The Press 09.29.2023

Montanez: ‘I’m truly really humbled’

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Isaac “Ike” Montanez has been a pillar of the Brentwood community for more than 50 years. Educator, volunteer and Citizen of the Year are just some of the titles under his belt, but now he can add one more — namesake — following the announcement that the new Brentwood Union School District elementary school will be named after him.

Montanez recalled being out to brunch with his friend and fellow retired educator Emil Geddes a month before the announcement when the pair ran into BUSD Superintendent Dana Eaton. What Montanez initially assumed had been

a coincidence turned out to be a surprise organized by his friends, who told him of their plan to propose naming the school after him.

“I’m getting choked up just thinking about it,” he said. “I’m truly really humbled. I

Historical displays to honor legacy of Davis Camp

By Hemananthani Sivanandam Correspondent

The city will pay tribute to the legacy of Davis Camp with historical displays honoring its significance and contribution to the history of Brentwood.

The Brentwood City Council, in its meeting on Tuesday night, Sept. 26, voted unanimously to work with the East Contra Costa Historical Society to design the installation of the historical display to honor Davis Camp as well as other camps in the area.

The display is set to feature between two to five interpretive displays, and it may also include shade trees and benches for visitors to the area. These displays could look like the interpretive signs from

Sungold Park.

While the exact location is yet to be determined, the City Council proposed that the displays could be accessed from the adjacent Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail and Marsh Creek Regional Trail.

Currently, Davis Camp is on the southwest corner of Brentwood Boulevard and Sunset Road. The camp is an important part of Brentwood’s history dating to the late 1920s when O.R. Davis, known as

“Cal” to his friends, came to California from Oklahoma to escape starvation and the Great Depression with his wife Ruth to find work in the fruit fields.

When Davis arrived, the area, which is now the corner of Brentwood Boulevard and Sunset Road, was used as a dump but he cut a deal with Contra Costa County to take over the property in

see Davis page 14A

was shocked.”

Isaac “Ike” Montanez spent decades of his educational career dedicated to Brentwood as a teacher, and later, a principal. The Brentwood’s Union School District’s newest school, slated to open in 2024 and serving grades K-8, will be named in his honor.

The school’s first phase is set to open in time for the 2024-25 school year, according to

see Montanez page 14A

Brentwood Parks and Rec to be investigated

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The Brentwood City Council voted 5-0 at their Sept. 26 meeting to allocate up to $100,000 to hire a third-party investigator to determine satisfaction with the city’s parks and recreation department, particularly in reference to the senior activity center.

The catalyst for the calls for investigation came from public dissatisfaction with the services offered at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center at 193 Griffith Lane. Local seniors and former employees were among those who filled the seats at the council meeting, holding up signs with messages such as “Our seniors want accountability” and “Please help us secure BSAC’s future.”

“I used to have many programs going on all the time,” local senior Rosa Chang said during the public comment portion of the meeting. “The atmosphere has changed. There’s a lack of leadership – no one to oversee to develop new programs and even maintain old programs.”

Chang listed a number of activities for seniors under former activity director Olivia Alvarez while noting she has never met the current director, Amanda Chaney, despite visiting the center several times a week.

“We value our seniors,” City Manager Tim Ogden said after the meeting. “We appreciate their patience with these learning curves.”

Ogden noted that new staff members’ lack of “institutional

see Parks page 14A

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

The Press file photo

A different way to ‘see’ a photo exhibit

Lion Center for the Visually Impaired

enjoy blind artists’ art show

The blind and visually impaired clients of the Lions Center for the Visually Impaired (LCVI) visited the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek on Sept. 15 to experience “Sight Unseen – International Photography by Blind Artists.”

The group of 30, many of whom were visiting the gallery for the first time, were inspired to learn about the artists from Gallery docent Jane Enders, who gave the group a tour. Enders professionally described the photos, and gave insights about the individual artists, their motivations and methods.

Among the seven East County participants who were there, three are from Antioch.

“The way our clients could experience the art was through descriptions, given by the artist themselves on an audio recording accessible by scanning a QR code, or by the docent who walked us through to explain the artists, backgrounds, methods and medi -

um, and resulting photos,” said Richard LaGrange, the event organizer for the Lions Center. “So, if can imagine someone might describe a piece of art by saying it’s “black and white, about 6 feet across and 3 feet tall, with these two huge images of a face profiles fac -

ing each other. The right figure is older, with white beard…..” I must say, before I actually visited the exhibit I had my doubts or questions how it would go for clients, but left realizing “Of course the visually impaired artists will have a keen sensitivity to making the art

Richard LaGrange

organizer for Lions Center for the

accessible for their fellow visually impaired viewers.”

The seniors asked lots of questions and appeared actively engaged in the tour with curiosity how the artists overcame lack of sight in the visual medium of photography.

“LCVI creates special opportunities like today for clients to get out in the community, socialize with peers, and expand their horizons,” LaGrange said.

LCVI provides free supportive services for blind and visually impaired seniors in Solano, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties. For more information call 925-432-3013 or visit www. LCVI.org.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association gets $1 million from state for Mitchell Canyon Education Center

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) recently presented a check for $1 million from the state to the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. This funding will enable the construction of a cutting-edge Education Center at the Mitchell Canyon entrance to Mount Diablo State Park.

“As chair of the Assembly’s Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, I understand how crucial open space and nature are for our quality of life here in California, and I am proud of how this partnership will draw more visitors

to Mount Diablo,” Bauer-Kahan said.

This center will serve the approximately 35,000 annual visitors who enter the park through Mitchell Canyon. The proposed Education Center is to feature a 1,500-squarefoot LEED certified building and an outdoor education pavilion that will unlock a range of educational possibilities, offering learning experiences for area schools and delivering in-depth information about the mountain to visitors.

“A central objective of the Education Center is to cater to underrepresented students in Contra Costa

County, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of Mount Diablo,” said MDIA President Steve Smith in a press release. “This funding will allow us to continue on the path to meeting that objective and better serving this community.”

The center will house permanent and rotating exhibits, fostering an immersive and dynamic learning environment. Additionally, it will feature an audio-visual area, enhancing the educational experience for visitors of all ages, the press release stated.

Lion Center for the Visually Impaired clients (top and bottom photos) enjoy a photo exhibit by blind artists.

Photos by Duke Dunham

clients

“ LCVI creates special opportunities like today for clients to get out in the community, socialize with peers, and expand their horizons.

Event

Visually Impaired

Lazy Dog Restaurant gets go-ahead with provisions by Brentwood City Council

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

“Your deviled eggs have magic in them,” Mayor Joel Bryant jokingly told the applicant of Lazy Dog Restaurant while discussing the topic at the Sept. 26 council meeting. The council voted unanimously to allow changes to the design that would keep the applicant interested in developing in Brentwood after a recent hearing with the Planning Commission.

The council voted unanimously to disregard the amendment to the design proposed by the Planning Commission that would require extra detail on the windows of the tower while also changing the language of other amendments relating to rooftop equipment. Following the decision, several residents present for the meeting gave a round of applause.

The result is that plans are back in mo-

tion to bring the restaurant to Brentwood.

“We need variety and we need this restaurant badly,” one resident said during public comments.

Lazy Dog is a national chain of sitdown restaurants with a “Rocky Mountain-inspired design,” according to city staff who presented plans to the planning commissioners during their Aug. 15 meeting. The restaurant’s website describes its menu as “comfort foods,” such as hamburgers, sandwiches and pasta, and features indoor dining as well as outdoor patio dining. As the name suggests, the restaurants are dogfriendly, although pets are limited to the patio dining area. The closest location to the East County area is in Concord.

Initially, the the Planning Commission voted unanimously during that meeting to approve plans to build one of the restaurants on the southeast corner of Sand Creek Road

Helping put an end to polio

and Highway 4 across from the Streets of Brentwood shopping center albeit with some modifications to the proposed design — particularly in reference to a tower-like design element that was described by Vice Chairperson David Sparling as a “signature piece” of the chain’s look during the August meeting. Concerns that it would worsen the sightline of the area by blocking out surrounding scenery led the commissioners to ultimately agree that the restaurant would be able to include the tower, albeit in a modified form.

In spite of the unanimous approval, the restaurateurs opted to back out of developing in Brentwood following the meeting, citing increased costs associated with the necessary design changes.

“That was the word we received after the Planning Commission meeting due to significant cost increase estimates with design element changes approved,” City Man-

ager Tim Ogden said via email not long after. “However, staff continue to work with them, and with the City Council call for review to be reconsidered at their Sep. 26 meeting, we’ll see if Lazy Dog reconsiders coming to Brentwood.”

Councilmember Jovita Mendoza called for the reassessment of the design changes in an effort to convince Lazy Dog to stay in Brentwood.

“There’s things the Planning Commission did that I didn’t fully agree with,” she explained during the meeting while Councilmember Pa’tanisha Pierson noted that calling for a review is not a “dig” at the Planning Commission. Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer agreed, saying that the city has high standards but must make an effort to be “welcoming” to new businesses.

The full meeting can be found at https://bit.ly/3t2JNRO

Local beer lovers enjoy a wide variety of beers and ciders as part of the Brentwood Rotary Club’s second annual Craft Beer Festival, Saturday, Sept. 23. Proceeds from the event in City Park –which raised well over $25,000 – benefit Rotary’s Polio Plus program, “which supports global efforts to eradicate polio” as well as supporting local scholarship funds, according to festival organizers. An estimated 12.5 million children worldwide have not been vaccinated against polio, according to former Rotary President Mike Crosby. “World Polio Day is October 24th,” Crosby said. “This is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good.”

To view videos of both the event and polio eradication , visit www. thepress.net/multimedia

Photo by Christian Raitt

News iN Brief

Panel discussion on homelessness and housing crisis Oct. 3 at LMC

A panel discussion on homelessness and housing is scheduled for Oct. 3 at Los Medanos College, 2700 E. Leland Road, Student Union Room 108, Pittsburg.

An estimated 2,372 people are homelessness on any given night across Contra Costa County, according to the 2023 Contra Costa County Homeless Point-in-Time count.

The mayors of Pittsburg, Brentwood and Antioch, Contra Costa County housing experts, and students will discuss ‘A Tough Climb” from 9:35-11:10 a.m.

The goal of the discussion is to better understand homelessness in Contra Costa County and ways to address the problem.

Glazer picks St. Vincent de Paul as county nonprofit of the year

Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, selected St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for his Senate District, which includes the Delta region through Antioch, Brentwood and Discovery Bay.

Glazer honored the nonprofit at its Pittsburg headquarters.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has played a critical role for 59 years in the county’s efforts to provide basic needs assistance to thousands of vulnerable families. Since 1964, St. Vincent de Paul has provided help to families that have fallen on hard times and are in the midst of crises. Its programs help feed, clothe, shelter, and heal the most vulnerable residents. In 2022, St. Vincent de Paul distributed $1.9 million in direct financial aid, (rental/utility assistance), and over $3 million of in-kind aid, (food, clothing, furniture, medical and dental care etc.).

“I am proud to honor St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County for helping families in desperate situations,” Glazer said. “St. Vincent de Paul’s support over the last six decades has meant that families who have nowhere else to turn can get back on their feet, with food, clothing, health care and financial help.”

St. Vincent de Paul distributes food from its 18 pantries throughout the county and provides rental and utility assistance, access to free medical and dental care, and a job training program for those with barriers to employment, among other services. More than 700 volunteers serve people throughout the

county.

St. Vincent de Paul serves residents in need through 28 branches based at Catholic churches and through three thrift stores. The Thrift Store’s earned income supports its safety-net programs.

Now in its eighth year, the Nonprofit of the Year initiative allows state legislators to choose a nonprofit doing outstanding work in their districts. Nonprofits from across the state were recognized at the state Capitol on California Nonprofits Day, June 7, 2023.

Previously honored as non-profits of the year were: 2022: Bay Area Crisis Nursery; 2021: La Clinica de la Raza; 2020: Trinity Center; 2019: Monument Crisis Center; 2018: White Pony Express.

State accepting grants for on-the-water boating safety lessons

California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is accepting grant applications from organizations that teach on-the-water boating safety education to the public. A total of $1.6 million in grants is available to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges/universities operating within California for Aquatic Center Education Program grants. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at noon.

The grants can be used to:

• Purchase boating equipment and supplies.

• Provide student scholarships for onthe-water boating courses.

by the federal Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is managed by the United States Coast Guard. Some examples of recipients from the 2022-23 grant cycle include:

• Environmental Traveling Companions - $61,963

• San Diego State University, Mission Bay Aquatic Center - $62,000

• City of Oakland, Lake Merritt Boating Center - $30,270

• Orange Coast Community College$61,938.

DeSaulnier announces Congressional App Challenge coding competition

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-District 10) announced he will host the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, a coding competition for high school students. Middle and high school students who live or attend school in California’s 10th Congressional District, which includes East County, are invited to design and submit an original software application for mobile, tablet, or other computing devices to DeSaulnier’s office until Nov. 1, 2023.

(925)625-0120 www.sunbustersinc.com When: Ages: 4-15 Time: 9:00 am - Noon Where: WaldiePlaza, Downtown Antioch *Kids must be accompanied by an adult or gaurdian

• Offset costs for boating instructor training.

• Offset costs for boating safety-related events

Interested applicants are encouraged to first review the FAQs listed on DBW’s website at dbw.ca.gov to determine if they meet the grantee eligibility requirements. Grant applications must be submitted through OLGA, the division’s online grant application system accessed online.

West Delta Chapter’s October 14, 2023

Each application will be ranked and scored based on its demonstration of the applicant’s ability to safely and effectively teach on-the-water boating safety courses and enhance boaters’ knowledge of boating laws, practical handling of vessels, weather and water conditions, and other boating safety information.

“Coding and STEM knowledge are becoming increasingly important in our world, and I’m excited to see CA10 students honing these skills,” DeSaulnier said. “I look forward to seeing all of the inspiring apps students in our community will create this year.” Students may participate as individuals or in teams of up to four. Submissions must include a registration form, application, demonstration video, and exit questionnaire. To register and submit these materials, please visit https://www. congressionalappchallenge.us/students/ student-registration/. All apps must be submitted no later than 9 a.m. on Nov. 1. The winning app will be chosen by a panel of local judges and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website. Winners will also be invited to the #HouseofCode reception in Washington, D.C.

3 5t h Scan to download FREE APP!

DBW administers this competitive grant program. Funding is provided

Read your local news anytime!

PG&E offers tips on how to avoid scammers

With the number of reported scam attempts targeting Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers nearly tripling during the first seven months of 2023 compared to this time last year, PG&E wants to help customers recognize the signs of a scam and avoid falling victim.

“Scammers are constantly changing their tactics and tricks, so awareness and reporting are more important than ever to keeping our customers safe,” said Matt Foley, lead customer scam investigator for PG&E. “If a phone call, visit to your home or email doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it. Delete it, shut the door or hang up. Remember, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email, nor will we request payment via prepaid debit cards or other methods of money transfer, including mobile applications.”

A typical sign of a scam targeting a utility customer includes a caller claiming to be from PG&E and threatening disconnection if immediate payment is not made via a prepaid debit card, digital payment mobile application, or other methods of money transfer. As a reminder, PG&E will never send a single notification to a customer within one hour of a service interruption and will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or instant mobile payment applications, like Zelle or Venmo.

During the first seven months of 2023, reports of scams

targeting PG&E customers increased nearly 200% compared to last year. Reports compiled by PG&E found that:

• There have been over 29,000 scam attempts reported by customers to PG&E.

• PG&E customers have been scammed out of nearly $580,000 in 2023 alone.

• At this point in 2022, PG&E had received just over 10,000 scam reports.

Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams by visiting www.pge.com/scams or by calling 1-833-500-SCAM.

Signs of a potential scam

• Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past-due bill.

• Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment.

• Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds.

• Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your

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utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate, and ask you for your personal financial information.

• Scammers impersonating trusted phone numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers, which appear on your phone display. However, the numbers don’t lead back to PG&E if called back. So if you have doubts, hang up and either log into your account at pge.com to confirm your bill details or call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911.

• How customers can protect themselves

• Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person.

• If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill.

• Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard.

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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

Friday, Sept. 29

Pillars of Hope 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

A day of golf, fun, and food at Lone Tree Golf and Event Center at 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch to help end human trafficking.

Registration is $150 per golfer. Registration and putting competition start at 10:30 a.m. A shotgun start is at 1 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. For details, call Cathy Seleska at 925-628-1226 or visit https:// pillarsofhope.us/pillars-of-hope-events/

Saturday, Sept. 30

1966 Liberty High School Class Reunion

The Class of 1966, although it’s not a milestone year (55+2), decided that its wants to reconnect every year. This reunion, an informal gathering at the Wild Idol at 3918 Main St. in Byron at 5 p.m., is open to ALL Liberty classes. There are no official invitations, and no money will be collected. For more information, email Libertybrentwood66@gmail.com

Brentwood Library Anniversary Party

Come celebrate the new Brentwood Library building’s fifth anniversary on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Library, 104 Oak St. Enjoy cake, crafts, and story time with Mayor Joel Bryant. The event is a partnership with the Friends of the Brentwood Library and the City of Brentwood.

Tuesday, October 3

Panel Discussion on County Homelessness, Housing at LMC

A panel discussion on countywide homelessness and housing will be held at Los Medanos College, 2700 E. Leland Road, Student Union Room 108, Pittsburg. The mayors of Pittsburg, Brentwood and Antioch, Contra Costa County housing experts, and students will discuss ‘A Tough Climb” from 9:35-11:10 a.m. The goal of the discussion is to better understand homelessness in Contra Costa County and ways to address the problem.

Thursday, October 5

Antioch Library Used Book Sale

Friends Of The Antioch Library host a used book sale starting at 10 a.m.. Items sold are, Children and Adult books as well as DVD’s and CD’s. Most books are $1 or less. Brown Bag Sale is $5 from 2-4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Antioch Library. For details, visit https://ccclib.org/ant-friends/

On the Horizon

Friday, October 6

Oakley Concerts in the Park Bands perform in free concerts from 5– 9 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main St. On this Friday Maya Latin Roots bring Latin Old School music to Oakley. Food trucks will be on hand. Guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy their meal and concert in the park. No outside alcohol is permitted. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/2155736094627441 or contact Alicia at 925-625-7044 or email: oleary@ci.oakley. ca.us

Saturday, October 7

Brentwood 75th anniversary gala

Celebrate the city of Brentwood’s 75th Anniversary at a gala at the East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum, at 3890 Sellers Ave. The evening, from 6-10 p.m., will include a cocktail hour with a no-host bar benefitting the museum, a four-course dinner, DJ, dancing, and access to the museum including the Byer-Nail House, Eden Plain School House, Homer’s Shed, and the Kathy Leighton Resource Center, as well as outdoor exhibits that will bring Brentwood’s history to life. Cocktail attire is encouraged. Seating is assigned, and the event will be outdoors. Guests will need to walk on grass, dirt, and gravel. To purchase the $75 tickets, call the city Parks and Recreation Dept. at 925-5165449 or visit www.brentwooda.gov.

Wine in the Bay at St. Anne in Byron

The 19th annual Wine in the Bay wine tasting

will be at the Community Life Center, 2800 Camino Diablo Road, in Byron from 1-5 p.m. Thirteen wineries, two breweries, local artisans, appetizers and desserts, as well as silent and live auctions will be featured. Tickets priced at $60 are available at www.anne. church. Must be 21 or older. For details, email lucyp44@gmail.com or call 925-437-9675.

Walk

to Help Prevent Suicide

Volunteers from Contra Costa County are joining the thousands of people who are gathering in cities and towns across the United States to promote suicide prevention awareness and resources. The Oakley Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter will be at 8 a.m. at Civic Center Park in Oakley. This gathering will support AFSP’s education, research, and survivor support programs. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide. More information can be found at afsp.org/oakley.

Bethel Island Health and Safety Fair

A health and safety fair is scheduled for Bethel Island from 10 a.m-1 p.m. at Scout Hall and Community Park, 3090 Ranch Lane. Information and services from more than 30 vendors, agencies and service providers will be available for everyone, including health screenings, information and referrals, veterans services, mental health services, safety information, social and senior services, and recreation. Refreshments will be available, and there will be a free raffle. For details, call Mark Whitlock at 925-351-3759.

Community kickoff to build a custom home for former Marine Homes for Our Troops is sponsoring a Community Kickoff on Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Delta Community Presbyterian Church, 1900 Willow Lake Road in Discovery Bay. The event is an opportunity to meet Marine Sgt. Kyle Garcia for whom a custom adaptive home will be built in Byron. For more information, call 508-789-3501 or email jphipps@hfotusa.

Saturday, October 14

Oktoberfest in Brentwood

There will be carnival games, a themed market, a biergarten and weingarten and local art from 1-7 p.m. downtown from City Park to 1st and Oak streets. Admission is free, Event proceeds go to preserving historic downtown Brentwood and to support small local businesses. For details, visit https://www. brentwooddowntown.com/oktoberfest-2023.

Friday, October 20

‘Be The One’ Veterans Dance in Brentwood

A family-friendly veterans dance is scheduled for Oct. 20 at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 1st St. “Be The One’ starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 for a family. There will be raffle prizes, and drinks and snacks will be available. All veterans are welcome to this event hosted by the American Legion District 9, Post 202, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League. To buy tickets and for more information, call Phil Pezzela at 925-354-2868.

Ongoing Events

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/.

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Since 1979, the Rose & Sons family has been providing fair, friendly and professional service to the East Bay Area. Their office in downtown Brentwood, at 230 Chestnut St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

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EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

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Back to school, but let’s chat about social media first

As everyone’s diving headfirst into the new school year, filling up backpacks and syncing calendars, there’s something major we shouldn’t just breeze past. The U.S. Surgeon General just flagged some stuff about social media that we really need to chat about. Did you know they’ve linked heavy social media use to upticks in anxiety, depression, and even self-harm among kids and teens? It’s a big deal, especially when you consider that nearly 95% of teens are scrolling, posting, and liking daily, statistics show.

Social media is woven into our lives, shaping how we see ourselves and the world. But given what we’re learning, how can we make sure our online habits are healthy and safe? How can parents and students work together to ensure a positive online experience?

To help out, I’ve compiled some practical tips for both parents and students to navigate the digital world this

school year, informed by these findings and some trusty old common sense.

FOR PARENTS: THE PROTECTOR’S PLAYBOOK

Timing is everything: Consider setting a specific age, like 13, for your child to venture into social media. Early use can expose young minds to unsuitable content.

Privacy 101: Teach your child about the perils of oversharing. Stress the importance of thinking twice before posting anything personal.

Parental Tools: Empower yourself with parental controls and fam ily centers. They’re essential to set healthy boundaries and time limits.

Trust, don’t hover: Trust is the bedrock of any relationship. Periodically review your child’s online activity, but

avoid making it a daily ritual.

Friend or foe? Discuss the potential risks and rewards of online friendships. Advocate for safe interactions and caution against strangers.

FOR STUDENTS: DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP SKILLS FOR GENERATION Z

Block wisely: Learn the distinction between necessary blocking and impulse reactions. Block content or users that threaten your mental peace, but avoid hasty decisions over minor disagreements. Curate your circle: The quality of your followers matters more than quantity. Ensure your online circle consists of genuine, positive influences. Digital detox: Prioritize your mental health by taking regular social media

breaks. Switch off notifications occasionally or dedicate screen-free hours.

Respond to harm: Encountered a harmful post? Be a responsible digital citizen and report it. Let’s make the online space safer for everyone.

Bridge the generation gap: Talk to your parents about your online experiences. It promotes understanding and trust.

Let’s navigate this digital maze together

Following the Surgeon General’s heads-up, we’ve all got to be on the same page about using social media responsibly. Whether you’re a parent, student, or just someone who cares, now’s the time to step up.

Join the cause: Dive into the Surgeon General’s guidelines and link up with Digital4Good’s digital citizenship programs. Our school presentations and courses can help prepare students to face the digital future with confidence and care, making sure everyone gets the best out of the online world.

Janiyah Gaston Digital4Good

Letters to the editor

Woman decries ‘hate speech’ at city council meeting

Editor: At our City Council meeting (Tuesday) night, a man called in to talk about kosher soap developed in Germany. He was cut off as this comment did not seem to be on topic, and he yelled “Heil Hitler! White Power!” before hanging up. In Brentwood. The day after Yom Kippur. We had 6 callers call in spewing hate.

Everyone has the right to speak.

LETTERS POLICY

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

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

The U.S. Constitution prevents you from being censored if you criticize the government but that is not what happened here.

Thus was hate speech. You are not protected from the consequences of hate speech.

I want to thank Margaret Wimberly for her poise and strength during this gross display of ignorance.

This is not Brentwood, and this is not who we are.

M. Carolina Villaseca Brentwood

Healthy habits that could help women reduce their breast cancer risk

Cancer is a formidable disease that the World Health Organization reports is the leading cause of death worldwide. Figures vary, but organizations such as the WHO and the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimate that around 9.5 million people die from cancer every year.

No type of cancer causes more deaths in women across the globe than breast cancer. Though the fiveyear survival rate for breast cancer patients has increased by a significant margin in recent decades, a 2019 study published in The Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention reported a significant increase in breast cancer mortality rate in the 25-year period preceding the study. The researchers behind the study theorized that the spike in mortality rate could be due to an increase in incidence and prevalence of breast cancer.

Like all cancers, breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, various healthy habits could help women reduce their risk for the disease.

Avoid alcohol.

The ACS reports that alcohol consumption is a clear risk factor for breast cancer. Risk increases with the amount of alcohol a woman consumes. For example, a woman who consumes one alcoholic drink per day has a 7 to 10 percent higher risk of getting breast cancer than a woman who abstains from alcohol. Drinking two to three drinks per day could increase risk by around 20 percent.

Establish and maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight or obese increases breast cancer risk, particularly among postmenopausal women. According to the ACS, after menopause women get most of their estrogen from fat tissue. Fat tissue increases estrogen levels in the body, which, in turn, increases a

woman’s risk for breast cancer. Elevated levels of insulin in the body, which is common among individuals who are overweight, also has been linked to higher breast cancer risk. Establishing and maintaining a healthy weight cannot prevent breast cancer, but it can help women reduce their risk for the disease.

Maintain a physically active lifestyle.

A sedentary lifestyle increases a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases. Women who live such a lifestyle are at elevated risk for breast cancer. The ACS notes that sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching television, or engaging with screen-based forms of entertainment that do not require physical activity can increase breast cancer risk, especially for women who spend most of their work day sitting down. A more physically active lifestyle that includes routine exercise can help women reduce their breast cancer risk.

Adopt a nutritious diet.

Eating right is another way for women to reduce their breast cancer risk. Vegetables, fiber-rich legumes such as beans and peas, fruits across the color spectrum, and whole grains are some components of a healthy, nutrient-rich diet that can help lower breast cancer risk. Women also can avoid certain foods, such as red and processed meats and refined grains, to lower their breast cancer risk.

Though there’s no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, women can embrace various healthy habits to lower their risk for the disease.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Oakley woman’s nonprofit helps people cope

Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be lifealtering. But Oakley resident Lauren Huffmaster, founder of Adventure Therapy Foundation, offers a new perspective on how to cope with the fear and uncertainty that being diagnosed with cancer brings.

“I was diagnosed with cancer nearly eight years ago,” Huffmaster said. “I was diagnosed as Stage 3 at the beginning, and I did every typical treatment around Stage 3, which most people include radiation, a lot of surgeries, and chemo. I did all of that. At the end of that treatment plan, (doctors) did a scan and found out my cancer had spread.”

Despite following her treatment plan, Huffmaster had entered Stage 4, which she’s been living with for the last six years.

“I started looking for ways to cope, especially for my children,” said Huffmaster. “When I was diagnosed, the things I did for my own family, I looked around and realized that other people were having similar struggles with their children, with their families. I

just realized that others could benefit from some of the strategies I put in place.”

That’s when the idea for Adventure Therapy Foundation was born. It has enabled Huffmaster to give her story purpose, while helping others benefit from the same strategies.

“Instead of just living with cancer and letting that be a difficulty we carry, a burden, we’ve turned our story and allowed it to become our purpose,” said Huffmaster. “That’s what Adventure Therapy emerged from.”

Adventure Therapy Foundation is an Oakley nonprofit with a national reach that exists to minimize the isolation, fear and broken identity in families impacted by cancer. Through cancer coaching and retreats, they encourage families to confront the emotional side effects of cancer and engage in meaningful experiences together. Their goal is to break destructive cycles cancer can create for individuals and their families and friends, according to the organization’s website.

Huffmaster listed the typical emotional

side effects from cancer as fear and isolation. The fear stems from all of the negative connotations that surround cancer, according to Huffmaster. Feelings of isolation can exist both during treatment– being taken away from a normal routine, while everyone else is moving at their normal pace – and after treatment.

“As you move into early survivorship, isolation becomes even bigger, because you’re no longer connected to a cancer center, so you don’t even have nurses, doctors, or others in treatment at your side,” said Huffmaster.

She says the last side effect, and the one that was the biggest struggle for her, was a feeling of broken identity. Treatment can leave you feeling like you’re not the same person you used to be, and you’re lacking the strengths you used to have. According to Huffmaster, post-treatment can leave you with brain fog and weakness.

“All these ideals of who you were planning to be, what your career was going to look like, what kind of mom you were going to be, or whatever role you play, they all become broken,” Huffmaster said. “You have to grieve the process of letting them go, before you can start again.”

When she received the news that her cancer had progressed to Stage 4,

see Nonprofit page 4B

MELISSA VAN RUITEN

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Lauren Huffmaster, founder of Adventure Therapy Foundation and her family.

What to know about breast lumps

Breast cancer is a cause for concern for millions of women. Each year about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Canadian Cancer Society indicates around 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Globally, data from the World Health Organization indicates roughly 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

One of the more notable symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast. Though not all lumps are malignant, it’s important that women learn about breast anatomy and lumps as part of their preventive health care routines.

Mount Sinai says that breast lumps can occur at any age in both men and women. Hormonal changes can cause breast enlargement and lumps during puberty, and boys and girls may even be born with lumps from the estrogen received from their mothers.

It is important to note that the vast majority of breast lumps are benign. The National Institutes of Health says 60 to 80 percent of all breast lumps are noncancerous. The most common causes of breast lumps are fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes. Fibroademomas are small, smooth, moveable, painless round lumps that usually affect women who are at an age to have children,

indicates the Merck Manual. They are non-cancerous and feel rubbery.

Fibrocystic changes are painful, lumpy breasts. This benign condition does not increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Symptoms often are worse right before one’s menstrual period, and then improve after the period begins.

Additional factors can contribute to the formation of lumps. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that likely go away on their own or may be aspirated to relieve pain. Complex cysts may need to be removed surgically. Sometimes cysts also may form in milk ducts throughout the breasts.

Lumps also may be the result of injury. Blood can

collect under the skin and form a type of lump called a hematoma. Other lumps may be traced to lipomas, which is a collection of fatty tissue or breast abscesses, which typically occur if a person is breastfeeding or has recently given birth.

Additional causes of lumps can be discussed with a doctor. Though the majority of lumps are not a cause for concern, it is important for people to regularly feel their breasts to check for abnormalities. Doctors may recommend annual mammograms to women age 40 and older. In its earliest stages, breast cancer may produce little to no visible symptoms, but a mammogram may be able to catch something early on.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Huffmaster felt as though she would have to give up all of herself and her life was over.

“My identity was so broken, that I thought there was no future for me,” said Huffmaster.

At the time, her diagnosis only gave her a short life expectancy – a few years, at most. However, in the subsequent time, available medicine and treatments have moved forward, which she says she’s thankful for. Now that she has reached almost 10 years, which was unheard of at the time, her new goal is 15 years. And by the time she hits 15 years, she said she feels confident that modern medicine will have advanced even further.

That’s the positivity that Huffmaster said keeps her going, day by day, year by year, choosing to live.

Huffmaster says that cancer patients are still going to grieve and have low points, but her goal is to help people move through that season more quickly.

“I want to help people take that next step, like I did,” Huffmaster said. “Change your perspective, and step forward, and try to live for something new. It really does take a catalyst to get there. It’s really hard to release all your dreams, all the things that you thought you would be, and to reshape that and become something different when you don’t have someone at your side.”

If you, or someone you care about, are looking for ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis, visit https://adventurefound.

org/ for more information. On the website, Huffmaster also offers the RISE platform. RISE is a virtual, curriculum-based platform that offers stories and guidance from individuals connected to the cancer community, broken down into several modules that can be moved through at your own pace.

Huffmaster also invites residents to Adventure Therapy Foundations third annual Artwalk on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 6- 9 p.m. at Hannah Nicole Vineyards at 6700 Balfour Road in Brentwood. This year’s theme is “Dawning Hope,” and will feature art from a variety of local artists, wine tasting, music and hors d’oeuvres. A variety of art will be available for purchase to benefit families impacted by cancer. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at https://bit. ly/3rySN0z or at the door.

Other resources are available as well. One is Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported by The Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection of Byron. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The location is at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden behind the Byron United Methodist Church (14671 Byron Highway in Byron). For more information, contact Carolyn George at 925-577-3325.

Another is a support group at KaiserAntioch on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. For details, call the Oncology Clinic at (206) 326-3111, option 1.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

Photo Courtesy of Metro Creative

Liberty plans to keep Bell trophy in Friday night’s Bell Game vs. Freedom

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Coming off one of their worst losses in recent history, the Liberty Lions want a fresh start.

Despite what the record says, head coach Mike Cable says that the Lions are 0-0 entering Friday night’s Bell Game against Freedom.

“Everyone (in the BVAL) is 0-0 now. So we hit the reset button,” Cable said at practice Tuesday. “We got back to doing what we do and keeping our eye on the prize. We just keep taking one step forward. (Last Friday night) was just one of those nights.”

Last Friday’s 66-12 loss at defending CIF State runner-up San Ramon Valley was the program’s worst loss since they lost 56-7 to Pittsburg back on Oct. 21, 2016.

Junior quarterback Sage Robertson was picked off on each of his first three throws of the game, two of which for touchdowns. When it comes to hitting the reset button, he’s way ahead of his coach and also looking forward to the Bell Game.

“We just gotta put that behind us,” he said. “We’re in league now and the goal is

to win league. So we just gotta keep grinding and keep coming out here every day just getting better.”

Liberty (3-2) hasn’t lost to Freedom (1-4) since 2016, when they fell to the Falcons then 47-7 in the regular season finale. The Lions have held onto the trophy in each of the last six matchups, beating Freedom 50-18 last year.

“The kids are ready for the moment,”

Cable said, entering his second Bell Game as the head coach at Liberty. “Seeing the town care about their football and it’s a great environment, so it’s exciting.”

Freedom enters Friday night’s BVAL opener and Bell Game with a 41-6 win over winless De Anza last Friday. Quarterback Myles Hunt played his most efficient game of the season in the win, going 18 for 26 for 210 yards and a touch-

down. He was just 17 yards shy of his current season high of 227 passing yards. The Falcons ran for a season team-high 215 yards with senior Trayvon Griffith rushing for 97 yards on 13 carries with three touchdowns. Senior Taylor Edmon, who’s been a staple of Freedom’s offense this season, ran for 72 yards on 13 carries.

Cable says that despite how bad things got last week that his defense is ready to take on Freedom’s complex offense.

“They’re unique in what they do,” Cable said. “But our defensive coaching staff is very well versed in how to combat that and how to game plan for that.”

Robertson added that there has also been a war of words between players of both schools on social media, adding a bit more to Friday night’s game.

“We hear all the chirping that people are posting on Instagram and Snapchat and stuff,” he said. “We hear all that, so we just can’t wait to go in there and keep the Bell.

“It motivates us to just go out there and play physical football. Smack them in the mouth, help them up, smack them in the mouth, help them up again. We’re just going to play Liberty brand of football and make them want to not be on the field with us.”

Heritage prepares for first league game with Antioch

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Thirty years ago, Dave Fogelstrom was a young coach getting started at Antioch High School.

Friday night, he’ll once again take on the school where his coaching career started.

“We know that Antioch is well coached and traditionally has a strong program,” he said. “I started there in 1993 so I understand the tradition involved.”

As Bay Valley Athletic League play begins Friday throughout East County, Heritage opens league play when they take on the 4-1 Antioch Panthers at home Friday night.

Despite allowing James Logan to come back down from 14 points in last Friday night’s 27-21 loss on Homecoming, Fogelstrom says that the team is ready for Friday night’s BVAL opener.

“The team has responded well,” he said. “They’re confident that they can play with teams that are physically bigger with athletic skill guys. Our team showed that on Friday night and we are moving forward into BVAL play feeling positive.”

The positivity, however, can reach only so far for several reasons.

For starters, outside of a win against the Panthers during the delayed 2020 CO-

VID spring season, Heritage hasn’t beaten Antioch during the regular season since Oct. 25, 2013.

Second, Heritage has lost two of their last three entering Friday night, including the loss against Logan, and has yet to create any sort of consistency through the first half of the season.

After a comeback win against Foothill to open the campaign, they lost backto-back games before defeating Vintage in Napa two weeks ago. During that stretch, Fogelstrom switched quarterbacks from Austin Peters to Phillip Babbitt who seemed to find rhythm in the loss against Whitney

in relief and in the win afterward at Vintage. However, inconsistent play against the Colts last week saw Fogelstrom go back to Peters, who threw a touchdown pass in the second quarter, was taken out once again as Babbitt finished the game.

Fogelstrom wouldn’t say who would start at quarterback Friday night. However, he did mention that Peters was taking snaps as a wide receiver this week in practice.

Antioch was sharp in non-conference play this season, with their lone loss coming at Vintage in Napa, 30-26 in Week 2. In their four wins, the Panthers have scored 40 or more in three of them, scoring 38 against

College Park two weeks ago at home.

Senior Larenzo Mayfield has guided the Panthers’ passing attack, completing about 60 percent of his passes (43 for 72) for 646 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also rushed for a combined 197 yards the last two weeks. Mayfield ran for 127 yards two weeks ago in the win against College Park.

One of the big challenges for Fogelstrom and the Patriots in the first half of the season has been injuries, which Heritage had to deal with last year as well. The Patriots have had eight starters out with injuries, including two key players with season-ending injuries like running backs Emanuel Rankins and Ilias Muhammad, both of whom were crucial to Heritage’s run game.

“Our biggest issue is still trying to get healthy,” Fogelstrom said. “It gets difficult to get consistency with that situation, especially with a young team trying to find its identity. The healthiest week was our Vintage week and that showed up on the field.”

Fogelstrom adds that the Patriots are aware of the challenges at hand Friday night.

“We have our hands full and will prepare every day to face a strong team,” he said. “It’s BVAL and there is no week off or team you can relax against. It’s always a battle in league.”

Liberty’s offensive line works on blocking drills during practice on Tuesday.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Heritage running back Mekhi Adanandus breaks past two James Logan defenders in last week’s game against the Colts.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Freedom wins first girls edition of Bell Game trophy in double OT thriller over Liberty

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

There were many firsts in the late game of Monday night’s Week 3 girls flag football gameday at Freedom.

For starters, it was the first time a game went into overtime, let alone double overtime.

More importantly, Freedom senior’s Raelynn Hernandez’s interception of Liberty’s Shyanne Smith gave the Falcons their first girl’s flag football edition of the Bell Game trophy in a 13-6 win in Oakley.

“We just had a wall, hold them down, watch them, make sure they’re not going to get past us,” Hernandez said after the game. “It was shocking, I’m so excited.”

Freedom’s win over the then-3-1 Lions who gave Pittsburg their first loss of the season in the second game of the night came a little over an hour after the Falcons themselves were shutout by the Pirates.

“All the teams are even,” Freedom coach Kevin Hartwig said. “We just didn’t play well in the first game. (Liberty) beat Pitt, Pitt beat us, we beat Liberty.”

As far as the Bell Game trophy is concerned, that surprised Hartwig as well.

“It’s cool,” he said. “That’s our rival. It’s always good for the girls and gives us something to cheer for.”

In the second overtime against Liberty, Hernandez picked off a floater of a desperation pass that Smith, rolling right, tried to throw across her body to the end zone.

Freedom scored in their offensive drive before as quarterback Lauren Denny found her top target, Brooklyn Pierce, in the end zone on a similar pass that Smith tried to throw on the drive after.

Denny and Pierce linked up for a

TIRE SALE Fall

60-yard touchdown midway through the first half to score the opening touchdown of the game. Liberty responded with a touchdown pass of their own from Smith to senior Gabriella Pantoja, but also missed the point-after attempt, keeping the game tied at 6.

From then on, it was a defensive battle, as neither team could generate any offense. Toward the end of the first half, Smith was

intercepted by Falcons junior Ruby Cuen Camacho. However, the Falcons could not capitalize on the late turnover.

“This was just a tough defensive battle,” Liberty coach Matt Malzahn said. “(Smith) fights tooth and nail for her team. She’s the type of kid that just wants to win at everything she does.”

In the final five minutes of the game, Denny was intercepted twice on consecutive drives, first by Kaleigh Cook on an overthrow to Lily Roberts, then by Kamille Claire Fababier with 45 seconds left in regulation. Liberty was unable to score off either late turnover.

The league now finds itself in its midseason break, due to the upcoming two weeks off from the Liberty Union High School District.

Some teams will have time off, like Freedom who after taking on San Ramon Valley on Wednesday won’t practice until two days before the league’s return on Oct. 15. Liberty will have open practice dates for the team, and Pittsburg will actually have 21 days off but plan to play Monte Vista and Alhambra next Monday.

“There’s no better practice than actually being able to get some action and play,” Pirates head coach Victor Galli said. To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows

Freedom’s Lily Roberts looks to run past Liberty’s defense during the first girls edition of the Bell Game Monday night in Oakley.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Juan Gabriel Guzman SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Juan Gabriel Guzman CASE NUMBER: N23-1633 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner Juan Gabriel Guzman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:

a. Juan Gabriel Guzman to Proposed

Name: Juan Gabriel Jacobo. 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: 11/17/2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. 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: 8/25/2023 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 91157 Publish

Dates: September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 2023.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Sharifullah Mammond SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Sharifullah Mammond CASE NUMBER: N23-1761 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner Sharifullah Mammond filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present

Name:

a. Sharifullah Mammond

b. Maida Gula Mammond

c. Arifullah Mammond

d. Rehan Mammond

e. Laiba Mammond

f. Irfanullah Mammond

to Proposed Name:

a. Sharifullah Mamond

b. Maida Gula Mamond

c. Arifullah Mamond

d. Rehan Mamond

e. Laiba Mammond

f. Irfanullah Mamond

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: 12/8/2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. 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: 9/14/2023 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 91200

Publish Dates: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 2023.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to California Self Storage Facility Act of the Business and Professions Code 21700 ET seq., the undersigned, Oakley Self Storage, will sell by competitive bidding in an online auction on www.storagetreasures.com the personal property of:

Torris Watts

Shante Ferguson

Tabitha Hardin

Melissa Seals

Gary Oakley

Jose Hernandez

Nicole Karber

Krista Scott

Rabia Farzad

Salina Aragon

Mary Hardwick

Property to be sold: boxes, furniture, tools, household goods, and other misc. items . Sale will end on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 9:30 A.M. Goods must be paid in cash and removed at completion of sale. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Oakley Self Storage 4700 Main St, Oakley, CA 94561 (925) 625-7867. Publication Dates: September 26, 2023 and October 3, 2023. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 91239 Publish

Dates: September 29, October 6, 2023.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

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

Danielle Woods

The items to be sold include: Misc. Furniture, Clothes, Toys, Electronics, Household Items . All bids must be placed prior to Auction posted end time

The date of the sale will be 10/11/23 @ 12:00 pm The location of the sale will be: Online at www.storagetreasures. com

Oakley Press No. 03-0477 91253 Publish

Dates: September 29, October 6, 2023.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC LIEN SALE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intend to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the California Storage Act (Section 2170021718 of the Business & Professions Code) Cypress Self Storage: Property is located in separate storage unit at Cypress Self Storage, 207 E Cypress Rd Oakley Ca 94561. The auction will be conducted entirely on line at Bid13.com.

Auctioneer: Bid13.com

1-888-992-4313; agent for Owner. Pictures of the contents of the storage unit may be viewed on line. Bids must be entered online beginning October 6th at 8:00 am , ending at midnight October 12th 2023

Name – Deanna Tucker Unit: C1191 (10x20)

Items – Large rolling tool boxes with tools included, power saw, air compressor, welding equipment fishing poles Everything in unit is for auction except quad motorcycles.

Name – Taifha Miles Unit: C2120 (5x5) Items – Ice cooler, large quantity of boxed and totes (contents unit unknown)

Name – Brent Cross Unit: A1044 (10x10)

Items – Mattress/bedding, small hutch, bar stools, small dresser, unknown content totes (contents unknown)

Name – Sara Robinson Unit: C2004 (5x5)

Items – Women’s clothing, kitchen items totes (contents unknown)

Name – Kentoya Jameila Unit: C2116 (5x5)

Items – Children’s toys, bags and

totes unknown contents

Name – Tessa Roster Unit: C2139 (10x10)

Items – Plastic storage cabinets and pallets, totes (contents unknown)

Name- Jimi Dunlap Unit: C3028 (10x10)

Items- College and NFL jerseys, monitor, ice chests, work tools, wheel barrel, animal trap

Name – Kevin McConnell

Unit: C3229 (5x10)

Items – Winter jackets, luggage, printer, misc. computer cables

Payments must be paid for at time of purchase. All items in unit are sold as is and must be removed within three days from the time of sale. Deposit of $200.00 cash at time of purchase and will be refunded when unit is emptied and clean. Sale is subject to cancelation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 91214 Publish

Dates: September 22, 29, 2023.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

APN: 037-430-005 FKA 037-430-005-1

TS No: CA05000752-18-5 TO No: 200097032-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S

SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d) (1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED October 25, 2010. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On October 12, 2023 at 01:30 PM, at the north side of the Pittsburg Civic Center near the grass located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on November 9, 2010 as Instrument No.

2010-0251996-00, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Contra Costa County, California, executed by STEPHEN

L JESSE UNMARRIED MAN AND VALORIE

YOLANDA FIMBY UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: SEE EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED

HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF EX-

HIBIT “A” Lot 25, as shown on the Map of Subdivision 7585, “The Vintage Unit 8”, filed June 10, 1991 in Book 357 of Maps, Page 21, Contra Costa County Records, as amended by Certificate of Correction recorded March 20, 1996, Recorder`s Series No. 96-50136. Excepting therefrom:

1. The undivided 1/3 interest in “all, oil, gas, petroleum or other hydrocarbons, other minerals and mineral rights”, as excepted and reserved in the Deed from Bertha Del Monte, as Trustee to Francisco Dal Porto, et al, recorded September 19, 1950, Book 1635, Page 334, Official Records. The right to surface entry has been waived. 2. All oil, gas and other hydrocarbons and minerals now or at any time hereafter situated therein and thereunder, as reserved in the Deed from California Lands, Inc., to Anthony J. Dal Porto, et al, recorded January 9, 1940, Book 528, Page 452, Official Records, and as modified by Deed from Transamerica Development Company to Marion Jeanne Michelotti, et al, recorded January 23, 1981, Book 10178, Page 80, of Official Records. The right of surface entry has been waived. 3. All oil, gas, casinghead gaso -

line and other hydrocarbon and mineral substances below a point 500 feet below the surface of said land, together with the right to take, remove, mine, pass through and dispose of all said oil, gas, casinghead gasoline and other hydrocarbon and mineral substances, but without any right whatsoever to enter upon the surface of said land or upon any part of said land within 500 feet from the surface thereof, as reserved in the Deed from Marion Jeanne Michelotti, to Hofmann Construction Company, a California Corporation, recorded January 23, 1981, Book 10178, Page 83, Official Records. 4. All oil, gas, casinghead gasoline and other hydrocarbon and mineral substances below a point 500 feet below the surface of said land, together with the right to take, remove, mine, pass through and dispose of all said oil, gas, casinghead gasoline and other hydrocarbon and mineral substances, but without any right whatsoever to enter upon the surface of said land or upon any part of said land within 500 feet from the surface thereof, as reserved in the Deed from Robert A. Dal Porto, et al, to Hofmann Construction Co., a California Corporation, recorded December 24, 1981, Book 10623, Page 710, Official Records. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1222 FETZER LN, OAKLEY, CA 94561

The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust.

The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $132,848.76 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should

also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call Nationwide Posting & Publication at 916.939.0772 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Website www.nationwideposting.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA05000752-18-5. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916.939.0772, or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA05000752-18-5 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: September 7, 2023 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA05000752-18-5 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 949-2528300 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 By: Bernardo Sotelo, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.nationwideposting.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Nationwide Posting & Publication AT 916.939.0772 NPP0440451 To: OAKLEY PRESS 09/15/2023, 09/22/2023, 09/29/2023 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 91165 Publish

Dates: September 15, 22, 29, 2023.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

T.S. No.: 23-29047 A.P.N.: 032-450-027-

1 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 8/23/2021. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE.

Trustor: ANTHONY BATT and ANNALIZA

ARMAS BATT , HUSBAND AND WIFE, AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP Duly Appointed Trustee: Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC

Recorded 8/27/2021 as Instrument No.

2021-0241231 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Contra Costa County, California, Described as follows: “AS FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST” Date of Sale: 10/18/2023 at 1:30 PM Place of Sale: At the north side of the Pittsburg Civic Center outside near the grass located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $726,748.77

(Estimated) Street Address or other common designation of real property: 2561

TALARIA DR OAKLEY, CA 94561 A.P.N.: 032-450-027-1 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holder’s rights against the real property only. THIS NOTICE IS SENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING A DEBT. THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDER AND OWNER OF THE NOTE. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED BY OR PROVIDED TO THIS FIRM OR THE CREDITOR WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit re -

port reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (844) 4777869 or visit this Internet Web site www. STOXPOSTING.com, using the file number assigned to this case 23-29047. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

For sales conducted after January 1, 2021: NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (844) 477-7869, or visit this internet website www.STOXPOSTING.com, using the file number assigned to this case 23-29047 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

Date: 09/12/2023 Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC 1600 South Douglass Road, Suite 140 Anaheim, CA 92806 Automated Sale Information: (844) 477-7869 or www.STOXPOSTING.com for NON-SALE information: 888-313-1969 Tai Alailima, Director. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 91199 Publish Dates: September 22, 29, October 6, 2023.

Montanez from page 1A

Eaton. It will be located at 2340 Smith Road south of Lone Tree Way and east of O’Hara Avenue on about 16 acres of land, and it will cost $69.4 million. The school will open as a TK-5th grade school, but is being built with the ability to expand to a TK-8th grade school should the need arise in future years, Eaton said.

“Ike has had such a tremendous impact in our community for decades,” Eaton said of Montanez. “As superintendent, I am so excited for the thousands of students who will have Isaac Montañez as a role model.”

Montanez served as a teacher, bilingual program director, principal and school board member in the district for almost 30 years, according to a press release sent ahead of the Sept. 13 board meeting in which the name of the school was unanimously agreed upon. Montanez was on the board from 1995-2000.

Beginning his career as an educator with the Mount Diablo Unified School District, Montanez joined the Brentwood Union School District in the 1970s and served in

Davis from page 1A

many roles until his retirement in 1994 before his five-year tenure on the school board.

“Not only did he serve this community for decades as an educator, but continued his work on behalf of students decades into

exchange for cleaning the area. Davis created temporary shelters and urged his relatives in Oklahoma to join him so they could make a living picking fruit. By 1934, about 1,000 people stayed at Davis Camp. As the population grew on camp, Davis built a shed to store food and supplies for the families to share, and eventually, the shed became the Davis Log Cabin Grocery.

Assistant City Manager Darin Gale said the Davis Camp property is owned by the former redevelopment agency and the immediate north of the property is owned by East Bay Municipal Utilities District (East Bay MUD).

Gale said the City has a contract to maintain the pathway that’s along the property. He added that the City has worked in partnership with the East Contra Costa Historical Society to determine the location of the displays, ideally somewhere on the property of Davis Camp.

The historical society had requested that the displays be located on the far east portion of the property as it is a quiet area and would allow residents to read the interpretive displays and have some quiet time appreciating the history and legacy of the area.

“Based upon our contract with East Bay MUD, we may or may not be able to (place) any new physical structure on their property…when I say physical structure…it’s anything other than grass that’s currently there,” Gale said during the Council meeting.

“So, either we’ll have to locate (the display) on the current former redevelopment agency parcel, or we’d have to go through the process of purchasing and doing some type of a subdivision to create a parcel, and that’s where it will be located.

knowledge” does not help these staff members as they learn how to best serve local seniors. Members of the support staff have also had some turnover, not just the director, he said. The change in staff is caused by a variety of reasons, including retirement of some and others seeking promotional opportunities in other cities. Ogden says the turnover is “probably not” higher than that experienced in other cities.

Several members of the City Council, including Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer and Councilmember Pa’tanisha Pierson, had requested a discussion of the senior center be added to the agenda ahead of the meeting after hearing concerns from residents.

One of the results of the discussion was a call from Pierson of a “multifac-

lage Community Resource Center, A Place of Learning, One Day at a Time and the Brentwood Regional Community Chest. For several years, his family awarded an annual scholarship to a Hispanic student graduating from the Liberty Union High School District through the Isaac Montanez Family Scholarship Fund. His volunteer efforts were recognized when he was named Brentwood Citizen of the Year in 2005. The Loma Vista library is named after him as well.

“Isaac Montañez is a very humble man who has had an extraordinary impact on Brentwood and Brentwood Schools,” Eaton said.

Montanez said humbleness is important to him, even basing his personal motto around it.

retirement,” Eaton said. “Our school district and Brentwood are both much better today because of his legacy of service.”

Montanez has played roles supporting various local nonprofits such as the Vil-

“Or, if we can work through our contract with East Bay MUD, then it would be located on their property. But we don’t want to promise anything. So we want the Council to know that it’ll be one, one or the other.”

He added the project would be accessible from the trail and not through private property of any future development.

Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer expressed concern to ensure the displays will not be overshadowed by developments or buildings in the surrounding area as it has been designated as a commercial zone.

“Is there a chance that for example a two-story building is built there which overshadows where this display is and so people don’t have as easy access or the visual isn’t there?” Meyer asked.

Councilmembers Pa’tanisha Pierson and Tony Oerlemans also expressed concerns over the placement of the displays, and hoped it would be closer to the sidewalks to entice people passing by to come see the displays.

The Davis Camp property was acquired by Brentwood’s former redevelopment agency to revitalize the blighted area and in 2020, the city declared the property as a surplus. Since the redevelopment agency was dissolved, the city is required to sell all properties previously under the purview of the agency.

The city said a segment of the property has been designated for the future expansion of Brentwood Boulevard.

Previously, The Press reported that the existing sole rundown market on the property will be demolished. A contract for the demolition will be presented to the City Council for consideration by the first quarter of next year.

Gale said the city is not able to restrict the use of the property, and any development that comes forward is allowed un-

eted” investigation by a third party into the efficacy of the Parks and Recreation department and resident satisfaction with their programs that will focus primarily on the senior activity center but would also gauge satisfaction with the wide scope of other programs provided by the department. The investigation is expected to cost roughly $75,000 from the General Fund, according to the agenda packet. The council approved up to $100,000 to provide a buffer for that amount.

Further discussion into the specifics of the topic was limited by the form of government in Brentwood. The city follows a council-manager form of government, City Attorney Damien Brower reminded the council during the discussion. Brower told the council that it would limit what they

“Being humble means recognizing that we’re not on Earth to see how important we can become,” he said. “But to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.”

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

der a specific plan.

“Could there be a building?,” Gale said. “There could be, but the idea would be that hopefully, they (developers) would see it and, you know, maybe they’d want to include this (display as) part of the project, but the access would not be required to be through their property, it would be through the adjacent existing trail.”

He added that if the city wanted to purchase a portion of the surplus land, then it can do so to install the displays.

“The idea is to make it adjacent to a trail that the city is already maintaining and that it wouldn’t be a huge additional cost to maintain any new improvements,” he said.

Councilmember Jovita Mendoza asked if a park could be built on the surplus land. Community Development Director Alexis Morris said the land is designated as a general commercial area and does not list a park as a permitted use.

Morris, however, said there were two aspects to having a park in the area: the technical land use, and budgeting and programming.

“The Council could potentially amend the specific plan to change that land use designation to open space, which would allow a park but there are operational and fiscal issues with potentially programming a park there,” said Morris.

Mary Casey Black, president of the East Contra Costa Historical Society, who was at the meeting, thanked the City for listening and working with the society to commemorate the site.

“We look forward to working with you (the City) on this project and presenting something that will be lasting to the history of our community, not just today, but for the future,” said Black.

could discuss and act on in open meeting sessions as a result.

“Except for two employees – the city manager and myself – you can’t involve yourself in employee issues or provide direction to other employees,” Brower explained. “As your discussion involves evaluating programs and services, that’s appropriate.”

According to Brower, the council can evaluate programs and services and express satisfaction or dissatisfaction with them. They can then provide direction to the city manager, who is then in charge of any associated employment decisions.

While there is no timetable for when a third-party investigator would be appointed, Ogden believes the council will have an agenda item related to the search for an investigator before the end of the year. Due to

the scope of an investigation, he expects the process to be lengthy.

Other topics discussed include:

• A unanimous vote to override an amendment to the design of a potential Lazy Dog Restaurant that was made by the Planning Commission. For the full story, see page 3A.

• Unanimous approval of an “interpretative historical display” honoring the significance of Davis Camp. For the full story, see page 1A.

• A proclamation declaring Sept. 29, 2023 be recognized as Veterans of Foreign War Day. Brentwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Bill Weber was among those who spoke.

The full meeting can be found at https://bit.ly/3t2JNRO.

BUSD Construction Manager John Novero, left to right, future school principal Danielle Daubin, Ike Montanez, and BUSD Superintendent Dana Eaton show a rendering of what will eventually be the Isaac R. Montanez School. Novero was a student of Montanez’s during his first year teaching in Brentwood.

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

Parks from page 1A

Youth Press

Local students share their perspectives on local and national news. To submit, send to editor@brentwoodpress.com

September was Suicide Prevention Month

Mental health has a profound effect on an individual’s life, impacting thoughts, actions, thinking and function. When one’s mental health deteriorates, it can increase the risk of anxiety and other problems as well. Whether it is attending therapy sessions or talking with someone you trust, discussing what you are experiencing mentally is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy mindset.

So, why does mental health matter?

As mental health affects motivation, it also influences actions. A severe effect of poor mental health is the illness of depression. Depression is when one feels empty, sad, and hopeless. When someone is experiencing depression, they are at the highest risk of committing suicide.

An article by Heather Saunders and Nirmita Panchal published July 11, 2023, covers suicide over the years. “When adjusted for population growth and age, the suicide rate has risen by 16% from 2011 to 2022, moving from 12.3 to 14.4 deaths per 100,000 individuals.”

This trend raises concerns about mental health being a continuous issue

as suicidal deaths are increasing due to a lack of mental health resources and care. Although, with proper help, it can reverse this growing trend.

The first step is to speak up, but this is not as simple as it may seem. However, to shed light on this growing issue, September marked Suicide Prevention Month, which brings awareness to mental health and one’s wellbeing. During this time, mental health groups could step up to speak about mental health.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) is a local non-profit that advocates and fights for people’s health,

well-being, quality of life and respect, and has served Contra Costa County for more than 30 years. With locations spread across the U.S. and California.

On Sept. 24, 2023, at Contra Loma reservoir, NAMI held a special event commemorating those who died called “Remembering Those We’ve Lost”. The event consisted of a variety of people from across the Bay Area sharing their experiences with mental health, followed by a release of doves. A range of ages and backgrounds attended this event.

Executive Director Gigi Crowder describes her work for NAMI as, “for

the people. The way NAMI can bring people together, all from different backgrounds, and allow them to share their experiences is incredible.”

One volunteer speaker at the event said, “NAMI saved my life,” as she referred to their suicide hotline, 1-800950-NAMI.

Together, Crowder and NAMI have been assisting people for years, sharing stories and resources with others.

Mental health is a crucial aspect to take care of because it affects both thoughts and actions. Recognizing when another person or yourself is struggling with their mental health can be one of the first few steps in saving a life. Ignoring these struggles has detrimental effects on individuals and loved ones around them. Even asking the simple question “Are you OK?,” can show support for those who may be vulnerable, and being the shoulder for one to cry on during that difficult time can sometimes make all the difference.

If you are seeking support for your mental health contact the numbers listed.

By calling the general suicide helpline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988.

Why mental health is important as number of suicide deaths increases 3 years later: COVID’s impact on students

NAMI’S website is https://www. namicontracosta.org/index.html and helplines are 800-950-6264, text NAMI to 741-741, or call 1-800-950-NAMI.

Rojan Mikael Habon Sophomore, Heritage High School

For more than two years, students around the globe were forced to quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic that threatened the lives of many. Today, even after three years since the beginning of the pandemic, students face the repercussions of the quarantine. Though life has seemingly returned back to normal, the struggles that schools face across the nation say otherwise. Studies have tracked students’ academic achievements post-COVID, and the results are alarming. A research paper from Brown University found significant score drops in common-core subjects, with nearly 0.20-0.27 standard deviations lower in math compared to previous years. For comparison, the Brookings Institution’s independent research published on March 3, 2022, shows that “drops are significantly larger than estimated impacts from other large-scale school disruptions, such as after Hurricane Katrina”.

However, this impact in students’ academic achieve-

ments isn’t shown just in wide-scale reports. Rather, we can look into the patterns found in schools in the Bay Area. Across California, scores in arithmetic and literacy dropped in elementary schools-- years critical for children’s social and mental development, statistics show. Teachers found that students had difficulty grasping the basics of reading during the pandemic. As KQED reported on Dec. 21, 2022, teachers from a Southern California district saw an 18% drop in thirdgrade students meeting English language arts standards.

Officials attribute this drop in performance to multiple effects of social isolation present during the pandemic. However, without a definitive answer to what those effects are, schools across California have put in issues to combat prominent issues, such as absenteeism. On Aug. 10, 2023, the Mercury News reported that “nearly every district had a spike in chronic absenteeism…with the average rate jumping from 12.1% to 30%... That translates into 1.77 million students who missed at least 20 days of school”.

Shirani Chandra, a student at Heritage High School, reports similar experiences. “Everyone seems to not care about school,” she said after talking about seeing people increasingly use drugs and skip classes.

Reports focused on the health of students in California have also noted worsening mental health in schools. CBS Bay Area reported on Aug. 16, 2023 reported that “Three years after the pandemic, many school districts are still playing catch-up, trying to address an explosion of cases.”

As Heritage High School student Adrian Chelal notes, the isolation of online schooling made making new friends difficult and was anxiety-inducing. Previously mentioned issues on increased absentees, lost academic progress, and drug usage could be attributed to these mental health struggles worsened by isolation caused by the pandemic, official say.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. Many schools across the nation have been investing in more social workers, as CBS Bay Area notes. Even at Heritage High School, new psychologists have been appointed and more resources were sent out at the beginning of this month to help students.

Elizabeth Lindsay from Heritage High School said, however, that the stress and emotional drain students face should be addressed on a school-wide level.

Rachel Lei Sophomore, Heritage High School

Photo by The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) NAMI held a special event commemorating those who died called “Remembering Those We’ve Lost”.

The pandemic is behind us, but are its after-effects?