The Press 02.27.2026

Renovations coming to Oakley’s wastewater collection system

By Connor Robles Correspondent

To reduce energy costs, the Ironhouse Sanitary District is planning on building 1.5 megawatts of solar generation capacity, plus adding more battery storage capacity, to complement their existing 1.1-megawatt system, which only produces 42 percent of the energy needed for their water treatment plant.

Over the next five years, Ironhouse Sanitary District Engineer Danea Gem-

mell said at the Oakley City Council meeting on Feb. 24 that Ironhouse will invest $48,329,000 on its entire system. And $23,884,000 of this will go into the

Brentwood appoints interim City Attorney

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The Brentwood City Council appointed Thomas Lloyd Smith of Redwood Public Law to take on the role of interim city attorney beginning on March 6 following the announcement last month that City Attorney Katherine Wisinski would be leaving her role for a position in Pleasanton.

During the discussion at the Feb. 24 meeting of the City Council, Smith requested that his time overlap with Wisinski’s for roughly a week in order to help him get up to speed on the city’s affairs. While Wisinski warned that the city did not have a process in place for having two city attorneys at one time, a provision was put in place that would give Smith the power to be seen

Sanitation

and

collection system, covering such costs as the 14-inch parallel force mains, a renovation program for the collection system, truck replacements, and pump station

as the authority figure during their shared tenure. According to the agenda packet for the meeting, Smith would be a contractor rather than an employee. His contract is open-ended as the city partners with executive recruitment firm Peckham and McKenney to find a permanent replacement in a nationwide search.

Compensation for Smith’s role would be capped at $250,000 with a rate of $388 per hour for general services and an increased rate of $425 per hour for “special services.” According to Mayor Susannah Meyer, the city attorney role requires availability two to three days a week. Smith’s contract would expire when a permanent replacement is found and is

see Appoints page 18

improvements, according to Gemmell’s presentation. The district’s Water Recycling Facility, one of the most advanced in the Bay Area, according to Gemmell, will receive $24,445,000 for expenses such as influent piping and screening improvements, scheduled equipment replacement, and new on-site facilities for dealing with solid waste.

Gemmell notified the council that the district would soon be sending out notices of a public hearing on proposed rate changes, which is scheduled for May 19 and will be held at Ironhouse’s main facility at 450 Walnut Meadows Drive in Oakley.

Oakley hears what public wants for its new library

By Connor Robles Correspondent

Oakley and Siegel & Strain

Architects held the first of three public meetings for the new Oakley Library and Community Center on Feb. 17 at City Hall.

The meeting enabled Oakley residents to give their opinions on Siegel & Strain’s plans for the library and suggest potential changes, and was attended by 19 people, including Mayor Hugh Henderson, three City Councilmembers, Planning Commissioner Kerry Harvey, and City Manager Joshua McMurray.

Contra Costa County librarian Allison McKee and Friends

of the Oakley Library Vice President Alan Kemp were also present. Suggestions included a larger area for teens, greater multipurpose capabilities for library rooms, and fountains and ponds, etc.

The new library will be around 11,500 square feet in area (possibly fluctuating based on budget concerns) and feature numerous sections and amenities, such as areas for children, teens, and adults on its east side; a 1,500 square foot community room on its west side; and a space dedicated to the Friends of the Oakley Library near the

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Oakley’s Got Talent fundraiser returns

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

The City of Oakley is hosting its annual “Oakley’s Got Talent” competition on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 1-3 p.m. at the Oakley Community Center at 1250 O’Hara Ave.

The talent show will also be held in conjunction with their second annual artist showcase, putting art created by local artists on display where people can vote for their favorite piece.

Oakley’s Got Talent, which started in 2019, was planned, prepared, and produced by The Oakley Youth Advisory Council — youth representatives who help plan and attend events for local youth and their families, while focusing on providing enriching experiences for youths, according to their website.

Oakley’s Got Talent was created to give local performers a place to showcase their skills and gain experience performing in front of an audience,” said Oakley Recreation Manager Troy Faulk.

“It also provides residents another family-friendly community event and an opportunity to support fellow community members.”

The Oakley Recreation department posted an invitation on their social me-

dia pages last month welcoming anyone who can sing, dance, play an instrument, or have any other talents to attend. Auditions were held on Feb. 4-5 at the Oakley Recreation Center.

Last year’s talent show exceeded its

goal of raising $500 for the Contra Costa Food Bank during it first day, raising a total of $612. This year, the goal is $800. The money is raised through online donations via link or QR code and in cash sales of concessions at the event, Faulk said. The link to donate is: https://bit.ly/4aQJRpU

“The fundraising component was added by the Oakley Youth Advisory Council in 2024 to supplement their community service efforts by raising money for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano,” Faulk said. “The fundraiser is already underway and concludes at the end of the event on Saturday.”

Faulk added that all funds raised are donated directly to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. He said there are no additional fundraisers planned for this year that would support food banks.

For details, contact Alicia at Oleary@ ci.Oakley.ca.us or call 925-625-7041.

Laura Jones of Oakley participated in the filming of the TV game show The Price is Right recently. The episode was taped on Sept. 10, 2025 and it aired on Dec. 30. “I got picked after taping our fourth show in two days,” she said. She thought the last contestant was picked – and then she heard it ….”Laura Jones, “Come on down!”. “I had just had hip surgery and was nervous about falling,” she said. “My children had bought me a Plinko game from Costco for my birthday, and I told that story during my interview. So when I won my first prizes, I got to go up and was told ‘You’re going to play Plinko for $50,000.’ I almost fainted, and then I told my story about what my children had got for me for my birthday. I won four total chips and won some money ($10,000).” “It was truly a dream come true, the time of my life,” she said. “I have worked for Oakley School for 24 years and the children at the school were able to watch me because we were on winter break. We all went to my mother’s house to watch with my brother, children and their spouses. So exciting.”

Heritage Speech and Debate Club at risk of ending; donations sought

From the first meeting of Heritage’s Speech and Debate Club that I attended, I felt welcomed. I made friends, met inspiring people, and was introduced to our advisor, Joshua Cauley. That’s why the news we received two meetings ago was so devastating. We were told that the club would be shutting down next school year.

Specifically, Mr. Cauley told the roughly 100 regular student participants that the club was shut ting down because he is unable to keep up the heavy workload

as a one-man team manager, handling club logistics, regional speech/debate tournament organizing, and sacrificing several consecutive weekends to at tend competitions with students.

For many of us, this club is more than just an extracurricular. It’s an escape, a safe space, and a community where we feel heard and understood. Hearing that it could be taken away felt heartbreaking, as if something truly special was being lost. But not all hope is lost.

Debate club has helped people find their voice.

When I attended my first meeting, I was shocked by how many people were there – at least 50 people – and I noticed something that I had never seen before in a school club: The members were talking to each other as if they were friends, and not only inside the club. I saw members conversing outside of school, which blew my mind. Members have said that some of their closest friends are part of the program, and their dependence on each other is the lifeline of the club.

This kind of connection doesn’t just happen by accident; it’s built through practice, teamwork, and spending time together both inside and outside of school. Speech and Debate isn’t just a club, it’s a place where people support each other through challenges. The club encourages teamwork and collaboration, and that kind of environment naturally brings people closer. It’s not just about competing.

March is your lucky month to meet new people and learn new things. This month’s courses celebrate the luck of the Irish by exploring the magic of limerick poetry writing, getting organized by learning about iCloud storage, discovering the critical bridge infrastructure that allows us to traverse the Delta and East Bay, and learning to save a life through the valuable skill of CPR. Bring a friend, get out of the house and enjoy one of our many courses. Here’s what is happening in March:

3/4/26 The Great Delta Road Trip - A Virtual Tour: 100 Places Not to Miss!

3/11/26 Get Organized!  How to use iCloud storage for iPhone, iPad & Mac

3/12/26 Poetry Writing: Limericks!

3/18/26 Delta Bridges: Bascule, Turn-table & Vertical Lift

3/19/26 Life-Saving Skills: CPR*

3/26/26 Emergency First Aid: Beyond Band-Aids

*See catalog for hours and cost for this course

All courses are offered in person from 1:00PM-3:00PM (unless otherwise indicated) at the Brentwood Center located at 1351 Pioneer Square, Brentwood, CA.  Most courses cost $25 per person unless otherwise indicated.  Scan the QR code or go to the website to see the full catalog and to register www.losmedanos.edu/communityed. For questions or more information, email nhannum631@losmedanos. edu or call 925-473-7397.

Borden Junction Garage

With more resources, funding, and backing from everybody, this program can keep growing and helping students succeed. Supporting Speech and Debate means supporting a community where students can learn, connect, and become stronger leaders.

The club is 100% independent with students doing all the fundraising, having raised $15,000 in the past school year. Many students this year are on track to compete at state and national level tournaments that are beyond the club’s budget. When recruiting for advisors/teacher support for the next year, many teachers cited a lack of pay and heavy workload as the reason why they didn’t want to take up the role.

According to a study by the Orange County Academy of Sciences, those who join school clubs gain a sense of belonging when participating in club activities. This sense of belonging is important, especially in a school environment where many students feel pressure to fit in or stay quiet. When people feel accepted and supported, they’re more likely to open up and express who they really are. Our club provides that safe space. It’s not just a place to participate in activities, but a place where students feel comfortable being themselves.

The club has helped me make new friends, but I have also gotten the opportunity to meet new people. The Speech and

Through Speech and Debate, I’ve met people I wouldn’t have otherwise known as well, and those connections have made my school experience more meaningful and enjoyable. Our motto is “find your voice.”

If you are a teacher at Heritage, contact Joshua Cauley and see if you can become a club advisor, or, if you are the parent of a member, donate some money to our club. It deserves it. With your help, can save the Speech and Debate club, and continue this tradition of doing good.

Donations are necessary to keep the students competing for this final year of the program’s continuation. You can contribute via an online donation website successfund.com/hhssd26

Brentwood Chamber announces award winners

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the awards to be presented at the gala on March 7. The winners are:

• Citizen of the Year: Lynn Gursky

• Business of the Year: Dutch Bros

• Start-Up of the Year: Brentwood Ice Cream Co.

• Non-Profit of the Year: Helping One Woman

• Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca Ross

• Employee of the Year: Emma Hines/Dutch Bros

• Young Professional of the Year: Giobana Peralta/Liberty High School student

ing its first cash scholarship to the Young Professional of the Year, and it will host a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting both the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Non-profit of the Year. Other entertainment will include a pianist, a mentalist, a photo booth as well as a cigar rolling demonstration, according to Ramsey. After the event, there will also be a DJ so attendees can dance the night away.

The annual awards are voted on by the community and recognize outstanding local businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made a meaningful impact in Brentwood. Residents were encouraged to nominate and vote to reflect the voices and values of Brentwood, according to Katie Ramsey, director and gala chairwoman. She said the Chamber received over 1500 votes this year.

“This gala is more than a celebration — it’s a reflection of the heart of our community,” she explained. “We come together to honor those who serve, lead, and inspire, from youth leadership to nonprofit impact and everyday workplace excellence. When you attend, you’re not just enjoying a beautiful evening — you’re directly supporting scholarships, programs, and advocacy efforts that strengthen our entire community.”

To that end, the Chamber is present-

The evening’s theme is “A Night of Influence” and formal attire is requested. Tickets are $100 per person and include an Italian-themed dinner. Due to overwhelming turnout last year, this year’s event is being held at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch from 5:30-11:30 p.m. “Last year’s gala welcomed almost 300 guests, and the Brentwood Community Center was filled wall-to-wall — making it clear that we had outgrown the space and needed a venue that could support both our increased attendance and our evolving vision,” Ramsey said. “This year, we’re moving to the larger venue as we are anticipating approximately 350 attendees with the flexibility to continue growing in the years ahead.”

Ramsey noted that ticket sales are going fast. There are limited tickets available, so anyone who wishes to attend the event should get theirs now.

For tickets, visit www.brentwoodchamber.com or call 925-634-3344.

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 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.

On the Horizon

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. 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-annualcrab-feed-tickets-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.

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 Friday’s publication at ads@brentwoodpress.com or call 925-634-1441.

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State program shows students how to be leaders

Brentwood students seek like-minded individuals

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

The California Association of Student Leaders (CASL) program has been a student-led, non-profit organization designed to teach students how to become leaders across California since 1996.

“We are helping students gain realworld skills in leadership, communication, organization, civic engagement, and teamwork, and–more importantly–bring those skills back to their campuses and communities,” said Mariah Juarez, a junior at Liberty High School and CASL Northern Regional Director.

Juarez said the goal at CASL has been to train, equip, and motivate students throughout the state “using local, regional, and statewide opportunities.”

While she has attempted to revive CASL at Liberty, Juarez is not the only local student participating in the program. Heritage High School and Excelsior Middle School have students involved in CASL.

“For many years, Heritage attended the conference and Liberty’s first time going was last year, when we brought about 12 students,” she added. “This year, due to cost we are not attending. But students at Liberty are still getting involved to fill that gap, serving as ambassadors and members of the CMAT program, the media form of CASL.”

Juarez said she plans to continue involving the youth by integrating this program into Brentwood’s middle schools.

“Next year, many of our Liberty students plan to run to be a board member and I’ve walked them through the process via workshops to help them get more involved. CASL is beginning to mean a lot to Liberty, and as I see it, Brentwood as a whole, what we learn directly influences our impact on our community.”

Juarez said her middle school inspired her to want to get involved in the program. “One of our local middle schools, Excelsior, has been involved with this program for many years. They provided me

with my first experience at a leadership development day through CASL, and later that year (2023) at the conference. CASL has what we call “CASL Magic,” and I believe it’s what truly made me step forward to run for the board and apply to be a Meet the Pros presenter.”

Juarez said the magic was connecting with students at a state level who want to see their peers succeed and feel appreciated. “There was so much purpose in the program that ultimately pushed me to go further.”

Juarez said students are both chosen and initiate contact with CASL to gain involvement.

“Attending a conference depends on your school, some have a selection process, while others let students decide whether to go with their delegation or not,” she noted. “For Liberty, we take anyone who wants to go. For our ambassador program, contact is initiated. Anyone is

welcome to sign up and get involved with the offered services as an ambassador, but you are not chosen selectively, anyone can be one.”

To apply for a board position, an application must be submitted, be selected as a finalist, and then speak on a panel at the conference.

Juarez said only seven or 10 members from each region (North and South) are chosen.

According to the CASL website cada1.org, there are several opportunities.

Ambassador Form: A low-commitment way to stay involved in CASL. Students can meet the board, take back new notes, and network across the state.

Area Conferences: Leadership training days on a regional scale. Students can listen to professional speakers, meet and network with schools across the area, participate in activities and leadership

presentations. The location of nearby conferences are available on the website.

CASL Conference: CASL state board members organize activities and workshops for students.

“We want readers to see the impact on the students across the state, and the ways to get involved- becoming an ambassador or CMAT member,” she said.

Other learning programs offered from the district

Special Services Education Coordinator Valerie Raudebaugh oversees the LUHSD Gateway Program. “This is our 18- to 22-year-old program for moderate to severe handicapped young adults.”

The Gateway Program focuses on life skills and independence.

Career Technical Education: CTE pathways in various fields designed to prepare students for specific careers and college.

Academic Programs and Academies: Programs include Future Farmers of America (FFA), Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), and specialized academic academies Advanced Placement (AP): Available to prepare students for collegelevel work and earn college credit.

English Learner (EL) Program: Supports a diverse population of 550 students, providing language support, academic courses, and credit recovery (via Edgenuity).

Alternative Education: Includes the P.A.S.S. (Portable Assisted Study Sequence) Independent Study Program for students needing flexible schedules, particularly for migrant students or those requiring alternatives to traditional, inperson instruction.

Work-Based Learning/Internships: Partnerships with local agencies, such as the City of Brentwood, provide realworld experience through initiatives like the L.A.U.N.C.H. internship program.

“We are looking to spread our message and increase student involvement,” Juarez said in addition to the support they receive from the district.

For more information on CASL, visit cada1.org

For CASL updates and current events, visit their Instagram @CASLFAN

For more information on programs offered, visit https://www.luhsd.net

EDITORIALS,

O pini O

Letter to the editor

‘Democracy dies in darkness’

Editor: Political investigative journalist Bob Woodward, along with fellow reporter Carl Bernstein, revealed on the pages of The Washington Post the details of the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office building in 1972.

A group of operatives funded by the Committee to Re-elect the President planned to collect intelligence that would give Richard Nixon greater assurance of success in the upcoming national election. The operation was bungled, the intruders taken into custody, and thus began a cover-up of the truth that Woodward and Bernstein pursued, ultimately leading to complicity in the Oval Office and the resignation of a President of the United States. A book by the reporters detailing the investigation followed, and All the President’s Men became a compelling case for the importance of a free press in holding power to account.

As a crusader shining a journalistic light on the hidden dimensions of politics, Woodward’s reporting continues to provide evidence of the importance of a free and active press, giving life to the words of the First Amendment to our Constitution, perhaps the most important words composed by its author, James Madison: Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.

Given his long-standing reputation, Woodward is credited with popularizing the expression, “Democracy dies in darkness.” Indeed, The Washington Post adopted the words to appear in the masthead of the paper in 2017, not

surprisingly coinciding with the start of the first Trump administration. Critics consider the expression an exaggerated view of our country. But others understand that the loss of a free press is a step in dismantling a Constitutional government and consider it a critical reminder.

Respected and reputable newspapers such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal routinely apply rigorous scrutiny to their content to ensure accuracy, particularly when reporting on government. While previous administrations may not have always welcomed such scrutiny, the current president has chosen to attack publications critical of his actions, repeatedly using terms like “fake news” and “enemy of the people,” and threatening legal retribution. Contradicting proven facts comes easily to a man who is untethered to the truth and guilty of lying to refute his felonious deeds.

Democracy is dependent upon a wellinformed electorate, each responsible for sorting fact from opinion, honesty from deception. Even when balancing reputable conservative and liberal perspectives to capture a full picture, the task becomes more difficult with the ever-growing number of outlets purporting to preach the truth, where information is a business. Headlines are contorted to exploit an audience and reap profit. As distortion, fabrication, and outright lies become the tools for success, truth becomes a casualty.

The solution is simple. We must draw from different sources for our news, assess all that we read with a critical mind, and most importantly, believe our own eyes.

Richard Kushnier

Brentwood

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.

Email your opinion letter to editor@brentwoodpress.com.

Hometown SportS

Heritage returns to NCS title game

First championship game in 7 years

By Mason Tovani Correspondent

Heritage girls basketball coach Mark Hurtado shook the hands of fellow staff and parents outside of the team room after their 56-44 win over Pinole Valley in the North Coast Section semi-finals on Tuesday night.

This program first reached the NCS championships for the first time a decade ago, and now his 23-6 Patriots are still dancing. Redwood High awaits them this Saturday in the championship game at Marin Catholic High School at 7 p.m. The appearance in this year’s championship game is the program’s first since 2019. Heritage lost four straight NCS championship games from 2016-19.

“We knew we had the talent when we started the year and even in the summer time,” Hurtado said. “It was just about putting it together and being organized on offense and defense at all times.”

The Patriots’ 11-2 run in the first five minutes of the third quarter and 23-10 run in the second half as a whole came off the backs

of full-court pressure defense that made Pinole Valley call a timeout and to pull their starters at the end of the third quarter.

Hurtago said that aggressiveness is the team’s bread and butter, and the type that sparked a fourth-quarter comeback against Dublin High on Friday in a game where the stop-and-go flow of the game seemed to take the energy out of both benches and sets of

fans. Nonetheless, Heritage hung their hat on entering the final eight minutes of a lowscoring match.

Senior captain Riley Bayot is an anchor for the team, and Tuesday night was no exception. Once the latecomer students arrived to fill the gym midway through the second half, she looked at ease, her pass to Gabi Marte for a left wing three-pointer as the defense col-

lapsed was one of the strengths she provides for the team.

“She was great; she led us as a captain should,” Hurtado said of Bayot.

The first and third games of the playoffs have both been near wire-to-wire wins for the Patriots. Their dominance was on display against Windsor and Pinole Valley. Against Dublin, they required more organized team play, as Hurtado mentioned, to come out with a victory. Either way, there is effort and a ‘want to’ in all 32 minutes, whether they are down nine in an quarterfinal away game or up 15 with a packed gym and pressing full court.

The will and ‘want to’ win have secured their position in the championship game. ‘Aggressiveness’ cannot be an overused word inside the Heritage locker room – not now – and it seems as though Bayot and Hurtado have no concerns of that with this group with one game left to play.

“We’re really excited (but) we just have to stay composed and not get ahead of ourselves,” Bayot said. “I’m confident in us. We do a lot of good stuff but we have to clean things up, make good passes, make shots and play the way we play.”

Liberty regroups with state berth at stake

Lions boys basketball shifts focus to third-place NSC game at Acalanes

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Liberty’s 82-73 defeat at Bishop O’Dowd in Tuesday night’s North Coast Section semifinal ended its push for an NCS title. Now, the Lions shift their focus toward Friday’s third-place game at Amador Valley (who lost their semifinal game against Granada) and what the Lions believe is still in front of them: a shot at a state championship run.

“To me, every game is a championship game,” Liberty head boys basketball coach Rich Morton said. “Whether it’s a third-place game, first or second, we go in there to win. Obviously, this game is important. It can decide on your seniors, it can decide on your high school basketball career whether you end it or you move on. So it’s important.”

The loss marks Liberty’s second NCS semifinal loss in three years. In the 2024 playoffs, Liberty fell on the road at Dublin to end their season.

The most immediate issue for the Lions Tuesday night was inside the paint, and it might have exposed Liberty even a little bit heading into Friday night’s game.

Of the Dragons’ 82 total points, 65 came from the paint – 14 from the free throw line. Liberty not only had no answer for O’Dowd’s interior game, it was also the first time in this NCS postseason, let alone all season, that the Lions looked and played physically outmatched.

“I thought the difference was their interior guys,” Morton said. “It looked like they bullied us a little bit. They played a lot tougher around the basket and that was one of the keys. I thought on the perimeter it was pretty

Liberty’s Jaiden Miller goes up for the layup during the Lions’ NCS boys basketball semifinal game at Bishop O’Dowd High School Tuesday night in Oakland.

much even, but once they got in the paint, our interior guys just weren’t in good enough position to withstand the physicality.”

That physical edge slowed Liberty’s transition game and forced it into half-court sets, where second-chance points and missed defensive assignments compounded the problem.

“I feel like as a team we weren’t expecting them (to be as physical),” Lions junior guard Jaiden Miller said. “That was the first team that really played us hard like that, and we kind of figured them out too late. We had so many lapses letting them get second-chance points, and that’s usually what hurts us in big games. They forced us to play basketball in the half court and we struggled, but I feel like we could have won the game. We just had too many bad matchups on defense.”

Even after Miller’s school-record 38-point night, Miller focused on his own defensive errors in the loss.

“I take accountability,” he said. “I lost my man too much and gave up too many points. …“They forced us to play basketball and we kind of struggled. We had so many lapses of

letting them get so many second-chance points, and that’s usually what hurts us in big games.”

Miller’s scoring, along with a 14 points by senior Dante Vigil and 10 by senior Brendan Beresford, kept Liberty within reach, and at one point helped them regain the lead in the fourth quarter, albeit it for as much of a glimmer of a moment before the Dragons stormed back to retake the lead late. But the Lions struggled to find a handful of perimeter contributors.

Morton said that has to change quickly.

“We have guys who are capable of scoring who are just not coming through at this time,” he said. “It’s not just the bigs — it’s our wings, too. You don’t have to be a bigtime scorer, but you do have to knock down shots at certain points. A lot of that is confidence. You put in the extra work, you get in the gym, and when the shot goes up you have to believe it’s going in.”

Despite the disappointment of missing out on what seemed to be a real chance at an NCS title, the Lions still view Friday’s third-place game as an opportunity. The winner of that game at the Dons in Pleasanton receives a bid into the CIF State tournament starting next week while the loser will either just miss out or receive a low seeded, at-large entry if they do get in.

“(Finishing third in NCS) is still a big accomplishment for us,” Miller said. “We were super down at the beginning of the year, so to be in this position in Division 1 is big. We want to win Friday, go into the State playoffs with a higher seed, and not have to play one of those big teams right

“We weren’t supposed to lose,” Miller added. “We went into that game thinking we were going to win and play for a championship. Now we’ve got a chip on our shoulder. We’re not going to let anybody stand in our way anymore.”

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

Liberty girls soccer playoff run ends in heartbreak

Lady Lions fall 1-0 in overtime of NCS semifinal

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

And just like that, the best defensive team remaining in the North Coast Section playoffs finally conceded a goal — one that ended its season.

A header into the net six minutes into the first overtime by Las Lomas’ Violet Keeperman sent the Knights to the NCS final with a 1-0 win and sent Liberty home. The goal was the first Liberty had allowed since Jan. 23 against Freedom, ending a shutout streak of 726 minutes — eight matches, including more than 80 minutes Wednesday night — dating to Jan. 27 against Heritage.

While Liberty’s defense remained strong through the regular season and postseason, the attack struggled throughout the night as fatigue from the playoff schedule and Las Lomas’ pressure limited chances. Senior attacker and leading scorer Jada Hart was unable to create the same runs or generate the same shots she had all season, while the defensive unit held as long as it could.

“We definitely saw fatigue setting in,” Liberty head coach Nikki Toeaina said. “We tried to move players into different spots and get some fresh legs out there, hoping it would spark something and help us create chances.”

Las Lomas’ Violet Keeperman celebrates after heading in the match-winning goal in the Knights’ North Coast Section semifinal win over Liberty on Wednesday night in Walnut Creek.

Keeperman’s goal came off a Las Lomas corner kick midway through the first overtime, heading the ball into the net between two defenders as it curled toward the goal.

“As defenders, we can only do so much,” Liberty senior defender Mia Moniz said. “If we’re not helping the attack and supporting them, it’s hard to win games. Everyone has to contribute. … Jada can only do so much. She’s our leading scorer, she works so hard. But if we’re not helping her enough and getting her the balls she needs, we’re not going to score.”

“Every time we tried to counter, it

felt like we couldn’t connect,” Hart said. “The striker would get the ball and we just couldn’t link up because everybody was already pushing or tired, and that showed. By the time we got the ball forward, we were so tired that we were just kicking it. That’s when the bad habits started to show.”

Both teams battled for control in the midfield, each searching for a gap to create scoring chances. Las Lomas generated several scoring opportunities but was repeatedly denied by Liberty’s back line.

“Our defense has been solid all season,” Toeaina said. “They’re probably one of the

best back lines in the NCS with their communication, coverage and well-timed tackles. Any team would want that group.”

“Our goalkeeper, freshman Juliana Geer, saved us so many times this season,” Hart added. “She’s just a freshman and already one of the best in the league. She’s going to get better.”

The semifinal loss ends Liberty’s best season since the 2019-20 campaign, matching that team’s 14 wins as the program has improved its win total by two each year since 2022-23. Still, Hart and Toeaina said Wednesday’s result felt like a missed opportunity for a return to the NCS final for the first time since the program’s title in 2017.

“It always feels like a missed opportunity after a loss like this,” Toeaina said. “We’re always trying to figure out how to crack the other team and hurt them in a way. But I also feel like this group has overachieved again this season. They continued to rise to the occasion and play for each other.”

“I’m just really proud of this group,” Moniz said. “Everyone works hard and everyone supports each other. It’s been very special to be a part of, and I’ve never loved playing with a team more.”

Hart said the loss will stay with her.

“Walking off the field after a loss like that sticks with you,” Hart said. “It’s a feeling that really sucks, and it’s something I don’t ever want to feel again. Next time, I want to be the one celebrating.”

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

Liberty baseball opens season with shutout of Granada

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Liberty opened its season with a complete performance — and delivered the first win of Shawn McHugh’s tenure as head coach.

Behind a combined three-hit shutout from Keoni Kaanehe and Chance Formosa, along with a patient and productive day at the plate, the Lions blanked Granada 5-0 on Wednesday to open their 2026 regular season.

Kaanehe (1-0) allowed one hit over four innings, working around three walks while striking out one. Formosa followed with three scoreless innings from the fifth onward, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out six to secure the shutout for the Lions.

McHugh said the outing showed both progress and areas still developing for a young pitching staff.

“I’d like to throw more early strikes in the counts, but they responded really well when they got behind,” McHugh said. “We’re trying to chase ‘plus counts.’ I felt in some situations we did a good job with that and some we were chasing strikes. They’re very talented young men and they’re going to be really good. They have huge futures, but I’d like to be in ‘plus counts’ early on. I want to challenge guys early in the counts.”

The Lions leaned on their defense behind the pitchers, particularly early as Kaanehe worked his way out of jams with runners in scoring position throughout his time on the mound.

Liberty’s Chayce Formosa screams in celebration as he reaches home plate and scores during the Lions’ baseball game against Granada Wednesday afternoon in Brentwood.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

“They’re learning how to respond when things don’t go well,” McHugh said. “They’re learning that they have really good guys behind them. Our defense is very, very talented, so they’re learning they can get to weak contact and let guys make plays.”

Liberty struck first in the second inning when Dom Staben launched a solo home run to left-center to spark the offense.

The Lions added two runs in the third, the first off of Dylan Amaral’s RBI single, and then Miles Cornell followed with an RBI single of his own to extend the lead. Liberty

tacked on two more runs in the fifth for insurance.

McHugh credited a revamped offensive approach for the steady production.

“Our bats at the plate were phenomenal,” he said. “We swung at strikes, which is a huge thing. We didn’t swing at anything out of the zone and it just made us look like we’re really good hitters — and we are.”

McHugh added that depth throughout the lineup also showed early in the season opener.

“The good thing with this lineup is we have nine guys hitting at one time that are very, very good,” McHugh said. “Our nine guy is probably a (number) three hitter in most schools, so it’s just who’s next, who’s up next. They’re all capable.”

Even in a five-run shutout to start the season, McHugh emphasized the Lions are far from a finished product, noting early lead-off baserunners and missed opportunities offensively.

“I’m pleased with the way we played. I felt like we won all seven innings,” he said. “But I think we left a lot on the table. When you start playing better competition and better arms, those things matter. We’re just getting started. We have a lot of guys that are hungry to play and it’s exciting.”

Liberty travels to Pleasanton on Friday afternoon to face Amador Valley.

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

Local Flavors

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REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

County Treasury Oversight Committee seeks members

The County Board of Supervisors is seeking persons 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

• 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 allows local agencies, including school and special districts, as

well as the public, to participate in reviewing the policies that guide the investment of public money. These funds are invested by the Treasurer at the direction of the Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors established the Treasury Oversight Committee in1995 to:

• Review the county’s investment policy,

• Regularly monitor the county investment pool’s performance,

• Report on the pool’s performance to the Board of Supervisors, and

• Ensure an annual audit is conducted to determine the County Treasurer’s compliance with government regulations.

The Committee meets bi-annually in March and September on the third Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m. at 625 Court St., Room B010, Martinez. Each meeting lasts approximately one hour.

Application forms can be obtained from the Contra Costa County Clerk of the Board by calling (925) 655-2000, and should be returned to the Clerk of the Board, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st floor, Martinez, CA 94553 by Thursday, March 5 at 5 p.m. Interviews will be held at the Internal Operations Committee meeting, which will be conducted via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. to noon on March 23.

DA says Antioch police shooting death last June was ‘lawful self-defense’

The District Attorney’s Office has determined that Antioch police acted in “lawful self-defense/defense of others” in the shooting death of David Bahrami last June.

At 6:16 a.m. on June 30, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received multiple 911 calls from Bahrami, who lived with his family in Antioch and had a history of mental illness. He told dispatch he was about to kill someone, gave his address, and hung up the phone, according to a press release from District Attorney Diana Becton’s office.

Antioch police staged nearby and called Bahrami to open a line of communication and to de-escalate the situation. At 7:40 a.m., he threatened to kill his neighbor if officers did not come to his house. As a result, officers asked him to come outside to draw him away from family members inside the home. Emerging from his residence, Bahrami walked toward the officers’ location four houses away. Officers ordered him to stop and get on his knees, but instead he pulled a large kitchen knife from his waistband and began running toward them. One officer fired a single lesslethal round, which had no effect. Bahrami

continued running in a semi-circular path, then changed course and ran toward the police with the knife in his hand. When he was 15–20 feet away, officers fired their guns to prevent themselves from being hurt or killed from an imminent knife attack.

Bahrami was shot and fell to the ground with the knife still in his hand. Officers began administering medical aid, but Bahrami died at the scene. During this encounter, responding officers repeatedly attempted de-escalation tactics by staging nearby and establishing communication with Bahrami. When confronted with an armed person, Antioch officers elected to use less-lethal force. Officers resorted to lethal force only when Bahrami continued to wield his knife right next to the officers.

Freedom High School to host first Creati-Con

Freedom High in Oakley is hosting its first ‘Creati-Con’ on April 2, from 5–8 p.m. at 1050 Neroly Road.

There will be free booth space for artists, crafters and makers, but booth space is limited. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

Apply at https://docs.google.com/for ms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUAjRQuJLwxr58Yv4n ak-vQxlPXv0J4ZDo1UB7qE77HbW6Iw/ viewformviewform by March 10.

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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-2026-000803 The name of the business(es): Infinity Performance Located at: 424 Hill Ave In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Santiago Ramirez. 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: Santiago Ramirez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 17, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/16/2026 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96431 Publish dates: February 27, March 6,13,20,2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2025-0005817 The name of the business(es): JJ Pizza Located at: 1139 E 18th Street In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s):

1. Julio Alberto Amaya Requeno

2. Jose Ronald Martinez Ochoa

This business is conducted by: A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Julio Alberto Amaya Requeno, General Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: November 7, 2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 11/06/2030 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 96391 Publish dates: February 27, March 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

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0000863 The name of the business(es): Madie L Publishing Company LLC Located at: 3731 Sunset Lane Ste 206 In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Madie L. Publishing 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 12/18/2024. Signature of registrant: Dr. Sue May, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 19, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/18/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 96425 Publish dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE

(UCC Sec. 6105 amd SEC. 24073, ET SEQ, B&P, C.) Escrow No. 062560246MO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a bulk sale is about to be made. The name(s), business address(es) of the Seller(s), are: Chila, Inc., 3702 Lone Tree Way Space 13, Antioch, CA 94509 Doing Business as: Legends Bar

All other business name(s) and address(es) used by the Seller(s) within the past three years, as stated by the Seller(s), is/are: None

The name(s) and address of the Buyer(s) is/are: La Cima Group LLC., 155 Pebbles Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

The assets being sold are described in general as: Fixtures, Equipment, Inventory and all business assets and are located at: 3702 Lone Tree Way Sp13, Antioch, CA 94509

The bulk sale is intended to be consummated at the office of: Bay Area Escrow Services and the anticipated sale date is 03/17/26

The bulk sale is subject to California Uniform Commercial and Professions

with whom claims may be filed is: Bay Area Escrow Services, 201 Sand Creek Road, Suite E, Brentwood, CA 94513 and the last date for filing claims by any creditor shall be 03/16/26 on which the notice of the liquor license is recieved by Escrow agent from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Dated: 2/18/26

Buyer(s)

LA Cima Group, LLC

S/ Martin Lemuz Managing Member. By: Mariana O’Neal as agent S/ Mayte Lemuz, Managing Member. By: Mariana O’Neal as agent 2/27/26 CNS-4015382# ANTIOCH

PRESS No. 06-1617 96426 Publish

Date: February 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-2026-0000226 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-2026-0000361 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. 021273 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. 02-1273 96373 Publish dates: February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE SELF STORAGE AUCTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the liened personal property described below, pursuant to the provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure and the provisions of the California Self-Storage Facilities Act, Business and Professions Code Sections 21700 et seq. On the 11th Day of March, 2026, at 10:45 AM, the undersigned will sell the contents of liened storage units by public sale by competitive bidding on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Acorn II Self Storage LLC, at 6900 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood, California 94513, Tel. (925) 2405000. Self-storage liened units generally include miscellaneous household goods, office or business equipment, furniture, furnishings, clothing, and personal effects. In addition to those general contents, the pre-lien inventory revealed the following described goods: Names: Gary Serna- Bikes, Ladders, Hand trucks, Clothing, and Mattress Kimberly Sue Wallace- Lawn Equipment, Sports Equipment, Clothes, and Shoes

Katrina Russell- Clothes, Shoes, Boxes, and Bathroom Items

Tashaunda Cottrell- Sofa, Clothes, Headboard, and Vacuum Ray Hagler Jr- BBQ, Tools, Sports Equipment, Clothes, End Tables, and Musical Instruments Anthony Davis- Ladder, Exercise Equipment, Desk, Clothes, and

Refrigerator

Anthony Davis- Power Tools, Sports Equipment, Bike, Clothes, and Mirror

Adrian Malone- Clothes, Tools, and Totes

Burnetta Catherine Payne- Lamps, Sofa, Clothing, Shoes, and Mattress

Marie Moore- Lawn Equipment, Patio Furniture, Dishes, and Lamps

Kathleen Bradley- Bedroom Furniture, Clothes, Mattress, and Aquarium

Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only All purchased items sold as-is, whereis, and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Call ahead to make sure sales are still scheduled. Contraband, or items subject to regulation or registration will not be transferred with the liened unit unless otherwise noted. Dates

Published: 2/27/2026 and 3/6/2026 or Cal Storage Auctions, Inc., Bond #7900390179, Tel. (916) 604-9695 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96438

Publish Dates: February 27, March 6, 2026.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

SELF STORAGE AUCTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the liened personal property described below, pursuant to the provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure and the provisions of the California Self-Storage Facilities Act, Business and Professions Code Sections 21700 et seq..

On the 11th day of March, 2026, at 11:45 A.M., the undersigned will sell the contents of liened storage units by public sale by competitive bidding on the premises where said property has been stored and which are located at Acorn Self Storage LLC, at 5205 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, California 94565, Tel. (925) 432-3200

Self-storage liened units generally include miscellaneous household goods, office or business equipment, furniture, furnishings, clothing and personal effects. In addition to those general contents, the pre-lien inventory revealed the following described goods:

Customer Name:

Tasha Santiago – furniture, collectables, clothing, 6+ boxes

Ardean Goulart – collectables, furniture, clothing, tools, paintings, 20+ boxes

Kenneth Bartizal – collectables, clothing, dishes, sofa

Kenneth Bartizal – fan, clothing, dishes, furniture, boxes and bags

Jon Smithey – fridge, clothing, toys, books, 25+ boxes

Rosita Logo – toys, speakers, clothing, furniture, 15+ boxes

Joseph Bermudez – collectables, dishes, books, 30+ bags

Joseph Bonella – stereo, clothing, chairs, paintings

Randolph Bellamy – car parts/engine, fridge, toys

Lisa McNabb – collectables, dishes, vacuum, pictures, 20+ boxes

Geovonni Barrera – sports equipment, flat screen, dishes, aquarium, office chair

Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only All purchased items sold as-is, where-is, and must be removed at the time of sale. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Call ahead to make sure sales are still scheduled. Contraband, or items subject to regulation or registration will not be transferred with the liened unit unless otherwise noted.

Dates Published 2/27/2026 and on

3/6/2026 Nor Cal Storage Auctions, Inc., Bond #7900390179, Tel. (916) 604-9695. Brentwood Press No. 021273 96430 Publish Dates: February 27, March 6, 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-2026-0000243 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. 03-0477 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 pro-

spective 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 LIEN SALE

The following persons are in lien at Oakley Gateway Self Storage 2101 Laurel Rd. Oakley, Ca. 94561: Jeff Pahule Chazz Bolling Mia Robinson Adeola Olayomi Denise Pineda

All bids must be placed prior to Auction Sale Date 03/11/26 @ 12 pm The sale location is online: www. storagetreasures.com Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96435 Publish Date: February 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 TEN-

ANTS 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 property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 916-939-0772 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 post-sale information in accordance with Section 2924m(e) of the California Civil Code, use file number CA-23-963073-NJ and call (866) 645-7711 or login to: http://www. qualityloan.com. The above statutorily mandated notices to Tenant, Prospective Owner-Occupant, and Prospective Post-Sale Over Bidders are brief summaries of what may be required under Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. Compliance with all relevant provisions will be required. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-6457711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 916-939-0772 Or Login to: http://www.qualityloan.com PostSale Information (CCC 2924m(e)): (866) 645-7711 Reinstatement or Payoff Line: (866) 645-7711 Ext 5318 QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION TS No.: CA-23-963073-NJ IDSPub #0292954 2/13/2026 2/20/2026 2/27/2026. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96330 Publish Dates: February 13, 20, 27, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-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-2026-0000254

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-2026-0000344 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

Business Profile

wants rather than charge them the correct price for their needs, as Gemmell said.

This report was part of Gemmell’s update on events concerning the district in the past year.

According to Gemmell, Ironhouse has successfully completed planning efforts for wastewater treatment (including management of biological solid waste), the collection systems of their sewers, and technology and IT. They have also completed a feasibility study for solar panel construction, a cost-of-service study, and an appraisal of their Jersey Island facilities, which they may sell to Diablo Water District this year, Gemmell said. All of these plans and studies were done in advance of potential rate adjustments, and were performed to ensure that the district does not overcharge customers for its

Gemmell noted that, two weeks ago, the Ironhouse collection system team was proclaimed the Collection System of the Year among small Bay Area sanitation agencies by the California Water Environment Association and staff member Dominick Gardiner, who inspects the system in Oakley, won Bay Area Operator of the Year. Ironhouse was also deemed eligible to compete for the statewide collection system of the year title. The district’s financial department has also prepared an award-winning annual comprehensive financial report every year since 2017. The report is available on the district website.

the public at city events, such as the Heart of Oakley Festival and the Oakley Science Fair; according to Gemmell. They will do so again during Public Works Week, starting on May 19, to which they will bring a giant toilet for children to take photos in. Ironhouse is also opening a recycled water fill station for Oakley residents at their 450 Walnut Meadows Drive facility in Oakley, which will operate from Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays.

“I would like to encourage anyone to come in, sign up, and get water for their gardens,” Gemmell said.

The district also updated its website, giving it a “new, slick feel,” Gemmell said. The website can be found at www ironhousesanitarydistrict com

• Oakley and Siegel & Strain Architects will hold their third library public meeting on Feb. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Oakley Recreation Center. Oakley’s Got Talent will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on the same day and in the same place. Wastewater from page 1

In addition to celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025, Ironhouse talked with

Public from page 1

central entryway section. There will be sections for quiet study and computer usage, as well as offices for city officials who do not have spaces in City Hall, where space is at a premium, according to Councilmember Anissa Williams.

The amphitheatre and bandstand pavilion in Civic Center Park will also be reoriented and rebuilt around the front of the library and its “grand porch,” according to Susi Marzuola of Siegel & Strain, allowing it to better host events of all sizes. Marzuola said that this redesign is meant to encourage an indoor-outdoor relationship between the park and the library; the more open park area transitions through the grand porch and pavilion into the covered and shady library area inspired by the nearby Delta landscape transitioning from open water to solid ground. All of the features are designed to fulfil at least one of the library project’s seven goals, such as to “create a flexible, multi-functional community hub,” to “support lifelong learning and digital literacy,” and to “celebrate local identity and create civic pride,” according to a project booklet.

After Marzuola presented the library’s spatial plan, attendees were invited to answer two questions: “What do you like? What would you change?”

Councilmember George Fuller, one of the people who spoke the most at the meeting, was primarily concerned with the library’s accessibility for people with disabilities. He noted that the redesigned amphitheatre may limit access for them to the library’s grand porch area, especially for people in wheelchairs or with forearm crutches, as they would not be able to easily cross the grassy amphitheatre and thus be forced to take a longer paved path around it. Fuller suggested that a path be paved through the amphitheatre to solve this problem. Fuller also wondered if buses could stop directly at the library, since the distance to the nearest bus stop could be

Appoints

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not expected to reach the $250,000 cap.

According to the city’s website, the City Attorney’s Office is “part of a governmental entity that provides services to the public, its client is the City of Brentwood, as an organization, and the attorneys are legally and ethically precluded from providing legal advice to members of the community. In addition, State law prevents the attorneys from prosecuting most violations of California law, such as the Penal and Vehicle Codes.”

Smith is senior counsel for Redwood Public Law, an Oakland-based firm. Prior to taking on his new role in Brentwood, he served as city attorney for Antioch from February of 2019 until his resignation in January. Smith’s resignation was preceded

• Mayor Hugh Henderson gave a proclamation recognizing March as Prescription Drug Awareness Month, alongside Danielle Aubin of the Bay Area Community Resources Coalition. Aubin gave her sincere thanks to Oakley for recognizing the increasing threat of prescription drug misuse, praised the city’s “strong, family-oriented community,” and gave notice of a DEA prescription drug take-back day on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oakley Police Department.

In other council news:

difficult to traverse with a disability.

Williams and her daughter Sloan had suggestions for the library. The councilmember asked whether the Friends of the Oakley Library’s area could be highlighted via unspecified “innovative” means, as was done at the Pleasant Hill Library for their Friends area, and noted that despite the library’s relatively small size, the view of the park would make it seem larger. Her daughter pushed for more dedicated spaces for teenagers, such as a recording studio for podcasts and music because she said such teen spaces are not common in Oakley.

Sloan also suggested that the entryway could have more color, that sensory toys should be present in children’s and teens’ areas, and that the library could hold monthly emotional workshops. Marzuola reassured Sloan that the multipurpose nature of the library’s spaces would allow the teen-focused area to expand at certain times when teens are likely to come to the library, around 3 to 4 p.m.

Kemp inquired about the use of drought-tolerant landscaping in the project and about the potential for the library’s spaces to evolve over time as the tastes and interests of Oakley residents change. Marzuola said ‘yes’ to both questions.

Other attendees suggested everything from sidewalk

by newly-elected Antioch Councilmember Don Freitas calling for his termination in December. Freitas said that he felt Smith had served the city well, but had not been appointed by the current council and needed to be replaced as a result.

“As City Attorney for the City of Antioch, Thomas oversaw all city litigation and regularly settled cases involving high-risk matters,” the Redwood Public Law website says of his former role. “He was also appointed by the Antioch City Council to serve as the city’s representative on the Municipal Pooling Authority Board of Directors, helping manage the city’s risk through oversight of its general liability, workers’ compensation, and property insurance programs. In December 2024, Thomas was awarded the Key to the City of Antioch

Oakley’s new library will be 11,400 square feet in area, with service desks, checkout stations, shelves, quiet work areas and a meeting area.

art exhibitions, to window shades to keep out the heat of the summer sun, to spaces for local artists to display their art. All suggestions and comments were received with interest. One suggestion that sparked discussion was for the library to have resources for parents who homeschool their children. Kemp mentioned that the Friends of the Oakley Library were looking into attracting homeschoolers to the library, and McKee compared such a use to what a library in Hercules was already doing.

There will be two more meetings like the one on Feb. 17. They will not discuss anything that this meeting did not, but rather offer additional opportunities to get involved.

The second one, at a pop-up booth at City Hall (moved the Mercantile Market) on Feb. 22 attended by six people, some praised the library’s design for bridging indoor and outdoor spaces and for taking inspiration from local natural features.

“Every type of person will be able to enjoy it, whether you’re a young person, a teen, an adult, [or] a businessperson,” local resident Jessica Kalama said. “It feels like they’ve thought of every part of the community in the design.”

A third public meeting will be held at the Oakley Recreation Center on Feb. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m.

for his service. Prior to his tenure as City Attorney, Thomas served as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of San Leandro.” Wisinski let city staff know in early January that she would be leaving her role in Brentwood in early March to pursue a role as assistant city attorney for Pleasanton. According to an email Wisinski sent to staff at that time, she had applied for the role several months prior and was notified in January that the background process had concluded. Her tenure as Brentwood’s City Attorney began in June of 2024 after months being interim city attorney. Previous City Attorney Damien Brower retired at the end of 2023. Prior to Brower’s retirement, Wisinski had been Brentwood’s Assistant City Attorney.

• Other discussion topics included

a request for a future agenda item from Councilmember Jovita Mendoza regarding autonomous vehicles. Mendoza is seeking to better outline what the city’s goals are for the technology. The discussion stems from a report the City Council heard at their last meeting from food delivery service DoorDash. The company is interested in bringing autonomous food delivery robots, called Dots, to Brentwood. During that meeting, the Council appeared skeptical of the technology, a sentiment echoed by many residents on social media. Councilmember Tony Oerlemans agreed with Mendoza’s request for a future discussion, asking to explore if there were any benefits to bringing the technology to Brentwood.

The full meeting can be watched at https://bit ly/3ZWsCic

A musical journey through Black history

In late August 1619, a ship arrived at the British colony of Virginia bearing a cargo of 20 to 30 people stolen from Africa. Their arrival led to the barbaric and unprecedented system of American chattel slavery that would last the next 250 years. This is sometimes referred to as the country’s original sin, but it is more than that. It is the source of so much that still defines the United States. Welcome back.

I initially was going to pick one album to review that would reflect the legacy of Black music to celebrate in February. As I thought about this over and over, I realized it would be impossible to do. Since I focus a lot on jazz, I can think of several albums or songs that would be relevant, but then I realized our music is so far-reaching that we cover the topic of what it means to be Black, Afro-American, or New World Africans in so many other genres.

We cover our historical struggle through blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and spoken word (which I feel was original rap music), and gospel, so I put together a list of music to help you enjoy this month. Hopefully, some of these songs will be uplifting and help you understand how we as Black people have felt about what we have had to face, and in some cases are still facing.

So, sit back and take a musical journey of Black music expressing our past, present , and, in some ways, our future.

• Theme From Roots, Quincy Jones –The most watched mini-series in TV history

• Driva’ Man, Max Roach – Explains what it was like work in cotton fields

• Slave Driver, Taj Mahal – Feeling of being treated as less than a human

• Bid ‘Em In, Oscar Brown Jr. – The vulgar practice of being put on a slave auction block

• Mississippi Goddamn, Nina Simone

– No longer being docile about treatment in the South

• Blue (a folk tale), Gary Bartz NTU Troop – Explains how we interpret our feelings, not only our color

• We’re a Winner, Curtis Mayfield – Letting us realize no matter what is said about us, we are winners

• The Revolution will not be televised,

Gil-Scott Heron – This is the first recording of motivational rap for Black people

• Four Women, Nina Simone – During slavery, the most traumatized individual was the Black woman. She was subjected to the most cruel atrocities a person could endure. This song points out the dual personalities that came about post-slavery

• Evidence, David Murray – Listen to how slavery was looked upon by slaves aboard the slave ships as they were transported

• Walk Tall, Cannonball Adderley – Music of encouragement as to what we needed to do to hold our heads up

• Country Preacher, Cannonball Adderley – Spiritual sound of what the church contributed to the movement

• Soul Power, James Brown – This was music that gave us the motivation to believe we had the power to control our destiny

• A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke – Expresses that no matter what condition we came from, we must believe if we stay the course, and believe in ourselves a change will come

• Lift Every Voice And Sing, James Weldon Johnson (Sung by The Boys Choir Of Harlem) – This is the Black national anthem

So, I hope these 15 songs will give you pause to think and understand that we have a history of that no matter how much injustice was done to us. We learned that our survival in this new world America depended on us using our music to give us the strength to carry on.

So, until next time remember: “Up, you mighty race. Accomplish what you will”

– Marcus Mosiah Garvey

The playlist can be found at https://bit.ly/4b8JDMc