The Press 07.14.2023

Residents can chill at cooling centers

Extreme heat forecast for this weekend

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Following the National Weather Service’s Excessive Heat Watch for the weekend of July 14 East County cities have taken action to help residents try to keep cool.

The weather service predicts temperatures along the Delta will reach the low 100s on Friday, then mid-100s on Saturday and on Sunday. While these temperatures in mid-July are normal for East County in a given year, they will feel warmer

see Chill page 18A

East County man hobnobs with familiar shooting star

Number of unhoused decreases in area

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The number of homeless people in East County has increased since 2020 while that same population has increased in the rest of Contra Costa County.

Football coach teaching not just Xs and Os

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

During the COVID-19 lockdown three years ago, Antioch High School football coach Brett Dudley started to learn about basic investing and financial literacy through audiobooks and podcasts when it clicked: kids at Antioch High aren’t taught financial literacy in school.

So with nothing but time, he decided to teach his players what

he’s learned and implemented financially into his own life.

“This is an area where kids just don’t learn about in school,” Dudley said. “Many of them don’t learn about it from their parents or anybody else in their life, so somebody’s got to teach it to

them.

“We were working from home. We weren’t practicing football, our district wouldn’t let us do football activities, so I needed something to stay busy.”

Dudley hosts a class he calls “Money Mondays” with his play-

ers – roughly a half-hour class before his team goes to lift weights and practice during the team’s summer camp. Now in its third year, the Panthers have learned lessons about investing and compound interest, retirement accounts, credit cards and credit score, and, most recently, home buying.

Each class is detailed with showing all of the “whats” and “how what works”, but not so complicated in the way a financial class would be with the specifics, Dudley said, adding that it allows the players to comprehend the week’s lesson relatively easily.

see Coach page 18A

Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3) has released a study identifying the number of homeless people in the county. It shows a 6% decrease in the numbers for East County since 2020 despite an overall growth of 4% in the county as a whole during the same time.

The count is based on data known as the 2023 Point-in-Time Count, a “community-wide effort to identify sheltered and unsheltered people in the county on the night of January 24, 2023,” according to the H3 website. The count is done with the help of volunteers who tally information about people sleeping in emergency shelters and transitional housing as well as those sleeping in places not meant for human habitation. It provides “a oneday snapshot of homelessness and includes data about families, youth, chronically homeless, veterans, as well as gender, ethnicity, and race,” the site says.

While the number of homesee Unhoused page 18A

JJ Church, a member of Working Wonders, a not-for-profit program in Brentwood for adults with intellectual disabilities, met Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Church also had the Warriors’ All-Star guard sign the ball. See story, page 2.

Photo courtesy of Working Wonders

Antioch football head coach Brett Dudley teaches about home buying during the team’s Money Mondays class.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Figures are up countywide, however

Antioch class is about basics of finance for life

Super Warriors fan with Down syndrome meets All-Star guard Curry

Local man wins honor with Working Wonders nonprofit in Brentwood

JJ Church is a passionate athlete, including a love for basketball and the Golden State Warriors. He can often be seen proudly sporting his Warriors uniform with Stephen Curry’s name and the number 30 on the back.

He actually got to visit with Curry thanks to an invitation from the Warriors because JJ was born with trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down syndrome. What makes his condition particularly rare is that he has translocation Down syndrome, which only about 4% of those with Down syndrome have. JJ is part of Working Wonders, a not-for-profit program in Brentwood for adults with intellectual disabilities.

“JJ was selected this spring as our first ‘Work Crew Member of the Month’ while we are expanding our job program in downtown Brentwood,” said Matt Schwab, who runs Working Wonders with his wife, Christine Schwab.

An artist who finds joy in helping others, JJ works with his father, Jeff Church, at their business, Church & Sons Painting Co. A big goal at Working Wonders is to help open doors for clients in Brentwood.

“These are highly capable people who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and have the freedom to choose how they live, work, and play,” Matt Schwab said. Jeff Church says the program is just what his son needs.

“JJ’s 41 years old. At this point, I just want him to have fun,” Jeff says.

When JJ — who played for the Brentwood Hawks in Special Olympics basketball — is not working with his father or at Working Wonders, he is cheering for the Warriors. One of the most magical memories for JJ was when he and his father were invited to a Warriors game in Oakland. Jeff called it a moment of “serendipity,” because at the time, JJ was grieving his late girlfriend’s death. The Warriors staff were moved by JJ’s story. When he came down to the court, the entire Warriors team greeted JJ and

signed a basketball for him. Out of all the players, Curry stayed and talked with JJ the most, and JJ was happy to have made Curry laugh.

He also enjoyed his brief time with the Warriors cheerleaders, one photo of which is JJ’s phone screensaver. “These are my girls!,” JJ said.

For more information about Working Wonders at 315 Orchard Drive, call 925-626-4750 or visit www. letsworkwonders.org.

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

JJ Church is a Golden State Warriors fan and was named the inaugural “Work Crew Member of the Month” at Working Wonders.

Photo courtesy of Matt Schwab

Lewis named new principal at Heritage High

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

Heritage High School in Brentwood will have a new principal when the 2023-24 school year starts on Monday July 31.

The Liberty Union High School District (LUHSD) Board of Trustees voted 4-0 during their June 14 meeting to name Casey Lewis new principal at Heritage, effective July 1, 2023. The announcement of Lewis’ new job comes on the heels of the resignation of former principal Carrie Wells, who received a promotion at the Antioch Unified School District.

“Casey brings a wealth of administrative experience,” said Liberty Union High School District Superintendent Eric Volta. “He has been leading schools for over a decade, and values community building and relationships as keys to improving student achievement. Additionally, Casey is familiar with the expectations of LUHSD, as he served as an assistant principal in our district for five years prior to taking a principalship position.”

Lewis has 16 years of school leadership and administration experience in East County, having recently served as the acting principal at Deer Valley High School in Antioch for the 202223 school year. Lewis previously was

assistant principal at Freedom High in Brentwood from 2009-14, and later was school principal at Belshaw Elementary in Antioch in 2014 prior to serving as acting principal at Deer Valley last year.

“I was principal at Belshaw Elementary when they started the school year,” Lewis said. “The district office called me and asked if I would step in to be principal at Deer Valley. The staff at Deer Valley are really superb and work really hard. I made a lot of great, long-lasting relationships. I have nothing but respect and love for Deer Valley High School. There are a lot of great people there.”

Lewis highlighted not only what it means to be named principal, but further explained the deeper meaning and the connection that he has with the community, having attended school locally and graduating from Antioch High School and later attending Los Medanos Community College in Pittsburg. Lewis later earned his degree at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah and his masters at the University of Phoenix before becoming licensed principal at Cal State East Bay in Hayward.

“My son attended Heritage,” Lewis said. “ I was not only just an employee of Heritage, but I am a parent of Heritage High School, and I know the expectations to be successful. I know a

lot of the people. I know a lot of the families and it feels good to be a part of it.”

Lewis said his goal as principal is to emphasize the importance of inclusion and create a sense of belonging where students can learn, grow, and thrive, while working in a collaborative

nature to be able to connect with students and their families.

“I want to build on success,” he said. “I want to create a feeling of family, school spirit, and a feeling of belonging. A feeling that all of our kids are connected to the school and this community. And everything that you do is starting as a young teenager. It’s about building connections with one another. The curriculum is there. The academics are there. I want to make sure that all students are included.”

“This is the community I live in, and I like the community I live in,” he added. “And I’m excited for the opportunity to grow with the students and staff and our community. Putting the needs of the kids is priority, and things will fall into place. If we trust in one another, we can overcome anything.”

More information can be found at Heritage High School’s website at https://ca01001129.schoolwires.net/ heritage

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

pet’s life. From routine preventive care for your pets to early detection and treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases and surgical care, we have the expertise to provide the care your pet needs at every stage of life.

LEWIS

Redford and Jinny are big-time cuddlers and will purr nonstop when held. To meet these sweet kittens, contact anangelrn@aol.com for information.

PROTECTING YOUR BENEFICIARIES FROM CREDITORS

by Martin C. Johnson, Attorney at Law, MBA,RMA®

When setting up your trust, it’s important to consider safeguarding your beneficiaries against potential creditor claims. You may worry that, after you die, a beneficiary could transfer their interest in the trust to someone else, or that a creditor may attempt to seize your beneficiaries’ trust assets. To provide protection, there are three types of trusts you can establish:

Spendthrift Trust: According to California Probate Code Sections 15300-01, if a trust specifies that a beneficiary’s income or principal interest is not transferable voluntarily or involuntarily, it cannot be enforced by a money judgment until it is paid to the beneficiary. This is commonly known as a spendthrift or shutdown clause. However, it’s essential to note that once the beneficiary receives the money, it becomes vulnerable to creditor attachment. Additionally, creditors can levy a beneficiary’s trust interest for child or spousal support, felony restitution, or public support liabilities due to public policy reasons.

Support Trust: Another option is to create a support trust, which limits distributions of principal and income exclusively for the beneficiary’s education or support. The trust’s terms must restrict support to meet the beneficiary’s needs and lifestyle requirements.

Discretionary Trust: The third alternative is a discretionary trust in which

the Trustee has the authority to determine the amount of income and principal to be paid to the beneficiary or withheld from creditors. While some may view this as the ideal option, it’s important to understand that the Trustee must act in accordance with fiduciary principles and cannot act in bad faith or disregard the trust’s purpose, as established by case law.

In conclusion, protecting your beneficiaries’ interests in your trust from creditors can be challenging. If you have a beneficiary facing existing or potential creditor issues, it is crucial to have discussions with both the beneficiary and your attorney to make informed decisions on how best to safeguard their assets. If you do not have an estate plan or would like to discuss changes to your existing estate plan, our office offers a free 30-minute consultation. Putting your affairs in order is a valuable gift that you can give yourself and your family. If you would like to make an appointment, call (925) 289-8837

This article provides only general legal information, and not specific legal advice.  The information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.  360 ESTATE PLANNING INC, 1600 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA  94596     © 2023 Martin Johnson

Two victims identified in Monday morning’s fatal crash on Vasco Road

Third driver suffered minor injuries

The two drivers who were killed early on the morning of July 10 following a head-on collision on Vasco Road have been identified.

Bianca Hernandez, 22, and Jonathan Flores, 34, were both killed when Hernandez’s Nissan Al tima made its way into the northbound lane of Vasco, hitting Flores’ Acura head on just after 6:30 a.m. Monday. The three-vehicle crash on Vasco Road was just south of Walnut Boulevard.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Hernandez rear-ended a Honda Fit that was also traveling southbound on Vasco Road. When her Nissan rear-ended the Honda, it lost control and ended up in the northbound lane, hitting the Acura and killing both her and Flores. The driver of the Honda that was rear-ended suffered minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, the CHP said.

2023

Freedom High School hosted its “Day of Fun” on July 10 as a way to celebrate the last day of summer school for students enrolled in the district’s Life Skills program.

The

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

• BRENTWOOD CRAFT BEER & CIDER

• FRIENDS OF THE BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

Submitted photo

Freedom’s annual Day of Fun marks end of summer school

By Julian Nixon Correspondent

Freedom High School hosted its second annual Day of Fun on July 10 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event was originally created last year by Steve Amaro, Ed.D to celebrate the last day of summer school and catered to students with special needs and enrolled in the district’s Life Skills program.

The festivities were run by a mix of Freedom’s Associated Student Body and leadership students and marked the first event they organized going into the next academic school year. The nine teachers, roughly 40 other staff, and 80 students played games such as basketball, bingo, giant Jenga, card-matching coloring, and music. Face painting services were provided by small business Face Painting by Wandie as an added level of fun, self-exploration and self-expression.

The day was primarily indoors and housed in the school’s new gym paired with outside areas for dancing, cornhole, and chalk art. There was a break at the halfway mark for

a classroom visit to eat lunch and regroup.

Organizers ruminated on the importance of the day.

Extended School Year president Noelle Nelson: “[It allows] interactions between the general-education students and leadership committee, and prepares them to go out into the world.”

Associated Student Body adviser Zach Klezmer: “[The day] gives the ASB and leadership students an opportunity to make a positive impact over the summer and gives the students attending the event something to look forward to.”

Senior and Associated Student Body president Kaira Suarez: “My favorite part is being able to work with the unified students and being able to do an event solely for them because it’s not very often we get to do that.”

ASB treasurer and junior Brianna Adams said she had a different perspective. “My favorite part is just getting to watch [the unified students] be themselves, have fun, and know that no one is being judged.”

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

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

• KARA PEDERSEN

• LETICIA CORDERO

• MARGARET WIMBERLY

• CHILL TEA & COFFEE

• CROWN & CROW

• GIVE BACK GARAGE

• ROTARY CLUB OF BRENTWOOD

YOUTH OF THE YEAR START-UP OF THE YEAR

• IAN COHEN

• MICHAEL PECCORINI

• OWEN SPISHOCK

DINNER CATERED BY SWEENEY’S BAR & GRILL DESSERTS FROM KRISTY’S CONFECTIONS

• KRISTY’S CONFECTIONS

• RED DOOR

• RESILIENT HEALTH CARE

TICKETS AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE AND AT THE PRESS BUILDING OR WWW.BRENTWOODCHAMBER.COM

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.

This Week’s Events

Saturday, July 15

Pop-Up Book Sale at the Library

The Friends of the Brentwood Library is hosting a book sale at the library at 104 Oak St. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor. For more information, contact William Harms at wharms11@ gmail com or (925) 390-2700.

Delta Gallery Artist Reception

The Delta Gallery Community Art Center is hosting an artist reception for their current summer show titled “Perseverance,” which features local artists from the Art Guild of the Delta from 6-8 p.m. The ongoing show will be on display until Sept. 29. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3r3cXPJ.

Sunday, July 16

2023 Flor do Oakley Holy Ghost Festival

The Flor do Oakley Holy Ghost Society is hosting their annual festival at the Flor do Oakley Hall, at 520 Second St. at 8:30 a.m. The event will begin with a parade making its way to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 971 O’Hara Ave. at 8:30 a.m. followed by an hourlong mass at 10 a.m. The traditional Portuguese meal of “sopas” will be served to guests, followed by an auction and a traditional Portuguese Folklore dance performance by Rancho Folclorico “Saudades do Ribatejo.” For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3p5wWwP.

On the Horizon

Saturday, July 22

Chicken Dinner Fundraiser & Auction

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting a fundraiser and auction at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave. from 6-8 p.m, with doors open at 5 p.m. The event will feature a silent auction, a dessert auction, balloon pops and raffle tickets. Tickets are $20 and available at the Oakley Senior Center Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Only cash or checks are accepted. For more informa-

tion, contact Allen Perry at 925-783-0818 or agperry07@gmail.com.

Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23 Boats and Berries Music Festival

Bethel Island is hosting their second annual Boats and Berries Music Festival at 10 a.m. at Scout Hall at 3090 Ranch Lane. The event will feature a parade, dancers, musicians, a pie eating contest, RC boat racing, karaoke, line dancing, a dog show, rubber ducky races and local business and vendors. The Sunday portion of the event will feature a 5K run/walk and a boat race leaving from The Rusty Porthole at 3893 Willow Road. For more information, email Christina Amato at christinaaamato@gmail.com.

Tuesday, July 25

Seniors Bus Trip to Red Hawk Casino

The Oakley Senior Center is hosting a bus trip to Red Hawk Casino in Placerville. Participants will leave from the Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. at 8 a.m. and arrive back in Oakley at 6 p.m. The cost is $42.

Friday, August 4-Sunday, August 13

Ghostlight Theatre Presents: The Drowsy Chaperone

The Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble is putting on a production of The Drowsy Chaperone at the Edna Hill theater at 140 Birch St., on Aug. 4-6 and 11-13. The Aug. 4-5 shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Aug. 6 show begins at 2 p.m. The Aug. 11 show begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Aug. 12-13 shows begin at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $28; senior/ student tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3pAZ9fa.

Saturday, August 26

9th Annual Hot August Bites

RioVision is hosting their annual rib and chili cook-off, Hot August Bites, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. in downtown Rio Vista. The event features live music, vendors, pony rides and a car and truck show. For more information and to enter the car and truck show and the rib and chili cook-off, visit https://bit.ly/3pp0W72.

Ongoing Events

Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution

The Oakley Senior Center at 215 2nd St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags.

East County Lions Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Straw Hat Pizza on Lone Tree Way. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse org/sites/brentwoodca/ Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center, for more information, visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/oakleyd/. Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions com/who-we-are/meetings/ Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/ byron_delta/.

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https:// www brentwoodrotary94513.com Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http:// rotaryclubofoakley com Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit http://www antiochrotaryclub com/ The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit

https://www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org/.

East County Veteran Meetings

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

Oakley: The Veterans of Oakley monthly meeting (on the first Wednesday of each month) is held at 5:30 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center on 215 2nd St. For more information, call 925-7830818 or visit http://bit.ly/3mugBjv.

East Contra Costa Historical Museum

Season Open

The East Contra Costa Historical Museum at 3890 Sellers Ave., season is open until Oct. 28 from 2-4 p.m. The museum features displays of early pioneer life in the Byer/Nail House built in 1878, lessons in the Eden Plains schoolhouse and a variety of outdoor activities. For more information visit https://eastcontracostahistory org/

Delta Informal Gardeners Monthly Meetings

Delta Informal Gardeners encourages local residents to join them at their local meeting at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

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

can be decked out in her cherry-picking finest!

Merrill Gardens celebrates first year

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and directors helped celebrate the one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting recently at Merrill Gardens Senior Living with all the residents. If you are looking for a great place for mom or grandma, check out Merrill Gardens at 2600 Balfour Road in Brentwood or call 925-297-6841 and ask for Jennifer.

By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARY:  IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

I have written many articles about the importance of having an estate plan.  When creating an estate plan, choosing a trustee is one of the more important decisions you will have to make.  While most people choose a family member, some of us do not have the luxury of having a family member they trust with their money.

If that is you, you may want to consider a private professional fiduciary as your trustee or agent in your power of attorney.   Professional fiduciaries are licensed by the state and trained to help manage financial affairs and legal matters on behalf of an individual.

Many choose a professional fiduciary for the level of trust and expertise they can provide, especially in the context of a trustee of your living trust.  Professional fiduciaries have certifications and experience that are important when acting as a trustee.

Their job is to administer the trust, handle all financial trust affairs and distribute assets, to name a few.  A professional fiduciary understands the duty of loyalty and standard of care owed to a trust and the beneficiaries of that trust.

They are not swayed by family dynamics

and are not subject to family pressure.  More importantly, their sole function is to carry out the terms of the trust and do so in an ethical manner.  They understand their job and the trust that is placed in them to do that job.

Finding the right fiduciary, however, can be challenging. Some resources include friends and family, asking me (your estate planning attorney) or researching online, such as the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau of California and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.  When you find a potential candidate, call references, and run a background check.  Interview the fiduciary and discuss not only the trust but also their qualifications and experience.  While choosing a fiduciary may seem complex, it does not have to be.  We work with many fiduciaries and can confidently recommend a fiduciary that is right for you.  Feel free to contact us and have a discussion on this important decision.

If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 516-4888. East County Family Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Suite A, Brentwood. www.eastcountyfamilylaw.com – Advertisement

Proud to be one of Brentwood’s best burgers, Digger’s Diner is the place to go for a quality meal. Choose from a list of 15 burgers, made with only the freshest ground beef and produce. Whether you want a classic burger, mushroom swiss or a patty melt, the chefs have something for everyone – even turkey burgers for those watching their calorie intake.

2261 Balfour Road, Brentwood 925-240-8958

www.diggersdinerbrentwood.com

Photo by Greg Robinson

Former Oakley mayor and Assemblymember Frazier is new Arc of California policy director

Former California Assemblymember and Oakley Mayor Jim Frazier has joined the Arc of California (The Arc) and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) California Collaboration as the next Public Policy Director. He will assume the role immediately.

nonpartisan advocacy organization influencing policies that impact the disability community is more important than ever and having a thoughtful, seasoned and experienced professional like Frazier is critical.”

cating for policy changes to address systemic challenges and offer solutions on improving services and support for that group.

FRAZIER

“The Arc, UCP and our Board of Directors are absolutely thrilled that Jim Frazier will lend his extraordinary expertise, stature and commitment to advancing our mission and vision for improving the lives of Californians with developmental disabilities and their families,” said Executive Director Jordan Lindsey of The Arc of California. “The Arc’s role as a

In 2022, Frazier retired from representing California’s 11th Assembly District in Fairfield after nine years in the legislature representing part of East County.

During his tenure, Frazier formed and was appointed chair of the Select Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The committee focused on the needs of people with disabilities and advo-

Before his legislative service, in addition to being a former mayor of Oakley, Frazier also served on the Oakley Planning Commission and the Oakley City Council.

Since 1950, The Arc of California has been promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Free animal adoptions at CCAS in July

All animals at Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be free to adopt this month in an effort to clear kennel space due to more pets being brought in over the July 4 holiday. This free adoption promotion is being sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation as an effort to create needed space with the county shelter near capacity. CCAS is also seeking qualified foster homes –specifically those that can accommodate large dog breeds – to help reduce the

shelter population.

“Coming out of the 4th of July holiday, we’ve seen a 16 percent increase in our animal intake and we’re close to reaching our capacity,” says Dr. Katherine Mills, DVM, CCAS Chief of Shelter Medicine. “With an already crowded shelter and an average intake of nearly 20 animals each day, we’re asking for the community’s help in getting as many pets out of the shelter as we possibly can through adoption and foster.”

CCAS currently has more than 100 pets seeking permanent or temporary homes. Interested adopters and fosters can view CCAS’s available pets at www. ccasd.org, or come to meet them at the CCAS adoption center in Martinez. A $25 licensing fee may apply for pet adoptions.

The adoption center is at 4800 Imhoff Place in Martinez. It is open Tuesday -Saturday 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Business Profile

First Class Water Heaters

Carl Fuller and Dave Ballard, owners of First Class Water Heaters, offer free estimates and seasonal specials through coupons found in The Press. Use your P G & E rebates to replace your A/C with a high efficiency unit! Expect the Royal treatment when it comes to tankless water heaters, trenchless sewer line inspection and replacement, whole home or business re-piping and heating and air conditioning services.

For more information, call 925-439-8271 www.firstclasswaterheaters.com

CA Contractor Lic# 102438

Antioch football summer camp aims at one goal this fall: Beat Pittsburg

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

It’s been a long while since the Antioch Panthers beat Pittsburg, so long ago that the entire world was in a different place when it happened.

Back on Nov. 7, 2015, Najee Harris, then just a junior and now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, ran for 268 yards on 37 carries with four touchdowns leading the Panthers to a 44-42 win. Before that, the last time Antioch beat the Pirates was in 2006, 27-21 in double overtime, in a time before the iPhone was introduced to the public and before social media was around to capture the moment.

As senior quarterback Larenzo Mayfield left the field after the team’s summer camp practice Monday, he mentioned that there’s one big game that the team is looking forward to playing: the Pirates, at Pittsburg, on Nov. 4 in the 105th annual Big Little Game.

“We haven’t beaten Pitt in Lord knows how long,” Mayfield said. “We just want to beat Pitt.”

Last year, the Panthers lost to Pittsburg in back-to-back weeks: first at home on senior night, 48-21, then a week later in the first round of the NCS playoffs,

this time at Pittsburg, 55-22.

But if the Panthers are to take down the Pirates for just the third time since the mid-2000s, they’ll do it differently in 2023. Gone is the tough running game that has become a staple of Antioch football and in comes the age of the speedy, now-widelyused spread-passing era.

“It’s got to be what we do to win,” head coach Brett Dudley said. “We’re throwing the ball more and we’re spreading teams out. It’s definitely a change from what we’ve done offensively the last couple of years. We’ve been very big upfront and we had two of the best tight end and fullback type kids that have played in this league in the last decade, so we were kind of able to play more of a

smashmouth brand of football. This year, it’s going to be much more of a spread.”

Last year, Charles Brown Jr. led the Panthers’ offense with 2,141 all-purpose yards (1,930 rushing yards) and 20 rushing touchdowns.

This year, the load falls on the right arm of Mayfield. He threw for 756 yards with a pair of touchdown passes and three interceptions in 2022. However, with Antioch sticking to the run game last year, he also ran for 778 yards on 81 carries with seven scores on the ground.

“I feel we got the progression going up,” Mayfield said. “We could be better, but overall we could be solid. I’m confident this year.”

Even with the strong rushing numbers

Discovery Bay diver Lee named 2023 All-American

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Riley Lee of Discovery Bay got into diving simply by hanging out and tagging along with friends. What the former youth gymnast realized over time is that where her friends were ahead of her in gymnastics, she was ahead of them when it came to diving.

“I was doing harder dives and trying new stuff,” she said.

Fast-forward several years later and those days just hanging out and tagging along at the Brentwood Aquatic Center ended up with her becoming one of the top divers in the state and being named a 2023 All-American Diver by the National Interscholastic Swim Coach Association.

“I was excited,” the upcoming senior at St. Mary’s Lee said about finding out about the award. “Some of my teammates have gotten it before, and it’s a really big deal because they only pick 100 (female divers) in the

whole country.”

Of those divers selected nationwide, 18 in California received the All-American honor earlier this month, including Lee, according to Lee’s mother, Michelle.

Lee received the award following her performance in the 2023 CIF State Championships in Clovis in late May where she placed 13th out of 28 of the top girls divers in the state with an overall score of 451.90 in the girls 1-meter dive.

“It’s a lot of fun to watch her because you really do feel the accomplishment right when you get that skill,” Michelle Lee said. “Sometimes we’re on pins and needles watching her.”

In her 2022 sophomore season, she placed 11th in State with a score of 415.75, breaking the school’s diving record for the highest place at State.

between Brown Jr. and Mayfield the Panthers struggled out the gate in 2022, dropping four in a row after winning their season opener. The first-half struggles were highlighted by injuries leading toward an overtime loss against Vintage in the home opener and a one-point loss against California during the four-game skid.

They finished the season 4-7 overall, 3-2 in the Bay Valley Athletic League, just enough to sneak them into the playoffs as the seventh-seed in the Open bracket.

“We had a really tough schedule, and we knew it was going to be tough going into it,” Dudley said. “We have a ton of room to improve on things that we did in league play last year and I’m excited for this year.”

Even with the change in the offensive philosophy, the Panthers are keeping their expectations high.

“A little bit of an achievement for us is taking that next step,” Dudley said. “It’s chasing a league title, winning a playoff game, hopefully win more playoff games, but at least get past that first playoff game since we’ve had back-to-back first-round exits. We’ve got to improve on that.”

Antioch opens the season at home against Arroyo on August 25, then travels to Vintage in Napa for a quick road game before their two-game homestand against James Logan and College Park starting on Sept. 8. They open BVAL play on the road at Heritage on Sept. 29.

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

Photo courtesy of Michelle Lee

Antioch looks to its passing game for success in 2023.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories about summer camps of the local high school football programs.

“The competition was a lot harder this year,” Lee said.

All-American female athletes must score a minimum of 375.00 points and have a degree of difficulty in optional dives of 13.0 or higher in a high school championship meet. Lee had to submit a video of her selected dive to a panel of judges nationally for a chance to be selected.

Entering her senior year as an AllAmerican has only motivated Lee for an even stronger 2024 season, as she aims to “go out with a bang” and possibly finish in the Top 10 in State if not top-eight and grab-

bing a medal.

“It makes me really want to do more and do better,” Lee said. “This year (2023), my goal was to beat my personal best dives, and I thought I did that at sections, but I didn’t. I beat it at State by more than 30 points, which is a lot in dives.”

Lee already has the interest of a few schools, such as Lafayette University where she went for a visit, and other schools like the University of Idaho, University of Colorado, and Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti.

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

Photo courtesy of Michelle Lee

COMPREHENSIVE ESTATE PLANNING

By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law

What is a complete estate plan? A complete estate plan is a set of legal documents which has been prepared specifically for you, based on your own concerns and desires.

Although not exhaustive, a complete estate plan should include the following documents:

1. A Revocable Living Trust;

2. Declaration of Trust Ownership of Personal Property, which assigns your interest in your personal property to your Trust.

3. A Certificate of Trust, which summarizes the terms of your Trust in the event that third parties want to see “proof” that you have a Trust;

4. A Pour-Over Will, which transfers assets outside the Trust at death into the Trust.

5. A Durable Power of Attorney for Management of Property and Personal Affairs;

6. An Advance Health Care Directive;

7. Funding Instructions; and

8. Successor Trustee Instructions. A complete estate plan should also:

1. Name a guardian for minor children.

Look inside before you lock your vehicle in a heat wave

2. Provide for family members with special needs without disrupting government benefits.

3. Provide for loved ones who might be irresponsible with money.

4. Provide for the transfer of your business at your retirement, disability, or death.

5. Minimize taxes, court costs, and unnecessary legal fees.

6. Be an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Your plan should be reviewed and updated as your family and financial situations (and laws) change over your lifetime.

If you have questions concerning your existing estate plan or setting up an estate plan, please contact Todd W. Moeller at (925) 3018840 or www.Todd@MoellerEstateLaw.com.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this advertisement is provided for general information only. Todd W. Moeller is licensed to practice law in the State of California only, and any information contained in this advertisement is based on general principles of California law. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

A person suffering from heat stroke in a vehicle is one of the leading causes of traffic-related deaths for children in the United States, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Over the past 25 years, 940 children have died of heatstroke due to being left or trapped in a hot car. As temperatures continue to rise in East County with an Excessive Heat Watch for this weekend, the California Office of Traffic Safety and Caltrans remind families and caregivers to “Look Before You Lock” and help avoid preventable deaths and injuries of relatives.

Since 1998, the majority of these deaths occur when a child is “forgotten” by a parent or caregiver and left in a hot car, and more than half occur at a home. A busy parent or caregiver may unintentionally forget that a quiet or sleeping child, who may also be facing the back of the car, is in the back of the vehicle. By the end of 2022 alone, 33 children had died due to vehicular heat stroke.

Heat stroke, also referred to as hyperthermia, can escalate quickly in a hot car, the Office of Traffic Safety said in a press release. Temperatures can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. At just 70 degrees outside, a vehicle can quickly reach 115 degrees. Individuals, particularly children whose body temperatures rise three to five times more quickly than an adult’s, can overheat in minutes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees.

Caltrans urges parents and caregivers to make sure a child is not left or forgotten in the back seat:

• Always lock your vehicle and keep the keys out of reach. About 25% of deaths in a hot car are a result of children getting into unattended vehicles.

• Never leave a child alone in a car for any reason. Rolling windows down or parking in the shade does little to change the interior temperature of the vehicle.

• Always look in the back seat before you exit the car. Keep a stuffed animal, purse, phone or wallet next to the car seat as a reminder. On July 5, a Florida couple in Polk County was arrested and charged with manslaughter after leaving their 18 month-old daughter in the back seat of their car overnight in hot weather after they returned from a Fourth of July party. The child, whose body temperature was 104 degrees, was pronounced dead that morning.

• Know the warning signs of heatstroke, which include red, hot and moist or dry skin, lack of sweat, dizziness, nausea, confusion, as well as being irritable or strange behavior. For more information, visit www. nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke. For current data, visit noheatstroke.org

Leila (left) Emma (right)

Photo from Adobe Stock

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

Jobs Jobs

& l egals

an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Signature of registrant: Alejandro Guzman, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/09/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/08/2028 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0003423 The name of the business(es): BIG SKY LOGOS & EMBROIDERY Located at: 5204 BURBERRY COURT In: ELK GROVE, CA 95757, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): CALIPRINTS, LLC. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company,St ate of Organization. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on . Signature of registrant: RICKIN PATEL, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/28/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/27/2028 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0003338 The name of the business(es): IRENELETITOUT Located at: 4464 LONE TREE WAY #547 In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Monica Irene Hall Austin. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A.

Signature of registrant: Monica Austin, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 22, 2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 6/21/2028 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023.

Publish Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number F-2023-0002918

The name(s) of the business(es): Techreup Located at 28310 Industrial Blvd Suite F In: Hayward CA, 94545 County of Alameda. R egistrant(s): M&E investments, 1648 Century Oaks Dr, Brentwood CA 94513. This business is conducted by: A corporation The registrant commenced to transact business on N/A M&E Investments S/ Emmanuel Marti, CFO

Statement filed with the county clerk of Contra costa on 06/30/2023

Publish Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0003367 The name of the business(es): Feather Touch Equine Bodywork Located at: 1850 Island Park Place In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Penny Ann Marrs. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/23/2023. Signature of registrant: Penny Ann Marrs, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 23, 2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/22/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0003284 The name of the business(es): Classy Nails And Spa Located at: 2430 Sand Creek Dr #D5 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tuyet Thi Bach Nguyen. This business is conducted

by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Tuyet Nguyen, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: June 20, 2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 6/19/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish dates: June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 2023.

Publish Dates: June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0002915 The name of the business(es): Mel’s Awesome Sauce Located at: 2397 Newport Drive In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Melissa Ashley Morrison. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Melissa Morrison, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: May by Deputy Clerk Expires 5/30/2028 Press No. 02-1273 Publish dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023.

Publish Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0003163 The name of the business(es):

1. DELTA REAL ESTATE

2. JACKSON BOYD REAL ESTATE

3. JACKSON TRAINA COMMERCIAL

REAL ESTATE

4. JTCRE Located at: 6170 BETHEL ISLAND RD In: BETHEL ISLAND, CA 94511, is hereby registered by the following owner(s):

1. CHRIS TRAINA 2.JULIE JACKSON. This business is conducted by: a General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A.

Signature of registrant: CHRIS TRAINA, GENERAL PARTNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/13/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/12/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2023-0003272 The name of the business(es): TASTE OF HOME Located at: 1210 Jasmine Court In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Chandrani Shaw. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Chandrani Shaw, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/20/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/19/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0003170 The name of the business(es):

1. TBI Evidence 2. TBIEvidence.com Located at: 5351 Neroly Road In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Rick D Junnila. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Rick Junnila, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/13/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/12/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2023-0003509 The name of the business(es): Bear Edge Woodworking Located at: 15175 Byron Hwy, Byron CA In: Byron CA 94514, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Chantelle Leighton. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above

on 06/30/2023. Signature of registrant: Chantelle Leighton. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 06/30/2023 by Deputy Clerk Expires 06/29/2028 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: ROSARIO

B. SNEAD SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: ROSARIO B. SNEAD CASE NUMBER: N23-1047 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner ROSARIO B. SNEAD filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. ROSARIO B. SNEAD b. aka ROSARIO BOLARDE SNEAD to Proposed Name: a. ROSARIO BOLARDE. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 08/11/2023

Time: 9:00 AM Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press

Date: June 08 2023 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press 02-1273

Publish Dates: June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Location: Big Break Marina, 100 Big Break Rd, Oakley, CA 94561.

Date & Time: July 21st, 2023 at 2pm. Winning Bidders must pay with cash

18’ Mastercraft 20’ Bayliner 39’ Mccall Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Date: July 14, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: BRENDA SCOTT, aka Brenda D. Scott, deceased CASE NUMBER P2300356 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: BRENDA SCOTT, aka Brenda D. Scott, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: KRISTOPHER SCOTT in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: KRISTOPHER SCOTT be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: AUGUST 10, 2023

Time: 9:00 AM Dept: #30. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your

claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: KRISTOPHER SCOTT Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: July 14, 21, 28, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ISABEL KOLB, deceased CASE NUMBER P23-00753

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: ISABEL KOLB, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: MICHELLE MCBEE in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA The Petition for Probate requests that: MICHELLE MCBEE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: AUGUST 03, 2023 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: #30. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Cop logs

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity:

OAKLEY

June 25, 1:22 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was stopped at Crockett Park in Oakley.

June 25, 1:36 a.m. A domestic disturbance was reported at the 1900 block on Cypress Court.

June 25, 7:29 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at the 3800 block on Longhorn Lane.

June 25, 9:18 a.m. A welfare check was reported at the 4900 block on Beldin Lane.

June 25, 9:40 a.m. A domestic disturbance was reported on Laurel Road/Main Street.

June 25, 10:03 a.m. A case of defrauding an innkeeper was reported at the Black Bear Diner in Oakley.

June 25, 12:42 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported at the Grocery Outlet in Oakley.

June 25, 1:32 p.m. A case of loitering was reported at the 3400 block on Main Street.

June 25, 2:55 p.m. A welfare check was conducted at the 90 block on Cunha Court.

June 25, 4:30 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported at the AM/PM in Oakley.

June 25, 4:38 p.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported on Frandoras Circle/Neroly Road.

June 25, 5:04 p.m. A welfare check was conducted at Freedom High School in Oakley.

June 25, 11:10 p.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at the 4000 block on Hill Avenue.

June 26, 12:49 a.m. A domestic disturbance was reported on Bynum Way/Rutherford Lane.

June 26, 2:11 a.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported at the 10 block on Eleven Oak.

June 26, 11:35 a.m. A case of fraud under false pretenses was reported at the 4700 block on Bayside Way.

June 26, 1:47 p.m. A welfare check was conducted at the 700 block on Oakley Road.

June 26, 3:09 p.m. A petty theft was reported at the Lucky in Oakley.

June 26, 3:29 p.m. A misdemeanor DUI was reported on Shearwater Way/Riverrock Drive.

June 26, 4:58 p.m. A grand theft was reported at the Diamond Hills sports Club and Spa in Oakley.

June 26, 6:03 p.m. A threats complaint was reported at the 20 block on Vitruvius Court.

June 26, 6:22 p.m. A welfare check was con-

ducted at the AM/PM in Oakley.

June 26, 8:17 p.m. A petty theft was reported at the 2000 block on Main Street

June 26, 8:18 p.m. An unwanted guest was reported at the 2500 block on Main Street.

June 26, 8:29 p.m. A civil disturbance was reported at the 1500 block on Coventry Drive.

June 26, 9:32 p.m. A misdemeanor DUI was reported at the 300 block on Cashew Lane.

BRENTWOOD

June 22, 8:44 a.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported on Montecito Drive. The reporting party says his white Dodge Scat Pack was parked in his driveway and is now down the street parked at Montecito Drive/Taylor Drive. The vehicle was unoccupied and the back window was broken.

June 22, 10:10 a.m. A petty theft was reported on Buckskin Terrace. An Amazon package was stolen off of the reporting party’s front porch.

June 22, 3:03 p.m. An accident with major injuries was reported on Balfour Road/ Highway 4.

June 22, 3:08 p.m. A petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. A report was filed for $287 that was stolen on June 16.

June 22, 3:35 p.m. A petty theft was re-

ported on Lone Tree Way. About $300 of merchandise was stolen after a man placed it in his bag and left.

June 22, 4:17 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Lone Tree Way.

June 22, 5:31 p.m. A grand theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. More than $2,000 worth of merchandise was taken.

June 22, 6:50 p.m. A restraining order violation was reported on Dainty Avenue. Restraining order party was harassing the reporting party via text message.

June 23, 8:41 a.m. A restraining order violation was reported on Second Street.

June 23, 11:15 a.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A female was trying to get coins out of the washing machines at the location and damaged multiple machines.

June 23, 11:58 a.m. A grand theft was reported on Sand Creek. About $2,000 worth of merchandise was taken.

June 23, 2:22 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Sand Creek Road/O’Hara Avenue. A white van versus a blue Chevy Sedan.

June 23, 2:59 p.m. A grand theft was reported on Empire Avenue. The incident was a grab and run, with more than $1,000 worth of merchandise taken.

case of vandalism was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A female was trying to get coins out of the washing machines at the location and damaged multiple machines. BRENTWOOD - June 23, 11:15 a.m.

Chill from page 1A

because of the below-normal temperatures in recent months and just last week, the weather service said.

Here are some services available to residents Oakley

As of press time, Oakley does not have a cooling center open to the public this weekend, according to Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro. The city had been looking at a location to use on Saturday, but the location -– which was not city-owned -–could not confirm that they would be a cooling center, Navarro said via email.

During a similar heat wave last summer, Oakley opened its community center for use by the public as a cooling center. According to Navarro, the center is being used as a summer camp, and the city does not

have enough “staff resources.”

Brentwood

The Brentwood Community Center at 35 Oak St. will be open as a cooling center on Saturday and Sunday, according to City Manager Tim Ogden. The center will be open to the public, but the city has not finalized the times as of Wednesday.

The threshold for the city to “activate” the community center, according to Ogden, is when the thermometer hits 104 degrees. Brentwood had previously opened the community center as a cooling center earlier this summer on July 1 when temperatures were similarly extreme.

In addition to the city-provided cooling center, the county will also be hosting a cooling center on Friday from noon until 5 p.m. at the Employment and Human Ser-

Each lesson ties within each other with Dudley navigating and connecting the dots as he goes week by week.

“We’re stacking up little building blocks where we can have some things in each week that call back to the past concepts that we’ve learned,” he said.

He added that the credit card lesson from two weeks ago was his favorite.

“It’s about ways that. Even before they turn 18, they can start improving their credit score,” Dudley said. “To a lot of people, credit cards are taboo subjects because you can get yourself in a lot of trouble. So I explained to the kids that it’s no different than a weapon or anything else that could be dangerous if you use it wrong. If you use it correctly, there are a lot of benefits to it.”

Dudley’s course doesn’t go into the student-athlete’s current environment of NIL deals, or “Name, Image and Likeness” that a lot of football players especially seem to receive when they get officially offered by a major Division-

Unhoused from page 1A

less people in Antioch rose from 238 in 2020 to 334 in 2023, both Brentwood and Oakley saw a decrease in the reported numbers of homeless people. About 80 people reportedly were homeless in Brentwood in 2020, compared to 37 this year while Oakley’s count decreased from 50 to 9 in the same period. Bethel Island had an increase from 2 to 6 from 2020 to 2023, the data shows.

“The City does not currently maintain a homeless ‘census’ and relies on the County’s Point-in-Time Counts so we can’t precisely pinpoint the specific reason for the decrease in numbers from 2020 to

Publisher & Editor Greg Robinson

Controller Sandie McNulty

Production Manager Eric Kinnaird

Ad Services Manager Connie O’Neill

Associate Editor Jake Menez

Founder & Publisher Emeritus Jimmy Chamoures

Classifieds 925-634-1441, ext. 142

Editorial 925-634-1441, ext. 138

Delivery Questions 925-584-7773

Subscription Questions 925-634-1441

Editorial email editor@brentwoodpress.com

vices Department (EHSD) building located at 151 Sand Creek Road, according to the county’s website.

Discovery Bay

The Discovery Bay Community Center, at 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd., will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, according to town officials.

Antioch

Antioch will open both the Antioch Community Center and Nick Rodriguez Community Center as cooling centers on Saturday and Sunday, according to a social media post shared by the city’s recreation department. The centers will be open from noon until 8 p.m. both days.

The Nick Rodriguez Community Center is at 213 F St.. The Antioch Community Center is at 4703 Lone Tree Way

I college program. He says that his course is more aimed to help the kids become successful adults.

“My bigger goal is to get them basic financial concepts that they need to be successful adults so they don’t get themselves into a bunch of debt or bad problems as things go on,” he said. “We haven’t had a player that’s gotten NIL money, but if it would’ve come around a few years earlier I would’ve imagined (former Antioch running back Najee Harris) would have gotten a pretty substantial NIL package.”

“We’re definitely ready for it when we get a player of that caliber that somebody’s offering some big bucks for. But we’re just focusing more on just general, broad financial concepts that they need to understand.”

Dudley, who’s also the athletic director at Antioch, hasn’t spread the program out for the rest of the athletic department and Antioch’s teams. He has kept it with the football program because he spends a majority of his time with the football team and they have classroom time during

2023 presented on the 2023 report,” Oakley’s assistant city manager, Danielle Navarro, said via email.

The town’s public works staff reports problems with homeless people to the police department, which also monitors and talks to homeless people to make sure they don’t break any laws, such as trespassing. If a homeless person is caught trespassing on private property, Navarro said, the city sends the property owners clean-up notices.

Navarro said that Oakley has a reputation of addressing crime committed by homeless residents, which may help explain the decrease.

“While homelessness itself is not a crime, there are often concerns related to public safety, cleanliness, and quality of life issues associated with homelessness,” she said. “Our new Special Services Team will be assigned to address issues with our unhoused population and re-engaging with the County’s Coordinated Outreach Referral Engagement (C.O.R.E.) program.” The program works with homeless people living outside through consistent outreach to facilitate and/or deliver health and basic needs and to secure permanent housing.

Brentwood officials also said they did not have a concrete reason for the fewer homeless people there.

“With a specific point in time once a year, it can fluctuate,” City Manager Tim Ogden said in an email. “We never be-

“The City of Antioch is committed to providing a safe, cool place for residents at the Antioch Community Center and the Nick Rodriguez Community Center,” the post reads. “Residents without home air conditioning, or with health conditions made worse with extreme heat and poor air quality are encouraged to seek out the cooling centers.”

Contra Costa County will also have a cooling center open from noon until 5 p.m. on Friday at the Antioch EHSD building located at 4545 Delta Fair Blvd.

East County residents are urged to drink plenty of water during this short heat spell, wear loose, light-colored clothing and to check on family and friends, especially the elderly, who might be more vulnerable to heatrelated problems, the weather service said. To comment, visit www.thepress.net

the summer anyways.

Earlier this year, California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) introduced a bill that would require public high schools and charter schools to offer personal finance classes that would be required for graduation. Antioch offers a basic financial class already, but that is geared more like a business class, Dudley said, while his course aims at being more practical with real-life implications.

“I try to give as many tangible examples that they can actually envision or grasp,” he said.

“I think most schools could carve out a little 30-minute window once a week to talk about some basic financial literacy concepts,” he said. “I get money is sometimes a taboo subject. I’m very open and honest with the kids about it and haven’t had a parent complain. I told them if their parents want to talk about any of the stuff that we talked about, I’m happy to talk to them about it.”

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

lieved based on our boots on the ground that we had over 80 with the prior count; we just never saw those kinds of numbers. The count now matches up with the patrols and calls we follow up on including the monthly or so County CORE team outreaches inviting the population to receive services and get help.”

The city of Brentwood maintains resources for the homeless on its website at https://www.brentwoodca.gov/government/city-manager/unsheltered-resources

Homelessness is divided into two types – those who are sheltered and unsheltered. The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines an ‘unsheltered homeless person’ as one re-

siding in a place “not meant for human habitation,” such as a car, a park or the sidewalk. A ‘sheltered homeless person’ is defined as one in transitional housing or an emergency shelter. According to the latest count, roughly 70% of homeless people in the county are considered unsheltered. East County’s homeless population accounts for about 30% of the county’s overall homeless population, the survey said.

The full survey can be read at https:// cchealth.org/h3/coc/reports.php#PIT

County resources to assist those experiencing homelessness can be found at https://cchealth.org/h3/coc/help.php

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Coach from page 1A

Graphic from Contra Costa Health

New technology tool helps lost or stranded state parks visitors

A new tool in the State Parks toolkit, what3words, provides dispatchers with state-of-the-art technology to assist visitors in the event they become lost, stranded or who otherwise need help from emergency services. Using this technology, state Parks dispatchers will now be able to pinpoint the precise locations of individuals who become lost with just three dictionary words, so that help can be sent quickly to exactly where it is needed.

This technology benefits visitors and 911 dispatchers, said Frankie Cowan, a spokesman for what3words. He also said it works while turned off. “Without a data connection you can still view the location of any what3words address you enter. You can also navigate to it using compass mode. To share a what3words address over the phone or in a text message you do need a phone signal.”

Co-founded in London in 2013 by Chris Sheldrick, what3words is a simple way to talk about precise locations with other people, or to input them into platforms and machines such as ride-hailing apps or e-commerce checkouts. It is optimized for voice input and contains built-in error prevention to immediately identify and correct input mistakes, according to what3words officials.

what3words, integrated into RapidSOS dispatch, provides users with a simple way to communicate precise locations. It has divided the world into a grid of 10 feet by 10 feet squares, and given each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. This means that every park bench, parking space, pitch on a campsite, and remote spot on a hiking trail has its own what3words address. For example, ///tools.melted. studs takes you to the exact entrance to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park’s campground. The app is available in more than 50 languages to date, and is free to download for both iOS and Android devices.

“Being able to locate a caller during an emergency is essential and the faster the location is confirmed, the faster help can be dispatched,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “what3words

iN Brief

enables callers and dispatchers to communicate precise locations with just three words and quickly get the help they need.”

what3words already covers the globe, so you can easily discover addresses for all 280 state parks in its system, including all parks and campgrounds. OuterSpatial is working with what3words to offer more ways to use precise, three-word addresses in the State Parks app, with updates due to be released later in the year.

what3words can also be used for nonemergencies, like giving friends and family directions to a specific campsite or sharing beautiful viewpoints. Being able to precisely communicate where to find key locations can make navigating through the vast parks simple and stress free, said what3words officials in a press release.

Newsom highlights technology in updated fight against wildfires

California has built up more technology, firefighters, and aircraft for wildfires than ever in an effort to protect Californians ahead of what could be an intense wildfire season after wet conditions resulted in more vegetation throughout the state.

In addition to having the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world on standby and the most firefighters in state history, California is deploying new tools – including artificial intelligence, satellites, cameras, drones, real-time intelligence, and more – to fight fire more quickly and smarter. Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press release.

“In just five years, California’s wildfire response has seen a tech revolution,” he said. “We’re enlisting cutting-edge technology in our efforts to fight wildfires, exploring how innovations like artificial intelligence can help us identify threats quicker and deploy resources smarter. And with the world’s largest aerial firefighting force and more firefighters on the ground than ever before, we’re keeping more Californians safer from wildfire. While these resources will help protect our communities, Californians need to remain vigilant for what could be an intense wildfire season this year.”

The state is working with Lockheed

Martin to explore the potential of incorporating Department of Defense-grade technology to fight wildfires, the press release said. CalFire is focusing on drone-based software, A.I.-enabled tools, analytics, and capabilities to provide analysis of ground and atmospheric conditions in near realtime, as well as persistent communications capabilities to fire personnel on the ground during response activities.

An additional $674.1 million in 202223 added 1,350 new positions and expanded fire crews, air attack operations, and provided for additional relief for CalFire staff to meet the demands of wildland firefighting in a changing climate.

CalFire is bolstering its firefighting aircraft fleet for the second year in a row as a result of over $72 million provided by the state with 24 additional firefighting aircraft (19 helicopters and 5 airplanes for a contractual period of 90-120 days) to enhance their statewide response. The additional fixed-wing aircraft include 3 large air tankers specifically designed to carry up to 4,000 gallons of retardant. These aircraft have been strategically located in communities across California and will be pre-positioned to meet the needs of potential fire activity throughout the state.

State accepting grant applications for clean vessel education program

California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways is now accepting grant applications for the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Education and Outreach Grant Program. A maximum of $276,937 federal funding per targeted region is available to organizations for educating coastal and San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary recreational boaters about proper vessel sewage disposal and the use of pump-out facilities and monitoring pump-out and dump stations.

In 1992, Congress passed the CVA to help reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges into U.S. waters. The grant program serves as an important educational opportunity for all boaters on how to help keep California’s waterways clean. Discharging sewage overboard creates environmental

and human health problems. To reduce the negative impacts of this harmful action, all recreational boaters are encouraged to use sewage management facilities, including pump-out stations, dump stations, and mobile pump-out services.

The grant program targets two geographic regions of California in Southern and Northern California, and Contra Costa County is one of 19 counties in the program.

Proposals that cover a portion of the above regions will be considered if, over time, the agency can expand program(s) to the entire region.

Each regional grant must include education and outreach efforts, and a pumpout/ dump station monitoring program. Applications will be evaluated and ranked according to how each application proposal demonstrates comprehensive and proven methods for meeting grant program goals. The deadline to submit applications is by 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10.

For detailed information on the grant program, the current grant application, requirements, and complete guidelines packet, visit DBW’s website.

BUSD changes school lunch policy for next academic year

The Brentwood Union School District has announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch / School Breakfast Program under Provision 2 for the 2023-24 school year. The Schools that participate in Provision 2 are able to provide healthy breakfast and lunch each day at no charge for all students enrolled at a BUSD elementary and middle school.

No application needed to complete. An Education Benefits form will be available to complete for new students and those needing to show income eligibility for BUSD bus transportation and other educational programs.

For additional information, contact: Brentwood Union School District, Attention: Kristin Nisen, Coordinator, Food Services, 255 Guthrie Lane, Brentwood, Ca. 94513, (925) 513-6337, knisen@brentwood. k12.ca.us.

WE KNOW IT WE GROW IT

THE PRESS

Your Guide to Health, Beauty & Fitness

Health

Cancer support center in Antioch reopens

Beauty

High school friends help build self-confidence

Fitness

The benefits of biking short and long distances

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

What research says about medicinal use of cannabis

Attitudes regarding the use of cannabis have shifted significantly over the last decade. The National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that, as of early 2022, 37 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allowed the medicinal use of cannabis products. By May 2022, 19 states, two territories and the District of Columbia had enacted measures to regulate the nonmedicinal use of cannabis by adults. This shifting dynamic also is evident in Canada, where the Cannabis Act of 2018 created a strict legal framework controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis, effectively legalizing it throughout the country that October.

Attitudinal shifts regarding cannabis on the part of legislators have prompted many people to wonder what, if any, medicinal benefits marijuana can provide. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that very question has been the subject of research and debate for decades. That debate is unlikely to end soon, though the NIDA indicates that suggestions about the potential medicinal

properties of cannabis are not unfounded.

The NIDA notes that marijuana and its components have been found to have medicinal properties. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain medications that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is a compound found in the resin secreted by the marijuana plant. These drugs, prescribed in pill form, are used to treat the nausea that can develop in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The drugs, which are called Marinol and Cesamet, also are prescribed as appetite stimulants to AIDS patients with wasting syndrome.

Though it has yet to be approved in the United States, the mouth spray Sativex is available in various parts of the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom. The NIDA notes that Sativex is prescribed to multiple sclerosis patients to treat the spasticity and neuropathic pain associated with MS.

CBD oil is one cannabis-related product to garner significant attention in recent years. CBD refers to cannabidiol, a chemical found in marijuana. According to the NIDA, the only CBD-based liquid medication thus far approved by the FDA is Epidiolex, which is used to treat two rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy. But consumers undoubtedly recognize just how widely CBD oil is marketed, and the Mayo Clinic notes CBD-infused foods, drinks and beauty products are available online. However, research as to the benefits of CBD is ongoing and limited. That does not necessarily mean claims about the benefits of CBD are false, but it also does not mean they’re true or backed by legitimate, recognized medical research.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Research as to the benefits of CBD is ongoing and limited.

Guys like Minh Nguyen and Harry Levine grew up riding their bikes to go everywhere.

Cycling serves several purposes to many: transportation, adventure, and exercise. Many people learn how to ride a bike when they’re growing up, something that’s seen as a stepping stone as one grows up. As people get older, they tend to use bikes for many reasons – as a simple means of getting around to getting exercise, to even as far as becoming part of a community.

“Riding is wonderful,” Levine said. “I mean, my blood pressure is excellent. We don’t smoke, we watch our diet, we eat healthy. It’s just a really good lifestyle.”

According to Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong website, “biking gives you the same cardiovascular benefits as any other aerobic exercise.”

Along with the healthy heart benefits, cycling has also been linked to increasing muscular strength and endurance, has been proven to burn more calories than walking, and can lengthen life expectancy.

Levine, along with his friend Dave Leaumont, run a cycling club called Delta

Valley Velo, a group aimed at more “enthusiastic” riders. There’s no membership fee and all are welcome to join, from those just hopping on for the first time to those who are more experienced.

“We have a great core group that meets once a month, but we usually see each other riding twice a week or so,” Levine said.

Velo does weekend rides throughout East County, starting near Safeway on Second Street in Brentwood.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that adults should do at least 2 ½ to 5 hours a week of moderateintensity exercise and at least an hour to 2 ½ hours of vigorous exercise a week.

Cycling is an effective way of achieving both, the agency said.

One of the biggest benefits of cycling, according to Livestrong, is that it’s easy on the joints because it’s low impact, especially compared to running.

“For me, as a cyclist, unlike running you cover a lot more ground,” said Minh Nguyen, a member of the Delta Pedalers, a more family-oriented group that is divided into different groups based on a rider’s experience that recently celebrated their second anniversary.

Levine and Nguyen admit that cycling can be expensive. But there are ways to reduce the cost, especially for those looking to get into the sport for the first time.

Sporting goods stores have mountain bikes starting for as low as $200, while going for a high as nearly $4,000.

Nguyen says that mountain bikes are a good way for new riders to start, especially if they’re still testing the road, because mountain bikes are less expensive. They also can do what road bikes can do.

“Those tend to be very popular for cyclists when they first get into the sport because they don’t really know if they want to commit to road bikes,” Nguyen said. At cycling companies like Specialized, their road bikes start at $1,000 and run as high at $15,500.

“Maybe I could commit to a mountain bike because it’s a bike that does it all for me. Then what (new cyclists) do is they’ll take the knobby tires off and put smooth tires on.

Levine suggests that because of the costs, potential riders should determine how regularly they will ride before they commit to cycling.

“(Cycling) is one of those things that if you’re not going to be committed to it, if you’re not going to stick with it, then don’t waste your money,” he said.

For more information on the Delta Pedalers, you can find them at www.deltaped.org

You can also find Delta Valley Velo at www.deltavalleyvelo.com

JEFF WEISNGER

Photo by Delta Pedalers and Friends

Delta Pedalers and Friends group end up at Extreme Pizza after going on a ride.

The skin is one of the most visible parts of the human body. Skin is the body’s largest organ and helps to retain water and protect internal organs. The average adult has about 22 square feet of skin, which weighs around 8 pounds, according to National Geographic.

The skin can be affected by any number of conditions. While many are not overly harmful, certain conditions can affect appearance. This, in turn, may hurt a person’s self-confidence. Therefore, many people prefer to address skin issues promptly and effectively. Here are some common conditions and how to address them.

Acne

Acne can occur on the shoulders, face, neck, and upper back. Breakouts may include whiteheads, red pimples, blackheads, and deep cysts. If left untreated, acne can cause scarring. Clogged pores cause acne, according to Healthline. This may occur from bacteria, hormones, dead skin cells, and excessive oil production. Non-inflammatory acne can be addressed by using salicylic acid, which naturally exfoliates the skin. It is found in cleansers and toners. Inflammatory acne can cause infection deep beneath the skin’s surface. Products containing benzoyl-peroxide may help reduce bacteria and swelling.

Large pores

Large pores tend to go hand-in-hand with oily skin. They are extremely common. The American Academy of

Dermatology recommends being gentle with the skin to help minimize the appearance of pores. In addition, cleansing and exfoliating the skin can help. The AAD says retinol, which is a derivative of vitamin A, can unclog pores and restore the skin’s natural appearance.

Redness

Skin redness may occur for a variety of reasons. These include sunburns, allergic reactions, dry skin, acne, and irritations. Identifying the root of redness can help individuals make a plan for avoiding it going forward. Long-term redness often is linked to seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. Certain medications and skin care products may be recommended by a dermatologist to address these issues. In addition, color-correcting makeup can help camouflage redness, according to L’Oreal.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that produces red, itchy, dry, and irritated skin. It tends to start in early childhood, and doctors believe an overactive immune system may trigger symptoms. A dermatologist usually treats eczema with over-the-counter antihistamines and OTC or prescription steroid creams.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that results in the excessive shedding of skin cells. Psoriasis causes scaly, silvery defined patches on the skin and usually occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Healthline says plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition. Light therapy, moisturizers, topical retinoids, and biologics may be prescribed to manage psoriasis.

Scars

Scars are a natural result of the healing process from an injury to the skin. Many scars fade over time, but deep scars may be permanent and visible. Dermatologists may recommend application of vitamin E, silicone gel or other creams or oils to help minimize scarring after a surgery or injury. A prescription retinoid can be helpful when it comes to acne scarring. Steroid injections and laser treatments also can be used to reduce the appearance of scars, according to the experts at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

Common skin conditions can be a nuisance, but various over-the-counter and prescription remedies can help.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

High school friends’ business finds the beauty in their clients

Tiffany Figuero and Manuela Warren have been best friends since high school and have recently started a beauty, health, and wellness business together where their individual skills can flourish.

Figuero is a nurse practitioner of five years, specializing in medical aesthetics, family medicine, and psychiatry. With Warren, who also practices medical aesthetics, and a shared passion to help build self-confidence in others, Resilient Healthcare Services was born.

The aestheticians said that the business used to be called Mirror Mirror Beauty, but they recently rebranded as they anticipate the transition to their new location that is being built. Starting Aug. 15, Resilient Healthcare Services will be at 5065 Deer Valley Road, Suite 245, near Deer Valley High School.

Until the move on Aug. 15, Resilient Healthcare Services will be offering only medical aesthetic services, like botox and the vampire facials. They are still open at their current location, which is 5541 Lone Tree Way, Unit 150, Suite 109 in Brentwood.

“We’re really excited because it’s going to be a lot bigger. We’ll have five rooms and our own waiting room,” said Figuero.

According to the two high school

friends, Resilient Healthcare Services offers a range of services thanks to their professional background in aesthetics and health. From botox, dermal fillers, Kybella injections, to even platelet-rich plasma injections, Figuero and Warren can treat their clients’ health and wellness needs.

“Everything we do here, except for psychiatry, involves needles,” Warren said with a laugh.

One of their services that seem particularly intriguing is the vampire facial. This form of medical aesthetics adds an extra level to platelet-rich plasma injections, a medical treatment meant to improve healing and repairment, by triggering the body’s natural healing process in the face and hair area to treat age-related concerns.

Vampire facials aren’t too uncommon, the aestheticians said. “We first got the idea from the Kardashians, actually,” Figuero and

Warren said.

For those unfamiliar with it, Figuero explained how vampire facials work. “It’s a microneedling treatment in addition to PRP,” said Figuero. “First, we pull your blood. Then, we spin the blood to extract the plasma, which takes about 10 minutes. Using microneedles, we inject the plasma back into the face, creating trauma in the face to trigger the healing process and the production of collagen.”

For vampire facials, sometimes referred to as immortal facials, plasma can be injected under the eyes to help treat eye bags or on the scalp to encourage hair growth.

“Some people would rather do things more naturally. This is for those who don’t prefer to put foreign things in their body,” said Figuero. With vampire facials, Resilient Healthcare Services is able to offer a minimally invasive, and natural way to achieve a variety of beauty needs.

To reap the full benefits of a vampire facial, clients are advised to do about three sessions once a month for three months in the beginning. Then, clients will have to come back only for a touch-up once a year.

Something current and new clients

MODIFIED PREBUILT AD - Text on white background converted to 100% Black. Added hairline border in Indesign.

SAVANNAH PECKNOLD

Craig Chlebicki DDS | Christopher Charles DDS

WARREN & FIGUERO

What dental hygiene does for your overall health

Brushing and flossing ensures the removal of plaque and bacteria, which are culprits in tooth decay and gum disease.

Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of such bacteria and plaque. Brushing removes materials from the surface of the teeth, while floss gets in between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. The American Dental Association says that a combination of brushing and flossing is the key to good oral health.

While both brushing and flossing are necessary, some oral health experts say that, if done correctly, flossing actually may be slightly more important since it gets to hardto-reach spots where the most destructive microbes live.

Oral hygiene does not just keep the mouth clean; it also can prevent serious

Beauty from page 5B

can look forward to is Resilient Healthcare Services’ upcoming introduction to psychiatric services.

Figuero, who said she specializes in psychiatry, said she is excited to implement this new feature to the business because its use aligns with her and Warren’s passion

disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says extensive research shows that the bacteria that flourish in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of the body, potentially contributing to diabetes, respiratory illness and heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Brushing and flossing also can make dental cleanings and examinations go smoothly. Plaque is the precursor to tartar and is sticky, but soft and pliable.

Tartar forms when plaque has been left undisturbed. Once on teeth, tartar can’t be removed without professional help.

By removing plaque before it’s had a chance to harden into tartar, people can reduce time spent in the dentist’s chair.

Furthermore, those who clean their teeth and gums regularly will have a lower risk for gingivitis, which is inflammation and bleeding in the gums.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

to help others feel more confident about themselves.

“Let us build confidence from the inside out,” said the duo in a promotional video on their Instagram page.

Resilient Healthcare Services can be reached at www.resilient-healthcare.com and at resilient.hc925@gmail.com.

Cancer support center group in Antioch reopens

Cancer Support Community

San Francisco Bay Area recently brought together residents, medical providers, cancer patients, and loved ones to celebrate the reopening of their Antioch support center.

The original open-house celebration was scheduled for March 13, 2020, but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Cancer Support Community (CSC) has provided its services virtually. Now, with the Antioch center at 3505 Lone Tree Way, Suite 3 open, they are better able to serve East County.

The event was an inspiring showcase of Cancer Support Community’s mission, including interactive yoga and Tai Chi demonstrations, and current participants who have been helped by CSC’s services spoke.

“This community has been such a big piece of my life the past few years. I’m so grateful to have access to a place that knows what it’s like to experience cancer and loss. I can come in and talk to my

group about how I’m doing or I can take a yoga or cooking class alongside others who know what I’ve been through,” said Al, a CSC participant.

CSC board president Donald Duggan spoke to the group about the importance of having a center in Antioch.

“Being here in Antioch is really important to Cancer Support Community. We want to make sure that underserved communities and communities of color have access to our vital support programs in their own backyard. We don’t want any barriers for them in connecting with others who know what they’re going through and can help them through cancer.”

CEO Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH added, “This center is a continuation of our strategic goals to address health inequities among people facing cancer. It’s so important to us that we provide these programs to all who need it.”

Programs are available in English and Spanish, and are always provided at no cost.

To learn more about Cancer Support Community, visit cancersupport.net, call 925-951-7279 or stop by in Antioch at 3505 Lone Tree Way, Suite 3.