The Press 02.20.2026

Brentwood expands green cart this month to include food waste

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

The City of Brentwood’s Solid Waste Operation has changed to now include food waste in the green cart effective this month.

California Senate Bill 1383, also known as the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act, is a statewide mandate that requires participation in organics diversion and recycling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the disposal of organic materials in landfills to slow the impacts of climate change.

As a result of this bill, the City of Brentwood will now offer organics collection to all residents and businesses who are mandated to comply with the law by now placing food waste not in the brown cart, but rather in the green cart.

Organic waste includes yard waste, food waste, and food-soiled paper products. These items will now be composted.

“The state requires this unfunded program be implemented,” said Brentwood

As of Feb. 2, food waste is required to be disposed of in the green bins previously used exclusively for yard waste.

Solid Waste Manager Jon Carlson. “This program update meets the state mandate, with no additional cost to the residents.”

As of Feb. 2, food waste is required to be

Antioch baseball families push for safer field

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Antioch High School baseball players and their families flooded the outside of the Antioch Unified School District office prior to Wednesday night’s board meeting prepared to speak about what they say has become an unsafe and neglected playing field.

They never got the chance.

After a 30-minute delay following an earlier closed session that saw the meeting start closer to 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., the Panthers baseball players never got a chance to step up to the mic, or even in the board room for that matter. However, more than 30 public commenters – mainly district educators, some non-baseball parents, and special education staff –lined up to address trustees, urging the board to reconsider looming budget cuts and warning of impacts to classrooms and student services. Public comment was

initially capped at 30 total minutes, with speakers limited to one minute each before the format later shifted back to three minutes per speaker, extending the public comments portion until well past 10 p.m. as the overall meeting stretched closer to midnight.

Outside of the microphone and the board room overall, however, Antioch baseball’s concerns were highlighted amongst one another as players and families talked about the continued issues and lack of maintenance of their diamond.

“There has been no field change, no improvement,” said Jessica O’Brien, a parent who has had two sons in Antioch’s baseball program. “I have an older son who played all four years of baseball (at Antioch) and graduated last year. The field has been subpar. The bleachers are non-compliant. They are falling apart, and we’re just here because we feel like our kids deserve better.”

O’Brien said the problems extend beyond aesthetics. After rain, she said, the field floods and remains unplayable due to inadequate drainage,

disposed of in the green bins previously used exclusively for yard waste. According to the city’s website, organic waste materials, such as food scraps, can be composted into new soil that can be used to grow new food. Newspapers and paper bags can be used to line the green cart.

Examples of organic materials include all food scraps, including baked products, eggs and egg shells, coffee grounds, cooked and raw meat, dairy products, seafood, and fresh or rotten fruits and vegetables. Foodsoiled paper products, including pizza boxes, coffee filters, napkins, uncoated paper plates, and paper takeout containers should be included in green bins as well, to go along with yard waste.

Food delivery robots may come to Brentwood

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Fast food may take on a new meaning in Brentwood as food delivery company DoorDash pushes to use the city as one of the early adopters of its autonomous delivery robots. However, skepticism from members of the City Council may stop them in their tracks.

“I would like to stop any staff time and tax money being spent on this until we have a City Council meeting so that we can understand…the impact,” Coun-

cilmember Jovita Mendoza said as the Council discussed the presentation from DoorDash during their Feb. 10 meeting. “I think [residents] should have a say if this is going to happen in their town.”

The presentation from DoorDash was for a potential permit that would allow two autonomous delivery robots, called Dots, to operate in the city from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., using the sidewalks and bicycle lanes to navigate as they deliver to customers. The proposal noted that each robot would be equipped with human “handlers” to lessen any issues that might arise, such as the robots getting stuck.

Brentwood Elementary wins Odyssey of the Mind

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

A team of five fifth graders and one fourth grader from Brentwood Elementary took first place at the Odyssey of the Mind Regional Qualifying Tournament back on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Edna Hill Middle School. The victory advances them to the state tournament on Saturday, March 7 at Concord High School.

Odyssey of the Mind is a student-driven project where teams are responsible for creating all their props, costumes, backdrops, scripts, without any assistance from adults. Teams choose one out of the five long-term problems to solve (vehicle, technical, classics, structure, and performance). Choosing the “classics” long-term problem titled, “Epic Quest”.

According to head coach Jodie Hoagland, this is the first year that a team they’ve coached selected the “classics” category.

She also expressed hope that they try out all five longterm problem categories at least once.

“They participated in a long-term problem, which involved writing a script and an epic poem, both of which were included in their performance,” Hoagland said. “They had their spontaneous problem early at 8:50 a.m., but that didn’t stop them from performing well. The entire team was very focused on tournament day, which contributed to their success.”

According to Hoagland, “Epic Quest” entailed the creation of an original quest involving a hero and sidekick character. On this quest, the team had to encounter an original beast, rescue someone, and overcome an epic challenge, which required the team to use colors to depict at least two different settings that had to be obvious to the audience.

The settings included backdrops, props, and costumes. Hoagland said in addition to writing their own script, the team also had to write an “epic” poem, a narrative style of poetry that tells a detailed story of a hero on a quest to overcome a

to eight minutes to solve a problem on the spot. This could be hands-on, verbal, or a hands-on/verbal combination, as the team does not know the problem ahead of time. According to Hoagland, multiple spontaneous problems are practiced during team meetings.

• Style (50 points): Teams are scored for items that are considered the team’s “wow” factor. It’s a broad category, but can include props, song, dance, costumes, or a characters’ performance.

“After the team finished their spontaneous problem, they all walked out with smiles on their faces and Monroe Marchal declared, ‘We cooked!’” Hoagland said. “Their team dynamic is also exceptional as they all help and are supportive of each other.”

type of challenge, which also invoke a muse, epithets, in media res (Latin for “in the middle of things”), and hyperboles. The poem, which ended up being 65 lines, detailed their quest in a creative way.

“The team had to select at least one epic poetry element and they selected three,” Hoagland said. “This is the only problem category that gives a penalty for going over the eight-minute time limit, so being within the time limit was something we kept a close eye on during rehearsals. Their performance was less than eight minutes.”

Hoagland said the team placed first in the long-term problem, second in spontaneous (with only a point difference from the team ahead of them), and first in style. At an Odyssey of the Mind competition, teams are judged in three categories:

• Long-term problem (200 points): Five competitive long-term problems (vehicle, technical, classics, structure, and performance) are published every year by the Odyssey of the Mind organization. Teams are judged based on creativity, effectiveness, originality, and quality of the overall performance.

• Spontaneous problem (100 points): Teams are given six

Hoagland added that as Odyssey of the Mind coaches, they learned that starting early has led to success, which was why they got a jump on recruiting their team in September 2025. Two team members, fifth graders Gavin Hoagland and Nora Driver, returned for the third consecutive year, joining Marchal, Ava Higgins, Emilee Davis, and fourth grader Zyla Barker. Hoagland said the team has worked diligently since September prepare for the regional championships, meeting two to three days a week. Going into the state tournament, the plan is to keep rehearsing two to three days a week while focusing on elevating their performance, including watching their performance on video and going through each scene to determine what worked well and what areas to improve on.

“It’s an amazing program, and my husband, Patrick and I, absolutely love coaching,” Hoagland said. “Just because we won first place at regionals doesn’t give us an automatic win at state. The team dynamic is wonderful this year, and each team member has been a positive influence over each other. I also want to recognize our team’s amazing parents. Without their support and encouragement, we wouldn’t have been able to coach such a successful team.”

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Brentwood Black History Month Oratorical returns for fourth year

What started as a single-school celebration back in 2023 has blossomed into a district-wide showcase of Black excellence.

The Fourth Annual Brentwood Black History Month Oratorical returned on Feb. 1, at the Liberty High School Theater, featuring over 100 student performers from eight Brentwood schools.

Since its grassroots beginning at Pioneer Elementary School, the event has expanded to include Ron Nunn Elementary, Brentwood Elementary, Isaac Montanez Elementary, Marsh Creek Elementary, Bristow Middle School, Adams Middle School, and Edna Hill Middle School.

“The Black History Oratorical is an opportunity for students to highlight African-American authors, poets or singers in a format that is comfortable to them,” said Anitra Simpson, one of the volunteer cochairpersons for the event. “We wanted it to be more of a celebration of highlighting kids’ talents and giving them an opportunity to share what they’ve learned about an AfricanAmerican leader.”

The showcase features poetry recitations, punk rock, speeches, dances, and monologues celebrating influential Black poets, speakers, writers, and leaders. The format emphasizes empowerment over competition, allowing

students to build confidence and communication skills while deepening their understanding of Black history and culture.

The event is organized entirely by volunteers — over 20 families and educators who donate their time to coordinate logistics, rehearsals, and the production.

“Some of the submissions literally brought us to tears,” Simpson said. “It’s just amazing to see children as they want to come out and show and highlight their talents. They are working hard and practicing and preparing for this.”

Simpson thanked the Brentwood Union School District for its continued support of the event, particularly in its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. “Representation matters and it’s amazing,” she said.

The event was attended by many members of the Brentwood City Council, Brentwood Union School District board, and school leaders across the city in addition to hundreds of students and parents and residents.

The Fifth annual Black History Month Oratorical will happen in early 2027, and anyone who would like to get involved as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor can get in touch with the committee at https://bit.ly/4qLgvPV

- Jessica Eastman Stewart

Chris Bollinger named Brentwood’s new community engagement officer

by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

The Brentwood Police Department has a new community engagement officer.

Chris Bollinger stepped into the role last month previously filled by Officer Lindzie Laughridge to continue building relationships and programming in the community.

“Chris has been with us 12 years, he’s a seasoned officer and I think will pair well with the assignment,” said Interim Police Chief Walter O’Grodnick. “I’m looking forward to seeing his creativity and seeing him expand the existing programs.”

Bollinger’s previous assignment as the Brentwood Union School District school resource officer gave him the opportunity to hone his skills working with youth.

Now, he looks to apply that experience to the entire community.

“Right now, I’m still very new to the position,” Bollinger said. “I want to continue the work being done, and hopefully there are programs I can implement, as well.”

One thing Bollinger hopes to bring to Brentwood is a youth-focused version of the department’s existing Citizen’s Academy – a free nine-week program designed to teach adults about the different departments and functions of the police department. Bol-

linger says he would like to create one geared toward the youth.

“It would be the same concept as our current academy, but bringing in teens and letting them learn about law enforcement, and hopefully that can help build trust between the youth in our community and law enforcement,” Bollinger said, though he noted that trust isn’t lacking, at least in Brentwood.

As the Brentwood school resource officer, Bollinger said he spent much of his time with local kids at elementary and middle schools and built good relationships with many of them.

“I would even see them when I was on patrol, and they would reach out to me, and it was a good relationship,” he said. “We need to keep that going.”

He also said the department’s officers have the community in mind while working, often spending extra time when answering calls to explain “why we do what we do, rather than just answering the call and leaving.”

As part of his role as community engagement officer, Bollinger hopes to continue building the relationships that Laughridge formed and providing programming.

The Community Engagement Officer position was created by the department in 2021, and Laughridge was the first person in

that role, filling it for almost five years. Her goal was to create a direct connection between residents and the department, ensuring people felt seen, heard and connected.

As a Brentwood native with a passion for her community, Laughridge said she enjoyed serving in this capacity.

“I’ve had a wonderful opportunity getting to know the people in this community and making it a better place to live and a better place to work,” Laughridge said. “I’m proud of the programs we started like the Citizen’s Academy, and those key moments, working with citizens, are where we really were able to make a difference.”

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“ Chris has been with us 12 years, he’s a seasoned officer and I think will pair well with the assignment. ”

Walter O’Grodnick Interim Police Chief

Laughridge’s work centered on making the department approachable, visible, and accessible. She organized and supported a wide range of programs, including town hall meetings, Neighborhood Watch meetings, the Citizens Academy, National Night Out, and youth-focused events such as bicycle rodeos and a Halloween trick-or-treat drivethrough, along with many other community activities. Laughridge said she and her team represented the department at more than 50 events in 2025 alone.

Laughridge will transition to patrol, she looks forward to continuing to build relationships in the community.

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

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

One month to honor Black people is ‘insulting’

Editor:

Over the years, I have always been confused by February because how can you incorporate the history of a people of color into one month? I believe that when it comes to people, especially Black/ Indigenous people, this is insulting.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to recognize Black people’s contributions to America. This is a mystery to me, since it took 50 years to realize that we as Black people deserved a month.

In 1619, when the first people of African descent came over on a British ship after being kidnapped from their homeland, the ship landed in the colony of Virginia with a cargo of 20 to 30 individuals who were the start of slavery in America.

It is important to recognize the fact and to note that Indigenous people had been trading with individuals from the African continent a long time before Columbus was supposed to have discovered the Americas (how can you discover a land where people already existed way before you, and call it yours as time goes on?), which gives no validity to Native American History Month. They are the original Americans.

So not to stray away too much from my original thought, Black people were enslaved for over 250 years and developed the economy of this country through the invention of the cotton gin, carbon filament for light bulbs (1881) Lewis Latimer, home security systems (1966) Granville T. Woods, programmable remote control, Joseph N. Jackson, folding chair, John Purdy, laser cataract surgery probe, Dr. Patricia Bath, blood plasma bag, Dr. Charles Drew, and the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, which is one of the biggest selling toys ever.

We served in the U.S. Senate and Congress of this country during the

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Letters to the editor

1850s, but this is totally overlooked when it comes to the history of this country. As stated, before we provided the physical labor that built this country, fought in world wars to keep this world free, and our history was primarily centered on slavery.

I have always wondered why there was never a White History month, and after many years it has finally dawned on me. The reason is because White History has always been taught in schools and in textbooks. As the dominant culture, they have always dictated what history would be.

So I don’t get overly excited about this month. I guess with the banning of certain books in schools nowadays, I will just accept it for what it is – a way to pacify a certain segment of this population without taking responsibility for all the injustices that have been done.

Ted Turner, Th.D Antioch

Readers offers ‘rebuttal’ to other local perspective

Editor:

My letter is a rebuttal to several letters of late that have appeared with monotonous regularity in The Press.

Time to offer a different opinion. Richard Kushnier’s recent letter declares that freedom of speech in America is under attack. I beg to differ. In 2024, Americans voted for a new president after a disastrous Biden tenure. He argues that our present President “disregards law, bears false witness against adversaries” and accuses the Supreme Court of being prejudiced.

Every citizen in the U.S. has a Constitutional right to vote in all elections. We voted to change the Presidency in 2024 to install a man who would protect our borders and stop millions of illegal immigrants from entering our country, bring down inflation, support our police and military,

LETTERS POLICY

The Press invites your comments. Letters must be no longer than 325 words and include name, address and phone number for confirmation.

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

Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily the opinions of The Press, whose opinions are contained in clearly marked editorials. Send correspondence to The

248 Oak St., Brentwood, California, 94513; or email editor@ brentwoodpress.com.

protect women’s rights in sports and have us prove our citizenship at the voting booths.

Trump is not perfect, but neither was Joe Biden. The latter was a laughingstock to the world. I am a legal immigrant and a citizen of this great country, and I will willingly prove that at Election time. I already have to prove my identity when I use my Kaiser card or purchase cold medicines at Target.

As for “bearing false witness against adversaries,” did we already forget the great Russia Hoax that Biden and his gang contrived against his adversary along with several other hoaxes? Trying to sabotage a duly elected President in our country is reckless and irresponsible.

We voted – and this is what we have. Let’s get along with the business of governing this great country.

Bernadette Buchanan Brentwood

Burgis ‘disregards’

Brentwood constituents

Editor:

County Supervisor Diane Burgis appears uninterested in constituents who don’t support her agenda by ignoring emails regarding the tax increase and the East County Service Center (ECSC). The Board’s willingness to ignore and shame constituents in public is very concerning.

On Jan. 27, Eric Angstadt provided an update to the city regarding ECSC. Public comments were restricted to two minutes and did not allow questions. Two council members suggested that the county hold a town hall to address community concerns, to which Angstadt replied, “We will consider it.”

On Feb. 3, Angstadt updated the supervisors about ECSC. Burgis remarked, “Eric, you have been such a great representative of the county showing up to these different meetings and I know we are working hard with, particularly, with the community of Brentwood to help ease

any concerns received input on designs or that kind of things.” (There has been no interaction directly with constituents.) I mentioned my ignored emails and was countered with an untruthful response.

During the board meeting on Feb. 10 concerning the new tax measure, many supporters, including union members, were present. Retired union member Ron P. voiced his opposition during public comment. Supervisor Ken Carlson responded, “I cannot believe that a retired union member would go against this measure and not support the union membership”.

At the Feb. 10 council meeting, discussion focused on the county’s 1,800page Mitigated Negative Declaration, which served as a substitute for an EPA report. Several false statements, inaccuracies, traffic and contamination issues were raised by the council. When asked about community outreach, staff initially claimed it had occurred, but then admitted it was not required and, therefore, not done. Their interpretation of outreach seems limited to attending meetings where the public cannot ask questions.

The county’s reluctance to collaborate with the city to meet mandatory housing requirements but instead push for a building with 79 public parking spaces highlights Burgis’s disregard for building an effective partnership with Brentwood.

A better suited site location would be near a highway entrance and an area like Costco or JC Penney, rather than across the street from a school and homes.

Burgis appears to endorse gentrification along Brentwood Boulevard, marginalizing residents and small businesses. Anticipating this building, small businesses are being forced out due to rising rents. The County’s refusal to sign a deal with Brentwood further underscores her unwillingness to foster meaningful cooperation.

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

This Week’s Events

Friday, 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 afterschool tutoring for students. Tickets are $75 and are available on Eventbrite at eventbrite. com/e/apol-disco-fundraiser-tickets1976943560407?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.

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

Anastasia: The Musical Heritage High School’s Rising Stars theatre troupe is proud to present “Anastasia: The Musical” beginning on February 20. “Anastasia” transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young Russian woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Performances are at Heritage High School (101 American Ave., Brentwood) from February 20 through March 7, with two matinees. Tickets ($12-$16) and show info: www. hhsrisingstars.net

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.

On the Horizon

Friday, February 27

Sappy Love Songs Sing Night

The singers of Virtuous Voices Music Academy invite Brentwood residents to join them for a night of sappy love songs and good vibes at the Brentwood Community Center, at 35 Oak St. The singers will share their favorite songs with attendees at this free event from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reserve a spot at https://bit. ly/40fFik9

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 the 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.

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.

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.

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.

Look at the many local events on

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-20th-annual-crab-feedtickets-1979165331785.

For more information, visit www.thenetworkofcare.org.

Saturday, March 14

Kiwanis Annual Romano Marchetti Memorial Dinner

The event will take place at the VFW Hall, 815 Fulton Shipyard in Antioch, from 5-9 p.m. There will be a silent auction, Dinner will be at 6 p.m. and include two kinds of meat, pasta, baked beans, cole slaw, salad, ice cream and all the trimmings catered by Chef Archie S and Q. There will be a live auction. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased at kiwanisclubofthedelta-antioch.com. Proceeds will support Kiwanis community and youth charities.

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.

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.e-clubhouse.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.

Doris Mae (Masetti) Cole

July 17, 1937 — Jan. 22, 2026

Doris Mae (Masetti) Cole, 88, passed away peacefully in Antioch, Calif., following a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. Born and raised in San Francisco, she graduated from Balboa High School, and followed a career as a legal secretary for many years.

She lived in Discovery Bay, Calif., for over 30 years, enjoying cherished time with friends and family playing cards, Bingo, casino adventures, Ladies Luncheon Group, boating, bowling, extensive RV traveling, along with much time spent with loved

ones in Indio, Calif.. She also dedicated much time to her volunteer work with the Brentwood Police Dept., the Byron Delta Lions Club, and the Discovery Bay Republican Women Federate, to name a few.

She is survived by her son, Mark Reid (Suzanne), and her five stepchildren – Bob Cole (Tammy), Rick Cole (Dorene), Janice Casaccia (Larry), Kathy Antonen, and Kelly Ferrantino – along with many beloved grand- and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son Phillip Reid, and her husband of 38 years, Murray Cole.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held. A memorial contribution to a charity of your choice would be an honor to her.

Correction

In the Feb. 13 edition of The Press, the names of three High School winners of the Youth Poster Contest put on by the Brentwood Rotary Club were transposed. The corrected names of the winners are below.

‘Cutest Couple’ celebrates 60 years

together

Terry and Sue Silva, voted Cutest Couple as Seniors at Tennyson High School in Hayward, were married on Feb. 12, 1966. The Discovery Bay couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by family on a getaway weekend in Palm Springs.

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As Liberty looks to get its ‘mentals’ right, Freedom looks ahead towards its future

Liberty boys basketball hangs on to defeat Freedom 62-59 in NCS playoff opener

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

There’s little question, from both Liberty head coach Rich Morton and Freedom head coach Drew Torres, that the Lions are talented and physically strong.

Mentally, though, that’s where the questions remain.

Despite leading by as much as 20 at halftime, Liberty barely held on for a 62-59 win over Freedom in the opening round of the North Coast Section Division 1 playoffs Tuesday night, as the Falcons spent the fourth quarter clawing back and falling just short in the final seconds while the Lions walked off the floor frustrated.

“If guys are not mentally tough, eventually they’re going to turn the ball over and they’re going to get beat on defense,” Morton said of his team’s late-game composure. “Right now we’re in the playoffs. You just have to find a way to win and get ready for the next game.

“This is a mental game. Basketball is more mental than anything else and you’ve got to prepare yourself to be ready to play every single game. For Freedom, this was their championship game. Even though they lost, they’re still happy.”

Liberty exploded out of the gates, opening on an 11-2 run en route to a 14-6

lead after the first quarter. The Lions found another gear in the second, scoring 28 points, highlighted by junior Jaiden Miller pouring in 13 of his game-high 25 in the frame, including a deep 3-pointer from near half court.

“We’re just trying to show everybody that we should have been in the (NCS Open

Division),” Miller said. “We feel like we got disrespected by being put in Division 1, especially with the seed we got.”

Liberty led 42-22 at halftime with the game seemingly in hand to everyone inside Ghiggeri Gym — except Freedom.

“We knew we could play with them,” Torres said. “The key was not getting sped up. They do a good job defensively of forcing teams into mistakes and making you play faster than you want. That was the main theme, and then rebounding. The first half, we got sped up, had too many turnovers and gave up too many offensive rebounds.”

As Liberty began to coast, Freedom started chipping away at the deficit. The Falcons cut the 20-point halftime hole to 52-37 entering the fourth, then John Reed’s 3-pointer trimmed the Lions’ lead to 13 with just over 3½ minutes remaining.

Porter Madsen followed with a layup to make it an 11-point game, and Salamen Carr brought Freedom within single digits with back-to-back layups in the final minute.

As Freedom kept pressing, Liberty repeatedly turned to timeouts to steady itself.

“They have to play strong with the

Liberty girls soccer advances to NCS quarterfinals

Lady Lions defeat

Windsor 1-0 in playoff opener

By Mason Tovani Correspondent

There was a nearly 10-minute discussion amongst Liberty’s players on the sidelines after the Lady Lions’ 1-0 win over Windsor about one simple question: who scored the goal.

The friendly debate, teammates joked, will likely resurface before the Lions take the field again this weekend in the quarterfinals.

A free kick from about 40 yards out in the first half created a scramble in front of net, and Makena Fox and Kamaile Dillon went back and forth over who got the final touch before the ball found the back of the net.

The players viewed Jada Hart’s smartphone to review the replay multiple times, almost like the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in professional matches. After review, it was determined that Fox scored the goal to send 12th seeded Liberty (13-2-3, 11-0-1 BVAL) to the quarterfinals of the North Coast Section playoffs where they will host 13th seeded

Miramonte (10-4-2) at 7 p.m. Saturday night. For the record, Hart earned the assist on the goal off of her free kick – and the video review.

Against Windsor, the Lions were pushed out of their preferred style by a high-energy Jaguars team that forced them into a more direct approach. Long balls became the norm, something Liberty coach Nikki Toeaina said she anticipated.

“Windsor is just relentless. They’re going to make things happen,” Toeaina said. “It was really hard to play our game. Everything

Liberty’s girls soccer team celebrate after the Lady Lions defeated Windsor 1-0 in the opening round of the North Coast Section playoffs after a goal by Makena Fox in the opening minutes of the match.

was just one touch, skipping our midfield and getting it to their top line. It was kind of hard to get settled and play on the ground. We still have to find a way to play our game. Windsor really challenged us tonight, so kudos to them.”

The Lions did not generate many chances Wednesday night. After scoring inside the first three minutes of the match, Liberty nearly added another moments later when a header struck the crossbar. Outside of those two opportunities, the Lions created just a few dangerous looks until late in the second half.

Even so, Liberty’s recent form offers little reason for concern as they continue on in the postseason. The Lions have won their past 10 matches, outscoring opponents 37-1 during that stretch. Toeaina said the defensive consistency in the back has been a defining strength, but she wants more production from the attacking front as the playoffs continue.

“I feel really good about our back line,” Toeaina said. “When we watch film on other teams, we don’t see anyone else like them — how organized they are, the communication, the coverage and just their shape. They keep us in the game, and we continue to put pressure on our attack. You guys have to do your part, too, because our defense is solid, but they can only hold on for so long.”

Dillon, a sophomore defender, said the team’s goals extend beyond simply advancing. Liberty fell 2-0 to Monte Vista in the second round last season, and with another home match ahead, she believes this group is positioned to make a deeper run.

“We came out ready to play and win,” Dillon said. “We’ve all been wanting this. We want to be NCS champs and go to state. After that goal — me and Makena — we really stepped it up in the second half. This is a good team to make it far, and if we just keep working, we’ll get there.”

ball,” Morton said of his message. “They were allowing them to play physical — hold, push and grab. They played hard. I think they took our guys out of the game mentally, forced guys to do things they can’t do, and that’s part of basketball.

“Play your game, do what you can do. Mentally, we just have to get better.”

“We’ve just got to stay together and lock in,” Miller said. “As a team, we start to drift after seeing a 20-point lead and start trying to get ours. That’s something we can’t do going forward because better teams will punish us for that.”

Freedom continued to fight into the final seconds, with Carr and Hudson Carper each hitting 3-pointers late, but the Falcons

still finished three points short at the buzzer.

Senior Arek Andrada led Freedom with 15 points, Reed added 12 against his former team, and Carr finished with 11.

Torres pointed to missed opportunities earlier in the game that ultimately cost the Falcons.

“I wish some of those earlier shots would’ve gone down,” he said. “We had some good looks early, they just didn’t fall.”

One of the biggest positives for Freedom came from its future. Freshman Jayven Dempsey and sophomore Lamont Francies — both junior varsity call-ups for the postseason — provided energy and key minutes despite limited scoring.

“That’s kind of why we brought them up,” Torres said. “We needed a little some-

thing extra with this team.”

Though they combined for just four points, Torres liked the impact.

“They gave us a little jolt. That’s what they’ve provided the last couple weeks. They’re bringing it. Those are guys you can tell are ready to run through a wall for our program, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Torres said the performance — especially from the younger players — offered a glimpse of what’s ahead as the program builds toward next season.

“It gives everybody confidence that’s returning,” he said. “The seniors should feel proud of the jump we made from last year to this year. The younger guys — this is a great learning experience, and this is where

we want to get back: hosting playoff games and competing at this level. Now they know what it takes.”

He added that the foundation is already forming.

“Our JV team was 25-2. Those guys have a lot of confidence and they’re all bought in,” Torres said. “We feel like we’re right there and we’re looking forward to the future and getting Freedom back where it was.”

Liberty now turns its focus to the NCS quarterfinals at home against Dublin on Friday night. The Lions have lost to Dublin in each of the past two postseasons — falling 65-47 at home in last year’s NCS Open Division opener and 58-55 in the 2024 Division 1 semifinals at Dublin.

“It’s going to be a phased-in approach in the next few months,” Carlson said. “Most single-family homes have been rolled out, but businesses, mobile home parks, multi-family and home owner associations without landscaping will be rolled out soon. We will be reaching out to those entities in the coming months.”

The city’s solid waste division hosted a virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to answer questions and address concerns from residents regarding SB 1383. That meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/46hEhLZ

Amongst some of the concerns from residents include the decision for a biweekly pickup along with biodegradable products institute (BPI) compostable plastic bags found at grocery stores not being allowed in the bins. According to Carlson, a biweekly pickup minimizes the impact on the environment, helps keep costs down, and reduces wear and tear on the streets.

from page 1A

Carlson,however, added that the city is open to a weekly pickup, but has encouraged residents to let the city evaluate the program while encouraging feedback over the next year. Regarding the use of BPI bags, Carlson said that composters don’t want them included in green bins because the bags don’t break down as quickly as organic material.

Councilmember Tony Oerlemans noted that DoorDash was the one to approach the city, rather than Brentwood reaching out for a partnership with the food delivery company. The program was first implemented in the Phoenix Metro area, according to DoorDash’s website, but has also been rolled out in Concord and San Ramon, with other cities such as Riverside looking to develop frameworks for the robots as well. Oerlemans asked a DoorDash representative present at the meeting why the company was interested in Brentwood.

The representative -– Henry Greenidge from DoorDash Labs — described Brentwood as a “perfect fit” for the company’s program based on the types of businesses in the city as well as its population density and existing bicycle infrastructure.

According to DoorDahs’s website, Dot uses “advanced sensors and computers, similar to a robotaxi, to detect people, pets, cyclists, and obstacles. Traveling at safe biking speeds on roads and walking speeds on sidewalks, Dot will stop or reroute if needed.” Greenidge noted during his presentation that the robots can move up to 20 miles per hour when traveling in the bicycle lane, but slower on sidewalks.

Mendoza drew a parallel between the Dot robots and other automated vehicles, such as Waymo taxis, that are remotely operated from outside the country. Waymo in particular made headlines in October of last year when one of their

Baseball from page 1A

leading to canceled practices and games that are not always rescheduled.

“We don’t have proper drainage, so it hinders our spring games,” she said. “A lot of times we didn’t even get to make up the games. It’s frustrating because the boys are putting in all that work, and then something like that takes it away.”

For the players, the condition of the field has carried physical consequences.

Jaxon Connolly, a junior who has played on the field for multiple seasons and played in 23 games last season, according to MaxPreps, said he pulled his hamstring about three weeks ago after stepping into a hole during drills.

“There’s holes left out there,” Connolly said. “I was running out on the field, stepped in a hole and pulled my hamstring, pulled my leg. I’m feeling more healed now, but there’s no way it’s playable in that condition.”

Connolly added that constant uneven surfaces and worn areas on the field are continued concerns, especially compared to fields around the other Bay Valley Athletic League schools.

“The BPI bags take 12 weeks to break down, making it difficult to market the compost,” Carlson said. “We are lucky because we started our programs after composters allowed other cities to use the BPI bags, but now the compost processors are not accepting the BPI bags, as organic farms will not buy that compost.”

taxis struck and killed a bodega cat named Kit Kat in San Francisco’s Mission District. The incident drew national attention and calls for better regulation for autonomous vehicles.

“We have had no safety incidents to date and we’re quite proud of that,” Greenidge told the Council. He noted that the

“It definitely sucks to see,” he said. “We go out and play other teams, and they have fields five times as nice as ours. Then we come home and it’s completely different. You want to compete and focus on the game, but instead you’re worrying about where you’re stepping.”

Maurice Wafer, another junior on the Panthers roster who attended the meeting on behalf of the baseball program, said players often find themselves doing maintenance work before games just to make the field playable.

“We’ve been cleaning the field ourselves, getting it ready before games,” Wafer said. “It’s a hassle and it takes too much time. There have been times where we’ve rolled our ankles, pulled our hamstrings, pulled something in our legs. It’s just not fair to go through that consistently when we’re trying to perfect and better our game.”

“It’s just not fair for our school to not have a good field,” Wafer added. “Our field should be playable — not for others, but for the players who are on it.”

Parents echoed that comparison, describing road games as a reminder of what

Carlson added that the city does have the authority to enforce and levy a fine , but only if educational efforts are unsuccessful. He added that the City will use tags and cameras for drivers to help in educating residents on the program’s guidelines.

“Our goal for the past 30 years is to provide services and educate the residents,” Carlson said. “We’re going to try to help residents adapt to the program. It is new for all of us, so we’re going to learn together and learn to do it right. We want to make sure the program is successful.”

Carlson noted that other changes, including the requirement of swapping out the all cart lids to have proper guidelines on the cart lid and swapping out the lid on the brown waste container to a gray color to comply with the state mandate. These swaps will be implemented over the next few years.

For details, visit https://bit ly/3OAowtr To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia

human handlers for the robots can intervene if needed and can assist the robot if it struggles with crossing the street.

Councilmember Faye Maloney asked if the existing robots had faced vandalism, explaining that it would take city staff’s time away from other projects if that were to be an issue they would need to deal with. Greenidge said that the robot has a locking hatch mechanism to prevent anyone from the merchant or customer from tampering with the robot’s cargo, but did say that vandalism is an expected part of the process, especially in the early stages of adoption, as communities learn to “understand” how the robots work and acclimate to their presence. He said a push for community engagement would lessen incidents.

Greenidge sought to address other concerns as well, such as whether or not the robots would result in replacement and a loss of income for those who deliver for DoorDash locally as well as potential burden on police and city staff.

Ultimately, the City Council did not have to vote regarding DoorDash’s presentation, as it did not have an actionable request. Mendoza requested that the city dedicate time at a future meeting to discussing the proposed partnership in greater detail. The full city meeting can be watched at https:// bit.ly/3ZGfjCr

More information about Dot can be found at https:// about.doordash.com/en-us/dot

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

Antioch lacks.

“It’s embarrassing,” O’Brien said. “As a parent, it’s embarrassing when you go to Liberty, Heritage, Pittsburg and you see their fields kept the way they are. Then you come home and you see ours.”

For some families, the situation has prompted conversations about leaving Antioch altogether and going elsewhere, including rival Pittsburg.

“I most definitely thought about it with my freshman,” O’Brien said of considering transferring her younger son. “To be completely honest, I want him to go to Pittsburg to play baseball over there because they have a better facility. You want your kid to have every opportunity, and it’s hard when you feel like the field itself is holding them back.”

Shana Souza, whose son is a senior and has played all four years at Antioch, said concerns about the field have been raised for a long time.

“Parents had been complaining about field conditions for years,” Souza said. “It’s very sad to see these boys have to waste valuable practice time maintaining their own field.

We’ve brought it up to the district, the principal, the athletic director, and it feels like they know it’s an issue. They know it’s a problem, but there are always bigger issues.”

Souza said safety concerns also extend to spectators, pointing to aging metal bleachers that she said are rusted and do not comply with the Americans with Disabilties Act for accessibility.

“Our bleachers are the same bleachers that were there when the field first opened,” she said. “They’re rusted out and falling apart. They’re not handicap compliant, and it’s not safe for small children or older people to climb up them. It prevents family members from coming to watch these boys play.”

Souza added: “I know change isn’t going to happen overnight, and no one expects a brand-new field tomorrow. But I hope it’s taken seriously and that we finally get some answers.”

Members of the AUSD did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000760

The name of the business(es): Patriot Joe’s Guide Service Located at: 4301 Gold Run Drive In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Joseph Eli Poupore. 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: Joseph Poupore- Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 12, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/11/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96381 Publish dates: February, 20, 27, March 6,13, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000195 The name of the business(es): PEMAC Located at: 2343 Sequoia Dr In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): JJ Electric Solutions 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: Julian Escobar, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 14, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/13/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 96309 Publish dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000283 The name of the business(es): SC Design & Staging Located at: 5464 Gallier Loop In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sherine Chatouhy. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/5/2026. Signature of registrant: Sherine Chatouhy, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 20, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/19/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 96250 Publish dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000483 The name of the business(es): Heritage Tea Cakes Located at: 2603 Camino Ramon Suite 200 In: San Ramon, CA 94583, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Heritage Tea Cakes 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: Kimberly R. Jackson, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 29, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/28/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 96329 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000538 The name of the business(es): Self Inspired Apparel LLC Located at: 3731 Sunset Lane Suite 206 In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Self Inspired Apparel 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 9/9/2024. Signature of registrant: Dr. Sue M. May, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 2, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/1/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 96334 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Danielle Crosby SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA

94553 PETITION OF: Danielle Crosby

CASE NUMBER: N25-2011 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner

Danielle Crosby filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name: a. Noah James Crosby to Proposed Name: Noah James Payton

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: 5/11/2026 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept.: 30 Room: 201 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

b. Must be served on father Date: February 4, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96370 Publish Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000011 The name of the business(es): A Winsome Way Located at: 664 Stone Harbour Dr In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Carolyn Cleo Denise Allen. 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: Carolyn Cleo Allen - Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 2, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/01/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96398 Publish dates: February 20, 27, March 6,13, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000012 The name of the business(es): MCGS Located at: 664 Stone Harbour Drive In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Carolyn Cleo Dennis Allen. 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: Carolyn Cleo Denise Allen, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 2, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/01/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96400 Publish dates: February 20, 27, March 6,13, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000129 The name of the business(es): KM AESTHETICIAN SERVICES Located at: 4603 Balfour Road #51 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kathleen Meador. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/8/2026. Signature of registrant: Kathleen Meador, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 9, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/8/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96301 Publish dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000226 The name of the business(es): AARDWOLF NOTARY Located at: 18 Oak St #160

In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): KOKIKAMA 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: Jason Mateo, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 15, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/14/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96374 Publish dates: February 20, 27, March 6,13, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000252 The name of the business(es): S&J Farms Located at: 571 Gracie Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jennifer Dale. 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: Jennifer Dale, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 16, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/15/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96310 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000285 The name of the business(es): Eagle Lane Road Maintenance ASN Located at: 250 Eagle Ln In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following person(s): 1. Gerald C Zahn 2. Denise M Gavello. This business is conducted by: An Unincorporated Association other than a partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 10/25/2000. Signature of registrant: Gerald C Zahn. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 20, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/19/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96257 Publish dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000361 The name of the business(es): Menopause Rewritten By Renee Located at: 648 Macadamia Ct In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): NURSE2VERSE LLC. This business is conducted by: 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: Renee Aumua, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 23, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/22/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96316 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000362 The name of the business(es): O&A Located at: 648 Macadamia Ct In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): East Bay Threadz 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: Fatu Aumua, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 23, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/22/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96336 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0000431 The name of the business(es): The Alley Located at: 733 2nd Street In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tom Todd Gregory. 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: Tom Gregory, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 27, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/26/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96321 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000465 The name of the business(es): Daisy Haircuts Located at: 1701 Monument Blvd, C In: Concord, CA 94520, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jade Beauty 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: Antonio D Cornejo, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 28, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/27/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96377 Publish dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000471 The name of the business(es): EMI Entertainment Located at: 629 1st Street In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Solutions For Long-Term Care 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 1/1/2025. Signature of registrant: Lora Mesina, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 28, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/27/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96342 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000472 The name of the business(es): Mesina Insurance Services Located at: 629 1st Street In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Solutions For Long-Term Care 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: Lora Mesina, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 28, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/27/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96341 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000491 The name of the business(es): 1. TRC MOBILE NOTARY

2. WILLY’S WHIMSICAL WEARS Located at: 1813 Beachwood Common In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Thomas Ryan Child. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/2026. Signature of registrant: Thomas Child, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 29, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/28/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96401 Publish dates: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000509 The name of the business(es): Car Care Located at: 6842 New Melones Cir In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Solar Care 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: Muzaffar Ali Khan, CEO. This

statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 30, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/29/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96328 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000582

The name of the business(es): Ultimate Foam Zone Located at: 3717 Camino Diablo in Byron, CA 94514, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Ultimate Foam Zone LLC This business is conducted by: A Limited Liabillity 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: Mateo Fuentes, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 4, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/03/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96379 Publish dates: February 20, 27, March 6,13, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000641 The name of the business(es): SAROOR INDIAN CUISINE Located at: 2580 N. Main Street In: Walnut Creek, CA 94597, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Saroor SJ 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 2/3/2026. Signature of registrant: Amrik Singh, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 6, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/5/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96373 Publish dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Daniel Machuca Rodriguez SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Daniel Machuca Rodriguez CASE NUMBER: N26-0125 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Daniel Machuca Rodriguez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Daniel Machuca Rodriguez to Proposed Name: Daniel Machuca Campos Rodriguez 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: 4/29/2026 Time: 9:00 a.m.

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

Date: January 23, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96308 Publish Dates: January 30, February 6, 13 , 20, 2026.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Sari

Adrienne Blackmon SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Sari Adrienne Blackmon CASE NUMBER: N26-0219 TO ALL INTERESTED

PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Sari Adrienne Blackmon filed a petition with this

court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Sari Adrienne Blackmon to Proposed Name: Adrienne Sari Golden 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: 5/15/2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.: 30 b. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Brentwood Press

Date: February 6, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96357 Publish Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

SUMMONS IN THE NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA IN AND FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY Case No. 2025-DI-00263 Dept. II

TAMITHA ANN SALOMONE, Plaintiff, vs. RAYMOND PHILLIP JUAREZ, Defendant. YOU HAVE BEEN SUED: The Court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond in writing within 21 days. If you intend to defend this lawsuit, within 21 days after this summons is served (not counting the day of service), you must: 1. File with the Clerk of this Court, whose address is shown below, a formal written answer to the complaint, along with the appropriate filing fees, in accordance with the rules of the court, and; 2. Serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintiff, whose address is shown below. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The filer certifies that this document does not contain the social security number of any person. Dated this 18th day of November, 2025. R Edwards Clerk of Court Issued on behalf of: TAMITHA ANN SALOMONE 324A Ada Drive Pacheco, CA 94553 by A. Wadner Deputy Clerk Ninth Judicial District Court P.O. Box 218 Minden, NV 89423 (SEAL OF THE COURT) The Press - Brentwood Press No. 021273 96367 Publish Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000222 The name of the business(es): THE DAILY GRIND COFFEE CO. Located at: Oak Grove Ct. In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Emma Del Barba. 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: Emma Del Barba, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 15, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/14/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96299 Publish dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000236 The name of the business(es): Divine Direction

Journey Located at: 4652 Big Bear Rd In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Ngwesse Celine Ntube Mengang. 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: Ngwesse Celine Ntube Mengang. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 16, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/15/2031 Oakley Press No. 06-1617 96302 Publish dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000243 The name of the business(es): PIG WIG DESIGNS Located at: 1745 Chandon Way In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sophia Lorena Machado. 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: Sophia Machado, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 16, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/15/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96376 Publish dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0000345 The name of the business(es): Big Break Jiu-Jitsu Located at: 5351 Neroly Rd. Suite C In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Samantha Dean 2. David Dean. This business is conducted by: A Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 6/29/2016. Signature of registrant: Samantha Dean, Party of Marriage. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: January 22, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 1/21/2031 Oakley Press No. 030477 96375 Publish dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0000757 The name of the business(es): Cards And Pandamonium Located at: 1737 Fairhaven Ct. In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Peter Hanson 2. Edward Chavez Pinzon. This business is conducted by: Copartners. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 2/12/2026. Signature of registrant: Peter Hanson, General Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 12, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/11/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96390 Publish dates: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 2026.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE Live Oak Storage,1315 Main Street Oakley, CA 94561, has possessory lien on all of the goods stored in the prospective units below. #229 Morissa A. Clark, #979 & #113 Michael Shaw, #1000 Deanna Tatum & Lisa Michel, , #1006 Mike Pavlik & Lucia Ferlingere, #29 Amie Beville, #75 Granville Dunlevy, #3059 & #3060 Anthony Glenn, #263 Don Nelson The goods are described as furniture, tools and miscellaneous personal property items being sold pursuant to the assertion of the lien on March 5th, 2026 at 10:30 am. In order to collect the amounts due from you. The sale will take place at 1315 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 County of Contra Costa state of California. This lien sale is pursuant to Chapter 10 Section 21700-21716 of the California Self Service Storage Facility Act. Auction is to be held by Storage Auction Experts 5860870. Owner reserves the right to bid at the sale. Purchase must be in cash only paid at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to prior cancellation, in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96402 Publish Dates: February 20, 27, 2026.

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. 034-370-015-9 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

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 916-939-0772 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-23-963073-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 postsale information in accordance with

login to: http://www.qualityloan. com. The above statutorily mandated notices to Tenant, Prospective OwnerOccupant, 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: 916939-0772 Or Login to: http://www. qualityloan.com Post-Sale Information (CCC 2924m(e)): (866) 645-7711 Reinstatement or Payoff Line: (866) 6457711 Ext 5318 QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION TS No.: CA-23-963073NJ 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-2025-0006703 The name of the business(es): Dream Dental Located at: 5117 Lone Tree Way In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Timothy Y Kim DMD A Professional Corporation. This business is conducted by: a Corporation, State of Incorporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/16/2025. Signature of registrant: Timothy Kim, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/29/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0006662 The name of the business(es): Reflections Bookstore Located at: 2655 Somersville Rd. In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Olga Smith. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/4/2024. Signature of registrant: Olga Smith, Individual. This statement was filed with the County

Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/29/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/28/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000340 The name of the business(es): VANGO Located at: 5399 SOPRA ST In: ANTIOCH CA, 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): JULIA VANESSA GONZALEZ. This business is conducted by: an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/01/2025. Signature of registrant: JULIA VANESSA GONZALEZ, INDIVIDUAL. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/22/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/21/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 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-2026-0000254 The name of the business(es): The Maio Loaf Company Located at: 3281 Lookout Point Loop In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): The Maio Loaf Company 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: Stephanie Maio, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/16/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/15/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 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-2026-0000344 The name of the business(es): Creative Mind Therapy Located at: 313 Bear Creek Drive In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Bolor’s Marriage And Family Therapy, 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: Bolormaa Purvee, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 01/22/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 01/21/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0006671 The name of the business(es): Art Bar Creative Studio Located at: 3377 Deer Valley Road, #1016 In: Antioch, CA 945316664, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Angela Sankovich. 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: Angela

Sankovich, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 12/29/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/28/2030

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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

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

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 (Fecha): 11/26/2024

/s/: G. Alcantar

DEPUTY CLERK Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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

News iN Brief

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

Heritage High’s Rising Stars’ ‘Anastasia’ seeks actors

Young thespians are invited to participate in the magic of Anastasia the Musical, the Heritage High School Rising Stars’ final production for the 2025-26 season – even after it opens this weekend.

An Anastasia Youth Workshop featuring two days of rehearsals on March 9-10 with a performance on the 11th is open to grades 3-8 after Anastasia closes. This workshop features members of the Anastasia cast teaching a song and dance from the musical. Everyone participating in the workshop will receive an Anastasia shirt.

Heritage’s telling of Anastasia offers a deeper and more mature retelling of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov at the end of the Russian Revolution.

“Through a series of student matinee performances and workshops, Rising Stars students have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local aspiring young artists,” Rising Stars director Amanda Moore said.

Anastasia the Musical opens Friday, Feb. 20, and runs through the next two weekends through March 7. Tickets for the shows as well as the Youth Workshop can be purchased at hhsrisingstars.net.

County’s Treasury Oversight Committee seeks members

County Supervisors are seeking individuals with sound knowledge and experience in public and private finance, to serve on the Treasury Oversight Committee for the seat representing the Alternate County Board of Supervisors, Public Representative Seat 1 and Public Representative Seat 2 for term May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2030.

To be considered, candidates must be County residents, may not be employed by an entity that has contributed to the reelection campaign of the County Treasurer or a member of the Board of Supervisors in the previous three years, may not directly or indirectly raise money for the County Treasurer or a member of the Board of Supervisors while a member of the Committee and may not work for bond underwriters, bond counsel, security brokerages or dealers, or financial services firms with whom the County Treasurer does business, either during his or her tenure on the Committee or for one year after leaving the committee.

The committee meets in March and September on the third Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m. at 625 Court St., Room B010, in Martinez. Each meeting lasts

about one hour.

The committee’s duties include reviewing and monitoring the County Treasurer’s Annual Investment Policy, and ensuring an annual audit is conducted to determine the County Treasurer is in compliance with applicable laws.

The annual audits, meeting agendas, and minutes of the Committee are available online: http://bit.ly/4aHROxW. Members of the Committee receive no compensation for their service.

Application forms can be obtained by calling (925) 655-2000 or by applying online.

New applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., first floor, Martinez, CA 94553 no later than Friday, March 5 at 5 p.m.

Interviews will be held at the Internal Operations Committee meeting via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. to noon on March 23.

For details, visit the TreasurerTax Collector’s website at http://bit. ly/4aHROxW.

Libraries seek volunteer literacy tutors

The County library system is looking for volunteer tutors for its adult literacy program.

The program is called Project Second Chance and it offers free, one-onone, confidential tutoring to adults who would like to improve their English reading and writing skills. Many adults need help learning to read so they can get a driver’s license, pass the GED, take the citizenship test, or read to their kids.

Project Second Chance is specifically interested in finding tutors who live in East County or can travel there for tutoring sessions. The need for tutors is especially high in Pittsburg, Bay Point, and Antioch.

All tutors who work with Project Second Chance are volunteers and are provided with training before being matched with a learner. Tutors are:

• 21 years of age or older

• Comfortable with their own English reading, writing, and spelling skills

• Willing to meet with an adult learner for 90-minute sessions twice a week at a public place like a library

• Able to commit to volunteering for at least six months

The next tutor training will be held on Zoom and at Project Second Chance’s headquarters in Concord in mid-April. To sign up, complete the Prospective Tutor Orientation form. To learn more about how you can help a neighbor meet their literacy goals or to sign up, visit ccclib.org/psc or call (925) 691-3960.

Your Guide to Living Well

SAINTANNE VILLAGE

Saint Anne Village Inc.

Our Daily & Weekly Enrichment Offerings

• Alzheimer’s & dementia-focused care designed for safety, comfort, and meaningful engagement

• Cognitive based activities including arts, crafts, games, and guided social interaction

• Daily stretching and chairyoga exercises to support mobility and wellbeing

• Weekly music and singing sessions with a visiting musician

• A beautiful, secure outdoor compound ideal for walking and fresh air

• Gated patio space for outdoor gatherings and supervised relaxation

• Daily animal-assisted therapy to promote joy and emotional connection

• Weekly intergenerational programs with toddlers, middle school, and high school students

is a non-profit, state-licensed adult day care center dedicated to supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive challenges. Since opening our doors in late 2016, we have continued to thrive as a trusted resource for families in our community.

Our program is built on stability and compassion. With our original director still leading the organization and a team of longterm caregivers, we provide a consistent, nurturing environment where participants flourish through daily socialization, structured activities, and attentive supervision.

While our primary mission is to offer a safe, loving space for adults with cognitive impairments, we are equally committed to supporting their families. We provide respite care, guidance on navigating the progression of memory-related diseases, assistance in locating financial resources, and referrals for longterm placement when home care is no longer possible.

Saint Anne Village exists to uplift both our participants and the families who love them—offering community, continuity, and compassionate care every step of the way.

How to protect yourself against common phone and internet scams

There are numerous scams being carried out over the internet or phone that target senior citizens. In 2024, the latest year with records, the Federal Trade Commission said that “older adults”, age 60 and over, reported $2.4 billion in monetary losses to fraudulent schemes, up from $600 million in 2020. Unreported losses could total more than $10.1 billion.

Why are seniors so often targeted by scams? According to Seana Fippin, founder of internet technology company Red Box Business Solutions Inc. in Brentwood, it’s because of money and perceived naivete.

“Scammers specifically engineer their attacks around psychology, not only technology,” Fippin said. She added that seniors are “often targeted because attackers believe that they have a higher net worth, and are generally more trusting.”

remote access to your computer so that they can “fix” the nonexistent problem, which they use to charge a bogus fee for their alleged services. Sometimes, they may claim that your account has been hacked and that they need you to transfer money to them so they can protect it, or that you need to enter your bank account or credit card information on a website to dispute payment for a supposed subscription that costs hundreds of dollars.

These scams can be avoided if one remembers the advice of the FTC: no real tech support company will call, email, or text you to notify you of a problem on your computer, nor will a real security popup require you to call a phone number to resolve a problem. If any of these things are true about a supposed tech support contact, it’s probably fake.

Grandparent scam

Tech support scams

Despite the rising prevalence of fraud, there are ways to protect yourself against some of the most common scams, according to the National Council on Aging website, which lists the five most common scams targeting seniors.

Tech support scams often begin with a false popup on your computer or a call or text from a supposed technician, claiming that there is a problem with your computer that they can fix. Fake technicians often request

The most common scam affecting older people, according to the National Council on Aging.

This scheme involves a scammer calling or emailing their target while posing as the recipient’s relative, or a person claiming to represent a relative of the recipient, and asking for money. Common reasons for needing money include hospital bills, lawyer’s fees, and bail.

see Scams page 10B

Signs

age-related changes to vision

ACarlie Diaz, manager at California Eye Clinic said normal changes to vision are presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects), dry eye syndrome (excessive eye watering or burning), and increased light sensitivity.

“These are typically expected and can be manageable, though they can be frustrat-

Skin conditions can be prevented by reapplying sunscreen every two hours while outside, seeking shade, and avoiding midday hours where the sun is the strongest.

Tips for treating common age-related skin conditions

Skin conditions can appear in various forms, shapes, and sizes for older adults. Knowing the signs and how to prevent them can protect skin damage down the road.

“Age spots can mean a lot of different things to a dermatologist,” said Dr. Robert Beer at Balfour Dermatology, 221 Balfour

Road in Brentwood. “They include a group of mostly benign things. We separate them into their specific names such as lentigos (age/liver spots), seborrheic keratosis (a waxy, wart-like texture), ephelides (freckles), and telangiectasias (spider veins).”

Beer said that these benign spots do not have to be treated.

“Most people decide to get them

see Skin page 7B

MIKE’S ESTATE PLANNING MINUTE

By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

ESTATE PLANNING OFTEN STARTS WITH A WILL

Estate planning often starts with a will, but a truly complete plan involves much more than one document. A comprehensive estate plan addresses not only how assets are distributed, but also financial management, health care decisions, digital property, business interests, and practical guidance for loved ones.

Leaving gaps can lead to confusion, delays, or disputes. While California’s probate process provides structure, it does not automatically resolve personal or family complexities. A coordinated set of documents ensures your wishes are honored and your family has clear direction during difficult times.

The foundation of estate planning includes three core legal documents: a will, a revocable living trust, and a durable power of attorney. A will directs probate property distribution and names executors or guardians. A living trust allows assets to transfer privately and efficiently without court oversight. A durable power of attorney authorizes someone to manage finances if you become incapacitated, avoiding the need for a conservatorship.

Health care planning is equally important. An advance health care directive lets you appoint a medical decision-maker and outline treatment preferences, while a

HIPAA release allows trusted individuals to access medical information.

Modern estate plans also cover digital assets such as online banking, email, cloud storage, cryptocurrency, and social media. Clear access instructions and a designated digital representative prevent accounts from being lost or inaccessible.

Business owners should consider succession planning to ensure smooth transitions through family transfers, sales, or buy-sell agreements.

Tax considerations may apply for high-value estates, though California has no separate estate tax. Long-term care planning is also critical, as Medicare does not cover custodial care and Medi-Cal requires advance preparation.

Finally, practical tools like a letter of instruction can provide helpful details such as account information, contacts, and funeral wishes. Because life changes over time, regular reviews keep an estate plan accurate and effective.

Overall, comprehensive estate planning provides clarity, control, and peace of mind while reducing stress for loved ones.

If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 516-4888. Golden Legacy Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd. Suite A, Brentwood www.goldenlegacylaw.com – Advertorial

Protect The Ones You Love

We know that talking about your final arrangements can be difficult, so we’ve created Caring Decisions, a free one hour seminar. Join us to discover why pre-planning is a wise and thoughtful choice for both you and your loved ones.

Please scan QR code or call (925) 757.4500 to register and reserve your seat.

treated because with time, they continue to get larger, and occasionally can change into something more serious,” he added. “Prevention is the key that most people desire.”

Beer suggested sunscreen to prevent these skin conditions. “This means reapplying sunscreen every two hours while outside, seeking shade when you can, and avoiding midday hours where the sun is the strongest.”

Beer said there are also many preventive treatments that can have beneficial effects such as younger looking skin. “These include using a retinol product, and for some people, considering getting a micro dermabrasion, laser, or a specialty peel.”

He added that these can help remove the spots before they can be seen.

Beer noted the importance of recognizing the signs of skin cancer -- any spot that changes in shape, size, or color, and occasional itching.

“The preferred shape we like to see in a mole is round or oval,” he said. “Either way, they should be symmetrical if you tried to fold it over onto itself.”

Beer said size is important too as an increase in size means the mole or spot is growing.

“As far as color change, this could really be any color,” he said. “We think about a brown mole that turns darker or black. That’s the most common change, but almost all colors have been

We can help guide you on what to pay attention to, prevention recommendations, and find any spots that might be a problem later.

– Dr. Robert Beer Balfour dermatology

described including spots that turn white, red, or blue.”

Beer emphasized the importance of yearly skin exams by a dermatologist in California. “We can help guide you on what to pay attention to, prevention recommendations, and find any spots that might be a problem later.”

Balfour Dermatology Assistant Office Manager Bethany Collins said insurance would ‘typically’ cover these exams. “We are in network with most PPO and HMO insurances. Skin Checks, and in-office procedures are billable through insurance.”

For more information, visit http:// www.skinquestion.com/ To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

SOLD OUT, BUT THE NEED CONTINUES: WHY CAREGIVERS STILL NEED US BECAUSE HOME IS WHERE THEIR HEART IS

By Nikki Lopez, Caring Haven

Caregiver OneCall is honored to announce that the upcoming All Our Love for Caregivers Gala  is officially sold out. Every seat now represents someone who recognizes a truth many caregivers live with daily: the responsibility of caring for another person can be both meaningful and overwhelming, and no one should have to carry that weight alone.

Across the country, millions of family caregivers provide support without training, relief, or consistent emotional backing. Many are awake at all hours managing medications, responding to behavioral changes, or making critical decisions with little guidance. In those moments, isolation can feel immediate and profound.

That is why Caregiver OneCall exists.

Through free 24/7 telephone support, caregivers can reach a calm, compassionate voice whenever they need it most, including the quiet and often difficult

Move smoothly from room to room. • Emergency safety features.

• Can Include easy-to-use remote controls • Custom slings available for all sizes and preferences.

hours of the night. This work does not end when the gala concludes. Community support is what allows these lifelines to remain open and accessible. Learn more, donate and/or volunteer at www.caregiveronecall.org.

While event attendance has reached capacity, there is still a meaningful way to stand alongside caregivers today.

The silent auction is now open and offers an opportunity to extend your impact while bidding on thoughtfully curated items and experiences. Proceeds directly support ongoing services that help caregivers navigate stress, uncertainty, and exhaustion with real-time support.

The auction closes February 28 at midnight

Participate here:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/allour-love-for-caregivers-silent-auction

Because caregivers deserve care too.

What seniors can do to safeguard their mental health

eniors may not have come of age in a world where mental health was prioritized, and thanks to that aging men and women may not recognize where their mental health is suffering and what they can do to combat such problems. Recognition of the importance of mental health is a step in the right direction, and seniors also can consider these strategies to safeguard their mental health.

Recognize your vulnerability. The World Health Organization notes older adults are uniquely vulnerable to potential mental health problems because mental health is shaped by numerous variables, including earlier life experiences and some notable stressors related to aging, such as a decline in functional ability that can cause psychological distress. Seniors also are more likely than others to experience adverse events like the loss of a loved one or even a loss of purpose, which can affect anyone upon retirement. Recognition of this vulnerability may be enough to compel seniors to seek advice and assistance on how to safeguard their mental health from age-related stressors.

Take time out if you’re a caregiver. The WHO notes that many older adults serve as caregivers for spouses with chronic

health conditions, including dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that studies have found that 70 percent of caregivers report feeling stress related to coordination of care, while two in three caregivers have difficulty finding resources and support for their needs. Seniors who have taken on caregiving duties for a loved one must protect their own mental health by taking time out to care for themselves as well. Work with family members to share responsibilities when caring for a loved one. If family members cannot pitch in, then work with local government agencies to alleviate some of the stress of caregiving.

Make a concerted effort to socialize. A 2025 report from the WHO indicated that roughly one-fourth of all older adults are affected by social isolation and loneliness. Social connection can significantly improve mental health and provide a sense of life satisfaction while improving quality of life. Seniors are urged to prioritize socialization. Many community-based groups, including government offices, run programs designed specifically to facilitate socialization among older residents. Take advantage of such programs whenever possible. Seniors living alone also may want to consider relocating to communities exclusive to people age 55 and over, as such developments typically offer an array of socialization opportunities to residents.

ing,” said Diaz.

Abnormal changes that require monitoring include cataracts (clouding of the eye), glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve), Macular Degeneration (straight lines look wavy), and Diabetic Retinopathy (floaters or dark spots occur).

Diaz added that these conditions “are not a normal part of aging and require medical intervention to prevent vision loss.”

“Patients tend to develop cataracts in their mid-60s,” said Diaz. “Cataracts are usually formed from UV (ultraviolet) light exposure and this causes vision to decrease.”

Diaz said standard changes in vision start with a decrease in the best correct vision. “Patients will complain of blurry or hazy vision. This is particularly noticed while driving at night or watching television.”

Other early warning signs for cataracts are poor night vision, light sensitivity, faded colors- things may look yellow or less vibrant, and frequent prescription changes. Since patients generally notice blurry vision from cataracts, Diaz said it is recommended that patients have annual dilated eye exams with an eye doctor to monitor progression and ocular health. These exams are covered by insurance.

Unlike the noticeable signs of cataracts, signs of glaucoma can often go unnoticed.

“Glaucoma causes peripheral vision loss and is difficult for patients to become aware of the signs because they do not experience issues with central vision blur or any pain,” she said.

She added that 2-3% of patients can develop glaucoma over their lifetime.

Glaucoma is often called “the silent thief of night,” Diaz added that “it has no pain and no symptoms in the early stages. Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be removed.”

Signs of glaucoma are peripheral vision loss, halos around lights, acute symptoms such as sudden severe eye pain, headaches or nausea.

Diaz said the goal for those in their 50s is early detection. “Many of these conditions are treatable before permanent damage occurs.”

Preventative strategies for vision-related conditions include:

♦ Regular eye exams (most critical step)

♦ UV Protection

♦ Nutrient-rich diet (kale, spinach, fruits, nuts)

♦ No smoking

♦ Manage chronic health conditions.

♦ Keeping diabetes and high blood pressure under control.

♦ Protective eyewear such as safety glasses during sports or home repairs.

♦ Exercising regularly

Diaz emphasized seeking immediate care if someone known in this age group experiences the “curtain” effect (a dark shadow over vision), spots in their field of vision, eye pain with nausea, or a sudden loss of vision.

For more information, visit www ca-eyeclinic com/brentwood

Interior,

Attorney Anne Hydorn offers personalized elder law and estate planning services for seniors and families in Brentwood, East Contra Costa County, and the Central Valley. She is known for her compassionate approach, careful listening, and thoughtful guidance, taking time to understand each client’s goals and

unique family dynamics. As a woman in business, Anne helps families protect assets, navigate long-term care considerations, and plan ahead so loved ones are supported when unexpected events occur. To make planning easier, she also offers inhome visits for added flexibility and convenience. Call now

To learn more about how I can assist your family! (925) 391-8630 anne.hydorn@hydornlaw.com

In recent years, this type of scam has become even more effective thanks to AI technology, which can be used to falsify a relative’s voice over the phone.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, the National Consumers’ League recommends treating any urgent request for money, especially through wire transfer, as suspicious, and contacting the relative who supposedly asked for money yourself to verify that they made the request.

Financial services scam

The scammer poses as a financial institution, such as a bank or debt collector, and asks for personal information, supposedly to secure a compromised financial account. Skilled scammers can create fake email addresses and caller IDs that mimic those of legitimate institutions.

The best way to avoid this type of scam is to never share personal data such as account logins with people you don’t know or whose identity you cannot verify. Call the institution yourself, if possible.

Government impersonation scam

Similar to a financial services scam, which hides behind the legitimacy of an existing institution, the scammer pretends to be a government employee with agencies such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, claiming that the victim has not paid their taxes, or that they need the victim’s personal information to continue paying out Social

Security checks. The money disappears, and the personal information will be used to commit identity theft.

If someone claiming to be from the government contacts you and demands money or personal details, the FTC recommends that you contact the agency they claim to be from and ask them directly whether they need something from you.

Romance scams

Also known as online dating scams or catfishing, these schemes involve the scammer creating a fake profile on a dating app or social media and matching or otherwise contacting the victim with false words of love and care; they may “love bomb” the victim with gifts and flattery. Once the victim has been lulled into a false sense of security, the scammer asks for money, often more than once; they may ask for discreet wirings, or store gift cards, and spin tales of a difficult time in their life to garner sympathy. Sometimes, the scammer may request intimate photos for blackmail purposes.

There are several ways to avoid being catfished, according to the National Council on Aging; these include comparing the details on a person’s profile with things they have told you, searching their name online to ensure that they are a real person, checking to see if their profile is empty of any interactions or photos (a sign of a scammer), not giving personal information until you’ve met someone in person, and even simply telling someone you trust about your situation and seeing what they think.

Travel tips for the over-50 crowd

Travel has long been viewed as a positive hobby that can pay short- and long-term dividends. Some of those benefits may surprise even the most devoted jet-setters.

For example, a joint study from the Global Commission on Aging and the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that women who vacationed twice a year had a considerably lower risk of heart attack than women who vacationed once every six years. The same study noted men who did not take an annual vacation had a 30 percent greater risk of heart disease than men who did vacation each year.

Traveling after 50 may necessitate a slightly different approach than it did when individuals were younger. Though adults over 50 can reap the same travel-related rewards they did when they were younger, some additional safety measures may be necessary at this point in travelers’ lives.

♦ Determine vaccination requirements if you plan to travel overseas. The Health In Aging Foundation (HIAF) urges older travelers hoping to go overseas to identify vaccination requirements in countries they plan to visit. Make this part of your early planning, as the HIAF notes some countries require vaccinations be administered at least six weeks prior to entry. Information regarding travel-related

vaccinations can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travelvaccines.

♦ Get a pre-trip medical checkup. A pretrip medical checkup can ensure adults over 50 are healthy enough to travel. A doctor visit also can be a great opportunity to update vaccinations and discuss medications. It can be tricky to manage medications when crossing time zones, and travelers can work out a schedule with their physicians to ensure they don’t miss any doses. This also can be a good time to renew prescriptions to ensure you don’t run out while away from home. Work with your physician and pharmacist to create a list of prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, which the HIAF notes will make it easier to get through customs and get replacement medicines should you need them while traveling.

♦ Beware of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and how to avoid it. The Mayo Clinic notes DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, typically in the legs. Lack of movement is a risk factor for DVT, which can affect immobile travelers during long flights, train rides or road trips. DVT risk can be reduced by getting up and walking around when allowed to do so on long flights or train rides. If you’ll be driving long distances, make frequent pitstops to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

–Metro Creative

more hours in the day. Happy hours, not fixing-thehouse hours, of course. Please call or visit our website for more information. Then prepare to seize the day.

(925) 807-2415 • merrillgardensbrentwood.com 2600 Balfour Road, Brentwood, CA 94513

BRENTWOOD SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

The Brentwood Senior Activity Center is open for activities geared towards adults ages 50 and better! Weekly classes include fitness, art, music, friendship, and more!

Free Game Social takes place every Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

The Café Costa lunch program serves meals

Monday - Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

193 Griffith Lane Brentwood, CA 94513

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm (925) 516-5380 brentwoodca.gov