The Press 01.23.2026 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

Planning panel scolded: ‘Shame on you for not listening to your constituents’

a potential, but unlikely, tenant of the park, according to Community Development Director Ken Strelo, would require a conditional use permit to operate on the property. Chairman Leonard Price and commissioners Pierre Goudie and Sean Ireland voted ‘yes’, while commissioners Kerry Harvey and Yared Oliveros voted ‘no.’

By Connor Robles Correspondent

To the audible dismay of many in the crowd of nearly 90 people, the Oakley Planning Commission adopted a pair of resolutions by a vote of 3-2 at their Jan. 20 meeting recommending that the City Council approve a 10-building light industrial park known as Bridgehead Industrial in northwestern Oakley.

The vote came after a modification to the original resolutions that ensured that artificial intelligence (A.I.) data centers, which are

Bridgehead Industrial is planned to sit on a 164-acre site bifurcated by the BNSF Railroad into two development areas, a 76.4acre northern area currently designated light industrial and an 87.6-acre southern area currently designated commercial, which will be redesignated as light industrial to match the north.

The entire property will be rezoned as a planned unit development with many potential uses, including truck and trailer parking, warehousing, office, data center, and bat-

Brentwood in ‘tug-of-war with the state’

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Brentwood’s housing laws are changing again as a new year means new state laws with which the city must comply. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Jan. 20 to amend the part of the Municipal Code related to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, despite their dissatisfaction.

“We’re sort of no strangers on this commission as far as playing tug-of-war with the state of California,” Vice Chairperson Kristopher Brand said, echoing similar

comments made by his colleagues during the discussion. New state laws that took effect on Jan. 1 meant that the Municipal Code that was updated early last year needed to be updated once again.

The state defines an accessory dwelling unit as a “secondary unit as part of a primary residence.” More common names for them include granny units, in-law units or

backyard cottages. By the state definition, they can be attached or freestanding while junior accessory dwelling units are created within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence, such as a garage or basement converted into a living space.

Under the new state laws — SB 543, SB 462 and SB 1154 — the city would have less control over the approval process for

these types of living spaces. According to the staff report for the meeting, state law mandates that cities approve them without discretionary review so long as they meet specific standards. The new laws further change the process, giving the city 15 business days from receipt of an application to determine whether the application for a cottage unit is complete so that it may proceed. If the city denies an application, SB 543 now adds in an appeals process.

Other changes made by the trio of new laws include clarification that development impact fees and school district impact fees may not be imposed on accessory dwelling units (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADU) under a certain square footage of interior living space. The new law also clarifies the number of additions that can be made on a property, according to the

see State page 23

A map shows the proposed area for the industrial park.

Image courtesy of City of Oakley

Come Live Your Best Life!

Quail Lodge is

of the only Independent Senior Living Communities in the area!

Let’s experience our Beautiful Countryside Community Together!

Enjoy the value of a relaxed lifestyle where everything is included with your spacious apartment. Ease into a community where socializing, making new friends and connecting through activities such as happy hours with live music, paint and sip and exercise classes are just some of the activities to choose from.

State lawmakers tackle technology with new laws

A.I. statutes go into effect to start 2026

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

Three new laws – Senate Bills 446, 53, and 243 – went into effect at the start of the year aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and transparency with artificial intelligence (A.I.).

“These new laws are a signal that California wants innovation and trust at the same time,” said Seana Fippin, CEO of Red Box Business Solutions, a Brentwood cybersecurity business. “For residents, this means faster notification when data is breached, clearer transparency when interacting with A.I., and stronger expectations that artificial intelligence is designed and used responsibly. Ultimately these laws are California saying, ‘A.I. innovation is welcome, but not at the expense of safety, transparency, and the public’s ability to protect themselves’. That is why this should matter to all A.I. and technology users.”

A.I. is the technology that enables computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, comprehension, problem solving, and decision making. Due to its capability of a wide range of tasks, including there is no simple definition of A.I. according to NASA.

Fippin emphasized that these new laws focus on the three things residents experience most directly with A.I.:

• Privacy and identity risk: “Faster breach notification means residents can act quicker; freeze credit, reset passwords, watch for scams, before damage spreads.”

• Trust in what’s real: “SB 243 pushes A.I. systems to be up front about what they are, reducing manipulation and confusion; especially in emotionally charged interactions.”

• Public safety: “SB 53 is aimed at preventing high-impact A.I. failures, including security-related incidents. Even if it targets big developers, the downstream effect is a higher bar for A.I. risk management overall.”

According to the California Legislative Information, these are the details of the new laws:

• SB 446: A data breach notification law that tightens California’s breach notification rules by setting clear deadlines and requiring data breach disclosures must be made within 30 calendar days of discovery or notification, although exceptions can be made for law enforcement purposes.

“ These new laws are a signal that California wants innovation and trust at the same time.

”

Seana Fippin, CEO of Red Box Business Solutions, a Brentwood cybersecurityfocused business

• SB 53: A law requiring the largest A.I. companies to make their safety and security protocols public, report critical safety incidents, and strengthen whistleblower protections. SB 53 also requires large A.I. developers to maintain documented risk-reduction strategies for the goal of improving safety and transparency while emerging technologies are deployed.

• SB 243 : A law requiring companies that make A.I.-powered chatbots (a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users) to report safety concerns, while also requiring companies to notify users that they are talking to a computer, not a person.

“SB 446 increases pressure on organizations to detect breaches faster, investigate faster, and notify faster, with additional reporting expectations when large numbers of residents are impacted,” Fippin said. “If you don’t have strong logging, monitoring, incident response, and an accurate understanding of where sensitive data lives, meeting timelines becomes very difficult.”

Fippin said SB 53, known as the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act, creates a first-of-itskind California framework focuses on organizations building the Frontier A.I. models, which deploy the most advanced A.l. technologies.

Fippin said “Even if most local businesses aren’t training frontier models, SB 53 sets the tone for what ‘responsible A.I.’ looks like — and those expectations flow downhill to vendors, integrators, and ultimately to the businesses using A.I. tools.”

According to Fippin, SB 243 is part of a broader move to require transparency, safety-by-design, and accountability for human-facing A.I. experiences, especially in instances in which impressionable people – such as teenagers, seniors, or people who can be easily persuaded by technology or outside forces – may be impacted.

For details about Red Box Business Solutions, visit www.getredbox.com/

Volunteer projects abound at Antioch

Day of Service

he city of Antioch and the Antioch Unified School District sponsored an “MLK Day” of service Jan. 19. The Day of Service included volunteer projects such as the Antioch Skatepark Restoration Project, Senior Engagement Activities and Discussion with art projects, lunch service, and a senior service, and an AUSD poetry contest.

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

Brentwood residents, including mayor, restore Marsh Creek on MLK Day of Service

Brentwood and East County residents came together on Jan. 19 for an MLK Day of Service community cleanup focused on helping restore Marsh Creek. Volunteers of all ages, including Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer, rolled up their sleeves as teams collected bags of trash, removed large PVC pipes, and cleared other debris from the area.

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

Photos by Taylor Shepherd

Photos by Mike Rodriguez

BBQ KING 2026

BBQ COOK-OFF & FUNDRAISER

SUNDAY, FEB 1 @ 11AM

LUCKY STRIKE BRENTWOOD • 5000 BALFOUR RD, BRENTWOOD

TICKETS $30.00 PER PERSON

Music by JEFFERY JAMES

Includes 3 tastings: tri-tip, chicken or ribs with all the sides

SERVING STRAIGHT FROM THE CHEFS 1PM-2:30PM

Tickets available during the event

All Proceeds go to the Brentwood Police Activities League For more info, call Darin at 925-642-2399 or darinhassig@gmail.com

Brentwood school district superintendent announces bid for county role

Dana Eaton, Ed.D has announced that he is running for Contra Costa County’s Superintendent of Public Schools.

Eaton is in his 17th year as a school district superintendent. He is the current superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District, a position he has held since 2013.

Eaton said he is running for the office because “In Contra Costa County, we have multiple school districts struggling financially, an achievement gap and student health crisis that demands our attention and a growing teacher and staff shortage that is too important to ignore. The County Office of Education can play a huge role in proactively supporting and advocating to help school districts meet these challenges so that every student can be successful.

His goal? “It is an honor to be able to work with others to help shape the lives of students and educational programs,” he said. “I love Brentwood, and it has been the privilege of my life to work with so many amazing students, staff members and families. If I am elected to this position, it will give me the opportunity to support students, families and staff at a larger level, while still supporting the wonderful Brentwood community.”

Before his tenure as superintendent in Brentwood, he served as the superintendent for the Jefferson School District. With a

nearly 30-year career in education, Eaton has held a wide range of roles, including teacher, mentor teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and superintendent.

Eaton is the current ACSA Superintendency Council President for California, is a member of the Superintendent Advisory Panel for the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the state’s support provider to districts in need of academic assistance.

He serves as a state governing board member for the Fiscal Crisis Management and Assistance Team, the state’s school finance oversight organization.

He is past president of the California City Superintendent’s Association, past chairman of the California State Superintendent Symposium Planning Committee. For more information, visit eatonforschools.com

EATON

A day to recognize the effects of cancer

Nonprofit groups help with

the emotional recovery from the disease

By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent

“Someone you love will be impacted by cancer at some point, and if you know how to support them then you are going to change their life,” said Lauren Huffmaster, founder and director of Adventure Therapy Foundation, about the goal of her organization.

As World Cancer Day on Feb. 4 is recognized, the American Cancer Society estimates that the United States will see 2,114,850 new cases of cancer in 2026, with approximately 206,500 cases from California. It also projects that about 626,140 people in the United States will die from cancer.

The number of cases in the U.S. in the past four years has increased, according to the American Cancer Society:

• 2025 – new cases: 2,041,910 Deaths: 618,120

• 2024 – new cases: 2,001,140 Deaths: 611,720

• 2023 – new cases: 1,958,310 Deaths: 609,820

• 2022 – new cases: 1,918,030 Deaths: 609,360

Dealing with cancer can be traumatic, which is why East County nonprofits such as the Adventure Therapy Foundation and Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection provide support groups for those affected by the disease. Both groups said they have nothing special planned for Feb. 4 because their focus is the yearly events they support.

“Our organization really looks at

the emotional side effects of cancer,” Huffmaster said. “We have built a significant number of resources around educating people on how it’s typical. It’s normal to have an emotional response to cancer just like you would have a physical response. So we are looking at how to strengthen people emotionally so they can live very purposeful lives following their diagnosis.”

Joy Hamilton, administrative director of Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection, explained how support groups for people with cancer can help them through the traumatic experiences. Group meetings enable cancer patients to share their experiences and feelings amongst each other to better understand how the disease is affecting them emotionally. Hamilton said this creates a connection amongst the group that helps them deal with their fight against their cancers.

“We can’t cure it, but we can make you feel better if you have it and that’s our purpose,” Hamilton said.

Depending on the organization, groups can be organized based on family, age, type of cancer, sex, or personal struggles. Both Adventure Therapy Foundation and Kaleidoscope meet with new members and learn about their needs. Once they have an understanding of a person’s situation, they group them with individuals with similar concerns. These nonprofits also often work with each other to help place members with the organization that has groups best suited for them.

“We want to encourage people to find people they can be friends with long term,” Huffmaster said. “When they come together, their struggles around their cancer and their life are very similar.”

In addition to the emotional support the groups provide, patients share educa-

see Support groups page 15

Community Education Minute with Natalie Hannum

February is the month to love learning new things. LMC’s Community Education courses cover a wide range of topics and interests and are the perfect way to meet new people and have a reason to get out of the house. Our current catalog includes courses in technology, poetry writing, nutrition, safety, artificial intelligence, history, and architecture.

2/3/26 Artificial Intelligence With Your Apple Products

2/5/26 Poetry Writing: Haiku

2/5/26 Life Saving Skills: CPR*

2/6/26 The Evolution of Fast Food

2/12/26 AI: Artificial Intelligence Creative Lab

2/12/26 Life Saving Skills: First Aid - Beyond Band Aids*

2/18/26 The Great Delta Road Trip: 100 Places Not to Miss 2/26/26 Poetry Writing: Couplet Poems

*See catalog for hours and cost for this course

All courses are offered in person from 1PM-3PM (unless otherwise indicated) at the Brentwood Center located at 1351 Pioneer Square, Brentwood, CA. Most courses cost $25 per person unless otherwise indicated. Scan the QR code or go to the website to see the full catalog and to register www.losmedanos. edu/communityed. For questions or more information, email nhannum631@losmedanos.edu or call 925-473-7397

LAUREN HUFFMASTER

JOY HAMILTON

Calendar

For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

This Week’s Events

Saturday, January 24

10u Oakley Royals

Poker Tournament Fundraiser

The event will take place at Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., with check-in from 5-5:45 p.m. The tournament will start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, which includes tournament entry, a drink ticket, dinner and a raffle ticket. A non-player ticket is $40 and includes entry to the event, a drink ticket, dinner and a raffle ticket. The event is only for those 21 and older; ID checked at the door. Register at https://bit.ly/4qZg05n

Discovery Bay Chamber

State of the Town Gala

The gala will take place from 5:30-11 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Golf and Country Club, 1475 Clubhouse Drive. The theme will be Roaring ‘20s and attendees are encouraged to dress up in ‘20s-themed outfits. Tickets are $150 each or $1,140 for a table of 8. To register, visit discoverybaychamber.org.

Downtown Brentwood Coalition

Second Annual Crab Feed

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition will be hosting its second annual crab feed at the Brentwood Community Center at 35 Oak St. This event is for people age 21 and older. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour before a 6 p.m. dinner featuring unlimited crab, Caesar salad, pasta and garlic bread, as well as complimentary soft drinks, water and dessert. Each $85 ticket includes two drink tickets redeemable for adult beverages. More adult beverages are $5 each. The event will also include music and a photo booth as well as a raffle for various prizes. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4jhHdgN

Sunday, January 25

Brentwood Bridal and Quinceanera Fair

This event presented by PETALS, at 2535 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128 in Brentwood from noon-3 p.m., celebrates all things bridal and quinceanera. Whether you’re planning your big day or your quinceanera, find inspiration, meet vendors, and discover ideas. Pre-register for free at https://bit.ly/3LAmoAW. For more information, visit www.petalsoakley.com or Instagram at https://bit.ly/4puomRg

On the Horizon

Friday, January 30

St. Anne Ladies Only Crab Feed

The 54th crab feed will be at St. Anne Church, 2800 Camino Diablo Road, from 6-10 p.m. with all-you-can-eat crab, garlic bread, potato, and Caesar salad, dessert, beverages, wine and cocktails. There will be dancing, a raffle drawing for a variety of baskets, DJ music, themed table contest along with beverages and cocktails for purchase. Themes must be pre-approved. No outside alcohol, for ages 21 and over only. Tickets are $85, and can be purchased at womens-fellowship.com/crab-feed-fundraiser/ Heritage High School Improv Show

Kick off the weekend with the HHS Improv Show at the school at 101 American Ave. in Brentwood. The show starts at 7 p.m. The Improv Team will make up the whole evening up on the spot — characters, song lyrics, situations, and whole scenes. Tickets are $5 per person and are available at hhsrisingstars. seatyourself.biz. Online sales only; no cash at the door.

Saturday, January 31

Oakley Science Day 2026

Oakley’s Science Day is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave. This is a free event for kids in grades Pre-K-8th grade and will feature presentations, activities, and STEM showcases. Participants will also have a chance to win prizes to area attractions. Preregistration is not required. For more information, visit ca-oakley.civicplus.com/174/Recreation.

Brentwood Dolphin Swim Club Crab Feast Fundraiser

The Brentwood Dolphin Swim Club presents its third annual Crab & Tri-Tip Dinner fundraiser to help support their 2026 swim season. The event will take place from 5-9 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. The dinner will include fresh crab, tri-tip, salad, bread, pasta, dessert, soda and water. There will be music, a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4pnnein

Oakley Royals 12U Cooperstown Fundraiser Crab Feed

Doors open at 5 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., with dinner at 6 consisting of crab, tri-tip, pasta, salad, bread, dessert and a full bar. Tickets are $85 or $680 for a table of 8. There will be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and dessert auction. Use Venmo @oakleyroyals12U to buy tickets.

Sunday, February 1

Breathe Better Together

Brentwood – a benefit for Vasco Forever Helping Families

Immerse yourself in therapeutic sounds that calm the mind, heal the body and uplift the spirit. Michelle Powell Evans hosts a fundraiser for the non-profit Vasco Forever Helping Families from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.. Ages 12 and older are invited. Admission is $19 (12-17 year old) and $39 (18 and older). Register at www. michellepowellevans.com. The Vasco Forever Helping Families Foundation advocates for change and supports families devastated by traffic accidents.

-Sponsored

25th Annual Brentwood PAL BBQ King 2026 BBQ Cook-off and Fundraiser

The fundraising event will take place at Lucky Strike in Brentwood, 5000 Balfour Road, at 11 a.m. Tickets are $30 per person and include 3 tastings: tri-tip, chicken or ribs with all the sides. Serving straight from the chefs 1-2:30 p.m. Tickets will be available during the event. There will be music by Jeffery James. All proceeds go to the Brentwood Police Activities League. For more information, call Darin at 925-642-2399 or email darinhassig@ gmail.com.

Friday, February 6

First Tee - Contra Costa

“Swing for Success!” gala

First Tee – Contra Costa will host their Swing Fore Success Gala at the Rossmoor Event Center, 1021 Stanley Dollar Drive in Walnut Creek, from 6-9:30 p.m. This evening will bring together community leaders, golf lovers, parents, coaches, and supporters who believe in the power of youth development through golf. The event will feature special guests former NFL quarterback Mike Pawlawski and John Collins (known as the ‘paper airplane guy’), a curated dinner, live and silent auctions, and stories and reflections from First Tee participants and program leaders. The dress

Looking for something to do?

Look at the many local events on

code is cocktail attire. Tickets are $125 per person, $800 for a table of 8, or $1,000 for a table of 10. For tickets, visit www.prweb.com/releases/firsttee--contra-costa-unveils-elevated-swing-foresuccess-gala-302631924.html. For more details, email Brandon Garcelon at brandon@tftccs.org. Thursday, February 12

Besties Bash

Shopping, dining, cocktails, photo opportunities, and friendship support downtown Brentwood. The event will be from 5-9 p.m. in downtown Brentwood and will be a Breakfast at Tiffany’sinspired theme. Dress up in your most iconic, chic attire inspired by Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Proceeds help the Downtown Brentwood Coalition support the vitality of downtown Brentwood through small business support, events, and collaboration. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information and tickets, visit downtownbrentwood.com/event/besties-bash-2026/ Friday, February 13

Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court and Knights of Columbus 7th Annual Crab Feed

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #2714 and the Knights of Columbus #7467 host their 7th Annual Crab Feed at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and cracking begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and groups are welcome. The night will also feature raffle prizes and door prizes. To register, email ihmcda2714@ gmail.com. Payment options include CDA PayPal online, cash or check made payable to Knights of Columbus Council #7467 and dropped off at the parish office (ATTN: Carol Rojo) at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. For more information, email ihmcda2714@gmail.com.

Saturday, February 14

Sweetheart 5K Run/Walk

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Brentwood, the 3.1-mile run/walk will be at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood, at 9 a.m., and is family friendly and stroller friendly. For more information and to register, visit runbrentwood.com. Registration is $48.70 per adult; $22.20 for ages 4-9 and $32.80 for ages 10-17.

Ongoing Events

St. Anthony’s Church Food Distribution

Oakley Senior Center food distribution has moved out of their previous location. For the foreseeable future, they will be operating out of St. Anthony’s Church at 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley on Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own bags/containers. For more information, call 925-783-0818.

Hope House Food Distribution

The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.

IHMC Food Distribution

On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Club Los Meganos Event Center at 1700 Trilogy Parkway in Brentwood. For more information, visit www. brentwoodrotaryclub.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

www.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 www.facebook.com/ antiochrotaryclub.

The Rotary Club of the Delta: The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit www.rotaryclubofthedelta. org.

East County Lions Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more information, visit: www.eclubhouse.org/sites/brentwoodca/.

Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd.

Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions.com/ who-we-are/meetings/.

Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/byron_delta/.

Soroptimists

Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting

The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-338-1775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https://www.mcl1155.org/.

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

A widow and widower grief support group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. A monthly pot luck and happy hour are also available. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Connie Cononen at 925-392-9037.

Attention commercial venues! The Press is excited to announce we are now allowing commercial venues, bars and for-profit events to list your events in The Press’s weekly printed community calendar. For only $25 per week, it will include 55-60 words or a 380-390 character count with bigger font and will be hotlinked to your website on the e-Press. To place your event, let us know by Friday at noon for the following Fridays publication at ads@brentwoodpress.com or call 925-634-1441.

Brentwood to celebrate 25th annual Police Activities League BBQ Cook-off

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

The Brentwood Police Activities League is set to host their annual BBQ King of the Grill fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Lucky Strike bowling alley in Brentwood at 5000 Balfour Road.

The cook-off, which continues an annual tradition with the Brentwood Police Activities League (PAL), has run for 25 consecutive years. According to organizer Darin Hassig, they expect to raise about $15,000, with all proceeds supporting disadvantaged youth in Brentwood, specifically for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students.

“We have always focused on building relationships with the middle school kids that are disadvantaged,” Hassig said. “They include programs of the police activities league supporting kids with bowling, karate, music, and car and automotive programs. There are a lot of things for kids to get involved with, which is good.”

The event is free to attend. But for $30, people will receive three barbecue tastings, including tri-tip, chicken or ribs with side dishes including beans, salad, potato salad, and rolls, with food being served straight from the chefs from 1-2:30 p.m. Alcohol is also available for purchase. The cook-off will also feature live music by blues artist Jeffrey James. The winner of the cook-off will receive $150, a plaque, and a trophy for the year. The winners of each meat category will also win $100 each. Participants will be judged on presentation, texture, and taste in what Hassig said will be a double blind judging system.

Hassig said the inspiration of doing the annual cook-off began when then-Brentwood police chief Larry Shaw, then-Brentwood mayor Mike McPoland, and then-owner of Har -

“ This

event brings the community together with a positive police influence. It allows that bond and relationship with our kids.

”

Organizer Darin Hassig

BRENT W O O D PAL

BBQ KING 2026

vest Park Bowl Jim Wangeman casually discussed boasting about barbecue skills. And now 25 years later, it has grown into an annual event while also helping to improve the community’s relationship with police. Hassig noted that for these reasons, the cook-off continues to be a special event.

“This event brings the community together with a positive police influence,” Hassig said. “It allows that bond and relationship with our kids.”

For additional information, call Hassig at 925-642-2399 or darinhassig@gmail.com.

For details about the Brentwood Police Activities League, visit https:// brentwoodpal.com/ To comment, visit www.thepress.net

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The Brentwood Police Activities League is set to host their annual BBQ King of the Grill fundraiser, continuing a tradition that has run for 25 consecutive years, with all proceeds supporting disadvantaged youth in Brentwood.

Press file photo

O pini O n

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

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What is the continued value of a community newspaper in an increasingly technological world where everyone with a smartphone, an opinion and a blog can declare themself to be a reporter?

The short answer is one word: quality.

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Discovery Bay needs its second fire station back

Editor:

Gee – I’m glad the Brentwood City Council is spending time on the proposed aesthetics of a new fire station – another new fire station.

Discovery Bay’s main fire station was shut down in 2008. That left only the station to service all of Discovery bay on Bixler Road outside the main Discovery Bay housing area.

Because of the unique layout of the homes in Discovery Bay — on the golf course and the waterways, access roadways are sparse. It is not physically possible for fire and emergency services to reach the interior golf course and waterfront homes in the amount of time needed to save houses – or lives.

People have died. My neighbors have died because the emergency services coming from the Bixler station could not arrive in time to save lives. They could not make the eight-minute requirement to avoid coma and brain death.

If a house in our areas starts on fire, the protocol is to focus on saving the adjacent homes since the initial home that is on fire would be burned to the ground.

Yes, there aren’t as many people living in Discovery Bay as Brentwood. But when we bought homes here, there was a fire station right inside to service our area. I’ve attended numerous meetings, I know we’re underfunded, Proposition 13 issues, etc., etc.

But at some point, there needs to be

Tying this all together is the support staff operating in the background, helping all the departments, helping our customers, our readers and local business owners.

The last, and most important, role in the community newspaper process is you, the reader. Without your support and eagerness to read about your community, none of this would be possible.

With all that being said, many local businesses are focusing their marketing efforts away from print media, and the time has come that we now need to reach out to the readers for support of print media. Business owners have lots of options for advertising, and the newspaper is just one of them.

It’s your turn to stand up and let us know that you appreciate the printed version of The Press and that it’s important that you get the physical paper delivered to your home.

Here’s the part where you may be asking yourself, ‘Shouldn’t local news be free?’

We agree! Everyone should have access to local news, but producing it takes people, time, and resources. Each part of the process we outlined above has a cost, and advertising alone no longer covers these costs. Community support, advertising and philanthropic investment are what help keep local news affordable and widely accessible.

We are trying to keep The Press a free newspaper,

Letters to the editor

a fire station back in the original station house built by Hoffman for that purpose. Or at a minimum on Highway 4 and Discovery Bay that could get to our homes in time to save buildings and lives.

How many years and how many new fire stations do we need to wait to be built until Discovery Bay gets its second station back?

Jan McCleery Discovery Bay

‘Mature’ ICE protester wishes more younger people were demonstrating Editor:

I just returned from the Antioch ‘Stop ICE’ demonstration. I always wish there were more protesters, but was thankful for

available in the many racks and drop-off locations throughout Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay and Antioch. But with costs no longer covered by advertising alone, the print edition of our newspaper is at risk of being discontinued without additional support from more advertisers, donors and subscribers.

Even if we discontinue the printed version of the newspaper, The Press will still be around to deliver the award-winning local news you’ve come to expect from us. The free digital version will continue to be available online with more photos and videos at www thepress net. But for those who prefer the tactile feeling of a real newspaper, now is the time to consider becoming a donor or a subscriber.

We hope you enjoy reading the local news. Your support keeps independent local information flowing, ensuring neighbors are informed and leaders stay accountable. Please consider becoming a subscriber to the printed paper, the online version, or becoming a donor.

Thank you for your consideration.

If you have any questions about helping to keep local journalism alive, I can be reached at 925-634-1441 ext. 115 or you’re welcome to email me at greg@thepress net

Thank you for your continued support.

those who came out and loved hearing all the “honking” in support of our protest. One of the folks there and I discussed how few young people were out.

It was mostly us silver haired “radicals.”

We both feel that the younger people in our nation need to realize what they are in danger of losing. Pete, like myself, said he never expected to have to do this since the Vietnam era and that we are glad we are aging out, and so we wish young people would understand the importance of our First Amendment rights and USE them.

We are both in our 70s, and fear for the nation at large. We are doing what we can and pray that more people step up before it is too late. The other thing we both noticed

Greg Robinson Publisher

is that the majority of honks also seemed to come from us “mature” people.

Our feeling is that we have “been there done that,” but the younger generation either does not know, or does not realize it is up to us to stand our ground in massive numbers as has been done overseas or we will lose our democracy. Our nation as a whole needs to wake up before it is too late.

He and I, a man I never met before today, will continue to use our rights, via demonstrating in a peaceful manner as long as we are physically able. I pray more will get involved and realize the losses we face before it is too late.

Linda Morse Robertson Bethel Island

No practice, no problem: Heritage stays perfect in BVAL, beating Pittsburg 54-46

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

This time, we’re not talking about practice. We’re talking about games.

For Heritage’s girls basketball team, though, they’ll welcome a practice day — or two.

The Patriots wrapped up a fourgames-in-five-days stretch by defeating host Pittsburg 54-46 on Tuesday night. The win kept Heritage undefeated in Bay Valley Athletic League play and knocked the Pirates from the unbeaten ranks, giving the Patriots sole possession of first place entering the final stretch of the season.

“This is our fourth game in five days,” Heritage head coach Mark Hurtado said. “We haven’t had our gym for a couple of weeks and it’s been kind of crazy.”

Heritage went 3-1 during its extended weekend, with its lone loss coming Monday morning in a 51-35 defeat to Vanden at the Martin Luther King Jr. Classic at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland. The Patriots beat a 17-1 Windsor team last Saturday at home and handled BVAL newcomer Emerald, 73-32, in Dublin on Friday.

Despite a strong season so far — Heritage improved to 14-4 overall and 6-0 in league with Tuesday’s win — the Patriots recognize the value of practice time. That

was evident in the first half Tuesday, when Heritage struggled with turnovers, missed layups in the paint and had issues securing defensive rebounds.

“This is our fourth game back-to-backto-back,” senior forward Lily Wilright said. “We haven’t really had that time to get in and correct the little things.”

Leading 25-24 at halftime, the Patriots cleaned things up in the second half. Heritage

opened the third quarter on a 6-0 run and never surrendered the lead. Sophomore guard Gabi Marte hit two of her three 3-pointers after halftime and finished with a team-high 15 points to help Heritage pull away.

“It picks us up,” Marte said of winning despite not playing cleanly. “The first half was kind of messy, but in the second half we were able to find each other quickly and put it in the paint, get buckets and stuff. Com-

ing off Monday’s loss, we definitely cleaned things up a lot more. We got a lot of steals and we were always jumping every pass.”

This isn’t the Patriots’ first stretch of consecutive games. Heritage has played on two or more straight days four times this season, including two three-day tournament runs.

But the lack of practice hasn’t slowed the Patriots much. Heritage is 8-4 in back-toback games this season, according to MaxPreps, and has one more set this weekend: at home against Antioch (10-7, 2-4 BVAL) on Friday, then at College Park (14-3, 3-1 DAL) for a non-league game Saturday afternoon. The Patriots then have two days off before traveling across town to Liberty on Tuesday, Jan. 27, aiming for a season sweep against a Lady Lions squad making its own late title push, improving to 4-2 in BVAL play and 11-8 overall after defeating Antioch 49-19 Tuesday night.

Despite the success without much practice this season, Hurtado said the Patriots could use a breather to reset before the postseason chase.

“We’ve played so many games that we’re like, ‘Which game are we talking about?’” he said. “It’d be nice to get back in the gym, regroup and get some shots up. This is the time of year, moving into February, where you want to get some momentum going.”

Liberty girls basketball bounces back from league loss with wire-to-wire win over Antioch

By Mason Tovani Correspondent

The Liberty girls basketball team scored more points midway through the second quarter than Antioch did through four quarters in a dominant 49-19 victory, extending their overall record to 11-8 and their Bay Valley Athletic League record to 4-2. Coming on the heels of a 47-40 loss to Pittsburg, the Lions had their fewest turnovers in a game all season (14) as well as their most steals in a game, also 14.

“We felt like we had to come back (from their loss to Pittsburg) and show who we really are,” junior forward Naryiah Cooper said. “We should have never even lost to Pitt, (and) we start off slow some games. Or if we do start off good then we lose momentum and have to gain it back. But every quarter we start off like it’s zero to zero.”

Liberty head coach Mike Gregory has been preaching to his team about playing with aggression and intention with both leading to execution that results in points, and in the case of Tuesday night, the team’s

ability to jump the passing lanes and have a season-high in steals.

“My mindset as we move forward is we have to be aggressive,” Gregory said. “We can’t be timid (and) we can’t play lackadaisical. It doesn’t matter who we are playing – if they are going to be lazy with the passes (then) we have to attack it. We saw a lot of steals tonight and we didn’t have the turnovers on our side that we’ve been accustomed to.

Junior forward Nariyah Cooper defends at halfcourt against Antioch High on Tuesday night. “Nariyah’s got that x-factor,” head coach Mike Gregory said.

Liberty (4-2) is in third place in the BVAL standings behind Heritage (6-0) and Pittsburg (5-1). In a game against Pittsburg that Cooper and Gregory acknowledged was there for the taking, there were mental mistakes that the Lions cleaned up a week later to get back to winning. Before the Pittsburg loss Liberty won four of their last five games.

“In the game that we played against

Pitt last week, we were playing on our heels,” Gregory said. “A lot of turnovers that game. A lot of mind mistakes, I’d say mental and physical mistakes. Today was trying to get us back into a flow. I always say seeing it, reading and playing the game instead of reacting to it.”

Liberty is two games behind Heritage for the number one seed in the BVAL. They’ll play the Patriots for the second and final time on Jan. 27 at home at 6:30 p.m. Some things are out of the Lions’ control when it comes to finishing atop the standings. But Gregory is less concerned with where his team ends up but rather how they play to get there.

“I would be proud of a team if we went out there and did everything necessary to win, doing the right stuff. Being aggressive, getting the rebounds and the loose balls.” Gregory said. “I can appreciate that. If shots don’t go in, then OK… but I’m looking for the team to play the way they should be playing and not being apprehensive.”

“We’re not peaking. We’re still learning.”

Photo by Mason Tovani

Heritage sophomore Gabi Marte drives past her defender in the Patriots girls basketball game at Pittsburg Tuesday night.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Liberty wrestling seniors reflect on journey following Senior Night win over Pittsburg

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Liberty senior wrestler Rosa Diaz remembered the program’s Senior Night two years ago. Back then, she watched her older brother, Christian, walk through the Lions’ inflatable head and across the mat with their family.

On Wednesday night, Diaz had her turn.

“It was really nostalgic,” Diaz said after Liberty’s Senior Night win over Pittsburg “All of the memories came flooding back and it was nice to reminisce.”

Diaz was the lone girls wrestler to win Wednesday, pinning Pittsburg’s Honesty Taavao in 1:02. Diaz Pittsburg’s Raeann Alleen defeated the Lions’ Lidia Velasco, and the Pirates Cecilia Chatman defeated Alyssa Gonzaga, both by pin. All three girls wrestlers were the one Lions to wrestle on the girls side after Pittsburg forfeited several bouts due to not having enough girls for each of thee weight classes.

“This team has been my second family,” Diaz said of Liberty wrestling and Delta Wrestling Club, the feeder program that has supported the Lions for years. “Growing up with them has been nothing but positive and amazing things. … Having my high school teammates, my club

teammates, the little kids who you help coach, knowing that they’re in your corner supporting you (made Wednesday night special).”

Diaz was one of nine seniors honored, joined by Jaevani Persaud, David Calkins Jr., Jacob Livermore, Ritchie Beltram, Makoa Barros, Anthony Ramirez, Vincent Ramirez and Kailey Sanchez.

For Liberty head coach Alex Encarnacion-Strand, who has coached at Lib-

erty and with Delta Wrestling since 2018, the night carried extra meaning.

“This senior class means the world to me,” Encarnacion-Strand said. “They all came in when they were sixth graders when I came into the program. So this is pretty heartfelt for me, seeing a big group of kids coming in as essentially kids and growing up and becoming seniors. It makes me feel like I’m raising my kids. I’ve seen these kids essentially grow and start maturing

and start becoming men and women.”

“It’s emotional,” he said of the Senior Night ceremonies. “You’re essentially being a father figure to these kids.”

For Iowa commit Calkins Jr. — one of the most decorated wrestlers in program history — the moment was just as meaningful, even after everything he has accomplished in his high school career. With friends and family in attendance for his final home bout, he pinned Pittsburg’s Leo Robles Lopez in 55 seconds.

“There’s always that feeling,” Calkins Jr. said. “It’s different. Knowing in the back of your head that it’s the last time I’m going to run out of here as a Lion. … I was just one of these little Delta kids running around. The fact that I’ve come a long way, it’s because of everybody here.”

The boys side won 68-12 over the Pirates, winning nine of their 11 bouts on the night.

Liberty has one final dual meet against Antioch at home next Wednesday before the postseason begins with the North Coast Section duals on Saturday, Jan. 31.

“We just want to succeed,” Calkins Jr. said of the postseason. “We want to be the best we can be and that’s all we can do — give effort and attitude.”

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

Liberty wrestling’s senior class was celebrated prior to the Lions’ meet against Pittsburg Wednesday night in Brentwood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

Money Matter$

Understanding ‘No

Tax on Tips’

and ‘No Tax on Overtime’

‘One

Big Beautiful Bill Act’ enacted in 2025

In 2025, new federal tax provisions commonly referred to as “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime” took effect under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While the names suggest that tips and overtime are no longer taxed, the reality is limited. These provisions create temporary federal income tax deductions for eligible workers.

Tips and overtime wages are still taxed when paid through payroll and remain subject to normal payroll withholding taxes, including Social Security and Medicare taxes, as well as applicable state and local taxes.

The tax deduction applies when filing the federal individual income tax return (Form 1040) and depends on eligibility rules and income limits.

To claim the deductions, the employee must include their Social Security number on their return and file jointly if married. These deductions are available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers. The deductions phase out for higher-income taxpayers, and certain service businesses and occupations are excluded. The ability to claim the deduction depends on income level, job classification, industry and the compensation type. Taxpayers who make more than $150,000 individually, or $300,000 jointly will have the deduction phased out.

For “No Tax on Overtime”, individuals may deduct only the overtime premium portion of their pay, meaning the amount paid above the employee’s regular rate of pay. For example, when an employee earns timeand-a-half for overtime, the deductible amount is only

the half-time portion, not the entire overtime pay. If an employee earns $20 per hour and receives $30 per hour for overtime, the $10 premium is the portion tied to the deduction. Not all overtime qualifies. The deduction applies only to overtime that is required under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which is 40 hours per week. Overtime required under state law, such as California overtime rules, are not eligible. Eligible taxpayers can deduct up to $12,500 annually for the Qualified Overtime Compensation, or $25,000 for joint filers.

For workers who receives tips, the “No Tax on Tips” allows individuals in occupations that customarily and regularly receive tips to deduct “qualified tips”. Qualified tips generally include voluntary cash or charged tips received from customers, including tips shared through voluntary pooling arrangements.

Mandatory service charges do not qualify. The IRS has released a proposed list of occupation codes that are eligible for the deduction. The maximum annual deduction for qualified tips is $25,000.

The IRS designated 2025 as a transition year with limited reporting requirements and penalty relief. For 2025, the IRS is not requiring employers to report specific information related to One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Specifically for 2025, the IRS did not adjust Form W-2, Form 1099, or Form 941, which are used to report taxable wages.

Beginning with tax year 2026, employers will report qualified tips and qualified overtime amounts on Form W-2 with additional reporting requirements. Currently, these provisions apply only to federal taxes, expire in 2028, and apply only to tax years 2025 through 2028.

CALIFORNIA ASSET PROTECTION: WHAT REALLY WORKS

by Martin C. Johnson, Attorney at Law, MBA, EA

Many Californians with growing incomes, rental property, or a small business start asking the same question: “How do I protect what I have built if I get sued?” The internet offers quick fixes, but most of the popular ideas are either incomplete or do not work the way people think they do in California. Start with the basics. A revocable living trust is an excellent planning tool. It can help families avoid probate, organize assets, and provide a plan if someone becomes incapacitated. But in California, a standard revocable living trust is not a shield against lawsuits for the person who created it. If you keep control of the trust and can revoke it, your creditors can generally reach those assets. So where does absolute protection come from? For most property owners and business owners, the best results come from reducing risk in layers.

through real agreements and proper bookkeeping.

Layer three is disciplined operation. Courts and creditors closely examine whether an LLC is real or merely a label. Separate bank accounts, clear contracts, consistent records, and the avoidance of commingling are not mere formalities. They are what make the structure hold up during testing.

Diversifying between stocks and bonds

Bonds can help provide balance through good times and bad

There is also a practical issue many owners miss: mortgages. Transferring a mortgaged rental into an LLC can trigger the loan’s due-on-sale clause. Sometimes lenders allow it. Sometimes they do not. A proper plan addresses this before any deed is recorded.

can help reduce risk through better price stability if you hold them until maturity. If a bond is sold prior to maturity, however, it may lose principal value.

Diversifying between stocks and bonds

The key to riding out market fluctuations lies in owning a balanced mix of quality investments. Although studies show that stocks have historically provided better long-term returns, it’s your asset allocation — the overall mix of stocks, bonds and cash — that ultimately can determine how well your portfolio performs.

Layer one is insurance. Good coverage is often the most cost-effective protection available. The right liability limits, umbrella coverage, and well-written policies can cover legal defense costs and usually resolve claims before they become financially devastating. Layer two is the proper entity structure for “inside liability.” If a lawsuit arises from a specific rental property or a specific business activity, you want that risk contained. For rentals, this often means using an LLC so that a problem at one property does not automatically threaten other properties or personal assets. For operating businesses, it often means separating the “operating company” from valuable assets such as equipment, intellectual property, or real estate, and documenting the relationship

Bonds can help provide balance through good times and bad

If you own rental property or run a small business in California and want a practical overview, I prepared a short guide titled “Asset Protection in California: What Works and What Does Not.” It explains common structures, common mistakes, and the questions you should ask before making changes.

Bonds can provide a steady stream of fixed-income payments that can help you weather stormy markets. Bond prices and interest rates may change, but you can expect to receive regular interest payments and the bond’s original principal value at maturity, provided the bond doesn’t default. Even if you don’t need the income, bonds

Stock and bond prices generally don’t move in tandem. In other words, when stock prices decline, bond prices may rise, and vice versa. This relationship helps a well-balanced mix of investments potentially achieve more stable returns. So if you own bonds when the stock market drops, they may help reduce your losses.

Download the guide here: https:// www.360epi.com/asset-protection-ca-whatworks/

can help reduce risk through better price stability if you hold them until maturity. If a bond is sold prior to maturity, however, it may lose principal value.

Diversifying between stocks and bonds

Financial needs in retirement depend on the individual. However, some key planning strategies can help individuals determine how much they might need to save to

Need an estate plan, or an update to your current plan? We offer a free 45-minute consultation at our Walnut Creek office.

Bonds can help provide balance through good times and bad

comfortably in retirement.

Diversifying between stocks and bonds

Martin C. Johnson, Law & Tax, 1255 Treat Blvd., STE. 300, Walnut Creek, CA 94597.

Phone 925-289-8837

Bonds can help provide balance through good times and bad

This chart shows that since 1981, bonds have provided returns nearly every year when stocks declined. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future results. But the fixed-income investments in a portfolio can help smooth out returns during times of volatility.

Diversifying between stocks and bonds

can help reduce risk through better price stability if you hold them until maturity. If a bond is sold prior to maturity, however, it may lose principal value.

This article provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice. The information here is not a substitute for a consultation with an attorney about your specific situation.

can help reduce risk through better price stability if you hold them until maturity. If a bond is sold prior to maturity, however, it may lose principal value.

How to determine your financial needs in retirement

Diversifying between stocks and bonds

Bonds can help provide balance through good times and bad

Diversifying between stocks and bonds

The key to riding out market fluctuations lies in owning a balanced mix of quality investments.

Bonds can help provide balance through good times and bad

can help reduce risk through better price stability if you hold them until maturity. If a bond is sold prior to maturity, however, it may lose principal value.

if you hold them until maturity. If a bond is sold prior to maturity, however, it may lose principal value.

riding out market fluctuations lies in owning a balanced mix of quality investments. Although studies show that stocks have historically provided better long-term returns, it’s your asset allocation — the overall mix of stocks, bonds and cash — that ultimately can determine how well your portfolio performs.

Although studies show that stocks have historically provided better long-term returns, it’s your asset allocation — the overall mix of stocks, bonds and cash — that ultimately can determine how well your portfolio performs.

NThis chart shows that since 1981, bonds have provided returns nearly every year when stocks declined. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future results. But the fixed-income investments in a portfolio can help smooth out returns during times of volatility.

might need to live comfortably after calling it a career.

can help reduce risk through better price stability if you hold them until maturity. If a bond is sold prior to maturity, however, it may lose principal value.

Identify your ideal retirement age

Aguilar Jr

and bond prices generally don’t move in tandem. In other words, when stock prices decline, bond prices may rise, and vice versa. This relationship helps a well-balanced mix of investments potentially achieve more stable returns. So if you own bonds when the stock market drops, they may help reduce your losses.

Bonds rose when stocks fell — Down stock market years (1981–2022)

This chart shows that since 1981, bonds have provided returns nearly every year when stocks declined. Of course, past performance

o one knows what the future holds. So people need to plan for the years ahead, particularly in regard to saving for retirement.

Tony Aguilar Jr Financial Advisor

Advice abounds regarding how much money retirees will need to live comfortably in retirement. One common approach suggests retirees should aspire to replace 70 to 80 percent of their pre-retirement income, while another strategy urges retirees to save 12 times their final pre-retirement income, meaning someone making $100,000 in the year they retire will need at least $1.2 million in retirement savings to maintain their lifestyle.

Each of these approaches are just strategies, and how much a person actually needs in retirement will depend on a host of variables unique to each individual, including the age a person retires, his or her health status at the time of retirement and personal goals for their golden years.

For example, those who hope to retire at 65 and travel extensively in retirement will likely need more savings than someone who hopes to retire at 70 and travel less frequently.

Though variables unique to each person will help to determine how much to save for retirement, there are some additional ways to identify how much you

Arguably the most significant variable related to saving for retirement is the age at which a person hopes to retire. Some may have the luxury of choosing their own retirement date, while others’ personal health or employers may make that choice for them. But it’s good to remember that the longer a person continues to work, the less retirement savings that person will need.

When trying to determine how much to save for retirement, first identify your ideal retirement age and then go from there, recognizing that this important variable can change over time.

Identify the lifestyle you hope to live

If the romanticized ideal of a jetsetting retirement lifestyle appeals to you, then you’re likely going to need to save more for retirement than someone whose vision of life after working is less glamorous.

It’s possible for many retirees to live their ideal lifestyle in retirement, but

Tony Aguilar Jr

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

live

from page 12

those whose ideal is marked by expensive pursuits like regular international travel will need to start earlier and save more than someone who envisions occasional trips but more time at home.

Don’t

overlook healthcare costs

Healthcare costs for retirees are heavily dependent on individual health. But even the healthiest retiree might experience a sudden and potentially costly medical issue, so it’s best for everyone to plan for sizable healthcare expenses in retirement.

Those

MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE

By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

MEDI-CAL WAKE-UP CALL: ASSET LIMITS RETURN AND PLANNING CAN’T WAIT

Long-term care is one of the most significant challenges seniors face, as Medicare does not cover custodial care such as nursing home assistance. Medi-Cal fills this gap for those who qualify, but major eligibility changes are coming in 2026.

The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates that couples will need to have saved at least $188,000 to have a 90 percent chance of covering their healthcare expenditures in retirement. That figure is subject to variables unique to each individual, but it can serve as a useful measuring stick as adults try to determine how much they need to save for retirement.

For more information, contact any of the tax and financial specialists in this Money Matters section. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

Many people underestimate their likelihood of needing care. Life expectancy for someone age 67 extends into the midto-late 80s, and about 70% of seniors will eventually need help with daily activities. More than half of those age 65 and older will incur long-term care expenses. In Brentwood, California, the median annual cost of a private nursing home room is nearly $188,000, while in-home care averages $87,000 per year.

California previously eliminated the Medi-Cal asset limit for applications submitted after January 1, 2024. However, the California Department of Health Care Services has announced that the asset limit will return in January 2026. At that time, individuals seeking long-term care MediCal benefits will be limited to $130,000 in countable assets, plus $65,000 per additional household member. A primary residence, one vehicle, and household items remain exempt.

Although homeowners can still

qualify, Medi-Cal estate recovery rules allow the state to seek reimbursement from a beneficiary’s estate, potentially placing a lien on a home after death.

One planning option is an irrevocable Medi-Cal trust. Assets transferred into the trust are no longer countable after 30 months, income can still be received, and the home can be lived in and protected from estate recovery.

Additional Medi-Cal changes include a 2026 enrollment freeze for undocumented adults over 19, loss of non-emergency dental coverage in July 2026, and a $30 monthly premium starting in July 2027 for certain beneficiaries.

Take the next step today. Speak with an experienced elder law professional to evaluate your current plan and explore strategies to prepare for future longterm care needs. To schedule a FREE consultation, call 925-516-4888.

For more one on one information, please attend our free seminar on 1/27 or 1/29 at the Brentwood Community Center 6:30-8:30pm. To register, please visit our website at goldenlegacylaw.com or visit www. youRSVP.com, code BUWYAV or call 866748-1088. Seats are limited – don’t wait! – Advertorial

Simple ways to get back in creditors’ good graces

credit rating is a key component of a strong financial foundation. Adults who can demonstrate a track record of sound financial decision-making and responsible money management are seen as safer bets by landlords and lenders than those who have shaky payment histories. Thankfully, consumers can take simple steps to rebuild their credit.

1. Start paying on time. of the fastest ways to build debt is to skip or miss payments on consumer debts like credit cards. When that happens, consumers must pay percentage-based interest charges, which can be especially high on credit cards. When borrowers don’t pay on time, relatively small debts can quickly balloon, costing consumers sizable amounts of money and threatening their financial reputations. In addition, the financial experts at NerdWallet point out that

late payments can stay on a credit report for more than seven years, which underscores the significance of paying bills on time each month.

2. Use as little credit as possible. Credit use ratio is one of the variables reporting agencies like Experian use to determine consumers’ credit ratings. Overuse of credit hurts a credit score, so consumers with poor credit histories are urged to avoid using credit cards when they have funds available in their savings or checking accounts. Consumers now have readily available access to information that determines their credit scores, and that includes their credit utilization ratio.

Monitor that ratio and make a concerted effort to keep it low.

Data from Experian gathered in the third quarter of 2022 revealed that the average use ratio among consumers whose credit scores were considered excellent was 6.5 percent, while those whose scores were considered fair had a ratio of 56.1 percent. The disparity in these ratios underscores their significance in relation to building a strong financial reputation.

Groups from page 5

tional experiences. Hamilton recalled instances where patients with similar diagnoses helped one another by suggesting different professionals or medicines to help with treatments. Huffmaster also has books and classes to help cancer patients and their families begin their emotional recovery. She is also working on a writing program for cancer survivors to tell their stories.

“Our goal is really to move people from a place where they feel like a victim or you’re constantly wounded by cancer to a place where your story has empowered you,” Huffmaster said. “Yes you’re scarred now but those scars represent your feelings. The scars represent how you’ve moved through this very difficult situation. I want to teach people that they are actually powerful and teach them to tell their story in a powerful way.”

”

Lauren Huffmaster Founder and director of

Adventure Therapy Foundation

there for them,” Hamilton said. “There was this little boy, for his memorial 500 people came. We didn’t go there because he died. We went there because he lived and he taught us amazing lessons.”

Adventure Therapy Foundation and Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection are planning their events and fundraisers for the year and currently do not have any set dates for them, but Huffmaster mentioned a film festival, fashion show, and conference involving other nonprofits in the East Bay that she has planned for this year.

For more information on Adventure Therapy Foundation, visit adventurefound.org or call (925) 724-9319.

“Not all of our stories are success stories; we lose a lot of people. But we feel like even in a loss that we were

Both organizations encourage families and caretakers of people with cancer to attend group meetings as well. The Adventure Therapy Foundation and Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection offer groups with children for parents who are either cancer patients or are taking care of children with cancer.

For information regarding Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection, visit kaleidoscopehope.org, call (925) 237-1614, or visit their office behind the Byron United Methodist Church at 14671 Byron Highway.

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

Local Flavors

Brentwood’s Costco called successful as it approaches first year open

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

As the one-year anniversary of the opening of Costco in Brentwood approaches, city officials have been pleased with how much sales tax revenue it generated.

Opening on March 7 of last year, Costco’s Brentwood’s location has been popular for local residents, drawing in customers from Brentwood, Antioch, Oakley, Discovery Bay, and Mountain House.

Due to its visibility along Highway 4 with two access points from Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road, it is easy to access for both local residents and for those passing through the area, according to Brentwood Economic Development Manager Ricardo Noguera.

“We are very pleased with the sales volume generated by Costco to date,” Noguera said, adding that he could not elaborate on how much sales tax revenue it has generated for the city. “Because of its proximity to Lone Tree Plaza, it is attracting more retailers and restaurants to that center as well as Streets of Brentwood, which will help us in attracting other national retailers to the area.”

Noguera said that while sales tax revenues from individual or specific businesses are confidential, Brentwood’s

Costco is generating significant revenues and has performed “quite well,” according to real estate professionals who say that it has surpassed Antioch’s Costco location “considerably”.

“From the finance perspective, the revenue generated from the new Costco is consistent with our original estimates,” said Brentwood Interim Assistant City Manager Kerry Breen. Then-mayor Joel Bryant said at the time that the original estimates were ‘roughly seven figures annually.’

Brentwood’s Costco is generating significant revenues and has performed “quite well,” according to real estate professionals.

meet with Costco’s real estate broker at the upcoming International Council of Shopping Centers conference in Monterey to discuss potential new uses for the vacant four-acre parcel next to the Costco gas station in March.

According to Noguera, Costco sought to await the first year of opening to ensure they had adequate parking before considering future uses for the area.

Breen added: “Revenues are deposited into the City’s General Fund, which is the primary funding source for most city services-police, parks, and street maintenance. While revenues generated from Costco are not directly going to one specific project, they are assisting in maintaining our core city services and will help offset operational costs from new community projects such as the Sand Creek Sports Complex currently under construction.”

Noguera said that there are plans to

“We expect and hope to see Costco’s sales to grow as more shoppers flock to Contra Costa County’s premiere shopping district,” Noguera said. “Also, the Streets of Brentwood is undergoing renovations and adding new restaurants and shops not found along the Highway 4 corridor, so Costco’s presence is drawing more interest from national retailers from around the region.”

The City of Brentwood is also working with Lone Tree Plaza’s broker due to an interest from new tenants seeking to open locations near the new Costco, according to Noguera. But there is limited space available.

Variety store Miniso signed a lease to occupy a 5,000 square-foot space adjacent to Trader Joe’s, while VEG Veterinary is looking at a space in Lone Tree Plaza pending approval from the Planning Commission for a conditional use permit.

C lassifieds & l egals

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF

USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

The following person(s) has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Textured Bones at 2730 West Tregallas Road #4241, Antioch, CA 94531. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in Contra Costa County on 06/20/2024 under File No. F-20240003356 by Ashley Robinson, 714 West 2nd Street, Apt. 2, Antioch, CA 94509. This business was conducted as: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. Signature: Ashley Robinson. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/30/2025. Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. 2026-0000022 The name of the business(es): Bay Area Rentals Located at: 420 Grangnelli Ave In: Antich, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): HK Property Management Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Ajay Banga, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/04/2031 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/04/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0006555 The name of the business(es): Giuseppe Bologna Pasticceria Located at: 4608 Nopah Street In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Joseph Bologna. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2025. Signature of registrant: Joseph Bologna, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/22/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/21/2030

Publish Dates: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0006495 The name of the business(es): Catch A Ride Located at: 4101 Rocky Point Drive In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): WANNAICECREAM LLC. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Christopher Jennings. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/18/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/17/2030

Publish Dates: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0006710 The name of the business(es): Stewart Healthcare Construction Specialists Located at: 620 Garcia Avenue Suite A In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Stewart Heating And Air, Inc.. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/31/2025. Signature of registrant: Ryan Stewart, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/31/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/30/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0006445 The name of the business(es): DIGS Located at: 15630 Marsh Creek Rd In: Clayton, CA 94517, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Drake Infrastructure And Groundwork Services LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/16/2025. Signature of registrant: Tanner Drake, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/16/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/15/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0006326 The name of the business(es): 1. Theatre of Public Speaking 2. Capra Studios Located at: 565 Bartlett Ct, In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Misty Megia LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Orlando Megia, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/09/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/08/2030

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0006166 The name of the business(es): Pittsburg Police Officers Association, Pittsburg POA Located at: 65 Civic Avenue In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Pittsburg Police Benefit Association. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jerry Sanchez, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/01/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/30/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0006720 The name of the business(es): CRE8 IT Located at: PO BOX 201 In: Knightsen, CA 94548, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Klear Koncepts LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/24/2025. Signature of registrant: Douglas Gusimat, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/31/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/30/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 Publish Dates: January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0006311 The name of the business(es): Rocki’s Chicken Wings & Tenders Located at: 3350 Main St, Suite E In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Rocki’s Chicken Wings & Tenders, Inc. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, State of Incorporation: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed

above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jose Paredes-Mora, Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/08/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/07/2030 Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0000200 The name of the business(es): Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Oakley Located at: 900 Laurel Rd., Suite A In: Oakley, CA, 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kriya Holdings LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Srinivasa Marri, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/14/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/13/2031 Oakley

Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Eric Valentin Lurma SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Eric Valentin Lurma, CASE NUMBER: N26--0071 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner Eric Valentin Lurma, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Eric Valentin Lurma

b. AKA Eric Anthony Lurma

c. AKA Eric Valentin Lerma

d. AKA Eric Anthony Lerma

e. AKA Eric V. Lerma to Proposed Name: Eric Anthony Valentin Lerma

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: 03/02/2026 Time: 9:00 am Dept.:

30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press Date: January 14, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Kerian Lee Villia SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Kerian Lee Villia, CASE NUMBER: N252116 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.

Petitioner Kerian Lee Villia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Kerian Lee Villia

b. AKA Kerian L. Villia to Proposed Name: a. Kerian Lee Presley

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: October 28 2025 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF WAREHOUSE LIEN SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, in accordance with California Commercial Code Sections 7209 and 7210 and California Civil Code Section 798.56a, the mobilehome described as a 1977 FAR WEST Decal No. AAH4141, Serial No. 1987A/1987B, located at 4400 Gateway Road Space 1, Bethel Island, California 94511 will be sold at public auction at 9:00 a.m on February 10, 2026 at Bethel Island Estates MHC, 4400 Gateway Road Space 1, Bethel Island, California 94511

The parties believed to claim an interest, Diana E. Parras and Luis A. Martinez, have been given notice and the time specified for payment has expired. The undersigned is entitled to a warehouse lien against said mobilehome to satisfy the lien, storage and other related charges incurred including reasonable charges of notice, advertisement and sale. Diana E. Parras and Luis A. Martinez, Registered Owners, Legal Owners, interested Parties, please take further notice that, in order to prevent the mobilehome from being sold at the noticed sale, the following amount must be paid prior to the sale. Total claim to date of $15,327.63 (additional amounts incurred shall be added to this amount as provided in the Commercial Code). Bidders are required to show proof of cashier’s check(s) / money order(s) in an amount equal to the claim to date amount prior to bidding to Lisa McKee, 3511 Del Paso Rd. Ste. 160 PMB 445, Sacramento, CA 95835 (916) 6016149. Authorized Agent for Bethel Island Estates MHC, LLC

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 23, 30, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Brentwood Community Development Department, in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program regulation 65.7(b)(1), hereby gives notice of the City’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located between Delta Road and Sunset Road. Specifically, the flood hazard information will be revised along Marsh Creek from approximately 3,900 feet upstream of Delta Road, to 1,340 feet downstream of Sunset Road. As a result of the revision, the floodway shall widen and narrow, the 1-percentannual-chance water-surface elevations shall increase and decrease, and the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain shall widen and narrow within the area of revision.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at Brentwood City Hall at 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, California 94513. Interested persons may call Kenneth Murphy at 925-516-5102 for additional information from February 2026 thru May 2026.

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 23, 2026

Bethel Island Municipal Improvement District

Seeking reliable, selfmotivated individual

Duties:

meeting minutes, phones/email, data entry, office support

Requirements: valid CA Class C license, dependable, typing/data skills

Occasional off-hour meetings required; pre-employment drug screen

Pay: $20/hour

925-634-1441 ext. 142

Fax 634-1975 or Email to classifieds@brentwoodpress.com

Classified Deadline: Monday at 3:00 pm Press CLASSIFIEDS

For more information and to Apply: bimid@bimid.com or Fax 925-684-0724

Deadline: Jan. 30, 2026 (noon); non-union position

Bethel Island Municipal Improvement District

Operate heavy equipment; levee, pump station, and facility maintenance

Requirements: valid CA Class C license; 1+ yr equipment experience preferred Must be dependable; pre-employment drug screen required

Pay: $29/hour

Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan For more information and to Apply: bimid@bimid.com or Fax 925-684-0724

Deadline: Jan. 30, 2026 (noon); non-union position

•

HOME PROFESSIONALS

Business Profile

Cop logs

The following is a sample of recent law enforcement agencies

BRENTWOOD

Sunday, January 4

7:50 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported at Apple Hill Drive and Central Boulevard. An unoccupied gray Nissan sedan was parked and blocking a gate. An adult was arrested.

1:55 p.m. A suspicious circumstance was reported on Henry Hart Drive. A person in a garage was making noise.

2:03 p.m. A case of a suspicious person was reported on Grant Street. The suspect, a white male or Hispanic male with short hair, a flannel jacket and a hat kept trying to jump the fence onto school grounds. There were no weapons. An adult was arrested.

2:45 p.m. A case of grand theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. The incident occurred on Jan. 3. The suspect took $1,400 in merchandise. The reporting party had video.

4:23 p.m. A case of a hit and run with injuries was reported on Balfour Road. The incident involved a vehicle and a pedestrian. There was a complaint of pain to a person’s leg.

Monday, January 5

9:21 a.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Balfour Road with $200 withdrawn from the reporting party’s account. The reporting party had her card, so it was unknown how it was withdrawn.

10:48 a.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. The suspects stole cups of water and Icees and left in a 2004 silver Toyota Highlander. There were four Black males and one Black female, all 18-20 years old. An adult was arrested.

11:11 a.m. A case of forgery/fraud was reported on Balfour Road. The reporting was in the police department lobby. The incident occurred on January 3. The reporting party said an unknown person withdrew $1,000 from her EBT card on Balfour Road. The reporting party said the unknown person also withdrew $500 at Wells Fargo at 3150 Balfour Road. The reporting party has the EBT card.

2:28 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on American Avenue. A scooter was taken from a wrestling tournament on Jan. 3.

5:07 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported at Fairview Avenue and Grant Street. There were 2-3 vehicles involved.

9:31 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Keystone Way. An intoxicated male was at a residence where he used to live. The reporting party advised that he threw a rock at the window. He was a white male in his 40s. No clothing description. It was unknown if he was still there or not because the reporting party was inside. Tuesday, January 6

3:54 a.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Snapdragon Way. It was

a family dispute.

10:53 a.m. A civil complaint was reported on Harvest Park Drive. The reporting party was in the police department lobby. The reporting party ordered some hoodies from a company on Oct. 23, 2025 and has not heard from them since November.

11:43 a.m. A miscellaneous outside assist was reported at A Street and East 6th Street.

12:54 p.m. A suspicious person was reported on Country Glen Lane. There was a homeless person on a bike sitting in front of the location. The person was there the day before, as well. An adult was arrested.

3:10 p.m. An accident involving a Dodge Caravan and a brown Chevy Uplander with unknown injuries was reported at Brentwood Boulevard and Lone Tree Way.

3:48 p.m. A case of petty theft was reported on Ridgefield Court. It was unknown when or where it occurred. The registration tag was taken off a vehicle.

8:19 p.m. A non-injury hit and run was reported on Brentwood Boulevard. A white Lexus was hit in the parking lot by a black truck that left the scene. The reporting party was calling on behalf of a coworker. Wednesday, January 7

12:43 p.m. A case of vandalism was reported on Elm Street. There were 2 males tagging a neighbor’s fence. A juvenile was arrested. 12:47 p.m. A non-injury accident was reported at Balfour Road and Fairview Avenue – eastbound Balfour west of Fairview involving an AMR unit and a white Toyota Corolla.

1:01 p.m. A case of disturbing the peace was reported on Barbara Street. It was a domestic disturbance.

1:54 p.m. An accident with minor injuries and fire/medical response was reported at Sand Creek Road and O’Hara Avenue. There were four vehicles, and airbags were deployed.

3:45 p.m. A restraining/court order violation was reported on Jacaranda Street. A neighbor kept setting off the Ring alarm while the reporting party was outside. The reporting party thinks the person was intentionally doing it. The reporting party advised he had a restraining order against the person.

REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

New project helps Antioch residents live in safer, energyefficient homes

Pittsburg and Antioch residents have a way to improve their health and safety, and energy use with a new project.

The East Contra Costa Healthy Homes Project is designing a program to bring health, safety, and energy improvements to qualifying residents of Pittsburg and Antioch.

Brentwood, Oakley and Discovery Bay are not part of this project – yet – according to James A. Becker, CEO of RFC Connects in Richmond, which is part of this effort. “We ultimately intend to include all of East Contra Costa County in this work, with a focus on low‑income, pollution‑impacted neighborhoods,” he said in an email. “That population is the priority for this project. We selected Pittsburg and Antioch for the initial program design because, overall, they show higher CalEnviroScreen scores related to pollution burden, health risks, and socioeco nomic disadvantages. Oakley also contains pockets with similar characteristics.”

“For this early phase, it was important to keep the geographic scope manageable as we develop and launch the effort,” Becker added.

Your opinion is important, and your feedback will help project officials inform future program offerings. Individual an swers are strictly confidential and will be used only for research purposes, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.

350 Contra Costa is helping lead the way toward a healthier, more equitable East Bay. The county recently took a significant step to promote an equitable transition from natural gas to clean electric heat pumps for income qualified homeowners in Pittsburg and Antioch, convening local nonprofits into the new East Contra Costa Healthy Homes Collaborative.

The collaborative, funded by California Jobs First through the Bay Area Jobs First Collaborative Program, plans a large scale

home electrification and retrofit initiative. This project aims to enhance comfort, safe ty, and energy efficiency, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will also create pathways for residents to access career op portunities in clean energy construction and building electrification.

To take the survey, visit: https:// tierrarc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ cTn6NbCzx86VGrc?Q_CHL=qr

For details, email Alison LaBonte at ALaBonte@richmondcf.org.

California’s water resilience strategy shows progress after winter storms

Following a series of winter storms and years of improved hydrologic conditions, California’s ongoing efforts to recover from the multi year drought that began in 2021 are showing progress. Current conditions are notably better across much of the state, and the work to restore long term water storage continues, according to a press re lease from Gov. Newsom’s office..

Reservoir storage has improved sub stantially, with Lake Oroville — the largest reservoir in the State Water Project — rising 137 feet since Dec. 20 and capturing more than 300,000 acre feet of water.

Snowpack is near above seasonal av erages in many regions, and groundwater conditions continue to benefit from years of precipitation. Several state and national indicators, including the U.S. Drought Monitor, show eased drought conditions across California — a reflection of favor able weather and sustained investments in smarter, more resilient water management.

While statewide indicators show im provement, some areas remain drier than average, underscoring the need for contin ued conservation and forward looking wa ter management. Recovery from multi year droughts can be a multi year process, and increasing climate instability means that periods of intense precipitation can quickly give way to renewed dry periods.

Tools like California Water Watch provide a detailed, real time picture of pre

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

cipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage, helping water managers make informed, day to day decisions based on local and re gional conditions.

As the 2026 water year begins with above average conditions to date, state agen cies continue to capture stormwater when possible, protect communities from flood ing, and store water for dry periods ahead — strengthening California’s ability to man age extremes and ensuring the state is better prepared for whatever comes next.

County Youth Hall of Fame accepting nominations

The county Board of Supervisors is accepting nominations for the 2026 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to out standing young county residents ages of 12 18. Nominees should demonstrate exem plary behavior in one of six categories.

• Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition

• Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization

• Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of a team

• Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natu ral leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in their school and com munity

• Perseverance: Has worked hard to over come obstacles to achieve success

• Innovation and Empowerment: Lifts others up and inspires change through creative so lutions

Deadline for submissions is Feb. 20.

For details and to submit nominations, visit https://www contracosta ca gov/Youth Nomination

State organized retail crime investigations up 3,000% since 2019

Gov. Newsom has announced that since he took office, organized retail crime investigations at the local and state level have increased by 3,000%, from 24 in 2019

to 734 in 2025, because of record state fund ing and new efforts. Recapping the coordi nated work done by state law enforcement officials to take down organized retail crime statewide, Newsom also announced a record number of expensive stolen items recov ered – nearly $17 million – over the last 12 months, the governor’s office said in a press release..

Through 734 investigations and 1,208 arrests for organized retail crime, the Cali fornia Highway Patrol seized more than 272,000 stolen items in 2025 alone.

In December alone, officers conducted 103 investigations, made 239 arrests, and recovered 59,992 assets worth an estimated $1.2 million.

Keep warm this winter with the BayREN EASE program

The Bay Area Regional Energy Net work’s (BayREN) Efficiency And Sustain able Energy (EASE) Home Program helps income eligible, single family residents make energy upgrades that improve their home’s comfort while lowering energy bills.

An energy adviser visits your home and recommends customized, low cost up grades, like insulation and duct sealing, ac cording to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office..

BayREN handles all the details, from permit and rebate applications to installa tion through vetted contractors.

All pricing is transparent and fixed, with BayREN covering 80% of the cost of core weatherization and energy efficiency measures.

The BayREN team will maximize sav ings by stacking and applying for all avail able rebates for you, including the Bay Point/ Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Pilot Pro gram, in addition to what BayREN covers.

Those interested can fill out this inter est form at https://tinyurl.com/ContraCos taEASEHome.

The BayREN Home Program offered cash rebates for home energy efficiency im provements. For details, email Easehome@ bayren org

Two juveniles arrested after Oakley carjacking, shooting and high-speed chase to Orinda

Two juveniles are in custody following a high speed chase after allegedly carjack ing two women at gunpoint and shooting a man in the head early Monday morning, Oakley police said.

Officers responded to the intersection of East Cypress Road and Frank Hengel Way at 1:08 a.m. to reports of a kidnap ping and shooting, according to an Oakley police press release on Monday afternoon. After an investigation, police determined that a group of five Oakley residents — two adults and three juveniles — had been socializing in a vehicle at Cypress Grove

Park when an argument broke out.

Oakley police said that two male juveniles in the group be came angry when the others refused to drive them to pur chase marijuana. After a male adult in the group stepped out of the car, the two juveniles alleg edly pulled out guns and forced the two remaining women to drive away.

The suspects eventually forced the women out of the vehicle at gunpoint on Rubens Way and drove off. The man who had previously exited the car attempted to

intervene at a nearby intersec tion, at which point one of the suspects fired several rounds through the wind shield. An unidentified man suffered a grazing wound to his head. He was treated at a local hospital and released.

County Sheriff’s deputies later spotted the stolen vehicle traveling at high speeds on Highway 4 heading west. A pursuit followed, ending nearly 30 miles away in Orinda when the vehicle became disabled

on Highway 24.

Both suspects, whose names were withheld because they are minors, were ar rested and booked into juvenile hall. They face charges of attempted homicide, as sault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, and carjacking. the press release stated.

Police noted both teens also had out standing arrest warrants, but did not dis close what the arrest warrants were for.

Authorities are asking anyone with in formation to contact Oakley police at 925 625 8060 and reference case 26 95 or email info@350contracostaaction.org.

tery storage. To the north of the property is the Big Break Marina, to the east are the Big Break Regional Shoreline and family homes, to the south are more homes across Main Street, and to the west are Bridgehead Road and the Oakley Logistics Center. The industrial park will have 10 buildings, ranging in size from 117,180 to 936,680 square feet to attract a diverse set of “top-tier tenants,” from local businesses to Fortune 100 companies, according to Jason Bennett of developer Jb2 Partners. The construction process is expected to take six to 10 years, with the southern portion’s buildings being constructed first.

According to Strelo and architect David Babcock, Bridgehead Industrial will bring numerous benefits to Oakley. These include 3,500 permanent jobs and 3,700 temporary construction jobs, a $1.1 million fiscal surplus for the Oakley General Fund, new frontage including gutters, curbs, and sidewalk improvements on Bridgehead and Big Break Roads, and a new median and bike lane on the nearby section of Main Street, as well as an extension and enhancement of the Big Break Regional Bike Trail.

The planning commissioners had numerous questions about the project. Noise pollution was a concern, as well as whether the project would actually bring in the jobs it promised if there were no currently planned tenants and whether the site would be used as an A.I. data center, which would put a strain on Delta water resources and PG&E’s electrical grid. Strelo said that the project’s environmental impact review took noise pollution into account, with buildings acting as noise blockers near residential neighborhoods and special noise-reducing pavement being put in place nearby, and that a data center was an unlikely tenant due to numerous procedures being needed for their ap-

State from page 1

staff report.

proval, such as an extension of the project’s environmental impact review and cooperation with Diablo Water District and PG&E, whom he said would “never approve” a data center due to their power requirements.

Despite the potential benefits, the project has proven controversial among local residents, especially those in the Vintage Parkway neighborhood to the east, and with environmental organizations such as the Golden State Environmental Justice Alliance and Restore the Delta. Some 25 public speakers spoke before the Planning Commission at the meeting, most of whom were strongly against Bridgehead Industrial. Pollution and environmental destruction were common concerns, due to the project’s proximity to Big Break Regional Shoreline, and the project’s potential use as a data center for A.I. or cryptocurrency mining caused significant consternation. Resident Jay Friend said that the city would be trading its natural environment for water pollution, at least 100,000 gallons of water use per day, a temporary increase in jobs, and property taxes, which he called “dirty money that residents won’t be seeing.”

Another resident, Karen Groom, was concerned that auto traffic in the Vintage Parkway neighborhood would increase by “1,000 percent,” preventing local children from being able to bike or skate their way around the neighborhood and to local parks. She said that such a restriction of movement would betray the city’s community vision statement that Oakley is a place where people can play in their own backyard.

“If you decide to move forward despite the costs to the heart and soul of this community, at least have the decency to come up with a new city motto, because Oakley will no longer have the right to proclaim itself ‘a place for families in the heart of the Delta,’” Groom said.

“Single-family properties can have any combination of one (1) JADU, one (1) converted ADU and one (1) detached, new-construction ADU,” it reads. “Multi-family properties can have any combination of converted ADU(s) and detached ADU(s), subject to the quantities provided based on number of units and type of multi-family project.”

The laws also remove certain provisions that would otherwise give the city the ability to deny an addition to a home based on square footage and the size of the lot the proposed unit would be built on. It prohibits the city from using an ordinance to establish size requirements for an in-law unit based upon a percentage of the main property. It also prohibits requirements based on lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, front setbacks, and minimum lot size, according to the staff report.

Although the Planning Commission voted 4-0 to approve these changes that they characterized as ceding control to the state, they took a different approach to the same task in December 2024 ahead of the last round of state laws. At that time, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 against the idea of changing the Municipal Code, punting the task to the City Council.

“To put our fingerprint on something and say we’re passing it – mandate or no mandate – reflects poorly on us,” then-Chairperson Anita Roberts said during the meeting on Dec. 3, 2024. “I don’t want to touch it.”

In that same meeting, Planning Manager Erik Nolthenius informed the commissioners that if the city opted not to update the Municipal Code, any potential legal challenge would result in the city deemed to be out of compliance with

Resident Tracey Heatherly voiced her concern that the project’s environmental impact review was focused on the impact of project’s construction rather than the potential long-term effects that any tenants would have, and believed that the rezoning to light industrial would “pave the way for the entire project to be used for data centers,” which she said were not taken into account by the impact review and would cause constant noise and vibrations that would disturb local communities.

Jasper Willowbrook echoed Heatherly, adding that data centers would put major strain on PG&E’s grid, take water away from anyone who depends on Delta water, and produce air pollution that would harm young, old, and immunocompromised people.

Bud Chaddock worried that hot water drained from a potential data center would affect still-recovering salmon spawning in the Delta, as salmon need cooler water to spawn.

Diablo Water District liaison Conan Moats said that even if only 16.7 percent of the site was used for data centers, it would consume over 300,000 gallons of water per day, far higher than the developer’s request to use 71,000 gallons per day for light industry.

He also said that Diablo Water District was not properly consulted on how much water would be needed in the project, though Strelo said that they had sent a will-serve letter that said the utility provider will provide what’s needed for the project.

Other residents, such as Debra Sidrian, were concerned that there was no information on any potential tenants, and asked for transparency from city leadership on the issue. Some, including Sidrian and David Bonson, were also worried that the 60-foot industrial buildings of the park would be an eyesore and that trucks and vehicles moving in and out of the park would cause noise pol-

New state laws lessen local control over the approval of accessory dwelling units. State legislators say the rise of in-law units is a response to the affordable housing crisis.

state law and would make the local ordinance unenforceable.

The City Council was no more enthusiastic about those changes, despite approving them 5-0. They characterized their hand as having been forced by potential legal challenges while council members went so far as to say they hated the laws.

“My concern is that the state continues to take away more and more local control that allows us to uphold the standards that our residents want from us,” Mayor Susannah Meyer said at the time. “When is it going to stop? When are they going to stop taking away our ability to direct and design and decide on what our quality of life should be here in Brentwood?”

lution, despite Strelo’s statements that most traffic would use nearby highways and that noise pollution was taken into account.

Kaydence and Kristofer Hanson, residents of the nearby Sandy Point 3 mobile home park, said that they could potentially be forced out by Bridgehead Industrial, and that they were already under pressure from nearby Amazon facilities, whose workers left “bottles of urine strewn about.”

Not all commenters were against the project. Local unions supported it. Jason Lindsey of Ironworkers Local 378, Jonathan Drescher of Carpenters’ Union Local 152, and Cheyenne Gomez of IBW Local 302 all spoke in favor of the project, saying that the developer had pledged to use local union labor to build it. This would not only provide jobs, but also local opportunities for apprentices who often struggle with long commutes and lack of work. Union morale would also be uplifted by the opportunity to help build something in their own community, the representatives said.

After hearing all of the comments, the commission decided to recommend the project to the City Council with one change: The usage “data center” would be redesignated as conditionally permitted, rather than permitted by right, which means that any data center would have to come before the City Council for a conditional use permit, adding an extra layer of review to the process. After the commission adopted the resolutions recommending the project and approving its environmental impact review, much of the crowd in the council chamber erupted in protest.

“Shame on you for not listening to your constituents,” one member of the public said. Another promised that “We can come back here every week, we’re going to fight it.”

The loss of order prompted a fiveminute break before the adjournment of the meeting.

The changes made by the state are in response to the housing affordability crisis, according to state Sen. Jerry McNerney, who first proposed SB 543 before it garnered support from colleagues and was signed into law by Gov. Newsom. “California needs to build housing to help make our state more affordable. And one of the most effective ways to address our housing affordability crisis is to accelerate the construction of low-cost housing, like ADUs and junior ADUs,” McNerney said. “Gov. Newsom’s signing of SB 543 will make it easier to build ADUs and junior ADUs and help California meet its goal of building over 2.5 million homes by 2031.”

According to the Department of Housing and Community Development, California must build over 2.5 million homes by 2031, and at least 1 million of those homes need to be affordable for low- and very-low-income residents. McNerney said that more in-law units can help the state meet its housing goals more quickly because they are cheaper and faster to construct.

According to McNerney, California was permitting about 800 ADUs per year 10 years ago. But now, due to the series of new laws, California is permitting about 25,000 new inlaw units and junior accessory dwelling units each year. Nearly one in four new homes in the state is an ADU or JADU.

While the council echoed the importance of affordable housing back in February, Councilmember Jovita Mendoza explained that nothing in the state law explicitly mentioned affordability or earmarked the units for lowerincome families. That means landlords could still charge $3,000 per month for them if they wanted.

The full Jan. 20 meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/4bIuamL

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