can sit there and honestly say I wished I never signed up.
