America 250 05.29.2026

The dos and don’ts of displaying the American flag

henever the country’s flag is handled, it should be done with respect and reverence. The United States has strict etiquette and display guidelines for their flags. The following are some rules for flying each country’s national flag, courtesy of USA.gov.

♦ The American flag is displayed in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness.

♦ When the flag is displayed horizontally, the canton/union is in the upper left hand side of the flag. When the flag is hung vertically, again the canton should be on the observer’s left.

♦ While it’s preferential that the flag be flown on its own pole, if it is on a staff with other flags, it should be at the peak above any other flag.

♦ It flies at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at halfstaff.

♦ The flag should never be worn as

It also should not be used for advertising purposes, or embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, or boxes.

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American Discovery Trail relay celebrating 250 years of America to pass through East County

If you’re wondering what you can do three and four days after the celebration of the country’s 250th birthday, then cheering on the participants of the 6,800-mile relay from California to Delaware is another way to keep the party going.

Part of the route goes through East County.

This year’s relay is adding a new wrinkle to honor 250 years of America. Those participating will carry a copy of the Declaration of Independence from California to Delaware, crossing historic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Along with the 250th celebration, the American Discovery Trail (ADT) is celebrating 35 years since the trail’s creation, according to their website, https://discoverytrail.org/

Starting on July 1, the relay will begin at Limantour Beach in Marin County and ends on Nov. 26 in Lewes, Del.

For East County residents, the relay will go from Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek to Worth Shaw Community Park in Antioch on July 7 – a 36.6-mile run and hike for that day.

Visit https://bit.ly/4fh8ccF

On July 8, the relay will start in Antioch and end in Sacramento, completing 69.2 more miles through a bike ride.

After crossing the 1.8-mile-long bridge over the San Joaquin River from the Delta into Oakley, the ADT uses city streets for several miles to reach the trailhead for the

Delta DeAnza Regional Trail on Deer Valley Road. Following this trail for a couple of miles, the ADT reaches Antioch Community Park. From here, the ADT enters Contra Loma Regional Park on a trail.

Starting at James Donlon Boulevard, the bike ride will eventually pass under Hillcrest and go down Neroly Road and Main Street in Oakley.

A series of trails take the ADT through the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, through the city of Clayton, and up the north slope of Mt. Diablo to the 3,849-foot-high summit. From here on a clear day you can see the Central Valley of California and hundreds of miles of the Sierra Nevada beyond. From Mt. Diablo, the trail follows various local trails to Heather Farms Park in the city of Walnut Creek.

From there, participants will spend 50 miles on Highway 160 toward Sacramento. Visit https://bit.ly/3RAIXIj

The California route will take 13 days to complete, ending on July 14 and will be a total of 359.9 miles before starting the Nevada Route in Tahoe City on July 15.

As of this week, you are still able to sign up as a participant or volunteer when the relay passes through local communities. Signing up as a volunteer can mean helping set up for the event or help assist on the day that participants are passing through your city. Visit https://bit.ly/49tA7Cq

Relayers who donate $30 toward the American Trail Discovery become a part of the ADT Society.

Delta Fence Co. focuses on customer service under new ownership

Sylvia and Jason Stanley, owners of Delta Fence Co. at 6901

Brentwood Blvd., continue to see growth with staff and customers, and have plans for new additions since taking over ownership in 2023.

The business was purchased from Frank Martin, the original owner.

“Delta Fence Co. has been in business since 1971,” Sylvia said. “There were some challenges at the beginning with the buy.”

Sylvia said their biggest challenge has been trying to make sure the community knows that customer service is a priority to the new owners. The “vibe of the office” is something Sylvia has seen a change in. “They are more happy, upbeat, and [customers] could see the difference in here. So, little by little we are making growth.”

Sylvia said their goal is to make sure the employees who have stayed with the

business know they are appreciated.

“We were running one two-man crew and a shop hand (an employee who supports daily operations of a workshop, garage, or manufacturing facility) and

“They are more happy, upbeat, and [customers] could see the difference in here. So, little by little we are making growth,”

Sylvia Stanley, co-owner of Delta Fence Co. said.

Their biggest challenge has been trying to make sure the community knows that customer service is a priority.

Sylvia noted that they now do wood fencing where this was not the case prior, they also continue to do iron, vinyl, and chain link fencing.

Delta Fence Co. also has a goal to increase their concrete supply. “Right now, we do one-yard concrete buggies, but we are looking into buying concrete trucks to offer about a 10-yard load delivery to our customers so we are able to deliver more concrete.”

we had one guy out in the shop because we also make and sell ready mix concrete here. We now have three two-man crews and a helper for the shop hand because it just gets so busy on days.”

For more information on Delta Fence, visit https://deltafence.com, call 925-6345990, or email them at customerservice@ deltafence.com. –Advertorial

9 interesting facts about the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is a document that indicates the founding principles of the United States of America. The declaration was issued by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced the separation of the 13 British colonies in North America from the United Kingdom.

That significance means the public may want to learn more about the Declaration of Independence. Here are some key facts.

1. While Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, it was carefully reviewed and modified by other members of the Continental Congress, notably John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

2. The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. The written Declaration was dated July 4, 1776, but it wasn’t actually signed until August 2nd of that year. John Adams thought July 2 would be marked as the national holiday.

3. Fifty-six delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, but not all were present on that day in August.

4. While many know that John Hancock signed first, with his prominent signature readily visible, it is believed that Thomas McKean of Delaware was the last person to sign.

5. Others signed according to state delegation and in columns, starting with the northernmost state (New Hampshire) to the southernmost (Georgia).

6. About 200 copies of the Dunlap Broadside were printed. Today, 26 copies remain.

7. The original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence has been lost.

8. The Declaration of Independence was not universally accepted, and many people in the colonies remained loyal to the British monarchy and opposed American independence.

9. The Declaration of Independence has a message written on the back of it. It reads, “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.” – Courtesy of Metro Creative

Decorating for America’s 250th anniversary

America’s 250th birthday certainly is worthy of celebration, and lots of patriotic decor can commemorate this special event.

Each year on July 4, many Americans are in a celebratory mood as they prepare for all the fanfare involved with Independence Day festivities. But Independence Day 2026 will be extra special since it marks America’s 250th birthday. Towns, cities and the entire country will be planning much more extravagant July 4 celebrations in 2026.

People who want to get in on the America 250 action may want to begin thinking about how they are going to make their homes and businesses more festive.

♦ Bunting and banners: Bunting and banners are traditional patriotic decorations. They traditionally are red, white and blue and can be hung from porches, fences and railings.

♦ American flags: Many homes and businesses already display the flag, but this is the perfect opportunity to do so for those who want to exhibit their pride in America. Be sure to treat the flag with respect and review the official United States Flag Code, which mandates that the flag never touches the ground and is illuminated if flown at

night. When hanging against a wall or window, the blue union must be at the top left.

♦ Specialty signs: Many municipalities are getting in on the America 250 action and will organize specialty parades and parties. People can check with local government offices to see if lawn signs will be available. If so, they can be displayed in front of homes or retail stores.

♦ Tablescapes: Themed America 250 tablecloths can be used for backyard parties and picnics. Centerpieces of mason jars filled with mini flags and birthday number candles spelling out 250 are another fun idea.

♦ Cozy accents: Homeowners and store owners can incorporate cozy accents like wooden blocks or patriotic table runners that display the 1776-2026 theme. Throw pillows and blankets featuring stars and stripes tossed over an antique rocking chair on a porch or near an entryway is a great way to offer a touch of Americana.

♦ Lights: Twinkling holiday lights in red, white and blue can be hung around windows and doors, or wrapped around trees in the yard for festive appeal.

Communities may identify specific decorating goals, like entire streets featuring paper lanterns, or America 250 flags on telephone poles. Residents can participate in such plans where possible.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Dine in or take out?

Where to organize your next gathering

TAYLOR SHEPHERD

In Brentwood, restaurants can be found on nearly every corner.

From pizzas and hot dogs, to tamales and ribs, these restaurants are bringing their kitchens and dine-in experience to cater events, company gatherings, and weddings.

La Fuente Mexican Restaurant

Oscar Olvera, owner of La Fuente Mexican Restaurant at 642 First St. in Brentwood, said they used to do full catering, but it became too much work for the staff. “We decided to focus on the Party Packs and the banquet room instead,” Olvera said. “They can be ordered directly from the restaurant and for customer pick up.

For the change of catering services,

We decided to focus on the Party Packs and the banquet room instead.

– Oscar Olvera Owner, La Fuente

Olvera said the menu items are still there, it is just a cutback on the work load.

“Everything is still there, I just don’t go out and set up, do buffets, or serve and do full service as before.”

Olvera added that an in-house banquet room for up to 50 people or more is something they offer.

For more information, call (925) 516-2233 or visit their website at lafuentebrentwood.com

see Catering page 8B

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• Water Conditioners

• Reverse Osmosis Systems

• Well Water Treatment

• Non-Salt Water Conditioners

• Bottled Water

• Pure ICE

• Salt

For two and a half centuries, the American spirit has been characterized by exploration, liberty, and the cherished experience of gathering with significant others. Along the waterfront, these traditions continue to thrive today, manifested in the tranquility of early mornings on the dock, afternoons spent navigating open waters, and evenings observing the sunset glimmer across the marina.

The marina serves not merely as a destination but as a representation of a lifestyle founded on adventure, community, and enduring summer memories. Whether one engages in boating, fishing with family, or enjoying the RV lifestyle, these experiences embody a time-honored American tradition, where the pace of life decelerates, allowing for moments to be savored.

The City of Antioch offers the picturesque beauty of the Delta waterfront along with an RV Lot designed for local residents.

Budget Blinds® is honored to partner with Homes for Our Troops to help create specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for severely wounded post-9/11 Veterans.

From custom window coverings to motorized solutions designed for comfort and independence, we’re proud to support those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Call Now! 925-513-1374 budgetblinds.com/antiochca

*Some restrictions may apply.

Catering from page 7B

La Costa Taqueria - Brentwood

Located at 335 Oak St., La Costa Taqueria does not offer on-site catering service, according to their website. To place an order, call (925) 240-5299.

“Our friendly team is dedicated to providing prompt service while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made La Costa a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike,” according to their website. “Step outside onto our tranquil and inviting patios that set the stage for a memorable dining experience al fresco (in the air).

La Costa has been a cherished part of the community for over two decades. Join us and experience the authenticity, the warmth of family, and the joy of community at La Costa.”

For more information, visit eatlacosta.

com

Brentwood Fine Meats

Located at 3877 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood Fine Meats was established in 2003 by local residents Greg Karkas and Bill Harris. “They stock the store with locally produced products like pies, barbecue sauces, olive oils, and a few popular fresh vegetables (in the summer),” according to their website. “They support local community organizations like PAL, Brentwood Men’s club and the local schools.”

PAL, or Police Activities League, is a nonprofit in Brentwood that partners local youth with police officers through mentoring, sports, and arts programs.

Brentwood Fine Meats also offers six types of dinner packages with a 20-person minimum.

For more information, call (925) 513-0595 or visit their website at brentwoodfinemeats.com

Sticky Chicken & Ribs

Located at 609 First St. in Brentwood, Sticky Chicken & Ribs provides a selection of meats, side dishes, and breakfast for catering.

“Our key objectives are to offer fresh prepared foods quickly, to only use the freshest meats and produce combined with homemade sauces and dressings, all at affordable prices in a friendly casual environment,” according to their website.

For more information, call (925) 240-2153 or visit their website at stickychickenandribs.com

Boondoggies

Located at 729 First St. in Brentwood, Boondoggies can be reached for catering services by filling out an event request form on their website at boondoggies. com or by calling their events contact at 925-437-2013.

Ameci Pizza Kitchen

Located at 4550 Balfour Road in Brentwood, Ameci Pizza Kitchen offers catering services that can be placed by calling (925) 240-0000 or by sending a request through the Ameci Pizza & Pasta Catering Form.

For more information, visit amecibrentwood.com.

Fairview Heating & Air continues family tradition of comfort and service since 1988

For more than three decades,

Fairview Heating & Air

Conditioning has been helping local families stay comfortable through every season while building a reputation for dependable service, skilled workmanship, and strong community values.

Founded in 1988, Robert and Barbara Conner, owners of Fairview Heating & Air, remain a family-owned and -operated business proudly serving Oakley, Brentwood and surrounding communities. The company’s name has a personal connection to its beginnings, inspired by a home on Fairview Avenue in Brentwood.

Since opening its doors, Fairview Heating and Air has focused on providing quality heating and cooling solutions tailored to the needs of homeowners. The company specializes in the installation of heat pumps, inverter systems, air conditioners, and heating systems designed to improve comfort and energy efficiency.

Fairview Heating & Air is also a proud member of Local #104 Sheet Metal Workers, reflecting the company’s commitment to professional standards and skilled craftsmanship within the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry.

“Our goal has always been to treat customers like family and provide honest, reliable service,” the owners say. “We take pride in helping people find energyefficient solutions that keep their homes

“We

take pride in helping people find energy-efficient solutions that keep their homes comfortable year round.”

– Robert and Barbara Conner, Owners, Fairview Heating & Air

comfortable year round.

The company’s experienced technicians are known for their customer-focused approach and dedication to quality work.

In addition to installations and repairs, Fairview Heating & Air offers energysaving maintenance programs that help customers keep their systems running efficiently while providing discounts on repairs. These programs are designed to help homeowners lower energy costs and avoid unexpected expenses.

As Fairview Heating & Air celebrates decades of service, the company continues to build lasting relationships with customers through professionalism, integrity and a commitment to dependable comfort solutions.

For more information about Fairview Heating & Air Conditioning and its services, contact the company in Oakley at 925-625-4963 or text us at 925-752-2546.

– Advertorial

Interesting facts about the United States

The United States celebrates its semiquincentennial in 2026. That means the nation has been around for 250 years. Since its inception, the country has grown to include 50 states. As Americans in all 50 of those states celebrate the country in 2026, it can be both educational and fun to learn some interesting facts about the United States.

♦ Largest state: Alaska spans more than 665,000 square miles, making it the largest state by land mass in the entire country. In fact, Alaska is so big that it’s larger in terms of square miles than the next three largest states (Texas, California and Montana) combined.

♦ Smallest state: Checking in at 1,545 square miles, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. To put that in perspective, it’s possible to squeeze 430 Rhode Islands into one Alaska.

♦ Most densely populated state: According to July 2023 data from the United States Census Bureau, New Jersey is home to more

than 9.2 million people across 7,354 square miles, making the Garden State the most densely populated in the U.S.

♦ Least densely populated state: Given its aforementioned size and vast amount of undeveloped land, Alaska’s status as the least densely populated state should come as no surprise. According to the World Atlas, Alaska is home to 1.3 persons per square mile, which is considerably less than New Jersey’s 1,298 people per square mile.

♦ California’s economy is massive. Even though it’s part of the larger United States, California’s economy is massive on its own. According to data from the International Monetary Fund and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released in 2025, California boasts the fourth-largest economy in the world. Only the United States, China and Germany boast a larger economy. And California is gaining ground, as it experienced a growth rate of 6 percent in 2024, which was better than the U.S. (5.3 percent), China (2.6 percent) and Germany (2.9 percent).

♦ St. Augustine, Florida, has been around awhile. Florida is home to the longest continually inhabited Europeanfounded city in the United States.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Tips to trace your own history while celebrating America’s

The U.S. turns 250 in July 2026, and the summer figures to be an especially celebratory time across the 50 states.

As Americans engage with their nation’s history, they might be compelled to learn more about their personal history as well. The National Archives offers these tips to anyone looking to do some digging into their personal history.

♦ Start with yourself. Your own personal details can serve as a starting point as you work toward more unknown facets of your family history. After you note all of your own details, learn and document all you can about your parents and then do the same in relation to your grandparents.

♦ Emphasize four vital components. The National Archive notes that names, dates, places, and relationships are the tools of the family researcher. That’s because these nuggets of information have long been used to identify people in public records.

♦ Peruse any existing family archives. Many families have kept their own archives over the years, even if that record-keeping was not widely known within a family. A relative might have kept various types of documents that help to paint a picture of your genealogy. Ask around in the family to see if

anyone has kept records, which might include:

- Newspaper clippings

- Birth and death certificates

- Military certificates

- Marriage licenses

- Letters

- Diaries

- Photographs/photo books

- Scrapbooks

♦ Let others know. Inform family members near and far that you’re working on a genealogy project. A relative might have beaten you to it, and that person could have lots of valuable information and documents to share. Others might be able to point you toward a relative who has become the unofficial family historian. In addition, cousins and aunts and uncles might have records from their own immediate families, which can help you as you conduct your own research.

♦ Access government records. The U.S. federal Census dates all the way back to 1790, which makes it a potentially excellent source of information for your project. State and county archives also can be wonderful resources that keep records of births, deaths, marriages, and other notable events that can help people trace their family histories. Even local libraries might have records of your family, especially if your family has been settled in the same area for a significant amount of time.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

AMERICA AMERICA

JULY 4, 2026, 9:30AM-3:00PM

CITY PARK & DOWNTOWN BRENTWOOD

JOIN US AS WE HONOR THE PAST AND CELEBRATE THE FUTURE WITH FOOD TRUCKS, GAMES, LIVE MUSIC, FAMILY ACTIVITIES, LOCAL HISTORY, AND A CELEBRATION OF SERVICE!

WE WANT YOU... WE WANT YOU ...

...TO BE A VOLUNTEER! CONNECT WITH OTHERS, GIVE BACK, AND BE PART OF A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION CELEBRATION.

...TO BE A PART OF THE PARADE! REGISTER YOUR CLASSIC CAR, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, OR PERFORMANCE GROUP.