oakley press_12.02.11

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Vol. 11, No. 48 YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER December 2, 2011

FOR MOVIE TIMES

SEE PAGE 5A

Arts .....................................10ABusiness ............................. 25BCalendar ............................ 27BClassifieds ......................... 20BCop Logs ............................ 26BEntertainment ................. 15BFood .................................... 14BMilestones ........................ 12BOpinion ..............................16ASports .................................19A

Cream of the court

The opening tipoff isnt far off, and our BVAL Basketball Preview spotlights the stars and sizes up the teams. Page 1B

A computer distribution program is giving digital literacy a boost.

Laptop largessego to news/WebExtras!

Shell Oil has donated $10K to a Los Medanos College industrial training program.

Wise workforcego to news/press releases

Local shoppers braved the cold and fellow shoppers elbows on Black Friday.

Black bargainsgo to multimedia/videos

Connect with The Press!Scan QR code with your smart phone.

Online now!WebExtras!

press releasesvideos

www. thepress.netYour Hometown Website

Manual for merriment

Hook up with seasonal charities and entertainment by checking out our lineup of December events. Page 8A

Brilliantboughs East County residents with an appetite for tree-lighting festivities can choose from a tasty menu. Page 4A

Oakley residents rushed to the aid of com-munity organization Friends of Oakley this week as news spread of the theft of $4,000 worth of toys and food amassed for a charity Christmas Basket program.

A thief or thieves struck the organizations temporary storage facility at the Almond Grove Elementary School gym sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday. When Friends of Oakley President and Oakley Mayor Jim Fra-zier arrived at Almond Grove to prepare the fa-cility for a sorting and gift-wrapping event to be held that afternoon, he discovered mountains of food and toys had been reduced to scraps.

When news reached Mikes Beef N Brew across town on Tuesday evening, restaurant pa-trons began a collection drive that amassed $375 within a few hours. News spread on Facebook as people shared the heartbreaking story with friends and pledged support.

Frazier said the response has been over-whelming. As news of the theft appeared online, on TV, on radio and in print, the calls began to pour in.

I need to charge my phone; its been ring-ing all day, Frazier said Wednesday. Ive heard

Community responds to charity theft

Friends of Oakley volunteer Gabriel Helena, 9, begins a new pile of wrapped toys for chil-dren 2 and younger. The Friends of Oakley Christmas Basket storage facility at Almond Grove Elementary was robbed of most of its donated toys and food on Tuesday.

Photo by Samie Hartley

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

see Theft page 15A

A special Thanksgiving homecoming

For wounded Iraq war veteran Ricky France and his family, Nov. 5 was a roller coaster ride. The home he and wife Shannon rented in Loomis had been lost to foreclosure and, unable to fi nd an affordable replacement, they and their fi ve children faced homelessness in four days. Arrangements to move to a shelter had been made, and movers had arrived to take their belongings to storage.

Thats when the phone call came: The Military Warriors Sup-port Foundation (MWSF) was on the line to tell the Frances they were being given, mortgage-free, a fi ve-bedroom house in Brentwood.

He was speechless and I

was crying, Shannon recalled. I kept thinking, Im not going to be homeless!

The family, including Jon, 15; Destiny, 9; Erreanna, 8; Arhvia, 6; and Micah, 5, moved into the six-year-old house the day before Thanksgiving.

Its beautiful; amazing, Ricky said this week. Im still amazed and shocked.

Founded in 2007 by retired Gen. Leroy Sisco, the MWSF pro-vides a variety of services aimed at helping veterans transition from the military to civilian life. In March of 2010 the organization embarked on its most ambitious effort, to give 1,000 wounded veterans free houses to within fi ve years.

Wounded Iraq veteran Ricky France and wife Shannon stand inside their new Brentwood home with their children. From left are Arreanna, Arhyia, Micah, Destiny and Jon. The family was given the house, free and clear, by the Military Warrior Support Network and JP Morgan Chase Bank.

Photo courtesy of JP Morgan Chase Bank

by Rick LemyreStaff Writer

see Homecoming page 12A

2A | THEPRESS.NET DECEMBER 2, 2011

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Your story continues here...

DECEMBER 2, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 3A

Foundation gives the gift of smiles

It was a morning of smiles all around, but for seven East County kids, those smiles will now last a lifetime.

Sheffi eld Orthodontics recently placed braces on local teens as part of the Smiles for a Lifetime program. The national nonprofi t organization provides free orthodonture to patients who cant afford treatment.

It was a great week, said Dr. Robert Sheffi eld. The kids were so happy. There were lots tears from the parents and me. Its such a life change for these children.

For the Hankins family one of the re-cipients of the program it was a day theyll never forget. As a dad, every time Asia and I discussed braces I would feel as though I was letting her down, said Carlos Hankins in a letter to Sheffi eld. When Asia told me she received a scholarship, she had tears of joy in her eyes, which brought tears of joy to mine I am so grateful to your foun-dation.

Bringing smiles and the occasional tears of joy to local families is the impe-tus behind the program. Local dentists Drs. Wendy Herman and Bill Morrice provided free dental care for the seven recipients, and Dr. John Gilbert, an oral surgeon, voluntee-red to do wisdom-teeth extractions for two patients. This year, Sheffi eld is planning to offer 12 orthodontic scholarships, which in-cludes free bands and ongoing treatment.

As part of the scholarship program, recipients agree to continue the good will by paying it forward to another group or orga-nization that helps those in need.

As a family we created a program to serve some of the underprivileged in various communities, said Hankins. The name of the program is Project HELLO, which stan-ds for Helping Everyone Live Life Optimi-stically. It has been nearly 10 years since our programs conception and sometimes we feel

like giving up, but your generosity has moti-vated us to continue providing these services in these challenging times.

The East County board of directors for Smile selects children from the local area through an application process. Nominations are currently being accepted, and Sheffi eld encourages anyone with a need or anyone who knows a child with a need to apply.

The board is looking for children between the ages of 11 and 18 who really

need orthodontic treatment, said Sheffi eld. Its the gift of a new smile, which hopefully leads to improved self-confi dence and a dra-matic change for these children. And that in essence, is the mission of Smile for a Lifeti-me.

Applications may be obtained by visiting www.sheffi eldortho.com, e-mailing s41foundation@sheffi eldortho.com or calling 925-757-9100.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

Smiles for a Lifetime recipient Stephan White poses with Dr. Robert Shef eld, far right, after receiving his new braces. Stephan was one of seven local children who were recently awarded free braces and ongoing orthodontic care through the nonpro t organization.

Photo courtesy of Sheffield Orthodontics

4A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY DECEMBER 2, 2011

East County gets into the holiday spirit this weekend with not one but three Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.

Brentwood kicks off the tree light-ing extravaganza Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Brentwood Senior Activity Center, 193 Griffi th Lane. Festivities include mu-sical performances by local vocal groups, hot drinks and goodies plus a visit from Santa. The switch is offi cially fl ipped on the 24-foot tree at 7 p.m.

Oakley hosts its tree lighting on Sat-urday, Dec. 3 at City Hall, 3231 Main St. The fun starts at 5 p.m. with performanc-es by the Oakley Elementary School Dis-

trict Choir, the Freedom High School Choir and BLUSH, a local youth choir. Free cocoa and cookies will be served, and a make-n-take craft area for chil-dren provided. Santa will be on hand for the tree lighting following music.

Discovery Bay also hosts a tree lighting event on Saturday, Dec. 3. The Discovery Bay Lions tree will be lit following the Parade of Lights, which starts at 6 p.m. Santa will also make a guest appearance at this event, so remember to bring your camera. For more holiday happenings, visit www.thepress.net/bookmark/16541918.

Lighting a trio of trees

Press file photo

Kris Kringle gets a curious

look from Avery Lasnier while attend-ing last years

Christmas tree lighting

in Oakley. Oakley,

Brentwood and Discovery

Bay all hold tree lighting

events this weekend.

Stroll memory lane in ECCHS calendar

Back by popular demand and just in time for the holidays, the East Contra Costa Historical Society (ECCHS) calen-dar is now available for purchase, and this

years edition is better than ever.Weve received such a good response

from the community. People really enjoy these calendars, said calendar creator and ECCHS member Kathy Leighton.

The Liberty Union High School Student Body Class of 1911 poses on the steps of Liberty High School on the corner of Maple and First streets. Built in 1908, the structure cost $8,500.

Photos courtesy of ECCHS

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

see Memory lane page 17A


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Missing the Tahoe road tripThis Thanksgiving I was more thankful

than usual. I almost didnt see Thanksgiving this year; in fact, I could have appeared on the show 1,000 Ways to Die. Apparently my Chevy Tahoe has been harboring some resentment against me, since last week it tried

to kill me.It began as a

normal Wednesday morning. Off to the gym I went; then real-ized I had forgotten to set our burglar alarm. I doubled back to the house, running late now for my class, and pulled into the driveway. I opened the garage and was about

to hop out when I realized that in my rush I had put the car in reverse, not park.

The drivers door open, and my left leg out of the car, my Tahoe decided to back up. Fast. I guess it had places to go without me! At fi rst I thought it was funny, but I quickly realized that I was in trouble. I started hopping backward on my left leg and fi nally faced the truth. I had to fl ing myself backward, away from my quickly accelerat-ing 8,000-pound vehicle.

My right leg was still in the car, and as I threw myself backward, my shin caught the drivers side door. Ooh! I gashed my shin, but at least I was out of the vehicle. Now I was lying sprawled on my driveway in my pink

workout shorts, assuming I was in the clear.But no. My Tahoe had other plans. It

made a sharp left turn toward my right leg. I remember thinking to myself, If I just tense my muscles really tight, Ill be OK. Obvi-ously shock had made me delusional. Who am I? The Bionic Woman?

Thank God the right front tire nar-rowly missed my leg. Now my Tahoe was gaining speed as it sped down my driveway backward. It made a wide U-turn into the court. If there had been cars parked there, they would have been trashed. Luckily, the parking spots were all empty. I was jumping up and down, screaming, Oh my God! Oh my God! But no one heard me. Smooth jazz eerily blared from my car as it contin-ued on its wild ride.

I watched in horror as it backed up onto the lawn of the vacant house next door and effortlessly snapped the For Sale sign clean off. It backed up farther into the bushes that bordered the front porch, and mercifully came to rest. It sat there idling and, Im pretty sure, grinning at me. I ran around to the drivers side and hopped in. I quickly drove out of the bushes and parked it on my driveway.

I was shaking like a leaf. I needed comfort. I ran to my neighbors house and rang the doorbell. I had eight minutes before my aerobic class started. My dear friend Suzanne answered. I was crying now. Look what I did! I said, pointing across the court to the hacked off For Sale sign

and mutilated bushes.Vicki, youre bleeding! she said, point-

ing to my bloody shin. I also had a nice piece of road rash up my back from the backward dive onto my driveway, but adrenaline was coursing through my veins. I felt no pain. A heartfelt hug from Suzanne gave me the courage to run home, bandage my wounds, set the alarm and get to my class.

Entering the gym, I must have looked a bit off. My friend Michelle gave me a big hug when I entered and asked me if I was OK. I gave her the short version of my brush with death before running to my class.

I think I conducted a pretty good class too, all things considered. I was giddy with joy at having cheated death, and of course all that extra adrenaline didnt hurt, either. Wow, if they could only bottle that!

Walking back to my Tahoe, I saw some-thing odd hanging from my bumper. It was an entire mangled bush from my neighbors yard. I quickly got rid of the evidence and drove home.

The moral of this story, I have decided, is Slow Down! I couldnt believe how many people told me that this type of thing had happened to them because they were rushing. Secondly, make sure your husband has a stiff drink in his hand before you tell him about mishaps of this magnitude. Thirdly, when your car starts making attempts on your life, take the hint. It wants to move on.

You can fi nd mine on Craigslist.To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

HANGIN INTHERE

VICKI MCKENNA


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Piano prodigy wows SummersetThe Summerset Orchards ballroom

audience recently heard a pianist, an accom-plished virtuoso, professional to the core, able to stand his ground with pianists of any age. It was the fi rst performance in his hometown of Brentwood for Alex Marquez, but hes already made a name for himself in San Francisco musical circles and hes only 13.

Alex began his piano studies at the age of 4. In 2005 he was accepted into the pres-tigious San Francisco Conservatory of Mu-sic, where he is currently studying with the renowned Jerri Witt.

Alex has performed in many student recitals at SFCM since 2006. He has also given community-service performances at the Jewish Home for the Aged in San Fran-cisco and Lone Tree Convalescent Hospital in Antioch. At the age of 12, he gave his solo concert debut in San Francisco.

Playing before a packed house on Nov. 8, Alex presented a varied program of some of the worlds greatest piano music, beginning with the baroque of Bachs Well Tempered Clavier, continuing through the classic pe-riod of Mozart, into the romantic period ushered in by Beethoven and exemplifi ed by Chopin and Liszt, to the 20th-century Hun-garian master Bla Bartk. And Alex didnt stop there. His encore a rocking boogie-woogie put the cherry on the top.

Alex is remarkably gifted, but his de-gree of technical brilliance, musicianship and memory work testify to countless hours

of diligent practice.In the Summerset concert, Alexs trills

and chromatic scales sparkled with clarity, and he displayed a power impressive in one so young. Underlying all his playing, from the technical to the emotional, there was a depth of feeling for music. He sits for a while before he begins each piece and one can see him shutting out the world and getting into the zone and bringing into focus the music in his mind and heart.

The music was made much more inter-esting and enjoyable by Alexs commentary. With remarkable poise and class he delivered

comments brief and informative and very natural. He even let us in on some secrets of what was really hard. He said Liszts Dance of the Gnomes was a challenge because he had to keep all those gnomes dancing. Those gnomes danced the audi-ence right up into a standing ovation three-fourths of the way through the program.

Many audience members expressed the desire to see Alex return yearly so locals can follow his career. And when he arrives on the world scene theyll be able to say, We knew him when

Contributed by Louise Jensen

Little Miss Everything con-tinues its series of Peace, Love, Swap events with a special holi-day-themed swap on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Peace, Love, Swap personnel will be on hand to help customers interact with craft vendors and discover new-to-you items.

This clothing and gear swap is like no other. Not only does it provide a huge selection of baby, kids, maternity, womens and mens clothes, but swap areas for toys, books, games, ride-on toys, sporting equipment, holiday dec-orations and home dcor. Holiday portraits will be available courtesy of TDN Photography.

By dropping off items for the swap from 3 to 4 p.m., shoppers qualify to shop the swap.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Little Miss Every-thing is located at 220 Oak St. in Brentwood. For more informa-tion, visit www.peaceloveswap.com.

Holiday swap- shopping

Brentwood resident Alex Marquez , 13, a student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, recently made his hometown debut at the Summerset Orchards ballroom.


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SHOULD WE TAKE OUR HOME OFF THE MARKET DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

Every year about this time I hear this question. There is a myth out there that home selling activity completely shuts down after Thanksgiving and picks up again in January. The truth is that homes sell all year round. Ive had some of my best months in December.

If you arent that motivated to sell, you dont have a deadline to meet, and showing your home during the Holidays is too much of a hassle, go ahead and take your home off the market. However, if you do have to sell your home, and you do have a deadline to meet, then leave it on the market. It certainly isnt going to sell if you take it off the market!

Here are some reasons why the Holidays are a great time to be on the marketSome people take more time off of work, giving them more time to go look at homes. While there are fewer buyers looking, those that are looking are serious buyers. The lookey-loos go home, leaving the serious ones. These are usually the buyers that are getting relocated

who are usually your best buyers because they have a deadline to meet and often company financial support so they are non-contingent buyers. Many buyers want to get their family settled before school starts up again in January. Also, when does your home look better than when you have it all cleaned up and decorated for the Holidays? Lastly, consider that many other sellers will take their homes off the mar-ket, so the buyers have fewer homes to choose from.

If you absolutely, positively do not want to move until after the Holidays, that is still not a reason to avoid being on the market now. If you get an offer asking you to move out December 20, you can counter-offer a new date or just refuse the offer altogether.

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Halloween treats headed overseas

Troops deployed overseas will soon receive more than 175 pounds of candy thanks to local school kids, residents and Brentwood dentist Tracy Benhamou.

For the second year, Benhamous Oak Street Family Dental paid kids $1 per pound for their Halloween candy, which is being sent to deployed members of the military as a way to support troops and help keep East County kids cavity-free. The project is run in cooperation with Operation Gratitude and Operation Tooth Fairy.

The concept is simple, Benhamou wrote in a press release. Kids donate their

Halloween candy and they receive $1 per pound turned in. The troops receive sweet care packages to let them know they are not forgotten, and everyone ends up smiling!

The gift of candy from a dentist might seem ironic, but Benhamou is making sure there wont be any dental complications from locals largesse: the candy will be accompanied by a few hundred free toothbrushes.

To learn more about Oak Street Family Dental and future programs for Operation Gratitude and Operation Tooth Fairy, call 925-634-9237 or visit www.oakstreetfamilydental.com.

Brentwood dentist Dr. Tracy Benhamou has fun with some of the 176 pounds of candy he bought from local trick-or-treaters. The candy (along with toothbrushes) will be shipped to U.S. troops serving overseas.

Photo courtesy of Oak Street Family Dental


Tis the season for local holiday funHoliday cheer continues to spread

through East County. If you need help get-ting in the spirit this year, here are some holiday happenings to help get you in a yuletide mood:FRIDAY, DEC. 2BANC Tree Lighting

The Brentwood Advisory Neighbor-hood Committee hosts its annual Christ-mas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center, 193 Griffi th Lane. This years festivities include musical performances by local vocal groups, hot drinks and goodies, plus a visit from Santa. The lighting of the citys 24-foot Christmas tree commences at 7 p.m.A Christmas Story

Liberty High School Playmakers present A Christmas Story at 7 p.m. at the Allan E. Jones Performing Arts Cen-ter, 850 Second St. in Brentwood. Relive all your favorite scenes as Ralphie seeks the holy grail of all Christmas presents, a genuine Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine Ac-tion Air Rifl e. Tickets are $5; $3 for chil-dren 12 and under.Holiday On Ice

Brentwoods popular outdoor skating rink, back for the fourth year, is open seven days a week through Jan. 16. Come skate on a lighted ice rink protected from the elements by a magnifi cent tent. For hours and prices, call 925-513-1702 or visit www.brentwoodholidayonice.com.FRIDAY, DEC. 2THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 4Brentwood Festival of Trees

Enjoy three days of Yuletide fun at the Shadow Lakes Event Center, 401 West Country Club Drive. Guests are welcome to enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa, music and munchies while admiring and bidding on trees decorated by commu-nity organizations. Proceeds support local

charities. For more information, visit www.brentwoodfestivaloftrees.org or call 925-206-5087.SATURDAY, DEC. 3Santa Paws

Dont exclude your pets from cel-ebrating the holidays. Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization has invited Santa to Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet with your four-legged friends and pose for pictures. For more information, visit www.eccchalo.org.Christmas Tree Lot

Oakley Boy Scout Troop 152 operates a Christmas tree lot at 3460 Main St. (behind Scheer Home Systems). The Scouts provide quality Noble and Douglas fi r trees for sale, as well as fresh wreaths and charming orna-

ments. Delivery is available. The lot remains open through Dec. 18. For hours and more information, call 925-625-5391.Holiday Pet Photos

Delta Animals Safe Haven invites fam-ilies and their pets to Pet Smart, 5879 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for photos with Santa Claus. Photo-ops will also be held Dec. 4. For more information, visit www.deltaanimalssafehaven.org or call 925-219-0151.Santas Workshop

Come see Santa arrive on the Polar Ex-press at Sand Creek Crossing (aka Raleys shopping center) in Brentwood. Festivities, which run from noon to 3 p.m., include face painting, a magic show, holiday crafts, train rides and photos with Santa. For more infor-mation, visit www.sandcreekcrossing.com.

Holiday Home TourHosted by the Liberty Union High

School District Education Foundation, the tour visits homes lovingly decked out in old-world fi nery and festive holiday dcor. To join the tour, meet at noon at Hannah Nicole Vineyard, 6700 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.educationwins.org.Oakley Tree Lighting

Join Oakleys celebration of the sea-son with the lighting of the citys 30-foot Christmas tree. The festivities include per-formances by local childrens choirs, make-n-take crafts, games and free refreshments. Santa will be on hand for photo-ops with the kids, so bring your camera. The celebra-tion begins at 5 p.m. at the Oakley Civic Center, 3231 Main St. For more informa-tion, call 925-625-7044.Discovery Bay Parade of Lights

Celebrating its ninth season, the pa-rade begins at 6 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Marina. The Holiday Movie themed pa-rade proceeds down Marina Road, turns left on Willow Lake Road, right on Riv-erlake Road, left on Sandpoint Road, left on Discovery Bay Boulevard and ends in the Discovery Bay Shopping Center, where the Discovery Bay Lions tree light-ing takes place and Santa is available for photos.Antioch Lighted Boat Parade

Decorated boats glide down the Delta at 6 p.m. during this annual holiday event. Best-view locations are the Antioch Mu-nicipal Pier and along Second Street in the citys historic downtown district. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 925-325-9897.

Children pose with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at last years Breakfast with Santa at the Brentwood Senior Center. This years event is held Saturday, Dec. 10.

Press file photo

see Holiday fun page 11A

DECEMBER 2, 2011 THEPRESS.NET | 9A

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Eskaton Lodge Brentwood450 John Muir Parkway | Brentwood CA 94513-5186 | 925-516-8006

www.eskaton.org License # 075601300

Eskaton Lodge Brentwood, a gorgeous community nestled at the base of the foothills just east of Mount Diablo, offers a fresh approach to assisted living and memory care. The lodge features nine oor plans ranging from studios to two bedroom apartments with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, along with common areas, including a main dining room with all day dining hours, a private dining room, a living room with replace, library, gift shop, activity center and computer center. What are you waiting for?

Transforming the Aging Experience

Join us for our

Holiday Open HouseSaturday, December 10, 2011

1:00 pm 4:00 pm

Engaging in Life, How to Put Your Whole Self In

Presented by Dr. Donald Huntington

Brentwood Author & Editor of 110 Magazine

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 1:30 pmLight refreshments to be served!

Pre-Planning Holiday EventPresented by Bay Area Cremation & Funeral Services

Learn how to pre-plan your own funeral and or cremationVeterans Bene ts Information on Durable Power of Healthcare,

how to ll the paperwork out and why it is so important

Come and enter to win some fantastic holiday door prizes!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 1:30 pm

Festive Holiday Appetizers Holiday Shopping Santa Visits With His Elf Live Holiday Entertainment


HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

Jim McClellan Home Improvement30+ Years of Home Repair Experience!General Contractor Lic #702979Bonded & Insured EPA Lead Certifi ed Firm

(925) 516-5594 8am - 5pm Monday-FridaySaturday appointment available

Home Repair Remodeling Ceramic Tile Wood Work Painting and more! No job too small!We specialize in home repair, remodeling, ceramic tile, wood work, painting and more! No job too small!

Enroll now for FREE Registration!

A Preschool & Child Development Program

Wee Care Center

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1275 Fairview Ave., Brentwood925.634.5180Infants through School age

Daily Academic Lessons

Daily Bible Lessons

Hands on exploration 22 000002010

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Adams Middle School student Iris Fermin recently took first place in the Peace Poster Contest spon-sored by Brentwood Lions Club. She went on to place second at the district level. Alex Hernandez, a student at Excelsior Middle School, placed first in the competition sponsored by the Byron Delta Lions Club and placed third at the district level. The district

winner, from Orinda, will advance to the multi-district competition. An in-ternational winner will be selected in January.

Also honored at the local level were Brentwood Lions Club second-place winner Suyrh Aryaei, also from Adams, and third-place winner Chris-tina Le from Bristow Middle School. Excelsior Middle School students Ve-

nise DiMaggio and Veronica Muha placed second and third, respectively, in the Byron Delta Lions Club-spon-sored contest.

Lions Clubs International is spon-soring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere. The posters were judged on originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contests theme,

Children Know Peace.The local students posters were

among more than 350,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 24th an-nual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. The international grand prize winner will be awarded $5,000 plus a trip (for the winner and two family members) to the awards ceremony at Lions Day at the United Nations.

Lions Peace Poster artists earn accolades

Photo by Paulette Doyle

Alex Hernandez, holding owers, recently won rst place in the local competi-tion for the Lions Club International Peace Poster contest. With her, from the left, are Andrea, Dwana, Alex, Juan, Michael and Stephanie.

Photo courtesy of Fred Ginsler

Adams Middle School student Iris Fermin, seen here with her family and Brentwood Lions Club President Fred Ginsler, recently placed second at the district level in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest.


49ers Home Game Shuttle

Only $15per game!*

Luxury Motor Coaches Half the price of stadium parking Service from Brentwood, Antioch & Pittsburg Park & Ride (free parking)

For info, tickets & schedules visit TriDeltaTransit.com or call 754-6622

Round-trip service to every home game

*When purchased at least 1 day before game day. $18 if purchased on the bus on game day. Youth age 6-15 $10 per game.Kids under 5 free with paying adult. Limit one free child per paying adult.

SUNDAY, Dec. 4Bethel Island Tree Lighting Ceremony

Bethel Island welcomes the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. in the Community Park. The Antioch High School Choir will perform and the Bethel Island Womens Club will provide yummy treats and warm beverages. Santa arrives at 6 p.m.MONDAY, DEC. 5Holiday Concert

The Brentwood Community Concert Band hosts a holiday concert at 7 p.m. at the Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffi th Lane. Admission is one new, unwrapped toy per person to be donated to Toys For Tots. The event includes treats and a group sing-along.FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, DEC. 9 AND 10The Little Match Girl

Delta Childrens Ballet Theatre pres-ents The Little Match Girl at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $15 and available at the ballet studio, 300 G St. in Antioch, online at www.del-tachildrensballet.org or by phone at 925-754-9833.SATURDAY, DEC. 10Special Kids Visit with Santa

Smith Family Farms, 4430 Sellers Road in Brentwood, opens its holiday barn exclusively to special-needs children and their families from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 925-516-9690 or visit www.spkids.org.Discovery Bay Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade

Celebrate the holidays on the water at this annual event that draws hundreds of local participants each year. The event includes awards for top entries and culmi-nates in a reception at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, call 925-516-7286.Breakfast With Santa

Breakfast With Santa is held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Brentwood Senior

Center, 193 Griffi th Lane. The $8 admis-sion includes a pancake breakfast, visit with Santa and coloring activities. Regis-tration is required. To order tickets, visit Tummies to Tots, 3860 Balfour Road in Brentwood, or call 925-516-0832.Breakfast with Santa

Santa stops by Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley, to enjoy break-fast with his favorite East County friends. Registration is required through the City of Oakley. Seatings are held at 9 and 11 a.m. For more information, call 925-625-7044 or e-mail [email protected] Island Lighted Boat Parade

The San Joaquin Yacht Club hosts its annual boat parade at 4 p.m. Festivi-ties also include a dinner at the yacht club and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. To enter the parade, call 925-684-3407 or e-mail [email protected]. For more infor-mation, visit www.sjyc.org.SUNDAY, DEC. 11Antioch Womens Club Holiday House Tour

Five historic homes in Rivertown and three local businesses are slated for the Antioch Womens Clubs 57th classic holiday house tour. The annual fundraiser benefi ts local charities and provides com-munity scholarships. The house tours run from noon to 4 p.m., and a reception from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Veterans Build-ing on the corner of E and Sixth streets in Antioch. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in advance or on the day of the tour. For more information, call 925-777-1831 or 925-565-9120.Christmas Cantata

Brentwood Community United Methodist Church, 809 Second St., pres-ents Lead Me Back to Bethlehem, a re-discovering of joy, peace and love of Christmas, at 7 p.m. Admission is free to this musical celebration of the true mean-ing of Christmas. People of all faiths are welcome. For more information, call 925-634-3093.

Holiday fun from page 8APress file photo

The Discovery Bay Parade of Lights gets rolling this

weekend and culminates with

the Discovery Bay Lions tree

lighting.


ITS CHEAPER TO PREVENT IT THAN TO DEFEND ITMany, many employers practice an

ostrich approach to employee relations; they stick their heads in the sand and hope for the best. Of course, this leaves another part of their anatomy exposed, but for some this strategy works just fine for years. But then that employee happensand we all know who that employee isand the gig is up. Employers MUST be pro-active and imple-ment appropriate policies and procedures BEFORE that employee happens.

Employment litigation is one of the most expensive types of lawsuits. Additionally, the California labor laws are gotchas. Employers are either in compli-ance or theyre not, and theres no grey area. For example, employers either strictly com-ply with the overtime pay requirements or that employee will eventually bring a claim before the Labor Commissioner who will look back at three years of payroll records and potentially cause an audit of all employ-ees payroll records.

Typically, an employer that is out of compliance with one aspect of their employ-ee relations is out of compliance with many. Recently, a woman employed by an upscale retail establishment reported her employer was violating the laws related to overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, frequency of pay, and itemization of pay, and had then fired her for filing a claim with the Department of Labor. Similarly, employers routinely confide they are operating without employee handbooks, without the required postings,

without a solid system for documenting employees hours worked, and the like.

While most employers are not pur-posefully violating labor laws, the effect is the sameyou pay. Defending against these claims and ultimately paying for years of transgressions is almost always a very expensive proposition and has been the downfall of many businesses. The solution is to get your ship in order NOW, before that employee comes along. In fact, that employee may already be working for you.

For more assistance tailored to your particular business, contact attorney Rhonda Shelton Kraeber, Esq. at Alvis Frantz & Associates, (925) 516-1617 or [email protected]. As the only employment law specialist in East Contra Costa County, I have been assisting employers with imple-mentation of appropriate policies and proce-dures, as well as all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, for 20 years.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to your particular issue or problem.

(925) 516-1617WWW.ALVISFRANTZLAW.COM

Advertisement

Its a Matter of LawBy Rhonda Shelton Kraeber, Esq.

One of our biggest hurdles is convinc-ing people that its real, said Casey Kin-ser, program director for MWSF. Everyone thinks, Surely theyre not giving away a free home. We are, and we want a lot more peo-ple to know.

The house was donated to the founda-tion by J.P. Morgan Chase. Lisa Wolfe, com-munications director for Military and Veteran Affairs at Chase, said the gift was part of a three-part effort to assist veterans. Support is provided for fi nding jobs, increasing education and home ownership. About 70 houses have been donated through the MWSF so far, she said, averaging $150,000 to $200,000 each.

These are deserving veterans, Wolfe said. We feel we have to recognize what these people have given to protect us.

The program is open to wounded vet-erans of Iraq or Afghanistan who have left the military and who do not currently have a mortgage, Kinser said. Applicants are matched with houses located where the vet-eran has the best prospects for a successful transition, considering nearby employment opportunities, nearby support services and the location of family and friends. A Purple Heart medal for being wounded is not essen-tial, she said, but strongly preferred.

For the former Sgt. Ricky France, the Purple Heart was not an issue. A mechanic with the Armys 3rd Armored Cavalry Regi-ment, France was part of the fi rst Army unit into Iraq in 2003, right behind the Marines. He had served from 1990 to 1996, left the Army, and then re-enlisted following the 9/11 attacks.

On Sept. 10, 2003, his unit was ordered on a re-supply convoy to a forward operating base outside Fallujah, with France behind the wheel of one of the trucks. Tactics were still evolving in those early days of the war, and Frances truck had not yet been up-armored against the improvised explosive devices in-creasingly employed by the enemy.

Frances face tenses as he describes his commanders orders to send the convoy on a route that had not yet been swept by scouts. He added a fourth sandbag to the fl oor of his truck. The convoy departed, made its deliv-ery, and was just 15 minutes from returning to base when a string of seven bombs detonated around him.

I saw the puffs of smoke, and then whoosh, he said, moving his hands and body as though being struck by a giant ocean wave. He had to be pried from the riddled wreck-age of his truck, his body peppered with wounds and his knees severely hyperextended in the blast. He did not want to discuss oth-ers caught in the attack, other than to say he wasnt the only one hurt.

No way I should have lived, he said. At the hospital, they told me I wasnt go-ing to walk again, but four days later I threw the crutches away and got up. In addition to scars on his legs, arms torso and face, he came home with another reminder of just how close he had come to his end.

I saved a piece of shrapnel about that long, he said, holding his hands about a foot apart. It had come through the fl oor of the truck, through three of the sandbags, and protruded 6 inches from the fourth, pointed right at his head.

After a 30-day rehabilitation, France returned to his unit. Out of patriotism and

desire to care for his family, he also did the unthinkable I re-enlisted for six years.

Those years ended in April of 2010, and he mustered out of the service despite his desire to stay in. Despite the pain that wracked his body and the onset of post-trau-matic stress syndrome that made performing his duty diffi cult, he wanted to continue in a career where he possessed proven leader-ship and training skills (he has a pocket full of awards for his shooting prowess). It was easier to stay in, where I knew what had to be done, than it was to get out and not know what to do.

Unable to fi nd work, France and his family have been drawing $1,800 unemploy-ment since leaving the service. He hopes to get a job with another federal agency, perhaps TSA, so he can add to his current 15 years of service and retire at 20 years. Returning to mechanics, he said, is not an option.

My body cant do that any more, he said. He greatly appreciates what the Army has done for him, he said with the exception of a particular commander. Returning to ci-vilian life, he said, has been worse than I ex-pected. I havent felt like I was the provider. At times he feels completely lost and fi nds it hard to motivate himself.

The gift from MWSF includes three years fi nancial counseling and monthly vis-its from a homeowner mentor to help keep the new house ship-shape. At the end of the three-year mentoring period, the house will belong to the France family, free and clear.

The family now has secure shelter, but the future still holds uncertainties. In addi-tion to utilities, the property taxes must still be paid. The house had all-new appliances I fl ipped out when I saw brand-new, front-load-ing washer and drier! Shannon said but the worn furniture from their former 1,300-square-foot house leaves their new, 3,000-square-foot digs mostly empty, and it could be a while until enough is saved to fi ll it up.

That TV right there took me 10 years to get, said Ricky, gesturing toward a 48-inch fl at-screen TV.

Born in Antioch and raised in Concord, Ricky is familiar with the area and glad his new house is closer to the Martinez Veterans Hospi-tal, where he receives treatment. This week, as children bounced noisily and happily about the house and prepared to start their new schools this week, Ricky and Shannon spoke of their gratitude to MWSF and Chase.

They are a godsend; absolutely amaz-ing, Ricky said. Were just thankful there are people and companies like them in this world. They do it for soldiers and their families, not for publicity. They are just here to help.

On Thanksgiving, Shannon said, the family spent its second day in the new house, but was still short of cash. We were sitting here getting hungry about 3 p.m. and I re-membered I had a gift card from Raleys in Loomis for a turkey dinner, she said. Ricky went to the Luckys here to see if they would take it, and he came back with a turkey, veg-etables everything, she said. It worked out just like wed planned a Thanksgiving dinner all along.

The whole day, she said, was just an-other miracle from God.

To learn more about the Military War-riors Support Foundation and its programs, log on to www.militarywarriors.org.


Homecoming from page 1A

Dont forget... Our next Facebook Contest begins Monday, December 5th

Scared of Santa Photo Contestwww.facebook.com/thepress.net

The winner, with the most community votes is

Delta Animals Safe Haven CONGRATULATIONS!

Delta Animals Safe Haven will receive a full page ad in our newspaper to use any way that will help

their organization between now and November 2012.

Thank you to all who participated in this contest and to the charities that were nominated. We appreciate all

that you do to support the community.

FAVORITE CH

ARITY

CONTEST

The Full Page Pro

ject

The Full Page Pro

ject

The Press The Brentwood Press & Publishing

Corporation is pleased to announce the winner of our

Full Page Project Favorite Local Charity Contest.

16A | THEPRESS.NET DECEMBER 2, 2011

OPINIONEDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY National

AwardWinning NewspapersHave you got something to say? Visit www.thepress.net and let your thoughts be known.

The Press Newspapers are adjudicated in the the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and the Delta Judicial District

of Contra Costa County.

No part of this publication may be reproduced for commerce or trade without written permission from the publisher.

BRENTWOOD PRESS & PUBLISHING CORPORATIONNational Award Winning Newspapers

Founder & President Jimmy ChamouresPublisher & General Manager Greg Robinson

Executive Editor Rick LemyreProduction Manager & Webmaster Lonnie de Lambert

Business Manager Heather Reid

Main Office / Brentwood248 Oak St. Brentwood, CA 94513

Phone 925-634-1441 Fax 925-634-1975Web site: www.thepress.net

Advertising 925-634-1441, ext. 115Classifieds 925-634-1441, ext. 142

Editorial 925-634-1441, ext. 111Circulation 925-250-1405

Editorial e-mail [email protected]

LETTERS TO THE EDITORLion-size largesse

Editor:On behalf of Liberty Adult

Education, I would like to thank the Brentwood Lions Club for its con-tinuous support of our students. For the past several years, the Brentwood Lions have distributed food baskets during the holiday season for our students in need. They have increased the number of food baskets over the last three years. Due to the recession, weve had more students need a little extra help.

It is service clubs like the Lions that help us reflect on the positives in our lives and let us truly be thankful for such great community support.

A special thanks to Fred Ginsler, president; Barbara Wilson, Maggie Deluna, Liz Ramirez, Anita Wing, Jim Clark and Gary Hingley.

Again, Liberty Adult Education thanks you for your continued sup-port.

Debbie NorgaardCoordinator Adult Education

Thanks for ThanksgivingEditor:

On Thanksgiving Day, Golden Hills Community Church held its an-nual free Thanksgiving Dinner at the Veterans Hall in Brentwood. This year we served nearly 840 meals between those served at the hall and delivered to homes, and gave away nearly 150 bags of groceries and a great deal of clothing.

We couldnt have done it without a lot of help from the community. There were hundreds of people who helped in many different ways from inside and outside the church body. I couldnt possibly thank them all by name, but there are some who deserve special recognition for their gener-ous donation of their time, supplies, and/or money.

In no particular order, they are the American Legion Post 202, Brent-wood Ace Hardware and Jerry Thorpe, Ralphs Catering and Ralph and Char-lene Skelton, Joe Champlain, Linda and Dave Crippin, Sue Harris, Kim Jones, Donna Gutridge and Sue Camp-bell, Al and Nellie Garcia, Drew Han-son, Nancy McDaniel, Betty Walker, Dainty Center, Golden Hills Christian School and the Brentwood Press.

Brian SharpChairman

Content with a caveatEditor:

My name is Britton Swisher. I am a Life Scout working toward my Eagle Scout rank. I would like to express my opinion on the new downtown.

I really like the new wide side-walks. The sidewalks will improve the restaurants and allow them to have outdoor seating. However, I do not like the palm trees at City Hall. The trees were far too expensive in poor economic times.

Overall, I feel the City of Brent-wood is a great place to live.

Britton SwisherBrentwood

Petitioners should back off paradeEditor:

I have been a longtime supporter of Director Dawson and I will contin-ue support him. He made a mistake that he is obviously already paying for in other arenas of his life, and hes been humble and apologetic both publicly and to those of us whove spoken to him directly. Hes still a good director, and the numerous positive things hes done for Discov-ery Bay havent been erased.

This whole recall hullabaloo is just another attack by the same group of people always involved in the local drama-of-the-moment against someone who doesnt share their philosophy. You should think long and hard before signing any petition, since a recall election will cost our community $50,000 it clearly doesnt have didnt we just have a rate increase? Now I hear that the people behind this petition will be invading our holiday parade with banners and messages of hate.

I hope this is only a small-town rumor, and that no one would do something in such poor taste to dis-

respect our holiday celebration and the reason for the season!

Jannine NelsonDiscovery Bay

Thanks for the Buddy boostEditor:

We, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 and the Ladies Auxiliary, wish to thank all the generous people who donated to our Buddy Poppy distribution days, Nov. 4 at Raleys and Nov. 4 and 5 at FoodMaxx, Safeway on Balfour Road and Safeway on Second Street. It was greatly appreciated.

Buddy Poppy proceeds represent no profit to any VFW Units. All money contributed by you is used in the cause of veterans welfare or for the well being of their needy depen-dents and the orphans of veterans.

We also want to thank the fol-lowing business for allowing us to use their storefront: Raleys, FoodMaxx, Safeway on Balfour Road and Safe-way on Second Street, all in Brent-wood.

Steve Todd, Commander of Post #10789Joan Ortiz, President of Ladies Auxiliary

City of Brentwood City Manager and City Council City Hall150 City Park WayBrentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-516-5440www.ci.brentwood.ca.us

City of Antioch City Manager and City Council City HallTh ird and H streetsAntioch, CA 94509Phone: 925-779-7000www.ci.antioch.ca.us

City of Oakley City Manager and City Council City Hall3231 Main St.Oakley, CA 94561Phone: 925-625-7000www.ci.oakley.ca.us

Town of Discovery BayTown Manager and Community Services District 1800 Willow Lake RoadDiscovery Bay, CA 94505Phone: 925-634-1131www.todb.ca.gov

County Supervisor, Dist. III Mary N. Piepho181 Sand Creek Road, Suite L.Brentwood, CA 94513

Phone: 925-240-7260 [email protected]

County Supervisor, Dist. VFederal Glover315 E. Leland Ave.Pittsburg, CA 94565Phone: [email protected]

State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier Seventh State Senate DistrictState CapitolRoom 2054Sacramento, CA 95814Phone: 916-651-4007 1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 240Walnut Creek, CA 94597Phone: 925-942-6082www.dist07.casen.govoffi ce.com

Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan15th District P.O. Box 942849Sacramento, CA 942493231 Main St., Oakley, CA 94561 Phone: 925-679-2715www.democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a15

Gov. Jerry BrownConstituent Aff airsState Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-445-2864 www.gov.ca.gov/interact#email

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi10th Congressional District420 W. Th ird StreetAntioch, CA 94509Phone: 925-757-7187Washington offi ce:228 Cannon HOBWashington, D.C. 20515Phone: 202-225-1880www. garamendi.house.gov/contact

U.S. Rep. Gerald McNerney 11th Congressional District 2222 Grand Canal Blvd., Suite 7 Stockton, CA 95207 Phone: 209-476-8552Washington offi ce:312 Cannon HOBWashington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-1947www.mcnerney.house.gov

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240

San Francisco, CA 94111Phone: 415-403-0100 www.boxer.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein1 Post St., Room 2450San Francisco, CA 94104Phone: 415-393-0707www.feinstein.senate.gov

President Barack Obama1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington, D.C. 20500Phone: 202-456-1111

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS


Trevors Weekly Mortgage MattersBy Trevor Frey

Knock Knock

Advertisement

Do you hear thatopportunity is knocking! When we as residents of the delta can purchase real estate at prices less than large, publicly traded builders such as Toll Brothers, it is time to seriously begin thinking about investing in real estate. With builders paying eighty to ninety dollars a square foot and houses (almost brand new) selling for seventy to eighty dollars a square foot, it only makes sense to purchase a home while they are selling for literally less than replacement costs. Also, with the SMP 500 and the DOW both hitting four year lows in the past few weeks, no longer are large markets a safe haven for liquid investments.

So consider this your window When God shuts a door He opens a window of opportunity! Rates are at a historically low level recently dipping below the records set back in November of 2010 and many of those who have lost a home through foreclosure, been through a Bankruptcy, or short sold their home can once again purchase sooner than they think.

ChartIn other words, if one of your doors has

already shut see above chart its time to open another and once again own a home. By purchas-ing local real estate now, at the prices our market currently is willing to bear, in the long term you will be hard pressed to lose money. Our situation, and the tremendous down turn that led to it, has left in their wake opportunity that great minds only dream of. Th eodore Roosevelt once said, Every person who invests in well-selected real estate in a growing section of a prosperous community adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth., and Franklin D. Roos-evelt stated, Real estate cannot be lost or stolen,

nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.

In essence, every piece of the two quotes above can be found in todays market: the growing section of a prosperous community is checked off thanks to the communitys growing academic scores as well as the opening of the highly anticipated (and renovated) Downtown Brentwood. Th e purchased with common sense issue is covered by the market itself and the inability to now qualify for a loan unless you truly qualify for the loan. Not for noth-ing, but dont you think there is a reason that many opportunity quotes found above in this article to really drive this point home revolve around a house?

As always, I welcome all questions and or concerns pertaining to real estate lending on my cell phone, 925-726-1444 or via email, [email protected].

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Longtime residents love the pictures from the good old days and newer residents like a peek at local history. This year, weve added even more historical facts.

This years calendar, printed on a higher quality paper, features local his-torical dates as well as an array of fun facts, such as state history (California ad-opted the bear fl ag on Feb. 3, 1911) and patent dates (the bicycle was patented on June 26, 1918). The calendar also includes the birthdates of all United States presi-dents.

As Leighton and ECCHS members continue to dig through archives and newly donated historical materials, they maintain a list of signifi cant local histori-cal dates to include in future calendars. After receiving a historical memorabilia trove from the late Bob Gromms estate, Leighton has already begun compiling dates for the 2013 edition.

This years calendar includes interest-ing local tidbits such as the opening of the Oakley post offi ce on Sept. 9, 1898 and the birth of renowned local teacher Edna Hill on March 13, 1892.

As we research, were always fi nding new things about the community, Leigh-ton said. Some bits of history dont have a particular date, but weve tucked in these little fun facts here and there. My favor-ite is that the Brentwood city budget was $28,550 in 1948. Today, its in the millions. Its amazing how times have changed.

Each month of the calendar is high-lighted by a historical photo. This years images include the Bethel Island Bridge, the Liberty High School class of 1911 and a vintage shot of Oak Street in Brentwood, of particular interest when compared to the recent downtown renovations.

Leighton expects people will most like the 1926 photo of a group of pack-ing sheds known as the Arbor, located on Lone Tree Way where the Valley Oak Nursery stands today. I think a lot of the old-timers are going to like this photo best, said Leighton, because a lot of them will remember working there as children.

The 2012 ECCHS calendar costs $10 and is available for purchase at the Brent-wood Press offi ces, 248 Oak St., or by call-ing Leighton at 925-634-0917.

Memory lane from page 4A

Photos courtesy of ECCHS

Contra Costa Countys rst concrete highway was built in 1919 at a cost of $24,000 per mile. This shot shows the road north near Kellogg Creek and Borden Junction.

As the Oakley school community continues to gather around Ignacio Pena and his family in the wake of the OHara Park students recent illness, the business community has also stepped up.

Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley, is hosting a fundraiser for Igna-cio on Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Proceeds will help the Pena family with medical and other expenses.

Participants may purchase in ad-vance a $10 (cash-only) ticket for a to-go dinner of a barbecue New York steak sandwich and potato salad. Tickets, which must be purchased by Dec. 15, are avail-able at the Laurel Elementary School of-fi ce, 1141 Laurel Road.

A seventh-grader at OHara Park, Ig-nacio has been recovering in the hospital since he collapsed at school in October. He has fi ve siblings, two of whom attend

Laurel Elementary School. An account has been established in Ignacios name at the Bank of the West, 2195 Main St. in Oakley. Donations may be made at the bank or by calling 925-625-2211.

Fundraiser for student set

PENA


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It happens every year: You vow to enjoy the holidays, spend quality time with your friends and family, and may-be even give back to your community. Then, little by little, your stress level increases. Family time becomes filled with tension. Holiday parties are an-other dreaded task on your to-do list. And all that shopping and entertain-ing creates financial stress.

If you find yourself losing the holiday spirit this year, stop, take a deep breath and follow these tips for getting back to your jolly self:

Learn to say noIf youre feeling overwhelmed, its

OK to skip a party or two, or put off your volunteer work until spring. Pick the events and efforts you truly want to be a part of, and let go of the guilt about sending your regrets to the oth-ers.

Sweat away the stressIts easy to let exercise take a back

burner during the holidays, but physi-cal activity can work wonders on your outlook. Learn about the emotional benefits of working out and get ideas for activities that youll enjoy.

Grab a palA good chat with a friend can

sometimes be all you need to get back on track. Or how about gathering a group for a relaxing at-home spa event?

Stay organizedFight that frazzled feeling by keep-

ing your calendar up to date, organiz-ing your space and planning ahead.

And remember, if you feel over-whelmed or depressed for more than a couple weeks, it might be more than a case of holiday stress. Speak with your physician or call Mental Health, Be-havioral Health, or Member Services in your area to ask about resources that can help you. You can find those phone numbers online.

For more information, check out the online health coaching program HealthMedia Overcoming Depression at www.healthmedia.com.

Stop the (holiday) madness

Visit Your Hometown Website www.thepress.net THEPRESS.NET | 19A DECEMBER 2, 2011

Follow sports on Twitter! Scan QR code with your smart phone.

Wolverines look for repeat on the pitch

The Deer Valley High boys soc-cer teams 2010-11 season set a siz-zling standard. Not only did the Wolverines win the league champi-onship; they earned a No. 3 seed in the North Coast Section Playoffs (and were upset by Richmond in the first round).

The Wolverines boasted a star-studded lineup last season. They had the best offensive player in the league in Aaron Huang, and the best defender in Mike Ortlieb. Anchoring the defense with Ortloeb was Logan Wilkins.

But those players are all gone from the reigning Bay Valley Athletic League champions. But the Wolverines return a solid group of seniors Phil Tam, Andrew Harrington, Andrew Wayne, Nick Richards, Solomon Abu-da, Matthew Satyadi and Alex Bilder-back to lead the younger players.

FreedomThe Falcons will be under the

guidance of first-year coach Sal Acev-edo Jr. Greeting him is an experienced group of players led by senior mid-fielders Rodolfo Pelayo, Edgar Mora and Jesus Gomez, junior forward Jose Lopez and junior defenders Raul Lo-pez and Javier Ramirez, plus junior goalie Chris Contreras.

The team has looked good in practice, said Acevedo. They realize its going to take discipline, hard work, commitment and lots of determination to achieve our objectives but theyre ready for the challenge.

Acevedo is encouraged by the team chemistry hes seen through practice and the early season. In this my first year coaching the boys varsity soccer team at Freedom, the first at-tribute that caught my attention is the discipline and focus of the players, said Acevedo. Theyre coachable and always enthusiastic about learning and improving their abilities. These are qualities a coach always looks for in a player. Deer Valley junior mid elder Marcus Salvador brings the ball up eld during a

game against San Ramon Valley last season. Salvador and the Wolverines are eyeing a second straight Bay Valley Athletic League boys soccer title.

Press file photo

by Michael DixonCorrespondent

see Repeat page 20A

Falcons chased from playoffs in ugly lossAfter hanging with one of the states

top football teams for the fi rst quarter, the fl oodgates opened on Freedom High.

The Falcons were bounced from the North Coast Section playoffs on Friday night in a 70-7 rout to host De La Salle, the brackets top seed. Freedom didnt put a crooked number on the scoreboard until midway through the fourth quarter, when junior receiver Darrell Daniels took a kick return 98 yards to paydirt.

I was seeing touchdown, that was all I was thinking, Daniels said. I wanted to fi nish the game with a bang for my se-niors.

The loss ended one of the best seasons in Falcons history. Freedom dropped one regular season game to Bay Valley Athlet-ic League champion Pittsburg and came out victorious against a tough California team in the fi rst round of the playoffs.

Nobody believed in us except for us, senior linebacker Frank Cisneros said. We tried to reach all our goals, and we did, ex-cept one. That was NCS. I love my family. I love my team.

After the Spartans (10-1) marched down the fi eld for a touchdown in their fi rst

drive, Freedom appeared to make a game out of it. De La Salle, on its second posses-sion, had a Tiapepe Vitale touchdown called

back due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The Falcons (10-2) held steady af-ter the fl ag, forcing the Spartans to turn the

ball over. Though the Falcons didnt reach the end zone, they held the Spartans to a 7-0 score at the end of the fi rst quarter.

We were playing with them, we were battling and we were being tough on all cylinders, senior Steven Rodriguez said of the fi rst quarter. Theres not much you can say. We played them as tough as we can and we did our best.

The Falcons didnt go home empty handed, though. After the running clock went into effect in the fourth quarter, Dan-iels took a kickoff at the 2-yard line. He broke several Spartan tackles on his way to an electrifying 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Though Freedoms season ended on a sour note, the future looks bright. Talent-ed quarterback Dante Mayes will return for his senior season, as will Daniels, the leagues MVP. Sophomore running back Joe Mixon also showed promise through-out the season. Even with all of the po-tential for next year, head coach Kevin Hartwig knows theres still business for the Falcons to handle fi rst.

Im very proud of our boys, Hartwig said. Weve still got a lot of work to do, though.


Freedom receiver Darrell Daniels gets around De La Salle linebacker Michael Hutchings on Friday night. Daniels was the lone Falcon to score that night.

Photo by Kyndl Buzas

by Justin LaffertyStaff Writer

20A | THEPRESS.NET SPORTS DECEMBER 2, 2011

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PittsburgThe Pirates lost a lot of talent from

last seasons team, which made the playoffs and was eventually derailed by Berkeley.

The good news for the Pirates is that the cupboard isnt bare. Leading scorer Christian Villa has graduated, but Bryan Santos and Jaime Lopez re-turn for the Pirates, who promise to be a fixture in the league race. With the exception of Villa, every forward from Pittsburgs team returns to Pablo Gay-tans roster.

AntiochDeer Valleys league title last season

ended the reign of the crosstown rival Antioch Panthers, which won the title in 2009 and 10. Head coach Julio Borge is confi dent his players can accomplish great things.

Anchoring the Panthers will be a strong group of seniors: center-mid Jor-dan Cisneros, center-mid Hector Mor-fi n, center-back Luiz Diaz and left-mid Steven Ibanez. Their task will be to fi nd a way to put the ball in the back of the net, which Borge currently identifi es as the teams greatest weakness.

Also important will be the perfor-mance of the teams goalies, senior Da-vid Saldana and junior Luis Mendez.

What the team currently lacks in raw goal scoring ability it makes up for in unity, which Borge believes is the teams greatest strength bolstered by

the return of nearly the entire Panthers roster.

Heritage Unlike many other sports, boys soc-

cer at Heritage isnt especially strong. But the team has grown and improved in recent years under current coach Alex Valdivia.

Whats even more encouraging for Heritage is that the team remains largely intact. Two seniors, goalie Nico Charvet and midfi elder Nick Krahnke, return for the Patriots.

Heritage notched a 3-9-6 mark last season, an improvement from the previ-ous campaign. As a sign of how much Heritage has improved, the 2009 team fi nished the season without a single win.

LibertyMuch like their crosstown rivals at

Heritage, Liberty doesnt have far to go to improve last seasons record. Also like the Patriots, the Lions are experiencing little turnover.

As they were last season, the Lions are loaded with youth. Derek Bisping, Jesus Corona, Juan Mena, Kyle Rains-ford, Josh Gherisim and Marvin Val-laderes are the only seniors in a deep lineup.

Also like last season, the Lions dont fi gure to score many goals. In their fi rst three games, theyve scored one goal. It will be the task of Mena, one of the cap-tains, to keep his team in games.


Repeat from page 19A

The East County Lions Pee Wee team continued its perfect (12-0) sea-son by capturing the 2011 Diablo Valley Youth Football Conference Turkey Bowl championship in domi-nating fashion, beating the Clayton Valley Falcons 37-15.

This season, which marks the 20th anniversary of ECYF, the Pee Wee team became the first in the or-ganizations history to go undefeated into the Turkey Bowl and win it.

The Lions faced the No. 1 seeded Falcons, who had dominated every team they had faced this season. But this was not the Falcons day.

The Falcons struck first, scoring on their first possession to go up 7-0. It was the first time all season the Lions had fallen behind. Ronnie Riv-ers made sure the lead didnt last as he picked up the onside kick attempt and took it back for a touchdown.

After the Lions forced the Falcons to punt, the Lions pulled off a stun-ning fake punt as Rivers completed a pass to Devan Lance down to the 3-yard line. Rivers punched it in for the touchdown.

The Lions defense forced a fumble that was recovered by Cole Zanarini, allowing the Lions offensive line of Devin Walden, Harlan Rashada, Jo-seph Guaragna, Richie Kabasinskas, Abel Page and Adrian Guitron to

open a crease up the middle that Riv-ers rode to another TD, putting the Lions up 18-7.

With 20 seconds left in the first half, the Falcons returned a kickoff for a touchdown to pull within 18-15 and steal some of the Lions momen-tum. Coming out of the half, the Li-ons special-teams unit made a huge play, as Abel Ordaz executed a perfect onside kick that was recovered by Zion Millington. Ordaz then hit Baylei Cos-ton with a long touchdown pass and the Lions killer instinct took over.

The Lions used trickery on their next possession, as Ordaz pitched the ball to Rivers, who threw it back to Ordaz. The QB raced to the end zone to put the game out of reach.

Coming into the game, the high-powered Falcons offense had scored 418 points, but the Lions defense mauled them all day, allowing only an early touchdown. The Lions defense then tightened up and stopped the Falcons offense the rest of the game. The Lions D finished the season as the No. 1 ranked defense, allowing only 27 points in 12 games.

The Lions advance the Intercon-ference Championship game on Sat-urday against the North Bay Youth Football Pee Wee champions, the Uki-ah Lions.

Contributed by Ingrid Gregerson

ECYF takes Turkey Bowl

DECEMBER 2, 2011 SPORTS THEPRESS.NET | 21A

22 888882008

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The East Diablo Youth Soccer League 10U Black Widows recently claimed their second consecutive league championship. The Black Widows were led by a strong defense, which allowed only seven goals in 13 games, plus a powerful scoring attack.

Black Widows repeat

Photo courtesy of Samy DAmico

The EDYSL 10U Stingrays recently claimed their second straight title, nishing with an impressive overall record of 10-1-1, scoring 44 goals on the season. In the front row from left are Ryan Tolero, Jake Guardiancic, Blake Peterson, Preston Williamson and Jaron Viss; center row: Zachary Cook, Chase Goddard, Alex Alvarez, Jacob Craig, Owen Uresti, Samuel Caballero and Mario Corona; back row: Head coach Rob Guardiancic and assistant coaches Christopher Cook, Xavier Uresti and Dane Williamson.

Stingrays go back-to-backPhoto courtesy of Jennifer Uresti

22A | THEPRESS.NET SPORTS DECEMBER 2, 2011

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF TRUSTEES SALETS No. 11-0083902 Title Order No. 11-0068253 Investor/Insurer No. 144610247 APN No. 037-280- 093-8 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 07/03/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROP-ERTY, 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 is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by ARMANDO J. RIVERA, AN UNMARRIED MAN, dat-ed 07/03/2006 and recorded 7/12/2006, as Instrument No. 2006- 0219162-00, in Book , Page ), of Of cial Records in the of ce of the County Recorder of Contra Costa County, State of California, will sell on 12/27/2011 at 10:00AM, At the Court Street entrance to the County Courthouse (corner of Main and Court Street), 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described

below, payable in full at time of sale, 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 and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1680 DELTA MEADOWS WAY, OAKLEY, CA, 94561. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrect-ness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the ob-ligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $497,407.42. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will ac-cept cashiers checks 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 speci ed in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and autho-rized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an AS IS condi-tion, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, pos-session or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charg-es and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. DATED: 11/30/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone: (800) 281 8219, Sale Information (626) 927-4399 By: - Trustees Sale Of- cer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ASAP# 4141656 12/02/2011, 12/09/2011, 12/16/2011 Oak-

ley Press No. 03- 0477 Publish dates; December 2, 9, 16, 2011.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEES SALETS # CA-11-438274-TC Order #: 5313734 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 3/17/2004. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLA-NATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PRO-CEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashiers check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank speci ed in Section 5102 to the Financial code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or war-ranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the

note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publi-cation of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): KELLY DAM, A MARRIED WOMAN, AS HER SOLE AND SEPA-RATE PROPERTY Recorded: 3/25/2004 as Instrument No. 2004-0099919- 00 in book xxx , page xxx of Of cial Records in the of ce of the Recorder of CON-TRA COSTA County, California; Date of Sale: 12/29/2011 at 9:00am PST Place of Sale: At the Hilton Concord Hotel, 1970 Diamond Boulevard, Concord, CA 94520 in the Golden Gate Ballroom Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $340,445.95 The purported property address is: 2137 BEDROCK WAY ANTIOCH, CA 94509 Assessors

Parcel No. 053- 550-019-3 053-550-019 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common desig-nation is shown, directions to the loca-tion of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the ben-e ciary within 10 days of the date of rst publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidders sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a re-turn of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagees Attorney. Date: Qual-ity Loan Service Corp. 2141 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619-645- 7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 800-280-2891 or Login to: www.auction.

com Reinstatement Line: 619-645-7711 Ext. 3704 ___________________________- ________________________ Quality Loan Service, Corp. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been re-leased of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders rights against the real property only. THIS NOTICE IS SENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING A DEBT. THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDER AND OWNER OF THE NOTE. ANY INFORMA-TION OBTAINED BY OR PROVIDED TO THIS FIRM OR THE CREDITOR WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. As required by law, you are hereby noti ed that a negative credit report re ecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report

oakley press_12.02.11

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