The Press 12.30.2022

Recount ends with same result

By Chris Campos Staff Writer

MARTINEZ Tamisha TorresWalker, running for re-election for the Antioch City Council District 1 seat, came ahead by three votes on Nov. 8 beating challenger Joy Motts. After a lengthy and expensive recount Torres-Walker’s lead increased by one vote, according to the county elections office.

Allen Payton, publisher of the Antioch Herald but “acting as a resident and voter in the city,” requested the recount on Motts’ behalf. It’s been a costly exercise. Asked what the final price was Motts responded, “about $30,000.”

She was glad she went through the process. “With just

a three-vote difference I think it makes sense to go forward and the community agreed. I had support to pay for this.”

The results of the recount were announced Friday by County Clerk Deborah Cooper. The total for Motts dropped by one vote while Tamisha TorresWalker’s vote total didn’t change.

Asked for her thoughts Torres-Walker said, “I’m just excited for this to finally be over and celebrate this win. I’ve just been waiting for this process. I’m going to go home and celebrate the holidays with my family and look forward to serving Antioch on the city council for the next four years.”

Payton, offered to help fundraising and help cover the costs of the recount. Motts stated earlier on her Facebook account, “We have found out today that unfortunately, the County is charging upwards of $38,500 for this recount, an exorbitant amount of money. Nevertheless, we are moving forward to try and raise the necessary funds. If you would like to support my efforts for a full recount, you can donate on my website at joymotts.org”.

Payton said Friday, “About $20,000 total was raised by Mott’s campaign, most through her website, and spent as of today, including another $2,080 she paid today to the Contra Costa County Elections and $6,000 for elections attorney Chris Schweickert of Seto, Wood & Schweickert in Pleasant Hill for yesterday and today.”

On the first day of the re-

These new laws take effect next week

Several new laws will take effect in the new year. Here’s a snapshot of some of them, according to a press release from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office: Holding oil companies accountable

Why it matters: Californians deserve the right to know what oil companies are up to. Senate Bill 1322 by Sen. Ben Allen will require oil companies to post how much money they’re making off Californians on their websites.

Protecting creative expression

From toys to telehealth in Antioch

nated items, including clothes, blankets, shoes, make up and toys.

By Heather McKinney Correspondent

REGIONAL The Family Justice Center in Antioch was filled with holiday spirit in mid-December as dozens of toys and presents were dropped off for local families in need.

Volunteers at Contra Costa Medical Career College and Kaiser Permanente adopted 22 women and their families currently receiving services through the Family Justice Center. Gifts were purchased from each family’s wish list and dropped off at the Center. Families came up one by one to pick up about 250 do-

“December is a nice time to work at the Family Justice Center,” said Executive Director Susun Kim. “The staff feel like Santa’s helpers.”

The Contra Costa Family Justice Center serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking with locations in Richmond, Concord and Antioch.

Kim said that the number of victims seeking help stays steady during the holidays.

“We find that some people prioritize differently during this time and delay seeking help,” Kim said. “Other times,

Why it matters: Your favorite artists are now better protected in the state of California. Tyga, YG, Meek Mill, Too $hort, Killer Mike, E-40, & Ty Dolla Sign all partnered with Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer and Newsom with Assembly Bill 2799. This bill restricts the use of creative content like song lyrics and music videos against artists in court.

Support for street vendors

Why it matters: Sidewalk food vendors make some of the tastiest food. Newsom signed SB 972 by Sen. Lena Gonzalez to make it easier for these street vendors to obtain local health permits. This not only increases community health and safety, it also helps vendors build a successful business and better provide for their families.

Dolly Parton’s imagination library

Why it matters: Books open up a whole new world of imagination and wonder. SB 1183 by

Jocelynn Scott, Director of Admissions at Contra Costa Medical Career College, stands with her colleagues.

Courtesy of the Family Justice Center

from The Press

County elections office staff gather last Thursday in Martinez for

recount in the race for the Antioch City Council.

Photo by Allen Payton

LOCAL

American Plumbing has been in business since 1982 taking care of all your plumbing and drain needs. We do everything from installing water heaters, toilets and faucets to clearing a drain or replacing a water line. You can call, email or send us a message on facebook and we would be happy to assist you.

FAST 24 HOUR SERVICE 925-516-2101 • www.AMPLUMB.com

From facing challenges to getting jobs

Opportunity Junction graduates nursing class

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Opportunity Junction in Antioch celebrated the graduation of its fourth class of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students from its program on Dec. 20.

The program is the result of a collaboration between Opportunity Junction, Concord’s Mt. Diablo Adult Education (MDAE) and Empowered Aging. The three partners launched the CNA program in 2019 at MDAE in Concord, and in 2021 in Antioch. The recent class was made up of 19 total graduates from both locations.

Opportunity Junction’s Vice President of Programs Brianna Robinson said the ceremony was a special recognition of the students and their commitment to themselves and their community.

“It was our first joint graduation (with Mt. Diablo and Opportunity Junction) and I thought it went perfectly,” Robinson said. “We were able to have many family members in attendance, cheering. It was a moving ceremony and each of the graduates were able to stand up and thank their fami-

lies and teachers and it was really moving.”

Brentwood Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer also is Executive Director of Empowered Aging, and she spoke during the ceremony. She said she appreciated the opportunity her role as an elected official gave her to speak to such an inspirational group.

“These students all faced challenges to get to graduation,” Meyer said of the graduates. “They pushed through significant barriers and roadblocks and achieved their certifications to be part of the direct care workforce our state is in dire need of. As the Executive Director of Empowered Aging, one of the program partners, I felt even more blessed to be a part of such a special night. I again offer my congratulations, and my heartfelt ‘thank you’ for your commitment to this work, to all of the graduates.”

The CNA program is a 12-week training course focused on person-centered care and wrap around support to ensure motivated job seekers with addressable barriers to employment have what they need to complete their training, officials said. There is no cost, and Opportunity Junction covers all expenses needed to finish, including texts and supplies, in addition to offering one-onone case management support.

“Our program provides wrap-around support, but it is also almost twice the required length by the state because we offer intensive training in the skills,” Robinson said. “Our employment partners are eager to hire our participants. With our students, they are able to bring in a brand-new CNA with the same experience of someone who has been a CNA for a year.”

Robinson also noted Opportunity Junction runs six classes each year, and graduates can walk into a job with a competitive pay rate and bonuses. Opportunity Junction also offers an intensive full-time administrative career program, with three classes running per year. Students who complete the administrative program are offered a four-month, part-time, paid internship after completion.

Opportunity Junction has been in Antioch since its inception in 2000. It was founded in response to the welfare-to-work initiative as a location mostly for single mothers to enter administrative careers through its training program. In 2010, the nonprofit began offering one-on-one career counseling, and in 2019, partnered with MDAE and Empowered Aging to launch the CNA training program.

Applications for the next CNA program are due the first week in January. Applications for the next administrative assistant program will be due in mid-January. There is an income limit based on personal situations, officials said.

Opportunity Junction is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and welcomes donations and corporate sponsorships. Their 2023 Imagine Gala fundraiser is April 22 at the Blackhawk Country Club and will include live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing. For tickets, to donate, or more information on Opportunity Junction, call 925-776-1133 or visit www.opportunityjunction.org.

Opportunity Junction, a local nonprofit, held a ceremony for its fourth graduating class of Certified Nursing Assistants on Dec. 20.

Photo courtesy of Opportunity Junction

Theatre program seeks donations

El Campanil cultivates the arts in area youth

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

In addition to providing entertainment to Antioch for more than 90 years, the El Campanil Theatre has cultivated the performing arts for East County for youth through the theatre’s academy. It now seeks the public’s help to continue that tradition through its current fundraiser.

It began Oct. 31 with a goal of $50,000 for “El Campanil Theatre Academy, and it ends Dec. 31. The figure is higher than their 2021 “Projecting the Future” campaign goal of $35,000, which enabled them to buy a new projector with the capabilities to show movies in 4K, according to marketing director Erin Green. She did not disclose the fundraising total so far for this campaign.

The academy is a tiered program that offers its students an education in the performing arts, along with tools for career placement in the performing arts. These classes are taught by industry professionals and range from acting, design, voice, movement, playwriting and directing, according to their website.

“We want students to know that there are real viable career paths in the arts,’’ Green said. “What is so special about this community is watching the growth of our young artists during each production. They gain so many new skills like time management and teamwork. We know that art is a powerful force, and we’re so proud to be able to create this space for them to explore their talents.

We’re so proud that this community has supported us in East Contra Costa county so that our children can have access to these programs, which might have been out of reach for some families.”

During 2022, the El Campanil offered more than $5,000 in financial aid to their students. But they want to do more with the money raised, including offering more classes for all age levels, adult class-

es, along with creating programs that offer after-school courses at schools across East County, according to their website.

“The money from the 2022 campaign goes 100% to the El Campanil Theatre Academy,” Green said via email. “Donations this year will go to some technology upgrades such as more mics and mic belts for young actors, hiring more teachers, expanding our programming, and of course financial aid. We have never had to turn away a family due to the inability to pay.”

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, they now use a variety of ways to encourage patrons to donate, including an “add a donation” function on the website when purchasing tickets, along with sending mailers to previous donors and offering donations at their live events.

“The pandemic has definitely impacted a venue such as ours,” Green said. “As you know, many live events were shuttered, and even though all restrictions are lifted, we are still trying to get to ‘normal.’ To put it in perspective, even Broadway show attendance is down 40%. We have survived thanks to our donors’ generosity, and by applying for various grants.”

The El Campanil Theatre is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and all donations made are fully tax-deductible, for more information to donate, visit https:// bit.ly/3WKWkmv.

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

ADOPT A PET ADOPT A PET

Pets Frolic Inn

4071 Orwood Road 634-4431 • www.petsfrolicinn.com

Pets Frolic Inn... A Place for Pets! All kinds of pets - dogs, cats, birds, and more! We hope you will take a good look around and discover that we are so much more than a boarding kennel. Our farm-style kennel offers a wide range of services. Our bed & breakfast has spacious accommodations for your pets. We also have a state-of-the-art doggie daycare, and bath and spa services to pamper your pets. Don’t forget our Hitch-a-Ride Pet Pickup Service!

We are sweet and loving little sisters. We love to play with springs and feathers, and we love to be held and loved on. For more information on bonded sisters Dom and Leena, please call 925-783-6725 or 925-222-9919.

Meet Dom and Leena

Money raised from the 2022 fundraising campaign will go towards expanding the El Campanil Theatre Academy along with offering financial assistance for its students.

Photo courtesy of El Campanil

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. Calendar

Events

Saturday, Dec. 31

Noon Year’s Eve

Oakley: The Oakley Library is hosting a free New Year’s Eve puppet show from 10:45 a.m.-noon. The event will also feature crafts, a dance party and a balloon drop at noon. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3WcC6BT.

Noon Year’s Eve

Antioch: The Antioch Library is hosting a free Noon Year’s Dance Party from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 501 W. 18th St.

Sunday, Jan. 1

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast

The Redmen Wahoo Tribe #194 is hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7-10:30 a.m. at the Redmen Pocahontas Hall at 1403 Main St. in Oakley. There is a $7 donation for adults and $3 for children.

Friday, Jan. 13

Knights of Columbus Youth Basketball Free Throw Competition

The Knights of Columbus is hosting their annual Youth Basketball Free Throw Competition at the Giovannoni Parish Center on 21 East 15th St. in Antioch. All boys and girls ages 8-14 are invited to participate. Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of Jan. 1, 2023. Proof of age is required via a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Registration for ages 8-11 opens at 5:30 p.m. and registration for ages 12-14 opens at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Brentwood Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

The Brentwood Lions Club is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon to support the Lions Wilderness Camp for the Deaf, where deaf children ages 7 to 15 can learn outdoor skills and enjoy nature.

Saturday, Feb. 11

1st annual Sweetheart 5K Run/Walk

The Rotary Club of Brentwood is hosting their first annual Sweetheart 5K (3.1 miles) Run/Walk from 9-11 a.m. at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road, replacing their previous New Year’s Day 5K. The race registration fee is $35 and the sign-up fee is $4. For more information and to register, visit https://www. runbrentwood.com..

Ongoing Events

Liberty Adult Education Winter Course Catalog

Class registration is open for English Second Language, GED, Computer Technology and Community Interest Classes. Register online at www.libertyadulted.org, call the Adult Education office at 925-634-2565 or in person at the Adult Education office.

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https://www.brentwoodrotary94513.com. Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://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 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 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 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/

Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution

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

ACA Women’s Group

Look at the many local events on

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, handson 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 dedicated 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 916529-1192. For more information, 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 925-3381775, 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 training 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 information, 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 experiencing the same loss. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Sandy Heinisch at 925-513-3412.

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

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

Coffee with Carolyn

Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported 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

It is my privilege to serve as a Veterans Volunteer with Hospice East Bay.

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

o P inion

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

Democracy finds its way in Antioch

What price would you put on democracy? How much are three votes worth? Those three votes were the margin of victory for Antioch’s Tamisha Torres-Walker in the Nov. 8 City Council election.

Her losing opponent, Joy Motts, and local publisher Allen Payton decided to pay the tab to demand a recount.

It was expensive. Motts said the final bill would be more than $30,000. The county elections office staff spent hours pulling and recounting hundreds of bal-

Brentwood Regional Community Chest thanks volunteers, public’s generosity

Editor:

On behalf of the Board of the Brentwood Regional Community Chest, we want to pass on our sincere thanks to the community for once again supporting our annual Christmas food and toy distribution.

After two years with a reduced program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was wonderful to get back to the traditional program that Rose

LETTERS POLICY

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

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

lots. Democracy proved worth the cost.

Motts sought fundraising help from her campaign supporters through her website and social media. The winner of the race would determine the political majority on the City Council between Progressives, Mayor Lamar Thorpe and Monica Thorpe and two Moderates, Mike Barbanica and Lori Ogorchock.

The recount ended with the November winner, Torres-Walker, still winning her seat.

After four years of a presidency that put democ-

Letters to the editor

Pierce started almost 60 years ago. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of individuals, families, businesses and groups, over 350 families were presented with a large box of food, a turkey, all the ingredients for a Christmas dinner, and toys for their children.

Hundreds of volunteers gave of their time and energy on Friday and Saturday, Dec.16 and 17. Huge numbers of local volunteers turned out for sorting and packing. We are thrilled that so many residents have chosen to make our event a tradition for their family or organization. We were also excited to see so many new faces join us in supporting our own local families.

This event would not be possible without all of the local schools and businesses that support our collection

racy on trial and challenged the very foundations of the nation’s checks and balances, one small local election found citizens who placed their faith in our voting systems. At the end, Motts shook hands with Torres-Walker and wished her well. No harsh words were exchanged and no twitters were tweaked.

It was a great investment. Democracy paid off and the voters won. The Press thanks all involved for the lesson in civility and civic commitment. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

efforts each November and December. We want to extend an extra special ‘thank you’ to the Grocery Outlet, Brentwood Fine Meats, Brentwood Rotary, the City of Brentwood, Bill Brandt Ford, our local corn farmers and Dutch Bros. Whether you donated a few cans of food, or $500, every item and every dollar went to support a local family.

Please accept our sincerest appreciation for your part in such a longstanding community tradition. We are honored to be part of this community; one that supports their own is stronger as a result. Have an amazing holiday season.

Dana Eaton

Kevin King Co-Presidents, Brentwood Regional Community Chest

Editor:

Letter writer wants shooters’ description

How much does anyone want to bet that the shooters were Black? And why won’t (police) give a description of the shooters? It wouldn’t be in the public’s interest and safety to let us know who to look out for? This is pure bull—.

Covering for those people won’t make the problem go away. Wherever those people go, death and destruction follows. It’s time to start calling those people out for their lack of character and a violent culture. It’s not racist to point out the obvious. It’s time to do something about those people before they turn Brentwood into Antioch. Antioch was once the jewel of the Delta. Now look at it, a total s—hole.

Juan Perez Brentwood

BIRTHS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OBITUARIES

OBITUARY

Kelley Geyer

Jan. 22, 1962- Jan. 28, 2022

Kelley Geyer, age 60, of Stockton, passed away on Nov. 28, 2022, in her home of natural causes.

Kelley was born in Oxnard, California, one of six children. She is remembered fondly by her loved ones as a self-motivated overachiever, strikingly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and someone who cared deeply for others. She is survived by her brothers Willie and Tony, sisters Wendy and Eva, and her partner, Rick Gilmore. A magnet to stray animals in search of love, Kelley is also survived by “Rocky,” the dog she discovered one day wandering and abandoned on the side of the road, was adopted by her and Rick.

In January 2010, Kelley joined the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID), where she served as the Director of Ad-

Diamond Anniversary

Have you or someone you know reached a “milestone”? If so, we’d like to know about it! Email your information to editor@brentwoodpress.com.

ministration, Assistant General Manager, and most recently as the Interim General Manager. She was beloved by her colleagues and the community BBID serves.

Working at BBID was her life’s passion. Kelley was unwavering in her dedication and found purpose in even the smallest of details. She was proud to be part of California’s agricultural community and played an important role in helping the District protect and secure the water supply serving BBID’s customers, including the multi-generational growers who feed the world.

Kelley was instrumental in helping to design BBID’s current headquarters, which opened to fanfare in 2009, and was part of the leadership team that successfully challenged the State Water Board when it cut off BBID’s water supply in 2015 during intense drought. That land-

mark case strengthened the oldest water rights in California and reverberates across the state to this day.

Kelley was the heart and soul of BBID, welcoming everyone who walked through the front door as family. She led with her heart, brought warmth with her smile, and displayed a generosity of spirit to so many. Kelley loved bringing people together at BBID holiday parties and went out of her way to support the surrounding community, including the nearby one-room Mountain House Elementary School, which holds its graduation ceremony at BBID headquarters.

A memorial event celebrating Kelley’s life will be held on Jan. 20, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District headquarters, at 7995 Bruns Road., Byron. Friends and loved ones are welcome to attend.

The Press goes to Disneyland

My husband Jonathan and I recently visited Disneyland, and we took The Press with us! We enjoyed the famous Disneyland churros, and even ventured over to California Adventure for the first time!

Photo by Mego Family

On Dec. 28, 2022, Brentwood residents John and Pamela McCarthy celebrated their diamond anniversary. Married for 60 years and together for even longer, they have four children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and their fur-son, Finley.

Photo courtesy of McCarthy

HIGH SCHOOLS, RECREATION & SIGN-UPS

Hometown SportS

2022 All-BVAL football awards announced

TEAM CHAMPION - PITTSBURG

Co-Most Valuable Player: Jaden Rashada, Pittsburg, Senior

Co-Most Valuable Player: Nate Bell, Liberty, Senior Offensive Player of the Year: Devon Rivers, Heritage, Senior Defensive Player of the Year: Isaiah Pino, Antioch, Junior

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Quarterback

Nate Bell, Liberty, Senior Running Back

Charles Brown Jr., Antioch, Senior Running Back

Devon Rivers, Heritage, Senior Running Back

Elijah Bow, Pittsburg, Sophomore Wide Receiver

Rashid Williams, Pittsburg, Senior Wide Receiver

Khai Taylor, Pittsburg, Senior Wide Receiver

Jeremiah Ruffin, Heritage, Senior

Wide Receiver

Samaje Featherstone, Freedom, Senior Offensive Line

Ben Ulufaleilupe, Antioch, Senior Offensive Line

Noah Blake, Liberty, Junior Offensive Line

Cody Wong, Heritage, Junior Offensive Line

Jimmy Walls, Pittsburg, Senior Offensive Line

Damian Perea, Liberty, Junior Tight End/Fullback

Isaiah Pino, Antioch, Senior Kicker

Tashi Dorje, Liberty, Senior

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Isaiah Pino, Antioch, Senior Defensive Line

Jewelous Walls, Pittsburg, Sophomore Defensive Line

Odera Okaka, Pittsburg, Senior Defensive Line

Zaire Calhoun, Liberty, Sophomore

Freedom runners win GPA championship

Linebacker

Josh Pese, Antioch, Senior Linebacker

Ty Ternes, Liberty, Senior Linebacker

Cole Sunga, Heritage, Senior Linebacker

Etene Pritchard, Pittsburg, Sophomore Defensive Back

Khai Taylor, Pittsburg, Senior Defensive Back

Robin Boyd, Pittsburg, Senior Defensive Back

Jadyn Hudson, Pittsburg, Sophomore Defensive Back

Javion Smith, Antioch, Junior Defensive Back

Jeremiah Ruffin, Heritage, Senior Defensive Back

Norman Robinson, Freedom, Senior Utility Player

Zach Card, Pittsburg, Senior

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback

Jaden Rashada, Pittsburg, Senior Running Back

Herschel Turner Jr., Freedom, Junior Running Back

Jamar Searcy, Liberty, Sophomore Running Back

Jaion Gary, Deer Valley, Junior Wide Receiver

Brooks Davis, Heritage, Junior Wide Receiver

Duece Carr, Liberty, Senior Wide Receiver

Obryan Flanigan, Antioch, Sophomore Wide Receiver

Ryder Steen, Liberty, Junior Offensive Line

Siupeli Langi, Deer Valley, Sophomore Offensive Line

Santana Roberts, Heritage, Junior

Offensive Line

Jordan Sosa, Antioch, Senior Offensive Line

Ryan C. Willmes, Freedom, Senior Offensive Line

Kushal Patel, Antioch, Senior Tight End/Fullback

Koen Wolfe, Heritage, Senior Utility Player

Herschel Turner Jr, Freedom, Junior SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Jace Wetherbee, Heritage, Senior Defensive Line

Jackson Moore, Liberty, Junior Defensive Line

Marcello Pelland, Pittsburg, Senior Defensive Line

Dylan Matthew, Pittsburg, Senior Linebacker

Giomani Enea, Pittsburg, Senior Linebacker

Cameron Clanton, Pittsburg, Senior Linebacker

Logan Brown, Freedom, Senior Defensive Back

Jamar Searcy, Liberty, Sophomore Defensive Back

Deuce Carr, Liberty, Senior Defensive Back

Richard Turley, Antioch, Junior Defensive Back

Devon Rivers, Heritage, Senior Defensive Back

Tai Reed, Freedom, Senior Defensive Back

Gianni Singharath, Deer Valley, Senior SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS

Wisdom Iakopo, Antioch

Carlos Perez, Deer Valley

Darius Taylor, Freedom

Ryan Simonds, Heritage

Gabriella Pantoja, Liberty

Octavio Lopez, Pittsburg

Heritage boys basketball is 1-2 at Bambauer Classic

The Heritage varsity boys basketball team took home a win on Day 3 of the Bambauer Classic on Dec. 27, beating the Mills High School Vikings 73-44.

“Justin Underwood led five players in double figures with 14 points,” Heritage Athletic Director Nate Smith wrote on Twitter following the game. “Jeremiah Ruffin and Daionni Marshall added

12 points each.”

This win comes on the heels of backto-back losses for the Patriots in the first two days of the tournament. The team trailed St. Ignatius College Preparatory in a 74-30 loss to open the tournament on Dec. 26 and came up short against Montgomery High School the following day, 53-38.

The Freedom Girls Cross Country Team is the Division 2 Scholastic Champions for 2022 with a Team GPA of 3.9. The team consists of Allie Bridges, Jiselle Esquivel, Cielo Martinez, Zulema Ibarra, Jackie Graves, Delaney Zimmer and Olivia Yanez.

Photo courtesy of Freedom High School Athletic Director Glenn Briggs

Kids can celebrate new year as well

Local libraries to host Noon Year’s Eve

By Rene DeAmaral Staff Writer

The Contra Costa County Library is hosting its annual Noon Year’s Eve, a kid-

friendly New Year’s Eve event at multiple branches across Contra Costa County. Two East County branches, the Antioch Library and the Oakley library, are hosting their own versions of Noon Year’s Eve.

The Oakley Library’s event on Dec. 31 from 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. is at 1050 Neroly Road. The event begins with the puppeteering performance “The North Pole Review” by the Fratello Marionettes from 10:45-11:15 a.m. The celebration will also feature crafts and a dance party, with a balloon drop at noon. This event is appropri-

ate for all ages, according to their website.

The Antioch Library’s event on Dec. 31 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. is at the Antioch Library on 501 W. 18th St. near Antioch High School. The event features a dance party catered to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. A countdown at noon will take place for the toddler and preschool attendees, according to their website.

The new Silvergate apartments showed off their support for the community by donating $1,000 to the Brentwood Regional Community Chest this week. Leasing agent Jennifer Mercado and Property Manager, Nicole Terrell shown here, pass the check to Brentwood Regional Community Chest board members, Lillian Pierce, Jane Rodriguez and Dirk Zeigle. The apartments are at 1290 Business Center Drive in Brentwood. www.thesilvergate.com

Photo courtesy of Silvergate Apartments

DBC, Chamber of Commerce support different parts of city

By Dane Dickerson Correspondent

BRENTWOOD Two separate, but not competing, organizations have the goal of helping Brentwood’s businesses succeed. They are the Downtown Brentwood Coalition (DBC) and the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce (BCC).

The DBC focuses on downtown businesses while the Chamber’s purview is the town as a whole. Here’s a look into their differences and similarities.

Downtown Brentwood Coalition

The sole paid employee of the DBC, Executive Director Amy Tilley, works from her office inside the Brentwood Press building with her one-year anniversary this month. The DBC was created 15 years ago by downtown businesses looking to collaborate on promoting their shops and services. They originated Brentwood’s Oktoberfest, initially offering a single keg of beer to about 100 attendees.

Historically, the DBC has been a group of volunteers with an interest in supporting each other’s business. Beginning when Brentwood’s downtown was a little quieter, the group’s focus has always been to make downtown an inviting and enjoyable place to shop.

Tilley is the first paid executive director — her position is funded by the city — among the volunteer board of directors.

The most important role of the DBC

is to support and promote small business members and its nonprofit partners, she said. One way they do that is by planning events to bring new faces and exposure to their organizations, by way of events such as Moms Take Over Downtown, Bubbles and Broomsticks, Before the Bird, and Winter Wine Walk & Tasting that bring lots of people to downtown.

Tilley also works closely with local shop and restaurant owners downtown to promote their separate specials and events via social media and flyers. As a former business consultant, she also helps them develop strategies to increase profits.

Randi Moser, owner of clothing store Alluv Place, says Tilley’s addition to the DBC has done wonders for downtown shops.

“Amy is amazing,” Moser said. “I’m telling you what, she’s been an amazing force because in terms of retail we’re kind of outnumbered here right. There’s tons of restaurants and tons of drinking establishments but in terms of retail there’s really not a lot of us down here. So Amy Tilley is amazing and we definitely feel her support.”

Tilley wants to trumpet businesses like Moser’s. “I advocate on their behalf, so I talk with local law enforcement and city staff. I file different reports for them, just to try to get more support,” Tilley said. “We highlight and promote the sales, offerings and services of Downtown so regularly. We want the community to know that in addition to the experience, downtown also has many of the services and offerings that can be found in surrounding cities and online. That is an important reason we are launching the We Love Local Pass in February —to bring the community into downtown on weekdays and share the things they may not be aware of.”

The DBC is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit, which means it works without generating a profit. Members of the DBC, usually busi-

ness owners, pay an annual fee, which is reinvested into events downtown.

Sponsorship from businesses offsets the cost of event promotion and facilitation. Sponsor funds allow many events to be free for the public, but some involve a ticket fee.

According to the agreement with the City, the goal is for the executive director to be self-funded within three years, Tilley said.

Tilley’s goal for the future of the DBC “is to fortify and strengthen the organization in a way that ensures it thrives, regardless of who is at the helm,” she said. “The organization will always have the executive director position. The goal is to shore up the structure of the board and the subcommittees, so that even when personnel changes occur, the organization remains strong.”

To find out more about the Downtown Brentwood Coalition and its member businesses, go to www.brentwooddowntown.com.)

Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

The BCC is a network of businesses and entrepreneurs that volunteer time to help Brentwood’s businesses flourish. Their office is inside the Community Center at 35 Oak St. The BCC, established in 1952, focuses more broadly on business across all of Brentwood while the DBC represents a small portion of Brentwood – downtown. The BCC consists of a board of directors and ambassadors connecting the Chamber to local businesses. More than 200 members make up the BCC, with companies including locally owned shops, restaurants, accounting firms, real estate agents, and retail consultants.

BCC President Tom Santamorena said the Chamber’s goal is to create an environment that helps more businesses invest time and real estate in the area. The major events the BCC puts on have been a tradition in Brentwood for decades. Hometown Hal-

loween is popular in the fall, and they most recently presented their 40th annual Holiday Parade. The BCC also hosts monthly mixers for various businesses to help people network more efficiently. They are also responsible for ribbon-cutting ceremonies when new businesses open.

A new event in 2022 was the LaGrand Fiesta, and the other events included the East Bay Business Expo, Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year gala, power networking among businesses and Master Mind training sessions.

“We have to support our local businesses here, or we won’t have a vibrant city,” Santamorena said. “Otherwise, we’re just going to be a bedroom community to some other place. We want to have our businesses succeed so that other businesses outside start thinking ‘Brentwood is a place to be, we need to do business in Brentwood.’”

The BCC is also a registered non-profit whose income is generated from membership dues, and funds raised by events and sponsorships by local businesses. The board is composed of volunteers who donate hundreds of hours each month to get events up and running, except for a part-time office manager who is paid a salary from their budget.

Santamorena says the theme for his presidency has been diversity, a concept with a double meaning. While the Chamber of Commerce is ethnically diverse, Santamorena looks to continue diversifying its array of community ambassadors.

Both the DBC and the BCC receive economic development grants from the city that offer a small percentage of costs and offset the fees the city of Brentwood charges for sanitation and safety of events. To plan for their annual budget, they must apply for grants annually in March for their calendar year beginning in July.

For a list of BCC events, visit www. brentwoodchamber.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

NEW AUTHORS

WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-855-667-0380

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed.

Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-538-9554 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/ Cali

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2022-0006890 The name of the business(es): R.O. Restoration Upholstery Located at: 1405 Yosemite Dr. In: Antioch, CA. 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Jose F. Robleto Caceres 2. Martha L. Olivares Cortes. 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: Jose F Robleto Caceres-Parnter. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: December 16, 2022 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/15/2027 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 89666 Publish dates: December 23, 30 January 6,13, 2022.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

Live Oak Storage,1315 Main Street Oakley, CA 94561, has possessory lien on all of the goods stored in the prospective units below. #0-601 Hector Torres, #141 Paul Landers, #393 Travis Sutton, #496 Dwayne Larosse, #986 Erik St. Clair, #3001 & #3007 Michelle Bonge, #3038, #3039, #114, & #3027 Michael Brown, #3053 & #845 Justin Aiello, #9032 Alexandria Moore, #41 Tracy Lee, #723 Zachary Beiswanger, #900 & #913 Cassie Cavanaugh, and #995 John Parnell. The goods are described as furniture, tools and miscellaneous personal property items being sold pursuant to the assertion of the lien on January 5th, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. In order to collect the amounts due from you. The sale will take place at 1315 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 County of Contra Costa state of California. This lien sale is pursuant to Chapter 10 Section 21700-21716 of the California Self Service Storage Facility Act. Auction is to be held by Jason Whitt ms#199016. Owner reserves the right to bid at the sale. Purchase must be in cash only paid at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to prior cancellation, in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89677 Publish Dates: December 23, 30, 2022.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

Title Order No.: 2123050CAD T.S.#: 202105795 HOA File #: 1118002411 APN No.: 032-351-019

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A NOTICE OF DELINQUENT ASSESSMENT OCTOBER 28, 2021. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On January

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote -Call now before the next power outage: 1-844-439-5645

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855424-7581

Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text

with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-844-908-0605

AUTOS WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not - 24 Hour Response - Maximum Tax Donation – Help Find Missing Kids! Call 1-888-491-1453.

DONATE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-844-491-2884

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

25, 2023, at 1:30 PM, Mark E. Kaldunski

As the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Notice of Delinquent Assessment, recorded on April 5, 2022, as Document No. 2022-0058944 of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of CONTRA COSTA County, California, property owned by: Mark E. Kaldunski WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a State or national bank, a check drawn by a state of federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state.): At the north side of the Pittsburg Civic Center near the grass located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565 All right, title and interest under said Notice of Delinquent Assessment in the property situated in said County, describing the land therein: The land referred to is situated in the Unincorporated Area of the County of Contra Costa, State of California, and is described as follows: A Condominium Comprised of: Parcel One: An undivided 1/180 interest in and to Lot A, shown and designated as Common Area, on Subdivision Tract No. 7139, County of Contra Costa, State of California, as filed for record on April 10, 1991, in Map Book 356, Page 12, Contra Costa County Records. Parcel Two: Unit 19, as shown upon the Map referred to in Parcel One above. Excepting therefrom: Rights reserved in the Deed from Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, recorded October 10, 1940, Book 559, Official Records, Page 259, as follows: All oil, gas and other hydrocarbons and minerals now or at any time hereafter situate therein and thereunder, together with all easements and rights necessary or convenient for the production, storage and transportation thereof and the exploration and testing of said real property and also the right to drill for, produce and use water from the said real property in connection with its drilling or mining operations thereon. Said rights were limited to below 500 feet of the surface by instrument recorded June 13, 1968, Book 5645, Official Records, Page 327, and by instrument recorded March 4, 1969, Official Records, Page 157. The street address and other common designation, if any of the real property described above is purported to be: 3625 Wells Road, Oakley, California 94561 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or

warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum due under said Notice of Delinquent Assessment, with interest thereon, as provided in said notice, advances, if any, estimated fees, charges, and expenses of the Trustee, to-wit: $27,510.64 Estimated. Accrued Interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale The claimant Willow Park Marina Homeowners Association under said Notice of Delinquent Assessment heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located, and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation.

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (916) 939-0772 or visit this Internet Web site nationwideposting. com, using the file number assigned to this case 2021-05795. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately

CABLE / INTERNET/ SATELLITE TV

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-855480-0769

Get DIRECTV for $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and

LEGAL NOTICES

be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (916) 939-0772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale, or visit this internet website nationwideposting.com for information regarding the sale of this property], using the file number assigned to this case 2021-05795 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE A DEBT COLLECTOR Date: December 21, 2022 United Trustee Services 696 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Suite 353 Danville, CA 94526 For Sales Information Please Call (916) 939-0772 Nashone Anderson, Director of Production NPP0419516 To: OAKLEY PRESS 12/30/2022, 01/06/2023, 01/13/2023 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89689 Publish Dates: December 30, 2022, January 6, 13, 2023.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

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

Rebecca Solorzono

Tamara White

The items to be sold include: Misc. Furniture, Clothes, Toys, Electronics, Household Items

All bids mist be placed prior to Auction posted end time The date of the sale will be 1/04/23 @ 12:00 pm. The location of the sale will be: Online at www.storagetreasures.com Oakley Press No. 03-0477 89676 Publish Dates: December 23, 30, 2022.

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

count, eight challenged vote-by-mail ballots and four challenged provisional ballots in the District 1 race were reviewed by Motts and Payton, who requested the recount on her behalf the previous week. It occurred at the Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office Elections Division office, with Deputy Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong, two elections office staff members as well as Torres-Walker and campaign consultant Melody Howe Weintraub monitoring the ballot count.

Of the ballots reviewed that day, two ballots were challenged by Motts and Payton for further review by Gong who allowed one to be counted and one was rejected.

A simultaneous recount was done for the Andrew Butt campaign in Rich-

Telehealth

mond’s District 2 race, which ended in a tie and was broken last week by the drawing of an envelope out of a shopping bag.

As the challenge to those few ballots was transpiring, county elections staff were in the warehouse about a block away, retrieving 1,700 boxes of ballots in which the staff members have determined there are ballots for both the Antioch and Richmond elections. Those ballots were already put through the counting machines and included in the total vote count.

During a tour of the warehouse on Wednesday, Elections Services Manager Travis Ebbert was asked if ballots could be stuck together and scanned through the machine. He responded it could happen, but there are checks and balances.

“There are ways that ballots get

scanned and double scanned. The scanners are high speed. They go really fast,” Ebbert explained. “By the time the first ballot is processed the seventh ballot is being imaged. There are checks for that. There’s human intervention and a second person there”. “There’s potential for human error out of the 1.5 million ballot pages (submitted in the county during the November election). In the 1% manual count there were no double scans. This was the smoothest scan with the least human intervention.”

Helen Nolan, the assistant registrar of Contra Costa County, said later, “Thank you to everyone who came to observe and be a part of the recount process today. I appreciate your patience; we know it’s not always exciting but it’s an important part of our democracy and

protecting the vote!”

During an interview with NBC Bay Area Motts said, “This was not the methodology my campaign asked for. We wanted them to look at all the ballots in all the boxes. But to do that would be an exorbitant amount of money. When they decided to do this targeted search we didn’t expect there would be much of a change.

“The costs were split with the Butt campaign so the total was $60,000 for both recounts,” she continued. “I think with elections this close they should automatically do a recount. As we saw today some ballots were adjudicated. I think it’s important that the county elections (office) does that and we as citizens support that.”

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

from page 1

we see a pattern that right after Christmas, there are increased domestic violence conflicts related to substance abuse. We make sure we stay open around the holidays.”

Local residents, who are the victims of a violent crime or interpersonal conflict, can call or come into the Family Justice Center to receive free services. The staff connects them to resources such as medical treatment, law enforcement agencies, family law attorneys, therapy and mental health services.

After assisting with the initial crisis, the team’s longterm goal is safety and stability through connections to education, professional and workplace development, as well as community support groups.

About 70% of their clients are very low income. Data is calculated through each victim completing the Shared Welcome Form that asks for voluntary, self-reported income. Tax returns or bank statements are not required.

“Domestic violence happens to anyone, but people with money and resources often have a network of support. Our clients, the majority of whom are immigrant women, don’t know how to get help.”

Each year, the Family Justice Center has served dozens of Brentwood families – that number increasing, when the Antioch location opened three years ago. In 2018/’19, they served 65 Brentwood families. In 2019/’20, they served 95; and in 2020/’21, they served 114. This past year, they served 99 families specifically from Brentwood.

Free remote healthcare

Last year, the Family Justice Center rolled out a telehealth program to their clients, offering free health care from any phone or computer. TeleCARE is available by walk-in or calling the Center. “It’s groundbreaking and earth shattering,” Kim said. “The program, which requires no insurance or paperwork, is the first of its kind in the country.”

Any victim of an interpersonal or violent crime can access urgent care physicians for any medical rea-

from page 1

Pro tem Atkins and Grove, children ages birth to 5 will be able to sign up for free books in English and Spanish.

Freedom and abortion

Why it matters: California prioritizes the safety of women. Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan’s bill, AB 1242, prohibits law enforcement and California corporations from cooperating with or providing information to out-of-state entities regarding a lawful abortion in California.

son, from emergency to prescription refills. Staff at the Center directly access physicians’ schedules and make the telehealth appointments. The doctors, who work at either Sutter Delta or John Muir, are part of a volunteer program called Vituity.

“You can receive medical care as soon as you are ready without the need to travel, which is especially helpful if transportation is an issue,” Kim said. She added that a person can often get quicker service at an ER if they need to be seen in person, after the virtual appointment.

The program was started by William Francis, MD, Assistant Medical Director, Family Violence Prevention and Pediatrics, at the Sutter Delta Emergency Department in Antioch. He had been working to develop the pioneer TeleCARE program for several years.

Additionally, the Center serves as an official Trauma Recovery Center, offering state-contracted, free mental health services to victims of an interpersonal or violent crime, ages 6 and up. Services include trauma-focused mental health counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medication management and case management.

Through a grant they received in July 2021, the Center offers up to 20 therapy sessions with licensed or qualified therapists at no charge. As with the telehealth services, no insurance is required, and the appointments have no paperwork.

The Contra Costa Family Justice Center is able to offer the services free of charge through funding received from state contracts and foundation grants. Those contracts include: California Crime Victim compensation fund, California Office of Emergency Services’ Alliance to End Abuse Collective impact contract, Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services fund, John Muir Beyond Violence (West and East County focus), Sutter Delta Community Benefit (East County focus) and Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (seed funding for TeleCARE and currently in round 2 of funding).

The Contra Costa Family Justice Center has three locations: West Center in Richmond at 256 24th St., Central Center in Concord at 2151 Salvio St., Suite 201 and East Center in Antioch at 3501 Lone Tree Way, Suite 4.

For more information, visit cocofamilyjustice.org or call 925-281-0970.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

It also prohibits law enforcement from knowingly arresting a person for aiding in a lawful abortion in California.

Removing the pink tax

Why it matters: Paying for certain necessities is now more affordable. AB 1287 by Bauer-Kahan prohibits anyone from charging a different price for two goods that are similar, like razors, just because they’re marketed to women.

Transfer courses at community colleges

Why it matters: The future is in the

hands of the next generation. Irwin’s AB 1705 calls for community colleges to enroll their students in transfer level math and English courses if the program they want to transfer into requires those subjects. The new law aims to remove barriers to degree completion and help students meet their academic and career goals.

New holidays

Why it matters: Coming up next year, Lunar New Year, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, and Juneteenth will

all be state holidays because of Assemblymembers Low, Nazarian, and JonesSawyer.

Pay equity

Why it matters: Hard workers deserve to reap all the benefits. Limon’s bill SB 1162 brings California a big step closer to shrinking the pay gap. This bill will expand on existing transparency laws, which mandate pay data reporting by employee sex, race, and ethnicity.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Volunteers from Contra Costa Medical Career College drop off toys for trauma victims.

Courtesy of the Family Justice Center

Business Profile

WINDOW CLEANING

Established in 2012, R12 Window Cleaning uses deionized water to clean outside windows and solar panels that will not leave hard water stains – helping to keep windows and solar panels cleaner longer. All work is done by the owner, who shows up on time, does a thorough job and leaves customers happy. R12 Window Cleaning also cleans gutters, awnings and provides power-washing services. 408-372-7712 www.r12windowcleaning.com