The Press 03.06.2026

Police release Ramirez body camera footage

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

Following the Feb. 27 release of body camera footage and 911 audio from the Sept. 26 encounter between Brentwood police and Yolanda Ramirez, her family is continuing with demands for a Coroner’s Inquest.

“It’s exactly what all the witnesses told us,” civil rights attorney Melissa Nold said of the footage from the Sept. 26 interaction. “We were able to see all the different components. She was down on the ground on her knees. She struck her head multiple times. There’s abusive treatment of her.”

The roughly 45-minute video includes

911 audio of Ramirez’s sister calling police for a domestic disturbance as well as body camera footage from the responding officers and footage of Ramirez in the back seat of the police vehicle after being taken into custody. Ramirez is ultimately released

Widower Rudy Ramirez speaks during Friday’s press conference outside of Brentwood City Hall.

Photo by Jeff Weisinger

from custody near the end of the video in order to be taken to a local hospital after visibly suffering a medical emergency. She died in a local hospital a week later after being removed from life support. According to her family, she never regained con-

sciousness during that time.

“We recognize that incidents of this nature are deeply personal and impactful, and we remain mindful of the family’s experience,” Mayor Susannah Meyer said. “It is our hope that the release of this video provides clarity to the family and our broader community regarding the lawful actions taken by the Brentwood Police Department during this contact. The City remains committed to maintaining public trust through openness, professionalism, and adherence to the rule of law.”

Plans for the city to release the footage to the public were announced during the Jan. 6 meeting of the Brentwood City Council, with the Council setting a Feb. 28 deadline for release. Meyer noted after the release of the video that the video was reviewed carefully before being disseminated

Oakley planners approve new housing subdivision

By Connor Robles Correspondent

The Oakley Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the Oakley City Council approve a tentative map for the Stonecreek housing subdivision in south central Oakley, near Sellers Avenue and the intersection of Kings Canyon Way and Sierra Trail Boulevard.

The project will be allowed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) so long as the builders revise parts of the project that would significantly harm the environment.

The new neighborhood, which is over 20 years in the making, will add 176 homes to southern Oakley and expand a local park.

Once approved by the City Council, the 50.44-acre project, proposed by Ponderosa Homes, will consist of singlefamily residential homes, a 2.4-acre park,

a 2.7-acre retention basin, and a 1.1-acre, 75-foot-wide gap between the project and the neighboring Marsh Creek. The park will be treated as an extension to existing parkland to the north; the two areas will be developed as a single park by the developer. In addition to the park, the neighborhood will have free access to the Marsh Creek Regional Trail for recreation.

The project area is designated as Residential Low in its larger northern section and Residential Very Low in its smaller southern section, with the entire area being zoned as a P-1 Planned Unit Development district. It is bounded by Marsh Creek in the west and Sellers Avenue in the east, which is also the city limit of Oakley. Single-family residences are present to the north, to the west across Marsh Creek, and to the east across Sellers Avenue, in the latter case alongside agricultural land.

The project was found to have a poten-

Driver killed in three-vehicle collision in Discovery Bay

A driver was killed and a motorcyclist injured in a three-vehicle crash over the weekend on Highway 4 near the Old River Bridge in Discovery Bay, authorities said.

The collision occurred just east of the bridge, and involved a red Chevrolet pickup, a motorcycle and a work truck, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Investigators said the Chevrolet pickup was traveling westbound with a motorcyclist behind it when the pickup suddenly braked heavily and swerved left into the path of an eastbound work truck.

“For an unknown reason, the red Chevy truck applies its brakes — likely due to traffic, but we’re still trying to confirm all

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that — and swerves to the left,” CHP Sgt. Christian Edwards said. “As the work truck was headed eastbound, they ended up going essentially head-on.”

Edwards added that the work truck then lost control, clipped the front of the motorcycle and continued into a canal, where it overturned.

The motorcyclist suffered minor injuries, Edwards confirmed. The driver of the work truck, who was the sole occupant, died from his injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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

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Brentwood’s annual Day of Service on April 18

City seeks project ideas

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

The city of Brentwood is looking for nonprofits to partner with on potential community projects for the city to tackle on its annual Day of service, which is scheduled for April 18.

Registration for nonprofits is open, but will close on March 16, according to Amanda Chaney, the staff lead on the event. Chaney said that there is not a specific type of project with which nonprofits can help.

“Historically we have had a large variety, including park and trail cleanup, painting rooms/fences, collection of food, clothes and hygiene products, small facility maintenance, blood drives, card making and more,” she said.

This will be the third year for Brentwood’s Community Day of Service event. Last year’s event drew more than 600 volunteers who helped with 25 different projects throughout the city. Volunteer registration for this year does not open until March 19, according to Chaney but volunteers are encouraged to register in advance once it does. The event will run from 9 a.m. until noon, with volunteers meeting at Veterans Park at 3841 Balfour

Road before dispersing to their respective project sites.

“This event celebrates the impact of partnership and volunteerism, connecting community members with meaningful, hands-on service projects across the city,” the city’s website says. “From park and neighborhood cleanups to landscaping and planting projects, to supporting local nonprofits and other community improvement efforts, there are opportuni-

ties for volunteers of all ages and abilities to make a difference.”

Last year’s event was deemed a “huge success” by Mayor Susannah Meyer. During the event, the volunteers made a difference in a number of ways across Brentwood. More than 1,500 pounds of trash was collected from Brentwood’s parks, 15 tires were taken out of Marsh Creek, roughly 350 letters and cards of encouragement were written for seniors

New Year, New Menu at Vic

and for members of Adventure Therapy Foundation, and an estimated 700 pounds of food, clothing, and school supplies were collected.

“When you hear about nonprofits that are local, that are doing really good work and you maybe never heard of them before, you don’t know what their resources are, you want to do what you can,” Meyer said at the time. “Not everybody has time to volunteer on-going, but a lot of people have time to take a few hours on a Saturday and help with one-time projects. We also hope it’s going to help people to understand more about what resources we have available in Brentwood.”

Nonprofits interested in signing up before this year’s deadline can do so at https://bit.ly/40LrWfP. More information about the event can be found at https:// bit.ly/4ugRmzC

Oakley

In addition to Brentwood’s Community Day of Service, Oakley will be hosting its own Community Day of Service on April 25. This will be the city’s second annual event. Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro explained that the city chose the date for being the closest Saturday to Earth Day, which is April 22 this year. Further details, such as project information and signup information, will be posted to the city’s website no later than March 15, Navarro said.

Lunar New Year comes to Brentwood

Residents walking through downtown Brentwood on Feb. 28 may have thought they had taken a wrong turn and ended up in Chinatown thanks to the annual Lunar New Year celebration put on by Heritage High School’s Chinese Culture Club.

The event ran from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and included vendors, interactive activities

for kids and other cultural celebrations such as a musical performance by Bristow Middle School students on traditional Chinese instruments. The event is funded in part by the city through its Economic Development Grant Program, according to city staff.

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

Group seeks families to house exchange students

A U.S.-based nonprofit international exchange organization is looking for families interested in volunteering to host international exchange students in their home as a member of their family for one or two semesters. International students are looking to match up with a perfect fit and would arrive this August.

The process begins in four steps:

• Apply: background check and paperwork at flag-intl.org

• Connect: You would be connected with a Local Coordinator who assists you through the entire process

• Search the database to find a perfect addition to your family

• Welcome your new International student into your home

Foreign Links Around the Globe (FLAG) is a U.S.-based nonprofit international exchange organization with over three decades of being a U.S. State Department designated sponsor, according to a press release from Local Coordinator Sarah Petersen, who is based in Sonoma County.

Each year, FLAG hosts over 500 students from more than 25 countries from around the world who want to live and learn in the U.S., Petersen said. There are no numbers at FLAG, only names and faces. FLAG is a “small-by-design” organization that promises a personalized

approach offering a variety of short-term and full semester/year opportunities for both American and international students.

All types of families are encouraged to host with FLAG. There is no “typical” host family. Even single people and “empty nesters” are welcome. Each family is unique and provides the student with a immersive experience.

In a recent survey conducted by CSIET (Council on Standards for International and Educational Travel), host families across the U.S. indicated that their decision to host is largely based on the benefits the experience brings to themselves, their community and the students. Hosting is an opportunity to introduce the world to family members who may not have had the opportunity to travel abroad but are keenly interested in learning more about the world around them. Hosting not only provides an experience to the international students but also brings families closer together by actively sharing their own unique family customs and traditions. Siblings take an active part in showing the student “the American way of life”. Many host families have commented throughout the years that hosting changed their own children’s lives forever.

For details, visit flag-intl org or email spetersen@flag-intl.org.

Ariana Wright wins annual speaker contest

Ariana Wright, a junior from Heritage High School, won the recent club-level competition in the 89th annual he Byron Delta Lions Club Student Speaker Contest.

This year’s theme was “Youth Mental Health: Overcoming Barriers to Well-Being.”

Ariana’s speech was one of six delivered by students at the Heritage High School auditorium.

Students who win during the first two stages of the five-level California Lions Clubs Student Speaker competi-

THE ROB REPORT

By Rob O’Malley, Regional Vice-President/Sr. Mortgage Advisor

As economic conditions continue to shift, many consumers are reassessing their finances—especially when it comes to housing. Mortgage interest rates have fallen to levels not seen since 2023, following purchases of mortgage-backed securities by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac. Rates alone won’t solve affordability challenges, but they are creating opportunities for buyers and homeowners.

Home prices remain higher than prepandemic, and inflation continues to pressure budgets. Many buyers are taking a deliberate approach by structuring transactions to yield seller credits to help buy down the interest rate to help with affordability. Many current homeowners are taking advantage of the lower rates to reduce monthly payments, consolidate debt, and reposition finances for other opportunities. Refinance transactions are 150% higher than this time last year!

Consumers are also benefiting from expanded access to Health Savings Accounts. Recent policy changes now allow millions more Americans to contribute to HSA’s,

which provide tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. HSA’s can be a powerful planning tool!

Reselling pre-owned goods, from clothing to furniture, has become a reliable way for families to generate income as a sustainable, budget-friendly alternative. FB Marketplace is hot!

Today’s economy rewards preparedness. Stay informed, stay proactive. Families can make confident decisions that support stability when they consult with market professionals. In our local housing market, staying “in the know” plays a key role in building a stronger, more resilient future. “Good people deserve great advice!”

Contact The O’Malley Team for free, no obligation, conversations. We are always at your service! 925-418-3956 or visit www.yourhomeloanexperts.net/omalleyteam.

tion receive cash awards.

Winners who advance through the upcoming stages of the California Lions Clubs Student Speaker competition – including district, area, and state championships – will be awarded scholarship funds that can be used at any accredited two- or four-year college or university.

The next stage of the competition, the Zone contest, will take place on March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Lions Center for the Visually Impaired at 175 Alvarado Ave. in Pittsburg.

Publication Date: March 20, 2026

Deadline for space reservation: March 10, 2026

PEST TALK WITH LIBERTY

By Robert Ayres, Owner of Liberty Pest Services

March in East Contra Costa County means longer days, a little more sunshine, and that feeling that spring is finally knocking at the door. But while we’re opening windows and clearing out garages, something else is waking up too.

Ants and fleas.

All winter long, insects have been hunkered down. Colonies don’t disappear in the cold. They regroup. They rebuild. They wait. Now that the ground is starting to warm up across Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and Pittsburg, those colonies are stretching their legs and getting back to work. And when they get to work, they get busy.

Ants are already scouting kitchens, patios, and foundations looking for food and moisture. Fleas are preparing for pet and wildlife activity to ramp up. What feels like “it happened overnight” is usually months in the making beneath the soil.

Here’s the truth. Prevention is always easier than reaction.

It is a lot simpler to protect your home before the trails are marching across your counters or before flea bites start showing up around the ankles. Once insects establish

themselves, it takes more time, more effort, and more disruption to get them under control.

March is the window. This is when smart homeowners stay ahead of the rush.

A preventative service now helps create a barrier before colonies peak in late spring and summer. It keeps the shine where it belongs, on your home and yard, not on a line of ants running across it.

East County families work hard for their homes. They deserve to enjoy them without unwanted guests.

Allow Liberty Pest Services to protect your home this season. Because when it comes to ants and fleas, staying ahead feels a whole lot better than playing catch-up.

Liberty Pest Services provides proactive pest protection throughout East Contra Costa County, helping homeowners stay protected yearround. Freedom starts with Liberty. Call today at 925-628-3030 or visit libertypestservices.com

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Spring is near: fresh wines for a new season

As spring approaches, the days grow longer and our wine choices naturally shift toward bottles that feel lighter, brighter, and more refreshing. After months of hearty dishes and fuller-bodied reds, it’s time for vibrant acidity, delicate fruit, and perhaps even a playful touch of sweetness.

Few grapes say “spring” quite like Riesling. In Germany — especially from regions such as Mosel or Rheingau — Riesling can range from dry to off-dry, balancing crisp acidity with flavors of green apple, citrus blossom, and slate minerality. It’s refreshing, versatile, and ideal for everything from spicy cuisine to simple salads.

From Sicily, Etna Bianco offers something a little less familiar. Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna and often made from Carricante, it delivers lemon zest, white flowers, and a subtle smoky edge from lava-rich soils. There’s an energy in the glass that feels perfectly aligned with the season.

For discovery seekers, Picpoul de Pinet from southern France is a bright, citrus-driven white often called “the oyster

wine.” Its bracing acidity and saline finish make it a natural partner for seafood. Spain’s Txakoli offers another lively option — light-bodied, slightly spritzy, and low in alcohol, it’s a wine built for sunshine and shared plates.

There is always room for rosé. The structured styles of Tavel and Bandol show that pink wines can have depth as well as freshness. For a twist, Italy’s Cerasuolo & Abruzzo delivers vibrant cherry fruit and more body than the typical pale rosé.

If red is still calling, turn to Beaujolais Village or Cabernet Franc from Saumur- Champigny — both bright, lifted, and even better with a slight chill. Spring is about renewal and curiosity. Let your glass reflect that spirit. Pour something fresh, try something new, and toast to the approaching season that will be in bloom.

This is Bandit (Bandito), a 2-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi powered by french fries and recharged by naps!

Brentwood appoints new assistant city manager

The city of Brentwood has selected a new assistant city manager, Terrance Davis, after a nationwide recruitment process. Davis is expected to start at the end of March.

“After a comprehensive evaluation process, Mr. Davis was selected for his extensive executive leadership background and proven ability to build efficient, high performing municipal operations,” the city said in a Feb. 27 press release. “Mr. Davis brings more than 20 years of California local government experience, including his current role as Director of Public Works for the City of Berkeley, where he oversees infrastructure systems, transportation networks, facilities management, and community assets.”

Davis previously held leadership positions in Vallejo and Sacramento before his time in Berkeley. In those roles, he focused on “strengthening core city services,” such as parks and senior centers, according to the press release.

“I am honored to join the City of Brentwood,” Davis said. “This team has built an incredible reputation for service, and I look forward to carrying that momentum forward alongside such a dedicated team.”

The search was done through executive recruitment firm Peckham & McKenny, who has handled other recruitments for the city of Brentwood in recent years. The firm is leading a search to assist Brentwood in finding a new city attorney as well. Of the 118 applicants for the role, Davis was seen as an ideal candidate for his broad knowledge of different city departments, according to the press release.

“Terrance has worked across nearly every corner of city operations,” City Manager G. Harold Duffey said. “His expertise will help us sharpen our operations and meet the changing needs of our residents. This, in turn, allows me to focus on Brentwood’s long-term growth, infrastructure buildout, and responsible scaling.”

The city noted in its press release that Davis’s appointment comes at an “important time for Brentwood” as the city works toward its 2035–2040 General Plan buildout. The City Manager’s Office is structured to balance strong day-to-day operations with long-range planning and infrastruc -

ture growth.

Prior to Davis’s hiring, Finance Director Kerry Breen had been assigned to be interim assistant city manager back in December. Breen will return to his usual position in late March when Davis steps into the assistant city manager role.

Brentwood staff musical chairs

Terrance Davis’s appointment is the latest in a series of staffing changes for Brentwood following the departure of former city manager Tim Ogden in April of last year. Ogden left his role with Brentwood after five years to pursue one as general manager of the Cosumnes Community Services District. In his absence, then-assistant manager Darin Gale stepped into the role of interim city manager until Duffey’s appointment last October. Following that, Gale left his role as assistant city manager to be city manager of Pittsburg, prompting Breen’s temporary appointment to the role until Davis starts.

In July of last year, the city appointed E. Harith Aleem, Jr. as its new Director of Parks and Recreation following the departure of former direc-

tor Bruce Mulder earlier in the year. Mulder had served in the role since 2014.

At the same time as these staffing changes, Police Chief Tim Herbert retired in September, prompting Capt. Walter O’Grodnick to be named as interim police chief in his stead. That recruitment process is underway, alongside one for the new city attorney following the announcement that Katherine Wisinski would leave in early March to be assistant city attorney in Pleasanton. In the meantime, the city announced on Feb. 24 that Antioch’s former city attorney, Thomas Lloyd Smith of Redwood Public Law, had been contracted to serve as interim city attorney while Peckham & McKenny assists in a search for a permanent replacement.

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EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

Letters to the editor

Asian hate crimes: Xenophobia in the United States

Editor:

This is something I’m passionate about, as an Asian American, particularly Vietnamese. I see how people like me get discriminated against just because of what we look like. Especially during the pandemic, people hear that the virus originated in China, so they assume people who happen to be Asian have the coronavirus, or have a higher chance of getting coronavirus, which we know is false. I can count so many encounters where I got called a racial slur or have people treat me differently. This is a topic that needs to be discussed.

Putting phones away in schools: Should it be encouraged or discouraged?

When people talk about phones in the classroom, you tend to hear the same thing: “They are a distraction and need to be put away.” That shouldn’t be the case. Smartphones are getting better and better each year, and instead of telling students to put their phones away, how about we let them use them to learn more about what they are? We have an infinite amount of information at the tip of our fingers and in our pockets. To think we went from 1,000 songs in your pocket to infinite possibilities in a device we call a phone. You can use your phone to make digital flashcards so you don’t have to waste paper, or you can type your notes on a digital notebook, which, to some people, might be better because it’s quicker, takes up less space, and saves trees.

Giving students therapy: Would it make a difference?

Students tend to be stressed out a lot, whether it’s an overwhelming amount of

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homework, they are getting bullied, or for any other reason. Should we give students who feel they need therapy and have them talk to a therapist so they can let their feelings out? Even counselors at a school should schedule students who need help.

Henry Nguyen Antioch

Trump, stop ‘senseless attacks on offshore wind’

Editor:

President Trump does not like windmills. In December, his Interior Department issued stop-work orders for five offshore windfarms along the Atlantic coast, putting thousands of workers out of a job just days before Christmas.

Right now, families across the country are shouldering the strain of unaffordable energy bills. Offshore wind is a clean, reliable, and ready-to-go solution. These five projects are already creating thousands of local jobs and helping to transition states away from fossil fuels.

This has been an intensely cold winter. Large portions of the country have been blanketed in snow and thousands of homes have lost power. While fossil fuel power plants struggle to stay on during winter storms, offshore wind is a reliable energy source that helps communities save money and keep the lights on. In fact, offshore wind is strongest in the winter and at night - right when we need it most.

I am calling on President Trump to stop his senseless attacks on offshore wind. Let the workers finish the job.

Paula Cavagnaro Livermore

LETTERS POLICY

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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.

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Liberty football ushers in a new era

State champion

coach

Mike Clark takes over the Lions; Mike Gregory named head coach of regional powerhouse Lady Lions flag football

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

High schools don’t often hold a press conference to introduce a new head coach — at least not in East County. But when a coach arrived in Brentwood with the resume and credentials of Mike Clark, Liberty decided to roll out the red carpet.

With a media backdrop, elevated seating, and a crowd of approximately 100 students in the Ghiggeri gym, the school gave its new football leader a proper welcome during a lunchtime press conference Friday afternoon.

“There’s an alignment here as it relates to a passion for football and for building community,” Clark said following the introduction.

Clark was introduced alongside Mike Gregory, the school’s new head girls flag football coach and former interim girls basketball coach. For Clark, the move was about more than just bringing new on-field philosophies. He explained that it was about a shared philosophy.

“I think that was one of the main things that attracted me to this opportunity — a district, school, and administra-

Mike Gregory (left) and Mike Clark (right) were introduced as Liberty’s new girls flag football and football head coaches, respectively, during an introduction press conference at Liberty High School on Friday.

tors sharing a collective vision,” Clark said. “It aligns with mine regarding athletic and academic excellence, and the development of the whole person.”

“I feel that we were really lucky to get such great candidates for our head coaching positions,” Liberty athletic director Jon Heinz said.

Clark succeeds Mike Cable, who stepped down late last year after four seasons. In his own way as well, Cable left a winning legacy in Brentwood. He led the Lions to a 31-14 overall record and three North Coast Section playoff appearances, including semifinal runs in 2022 and 2024. However, Liberty hasn’t come close to matching their runs of glory in 2017, where they won the North Coast Section title over Freedom, and 2018 when the Lions won the CIF State championship.

“What separated Mike Clark from the other candidates was his amazing experience with the NFL, Division 1 college programs, and high school levels,” Heinz said. “Two years ago he won a State championship with Vanden and we hope that he can make Liberty a competitive, State-level team.”

“This place has so much potential,” Clark said. “We’re going to get everything aligned and have a lot of fun doing it.”

A Vallejo native, Clark makes the move across Highway 4 to Brentwood after a decorated stint in just two sea-

Cruickshank headlines LUHSD Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 for Liberty and Heritage

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

The Liberty Union High School District will add another distinguished group to its Athletics Hall of Fame in late April, this year headlined by longtime coach, athletic director, and North Coast Section commissioner Pat Cruickshank

After beginning his varsity head coaching career at Liberty High School from 2003-05, where he guided the Lions to consecutive 15-win seasons and the program’s first NCS playoff appearance in 19 years, Cruickshank became the founding athletic director and head boys basketball coach at Heritage when the school opened in 2005.

After starting his varsity boys basketball coaching career at Liberty High School from 2003-05, Cruickshank made his way across Balfour Road down to Heritage where he would end up building one of the most consistent boys basketball programs in the region. In his 12 seasons leading the Patriots from 2006-18, Heritage recorded six 20-win seasons, won three Bay Valley Athletic League championships and qualified for the NCS playoffs in 11 straight seasons. He saved his best for last, leading the 2018 team to a 29-3 record, capturing both the BVAL and NCS Division I titles while also advanc-

ing to the CIF State regional quarterfinals. Across his LUHSD coaching career, Cruickshank compiled a 266126 overall record, including going 236-103 at Heritage,

while also overseeing the development of Patriots athletics as its inaugural athletic director — from staffing and facilities to culture and identity.

As for the athletes, this year’s class features several standouts from Liberty, including the 2006 Liberty girls swimming and diving team.

Liberty

Led by coaches Erica Pantle, Kristin Waltner, and Megan LaVallee, Liberty’s 2006 girls swimming and diving team completed the first undefeated season in program history and captured the school’s first league championship in the Bay Valley Athletic League. The Lions placed sixth at the NCS Championships — the best NCS finish in Liberty High history for either boys or girls swimming and the highest NCS finish ever achieved by a girls swim team in the district. They also earned recognition for their work in the classroom, posting an unweighted team GPA of 3.0 or higher, earning a distinguished certificate by the NCS for their work in the classroom.

Brian Bushman (Liberty Class of 1995) is one of the most accomplished multi-sport athletes in school history. A three-year varsity letter winner in wrestling and football, Bushman became Liberty’s first individual

sons at Fairfield’s Vanden High School, recording an overall 22-5 record leading the Vikings.

In 2024, he led Vanden to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division III title — the program’s third in the last four years—and a CIF State championship, punctuated by a 42-41 victory over Rio Hondo Prep. Vanden’s 2024 title run was his class in resilience. After a 4-0 start, the Vikings dropped back-to-back games before grabbing nine consecutive wins to claim the State crown.

“It really started with the adults in leadership roles,” Clark said of the championship run. “We made sure the staff was fully aligned with who we were and where we were going. The kids could play football; it was about investing in their mental and emotional toughness.”

Before his tenure at Vanden, he served as offensive coordinator at St. Ignatius in San Francisco and worked as an offensive graduate assistant at the University of Texas. During his time in Austin, he coached in three BCS bowl games and two national championships, including the Longhorns’ 2005 Rose Bowl victory. His professional stops include a stint with the then-Oakland Raiders from 2010 to 2011 as a defensive quality control coach, a season with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the UFL, and a preseason as a defensive assistant with the Arizona Cardinals.

Liberty flag football

While Clark takes over the football program, Mike Gregory steps in to lead a Lady Lions flag football program that is already a regional powerhouse. Gregory is the second head coach in the program’s history as it enters its fourth season in 2026. He replaces Matt Malzahn, who led the Lady Lions to three straight Bay

Mike Clark Liberty Football Head Coach

Valley Athletic League titles and a 47-7 overall record from 2023 to 2025.

The Lady Lions enter the 2026 campaign on a 27-game league winning streak, with their last BVAL loss occurring on Sept. 25, 2023, according to MaxPreps.

“The crowd today was great,” Gregory said of the lunchtime event. “I’m a competitive guy. The [boys team] may lay the foundation, but the Lady Lions have been pretty good here too the last several years. We’re about competing at that level, too.”

Despite their regular-season dominance and national rankings on MaxPreps, the Lady Lions have struggled to break through in the postseason, having yet to advance past the NCS quarterfinals. Gregory, who played at UC Davis in the late 1980s and early ‘90s and has nearly 20 years of experience in the flag football circuit, hopes to bridge that gap.

“I want to bring the poise and the mental approach it takes to elevate to a championship level,” Gregory said. “This team is very fast. With the talent coming up from the eighth grade, it’s only going to make things more competitive. We want to elevate to beat those teams that we haven’t done as well against in the playoffs.”

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

CIF State wrestling champion when he captured the heavyweight title in 1995. That season capped a dominant high school career that earned him a scholarship to Fresno State, along with recognition as Liberty’s Athlete of the Year and the City of Brentwood Mayor’s Athlete of the Year.

Paco Ramirez (Liberty Class of 1993) distinguished himself as one of the premier wrestlers in program history. A four-time CIF State qualifier, Ramirez placed fourth at the CIF State Championships in 1992 after winning a league title and finishing second in the NCS playoffs. He followed that with both league and NCS championships as a senior in 1993. Ramirez later transitioned into coaching and achieved national and international success in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, while also dedicating decades to public service in law enforcement.

David Berghult (Liberty Class of 1986) was a four-sport varsity athlete in tennis, football, basketball and baseball, Berghult earned All-Foothill Athletic League honors in football and basketball as a senior. He went on to compete at the United States Naval Academy, where he served as a football team captain and later earned induction into the Naval Academy Athletic Hall of Fame, adding to an already decorated athletic résumé.

Heritage Heritage’s inductees also enjoyed similar excellence in their respective sports, and helped build the early foundations of Patriots’ athletics.

Malia Rivers (Heritage Class of 2013) stands among the most decorated softball players in Heritage history. A four-year all-league selection and Bay Valley Athletic League Most Valuable

Player as a senior in 2013, Rivers led the North Coast Section with a .667 batting average in her junior season, along with 15 RBI and 40 stolen bases. She followed that up in her senior season, hitting .595 (fourth in the NCS), with 25 RBI, 42 steals (fifth in the NCS) and her only high school home run. She continued her career at the University of Georgia and Fresno State, earning multiple allconference honors and academic recognition while contributing to postseason success at both programs.

Daniel Comforti (Heritage Class of 2011) developed into one of the top swimmers in Heritage history. As a senior, he placed second at the NCS championships in the 200 individual medley and third in the 100 breaststroke before finishing fourth in both events at the following CIF State Championships and earning All-American honors. Comforti later became a four-year PAC-12 finalist at Arizona State, qualified for the NCAA Championships and competed at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials.

Ty Elder (Heritage Class of 2012) left a lasting mark in both the Patriots water polo and swimming programs. A two-time team MVP and BVAL MVP in water polo, Elder finished his Heritage career as the program’s all-time saves leader with 806. He continued his success at Penn State Behrend in Erie, setting additional program records, and has remained active in the sport through coaching and club development.

The Class of 2026 will be honored on Saturday, April 25 at Heritage High School’s gym. Doors open at 5 p.m. Reservations are available until April 10, and tickets cost $60. They can be purchased by contacting Amy Sickenberger at luhsd.athletic.hof@gmail.com.

Calendar

This Week’s Events

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 925206-6738 or Clint at 925-597-7588.

The Network of Care’s

20th Annual Crab Feed

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

4th Annual

United Indian Association Holi

Join the United Indian Association for a vibrant, fun-filled Holi Festival with colors, music, games, shows and community spirit — open to all and free of charge. The event takes place at Pioneer Elementary School in Brentwood, at 2010 Shady Willow Lane, and will include food, drinks and music. Attendees are asked to fill out a form to RSVP to better allow the organizers to plan accordingly. The form is at: https://forms gle/ GxkAS4JN6NUh1voe8

On the Horizon

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 925808-8162 or palbrentwood@gmail.com. For more information, visit www BrentwoodPAL com

Bethel Island Lions Club

St. Patrick’s Day Feast

The Bethel Island Lions Club will be hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Feast at the Bethel Island

To have your event appear in the newspaper, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. To have your event online, post your event for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

Scout Hall, at 3090 Ranch Lane. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at the door or in advance. Doors open at 3:30 with cocktails before a corned beef and cabbage dinner at 5 p.m. Following dinner there will be 50/50 drawings, a money hat drawing, and raffle prizes. Advance tickets can by bought by calling Lions Club President Dave Lawler at 925-595-1451.

Tuesday, March 24

Casino Bus Day Trip from Oakley Oakley Senior Citizens presents a Casino Day Bus Trip to Cache Creek Casino Resort. The bus will leave the Oakley Recreation Center parking lot at 8 a.m. The cost is $49 per person and includes the bus driver’s tip. Participants will have five hours to gamble and eat. The bus will arrive back at the parking lot around 5 p.m. To reserve a spot, call 925-626-7223 or Allan at 925-265-3417, or email oakleyseniors@gmail.com. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 268, Oakley, CA 94561 or accepted via Zelle at oakleyseniors@gmail.com. Participants must have money paid by March 20.

Saturday, March 28

East County Little League Crab Feed

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

Ongoing Events

St. Anthony’s Church Food Distribution

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

Hope House Food Distribution

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

IHMC Food Distribution

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

East County Rotary Club Meetings

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

Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit www.rotaryclubofoakley.com.

Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ antiochrotaryclub.

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

East County Lions Club Meetings

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

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

Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more

information, visit: https://discoverybaylions.com/ who-we-are/meetings/.

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

Soroptimists of the Delta Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For more information, call Sonia at 4150717-0294 or visit siofthedelta.com.

Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting

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

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

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

Friday Night Al-Anon Meeting

Al-Anon meetings, which offer a supportive place for friends and families of alcoholics, are held every Friday from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Brentwood United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There is no need to register. For details, call Trisha at 510-910-1389.

4-H Clubs

Oakley: The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. For location information, email Amanda at oakley@contracosta.org.

Knightsen: Knightsen 4H meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Knightsen Elementary School at 1923 Delta Road. Open to boys and girls ages 5-19 as well. For details, contact Rosa Sherwood or Maria Jehn at knightsen4h@gmail.com.

Brentwood: The club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month with dinner at 6:30, and meeting at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. They meet at the Knightsen Farm Bureau Hall at 3020 2nd St. in Knightsen. For further details, email Angela at brentwood@contracosta4h.org.

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.

El Campanil Theatre

602 W. Second Street • Antioch

Defying Gravity

Presented by Melody’s Dance Studio

Saturday, March 14th @ 9am & 12:30pm

FREE CONCERT: Mitch Polzak & the Royal Deuces

Presented by El Campanil Theatre

Thursday, March 19 @ 1pm

All seats FREE thru a generous Grant from the Keller Mitigation Fund

The Rainbow Fish Musical

Presented by San Joaquin Ballet

Saturday, March 28th @ 1:30pm

City of Stars Dance Gala

Featuring Black Diamond Ballet

Keep Arts Alive in Antioch  Proceeds Benefit El Campanil Theatre Foundation

Saturday, April 18th @ 7pm

Mads Tolling Residency

All Shows @ 3pm

Sunday, April 19th

Mads Tolling & Nick Crossen

Sunday, May 3rd

Mads Tolling & Peppino D’Agostino With Antioch Strolling Strings

Sunday, June 7th

Mads Tolling & Frankie G.

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & THROUGH THE BOX OFFICE

@ ELCAMPANILTHEATRE.COM

BOX OFFICE: (925) 757-9500

RENTAL INFORMATION: OUR VENUE IS A PERFECT PLACE FOR RECITALS, CONCERTS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, POETRY READING, GRADUATIONS, WEDDINGS, PLAYS, MUSICALS AND MANY OTHER EVENTS.

to ensure compliance with any applicable privacy laws. She reiterated the city’s “commitment to transparency and acountability.”

These comments echo those Meyer made during the Jan. 6 meeting, where she called for the investigation to be completed as objectively as possible.

“The Brentwood City Council is fully committed to ensuring that the Brentwood Police Department fully cooperates with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the District Attorney’s Office,” Meyer said on Jan. 6. “That investigation is independent and it is essential that it be allowed to proceed thoroughly, objectively and without interference. Out of respect for the investigative process and for the family of Ms. Ramirez, we will not speculate or comment on details that are under review.”

At the start of the year, Ramirez’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Brentwood, alleging that police used excessive force while taking her into custody, which left her injured and unresponsive. They have also pushed for the District Attorney’s Office to call for a Coroner’s Inquest, a public hearing overseen by the Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. Inquests are open to the public, are conducted by a private attorney hired by the Coroner’s Division and are held in front of a jury of citizens randomly selected from the Contra Costa County Superior Court jury pool, according to the county’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incidents Protocol. The jury is to decide whether the death was by natural causes, suicide, accident, or at the hands of another person other than by accident.

The family is continuing to demand a Coroner’s Inquest, with plans circulating on social media announcing a protest planned to take place on March 10 at 7 p.m. at

Housing from page 1A

tially significant effect in seven of the 21 environmental impact categories used by CEQA: biological resources, geology and soils, noise, cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, and tribal cultural resources. So Raney Planning and Management and Ponderosa Homes created a plan to reduce these factors with numerous strategies for countering the environmental impact of the new housing development. For example, in the geology and soils category, the project is considered to be in an area at high risk for soil liquefaction and subsidence during an earthquake. To reduce this risk, the project civil engineer must show that the project adheres to a set of engineering recommendations according to the part of the Oakley Municipal Code that regulates the grading of a site. The project will also pay $1,063,825 in Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan fees, according to Senior Planner Jose Cortez.

The project site has been vacant for over 20 years. Originally, this project was brought before the Planning Commission in 2004, and had completed its final planning process in 2006, according to Ponderosa Homes’ Jeff Schroeder. However, it was never developed before the housing market “went to hell in a handbasket,” Schroeder said. The property was sold to a distressed property investor for “10 cents on the dollar,” and was purchased back only three years ago. The previous final map for the project had expired, so a new one was created; this process, including public review, was completed throughout 2024 and 2025. The new map includes pump stations for the local sewer and flood control districts, which Schroeder said would make the

City Hall to correspond with the scheduled City Council meeting at that time.

The push for an inquest comes in the wake of two different autopsies with different causes of death determined for Ramirez. An independent autopsy done at the family’s request determined her cause of death to be homicide “as a consequence of police restraint” while the county coroner said that Ramirez’s death was from natural causes caused by a stroke. “There was no evidence of significant, recent trauma that would have contributed to this death,” the report reads.

The District Attorney’s Office and Brentwood police have declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. But the Feb. 27 press release from the police department noted that the release of the footage was intended to be transparent.

“The police department’s release of the video is in keeping with the City’s commitment, made in its November 5, 2025 media release, to ensure transparency when possible,” the press release reads. “The family of Ms. Ramirez was provided with an opportunity to privately view the video prior to its release to the public.”

Ramirez’s family did not agree that the department was interested in transparency.

“If they could have waited longer, they would have done that,” Ramirez’s widower, Rudy, said. “It was horrific. It was damaging to my soul to watch my wife being treated the way she was…they lost control of the situation.”

Meyer’s full statement can be read at www.thepress. net

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

project more difficult to complete, though he also said it was still doable.

Bob Owen, a local resident, asked about the project’s phasing and start date, whether there would be a street light at the corner of Delta Road and Main Street or Sellers Avenue and Delta Road, which school district the development would be in, and whether traffic would be a concern. Cortez answered that the project’s start date and phases are not known, since it is still early in the design process, and that all of the homes would be in Oakley’s school

district. Cortez also said that the project was designed such that most traffic would take Sellers Ave. in and out of the development, which, it was hoped, would reduce traffic load on nearby neighborhoods.

Commissioner Yared Oliveros asked about potential risks to the neighborhood’s fire safety due to traffic, with Cortez answering that the project had not received any negative comments after being sent to emergency service providers.

In other Commission news: The Planning Commission granted

a conditional use permit for the sale of distilled spirits to an AMPM convenience store at an Arco gas station in west Oakley at 2160 Laurel Rd. next to the Contra Costa Canal. The owners and manager of the AMPM store assured the Commission that they were prepared for the potential security risks that selling spirits such as whiskey posed, including increased potential for crime, and that they were committed to keeping the spirits out of the hands of underage people, including students from the nearby schools.

REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

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

County to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 17

International Women’s Day is Tuesday, March 17, and the county Board of Supervisors is inviting county residents to help celebrate it on that day from 11 a.m. -noon at the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez.

“International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on progress achieved, to recognize ongoing work, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to collaboration, respect, and inclusive leadership,” District 3 (most of East County) Supervisor Diane Burgis said in a press release. We value the many voices, perspectives, and partnerships that contribute to the strength of our county, and we look forward to coming together in that spirit of unity.”

This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” reflects the spirit of service, mentorship, and leadership that continues to strengthen Contra Costa County, she added. The program will recognize women who are making meaningful contributions across the County, while also acknowledging the collective efforts that advance opportunity and well-being for all.

For details, email Supervisor_Burgis@bos.cccounty.us or call 925-6552330.

Three-part series this month about closing the social justice gap

The Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice is hosting a free three-part workshop series to help encourage and prepare residents to be part of county government processes.

Designed for residents who are unfamiliar with how local government is structured and organized, this series will help provide people with fundamental information to demystify local systems and make it easier to get involved and offer their voices and perspectives, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.

The remaining courses (the first one was on March 4) are:

• March 11: How to Participate in County Decision-Making - Understanding public meetings, committees/advisory bodies, and how to offer public comment

• March 18: How to Access County Services and Get Involved - Understanding available resources, civic engagement opportunities, and how to stay informed

Classes are from 9 a.m.-noon in person at 1026 Escobar St., Suite 2B, Martinez.

For details, call 925-655-4640 or email info@oresj.cccounty.us

To register, visit https://bit. ly/3NgoN4z

County offers new pocket-sized immigration resource kit

El Tímpano’s Guía de Recursos has been available digitally for the past two years and is shaped by thousands of questions the county has received from East Bay immigrants. The guide is regularly updated immigration frequently asked questions (FAQ), with timely information on Know Your Rights, Bay Area rapid response hotlines, steps to request a remote court hearing, and more.

But in February, the county launched The Guía de Bolsillo (“pocket guide”), an abridged, print version of the digital guide that includes immigration FAQ highlights, how to access healthcare, food banks, and emergency services, ways to connect with El Tímpano across platforms, including text message and a video series

The new pocket guide is available at libraries, schools, flea markets, and community-based organizations.

Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee wants to fill opening

Contra Costa County is accepting applications for the Byron Neighbor position on the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC). This position is designated for someone who works or resides in Byron, Brentwood, Knightsen, or Discovery Bay. Upon appointment by the Board of Supervisors, the new appointee would serve a term expiring on Feb. 28, 2027.

The AAC is an advisory group to the County Board of Supervisors to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to Contra Costa County airports. The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or at www. contracosta.ca.gov/3418/AppointedBodies-Committees-Commissions. Applications should be submitted online or returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st floor, Martinez, CA 94553, by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8. Applicants will be contacted should the County decide to schedule an interview.

Tips on how to improve your commute

emote work was the standard during the global pandemic, and that greatly reduced the time employees spent traveling to their places of employment. But now that many workers have been called back to business offices, professionals are once again facing the prospect of much longer commutes.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the average one-way commute is 25.4 minutes. The National Association of Home Builders reports a time of 26.8 minutes. However, ask many employees and they’ll suggest that their commute times feel longer, particularly when increased traffic on the nation’s roadways continues to be a concern.

There are ways to make daily trips to the office more manageable.

♦ Try public transportation. Leaving the driving to someone else can make commuting a bit less taxing. If buses, trains or trollies are available where you live, consider taking them to work rather than driving alone in your car. This will free you up for other activities during the trip, such as reading or organizing tasks for the week.

♦ Listen to audiobooks. Many people lament they don’t have as much time to read as they want. Audiobooks provide a great way to enjoy a best-seller while on the way to work and solve the problem of having too little time to read.

♦ Use a commute to relax. While it may seem counterintuitive, commutes can be transformed into relaxing moments when you practice mindfulness or meditation. Try deep breathing exercises to calm your mind.

♦ Vary your route. Take a different way to work a few times each week instead of the

same roads over and over. A new route varies the view along the way and you’ll learn alternatives if there is a traffic jam or detour.

♦ Embrace outdoor time. If possible, incorporate some outdoor time into your commute. For example, biking or walking a portion of the commute can make it more enjoyable. Getting fresh air and exercise can tame stress and improve mood.

♦ Maximize physical comfort. Making a vehicle as comfortable as possible can improve a commute. When selecting a vehicle, opt for one with supportive seats with com-

Commuting may not be on par with a relaxing evening out with friends, but there are ways to make trips to and from the office more tolerable and even enjoyable.

fort features like lumbar support and heated seats. Set up the interior so that your coffee or tea is within reach, and stock sunglasses or other necessities in storage areas so the car does not feel cluttered.

♦ Compile a commuting playlist. Figure out the mood you want to set during your commute and then curate a playlist that reflects that desired vibe. Do you want mellow, relaxing songs, or do you prefer upbeat, uplifting tunes? This way you’re not beholden to the offerings on the radio or satellite services.

– Metro Creative

Car maintenance: two different views on when to do it

When should you take your car in for routine maintenance?

The answer is complicated.

Two different mechanics, Ted Curran of Monkey Wrenches Inc., and Brian Cornelius of Bill Brandt Ford in Brentwood, gave two different answers. Curran said that car maintenance depends primarily on what the car’s manufacturer recommends, in addition to the mileage, while Cornelius said that most maintenance is standardized across manufacturers and should be done based primarily on mileage driven.

In Curran’s view, maintenance has become more specialized as cars and their components have become more technologically advanced. Instead of a general tune-up, as older cars may have needed, mileage recommended services come from the manufacturer.

For example, a Subaru would need

major servicing, such as replacing tires, transmission fluid, and spark plugs, after 60,000 miles, while a GM would need major servicing after 90,000 to 100,000 miles.

If a car has specialized parts, such as a direct fuel injection system, it requires “unique” maintenance, as the fuel injection system can suffer from carbon buildup that increases premature wear and tear. Even minor maintenance, such as oil changes, needs to be tailored for the car based on the manufacturer--if you use the wrong oil for the car, it can break down and cause more wear and tear on the engine, mechanics said.

“Preventative maintenance is what the customer needs to do,” Curran said. “If you do maintenance on time as recommended by the manufacturer, and do things like oil changes, that will help. They did a study on preventative maintenance versus repair, and found that preventative maintenance

Maintenance page 4B

can save up to $8 for every dollar spent on repair. Preventative maintenance is one of the biggest investments a customer makes, besides a mortgage or their kid’s college, so it’s very important to have a car shop that follows the recommendations of the manufacturer.”

Curran recommended that drivers bring their car into the shop four times per year, a frequency that would enable a qualified technician to give a “good, fair assessment” of factors such as brake, tire, and suspension condition and tire pressure.

At Monkey Wrenches Inc. at 8130 Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood, Curran also performs complimentary “peace of mind inspections,” a digital checkup on the customer’s car that allows them to see which parts need repairing and understand why it needs a repair. This way, “customers tend to feel like they’re being treated properly, and not ripped off,” he said.

Prices for maintenance can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the type of car, the types of parts (such as belts and chains) it has, the number of certain parts

such as spark plugs, and the accessibility of the components. Curran said some cars have spark plugs that take two to three hours to replace.

Cornelius at Bill Brandt Ford at 8100 Brentwood Blvd. gave an opposing view of maintenance.

If

“The majority of maintenance is standard across the board between manufacturers,” he said. “Any gas or diesel motor has to have the oil changed, almost all vehicles have cabin air filters that need to be replaced, gas and diesel engines have engine air filters. It’s really the type of engine that matters. If there’s no gas or diesel engine, like in an electric car, you’d have to rotate the tires. There’s also fluid in most of them that is a coolant running through the battery inverter that needs to be changed periodically.”

While Cornelius agreed that minor maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations should be done every 5,000 to

They did a study... Preventative maintenance can save up to $8 for every dollar spent on repair.

– Ted Curran,

Monkey Wrenches

10,000 miles, about every six months for many drivers, he recommended that major maintenance be done based mainly on mileage. No matter the manufacturer of their car, drivers should come in at 20,000 miles driven to change the cabin air filter, 30,000 miles to replace the engine air filter, and 60,000 to 100,000 miles driven to change things such as transmission fluid, though it is possible to wait until 150,000 miles driven for the latter, Cornelius said.

In Cornelius’s view, prices depend primarily on mileage driven and the type of maintenance being done. At Bill Brandt Ford, an oil change, inspection, and tire rotation is $109.95, while cabin air filters cost $69.95 and engine air filters cost $35 to $50.

For more information, call Bill Brandt Ford at 925) 634-3551. Call Monkey Wrenches Inc. at 925- 634-4145.

Oakley Collision has a new owner

As a locally owned, family-run shop, Aguilar said they are able to offer a more personal, one-on-one experience.

Oakley Collision, previously known as Oakley Collision Center, was purchased Feb. 2 by Mario and Jennifer Aguilar. The business’s location remains at 5289 Neroly Road in Oakley.

Aguilar said purchasing the business “truly felt like the right time.”

“The previous owner was ready to pass the torch, and owning a shop had always been a dream of mine,” she said. “Opportunities like this don’t always come around, and we felt called to step forward when the door opened. We saw this as a chance not just to take over a business, but to build something meaningful together, something rooted in family, integrity, and genuine service to our community.”

Aguilar said their biggest focus is their mission -- “letting our community know that we are a locally owned, family-run shop that treats every vehicle as if it were our own.”

“We also believe it’s important for customers to know they have the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. Our goal is for every customer to feel confident, informed, and genuinely cared for, because building trust is the foundation of everything we do,” he added.”

“Our goals are simple but powerful: deliver quality repairs, operate with honesty and transparency, support our team, and earn long-term trust within our community,” he said. “We’re truly putting care back in collision repair through clear communication, full transparency throughout the repair process, and treating customers like family, not just a job number.”

Aguilar said his journey in the automotive industry began over 20 years agostarting at the ground level and learning the importance of hard work, patience, and attention to detail.

“I attended the Contra Costa College Collision Repair Program under Mr. Lock’s guidance and built my career as a collision repair technician, gaining experience in areas such as structural repairs, wiring, and vehicle calibrations,” he said. “For nearly seven years, I have owned and operated an automotive air conditioning business, strengthening my technical knowledge and hands-on experience. Along the way, I

learned that collision repair is not just about fixing vehicles, but about earning trust during some of the most stressful moments for customers.”

The journey for Aguilar is shared alongside his wife who brings 20 years of customer service experience, “with a deep understanding that how people are treated matters just as much as the work itself.”

“Her warmth, professionalism, and commitment to clear communication help ensure every customer feels heard, respected, and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. Together, we combine technical expertise with genuine,

people-first service—a shared commitment that ultimately led us here,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar emphasized the “exciting changes” that are already underway.

“We’ve begun remodeling the lobby and office areas to create a more welcoming, comfortable space for our customers,” he noted. “Behind the scenes, we’re integrating modern technology to bring the shop fully up-to-date with today’s vehicles and repair standards.”

For more information and a list of services, visit www.oakleycollision.com, call (925) 522-8100 or email oakleycollision925@gmail.com.

Common car noises and what they mean A

lthough there are many drivers who understand what goes on under the hood of a vehicle and the inner workings of car mechanics, there are plenty of others who might not know a spark plug from a dipstick. For the latter group, random noises when driving can be a cause for immediate alarm.

Certain noises can be innocuous and easily fixed, while others may be indicative of something more complex. Pinpointing where a noise is coming from can help vehicle owners identify the problem. Here’s a list of some common sounds and what the causes might be, courtesy of Firestone, Geico and Nationwide.

High-pitched squealing

Screeching or squealing coming from the tires when stepping on the brakes likely means that brake pads are wearing down and the indicator is rubbing against the rotor. Although this is not an emergency situation, it does mean that brakes will need to be replaced sooner than later.

Rattling in the wheel

If you hear rattling inside of a wheel at low speeds that stops as you drive faster, it could mean there is a loose lug nut inside of the hub cap. That wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Bring the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Clicking

not holding a charge, a new one is needed.

Squeaky or scraping windshield wipers

Squeaking and scraping means the windshield wipers are wearing down or the windshield is dirty. Clean the windshield and inspect the wiper blades to make sure they are in working order. A bad wiper and dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous.

Clunking sounds

Clunking sounds may indicate a few different problems. A clunking sound might indicate worn out shock absorbers, which absorb vibrations from the wheels. Damaged struts also can cause clunking. Worn out leaf spring shackles that help in off-roading conditions also can cause clunking when they bend or break.

Humming, whining or whirring

These strange noises might have different origins. Check if the differential needs to be lubricated. A wheel bearing also could be worn out and produce a noise. In more severe cases, the transmission could be failing. The best course of action is to get a professional opinion from a mechanic.

Flapping noise

A broken belt typically is the culprit when a vehicle makes a flapping or slapping noise. Something also may be interfering with the fan. Driving with a broken belt may cause severe engine damage, so it’s important to address the issue.

Squealing under the hood

If you try to start the car and only hear a clicking sound instead of the car turning over, a dead battery is likely the cause. Such a noise also may indicate corroded battery terminals that are preventing the current from flowing. Terminals need to be cleaned. The battery should be checked and jumped, if necessary. If a battery is

Squealing can indicate worn or loose accessory belts. In newer cars it might be the serpentine belt. Belts are relatively inexpensive and easy fixes.

Brentwood Smog Express celebrates 20th anniversary

ike

“When we first started, we were smog only, and then we progressed into test and

repair,” Korrin said. “Now we are a fullservice repair, maintenance, diagnostic, as well as smog.”

Korrin said the company has been able to flourish partly because of so many customers who keep coming back. “We have been very blessed over the years. We have grown our customer base, giving us repeat business over the years that has allowed us to stay so long in the community and expand.”

Mike added that he has always been in the auto repair business. “I worked for the GM Dealership for about 14 years before we purchased the business in 2005. I have

kept all of my ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications, master technician status, and we have built a crew around that.”

ASE is the industry-standard certification for car mechanics.

Mike noted that the company has already expanded into the shop next door, doubling their size.

“This has given us more square footage, more technician mechanics, and we are able to handle more work and repairs in a more timely fashion for our customers,” Korrin said, adding and that the business still has the same crew.

Korrin said customers can expect service sooner and quicker with a better turnaround time.

Services include smog inspection, auto repair and DMV registration.

Mike noted that they do everything but body work and windshields. “We do smog check, smog failure repairs, oil changes, basic maintenance, service repairs, diagnostics, brake jobs, tires, and all general automotive repair and maintenance.”

For more information and services, visit www.brentwoodsmogexpress.com.

To schedule an appointment, call (925) 516-6488.

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

For second-generation framer Chris Ramos, it’s all in the family. CR Framing serves local artists and residents at wholesale prices, with excellent quality and quick turnaround. They offer an array of services, including custom framing, shipping, shrink wrapping, matting, and framing. The business is located at 700 Harvest Park Drive, Unit I, in Brentwood, and hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call 925-634-7742 email crframing@aol.com or visit crframing.webs.com.