The Press 05.10.2024

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‘Personal finance nerd’ excels at business conference

Heritage student’s acumen wins top-10 placings

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

A Brentwood high school student took top-10 honors in an annual conference for aspiring student business leaders last month.

Ian Cohen, a senior at Heritage High School, competed in the annual State Leadership Conference, a multi-day event for the California Future Business Leaders of America that took place on April 11-14 in Anaheim. Competing for the first time this year within Business, Cohen took fifth place honors in Personal Finance and fourth place honors in Entrepreneurship, which was enough to qualify for Nationals.

“This event was an amazing way for students from all across California to meet each other and build lifelong friendships,” Cohen said. “I was the only solo individual who placed in top 8 and invited back to finals. Now, I will be the only solo individual competing at the national level on behalf of California.”

According to their website, the California Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) intra-curricular Career Technical Student Organization. Monitored by the California Department of Education, the California FBLA is a state chapter that develops students for success in business leadership. Each year, over 2,500 students and teachers gather from all across California to the State Leadership Conference each spring where FBLA students compete in more than 100 events across five categories. While some compete in group events, Cohen competed solo.

“I had members do banking and financial systems, economics, business communication, business calculations, and

Ian Cohen, a senior at Heritage High School, competed in the annual State Leadership Conference in Anaheim, taking top10 honors.

cybersecurity,” Cohen said. “Some are only a test, such as my personal finance ones and top 10 get recognized, but only top 4 go to Nationals. For entrepreneurship, it was first a test and top 8 were invited back to do a case study roleplay with only 20 minutes to prepare a business pitch based on the case study from the eyes of a business owner. The two scores were averaged out.”

Cohen said he founded a personal finance club at Heritage in 2021, then saw what he describes as a “major gap”. Since then, Cohen says, he witnessed HOSA, Model UN, and the Speech and Debate teams grow as competitive clubs, then joined FBLA as one of the newest and smallest chapters in the Bay Area.

“The Bay Section is the most competitive in the country with mostly South Bay schools who have done this for decades and have up to 100 members,” Cohen said. “We took a team of 8 where 7 placed within top 10, including myself, with a third-place in entrepreneurship. We recently learned we did place within top 10 at Regionals.”

Describing himself as a “personal finance nerd”, Co-

hen says competing at the State Leadership Conference was a “no-brainer”, highlighting his passion for teaching others about business.

In addition to his educational experience in business, Cohen says networking also played a role because he got to meet people from all around the state, such as the new State Board for FBLA, along with some advisers from the top 10 schools in California, such as Oxford Academy. Citing his family for inspiration and influence along with his classmates and teachers from Heritage, Cohen credits those responsible for helping get Heritage High to the national stage.

“I have to credit my father Norm and my mother Gerthy for always teaching me business since I was a kid and pushing me to do the best I can, as well as my grandparents Elba and Issac who are immigrants from Peru,” Cohen said. “I could not have done this without my adviser Mark Tinder, the business teacher at Heritage High, or my team of Thomas, Tanmayi, Adkin, Loccini, Roshan, Anirvin, and Darshan who all worked with me.”

Looking ahead, Cohen says his plan is to stay on as a volunteer coach for Heritage FBLA to help “bring home more wins”. While Cohen is waiting to get off the waitlist for the Haas Business School at UC Berkeley, he has committed to CSU East Bay for Accounting and Analytics while continuing his role as a business owner with Ian’s Cans for College; a can and bottle pickup recycling service that is helping to fund his college education.

“I plan to start a chapter at East Bay as well continue coaching Heritage FBLA, as it plans to double in size,” Cohen said. “For my career, I plan to enter the personal financial coaching world and provide financial coaching to Brentwood residents after I finish my education.”

For details about the FBLA, visit https://californiafbla. org/events/slc/.

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

Photo courtesy of Ian Cohen

Oakley school district honors lunch ‘Heroes’

‘Lunch ladies’ recognized by officials and students

By Sarah Capperauld Correspondent

The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) celebrated its annual School Lunch Hero Day, which is on the first Friday of May every year. This year, it was on May 3.

The goal of the School Lunch Hero Day is to honor nutrition professionals –the ‘lunch ladies’ as they are called there – in schools.

“I’m excited to honor the ladies,” said John McTear, Director of Nutrition Services in OUESD. “They tend to be overlooked. Feeding the kids is the one of the most important parts of education.

They are able to focus, learn and think straight when they have a nutritious meal that can help.” The program enables lunch servers to make homemade food from scratch that is full of nutrients instead of the classic reheated lunches in most schools now, McTear said.

In the future, he said he would love to see “all the schools go full scratch. And I would love to see every student eat lunch and breakfast since for a lot of these kids this is the healthiest meal they will receive.” For the students, nutritious food is

schools by making sure that there are more vegetables, fruits, and things that are made fully from scratch and fresh ingredients instead of being reheated.

He said the schools operate under the Universal Meals program in which all students eat free of cost.

For Summer Lake Elementary School in Oakley, many of the students and staff like the changes.

Fifth-grader Andrei Torres Valenciano said that he really enjoyed them. “I really like watermelon with tajin. We didn’t have tajin before but, I’m happy we do now.”

The Summer Lake kitchen staff included Mary Montez, Anna Perez Ayala de Gomez, Maria Claudia Heredia, and Lupe Espinoza the kitchen lead.

She has been at the school for 10 years and has celebrated this tradition since the beginning. “We are here to support education. We send our kids to school to learn. And if a child is hungry they can’t learn,” Espinoza said.

most important to McTear.

The national tradition started in 2013 and Oakley adopted it three years ago. In the last 10 months, McTear has been continuing to put healthier options for his students and implemented them into the nine schools of the district.

Within the past week, McTear picked which schools in which he would implement his new healthier diet.

He chose the two middle schools in the district to correct the nutrition in

Espinoza and her staff made about 400 meals a day during the past week and made around 2,000 meals on average with both lunch and breakfast combined. They even prepare food for the field trip lunches. “I like when we prepare the hamburgers and I enjoy grabbing the ingredients as well as seeing all the children’s smiling faces,” Espinoza said.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

The Oakley Union Elementary School District held its annual School Lunch Hero Day on May 3 to celebrate the district’s nutritional professionals.

Photo by Sarah Capperauld

Chorus to sing goodbye to longtime leader Stuart

A salute to retiring Brentwood Community

Chorus’ Executive Director, conductor

By Katelyn Marano Correspondent

Melodies of love and cheer will fill the Allan E. Jones Performing Arts Center for the Brentwood Community Chorus’ Springtime Melodies show on Saturday, June 1, at 2 p.m. at Liberty High School, 850 2nd St., Brentwood. But it’s a special show for another reason.

The Brentwood Community Chorus is a non-profit organization that for more than 10 years, has put on a spring and winter production in Contra Costa County. This year, their spring performance, Springtime Melodies, will also be the farewell show to their retiring Executive Director and conductor Susan Stuart.

“I adore Susan, she is amazing,” Brentwood Community Chorus Media Coordinator Robin Armour said. “But that’s why our spring performance is such a big deal, because it’s her last one. So, it’s a sad and happy thing.”

Stuart has been the heart and soul of the Brentwood Community Chorus since 2012, a year after she retired from being Liberty High School’s choir director. Since then, she has become a beloved member of the Brentwood community, her friends say.

Brentwood Community Chorus’ Vice President Cindy Tumin said Stu -

art’s musical journey has touched the lives of many, and Tumin hopes others will take part in honoring Stuart at her last show.

“She’s just been such an integral part of East County for so long, that it would be wonderful to have people there to wish her well on her next chapter in life, and to thank her for giving them the gift of music,” Tumin said.

Stuart’s journey in music will not end, though, as she will now become the vocal director for the Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble’s production of “Spamalot.”

“It’s long hours to put a musical together,” Stuart said. “I don’t know if I have the stamina anymore to work two jobs at once.”

In December when Stuart announced her retirement, Armour said the board was sad to see her go, but understood the importance of allowing her to pursue other passions. They decided to turn their springtime performance into a goodbye show for Stuart.

This show, Stuart said, will be like no other, because of the new compositions they will perform – genres and themes, such as songs from The Beatles

and a few more spiritual pieces.

“We try to do a variety of genres at each concert,” Stuart said. “We want to try and educate the audience, while also challenging the singers for each performance.”

Tumin said this season has a song that is particularly challenging and was actually recommended by Stuart’s grandson to play, the “Da Coconut Nut (The Coconut Song),” composed by Ryan Cauabyab.

“It’s a challenging piece,” Tumin said. “But when we pull it off it’s actually quite funny. It’s just one of those songs that you’ve got to run through a few times.”

This season the group has 73 members with all ranges in age and talent.

“Many are past students and friends, who came back to sing with Susan one last time,” Armour said.

Along with their vast number of members, this performance will also feature guest performances by the Liberty High School Chamber Singers and Replay Ladies Quartet alongside the Brentwood Community Chorus. Stuart said their collaboration in this performance is like a full circle moment for her as her past and present connect.

Tickets for the Brentwood Community Chorus’ Springtime Melodies show are available on their website https://www.brentwoodcommunitychorus.com/ for $15, while admission for high school students with an ID is $10. Children under 12 are admitted free, and the chorus is accepting donations of gently used athletic shoes.

“I hope people will come for the music,” Stuart said. “It’s a really fun time and I hope people leave humming a song they heard during the performance, because it’s truly a great time.”

New columnist to explore world of wine

Welcome to Uncorked: History by the Glass. My name is Frank Maiuri, and I’m here to share my passion for wine and its deep connection to history.

After years in business development and client management for global insurance companies, I took a leap in 2023 to pursue my true passion: wine. As a dual American-Italian citizen with deep family ties in Lazio and Puglia, Italy has always held a special place in my heart. And wine has always been a part of my Italian experiences.

Uncorked:

History by tHe Glass

Frank MaiUri

My appreciation for wine goes beyond just taste. The French concept of “terroir” – a sense of place – perfectly captures the essence of what makes a truly exceptional wine. Soil, climate, and en-

vironment all play a crucial role in shaping the character of a grape. In future columns, we’ll delve into these factors and how they influence the final product.

Recently at Total Wine, where I lead both consumer and private wine classes,

we embarked on a journey through Italy, exploring eight unique wines. The 2021 Mauro Sebaste Parigi Nebbiolo d’Alba emerged as a clear favorite.

This 100% Nebbiolo grape boasts an enticing bouquet of primary aromas like

blue and red berries, along with violets. With a refined palate, you might even detect secondary aromas like allspice, tobacco, or even mushrooms. Full-bodied with balanced acidity and tannins, this wine pairs wonderfully with lamb.

Nebbiolo, a key red grape in Italy, flourishes primarily in Piedmont, with smaller pockets in Lombardy. Interestingly, Piedmont’s location near the Alps brings frequent spring fog, and “nebbia” in Italian translates to “fog” – the very origin of the grape’s name.

Whether you choose Barolo, Barbaresco, or, in this case, Nebbiolo d’Alba, all are expressions of the Nebbiolo grape. Alba itself is a charming town in Piedmont with a population of about 30,000. As we’ll explore in future columns, Italian wines (like those of France and Spain) are often named after their regions, which can initially feel confusing. But just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, we’ll navigate the intricacies of wines together, one sip at a time.

Household Hazardous Waste COLLECTION DAY

• Do not mix

• Keep in original containers

• Pack in a sturdy box or tub with newspaper

• Transport a maximum of 15 gallons or 125 pounds

• Waste must be in the rear trunk, truck bed, rear hatchback, or rear compartment of a van

• No waste shall be removed from the cab of any vehicle

• When you arrive – stay in your car!

This 100% Nebbiolo grape has an enticing bouquet of primary aromas like blue and red berries, and violets.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Comedy show at Cap’s to support Antioch High Marching Band

By Andew Rulloda Correspondent

Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill in Brentwood is hosting a comedy show fundraiser for the Antioch High School Band on May 17-18.

Cap’s Comedy Night will feature stand-up comic Rudy Ortiz as the headliner at the restaurant at 144 Oak St, Brentwood. Proceeds from this show will benefit The Pride of Antioch High School Marching Band and Color Guard. Money raised through this event will contribute to the band’s musical programs.

“The goal is to raise between $6,500 and $8,000,” said Jason Mullen, president of the

Antioch Band Backers. The band is made up of students from Antioch High School who “pour their hearts into mastering the art of music,” Mullen said. They often meet a full hour and half before the school day starts to practice. They have also been known to meet on nights and weekends to further hone their craft.

Ortiz is a standup comic, Bay Area radio personality, lover of ‘90s R&B and host of The Rare Form Cast.

Tickets for the 9 p.m. shows nightly are $30 and available in advance or at the door, based on availability.

For more information, call 925-6341025.

GAIN PEACE OF MIND WITH IMPROVED DAILY MONEY MANAGEMENT

Daily money management encompasses your essential financial routines to oversee your income, expenses, and savings regularly. It involves various activities aimed at maintaining financial stability, meeting obligations, and striving towards long-term financial objectives.

Budgeting is critical and involves outlining income sources and allocating funds for various expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, and discretionary spending. Budgeting provides a clear view of where money should go, allowing individuals to prioritize essential expenses while setting money aside.

Another critical aspect is tracking expenses. Whether through apps or spreadsheets, meticulously recording expenses sheds light on spending habits. This practice helps identify unnecessary expenses, areas to cut costs, and opportunities to reallocate funds to align with financial goals.

Effective cash flow management prevents debt accumulation and facilitates the building of emergency funds, offering a financial safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Organizing bill payments is also crucial. Missing payment deadlines can result in late

fees and lower credit scores. Managing due dates and automating payments can help avoid such problems.

Moreover, being mindful of daily expenditures significantly contributes to overall financial health. Cutting back on impulse purchases or unnecessary expenses, like daily coffees or dining out, can accumulate substantial savings over time.

In conclusion, daily money management is pivotal for financial stability. It empowers individuals to take charge of their finances, make informed decisions, and work towards their financial aspirations. Establishing prudent budgeting, monitoring expenses, organizing payments, and being mindful of daily spending all play crucial roles in laying the groundwork for a secure and prosperous financial future.

Golden Financial Care LLC is a local Daily Money Management firm that brings clarity and peace of mind to clients’ financial lives with cash flow management, bill-paying, budgeting, fraud prevention and more.  Visit www. goldenfinancialcare.com or call Perry Chicaine at 925-418-1020 for a free consultation.

Whether you are looking for the

a

away from the kitchen or a night out for

Tailgaters is your place.

By Daniel Gruen Correspondent

Gruen

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

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

Confronting the Fentanyl crisis and protecting our youth in the county

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, continues to pose a serious threat to our communities, particularly impacting our youth. In Contra Costa County, as well as across the nation, the harmful consequences of Fentanyl misuse are evident, prompting urgent action at both local and state levels.

Local health officials have reported a disturbing trend where Fentanyl is often concealed within fake or counterfeit pills made to resemble common prescription medications, such as Xanax or Percocet, which unfortunately, are popular among young people. However, this synthetic opioid is alarmingly potent, being about 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than Morphine, making even the tiniest amount potentially lethal. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 7 out of every 10 pills seized contain enough Fentanyl in it to kill someone.

Identifying such pills can be challenging because they often look nearly identical

to prescription medications. Since Fentanyl cannot be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch, it can be fatal to take pills that were not prescribed to you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, synthetic opioids killed more than 70,000 Americans last year – roughly the entire population of Brentwood and a number that has more than doubled in just three years. Recent data reveals a concerning rise in Fentanylrelated overdoses among teenagers and young adults in Contra Costa County. The accessibility of this dangerous drug through street dealers and social media has only worsened the issue, making our youth more vulnerable than ever before.

In response to this urgent public health crisis, some local school districts, including the Liberty Union High School District, have taken measures to address the issue of opioid overdose on campuses by being one of the first districts in Contra Costa County to equip their schools with Narcan – a

medication used to treat individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. Additionally, educators and school staff receive annual training from their district nurse on how to identify an opioid overdose and respond to it promptly and appropriately.

In Contra Costa County, efforts are underway to combat the dangers of Fentanyl through education and prevention initiatives. The Contra Costa County Medication Education and Disposal Safety (CCC MEDS) coalition is working closely with local schools and community organizations to help educate our youth about the risks of this deadly drug. Recently, the Liberty Union High School District and the CCC MEDS coalition hosted a Fentanyl Awareness seminar at Liberty High School. The event on April 30, held in honor of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, drew about 100 attendees and included notable figures such as LUHSD board members, Oakley city council members, and representatives of Sen. Steve Glazer and Rep. Mark De-

Saulnier. A total of 105 overdose rescue kits were distributed during the event, each with the potential of saving a life.

California has also taken measures at a statewide level to address the Fentanyl crisis by implementing legislative and public health initiatives, including imposing stricter penalties for Fentanyl-related offenses and launching programs to distribute Narcan kits free of charge through various community outreach efforts. To learn about the signs of an overdose and the availability of Narcan in your area, visit the Fentanyl and Opioid Overdose Prevention website of the California Department of Public Health at https://shorturl.at/ftyAT.

If you want help or more information on fentanyl misuse and addiction treatment options, visit the Contra Costa Health Services website or call 988 for confidential support and resources.

Christina

Mashore

District

Nurse, Liberty Union High School District

LETTERS POLICY

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

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

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

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

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

Winners at the Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail at Big Break Marina

Phil Tilbury won the Pro-Angler first place award with the total weight of 61.41 pounds and received a payout of $7,709.54 at the on April 28 at Big Break Marina in Oakley.

Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail Rodney Brown won the CoAngler first place award with the total weight of 49.7 pounds and received a payout of $3,774.71.

Fishermen of all skills levels rushed the Delta in search of bass and did not come up empty handed. “There’s a need for a professional circuit here on the West Coast that gives anglers the media exposure they need

in order to build themselves up as professionals,” said Mark Lassagne, owner of The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail.

This three-day event started with both pro and co-anglers catching five of their own fish then return to the marina to weigh them. Whomever has the highest weight for those five fish will be the leader of each day. If these anglers have a cumulative weight between days one and two that gets them into the top 10 heaviest weigh-in, then they advance to the championship on that Sunday.

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

Gary Lee Larsen May 30, 1961April 30, 2024 Gone from our sight, but forever riding alongside us in spirit.

OBITUARY

Family and friends are in -

vited to celebrate Gary’s life at Delta Sports Bar and Grill at 6210 Bethel Island Road in Bethel Island, Calif. on June 2, 2024, at 2 p.m.

A motorcycle procession will meet at 3129 Curlew Connex in Knightsen at 1:30 for his last ride.

Milestones Milestones

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

Examples of a milestone could be:

A new baby, A 100th birthday, Engagement/Wedding, Significant Anniversary, Awards Won, Military Achievements or a Hole-In-One!

Photo by Christian Raitt

A’s pitcher and Heritage alum Paul Blackburn gets his jersey retired, achieving another career first

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

When Paul Blackburn was a freshman at Heritage High School at the baseball team’s tryouts before the 2009 season, he didn’t toe the rubber on the pitching mound, like most pitchers do. He stood completely on top of it.

“Freshman year, it’s crazy to think about that,” he said to The Press on Thursday. “It’s where everything kind of first started. We had a really good season that year.”

“I remember just being extremely nervous to show up at the varsity practice as a freshman surrounded by juniors and seniors.”

From that point, Blackburn not only got in front of the rubber, but he made his star on it. He was honored Thursday at Heritage’s baseball stadium as his No. 24 jersey was officially retired by the baseball program and the school. His jersey is the first Heritage athletics jersey to be retired by the school, according to Heritage athletic director Nate Smith.

“It’s huge,” said Heritage baseball coach Kevin Brannan, who was also Blackburn’s coach back then. “It’s kind of a way of saying ‘thank you’ for him opening the doors the way he did for a lot of kids to follow.”

The No. 24 jersey has been out of rotation since Blackburn graduated in 2012. However, it just took Brannan and his staff a while to get a ceremony together

with Blackburn’s schedule as well.

Heritage was able to switch their home and away dates this season with Liberty to make the ceremony happen.

“Being the first person ever to have their number retired and no one will wear it again, I’m definitely honored,” Blackburn said. “I never thought this would ever occur for me, so I’m just really thankful.”

Blackburn, accompanied by his family, was given his jersey, framed, by Brannan during the relatively quick pre-game ceremony before Heritage’s regular-season finale against Liberty. His number 24 is also embedded onto the outfield fence near center field at the baseball stadium.

“Just being able to come back here, see Kevin again, have those memories kind of pop up again and just be recog-

Heritage head baseball coach Kevin Brannan and Oakland Athletics pitcher Paul Blackburn celebrate Blackburn’s jersey retirement at Heritage before the Patriots’ game against Liberty Thursday afternoon, May 2, in Brentwood.

by Jeff Weisinger

nized, it’s more than I could ever think,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn played only three years of varsity baseball, but was called up to the team for the 2009 playoffs. However, once he got the chance to play at the varsity level, the same kid that stood on top of the rubber on the pitching mound showed that he can be one of the best to ever pitch at Heritage. Blackburn recorded a sub-1 ERA in his sophomore and senior seasons, and a 1.27 ERA in his junior year. Overall, he went 24-8 with a 1.04 career ERA and 241 strikeouts and just 48 walks, according to MaxPreps. At the plate, he had a career .313 batting average with 36 career RBI, including hitting .347 in 26 games in his senior year alone.

“Going into my sophomore year, I

feel like I kind of grew as a person who felt like I could play at that level at that age,” Blackburn said of his rising success back then. “It just kind of gave me confidence through my junior and senior years.”

Heritage went 20-7 and 10-0 in the BVAL in his 2011 junior season and 16-10 and 7-3 in league play in his senior year. The Patriots reached the playoffs both times, but lost to De La Salle both in the semifinals in 2011 and in the quarterfinals in 2012. Blackburn played major roles in the success of both of those teams because Brannan let him be himself.

“I just went out there and played and had some fun really,” Blackburn explained. “I feel like the best way to get the best out of somebody is trying to take as much stress away from them as you can and let them be who they are on the field and play how they play.”

Blackburn was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round, 56th overall, in the 2012 Major League Baseball amateur draft and spent four years in the Cubs farm system before being sent to Seattle at the trade deadline in 2016. He was then traded to Oakland that following offseason where he’s now pitching in his eighth season.

As for Thursday’s series finale, Liberty won 5-2, snapping Heritage’s eightgame winning streak as Lions senior ace David Roberts tossed 11 strikeouts in the complete-game win.

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

Freedom softball eager for Liberty rematch

Falcons and Lions to play at BVAL final

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Back in early April, the Freedom High softball team experienced something that hasn’t happened since 2019 –they were swept by Liberty.

On Thursday afternoon, May 9, with the Bay Valley Athletic League tournament title on the line, the Falcons will get their chance for revenge after defeating Heritage 7-0 in Tuesday’s BVAL semifinal.

Senior pitcher Maya Soto tossed a two-hit shutout with nine strikeouts in the win and fellow senior Madison Evers-Lyles went 1-for-3 with an early two-RBI double that opened the scoring early for the Falcons.

“I think we were better prepared mentally for this game than the last time we faced Heritage,” Freedom head coach Hannah Williams said of Tuesday’s game. After defeating Heritage 11-0 at home in the first game of their series two weeks ago, Freedom lost 4-2 at Heritage two days later. “We just wanted to make sure we used our prior knowledge to kind of go at them today in

a different way.”

Freedom senior pitcher

Maya Soto tossed a twohit shutout of Heritage in Tuesday afternoon’s Bay Valley Athletic League tournament semifinal.

Now, Freedom has their eyes on Liberty with the Falcons looking to take the BVAL tournament crown against a Lions team coming off of their record-setting regular season.

Liberty defeated Freedom 4-3 in Oakley in Game 1 of the series, and the Lions scored early and often in Game 2 in Brentwood.

“Playing them first and right off of spring break (led to the struggles in the regular season),” Williams said. “It’s going to be a fight. (Liberty) is very talented. They’ve got a lot of power and, depending on who they throw (into the pitcher’s circle), they’re deep as far as their pitching rotation.”

Although Freedom lost to Liberty to open league play back on the week of April 1, the sweep by the Lions sparked the Falcons’ current run. Freedom followed that sweep by winning their next six in a row, five by double digits and a 2-1 win over NCS playoff bound and last year’s NCS champion California High.

“We know what we have to do, and we just want to win,” Evers-Lyles said. “(Thursday’s) game is going to be a lot more personal.”

Overall, Freedom has won nine of their last 11, one loss coming at Heritage and the other at NCS playoffbound Benicia.

“We’ve been working on stringing hits together so we can keep scoring and staying clean on defense,” Evers-Lyles explained of Freedom’s current success.

Second-seed Freedom traveled to Brentwood to take on BVAL tournament top-seed Liberty Thursday at 4 p.m. To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/ slideshows

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Photo

Liberty swept out of NCS semifinals

Nagging problem plagued Lions again in loss

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

One of the Liberty’s boys volleyball team’s biggest issues this season was the inability to close out sets. That crept up again as Castro Valley closed out Liberty’s season in the Lions’ 3-0 loss (21-25, 26-28, 20-25) Tuesday evening in Castro Valley in the North Coast Section Division 1 semifinals.

“A lot of things didn’t fall our way,” Liberty head coach Haylie Bustamante said. “There was some frustration out there that affected (Liberty’s) performance to an extent. It just feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill.”

After dropping the opening set 21-25, Liberty rallied and fired out to a 10-5 opening run in the second set sparked by kills and blocks by Zachary Sisney. However, the Trojans rallied with a 5-1 run to pull to within one at 11-10. The Lions fired back led by an ace by Nikolas Bernal following a kill by Mason Peddy to give Liberty a 16-10 lead.

But, once again, Liberty’s inability to close out sets plagued them midway through the second set. Castro Valley clawed back with a 4-0 run after their second timeout and used that to spark their comeback 28-26 win in the second set as Bernal’s serve at 27-26 fell short of the net to end the set.

“I was trying my hardest to bring my team up,” Sisney said. “I’ve never tried harder in a game in my life. I just wanted my teammates to feel the same energy as I felt.”

The frustration from dropping that second set bled into the third as the Lions never found the run they needed, despite trading blows with Castro Valley once again all the way to 11-11. The Trojans outscored Liberty 14-9 the rest of the way to take the set and the match to advance to the NCS finals.

“A lot of our young players put their heads down once they get shut down,” junior Tyler Deguzman said. “The one big thing we need to learn is to pick themselves up right after they make that mistake.”

Although the Lions’ first trip to the NCS semifinals

ended in defeat, the team remains positive entering next season, looking to build off of Tuesday night’s experience.

“We’re hungry now,” Deguzman said. “Getting a taste of that, getting swept, it’s just a big thing that’s going to feed into our emotions. We’re going to play better next year.”

Bustamante agreed.

“We’ll have another opportunity,” she said. “We just have to keep working and fighting for every point out there and just let those mistakes go.”

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

The Castro Valley boys volleyball team celebrates in the background after sweeping Liberty in Tuesday night’s NCS semifinal in Castro Valley.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Foothill sweeps Heritage in NCS semifinals

By Juan Cebreiros Correspondent

The Heritage Patriots boys volleyball season ended in the North Coast Section Division 1 semifinals as they were swept by Foothill (25-20, 25-14, 2624) Tuesday night.

While Heritage was able to push Foothill to the end in the third set, their mistakes in the first two sets were too much for them to overcome.

“We’d make a mistake and we don’t push through it as quickly as we should,” Patriots head coach Janet Hannigan said.

All night, the Patriots’ offense struggled to be able to hit past Foothill’s blockers. Hannigan gave credit to the Falcons frontline’s ability to stifle their attack.

“Their block goes up nice and quick and they were able to use us more than we were able to use them,” Hannigan said.

Across the three sets, Heritage committed 22 errors, and Hannigan said that played a big role in her team’s loss Tuesday night.

“We have something where we get the ball back and we don’t capitalize on it,” Hannigan said. “We took too risky a shot. We missed serves, we weren’t positioned with our bodies correctly, but we still think we can put a ball away. Those are things I think that set us back.”

In the first two sets, the Patriots trailed a majority of the time and had to play from behind. Each time they had a run to pull within three points or less, Heritage would serve into the net.

“It shoots you in the foot,” Hannigan said.

However, the Patriots appeared to grab the momentum of the match in the

third set and jumped out to an 8-5 lead. While they couldn’t hold onto the lead to win the set, they were able to play with more energy behind their fans who began to cheer louder as the team began to figure things out.

“We went in and attacked,” Hannigan said on the team’s fast start in set 3. “We got ahead and then we couldn’t

sustain it with a missed serve here or a missed hit.”

However, despite suffering a sweep in the semifinals, Hannigan still had a positive view of the overall season.

“All of that aside, it’s been a great season,” Hannigan said. “These kids are so great, the parent support is so great. It’s hard to be mad at the kids because they’re out there trying.”

The Patriots won their most matches in a season and had their deepest playoff run since the 2019 season. They were also named co-champions of the Bay Valley Athletic League along with Liberty.

Hannigan said that with her losing 10 seniors this season, next year will be a starting over period for the boys volleyball team.

“You’ve had a setter on your team for three years, libero for three years, middle for four years, outside for another three years,” Hannigan said. She added the loss is “a bummer because we’ve lost to (Foothill) at this point before.”

Hannigan said she hopes this season has brought more success to the BVAL as both Liberty and Heritage were top four seeds and reached NCS semifinals.

“It’s disappointing in one way. But gosh, you gotta have some respect for the BVAL now,” Hannigan said. “In the future we’re just gonna keep trying to battle and get people to notice us on the East County side.”

Heritage’s Markus Krepp goes for the in the Patriots’ NCS semifinal game at Foothill in Pleasanton on Tuesday night.

Photo by Juan Cebreiros

7-Eleven on Laurel Road in Oakley can sell spirits

By Hemananthani Sivanandam Correspondent

The 7-Eleven store on Laurel Road can now sell distilled spirits after the Oakley Planning Commission approved the application for a conditional use permit at its meeting on Tuesday, May 7.

Evan Gorman, Oakley’s Associate Planner, said the convenience store sells beer and wine. Under the Oakley Municipal Code, a conditional use permit is required to operate a liquor store. In this application, filed by Jennifer Mendola representing 7-Eleven, Inc., the company sought to obtain a conditional use permit to sell distilled spirits alongside its other products.

“This site does not propose any physical changes except for a change in product inventory,” Gorman said. “The distilled spirits would be located within an approximately 4 feet by 5 feet shelf space that is either behind the sales counter or in an aisle within a locked case, only accessible to an employee.”

According to the city staff report, the applicant had also submitted proposed conditions along with their application, such as no distilled spirits will be sold in bottles or

containers of 50 ml or less in size; beer, malt beverages, and wine coolers in containers of 16 oz. or less cannot be sold in single containers but must be sold in manufacturer prepackaged multi-unit quantities. Also, no wine shall be sold in bottles smaller than 750 ml., except manufacturer pre-packaged multi-unit quantities.

Gorman added that the City had also contacted agencies and departments in Oakley, including the police department, to gather feedback about the application.

“We met (the police), and they felt there were no concerns (of selling distilled spirits) at this location,” Gorman said. ““When you evaluate these applications, there are also state laws concerning the over-concentration of liquor licenses in certain areas.”

“We found that liquor licenses are not heavily concentrated in this location...so we don’t have a concern.”

During the public comment part of the meeting, several residents expressed support of the application.

Cedric White said allowing the conditional use permit to sell distilled liquor would

see 7-Eleven page 22

ESTATE PLANNING STRATEGIES

By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law

It may be difficult to think about today, but there will come a time when you or a loved one will not be able to make decisions for themselves. Physical or mental challenges may inhibit your ability to manage your own finances or healthcare decisions. Therefore, we strongly recommend that anybody over the age of 18 set up a Power of Attorney. Once you become an adult, nobody else is legally allowed to make decisions on your behalf or talk to doctors about your medical condition.

To cover important issues, you will need two separate Power of Attorney documents. One to address healthcare matters and another to cover financial matters. This article addresses financial powers of attorney.

Everyone with financial assets should consider setting up a financial Power of Attorney. Even if you are single and are not a homeowner, having a Power of Attorney in place enables someone you trust to control the use of your financial assets to manage your care if something happened to you.

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Calendar

To have your event appear in the newspaper, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. To have your event online, post your event for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

This Week’s Events

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 925-2065394 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 third-grade students, the Christmas Food & Toy Drive, among others.

Rivertown Wine Walk and Artisan Faire

Live entertainment and wine tasting from noon to 4 p.m. on G Street in Antioch. The event is free, but wine walk tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. For details, To get tickets, go to Willow Park Mercantile or Rivertown Treasure Chest, or visit celebrateantioch.org or eventbrite.com.

Saturday, May 18

Rotary Club of Brentwood 75th Anniversary Party

The Rotary Club of Brentwood is going to be celebrating 75 years of community service and making a difference with a party at McCauley Estate Vineyards, 2525 Sunset Road in Brentwood, from 5:30–9:30 p.m. Tickets are $89, which includes dinner. For details, visit https://75thAnniversary.eventbrite.com

EMPOWER - Embracing Your Body Image - A Teen Workshop

A free, live, interactive workshop from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. is designed to empower teens with body image resilience. Learn strategies to navigate cultural influences and foster a positive relationship with your body. This free event at Healthy Minds Counseling Center, 5065 Deer Valley Road, Suite 247 in Antioch, is hosted by Kira Monterrey, LCSW. All donations will go towards our scholarship fund to provide therapy for individuals in need. For more information, email Brittany Perales at brittany@healthymindscenter.com or call 925-663-8158.

Brentwood Bike Rodeo

Meet traffic officers and the bike patrol team at the Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffith Lane, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be bike obstacle courses, a bike safety check, helmet fitting check, bike registration and bike safety tips. To register, visit brentwood.info/BPD/bikerodeo

Celebration Ringers

Hear the magic of a local bell choir. chimes and percussion in a free concert from 2-3 p.m. at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church, 809 Second St. in Brentwood.

Sunday, May 19

Bethel Island barbecue and blues

From 1-5 p.m., enjoy barbecue from Sock It To Me and listen to Blues Healers at Bethel Island Community Park at 6190 Bethel Island Road. Bring your own chairs. For details about this Chamber of Commerce event, visit http://www. bethelislandchamber.com/#s-c208ca2b-03dd42c9-8802-a69a535af830/

Saturday, May 20

The Rotary Golf Tournament

The annual fundraiser takes place at Discovery Bay Golf Course at 1475 Clubhouse Drive. Registration and driving range practice at 9 a.m., putting contest at 9:30 a.m. and a shotgun start (scramble format) 11. Lunch provided, along with course food and drink provided. Dinner is at 4:30. No-host bar, raffle prizes and award presentation. To register and for details, visit https://brentwoodrotaryclub.com/ golf-tournament/ or call 925-989-5050.

Saturay, May 25

Oakley – Morning of Remembrance

The city of Oakley wil honor Memorial Day with a Morning of Remembrance at 10 a.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave.

Sunday, May 26

Bags & Brews Cornhole Tournament and Military Tribute

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition is hosting a cornhole tournament on First Street in Brentwood. There will be three divisions: Beginners ($75 registration), backyard ($100 registration) and competitive ($100 registration). Check-in starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by the tournament at 1 p.m. Spectators can watch for free. During the tournament, the DBC will hold an Honor & Remember Ceremony at noon to commemorate Memorial Day weekend. For details, visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2024-bags-and-brews-cornhole-tournament-in-downtown-brentwood-registration852540069297?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)

Brentwood – Memorial Day Remembrance

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 and Marine Corps League Det. 1155 host their annual Memorial Day Remembrance at Union Cemetery, 11545 Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood at 9 a.m.

Antioch Memorial Day Ceremony

Oak View Memorial Park will host a Memorial Day event at 2500 East 18 St. at 10 a.m. featuring a fire engine escort with Christian-mounted messengers, the singing of the national anthem, a 9/11 tribute, a presentation of the colors and an aerial salute. The Antioch Rivertown Veterans Lions Group will sponsor a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m.

Thursday, May 30

Resource Fair in Oakley

The annual Resource Fair at the Oakley Senior

Center is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m at 215 Second St. in Oakley where visitors can get free information for health and living assistance as well as several other programs available such as a monthly flea market on the first Saturday of each month, food distribution, exercise classes, casino tours, bingo and more. Cross streets are Acme near O’Hara Avenue. For information, call 925-626-7223.

Saturday, June 1

Brentwood Community ChorusSpringtime Melodies

The chorus performs its spring concert, Springtime Melodies, with the Liberty High Chamber singers and The ladies quartet, Replay, from 2–4 p.m. at the Allan E. Jones Performing Arts Center at 850 Second St. It’s the final performance for conductor Susan Stuart. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for high school students with ID, and kids 12 and younger are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets. com/event/6253090/ref/4016041 or at the door. Donations of used athletic shoes will be accepted in the lobby. For details, visit http://www.brentwoodcommunitychorus.com

Friday, June 7

Inaugural Meals on Wheels golf tournament

This Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa tournament is open to anyone regardless of skill. This inaugural tournamanent Starts at 7:30 a.m. with registration at Shadow Lakes Golf Club, 401 W. Country Club Blvd. Play starts at 9. Registration is $150. For details, visit https://mowofcontracosta.org/ meals-on-wheels-contra-costa-news-events/ inaugural-golf-tournament/ Saturday, June 8

Golden Hills Community Church Food distribution

The church at 2401 Shady Lane in Brentwood is offering food distribution to anyone on specific Saturdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. while supplies last. There are no income requirements or qualifications. Also offered on these Saturdays: Aug. 10, Oct. 12 and Dec. 14. For details, call 925-234-8739.

Movie in the Plaza featuring Tarzan ‘Tarzan’ will be shown at Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St.. Activities begin at 7 and the movie starts at sunset. Oakley Recreation will be selling popcorn, candy and soda in the snack shack located behind the stage. For details, visit http:// www.OakleyInfo.com

Parish Festival in honor of Feast Day

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is hosting a festival in honor of the Feast Day at 8 a.m. at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. Booths open at 11:30 a.m. with program and games from 1-3:30

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LMC celebrates the life of beloved English professor

By Sarah Capperauld Correspondent

The Los Medanos College community suffered ‘a significant loss’ recently, and the college community came together on May 1 to celebrate the life of beloved English professor Michael Yeong.

Yeong had taught at the Pittsburg campus since 1991. He was 78 when he passed away resting peacefully on his couch with his dog by his side on April 2. Many who know him are grateful for what they called a strong and kind man.

There was a large turnout for his remembrance of his students to faculty and loved ones who knew Yeong.

“Michael’s passing is a significant loss,” Pamela Ralston, LMC’s President, said. “People describe Michael as the most welcoming of colleagues, a teacher’s teacher, an authentic mentor who supported folks through personal and professional losses and achievements. We loved his all-college emails that offered gifts of thanks and humor. He loved this college and his students.”

Yeong had been recognized for many of his achievements. He started his educational journey at St. Francis College in Brooklyn. N.Y. He started his educational journey at St. Francis working towards a degree in teaching.

During his time studying, his future was interrupted by the Vietnam War draft. Later, he returned to St. Francis with a stronger outlook and made it to the Dean’s

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

list with a perfect GPA. There, he had found the passion for learning and later received his bachelor’s degree from St. Francis and his master’s from Antioch University in Massachusetts. He then received various accolades as an accomplished instructor, and was even recognized in 2016 for the Teacher of the Year award from the Contra Costa Community College District.

Those who knew him professionally said that he was dedicated to teaching and motivating his students. Tanisha Mj Maxwell, Vice President of Student Services, said “He had a passion for students and education and was a role model for those of color, Black students and Asian students, and he will surely be missed.”

A’kilah Moore, interim vice president of instruction and Tess Caldwell, an English, remembered him for something more personal.

Students and faculty gathered at Los Medanos College on May 1 to celebrate the life of English professor Michael Yeong.

“He had a quiet strength, snazzy outfits and hats we will always remember,” Moore said. Dr. Hellen Benjamin was former district chancellor and hiring manager for Yeong. “We are passing through life. Life is a gift, and his gift was the gift of teaching,” Benjamin said.

She told a story about when Yeong was a finalist for his position at LMC. “There’s usually some excitement when someone gets hired onto a job,” Benjamin said. “Everyone was excited even if they didn’t have the job yet, but he wasn’t excited.”

She then talked about how Yeong told her that he was a finalist for another job and he made her wait. Even though he was the one accepting the job, she said she could not see anyone else having that position.

“I became the interviewee. He kept me hanging and he chose us, and I was

the one that was excited. He was such a wonderful and magical teacher and a very powerful person.”

Frank Dorrittie, LMC’s former music instructor, got to know more about Yeong outside of campus. “He read every book ever written and being in his presence was such a joy,” Dorrittie said. Yeong used to bring 20 albums at a time to his house to listen to from Mozart to Coltrane and many other classics. Dorrittie was concerned that Yeong would be intense for students, although he would usually call Dorrittie by the nickname “Mr. Softy”.

He looked back fondly at Yeong’s jokes and his passion for his students and felt from the beginning a deep connection with Yeong.

Rashaad Mcalpin, Information and Tech Services Director (IT), would meet with Yeong three times a week for coffee in the student union building. They would arrive so early that they would have to wait until the cafeteria opened. And every time, according to Mcalpin, Yeong would ask, “When does this open? Same time as yesterday, Michael.”

Students also shared ways in which Yeong touched their lives.

One student said, “He was not just an English teacher. He taught love and humanity that will last with me forever. I never got to tell him about the profound professor he was, but I think he knew how much he meant to all of us.”

More student comments can be found by visiting www.thepress.net

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REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

Prescribed burning planned at Mount Diablo State Park between May 13-June 7

State and county fire agencies caution East County residents to not be concerned if they see smoke coming from Mount Diablo State Park on one or more days between May 13 and June 7 because they will conduct prescribed burns, according to a press release.

All burning depends on weather and air quality. If weather or vegetation conditions are not conducive for burning and smoke dispersal, the department will reschedule the treatment.

During the prescribed burning, visitors should expect park closures including the park entrance at Mitchell Canyon and access point at Regency Drive.

Additionally, the following trails will be closed: Mitchell Canyon Fire Road, Bruce Lee Road, Water Tower Road, Murchio Road, Oak Road, Coulter Pine Trail, Mitchell Rock Trail, Back Creek Road, Regency Trail, Donner Canyon Road, and Clayton Oaks Trail. Other park roads, trails, and facilities outside of the burn area will remain open. For a current list of all park closures, the public can visit parks. ca.gov/Incidents.

The burn will cover up to 45 acres in the Mitchell Canyon area of the park.

Although prescribed burns produce significantly less smoke than wildfires, communities near Mount Diablo, may experience smoke from the burning operations.

All burns are coordinated and planned with the help of Bay Area Air Quality Management District and California State Parks will be in close coordination with the air district to minimize smoke in surrounding communities.

These burns aim to benefit the park and its neighbors by enhancing habitats, managing invasive species, reducing wildfire risk, reducing encroaching woody vegetation, improving wildlife habitat, promoting native plant diversity, and restoring the natural fire regime.

New research casts light on housing demographics in Brentwood

A new study finds Brentwood has the third-highest rate of adult children living with their parents among small cities in California.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and millions of adult children will travel home for the holiday. However, an increasing number of adult

children won’t need to travel at all –because they are already living at home with their parents.

To better understand why and where adult children live with their parents, researchers at TruckInfo.net analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Reserve. They found the following trends.

• 60.8% of adults ages 18-34 in Brentwood live at home with their parents – 1.9 times the national average

• 32.1% of adults ages 18-34 in California live at home with their parents – 1.2 times the national average

• Nationally, adult children are twice as likely to live with their parents than in 1967

• Adult children are twice as likely to live with their parents than in 1967

• Men and women ages 25-34 are twice as likely to live with their parents than in 1967. While there was a steady increase until the early 2010s, the figure has grown significantly in recent years.

To calculate the percentage of adult children living at home, researchers sourced data from the U.S. Census Bureau and divided the number of adults ages 18-34 living at home by the total number of adults ages 18-34 in each geography. Population data, income data, and the age of first marriage data was also sourced from the U.S. Census Burea. Labor force participation rates were sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and home price information was sourced from the Federal Reserve.

Newsom proclaims Wildfire Preparedness Week on May 5-11

Gov. Newsom issued a proclamation declaring May 5-11 as “Wildfire Preparedness Week.”

California and much of the West are experiencing more challenging wildfire seasons amid intensifying climate impacts. With the state on the front lines of this growing threat, his administration is taking unprecedented action to make towns nationwide more resilient to wildfire and to improve forest health, according to a press release.

Over the past five years, there have been more advanced historic investments to step up forest management and other projects that decrease catastrophic wildfire risk, fund robust emergency response efforts, and purchase state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and technology. Thanks in part to these efforts, as well as improved weather conditions, California last year saw many fewer structures destroyed compared to prior years.

Cal Fire has also made significant progress on reducing the amount of fuel

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

for wildfires, with more than 105,500 acres of fuels treatment last year. Fuel reduction projects slow and reduce the intensity of wildfires and provide areas from which fire personnel can safely and aggressively suppress fires. Developing and maintaining thesel projects across the state will remain an ongoing focus, the press release stated.

This year’s Wildfire Preparedness Week theme, meeting the mission through partnerships, has emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility in reducing and managing wildfire risk. Californians can make their neighborhoods safer by creating defensible space around homes, developing wildfire action plans and teaming up to join Fire Safe Councils and Firewise Communities, which work to regularly assess wildfire risk and prioritize action to address it.

Every resident has a role in protecting themselves, their relatives, and communities from wildfire. For details on how, visit ReadyForWildfire. org.

Historical Society is co-hosting musical event at museum May 17

Author and folklorist Catherine Hiebert Kerst is featuring her book, California Gold: Sidney Robertson and the WPA California Folk Music Project, at the East Contra Costa County Historical Museum at 3890 Sellers Avenue in Brentwood on May 17 from 6-8:15 p.m.

Kerst will present music collected by Sidney Robertson as part of the WPA California Folk Music Project, highlighting samples collected from

Brentwood, Concord, Pittsburg, and Martinez.

Step back into the 1930s in East Contra Costa County when farm workers migrated to escape the Dust Bowl and find work during the Great Depression. Dorothea Lange collected photos of the time, and Robertson collected music of the diverse California population.

Some songs were collected in Brentwood. Kerst, who has worked for Library of Congress, will be sharing samples of these songs in her presentation.

The cost is $5 for non-museum members, and is free for historical society members. For details, visit http://www.eastcontracostahistory.org

East County domestic violence restraining orders without children

Beginning on May 13, residents of cities in East County who wish to petition for domestic violence restraining orders in matters that do not involve children may file their petitions at the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center at 1000 Center Street in Pittsburg.

Hearings on these petitions will be held in Pittsburg on Monday mornings at 8:30, excepting Court holidays.

To determine if you may file these petitions in Pittsburg,se refer to the list of cities and ZIP codes on the Court’s website at https://www.cc-courts.org/ general/where-to-file.aspx. If your city/ ZIP code shows “your courthouse” as the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center, then you will be able to file these petitions in Pittsburg.

‘It’s a very iterative, collaborative process,” Planning Manager Erik Nolthenius explained to the commissioners about what projects end up as part of the document. Nolthenius said that all city departments and the City Council hold a spring workshop where they explore various projects and budgets, making the presentation to the Planning Commission one of the final steps in the process.

The Commissioners began to dig into the minutiae of some of the projects and some they would potentially like to see before Vice Chairperson David Sparling explained that it was not their role to do so, with the City Council deciding prioritization, budget and other factors at a future meeting.

“Our role on this document tonight is very, very limited,” he said. “We don’t have any say in terms of ‘Oh, I think this project should be more important than that project.’ That’s not our role.”

At a later meeting one of the aspects of

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the CIP that the City Council will need to address is how to fund the various projects. The total projected cost for all 52 city projects is $388,997,520, according to the CIP document. The funding for the projects is expected to come from a variety of sources, such as federal and state money, the city’s General

be more convenient for residents. “I’ve been living in Oakley for 15 years,” White said. “It would be more convenient for people to get the drinks here rather than going out to Antioch.”

Jesus Sanchez said he often stops by that store to get items for him and his family. “It is convenient for me as it’s on my way home from work. I can get things for myself and my family,” he said.

Groundwater

from page 1

live, work and recreate.

While the last two rainy seasons have been good news for California’s groundwater basins, there is still a lot of work to do, the press release stated. Long-term groundwater storage remains in a deficit of nearly 40 million acre-feet over the past two decades, due in part to years of pumping out more water than has been replenished. It would take nearly five consecutive above average, not just average, water years like 2023 to fill that gap, officials said. California needs to replenish what nature provides by expanding groundwater refill projects, upgrading water infrastructure, and modernizing water distribution system through projects like the Delta tunnel to be able to move water during high flows to maximize storage.

“California is invested in preparing for weather extremes by maximizing the wet years to store as much water as possible in preparation for the dry years,” said Paul Gosselin,

Oakley from page 1 $69,548,307

Other Replacement

$118,099,181

The funding for upcoming projects in Brentwood is expected to come from a variety of sources.

Image courtesy of City of Brentwood

Infographic by The City of Brentwood

Fund and development impact fees, but the exact breakdown is not yet known.

Of that $388,997,520:

• $107,115,000 is for wastewater improvement projects

• $41,265,768 is for water improvement projects

Angel Guerra said he often goes to this 7-Eleven and that the staff is friendly. “It would be nice if their permit is approved,” Guerra said.

Commissioner Jamie Ramirez mentioned the store is close to a school and highway. “However, I appreciate that the police department has provided their feedback, but I just wanted to highlight it,” Ramirez said.

On a separate matter, the Contra Costa County Office of

Department of Water Resources Deputy Director of Sustainable Water Management.

“The impressive recharge numbers in 2023 are the result of hard work by the local agencies combined with dedicated efforts from the state, but we must do more to be prepared to capture and store water when the wet years come.”

the R districts signify an abbreviation for the minimum lot size required in the district. The R-20 and R-40 Districts have minimum lot sizes, which are 20,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet, respectively.

Oakley’s Municipal Code does not permit wineries, tasting rooms, or processing of agricultural products in singlefamily residential districts, which have lot sizes that are less than 20,000 square feet. These districts are typically labelled as R-6, R-7, R-10, or R-15.

Under the newly proposed amendment, vineyard owners who are not in R-20 or R-40 districts are now eligible to apply for a conditional use permit, if their lot is a minimum 20,000 square feet in size and contains an existing vineyard at the time of the application.

Strelo said Oakley has many scattered vineyards on residential properties of at least 20,000 square feet, but these properties are not zoned as R-20 or R-40.

• $23,973,894 is for park and trail improvement projects

• $110,033,210 is for roadway improvement projects

• $106,609,648 is for community facility improvement projects

Other topics discussed by the Planning Commission included:

• A future agenda item request from Commissioner Gerald Johnson regarding on-site signage for public hearings. A sign may be posted for a public hearing and then is not taken down afterward by the city.

• A 3-2 vote to appoint Commissioner Kristopher Brand to the Brentwood Municipal Code Review Committee. Sparling and Johnson were the dissenting votes. Both commissioners had expressed their own interest in being appointed to the role.

The full meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/4b94pca

Emergency Services invites the public to provide feedback on the 2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan ensures the County is better prepared for the impacts of natural, humancaused, and technological hazards. Residents have until May 31 to provide comments on the plan before it is submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Visit https://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/2024-hazard-mitigation-planplan-de-mitgacion-de-riesgos-2024/

The James Irrigation District uses pumps from Department of Water Resources’ Emergency Pump Program to divert water and fill a basin for groundwater recharge in San Joaquin and Fresno County.

courtesy of California Department of Water Resources

There is still a lot of work to do, though, the report states. Long-term groundwater storage remains in a deficit of nearly 40 million acre-feet over the past two decades, due in part to years of pumping out more water than has been replenished. It would take nearly five

“We have a lot of vineyards, and they have development that is coming around them. The landowners want to keep the vineyard,” Strelo said at the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday night, May 7.

“This change in the ordinance would allow (vineyard owners) to apply for a conditional use permit, which still goes through the public process, receives public comments, notifies neighbors, and comes to the Planning Commission for consideration,” he added.

Commissioner Jimmy Ramirez said he was happy with the proposed amendment, which would further allow small businesses and artisans to promote their products within the city.

The second amendment proposed is on section 9.1.1238.c.6 of the Oakley Municipal Code, pertaining to carwash businesses.

Under section 9.1.1238, carwashes are categorized under a Special Land Use section and states that there should not be more than one car wash located within any shopping center

consecutive above average, not just average, water years like 2023 to fill that gap, the data shows. California needs to replenish what nature provides by expanding groundwater recharge projects, upgrading water infrastructure, and modernizing its water distribution system (e.g. the tunnel system between Sacramento and The Delta) to be able to move water during high flows to maximize storage. Since groundwater is out of sight underground, data and information from the underground aquifers is needed to make informed groundwater management decisions that are backed by the most current science. DWR’s Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions report provides current data to support the comprehensive California’s Groundwater (Bulletin 118) publication, which is updated every five years. These reports provide the latest knowledge and understanding about California’s groundwater system, helping state and local agencies manage groundwater resources for long-term water supply resiliency.

or commercial properties that have internally shared access. It also requires that a proposed car wash be a minimum of 1,000 feet away from any existing carwash, which helps reduce the potential over-saturation of carwashes in any given area.

The City proposed that car washes within 1,000 feet of a highway on or off-ramp be excluded by the minimum buffer between car washes, subject to approval by the City.

Strelo said this buffer exclusion would apply to the four corners at the intersection of Main Street, Neroly Road, and Bridgehead Road, which is near Highway 160 and is surrounded mainly by other commercial-use areas.

“This provides additional opportunities in an area of town that is very close to the freeway,” Strelo said. “We have the Oakley logistics center there, and some new investments (are coming up). The momentum is heading in a good direction in that area. So, this exclusion buffer would provide for new opportunities for development or redevelopment on that corner without having car wash saturations in town.”

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