The Press 11.15.2024 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The Brentwood City Council voted 4-1 during their Nov. 12 meeting to apply aesthetic design standards to storage facilities in the city as part of an effort to help regulate their establishment and expansion in the city. Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer cast the dissenting vote.

The initial discussion had been one in which the council had floated the idea of banning the construction of any more storage facilities in the city because they were not deemed the best use of the city’s land, according to the presentation by Perry Ban-

ner, the principle planner with De Novo Planning Group, a third-party consulting firm. Banner’s presentation also explained that storage facilities employ few individuals and have “limited aesthetic value” among other concerns.

“I do not want new ones,” Meyer said. “But I do think that if an existing facility was

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

A first-of-its-kind project aimed at reducing of carbon emissions has been unveiled at a local landfill, converting landfill gas into clean energy for the East Bay.

Renewable energy asset developer Ameresco, in partnership with North American waste disposal company Republic Services, and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have unveiled California’s largest landfill gas to renewable natural gas plant at Keller Canyon Landfill in Pittsburg. A grand-opening ceremony was held there on Oct. 2.

“The (renewable natural gas) facility can process up to 4,500 cubic feet per minute of landfill gas and is able to reduce annual carbon emissions by almost 62,000 tons per year – or the equivalent of removing 30,000 cars off the

New project makes clean energy from dirty garbage

road each year,” said Republic Services General Manager Josh

see Project page 19A

City wants to beautify self-storage facilities

sult in the construction of a number of apartment buildings.

The Brentwood City Council is looking for ways to make self-storage less of an “eyesore” while recognizing its importance.

able to expand using a similar footprint…I would be okay with that based on the need.”

In addition to those cons, Banner said that storage facilities provide an important service to people who are moving or going through other life changes, such as divorce or retirement. Mayor Joel Bryant pointed out that Brentwood’s growth likely will re-

“I don’t want to see an overabundance of these [storage facilities],” he said. “If you’re in an apartment…there’s very little storage opportunities available.”

He also said that storage is the “only viable option” for certain pockets of commercial land that would not be used well otherwise and suggested that future storage facilities be kept in the same area as the existing ones in order to minimize their “footprint” on the city.

With that said, the council turned to how to make the facilities more attractive, with Councilmember Jovita Mendoza referring to them as ‘eyesores’ and calling their aesthetics “a little depressing.”

“Have you seen the one going down Ygnacio [Valley Road]?,” Councilmem-

The Oaks problems still occupy Oakley council

By Connor Robles Correspondent

Problems continue to plague The Oaks apartment complex at 69 Carol Lane in Oakley, and the City Council continues to hear about them from residents.

The Oakley City Council listened to reports from tenants and WinnCompanies executive vice president Oke Johnson on The Oaks Apartments at 69 Carol Lane their Nov. 12 meeting.

Some members of the council expressed doubt that more meetings between them and apartment management would solve The Oaks’ ongoing problems, instead

suggesting that management and tenants should create their own council to govern the apartment complex.

Tenant Michael Dupree recounted his years of trying to organize his fellow tenants, and the lackluster results of doing so. He said that, despite significant pressure from residents, most issues remain unresolved--locks are still constantly broken, washing machines are inoperable and full of stagnant water, roaches are still present in apartments, and homeless people still have easy access to community areas. He also stated

Press file photo

Photo courtesy of Ameresco

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ to take Centre Stage at Freedom High School

By Connor Robles Correspondent

The Freedom High School Centre Stage theatre troupe will begin a threeday, four-show run of the Mischief Theatre Company’s comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong” on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in Freedom’s Performing Arts Center at 1050 Neroly Road, Oakley. Three of the four showings will be at 7 p.m. on each day, Friday to Sunday; the third show will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The play is a high school-appropriate version of Mischief’s original, which premiered on London’s West End in 2014 and on Broadway in 2017. It follows a hapless troupe of actors, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who try and hilariously fail to put on a murder mystery play-within-a-play, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” while their incomplete set slowly collapses around them.

The members of Centre Stage have found the complexity of the production to be fun, according to teacher and director Regina White.

“It’s been a great time,” White said. “It’s one of the most technically challenging productions we’ve done to date. The set is almost its own character.”

A large crew of students, led by scenic lead Kaleb Dees, has been working on the complicated set since last spring, completing the difficult task of creating a set that realistically falls apart during the play while remaining a safe environment for the actors in which to perform, White said.

Several members of the cast and crew, many of them veterans of previous Centre Stage productions, unanimously professed their love for the show, its production, and the close bonds they have forged with each other in the process.

“The production has been wonderful — I absolutely love it — and the cast and crew are absolutely amazing,” said junior Graziella Willis, who plays the character Annie. “I feel so at home here, and everyone has been like a family member to me. I love them so much, and it’s so much fun here every single day.”

The production of the play has not been without its hiccups, but the team has pushed through each of them to ensure that the show can go on. They have even taken such technical glitches in good humor, since, after all, they are performing a “Play That Goes Wrong.”

“Our goal is safety while making [the set] believably unsafe looking,” White explained. “The timing is complicated-there are multiple students operating things behind the scenes that have to coordinate with very precise cues of actors saying lines. It requires a lot of teamwork and collaboration to make it work.”

“At the start of technical rehearsal week, the sound system broke,” said junior Malia Adams, who plays the character Taylor. “It was funny, because that’s a joke in the play, so we joked that it’s foreshadowing for the show.”

To order tickets, go to https://bit. ly/4fpF6Vv

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

REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

Chamber of Commerce accepting nominations for town awards

The Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for several town awards for 2024.

Nominations for 2024 Citizen, Business and Nonprofit of the year are being accepted until Nov. 30, with voting in early December, according to a press release. Voting closes on Jan. 5, 2025, and winners will be announced at the State of the Town Gala Jan. 25, 2025.

Click the links below to cast your nomination.

For Citizen of the Year, go to https:// bit.ly/40KQJlE.

For Business of the Year, go to https://bit.ly/3Arhkte

For Nonprofit of the Year, go to https://bit.ly/4fHSeoP

Invasive non-native golden mussel discovered in the Delta

Golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the Port of Stockton by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine operations.

Suspected golden mussels have also been identified at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County and are undergoing genetic testing for confirmation.

This discovery is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. The species poses a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water tunnels, infrastructure and water quality, according to a press release.

In waterways where this species is present, heavy encrustations of golden mussels have blocked municipal and industrial water intakes and diminished water quality.

The California Natural Resources Agency asks everyone working and enjoying waters of the state – including the Delta – to clean, drain and dry watercraft and equipment every time it is removed

from a body of water. This simple measure has served to prevent spreading quagga and zebra mussels and is equally effective in stopping the overland spread of golden mussels. The Dept. of Water Resources is conducting boat inspections at O’Neill Forebay in an effort to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Golden mussels were likely introduced to California by a ship traveling from an international port. They are likely to spread throughout the Delta and through the water conveyance systems associated with it. Without containment, golden mussels are likely to spread to other freshwater bodies in California.

State encourages offhighway vehicle riders to ‘Share the Trails’ during safety week Nov. 16-24

California State Parks invites all offroading enthusiasts to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s fall Safety Week from Nov. 16 to 24. This year’s theme, “Share the Trails,” focuses on fostering respect, responsibility and a sense of community for all who enjoy California’s diverse off-highway trails.

“By sharing the trails responsibly, we’re ensuring safer, more enjoyable offhighway experiences for everyone while also protecting the environment we all cherish,” said Division Chief Callan McLaughlin in a press release.

As riders hit the trails this season –whether on all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, recreational off-highway vehicles or 4x4s – remember these four guiding principles:

• Stay to the right: When operating an off-highway vehicle on trails, especially in shared areas, always stay to the right. This one simple action makes a big difference in helping traffic flow smoothly and preventing collisions.

• Share your knowledge: Seasoned riders can ensure future generations enjoy the same thrilling experiences. Help newcomers by sharing tips on safety, trail etiquette and environmental stewardship.

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

• Ride dmart: Know the terrain and what to expect, and ride at a speed that is safe for the trail and conditions. Never ride or drive while intoxicated.

• Ride with tespect: Follow posted signs, avoid sensitive habits and follow “Leave No Trace” practices. Treating the trails, fellow riders and the environment with respect is key to preserving California’s off-highway areas.

For information on the free safety classes and other events, visit the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation website at https://outdoorrecreationfoundation.org/ for schedules and sign-up information, and check with the area you want to visit. Local parks will also be hosting special events, workshops and safety training.

For more information on the safety week, resources on safety, or to find an area near you, visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery wins contract with RecycleSmart

In a competitive, months-long bidding process Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR) won a 20-year contract with the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (RecycleSmart) for the transfer of garbage and organics, and a new 15-year contract for processing recyclable items. The new agreements will go into effect in March 2027. MDRR processes RecycleSmart’s recyclables; transferring its garbage and organics will be new services.

Winning this contract is a significant milestone for MDRR, both as a testament to the company’s decades of work and exemplary customer service and as a catalyst for the growth of its resource recovery facility, which is dedicated to maximizing the diversion of discarded material away from landfills, the press release stated.

RecycleSmart oversees waste management services – including garbage, recycling, and organics – for Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Danville and Moraga, and adjacent unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County, including Alamo,

Blackhawk, Diablo, and Tassajara.

St. Vincent de Paul offers help for job seekers

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has announced new sessions of its Workforce Development Program, a paid job training initiative designed to help unemployed peope overcome barriers and find fulfilling, stable employment.

This 24-week program offers handson training in resume writing, interview techniques, organizational skills, and stress management, delivered in a compassionate and welcoming environment, a press release stated.

With economic challenges affecting so many, St. Vincent de Paul’s Workforce Development Program is here to make sure participants are prepared for workplace expectations and equipped with essential skills. Thanks to support from Contra Costa County’s Employment & Human Services Department’s Community Services Bureau, St. Vincent de Paul’s National’s Systemic Change grant program, and individual donors, the program combines classroom learning with real work experience, setting participants on a path to success.

The orientation sessions for East County are in Brentwood at 8890 Brentwood Blvd.: Part 1: Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Part 2: Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Applicants must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 sessions at their chosen location. Participants must be at least 18 years old. For more details and to download an application, visit svdp-cc.org, or RSVP for a session by calling (925) 439-5060 or emailing info@svdp-cc.org.

This program provides paid, parttime work experience (22.5 hours per week) at St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores or within St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores trucking and transportation department. Participants receive training in retail operations, cash register use, inventory display, warehouse management, and more, helping them develop valuable skills for the job market.

City Councilmembers follow this process if they are incapacitated

State law outlines steps to pick backups

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

With election season over, local cities are preparing for old and new faces to take their oaths and sit on the dais to lead the City Council in a number of decisions. But what would happen if one or more of the council members was incapacitated and unable to fulfill that role?

State law allows City Councils to appoint standby officers to step in should a regular council member be unable to fulfill their duty “during a state-of-war emergency or a state of emergency or a local emergency.” According to the state code, each member of the governing body is to pick three standby officers, in order of priority, to serve in their place should they be unavailable during a state of emergency. However, not every city exercises this right.

Brentwood

“While state law provides a process to have ‘standby officers’ in time of emergency, Brentwood does not,” City Manager Tim Odgen said. “ I’m sure it has just never been a priority to consider. In fact, I’m unaware of any city ever needing to exercise this right.”

Oakley

The city of Oakley adopted an ordinance in 2018 to allow for the appointment of standby officers, according to a 2023 staff report. Oakley’s municipal code states that the councilmember may appoint one standby officer in the event that the councilmember is deemed “unavailable” during a state of emergency.

That unavailability is defined in the code as “either killed, missing, or so seriously injured as to be unable to attend meetings and otherwise perform his duties.”

The municipal code notes that a standby officer shall not become a member of City Council unless there is a declared emergency. A councilmember’s absence outside of an emergency will not activate the standby officer.

“Standby members must have prior experience having served on an agency board, commission or council,” the municipal code says of the appointment process. “Consideration shall be given to places of residence and work, so that the greatest probability of survivorship or availability shall exist. With City Council consensus, the nominees shall then be appointed as standby Council members.”

Antioch

Similar to Oakley, the Antioch Municipal Code allows for council members to appoint standby officers if they are unavailable during a state of emergency. However, the Antioch code allows each member to appoint three officers ranked by priority, as is outlined in the state law.

“The first priority standby member shall serve during the emergency if his or her regular member is unavailable, meaning that the regular member is killed, missing, or so seriously injured as to be unable to attend meetings and otherwise perform duties,” a 2023 staff report reads. “If the first priority standby member is unavailable, the second priority shall serve, and so forth. Standby members shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body appointing them, and may be removed and replaced at any time with or without cause.”

For more information about standby officers, visit https://bit.ly/3Z3a5AR

Antioch police seeks public’s help in solving shooting

Antioch police officers are searching for the people involved in a vehicle-to-vehicle shooting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

At 11:24 a.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center began receiving emergency calls reporting gunshots fired and a vehicle crash near the Dutch Pride Gas and Food service station in the 500 block of East 18th Street, according to an Antioch police press release.

Callers reported seeing a man with a gun running away from a silver sedan that was left disabled in a parking lot. Upon arrival, officers located an unoccupied silver sedan disabled in the parking lot of 511 East 18th St..

During the preliminary investigation, officers learned that the driver of the silver sedan headed from the gas station to travel eastbound on East 18th Street. Shortly afterward, someone in a dark-col-

ored sedan, traveling westbound on East 18th Street, opened fire on the silver sedan as they passed on the roadway. The silver sedan swerved northbound and crashed into cars in the parking lot.

A man and woman exited the vehicle and ran in different directions. Witnesses reported that the man was carrying a gun as he ran northwest, jumping fences. After a check of the area, police could not find either occupant.

The dark-colored suspect vehicle continued westbound on East 18th Street at a high rate of speed and was not located by police.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department nonemergency line at 925-778-2441 or the Investigations Bureau at 925-779-6925. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE

By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

NAVIGATING ESTATE PLANNING: KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS

In the fast-paced environment we live in, estate planning may not always be top of mind, but it’s crucial for safeguarding your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored. Whether you’re a tech professional, a small business owner, or a young family planning for the future, having an estate plan offers peace of mind and financial protection. Here’s what’s important to know in today’s estate planning landscape.

1. Rising real estate values:

The Bay Area’s real estate market is unique in its rapid appreciation, which can have a substantial impact on estate taxes. California does not have its own estate tax, but federal taxes on estates over $12.92 million (2023 threshold) apply. Home values in our area can push estates into taxable territory. Structuring ownership and using trusts can help manage the impact.

2. Trusts for Privacy and Probate Avoidance: Probate in California can be time-consuming and expensive. Setting up a revocable living trust is one way to avoid probate and keep your affairs private. This is especially valuable for those with real estate, as properties transferred into a trust bypass probate, reducing costs and delays for heirs.

3. Addressing Digital Assets and Cryptocurrency: In our tech-driven region, many people hold

digital assets like cryptocurrency or intellectual property. Estate plans now need to account for these unique assets, providing clear instructions for access, transfer, and security.

4. Providing for Blended Families: It’s common for Bay Area families to have complex family dynamics, including blended families or multi-generational households. Estate planning tools can ensure that your spouse, children, and other loved ones are protected according to your wishes.

By addressing these key considerations, East County residents can build a comprehensive estate plan that protects their assets, family, and legacy. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that your plan is tailored to your unique situation and remains effective as laws and financial landscapes evolve.

Mr. Amthor is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and has practiced law for 28 years.

If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at 925-516-4888. East County Family Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Suite A, Brentwood. www.eastcountyfamilylaw.com – Advertorial

How you can adopt a local senior this holiday season

Annual program returns for fifth year in Brentwood

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

The Brentwood Senior Activity Center, in partnership with Brentwood Strong, is bringing back the Adopt-ASenior program this holiday season. Brentwood Strong is a nonprofit whose goal is people helping people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to their website brentwoodstrong.com.

The program began five years ago, and more than 1,000 seniors have been served since 2020, according to EventBrite.com. The purpose of the program is to provide gifts and friendship to local seniors who do not have the means, the family or their health to enjoy the holiday season. The goal for this year is to adopt more than 200 local seniors,

according to the EventBrite website. The program will provide a meal, grocery gift cards, holiday cheer, and gifts of their choosing to seniors from local families and students.

Residents can help in two ways: Adopt a senior and purchase gifts off their wish list for a $75 value, or they can donate any amount to go towards a senior’s holiday wish list.

“This program is a testament to the power of Brentwood coming together to help each other in a way that most communities don’t,” Seana Fippin, a program organizer said in an email. “It speaks to the legacy of leadership and service here in East County. Our hats off to all who have been a part of the incredible service work we do TOGETHER. On behalf of Brentwood Strong, thank you, sincerely.”

To participate in the Adopt-ASenior program, register on Eventbrite at https://adoptasenior2024.eventbrite. com.

For more information, call the Brentwood Senior Activity Center at 925-516-5380.

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

This Week’s Events

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 perform. 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 16

Oakley Rotary Club Christmas Gift Basket Registration

The Rotary Club of Oakley will continue a long-held 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 given an ageappropriate gift, 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 is Nov. 16 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Les Schwab Tire, 89 Carol Lane in Oakley.

Holiday Photos with Mermaids

Join the Willow Park Mercantile from 3-5 p.m. for a magical experience at 205 G Street in Antioch. Take a selfie in a sleigh with a mermaid and merman and shop in their Winter Wonderland. For more information on this free event, visit http:// www.willowparkmercantile.com

Thursday, November 21

Fentanyl Awareness Event

Learn more about the Fentanyl crisis, its effect on youth, and how to respond to an opioid overdose. Narcan (Naloxone) will be distributed to all registered attendees. The target audience is educators, parents, family members, and other caring adults. The content is also appropriate for middle and high school aged students. This is a free event from 6-7:30 p.m. at Freedom High School’s Performing Arts Center,1050 Neroly Road in Oakley.

On the Horizon

Saturday, November 23

Winter Wine Walk and Tasting Tour

Tickets are on sale for the 9th Annual Winter Wine Walk, organized by The Downtown Brentwood Coalition and the Contra Costa Wine Growers Association. Discover more than a dozen retail shops and sample local wines. This event is intended for guests ages 21 and over. There will be designated driver, shopping, and tasting-only passes available.

Ticket holders will receive an event tasting glass, food samples at each stop, exclusive holiday shopping sales, samples of wine from all around Contra Costa County, and the opportunity to purchase wine at the lowest prices of the year. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/winter-wine-walk-and-tasting-tour2024-tickets-1044639012407?aff=CCWGA. For more information visit The Downtown Brentwood Coalition’s Facebook page @ downtownbrentwood

Wednesday, November 22, 29 and

Monday December 4

Brentwood Regional Community Chest Holiday Food and Toy Basket

Registration

To register for a holiday food and toy basket, visit the Brentwood Senior Activity Center at 193 Griffith Lane in Brentwood during one of the following registration times: November 22 from 2:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 29 from 10-11 a.m. or Dec. 4 from 5-6 p.m. Identification and proof of residency in Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay or Knightsen is required. Up to 500 families will be presented with a full holiday dinner, canned food and age-appropriate gifts for their children. For more information, visit www.brcchest.org.

Saturday, November 30

Holiday Sip and Shop in Byron

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.

42nd Annual Brentwood Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

The parade and tree lighting, hosted by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and the City of Brentwood, will be from 5-7 p.m. in downtown Brentwood. The theme this year is “Let it Glow.” The parade route will start at First and Birch streets, turn right at Oak Street and end at Fourth Street. Attendees may bring unwrapped toys and canned goods to donate to Brentwood Community Chest. For more information, visit www.brentwoodchamber.com.

Wednesday, December 4

Working Wonders Holiday Fundraiser

Working Wonders, a nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities, will have an event with the Liberty Singers, gift baskets, auctions for both a Beach Cruiser bike and wine tasting for 6, and more. The fundraising event will be at Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, 234 Oak St. in Brentwood, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include two items on tap and one food item. To purchase tickets or donate, Venmo to @ workingwondersbrentwood. Put “tickets” and your name in the note.

Thursday, December 5

Oakley Christmas Tree Lighting

The City of Oakley is hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting starting at 5 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St., to kick off the holiday season with this family-friendly event. Admission and parking are free and the event will take place rain or shine. Civic Center Plaza will be adorned with lights and decorations. There will be free cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts for children, live entertainment and more. Santa Claus will also be making a special visit. Entertainment will include

performances by local organizations. The live tree is near the veterans memorial, and the lights will turn on at about 6:45 p.m.. For more information, call Alicia at (925) 625-7041 or email oleary@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Saturday, December 7

Victorian Holiday Market

The market will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Delta Community Presbyterian Church and adjoining school All God’s Children Elementary, 1900 Willow Lake Road, Discovery Bay. There will be crafts, boutique items, baked goods, a Christmas giving tree, a silent auction, hot beverages, picture taking with Santa and caroling. For more information or to make or donate gifts, contact Mary Anderson at mary.anderson43@gmail.com. All donations will benefit All God’s Children Elementary building fund.

Saturday, December 14

Oakley’s Annual Breakfast with Santa

Have breakfast with Santa at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave. Guests will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and capture the moment with family photos. There will be a pancake breakfast that will include eggs, bacon, and beverages. There will be a make-n-take holiday craft and a small gift from Santa for the children. Pre-registration is required, tickets will not be available at the door. There will be two time slots families can sign up for: 10-11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To register, visit https://secure.rec1.com/ CA/oakley-ca/catalog

Discovery Bay Lighted Boat Parade

The Discovery Bay Yacht Club hosts the parade that starts at Kellogg Creek at 5 p.m. All boaters are welcome to join the free parade along with a celebration at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club after the parade, 5871 Marina Road. Boaters can sign up at dbyc.com, by emailing dbyc2024lightedboats@gmail.com or by calling/texting 408-832-3106.

Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15

Annual Holiday Boutique in Oakley

The Annual Holiday Boutique will be hosted by Wi Cha Ka Council #222 in Oakley. Support local vendors, small businesses and independent sellers from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Red Men & Pocahontas Hall, 1403 Main St. in Oakley. Admission is free, and the boutique will proceed, rain or shine. There will be handmade items, one-of-a-kind crafts, home decor, jewelry and more. There will be a raffle fundraiser for Veterans Hospital Martinez. There will be free pictures with Santa all day, and breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m.noon. Tickets are $3 per person.

Sunday, December 15

Oakley Rotary Club Christmas Gift Basket Distribution

Christmas gift baskets will be distributed at O’Hara Middle School, 1100 O’Hara Avenue, in Oakley. Registration is required. Pickup times are specified on each registered recipient’s registration form. ID is required for pickup. Recipients should not arrive prior to their pickup time. The last day to register is Nov. 16 from 10 a.m-1 p.m. at Les Schwab Tire, 89 Carol Lane in Oakley. To register, a photo ID and a verification of residence in Oakley or Bethel Island is required. One family meal will be provided per residence.

Saturday, December 21

Brentwood Regional Community Chest Holiday Food and Toy Basket Distribution Day

Food and toys will be distributed to registered families from 7:30 a.m.-noon. Volunteers are needed. There is no need to sign up to volunteer ahead of time. To register for a holiday food and toy basket, visit the Brentwood Senior Activity Center at 193 Griffith Lane in Brentwood during one of the following registration times: Nov. 22 from 2:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 29 from 10-11 a.m. or Dec. 4 from 5-6 p.m. Identification and proof of residency in Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay or Knightsen is required.

Veterans sacrifice their mental health for our freedoms

November is the designated month to recognize our veterans. Since Nov. 11, 1918 marks the end of World War I, this is the time to acknowledge all our veterans – heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms. Our veterans faced countless traumas on the battlefield. Even after they physically left combat, the mental scars remain.

One of the common mental health conditions that our veterans face after leaving the battlefield is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental illness that approximately 5% of Americans face. Veterans are particularly susceptible because of what they have encountered in combat. PTSD became a mental health diagnosis in 1980. Research about veterans returning from combat was a very important piece to the creation of the diagnosis, according to ptsd.va.gov.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “PTSD is a mental health condition that is caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event – either being part of it or witnessing it.”

While in the military, combat veterans faced constant fear for their lives, witnessed traumatic injuries, traumatic deaths, and losing team members, to name a few. In those intense moments, the body activates the “fight or flight” response that gives a person the ability to cope and to protect themselves in the present. This is normal. PTSD presents itself when there is no imminent danger, and the traumatized person must now learn how to process their past experiences.

The signs and symptoms of PTSD may include:

• Intrusive symptoms like dreams, unwanted memories, flashbacks like you are reliving the moment in the present;

• Avoidance symptoms such as losing interest or not taking part in daily activities, and isolating yourself;

• Increased arousal symptoms – easily startled, easily irritated, worried and nervous, trouble focusing, yelling at or hitting other people or objects;

• Negative mood and thoughtsnegative feelings about yourself or others, unable to feel positive emotions like happiness or love. Selfblame, according to ptsd.va.gov and nimh.nih.gov.

Fortunately, PTSD has been well researched, and there are resources available for veterans. Treatments could include medications to reduce the symptoms, counseling cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy and desensitizing and

reprocessing therapy.

In addition, you can help yourself by:

• limiting alcohol intake

• avoiding illegal drugs

• exercising regularly

• getting 7-9 hours of sleep per day

• avoiding caffeine close to bedtime

• making connections

• not isolating yourself

• most importantly, reaching out and finding a support group.

Veterans, we thank you for your service!

For more information, contact: National Center for PTSD at ptsd.va.gov and the National Institute of Mental Health at nimh.nih.gov.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Nurse’s CorNer

sheri Griffiths

Heritage High alum graduates from Coast Guard boot camp to become a reservist

Matthew Moses graduated from the United States Coast Guard Boot Camp and is serving as a reservist. He will be attending advanced school for Maritime Enforcement. and will pursue a career in law enforcement upon completion. Matthew is a Heritage High School graduate and an Eagle Scout. He enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends.

Remembering a Brentwood Marine killed 11 years ago

One of the last few occasions Mariela Castro saw her sister, Lance Cpl. Sara Castromata of Brentwood, was just after New Year’s in 2013..

“She was home for a few weeks,” said Mariela, 25. “And one of the things she loved to do when we were together as a family was to do the Wii Just Dance. She loved to dance, and the whole family was getting into it, dancing and having fun.”

Sara Castromata, 19, was shot to death on March 21, 2013 in a double murder-suicide at the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va.

A Liberty High School graduate and former Bristow Middle School student, Sara joined the Marines in 2011 and was a warehouse clerk at Quantico. Mariela described her sister as a warm, giving and bright woman.

“She was so smart. She was born in Mexico and came here when she was 8 and learned English in just six months. Her teachers couldn’t believe such a little girl could learn so fast.”

Aside from her duties at the base, Castromata was also a volunteer at a

veterinary clinic in town that catered to many of the area’s abandoned and lost animals. Her caring spirit was apparent last week when her captain relayed to Mariela that her sister was organizing an Easter egg dying project and hunt for the neighboring children.

“She was busy trying to convince people to volunteer for the Easter eggs,” Mariela said. “She has a 5-year-old niece here at home she was very close to, and I know that was her way of doing something for children, since she couldn’t be home.”

Rotary Club of Oakley donates $15,000 to new library and Community Center

With Oakley’s population steadily approaching 50,000, city planners have envisioned a new Oakley Library and Community Center to be built at the Oakley Civic Center Plaza. The Rotary Club of Oakley recently hosted their inaugural Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament to benefit the new Oakley Library, according to a press release. The event raised $10,000 for the project, with nearly 100 poker enthusiasts and novices. The club donated an additional $5,000 from their foundation, bringing the total donation to $15,000, the press release stated. The donation will go

towards the purchase of interactive panels in the Children’s Section of the new Oakley Library. The club will work with Oakley Library staff and the Friends of the Oakley Library to select the panels for display. Aligned with Rotary International’s mission to strengthen communities’ capacity to support basic education and literacy, the Rotary Club of Oakley is committed to promoting education for all children and literacy for children and adults, the press release said. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Oakley’s service projects, contact President Vera Martinez at veramartinez5160@gmail.com.

CASTROMATA

Heritage looks forward to Logan rematch with Logan in NCS playoff opener

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

For the first time since 2017, the Heritage Patriots are hosting a playoff game in Brentwood. This time, they’ll look to get revenge for a non-conference loss last year when the fourth-seeded Patriots take on the fifth-seed James Logan Colts from Union City in the first round of the North Coast Section Division 3 playoffs Friday night in Brentwood.

Last year at Heritage’s Homecoming, the Patriots gave up a two-score lead late as the Colts came back to win 27-21 in Brentwood.

“Logan has come back to get us in the fourth quarter the last two times we played them,” Heritage head coach Dave Fogelstrom said. “We will emphasize over and over this week, while watching film and out on the field, how critical it will be to play four quarters and avoid mental mistakes and penalties.”

The trip to the playoffs marks the first time that Heritage has reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since the 2016-17 campaigns. Last year, the Patriots returned to the playoffs after a six-year hiatus, defeating Redwood High in the quarterfinals before falling at eventual Division 2 champion El Cerrito in the semifinals.

“Playing in the post-season (this year) is different,’ Fogelstrom explained. “Last

year, our players got to feel what playoff football is like. They realize that there is no guarantee about ‘next week.’ I feel like this team really wants a reset after the last month of football and all of the close losses. They have a chance at a new season, and that does not come around often. They want to take advantage of this opportunity.

“To still be in the hunt for a championship is exciting.”

The Patriots limp into the playoffs, los-

ing three of their last four games, scoring 13 points or fewer in each of those three losses. The offensive struggles come after Heritage combined to outscore their last two nonconference opponents 98-28 earlier this year and defeated Deer Valley 38-7 in the Bay Valley Athletic League opener.

Injuries hurt the team offensively, leading to the struggles. However, quarterback Phillip Babbitt, who’s been out with an injury since the team’s win against Deer Valley,

is expected to return to the lineup against the Colts in the playoff opener.

“Phillip should be healthy enough this week,” Fogelstrom said. He added that quarterback Austin Peters, who started the team’s final four games of the season, will also continue to get first-team reps in practice along with Babbitt to prepare along with junior running back Ilias Muhammad, who threw a 76-yard touchdown pass-andrun to senior JJ Kinnaird in last week’s loss against Liberty.

Heritage’s defense has stepped up in a big way through the final stretch of the season, despite the record. Heritage’s defense allowed no more than 15 points in four of their five BVAL matchups with their 45-0 loss at Pittsburg the outlier. They’ve also become a turnover machine in league play entering the playoffs, grabbing 10 interceptions in BVAL play this year, including four last week against Liberty.

“Right now, our defense is the heart of our team,” Fogelstrom said. “We knew we were going to have a good secondary this summer and they have come through. It’s tough to throw against them at practice and we see it every day. Coaches (Ron) Rivers and (John) Stone have done a great job with them, and coach (Sam) Arnold has the defense playing at a high level for sure.”

The winner of Friday night’s game will take on the winner of the (1) Acalanes-(8) Dublin game next week.

Liberty looks to lock in for long playoff run, starting with visiting Friday night Vintage

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

Last season, Liberty was left out of the playoffs after a 7-3 season. Almost a full year later they are the number one seed in the Division 2 North Coast Section playoff bracket after another 7-3 season.

The Lions are what quarterback Sage Robertson described as “fired up” to hold the top seed in the playoffs. Liberty will battle Vintage High this Friday night, and Robertson said the team is taking a “game by game” approach for the course of playoffs.

“It’s good to know that our hard work is paying off,” Robertson said. “The job’s not finished though. We got a lot more to do. It’s win or go home now, so we just got to put our all into it and give a little more every day.”

Liberty is coming off a low-scoring, but physical Brentwood Bowl against Heritage where they won their eighth straight Brentwood Bowl 14-7.

While the team got the win, it was another difficult performance for Robertson. He completed 12 of 20 passes for 163 yards, but had four passes intercepted. Throughout his struggles however, Liberty head coach Mike Cable has said numerous times that he and the rest of the coaching staff have full

Sage Robertson throwing a pass in last week’s Bowl game against Heritage High School.

confidence in Robertson as their starting quarterback.

Cable was not at Tuesday’s practice due to a sickness, but Robertson said having a coach like Cable has been helpful through his recent rough patch.

“It’s great to have a coach, coaching staff and teammates that believe in me and know what I can do,” Robertson said. “I’ve been struggling recently, and I understand that. I’ve been trying to do too much and I just haven’t been

having fun playing. I just got to come out on Friday and just have fun and do what I know I can do.”

The running game has been the bread and butter to Liberty’s offense this year with junior running back Jaxon Bell tallying 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season. Fellow junior tailback Benjamin Hill came on strong at the end of the season, including a 13-carry, 95yard performance in the Brentwood Bowl.

Liberty’s defense has also played well down the stretch of the season after getting linebacker Zaire Calhoun back from injury during their Week 5 game against Clayton Valley Charter. Since he returned, the Lions’ defense has given up more than 21 points once and has held opponents to single digits three times.

However, Robertson and the rest of the team understand they have three playoff games still to win for an NCS title. After being snubbed last year, the team has a fire to prove why they deserve to be in the playoffs.

“We got disrespected last year, “Robertson said. “We didn’t get put in the playoffs, and now we got to come out and we just gotta ball.”

Kickoff for Friday’s first-round playoff matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be Liberty’s second time hosting an opening round playoff game in the past three years.

Heritage running back Mekhi Adanandus runs against the James Logan Colts in last year’s matchup between the two teams in Brentwood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Photo by Juan Cebreiros

Heritage girls flag football stuns Liberty, advances to NCS semifinals to play Alameda

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

On Liberty’s home turf, the ninthseeded Heritage girls flag football team upset top seed Liberty 18-13 in Tuesday night’s quarterfinal matchup in the North Coast Section girls flag football playoffs.

Liberty outscored Heritage 69-13 in their two regular-season matchups. However, like the weather Tuesday night, the Lions’ offense got cold and scored just two touchdowns after scoring more than 30 points in each of their last seven games.

The Lions’ offense managed just one first-half first down and were shut out.

“We just knew we could beat them,” Heritage head coach Jessica Banchieri said after the win. “They’re a really good team, but so are we. They believed in themselves. They executed the plays and had the discipline that we didn’t have in the other two games.”

Heritage had to survive a back-andforth affair in the opening round of playoffs just to be able to reach the quarterfinals against Liberty. Against Petaluma, the Patriots and Trojans exchanged the lead five times. The Heritage offense scored with less than two minutes remaining to take a 27-26 lead, and the defense got the stop to secure the win.

gave the Patriots momentum going into their game against Liberty and confidence that they could be the ones who toppled the top seed.

While the upset catapults Heritage into the semifinals, the season ends for the Lions. Liberty had won their openinground matchup against St. Mary’s 33-12 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Lions head coach Matt Malzahn gave credit to the Patriots for being able to knock off his team in the playoffs, but also their ability to use Enoru in ways that were difficult for the Liberty defense to contain her.

“I just think Heritage played well tonight,” Malzahn said. “I thought that they did a really good job of getting her (Enoru) the ball on some pitches instead of just handing the ball off and got her some space. She’s a really good runner and as a spectator, it’s fun to see that. As a coach, it’s hard to contain her.”

The biggest performance from the Patriots on Tuesday night game came from running back Eden Enoru. While she scored once in the two games, she was a beacon of consistency on crucial third and fourth downs with her speed.

“I really wanted to execute in this game,” Enoru said. “I knew it wasn’t gonna be easy, but I knew that with my track background, I could always go to the outside. Liberty is an amazing team. But with my speed, I’m able to get to the sideline before them. So that was the main goal.”

Banchieri said the win over Petaluma

Liberty at one point this season was ranked inside the top 15 in the nation by MaxPreps, but their playoff run was cut short in the quarterfinals.

For Heritage, they will travel to California High in San Ramon to take on Alameda, a team Heritage lost to 22-16 earlier this season. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m.

Heritage’s Eden Enoru breaks through a pair of Liberty defenders during the Patriots’ inaugural girls flag football NCS quarterfinal at the Lions on Tuesday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Juan Cebreiros

Brentwood celebrates Special Day with annual parade

By Andrew Rulloda Staff Writer

Shops in downtown Brentwood decorated their storefronts in a patriotic theme for a chilly Veterans Day parade last Sunday as First Street was lined with spectators who gathered with their chairs, waving their American flags.

The precession kicked off with a Contra Costa County Fire Truck leading the way ahead of various organizations such as the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 202, Sons Of American Legion, Heritage High School ROTC, along with Vietnam veteran Denny Baker as this year’s Grand Marshal.

The parade ended at Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The post-parade event enabled veterans and guests to enjoy some refresh-

ments, and information booths were available for guests to speak to various squadrons and units as a part of a meetand-greet.

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

Oakley honors local veterans at indoor ceremony

By Connor Robles Correspondent

The City of Oakley held its annual Veterans Day ceremony, inside the City Council chamber.

The 30-minute event began with a presentation of colors by the Heritage High School Air Force JROTC as the national anthem played, followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 152.Afterward, Mayor Anissa Williams introduced the day’s guest speakers, including:

•Wendy Fabian, a representive from the office of Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who honored Oakley for its tribute to veterans with a certificate of recognition;

•Three members of the Oakley Youth Advisory Council – Chairperson Yuliana Luna, Vivien Wittstruck, and Chisom Oguamanam - -who spoke on Vet-

erans Day’s history and recited a poem;

•Two Air Force veterans:, Craig Battle and Jacquelyn Robinson, who recalled the welcoming attitudes they encountered from fellow servicemembers and their good experiences in the military.

“I’ve learned so much, and traveled a lot,” Robinson said. “I am so thankful for the opportunities that

are given to me. I’m also thankful for those before me who offered these opportunities – education benefits, medical benefits, so on and so forth. I’m so grateful for the ability to come home and see my family – not everyone is able to do that.”

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

Mayor Bryant on veterans: ‘They are the finest of us’

Brentwood honors service members at ceremony

By Andrew Rulloda Staff Writer

A cold, rainy morning did not stop the Brentwood Veterans Day ceremony from proceeding, as Monday’s program was moved indoors from Veterans Park to the Senior Center.

Veterans and spectators packed the hall spilling into the fourier as guests came to pay respects and listen to guest speakers who included this year’s Veterans Day Grand Marshal Denny Baker. Baker graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1966, and earned his wings in 1968 where he then went to Miramar Top Gun school where he would learn to fly F8 Crusader.

During his speech, Baker gave insights of flying the F8 during the Vietnam War, and recounted his experiences throughout his time as a fighter pilot. Baker was also recognized by American Legion Post 202,

which presented to him with a plaque recognizing his Honorable Service during the Vietnam War.

Also in attendance as a guest speaker was retired Air Force Master Sgt. Rebecca Pash. An Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Instructor at Heritage High School. Pash spoke about her deep connection of military service and the 11 generations of family members who also served in the military.

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

Photos

Andrew Rulloda

Photo by Andrew Rulloda

Photos by Connor Robles

One hospitalized after shooting at the Antioch Sycamore Square shopping center

Police

The

Photo

Art Ray

Youth Press

Local students share their perspectives on local and national news. To submit, send to editor@brentwoodpress.com

Gen Z leads the surge of second-hand clothing

“Oh this? Yeah, I thrifted it” is an answer you may hear every so often when dissecting an article of clothing off of someone’s outfit.

Thrifting, or shopping for secondhand clothing, has continued to grow in popularity over recent years, but truly had its start in the 19th century. During the Great Depression, charities or religious institutions would often hold events in which they sold used goods to fundraise for their cause. Since many individuals or families had struggled financially, buying new clothes was beyond their budgets. This left thrift stores as a more affordable alternative.

Youth Writer

However in today’s society, the second-hand clothing market has exploded with expectations for it to increase at three times the rate of the overall retail/ apparel division.

According to a 2024 resale report by ThredUp, a fashion resale website used for both selling and buying, by 2027 the U.S. “second-hand market is expected to reach $70 billion.” The demographic driving this rapid increase? Generation Z.

Based on ThredUp’s data, nearly 83% of Gen Z have shopped or are open to shopping second-hand with 58% having bought second-hand apparel in the last 12 months. There are numerous factors as to why this generation gravitates to this market, but it comes down

to three components: reduced spending, social media, and personal style.

1. Reduced spending: As inflation rates have steadily increased over the past few years, the prices for apparel companies selling new clothing have increased along with it. It can be extremely difficult for teenagers to manage their financial spending as the cost of clothing may occupy a large proportion of their earnings.

However, with thrift shopping on the rise, many turn to this clothing option as it is significantly cheaper and can be a fun afternoon activity to partake in solo or with friends. According to a report by Coupon Fellow, a company that

focuses on discount finds, second-hand shoppers saved an estimated $1,760 annually on clothing.

2. Social media: When taking a look at the abundance of social media influencers in today, one trend always remains constant: thrift hauls. An average thrift haul vlog will consist of a person most likely grabbing a cup of coffee, then looking through the thrift store to demonstrate the many pieces they encountered, and finally coming back home to flaunt the clothing they bought – for a cheap price. And as many of these types of videos continue to grow in popularity, it directly influences the audience watching as they will tend

to do the same. Social media romanticizes the idea of vintage and secondhand shopping, which prompts viewers to glamorize it as well.

3. Personal style: Within this generation, one of its utmost values is creating an image for oneself, and that happens through the process of finding a personal style. This may start with individual statement pieces. Second-hand selling platforms such as Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp have become the holy grail for finding pieces that are unique to a person’s aesthetic. Compared to shopping at chain retail stores, a person may not find anything that contributes to their style as clothing from these types of companies tend to be repetitive and perpetually reproduced. With thrifting, you are able to find distinctive pieces, be it vintage, formal, streetwear, designer, etc. These one-of-a-kind clothes may resonate with buyers more as it aligns with the image they want to portray for themselves.

As the surge of second-hand shopping becomes mainstream, it raises a crucial question about the future: will the support of Gen Z continue to drive this market, or will it eventually face the same demise as fast fashion? A question only time can tell. But in the meantime, the mixture of economic viability, media influence, and individuality will ensure that thrifting remains at the forefront of the fashion world.

Phoebe Manalili Heritage High School, 12th grade

Brentwood’s special events, including the most recent Oktoberfest are ‘special’ for everyone

Special events in downtown Brentwood seem to bring out the best in its residents. From the holiday tree lighting to the Fourth of July parade, among others, residents, event organizers and participating merchants and vendors often take the initiative to make sure there’s something for everyone, and that everyone has fun.

The most recent example of this is last month’s Oktoberfest.

As I meandered through the various vendors and stalls at the festival, I took in my surroundings: lively music coming from some hidden speaker; amusement rides with little children waiting in line; the ambient noise of chatter filled the air and the stalls of local businesses all around.

It was overwhelming, but one thing stood out to me -- the organization of this event. It brought a smile to my face seeing our community come together this way, and I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m letting all this go to waste,’ so here I am.

Oktoberfest showed just how amazing our community can be.

As I walked through the event, I couldn’t help but

notice the vendor booths and their accomplishments, wares, etc. Vendor booths sold handmade items, like candles, or sold food from a food truck. But despite the vastness, one thing was common -- the friendly smile that all vendors would give you as you walked by. The outgo-

ing feeling that would send a tingle up your spine; the energetic chitchat as you bought your item. All of these things made the event even more special, so kudos to the vendors.

Another thing was the kid-friendly attractions all around. This was a brilliant move by the organizer, as kids can get bored easily. Some of these attractions, courtesy of Got-A-Party, included an awesome slide, a pumpkin patch with a corn pit, a train ride, and carnival games. The rides and games were awesome, but the best part was the fact that the community took the initiative to include these kinds of things. Oktoberfest is generally a great place for adults and kids alike, but knowing that there will be rides there further adds to that kid-like feel. All in all, the Brentwood Oktoberfest was a sensational event.

Between the rides and the vendor booths, the organizers made sure you had a spectacular time, but the best part was the bonding. Seeing our community come together like this was something most cities don’t get to see every day, making the Oktoberfest, and past events, so special.

Nahar Grewa Adams Middle School, 8th Grade

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Press photo

Youth Writer

C lassifieds & l egals

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005569 The name of the business(es): Blue Sky Boat Services Located at: 30 Fleming Lane In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): CHP Marina Incorporation. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A.

Signature of registrant: Christina H Pham, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: October 16, 2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/15/2029 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005893 The name of the business(es): ADU WAREHOUSE CONSTRUCTION Located at: 5079 LONE TREE WAY In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Scott Dellinger. 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 10/20/2021. Signature of registrant: Scott Dellinger, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: November 5, 2024 by Deputy Clerk

Expires 11/4/2029 Publish Dates: November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2024-0005602 The name of the business(es): TRACIE & COMPANY Located at: 205 Patricia Ave In: PITTSBURG, CA 94565 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tracie Shenay Henderson. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 3/8/2024. Signature of registrant: Tracie Henderson. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/18/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/17/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005203 The name of the business(es): XIRIS EVENTS Located at: 140 MASON CIRCLE SUITE A CONCORD CA 94520 In: CONCORD 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MANILYN MANUEL. 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: MANILYN MANUEL, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: September 25, 2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/24/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0005662 The name of the business(es): Within Reach Nutrition Located at: 3306 Victoria Ave In: Lafayette, CA 94549, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Alexis Bernstein. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to trans -

act business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: L. Reddiccs, Deputy Clerk. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/22/2024 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/22/2029

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Megan Marie Nierhake SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Megan Marie Nierhake CASE NUMBER: N24-1774 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Megan Marie Nierhake filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name: a. Megan Marie Nierhake to Proposed Name:

a. Megan Marie Sanchez

Date: 01/03/2025 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

and part time positions available. Send resume to greg@thepress.net

ber Pa’tanisha Pierson asked Mendoza. “There’s a storage unit and it’s one of the most beautiful – I thought it was a church.”

Mendoza and Pierson asked city staff if they were able to implement design standards similar to the ones for residential construction that would make the facilities more appealing to look out. Community Development Director Alexis Morris said city staff could look into ways to push the envelope but said that a lot could be done with landscaping and architecture to make the facilities look “less like what they are.”

Big surprise for ‘Big Jim’

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According the Ameresco website, more than 36,000 acres of pine or fir trees would have to be planted to have the same effect as removing 30,000 cars off the road.

A press release in September further stated that the plant’s reduction of carbon emis-

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

im Wangeman was presented a key to the city at the Brentwood City Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. He was given the key for his lifetime service to Brentwood. “They surprised me,” Wangeman said. “I was overwhelmed. I was speechless. I’m not used to that kind of recognition. I was emotional. It meant a lot to me.” Wangeman built Bowlero Harvest Park Bowl, which opened in December of 1994, and has done many things for the city, including starting the Brentwood King of the Grill BBQ competition in partnership with Brentwood Police Activities League. “Big Jim is not called ‘Big Jim’ because he is a tall man with broad shoulders,” Mayor Joel Bryant said while presenting the key to Wangeman. “It’s because he has a heart as big as the city.”

and trash problems.

Once Johnson had finished his report, Vice Mayor Shannon Shaw questioned him on the extent of the improvements at The Oaks. She said that she had heard good things, including that the roach problem is being handled and that the landscaping is better. However, serious incidents have also occurred, including one instance of a man wearing a thong exposing himself to residents. There have also been continuing problems with mosquitoes, uniform issues among staff, and difficulties for residents attempting to use The Oaks’ garbage bins.

Numerous problems have lingered despite several meetings between The Oaks management and the City Council. Shaw concluded that these meetings were reaching the end of their usefulness, and that it was now up to The Oaks to solve their issues on a local basis through cooperation between the management and residents. She encouraged Johnson to allow residents to organize their own groups to better work with staff, and to think of ways to boost turnout at staff-tenant meetings.

“The Oaks thinks that residents having a voice is important,” Johnson concurred. “We will provide as many different opportunities as we can to engage with them.”

sions is the equivalent of displacing the use of 7.5 million gallons of diesel fuel.

Additionally, this project will be the first in the U.S. that will be powered by converting landfill gas to electricity, while supporting California’s goals of reaching 60 percent renewable energy by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. The project also advances Republic Services’ goal of reusing over 50 percent of their biogas by 2030, officials said.

Ameresco is a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, according to their website. The Keller Canyon renewable natural gas facility in Contra Costa County has been developed through a nearly 20-year partnership between Ameresco and Republic Services,

Mayor Anissa Williams voiced her concern that residential groups were being suppressed by The Oaks management, and suggested that each building in the complex have its own representative group to better communicate problems to management. This proposal would likely be difficult to implement, she admitted. In addition, Williams drew attention to the rate at which security and lock issues cropped up, which she said was unusually high.

“We don’t seem to be getting traction,” Williams said. “There have been improvements, I’ve seen and I’ve heard improvements…but it just feels like an extraordinary amount of time going into broken locks… [It’s] not really a city issue. It just seems like there’s a fracturing of what has to happen, and I just don’t understand what the responsibility is to keep the residents safe.”

Johnson denied that residential groups were barred from operating, though one group was stopped from publishing a flyer that contained “unwelcoming” language that did not promote cooperation between tenants and management. Previous attempts to revitalize The Oaks’ tenant council failed due to lack of interest, but management would keep trying to draw people in and promote dialogue, he said.

while supporting California’s commitment to increasing its renewable energy portfolio by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, more than 80 jobs have been created during construction of the plant, with another 25 jobs created for operations, officials said.

“Ameresco, PG&E, Republic Services, and various local and state agencies worked together to bring this operation to life,” Mills said. “Each has a shared commitment to sustainability innovation. It also demonstrates how landfills can be transformed into tools for sustainability, helping to produce clean energy for California.”

For details, visit https://www ameresco com/portfolio-item/keller-canyon-rngplant-ca/

Business Profile

Let It Glow

Annual parade returns to Brentwood

Grape

Expectations

Perfect wine pairings for Thanksgiving

Ice, Ice Baby Brentwood skating rink prepares to open

‘More than a treat from home’

Annual Holiday Troop Pack to

take place Dec. 10

Volunteers and donations — both monetary and goods— are being sought again for the 12th annual Holiday Troop Pack in Brentwood on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Organizers say monetary donations are just as important as contributing goods to fill the boxes.

Organized in conjunction with nonprofit organization Operation Creekside, the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, Napa Auto Parts Brentwood and The Brentwood Press, the event will be held at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. at 6 p.m. The community is once again collaborating for the annual fall event where the volunteers organize, pack, and send out a large number of care packages to U.S. troops stationed overseas and state side to receive in time for the holidays. According to Travis Martin, Commander Brentwood VFW Post 10789.

Recommended items for donations are goods that ship and travel well, including nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds), trail mix, bars (granola, fruit, energy), powdered drink mixes, instant coffee, fruit snacks, dried fruit, tuna packs, beef jerky, gum, hand-written ‘thank you’ notes, and small clothing items, such as socks, t-shirts, and gloves. Handy wipes, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are also

The local community is once again collaborating for the annual Holiday Troop Pack where volunteers organize, pack and send out a large number of care packages to U.S. troops stationed overseas to receive in time for the holidays.

recommended, along with crossword and Sudoku puzzles. What are not allowed, bags of chips, ramen noodles, Halloween candy, and liquids such as juice boxes or cups of pudding, along with items susceptible to freezing.

Additionally, funds are also needed to ship the boxes out in time for Christmas, organizers said, with each box costing about $24 to mail.

“A big challenge is funding the mail costs each year,” Martin said. “So the most flexible donation option is monetary. Once the anticipated postage is met, funds can be redirected to fill shortcomings in the package contents. Bulk donations of items for the boxes are always welcome, but the monetary donations allow for rounding out the packages, kind of like putting the cherry on top.”

Martin added that the Veterans of Foreign Wars

(VFW) participates throughout the year in fundraising and community outreach to support the annual holiday troop pack, representing a small piece of an orchestrated effort that begins as soon as the last box is sealed and delivered for the Troop Pack event.

“Having been deployed before these programs existed, this support was only enjoyed by those who had family or loved ones back home to ensure they got that feeling of being remembered,” Martin said. “Now through the generosity of this community effort, everyone in a unit gets that same feeling of support and appreciation from back home.”

Operation Creekside was founded 15 years ago by director and chaplain Ed McClelland with a goal of trying to bring some joy to the troops stationed overseas by sending out care packages throughout the year. McClelland teamed up with Rick and Linda Wilson of Napa Auto Parts Brentwood in December 2013 in what was thought to be a “one and done” occurrence, but the success of that first event led to the Holiday “Troop Pack” becoming an annual event, where it is estimated that 300-400 packs are sent to the troops every year. According to McClelland, more than 600 care packs could be shipped out this season.

“Every year it has continued to grow,” Linda Wilson said. “We are just expecting it to be bigger and better than the year before. If you have a family member or friend who would like to get a care package this holiday, we are always looking for more names and addresses to send packs to.” More details, including contact and donation information, are at Trooppack.org.

Martin added that these packages represent more than a “treat from home”, as they are a mental and physical reprieve from the daily grind of being in hightension environments.

SEAN TONGSON

Press file photo

Wines to make your holiday meals tasty

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the annual challenge of selecting the perfect wine to complement our festive feasts. Turkey, a classic centerpiece of many holiday meals, can be a tricky pairing due to its complex flavors. But fear not, wine lovers! With a little guidance, you can find the perfect wine to elevate your dining experience.

Here’s a fun twist: On the third Thursday of November at precisely 12:01 a.m., Beaujolais Nouveau is released, marking a festive celebration of the recent harvest. This younger wine is bottled just weeks after the grapes are harvested and crushed. With its light body and fruity aromas — think red fruits with subtle earthy undertones — Beaujolais Nouveau is dry and straightforward, making it an excellent companion for turkey. Embracing this tradition can certainly add a cheerful touch to your holiday meal.

Consider adding Beaujolais to your list of red wine options. Hailing from the southernmost part of Burgundy, France, these wines are crafted from the Gamay grape. Generally light-bodied and fruit-forward, Beaujolais wines feature a refreshing acidity that pairs wonderfully with turkey. Look for Beaujolais Villages or

explore any of the Grand Crus, such as Brouilly, Fleurie, Morgon, and Moulin-à- Vent.

When it comes to turkey, the possibilities for wine pairings are endless. A classic choice is Pinot Noir, known for its delicate balance of acidity and fruit. Its light to medium body and subtle tannins complement the savory flavors of the bird. Look for Pinot Noir from renowned regions like Carneros, Russian River Valley or Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara.

For white wine lovers, Chardonnay is always a reli -

Now

Gursky

Shop

able choice. Oaked Chardonnay offers a rich, buttery texture, while unoaked Chardonnay provides a crisp, refreshing acidity. Both styles can complement the flavors of turkey. Another excellent option is a dry Riesling, with its bright acidity and fruity notes.

So, as you prepare to gather around the table this season, remember that the right wine can transform your dining experience. Cheers to memorable meals and joyful celebrations. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

Photo courtesy of Frank Maiuri

Uncorked: History by

tHe Glass

Frank MaiUri

Carey Bros. Christmas!

a was the night before Christmas and all through the house nobody could move ‘cause the space just ran out.

The bedrooms were crammed full of furniture and kids.

The kitchen was filled with pots, pans and lids.

The phone was picked up and a voice did share hopes that the Carey Bros. soon would be there.

With smiles on their faces, the brothers arrived with ideas, inspiration, and plans they devised.

All night they hammered and they build a frame... and when they were done the house wasn’t the same!

The bedrooms were spacious, the kitchen was clean.

The family was delighted with this Christmas scene.

So if you want your house to be looking so fine, then get a free estimate, layout and design ...at no obligation, and if you call today

The Careys will really adore you, they say.

Brentwood on Ice to open downtown Nov. 22

Brentwood on Ice will open at 739 2nd St. downtown for its eighth annual season this month starting on Nov. 22. It will be open through Jan. 5.

The attraction is sponsored by Got a Party Rentals, which is owned by Tom Gregory and his wife, Tracy. According to Gregory, Brentwood on Ice is one of the biggest events in Brentwood, bringing in about 30,000 people last year.

“We’re the only ice rink that I know of in East County,” Gregory said. “We do bring people to town who don’t come to Brentwood otherwise. People come from the surrounding seven counties.”

The skating rink will feature a snack bar that will serve food and beverages, including slices of pumpkin pie, apple pie, and cookies from local business Tasha’s Cookies.

“Hot cocoas are very popular,” Gregory said.

The rink has been on Gregory’s bucket list for over 20 years, and for him, one of the most exciting things about it is bringing joy to the community.

“The reason we do it is because we enjoy seeing people have a good time,” he said. “It has been a dream come true.”

Gregory also says one of the concepts is to bring economic development to downtown Brentwood, as well as making downtown stand out amongst other cities.

“It is a good spot,” Gregory said. “It

brings traffic to the downtown businesses. We do it to make Brentwood shine. I really enjoy being downtown.”

The ice rink also provides private sessions. Gregory mentioned that some of his favorite days are when kids come for a visit with their classes.

“We’re a small hometown feel, and a lot of our customers appreciate that,” Gregory said. “I think we’re a bit of a gem.”

Guests who would like to book a private session should call 925-516-7664. The rink will be closed during private sessions. A list of these times can be found on their website at brentwoodonice.com.

General admission tickets can be purchased onsite or on the Brentwood on Ice website. Details on pricing and other information, including hours of operation can also be found there.

Brentwood on Ice hours

Monday-Thursday, Noon-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Thanksgiving, Noon-9:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve, Noon-9:30 p.m.

Christmas Day, 2 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve, Noon-TBD

*Open at 10 a.m. during school holiday breaks

NICOLE BECCHINA

GREGORY

Delta Community Presbyterian Church to hold Victorian Holiday Market on Dec. 7

Victorian Holiday Market is being held at Delta Community Presbyterian

Church and the adjoining All God’s Children Christian School, Saturday Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Market at 1900 Willow Lake Road, Discovery Bay will feature hand crafted items, vendor sales, caroling, Santa Claus, savory baked goods and hot beverages –cocoa, hot cider, and coffee. For extra fun, come dressed in Victorianthemed clothes, accord ing to a press release.

The Market seeks vendors and crafters (big, small and in-between) to participate in the Market. Tables to display sale items will be provided. Some of the items we would like are jewelry, knit or crochet items (animals, hats, scarves, baby clothes for example), sewn items ( place mats, table runners, quiltes, aprons, stuffed animals), wood working, candles, and pottery. However, organizers will welcome other items as well. Please provide the following information:

♦ Name

♦ Contact Information

♦ Items you want to sell

♦ Any other helpful information

♦ Email it to mary.anderson43@gmail.com.

The proceeds will benefit our All God’s Children Christian School, which has been in Discovery Bay for 23 years. We recently replaced three portables with two new permanent buildings, which also expanded the school’s capacity. Students have moved into the new buildings as of Aug. 23, 2024. All God’s Children school was first envisioned by members of Delta Community Presbyterian Church in Discovery Bay in 2001. After much planning the school opened Jan. 6, 2003 with six children, a teacher and two volunteers assistants, and two classes – a preschool and one pre-kindergarten, according to the press release.

Today, the school has K-5th grade, preschool, pre-kindegarten, and full day care. Student enrollment has grown to 156 students. Each class has a full-time teacher and assistant. Class size is on average is up to 24 students per class. Students graduate equipped to successfully meet or exceed educational standards in middle and high school with a firm foundation in Christian values.

Why you should shop local for the holidays and beyond

Various components come together to make the holiday season a festive time of year. There is a lot to get done in a short amount of time during the holiday season, and part of that includes shopping for all of the family members and friends on your shopping list. Shopping can be a complicated process that involves identifying which stores will be the best places to shop. Local

retailers make the perfect place to shop for holiday items.

According to the American Express Business Economic Impact Study, more than two-thirds of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the community. Indeed, shopping local benefits consumer and community alike. The following are some of the many perks to shopping locally throughout the holiday season.

♦ Personalized attention: Small businesses are known for their personalized customer service, and owners and staff are often lauded for taking the time to interact and learn about their customers, a dynamic

that is impossible at larger retailers.

♦ Meet and interact with people: Shopping in-person at local stores, you’ll see faces from your community and become better known in the local area.

♦ Shorter lines: Local stores are bound to have smaller crowds, and thus, shorter lines. That translates to less stress and hassle when it comes to getting in and out with holiday gifts.

♦ Smaller carbon footprint: Pollution, traffic congestion, habitat loss, and resource depletion may not occur on the same levels when shopping locally compared to patronizing big-box stores. That’s because local retailers tend to create or source their

products locally, whereas many big- box stores get their goods from overseas.

♦ Easier parking: This goes hand-in-hand with smaller crowds, as shopping locally does not typically require driving up and down endless aisles at malls or standalone retail stores in an effort to find a parking spot. Local retailers in town may have on-street parking or closed lots that are convenient to shoppers.

♦ Small batch shopping experience: Consumers can buy items in small businesses that are not carbon copies of those found across the country at major retail chains. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

How to master shopping early for the holidays

Savvy shoppers have long touted the importance of starting early when looking for holiday gifts.

Seasoned procrastinators may never embrace early shopping, but others who want a less hectic holiday shopping season can consider these tips.

♦ Begin with a plan. Holiday shopping excursions, whether they take place in town or online, can take longer

than expected when shoppers have no idea what they’re looking for. Prior to your first holiday shopping trip, jot down gift ideas for each person on your list. Then scour stores or websites for those items. Starting early affords shoppers time to bargain hunt and ensures supply shortages or other issues won’t get in the way of a happy loved one come the holiday season.

♦ Recognize the notion of “early” has changed. Early holiday shopping used to be synonymous with the retail holiday Black Friday, which occurs the day after

Enjoy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in the United States. However, many holiday shoppers now begin buying gifts long before they’ve purchased a Thanksgiving turkey. In its 2022 Consumer Pulse Survey, McKinsey & Company found that 56 percent of consumers started their holiday shopping in October. A host of variables may have influenced that shift, but supply chain problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic have lingered, which undoubtedly compelled consumers to get an especially early start on holiday shopping. Shoppers who want to ensure everything arrives on time for the holiday season must recognize that “early” shopping now involves beginning around Halloween, if not earlier.

♦ Take the (local) road less traveled. Shopping local merchants in person is a strategy savvy shoppers have long since embraced, but it’s one that’s especially beneficial in an era marked by supply chain problems and infla-

tion. Local merchants don’t have the overhead or sizable staffs of big-box or chain stores, which enables them to keep costs low. And since local merchants produce many of their own products, it’s likely there’s something in store that shoppers will love and less likely that they will have problems filling orders. A late fall afternoon in a local shopping district can yield an array of treasures and help holiday shoppers find the right gift for many persons on their list.

♦ When in doubt, go gift card. If the right gift is proving elusive even when shopping early, shoppers should not hesitate to go the gift card route. Shoppers need not feel as though a gift card is a nonstarter, as a 2022 survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of survey respondents indicated gift cards were the most desirable gift of the holiday season.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Sheffield & le OrthOdOnticS iS cOllecting tOYS and canned fOOd fOr the leSS fOrtunate in Our cOmmunit Y. Bring YOur dOnatiOnS tO the antiOch Or BrentwOOd Office nO later than dec 16. dr rOB will match dOnatiOnS. YOu can ’ t maSk KINDNESS.

will include a Santa Claus meet-and-

free hot chocolate and cookies, arts and crafts, and a variety of local performers. The exact list of performers is not yet finalized, according to city office assistant Caylie Simmons.

The Christmas tree, the centerpiece of the ceremony, is scheduled to be lit at about 6:45 p.m.

“We’re hoping for a huge turnout,” Simmons said. “I hear it’s a huge hit, the kids love it, and Santa Claus will be there.”

Entrants wanted for this year’s holiday “Let It Glow” parade

Annual event is Nov. 30 in Brentwood

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring the “Let It Glow” theme to it’s annual parade on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.. The Chamber is encouraging people, businesses, and nonprofits to come and participate in the holiday parade.

Last year, the parade sold out its entries and will probably do so again, organizers said. So they encourage wouldbe participants to sign up now at www. brentwoodchamber.com.

Chamber director and parade chairwoman Erika Bolds provided some insight on this year’s parade. Bolds said she is most excited about and most grateful for the experienced support throughout the planning process. “I’m anticipating the creativity of our parade participants and

seeing the reactions of the community as they appreciate each float. I’m excited to be able to deliver an electrifying event for the community that they look forward to every year.”

As for what inspired the ‘Let it Glow’ theme, she said “Parades are meant to be visually appealing, and what’s more appealing than illuminating up the streets with lights and glow sticks?. As a child, lighted parades were my favorite. I felt the excitement build as they made their way

in front of me. I would love to invoke the same feeling within the community.”

“Our holiday parade is always a magical time for our community and this year’s ‘Let it Glow’ theme is no exception,” said Chamber president Karri Reiser. “We are excited to see our local businesses and organizations light up downtown with creativity and the holiday spirit. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.”

Bolds offered advice to residents who are attending the parade.

“If you plan to attend the Holiday Parade, be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot along the route, as popular viewing areas fill up quickly,” she said. The three announcing stages are at Chestnut and First streets, First and Oak streets and Second and Oak streets.

“Also, bring a blanket or chair for added comfort while watching the lighted parade. Also this year, we will have some designated handicapped parking on Oak Street between Midway Alley and First Street.”

The Chamber encourages participants to decorate their floats with lots of lights, to show off your community spirit.

The Chamber is also excited to announce this year’s parade Grand Marshal – Sue Stuart, celebrating her many years as choir director at Liberty High School, and Brentwood Community Chorus.

Those interesting in participating can sign up at the Chamber website at https:// brentwoodchamber.chambermaster.com/ eventregistration/register/15596

The fees to sign up are as follows. Parade entry fees: $60 chamber member and nonprofits; $110 nonmembers. Equestrian entry fees: $60 for a single rider, $135 for a group (2-6), $185 for a group (7 or more), (nonchamber members add $2 per rider).5 to equestrian fees)

Spectators are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys or canned goods for the Brentwood Community Chest. Donation barrels will be available along the parade route.

To bring more cheer and lights to the parade, the Chamber will have glow sticks to sell to spectators to participate in the ‘Glow’ theme. Santa Clause will be at the end of the parade, so everyone can follow him to the tree lighting.

Then join the city’s Parks & Rec department, Mayor Joel Bryant and Santa Clause immediately following the holiday parade for the annual Christmas tree lighting and singing that will take place in Brentwood City Park.