The Press 02.13.2026

County coroner declares Yolanda Ramirez death from ‘natural causes’

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office has released a report declaring the death of Yolanda Ramirez — the Brentwood woman who suffered a medical emergency in police custody last year — was from natural causes caused by a stroke. The family is continuing to urge the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for a Coroner’s Inquest.

“Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obesity contributed to this death,” the county coroner’s report reads in part. “There was no evidence of significant, recent trauma that would have contributed to this death.”

These findings contradict those of a recent independent autopsy sought out by Ramirez’s family, the findings of which declared the cause of death to be homicide.

“We are not surprised that the county’s contracted pathologist came up with these findings,” the Ramirez family said in a statement. “We have learned that the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office has previously concealed the true cause of death in several police officer-involved homicides in the past few years, which is why we got a second autopsy done. The County’s Coroner’s report fails to document the obvious bruising to Yolanda’s head and face and handcuffing injuries that were visible at her time of death. It is imperative that the county conduct a Coroner’s

Brentwood resident.

Oakley Council approves library build agreement amendment

By Connor Robles Correspondent

The Oakley City Council approved the mid-year budget review and requests for fiscal year 2025/2026 and an amendment to the design-and-build agreement for the Oakley Library and Community Center at their Feb. 10 meeting.

The budget review requests included $200,000 for a new bucket truck to help maintain city infrastructure and a transfer of $1.5 million from the city’s General Fund to help pay for the construction of the Oakley Library. The library agreement amendment granted at most $1.25 million to the second phase of the Oakley Library’s creation, the detailed design phase, in which decisions are made about building materials, service layouts, and fixtures.

Amendment to the design and build agreement for the Oakley Library

With the initial validation and concept phase of the library’s construction now complete, Woodland Construction and Siegel and Strain Architects are now moving on to the detailed design phase, City Manager Joshua McMurray said. The $1.25 million allocated to this phase by the resolution approved at the meeting will be used to develop elements such as interior designs and service layouts, with the floor plan and general shape of the building already laid out.

Brentwood gets update on new county building on Technology Way

The Brentwood City Council heard an update at its Feb. 10 meeting from city staff about the East County Service Center, a project to be built on county-owned land off Technology Way near the intersection of Sand Creek Road and Brentwood Boulevard.

The proposed East County Service Center would house multiple County departments and provide a centralized service center for East County residents, according to city staff. It would be accessed by the public from Technology Way, with staff-only gated entrances on Business Center Drive and Brentwood Boulevard.

County Supervisor Diane Burgis has previously described the service center as a major focus for the county.

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

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

and

The law office of Todd W. Moeller has provided legal services for East County residents for 12 years, offering Will and Trust preparation, financial and medical powers of attorney, and Trust and Probate

3380 Walnut Blvd., Suite 200J, Brentwood

3380 Walnut Blvd., Suite 200J, Brentwood

“I loved the idea of helping people steward their assets and avoid probate and other issues,” he says of his clients that include young families with children, homeowners and business owners. “Peace of mind for my Clients and peace of mind for their families.”

“We love the services we provide to our East Bay County communities. My family has resided in East Contra Costa County for 23 years and we consider it a privilege to provide a valuable service to our family, friends and neighbors.” Open Weekdays 8am–5pm • email: Todd@MoellerEstateLaw.com 3380 Walnut Blvd., Suite 200J, Brentwood 925-301-8840 • www.MoellerEstateLaw.com

New LUHSD Board President sees progress

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

Tamara Weber, President of Liberty Union High School District Board of Trustees, has been appointed for what will be her third year.

“My path to board president has been shaped by a deep, personal connection to Liberty Union High School District that spans nearly two decades,” she said.

Weber was appointed to the new term in December 2025, will run until December 2026. She has been on the board since Oct. 25, 2023. “I was appointed in 2023 to backfill a trustee that moved out of the area,” she said. “In order to earn the rest of her term, I ran in 2024 unopposed and won another two years. Now I am up for a regular cycle, which would be for another four years.”

Voting to select the president is done by five members of the LUHSD Governing Board, according to www luhsd net/

“My husband and I have roots in this community,” Weber said. “My family first moved out to Discovery Bay in 1998. We had our first child enrolled at Liberty Union High School District in 2008. As a mother, who has had five of her children attend Liberty and Heritage High Schools, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of quality education and the critical importance of ensuring every student has access to excellent opportunities.”

Weber added that having children at multiple sites led her to getting involved at a

higher level.

“My late husband and I always attended a lot of board meetings, so we were always looking at any new educational opportunities or programs that our students could take advantage of, or just changes, and how we were doing as a district,” she said in addition to how being involved is what led her to keep stepping up and contributing.

Weber has been an active member of the LUHSD community since 2011, having served in numerous volunteer capacities from School Site Council member to PTA.

“I have also co-taught the “Girls Who Code” program to underserved students, served on the Career Technical Education Committee, and served on the Byron Union School Board.”

Weber said these experiences gave her insight into both the strengths of the districts and areas of improvement-closing achievement gaps and ensuring all students feel they

belong. “I think it’s exciting what we do, making a difference in a child’s life.”

She wanted to take on this role as 2026 was a pivotal moment for the district. “I believe strong, equity-focused leadership is essential to meet this moment” to maintaining status quo and actively working to transform educational outcomes.

“We’re not just maintaining the status quo — we’re actively working to transform educational outcomes for all students, and that requires intentional, strategic leadership at the board level.”

Weber said that it can be a lot to ensure their students have the services and education they deserve and need, but that the board also have to weigh their costs as a large employer.

“I never separate those roles” – ensuring students have the services and education they deserve and the costs, she added. “I want work to be engaging, fulfilling, and want people to be paid fairly. I want compensation to be where it needs to be, but I also have to keep in mind the constraints and restrictions of our budget.”

Weber said the biggest change she wants to implement is to put into effect and provide structure for their plans for the future.

“We have a very robust partnership right now with Los Medanos community college,” she said. “They are teaching courses on our campuses to allow students with an advanced appetite to graduate with a dual degree, high school or their AA. So, anything that we can do to say, ‘What do we want our future student to look like, the future student

of 2030?’ ‘Where would they be educated and what would that environment look like?’ ‘What would that job be for that teacher?’ ‘How are we going to design the future and enhance it?’

LUHSD has their first all-woman board and their first female superintendent, Denise Rugani who is going on her second year and has been in the district for 15 years.

“This represents more than symbolic progress—it signals a commitment to diverse perspectives in leadership and creates role models for our students who can see themselves reflected in those making decisions about their education,” Weber said.

Although Weber’s term ends December of 2026, she has no plans of leaving her position.

“I am going to run again and this will be my fourth year on the board,” she said. “I have been in the district for a while, I enjoy the work, and I really think that with one more four-year term I will get to see a lot of things come to fruition because there are a lot of changes underway. We are having some results in our math program that Denise and staff have just expertly implemented.”

Weber added that they have been upgrading facilities and noted that the campuses are in a “different space than they have been” as more programming is currently being put in.

“It would be great to see all of that mature and come to fruition,” Weber said.

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

Student photographer honored in regional competition

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

Aashutosh Vyas, a Heritage High School student, has received multiple honors in the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, a nationally recognized program by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, and judged regionally through California College of the Arts.

Vyas was recognized for his photography. He received a Gold Key, the highest regional award, for “The Ostiarius,” a Silver Key for “Red Bicycle, Blue City,” and honorable mentions for “Point of Arrival” and “A

Long Walk Home.”

“I’m a photographer,” Vyas said. “I’ve been doing photography for a few years now. I was excited. It felt like finally I’ve accomplished something I’ve set out to do for a while. It feels like now I can say that this is something that I’m good at and something that I have some skill in. It made me feel really proud.”

Works that receive a gold key advance to national level judging in New York.

“I submitted four photos in the photography category,” Vyas said. “Because I received a Gold Key, I was

able to progress to national judging, and those results are going to be received during March.”

“The Ostiarius,” Vyas said, is more than just a nice photo. There is a story behind it.

“Every photo is essentially a conglomeration of a single point in multiple aspects,” Vyas said. “My winning photo was actually a photo of an old man, an Ostiarius in Colmar, France. That really fit into my philosophy because it shows that there was so much more to the frame than just what appeared.”

He added, “I studied under a mentor on the Oregon coast about a year ago. He passed away recently, but I feel like a lot of my skill came from him. His name is Dietmar Kreuger, and he was also a very accomplished photographer. I feel like a lot of my skill and everything that I know attributes to him.”

Vyas’ winning photographs can be found on his website, www.aashutoshvyas.com.

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

Two Meals on Wheels groups help to serve seniors in need

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

There are two different Meals on Wheels organizations in the county: Meals on Wheels Contra Costa (MOWCC) and Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOWDR). Despite different approaches, the two groups work to provide meals, support services and social communications to seniors throughout the county.

Meals on Wheels Contra Costa

“MOWCC have been around for almost four decades,” said Jason Overman, spokesperson for Meals on Wheels Contra Costa. “The primary mission of Meals on Wheels Contra Costa is to bridge the gap in funding between what government funding can provide to fund meals for homebound seniors (over 60), and the drastically larger need for that service that actually exists.”

Overman defined ‘homebound seniors’ as those living with disabilities, chronic illness, limited mobility, living on fixed incomes, don’t have enough food to eat, social isolation, or all of the above. “Everyone has a different situation, but the common thread here is that without community support, it may be more difficult to access nutritious meals on a regular basis,” he said. “And that shouldn’t be difficult.”

Overman added that another focal point for MOWCC is through private donor philanthropy – how can they raise as much money as they can from a wide variety of stakeholders and those who feel moved by the mission.

He said MOWCC has contributed more than $25 million to these countywide programs, and has given more than 10 million meals over the last four decades.

“That’s a lot of meals, that’s a lot of people, and it’s a lot of money,” he said. “We want to continue to raise those funds, to support closing that gap, and making sure that various funding sources don’t always unfortunately feel as insecure as they once did.”

Overman said that like all services and philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, fundraising, service delivery, and partnerships that go into making it possible, are focused at the local level.

“The Older Americans Act provides a significant amount of funding,” he said. “What I would call the core of this service, flows through the county of Contra Costa.”

Congress.gov defines the Older Americans Act as the “primary federal statute for the delivery of social and nutrition services for older persons.”

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

MOWDR also provides meals through delivery, but their focus is on being a fullservice organization to address the diverse and growing needs of seniors in Contra Costa County, along with the additional services they provide to seniors.

“Our programs help seniors stay healthy, independent, and connected with eligibil-

ity varying by service,” MOWDR Communications Manager Skylar Schaefer said. “Through partnerships like our Grocery Bag Program with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, we also support adults beginning at age 55.”

Schaefer added that MOWDR is the only agency in the county that has any connection or interaction with seniors.

“Our organization is known locally for the flagship Home Delivery Meal program, which provides weekly meals to more than 2,500 seniors across the county,” Schaefer said. “We serve adults in our community primarily age 60 and older, from all backgrounds and income levels.”

MOWDR has a program called Beyond the Meal that offers additional ways to support seniors beyond the homebound meal service.

This additional support includes:

• Meals on Wheels: Daily delivery that also serves as a wellness check to ensure served seniors are safe

• Fall prevention: Offers balance classes, home safety assessments and modifications to help seniors avoid injuries

• Health and wellness: Artful Aging Program that offers exercise classes, tips, nutrition education and more

• Friendly visitors, callers, and helpers: A weekly visit from a “Friendly Visitor” or a

phone call from a “Friendly Caller”

• Care management: Confidential guidance to help seniors and their families navigate issues or needs

• Cafés: Mobile meals five days a week to seniors at their local senior center

How they fit together

“Meals on Wheels Diablo Region does not work in tandem with Meals on Wheels Contra Costa,” Schaefer explained. “Rather, Meals on Wheels Contra Costa supports Contra Costa County through fundraising efforts that partially fund some senior services in the area.”

Schaefer said that although they do not work together directly, a portion of the funds raised by MOWCC supports the cost of MOWDR’s home-delivered meal program through county funding.

“Meals on Wheels Contra Costa works directly with the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and commits an agreed-upon amount of funding for meals,” she said. “Typically, that is around 15% of the overall cost of the meals that Meals on Wheels Diablo Region provides to local homebound seniors.”

According to Schaefer, any person who contacts Meals on Wheels Contra Costa to inquire about receiving meals or volunteering is referred to Diablo Region instead to be enrolled in the meal delivery program or sign on as a volunteer.

Other organizations lend a hand

“When people think of Meals on Wheels,

see Meals on Wheels page 17

FEBRUARY 28, 2026

LONE TREE GOLF & EVENT CENTER

4800 Golf Course Road, Antioch

5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF FUN!

Live Music, Delicious Dinner, Fabulous Desserts, Mystery Envelopes, Card Raffle, Silent Auction and Live Auction!

Cost $80.00 per person

Must make reservation by February 17, 2026

Buy your ticket(s) on line at www.elderlywish.org

Call 925-978-1883 for more information

This Valentine’s Day, think beyond the box of chocolates. Add a bottle, pour two glasses, and let wine be part of the

Valentine’s Day has a pretty reliable trio: chocolates, flowers, and sentimental cards that make you laugh, cry, or both. But there’s one guest that deserves a seat at the table too — wine.

Let’s keep things simple and delicious, starting with a crowd favorite: milk chocolate. Creamy, smooth, and gently sweet, milk chocolate loves wines that mirror its softness. Enter rosé. A lightly fruity, dry (crisp, not sweet) to off-dry (just a hint of sweetness) rosé brings bright berry notes and refreshing acidity that cut through the richness without overpowering it.

Moscato d’Asti is your Valentine. Lightly sparkling, low in alcohol, and brim-

ming with peach, orange blossom, and honeyed sweetness, it pairs effortlessly with milk chocolate. It’s playful, romantic, and impossible not to enjoy — kind of like love itself.

Now for the bold stuff. Dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa content and bittersweet edge, needs a wine with some backbone. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice. Its dark fruit flavors, structured tannins, and hints of cocoa and spice echo the chocolate’s intensity, creating a deep, luxurious pairing.

If you’re feeling adventurous, reach for a Zinfandel — or its Italian cousin, Primitivo. These wines bring ripe blackberry, plum, and peppery spice that complement dark chocolate beautifully, especially varieties with sea salt or chili notes. Primitivo, in particular, adds a rustic warmth that feels both romantic and a little unexpected.

Cheers to sweet pairings and even sweeter moments.

This Week’s Events

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.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an Italian Dinner

Immaculate Heart of Mary hosts an Italian dinner fundraiser at the IHM Parish Hall, 500 Fairview Ave. from 5:30-10 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Adult dinner includes chicken parmesan, spaghetti, Caesar salad, garlic bread, non-alcohol drink, and a Valentine cupcake. Child dinner includes spaghetti and meatballs, Caesar salad, garlic bread, drink, and a Valentines cupcake. There will also be a raffle. Adult tickets are $25 per person. Families are $50 (includes two adult dinners and two child dinners). Additional child dinners are $10. Tickets may be purchased in person at the IHM Parish Office, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and in the Youth Office Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. To purchase tickets, call Julie Figueroa at 925-634-4154, ext. 107 or email jfigueroa@ihmbrentwood.com. All proceeds will pay for teens attending the National Catholic Youth Conference in November 2026.

On the Horizon

Friday, February 20

Disco Fever Fundraiser

Presented by A Place of Learning, the annual fundraiser will take place at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center at 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch from 6-9:30 p.m. There will be an Italian buffet, a no-host full bar, dancing, raffle baskets, silent auction, dessert auction, 50/50 raffle and a photo booth. All proceeds will go directly towards providing free after-school tutoring for students. Tickets are $75 and are available on Eventbrite at eventbrite.com/e/apol-disco-fundraisertickets-1976943560407?aff=oddtdtcreator, or can be purchased via Venmo @apolfund to avoid fees (comment with your email address, name and number tickets and tickets will be sent via email.) For more information, visit www.aplaceoflearning.org.

Saturday, February 28

Soroptimist International of Antioch BUNCO Fundraiser

SI Antioch is hosting a BUNCO Fundraiser from noon-3 p.m. at Delta Villa Estates Clubhouse, 1900 Venice Lane in Antioch. There will be snacks, desserts, and beverages. They will be selling their Big Raffle tickets along with regular raffle tickets for prizes. All funds raised will support the nonprofit’s mission to empower women as they overcome obstacles and build pathways to brighter futures. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at www.si-antioch.org.

An

Elderly Wish Foundation Annual Fundraiser

An Elderly Wish Foundation will celebrate their 25th anniversary with the “Silver Jubilee of Wishes” event from 5:30-10 p.m. at Antioch Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, 4800 Golf Club Road in Antioch. The evening includes appetizers, dinner, silent/live auctions, mystery envelopes and a presentation from a wish recipient. Tickets are $80 per person at www.elderlywish. org. For information, call 925-978-1883 or find the organization at elderlywish.org.

Tuesday, March 3

All Abilities Day at Big Break Regional Shoreline

Explore nature at your own pace and in your own way at All Abilities Day at Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Road in Oakley. This festival-style program will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Activities will be available for all learning styles and mobility types. ASL and Spanish interpreters available during the program.

Saturday, March 7

Celebrating Brentwood Gala 2025

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebrating Brentwood gala is from 5:30-11:30 p.m. at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. The theme is “A Night of Influence” and formal attire is requested. Tickets are $100 per person and include dinner. Full event details, ticket information, sponsorship options, and links to vote can be found on the Brentwood Chamber website at www.brentwoodchamber.com.

Several local crab feeds upcoming

Many local organizations are hosting crab feeds as fundraisers. Here are some upcoming events to enjoy a meal and support local organizations.

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.

Friday, February 20

2nd Annual IHMCYO Crab Feed Fundraiser

Doors open at 6 p.m. for this fundraiser at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. Tickets are $75 for crab and pasta. A DJ will provide music, and there will be live and silent raffles. Buy tickets at https://bit.ly/48ZGM7t

Saturday, February 21

2026 East County All-Star Fundraising Crab Feed

The dinner is at Knightsen Elementary School, 1923 Delta Road, from 4:30-9 p.m. There will be crab, tri-tip, pasta, raffles, auctions, door prizes, and a no-host bar. Admission is $85. Group tickets are also available. For tickets and more information, visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ecasf--2026.

Flor Do Oakley Holy Ghost Society Crab Feed

The event will take place at 520 Second St. in Oakley. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. There will be a DJ and dancing to follow. There will be no to-go boxes or bags. Tickets are $85 per person. No refunds. Tickets are limited and are first come first served. For tickets, contact Mark at 925-752-5906, Dan at 925-383-2978 or email flordooakleyfesta@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/flordooakley.

Saturday, February 28

American Legion Post 202 17th Annual Crab Dinner and Fundraiser

The dinner is at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St.. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. Dinner includes crab, pasta, salad and garlic bread. All proceeds will support the American Legion Post 202. To reserve a ticket, call Phil at (925) 516-2141 or Mike at (925) 787-8087. Tickets are non-refundable.

Saturday, March 7

Sons of the American Legion Crab Feed

Presented by Sons of the American Legion Squadron 202 Brentwood, the crab feed will be at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6 p.m. Dinner tickets are $85 for this family-friendly event. For tickets, call Tim at 925-206-6738 or Clint at 925-597-7588.

The Network of Care’s 20th Annual Crab Feed

This fundraiser will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd Parish Hall at 3200 Harbor St. in Pittsburg. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7. There will be raffle prizes, a silent auction and a dessert auction. Tickets are $85 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. All proceeds benefit The Network of Care, Feeding Families of Children in Hospitals. To purchase tickets, visit www. eventbrite.com/e/the-network-of-cares-20thannual-crab-feed-tickets-1979165331785. For more information, visit www.thenetworkofcare.org.

AFTER HOURS BUSINESS MIXER

February Mixer

Host: True Window Solutions

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026

Saturday, March 14

Brentwood PAL Crab Feed

The fundraiser will take place from 5-10 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.. There will be all-you-can-eat crab, tri-tip, pasta, salad, bread, dessert and raffles. While this event is connected to the Police Activities League, all proceeds will go directly toward paying for the LUHSD Unified Prom, helping create an inclusive and memorable celebration for students of all abilities. Tickets are $85 per person or $850 for a table of 10. For tickets, contact Octavio at 925-808-8162 or palbrentwood@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.BrentwoodPAL.com.

Saturday, March 28

East County Little League Crab Feed

Doors open at 5 p.m. for this 21-and-over event, with dinner at 6 at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St. Dinner includes crab, tri-tip, pasta, salad, and bread. Tickets are $95, which includes an open bar. Tables of 8 are $680. For more information or to get tickets, visit www.eastcountylittleleague.com.

Discovery Bay, CA

5:30 - 7:30pm 5109 Cabrillo Way

Register for more details

March Mixer

Host: Byron-Delta Lions Club

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

5:30 - 7:30pm 2465 Discovery Bay Blvd

Suite 300

Discovery Bay, CA

Register for more details

UPCOMING EVENTS

Website for Updates

Always Check the Chamber On New Events

MUST Register for all events at: www.discoverybaychamber.org (925) 240-4114

1355 Riverlake Rd

Discovery Bay, CA 94505

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.

St. Anne Council Knights of

3

Fridays, February 20 – March 27 • 5:00–7:30pm

St. Anne Church Community Center 2800 Camino Diablo Rd., Byron

Brentwood Rotary awards poster contest winners

The Rotary Club of Brentwood held an awards night on Thursday, Feb. 5, for entries in its Youth Poster Contest and gave awards to three middle school students and three high school students.

The awards were selected from 50 posters. The contest provided students an opportunity to express their feelings about an issue important to them. The contest was renamed

this year to the Jack Gaughan Rotary Club of Brentwood Youth Poster Contest in honor of a leader in the local arts community. The exhibit is displayed in the Brentwood Community Center and continues through February. Middle School winners were Jemimah Elza Scaria, first place; Avery Curren, second place; and Isabella Sosa, third place.

High School winners were Skylar Recacho, first place; Francesca Awero, second place; and Fara Sadad, third place. Partners in the contest were the Art Guild of the Delta, the City of Brentwood, Starry Nite Studios, and Sip and Scoop.

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

Knightsen school district honors its employees

Here are the Knightsen Elementary School District Employees of the Year for 2026-2027.

Old River Elementary School

Certificated Teacher of the Year –Jessica Acosta, fourth-grade teacher –Mrs. Acosta is an outstanding teacher leader at our school and district. Her students continually perform at top levels because of her purposeful instruction and targeted intervention. Mrs. Acosta is a part of our math adoption committee and serves as a Teacher in Charge for the school. Her leadership and collaborative spirit lifts all students and staff at Old River Elementary School and throughout our school district.

Classified Employee of the Year:Amanda Dieterle, Special Education Aide – Mrs. Dieterle works each day with students who need additional support to find success in the classroom. Given the diverse stu -

dent needs, she excels at this position with grace and professionalism. While exhibiting extraordinary patience, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to being student - centered, she makes connections and helps students through their most difficult challenges.

Knightsen Elementary School

Certified Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year – Noelle Gould, Seventh grade math, and Upper Grade PE Teacher – Mrs. Gould’s calm, friendly approach builds the trust students need to successfully engage in rigorous and challenging learning she has in store for them. Through critical thinking, increased rigor, independent

Ruth H. Ross

On Jan. 31, 2026, Mrs. Ruth H. Ross, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law and aunt, passed away peacefully in her sleep. Mrs. Ross, formerly of Brentwood, was born in Greenville, S.C. 100 years ago.

She is survived by sons Dwayne of Virginia and Jeff of Oakley; daughters-in-law Lillian and Darlene; sonin-law Bill of New York; grandson

learning, and perseverance through difficult problems, she helps students develop confidence in their own abilities. She is always striving to support those who need extra help while also challenging those who wish to excel, ensuring every student reaches their full potential.

Classified Employee of the Year – Veronica Ochoa, School Secretary – Mrs. Ochoa is the welcoming presence you find when entering the office

OBITUARY

Marques; granddaughters Melissa and Meaghan; great grandson Boston; great granddaughters Marlei and Ila; nieces Katherine of Georgia and Debra of Oakland as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Machion Ross Sr., her son Machion Ross Jr. and her daughter Pamela Ross-Barr.

She is greatly missed.

at Knightsen Elementary School. Her dedication to our students goes far beyond the front office as she supports our community at large. Mrs. Ochoa is a tie that binds our family-friendly school culture with our close-knit community. She is exemplary of what a dedicated school secretary strives to be. Thank you, Mrs. Ochoa for your dedication and continued service.

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

Worship Services

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

Bay Area residents –appreciate what you have here

Editor:

I have been living with my stepson since arriving at his apartment in Antioch on Jan. 17.

I came from the rural farm country of southwest Minnesota, corn and soybean fields, three seasons of the year, frozen and windswept during the bleak, cold, frigid winter.

What I have seen here thus far is fabulous. Saw Yosemite on Saturday, hiked near Mount Diablo on MLK Jr. Day for free!

Been to Black Diamond Mines and got to witness a genuine goat/ sheepherder in action on three hilltops with his two herding dogs. Wondrous experiences.

Went to the Thurgood Marshall Black History Month walk – great. All about the terrible explosion the night of July 17, 1944 at the Port Chicago Munitions loading dock near Concord that killed 200 Black Navy enlisted men who were driven by their white officers to have to work in very unsafe and in an overly rushed manner. A far too unknown and rarely told story that is a vital part of our nation’s shared history. One that needs to be truthfully known and heard if we truly expect to remain the United States of America.

A worthy goal is that we need to do our part in order to maintain our democracy and Constitutional order preserved for our posterity.

An observation from just an average farm boy of Minnesota who worked on a railroad track maintenance crew for parts of 42 years: You have a wonderful warm, mild – to me – climate here and the weather in general. It would be hard to improve on.

Appreciate it, Northern Bay Area Californians – get outside as much as possible and enjoy it. And secondly, the

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loud and noisy exhibition drivers on your streets are a far greater detriment to your quality of life than a few hardpressed homeless folks ever could be. Have some empathy – help them.

Keith Van Overbeke

Antioch

(temporarily)

Editor:

We

must maintain our right to choose

When the Founding Fathers conceived of a democratic republic, they composed a complex and delicate balancing act intended to endure the test of time – our Constitution. They created three equal branches of government, separated federal and state authority, and appended the rule of law with a Bill of Rights. The one foundational principle that assured the plan’s success was suffrage. Included to give voice to the governed, it obligated citizens to the sacred duty of thoughtful deliberation in choosing those representing them in government, requiring that candidates swear to uphold the great balancing act that is

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our Constitution.

The practice of this principle has not always lived up to the ideal. Choice was once entrusted only to the propertied and the wealthy, omitting those who were native to the land, indentured slaves, all women. Even with hard-fought efforts to build a more perfect union and to achieve greater inclusion, struggles continued between the powerful and the rest of us. There have been setbacks, yet we strive to live up to the words the founders have given us as “we, the people” exercise the power of choice.

Today, choice is threatened by a man of great wealth and greater ambition. He willingly disregards the law, uses the levers of government to bear false witness against his adversaries, and deploys an army of untethered mercenaries against the very people he has sworn to protect. Prejudicial decisions from the highest court grant him immunity from his treacherous behavior, and legislators elected to represent the people bow to

his destructive edicts. As the balance that has endured for 250 years comes undone, the power of choice bestowed upon the people is at risk of being taken away as well. We know this to be true because this man has attempted it before.

In the shadow of these dangers, some succumb to apathy, content in their slumber. Others are complicit in the chaos accepting the lies that contradict what they can plainly see. But countless citizens understand the terrible risk that compliance can bring. We dedicate ourselves to the cause taken up by the people of the Twin Cities, and by communities across the map, in numbers too many to ignore.

When we find our courage and lift our voices to peacefully resist, we can foil the ambitions of a blighted tyrant. It is up to we the people to exercise our right to choose and restore balance to America.

Richard Kushnier Brentwood

Connect your letter to the local community by explaining how the issue affects you and people you know.

7. Make sure your most important message appears in the first paragraph.

8. Limit your letter to two or three important points related to the central issue.

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Heritage set for BVAL title showdown against Pittsburg after beating Emerald

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

The Heritage girls basketball team handled Emerald 65-16 on Wednesday night in its Senior Night matchup, but the focus quickly shifted to Friday’s Bay Valley Athletic League title game against Pittsburg in Brentwood.

A win gives Heritage the outright BVAL title and completes a rebound season after losing both the crown and its nine-year championship streak to Freedom last year. A Pittsburg win would secure the Pirates a share of the league title and their first since the 2014-15 campaign.

Before turning the page, Wednesday began with a celebration of Heritage’s senior class — a group that helped steady the program and push it back into league-title position. Seniors Riley Bayot, Natalie Lam, Ana Miller, Bridget Whitaker, Lily Wilright and Olachi Nwosu were recognized in a pregame ceremony with family and friends.

“We wanted this night to be all about the seniors, have a good time, and then get a couple practices in before that big Pitt game,” Heritage coach Mark Hurtado said. “We were really led this year by our seniors … so it was nice to get to see them have a good time.”

For Wilright and Bayot, the night

marked the closing chapter of a four-year run that included early success, last season’s setback and a return to contention this winter.

“This moment was insane for me,” Wilright said. “Just seeing the whole team come together tonight and have fun overall with the win, it was just a wonderful feeling.”

“It was kind of just surreal,” Bayot said. “I’ve seen this happen so many times in the past, and now it’s my turn.”

Heritage’s push back toward the top comes after last season’s second-place finish and early playoff exit, and with a chance to secure another 20-win season and an undefeated run through league play this year.

Heritage senior Lily Wilright (32) gets high-fives as she walks back to the bench during the Patriots’ girls basketball game against Emerald Tuesday night in Brentwood.

“Those were two of our goals as a team,” Hurtado said. “Win league, stay undefeated in league, and also get a 20-win season.”

Heritage has had a few bumps in the road entering Friday’s title game. The Patriots enter Friday night’s game winners of six of their last eight with losses to playoff-bound teams College Park and Salesian College Prep.

Both Pittsburg and Heritage met back on Jan. 20 in Pittsburg, where Heritage shook off a slow start and rallied for a 54-46 win.

Since then, Pittsburg enters the matchup playing some of its best basketball, both since the loss against Heritage and through the season overall.

Pittsburg’s 17-7 record is the best by their girls basketball team since the 2019-20 season when they went 19-7. Their 10 league wins is just the second time in the MaxPreps era (since 2004) that they’ve won double-digit league games, the first time coming back in 2006-07 when they won 12. Pittsburg is also streaking into Friday night, winning seven in a row since their loss to the Patriots in late January, according to MaxPreps.

“I know they’re going to be hungry for it because they know they can win that game and get a share of the title,” Hurtado said. “So we’ve got to come out quicker … we just have to get going early in the game.”

For Heritage’s seniors, the objective is straightforward: win the BVAL title at home just like they did two years ago, back when their seniors were sophomores.

“I’ve worked so hard to get to this point,” Wilright said. “Winning BVAL at our home court … that would just be my greatest achievement.”

Bayot echoed the approach heading into Friday.

“We just have to start good, start with a lot of energy and then keep that energy throughout the whole game,” she said. “Don’t let off the gas.”

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

Liberty baseball’s McHugh era opens with energy, intent

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

With the first week of tryouts in the books, one thing was clear as Liberty returned to the diamond behind campus: the Lions expect to be both competitive and loose in 2026.

The team’s first official practice Monday moved at a brisk, but steady pace with players cycling through drills with a college-style tempo. Music played over the field speakers, which brought a new atmosphere to the field, and the team worked through pregame routines — including a three-clap “Lions” chant — that are still being refined.

According to new head coach Shawn McHugh, that environment is intentional.

“Even at the most elite levels, they have fun. It’s a game,” McHugh said. “Baseball’s a game, and the more I can get them to enjoy it, the more they’re going to compete. The more they enjoy what we’re doing, the better they’re going to be.”

McHugh arrives in Brentwood after nearly two decades coaching at Dublin and, most recently, Foothill High School in Pleasanton. He takes over a Liberty program that won the Bay Valley Athletic League title last season — clinching it in a dramatic, season-ending two-game series against Heritage — before falling 8-2 to Foothill in the opening round of the North Coast Section playoffs.

McHugh compiled a 136-136-2 record at Dublin from 2005-15 before now-former Liberty coach Andrew Lonsdale took over the program in 2016, according to MaxPreps records dating to 2004.

New Liberty baseball head coach Shawn McHugh talks to the team on the first day of the team’s tryouts Monday in Brentwood.

Liberty also navigated through significant off-field adversity last spring, when Lonsdale was suspended early in the season amid allegations of financial misconduct. McHugh addressed that directly in his first meeting with the roster.

“To be honest, our first meeting was, ‘I get it,’” McHugh said. “‘I know you guys have been through some trauma, and it’s nothing that you did wrong.’ None of the kids did anything wrong. Establishing that, and letting them know I might do some things differently, but they’ve done a lot of great things — I just want them to have fun, enjoy it and

play baseball.”

For key returners such as senior Jake Farr and junior Chayce Formosa, the shift in tone has been noticeable.

“(Monday’s practice) had a lot of energy,” Farr said. “We like to have fun out here. It’s another day at practice, but with a lot of intensity. We like to compete and keep it fun.”

“It’s really different,” Formosa said. “He’s bringing a whole new energy. The chemistry between him and (assistant coach Billy Rhodes) is strong, and it’s helping us. It’s been fun all fall and all winter. It’s going to be a great season.”

Liberty is aiming to build off last year’s league title while responding to the early playoff exit. The roster returns a mix of experienced underclassmen and veteran leaders, including Formosa, Navy commit Stevie Wellens, catcher Dylan Amaral, Farr and outfielder Ryan Hart.

“The loss to Foothill definitely motivated us,” Formosa said. “Losing in the first round wasn’t what we wanted. We didn’t play our best game, but it’s helped us going into this season and what we expect in NCS this year.”

“This team is very experienced, but young,” McHugh said. “The core group is sophomores and juniors, and they have a lot of varsity experience. They’ve played at a high level, and they’re still impressionable and coachable and hungry to learn. It’s a good combination.”

Liberty opens the season at home Wednesday, Feb. 24, against Granada.

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

Morales ties single-season goals record as Freedom builds momentum toward playoffs

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

When the girls soccer season began, Freedom sophomore Mya Morales wrote a goal on the whiteboard in the team room behind the home stands: score 20 goals and break the school’s single-season record.

Morales reached that mark Monday night. Her first-half hat trick tied the record and helped power Freedom to a 6-0 win over Concord, the Falcons’ third straight victory.

“It’s really crazy,” Morales said. “I can’t thank everybody, but my team because, obviously, assists make goals. I’m just so thankful for my team, and you have to put in the work off the field to see it show on the field.”

Morales’ 20th goal ties the record set by forward Kaytlin Brinkman during the 2017-18 season, according to Freedom athletics. Morales’s 20th goal nearly triples her goal output from her 2024-25 freshman campaign when she found the back of the net just seven times, according to MaxPreps. Through Monday night, she’s tallied 20 goals and 16 assists, both of which lead the team. Senior Elliana Lawrence is second on the team with 16 goals. Both attackers are the lone Falcons with double-digit goal tallies.

Her push to the milestone came despite a midseason setback, as Morales missed

two games because of injury, according to head coach Joel Lopez. She made up for the lost time by scoring four goals in a 4-1 win at Antioch last Tuesday and five more in an 11-0 win at Emerald last Friday. Her hat trick Monday came in a seven-minute span, repeatedly finding space behind the defense and scoring cleanly. She nearly broke the record in the second half on a shot in the 57th minute, but the shot went wide.

“There’s a different focus that I’ve seen in her this year,” Lopez said. “She’s a lot more locked in and has a lot more attention to detail in her finishing and in the attacking third.”

Morales and Lopez pointed to a turning point in her season: being named cap-

Freedom girls soccer player

Mya Morales, middle, celebrates with teammates after scoring her schoolrecord tying 20th goal in the Falcons’ 6-0 win over Concord Monday night in Oakley.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

tain midway through the year and gaining the captain’s armband.

“Since she’s gotten the armband, she’s had four hat tricks,” Lopez said. “She’s taking her job seriously, and it’s more intense now. We can see it in the locker room and on the pitch.”

“I feel like it’s really changed my attitude,” Morales said. “I feel like I’ve had an impact on the field, even though I’m the youngest captain. I’m really proud of myself.”

Morales’ surge has coincided with a late-season lift for the Falcons (9-6-3, 5-3-3 Bay Valley Athletic League) who are looking to build confidence heading into the North Coast Section postseason. After a

stretch in late January during which Freedom won just once, the team has outscored opponents 21-1 during its current threegame win streak, including back-to-back shutouts entering Friday’s regular-season finale against Deer Valley.

The run has come against teams lower in the standings. Antioch (7-6-1, 4-5-1 BVAL) is still pushing to qualify for the playoffs, while Emerald (1-16, 0-11 BVAL) and Concord (5-8-4, 3-1-0 Diablo Athletic League) have combined for six wins and allowed a combined 140 goals this season, 105 of them by Emerald.

Even so, Lopez said the recent results have served a purpose.

“Sometimes games like these help because you see the ball going into the net,” Lopez said. “That can be a big confidence booster. I think it’s helped us and emphasized that we can get it done when we stay focused.”

Along with Morales’ chance to break the single-season scoring record Friday against the Wolverines (4-9-1, 2-8 BVAL), Freedom is also chasing a program milestone. A win would give the Falcons their 10th victory, matching last season’s total and securing back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since the program accomplished the feat during a three-year stretch from 2012-15, according to MaxPreps.

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

Heritage High robotics team wins award

by Sean Tongson Correspondent

The Heritage High School FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics team won the Inspire Award on Sunday, Feb. 1 during at their league championships in Piedmont. The award, which is the second consecutive year Heritage has won it, represents the best overall team in all judging categories. The team now advances to the Northern California Regional Championships on the weekend of Feb. 28-March 1 at Palo Alto High School.

“They were one of 15 teams in the East Bay Hills league that competed at the event,” said. Heritage Business and Technology instructor Robert Pardi. “After struggling early on in the competition, the team was able to regroup and finish strong.”

Heritage finished third and is preparing to make improvements to their robot in anticipation of facing off against the top teams in Northern California, with hopes of earning a chance to compete in the upcoming World Championships in

Houston this spring. The matches between the schools are always a two-on-two battle, with Heritage teaming up with Senatus

Populusque Roboticus (“SPQR”) from Walnut Creek. Pardi said they almost took out the second-seeded team of the Acabots from Lafayette and the Blinky Bots from Piedmont in their last match, thus narrowly missing making it into the finals.

“The students have been working on the actual robot since the game was announced in September,” Pardi said. “They’ve collectively spent over 1,000 hours on the robot project amongst all team members. The team has also worked since last January, spending time mentoring students from other schools and how cool it is to be involved in FIRST ((For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competitions, and showcasing robotics at numerous community and school events throughout the far East Bay.”

The promotion of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), is one of six categories that teams are judged on in addition to design, innovation, connecting with community, documentation of their work, and programming. Pardi said the team has been working

in the community trying to increase awareness of the importance of STEM through various presentations in preparation for the upcoming regional championships.

“The team has never been prouder of our robot,” said Lead Programmer Areeb Khan. “Every day, we challenged ourselves to create the most competitive robot. We’ll do the best we can as we compete in the NorCal Championship for the third straight year.”

Pardi said that the team is working to improving their robot, which collects up to 3 ½ inch whiffle balls, and shoots them through the air into goals. Pardi said that the team is working to improve scoring capabilities, including reducing the time it takes to shoot three balls in row, while also working on shooting accuracy. These improvements, Pardi said, will improve their chances to advance to the World Championships later this spring in Houston.

For details, visit https://hhs.luhsd.net/ activities/robotics-club

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

News iN Brief

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

Weigh in on what you want at Oakley Library & Community Center

The city of Oakley wants to know what you want to see in the new Oakley Library & Community Center.

There are three ways to let officials know, including at two upcoming community meetings. Or stop by the City booth at the Mercantile Market to hear an update on the project.

• Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m. at City Council Chamber, 3231 Main St.

• Sunday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Mercantile Market, 3350 Main St.

• Saturday, Feb. 28, 9-11 a.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center, 1250 O’Hara Ave.

For more information, text your thoughts to (925) 219-6729 or email offthehill@aol.com.

Have your art displayed on the side of recycle trucks in the county

Republic Services recycling company seeks young artists in the county to help the company create its 2026 truck signs.

These highly visible signs are placed on both sides of the Republic Services collection trucks that pick up recycling, organics and trash.

All those in third- through 12th-grades can participate in the truck sign art contest by creating art that highlights any or all the 5 R’s to raise awareness and encourage everyone to prevent and reduce waste, compost organics and/or sort our three material streams (recycling, organics and trash) properly.

Artwork must be submitted via email to Authority@recyclesmart.org before 5 p.m. on March 27.

Artwork submission email must include:

• Full Name

• Age

• Complete Address (in the RecycleSmart service area) and School (if applicable).

• Artwork should be original (no artificial intelligence, plagiarism, or tracing).

• Size 14 inches wide by five inches high landscape PDF.

Types of art accepted include digital, photography, pen, pencil, charcoal, paint, and more.

The city encourages bold artwork that can be easily seen on a moving truck.

One winning sign will be chosen, and the sign will be up on some of the Republic Services trucks for one year.

For details, visit https://www.recyclesmart.org/truck-sign-art-contest

Freedom 10th grader wins student cover art contest for Tri Delta Transit

Tri Delta Transit presented Francesca Aujero, Freedom High School 10th grader, with a certificate and prizes on Jan. 11 as the winner of the Student Cover Art Contest for their printed schedule. Francesca loves sketching and scribbling in her free time, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office. She is a two-time winner of the Contra Costa County Library Bookmark Art Contest and was selected in the Contra Costa Water District’s Water Awareness Youth Art Contest, where her piece was one of 14 featured in their 2026 wall calendar.

WHY DEEDING PROPERTY TO YOUR CHILDREN IS RISKY

By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law

Some parents consider deeding their home to their children in order to simplify matters or avoid probate. However, transferring property while parents are alive can produce unexpected problems and/or risks.

Once your child takes title to the property, they legally own the property. That means they have the right and ability to sell it, borrow against it, and ignore decisions you want to make concerning your home. Also, significant life events such as divorce or debt could affect your home.

If your child is involved in a lawsuit, a bankruptcy or has creditor debt, your home may be treated as your child’s asset. If so, the property may be at risk of liens or even a forced sale.

A transfer of an interest in real property during your lifetime usually passes your original tax basis to your children. If at some point they decide to sell the property, they could owe substantial capital gains taxes. Inherited property, on the other hand, generally receives a step-up in basis, which often eliminates those taxes.

Gifting real property might trigger MediCal’s five-year lookback period resulting in

delayed eligibility for longterm care assistance and potential financial consequences.

Unequal gifting, disagreements among family members (e.g., your children), or stress relating to property decisions can strain relationships. Once the deed is signed, reversing it will require everyone’s cooperation.

Transferring ownership may trigger property tax reassessment, resulting in increased annual costs.

Revocable living trusts or carefully drafted life estate plans provide the same result while avoiding the risks discussed above.

If you have questions concerning your existing estate plan or setting up an estate plan, please contact Todd W. Moeller at (925) 301-8840 or Todd@MoellerEstateLaw.com.

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

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. CA-23-963073-NJ Order No.: DEF-570064 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 5/29/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, or cash equivalent if deemed acceptable to the trustee, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): JOHN FAIRHURST AND JILDA FAIRHURST

HUSBAND AND WIFE AND CATHLEEN KNIGHT, A MARRIED WOMAN AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY AS JOINT TENANTS Recorded: 6/10/2008 as Instrument No. 2008-0128648-00, Book XX, Page XX of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of CONTRA COSTA County, California; Date of Sale: 3/9/2026 at 01:30 PM Place of Sale: At the north side of the Pittsburg Civic Center near the grass located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $165,676.78 The purported property address is: 205 CHATAEU COURT, OAKLEY, CA 94561 Assessor’s Parcel No. 034370-015-9 All bidders, at the date, time, and place of the scheduled sale, will be required to show satisfactory support to the auctioneer of their ability to pay the amount they intend to bid, unless arrangements have been made with the trustee prior to the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist

on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 916-9390772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-23-963073-NJ. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 619-645-7711, or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-23963073-NJ to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any prospective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION by 5 p.m. on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth in the below

signature block. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE POST-SALE OVER BIDDERS: For post-sale information in accordance with Section 2924m(e) of the California Civil Code, use file number CA-23-963073-NJ and call (866) 645-7711 or login to: http:// www.qualityloan.com. The above statutorily mandated notices to Tenant, Prospective Owner-Occupant, and Prospective Post-Sale Over Bidders are brief summaries of what may be required under Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. Compliance with all relevant provisions will be required. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 916-939-0772 Or Login to: http://www.qualityloan.com

Post-Sale Information (CCC 2924m(e)): (866) 645-7711 Reinstatement or Payoff Line: (866) 645-7711 Ext 5318 QUALITY

LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION TS No.: CA23-963073-NJ IDSPub #0292954 2/13/2026 2/20/2026 2/27/2026. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96330 Publish Dates: February 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000398 The name of the business(es): The Worthy Effect Located at: 2900 Mesa Oak Court In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Worthy Wears 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 01/26/2026. Signature of registrant: Natalie Higgins, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/26/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/25/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000546 The name of the business(es): Prestigious Epoxy

Located at: 1611 Dune Point Court

In: Discovery Bay CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kevin T Wagner. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/26. Signature of registrant: Kevin T Wagner, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/02/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/01/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000201 The name of the business(es): Sakura Micro Bakery Located at: 318 Coronado Ct. In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Yuko Siegenthaler. 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: Yuko Siegenthaler, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/14/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/13/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 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-2026-0000179 The name of the business(es): Fiya Spice Caribbean LLC Located at: 1343 Buchanan Road In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Fiya Spice Caribbean, 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 02/21/2017.

Signature of registrant: Everick Wilkins, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/14/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/13/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000087

The name of the business(es): Antioch Dental Care PC Located at: 3200 Lone Tree Way, Suite #100 In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Antioch Dental Care PC. 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 01/08/2026.

Signature of registrant: Yiannis Vlahos, owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/08/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/07/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000360 The name of the business(es): Seiber Cat Transport Located at: 513 O’Hara Avenue In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Denise Seiber. 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: Denise Seiber. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 23, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/22/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477

Publish Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 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

SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) CITACIÓN (Derecho familiar)

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT

NAME: LAURAN R. SCHWARZ, A.K.A. DAKOTA MOON IRICK Aviso al demandado (Nombre): You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page. Lo han demandado. Lea la informacion a continuacion y en la pagina siguiente.

PETITIONER’S NAME: STACIE MASLEN CASE NUMBER: D24-04448

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 ) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov//selfhelp), at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local bar association.

NOTICE --- THE RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both

spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

Tiene 30 DIAS de calendario despues de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citacion y Peticion para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120 ) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefonica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo. Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar ordenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte tambien le puede ordenar que pague manutencion, y honorarios y costos legales.

Para asesoramiento legal, pongase en contacto de immediato con un abogado. Puede obtener informacion para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www. lawhelpca.org) o poniendose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado. AVISO: LAS ORDENES DE RESTRICCION SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PAGINA 2: Las ordenes de restriccion estan en vigencia en cuanto a ambos conyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la peticion, se emita un fallo o la corte de otras ordenes. Cualquier agencia del orden publico que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas ordenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California. EXENCION DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario un formulario de exencion de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a peticion de usted o de la otra parte. 1.The name and address of the Court is: (El nombre y direccion) CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 751 PINE STREET, MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA 94553

2. The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without an attorney, is: (El nombre, direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): H.F. LAYTON (No. 154465) 191 SAND CREEK ROAD, SUITE 220, BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA 94513 (925) 240-1040 Date

Business Profile

GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

Business Profile

B Landscape

they think about meals being delivered to homebound seniors, but there’s so much that goes into making that possible,” Overman said. “We are very proud of the work we do, but the work wouldn’t be possible without a team of partners and various organizations.”

Overman said that as more people retire, they anticipate the demand to continue to rise.

“You’re not seeing fewer people in need of nutritious meals. The reasons for that and the data behind that are all very complex, but it’s just something that if you look at food insecurity. There is a broader issue. There’s a lot more organizations that are committed to working on that issue more broadly.”

To this end, two other organizations work alongside both services.

“Meals on Wheels West Contra Costa and another nonprofit organization that’s in the same space called J-Sei,” originally Japanese American Services of the East Bay, which they later changed to J-Sei,” Overman explained. “Their nutrition program is focused on a culinary standpoint of hot nutritious Japanese lunches Monday through Friday to older adults who are unable to shop or prepare their own meals. So, they’re focused on different food offerings…We’re extremely grateful that there’s a variety of folks all coming together, banding together to each have a role. I don’t think anybody can do this work alone.”

Getting involved

Schaefer said anyone can get involved by volunteering, donating, or advocating on behalf of seniors.

“Meals on Wheels Diablo Region relies

on volunteer support for nearly 80% of all operations,” Schaefer said. “To support our organization as a donor, we invite you to make a donation or join our Monthly Giving Circle and set up a recurring monthly gift, which helps strengthen the safety net we rely on to support the needs of our older neighbors.”

Overman echoed the sentiment, saying there are ways to get involved and that they welcome all of it.

“One of the ways to give is with your dollars, with your time or both,” he said. “People feel moved to contribute in this space, and obviously we’re not the only space that needs support, but this is an important space. For those who want to give their time, reaching out to local service providers, depending on where you live, can help. People can also host fundraisers.”

Overman said an annual gift or a onetime gift are great.

“A lot of people will say they do this every year or whenever they get a letter in the mail and there’s an envelope, they send it back and that’s fantastic. A recurring donation is a really great way so people don’t feel like they have to donate all of what they might want to give, and sometimes people can actually give more that way.”

For more information, visit:

• https://mowcontracosta org

• www mowdiabloregion org

• https://www wccmow com/

• https://j-sei org/

To assist with meal delivery or become a Friendly Caller, Friendly Visitor or Friendly Helper, contact the MOWDR Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@mowdr.org.

Inquest to ensure transparency.”

A Coroner’s Inquest is a public hearing overseen by the Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. Inquests are open to the public, are conducted by a private attorney hired by the Coroner’s Division and are held in front of a jury of citizens randomly selected from the Contra Costa County Superior Court jury pool, according to the county’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incidents Protocol. The jury is to decide whether the death was by natural causes, suicide, accident, or at the hands of another person other than by accident.

The forensic pathologist used by the county to examine Ramirez, James Caruso, is the Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner for the City and County of Denver, Colorado.

According to Melissa Nold, the attorney for the Ramirez family, the County Coroner has previously had to “walk back” their findings in cases involving police after an independent autopsy contradicts theirs, such as the death of Antioch resident Angelo Quinto in 2020. The District Attorney declined to pursue charges in 2022, but Quinto’s family ultimately settled with the city of Antioch for $7.5 million in 2024.

An independent autopsy commissioned by Quinto’s family determined the cause of death to be restraint asphyxiation, the DA’s office said in 2022, while refuting the findings of the independent autopsy. However, the county’s pathologist revised his opinion and agreed that restraint asphyxia was Quinto’s cause of death, Ben Nisenbaum, an attorney for Quinto’s family, told news outlets during the 2024 settlement.

Council from page 1

Nold expressed skepticism over Caruso’s examination of the body, noting that “during his time in the military as a pathologist, he admitted to basing his finding on information provided to him and not on his medical examination.” She said that his report does not report Ramirez’s bruised face and head or cuts from the handcuffs.

“He doesn’t appear to have looked for head injuries and went off of the information the police provided him, that she started vomiting and became unresponsive, with no mention of any physical contact with her,” she said.

Contrasting with Caruso’s examination, the independent autopsy found Ramirez’s cause of death to be “multiple blunt force trauma and asphyxiation with complications all due to and as a consequence of police restraint,” the autopsy report reads. “The manner of death is homicide.”

The independent autopsy was conducted by pathologist Dr. Matthias Okoye in Lincoln, Neb. Okoye works with Know Your Rights Camp, a nonprofit organization founded by Colin Kaepernick that provides “ a second autopsy free-of-charge for families who have lost their loved ones due to an in-custody death or under other suspicious circumstances,” according to their website.

Okoye is not without his own past controversies, with his qualifications called into question in a 2024 case in Mississippi in which the widow of a man who was found dead in a river petitioned for a different pathologist to conduct the autopsy on her husband due to Okoye’s history.

According to Nold, most independent medical examiners have some controversial findings over the tens of thousands of

The validation phase included 15 interviews with 26 interviewees, including Friends of the Oakley Library; three work sessions with the Contra Costa County Library System; two review sessions with the City Council’s library subcommittee; and 10 core team meetings.

According to Siegel and Strain architect Susi Marzuola, the new library will be 11,400 square feet in area, with public spaces, such as service desks, checkout stations, shelves, quiet work areas taking up 5,400 square feet, 1,900 square feet for workrooms, support spaces, and a meeting area for the Friends of the Oakley Library, while 1,500 square feet will be used for city and library purposes, such as story times, mayors’ conferences, and office space for councilmembers and officials who do not have offices at City Hall.

The small amphitheatre and bandstand at Civic Center Park will also be reconfigured around the library, with the new band pavilion situated in front of the library entrance. This change is part of Siegel and Strain’s goal of promoting an indoor-outdoor relationship between the library and park.

The new phase will also involve three public meetings: one on Feb. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall, one on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maker’s Boulevard, and one on Feb. 28 from 9-11 a.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center. At the meetings, locals will be asked two main questions, according to Marzuola: “What would you like? What would you change?”

After Marzuola’s presentation on the library, Fuller praised the incorporation of wind and sun into the library’s design, but questioned if there had been any agreements made with local labor organizations to build the library. McMurray replied that there were no agreements, and said that any such agreements would add significant extra costs and complications that would “take away from the facilities.”

Councilmember George Fuller objected to this, saying that

examinations they conduct.

“But I think disputes over findings between professionals is different than a doctor admitting to not relying on their examinations to come up with their findings,” she added.

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, both Brentwood Police and the District Attorney’s Office have declined to comment.

Police had originally made contact with Ramirez when they were called to her sister’s house for a family dispute on Sept. 26, according to a Nov. 5 press release by the department. While in police custody, Ramirez suffered a medical emergency. She was released from custody and taken to a local hospital, where she died after being removed from life support on Oct. 3. The Ramirez family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Brentwood on Jan. 1. In it, they alleged that police used excessive force while taking her into custody, which left her injured and unresponsive.

“incorporating trades and labor unions would be worth significant complications,” and that organized labor, to which 40 percent of Oakley’s population belongs, according to him, had a right to build a project in their own community.

Fuller also objected again to what he saw as secretiveness of the city council’s subcommittee on the library, and said that the project needed to be delayed for further public input and labor agreements. As well, Fuller said that he was glad that his colleagues on the council had “finally awoken” to the fact that Oakley wants a new library.

Councilmember Anissa Williams raised concerns about parking due to the new library being partially built on a parking lot near City Hall, which McMurray said would not be an issue. She also criticized Fuller bringing up a labor agreement this far into the design process, saying that he should have spoken up sometime in the two years they had talked about the library’s construction and design.

In addition, she noted that she had not “finally awoken” to the need for a new library, but had advocated it since she was elected. Shaw pointed out that there will be public meetings, and that the subcommittee was not meant to be a secretive tool to rush the library project.

The proposal passed 3-1-1 recusal, with Fuller voting ‘no’ and Vice Mayor Aaron Meadows recusing himself.

Mid-year budget review and requests

Administrative Services Director Jeri Tejeda gave a presentation on the city’s budget for fiscal year 2025/2026 in the period from July 1 to Dec. 31 of last year. She said property taxes and interest income are anticipated to come in slightly over budget, while franchise fees, impact administrative fees, and sales tax will come in under budget. The overall budget remains balanced without one-time revenues, however, and overall revenue and expenditures are expected to be around where the original budget expected them to be at the end of the year. The sales tax, described as “struggling,” will likely be helped by the opening of the gas station at Oakley’s new

In addition to the city, the two responding officers – Sgt. Aaron Peachman and a currently unidentified female officer – are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Interim Police Chief Walter O’Grodnick noted in November that Peachman had not been removed from active duty or reassigned based on the “totality of factual circumstances” surrounding the case, but details of those circumstances have not been provided. As of Feb. 12, both Peachman and the female officer remain on active duty, O’Grodnick said.

During their Jan. 6 meeting, the Brentwood City Council announced they plan to release the police body camera footage of their contact with Yolanda Ramirez first to the Ramirez family and then to the public no later than Feb. 28. However, the Ramirez family and East County residents from as far away as Concord took time during the Feb. 10 meeting of the City Council to push for the city to release the footage sooner, while also demanding the Council openly support calls for an inquest.

Speakers took issue with the fact that police had released body camera footage on Feb. 6 of a fatal incident that took place on Dec. 24, nearly three months after the Ramirez incident. In that incident, police shot a suspect during a traffic stop after the suspect grabbed a concealed firearm, according to the Feb. 6 press release. The suspect died at the scene.

“You already released all of that stuff,” Ramirez’s widower, Rudy, said of the footage at the Feb. 10 meeting. “Why? What’s different?”

The City Council meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/4atwFHo

Safeway shopping center, Tejeda said. Revenues as of Dec. 31 are at 42 percent of the expected budget, which Tejeda attributed to many quarterly payments not coming due until the end of January. Once these are properly counted, she said that revenues would be closer to 50 percent, which she said is where they should be at this time.

Expenditures are where they are expected to be at 52 percent. Tejeda also mentioned that storm water expenditures are continuing to exceed revenue, while lighting and landscape expenditures are around expected levels.

Tejeda made several requests to transfer money from various funds, including the city’s General Fund. From the General Fund, she requested $200,000 for a new bucket truck for public works, $3,000 to extend the city’s contract with the Working Wonders charity through the end of the fiscal year, and $1.5 million to be put in the general capital projects fund for the Oakley Library. From other funds, Tejeda requested a $150,000 increase in facade improvement expenses to assist small businesses in setting up their facades. This would be partially paid for by $100,000 transferred from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act interest funds, while the other $50,000 would be from the facade improvement fund itself. The regional 55-acre park received $200,000, funded by the available balance in the regional park fund.

Fuller protested the transfer of $1.5 million to the library in what he saw as a “secretive” manner, without public input, calling it “a slap in the face to the community.” Meadows and Councilmembers Shannon Shaw and Williams told Fuller that the discussion of the budget was published on the online meeting agenda, and that if the people of Oakley had any problems with funding the library, they would have submitted requests to comment on the transfer of funds at the meeting.

The resolution was approved 4-1, with Fuller voting against.