Vol. 27, No. 40
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October 3, 2025
‘Science does Historic barn with flag in Brentwood comes down not support’ link between painkillers and autism in kids County health authorities at odds with federal government By Jake Menez Staff Writer
Contra Costa County Health Services is challenging claims made by the federal government about a supposed link between autism in children and the painkiller acetaminophen used by pregnant women. The two agencies cite conflicting studies about a potential correlation between the two. “Acetaminophen is well studied
and proven to be safe for use in pregnancy, and is one of the only medicines available to pregnant women for pain relief and treatment of headaches and fevers,” George Barahona of Contra Costa County Health Services said. “Science does not support claims that acetaminophen use during pregnancy leads to autism.” The county’s assertion comes in the wake of a Sept. 22 press conference in which President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women led to an increased risk of autism in children.
Photo courtesy of East Bay Regional Park District
C
ity of Brentwood staff joined the East Bay Regional Park District on Vasco Road on Tuesday, Sept. 30, as the dismantling of the historic “Flag Barn” began. To ensure the American flag panels were not lost, staff stepped in with specialized tools and equipment to carefully remove and preserve the barn’s siding. With support from CWG Hauling, the preserved panels were delivered to the City of Brentwood for storage until future restoration can be considered. This careful process was done to protect an important piece of Brentwood’s history and community pride, the City said on its Facebook page. The City will explore future reconstruction or display plans with its partners and stakeholders.
see Science page 19A
East County prepares for “No Kings 2” on Oct. 18 Local organizations share their ambitions for anti-Trump protests in the area
Protesters stand on the Highway 4 pedestrian bridge overpass in Brentwood during a rally earlier this year.
By Taylor Shepherd Correspondent
East County political activist groups are hoping to seize on the momentum of the first ‘No Kings’ Day last June when they present ‘No Kings Day 2’, a series of rallies against President Trump and his policies throughout the area on Oct. 18. Since the first No Kings Day protest on June 14, members of local organizations have had time to reflect on their experience. The ‘No Kings’ rallies on Oct. 18, millions
are rising again to show the world: America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people, according to the No Kings website. Kathy King, leader of Indivisible Resisters Contra Costa, a progressive grassroots, nonpartisan, activist group, according to their website, said the group wants to “dem-
onstrate to the residents of East County that the resistance to the authoritarian drift of the current administration is thriving in East County. We want to make our voices heard and to ignite outrage and voice disapproval of the power grab underway in D.C.. We hope to alert the residents of East County
Business.............................................20A Calendar............................................13A
Classifieds.........................................16A Cop Logs............................................15A
Milestones..........................................9A Opinion................................................7A
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to the real danger our Democracy is in and to encourage them to become involved in the Resistance movement.” King said she feels they are off to a “good start” after the previous June 14 protests. “I started these protests last February with a handful of like-minded friends. We now have over 200 members,” she added. Co-lead Mike Rodriguez of Rage for Democracy, a group with Indivisible Resisters Contra Costa, said their goal is to bring the community together through “civic education and engagement. At Rage for Democracy, our mentality is that activism doesn’t have to be dreary — we bring energy, fun, loud music, bubbles, and creativity to keep people inspired while we push for serious change.” see No Kings 2 page 19A
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Liberty girls flag football continues its quest
Fall Home & Garden section
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