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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Here for the holidays
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lthough the construction of Brentwood’s new downtown streetscape continues, merchants there want everyone to know that they’re
still open, and hope you’ll stop by as you go about your holiday shopping. Right, a shopper peruses the offerings of La Tea Da on Oak Street. Below, a list of places open for business during the project, the latest information on which – including the best places to park – can be found at www.ci.brentwood.ca.us/streetscapes. Oak Street Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill, Kendall Automotive, La Tea Da, Kelly Grace Salon, Weathervane, The Game Sports Pub ’N Pizza, Bank of America, Integrity Flooring, Little Miss Everything, Tres Jolie, Oak Street Boutique, Cowboys & Angels, Brentwood Press, and Sweeney’s Grille & Bar. First Street Sabor Latino, Massage Me, Catwalk Boutique, Sun-n-Stuff, Chevron, Pho Vietnam, Tri-color Hair Salon, La Fuente Mexican Restaurant, Amber Hair Design, MJ’s Café & Bakery, WR Properties, Scrumdillyumtious Frozen Yogurt, Delta Barbershop, Delta Theatre, Jose’s Barbershop, Brentwood’s Co. Co. County Wine Company, His & Hers Formal Wear, and Valverde Plaza. Chestnut Street Brentwood Cleaners, The Health Hut, Ribbons & Roses, Crematorium and Funerals, Delta Vista Optometry, Home One, and the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
DECEMBER 10, 2010
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
ABCs from page 3B es and watches for him and her are exquisite ways to make this a holiday to remember. For custom designs or more traditional looks, G. Anthony Jewelers in Brentwood can take the worry out of shopping. Call 925-308-7114 for store location and hours. If it’s a more exotic, one-of-a-kind gemstone you’re looking for, you can find it at Cre’me de la Gem in downtown Brentwood. Call 925-516-6200 or log on at www.cremedelagem.com. is for History. Did you know that 12 inches of snow fell on East County on Jan. 6, 1883? East Contra Costa Historical Society’s 2011 Calendar, which costs $10, is the perfect gift for the history buff in your life. Filled with dozens of factoids and prominent dates in East County history, the calendar also features classic historical photos – some published for the first time. You’ll learn something new every day. To purchase the calendar, call Kathy Leighton at 925-634-0917. is for Inner Peace. We could all use a little inner peace during the madness of the holiday season, but for the candle fanatic on your shopping list, try Scentsy, an alternative to scented candles. Place the scented cubes on a Scentsy warmer and inhale exotic scents such as Reggae Sunset or the calming scents of Inner Peace, which exudes an aroma of lemon and cypress. Visit www.scentsy.com to find a Scentsy consultant near you who’ll help you pick out the perfect scent for every member of your family. is for Jive. If you want to get up and dance, think about booking an adventure with Delta Discovery Cruises. On Sunday, Jan.
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23, the Live Blues with the Mike Osborne Band cruise sets off for a two-hour tour of the Delta’s scenic beauty while Osborne and his friends serenade the crowd. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch of chicken and ribs, homemade potato salad, baked beans and an irresistible dessert. Tickets are $59 and make a great stocking stuffer. To make a reservation, visit www.deltadiscoverycruises. com or call 925-252-9300. is for Kittens. These kittens don’t purr, but they’re adorable nonetheless. Joanne Bell, owner of Jeanne’s Jems, is crafty when it comes to hair bows and offers a wide variety of colorful ribbons adorned with kittens, hearts, flowers, teddy bears and more. These hair accessories can also double as gift bows for presents for darling little girls who love to play dress-up or make a statement with their ponytails. Bows come in an array of shapes and sizes. For more information, call Bell at 925550-4000 or e-mail joannes.jems@yahoo.com. is for Lipstick. MAC Cosmetics (2455 Sand Creek Road, Suite 116 in Brentwood) sells more than 100 shades of lipstick as well as eye shadow, mascara, foundations, bronzers, nail polish and many more products to add a flash of glamour this holiday season. MAC also offers gift packages that help you mix and match colors to create an entire look. To complete the makeover, take a look at the fragrances and the skin care products at MAC Cosmetics’ Streets of Brentwood location. is for Marshmallow Trees. No need to decorate this Christmas tree. Just bite in and savor the yummy goodness of these and
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many other delectables sold at See’s Candies (2530 Sand Creek Road in Brentwood). An assortment of old-fashioned fudge, a box of white mint truffles or a tin of soft center chocolates – anything in See’s display case will bring a smile to those on your shopping list. See’s also offers chocolate-shaped Santas, snowmen clinging to candy canes – and the popular sour stars have returned to make this holiday season a little cheerier. is for Napping. You probably never thought you could give the gift of napping, but the Brookstone Holiday Store at the Streets of Brentwood has gifts that deliver luxury and comfort. The n-a-p collection features cozy blankets, fluffy pillows and soft socks that send even the most stubborn sleepers into a dreamy afternoon slumber. The n-a-p collection is so comfortable that your giftees will want to be enveloped in the soft fabrics all day long, so make sure to pick up a scarf or earmuffs to keep them warm on the go. Hurry, the seasonal store closes on Jan. 1, 2011. For more information, call 925-513-1961. is for Organization. We could all use some way to deal with chaos. Help your friend or relative unclutter their office with gifts from stores such as Office Depot in Antioch (925-755-8713) or Staples in Antioch (925-706-4038). If there’s a teacher in your life, a stop at Brentwood’s Just Teach It (925240-7140) could do the trick. Organizational tools can also help college students coming home on Christmas break, looking for a fresh start when they return to their dorm room. is for Pride. There’s still time to get clothing adorned with an image of your
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kid’s high school mascot. Proceeds go back to the school, so buying a sweatshirt or blanket not only keeps the gift recipient warm during cold soccer matches, but helps your school’s athletic programs keep running. Products such as clothes and decals are also good gifts for relatives who live out of the area, but are still proud of their students. School stores are commonly open during school hours and at basketball, soccer and wrestling matches. is for Queen. Want your gift recipient to get lost in a Bohemian Rhapsody? Give the timeless gift of music at Best Buy in Brentwood (925-513-4995) or at Rock Bottom Records in Antioch (925-757-7766). Both stores will rock you with a variety of
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for health and happiness Sure, we have healthy items like dried fruits and nuts. But we know you really want the chocolate. Go ahead and get happy. We won't tell. Visit us in person or online. Proud to serve East County since 1920 Great for Snacks
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DECEMBER 10, 2010
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
THEPRESS.NET
Holiday Handel
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he newly expanded (to 60-plus members) Summerset Singers Chorus will present a program of holiday music at the Brentwood Senior Center on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. The concert will consist of traditional Christmas carols, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorusâ€? and many other inspirational selections. Musical accompaniment will include carillon bells, recorder, piano and synthesized organ. You won’t want to miss this performance timed perfectly to provide a very special Holiday Season experience. Tickets are available at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center, 193 GrifďŹ th Lane, Brentwood (at Balfour Road), weekdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No cash, please. Pay by check to the City of Brentwood or by credit card. Tickets are also available at the Parks and Rec Department ofďŹ ce, 101-B Sand Creek Rd. Hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash, check, credit cards accepted at this location. Tickets are $8 for everyone, and include light refreshments.
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DECEMBER 10, 2010
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
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‘Wonderful Life’ takes the stage
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Linsey Almassey. The Stage Right Conservatory Theatre production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for students and seniors; $5
he Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St. in Antioch, is getting ready
to raise the curtain on Stage Right
for children. Seniors pay only $5 on both Sunday matinees. Discount tickets are available if reserved prior to opening night. For more information, call 925-216-4613 or visit www.srctgrp.org.
Conservatory Theatre’s production of the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Performances are scheduled for Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., and December 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. Directed by Bryan Anthony and adapted for stage by James W. Rodgers, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is based on the 1946 film by Frank Capra and produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is the saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. George’s guardian angel descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair, remind him what the world would have been like had he never been born, and show him that his life has been, after all, wonderful. Rodgers’ adaptation for stage includes all the story’s favorite characters: George and Mary Hatch, Clarence, Uncle Billy, Aunt Tilly, Violet and, of course, the Scrooge-
Photo courtesy of Stage Right
The Bailey family celebrates Christmas Eve in the Stage Right production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In front, from left, are Jolie Travers, Stanley Travers and Michael Hackett; back: Delaney Green, Thomas Marquis and Alexandra Moffatt. like villain, Mr. Potter. The dramatization celebrates not only the holiday season but the virtues of hard work, fair play and love of family and community. Cast members include Thomas Marquis, Alexandra Moffatt, Bryan Anthony, Jon Michael DeBella, Samantha Taylor, Ashley Nichols, Callib Carver and
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DECEMBER 10, 2010
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CALENDAR LOCAL EVENTS & SERVICE CLUBS
Events Friday, Dec. 10 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Stage Right Conservatory Theatre, Inc. presents “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 7 p.m. at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St. in Antioch. Future performance dates are Dec. 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 925216-4613 or visit www.srctgrp.org.
Brentwood Blood Drive Red Cross of America hosts a blood drive from 1-7 p.m. at Resurrection Ministries, 1275 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 800733-2767.
Donation Barrel The Brentwood Bike Company, 7750 Brentwood Boulevard, has set up a donation barrel for the Brentwood Community Chest. Donations of new toys or food go to local families in our community. For more information, call 925-634-5000.
Prom Dress Collection The Liberty High Grad Night Committee is collecting gently used prom dresses to re-sell at reasonable prices, making affordable dresses available to students in our community and raising funds for LHS Grad Night. For more information, call 925-642-5377.
Saturday, Dec. 11 Pet Pictures with Santa Paws Bring your pets to PetSmart on Century Boulevard in Pittsburg to have their photo taken with Santa Paws. The cost with your Pet Perks card is $9.95. Half of all proceeds go to the Homeless Animals Response Program (HARP).
Blood Drives The American Red Cross holds blood drives at Diamond Hills Sports Club & Spa, 1510 Neroly Road in Oakley, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and at the Streets of Brentwood, 2565 Sand Creek Road, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. To schedule an appointment or more information, call 800-733-2767.
Main Street Community Toy Run The Brentwood and Oakley communities’ Family Life Center and Giant Step sponsor a Toy and Christmas Fair at K-Mart, 3110 Main St. in Oakley, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. A toy or gift for children 2-12 is appreciated. The run fee is $5. For more information, call 925-565-3746.
Toddler Holiday Dance Party The Oakley Library hosts a Toddler Holiday Dance Party at 2 p.m. in the Oakley Library, 1050 Neroly Road. The event is open to children 2-5. Refreshments will be served. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Friends of Oakley holiday toy drive. For more information, call 925-625-2400.
Annual Christmas Tea First Family Church, 3415 Oakley Road in Antioch, holds a Christmas Tea and delightful lunch at 11:30 a.m. Please bring a wrapped teacup for a gift exchange. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 925-706-1238.
Holiday Pancake Breakfast with Santa The Commons at Dallas Ranch, 4751 Dallas Ranch Road in Antioch, hosts a Holiday Pancake Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m. The event features a gourmet pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa and Christmas caroling. To reserve your spot, call 925-754-7772.
E-mail calendar listings to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. Post your events anytime at www.thepress.net.
Kaleidoscope’s Walk the Labyrinth Come to the Byron United Methodist Church, 14671 Byron Highway, at 10:30 a.m. to walk the labyrinth, or come at 10 a.m. to learn more about the history and symbolism of the labyrinth. For more information, call 925-634-1411.
Boyz Time Delta Vista and O’Hara Park middle schools host Boyz Time from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for boys in grades six through eight. The event includes free lunch and workshops in subjects such as martial arts, sports psychology and nutrition. Pre-registration is required at the schools. For more information, call 925-625-7044.
Sunday, Dec. 12 Pet Pictures with Santa Paws Get your pet’s photo taken with Santa Paws from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Pet Food Express or PetSmart, both on Lone Tree Way in Antioch. The cost at PetSmart is $9.95 with your Pet Perks card. The cost at Pet Food Express is $10 or two for $15. Proceeds benefit homeless animals.
‘Go Tell It!’ The Brentwood Community United Methodist Church, corner of Second and Maple streets, hosts “Go Tell It!” – a Christmas musical. The program starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call 925-634-3093.
Wii Tournament The Intuitive Healing Center of Antioch hosts a Wii tournament, featuring prizes and snacks, for children with special needs and their families from 2-4 p.m. Registration begins at 1 p.m. For more information, call 925-522-8921.
Classic Christmas House Tour The Antioch Woman’s Club hosts its Classic Christmas House Tour from noon-4 p.m. A reception follows at Veterans Hall, corner of E and Sixth streets. Proceeds go to local charities and high school scholarships. For tickets or more information, call 925-777-1831 or 925522-8663.
Wednesday, Dec. 15 Christmas Spirit is Alive The Sullivan family and Sullivan Farms Palouse Appaloosas host a free, family-oriented Christmas event from 6-9 p.m. at 4220 Gateway Road in Bethel Island, featuring lots of Christmas lights, decorations and hot cocoa. Bring a warm coat and a flashlight. For more information, call 925-684-2527.
Sign-ups
provide gentle, compassionate care to hospice patients. Call 925-887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or e-mail volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
Nor Cal Softball Nor Cal Softball is holding tryouts for players 15-18 for its fall 2010 and summer 2011 seasons. For more information, call 925-5845979, e-mail dan9gom@aol.com or visit www. eteamz.com/norcalsoftball1.
Hot Shots Fast Pitch East County Hot Shots hold girls fast-pitch tryouts at Magnolia Park, 5301 Daffodil Drive in Oakley, on consecutive Saturday Dec. 11, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. for 10U; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for 12U; and 1:30-3:30 p.m. for 14U. Registration starts 30 minutes prior to tryouts. For more information, call 925-382-7315 or visit www.eastcountyhotshots.com.
On the Horizon Mass at Dawn St. Anthony Catholic Church of Oakley invites the community to the Filipino tradition “Simbang Gabi” (Misa de la Aurora, Mass at Dawn), Thursday, Dec. 16 through Friday, Dec. 24 at 5 a.m. A free breakfast will be served after mass. For more information, call 925-354-0107 or 925-325-5249.
Christmas Caroling The St. Anthony Knights of Columbus Council 10414 and Columbiettes wander the streets spreading musical Christmas cheer Dec. 17-19 from 7-10 p.m. Those holding special occasions that would be enhanced by carolers are invited to call 925-813-4311 or e-mail quibbs@yahoo.com.
Christmas Fair Mariner’s Church Women’s Ministry hosts a Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Church Barn, 1619 Bixler Road in Brentwood. The event features gifts, baked goods and gift-wrapping, plus vendors, gift baskets and a warm holiday atmosphere. For more information, call 925-354-2821.
Brentwood Blood Drive The American Red Cross hosts a blood drive Dec. 20 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at 2400 Balfour Road in Brentwood. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 800-733-2767.
Ongoing One Warm Coat Collection
iPlay Youth Volleyball League is now taking registrations for boys and girls ages 9-14. For more information, visit www.usvbclub.com.
Through Dec. 17, Girl Scout Troop 30013 is collecting new and gently used coats for the needy. Collection boxes are located in all of the Brentwood Union School District school sites. For more information, call 925759-8333.
Oakley Recreation Classes
Quit Smoking
Recreation classes such as ballet, tap, fencing, aikido, jump bunch, art, online driver’s education, karate and ballroom dancing start soon. Visit www.oakleyinfo.com to check out more than 300 online classes offered in partnership with Ed2Go. For more information, call 925625-7041.
Sutter Delta Medical Center presents a free Quit Smoking Today seminar with Suzanne Much, Oncology Resource Nurse, Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Get the information and support you need to succeed. To sign up or for more information, call 9250779-3613.
All Out Sports League
Cub Scout Pack 152
The All Out Sports League Youth Basketball & Cheer is accepting sign-ups for boys and girls 4-14. For more information, call 510-282-4986 or e-mail www.alloutsportsleague.com.
Boys 6-11 (grades one through five) are welcome to join Pack 152, which meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Vintage Parkway Elementary School, 1000 Vintage Parkway in Oakley. For more information, e-mail beede63@aol.com or visit www.oakleycubscoutspack152.clubspaces.com.
iPlay Youth Volleyball League
Hospice of the East Bay Licensed massage therapists, energy workers and healers are invited to volunteer to
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ABCs from page 6B family. Casey’s Travel in Brentwood (925634-2425) handles a variety of itineraries, from a family trip to Disneyland to an exotic getaway. If you don’t want to bother with long lines at the airport, venture down to Cruise One (925-240-5740) and check your troubles at the harbor. Black Diamond Travel in Antioch (925-754-5340) is also in the dream-fulfillment business. is for Uggs. Give the gift of warm, comfortable feet this holiday season with a pair of Uggs. Originated in Australia, Uggs are a great fit for both men and women, and come in a variety of colors and styles. Walk down the Streets of Brentwood to DSW Shoe Warehouse (925-513-8752) to find some of the popular shoes. They can also be purchased at Famous Footwear in Brentwood (925-634-7634). is for View, as in the spectacularyet-fast-changing look you get at East County after leaping out of a Bay Area Skydiving plane. Everything you need for a midweek, 11,000-foot jump – including an expert skydiver strapped to your back – can be had for $170. Other prices are available for different days and types of jumps. Thousands of satisfied tandem jumpers will tell you that skydiving is one of the most thrilling of experiences, and it’s as close as the Byron Airport. Call 925-634-7575 for more information. is for Website, the creation of which is easier than you might think, thanks to the folks over at Liberty Adult Education. The winter/spring course catalog has just come out, packed full of classes on not only computers and the Web, but on parenting, investing, dance and even historical picnicking. There are GED classes too, and a host of other selfimprovement opportunities you can sign up for by calling 925-634-2565. Classes start Jan. 3. is for X-box. Whether you’ve got the hot, new X-Box 360 or you’re making do with the original a bit longer, you can put more play in your day by stocking up on games to keep it humming. You can get new and used games at The Game Exchange (925-513-4650) in Brentwood, or at GameStop (925-757-8720 in Antioch and 925-516-5965 in Brentwood). Both companies sell new and used X-Box accessories, too. is for Youth, which you can support by giving something everyone already likes anyway: scrumptious comestibles from Willy’s Bagels and Blends. Pick up a gift card for Willy’s delicious coffee, bagels, sandwiches or salads, and throw in one of Willy’s custom T-shirts. Proceeds from those sales support a host of activities at local schools. Call 925308-7534 for Willy’s on West Country Club Drive, and 925-634-2245 for the original Willy’s on Second Street. is for Zamboni. While the gift of one of the famed ice-surfacing machines might be high in cost and low in usefulness for the average gift-giver, there’s no reason not to give someone a chance to see a Zamboni in action over at Holiday on Ice at the Streets of Brentwood. For as little as $10, you get a pair of skates and all the glide time you can stand in East County’s favorite wintry wonderland. The huge, covered rink is open this season until Jan. 17. For more information, call 925-513-1702.
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