The Press 04.10.2026

East Bay wildfire season starts early this year

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

Even though the state wildfire season does not peak until late summer/early fall, ConFire fighters got an early start on fighting fires during the recent heat wave.

There were small vegetation fires and ‘escaped controlled burns’ (those that burned outside of the controlled burn area) in the Bay Area because of the lack of rainfall, fire officials said.

“This looks and feels early, largely due to lower rainfall,” ConFire Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said.

According to McAlister, fire season starts with grasses annually becoming dry in the spring and continuing until the rains arrive in the fall, additionally

beginning when they start routinely responding to vegetation fires, which is expected to take place in mid to late April.

In 2025, Con Fire responded to 1,602 ‘exterior fires’ (those outside the home) to go along with 2,032 such fires in 2024.

“Think of it as a bell curve where

there is a ramp up in spring, then peak season at the height, and then a ramp down as cooler temps return in the fall,” McAlister said. “Our response activity follows this bell curve. Scientifically, we

Oakley planners to review objective residential design standards this year

By Connor Robles Correspondent

The Oakley Planning Commission will review objective design standards to complement the city’s existing residential design guidelines by the end of this year, according to Associate Planner Evan Gorman. They will be brought before the Commission in a work session in late spring or early summer, and the Commission and City Council could approve them later in the year.

Objective design standards are “quantifiable and measurable design standards that can help streamline the review of different types of residential development,” according to Gorman’s presentation on design guidelines.

Police offer tips to prevent gas theft

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

As gas prices continue to rise, cities across the country, and California in particular, have reported an increase in the number of cases of gas theft being reported to police, according to the Pacific Research Institute. While local police say they have not seen an increase in gas theft in East County, they have offered tips to help drivers keep from falling victim.

“While we cannot confirm any specific local trend at this time, these types of incidents can occur,” said Officer Joseph Amiri, Community Liaison Officer for Antioch Police. “We encourage residents to report any suspected activity so it can be documented and addressed appropriately. As a precaution, individuals may see Gas page 22

Many of these have been set by the state Legislature over the past several

see Planners page 22

Federal officials warn of

The FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Center are warning the public about an emerging phishing scheme by criminals impersonating city and county officials to solicit fraudulent payments for city and county planning and zoning permits.

The criminals leverage publicly available permit information to identify potential victims and increase the legitimacy of the scam. Victims of this scam have been identified nationwide.

FBI Alert Number I-030926-PSA describes how the scam works, tips to protect yourself, and how to report it.

Individuals and businesses with active applications for land-use permits are being targeted by criminals impersonating city and county planning and zoning board officials, fraudulently requesting fees associated with these permits. Victims receive unsolicited emails citing their permit information, zoning application numbers, and/or property addresses. Victims are instructed to pay invoices for fees related to their permits and directed to make payments via wire transfer, person-to-person payment, or cryptocurrency.

Common indicators of the scheme are:

•Emails contain detailed, accurate information about planning and zoning requests, including property addresses, case numbers, and the true names of city

and county officials.

•Emails use professional language, formatting, and imagery consistent with legitimate government communications for planning and zoning applications, including review processes, planning commission procedures, regulatory compliance, and relevant ordinances.

•Email addresses contain usernames similar to city or county planning and zoning departments but originate from non-governmental domains, such as “@usa.com”

•Email delivery may be timed to coincide with ongoing communications with city and county officials regarding the permitting process.

•Attached PDF invoices contain itemized statements of purported fees and direct applicants to request payment instructions via email, rather than telephone, to ensure a reliable audit trail for all correspondence related to the application. This is designed to deter the victim from calling the city or county office to verify the fees.

•Emails emphasize urgency, threatening delays or other obstacles in the permitting process if the applicant does not immediately render payment.

Tips to protect yourself:

Do not assume emails are legitimate based on the use of city or county letterhead, seals, names of officials, or proper spelling and grammar.

Verify that the email address, including the domain name, matches the email address of the official with whom you are corresponding and does not contain extra characters or misspellings.

Check the city or county official website for notices about ongoing impersonation schemes.

Call the city or county government, using the phone number listed on the official website, to verify outstanding fees.

How to report it:

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to this impersonation scam, file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. Include any available information including:

•The email address, date of email, phone number, if provided;

•The date of your project’s scheduled hearing, if applicable; and,

•The amount listed in the fraudulent invoice, the method requested to pay fees, and bank account information, if provided.

East County weed reduction plan includes goats

By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent

Later this spring, the city will welcome more “hungry helpers” – goats – in its efforts to rid vegetation of weeds.

“The City’s weed abatement efforts are now underway,” according to the City of Brentwood Facebook page. “As temperatures have warmed, vegetation across the city has quickly changed from green to golden. Crews have already started work in the Deer Ridge and Shadow Lakes areas and will continue expanding these efforts throughout the city.”

The goats may begin arriving as early as the last week of April or the first week of May to graze along storm channels and retention basins. For the 2026 season, the fire district requires weed reduction through mowing, disking, or hand-cutting to keep weeds at three inches or shorter.

“The basic objective of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Weed Abatement program is to eliminate the incidence of exterior fires that are attributed to hazardous vegetation, such as cured grass, weeds, shrubs, and combustible debris, such as paper, cardboard, and plastics, where possible, and to reduce the severity of such fires where they cannot be eliminated,” the fire district said in a statement. “As vegetation

throughout the county starts to lose its moisture and is more prone to burn, parcels located throughout the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s jurisdiction that are not being maintained become more susceptible to exterior fire. These fires are able to grow rapidly in size and intensity when hazardous vegetation and combustible debris are allowed to accumulate.”

The fire district said the owner is responsible for eliminating exterior fire hazards regardless of property type- including residential, commercial, and vacant land.

They define weeds as all wild plants growing on streets or private property in this jurisdiction. “These include dry grass, tree litter, litter, or other flamma-

“Around 2015, targeted grazing using goats was introduced as an innovative approach to address…hardto-reach areas such as creeks, storm basins, and steep terrain,” a Brentwood official said.

Photo courtesy of City of Brentwood

ble materials that are capable of being ignited and endangering public safety by creating a fire hazard. Also includes a brush that attains such a large growth as to become, when dry, a fire hazard to adjacent improved property.”

The idea for weed reduction was initially prompted by a need to find a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods, “which rely heavily on equipment, herbicides, and can generate significant noise,” said Christopher Ziemann, Brentwood Assistant Director of Public Works who has worked for the City for over 20 years.

“Around 2015, targeted grazing using goats was introduced as an innovative approach to address these challenges, particularly in hard-to-reach areas

such as creeks, storm basins, and steep terrain,” he said.

He added that the goats are provided through specialized, contracted grazing companies (Star Creek Land Stewards) from Los Banos that manage the animals, fencing, and overall operation. “Since implementation, the program has proven effective and has gained strong support from both City staff and the community, not only for its operational benefits but also for its environmental advantages and public engagement.”

“Goat grazing typically costs approximately $1,100 per acre, while traditional landscaping services generally range from $400 to $800 per acre, depending on the scope of work,” Ziemann said. “While goats may have a higher upfront cost, they provide several key benefits, including reduced use of heavy equipment, elimination of herbicides in certain areas, lower noise levels, and the ability to access difficult terrain such as steep slopes, creeks, and stormwater facilities. Additionally, goat grazing supports environmental sustainability and reduces fuel consumption, making it an effective and eco-friendly alternative for certain applications. Goats are used on approximately 30 acres of the City’s weed abatement program, while mowing and manual labor account for over 120

see Goats page 5

Mount Diablo State Park: Here is how to visit and what to expect

The three-headed Mount Diablo may be a regular sight for everyone who lives in the East Bay, but that doesn’t make it any less mesmerizing.

Fortunate to have this peak in our midst, Mount Diablo State Park makes for an aweinspiring hike, especially now as the temperatures balance. So pack a snack, gear up with sunscreen and grab some water bottles. That’s all you need to enjoy this beautiful mountain.

The park has two entrances, but East Bay residents might find the North Gate Road Entrance the nearest. Pay $10 for entrance (for one car), and get set on the path for adventure. As you wind up to the summit, each curve will reveal a stunning view of East Bay.

If you are traveling with kids, it’s best to start with the small Summit Visitor Center that has interactive features for those wanting to learn about Mount Diablo and its origins. Starting as a volcanic rock beneath the Pacific Ocean, the mountain found its way above the land – a concept that is as fascinating as mind boggling.

The exhibits talk about how the “Devil” mountain was considered sacred by the local American Indian tribe living in its shadow, and how explorers still come across fossils of water creatures on the mountain.

The visitor center also placed a marker at the actual peak of Mount Diablo – a hard,

iron-like spot that is surreal to touch. It is overwhelming, even revering, to realize that you are standing 3,849 feet up high.

Move farther up the small stairs to absorb the expansive view that few places in California can offer. From the Golden Gate Bridge on one side, to the Sierra Nevada on the other, to the more nearby wind turbines on Vasco Road – you’ll see places known and unknown from a new vantage point.

Once you have taken in the top view, you can consider one of the many hike trails that Mount Diablo offers. The 0.7-mile Mary

Blessed with a crisp, clear, fresh day? Head to the mystical Mount Diablo.

It has long held spiritual significance and geological importance for those living under its protection. So if you have been skipping Mount Diablo just because it’s near – don’t. It’s time to discover what’s right next door.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Gates open at 8a.m. and close at sunset. Head out by sunset to avoid being locked in. The Summit Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

• Entrance – North Gate Road Entrance: 1300 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek, 94598

• South Gate Road Entrance: 2675 Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard, Blackhawk, 94506

• Vehicle entrance fee: $10 Cash/ Check (anytime) and credit/debit (when kiosks staffed)

Bowerman trail is the easiest one to begin with. It is named after the botanist who studied the flora of Mount Diablo in the early 1900s, subsequently becoming one of the founders of Save Mount Diablo. Though not inclined or long, it does have an edge-ofthe-cliff-with-no-railing character! But don’t sweat. Walk around, take in the wilderness and make sure to jump over the sagebrush lizards hopping around. You will also pass the Devil’s Pulpit, a red monolith, on this trail, that people climb to the top for Instagramworthy shots.

The tougher trails reward with fields dotted with orange and purple wildflowers, and unique rock formations. The park offers many interesting spots to observe the natural beauty of Mount Diablo. From the Rock City that actually has tiny caves to climb into, to the Fossil Ridge that shows evidence of the mountain’s oceanic origins. It’s impossible to see it all in one day.

The Popular Trails (recommended by Mount Diablo Interpretive Association):

• Wall Point - Pine Canyon Loop – Moderate – 6 miles. This loop features a variety of habitats including chaparral, riparian, foothill woodland and grassland. Walk over vertical beds of sandstone from 45 million years ago.

• Mitchell Canyon - Back Creek Loop –Strenuous – 7 miles. Admire lush wildflower meadows, narrow canyons, magnificent groves of Coulter pines, birding areas, rugged mountain scenery, and sun-swept panoramas.

good smile can open doors. A Sheffield Smile can change lives.

• Mitchell Canyon Nature Trail –Easy – 4 miles. A botanical extravaganza, view an oak savanna woodland, wildflowers in the spring, California quails and butterflies as well.

Camping: For a nominal fee of $30, Mount Diablo State Park gives access to three campgrounds, available through reservation only.

For more information, visit www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=517

Mount Diablo is not just a mountain.

– Soumya Jain Agarwal

acres.”

In determining where and when to send them, Ziemann said goats are deployed in creeks, storm basins, steep terrain, and water infrastructure facilities where they provide the greatest benefit to the weed reduction program. “These locations are selected based on their suitability for targeted grazing and overall program efficiency,” he said.

Ziemann noted that while the placement locations are established, timing is critical to the program’s success. “If goats are deployed too early, when vegetation is still green, regrowth can occur and require additional treatment. Conversely, if conditions become too hot and dry, vegetation turns brown quickly, making it more difficult to stay ahead of the program. At this time, we anticipate the first goat herd arriving during the last week of April, followed by a second herd of approximately 500 goats in the first week of May.”

Ziemann advised people to not feed or pet the goats under any circumstances. “Attempting to feed them may encourage

the animals to push through or compromise the electric fencing, potentially allowing them to escape their designated grazing area. In addition, human food and certain types of vegetation can be harmful to the goats.”

The fire district has provided the public with their annual weed reduction program, targeting a May 15 deadline for East County, including Antioch, Oakley, and Discovery Bay.

Joe Ottolini, a Contra Costa County Fire captain, said they do not manage the weed reduction program for the City of Brentwood.

“Responsibilities have been shared between Public Works and Parks Maintenance, with the Streets Division handling the Public Works responsibilities for over 10 years.”

For more information on the weed reduction program, visit https://bit. ly/4c6DbEY or email CCCFPD at info@ cccfpd.org.

For more information from Brentwood Public Works, visit https:// bit.ly/4vz7WeP To comment, visit www.thepress.net

WE’RE HIRING

FREELANCE WRITERS WANTED!

Writers will be expected to pitch story ideas with a focus on local news as well as features highlighting people and places of interest within the East Bay. Stories should focus on Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay and Antioch.

Candidates must:

• Possess previous newsroom experience

• Be able to take photos and videos

• Write concise, accurate and engaging stories on deadline •Be computer literate and able to function in an online, multimedia environment

Candidates based in East County are preferred.

Job type: Part-time

Monday to Friday afternoon/evenings with weekend availability

Ability to commute in and around East County

License: Driver’s License

If you are qualified for this position

please send your resume, writing and photo samples: editor@brentwoodpress.com

THE TRIALS AND TRAVAILS OF INTESTACY

By Todd W. Moeller, Moeller Estate Law

People have different reasons for not creating an estate plan, such as believing they’re too young, don’t have children, are single, or simply refusing to accept that someday it will be too late. Many mistakenly think their assets aren’t valuable enough to worry about estate planning, but this isn’t true. Without an estate plan, families often face confusion and stress after someone’s passing.

If you die without a will or trust— known as dying intestate—states have laws to handle your estate, including California. Wills and trusts resolve problems like choosing guardians for minor children, deciding how and when assets are distributed, naming the person responsible for managing assets, and dealing with taxes. If proper documents aren’t in place, California decides who gets your assets. Passing away intestate usually means your estate goes through probate. Someone (often a family member) must ask the court to become executor, personal representative,

or administrator, giving them legal authority over your assets. Due to probate’s complexity, that person may need a lawyer for help. A judge supervises the probate process and provides documents granting the executor power to manage the estate. Executors receive compensation under California Probate Code for their work.

If you want to avoid the time and expense of probate by setting up an effective estate plan, please contact our office for assistance.

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

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

– Advertorial

State agencies are completing additional surveys across the Sierra Nevada. Preliminary data indicates this year’s April 1 snowpack is the second lowest on record.

Record hot, dry March wipes out snowpack, leaving no measurable snow for April survey

The Department of Water Resources has conducted the critical April snow survey at Phillips Station and found no measurable snow, a stark indicator of how record‑hot March temperatures and high‑elevation rain have erased the Sierra Nevada snow pack months ahead of schedule. The com bination of warm storms and unusually hot temperatures rapidly melted what remained of this year’s already sparse snowpack, the state said in a press release. Statewide, the snowpack is now just 18 percent of average for this date, according to the automated snow sensor network.

“What makes this year stand out is the disconnect between precipitation and snowpack,” said Andy Reising, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. “We received near average precipitation in many parts of the state, but much of it fell as rain instead of snow. That led to one of the lowest April snowpacks on record and one of the earliest peaks we’ve seen in decades — conditions that make fore casting runoff more complex.”

“It feels like we skipped spring this year and dropped straight into a summer heat wave,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “What should be gradual snowmelt hap pened suddenly weeks ago. To me, this is another reminder that aging water systems need to be retrofit for more volatile precipi tation patterns. We’re seeing fewer, warmer storms and shorter wet seasons. Future wa ter supplies will depend upon our ability to capture water when it’s available and manage it more efficiently.”

DWR’s water supply forecasts use data from the April 1 snowpack to calculate how much snowmelt runoff will eventually make its way into California’s rivers and reservoirs. This information is critical for reservoir man agers, who must balance flood control and water supply goals through the winter and de pend on snowmelt to slowly refill reservoirs as demand increases during the dry season.

across the Sierra Nevada, preliminary data indicates this year’s April 1 snowpack is the second lowest on record.

Although some additional snow is fore casted to arrive in the coming days, it is not likely to make up for the rapid snowmelt and hot, dry March. In the Northern Sierra Ne vada, where the state’s largest water supply reservoirs are located, the snowpack is just 6 percent of average.

The April measurement is a critical marker for water managers across the state, as it is typically when the snowpack reaches its maximum volume and begins to melt. How ever, this year’s extremely hot and dry condi tions throughout March, along with a warm atmospheric river in late February, melted the snow several weeks ahead of schedule. Ac cording to automated sensors across the Si erra Nevada, this year’s statewide snowpack likely reached its peak on or near Feb. 24.

Given the unprecedented heatwave across the West in March, DWR and its partners expanded monitoring efforts to bet ter track this year’s rapid snowmelt, includ ing 100 additional mid month snow surveys across 18 critical watersheds. The California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program has also been working closely with partner agencies to monitor the snowmelt and ensure water man agers have the information they need to make informed water management decisions.

DWR has focused efforts over the past five years to understand and track how snowpack accumulation and melt translates into water supply, which has aided efforts to forecast runoff in new extreme climate condi tions. New snow hydrology modeling in key watersheds gives DWR better insights into the changing physical state of the snowpack. Expanding data collection efforts now also al low DWR to consider factors like changes in soil moisture and snowpack temperature in its runoff forecasts.

The results are the second lowest April measurement on record for Phillips Station, largely because there was still some visible snow on the ground. By contrast, the lowest April measurement occurred in 2015 when no snow was at the site. Although DWR and the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program are completing additional surveys

Measuring California’s snowpack is a key component of water management. On average, California’s snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs. Its nat ural ability to store water is why California’s snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

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

Calendar

This Week’s Events

Saturday, April 11

East Bay Anza 250 Symposium

The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium is a collaborative gathering that explores the expedition’s impact on the East Bay, honors Indigenous legacies, and fosters dialogue about how this history informs our present. Symposium registration $30 for the public or $20 for students and seniors. Lunch is included. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4szlhRO. The event will be from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., with a lunch break at noon in the Student Union of Los Medanos College’s Pittsburg campus at 2700 East Leland Road. An optional walk will take place along the trail that intersects with LMC at 8 a.m.

On the Horizon

Friday, April 17

Heritage High School

Improv Show

The Improv Team will make up the whole evening up on the spot—characters, song lyrics, situations, and whole scenes. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $5 per person, available at https:// hhsrisingstars.seatyourself.biz. Online sales only, no cash at the door.

Saturday, April 18

Black Diamond Ballet to host benefit for El Campanil Theatre

Black Diamond Ballet will present “City of Stars” Gala & Benefit Concert on April 18 at 7 p.m at the El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd St. This evening celebrates the dance community coming together on one stage for one purpose: to keep the arts thriving in Antioch. Building on the momentum of the successful GoFundMe campaign to “Keep the Arts Alive,” the event will raise funds for the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation to help sustain the theatre, and keep the arts thriving in the community. The evening will include live dance and musical performances from Black Diamond Ballet, Step 2 This Dance and Performing Arts, Be Exceptional Programs and the Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy. Tickets are available at www.blackdiamondballet.org or www.elcampaniltheatre.com. For more information, call 925-757-9500.

United Indian Association

Blood Drive

The United Indian Association is hosting a blood drive at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m as part of Brentwood’s Community Day of Service. Look for the blood mobile. Donors have a chance to win a $10,000 gift card. To schedule an appointment, go to Vitalant.org and enter blood drive code 100559801, or call 877-258-4825 and mention the same code. Photo ID required to donate. For eligibility questions, call 800-289-4923 or visit vitalant.org/eligibility.

Brentwood Community Day of Service

The Community Day of Service is a coordinated, citywide effort that brings together local service groups, nonprofits, community organizations, and the City of Brentwood for a morning of giving back. Volunteer opportunities are available to participate in, from park and neighborhood cleanups to planting projects to supporting local nonprofits. Kickoff is at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road at 8:30 a.m. Those interested in participating can register in advance at https://bit.ly/3Q0JnH0.

Liberty High School Auto Shop

Car Show

The show will be from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Independence high school, Pine and First streets in Brentwood. This is a benefit show to support the students in the auto shop program. Check out the cars and stay for the live DJ and vendors. Car registration is $13, but the event is free to the public.

Saturday, April 25

Youth Commission’s Multicultural Fair

The Brentwood Youth Commission celebrates the city’s diverse cultures from noon- 3 p.m. at City Park

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.

right after the farmers market downtown. There will be performances, games, and a fashion show put on by local youth cultural groups. If you are a youth cultural or performance group looking to perform or host a booth, contact commissioner and event lead Rojan Habon at rhabon@brentwoodca.gov.

Oakley Day of Service

In addition to Brentwood’s Community Day of Service, Oakley will be hosting its own Community Day of Service. This will be the city’s second annual event and will be from 8 a..m. -noon at 1250 O’Hara Ave. This special event brings residents, families and friends together to give back through hands-on volunteer projects that make a lasting impact. With projects for all ages and ability levels, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. Please note that this is a free event, but registration for a particular project is required by all volunteers who participate. Each volunteer will receive free breakfast and an event T-shirt. Registration can be found under “Events” at https://secure.rec1.com/CA/oakley-ca/catalog.

Saturday, April 25

Cruisin’ for Christ Car Show

The third annual Cruisin’ for Christ Car Show will be at All God’s Children parking lot, 1900 Willow Lake Road in Discovery Bay, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Open to all cars and trucks, there will be food trucks, awards, prizes and vendors. Participating is $30 by April 17, then $40 after that. The event is free to attend. Proceeds benefit All God’s Children Christian School students. For details, contact AGCCarShow@gmail.com. Register at https://forms.glerot8aDGSxrfwyW7y7.

Tuesday, April 28

7th Annual East Bay Business Expo & Job Fair

The 2026 East Bay Business Expo & Job Fair from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. is free to all residents. It provides businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and reach out to the general public in a dynamic professional setting. Businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their business; meet new customers, clients, and hire potential employees. Vendors will not be allowed to sell their products at this event. For more information, visit brentwoodchamber.com or call 925-634-3344.

Thursday, April 30

Bingo Fundraiser Sponsored by The Brentwood Rotary Club

Play bingo from 5:30– 9:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Tickets are $50 for seven games, a buffet dinner from Holy Smoker and non-alcoholic drinks. This event is for those 21 and older. For details, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bingo-fundraisersponsored-by-the-rotary-club-of-brentwoodtickets-1982700973986?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday, May 16

7th Annual Rotary Club of Oakley Gala: A Night of Aloha

Celebrate seven years of community service from 5:30–10 p.m. at La Grande Estates at 1799 Carpenter Road in Oakley. The event will be a night featuring island-inspired cuisine, live entertainment, music, dancing, and fundraising opportunities Tickets are $75 per person. For details, visit www.rotaryclubofoakley.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://eclubhouse.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 415-717-0294 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/. AFTER

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.

April Business Mixer 5871 Marina Rd

Co-Hosts: Dudum Realty Group and Dirty Jobs & Hauling

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 5:30 - 7:30pm Discovery Bay Yacht Club Discovery Bay, CA Registration Required

Host: 4Ever Paisley Boutique May Business Mixer

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 5:30 - 7:30pm

See Website for more details

UPCOMING EVENTS

Always Check the Chamber On New Events

Website for Updates

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

1355 Riverlake Rd Discovery Bay, CA 94505

MASTERFUL MARKETING: WHY PERSONAL STILL WINS IN A DIGITAL WORLD

By Seana Fippin, Red Box Business Solutions

Marketing in 2026 isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things consistently and with intention. Here at Red Box, we’re surrounded by automation, AI, social media, and endless digital noise. And while all of those tools have their place, the businesses that truly stand out today are the ones that remember something simple: People still want to feel seen, valued, and remembered.

That’s where masterful marketing begins.

Marketing Has Become Personal Again

Somewhere along the way, marketing turned into metrics, funnels, and complicated tactics. But the most effective marketing I see right now looks very different. It’s rooted in relationships, follow up, and showing up where your customers already are.

It’s the phone call instead of just the email. The in-person event instead of another Zoom. The handwritten note that says, “I appreciate you.”

Those moments matter more than ever.

The Power of Handwritten Notes

One of the most overlooked and powerful marketing tools today is the handwritten note.

Think about it: when was the last time you received one?

In a world of instant messages and templated emails, a handwritten note stops people in their tracks. It signals care, effort, and authenticity. It’s not scalable in the traditional sense, and that’s exactly why it works.

A short, thoughtful note after a meeting, referral, or introduction can:

• Strengthen trust

• Deepen relationships

• Keep you top of mind

• Set you apart instantly

That’s not old-fashioned marketing. That’s masterful marketing.

Please join us

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Brentwood Community Center https://redboxmarketing2026.eventbrite.com/

Contact Red Box Business Solutions at (925) 513-0000 or visit www.GetRedBox.com. Let’s make 2026 our strongest year yet.

– Advertorial

Celebrating 15 Years of

Give Back Program

Delegates from Chichibu, Japan last visited Antioch in 2024, as the two cities take turns sending delegates to visit the sister city. Delegates are expected to come to Antioch this July.

How Antioch forged a longstanding friendship with a city in Japan

By Jake Menez Staff Writer

e proudl presented a $20,661 donation to the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, o help ad ance their mission to i ht hun er and e pand access to nu ritious ood in our communi .

Antioch is known for a number of things — its historic downtown, its access to numerous regional parks and trails and its waterfront recreation right on the San Joaquin River. But what many local residents may not know about the city, sometimes called the Gateway to the Delta, is its nearly 60-year relationship with the rural city of Chichibu in Japan.

The city’s website notes that, with the exception of the 2011 natural disasters in Japan and 2021 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sister City Organizations have sent a delegation from Antioch to Chichibu, or from Chichibu to Antioch, every year. In 2025, Antioch delegates visited Chichibu over the summer, staying with their host families. Delegates from Chichibu will come to Antioch this July as part of the exchange program, according to City Manager Bessie M. Scott.

The partnership between the two cities dates to 1967, when the Antioch City Council approved a resolution accepting Chichibu as their sister city, according to city officials. In December of 1969, delegates from Antioch went to Japan to formalize the “longstanding friendship,” where they were greeted by Chichiby’s mayor and 45-member City Council. Antioch started the first exchange in 1971 when David and Sally Massey chaperoned students Nola Anderson and Jerry Freeman to Chichibu for one month.

The Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Antioch Community Center at 4703 Lone Tree Way. In partnership with the City of Antioch, the Antioch/Chichibu Sister City organization is a volunteer, nonprofit made up of residents from both cities.

“The purpose of the organization is to give citizens of Antioch and Chichibu the opportunity to experience each other’s country and culture,” the organization’s website says. “Our sistercity relationship is special among other sister-city organizations because the visits between the two cities are ‘homestay’; that is, visiting delegates stay in the homes of host families. We believe this allows the delegates to experience life in the visited country more directly than when staying in hotels.”

The organization works on fundraising, learning the Japanese language and culture, and preparing for the annual delegation visits (Antioch to Chichibu in odd-numbered years, Chichibu to Antioch in even-numbered years). These visits usually occur in the summer to coincide with summer vacation in Antioch and the Chichibu Festival in Chichibu.

Sister Cities International is a program started by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, according to the organization. Its purpose is “to create global relationships based on cultural, educational, informational, and trade exchanges.” According to the city of Antioch, sister cities are paired up based on similarities in size and economic base. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the city of Chichibu is best known for its festivals, numerous historic shrines and its “pristine beauty.”

“With its forested mountains and valleys, Chichibu is a gorgeous getaway,” the organization explains. “Hitsujiyama Park has one of the largest fields of shibazakura in all of Japan. From midApril to early May, the blooming flowers turn the ground into a carpet of vivid pink, violet, and white.”

According to officials from both cities, neither Brentwood nor Oakley has a sister city, although Oakley has explored the topic, according to the city’s strategic plan. It is called an “ongoing effort” as recently as 2024. The nearest city to have a sister city is Concord, whose sister city is Kitakami, also in Japan.

According to the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization, delegations include students and adults, in number from 10 and 12 people, and vary according to the availability of host families and the interest in the visiting city.

For more information about Antioch’s sister city, including how to get involved, visit https://bit ly/4cfjElI

For more information about Sister Cities International, visit www sistercities org

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

Social Talk About Town...

Amanda Muse becomes first Heritage athlete to compete on NCAA national title team

-Published in the April 10 edition of The Press

“How exciting!!! Congratulations Amanda and UCLA”

- Janet Walters Hannigan/ Facebook

“This makes my heart smile.”

- Jill Devinny-Peterson/ Facebook

County breaks ground on Brentwood service center

-Published in the April 3 edition of The Press

“A waste of money, and traffic is gonna be worse. The county should keep its dirty paws off of Brentwood. NO MORE CONSTRUCTION!!”

- Joel Rivera/Facebook

“My thoughts are it could have been located in another part of town near a freeway and providing enough on site parking for employees and visitors…”

- Marie Kasamoto/ Facebook

“An opportunity to bring jobs closer to home, an opportunity to not have to drive out to Martinez to handle your business. Thank you”

– Nicole Lazaro Abbott/ Facebook

Brentwood and Antioch growing together

-Published in the April 3 edition of The Press

“EXPAND VASCO FIRST! Vasco cannot sustain the current population of commuters let alone future ones!”

- Adrienne Richards/Facebook

Have something to say? Post a comment or submit a letter to the editor at www.thepress.net/site/forms.

Letters to the editor

Why no ‘back door’ entrance to Brentwood?

Editor:

Obviously, the leaders of Brentwood have a plan for the future development of the community, and it seems as though there is money to be spent on projects that serve to make the area more attractive to visitors, and residents alike. When someone comes to town for the Farmers Market, or a craft fair, or car show, they might enter town by way of Brentwood Boulevard to Oak Street, where they are greeted by a sign to welcome them to Historic Downtown; the “Front Door” to Brentwood.

But what about when they come in the “Back Door”? That is what I call the entrance to town on Chestnut Street, from Sellers Avenue and all the points that are served by that route. The city limit of Brentwood is just west of the intersection of Sellers and Chestnut, but there is nothing to welcome visitors to town. On the north side is a large private agricultural area that is planted with seasonal crops, usually corn, or tomatoes, but on the south side of Chestnut and to the west there is undeveloped open space that has been taken over by dirt bike riders, and occasionally used as a dumping ground for old furniture or appliances.

In full disclosure, I am a homeowner whose rear property

LETTERS POLICY

boundary adjoins the triangular shaped lot that is formed by the meeting of Chestnut and Oak streets. When we bought the house in 2008, we were told by the Realtor, and neighbors, that the lot was to have been developed as a green space by the builder when the houses were built. But because of a population of burrowing ground owls occupying the site, they were not permitted to develop the space.

We were also told that the city received funds for that project, from the builder, so that the project could be completed if and when the owls vacated the area. Well, the owls are long gone, but the dirt still remains. I don’t know anything about the money for the project, probably long gone too.

If this were the backyard of my home, and it is, I would be embarrassed to have anyone visit me, and see the condition of the yard – especially if the front yard were nicely landscaped, and showed a pride of ownership. I would implore the city leaders to take a look at their pocketbook, and see if they can’t come up with the relatively nominal funds necessary to convert this area into an inviting green space, with some grass, maybe a few trees, and a bench for relaxing, while on a walk.

Maybe even a welcoming sign to the U-Pick Capital of the World!

Gary Peters Brentwood

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.

Brentwood

The city of Brentwood is still looking for volunteers to help tackle a number of projects as part of the city’s third annual Community Day of Service on April 18. To that end, Julie Deck, an event co-organizer, and other event organizers will be at the farmers market on April 11 and are encouraging residents to stop by their booth to register for one of the projects or get any questions about the event answered.

“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 opportunities for volunteers of all

ages and abilities to make a difference.”

This year, organizers are seeking to tackle a number of varied projects, including blood drives, spreading mulch at city parks and clean-up events at local parks and

schools. The full list can be found at https:// bit.ly/4tav5Cv

“This is your chance to roll up your sleeves and make a real impact on our community,” Deck said. “We have over 20 proj-

Local Flavors

ects, so there’s something for everyone.”

“Grab your friends, your family, your co-workers and let’s get together and make a difference for the local community,” Mayor Susannah Meyer said.

Meyer deemed last year’s event was deemed a “huge success” as volunteers made a difference in a number of ways across Brentwood. More than 1,500 pounds of trash was collected from Brentwood’s parks, and an estimated 700 pounds of food, clothing, and school supplies were collected.

For more information, visit https://bit ly/4txeqc4

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

An

This week is National Property and Evidence Professionals Appreciation Week (April 5-11, 2026). Property and Evidence Technician Manny Rostran does important work every day for Oakley. Rostran is responsible for logging and maintaining more than 10,000 items of evidence and property for the Oakley Police Department. The work that goes into this maintenance includes proper documentation, auditing, tracking and releasing when necessary and appropriate. Each one of these steps is done professionally and with a degree of credibility that displays integrity. As the City’s Property and Evidence Technician, Rostran ties up many loose ends and helps make the department work. Manny, you are appreciated.

10th annual Bunny Hop supports Antioch schools

Mayor Ron Bernal and members of the Antioch Police Department joined the fun last Saturday morning at the 10th annual Bunny Hop, while Mayor Pro Tem Donald P. Freitas kept participants fueled up by serving pancakes.

Hosted by the Antioch Rotary Club at Antioch Community Park, the

5K run/walk brought out about 250 participants, including many local students, for a morning full of movement, community spirit, and support for local schools.

Proceeds from the event benefit a variety of school programs, organizers said.

Liberty softball embraces underdog mentality into Livermore Stampede this weekend

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

Liberty’s softball team entered the 2026 season as one of Northern California’s top programs to watch.

The Lady Lions have won back-to-back Bay Valley Athletic League titles — both undefeated — and are riding a 24-game league winning streak after completing a two-game sweep of Heritage this week, capped by Wednesday’s 6-2 win. They feature four Division I-bound seniors and two juniors committed to SEC programs, are the defending North Coast Section champions and were CIF NorCal runners-up last season.

They also opened this season 6-0 with wins over perennial playoff teams Granada, Vanden and San Ramon Valley.

And yet, despite all of that, Liberty finds itself embracing an underdog role entering this weekend’s Livermore Stampede at Ernie Rodrigues Fields.

“It’s a pretty big tournament because we can really make a name for ourselves again,” Liberty senior Madison Tuttle said. “I feel like there’s been some talk in other places that we don’t deserve some sort of spot, but I think we could totally prove ourselves out there. So it means a lot to our team.”

Despite being ranked among the Bay Area’s top 10 teams by outlets such as CalHi Sports (second) and the East Bay Times (fourth), Liberty is viewed as an afterthought compared to programs like St. Francis (Mountain View) and Willow Glen (San Jose), which often sit higher due to playing in

stronger leagues than the BVAL.

Liberty could face both of those programs in Saturday’s knockout rounds — a scenario Liberty head softball coach Brandi Macias welcomes.

“We’re excited to play some high-quality teams,” Macias said. “All of those teams are going to make us better for league and then the playoffs after. That’s why we play in this tournament.”

Managing energy and fatigue will be one of Liberty’s biggest challenges this week. Including its home-and-home series against Heritage, Liberty is navigating a stretch of seven games in five days — a

workload more common in travel ball than at the high school level.

“Travel ball really gets us in the mindset that we’re all here to have fun,” Tuttle said. “It’s more than just a game, so I feel like that kind of helps us with the mindset. And then you’re coming out here to play with all your friends — not just teammates, but your actual friends. That makes it a lot easier.”

Roster management has also been a focus for Macias entering the tournament.

Senior starters Kate Skinner and Kaitlyn Macias opened both games against Heritage, while underclassmen Violet Miranda and Jiana Gatto handled the late innings. Miranda

debuted for the Lady Lions on Tuesday, while Gatto made her second official varsity appearance and tossed two innings Wednesday, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the sixth.

“The outings give them experience and get them a little more comfortable with the defense behind them,” Macias said. “They don’t have to be perfect. It was essential to give Kate a rest day and to get Kaitlyn on the mound, work on her spins and give her some opportunities.”

At the plate, Liberty is also beginning to find its rhythm.

Junior Taylor Jennings has been a force atop the lineup, delivering her first high school grand slam in Tuesday’s win and a deep leadoff double on the first pitch Wednesday. She has recorded a hit in all nine games this season, including five multi-hit performances.

“Her pitch selection has gotten a lot better the last two days,” Macias said. “She’s hitting better pitches. She’s our rock at lead-off. I can’t wait for her to get back in the box.”

Freshman Cam Jennings enters the tournament on a three-game multi-hit streak, while Jewel Cooper has recorded hits in eight of nine games. Kylee McKinney has also been productive, hitting in four of the last five games with a team-best four home runs this season.

Liberty opened tournament play Thursday with a day-night doubleheader against Granada and Alameda, then faces San Ramon Valley on Friday to close group play. The Lady Lions advance to the knockout rounds Saturday and will be seeded pending their results on Thursday and Friday.

Liberty High School renovates track and football field turf – the turf had lived its life

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

New football coach, new football turf. Liberty High School is taking the phrase “new year, new me” to the definition and getting a jump on the 2026-27 academic year.

Liberty’s football field and track are getting renovated with both set to be completed by the beginning of May, according to Liberty Athletic Director Jon Heinz.

“The turf had lived its life,” Heinz said about the renovations. “It was just our turn on the rotation.”

All three schools – Liberty, and Heritage and Freedom high schools – update their fields almost every decade due to necessary safety upgrades from the years worth of wear and tear of turf fields. Two years ago, Heritage upgraded their football turf, the first time the turf was upgraded since the mid-2010s, according to Heritage’s athletic director Nate Smith. Liberty’s field was last renovated shortly after, according to Heinz.

Along with updating the turf for any necessary safety measures, Liberty’s field also gets a bit of a visual facelift.

Flag football lines will permanently be part of the new turf, along with Liberty’s logo making its mark at midfield.

“It looks amazing,” Heinz said, specifically of the logo making its debut on the football field. “Seeing the vibrant colors of the green, the red, the gold, and the logo – right now they’re finishing up putting all the sand and

rubber into the turf – just having everything fresh and new, it just looks so good.”

Heinz added that the logo at midfield is his favorite part of the new turf.

“Around town, it’s a really identifiable logo,” he explained. “We have on all of our athletic gear and apparel, and we just wanted something on our turf that kind of sets us apart from a lot of the other teams. We went all in on it. …Last week, the kids in my class – most of them are athletes in different sports – they’re pretty fired up over it.”

Along with the turf, Liberty’s track that surrounds the turf is also getting a renovation. As much as the football field is the headline of the stadium’s renovation, Liberty’s track and field program is getting upgrades to its facilities as well, along with the track itself. The Lions are also getting new areas for the high and triple jump, and a new pole vault pit, amongst others. All of the renovations are expected to be completed well in time for Liberty’s annual powderpuff football game scheduled for May 20, according to Heinz, and for the school’s graduation ceremony in early June.

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

Heritage alum Amanda Muse, UCLA win NCAA women’s national basketball title

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

For all of the successes that Brentwood native and Heritage girls basketball alum Amanda Muse had, one eluded her – a title. She got that Sunday in Phoenix.

Muse and her UCLA teammates defeated South Carolina 79-51 in the NCAA Women’s Basketball national championship game to clinch the Bruins’ first NCAA national title. The win makes Muse the first Heritage Patriot alum in the school’s history to compete on an NCAA national championship winning team.

Muse, a forward on the team, played seven minutes in the game and recorded a rebound in the Bruins’ win.

“Amanda was a shining example at Heritage of what a student-athlete can achieve with hard work both in sports and in the classroom,”

Heritage Athletic Director Nate Smith said. “She has continued to exemplify those values at UCLA, and our entire community is thrilled to see her be part of something so special for the Bruins community.”

The championship run puts a cap on UCLA’s 37-1 season, and Muse’s third year with the Bruins. She played sparingly as a freshman two years ago, averaging 7.7 minutes for the season while playing in 19 games, and redshirted last year.

She played 24 minutes throughout the NCAA women’s basketball tournament this season, and scored two points along with grabbing four re -

“ Watching her play on the biggest of stages really puts a bow on her tremendous basketball career, and she still has time to go. ”

Mark Hurtado

Heritage head girls basketball coach

bounds and an assist in the team’s tournamentopening win over California Baptist in the Round of 64 when she played for 13 minutes, according to Sports-Reference.com.

“Couldn’t be more proud of her,” Heritage head girls basketball coach Mark Hurtado said. Hurtado coached Muse in her 2022-23 senior season. “Seeing how far she has come as a player, and as a young woman. Watching her play on the biggest of stages really puts a bow on her tremendous basketball career, and she still has time to go.”

Muse was one of the country’s top recruits coming out of Heritage in 2023. She was the first basketball player from the Liberty Union High School District to be named a McDonald’s All-American in her senior season and was a first-team All-BVAL selection in each of her four high school seasons, along with being named the 2022 Bay Valley Athletic League MVP. She averaged 13.6 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game during her Heritage career, according to MaxPreps.

Brentwood Rotary Club honors character in local fifth-grade students

The Rotary Club of Brentwood celebrated the incredible character of 31 outstanding fifth-grade students at the Good Character Youth Awards held at Isaac Montanez Elementary School on Thursday, April 2.

Each student was selected by their teachers for demonstrating kindness, compassion, integrity, and a willingness to help others — qualities that make a lasting difference both in the classroom and in the community. “It was inspiring to hear stories of students who consistently choose to do the right thing, include others, lend a helping hand, and lead by example,” said Event Chair and Past Rotary President, Julie Deck.

The evening was filled with heartfelt moments as families, educators, community leaders, and Rotarians gathered to recognize these young role models. Local dignitaries and leaders highlighted the importance of good character and the positive impact these students are already making in the world.

Celebrating these students is a reminder that the future is bright when young people demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respect for others. The Rotary Club of Brentwood congratulates each student for being shining ex -

amples of what it means to be caring and compassionate citizens. Here are the winners listed by school:

• Brentwood Elementary : Edith Drake, Emerson Cwik, Harper Casey, Jace McVey, Klaire Caerlang, Mack Cotcher, Robert Hargrove, Ruby Baltz, Wyatt Jackman

• Garin Elementary: Charlotte Russell

• Loma Vista Elementary: Aadya Suthram, Riley Tredway, Shane Beavers

• Marsh Creek Elementary: Sierra Hoang

• Mary Casey Black Elementary: Kataleya Munez , Landynn Faulk, Ryder Vue

• Pioneer Elementary: AJ Lorenzo Atanacio, Dallas Rakow, Sa-

Thirty-one fifth-graders were honored at Isaac Montanez Elementary School for demonstrating kindness and compassion in the Brentwood community. In attendance were families, educators, Rotarians, and community leaders.

laymatu Saccoh, Victoria Castor R. Paul Krey Elementary - Emmrie Shewey, Joaquin Lasarga, Lucca Arrescurrenaga, Quincy Popovich, Vivian Blodgett

• Ron Nunn Elementary: Allyson Nguyen, Amarachi lkwuagwu, Isabella Alvarez, William Edwards.

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

REGIONAL & LOCAL

News iN Brief

Brentwood Union School District saves taxpayers over $1.5 million

The Brentwood Union School District recently refinanced $20 mil lion in general obligation bonds in a move that will save district prop erty owners more than $1.5 million in property taxes.

Property owners in the District will see reduced property taxes on fu ture tax bills.

The district took advantage of low interest rates due to economic uncertainty to refinance bonds ap proved by voters in 2016. That year, voters authorized Measure B, the sale of $158 million of general obligation bonds to provide Brentwood students with renovated classrooms, libraries, science labs, improved school security and safety measures, expanded tech nology resources, a performing arts theater at every middle school and the construction of Isaac R. Monta ñez Elementary School, the district said in a press release.

In December 2016, the District sold its first series of bonds under Measure B to begin those projects. Those bonds were sold at interest rates ranging from 4.00% to 5.00%. Rates on the new refunding bonds range from 2.50% to 4.12%, a differ ence that will save property taxpay ers $1,521,194 without extending the original term of the borrowing.

Chief Business Official Diane Deshler said, “Part of my job … is to keep an eye on our debt obliga tions and seek opportunities to save money, both for the district and our taxpayers.”

The refinancing of the bonds was authorized by the Board of Education earlier this year. “With interest rates lower than when we first sold bonds, we took advantage of the opportu nity to save our community money,” said Board president Scott Dudek.

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery wins national solid waste honor

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR), a leading environmental ser vices provider serving more than 300,000 residents in the East Bay, has been award ed the Solid Waste Environmental Excel lence Performance (SWEEP) Platinum Certification — the highest level of recog nition offered by the SWEEP Standard. This distinction places MDRR among the nation’s top performers in sustainable materials management and environmen tal stewardship.

“Achieving SWEEP Platinum is a tes tament to our team’s dedication to build ing a cleaner, more sustainable future for the communities we serve,” Kish Rajan, CEO of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery said in a press release. “From innovative

waste‑reduction strategies to investments in advanced recovery technologies, this certification reflects our commitment to environmental excellence and continuous improvement.”

The SWEEP Standard — the Solid Waste Environmental Excellence Perfor mance framework — was created to trans form the waste and recycling industry by establishing rigorous, data‑driven bench marks for environmental performance, operational efficiency, social responsi bility, and community impact. Modeled after the success of LEED in the build ing sector, SWEEP provides a compre hensive roadmap for municipalities and service providers committed to reducing environmental harm. MDRR has been engaged with SWEEP since 2021, when it was selected as a pilot participant to help test and refine the national standard. During the pilot, MDRR demonstrated leadership in sustainable materials man agement, transparent data reporting, and community‑focused environmental pro grams.

To earn SWEEP Platinum, MDRR underwent a comprehensive evaluation across five performance categories:

• Policy & planning – long‑term sustainability strategies and zero‑waste alignment

• Data management – transparent, accurate reporting of materials and envi ronmental metrics

• Collection systems – efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible collec tion operations

• Recovery programs – maximizing reuse, recycling, and organics diversion

• Disposal practices – minimizing environmental impacts and supporting community well‑being.

These categories reflect SWEEP’s mission to create “a world without waste where materials are valued and continu ally utilized for their highest and best pur pose,” the press release stated.

“MDRR’s achievement demon strates what is possible when a service provider fully commits to sustainable ma terials management,” said Rob Watson, founder and president at SWEEP. “Their leadership sets a powerful example for the industry and for communities nation wide.”

Free webinar on caregiving support

A free webinar for caregivers is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Four presenters will discuss these topics:

• ‘A caregiver’s journey’ with Dave Iverson

• ‘Managing Dementia Behaviors’ with Grace Liu

• ‘All Things Medicare and Med Cal’ with Brian O’Toole

• ‘A.I. A Caregiver’s Toolkit’ with Steve Lipson

Every day, caregivers show up with patience, strength, and compassion — often putting the needs of others be

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

fore their own. Whether they are sup porting aging parents, loved ones with chronic illnesses, children with special needs, or simply stepping in during life’s unexpected moments, caregivers play an essential role in the wellbeing of families, according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.

But caregiving can also be de manding. It can bring emotional, phys ical, and financial pressure that often goes unnoticed. Many caregivers juggle full time work, personal commitments, and round the clock care, frequently without taking the time they need to rest, recover, or even ask for help.

That’s why supporting caregivers is not just an act of kindness — it’s a necessity.

When caregivers are cared for, the people they support benefit too. Ac cess to resources, emotional encour agement, and moments of respite can make a tremendous difference in pre venting burnout and preserving long term wellbeing.

So what can people do?

• Acknowledge caregivers and the vital work they do.

• Encourage them to take breaks and prioritize their own health.

• Share resources and supportive programs.

• Offer a listening ear — or a help ing hand — whenever possible. RSVP via Zoom at tinyurl com / Caregiving Support 04 11 26

Antioch’s non-profit cohorts meet monthly to get stronger

Are you a nonprofit leader in Antioch looking to strengthen your or ganization’s strategy and connect with peers?

The Antioch Nonprofit Leader ship Cohorts bring local nonprofit leaders together for collaborative con versations focused on strategic plan ning, shared challenges, and peer learning. These small group sessions are designed to help organizations set goals, learn from one another, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose, according to a news release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office. These are small peer groups designed to improve networking, goal setting and accountability,

The groups meet monthly from April through September. Sign up here: https :// lnkd . in / gi 9 RjRgU

Put your trash in its place at Byron Community Clean-Up Day

Saturday, May 16 is Byron Com munity Clean Up Day from 8 a.m. to noon on Main Street.

Each resident is allowed to dispose of five cubic yards of material (about the size of a small pick up truck with

an 8 by 5 foot bed), according to a press release from Supervisor Diane Burgis’s office.

Here is what is not accepted: dirt, rock, treated wood, liquid or hazardous waste, mattresses or box springs, con crete or bricks, appliances and electron ic waste, tires, fiberglass and boat parts.

For details, call 800 750 4096 or visit www cccounty us /8094/ Recycling and waste reduction

Or contact Wendy Fabian Rubio from Burgis’ Office at 925 655 2337 or Wendy.Fabian@bos.cccounty.us..

Local ID and current disposal bill are required.

Help prepare for Earth Day events on April 22

Community cleanups, teach ins, peaceful demonstrations, tree planting, voter registration, town hall meetings, community organizing — every action strengthens the movement. Add your event to the map and show the power of collective action.

Register your event here – https:// www.earthday.org/actions/register your earth day event/ Marsh Creek Reservoir

Restoration public comment period through April 23

The public comment on the Marsh Creek Reservoir Restoration is open through April 23 at 5 p.m.

The multi benefit Marsh Creek Reservoir Restoration and Total Mer cury Reduction.

The project would improve the flood capacity of the Marsh Creek Res ervoir, improve water quality, enhance the ecosystem, and improve public rec reation in the area. The project would excavate excess accumulated sediment and debris from the wet pool of the Reservoir, dry the removed material, dispose of the material onsite, create a high flow diversion, restore habitat, clean and maintain the existing prima ry outfall/operate the gate, and install cattle exclusion fencing, according to a press release.

The project location is 0.3 miles southeast of Marsh Creek Road and Vineyards Parkway, and 0.7 miles south of Highway 4, near Brentwood in unin corporated Contra Costa County.

Submit comments to:

Laura Cremin

Contra Costa County Public Works Department

255 Glacier Drive Martinez, CA 94553 or to Laura Cremin@pw cccounty us

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Brentwood will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the normal course of business permits, on April 28, 2026 to consider the following matter:

PRESENTATION OF VACANCY STATUS AND RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES PER AB 2561

There is a 90-day limit for the filing of a challenge in court to certain City decisions that require a hearing by law, the receipt of evidence, and the exercise of discretion. The 90-day limit begins on the date the decision is final (Code of Civil Procedure §1094.6). Moreover, if you challenge the any of the matters listed under ‘Public Hearings’ in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Brentwood City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

How to View and Participate City Council Members will be participating from the Council Chamber. Members of the public are invited to attend and participate at: Council Chambers, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood CA As a courtesy and technology permitting, members of the public may continue to provide live remote oral public comment via the City’s Zoom Platform. However, the City cannot guarantee that the public’s access to teleconferencing technology will be uninterrupted, and technical difficulties may occur from time to time. In those instances, so long as the public may still attend the meeting in person, the meeting will continue. Members of the public desiring to provide comments as a part of the meeting are encouraged to either submit written comments by 3:00 p.m. prior to the meeting or to attend the meeting in person.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The public is invited to participate in the City Council meeting using any of the following methods:

1. IN PERSON:

a. Members of the public can provide in-person comments in the Council Chambers. Members of the public are encouraged, but not required, to fill out a speaker card. The Council Chambers will have seating available for members of the public to attend in person up to full seating capacity.

2. REMOTE:

a. Zoom: www.brentwoodca.gov/vcc or Zoom Webinar ID: 760 1397 0037

a. Zoom Phone Numbers Dial Toll Free: (833) 548-0276 or (833) 548-0282 or (877) 853-5247.

a. During the meeting, each period for public comment will be announced, and participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature on Zoom to request to speak. If calling in via Zoom use *9 to raise and lower your hand. The meeting host will call on you, by name, and enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak. In order to ensure the orderly administration of the meeting using this method, providing your name is encouraged, but is not required. (If you need instructions on how to use this feature, please contact the City Clerk by noon of the meeting date at cityclerk@brentwoodca.gov or 925.516.5182.)

3. E-MAIL

a. Public comments can also be submitted via e-mail to cityclerk@brentwoodca.gov. Any public comments received up until 3:00 p.m. of the meeting date will be:

1. distributed to the Council via email before the meeting, 2. posted online for public inspection at https://www.brentwoodca.gov/councilmeetingonline, and 3. later summarized in the meeting minutes.

b. As e-mails containing public meeting comments are part of the official record, note that personal contact information

may be published if it is included with your e-mail.

4. TO WATCH OR LISTEN ONLY:

a. The public may view the meeting via one-way video feed by selecting the video option at the City Council Agendas’ link on the City webpage at www.brentwoodca.gov or via the City’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ cityofbrentwoodca

In addition, any other disclosable public records related to an agenda item for the open session of this meeting distributed to all or a majority of the City Council less than 72 hours before any meeting will be made available online shortly thereafter.

Dated: April 2, 2026

Amanda McVey City Clerk Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96638 Publish Date: April 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0000782 The name of the business(es): SWEET RUSH BAKING CO. Located at: 5642 Rosscommon Way In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): SWEET RUSH BAKING CO., 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 5/10/2023. Signature of registrant: Daevonna Mosqueda, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 13, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 12/12/2031 Antiocoh Press No. 06-1617 96535 Publish dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001669 The name of the business(es): Norita’s Food Located at: 4500 Pronghorn Way In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jovita Jeanett Luna. 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: Jovita Luna, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 27, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/26/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 96615 Publish dates: April 3,10,17, 24, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000669 The name of the business(es): AZTETIC INK Located at: 248 Highway Avenue In: Bay Point, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Noely Fernandez Canales. 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: Noely Fernandez Canales, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: February 9, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 2/8/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96540 Publish dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001316 The name of the business(es): Dominion Sound Publishing Located at: 3130 Balfour Rd, Suite D #295 In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Liam May. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/13/2025. Signature of registrant: Liam May, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 10, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires

3/9/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

96541 Publish dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001373 The name of the business(es):

1. FLI-ENTERPRISE

2. FLI-BOOKS

Located at: 937 Lido Cir In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): FILE LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State or Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Nicholas K Beyer, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 12, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires March 11, 2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96543 Publish dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001376 The name of the business(es): East Bay Landscape & Maintenance Located at: 4565 Ford Court In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jaime Regalado Mondragon. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 3/4/2026. Signature of registrant: Jaime Regalado Mondragon, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 12, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 3/11/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96542 Publish dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001443 The name of the business(es): XUL-HA HONEY COMPANY

Located at: 1385 Creekside Dr, Apartment #249 In: Walnut Creek, CA 94596, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): XUL-HARO 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: Patricia Z Arriaga, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 17, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 3/16/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96574 Publish dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001750 The name of the business(es): Stephanie Ferrari Photography Located at: 2659 Cherry Hills Dr In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Stephanie Maria Starkenberg Ferrari. This business is conducted by: An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/27/2026. Signature of registrant: Stephanie Starkenberg Ferrari, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 31, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/30/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96613 Publish dates: April 3,10,17, 24, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001812 The name of the business(es): TH KELLY PROPERTIES Located at: 5707 Starfish Ct. In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owners 1.Nadine A Kelly 2. Timoth H Kelly. This business is conducted by: A Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name

or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Nadine Kelly, Party of Marriage. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 1, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/31/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96617 Publish dates: April 3,10,17, 24, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001895 The name of the business(es): CALIFORNIA DAWN COFFEE CO Located at: 5901 Marina Road, Suite 4 & 5 In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): California Dawn 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: Brittany Dawn, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: April 06, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 4/5/2031 Brentwood Press No. 021273 96650 Publish dates: April 10,17, 24, May 1, 2026.

NOTICE INVITING BIDS

BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Brentwood Union School District of Contra Costa County, California, acting by and through its Governing Board, hereinafter referred to as the “Owner” or “District”, will receive prior to 2:00pm on the 27th day of April, 2026 sealed bids for the award of a Contract for the following: BRISTOW MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING G - HVAC REPLACEMENT PROJECT

The work consists of removal of existing boiler HVAC system and replacement, but not limited to, a new HVAC replacement. The Contract Starts on June 8, 2026 and completed by July 17, 2026. CONTRACTOR should consult the General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, and General Requirements regarding Milestones and Liquidated Damages. To verify when available and request an electronic copy of the plans and specifications, please contact Primo Facchini at (925) 482-5741 or email him at primo.facchini@cumming-group.com. All inquires concerning this bid shall be directed in writing via email to Primo Facchini. There will be a Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 10:00am at Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Avenue, Brentwood. Any Contractor bidding on the Project who fails to attend the entire mandatory job walk and conference will be deemed a non-responsive bidder and will have its bid returned unopened.

Each bidder shall be a licensed contractor pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code, and be licensed to perform the work called for in the Contract Documents. The successful bidder must possess a valid and active Class “C-20” License and/or “B” License at the time of bid and throughout the duration of this Contract. The Contractor’s California State License number shall be clearly stated on the bidder’s proposal Subcontractors shall be licensed pursuant to California law for the trades necessary to perform the Work called for in the Contract Documents. Each bid must strictly conform with and be responsive to the Contract Documents as defined in the General Conditions.

In accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22300, the Owner will permit the substitution of securities for any moneys withheld by the Owner to ensure performance under the Contract. Prevailing wages are applicable to the Project. These per diem rates, including holiday and overtime work, as well as employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, and similar purposes, are available from the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations. Pursuant to California Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq., it shall be

mandatory upon the Contractor to whom the Contract is awarded, and upon any subcontractor under such Contractor, to pay not less than the said specified rates to all workers employed by them in the execution of the Contract. A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in the Labor Code, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Section 7029.1 of the Business and Professions Code or by Section 10164 or 20103.5 of the Public Contract Code, provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded. The Contractor and all subcontractors shall furnish certified payroll records as required pursuant Labor Code section 1776 directly to the Labor Commissioner in accordance with Labor Code section 1771.4 on at least on a monthly basis (or more frequently if required by the District or the Labor Commissioner) and in a format prescribed by the Labor Commissioner. Monitoring and enforcement of the prevailing wage laws and related requirements will be performed by the Labor Commissioner/ Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Separate payment and performance bonds, each in an amount equal to 100% of the total Contract amount issued by a California admitted surety as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, are required, and shall be provided to the Owner prior to execution of the Contract and shall be in the form set forth in the Contract Documents. It is each bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure its bid is timely delivered and received at the location designated as specified above. Any bid received at the designated location after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids shall be returned to the bidder unopened. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96653 Publish Dates: April 10, 17, 2026.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

Notice is hereby given pursuant to California Business and Professional Codes#21700-21716, Section 2328 of the UCC of the Penal Code, Section 535. The auction will be held online at www.StorageTreasures.com. The undersigned will sell by online sale by competitive bidding the personal property of: Juan Lopez Mylika Richardson Hanna Evangelista Tamani Fontenette Auctioneer Company: www.storagetreasures.com The sale ends at 11:00 am 4/17/2026 Goods must be paid for by credit/debit card & removed at completion of sale. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner & obligated party. Run Dates 4/3/26 and 4/10/26. Storelocal Storage 190 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood CA 94513 #925-240-7353 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 96609 Publish Dates: April 3, 10, 2026.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

Foreclosure No. 7323406 APN# 018490-013 On April 20, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., Mid Valley Title and Escrow Company, Trustee, or Successor Trustee or Substituted Trustee of that certain Deed of Trust executed by Edmundo P. Cotas and Arlene I Cotas, trustees of the Cotas Revocable Trust dated 8/11/2017, and recorded August 16, 2023 as Instrument No. 2023-0078877, of Official Records of Contra Costa, California, and pursuant to that certain Notice of Default thereunder recorded September 26, 2025 as Instrument No. 2025-0101208, of Official Records of said County, will under

and pursuant to said Deed of Trust sell at public auction for cash, lawful money of the United States of America, a cashier’s check payable to said Trustee drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, At the north side of the Pittsburg Civic Center near the grass located at 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565, all that right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: Shown on said Deed of Trust (X)The street address or other common designation of said property: 2939 Simba Pl., Brentwood, CA 94513 (X)Name and address of the beneficiary at whose request the sale is being conducted: Heritage Bank of Commerce, 224 Airport Parkway, San Jose, CA 95110 Directions to the above property may be obtained by requesting same in writing from the beneficiary within 10 days from the first publication of this notice. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, as to title, possession or encumbrances to satisfy the unpaid balance due on the note or notes secured by said Deed of Trust, plus estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Sale: $1,243,968.66 NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED AUGUST 1, 2023 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. 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 1-916-939-0772 or visit this internet website: http://www.nationwideposting.com address for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case 7323406 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 http://www.nationwideposting. com. 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 1-916939-0772, or visit this internet website http://www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 7323406 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. The undersigned lender, beneficiary or authorized agent for the lender or beneficiary declares that the mortgagee or beneficiary has satisfied the requirements of California Civil Code 2923.5. DATED: 03/18/2026 MID VALLEY TITLE AND ESCROW COMPANY Address: 601 Main Street Chico, California 95928 Phone: (530) 879-2527 BY: Greg Wood, Vice President NPP0486666 To: BRENTWOOD PRESS 03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026. Brentwood Press No. 021273 96583 Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 2026. NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No. 143423-CA APN: 011-421-042-

NOTICE OF

SALE IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN

DEED OF

YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE

DATED 3/17/2021. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO

AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On 4/29/2026 at 1:30 PM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 3/23/2021 as Instrument No. 2021-0087478 of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Contra Costa County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: HAROLD SOUZA, AN UNMARRIED MAN WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; AT THE NORTH SIDE OF THE PITTSBURG CIVIC CENTER OUTSIDE NEAR THE GRASS LOCATED AT 65 CIVIC AVENUE, PITTSBURG, CA 94565 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: MORE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is

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. FOR SALES INFORMATION: (855) 313-3319 CLEAR RECON CORP

3333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 225 San Diego, California 92108. Oakley Press No. 03-0477 96549 Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: THEWODROS KASSA & MESSAY SEIFU SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF:

THEWODROS KASSA & MESSAY SEIFU, WONDSEN THEWODROS CASE NUMBER: N26-0435 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

1. Petitioner THEWODROS KASSA & MESSAY SEIFU filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:

a.WONDSEN THEWODROS b. LEILIT THEWODROS

c. MARKONAL THEWODROS to Proposed Name:

a. WONDSEN KASSA

b. LEILIT KASSA

c. MARKONAL KASSA

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: 05/04/2026 Time: 09:00 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 b. thepress.net

Date: March 13, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE

OF: TANIELA KULU, deceased CASE NUMBER P26-00470 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: TANIELA KULU, DAN KULU. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: LARINA

The Petition for Probate requests that: LARINA NOELANI KULU, Daughter of decedent be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: APRIL 27 2026 Time: 9:00 AM Dept: 30. Room: 201 b.Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: LARINA NOELANI KULU 1971 Windy Peak Court Antioch, CA 94531 (925) 329-0644

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 2026

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MAREETA REENE GARCIA LOVE, deceased CASE NUMBER P26-00217 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: MAREETA REENE GARCIA LOVE, deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: BREONNA MONIQUE LOVE in the Superior Court of California, County of: CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

The Petition for Probate requests

minister the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a.Date: JULY 21, 2026 Time: 09:00 AM Dept: 30. b. Address of court: 725 COURT STREET, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: BREONNA MONIQUE LOVE

4832 Green Hills Circle Antioch, CA 94531

*ANTIOCH PRESS* 06-1617

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-000354 The name of the business(es): L&C Cleaning Located at: 5667 Leitrim Way In: Antioch, CA 94531, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Matthew Michael Lopez 2. Andrew Clark. 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: Matthew Lopez, General Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: March 11, 2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 3/10/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026

Located at: 2000 Hillcrest Ave In: Antioch, CA 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Lisa Ambrosini. 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: Lisa Ambrosini, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/17/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/17/2031 Antioch Press No. 06-1617

Publish Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001307 The name of the business(es): Third Monkey Life

Located at: 1240 Brookdale Drive In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sapphire Foundry 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 10/01/2024. Signature of registrant: Sondra Pepe, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/10/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires

03/09/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001806 The name of the business(es): Clover Solar LLC Located at: 166 Trent Place In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Clover Solar 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: James Patrick, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 04/01/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires

03/31/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001035 The name of the business(es): C Creates Located at: 2293 Indian Springs Dr. In: Brentwood CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Celena Lopez. 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: Celena Lopez, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/25/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires

2/24/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001439 The name of the business(es): Stuff and Nonsense

File No. F-2026-0001283 The name of the business(es): Roots & Wisdom

Studio Located at: 2029 Mt. Diablo Blvd. In: Walnut Creek, CA 94596, is hereby registered by the following

owner(s): Roots Legacy Ventures 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: Claudia V. Aguilar, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/09/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/08/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001321 The name of the business(es): 1. Discovery Bay Jiu Jitsu

2. Disco Bay Jiu Jitsu

Located at: 1520 Discovery Bay Blvd, Suite 200 In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Twin Tigers 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 12/19/2025. Signature of registrant: Sondra Pepe, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/10/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/09/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000871 The name of the business(es): Panda’s Creations Located at: 2044 Galway Dr In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Penelope Choy Challenor. 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: Penelope Challenor, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/19/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/18/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001048 The name of the business(es): Dream Vale Studios Located at: 2108 N ST STE N In: Sacramento, CA 95816, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Dream Vale Studios LLC. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, State of Organization: CA. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/04/2026. Signature of registrant: Arielle Cabral, Managing Member. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/25/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/24/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001447 The name of the business(es): Vinnie’s Emporium

Located at: 561 1st Street In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Vinnie’s Emporium, 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: Vincent Parker, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/17/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/16/2031

Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0001404 The name of the business(es): MultiSport Athletics Located at: 801 Waterville Drive In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): ROMANEXUS 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: Bray Roman, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/16/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/15/2031 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0001333 The name of the business(es): Blue Horizon Pools Located at: 2605 Tampico Drive In: Pittsburg, CA 94565, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Jeremy Carrier 2. Rolondo Zamora. This business is conducted by: a Joint Venture. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Jeremy Carrier. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/11/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/10/2030 Publish Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0000927 The name of the business(es): Sequoia Garage Door Services Located at: 285 Yellow Rose Circle In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): AJM Realty 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: Carlos Antonio Yow Chamorro, COO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 02/23/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 02/22/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. F-2026-0001174 The name of the business(es): T N Williams Staffing and Transport LLC Located at: 4815 Mammouth Lane In: Oakley, CA

94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): T N Williams Staffing and Transport 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: Samuel Mulbah Sondah Jr., CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/04/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/03/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2026-0001136 The name of the business(es): KAHIL EVENTS Located at: 407 Lakeview Ct In: Oakley, CA 94561, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Shimmer And Sage 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 01/01/2026. Signature of registrant: Ali Alkahily, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 03/03/2026 by Deputy Clerk Expires 03/02/2031 Oakley Press No. 03-0477 Publish Dates: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Miguel A. Servin Jr SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Miguel Angel Servin Jr CASE NUMBER: N26-0224 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.Petitioner Miguel A Servin Jr, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Miguel Angel Servin Jr to Proposed Name: Angel Magana Esparza 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: 05/15/2026 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 06, 2026 Judge of the Superior Court Brentwood Press Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 2026

GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

Business Profile

Great Tomato Plant Sale returns to the East Bay

The Great Tomato Plant Sale is an event not to be missed! Where else can you find the enormous variety of tomatoes, peppers, squash and other vegetables – all for $4?

The UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County hosts this popular fundraising sale each spring at three locations:

• April 11 - 12 - Walnut Creek 111 N. Wiget Lane I, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• April 18 - Antioch Rivertown Demonstration Garden, 1201 W. 10th Street, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• May 2 - Richmond Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All plants are $4, and can be purchased with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard. Shoppers are encouraged to bring containers to carry their plants home.

Gardeners will find a wide range of healthy seedlings including:

• 70 varieties of tomatoes - cherries, pastes, slicers, and beefsteaks

• 40 varieties of peppers - both hot and sweet

• 60 additional veggies and herbs including cucumbers, artichokes, leafy greens, eggplants, and squash

A complete list of veggies for sale with descriptions and photos including a shopping list - is available online at:

https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardener-program-contra-costacounty/2026-great-tomato-plant-sale

The UC Master Gardener Program supports gardening and sustainable practices throughout Contra Costa County. Volunteers assist school and community gardens offering expertise, seedlings and hands on help. They also host Ask a Master Gardener tables at farmers’ markets and provide educational talks on sustainable gardening at libraries, schools, garden clubs and other public venues. The program maintains demonstration gardens, runs the Growing Gardeners program and staffs a Help Desk, where residents can email gardening questions and receive research-based advice. Produce grown in demonstration gardens is donated to local food banks — about 14,000 pounds of fresh food annually.

The Great Tomato Plant Sale, a major volunteer effort by Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County, sow seeds, repot seedlings, and nurture thousands of plants beginning in early January to be ready for the sale. Knowledgeable Master Gardener volunteers will be available to help select plants, answer questions and assist with carrying purchases to your car.

Come celebrate the gardening season and leave with some wonderful plants.

– Advertorial

Brentwood Press and Publishing is looking for an experienced social media coordinator. This position is an integral part of our company and is a key part of our community engagement.

Having a news or journalism background is preferred.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in the following:

•Managing Facebook, Instagram, X, Linkedin, YouTube and NextDoor for business use;

•Posting/scheduling social media content, creating interactive and engaging content on social platforms, working directly with the editorial, production and advertising departments;

•Website management (CMS);

•Data analysis and insights reporting.

•The social media coordinator will work closely with breaking news reporters, requiring flexibility in their schedule when necessary and will require a minimum of 2-3 days in our Brentwood office.

This

Fire

can follow these indicators with fuel moisture in the local region. These seasonal influences are predictable, but not down to the day or even the week.”

McAlister said that at ConFire, they bring on additional hand crew members, a firefighting helicopter, and staff a bulldozer with dedicated staffing depending on the “start” and “end” of this season.

Starting on May 1, ConFire will have their firefighting helicopter and will have their hand crew shift to “in-season” staffing, meaning they will move to seven-day-per-week coverage, while their firefighting bulldozer will have dedicated staffing beginning on June 1.

“Locally, June is historically our busiest month for vegetation fires,” McAlister said. “However, the risk increases later in the summer as heavier fuels, such as brush and trees, continue to dry out.”

This staffing pattern will continue through September and October when ConFire begins reducing staff, McAlister said. Once the seasonal rains arrive and once firefighters stop responding to vegetation fires, they end the season. The fire season models in Southern California are completely different, as they could be called upon to provide mutual aid similar to January 2025 during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County.

McAlister also said that many accidental vegetation fires that they respond to are started by people mowing or discing their lawns and open spaces. To reduce that number, ConFire recommends lawn mowing or discing early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and humidity levels are higher. “While these efforts are often well-intended to reduce fire risk, doing them under the wrong conditions can

Gas from page 1

consider parking in well-lit or secured areas and promptly reporting any suspicious behavior.” Call 925-779-6900.

Brentwood

Chris Bollinger, the Community Engagement Officer for Brentwood Police, echoed Antioch’s data, saying that Brentwood also has no records of recent calls for service or police reports regarding gas siphoning. While he said that it does not appear to be an issue, Bollinger provided a list of potential deterrents.

“These deterrents are not a guarantee against becoming a victim of gas siphoning, but they are an extra security measure that could potentially prevent or make it difficult for thieves,” he explained. “Gas siphoning is a crime of opportunity, so making it as difficult and inconvenient for the thief as possible is the best way to start.”

Bollinger’s tips include:

• Parking in well-lit parking lots or parking garages near cameras can help.

• Parking in busy areas will help deter thieves.

• If the vehicle does not have a locking gas cap, owners are able to purchase one to make it more difficult for a thief to

Planners from page 1

become year-round in California.

have the opposite effect,” McAlister said. “Fires can start and spread quickly when dry grass and vegetation are present and can easily ignite from a spark caused by equipment blades striking rocks or metal.”

Additionally, ConFire recommends signs at state and regional parks stating the daily fire risks based on when the National Weather Service declares ‘red flag’ (dry weather) days..

These dangerous conditions, according to McAlister, set the stage for fires that can also pose challenges for hikers, along with crews who have to respond to rescues during typically 100-degree days, oftentimes for heat emergencies and

strains and sprains.

McAlister said these types of heat emergencies are predictable and preventable. “Should we have wildland fires in fire-prone parks and open spaces, we want to concentrate our resources on firefighting rather than on rescues to remove people from harm’s way,” McAlister said.

“The bottom line is that hiking is not a good idea on days with red flag fire conditions from the National Weather Service.”

For details, visit www cccfpd org/

get to the gas tank.

• Adding a gas cap alarm or anti siphon device to your gas tank will help deter thieves.

According to State Farm Insurance, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if someone has stolen fuel from a vehicle, and these measures are not foolproof.

“Occasionally, when thieves can’t get

years to ease the process of constructing new housing in cities. An example of an objective design standard, given by Gorman, would be a requirement that “at least two materials shall be used on any facade, in addition to glazing and railings.”

Objective design standards are similar to design guidelines. These guidelines, a mixture of mandatory and encouraged provisions, codify what the city wants an area’s design character to be, such as what kinds of

gas through the fuel door, they may drill holes in the fuel tank or cut fuel lines,” the organization cautions drivers. “If you approach your car and smell gas or notice a puddle, you may want to take your car to a trusted repair shop for repairs.”

Oakley

Oakley has also not experienced a spike in fuel siphoning crimes, even with

materials may be used for house facades, the layout of a neighborhood, and the mixture of one- and two-story houses that are encouraged. According to Gorman, these design guidelines emerged to combat the repetitive design of early suburbs.

Oakley has three design guideline documents:

• Residential, approved in 2003

• Commercial and Industrial, approved in 2005

• Downtown Specific, approved in 2010.

None of these have been revised since their approval, and Community Development Director Ken Strelo said that there are no plans to revise them, as the city

the recent rise of fuel prices, according to Assistant City Manager Danielle Navarro. She said that police Chief Paul Beard provided his own tips to help keep wouldbe gas thieves from accessing residents’ fuel tanks:

• Be aware. You will put more thought into how to best protect yourself from becoming a victim

• Park your vehicle in the garage if you have one

• If you cannot park in a garage, try to park in a well-lit area, or with your fuel cap right next to a hedge or exterior wall so thieves have a harder time “fitting” next to your vehicle to siphon the fuel

• Install an anti-siphon device into the fuel neck of your fuel tank. These inserts can have the appearance of closed ended screened cylinders or coiled funnels

• Control the amount of fuel in your tank. Although not convenient, you can store fuel in approved containers and pour only the amount you think you need on a daily basis into your vehicle.

believes that they are still viable despite changes in neighborhood design over the past 20 years, such as a decrease in lot size.

In other commission news:

• Commissioner Sean Ireland asked that the Planning Commission consider a future agenda item on resiliency planning, which details how Oakley would respond to major disasters such as fires and earthquakes. Strelo said that city staff would give the Commission educational material on resiliency planning during the spring and summer.

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

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

3380 Walnut Blvd., Suite 200J,

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

3380 Walnut Blvd., Suite 200J, Brentwood

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