Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Oakland Assistant City Administrator selected as next Brentwood City Manager

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Photo: LinkedIn

Council to vote on appointment of G. Harold Duffey on Oct. 28

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant, Brentwood City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA — Mayor Susannah Meyer today announced the selection of G. Harold Duffey for consideration as the next City Manager for the City of Brentwood. In this role, Mr. Duffey would lead Brentwood’s executive team and staff in advancing the City Council’s vision to honor Brentwood’s heritage while maintaining and enhancing the community’s exceptional quality of life. The proposed employment agreement for Mr. Duffey is scheduled for City Council consideration on October 28, 2025.

“We are very pleased to announce the anticipated appointment of Harold to lead our executive team,” said Meyer. “After a national search conducted by Peckham & McKenney, and a comprehensive background review, the Council selected Mr. Duffey to move forward in the process. His deep experience in budgeting, economic development, capital improvements, solid waste and emergency operations will support strong collaboration and trust. His commitment to mentoring staff aligns with Brentwood’s goal of fostering meaningful public service careers.”

With more than 30 years in California local government, Mr. Duffey has served in leadership roles in cities and counties—most recently as Assistant City Administrator in Oakland—and previously as City Manager in Grand Terrace, Compton and Oroville.

“I’m honored and excited to join the City of Brentwood,” said Duffey. “As a professional city manager, my role is to provide policy makers with the leadership and expertise necessary to advance, maintain, and expand the quality of life for our residents, local businesses, and stakeholders. I take seriously the responsibility of serving both the community and its employees—the City’s most valuable asset.”

Mr. Duffey holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Redlands and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UC San Bernardino.

According to Duffey’s LinkedIn profile, he previously worked as the City of Oakland’s Director of Public Works and in the Yolo County Planning and Public Works Department. He has experience, “Leading organizations with over 300 employees and $170,000,000.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Oakley on Ice comes to downtown Nov. 21-Jan 4

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Photo: Brentwood on Ice Facebook page

Relocates from Brentwood

By Danielle Navarro, Oakley Assistant City Manager

Oakley, CA – The City of Oakley is thrilled to announce the launch of Oakley on Ice, a brand-new seasonal ice-skating experience coming to Downtown Oakley this holiday season! The rink will be open from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, located in the parking lot directly behind the Mercantile Building at 3350 Main Street.

This magical new attraction is proudly brought to you by Got a Party Inc., in partnership with the City of Oakley. Together, we’re turning downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland, right in the heart of our hometown!

“Oakley on Ice is more than just an ice rink; it’s a celebration of community,” said Joshua McMurray, the City Manager. We are so excited that this event will take place in the center of our growing and thriving downtown. It’s a perfect opportunity for residents, visitors, and curious business owners and investors to experience the potential and energy in Oakley, where you can live, work, and play in the Heart of the Delta. We are proud to bring this first-of-its-kind seasonal attraction to our city, one that encourages families to make new memories, helps local businesses connect, and brings even more fun and excitement into our winter wonderland.”

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with the City of Oakley to make Oakley on Ice a reality” said Tom Gregory, owner of Got a Party Inc., “Our goal is to create a magical family-friendly experience that brings people together, supports local businesses, and makes downtown Oakley a true holiday destination.”

In addition to ice skating, the seasonal event will offer opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits to advertise and participate on-site, promoting community connections and economic activity.  Pre-sale tickets will also be available to help local groups raise funds for their organizations, a fun and festive way to give back this holiday season.

Oakley on Ice complements the City’s beloved Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place at Civic Center Plaza on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Tree Lighting event will once again feature the best-lit, real tree in all of Contra Costa County, free admission, horse-drawn carriage rides, live performances and music, and a special visit from Santa Claus, all part of Oakley’s growing tradition of community celebration.

Entertainment, Midway of Fun carnival during Walnut Festival at fairgrounds in Antioch Oct. 16-19

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It’s festival time! Who’s ready to spin, soar, and scream this weekend?

The Walnut Festival lands October 16–19 with rides, games and all your fair food favorites!

Contra Costa Event Center (Fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Weather may affect hours — stay tuned for updates!

Fast, easy payments with self-service & contactless options!

The Walnut Festival has temporarily relocated to the fairgrounds while Heather Farms Park undergoes a large remodel. (See related article)

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In Memoriam: Lifelong Antioch resident Ted Gross passes at 64

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Theodore R. “Ted” Gross

August 13, 1960 – August 4, 2025

Theodore R. Gross, more commonly and slightly less vociferously known as Tico or Ted, was born August 13th, 1960, in Antioch, California, to Bill and Angie Gross. He passed away at his home on August 4, 2025. He was the middle child of three boys, all of whom—like their father—displayed immense talent when it came to making noise of some kind.

As a child, Ted played sports like baseball, making it big when the newspaper reported him as a “highlight” of the (losing) Falcons. He also wreaked considerable havoc among the general populace with his younger brother Al: from lighting the lawn on fire and napping afterwards to breaking more glass than a window factory, this version of Ted probably contrasts with the quiet, exemplary homebody you may have known.

Shortly after attending Los Medanos College, he moved to Vegas, staying for two years. It was there that he adopted the alter-ego “Tico” and moonlit as Batman (if you don’t believe me, check out the reported Batman sightings before and after his arrival. The data speaks for itself). Once the thrill of being Vegas Batman wore off, Ted hung up the cowl and moved back home to Antioch, where he logged many, many years with the EPA before his retirement. Window factories and the fire department finally got to breathe a sigh of relief.

He continued his gift of making noise, albeit in a much more beautiful manner. If there’s a stringed instrument out there, Ted has probably touched it—though his true love was guitar. If there’s a guitar out there, Ted has probably mastered it. His second true love was the Yorkie breed, and his third was his family. There’s a Venn diagram in there somewhere.

All jokes aside, Ted was a man of strength, wit and creativity. He brought consistency to those in his life; his presence was steadying, a reminder that although times change the people we love are a constant. His style never wavered from the nineties, and he never gave up on the Niners despite many disastrous years. While we miss him immeasurably, we gain immense comfort in knowing that he’s reunited with Mom, Pop, Uncle Rusty and of course his pups Nikki and Kenji.

Ted is survived by his brothers Billy (Tina), Al (Julia), his nieces and nephews, and innumerable friends and family members. We feel his presence in every Niners game, pair of Levi’s, vintage guitar and sublime combo of Buds and Marlboro Reds.

East County: 60-hour weekend closure of Hwy 160 Oct. 10-13

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Southbound auxiliary lane

By Nathaniel Fowler, Health & Safety Specialist, Caltrans

Caltrans has scheduled a 60-hour weekend closure of the southbound State Route 160 (SR-160) auxiliary lane between Wilbur Avenue and East 18th Street/Main Street. The closure will begin Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM and remain in effect until Monday, Oct. 13 at 5:00 AM.

Please be advised that Wilbur Avenue On-Ramp to southbound SR-160 and E. 18th Street Off-Ramp on southbound SR-160 will remain closed throughout the closure. This extended closure is required to safely and efficiently complete construction activities in the area.

Detour signs will be posted, and Changeable Message Signs (CMS) will alert drivers of the closure. Drivers should expect delays, allow extra travel time and exercise caution while navigating the detours. All work is weather permitted. Caltrans appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while crews perform this critical work.

For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter/X. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.

Brentwood man on electric scooter sustains head injury in collision with barrier

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By Lt. Christopher Peart, Brentwood Police Department

At approximately 6:49 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, Brentwood Police officers responded to a reported solo motorcycle collision on Sand Creek Trail near Old Sand Creek Road.

Upon arrival, officers determined that a 39-year-old adult male from Brentwood was riding an electric scooter and collided with a wooden stanchion. The impact ejected him from the electric scooter, causing him to strike the roadway. The rider sustained a serious head injury and was air lifted to a local hospital. He was not wearing a helmet.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. However, there is no indication that alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact the Brentwood Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at (925) 634-6911.

10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley Oct. 11

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To support suicide prevention

By Veiongo (Vei) Uesi, Walk Chair, Oakley Chapter & Board Member, Greater SF Bay Area Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The 10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley, taking place this Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. This year’s event is especially meaningful, not only because it marks a decade of our community standing together for suicide prevention, but also because we are honored to welcome a special guest: the Mayor of Oakley, Shannon Shaw, who will join us in showing support for this vital cause.

Sponsored by the Oakley Chapter of the American Foundation Suicide for Prevention (AFSP), the Out of the Darkness Walk is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a deeply moving event that brings together survivors, advocates, and families who have lost loved ones, creating a space for healing, connection, and hope. With mental health challenges and suicide affecting so many, particularly in recent years, this walk serves as a beacon to let people know they are not alone and that help is always available.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Location: Civic Center Park, 3221 Main Street, Oakley
Time: 8:00 AM check-in, opening ceremony begins at 9:00 AM, and walk begins at 9:30 AM

Special Offerings:

  • Morning refreshments including light snacks, coffee, and water
  • Honor Bead ceremony
  • Memorial garden

Our goal is to bring the Contra Costa community together and join more than 400 communities nationwide to raise awareness, reduce the stigma around mental health and raise crucial funds for AFSP to support research, education, advocacy, survivor support and strongly send the message that suicide can be prevented, and no one is alone.

For more information visit ttps://afsp.org.

Spark Conference 2025 at Bethesda Community Church in Antioch Oct. 30 – Nov. 2

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This year’s theme: “Ignite Passion for God”

The Spark Conference 2025, hosted by Bethesda Community Church, will be held Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 2. The exciting and spiritually impactful event will take place at 2400 Sycamore Drive, Suite 5 in Antioch.

Hosted by Bishop Dr. Johnson Ejomah and featuring Guest Speaker Prophet Kofi Yeboah of Canada, this life-transforming gathering is more than just an event; it is a God-ordained movement designed to ignite passion, purpose and power within the body of Christ. Through vibrant worship, dynamic teaching and Spirit-led impartation, we believe this conference will set hearts ablaze for the Lord and stir a deeper hunger for spiritual awakening in our region and beyond.

Our theme this year is: “Ignite Passion for God” (2 Timothy 1:6; Leviticus 6:12–13; Acts 2:3-4), calling on believers to never let the altar fire go out.

For more information about the Spark Conference or Bethesda Community Church call (925) 405-2124 or email bcc178@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/Bishopbcc.org.

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Brentwood man, Antioch juvenile arrested for Aug. 25th Brentwood robbery

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Police seek three other suspects

By Allen D. Payton

On Monday, Sept. 22 Brentwood Police arrested Ty William Duggins, age 19, (born 3/13/2006) of Rodeo for a robbery of an individual of a cell phone and jewelry, that occurred on August 25 in the city. According to Lt.  Mike Aguiar, he is one of five suspects wanted in the crime, including a juvenile from Antioch who was also arrested. But the police do not have the identities of the other three.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot tall, 250-pound Duggins is Hispanic (although he’s also listed as White), is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, criminal conspiracy and robbery.

He is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $150,000 bail and is next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 4 of the Contra Costa Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, Duggins was also arrested the day before by American Canyon Police in Napa County on an outstanding warrant and for resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

The incident is still under investigation.

Vasco Road U.S. “Flag Barn” dismantled, façade transferred to City of Brentwood for future display

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The landmark U.S. “Flag Barn” on Vasco Road near Byron was dismantled on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Photos: EBRPD

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Today, the East Bay Regional Park District removed the flag barn façade at Vasco Hills Regional Preserve and transferred it to the City of Brentwood for future display at the Brentwood Municipal Services Center or in a city park.

Park staff have evaluated the structure multiple times and determined that the structure was unsafe, in disrepair, and at risk of collapse, especially given the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The Park District acquired the land where the barn is located in 2010 in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy for habitat preservation. It was determined at that time that the barn was beyond repair. Additionally, repairs and construction are also prohibited by a conservation easement established when the property was purchased.

The Park District has been working with the City of Brentwood over the past year to preserve the flag façade, which has become a landmark for drivers on Vasco Road. The Flag Barn was painted in 2001 as a symbol of American patriotism in the time period following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“This project reflects the strength of community partnership. The Flag Barn façade has deep meaning for many residents, and we are proud to work with the City of Brentwood to preserve this piece of local history,” says Max Korten, Deputy General Manager at the Park District.

The Park District is funding the dismantling and transportation of the Flag Barn façade to the City of Brentwood. Lumber not associated with the façade will be reused by the Park District.

U.S. “Flag Barn” on Vasco Road near Byron before dismantling on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Photos: (L) City of Brentwood. (R) EBRPD

According to the City of Brentwood, “Today…staff joined the East Bay Regional Park District on Vasco Road as the dismantling of the historic ‘Flag Barn’ began. To ensure the American flag panels were not lost, staff stepped in with specialized tools and equipment to carefully remove and preserve the barn’s siding.

With support from CWG Hauling, the preserved panels were delivered to the City of Brentwood for storage until future restoration can be considered.

This careful process was done to protect an important piece of Brentwood’s history and community pride. The City will explore future reconstruction or display plans in coordination with community partners and stakeholders.”

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.