The Press 04.26.2024

Resident wants Vasco Road to be safer

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

A local woman is using Change.org to advocate for safety improvements to Vasco Road after the death of her husband in 2017.

Castulo “Junior” Loredo Jr., 55, was headed to his job as a machinist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on the afternoon of Nov. 6, 2017. Driving southbound and coming to a complete stop behind a truck that was waiting to pull into a driveway, a speeding small sedan suddenly attempted to get in front of

another vehicle, when tragedy struck.

“My husband did everything right,” said Loredo’s widow Cyndi. “He was driving the speed limit. They were speeding,

not paying attention, they slammed on their brakes just too late, rear ended his car, and pushed him into oncoming traffic. The oncoming driver tried his best to react

Oakley gets a look at police military equipment use

last year, ranging from locating a suspect to a barricaded person.

By Hemananthani Sivanandam Correspondent

Oakley residents got a look at the City Council meeting on Tuesday night, April 23, at how the police department is using its military equipment to handle various incidents. The report was in response to Assembly Bill 481, which mandates that police agencies report on their equipment usage, ensuring oversight and community awareness.

Oakley police have three documented incidents involving the use of military equipment in the city

Chief of Police Paul Beard said his department had used uncrewed aerial vehicles, also known as drones, in April last year at Wal nut Meadows Drive when a person was barricaded. The following month, a suspi cious person was located on Rutherford Lane. And in September, the drone was used to look for a domestic battery suspect who fled the area. The man was located and later taken into custody, thanks to the drone used.

Beard said the Oakley Police Department uses three types of military equipment: patrol rifles, less lethal launchers, and drones.

The department’s current inventory includes 32 patrol rifles, each worth $2,604, sufficient to equip most of the department’s personnel, he said.

“But to make sure that each sworn person in the police department has a rifle, we will require more,” Beard said when presenting the 2023 Annual Report of Military

see Equipment page 22

and stop his vehicle, but he unfortunately T-boned my husband’s car.”

Castulo Loredo Jr. was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he died of his injuries from massive trauma. In the seven years since her husband’s death, Cyndi Loredo says there have been countless other accidents, injuries, and even deaths. She is advocating for safety measures on Vasco Road to prevent future accidents and deaths, specifically, for Contra Costa County to put up a barrier on the Brentwood side of Vasco Road, similar to the one on the Livermore side built by Alameda County. Her Change.org petition, which has more than 2,000 signatures in support of her efforts, is her latest advocacy measure. If you would like to sign the patition, go to change.org and do a search for ‘Vasco Road’

Downtown Brentwood Coalition gets city’s support

The original staff recommendation presented to the council was to fund the DBC for two years at $70,000 per year.

After a false start in which a motion to fund the Downtown Brentwood Coalition for three years failed to pass, the Brentwood City Council voted 5-0 during their April 23 meeting to fund the organization for the next two years at $80,000 a year from the city’s General Fund.

The initial motion made by Councilmember Jovita Mendoza had been to fund the organization for three years at an annual cost of $80,000, but was voted down 3-2 with Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer the only other councilmember to support it.

“If it fails, it fails,” Mendoza said before the vote.

The city of Brentwood originally entered into an agreement with the nonprofit in 2021 that expires on June 30 of this year,

Photo by Andrew Rulloda

Liberty auto club car show on May 4

Students to show off refurbished fire truck

By Sarah Capperauld Correspondent

Liberty High School’s automotive club has revved their engines to a special feature of this year’s 11th annual car show.

On May 4, the fire truck that the automotive club has been working on for the past two years will be on display for all who want to come to the show. Car registration is $30. Cars start rolling in at 7 a.m. The public can view them from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m at Independence High School, 929 Second St. Admission is free.

Jon Dorr, Liberty’s automotive club adviser, said this is a great experience for his students. This renovation was “our biggest project yet that we have put our club funds into,” Dorr said.

The fire engine was donated by the local fire department a few years ago to Liberty’s automotive club and was originally the fourth fire engine used in Brentwood during the 1960s. “When we first received it, the paint was sun damaged and looked almost white. We had to polish and repaint the entire thing,” Dorr said.

The club began working on the truck in August of 2022. They worked on it during lunch, breaks, work days, and even class time. The original engine was taken out of the fire truck and replaced with a school bus engine that had been retired from service. According to the automotive club’s president, Austin Kabat, “Everything was toast.”

They had to take everything out of the fire truck because the pumps and plumbing “were all rusted.”

For the club’s Sergeant at Arms, Hayden Corley, his favorite part was “pulling out the motor (out of the bus) and repairing it,” and he is excited for the upcoming car show. “Trophies are all handmade out of scrap parts and are as creative as possible.”

“During the car show on May 4, there will be live music, a DJ, food vendors with farmers market being in the morning and the car show” from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Dorr said.

Club member Oscar Garcia is also excited about the car show. “I’m most excited to see all the club members together,” he said.

Kabat looks forward to “all the different varieties” of cars. “This car show is unique and open to all types of cars.” He is excited for “everyone’s reaction to how much we’ve done (with the truck)”.

After the showing in May, the automotive club will be attending the Speed Equipment Manufacturing Association (SEMA) conference in November in Las Vegas where they will be featuring the fire truck. For now, they are still deciding on how to get it to Las Vegas. They also plan on entering more competitions in the future.

“We have had a lot of community support,” Dorr said, mentioning Extreme MotorSports, Pansini Auto Spa, Brentwood Police Activities League, Monkey Wrenches, Boondoggies, Bill Brandt Ford, and Kendall Automotive.

“This is a huge learning opportunity here at Liberty Auto, and we get a chance to do something you never do anywhere else,” Kabat said.

For more information, visit https://linktr.ee/libertyautoclub?utm_source=linktree_ profile_share<sid=eab5fe90-61d4-445a8d23-cac0c29fc4aa.

From left to right: Liberty’s automotive advisor Jon Dorr,, Club President Austin Kabat, Sergeant at Arms Hayden Corliy and club member Oscar Garcia pose with their biggest project yet.

Photo by Sarah Capperauld

Brentwood veterans building to celebrate centennial with luau

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

Plans are in place to honor a community cornerstone set to celebrate its centennial.

In 1923, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors purchased a dedicated property located at 757 First St. in Brentwood for the establishment of a veterans hall. Today, the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building will celebrate more than 100 years of being not just a meeting place for veterans, but a fixture in the community, hosting numerous private and public events such as wedding, funerals, memorials, reunions, retirements, and many formal and informal veteran events, uniting the community for generations.

“Over the years, thousands of gatherings and celebrations have taken place at this iconic venue, weaving it into the very fabric and rich history of Brentwood,” said VFW Post 10789 Commander Bill Weber. “The building stands as a proud testament to our community’s unity and shared heritage, symbolizing the enduring spirit of camaraderie and service that resonates within our hometown.”

According to Weber, upon acquisition of the building, managing the hall and its premises was entrusted to the American Legion, which was the sole veterans’ service organization using the facility. Throughout the years, additional veterans’ service organizations,

such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Marine Corps League joined in this responsibility.

In 2006, the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building Inc. was established as an independent entity, which ensured both financial transparency and a clear separation from the individual veterans service organizations. All funds collected through fees or donations by the building cover its maintenance and upkeep along with its surrounding property, which guarantees their preservation for future generations, officials said.

“Alongside their dedicated auxiliary organizations, these esteemed veterans have collectively assumed the responsibility of managing and preserving the building and its property for a century,” Weber said. “Their unwavering commitment and diligent efforts have ensured that the hall remains a sacred space, honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans for the past hundred years.”

While Contra Costa County owns both the land and building there, the building is managed by the veterans, according to the California Military and Veterans Code. The Board convenes every month on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

Weber invites all veterans of the veterans service organizations (Roy Frerichs American Legion Post 202, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 Sgt Charles R McCurtain, and

Delta Diablo Detachment 1155 of the Marine Corps League) to attend those meetings. “Your presence and participation are greatly encouraged and valued,” Weber said.

In honor of the centennial celebration, the Marine Corps League, Detachment 1155, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789, and American Legion Post 202 will host a luau – a first for the building – on Saturday June 15 at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to wear their favorite Aloha shirts while enjoying live Hawai’ian music by Pomaika’i, Hula dancing, tiki cocktails, and a Hawai’ian cuisine catered by Landeza’s Island Poke and Catering, along with raffle and a silent auction for a chance to win prizes. According to the website, the event is not only an opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening, but also to support the building and veterans organizations that have been impacted by the Maui fires last year, including VFW Post 3850 Paul Kenolio Hall and American Legion Post 8. Tickets are $80 and guests must buy them by Monday, June 10.

“We are limiting the attendees to about 200 so we will have room to freely move around the hall and it will allow for an unobstructed view of the entertainment,” Weber said. “We are really excited to bring the community together, have a great time, and raise money for a good cause. You don’t want to miss this.”

Weber emphasized the importance and

The Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, located at 757 First St., will be celebrating its centennial later this summer with a luau.

significance of the building, adding that the memorial holds a sacred significance to veterans. “It serves as a timeless commemoration of the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn the uniform, while serving as a poignant reminder of the veterans’ selflessness and dedication displayed in service to the country.”

“The building transcends its role as a mere meeting place for veterans,” Weber added. “It stands as a solemn memorial, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who have passed away. May it forever remind us of the immeasurable contributions and sacrifices made by veterans in defense of freedom.”

For details about the building, visit https://www.bvmb.org/.

For information on the upcoming luau, including tickets, visit https://www.bvmb.org/ post/luau-2024

Rotary Club of Oakley

“A

pot of gold, always ready to help”

Matriarch of Brentwood Helen Myers dies

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Brentwood lost a well-loved member of the community when Helen Myers passed away this month.

The 98-year-old was a driving force behind many of the charitable organizations in the area, served on multiple boards and owned two businesses.

“She was a woman of wisdom within the City of Brentwood,” said former Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor. “She always treated everyone with the utmost respect and what a wonderful world she helped create in our city.”

Taylor said Myers’s intimate knowledge of Brentwood helped her better serve the community through charitable organizations and collaborate with the City Council. That, coupled with her willingness to help anyone in need, made others take heed when she voiced an opinion or idea.

Myers was a native of Pennsylvania, where she met and married her husband, William Myers. The couple had two children and moved across the country, eventually settling in Brentwood in

1968. Myers loved the area and took a hand in building the hometown culture its residents now enjoy.

One of Myers’ notable accomplishments was her work with the local Soroptimist International chapter. Myers served for 29 consecutive years, volunteering to raise funds for scholarships and families in Africa, gathering clothes for women and girls in need, and pitching in wherever she could to help.

“We also did a lot of crocheting and making little dresses,” said fellow Soroptimist Bertha Ruiz. “We did anything we could to help the community. Helen was a pot of gold, always ready to help.”

Myers was a founding member of Delta Community Services, raised funds

for Brentwood’s first Community Center, served on the Brentwood Arts Commission, worked with the Brentwood Arts Society, sent boxes of clothes to Mexico and care packages to deployed troops. She was a longtime member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and volunteered through her two businesses downtown, Irene’s Dress Shop and The Weathervane, a Western wear store.

Ruiz remembers meeting Myers in her youth and being invited to join the Soroptimist club. She also remembers shopping in The Weathervane with her parents.

“She knew my parents were farm workers, and she would always give us a break for boots, things like that,” Ruiz said.

Myers’s grandson, Peter Jacoway, grew up in Brentwood and became involved in her businesse. He managed The Weathervane for a time and several buildings Myers owned in downtown Brentwood.

“She’s my most favorite person in the world,” Jacoway said. “A tough businesswoman, but very kind and helpful.”

Myers was recognized for her unwavering support of the community when she was named Brentwood’s Citizen of the Year in 2008. She was also a sports fan and loved to cheer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. She retired in 2016 at the age of 90, and enjoyed spending time with her family. She leaves behind a legacy of giving back to her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Myers died peacefully on April 15 surrounded by her family.

On Monday, April 29, a funeral procession will start at 11 a.m sharp, leaving the Brentwood Funeral Home on First Street, then proceeding to a graveside service at Oak View Memorial Park at 2500 E. 18th St. in Antioch to be followed by a Celebration of Life at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. from 1 - 3p.m.

MYERS

News iN Brief

The Sierra Club Delta Group hosts annual “Every Day is Earth Day” on Sunday, April 28

The Sierra Club Delta Group is hosting its second annual “Every Day is Earth Day” summer series of presentations to be held once a month on the last Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Big Break visitor center, 69 Big Break Road in Oakley.

The first of these will be on April 28, and the topic will be “Family Fun in Our East County Parks,” with presenters from Greenbelt Alliance, East Bay Regional Parks District, Contra Costa Water District, and the Sierra Club chapter outings coordinator. Seating is limited and is first come, first served.

Learn of all the recreational activities available in East County via a hands-on display about native wildlife from Greenbelt Alliance; information on little-known water recreation from the Water District, among others.

Light refreshments and snacks will be served. These events will run through the last Sunday in August with other topics illustrating why every day is Earth Day.

For details, visit https://www.facebook. com/SCDeltaRegionalGroup/

Keller Williams East County to host Red Day Event on May 9

This Red Day Event in the Antioch Police Department parking lot, 300 L St., from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. supports homeless people, foster children, and military personnel in need.

People can drop off items to benefit those in need. A taco truck will be on site from noon-1:30 p.m., offering a free taco to those who donate during those hours, while supplies last.

For homeless people: non-perishable food items, bottled water, blankets or sleeping bags, new or gently used clothing, travel-size hygiene products and dog treats/food.

For foster kids: new clothing, school supplies, toys and games, books, travel size hygiene products.

For military members: non-perishable food items, travel size personal care items, entertainment items, comfort items and thankyou cards or letters.

For those unable to attend the event but still wishing to contribute, there is a donation drop-off location at the Keller Williams East County office in Brentwood at 191 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100. Donation drop-off will be open until May 8 at 5 p.m.

‘Red Day’ is a term Keller Williams uses for its Red Day of Service. “We really love the color red,” said spokesperson Brittany Long. “Since May of 2009, the entirety of Keller Williams, even International, set aside the secon Thursday of May to Renew, Energize and Donate (RED) within the community we serve.”

For more information, call 925-6340033 or email ecfrontdesk@heirloomventures.com.

More than 1 million fentanyl pills intercepted at Mexican border last week

Governor Newsom announced this week the success of the state’s continuing counternarcotics operation throughout San Diego County and the border. The state assisted in the recovery of 1,120,030 fentanyl pills and 523 pounds of methamphetamine last week, in support of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the California

National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force.

“We are doing our job to keep illegal drugs off the streets of California,” Newsom said in a press release. “By working with our state, local and federal partners, we are continuing to crack down on drug trafficking in our communities.”

Last month, the governor visited the California-Mexico border and met with President Biden and senior White House officials to discuss key issues impacting California, including immigration and border policy. Earlier this year, Newsom joined several states in urging Congress to act on border security and humanitarian support for local communities. In support of President Biden’s bilateral cooperation agreement with China on counternarcotics, the Governor spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October about combating the transnational shipping of precursor chemicals used to create fentanyl.

Last year, the governor increased the number of CalGuard service members deployed to interdict drugs at U.S. ports of entry along the border by about 50%. The operations CalGuard supported resulted in the record interception of 62,224 pounds of fentanyl in 2023 — a 1,066% increase since 2021. CalGuard’s coordinated drug interdiction efforts in the state are funded in part by California’s $30 million investment to expand CalGuard’s work to prevent drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations. Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens, the governor said.

East Bay parks district to get $1.38 million in federal money to reduce wildfire risk

The East Bay Regional Park District will receive $1.38 million in federal funding

secured by U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-14th district ) to reduce the risk of wildfires and help forests become more resilient.

On March 23, President Biden signed bipartisan funding legislation, which included the funding request for East Bay Regional Park District’s wildfire reduction work. The parks district includes parks in the far East Bay.

“The federal funds secured by Representative Swalwell will reduce wildfire risks by removing hazardous vegetation from the East Bay hills,” said Park District Board President Elizabeth Echols. “The Park District Board and staff are grateful to Representative Swalwell for his leadership and contributions toward improving wildfire safety.”

The new funding will help thin and remove dead and dying trees in areas of Anthony Chabot Regional Park. In the fall of 2020, while conducting ongoing vegetation management work, Park District staff noticed significant tree die-off in its parks. Further investigation identified over 1,500 acres of dead and dying trees within Regional Parks, mostly eucalyptus, but also bay and pine.

Wildfire safety is one of the Park District’s top priorities, it said in a press release announcing the money allocation. Yearround efforts include monitoring fire danger and weather, maintaining professionally trained full-time and on-call firefighters, maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, and removing flammable vegetation to reduce wildfire risks.

The Park District’s vegetation management plan includes providing valuable habitat for threatened plants and wildlife such as the pallid manzanita, monarch butterfly, and Alameda whipsnake, the press release stated.

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

This Week’s Events

Saturday, April 27

Volunteers sought for Brentwood Community Day of Service

This inaugural event is scheduled for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. starting with a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Brentwood at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour Road, then the projects begin at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers are sought to help with projects such as a clothing and food drive, blood drive, farmworker outreach, East County Historical Society projects, writing letters to seniors and U.S. troops, planting and landscaping projects, family counseling services, cleanup and beautification, and meal delivery. For details, visit https://www. brentwoodca.gov/government/city-manager/ community-day-of-service or contact Amy Tilley and Julie Deck at BrentwoodCDOS@gmail. com. To sign up to volunteer, visit https://www. brentwoodca.gov/government/city-manager/ community-day-of-service.

National Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop off unneeded prescription medications to one of these two locations:

• Brentwood at the Brentwood Police Department at 9100 Brentwood Blvd.

• Discovery Bay at the Sandy Cove Shopping Center at 14840 Highway 4 between CVS and Safeway.

Third annual Texas Hold ‘em Tournament

This competition is presented by the Antioch Band Backers, Antioch High football and flag football. Dinner and drinks start at 5 p.m. with cards at 6 p.m. at Pac Pride, 4100 Wilbur Ave. suite 100, in Oakley. First prize is $500, second prize is $300, third prize is $150. Tickets are $75 per person, re-buys are $20 and add-ons $20. Dinner only is $20. This is a fundraiser for the Antioch High Marching Band and color guard, football and flag football programs. For details, email abba.president.antioch@gmail.com.

Free Shred-it Day in Byron

St. Anne Council Knights of Columbus annual free Shred-It Day is from 9 a.m.-noon in the St. Anne Chapel parking lot. at 2800 Camino Diablo, Byron. Donations are accepted to defray the cost. For details, visit http://anne.church.

Sunday, April 28

Tenacious J 5K Memorial Race

Tenacious J 5K Memorial Race. 1st annual race starts at the Oakley Library, 1050 Neroly Road, Oakley at 9a.m. A race to honor resident and Girl Scout leader Jessica Buscho. Registration Fee starts at $40.00 per racer. More information: facebook.com/groups/TenaciousJ5K, TenaciousJ5k@gmail.com

Antioch Urban Arts Festival: uniting communities through art, music, and justice

The second Urban Arts Festival takes place in Antioch at the El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd St. Presented by California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA), the festival begins at 3 p.m. with a student

May 20, 2024

9am Registration

11am Shot Gun Starts

4pm Cocktails & Dinner

talent showcase featuring emerging artists from the Antioch Unified School District who will compete for a $1,000 grand prize. Then at 7 p.m., The Comedy Party will present performances from Bay Area comedians Jay Rich, Joe Hill, and Kaseem Bentley. The Festival will also include a visual art showcase produced by Empowerment Avenue, highlighting works depicting involuntary servitude by incarcerated artists. The CLA will host an informational legal clinic. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.calawyersforthearts. org/urbanartsfestivals.

Tuesday, April 30

Fifth Annual East Bay Business Expo & Job Fair

More than 80 businesses will be at the free business expo and job fair from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Free food, raffles, give-aways, wine and beer tastings. For details, contact the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce at brentwoodchamber.com or call 925- 634-3344.

Fentanyl awareness event

Learn more about the fentanyl crisis, its effect on youth and how to respond to an overdose at the Liberty High School Performing Arts Center, 850 2nd St. in Brentwood, from 6-7:30 p.m. Narcan will be distributed to everyone who attends. This event is open to everyone, and is appropriate for middle and high school-aged children. Registration is highly encouraged. Register at https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgFmm77l3Lg5E9sjYCdeshJpfU5eFNW_vi2KozCi-VOuwjw/ viewform?usp=sf_link.

Wednesday, May 1

County Spring Job Fair

Contra Costa County is hosing a free job fair from 10 a.m.-noon at the Pittsburg Adult School, 1151 Stoneman Ave.. More than 40 employers will be seeking to fill over 250 positions. The Parking is free. Bring your resume and be sure to dress for success. For details, contact George Provol at gprovol@ pittsburgusd.net. or call 925-473-2400 ext. 4964.

On the Horizon

Saturday, May 4

Liberty High School Annual Car Show

The 11th annual show is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Independence High School, 929 Second St., Brentwood. Car registration is $30, and proceeds from this not-for-profit benefit the Liberty High School Auto Shop Program’s projects. The event is free to the public. Cars start lining up at 7 a.m. and drive in coming north on First Street downtown towards Pine Street. To register, visit https:// linktr.ee/libertyautoclub?utm_source=linktree_ profile_share&ltsid=eab5fe90-61d4-445a-8d23cac0c29fc4aa.

Unified Prom’s Under-the-Sea theme Parade and Concert

The Unified Prom, parade and free concert are from 5-9 p.m. ats City Park, 710 Second St. in Brentwood. It starts with a parade downtown for the community, and everyone is invited to attend the parade and concert – and to dress in costume – and cheer the students as they are driven down First Street to City Park. After the parade, the students go into the community center for their prom while the public is invited to stay and listen to live music from The 925 Band in the park. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Volunteers sought for Mount Diablo State Park Dig Days

Road. Volunteers will help maintain and improve trails on the mountain using proven techniques with a focus on safety, preservation and equitable access. For details, visit mountdiablotrailsalliance.org/dig-days.

Sunday, May 5

Fiesta Themed Mothers Day Brunch Fundraiser

Join the Mothers of Brentwood for a fiesta like no other at our annual Mothers Day Brunch Fundraiser from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Club Los Meganos, 1700 Trilogy Parkway in Brentwood. This event is not just a celebration of mothers but also an opportunity to support the group’s community outreach initiatives. Raffle tickets can be purchased for the chance to win luxurious spa treatments to gourmet gift baskets. Auction items include a weekend getaway or jewelry among other things. This event is exclusively for ladies. No kids are allowed unless moms are breastfeeding. Tickets are $55. For details, visit https://www.mothersofbrentwood.com/events/ annual-mothers-day-brunch-fundraiser/.

Thursday, May 9

Keller Williams East County Red Day Event

This Red Day Event in the Antioch Police Department parking lot, 300 L St., from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. supports homeless people, foster children, and military personnel in need. People can drop off items to benefit those in need. A taco truck on site from noon-1:30 p.m., offering a free taco to those who donate during those hours while supplies last. For homeless people: non-perishable food items, bottled water, blankets or sleeping bags, new or gently used clothing, travel-size hygiene products and dog treats/food. For foster kids: new clothing, school supplies, toys and games, books, travel-size hygiene products. For military members: nonperishable food items, travel- size personal care items, entertainment items, comfort items and thank-you cards or letters. For those unable to attend the event but still wishing to contribute, there is a donation drop-off location at the Keller Williams East County office in Brentwood at 191 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100. Donation drop-off will be open until May 8 at 5 p.m. For more information, call 925-634-0033 or email ecfrontdesk@ heirloomventures.com.

Saturday, May 11

Rotary Club of Oakley gala

The Rotary Club and Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery host the club’s fifth annual gala at La Grande Estates, 1799 Carpenter Dr. in Oakley, from 5:30-10 p.m. There will be raffles, a silent auction, dessert auction, live auction and a door prize. Tickets are $65, and include dinner and dancing. For tickets, call Amy at 925-206-5394 or Brenda at 925-382-7057. All proceeds benefit the local community through service projects, scholarships and grants, including Little Libraries, senior home repairs, dictionaries for all thirdgrade students, the Christmas Food & Toy Drive, among others.

Wednesday, May 15

Opportunity Junction ribbon cutting for expansion

For more information, call 925.989.5050

Visit: www.brentwoodrotaryclub.com

The Mount Diablo Trails Alliance seeks volunteers for its Dig Days, the last of which is May 4. The event is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the focus of the May 4 effort will be on the Lower Summit Trail on the Upper Dan Cook SIngletrack near South Gate

Opportunity Junction in Antioch is adding a second building that will house their new Medical Assistant Training program funded by a grant from U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s office. Through this expansion, Opportunity Junction will train and graduate more healthcare professionals than ever before. Opportunity Junction will also help fill the need for healthcare workers, all while diversifying the healthcare workforce. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 3104 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch, from 10-11 a.m. before tours of the new facilities.

chain link and hog wire. With a reputation for quality work, reasonable prices, friendly and efficient office staff and experienced crew out in the field, Hennessey’s Fencing has been voted The Best in Brentwood for 6 years in a row.

Clients ask me all the time if they need travel protection, and my first response is always a resounding YES!  But whether you purchase travel protection depends on various factors such as your destination, the nature of your trip, your health, and your tolerance for risk. Here a few things to consider:

Trip cost: If you’ve spent a significant amount on non-refundable aspects of your trip (like flights, hotels, or tour packages), travel protection can provide financial reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to covered reasons, such as illness or a natural disaster.

Health: If you’re traveling abroad, especially to countries where healthcare costs are high, having travel insurance with medical coverage can be crucial. It can help cover medical expenses, and emergency medical evacuation.

Travel risks: Consider the risks associated with your destination, such as political instability, natural disasters,

or disease outbreaks. Travel protection can help with coverage for unexpected situations.

Personal circumstances: Do you have elderly relatives whose health might require you to cancel your trip unexpectedly? Travel protection can provide peace of mind in such situations.

Coverage provided: Carefully review what coverage the travel protection offers. Some policies may include trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical coverage, baggage loss/delay coverage, and other benefits. Make sure the coverage fits your needs. Ultimately, whether you need travel protection depends on your individual situation and risk tolerance. It can be beneficial for some travelers, while others may find it unnecessary. Assess the potential risks and costs involved in your trip to make an informed decision.

To Book Your Dream Vacation call me at 925-639-9194 or go to www.vmartinez.dreamvacations. com.

– Advertorial

Unified Prom returns to Brentwood on May 4

Residents invited to watch parade, concert at City Park

By Hemananthani Sivanandam Correspondent

The Unified Prom returns to downtown Brentwood after a short hiatus due to COVID-19.

The Unified Prom is a special event for life skills students in the Liberty Union High School District on Saturday, May 4, at the Brentwood Community Center and is sponsored by the school district and the Brentwood Police Department.

The event was last held in 2019 with a Star Wars theme. This year, it’s back with the “Under the Sea” theme, starting with a parade through downtown that starts at about 5 p.m. Residents are invited to cheer on the students as they are driven down First Street, through Oak Street, and head to the community center in convertible cars.

After that, residents are invited to stay for a free concert at Brentwood City Park downtown at the corner of Second and Oak streets. The 925 Band will be performing music from 1970s to the 2000s while the students head off to the Brentwood Community Center to enjoy their prom.

Mitch Brouillette, a Brentwood police Officer, and Heritage High School Activities Director Jessica Banchieri started this event in 2017. Brouillette said the event is close to his heart.

“When I was a school resource officer, I was heavily involved with students with special needs,” he said. “No matter what kind of day you’re having, these students at the life skills classes make your day better.”

He added that returning the event to

Your

the community is great, especially for the students.

“It’s such a good event for the community,” he said. “Some students could attend the prom in 2019 but couldn’t wait to do it again. It’s such a great memory for them.”

The event is sponsored by the Police Activities League (PAL) and local businesses. The students will start preparing for their evening with the girls getting their hair and makeup done by Tonic Hair and Nails, while the boys receive haircuts at the local barbershop Studio 45. The boys will also be dressed in tuxedos by Men’s Wearhouse, while the girls will be dressed in dresses donated during a dress drive at Heritage High School.

Banchieri said Brentwood City Councilmember Pa’tanisha Pierson had also donated dresses and tuxedos for the event. “Men’s Wearhouse is providing discounted tuxedos, and PAL is sponsoring the cost.”

The students will then have dinner at Vic Stewart’s. Ribbons and Roses Flowers and R Flowers and Baskets will provide the flowers and corsages. Other sponsors include Dino’s sandwich shop.

“Life skills students often feel different or left out compared to mainstream kids, so we are happy to do something fun for them,” Banchieri said. “They get dressed up, they look their best, and they are just excited to be there.”

Editor’s note:

Convertibles needed: Do you have a convertible ? Do you want to show it off in a parade to help support unified prom students? We need five to six more convertibles, or rag-tops, Jeeps for the unified prom parade on Saturday afternoon, May 4, in downtown Brentwood. If you would like to help and to show off your car, please call Greg at 925-487-6383.

Summerset I celebrated its 30th birthday on April 13 at their clubhouse with an open house for 50 of their original homeowners. About 120 residents attended and enjoyed Champagne, cake and coffee. Also attending were Ron and Shirley Nunn, Steve Bienke, Judy Dyke, and Roseann and Charlie Jones. Ron Nunn and Steve Bienke were the visionaries and builders of Summerset I, and Roseann and Judy were the sales agents.

Knightsen students honor Earth Day 2024

Students at Knightsen Elementary School planted trees on campus in recognition of Earth Day 2024. Their efforts to plant trees on campus helps to foster a sense of environmental stewardship for our next generation and bring awareness to the important role trees have within our ecosystem for generations to come. Trees planted at the Knightsen Elementary School District are native to California and came from a generous donation from the 100K Trees for Humanity organization. 100K Trees for Humanity’s mission is to increase the number of trees in cities, restore natural habitats, and increase carbon sequestration capacity to help cities meet carbon reduction goals. For details, visit www.100ktrees4humanity.com.

Photos courtesy of Diane McLean

SportS

Torres tapped once again to lead Freedom boys basketball program

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Drew Torres never wanted to step down as Freedom’s basketball coach, nor did he ever want to stop coaching. However, after the 2018-19 season, Torres made the tough decision to step down as head coach of Freedom’s boys basketball program for one big reason.

“My son started playing youth sports, had some bad experiences, and didn’t really want to play anymore,” Torres explained.

“One day, he asked me on the ride home, ‘Will you coach me?’ One of my mentors told me that you can always go back to high school coaching. You’ll never get this time back with your son.”

Now nearly five years later and with more experience, Torres returns to the helm of the Falcons as the head boys basketball coach, taking over for Murkice Carter who manned the helm for the last four seasons.

“It was kind of like a much-needed break,” Torres added. “But it’s picking up right back where I left off. I’m just excited to be back and working with the kids, especially here at Freedom.”

The biggest approval that Torres had to get aside from the big support he’s received from his family, friends, assistant coaches and former players like, was from his son, who is, just as well, all in.

“He had to be the one to tell me that he was coming to Freedom,” Torres said. “I’m not going to coach against my son.”

At Oakley from 2007-19, Torres built the Falcons into a perennial contender – guiding them to three league championships from 2013-16 including going 29-1 in the Bay Valley Athletic League in that span. He also led a program that

originally did not reach the playoffs to the NCS postseason in 11 of his 12 years there. Freedom reached the NCS title game in 2014 where they lost to eventual state champion Monte Vista, and qualified for the CIF State Tournament where they reached the final four, losing again to Monte Vista, this time in the NorCal Championship.

He led Freedom to appearances in the CIF State tournament from 2012-15, according to MaxPreps.

Torres never stopped coaching, however. After stepping down at Freedom, Torres continued hosting youth basketball camps that eventually turned into an AAU team, which itself eventually turned into an entire program, Delta Heat Basketball.

“I’ve been coaching this whole time,” Torres said. “If anything, I’m doing more coaching than before.”

“I see some of (Freedom’s students), and they just see me, I’m just the P.E. teacher. They don’t know my history, they don’t know that I was coaching here before.”

Since Torres’s 2019 departure, the Falcons haven’t been able to spread their wings as much as they used to. Freedom went a combined 43-66 with one winning season in the four years under Carter with a lone trip to the postseason in the 2022-23 year when Freedom went 16-10, clinching the ninth seed in the NCS Division I playoffs but losing against San Leandro in the opening round.

Last year’s 5-21 record was one of the program’s worst in the MaxPreps era dating to 2004, and the worst since Torres originally left prior to the 2019-20 season. In the year after Torres originally left, the 2019-20 season, Freedom went 7-18 under then-head coach Michael Moses, who didn’t return for the following season.

“It was hard to watch,” Torres said about the program’s recent rough patch. “I felt like when I was here, we were very well respected. You knew when you were playing Freedom, you’re gonna get a tough game. I don’t really see that anymore.”

“The middle school kids there don’t seem to be very excited about Freedom basketball and kids wanting to come to Freedom,” he added. “But it’s just kind of a downtime. When we start getting the practices rolling, that’s when I think we’ll start to see a lot more excitement.”

Torres plans to not only rebuild Freedom’s basketball program, but also make it better than it was before.

“I’ll open the gym in the morning, I’ll create a topnotch strength and conditioning program, and we’ll focus on film work. You will be prepared for college if you’re good enough,” he said. “You’re going to be prepared in terms of what type of intensity it takes, what’s the commitment level, the fundamentals and everything that goes into it.”

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

How a team practice sparked Freedom softball’s late-season win streak

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

We’re talking about practice. Not just a game, but practice. A team practice that might have saved Freedom High’s softball team’s season.

The Falcons extended their win streak to six games after defeating Heritage 11-0 Tuesday in Brentwood. The win streak came a little after they got swept at Liberty earlier this month, which prompted the senior team captains to call for a team practice the Friday after they were swept by the Lions two weeks ago.

“I think they took it as a wake-up call,” Freedom head coach Hannah Williams said. “I think they all took (the sweep) personally. That was the first time in a long time, and they don’t like that feeling.”

According to pitcher Maya Soto, the players “needed time to coach themselves and give each other advice while focusing

more on their own position.” They then took everyone’s opinions into consideration and worked on it during the practice.

“It proved to us that (success) is not based on talent,” Soto said. “We need to work every game. We all knew we could have done better (versus Liberty).”

Since then, the Falcons have soared to new heights in the late stages of the season. Freedom has won six in a row

Freedom senior shortstop Madison EversLyles runs to home plate to celebrate her two-run home run against Heritage with her teammates during the FalconsPatriots game on Tuesday in Oakley.

entering Thursday’s series finale against Heritage in Brentwood, with five of those wins by double-digit run totals while allowing just five runs combined through the streak. The team has looked to find the consistency both at the plate and in the circle that they’ve looked for all season.

“We’ve tried to come together more as a team and play for each other,” Evers-Lyles

said. “Honestly, it’s made a big difference.” On Tuesday, everything that Freedom has worked and improved on showed in their dominance of the Patriots. Soto sat the Patriots down in order to start the game, then the lineup followed through with a four-run first inning, highlighted by Evers-Lyles’ two-run homer. That was followed by a five-run second inning, highlighted by Ruby Camacho-Cuen’s three-run homer – after Avery Del Real’s RBI single that scored Hurtado who had singled – that all but put the game away.

Freedom (11-4, 5-2 BVAL) could overtake Heritage (9-8, 6-1 BVAL) in second place in the BVAL with a win against the Patriots on Thursday in Brentwood. Both the Falcons and Patriots continue to chase Liberty (13-3, 7-0 BVAL), who continues to hang onto the top spot after the Lions beat Pittsburg 22-0 at home on Tuesday. To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows

Drew Torres starts his second stint as the boys basketball coach at Freedom High School, taking over for Murkice Carter who led the team from 2020-24.

Photo by Andrew Rulloda

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Heritage boys volleyball looks to end 5-year league title drought

Patriots can win BVAL with victory over Liberty

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

The Heritage boys volleyball team has an opportunity to secure a Bay Valley Athletic League title for the first time since the 2018-19 school year on Thursday.

In each of the past three years, the Patriots have fallen short of a league title with three straight second-place finishes. However, a victory over the cross-town rival Liberty Lions on Thursday will end their streak as runners-up.

However, Heritage head coach Janet Hannigan isn’t letting the past finishes affect her or her team this Thursday night.

“I don’t have that mindset of thinking about the past,” Hannigan said. “I’m trying to stay very optimistic and look to the future, and so right now I’m in this moment with this team. If they do what they’re supposed to do and what they’ve been training to do, the cards should be there. The stars should align and we should be able to do this and then continue on.”

Heritage has played well down the stretch of the season, dropping just one match since their March 2 loss to Liberty in the East County Invitational Tournament. In that time, the Patriots have lost

just six sets while winning 54.

Despite the success, Hannigan still sees areas of improvement for her team.

“There’s still things we need to clean up like our intensity, speed and tempo of the game,” Hannigan said. “Really going

for things and being competitive are things that we’ve been working on in practice, so I foresee a great match between two solid teams. I’m really excited and I’m sure they (the players) are too.”

Thursday will also be Senior Night for the Patriots. With 10 seniors on the roster, Hannigan said this year’s Senior Night will be different than years past, but she doesn’t want to be in “reflect mode” while the team is still competing.

As of press time, Heritage is ranked third amongst North Coast Section Division 1 boys volleyball teams. All of the team’s four losses on the season came against teams ranked in the top 10.

“I would hope that we could be in the finals,” Hannigan said. “I do think about the time that we didn’t make it to the finals, and I don’t want to be there again. If this team is meant to continue on, then I really want them to get to the end.

Last year, the Patriots’ season ended with James Logan coming back from down 2-0 to beat Heritage 3-2 in the opening round of NCS Division 1 playoffs. The boys volleyball team has never made it to the NCS finals, with their deepest playoff run coming in the 2019 season when they were defeated by Amador Valley 3-1 in the semifinals.

Heritage celebrates serving an ace during their game against the Freedom Falcons Tuesday evening in Oakley.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

The season for Freedom High’s boys volleyball team was one to forget.

Freedom’s 5-17 overall record and 2-7 record in the Bay Valley Athletic League following their loss in straight sets (9-25, 18-25, 15-25) to leagueleader Heritage in the Falcons Senior Night matchup marks the program’s worst season since their last full season in 2019 before the two COVID19-shortened seasons. They finished 2-22 in that year.

“It was a struggle this year,” Freedom head volleyball coach Elizabeth Rivas said. “It was definitely a struggle.”

The down season was a complete turnaround for Rivas who in the fall just a few months prior led the girls’

side of the program to its first winning season (14-11) and its first NCS playoff appearance since 2015.

“My biggest takeaway from this season is just approaching it differently next year,” Rivas explained. “I took it as to where they were assuming that they were on varsity that they knew things. I need to focus on basics and fundamentals because I think that’s what killed us. We made mistakes at a varsity level that we shouldn’t have been making.”

“It was a learning experience for me as well this year because I shouldn’t

have assumed that since they’re on the varsity level that they should know everything. I think we’re approaching it differently next season and starting with fundamentals.”

Freedom entered Tuesday night’s matchup against Heritage coming off of a 3-1 win over Antioch last Thursday. But with Tuesday’s loss, the Falcons have lost five of their last six going into Thursday’s regular-season finale at Deer Valley.

Although Rivas took a lot of responsibility for the season that was, some of the young players who are expected to return, like junior Mateo Zelaya, are excited for what’s to come in 2025 despite their struggles this year.

“I feel like we grew as a team,” Zelaya said. “We were rough in the beginning and we started to gain more chemistry, then we started to deal with the good. I feel like the chemistry with our team was there.”

As for expectations for next year, Zelaya said that he and the rest of the team are ready for it. “I feel like next year is going to be hard,” Zelaya said. “(The coach) is going to be harder on us and we’re going to have to go through a few more battles and stuff. But I feel like, as a team, we could grow and get back next year.”

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

Freedom head volleyball coach Elizabeth Rivas (center left) watches over her team during the Falcons’ game against Heritage on Tuesday night in Oakley.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

New Dublin high school to join BVAL

Play begins next fall

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

The Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL) will have fresh competition in its ranks as Dublin’s new Emerald High School (EHS) joins the field.

In an effort to find equitable competition for its fledgling teams, EHS leaders accepted an invitation from the BVAL to join it next fall after determining the East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) – where its neighboring TriValley schools compete – would not be a good fit.

As a new school, EHS will only have two class levels next year – freshman and sophomore – and no varsity teams. They also haven’t had time to build their athletic program to the same

level as other schools in the EBAL, like De La Salle High School or Livermore High School. The EBAL is considered one of the most competitive leagues in the North Coast Sec tion, and a new school, without well-developed programs or varsity experience, would face a difficult season, officials said.

BVAL Commissioner Steve Ahonen said new programs often have to “take their lumps in the beginning,” and traveling to Brentwood and Antioch will be one of Emerald’s. However, both sides are excited to meet in competition.

“It’s going to take a little bit of doing on our part, but so far it’s been really seamless,” said Ahonen, noting the league wanted to give the new school a home.

“They seem like a really good fit for us. We’ve had them be part of our meetings and I’ve been in communication with their principal and they are excited to have a place to play.” Though Em-

erald is far afield compared to the other BVAL schools in Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch and Pittsburg, school officials said league placement is not based solely on location, but also on the competitive

Enjoy your meal with your favorite flavor margarita and a full bar. 642

level of the school. EHS principal Francis Rojas and his team looked for a place where Emerald’s athletes could compete on equal footing with their opponents.

The school has been independent this school year, but will not have to go another year without a league. As part of the BVAL, they already have a schedule for next school year.

“I think for us, it’s kind of exciting,” Ahonen said. “We are the smallest league in the North Coast Section, with six schools, and every one of our athletic directors said it’s the right thing to do. Emerald needs a place to play, and I think we are fortunate to add them.”

League placements are reviewed every three years, and Emerald could choose to apply to the EBAL in 2027, when they will have a full complement of classes, officials said. That decision will be made by their administrators when the time comes. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

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CA 94561. The undersigned disclaims all liability for any

or other

in

designation.

will be made without warranty, express or implied regarding

possession, or other encumbrances, to satisfy the unpaid obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest and other sums as provided therein; plus advances, if any, thereun der and interest thereon; and plus fees, charges, and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of said obligations at the time of initial publication of this Notice is $145,631.55. In the event that the deed of trust described in this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is secured by real property containing from one to four singlefamily residences, the following notices are provided pursuant to the provisions of Civil Code section 2924f: 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’s 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 website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2024-10942. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not be immediately reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. 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, or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2024-10942 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, by remitting the funds and affidavit or declaration described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, 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.

Dated: April 11, 2024 Worldwide Lenders, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, as Trustee By: Ashwood TD Services LLC, a California Limited Liability Company, its Agent Christopher Loria, Trustee’s Sale Officer 231 E. Alessandro Blvd., Ste. 6A-693, Riverside, CA 92508 Tel.: (951) 215-0069

Fax: (805) 323-9054 Trustee’s Sale Information: (916) 939-0772 or www.nationwideposting.com NPP0459355 To: OAKLEY PRESS 04/19/2024, 04/26/2024, 05/03/2024

Oakley Press No. 03-0477 92560

Publish Dates: April 19, 26, May 3, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2024-0001853 The name of the business(es): Operation ReBuild, From the Ground Up Located at: 2701 Stanley Ct. In: Antioch,

Editor’s note: This is part of a monthly series of columns by jazz veteran Ted Turner. Turner is a native of the Bay Area, and has been involved in the jazz scene for over 50 years. Ted is considered to be a jazzologist by those who know him. He was founder of a local magazine BeBop and Beyond.

Welcome back to another review.

I hope you’re enjoying my thoughts on the albums as I cover them, and they inspire you to maybe take some time and search out the music.

Pensive- adjective – 1.deeply or seriously thoughtful, often with a tinge of sadness - Dictionary.com

On March 7, 1963, four of the greatest jazz musicians to ever play their respective instruments – John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones – met at the Rudy Van Gelder studio in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. to record with vocalist Johnny Hartman what would become one of the greatest vocal albums in Jazz.

Hartman’s singing career professionally started when he sang with the Earl “Fatha” Hines orchestra from 19461947. Hartman also worked with Dizzy Gillespie for eight weeks in 1948, and then worked with pianist Erroll Garner before going out on his own in 1950.

Hartman resorted to singing in cocktail lounges throughout the country after the Garner gig. This is simply remarkable because when you hear the fullness and depth of his beautiful baritone voice, it makes you wonder why some record label never promoted him enough so his career would not have stalled. But as they say, “Things happen for a reason.”

‘Trane,’ of course, had several successful albums with Impulse Records, but they wanted him to do some more softer and not as explosive material as on prior albums. He did record the highly respected album Duke Ellington/ John Coltrane. So in 1963, this album was suggested to pair “Trane” with a singer, and the rest is history.

The fascinating thing about this album is that ‘Trane’ and Hartman never knew each other personally; their paths had crossed but that was it. When this vocal album for ‘Trane’ was a go, he suggested Hartman from remembering hearing him sing. ‘Trane,’ McCoy, and Hartman met only one time to pick the songs for this album, and to discuss musical structure.

It is important to keep in mind as you listen to this album that these musicians and vocalist NEVER REHEARSED TOGETHER AND DID ALL OF THESE SONGS IN ONE TAKE. Remarkable from a music standpoint that they blended so well.

around the notes and so elegantly announces each lyric.

Like I said, every song is a masterpiece on recording. But aside from the above-mentioned tune, I feel ‘Lush Life’ is the crown jewel. This tune was for years said to be owned vocally by the great Nat King Cole. But Hartman emerges as the new “King” on the block with his rendition. You can visualize a small, dark, smoky bar, individuals sitting around small round tables with their heads bent looking into their drinks, and reimaging for whatever reason what could have been IF ONLY.

There are six tracks on this album, and they are all masterpieces. The piano interaction between Tyner and Hartman on the first track ‘They Say It’s Wonderful’ is so soft and subtle, and ‘Trane’ playing so softly on tenor makes you wonder if this is the same player who gave us ‘A Love Supreme.” Listen to how Hartman’s voice just floats

The musicians were masters on their instruments, but I must point out drummer Elvin Jones (Mr. Sonic Boom, Mr. Polyrhythmic) he along with Art Blakey, Max Roach, and Philly Joe Jones were the most explosive drummers on the scene. The brush work that he does on the drums during the recording of these songs add a “pensiveness” to Hartman’s vocal style .

It has been a pleasure to introduce this important recording to you. Please pick this music up, turn down the lights, snuggle with your special someone and ENJOY.

Until next time, remember the words of Ray Brown:

Jazz is a complete lifestyle, something that you feel, something that you live.

Editor’s note: The following letters to the editor were submitted by students enrolled in journalism courses at the local high schools. More letters from students in these classes can be read at www.thepress. net/opinion

How to stop child predators on social media platforms

Editor: With social media on the continuous uprise, children younger than 16 are gaining quicker and easier access to international publications. Minors aren’t the only group of people with unrestricted access to forums. In 2023, there were an estimated 500,000 predators searching for and preying on children daily.

Online predators have free, unlimited contact with minors worldwide with little to no repercussions. With parental control severely lacking, the dangers of minors in the media is at an all-time maximum.

The Constitutional right to free speech and expression prevents child predators on social media from facing criminal charges. When this topic arises, people make the argument that there’s simply nothing to do. The laws in the United States don’t restrict adults and minors from any public forum; all prevention methods are up to the social media company.

The reality is, there are several things people can do. Not only are predators the only people encouraging this in social media, there are multiple accounts of parents of girls younger than 10 years old deliberately posting on media with the goal of profiting off of groomers who will watch, like and save their videos. This is giving the enablers/parents money, which encourages them to continue posting this.

To fight back, social media companies can heavily enforce age restrictions when making your account by using ID recognition or parental control opportunities. Not only could the company enforce these rules but letters can be sent to government officials who create laws on age requirements for owning and posting on a public social media account.

For situations like parents providing content for groomers to use, the content restrictions could drastically improve. Companies can hire and create higher protocols on what is being posted for the public eye.

In all, although predators on the internet will not go away, there are so many ways we as a community could prevent them from praying on children and teens alike.

Toby Bartling Brentwood

Peer counseling can help ease high school students’ stress

Editor:

Bursts of laughter, faces filled with smiles, and groups of students formed into cliques are all the ideal factors of high school. However, mental health struggles have been on an incline, pressures such as parental, academic,

Letters to the editor

or from oneself have affected high school students. Just like every other high school, Liberty High School is no exception. Is there any way to ease the stress students are enduring?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have felt overwhelmed and frustrated with life or school. Some students may not have a parent or a trusted adult that they can confide in. Others possibly need someone who they can relate to or a supportive individual. Peer counselling is an effective way to help Liberty High School students. Some may say that peer counselling will cause the spread of “bad” advice while others are concerned about the confidentiality of the students.

Peer counselling has been proven to provide students with a safe space to share their feelings and thoughts or to create a sense of inclusivity for students who may not feel connected to their campus. The LHS wellness center should begin to provide students with a chance of peer counselling. Students interested in becoming peer counselors can apply. If accepted, students can begin an online program that teaches them how to handle situations, then 2-4 weeks will be dedicated to training students before or after school.

LHS’s wellness center should begin to start peer counseling because of the benefits that it can provide students.

Layla Stevens Brentwood

Teachers can help reduce pressure on high school student-athletes

Editor:

When people think “student/ athlete” they think “athlete/student.” They think of jocks in letterman jackets who don’t care about school. In reality, student/athletes are being crushed by the expectations they are held to by parents, teachers, and coaches. They are drowning in schoolwork, practices, and games. And drowning alongside that is their mental health.

Student/athletes get excused early from their last period to get to their games and warm up. When they leave class, they miss work that is done during the school day and are expected to get it done by themselves. On top of the homework already assigned, this makeup work makes it difficult for athletes to get all their work done.

Some people might say “Well, that’s what they signed up for” or “Just quit if you can’t handle it.” They might think that kids need to suck it up and stop complaining.

As an athlete, school plus practice plus leaving early plus homework plus life becomes too much. Go to school, go to practice, do your homework, get to bed at a decent hour, find time to be a teenager... we can’t do it all. Teachers expect students who miss classwork to turn it in on time, no exceptions. This takes a mental toll on athletes with over 30% at risk of depression and low self-esteem.

Teachers should recognize that athletes don’t get breaks often, that they are either at practice, doing homework,

or banging their head against their desk asking “Why?” (from personal experience). Teachers should excuse students from work they missed in class, give them an extension, or talk to them and produce a solution.

Student/athletes are at risk of burnout, depression, low self-esteem, and more. The thought of going to practice isn’t fun anymore; it’s stressful knowing how much work must be done at home. Teachers should help solve this problem, not add to it.

Everleigh Brown Discovery Bay Debate rages over lowering the rim for women’s pro basketball Editor:

In the evolving landscape of professional sports, the discussion surrounding fairness and equality remains at the forefront. Recently, the question of whether the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) should lower the height of the rim has sparked debate. Advocates argue that such a change would empower women to showcase their athleticism on par with their male counterparts, enhancing the game’s appeal. Lowering the rim to a height of 9 or 9.5 feet may actually transform the WNBA and increase its fan base.

Many people probably feel that altering the rim’s height may compromise the integrity of the sport or undermine the skill level of WNBA players. Some argue that such adjustments could diminish the challenge and prestige associated with professional basketball.

Despite concerns about losing the core of the game, lowering the rim aligns with the broader goal of promoting inclusivity and leveling the playing field. Women athletes possess the same drive, talent, and dedication as their male counterparts, and adjusting the rim height acknowledges and supports their aspirations to excel in basketball.

Lowering the rim enables female players to execute the same awe-inspiring dunks and alley-oops that captivate fans worldwide. These electrifying moments are not only thrilling to witness but also serve to elevate the profile of the sport.

Recent events, such as the WNBA Draft and the emergence of talented players like Caitlin Clark underscore the rising tide of support for women’s basketball. By embracing this change, the WNBA can harness this momentum, attract a wider audience, and cement its status as a premier sporting league.

Lowering the rim in the WNBA to 9-9.5 feet is a practical and innovative strategy for growing women’s basketball. It meets the changing expectations of sports fans while recognizing the athleticism and potential of female players.

Accepting this shift means reaffirming the importance and inclusivity of women’s sports on a larger scale in addition to changing the game’s physical aspects.

Nicholas Howard Oakley

How to improve the College Board’s exam scale

Editor:

An anxious teenager opens the College Board website to see their newly posted scores. Sad and distraught, the student stares at the enormous, bold “2” that she got on her AP Calculus exam. She was just below the passing score and now feels empty after gaining nothing from the test fee and countless hours of studying.

This happens to students all over the world. They are either so close to that passing score of a “3” or to that rewarding “5.” Students and teachers on one side suggest that the 1-5 scale is fine because it has been the standard since the College Board created the AP exams in 1952.

Most colleges award credit for students who pass the AP exam with some changing the bottom score to get the credit. This can save families and students at those universities thousands of dollars.

However, no one has ever had the guts to question the infamous College Board. This is the same organization that has constantly modified almost every AP exam (the content tested and test length). Nevertheless, changing the score scale can never be openly considered until more people talk about it.

The only real solution is to make the AP exam scale wider, but not drastically. Changing it to a scale of 1-8 would get rid of overgeneralizations that some students are “qualified enough” or “not yet qualified.”

Not only that but it would alleviate the stress of students to get a passing score. Instead of “3” being the threshold, by increasing it to “5” students would only have to get a 45% on the test. A “6” would be about 50%-55%, “7” would be 60%-65%, and “8” would be the most qualified at 70%-80% correct.

This solution may have its share of defects, but changing the scale from 1-5 to 1-8 would not only give students a better representation of their knowledge but it would also decrease the generalization gap between scores.

Andrew Atreides Brentwood

Vasco from page 1

“I can’t help but wonder, when will someone do something about this?” Loredo said. “How many more loved ones need to die before the county starts to care? I’m pursuing this measure because maybe if there was a barrier in place, my husband might still be here today. This barrier would actively prevent drivers from passing and performing dangerous driving on an already dangerous road.”

Vasco Road is a north-south road that traverses the Diablo Range, carrying 22,000 vehicles, according to the Contra Costa County website. A road known for its curves, hills, and history of traffic collisions, from January 1996 to December 2007, a total of 352 collisions occurred on Vasco Road that resulted in 136 injuries and 16 fatalities.

Furthermore, from 2010 to 2014, a total of 105 collisions occurred there resulting in 74 people injured and one death.

Equipment

from page 1

Equipment Usage to the City Council.

A project to add safety improvements to Vasco Road has been divided into two phases, with Phase 1 being completed in January 2012. These improvements included constructing one mile of concrete median barrier and closing a gap in a truck passing lane.

Phase 2 will add another 1.5 miles of concrete median barrier while widening the roadway to accommodate the barrier. According to the Contra Costa County website, the County has seen safety improvements as a result of completion of Phase 1 of the project, and expect similar results upon completion of Phase 2.

Although the project website says Phase 2 has been fully funded as a result of voter-approved Regional Measure 3 bridge toll funding, Deputy Chief of Staff Peter Myers from Burgis’s office said the project is $15 million short of its funding goal. As a result, there is no set start date for the project.

The annual report is part of Assembly Bill 481 passed in 2021 that required all law enforcement agencies in California to seek approval from their respective governing bodies before funding, acquiring, or using equipment and provide annual reports on how they used the items.

The Oakley Police Department adheres to the bill via Oakley Police Policy 707.

Beard said his department also has seven 730MM launchers and four drones. “We also purchased our drone fleet. It was aged and needed repair to keep it up and running,” Beard said. “It had also aged out on tech support, so we wanted to refresh what we had for a drone fleet.”

Police spent $11,636 and purchased a DJI Mavic 3 Thermal drone, two Mavic Mini 3 Pro drones, and 5,000 rounds of 5.56x45mm 64 grain SP ammunition.

“The drones that we purchased are considered industrystandard, and they come with all the technology that one

Support from page 1

according to the agenda packet for the meeting. During the Jan. 9 meeting of the City Council, DBC Executive Director Amy Tilley had provided an update on the agreement, noting that the money from the city, in part, pays for her role.

Although the initial 2021 agreement had stipulated that Tilley’s role would be self-sustaining within three years, Assistant City Manager Darin Gale noted “they’re not there yet.” The council noted that, in spite of the DBC not being selfsufficient yet, the city reaps many benefits from the agreement, suggesting that Tilley would be considered underpaid if she were to do the same job for the same pay as part of city staff.

“The reason [downtown] is where it is is because of her involvement,” Meyer said of Tilley. “I just want us all to understand what a treasure we have with her in that role.”

“Many residents of Brentwood are very frustrated that a barrier has not been installed, as the Alameda County side has installed a barrier and few, if any, accidents happen on that side,” Cyndi said. “How many more fatalities or accidents is it going to take to open our county’s eyes?”

According to Loredo, representatives from the county have not met with her regarding her petition. She said she has called the office of District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and also gone down to the office in person to no avail.

For the county’s part, Myers noted that they have a list of planned improvements to Vasco, but that the information would not be ready until after press time. Myers did not note whether or not staff had been in contact with Loredo.

Loredo said it is important for the community to come together to prioritize safety on local roads, whether it’s advocating for better infrastructure, implementing

would want to see in a law enforcement capacity,” Beard said. “For 2023, we held six training sessions involving patrol rifles. We sent several people to basic rifle school.

“Some officers were not qualified, so we sent them to be trained to ensure they remained proficient.”

Additionally, four training sessions were held for drone pilots to enhance their operational skills and effectiveness.

Police did not receive any complaints or concerns from the community about using military equipment, he said.

stricter traffic laws, or promoting awareness campaigns.

“Every action we take can make a difference in preventing future tragedies,” Cyndi said. “Advocacy for measures like barriers on Vasco Road is a huge step towards making sure that no more lives are carelessly lost. By working collectively to address road safety concerns, we can honor the memory of those we’ve lost and create safer environments for all who travel on Vasco Road. We can collectively unite in our commitment to protect one another and prevent further heartbreak within our community.”

For details on the Vasco Road Safety Improvement project, visit https://www. contracosta.ca.gov/4429/Vasco-RoadSafety-Improvements

The change.org petition can be found at https://bit.ly/3QjyzkD

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

This year, the department will purchase additional military equipment such as semi-automatic rifles, ammunition, and Defense Technologies 40mm Exact Impact munitions.

Council and city staff cited numbers that showed growth in the core downtown area serviced by the DBC, with membership in the organization jumping from fewer than 20 members to more than 80 under Tilley’s direction. According to the staff

Beard clarified that the rifles were ordered in 2023 but were never delivered due to backlog issues; hence, the purchasing decision was carried forward this year.

Beard said his department is expected to have 42 sworn officers by July this year, ranging from himself to the most junior officer.

The purchase of additional semi-automatic rifles is necessary to ensure every sworn officer has a rifle assigned to them.

Beard also said a community engagement meeting is scheduled for May 16 at 6 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers on Main Street, Oakley.

report presented at the meeting, the partnership between the city and DBC “has led to high tenant occupancy, the launch of new businesses, increased foot traffic, and high event attendance, with the DBC playing a key role in downtown’s revitalization and economic performance.”

The decision to extend the contract with the DBC for two years rather than three was based on a desire from the council and city staff to have the agreement on the same cycle as other city budget cycles.

“Putting it on the regular cycle with the regular budget is a great idea,” Councilmember Tony Oerlemans said.

Other topics discussed by the council included:

Pad-mounted transformers in new housing developments. The council elected to delay a decision on this topic and whether developers should have the flexibility to install pad-mounted transformers

rather than underground ones. An emergency ordinance previously passed by the council was not extended because there are no developments in progress that would be affected by this.

Council was presented with an updated report from Parks and Recreation regarding the special event process and associated fees. The list of fees includes those for street closures, a refundable deposit and those for part-time staff costs. The proposal was approved 5-0 and is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/49MSfo9

The meeting was adjourned in honor of the late Helen Myers, a longtime resident of Brentwood whom the council characterized as ‘the heart of economic development,’ Mayor Joel Bryant said. More about Myers can be found on page 5.

The full meeting can be watched online at http://bit.ly/3Uer6EB

TILLEY