ThePress 11-28-2025

Bomb squad, federal agents respond to garage on Lipton Street in Antioch

Hazardous materials scare prompts evacuations

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

An investigation at an Antioch home drew a multi-agency emergency response Tuesday morning, bringing the Walnut Creek Police bomb squad, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s hazmat team, Antioch police and federal agents to Lipton Street after officers found

explosive materials in a garage.

Four homes near Lipton Street and Trembath Lane were evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s hazmat team as well as local and federal authorities responded to a home in Antioch on Nov. 25 to investigate suspicious chemicals and possible explosive materials.

“We assessed the situation with our hazardous materials team,” ConFire Battalion Chief Andrew Bozzo said. “We gathered some materials; we’re testing those right now, and it’s still under investigation.”

Fuller’s censure: why it happened and what it means

By Connor Robles Correspondent

Oakley City Councilmem -

ber George Fuller was censured by his colleagues at the Oct. 14 meeting of the City Council. Why was Fuller censured? Can he be removed? What consequences has he faced for his behavior in addition to the censure?

The censure

tions to treat employees, residents, and fellow officials with respect, fairness, and professionalism,” calling it “inconsistent with the duties of elected office.” The city has had to divert “significant time and financial resources” towards responding to and investigating Fuller’s actions, according to the resolution.

Bozzo declined to identify the substances removed from the home.

Antioch police advised the public on social media to avoid the area due to officers “investigating items of concern.”

Bozzo said the danger appeared to be contained to the garage and that evacuating neighboring homes was done “out of an abundance of caution.”

ConFire was called in after Antioch police served a search warrant tied to a resident’s internet search history. During the search, officers noticed chemicals in the home, according to the suspect’s sister, who asked not to be identified.

“He likes to go and collect rocks and break them down with acid,” she said. “He bottles it and collects it. To the best of my knowledge, they are

Brentwood and

East County offer resources for flood prevention

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

With the rainy season here, the City of Brentwood is prepared for wet weather and flood season more than halfway through the fall heading into December.

within Contra Costa County at locations listed on the Contra Costa County Public Works website, according to the city’s website.

On Oct. 14, the City Council passed a resolution 4-1 censuring Fuller for “bullying and retaliatory conduct towards city staff,” as well as fellow councilmembers, other officials, and Oakley residents, according to the findings of a third-party investigation by Stallard Panebianco PC. It is not based on any legal charge.

The resolution stated that his behavior was out of line with “state law, the city’s code of conduct, and ethical obliga -

The resolution formally censured Fuller, acting as “a formal statement of disapproval from the [council] against the councilmember,” according to Mayor Shannon Shaw. It also advised Fuller to “cease all bullying and retaliatory conduct,” and to “participate in profes-

see Fuller page 19

The City has a self-serve sandbag station for residents to use, located adjacent to the City’s recycled water fill station located by 2251 Elkins Way. The station is open 24 hours, with sandbags and shovels available while supplies last. While there is a 10-bag limit per household, additional sandbags can also be picked up

“Typically when people are looking for sandbags, they are worried about water coming into an area they don’t water coming into, such as a side yard or garage door. Like in front of doorways or outskirts of property, so they can direct the water away from their property,” said Brentwood Streets Manager Christopher Ziemann.

Ziemann added that sand-

Discovery Bay to continue three holiday traditions

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Discovery Bay is home to three annual holiday parades, showcasing its residents’ delight in the season.

Kicking off the trio of events is the 23rd annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. This year’s decorating theme is “toys.”

Longtime resident Amanda Dove began the parade for her hearing-impaired son so he would have a visual display for the holidays. The parade is now the largest event in town each year, with thousands lining the streets to watch floats, dancers and musicians wind their way from the Discovery Bay Marina to the Discovery Bay Shopping Center, culminating with a tree lighting in front of the Community Center across the street.

As part of the fun, prizes are awarded to parade participants in 13 categories, including “best dance group” and “best in theme.” However, Dove said the judges won’t be making their decisions alone this year.

“We are doing our voting online this year,” Dove said. “We will have an app, so everyone can vote. It’s super fun and new this year.”

Details are still being worked out for the voting process, but Dove also said the crowd favorite BMX bikes will be back in the lineup this year, along with Mattson Plumbing’s giant toilet. The Liberty High School marching band will lead the way, as always.

“We are also partnering with the kids

from the Liberty Honors Society to help organize things,” Dove said. “And of course, we will have Santa.” Parade of Lights

The Parade of Lights will begin at the Discovery Bay Marina, 5901 Marina Road. It will roll down Marina Road to Willow Lake Road, then onto Riverlake and Sand Point roads, ending at the Discovery Bay Shopping Center. The parade is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and the tree lighting will commence at approximately 7:45 p.m. To register, or for more information, visit www. facebook.com/DBParadeoflights.

Lighted Boat Parade

Next up is the Discovery Bay Yacht Club (DBYC) Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. The theme this year is “50 years of fabulous fun,” a nod to the club’s 50th anniversary.

Fleet Captain Steve Riggio said while there is nothing new this year besides the theme, participants and viewers alike will en-

joy the show.

The Discovery Bay Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 13 is one of the annual holiday events in town this holiday season.

“It’s a really fun three-hour tour of Discovery Bay and afterward, we meet at the yacht club for the party and give out awards and wish everyone a ‘Merry Christmas,’” Riggio said.

Participants are eligible for awards in small and large boat categories. Judging will be done at houses along the route.

The Lighted Boat Parade is open to the public. Participating boats assemble on Kellogg creek just off the point of Newport Lane. The parade will begin at approximately 5 p.m. and cruise through every other bay, concluding at the Discovery Bay Marina. The evening will culminate in the after-party for parade participants at the yacht club, with food, music, dancing and awards for each of the categories.

For those who want to view the parade but don’t live on the water, the boats can be seen from the Discovery Bay Marina as they come into the yacht club at the end of the

parade route at about 8 p.m.

For more information, or to register, visit www.dbyc.com.

Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade Wrapping up the parade season is the Willow Lake Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Unlike the other two parades, this event is for residents of Willow Lake only. Organizers Stan Silva and Dick Kolda said it’s a fun way for lake residents to celebrate the season.

“There’s tons of people having parties that night and they enjoy us coming by and celebrating the holidays with us and I’ll keep doing it til I can’t anymore,” Silva said. “The parade developed a life of its own and it’s a tribute to the spirit of Christmas of people here in Discovery Bay.”

The Willow Lake parade began in 2003 and continues to inspire lake residents to decorate their pontoon boats and cruise the waters. Kolda said there’s no theme, boaters just decorate their crafts as they see fit.

“We usually get 13, 14 boats,” he added. “There’s all different types, and the boats are all just lit up and it’s fun.”

Kolda normally decorates his boat like a Christmas train, but said this year, the train is being renovated to look like a fire engine.

“We’re going to have him lead this year,” Silva said.

Willow Lake residents who would like to participate or get more information can call 925-381-6207 or 925-998-9353.

Tunnels of Joy announces fundraising recipient

By Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Residents of Brentwood’s La Costa Drive have been busy preparing for their big moment, and announced a new recipient for their 2025 fundraising activities.

Known as the Tunnels of Joy, the homes on La Costa and surrounding streets erect tunnels of lights over their sidewalks, go all out decorating their homes and plan special events around a single purpose each December: raising money for a child who is battling cancer.

This year’s recipient is 6-year-old Angelo Venegas. Angelo was diagnosed last November with medulloblastoma group 3 brain cancer, an aggressive childhood brain cancer originating in the cerebellum. It is associated with a high risk of metastasis and a poor prognosis. The past year has been filled with surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and his family is currently waiting on an MRI scheduled for December to see if the treatments have worked.

Known as the Tunnels of Joy, the homes on La Costa and surrounding streets erect tunnels of lights over their sidewalks, go all out decorating their homes and plan special events around a single purpose each December: raising money for a child who is battling cancer.

“At the moment, we have him home,” said Angelo’s mom, Stefanie Blakley. “After the MRI, we will see what the next steps are.”

Angelo’s family has faced many hurdles this year in his treatment and recovery, while simultaneously caring for his two younger siblings. The family is also

Paws & Claws Play Care

dealing with unemployment, but Angelo’s father, Nicholas Blakley, said they are trying to stay positive.

“Angelo being with us even as we speak is nothing short of a miracle,” he said. “This group of cancers he has is the most aggressive of its kind.”

“Our faith has strengthened us during this time, including Angelo,” Stefanie added. “We are Catholic, we are very devoted and this whole experience has made our faith stronger.”

As the 2025 Tunnels of Joy fundraiser recipient, Angelo and his story have been shared by the residents of La Costa Drive, and he will receive 100% of all funds raised next month. The Tunnels of Joy organizers post QR codes around the street, enabling visitors to easily donate to Angelo via Venmo to cover costs of treatments and surgeries. La Costa resident Yvette Gardizi said Angelo was chosen by the Tunnels of Joy board in early November.

see Tunnels of Joy page 12

at 925-350-9162.

Rain barrels are encouraged to reduce water costs and offset droughts

By Sean Tongson Correspondent

The Contra Costa Clean Water Program is encouraging people to set up rain barrels to collect water this rainy season to offset costs and potential droughts.

Rain barrels collect, store and use rainwater for landscape irrigation. According to Oakley Assistant Engineer Brianne Visaya, by connecting a barrel to a home’s downspout, clean rainwater is collected and held for later use in gardens and landscaping.

Most rain barrels include tight-fitting lids, screens to prevent mosquitoes, a spigot, and an overflow outlet, and can typically store between 50 and 200 gallons.

“A rain barrel is a simple, effective system that allows residents to capture and store rainwater from their roofs,” Visaya said. “Benefits include reducing stormwater runoff, saving water, protecting local waterways, and supporting drought resilience.”

Customers have used rainwater to help supplement water use, saving money and protecting water supply, and the barrels should be located where they can easily col-

lect rainwater from various hard surfaces such as rooftops and/or other manmade above-ground hard surfaces, according to Contra Costa Water District Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Allen.

“With the recent water crisis and drought in California, rain barrels are one of the best ways to save money and water by cutting back potable water used for irrigation,” Visaya said. “You can capture about 312 gallons of water for every half inch of rain that falls on a 1,000-square-foot roof. That’s a significant resource that would otherwise be lost.”

Using rain barrels is an easy way for households to support regional water conservation efforts, as capturing rain helps prevent excess water from carrying pollutants into storm drains, creeks, and the Delta, Visaya said.

They can also play a role in reducing flooding during heavy rains, reducing erosion of creek beds, and limiting moisture near home foundations.

According to Visaya, residents can set up a rain barrel using the following steps:

• Select a suitable location: “Find a surface that is level, stable, and not blocking walkways. Place the barrel under one of your home’s roof downspouts.”

• Prepare the foundation: “Use concrete, bricks, stone pavers, or cinder blocks to elevate the barrel, to support the weight and prevent shifting. This improves water pressure and makes it easier to access the spigot.”

• Prepare the downspout: “Cut the downspout to align with the top of the rain barrel. Install a diverter kit or direct the downspout into the barrel’s screened opening.”

• Set up the rain barrel: “Position the barrel so the bottom is higher than the landscape for gravity flow and secure it to the foundation with metal strapping or an-

East County theaters and singers offer holiday shows

By Connor Robles Correspondent

The Brentwood Community Chorus, Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble, and El Campanil Theatre are warming up for holiday performances in the first few weeks of December.

Brentwood Community Chorus’ Holiday Movie Magic Concert

The Brentwood Community Chorus will hold their winter concert, called Holiday Movie Magic, on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Ave., Brentwood. Nearly 90 members of the Chorus, aged from 14 to older than 90 and ranging from novices to experienced singers, will perform “the music you know and love from classic holiday films,” according to the chorus’s website, including “Linus and Lucy” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Making Christmas” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Jodi Aldredge, who has been interim director of the choir since August, added that the Bristow performance would include participation from that school’s student musicians and from Miss Jodi’s Girls Ensemble, a hand-picked group of Aldredge’s students at Geddes Music whom she wished to include in the performance.

“It has been a blessing and a joy to direct this wonderful group of people throughout these last months,” Aldredge said. “Rehearsals have been fun and meaningful, as we have not only worked hard to prepare for our concerts, but have shared

our lives and concerns with each other.”

Additional performances will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Merrill Gardens Assisted Living Center at 2600 Balfour Road in Brentwood and at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Latter-day Saints Church at 2350 Jeffery Way, Brentwood..

Tickets are at https://www.brentwoodcommunitychorus.com, varying in price from $10 for high schoolers with ID to $15 for seniors 65 and over to $20 for general admission. Children 12 and under get in free.

Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble’s “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)”

Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble members Robin Cammerer, Melissa Slavick, and Joe

Ghostlight Theatre

Ensemble’s three-person show “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)” is one of the many performances happening in the area this holiday season.

Hudson are the stars (and only cast members) of a special dinnertime performance of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” at Cap’s Oak Street Bar and Grill at 144 Oak St. Brentwood, from Dec. 9 to 11 at 6 p.m. daily. The play, written by Michael Carleton, James, FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez, begins as a conventional retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” but soon veers off into parodying “every Christmas story, special, and tradition in an hour and a half,” according to director Brian Moore. Touching on everything from Rankin/Bass’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the history of fruitcake, Moore said that the production of the three-person play has been tough, but rewarding.

“It’s quite an undertaking for three people to do an hour and a half of anything, much less something this fast-paced and comedic,” he said. “I’m super proud of the work they’ve been doing and the growth that I’ve seen in these actors.”

Tickets can be found at https://ghostlightte.org/christmas, But space is limited. Moore said that Ghostlight and Cap’s are expecting around 80 people in the audience. A buffet-style dinner is included in the ticket price of $47.

El Campanil Theatre and Black Diamond Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

El Campanil Theatre, at 602 West Second St. in Antioch, will be the venue of Black Diamond Ballet’s 13th annual production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Five shows will be performed: Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Dec. 6 at 11 a.m., Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 14 at 2 p.m..

The Dec. 6 performance will also mark the fourth annual sensory-friendly “Nutcracker” performance by Black Diamond, featuring numerous adaptations for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or “other disabilities,” according to Black Diamond’s website. Adaptations include a shorter runtime, lower music and sound volume, fewer flashing or jarring lights, and a quiet area for people to go if they feel overwhelmed, the website stated.

Tickets are at https://us.patronbase. com/_ElCampanilTheatre/Productions/ R157/Performances. Prices vary depending on seats chosen, from $20 to $36.

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Montessori school collecting items to benefit needy women and children

By Nicole Becchina Staff Writer

Dainty Montessori School is having a canned food drive to benefit local women and children “in need” during the holiday season. They will be collecting donation items until Dec. 19. Items, big or small, can be dropped off at 1265 Dainty Ave. in Brentwood from 8 a.m-5 p.m.

“Our goal is to help women and children who are victims of trauma, such as women who suffer from trafficking and domestic violence,” said Rochelle Clancy, President of Dainty Montessori School. “We hope to leave a lasting impact in the lives of families who are searching for healing and hope this Christmas.”

“We also plan on announcing some of the businesses and families in recognition at our Christmas performance with over 200 people attending this year,” Clancy said. “Donations or gift cards received would be placed on our recognition board, too.”

The students at Dainty Montessori are ages 18 months-6 years old who explore, create and learn through a handon approach. The school’s mission is to provide future leaders with the wisdom of the lasting purpose of longing in their dreams, Clancy said.

“This Christmas, the students and staff at Dainty are full of Thanksgiving and joy to be a part of this outreach for our local women and children,” Clancy said. “With the community’s help we are willing and excited to continue our food drive each year through.”

Donation items that will be accepted are canned foods, non-perishable food items, as well as coats and socks for children ages 2, 3, 5 and 6. Their goal is to collect 1,000 cans and non-perishable food items.

Dainty Montessori is offering businesses and families who donate the opportunity to be recognized at the school’s annual Christmas performance this year at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building.

Rain Barrels

from page 4

chors, if necessary. Place a fine mesh gutter guard on gutters to keep leaves and debris out of the system.”

• Set up the overflow path: “Connect an overflow hose to safely direct excess water to a landscape area, rain garden, or storm drain, away from your home’s foundation.”

• Check pipe sizes: “Use the same diameter pipe for the downspout, first flush diverter, and barrel connector to avoid back-ups.”

• Secure accessories: “Add a spigot, drip tape, or soaker hose for ease water use, and remove any pressure-reducing washing if using a soaker hose.”

In addition, residents should regularly check and clean gutters, screens, and the insides of the rain barrels to ensure proper function and water quality, along with making sure lids and inlet screend are properly

For more information on Dainty Montessori School, visit their website at www daintymontessori com . For more information regarding the canned food drive, email clancy rochelle @ gmail com

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

attached to keep out debris and mosquitoes.

Visaya further emphasized that rainwater should be used only for outdoor, non-potable purposes. “By installing a rain barrel, you’re not only conserving water – you’re protecting waterways, supporting your plants, and you can save on your water bill.”

Rain barrels can be found at home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply, and Walmart, and prices can vary. Home Depot has 50-gallon rain barrels for around $30, but 50-gallon rain barrels can cost more than $100.

For more details on rain barrels and rain water harvesting, visit www. ccwater.com/859/Rain-Gardens-andRainwater-Harvesting

Chick-fil-A adorns drive-through with Christmas decor to help child with cancer

By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent

Chick-fil-A at 5705 Lone Tree Way is working in partnership with Tunnels of Joy to gather donations for Angelo Venegas, a 6-year-old boy fighting brain cancer. As part of the collaboration, the Chick-fil-A drivethrough will be adorned with two tunnels with Christmas lights that will be turned on at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28.

From that day through the end of the year, Chick-filA will donate 10% of all sales generated by their seasonal peppermint milkshake at the Lone Tree Way location to the Venegas famliy. They also have posters and plaques placed around the restaurant with Venegas’ story and a QR code for anyone who wants to make a donation to his family via Venmo.

Evan Hawthorne, owner of the Chick-fil-A, approached Tunnels of Joy after visiting their Deer Ridge Christmas decorations last year.

“Our restaurant has a vision statement of being ‘for’ – so for the community, for our team, and for our guests,” he said. “Everything we do in the community, we do for our team. We always try to align it with our vision state-

ment of being for. And so with the Tunnels of Joy and with Angelo and really just our drive-through all coming together, we thought, ‘What a great opportunity to raise money and be for Angelo and his family and for Tunnels of Joy.’”

Prior to this partnership, the Tunnels of Joy decorations were put up only in the Deer Ridge neighborhood of Brentwood, but can now be experienced by anyone ordering from Chick-fil-A’s drive-through.

Tunnels of Joy founder Yvette Gardizi was surprised to receive support from the restaurant.

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“Oh wow, we’ve never had a big franchise like this help us. But it’s really just a local family that owns it and wanted to help out,” she said.

Gardizi and her husband, Mostafa Gardizi, erected the tunnels on the drive-through with the help of Hawthorne and Chick-fil-A employees who volunteered to help with the decorations.

“All the employees came out to help put up the decorations,” Yvette said. It’s nice, all that effort. It’s really not a big company sponsorship like I thought. It’s a local family that just wanted to do more.”

Hawthorne said he was happy to use his restaurant to help Tunnels of Joy.

“One of the things we really enjoy is being involved with organizations around the community,” he said. “That’s a passion of mine. I always say, if all we ever do is just serve chicken and waffle fries in the four walls of our restaurant, we’re really not living to our purpose. So we want to go outside our four walls and be involved where we can be in Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley.”

For more information and to donate, visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/AngelovsBrainCancer

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

Zephyr honors those who served

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, several couples from Discovery Bay accepted the offer from Zephyr Grill & Bar in Brentwood for a free entree for veterans. There were veterans representing almost all military branches: two from the Army, two from the Navy, two from the Marines Corps, and two from the Air Force. From left to right at the table are Lynn Bunnell, Lowell and Joanne Onstad, Linda Mayer, Debbie and Frank Martin, Bill Mayer, and Donna and Bill Pease. Standing, from left to right: Bob and Joanne Leete, Tom Elmer and Sherry Boyd, Doris Bunnell, Roger Teschner and Mary Watkins, and Sandy and Ron Mize. Thanks to Tom Elmer for coordinating and continuing the tradition and remembrances to those who served.

Neighbors helping neighbors at food, clothing drive in Brentwood

A free community barbecue and clothing/food drive on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 3–5 p.m. at Veterans Park in Brentwood brought neighbors together to share a warm meal and support families in need. Volunteers served hot dogs and hamburgers to an estimated 40–50 people while collecting two full barrels of nonperishable food, six large bags of clothing,

and two boxes of personal care items at an event organized by local groups Rage for Democracy, Indivisible East Contra Costa County, and Marsh Creek Democrats.

The following day, leftover food was cooked, packaged, and hand-delivered directly to local families and individuals who needed it most. For more information go to www.ragefordemocracy.com

Roderick Roy Linn 1949-2025

A lover of people and a friend to all, Roderick Roy “Rod” Linn of Brentwood, Calif., passed away on Nov. 9, 2025 at the age of 76.

Rod was born in Lodi, Calif., the fourth son of James and Clare Linn. He was raised in Lodi, and graduated from Lodi High School in 1968.

He held positions in various fields and ultimately had a successful career in the office equipment industry. He was the owner of Linnco Services in Brentwood from 1990-2007.

A gifted bass player, Rod’s passion for music covered all genres, from blues to bluegrass, rock and roll to jazz. He performed with numerous bands over the years and was a dedicated member of the Praise Team at Resurrection Ministries for more than 25 years. Through music, he touched countless lives, uplifted spirits and built lasting friendships.

Rod was an active member of the Brentwood Lions Club for more than 30 years, serving as president four times. Rod brought energy and generosity to every organization he supported. He was well known for his willingness to volunteer his time and talents wherever he was needed.

Rod’s greatest source of joy was his family. He is survived by his wife,

Kimberly,

Sophie

former wife

Linn, brothers Kurt Linn and Jack Linn (Sharon), and a large and loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Craig Linn.

A memorial service celebrating Rod’s life will be held at Resurrection Ministries at 1275 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood on Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. Donations be made to the Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Grounds, Resurrection Ministries or the charity of your choice.

Worship Services

EDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

O pini O n

Trip to hurricane-ravaged Jamaica ‘changed me’

Editor:

I have been trying to find the words for what I saw in Jamaica, and they still are not coming easily.

The damage across the island is deeper than anything online shows. Children walking to school through rubble. Others spending the whole day at their mother’s workplace because their school is gone. Houses without roofs. Rooms open to the sky. Trees snapped like matchsticks. Places I knew as a child turned into emptiness. Just wide, raw vastness.

Twenty-seven days later, my grandmother’s house still has no power and no running water.

When she said she was burning up, all I could do was fan her with my hand, paper, anything at all. That moment did something to me. It was a different kind of helplessness.

When she finally fell asleep, I would sit on the steps, trying to catch even a whisper of breeze, hoping the sun would charge a small solar bank so I did not lose all contact with the outside world. I do not even know why. Maybe it was my way of holding on to something familiar.

But it never charged.

Night 2, the mosquitoes were so bad I kept going back to the fan switch, almost begging it to work. I hit it again and again, forgetting for a second that the power was gone. Each click into nothing made the mosquitoes feel even heavier.

But was everything tough? No.

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

Letters to the editor

Time with grandma is never tough. The variety of food is never tough. Being around the Jamaican vibes is never tough.

And funnily, I took pleasure in getting water from the drum to pour into the bath pan so I could wash myself, knowing even that was a privilege compared to most. Because now, the littlest things mattered in enormous ways. The sleeping bags I brought ended up in other communities where families had been sleeping beneath a tarp. It hurts to know that was their reality. But I am grateful that something so small gave even one night of comfort.

There are politics. There are delays. There are people looking out only for themselves.

But there are also people showing a level of strength the world will never fully understand.

Rebuilding is not a one-year plan. It will take years. It will take decades. And the people living through this are carrying the weight day by day.

Yet the resilience of Jamaicans refuses to die. Neighbors clearing yards before help arrives. Families sharing the little they have left. Strangers checking in on each other. Laughter finding a way through devastation because sometimes that laugh is the last thread holding the spirit together.

This trip changed me. It reminded me how fragile life is, how quickly everything can shift, and how strong people must become simply to make it through the next day. Not because they want to be strong, but because they have no choice.

If you have ever felt your roots shake

and still known exactly where your spirit belongs, you know this feeling. Jamaica will rebuild in time, but right now the island is standing because its people refuse to fall. #JamaicaStrong #RebuildJamaica #HurricaneRecovery #CaribbeanTruth #DiasporaVoices #HomeAndHeart #CommunityStrength #hurricanemelissa #HopeInAction #ResilientPeople #RebuildingTogether #HumanityFirst #Jamaica

Nikki K. Lopez Brentwood

Thanksgiving prices skyrocketed; soaring costs

Editor:

hit working families

On this day after Thanksgiving, the cost of the classic holiday meal spiked, and Republican economic policies are a major reason why.

Wholesale turkey prices have jumped 40% from a year ago, as NPR recently reported.

Consumer Price Index data also showed a rise in prices among stuffing, canned sweet potatoes, and potatoes.

Independent research group Dataasembly highlighted jellied cranberry sauce increasing nearly 50%, largely due to President Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum that pushed up the cost of canned goods.

This pain is compounded by rising energy costs across America that made it more expensive to host a Thanksgiving meal and reinforced how everyday families are feeling the pinch thanks to the administration’s economic policies.

“While Trump wastes hundreds of millions of dollars on a new golden ballroom, families will feel the pain of rising costs at their dinner table,” said Battleground Alliance Campaign Manager Stephanie Porta. “Every trip to the store tells the truth: prices are up, and Trump keeps insisting they’re not. His administration and Republicans are focused on themselves and their billionaire buddies, not working families. Families deserve better than rising costs and empty excuses. We need leadership committed to lowering prices, strengthening communities, and making sure every family can celebrate the holidays without fear of what the checkout total will be.”

Trump was asked by reporters about the rising costs Americans are clearly seeing in their everyday lives. He called concerns a “con” and said,

Just after Election Day, the Trump administration’s affordability drive began on a disastrous note when he said, “Our groceries are way down. Everything is way down … So I don’t want to hear about the affordability,” according to The Guardian newspaper.

In a recent Fox News poll, voters believe the White House is generally doing more harm than good on the economy.”

“The facts are very simple: the cost of everything is going up, and Trump and the Republicans are only making it worse,” Porta said.

Editor’s note: Battleground Alliance PAC is a coalition of more than 120 national organizations and labor unions representing millions of Americans.

Liberty girls basketball begins a new chapter

By Jeff Weisinger Staff Writer

In a week when Liberty’s girls basketball program felt like it was spinning, their response on Tuesday night showed something more important than the final score.

The Lady Lions fell 51–44 at California High in their North Coast Section Foundation Game. But what happened midway through the game— a furious rally from 13 points down at the half to within just one early in the fourth period — revealed a young team starting to take shape under a suddenly new regime.

“It’s really about the ladies kind of learning about the kind of fundamentals of the game and kind of learning about each other and learning the coaches, right?” Lady Lions interim head coach Mike Gregory said. “Everything’s fairly new with all the recent changes. So for us is getting those, as you say, getting the cobwebs out, kind of playing against other teams and especially in this sort of environment.”

Just seven days earlier, Liberty’s world changed. Former head coach Matt Malzahn, who’d led the program for the last four seasons, resigned suddenly, leaving a roster full of returners, two newly anointed interim co-head coaches, and a seasonopener looming with almost no time to process what happened.

Senior guard Lola Acosta, who’s played under Malzahn throughout her Liberty career in basketball and on the flag football team, talked about the sudden change.

“At first, obviously it’s a little nervous going into a new season when it’s like things are in shambles, getting a new coach,” Acosta said. “But I think we really

pulled it off… We came together as a team and we worked together.”

The Lions needed that togetherness early on Wednesday night. Liberty stumbled through a turnover-heavy first half and trailed by as much as 12 points after the first quarter and 13 at halftime. Missed shots and layups piled up and the Grizzlies took advantage of Liberty’s miscues.

But midway through the third quarter, everything changed.

Gregory and fellow co-interim head coach Paul Stonebarger made their first big decisions at the helm of the program and shifted Liberty into a half-court press out of an early timeout. The Lady Lions woke up from that point on.

Liberty scored 21 points in the third quarter, ending the quarter with a top-ofthe-key three-pointer from freshman Izah-

bella Molina Valverde, slicing the deficit to four entering the fourth quarter.

“We want to create chaos,” Gregory said. “That’s the type of team we want — creating havoc, making teams uncomfortable. When we went to that press, look what happened… we scored 21 points in the third quarter (after scoring just 13 in the first half), so it turned the game around.”

Just seconds into the fourth period, junior Nariyah Cooper buried a three from the right wing, cutting California’s lead to 41–40.

Acosta said the team’s belief was never shaken.

“Realizing that we can make that comeback against such a tough team… I feel very confident that the rest of the season we can do it,” Acosta said.

California, however, responded strongly in the end. The Grizzlies closed the game on a 10-4 run through the final five minutes to seal the game late. The late run was sparked by a clutch three-pointer by California’s Mikayla Nielsen, who scored a game-high 15 points.

Despite the loss, Gregory, who had spent nine years coaching in Liberty’s boys program before taking over the girls’ side as the interim co-head coach, said his goal was simple: rebuild with fundamentals as the foundation.

“People kind of lose the grip of what fundamentals mean,” Gregory said. “We’re building those fundamentals — defensive schematics, closeouts, shooting techniques, reading the game… I always tell people: don’t watch the game. See the game.”

Stonebarger agreed.

“We wanted the girls to play to grow,” Stonebarger said. “We wanted them to feel comfortable… We really wanted them to grow together and see that we were just there to support them and have their back.”

Freshman Chloe Wortinger led Liberty with 11 points, while Molina Valverde added nine in her varsity debut — part of a spark from a young class that looked fearless during the comeback. Acosta, one of the team’s veterans, said the back-to-basics approach has helped stabilize everything.

“It’s like starting new, starting fresh,” she said. “We’re starting kind of slowly — baby steps, walking, crawling, walking, running.”

Liberty (0-1) returns to action next Thursday night when they take on Half Moon Bay in the Lick-Wilmerding tournament in San Francisco.

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

Liberty boys basketball doubles up Concord

By Mason Tovani Correspondent

During Tuesday night’s 70-35 win against Concord High, every player on the roster was able to play in their home and season opener. The Lions led from the opening tip and never took their foot off the gas. Though it was a game the Lions won handily, head coach Rich Morton said he felt like his group played down to the competition at times.

“Tonight was one of those games where we just fell into a trap,” Morton said. “We played down to their level but it’s one of those things where we got to get ready. We got a big De La Salle tournament coming up next week and I think the guys will be a little more excited about that. They weathered the storm and did some good things out there.”

Morton is confident that the depth of his returning players along with the mix of the ones who are getting their first taste of varsity basketball will help them build upon last year’s 26-4 overall record and 10-0 BVAL record that re -

Liberty point guard Jaiden Miller lays the ball in after a turnover by Concord High in the Lions’ season-opening game against the Bears Tuesday night in Brentwood.

sulted in a league championship.

Morton added: “We have six or seven returners and I like the versatility we have this year. I really like the J.V. guys who came up to go along with the experienced guys, I just like the makeup

of this team all around.”

While the Lions have participated in a handful of tournaments since summer, Morton cited his group’s restlessness as eagerness to get the first game that counts towards their regular season underneath them.

“Honestly, I pretty much know what we have because we’ve had a good summer of basketball with this same group and fall basketball,” Morton said. “It was just a matter of us getting the season underway, the kids are a little restless and I think they are ready to play right now.”

The Lions will play Sacramento High on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. for their first game as a part of the De La Salle ‘Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic’ tournament. They will begin league play on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Freedom.

By Mason Tovani Correspondent

Matthew Nakayama reflected on his progression as a swimmer over time. For many years, he did it only because it was the sport he was good at. Competing at a high level and taking it seriously didn’t cross his mind until his freshman year of high school. After his first year at Freedom High School, he transferred to De La Salle where the competition level of the EBAL (East Bay Athletic League) was something he coveted in order to progress as a swimmer.

“Throughout my childhood I tried a few other sports but swimming was the one thing I was good at,” Nakayama said. “I never took swimming too seriously until high school, during my freshman year I won league so it made me want to take it more seriously and think about the collegiate level.”

The current Spartan and soon-to-be Tiger ranked ‘culture’ one of the highest priorities when choosing which college he would attend. As the captain of his swim team at De La Salle, Nakayama has taken the role seriously about what it means to keep his teammates engaged in and out of the pool and remaining a tight-knit team. After visits to California Baptist University and UC San Diego, it was University of the Pacific in Stockton that valued that same priority, he said, where he’ll be on a partial scholarship.

“After my freshman year, I was swimming club full time, it was 16 hours a week and meets on the weekend,” he said. “When my junior year came around, I spent a lot of time talking to different coaches, touring different schools and I definitely didn’t think UOP was where I would end up. But once I met the coaches and the team I fell in love with it. I instantly knew that’s where I wanted to go.”

nalist, De La Salle Athlete of the Year nominee, De La Salle Swimming MVP, two-time team EBAL Champion, two-time team NCS Champion and team finishing top 10 in the state.

It’s his time with the Brentwood Seawolves where he feels he can really dial in on his personal training and head coach for the Seawolves Chris Da Sie was someone who Nakayama trusted would not let him miss a step going from school to club swimming.

Da Sie has spent 20 years coaching youth swimming with both Canadian and U.S. national teams and the founder of Swim Accelerator, an international swimming program as well as reaching the Canadian Nationals himself as a mid-distance free and breaststroke swimmer.

“The coaching has just been really great. He pays attention to a lot of the details and he has a lot of experience,” Nakayama said. “The offseason from high school gives me the opportunity to get some more individualized coaching and get more knowledge from a coach who has been around the sport for so long.”

“It was definitely the culture,” Nakayama said. “I went on a few other visits and the teams weren’t as close and I didn’t click with the people. At UOP, the people I stayed with I immediately clicked with and had a great time with everybody. I knew it would be somewhere that I would be happy.”

In his three years at De La Salle, Nakayama has an extensive list of achievements: that he is leaving behind; EBAL 50 Free Swim Champion, Scholastic All America, All-American, EBAL First-Team, NCS Finalist, State Fi-

Nakayama has spent the better part of his high school career being a leader on his team, whether he was captain or leading by example with his swimming. He acknowledged that as a freshman he thought he knew everything about the sport and in time he was proven wrong. His mindset now is about going into a new environment with an eagerness to absorb what his teammates and coaches have to offer.

“Going into college sports I have so much to learn,” Nakayama said. “There’s so many things I will pick up on. I think I’ll learn a higher level of leadership but I’m really excited to just go and swim and have some of that pressure off my shoulders. If the opportunity ever arises then I would love to lead this team in the future.”

PHOTO CONTEST

Is your home the picture of holiday spirit?

Do your neighbors need sunglasses? Does the inside look like Mrs. Claus lives there? If so, here’s your opportunity to share your photos for a chance to win a prize! Submit photo(s) of your home - inside or out: https://www.thepress.net/site/forms/contest_forms/christmas_home_decorating_contest/christmas_decorating_contest DEADLINE: DECEMBER 12. The winner will be chosen by The Press staff, and be revealed in The Press on 01/02/2026.

Enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card to a local restaurant!

Antioch boxer to fight in “Brawl in the Bay” event

By Isaac Arriaga Correspondent

Antioch boxer Kumar Prescod will be among the fighters at the “Brawl in the Bay” boxing event on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The event will feature eight fights. Prescod, 18, who is undefeated, will be featured in the co-main event in his quest to become a light heavyweight champion, organizers said in a press release. He has had four professional fights and won three of them – all knockouts.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the fights start at 6. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/brawl-

Tunnels of Joy from page 3

“We used the same criteria we use every year,” Gardizi said. “Is anyone in our neighborhood in need, or know someone who is in need? We also want to pick a child, and someone who hasn’t been chosen by another organization to receive donations.”

In this case, a La Costa resident knew Angelo’s grandfather and reached out to the family.

Blakley said they hope to bring Angelo to some of the events scheduled in December, but will make decisions based on how he is feeling.

“Some days are better than others,” she said.

This year, visitors to the Tunnels can enjoy the sights typically seen in the area: elaborate and over-the-top decorations of all kinds, including the popular Hallmark House. Gardizi said there are some new things this year, as well.

“We have a float in the Brentwood Holiday Parade this year,” Gardizi said. “And the owners of the new Chick-fil-A reached out and wanted to help, so every time someone orders a peppermint milkshake, part of the proceeds will go to Angelo (see page 7). We are also doing a collaboration with the new restaurant Eight Acres here in Brentwood. They will have the donation QR code and put up some tunnels.”

This year’s event lineup includes food trucks, live entertainment and more. Gardizi said she hopes the community will come out and support Angelo as well as all the local businesses involved in Tunnels of Joy.

Last year, the Tunnels board chose 6-year-old Bella Alaniz, an Oakley girl diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called ependymoma. Now 7, Bella is doing well and even participated in her summer swim team this year.

“Bella is doing amazing,” mom Jill

PRESCOD

in-the-bay-tickets. Follow Elite Underdog Promotions via Instagram @eliteunderdogpromotions for more information.

Alaniz said in an email. “She just finished up her last round of physical therapy to get the right side back to full strength. The swimming helped tremendously. She is doing very well in school and enjoys time with her friends.”

Alaniz said Bella’s most recent MRI scan “looked good” and her care team will continue to monitor her with scans every three months.

The Tunnels of Joy neighborhood light display began about 10 years ago, sparked by the creativity and generosity of one family who set up a festive tunnel of lights in front of their house to bring joy to neighborhood kids. The following year, they encouraged more neighbors to join in, and the idea took off.

As the number of light tunnels grew, so did the community spirit. Visitors began flocking to the neighborhood, and the neighbors saw an opportunity to make an even bigger impact. They set up a donation box, sold hot chocolate, and raised funds to support a resident’s relative battling breast cancer. The event was named “Tunnels of Joy” in honor of a beloved neighbor (Joy) who had passed away from the disease.

Each year, more homes joined in, extending the light-filled magic along La Costa Drive and nearby streets. Today, more than 100 homes participate, and the tradition includes food trucks and live entertainment on weekends. Thousands of visitors come every year to experience the joy and generosity of the community.

Tunnels of Joy is on La Costa Drive in Brentwood, and open nightly until 10 p.m. from Dec. 1-25.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ tunnelsofjoy. To donate visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/AngelovsBrainCancer To view a slideshow, visit www.thepress. net/multimedia/slideshows

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0005680 The name of the business(es): Heritage Hat Company Located at: 1701 Arabian Lane In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): 1. Joseph Michael Sisneros 2. Shane Martinez. This business is conducted by: Copartners. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Joseph Michael Sisneros. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/29/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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Located at: 1503 Walnut Ave In: Antioch, CA, 94509, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Peter Uson Unpingco II. 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: Peter Unpingco II, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 09/26/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 09/25/2030

NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0005686 The name of the business(es): EDJE PICTURES Located at: 8580 Pinehollow Circle In: Discovery Bay, CA 94505, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): EJ Function 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: Jeffrey Fesunoff, COO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/29/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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File No. F-2025-0005720 The name of the business(es): Ribbons and Roses LLC Located at: 151 Chestnut St In: Brentwood, CA 94513, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Ribbons And Roses 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 08/27/2007. Signature of registrant: DIANE OBRIEN, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on: 10/31/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires 10/30/2030 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. F-2025-0005154 The name of the business(es): GOODIES MARKET Located at: 3550 SAN PABLO DAM RD STE K In: EL SOBRANTE, CA 94803, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): OSAI 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 9/1/2025. Signature of registrant: OSAMAH F ALHASANI, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Contra Costa County on:

09/30/2025 by Deputy Clerk Expires

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ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY: Albert Anthony Mathias SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA, 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 PETITION OF: Albert Anthony Mathias, Albert Anthony Mathias CASE NUMBER: N25-2115 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Albert Anthony Mathias, Albert Anthony Mathias filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. Albert Anthony Mathias b. aka Alberto Antonio Matias to Proposed Name: a. Alberto Antonio Matias. 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: 02/20/2026 Time: 9:00 am Dept.: 30 Room:

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Brentwood and Oakley ‘Mayor’s Challenge’ is a one-day food drive

business in Brentwood covers residential and commercial fencing, decks, arbors, gates and custom projects. The teams use only high-quality redwood, wrought iron metal, chain link and hog wire. With a reputation for quality work, reasonable prices, friendly and efficient office staff and experienced crew out in the field, Hennessey’s Fencing has been voted The Best in Brentwood for 7 years in a row.

Brentwood and Oakley are teaming up for a friendly community challenge to support local families in need this holiday season as part of a ‘Mayor’s Challenge,” in which both cities will host a one-day food drive on Dec. 5 from 3-8 p.m.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate, show their community spirit, and help make the season brighter for local families. Whether you give in Brentwood or Oakley, every donation makes a difference, according to a press release from both cities.

Drop-off locations are:

• Brentwood: 400 Guthrie Lane (Old CD manufacturing/warehouse building)

• Oakley: 3231 Main St. (City Hall)

For more information, visit https:// brentwood.info/mayors-challenge

Oakley Union Elementary School District receives state education award

The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) has been selected as a 2025 CSBA Golden Bell Award recipient for its innovative Strategic Educator Pathways initiative, a comprehensive system of teacher and counselor development that is transforming the educator pipeline in Oakley.

The Golden Bell Award, one of the state’s highest honors for public school programs, recognizes OUESD’s groundbreaking work in creating seamless pathways that include the Teacher Residency Program, Counselor Residency Program, Intern Teacher Program, pre-induction support, and structured mentor development, the district said in a press release.

The district and other local districts work to ensure their new teachers with preliminary credentials receive quality mentorship through induction while earning their clear credential. Together, these efforts ensure that every new educator entering OUESD’s classrooms is supported, prepared, and positioned for longterm success.

“This award is a reflection of our Board of Trustees’ steadfast commitment to investing in people, strengthening our educator workforce, and ensuring Oakley students have exceptional teachers in every classroom,” said Superintendent Jeffrey Palmquist. “Our Board’s vision and ongoing support have been crucial to building a system that prioritizes both excellence and belonging.”

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Erin Roberts emphasized the district’s commitment to uplifting educators at every stage: “We are proud to champion residency programs and educator pathways that empower our amazing teachers to lead and inspire. By supporting those who shape our students’ futures, we create classrooms where every learner can thrive and every educator can shine.”

OUESD will be formally recognized by the California School Boards Association at the 2025 Golden Bell Awards Ceremony next month.

Brentwood Community Chorus has new director, winter concert, and spring season launch

The Brentwood Community Chorus is ringing in the season with its winter concert, then introducing a new director in the spring, and issuing open invitations for new singers.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, the chorus will present its Winter Concert, Holiday Movie Magic — a musical celebration of cozy nostalgia, timeless tunes, and the power of song to bring people together. Think White Christmas, Home Alone, and the kind of music that makes you smile before the first note ends. Audience members can expect an afternoon of warmth, wonder, and community — with plenty of chances to sing along with the chorus throughout the afternoon from 2-4 p.m. at Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Ave..

Advance tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors (65 and older), $10 for high school students with ID and free for ages 12 and younger.

Tickets at the door are $25 general admission, $20 for seniors (65 and older), $15 for high school students with ID and free for ages 12 and younger. Concessions and raffle tickets will be available for purchase in the lobby. Details and tickets are at brentwoodcommunitychorus.com

With the launch of the spring 2026 season in January, the chorus will welcome conductor Don Scott Carpenter as its new director. A San Francisco–based conductor, composer, and organist, Carpenter brings a national reputation for artistic excellence, joyful collaboration, and building community through music.

From Beethoven to Broadway, Carpenter’s programs are known for honoring tradition while embracing fresh perspectives. “I believe music is a living force — it builds bridges, holds memory, and reminds us what it means to be human,” he said. “At its heart, music is about building community, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Brentwood.”

Registration opens in mid-December for their spring season, which welcomes singers ages 14 and up of all experience levels — no audition required. As a nonprofit 501 (c) (3), the chorus keeps dues low to cover music, venue, and direction, with scholarships available to ensure everyone can participate

County hosting a town hall meeting for accessible transit ideas

The county is hosting a town hall meeting on accessible transit on Dec. 9 in Oakley from 9 a.m.-noon to discuss ideas about how to imporve accessibility on the county’s transit systems.

Hosted by state Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, whose District 11 includes parts of East County, the meeting will be at the Oakley Recreation Center at 1250 O’Hara Ave.

RSVP to jacob.francisco@asm.ca.gov or call 707-438-7359.

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

This Week’s Events

Saturday, November 29

COCO Strong Zumba and Dance Fundraiser

COCO Strong supports feeding the hungry through fitness and fun. Dance with them along with all the most popular dance instructors from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 193 Griffith Lane in Brentwood to support the Summer Lake Food Pantry and families in need. No experience needed. All proceeds go directly toward providing meals and essential groceries to local families. Tickets are $25, plus fees. Tickets include a custom drawstring bag showing your support for the event. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/coco-strong-zumbadance-fund-raiser-feeding-our-communitytickets-1957297342039?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cookies, Cocoa and Ice Cream with Santa

The event will take place at Tess’ Community Farm Kitchen at 8091 Balfour Road in Brentwood from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be five seatings every hour starting at 9:15 a.m. Sponsored by the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce, guests can come see Santa and have their picture taken individually or as a family. Attendees are encouraged to dress alike in their favorite holiday jammies or attire. Coffee and mimosas will be available for sale to adults. Individual tickets are $7 each, or $25 for a family of 4. Seats are limited. Tickets are available at discoverybaychamber.org/ events/#!event/register/2025/12/6/cookies-wsanta. For more information, contact Cindy at 925-513-4175.

Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Shop

Sip, shop, and kick off the holiday season in downtown Brentwood from 1-4 p.m. as the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, downtown businesses and the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association partner to bring participants an afternoon of local wine tastings, holiday cheer, and ‘Shop Small Saturday.’ Attendees can expect tastings from local wineries, holiday

shopping with special deals, support small businesse. Tickets are available at downtownbrentwood.com/event/winter-wine-walk-andtasting-tour-2025/ and are $50 per person, and will include a commemorative wine glass, 15 wines poured from local vineyards and wineries, food tastings and exclusive offerings from downtown shop owners. Tickets are $15 for Designated Driver’s/Food Tasting tickets. Participants must be at least 21 to participate and have a valid ID. The event will happen in rain or shine. No refunds.

43rd Annual Holiday Parade in Brentwood and City of Brentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

Celebrate the annual parade downtown from 5-7 p.m. presented by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. The theme is Holiday Toyland. The parade begins at 5 p.m. at First and Birch streets. The parade then goes down First Street and turns right on Oak Street, then ends at 4th Street. The parade will be followed by the City of Brentwood tree lighting ceremony in Brentwood City Park. For details, visit https://business.brentwoodchamber.com/ events/details/43rd-annual-holiday-parade

Sunday, November 30

Tea with Clara

Tea with Clara, a character in The Nutcracker, is a magical holiday experience where children and families can enjoy a tea party with characters from The Ballet Company of East County’s production of The Nutcracker. From 2-4 p.m. listen as Clara tells the enchanting story of The Nutcracker, then meet and take photos with your favorite characters from the ballet, all at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at brentwooddance.com/buytickets.

Thursday, December 4

A Night for Working Wonders

Working Wonders, a Brentwood-based nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities in the East County, will have its third annual holiday fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place

Community Education Minute with Natalie Hannum

New Year, new you?  Careers are not static and require self-assessment of one’s skills to determine if you meet the requirements to achieve your career goals.

Whether you are breaking into a profession at the entry-level, looking to move up the career ladder, or changing careers altogether, the commitment to continuous learning and “up-skilling” one’s credentials are the keys to career success.  Los Medanos College Community Education partners with ED2GO, a component of Cengage Learning, to offer courses that complement traditional for-credit programs.  These programs are offered online and in a format that is convenient around demanding and busy schedules.  Check out these in-demand programs:

Fundamental courses (short-term/six-week programs)

• Art and design

• Construction and trades

• Health and fitness

• Hospitality

• Legal

Advanced career training (programs that run from 3-12 months)

• Certified Paralegal

• Pharmacy Technician

• Medical Assistant

• Veterinary Assistant

For a full listing of all short- and long-term programs, visit https://www.losmedanos.edu/communityed/not4credit.aspx or call 925-473-7397 for more information.

It’s never too late to jump start your future!

Natalie Hannum served as the Dean of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development at Los Medanos College before her retirement as Vice President in 2023.  In her years working with employers and industry, the one constant she heard regularly was the need to be a lifelong learner.

at Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, 234 Oak St., from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and will feature the Liberty Singers doing Christmas carols. There will be gift baskets. Live auction items include a women’s HBBC Beach Cruiser Bike from The Bike Shop and a “Santa Cruise” Bay cruise on the USS Potomac, donated by the Rotary Club of Oakley. Tickets are $50 and include two drinks and one food item. For more information, visit www.letsworkwonders.org.

On the Horizon

Saturday, December 6

Holiday Boutique and Breakfast with Santa

The event sponsored by Wi Cha Ka Council #222 will take place at Red Men & Pocahontas Hall, 1403 Main St. in Oakley, from 10 a.m.noon. There will be a pancake breakfast with Santa for $3 per person and a free picture with Santa. Admission is free, and the event will take place rain or shine. There will be handmade gifts for sale by local artisans, raffle prizes and more. Funds will benefit the veterans at the VA Hospital in Martinez. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ Red Men & Pocahontas of Oakley. Holiday Movie Magic-Winter Concert by Brentwood Community Chorus

The Brentwood Community Chorus presents Holiday Movie Magic — an afternoon of music inspired by classic holiday films, including White Christmas and Home Alone at Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Ave. in Brentwood. The concert will feature special guests Mark Morello and Bristow student musicians and Jodi’s Girls Ensemble. Advanced tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for high school students with ID, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.brentwoodcommunitychorus.com. Tickets are available at the door for $25 for general admission, $15 for high school students with ID, and free for

children 12 and under. Concessions and raffle tickets will be available in the lobby.

Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7

Friends of the Oakley Library Book Fair at Barnes &

Noble

The Friends of the Library will be at Barnes & Noble, 2475 Sand Creek Road Suite #100 in Brentwood, Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. encouraging you to get your holiday shopping done that weekend. A portion of each day’s sales will be donated back to the Friends as we raise funds for programs at the Oakley Library.

Sunday, December 7

The Kid Makers Fair at Krey Elementary School

The fair will take place from 10 a.m-1 p.m. at Krey Elementary School, 190 Crawford Drive in Brentwood. Come explore a lively marketplace where kids will sell their handmade crafts, jewelry, crochet items, and more. Food will be available from local food trucks. Follow the faire on social media at @thekidmakersfair.

Christmas on the Farm

The event will take place at the East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum, 3890 Sellers Ave., from 11 a.m.-dusk. There will be games, music, food vendors, craft vendors, family activities, and photos with Santa. The windmill will be lit at dusk. Admission is free. Activity tickets will be available for purchase.

9th Annual Tamale Festival

The event presented by the Brentwood Police Activities League will be from 4-9 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.. There will be an all-you-can-eat dinner that includes non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $50 per person or $450 for a table of 10. There will be music and entertainment throughout the evening. All proceeds will benefit Brentwood PAL “Shop with a Cop” Holiday program. For more information and tickets, visit www.BrentwoodPAL.com.

Hazmat from page 1

investigating his internet searches, and then due to that they did a search warrant. They said that they’re just testing the chemicals to make sure that… nothing is a danger to us.”

She described her brother as a quiet homebody with high social anxiety.

“He’s a good person. He’s not really sociable. But when he does go out, he has a select few friends,” she said.

She added that she and her children are temporarily staying at the home after their own residence recently burned down.

Investigators also removed fireworks from the property, which the sister said were purchased out of state. She said officers seized

Fuller from page 1

sional development, including but not limited to workplace harassment prevention and ethics training.”

Finally, the resolution called upon Fuller to immediately resign, which he did not do.

Can Fuller be removed from the council?

According to the resolution, “the council does not have the authority to remove a duly elected councilmember absent a criminal conviction or other legal disqualification under California law.”

Shaw also said that the council cannot remove a sitting councilmember even after they commit a major crime. In that case, she said, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office would become involved to remove the offending councilmember. If no crime has been committed, the only way to remove a sitting councilmember is for them to be recalled by their constituents, Shaw said. The Contra Costa County Elections Division has a detailed Guide for Recalls 2025, which can be found here: https://www. contracostavote.gov/wp-content/uploads/ RecallGuide2025_FINAL.pdf.

Consequences of Fuller’s behavior

Despite not being able to remove Full-

Flooding from page 1

her brother’s phone but not his computer.

“I don’t think there’s any reason for concern,” she said. “I think they blew it

er, the council has worked to limit his ability to disrupt proceedings since before the censure. In a memo dated Sept. 24, City Attorney Derek Cole laid out a series of restrictions to be placed on Fuller in both internal and external matters.

Internally, “Outside of properly convened city council meetings, Councilmember Fuller may have no contact with the city manager or the city staff,” besides the city attorney, with this ban covering in-person and electronic communication. During meetings, Fuller may only speak with city staff if they are discussing an agenda item. The staff is also disallowed from giving Fuller information such as council meeting packets, which he must acquire online like members of the public. Any other internal documentation must be requested from the city attorney, his one point of contact with the City of Oakley outside of council meetings. Within council meetings, Fuller may act in his capacity as a councilmember to “sit at the dais during Council meetings, to comment on items in accordance with applicable law and City procedures, to make or second motions, and to vote,” but the mayor and the rest of the council are obliged to prevent him from bullying or retaliating against members of the staff

bags are essential for preventing minor flooding damage by diverting water flow from entering space that people don’t want it to go, highlighting how some of the older neighborhoods and homes in the Brentwood area were built and how vital sandbags are for minor flood prevention.

During regular work hours, Ziemann said residents can call the Dept. of Public Works and they will respond to any situation, and are on standby after hours. However, residents are urged to call 911 if they are experiencing any major flooding as it could be a potential health and safety problem.

“If we have a major storm, it is something we are monitoring 24/7,” Ziemann said. “We have a storm response team and storm response meetings. We do a lot of maintenance on our creeks or storm drains, and do a lot of work leading up to the flooding season.”

According to Ziemann, the city is proactive during storms and with flood prevention, making sure catch basins – receptacles designed to retain matter that does not easily pass through a sewer, are free of leaves and debris prior to rainy seasons. The wastewater collections crew maintains the storm drain system and completes inspections. Ziemann also stressed the importance of how residents can also help prevent floods in their neighborhoods by helping to clear leaves and debris out of storm drains near their homes.

“Leaves are the biggest reasons that catch basins

out of proportion. “They came through for a search warrant for something that had nothing to do with any of this.

or public, so long as their measures do not prevent him from doing his duty as a councilmember. Fuller has also been removed from his assignments as council liaisons to all committees, according to Shaw.

Externally, Fuller is disallowed from attending city-sponsored events “as a representative or delegate of the city council,” to limit his interaction with city staff who are running the event. He is, however, allowed to attend events as a member of the public.

Fuller is additionally “precluded to the maximum extent possible from participating in the City Manager’s annual performance reviews and any non-annual reviews the Council chooses to conduct,” and is not permitted to participate in any negotiation of changes to City Council benefits or compensation beyond commenting and voting on the matter in meetings. Fuller is still allowed to vote on public matters as a council member.

Fuller’s response

Fuller has protested against the City Council’s limiting of his access to public events. On Nov. 11, he sent out a press release stating that he was denied access to a Veterans Day luncheon and memorial service held by the Oakley City Council.

flood,” Ziemann said. “The simplest types of flooding are due to leaves. It’s the residents’ responsibilities to remove leaves from trees. When people blow their leaves from their yards to the road, we have major problems with that.”

Ziemann said the entire city receives a sweeping twice a month, with three street sweepers running five days a week trying to reduce the amount of leaves going into the storm drains. Some main roads, however, such as Brentwood Boulevard, Balfour Road, and parts of Fairview Avenue, receive a sweeping twice a week. Additionally, Ziemann said that the city has a leaf bag program in which residents can dispose of up to 10 bags of leaves a day. Leaf bags can be picked up at:

• Corporation Yard, 2201 Elkins Way

• Senior Center, 193 Griffith Lane

• City Hall, 35 Oak St.

Ziemann said overall, he is proud of the city’s proactive nature to prevent hazards when flooding occurs.

“We have been tackling that issue better than we have 10 years ago,” Ziemann said. “It’s a team effort from maintaining the storm drain system, to keeping the leaves out of it.”

Other self-serve sandbag locations include:

• Oakley: Located at Ironhouse Sanitary District’s yard, access to the station is from Main Street across from Rose Avenue and is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. The station has sand, bags, and shov-

This was just them walking through the home and making assumptions.”

She apologized to neighbors for the disruption.

“I’m upset that their lives got disrupted from this today,” she said. “It’s embarrassing, honestly, but not much that we can do except apologize.”

Bozzo said ConFire was not working directly with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, though ATF personnel were present “on their own volition.”

Antioch police did not return requests for comment at press time.

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

The press release called the denial of access “deeply troubling,” “unjust,” and “un-American.” Fuller’s statement was refuted by Shaw, who said that Fuller could have attended these events as a member of the public and a veteran, but not as a representative of the council, according to the Sept. 24 memo. Fuller was at the public ceremony that preceded the luncheon and memorial service.

In a statement later, Fuller said that he was “denied due process of law” when the council placed the restrictions on him and refused to allow him to read the results of the investigation against him.

“Councilmembers did not inform the public of the proposed restrictions, and [the public] were not allowed to comment on them,” Fuller stated. “The restrictions intend to silence a political opponent (me). The council created an act of fascism, and Mayor Shaw acted as a fascist when reprimanding me, again without due process of law.”

els available for use for residents.

• Byron: At the Byron Airport at 500 Eagle Court, this location is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Residents must bring a shovel, and bags are located in front of the pump house near the flag pole.

• Knightsen Farm Bureau/County Agriculture: 3020 Second St., open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Residents also must bring a shovel, with bags and sand located at the north end of the parking lot next to the building.

For details on Brentwood’s sandbag station, visit https://share.google/sav2TUBz4TpQSY9Ly, and on the leaf bag program at https://share. google/7rQ9sjxImWF7rMpuB.

To report flooding, residents may call the Public Works Department by calling (925) 516-6000, or after hours to Police Dispatch at (925) 809-7911.

• Antioch

The Public Works Department provides a sandbag station for residents during the rainy season to help protect against localized flooding. The station is self-service and available at the Maintenance Service Center, 1201 W. 4th St. (entrance on N St.).

• Discovery Bay

For details, visit https://www.contracosta. ca.gov/5976/Sandbags.