The Press 12.02.2022

Holiday

By Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer

BRENTWOOD Holiday cheer was in abundance during the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce’s 40th annual Holi day Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting last Saturday.

This year’s parade theme was “A Holiday Tale.” More than 60 parade entries – double that from 2021 – showed off their holiday spirit to hundreds of parade-goers while meandering through the streets of downtown for about 90 minutes. From decked-out floats, to scout troops, dance studios, Liberty High School’s marching band, Heritage High School’s drum corps, and Adams Middle School drumline, there was something for everyone to enjoy. San ta Claus even took time out of his busy schedule to join the festivities in a vintage, horse-drawn carriage.

Three grandstands were set up along the route –Chestnut and First streets, First and Oak streets, and Oak and Second streets. Each stand included an announcer and a handful of judges. Parade entries were divided into novelty (15), band (3), auto (25), equestrian (1), and float (22) categories. Each category was then judged on origi nality, how closely they kept to the theme, and showman

ship. Winners will be announced at a later date.

Of the 66 entries, 14 were not judged because they were carrying various officials and dignitaries, according to the official entry list.

Following the parade, attendees made their way to City Park to enjoy season’s greetings from Mayor Joel Bryant and other city officials. Parks and Recreation

To kick off the festive season, the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce delighted residents with their 40th Annual Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. More photos on page 4-5.

They want you: Police agencies recruiting officers

By Melissa van Ruiten Staff Writer

REGIONAL Police staffing shortages are a nationwide epidemic, and East Contra Costa County departments are feeling the pinch.

If you’ve driven down Highway 4 late ly, Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley all are using billboards notifying the public that they are hiring officers. Those departments also have advertised in law enforcement publications and local newspapers, inter net job seeking websites, and job fairs.

Chris Catren, president of the California Police Chiefs Association

“The most effective form of advertis ing seems to be word of mouth from our existing officers to officers they know at different departments,” stated Oakley Po lice Chief Paul Beard in an email.

Beard wants to hire seven officers in Oakley. He says that several people ap ply each month, but only a few make it through to the interview process due to the high standards. Once a new hire passes the

interview stage, it takes Oakley’s human resources department roughly 60 days to get them on staff, according to Beard.

“I am currently running short in my investigations, traffic, and proactive en forcement units,” Beard stated. “As soon as I get up to full staff I can fully staff these units and have a couple of relief of ficers so I can deploy them to cover vaca tions/training periods without having to backfill those vacancies with overtime.”

Beard stated that 40 officers – from

Supervisor Stacey Dempsey regaled the youngsters in the crowd with a special reading of The Night Before Christmas. To close out the evening, Santa Claus led ev eryone in a countdown to the annual lighting of the city’s 24-foot-tall Christmas tree. To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia

Photo by Melissa van Ruitent

“ Officers need to show kids the good that they can do, as opposed to the negatives that are broadcast on national media.

Brentwood Police arrest Omar Massoud, following a ‘road rage’ incident involving a gun in the O’Hara Avenue and Sand Creek Road area on Nov. 18.

Photo courtesy of Brentwood Police Department

Man arrested in ‘road rage’ incident released

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

Massoud, 25, of Antioch, with the as sistance of East County residents, and he was detained inside of the Pet Food Ex press in Antioch at noon.

The car Massoud was driving was de termined to be the same car described in the road rage incident to police dispatch and was parked in front of the Pet Food Express, according to a statement on the Brentwood Police Facebook page.

Officers searched the car and found a loaded semi-automatic handgun. Mas soud is on probation, was placed under arrest and the vehicle was impounded. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Ogechi Ikediobi M.D., Ph.D. We are committed to keeping you connected to your community. With your subscription you will help ensure that local journalism is here for you during the next election, the next wildfire, and the next tree lighting — covering all the stories that are important to you and your family. For every paid subscription from now until December 31st, The Press will donate 10% to the Brentwood Community Chest.

the Season of

ANTIOCH The suspect arrested in con nection with a ‘road rage’ incident involv ing a gun in the O’Hara Avenue and Sand Creek Road area on Nov. 18 is out of cus tody as of Nov. 22, waiting for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office to review the case pending a complete po lice investigation.

DA to review case

Rubbing elbows with the nation’s best chefs

Discovery Bay chef, ice cream purveyor, place at national food competition

Two Discovery Bay fixtures returned from a success ful run at the 2022 World Food Championship in Dallas, Texas last month.

Robert Rose – owner of Discovery Bay wine bar Vin Alegro and food truck Foodie Call – once again teamed up with Michael Callahan, owner of Callahan’s Cof fee and Cones and a director on the town’s Community Services District board. The pair placed 10th out of 50 teams in the seafood category. Joining the two men was also Rose’s 11-year-old son, Tony, who made his second appearance at the international competition.

“We enjoyed it, 100%,” Rose said of the experience on Nov. 9-13. “This year we beat out two Michelin star chefs. It was crazy, when we go and compete, we don’t really go to compete, we go to celebrate, because hav ing the golden ticket you get when you qualify for this, is enough. It’s 50 of what are considered to be the best chefs in the world in each category and our goal was to be in the top 10 and then we made it.”

This was not the threesome’s first time competing together; they also qualified for and competed in the 2019 World Food Championship in Dallas, when Tony was only 8. With the COVID-19 pandemic canceling all events in 2020, Rose had to wait until 2021 to compete

again, though Tony and Callahan couldn’t join him. This year, after placing in a qualifying round in Sourthern California the trio was reunited, and the chemistry was as good as ever, they said.

“It was a lot of fun,” Callahan said. “It’s a learning experience, and there’s nothing cooler than being able to compete against the best chefs in the world – and they truly are the best in the world that come to this competition.”

twice for the competition, and once for a special sponsor dinner at the end.

For his second competition dish, Rose reimagined Coquille St. Jacques as an under-the-sea adventure. He cre and mushroom puff pastry, bathed in a caviar cream sauce and gruyere, and dusted with lobster snow, sitting next to a whipped king salmon caviar-filled macaroon topped with lemon pearls.

“I called this ‘Shells and Caviar,’” he said.

In the past, Rose competed in the “chef” category. This year, that category was eliminated, so he chose seafood. While in Dallas, he took Tony to the aquar ium, where he was inspired to create something whimsical.

“We had this ‘un der the water’ theme, I wanted it to be fairy talelike, and that’s how the dish turned out,” Rose said. “I wanted to create something that’s never been done before, like creating a lobster snow, and everyone was like ‘what’ because that had never been done before.”

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent Chefs

“It’s a recipe that’s almost 1,000 years old and I wanted to modernize it and make it playful.

And the scallop comes from the shell and it’s like a scallop dish and it’s all about the sauce.

But my modern take was the caviar. I turned it into a cupcake almost, and they were blown away with it.”

Callahan has some experience with cooking, and he creates a vari ety of distinct fla

The team cooked

Photos by Melissa van Ruiten

Experience is key at East County Family Law Group

Since 1997, Michael Amthor, owner of East County Family Law Group, has offered experienced, compassionate and realistic counsel for family law, divorce, estate planning and probate and trust administration issues.

firm offers both legal representation and paralegal services to accommodate all budgets,

with each staff member having more than 20 years of experience.

All staff has personally gone through divorce or custody issues, so they have experience no other firm can provide. This enables them to offer a unique level of empathy and an accurate view of what it takes

to handle a difficult divorce. A closely bonded group of professionals, they have offer a wide range of high-quality services to the residents of East County and beyond.

East County Family Law Group is located at 1181 Central Blvd., Suite A, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-516-4888

Cop logs

A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Valley Green Drive. A car drove and shot Airsoft BBs at the reporting party’s property.

BRENTWOOD - November 6, 12:28 a.m.

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:

OAKLEY

Nov. 5, 12:12 a.m. A case of credit card fraud was reported at the 500 block on Brownstone Road.

Nov. 5, 1:07 a.m. A domestic disturbance was reported at the 400 block on Brown stone Road.

Nov. 5, 1:53 a.m. A traffic hazard was re ported on Knightsen Avenue/E. Cypress Road.

Nov. 5, 2:53 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 5400 block on Sunset Meadows Lane.

Nov. 5, 3:23 a.m. An accident with inju ries was reported at the Laurel Baseball Fields.

Nov. 5, 6:41 a.m. A traffic hazard was re ported on Main Street/Laurel Road. Nov. 5, 8:45 a.m. A welfare check was conducted at the 4900 block on Mon tague Avenue.

Nov. 5, 9:02 a.m. A traffic hazard was re ported at the Shell gas station in Oakley. Nov. 5, 9:10 a.m. A suspicious person was reported at the 80 block on Carol Lane.

Nov. 5, 9:42 a.m. A welfare check was conducted at the 200 block on O’Hara Avenue.

Nov. 5, 10:45 a.m. An unwanted guest was reported at the 1000 block on Laurel Road.

Nov. 5, 10:55 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at the 1700 block on Walnut Meadows Drive.

Nov. 5, 11:00 a.m. A suspicious person was reported at the 2500 block on Main Street.

Nov. 5, 11:09 a.m. A burglary was report ed on Wilbur Avenue/Bridgehead Road. Nov. 5, 12:39 p.m. A traffic hazard was re ported on Laurel Road/Brown Road. Nov. 5, 12:44 p.m. A welfare check was conducted at the 80 block on Cunha Court.

Nov. 5, 12:52 p.m. A patrol request was conducted at the 5300 block on Carol Lane.

Nov. 5, 1:34 p.m. A patrol request was conducted on Main Street and Empire Avenue.

Nov. 5, 2:24 p.m. A suspicious person was reported at the McDonalds in Oakley. Nov. 5, 9:12 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Main Street/Bridgehead Road.

Nov. 5, 9:24 p.m. A case of suspicious cir cumstances was reported at the 1800 block on Locke Court.

Nov. 5, 9:25 p.m. A welfare check was con ducted at the 1900 block on Sauterne Way. Nov. 5, 10:49 p.m. A case of suspicious cir cumstances was reported at the 500 block on Brinwood Way.

BRENTWOOD

Nov. 5, 12:14 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Valley Green Drive. Several times during the night, someone drove by the reporting party’s house and shot the house with an Airsoft gun and damaged the reporting party’s tail light on their ve hicle.

Nov. 5, 11:52 a.m. An accident with no in juries was reported on Claremont Drive. Driver in a black BMW hit a parked, un occupied Dodge Challenger.

Nov. 5, 1:21 p.m. A hit and run with no in juries was reported on Lone Tree Way. A silver Honda Civic that tried to beat the re porting party’s husband to a parking spot, which caused him to hit their vehicle.

Nov. 5, 6:36 p.m. An accident with minor injuries was reported at the O’Hara Av enue/Central Boulevard.

Nov. 5, 7:58 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Lone Tree Way. Un cooperative guest was refusing to pay and leave.

Nov. 5, 9:28 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Oak Street. Male suspect tried to sexually harass guests and employees by kissing them.

Nov. 5, 10:54 p.m. A vehicular burglary was reported on Lone Tree Way. A white Toyota Camry was broken into and a phone and credit card were taken. The stolen credit card has been used twice at Walgreens.

Nov. 6, 12:28 a.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Valley Green Drive. A car drove and shot airsoft BBs at the re porting party’s property.

Nov. 6, 8:59 a.m. A verbal dispute was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. The couple across from the reporting party are reported to be in a verbal dispute.

Nov. 6, 1:59 p.m. A hit and run with no inju ries was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. Nov. 6, 4:32 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Sand Creek Road.

Nov. 7, 2:39 a.m. A suspicious person was reported on Mericrest Street.

Nov. 7, 7:35 a.m. A case of suspicious cir cumstances was reported on Amber Lane. Two subjects delivered a package to the re

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porting party’s residence. Both people stood at the side of the reporting party’s residence for 5 minutes. The suspects then went up to his front door and tried to enter numbers in the keypad and tried the front-door handle. The reporting party believes they were try ing to enter his residence.

Nov. 7, 7:45 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Balfour Road.

Nov. 7, 9:33 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. Two suspects just ran out with two full shopping carts. Nov. 7, 9:56 a.m. A warrant was served on Oak Street.

Nov. 7, 10:17 a.m. A vehicular burglary was reported on Havenwood Avenue.

Nov. 7, 1:02 p.m. A case of identity theft was reported on Altessa Drive. The re porting party has $1,500 of fraudulent charges on his credit card.

Nov. 7, 1:18 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Spruce Street/Whitehall Lane.

Nov. 7, 4:13 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. Male suspect took two bags of Royal Canin food and left in a white sedan.

Nov. 7, 4:22 p.m. A hit and run with no in juries was reported on Walnut Boulevard/ Dainty Avenue.

Nov. 7, 4:28 p.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported on Dunedin Drive.

Nov. 7, 4:39 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Second Street.

Nov. 7, 8:53 a.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Lone Tree Way.

ANTIOCH

Nov. 15, 4:33 a.m. A case of vehicle theft was reported at the 2900 block on Hon eynut Street.

Nov. 15, 7:48 a.m. A case of vehicle theft was reported at the 2400 block on Shad ow Lane.

Nov. 15, 9:16 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 1800 block on Crestwood Drive.

Nov. 15, 11:36 a.m. A traffic stop was re ported on Highway 4. Nov. 15, 1:33 p.m. An unwanted guest at the 3300 block on Deer Valley Road. Nov. 15, 2:24 p.m. A traffic stop was re ported on G Street/W. 17th Street. Nov. 15, 3:45 p.m. A traffic hazard was reported at the 3100 block on Lone Tree Way.

Nov. 15, 5:16 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported at the 3900 block on Delta Fair Boulevard.

Nov. 15, 7:15 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 2200 block on Lemontree Way.

Nov. 15, 9:47 p.m. A traffic stop was re ported on Highway 4/Harbor Street. Nov. 15, 11:33 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported at the 300 block on Batacao Lane.

Nov. 16, 8:29 a.m. A vehicle theft was re ported at the 5200 block on Mohican Way.

Nov. 16, 9:12 a.m. A shooting at an occu pied residence/vehicle was reported at the 0 block on S. Creekside Drive.

Nov. 16, 9:39 a.m. A case of battery was reported at the 200 block on Hillside Road.

Nov. 16, 10:45 a.m. A residential burglary was reported at the 300 block on Burbank Road.

Nov. 16, 11:13 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped at the 1600 block on Lipston Street.

Nov. 16, 1:36 p.m. A traffic accident with injury was reported on Lone Tree Way/ Empire Avenue.

Nov. 16, 4:05 p.m. A collision with un known injuries was reported at the 3100 block on Buchanan Road.

Nov. 16, 4:53 p.m. A simple assault was re ported at the 700 block on W. 18th Street.

Nov. 16, 5:00 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 5100 block on Moccasin Way.

Nov. 16, 5:02 p.m. A hit and run with no injuries was reported at the 2600 block of Bugle Way.

Nov. 16, 6:08 p.m. A simple assault was reported at the 4700 block on Lone Tree Way.

Nov. 16, 7:27 p.m. A missing adult was reported at the 3500 block on Fairview Drive.

Nov. 17, 3:35 a.m. A vehicle theft was re ported at the 1000 block on W. 4th Street. Nov. 17, 8:46 a.m. A trespasser was re ported at W. 10th Street/Crestview Drive. Nov. 17, 10:25 a.m. A simple assault was reported at the 2200 block on Peppertree Way.

Nov. 17, 1:35 p.m. A collision with no in juries was reported at the 4600 block on Aberdeen Court.

Nov. 17, 3:11 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 1800 block on Auto Center Drive.

Nov. 17, 4:03 p.m. A traffic accident with injuries was reported on J Street/W 6th Street.

Nov. 17, 4:24 p.m. A missing adult was re ported at the 1800 block on Crown Peak Way.

Nov. 17, 6:46 p.m. A traffic accident with no injury was reported on Cavallo Road/E. 18th Street.

Nov. 17, 8:32 p.m. An unwanted guest was reported at the 2200 block on Lemontree Way.

Nov. 17, 8:40 p.m. A traffic hazard was re ported on Canada Valley Road/Country Hills Road.

Nov. 17, 9:33 p.m. A traffic accident with injuries was reported on Davison Drive/ Barmouth Drive.

Nov. 17, 9:56 p.m. A vehicular theft was reported at the 600 block on Doolittle Way.

Nov. 17, 11:50 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported at the 600 block on Texas Street.

pini O n

Time to get rid of the Second Amendment for safety

Editor:

Please consider this plea for a turn toward safety and sanity.

In my town, Portland, Oregon, we just lost yet another person to gun violence, this time as a result of an argument over a parking spot.

Seriously.

That pushed our 2022 murders total to a record 93, passing the previous record of 92, set last year, which shattered the 1987 record of 70 murders.

We are not alone, sadly.

Beginning in 2020, the coronavirus brought along the violence virus, pushing national homicide rates far higher than they have been in decades. To be fair, the U.S. homicide rate has been increasing since 2016, so other factors are clearly also in play.

Big cities like St. Louis and Baltimore have horrifying numbers of gun murders. Luckily, we have our Second Amendment to keep us safe, right? Yeah, not so much. Out of 193 countries on Earth, the U.S. ranks what in safety?

Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.

Letters to the editor

Raise your hands if you believe the U.S. is the safest country on Earth.

Nope.

Raise your hands if you are sure the U.S. is in the top 25 safest countries in the world.

Nope.

Out of 193 countries. we come in 128th in safety.

Gosh, I don’t suppose there is anything we can do about it, right?

We could get the most bang for our buck, so to speak, by repealing the Second Amendment. There is no single factor more conducive to our level of unsafe streets than the inability of towns, counties or states to control the way guns are licensed, sold, traded, possessed, and carried than to eliminate the Second Amendment.

The Second Amendment is cited by its supporters as our guarantor of liberty, of freedom.

So why is New York state not free to set its own preferred restrictions on guns?

Donald Trump complains about Chicago’s murder rate. And yet, like

New York, the Supreme Court struck down Chicago’s gun laws.

Based on a handful of Supreme Court rulings reversing gun restrictions, lower courts have followed suit across the country, denying freedom to pass local or state laws by lawmakers elected by the people in those towns and states.

What kind of freedom is protected by the Second Amendment?

Since all research shows that nonviolent insurgency intended to overthrow a tyrannical government is more effective than a violent uprising, perhaps it’s time to drop the fig leaf of defense of liberty and simply overturn the Second Amendment instead of the gun laws people in any particular city, county, or state decide they want.

While it would certainly not stop all gun violence, eliminating the Second Amendment would be the most effective inoculant we should have to curb the virus of gun violence.

Tom H. Hastings, Ed.D Director, PeaceVoice Program Secretary, Oregon Peace Institute.

City of Brentwood City Manager and City Council City Hall

150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513

Phone: 925-516-5440 www.brentwoodca.gov

City of Antioch City Manager and City Council City Hall 3rd and H streets Antioch, CA 94509

Phone: 925-779-7000 www.ci.antioch.ca.us

City of Oakley City Manager and City Council City Hall 3231 Main St. Oakley, CA 94561

LETTERS POLICY

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The Press reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, potential libel and taste, or to not print letters we feel violate our standards of acceptance.

Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials.

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

Phone: 925-625-7000 www.ci.oakley.ca.us

Town of Discovery Bay Town Manager and Community Services District 1800 Willow Lake Road Discovery Bay, CA 94505 Phone: 925-634-1131 www.todb.ca.gov

County Supervisor, Dist. III Diane Burgis 3361 Walnut Blvd., Suite 140 Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-252-4500 Fax: 925-240-7261 dist3@bos.cccounty.us

Reader wants Biden family investigated

Editor:

Now that the Republicans have apparently won back the U.S. Congress, it’s time for them to play hard ball and expose Hunter Biden and the Biden family investigation for what it really is for the citizens of America to finally know and see.

Joe Biden’s constant denial of corruption and wrongdoing his family has been involved in for several years should result in his impeachment for the millions of dollars the Biden family has made by their actions. They should be Indicted, prosecuted, and convicted and sent to prison for several years.

We’ll see how that all plays out – IF it ever does!

The next thing the Republicans need to do is to get rid of all the elected RINOs in their party and let them officially become Democrats because of how they’ve been voting anyway.

Maybe then, the Republicans might possibly win more elections in the future.

John Hollenback Greenfield Township, Pa.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

County Supervisor, Dist. V Federal D. Glover 190 E 4th St. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: 925-608-4200 Fax: 925-427-8142 district5@bos.cccounty.us

State Sen. Steve Glazer Seventh Senate District Capitol Office: State Capitol, Room 4082 Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-651-4007 District Office: 420 West Third St. Antioch, CA 94509 Phone: 925-258-1176 Fax: 925-258-9982 Cell: 925-963-1611 http://sd07.senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember Jim Frazier 11th Assembly District Capitol Office: P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249 Phone: 916-319-2011 District Office: 150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-513-0411 Fax: 925-513-3511 www.asmdc.org/members/a11

Gov. Gavin Newsom State Capitol, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916-445-2841 Fax: 916-558-3160 www.gov.ca.gov

U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney 9th Congressional District Washington, DC Office: 2265 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-1947 Fax: 202-225-4060 Antioch Office: 4703 Lone Tree Way Antioch, CA 94531 Phone: 925-754-0716 Fax: 925-754-0728 www.mcnerney.house.gov

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla Washington, DC Office: 408 Dirksen SOB Washington, DC 20510

Phone: 202-224-3553 Fax: 202-224-2200 www.padilla.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein Washington, DC Office: 331 Hart SOB Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-3841 Fax: 202-228-3954

San Francisco Office: One Post St., Room 2450 San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: 415-393-0707 Fax: 415-393-0710 www.feinstein.senate.gov

President Joe Biden

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20500

Phone: 202-456-1111 Fax: 202-456-2461

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.

Events

Friday, Dec. 2

Great Gatsby: A Place of Learning Fundraiser

APOL is hosting their Great Gatsby-themed dinner and fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. at Caps Restaurant in downtown Brentwood. The event will feature raffle prizes and a silent auction that will benefit APOL’s free tutoring services to low-income stu dents. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best Roaring Twenties-themed attire. For more information visit http://bit.ly/3Bzcs2F

Saturday, Dec. 3

City of Oakley Tree Lighting

The City of Oakley is hosting its annual Christmas Tree Lighting starting at 4 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St. Civic Center Plaza will be adorned with lights and Christmas decorations. There will be free cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more. Santa Claus will also be making a special visit. The tree light ing will take place at 6 p.m. Admission and park ing are free. For more information, call Alicia at (925) 625-7041 or email: oleary@ci.oakley.ca.us

Cookies, Cocoa and Ice Cream with Santa

The Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual holiday gathering with Santa Claus at Tess’ Community Farm Kitchen, located at 8091 Balfour Road in Brentwood. The event will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will have three seatings. Photos will be taken by JVW photography. Everyone is welcome.

Holiday Delites Celebration

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation is hosting their Holiday Delites Celebration, which features a Sip & Shop Craft Fair from 2-6 p.m. with 30 craft vendors, along with live music and local wines and beers. There will also be a lighted Christmas parade at 4:30 with the lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree and pictures with Santa Claus after that. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/3X75pHq

Oakley Trinkets & Treasures Flea Market

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting their annual Trinkets & Treasures Flea Market from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 215 Second St. For more information, contact James Fridas at 925-626-7223.

Sunday, Dec. 4

Christmas on the Farm

The East Contra Costa Historical Society is host ing their annual free Christmas on the Farm from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., featuring a day of Christmas activities, including storytelling, a historical trea sure hunt, cookie decorating and more. For more information, contact Mary Black at 925-206-5087.

Bethel Island Holiday Boutique

Bethel Island is hosting a Holiday Boutique at Scout Hall at 3090 Ranch Lane from 1-5 p.m. with a variety of vendors and free pictures with Santa Claus.

Monday, Dec. 5

California Highway Patrol Drive Class

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting their annual CHP Drive Class from 10-11 a.m. with CHP instructor C. Linberg and officer Adam Lane on 215 2nd St. For more information, call James Fridas at 925-626-7223.

Friday, Dec. 9

Veterans Awareness Event

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting a Veterans Awareness event from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 215 2nd St. The event will include Veteran Service Officer J. R. Wilson, Noga Welner-Kessler of Veteran Hospice and medical specialist Craig Turner as speakers. For more information, con tact James Fridas at 925-626-7223.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Annual Holiday Boutique

The Wi Cha Ka council #222 is hosting their annual Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Red Men Pocahontas Hall in Oakley on Main St. The event will feature wares from a variety of different sellers. There will also be a pancake breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m.noon, a raffle and Yellow Ribbon fundraiser for the Veterans Hospital in Martinez. For more information, contact Alicia at 925-625-1102.

Friday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 17

Brentwood Regional Community Chest

The Brentwood Regional Community Chest will be packing food boxes in the Brentwood Elementary Cafeteria from 4-9 p.m. on Dec. 16. Food and toys will be distributed to families on Saturday, Dec.17 from 7:30 a.m.-noon. Bins and barrels are located throughout East County for non-perishable items and new toy drop offs. For more information, visit http:// www.brcchest.org/

Sunday, Dec. 18

Grand Community Chanukah Festival

Chabad of the Delta is hosting their Grand Community Chanukah Festival at 4:30 p.m in Brentwood City Park and will Acro, Fire & Sword Performer Juliano Wade, along with Giant Menorah lighting with dignitaries, Chanukah doughnuts, latkes, chocolate gelt along with chanukah crafts. For more infor mation and to RSVP, visit JewishDelta.com/ Chanukah.

Ongoing Events

Hijas Del Campo Annual Coat Drive

Hijas del Campo previously donated 500 coats to campesinxs and their families last year. This year their goal is to double their impact and donate 1,000 coats to keep campesinxs and their families warm. New coats can be dropped off at community partners Chrome Coffee, Wanna Waffle or Estilo Checha until Dec. 4. For more information, email Hijas del Campo info@hijasdelcampo.org or call 925-384-2431.

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https://www.brentwoodrota ry94513.com Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://rotaryclubofoakley. com Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit http:// www.antiochrotaryclub.com/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https:// www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org/.

East County Lions Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Straw Hat Pizza on Lone Tree Way. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse.org/ sites/brentwoodca/ Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center, for more information, visit https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/brentwoodca/ Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht

Looking for more things to do?

Look at the many local events on

www.thepress.net /calendar

Club. For more information, visit:https:// discoverybaylions.com/who-we-are/meetings/ Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/

Brentwood Community Chorus

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

Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution

The Oakley Senior Center gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Community members are asked to bring their own gro cery bags.

ACA Women’s Group

The ACA Women’s Group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. For more information, contact Cici at 530-306-7034.

Nonprofit offers Health Care Career Courses

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

Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings

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

California Striped Bass Association West Delta Chapter Meeting

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

Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting

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

Applications accepted for Administrative Careers Training

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

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

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

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

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

Coffee with Carolyn

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

Community Resource Classes

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

Oakley 4-H Club

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

Splashball classes

The nonprofit Brentwood Seawolves are accepting registrants for its splashball program. Splashball is an official program of USA Water Polo designed to introduce the sport of water polo to children. “Noodles” are provided to assist with flotation while working on skills and drills, but children must be able to swim to participate. To sign up, or for more informa tion, visit www.brentwoodseawolves.com/ registration-information

Free ESL Classes

The nonprofit organization Opportunity Junction hosts free online English as a Second Language course online through Zoom on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m. The classes are intended to help attendees learn to speak, write and read in English or improve their English. For more information, call 925-776-1133. To apply, visit https://sforce.co/3KdEfac

American Legion Post 202 Monthly Meeting

The American Legion Post 202 monthly meet ing (on the second Wednesday of the month) is held at 6:30 p.m. at 757 First St. in Brentwood. The meeting is open to all U.S. Armed Services veterans. The organization encourages all veterans in East County to come and see what is available to them. For more information, visit https://www.aml202.org

BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OBITUARIES

Milestones

OBITUARIES

Email your information to editor@brentwoodpress.com.

Kristen Marie Broocker

Nov. 30, 1970 – Aug. 4, 2022

Kristen Marie Broock er, 52, passed away on Aug. 4, 2022, at her home in Discovery Bay, California, with her husband and kids by her side. She was born in Southern California to John and Barbara Kanuch on Nov. 30, 1970.

Kristen had been bat tling cancer for over six years, never giving up and fighting until the very end, with her beautiful smile al ways on her face.

She was a flight atten dant for American Airlines for seven years, before hap pily taking on the role of be ing a mom and homemaker. Rob met his angel on a blind date in February 1996. They were married on October 5, 1997. After having her first baby (Hannah) in 1999, she decided she didn’t want to return to work so she could enjoy the new role of moth erhood and not miss any of the milestones. Hannah was followed by JT and then Danny. Fast-forward to a funny statement she made some years later, when a fi nancial adviser friend asked Kristen what she wanted to do once Rob retired and she

said, “I’m retiring too!” One of the most important things for her to pass on to her friends and family was her faith. She always believed in God’s plan and never waivered. If you knew her, you knew this!

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Barbara Kanuch. The family was able to spend time with them before their passing as they had moved up to Northern California to be closer.

Kristen was loved by many, an angel on earth, and will be great ly missed! She is survived by her husband Rob Broocker, daughter Hannah (Mat), sons JT and Danny and their two fur babies Bella and Scarlet. Her brother, Steve Kanuch, and former sister in law and best friend Amy Kanuch, niece Kaitlyn Kanuch, nephew Kyle Kanuch.

Celebration of Life is planned for Jan. 8, 2023, 10a.m.–2 p.m., Calvary Fellowship, Discovery Bay Elementary School.

Walter Dean “Butch” Fletcher

Aug. 8, 1937 – Nov. 14,

2022

Graduated from Mt. Diablo High school in Concord and married his high school sweetheart, Betsy Ohran in 1960, had two daughters. Served in the Army/Army National Guard for many years and qualified as a sharpshooter.

Loved auto racing, especially dirt track. He drove stock cars, midgets, sprints; raced at the Pa checo, Vallejo, and Antioch speedways. Worked as an official in the pits when it was a NASCAR track, and helped on the pit crew for my sister.

Went to the Antioch Speedway every Saturday night. In recent years. He would bring his mobil ity scooter with help from his friend John. They ar rived early, sat in their chairs and greeted the drivers as they arrived.

Started working by age of 10, continued work ing as long as he could; worked hard all day, came home, ate dinner, then went back to another job. He worked most of his life as a groundskeeper for school districts, retiring from the San Ramon Valley District.

He was very appreciated, and was always re quested to maintain the sports fields; he took great pride in the work he did!

He loved going for car rides. Whether to Fresno to Bob’s Big Boy, or hours to a park just to have a picnic. We went to Santa Cruz and Sea Cliff beach, camping at California Big trees. He would name all the squirrel’s starting with the letter H. We went to Disneyland, and rode all the fast rides; he was a big kid at heart.

Loved to swim in our doughboy pool with us after work.

He loved to fish! Knightsen, Contra Loma, the Delta, San Pablo, you name it. He loved to watch the Grand Ole Opry, Hee Haw and listen to all the old country stars.

Was the most mild-mannered, kindest person I ever met. He had the greatest, corniest sense of hu

mor. We would tell him we loved him, he would say “me, too”. He knew that we knew what he meant. He had a hard life but never complained. Loved to dance; we drove from Concord to Straw Hat pizza in Antioch to listen to the Sundowners play and he and my mom would dance. My sister and I were very fortunate we were able to dance with him at our weddings.

Butch is survived by his loving wife Betsy of 62 years, his daughter Kathy and husband Dave (Ol und) whom he thought of as a son, his grandson Jeffery Skaggs, Jr. and wife Mallory, granddaughter Melissa, his great grandsons Will, Gage and Codie (whom he helped raise from an infant).

Also survived by his sisters Joyce Ferguson, Ann Ziegler (Mike), Mary Vandergroen; many nieces, nephews. He was always appreciative of the help from his nephew Fred whom he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Bar bara (Skaggs) who passed away in December, 2021, his parents Tom and Bessie (Patterson), his brothers - Edward ‘Jiggs’, Raymond and Donald; his sisters Dorothy (Thompson), Betty (Sudduth), and Wanda.

There will be a very simple celebration of life on Dec. 10, 2022, at 2 p.m. in Brentwood.

Please email ksolund@comcast.net , or call the landline at 925-240-1682; Please leave your name/ number, and I will respond back via text or email the address if you wish to attend.

Have you or someone you know reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it!

Hometown SportS

Liberty out to defend BVAL basketball title

Coach says Lions can make a deep playoff run

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

Jon Heinz returns for his 16th season as head coach of the Liberty Lions basketball team. The roster is filled with young talent across the board including reigning Bay Val ley Athletic League MVP Miles Lawrence. Both are ingredients for another successful season, Heinz says..

Since the 2012 season, the Lions bas ketball team has missed out on North Coast Section playoffs only once, had one losing season, and brought home two league titles. Heinz said his team can repeat as league champions. After that, “This year, we feel like we can make a deep run in state play offs,” Heinz said

Last season, the team was able to bring home a league title they will be looking to defend this season. “We expect to win our league again,” Heinz said, “This team this

year is even better than last year’s squad.”

However the path to repeat as league champions will be difficult with Liberty hav ing the most difficult schedule in their league,

according to Heinz. He said his team is up for the task, however, as over the summer his squad had beaten St. Francis and Serra high, two successful basketball programs.

Heinz has an athletic group of players on this year’s team and he plans to use this to his advantage as much as possible during the season. The team will play fast and in tense on both sides of the ball, incorporat ing a full-court press on defense and being diverse on offense. With this however, a con cern for Heinz is his players staying healthy throughout the season.

Heinz’s starting five going into the season features junior Quinton Bundage at point guard, senior Julian Costa and junior Gavin Cook Whisenton on the wings, and seniors Lawrence and Ethan Wasem round ing out the starting five at forward.

While the starting five lacks a tradi tional center, the small lineup allows for the Lions to play to their strengths and let their athleticism be the X-factor of the team, the coach said.

Christian wins Antioch Speedway finale

Morgan Hill’s Jimmy Christian won the 25-lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event last Saturday night as the season came to a close at Antioch Speedway. Christian is a two-time Watsonville Speedway champion, and he led the race from the outset.

Early on, there was a battle for second between previous winner Ethon Lanfri of Milpitas and Nathan Schank of Phoenix, Arizona. Following a yellow flag on Lap 5, the two drivers got a little too close for com fort in Turn 4 with both flipping to end their race. Christian led Jacob Tuttle of Oakley on the next restart. They kept that order through a couple of slowdowns. Traffic be came a factor late in the race, but Christian made all the right moves to hold off Tuttle for the victory. Brent Steck of Roseville ended up third ahead of Shane Hopkins of Placerville and Josh Young of Roseville.

Five-time champion Troy Foulger of Oakley scored the win in the 20-lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was the sev enth win of the season for Foulger In the Bowers Motorsportd entry. Foulger started on the front row and charged into the lead ahead of Randy McDaniel of Olivehurst. Foulger built a half-lap advantage over the past Marysville champion McDaniel by the end of the race. Oakley’s Jeff Browne had a good battle going with Olivehurst’s Phillip Shelby for third before finally grab bing the spot for good, followed by Danny Malfatti of Hayward and Chris Lewis of Oroville.

Trevor Clymens of Brentwood re turned to the IMCA Sport Modifieds and won the 25-lap Main Event. He was the top rookie in IMCA Modifieds this year and was a three-time Sport Modified champion

prior to that. Jason Ryan Jr. of Oakley took the early lead and held it until contact exit ing Turn 1 on Lap 9 between him and Cly mens allowed Gazelle’s Jace Wright, a regu lar at Siskiyou Golden Speedway, to grab the lead. Wright led until contact in Turn 2 on Lap 19 with Clymens saw him spin. Clymens took the lead at that point and held off State champion Jacob Mallet Jr. of Oakley the rest of the way for the win. Ryan rebounded for third ahead of Jonathan Ha gio of Prunedale and Wright.

Ty Carlson of Stockton won the 20-lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Carlson is a Late Model racer at the Stockton 99 Speedway, and he took advantage of his front-row starting opportunity to lead the entire distance in his first Antioch Speedway start.

Carlson charged into the lead when the green flag waved, followed by IMCA Modified racer Terry DeCarlo Jr. of Mar tinez, who was driving the Kenneth Robles car. Through multiple yellow flags, De Carlo challenged Carlson at numerous points, even pulling side by side at times. During the final few laps, however, Carl son stretched his advantage to score the victory. Jason Poppert of Sacramento was a solid third, followed by Taylor DeCarlo of Martinez and Jeremy Langenderfer of Corning.

Mike Learn of Petaluma won the 20lap Super Stock Main Event. Learn is a past Petaluma and Tri State Pro Stock Series champion, and he started on the front row to take the immediate lead. Richard Vander Ploeg of Oroville ran second for the first seven laps before the only yellow flag waved on Lap 7 for a backstretch crash. Learn

continued to lead the restart as champion Jim Freethy of Danville moved into second. Learn pulled away to a straightaway advan tage with Freethy a solid second, followed by Mike Walko of Knightsen, Wayne Trim ble of Auburn and Vander Ploeg.

Dana Gardner of San Bruno won the 20-lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event. He had a bad start as Merced champion Austin Sprague of Oakdale took the early lead ahead of Dennis Cosens of Mentmore, New Mexico. Costens made an outside pass on Sprague to take the lead on Lap 3, and the two engaged in a close, sometimes sideby-side battle for several laps. Following a

Giving back

Lap 16 yellow flag for a lost bumper from the Sprague car, Gardner, in third place, moved into the lead. Gardner led the rest of the way to win ahead of Sprague, Costens, Eddie Humphrey III of Torrance and Dan iel Bond of Oakdale.

Bakersfield’s Jerry Flippo won the 20lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Flippo is a multi-time Modified champion at his home track. He jumped into the immediate lead ahead of Fred Ryland. Ryland broke on Lap 10 for the only yellow flag of the race. Flippo scored a convincing victory ahead of Anthony Giuliani Morgan Hill and Ken neth Robles of Rio Vista.

Submitted photo

The St. Vincent de Paul branch at St. Francis Assisi church in Concord, and the coaches and players on the De La Salle lacrosse teams, provided more than 100 turkeys and 100 volunteer hours to help hungry Concord families on Saturday, Nov. 19. As a result of the Pittsburg-based St. Vincent de Paul’s effort,, these 100 families (more than 400 individuals), had a special Thanksgiving meal for their families. The organization maintains a Brentwood location as well.

Liberty Lions basketball coach Jon Heinz (pictured) has high hopes for the upcoming season with a new roster full of young talent.

Press file photo

Chanukah celebration set for City Park

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad of the Delta and surrounding communities as we light the grand Menorah on Sunday Dec. 18 at 4,30 p.m. at Brentwood City Park.

Community leaders will participate in kindling the giant “Menorah of Freedom” along with fun activities for everyone including:

• Chanukah crafts, glitter art and photo opportunities

• Traditional latkes and doughnuts

• A grand raffle

• Fire and led performer Aaron Zamarron

For many, Chanukah prompts warm, loving mem ories from their childhood. They light the Menorah every night of the eight-night holiday. These lights of fer warmth, joy, strength, inspiration and renews their sense of identity.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, director of the Chabad of the Delta Jewish Center, describes Chanukah as “a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradi tion. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we re dedicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”

East Contra Costa residents join millions the world over promoting the universal message that good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness.

For more information, contact Chabad of the Delta at (925) 420-4999 or online at JewishDelta.com/ Chanukah.

’An old-fashioned’ holiday

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

The East Contra Costa Histori cal Society is hosting their second an nual Christmas on the Farm on Sun day, Dec. 4.

It starts at 11 a.m. and is centered on creating a family-friendly environ ment, according to society president and director of education Mary Black.

“Last year was our first year,” she said. “We had lots of families, and it was a lot of fun. The event is all about getting the kids engaged with their families. They really enjoy the scavenger hunt.”

Advertised as an “afternoon of

old-fashioned fun for the whole fam ily,” Christmas on the Farm will feature music, storytelling from The Friends of the Brentwood Library, old-fashioned games including cornhole, jenga, domi noes and more, family photo opportu nities and a historical scavenger hunt. The event is free, but participants can purchase activity tickets and take part in a variety of crafts and activi ties, including creating Christmas or naments and decorating Christmas cookies. A raffle will also be held and baskets are available for everyone. “It’s a get-together of the community, and it’s all about friends and family com ing together,” she said.

There will also be a few local food

vendors, along with vendors serving craft beer and local wines. Some 15 craft sellers will be there for those who want to get some holiday shopping done.

The event will close with Christ mas carols and the lighting of the windmill at dusk, which will stay lit un til January. “While it is self-proclaimed, we do say we are the only lit Christ mas windmill west of the Mississippi,” Black said. “We light it and keep it lit until January so people can see it dur ing the holidays.”

In the case of rain, guests are en couraged to park at Sunset Park Ath letic Complex, where a shuttle will take them to the museum. For more infor mation, visit http://bit.ly/3F5qhHZ.

Christmas on the Farm put on by the East Contra Costa Historical Society last year returns this year on Dec. 4 Press file photo

Operation Creekside to show support for U.S. troops at Brentwood veterans hall

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

Linda Wilson did not realize the impact of the ‘Big Pack’ on U.S. troops overseas until she received an email after the first one 10 years ago.

“The first pack we held was such a great event,” said Wilson, who owns Brentwood Napa Auto Parts . “When it was done, I thought we were finished. But then I came into work, and just as I was turning my computer off, a really strange email popped up. It was a message from Afghanistan. The message said that he didn’t know how we got his name or how we knew where he was. And he had no idea where Brentwood, California was. But he was writing to say thank you for making his and his buddies’ Christmas special with a pack from home. It really hit me and made me really think about what our military gives up for us, not just during the holidays, but all year, every day of the year-holidays, births, weddings, birthdays; everything we just expect to attend and be part of they miss out on. So, here we are on year 10. What an ad venture it’s been! The only thing I hope for out of all of this is that we are able to reach the ones who need that extra sup port from home.”

Local volunteers, led by Operation Creekside director and chaplain Ed Mc Clelland, can continue the impact of the gesture at this year’s event is Dec. 13 event at 6 p.m. in support of the military at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St.

The community gathers at the “Big Pack” to pack and send out hundreds of care packages to troops stationed over seas to receive in time for the holidays. According to McClelland, 12 local volun teers meet bimonthly to do about 25 care packs. The “Big Pack” however, is named as such due to trying to send as many as

300 to 400 care packs to the troops.

“It’s a great way to help the com munity, serve, and show support for our troops,” said McClelland. “We pack on the night of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) meeting at the Veterans Hall, and we honor them during the event.”

“The 10th annual means that we are consistent,” said McClelland. “I have been a part of this since its inception. Goods and donations are brought to the store. And also when we’re all done on pack night, we bring most of the care packs back to the store to get ready to ship.”

McClelland says that quality goods that ship well are preferred and needed, such as granola bars, energy bars, packs of nuts, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, Pop-Tarts, fruit snacks, powdered drink mixes, gum, as well as clothing items such as socks, T-shirts, and gloves. Cards and hand-written notes are also wel come, as each care pack also includes a special board on the bottom that has been painted by creative individuals, stu

dents from local schools, and Girl Scout troops. Additionally, low-budget items like Halloween candy or top ramen are not preferred.

“Each care pack costs $23.50 just for the shipping, so we like to get good items in the boxes. It takes four or five days to get them out,” said McClelland, adding that money for postage is also needed. “We like to ship quality goods to our troops that are providing our freedom.”

Wilson at Brentwood Napa Auto Parts recounts the first “Big Pack” event in 2013 and reasons for wanting to do something special for the troops for the holidays who were away from home.

“It was in late fall that we decided to have a pack and it just made sense to do it at Christmas time,” said Wilson. “I think it was just the thought of sending some love and support from home to a troop that was stationed overseas, with no family for the holidays that inspired many to help.”

Wilson recounts that they sent letters to their accounts and mailed out fliers ex

pressing their desire to do a community troop pack. After a slow start and near ly giving up on the idea, they suddenly started receiving donations from farm ers, small businesses, many families, and individuals three weeks later. People were donating merchandise for the boxes and cash for shopping and shipping.

“I have seen donations come in from all over our community and beyond to make this event happen,” said Wilson. “It’s really great when the veterans get involved too. A lot of them come in and tell stories about how much the packs from home meant to them when they were deployed.”

McClelland credits the help of Linda Wilson and her husband Rick at Brentwood Napa Auto Parts for the suc cess and longevity of the annual Big Pack events, adding that these would not be possible without their help and recom mendation.

“With Brentwood Napa Auto behind this, we get folks to help and to donate that we don’t normally get,” said McClel land. “We have shipped thousands of care packs in December above our normal shipping; more troops blessed!”

Wilson added that when they did their first Big Pack, she thought it would be a “one and done” deal, but the success of that first event and the impact and ef fect it generated inspired them to continue to do more.

McClelland added, “It is not all fun and games. We like to let folks know about some of the struggles our military person nel face and also like to raise awareness for things like military suicide. This is an event to serve by helping pack, being pres ent to honor veterans, and get impacted when we share the mission.”

More information on “The Big Pack”, including donations or questions, can be found by calling Brentwood Napa Auto Parts at (925) 634-3952 and asking for Linda, emailing naparick@sbcglobal. net, or by visiting https://operationcreek side.org/.

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

I am a Vietnam Era veteran and served a six-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force. I have also served as a Hospice East Bay Veteran Volunteer for the past three years.

For our Veteran patients (and their families), as the end of life approaches, military service for our country is one of their lives’ most memorable periods. The families of our Veteran patients are genuinely moved by the tributes paid to their service by Hospice East Bay. ~Don C. (925) 510-0756

Local volunteers have been making the annual ‘Big Pack’ event a success for more than 10 years.

Press file photo

How to make your Christmas tree last longer

Experts are offering tips on how to pick the best tree and how to make it last longer during this holiday season.

Contra Costa Fire District Public In formation Officer Steve Hill and other ex perts recommend the following.

• When picking out a tree, make sure the needles don’t fall off easily. That means they are too dry. Pick the tree with the greenest needles because they will last longer. The brown needles are the driest ones. Run a few branches through your hands to see which nee dles fall off more easily.

• Pick a tree in a shaded area instead of a sunny part of a tree farm.

• Raise the trunk a few inches, then drop it. Only a few needles should fall off it’s a healthy tree.

• Just after buying a tree, make a fresh two-inch cut on the trunk straight across the bottom to aid in water absorption. This cut will remove any dried resin that might block water absorption.

• When you are home and ready to bring the tree inside, cut another inch off the bottom for the same reason.

• Water it daily to keep the water in the container fresh with the necessary nutri ents. Make sure the tree stand can hold one gallon of water. Check the level daily.

• Keep the tree in a fenced off area of the house so pets don’t get near it and pos sibly try to eat the needles or ornaments.

• Also keep it at least three inches away from any sources of heat, such as a fireplace, radiators or candles. A heat source too close to the tree causes one

in every five of the fires.

• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

Lighting the tree

• Make sure the lights are from a quali fied testing laboratory. Some lights are for indoor use only and others are for outdoors only.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree

• Always turn off the tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house or apartment to prevent a fire.

Almost one-third of tree fires are caused by electrical problems, experts say. Following these tips will help your tree last at least five weeks, they said.

Informed

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. f-2022-0006262 The name of the business(es): mcc drywall Located at: bethel island rd In: bethel island ,ca 94511, is hereby registered by the fol lowing owner(s): moises h caballero castro. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/18/2022. Signature of registrant: deb orah cooper, clerk-recorder. This state ment was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/14/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/13/2027 Brent wood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006080 The name of the business(es): TUSCAN BLUE II ASSISTED LIVING Located at: 5405 MOJAVE WAY In: ANTIOCH,CA,94 531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): SARVAS LLC. This business is conducted by: A Lim ited Liability Company, State of Organi zation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/01/2018. Signature of registrant: PRAMOD BALANANDAN, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/31/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/30/2027 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: November 18, 25, Decem ber 2, 9, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006094 The name of the business(es): East County Oral Sur gery Located at: 5201 Deer Valley Road, #2B In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Roberto J. Deloso 2. Matthew K. Chroust. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Roberto J. Deloso, General Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: October 31, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/30/2027 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: November 11, 18, 25, De cember 2, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006356 The name of the business: House Accounts Located at: 3848 Rock ford Dr In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): AMANDA MARIE NAZZISI. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The reg istrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Amanda Nazzisi, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/16/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/15/2027 Brent wood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006078 The name of the business(es): GOLDEN NEST ASSISTED LIVING Located at: 2296 INDIAN SPRINGS DR In: BRENTWOOD, CA, 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): SARKA LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/01/2019. Signature of reg istrant: PRAMOD BALANANDAN, MANAG ING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/31/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/30/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 18, 25, Decem ber 2, 9, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006407 The name of the business(es): FIGWELL TEXAS Located at: 597 MYRTLE BEACH DR In: BRENT WOOD, CA, 94513, is hereby registered

by the following owner(s): Miguel Angel Zapata. 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: Miguel Angel Zapata, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/17/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/16/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0003780 The name of the business(es): House of Hair Located at: 2042 Montauk Court In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Adriana Cop polino. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 6/22/2022. Signature of registrant: Adri ana Coppolino. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 29, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/28/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 11, 18, 25, De cember 2, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006492 The name of the business(es): Knightsen Saloon Located at: 3055 Knightsen Avenue In: Knightsen CA 94548, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): JPH LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Li ability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to trans act business under the fictitious busi ness name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jon Patrick Hulleman, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/22/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/21/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005878 The name of the business(es): 1. Whittier 2. Legacy Group 3. Legacy Group Whittier Located at: 2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Gerardo Cer vantes. 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: Gerardo Cervantes, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/19/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/18/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 11, 18, 25, De cember 2, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006017 The name of the business(es): Grape Goat Located at: 3037 Carey Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the follow ing owner(s): Kris Baker. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The regis trant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Kris Baker, Owner. This state ment was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/26/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/25/2027 Brent wood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: November 11, 18, 25, De cember 2, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. f-2022-0006193 The name of the business(es): Grocery Outlet Pleasant Hill Located at: 1671 Contra Costa Blvd In: Pleasant Hill CA 94523, is hereby reg istered by the following owner(s): Cara Beth Hibbs-Leyva. This business is con ducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: Cara Beth Hibbs-Leyva, Owner/CEO. This

statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/07/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/06/2027 Brent wood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006006 The name of the business(es): EMBASS INVESTMENTS LLC Located at: 2347 Blue Ridge Av enue In: Brentwood, CA 94513 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): EMBASS INVESTMENTS LLC. This busi ness is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact busi ness under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/30/2019.

Signature of registrant: Emem Bassey, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/25/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/24/2027 Brentwood Press No. 021273

Publish Dates: November 11, 18, 25, De cember 2, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006510 The name of the business(es): VEGAN OLD-FASHIONED TEA CAKES BAKERY Located at: 3130 BALFOUR RD STE D #186 In: BRENTWOOD, CA, 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): LOUIS LANGSTON. This business is conducted by: an Indi vidual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on .

Signature of registrant: LOUIS LANGSTON, OWNER / CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/22/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/22/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006077 The name of the business(es): GREEN FEATHERS AS SISTED LIVING Located at: 528 COCONUT PL In: BRENTWOOD, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): SARKA LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/01/2021. Signature of reg istrant: PRAMOD BALANANDAN, MANAG ING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/31/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/30/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 18, 25, Decem ber 2, 9, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005592 The name of the business(es): Breakthrough Media Lo cated at: 2415 San Ramon Valley Blvd. #4301 In: San Ramon, CA 94583 is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Mi chael Grumley. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant com menced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Michael Grumley, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/04/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/03/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006527 The name of the business(es): After Hours Media Located at: 3239 Colusa St In: Pinole, CA 94564, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Marquez Anthony Del Rosario Bura. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: Marquez Anthony Del Rosario Bura, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/22/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/22/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005897 The name of the business(es): OUD SPA Located at: 3850 Balfour Rd Suite In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the follow ing owner(s): TING YANG. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 10/19/2022. Signature of registrant: TING YANG, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/19/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/18/2027 Brent wood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 18, 25, Decem ber 2, 9, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006055 The name of the business(es): Westside Welding Company Located at: 325 Town Center Terrace STE D In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1.0Dillon Paul Galmukoff 2. Brittany Galmukoff. This business is conducted by: a Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact busi ness under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 7/1/2022. Sig nature of registrant: Dillon Galmukoff, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/28/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/27/2027 Brentwood Press No. 021273

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0005943 The name of the business(es): ABR Homes-Casalegno Located at: 4200 Cowell Road, In: Con cord, CA 94518, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): ABR Holdings, Inc. 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: Kazi Islam, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/21/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/20/2027 Brentwood Press No. 021273

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006079 The name of the business(es): FLOWERING PLUMS ASSISTED LIVING Located at: 591 FLOW ERING PLUM PL In: BRENTWOOD,CA, 94513, is hereby registered by the fol lowing owner(s): SARVAS LLC. This busi ness is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company,State of Organization. The reg istrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/01/2021. Sig nature of registrant: PRAMOD BALANAN DAN, MANAGING MEMBER. This state ment was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/31/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/30/2027 Brent wood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 18, 25, Decem ber 2, 9, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006115 The name of the business(es): Pro Ethic Athletics Lo cated at: 820 Woodsong Lane In: Brent wood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Pro Ethic Athlet ics LLC. 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: Marcus Reese, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/01/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/31/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-005662 The name of the business(es): Don’t Lag Coffee Located at: 300 Maureen Lane In: Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Matthew Robert

Whitaker. 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: Matthew Whitaker, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/07/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/06/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 18, 25, Decem ber 2, 9, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Lowayna Lewis and Marcus Bradley SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CON TRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Lowayna Lewis and Marcus Bradley CASE NUMBER: N22-2259 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Lowayna Lewis and Marcus Bradley, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Zamir Bishop Bradley-Lewis to Proposed Name: a. Marcus Zamir Bradley. 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 ob jection 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: 02/17/2023 Time: 9:00a.m Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: November 23 2022 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press 02-1273 Publish Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Husna Hamkar Seddiqi SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Husna Hamkar Seddiqi, Ayman Amin Seddiqi CASE NUMBER: N22-2133 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Husna Hamkar Seddiqi, Su laimon Walid Seddiqi filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Ayman Amin Seddiqi to Proposed Name: a. Arman Aiman Seddiqi. 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 ob jection 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: 01/27/2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: November 03, 2022 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 11, 18, 25, De cember 2, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Yelena Nesteruk SUPERIOR COURT OF CALI FORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Yelena Nesteruk, Yelena

Nesteruk CASE NUMBER: N22-2222 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Yelena Nesteruk, Yelena Nesteruk filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Yelena Nesteruk b. Pavel Nevmerzhitsky to Proposed Name: a. Helen Newmer b. Pasha Newmer. 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 rea sons 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: 02/10/2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circula tion, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: November 18 2022 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press 02-1273 Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. f-2022-0006467 The name of the business(es): Ouchy Preloved Bags Reseller Located at: 120 Cataline Ave In: Antioch CA, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kia L. Campbell. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Signature of registrant: Deborah Cooper, County Clerk Recorder. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 11/21/2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/21/2027 Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006035 The name of the business(es): ABS 123 Located at: 19 Tip ton Ct, Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby regis tered by the following owner(s): Johanna M Ortiz. 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: Johanna Ortiz, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: October 27, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/26/2027 Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: November 11, 18, 25, De cember 2, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Raul Ray mond Perez, Jr. aka Raymond Raul White SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Raul Raymond Perez, Jr. aka Raymond Raul White, CASE NUMBER: N22-2198 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Raul Raymond Perez, Jr. aka Raymond Raul White, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Pres ent Name: a. Raul Raymond Perez, Jr. b. aka Ray mond Raul White to Proposed Name: a. Raymond Raul White. 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 object ing 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 hear ing 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: 02/06/2023 Time: 9 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this

Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press (Oakley Press)

Date: November 15 2022 Judge of the Superior Court Oakley Press 03-0477

Publish Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 2022

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE

OF: STEPHEN KEITH HOWARD, de ceased CASE NUMBER P22-01750

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: STEPHEN KEITH HOWARD, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: SANDRA A. YOUNG in the Superior Court of Cali fornia, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: SANDRA A. YOUNG be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for exami nation in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Ad ministration of Estates Act. (This author ity will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent ad ministration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an ob jection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: FEBRUARY 23, 2023 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept: 15. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Michael J Amthor 1181 Central Blvd. Suite A Brentwood, CA 94513 925-516-4888

BRENTWOOD PRESS No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: November 18, 25, Decem ber 2, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006163 The name of the business(es): Tropical Mainte nance Located at: 1813 Candice Ct. In: Antioch,CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Enrique Lo pez. 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: Enrique Lo pez, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: November 4, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/3/2027 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 89443 Publish dates: November 11,18, 25, December 2, 2022.

his position as chief down to the most junior officer – is a full staff.

“In addition to my seven vacancies, I also have two injured officers who cannot report to work due to their injuries, and I have three injured officers who are serving in a modified (not full) capacity,” Beard said.

Brentwood

Hiring five additional officers to create a 5th geo graphical beat was approved as part of the 2020/21 fiscal year. However, hiring officers for the new beat was put on hold due to concerns about the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Budget for the additional po sitions was not authorized until FY 2021/22, but 4 out of the five positions remain vacant.

“We currently have 4 patrol beats, and we added of ficers to our staff to split the City into 5 patrol beats,” Brentwood Police Chief Tim Herbert stated in an email. “Unfortunately we cannot convert to the 5 beat system until we can assign an officer to patrol each beat. Once we are fully staffed at 72 we will be able to move toward the 5 beat system.”

Herbert was sworn in as Brentwood’s newest po lice chief in September and has been at the head of the search for officers since his appointment. The hiring pro cess can take four to six months, and even longer for lat eral officers who have been working at one department and transfer to another.

“Laterals tend to take a little longer, because they usually have a more extensive work history that needs to be vetted with a thorough background investigation,” Herbert stated.

For Herbert, laterals can be ‘hit or miss’, and out of the numerous entry-level applications, only one or two candidates actually attend an academy.

According to Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) demographics, the average number of candidates that make it from hiring through their probationary pe riod is 70%.

Chris Catren, president of the California Police Chiefs Association, listed high-paying jobs, with workfrom-home options and better work-life balance – and fewer people looking for them – as a main reason for the shortage of new officer prospects. With the cost of living rising, young people are looking toward careers they say will give them opportunities to move into management.

“It’s gone from a hiring pool to a hiring puddle,” Ca tren lamented. “The demand on policing is very high… People see a lot of the negativity, which is unfortunate.”

Catren also discussed the societal unrest after the mur der of George Floyd in June of 2020, by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Newcomers to police work would join the profession based on its perceived ‘nobility’, but Ca tren said that Chauvin tarnished that image and called him an ‘aberration to the job.’ Chauvin’s actions hurt depart

Chefs

from page 3A

vors in his ice creams. He served as Rose’s sous chef, trusting the creative process, saying he keeps a cool head under the pres sure of the competition. He also used his experience in computer animation to cre ate storyboards of the dishes so judges and spectators would have something to look at, rather than interrupting the chefs.

One important thing he did to prepare for this year’s competition was to become an Execution, Appearance, Taste Certified Judge.

“One of the things you have to do is describe your dish, provide your recipe and then you get an execution score based on what you described,” Callahan said. “I want ed to know what the judges were looking for, so I got certified to be a judge so I could know what is important and keep us in line to judge ourselves the way the judges judge.”

ments nationwide, not just in Minnesota, Catren said.

“Officers need to show kids the good that they can do, as opposed to the negatives that are broadcast on na tional media,” Catren emphasized.

Brentwood and Oakley police say they want to hire officers who display a strong work ethic and can bring high moral character and integrity to their respective de partments.

“Simply put, a good officer first has to be a good worker,” Beard stated. “I seek people who have a strong and verifiable work ethic. I am looking for people who already have ties to Oakley, or people who I believe will dedicate their years-long career diligently serving the community of Oakley.”

Herbert seeks to continue building the progressive department that former Chief Tom Hansen began. Inter personal communication skills, ability to relate to others, positive attitude, and working well in a team environ ment are just a few of the attributes he is seeking in new and lateral officers.

Antioch

The City of Antioch faces their own set of challeng es regarding police officer shortages.

In March, the Contra Costa County District At torney’s Office announced a criminal investigation involving eight officers from the Antioch Police De partment. Prosecutors said the investigation involves a “broad range of offenses” and “crimes of moral tur pitude.” Since the initial announcement, the FBI has also been called on for assistance with the investiga tion, and the eight officers have been placed on admin istrative leave.

“That’s about 15% of our patrol officers through out the city, or an estimated 10% of the Antioch police

The team’s 10th-place finish qualified them to return next year, and they plan to head back to Dallas for the 2023 World Food championship.

“It’s a ton of fun and I can’t wait to do it again,” Callahan said. “Those peo ple become like family. You see the same competitors and get a sense of who they are and their passion and it’s just a great community of people who all just love food and creating. You go wanting to win, but you win just by going.”

Vin Alegro is at 1520 Discovery Bay Blvd., Suite 300. For more information, call 925-395-4700 or visit www.vin-alegro. business.site/.

Callahan’s Coffee and Cones is at 1555 Riverlake Rd., Suite A,. For more information, call 925-420-6422 or visit www.callahanscc.com. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

force,” Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe said during an August press conference. “For those who are familiar with the process, we know that at some point a criminal grand jury has been impaneled or will be impaneled. As a result, it could increase the number of officers under investigation.”

Thorpe acknowledged that he knew he was ‘inherit ing years of insufficient police oversight’ when he became mayor.. He says that police reform was, and continues to be, one of his top priorities.

To provide ‘stable and steadfast leadership,’ Thorpe appointed interim police chief, Steven Ford, Ph.D. to serve in the position permanently. Ford has 32 years of experience with the San Francisco Police Department, where he was instrumental in leading major law enforce ment reform efforts during his time with the former de partment.

Speaking via Zoom at the same press conference, Ford called the allegations ‘extremely disturbing’ and ‘sincerely apologized to the profession, the City of Antioch, and the general public.’

Ford also wants to bring high-quality officers to Antioch to restore trust, respect, and legitimacy to the struggling department. To do so, high-level leadership and supervisory training will be called upon. He also plans to implement ‘a strong foundation of internal ac countability,’ he said.

“In closing, let me be clear – there is no room for the alleged behavior,” Ford said. “I take the reputation of the profession, and this organization, extremely seri ously, and I will do everything in my power to ensure we move forward in a professional, consistent, and transpar ent manner.”

Thorpe said he remains confident that the depart ment can right itself with Ford at the helm.

Antioch has an authorized staffing level of 115 of ficers. However, it has 101 officers, and it anticipates 10 leaving within the next year, according to a presenta tion by Ford at the Aug. 26 city council meeting. The report also stated that in recent months, the department has seen a dramatic decrease in interest from lateral and entry-level applicants.

In addition to their longevity program, which re wards current officers who stay with the department for more than 9 years, Antioch officials have offered incen tives to spark interest in potential new and lateral hires, including a $30,000 signing bonus, payment of which would be spread over five years.

Brentwood officers earn a yearly salary between $101,000-$123,000. Antioch ranges between nearly $108,000-$131,000, while Oakley officers receive $105,000$134,000. Oakley is also offering a hiring incentive bonus of up to $10,000 depending on the candidate’s experience level, according to the departments’ websites. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Michael Callahan, Tony Rose, and Chef Robert Rose created this shells and caviar dish for the Seafood Category at the World Food Championship in Dallas, Texas last month.

Photo courtesy of Robert Rose

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

second-generation framer Chris Ramos, it’s all in the family. CR Framing serves local artists and residents at wholesale prices, with excellent quality and quick turnaround. They offer an array of services, including custom framing, shipping, shrink wrapping, matting, and framing. The business is located at 700 Harvest Park Drive, Unit I, in Brentwood, and hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call 925-634-7742 email crframing@aol.com or visit crframing.webs.com.

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New veterinary hospital comes to Brentwood

Lone Tree Animal Care, a new veterinary office in Brentwood, is eagerly anticipating the opening of their new location.

Originally slated for a June 2022 opening, construction delays at the 6800 Lone Tree Way location have forced the practice to take up temporary residence at Brentwood Pet Resort. The permanent location is now expected to open in early 2023, and company officials said they are accepting new patients.

Lone Tree Animal Care offers “stateof-the-art medical care” in a welcoming and caring environment, their website says. They believe in nurturing the human-pet bond and creating a harmonious relation ship between people and pets, according to their website. From routine check-ups, microchipping, and spay and neuter appointments to more specialized services such as nutritional counseling and allergy

testing and other needs of your dog and cat. Emergency and urgent care is also offered, including an onsite pharmacy. A list of services can be found on their website.

Dr. Mandeep Sandhu and Dr. Navjot Kaur lead the veterinary staff. Sandhu has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1998, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association. Kaur, or as she prefers, Dr. Nav, earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, before going on to work as a clinical instructor in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan focusing on small-animal anatomy.

“It’s great for me to be a part of this team,” Kaur said. “We just moved in a couple of months back, and I love this

neighborhood.”

Until their new office opens, Lone Tree Animal Care is at 600 Concord Ave. in Brentwood. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. For more information, or to book an appointment for your dog and/or cat, visit https://www.lonetreeani malcare.com/ or call 925-450-3800.

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

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ON THE COVER: Dr. Navjot Kaur, one of Lone Tree Animal Care’s two veterinarians, credits her love of animals for pursuing a profession in animal care. Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

The staff members of Lone Tree Animal Care look forward to the opening of their permanent location. They are thrilled to offer their clients quality pet care options.

Holiday gifts for four-legged family members

Holiday shoppers who are busy making lists and checking them twice should make sure they don’t overlook the family pet. Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs, as more people include their companion animals when select ing gifts each year.

A study for OnePoll conducted by Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of dog sitters and walkers, found that 95 percent of pet owners have bought holiday gifts for their pets. Gifts can range from everyday needs, like food and treats, to more lavish extravagances like spa treatments.

Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services. The Balance, a business, career and industry informa tion website, says pet industry trends point toward these segments seeing growth.

Natural pet products

Just as people are interested in protect ing the health of the planet and their own personal health, so, too, are they extending this concern to companion animals. Natural

Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services.

pet products, which can include natural flea and tick remedies, holistic foods, organic

items, and all-natural grooming products, can make great gifts.

Specialty pet services

The American Pet Products Association says the demand for high-end pet groom ing and other services is substantial. In addition, personalized training, behavioral consulting, portrait photography, dog sitting, and upscale spa treatments like pet Reiki and massage are booming.

Mobile pet grooming

Mobile pet grooming has become the norm in many areas. Mobile pet grooming can reduce the potential stress on animals, and tends to be very convenient for customers, particularly seniors and others who have mobility issues.

Beyond these growing trends, pet owners have a bevy of other ideas from which to choose. Here are a few different suggestions:

♦ tests to detect pets’ DNA and trace breed and ancestry

♦ interactive puzzles to keep pets engaged and banish boredom

♦ stylish storage baskets for pet toys

♦ hidden cat litter or dog crate items that camouflage commonly used pet items

♦ heated pet bed for cozy nights and mornings

♦ signature vests, coats and sweaters to look good and remain comfortable.

An Extraordinary Veterinary Experience

When you come in, you’re visiting friends. We will take care of your pet and love them like you do - Just like we’ve done since we opened our doors 20 years ago, and will do it for the next 20 years, or more.

From left: Dr. Kristi Lee, Dr. Riley Blount, Dr. Kylee Ferro, Dr. Lindsay Heath, and Dr. Eric Johnson. Together, the team at Brentwood Family Pet Care works to provide the best service for pets and their human parents.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

H.A.L.O. has two problems it wants to solve

Animal care group has too many cats; needs a dog manager

RENE DE AMARAL

Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization, better known as H.A.L.O., is one of the oldest rescues in East Contra Costa County, having successfully placed more than 10,000 cats and dogs since 2001, according to their website. But now, they have too many cats and they need a new dog manager.

H.A.L.O.’s dog program is struggling as they no longer have an acting manager. The program has been without a dog program manager since last year, so it has been on hold, officials said, adding that there is a freeze on new dogs in the program.

Officials said the new dog manager would:

♦ Help recruit fosters

♦ Manage fosters. This would include working with them on what dogs are taken in, making sure fosters are qualified and have some knowledge of basic care and training of dogs,

♦ Manage which dogs go out to weekend adoptions.

♦ Set up files and keep records on the dogs.

♦ Work with veterinarians scheduling appointments, spay/neuter, vaccinations.

♦ Controlling budget and spending for the dog program.

♦ Work with shelters on pulling adoptable dogs to bring into our program.

The dog program manager does not need to foster; it is preferred, but not required, officials said. They would need decent knowledge of dogs, and work well with people, and they are welcome to recruit and assist to help with maintaining dog files and records.

H.A.L.O’s director and vice president Verlene Leonardo encourages anyone who would be interested in assisting with the program to email contacthalo@yahoo.com

H.A.L.O. is an all-volunteer organi zation that works with city and county

shelters to find safe and loving homes for all the animals they rescue and foster. Their vision is to assist with minimizing pet abandonment, ensuring that all pet owners will have their dogs and cats spayed and neutered, reduc ing the number of feral cats in East County and teaching children that every animal has value, according to the organization’s website.

Despite kitten season being over, many young kittens have been welcomed into the organization, Leonardo said.

“We have about 108 animals currently available,” she said. “We are unusu ally full this time of year, and we don’t normally have so many small kittens. We also have a lot of older kittens still with us.”

H.A.L.O.’s volunteers take in kittens and properly care for and socialize them rather than them waiting for adoption in an overcrowded shelter. “It’s such a benefit that they come out of the house because

we know how they are and what they need,” :Leonardo said.

Much of their funding comes from public donations and their weekly adop tion events, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for them to hold fund raisers and events. The money covers the costs of spay and neuter, along with keeping the animals up to date on their required shots. “The problem is that there’s just no low-cost spay and neuter in East Contra Costa,” she said. “We don’t make any money off of this; all the money goes to the cats.”

H.A.L.O. also works with Pet Food Express as the location for their weekly adoption events. Their cats and kittens are seen every Friday from 4-7 p.m. and every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., except the third Saturday of the month. The community can also support H.A.L.O. by shopping their Pet Food Express link found on the organization’s website.

For more information visit http:// eccchalo.org/ and to stay updated on current and future H.A.L.O. fundraisers and events, visit http://bit.ly/3VcoVku

rentwood Veterinary Hospital is an AAHA accredited facility that has been a part of the Brentwood community for forty five years! We offer state-of-the art diagnostic and therapeutic services to care for your pet’s complete health care needs. We balance this with a staff that cares about you and your pets like you are family. We offer modern diagnostics in the form of in-house laboratory testing, ultrasound, and digital radiography. Once diagnosed, we are able to treat your fur-babies with progressive treatments options and medications.

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Tips for traveling with dogs for the holidays

After years living under the cloud of a pandemic that limited where they could travel, many people have a strong desire to head off for parts unknown. As individuals and families ponder business trips or vacations, they may think about bringing a beloved pet along.

According to a AAA/Best Western survey, 85 percent of dog owners travel with their dogs. The most popular vacations to let pooches tag along include going to the beach, camping and hiking. As more people do things with their pets, businesses in the travel and hospitality sector are taking notice and have become more accommodating to four-legged guests. However, there’s still plenty to learn when taking a dog along as a travel compan ion. Explore these dog travel tips.

♦ Buy a crate. Even if the dog does not need a crate at home, it’s best to have one for travel. Crates often are required for airline travel and can keep dogs safer in cars. Many hotels also require that dogs be crated in the rooms to keep them out of trouble and prevent damage. A crate should be large enough that the dog can stand, turn and lie down, according to the American Kennel Club.

♦ Carry copies of pet-related docu ments. It’s important to prove that the dog is healthy and current on vaccinations. Of ficials may ask to see documentation when traveling abroad. Some travelers also may want to investigate pet passports. The U.S. does not require a pet passport, but the European Union pioneered pet passports to enable animals to move more freely throughout its member nations.

♦ Plan a short excursion first. If you have never traveled with a dog before, make the first trip a short one, such as an

Even though the hospitality industry is more accommodating to pets now, there’s plenty to learn when taking a dog along as a travel companion.

overnight or two-day stay. This way, if the trip turns into a fiasco, checkout isn’t a week away. Shorter trips also help people figure out what works and what will need to change the next time.

♦ Expect some fees. Most hotels charge a fee for doggy clients. A fee of $25 to $50 is pretty standard. There also may be a designated pet floor to minimize the chances that guests without pets will be forced to interact with animals.

♦ Normal behavior may go out the window. A dog who is calm at home may be out of sorts while traveling. It’s not uncommon for a dog unphased by people at home to suddenly be anxious and bark at sounds in a hotel hallway.

Find restaurants nearby that allow pets. Many that have outdoor seating may en able a leashed pet to stay near the seating perimeter.

♦ Bring water from home. When pack ing food, pack a few gallons of water as well, even though it can be cumbersome. Some dogs with delicate digestive systems may be upset by drinking the local water. A case of diarrhea is compounded further by having to make it into an elevator and outside the hotel in time.

♦

Look into pet-friendly restaurants. Smarter Travel says that some hotels won’t allow a guest to keep the dog alone in the room. That means meal time can be tricky.

♦ Tire the dog out. Exercised dogs tend to be well-behaved dogs. Make time to go on long walks, visit a dog park or engage in other activities that will make the pup tired so it’s less likely to cause problems at the hotel.

Learn the ropes of traveling with a dog to increase the opportunities for having lots of fun with Fido in tow.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

the American Kennel Club (AKC), dog anxiety can affect all breeds. As a result, it behooves all dog owners to learn about dog anxi ety so they can be in the best position possible to help their furry friends.

What is anxiety?

The anxiety dogs feel is not much

when

different than that felt by humans. MerriamWebster defines anxiety as “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness over an impend ing or anticipated ill.” Although the AKC acknowledges that all dogs feel anxiety at one point or another, the organization warns that disproportionate levels of anxiety that go untreated can produce an anxiety disorder in dogs. Such disorders can pave the way to behavioral and other issues.

What causes anxiety in dogs?

The Merck Veterinary Manual indicates that fear, separation and aging are some of the most common causes of dog anxiety. Some dog owners may recognize that their dogs are fearful of loud noises, strangers (including both people and animals they don’t recognize), veterinary visits, and certain visual stimuli. Though that fear is often temporary, it could lead to significant anxiety in some dogs.

Tips for safe entertaining in pet-friendly households

The holiday season brings added dangers for pets.

The American Veterinary Association notes that, by keep ing hazards in mind, pet owners can ensure their four-legged friends enjoy the season as much as everyone else.

♦ Secure the tree. Securely anchor the Christmas tree so that it won’t tip over on anyone, including rambunctious pets. Also, stagnant tree stand water can grow bacteria. If a pet should drink the water, it may end up with nausea or diarrhea. Replenish the tree basin with fresh water daily.

♦ Skip the candles. When creating mood lighting, opt for electronic or batterypowered lights instead of open flames. Pets may knock over candles, and that can be an instant fire hazard.

♦ Keep food out of reach. Put food buf fets beyond the reach of hungry and curious

animals. Warn guests to promptly throw out their leftovers so that dogs and cats do not sneak away with scraps that may cause stomach upset or worse.

♦ Avoid artificial sweeteners. Exercise cau tion when baking sugar-free desserts. The ar tificial sweetener xylitol can cause dogs’ blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels.

♦ Be cautious with cocktails. If the celebration will include alcoholic beverages, the ASPCA says to place unattended adult beverages where pets cannot reach them. Ingested alcohol can make pets ill, weak and even induce comas.

♦ Be picky about plants. Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can be dangerous in petfriendly households. These plants can cause gastrointestinal upset and may lead to other problems if ingested.

♦ Watch the door. Guests going in and out may inadvertently leave doors open. In such instances, pets who get scared or are door dashers may be able to escape the house. Put a note by the door to watch for escaping pets.

dog is anxious

The AKC estimates that around 14 percent of dogs are affected by separation anxiety. These dogs cannot be comfortable when their owners leave, and they may engage in various negative behaviors as a result. Such behaviors include chewing or destroying furniture, urinating or defecating in the home even if they’ve been trained, and excessive barking.

Age-related anxiety has been linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or CDS. In such instances, dogs with CDS experience anxiety as they deal with issues affecting their memory, perception and awareness. What are some symptoms of anxiety in dogs?

The AKC advises dog owners to be on the lookout for these important symptoms of dog anxiety: ♦ Aggression ♦ Urinating or defecating in the house ♦ Drooling

Panting

Destructive behavior

Depression

Excessive barking

Pacing

Restlessness

Repetitive or compulsive behaviors

Anxiety can be a serious issue for dogs that harms their quality of life. Various approaches can be tried to treat dogs with anxiety. Dog owners who suspect their dogs

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