Brentwood Buzz - December 2025 Edition

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

BRENTWOOD BUZZ

DECEMBER EDITION

TOGETHER, WE MAKE BRENTWOOD EXCEPTIONAL

As we close out the year, the City of Brentwood wants to say thank you. We're grateful for the local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and residents who show up, pitch in, and help make Brentwood such a great place to live.

From attending City Council meetings and sharing your ideas, to volunteering during the Community Day of Service, celebrating together at Juneteenth, enjoying summer concerts, and ringing in the season at the Tree Lighting, your participation strengthens Brentwood. Whether you volunteer, sponsor an event, support a fundraiser, coach a team, serve on a board or commission, or simply take time to stay informed and engaged, your involvement matters.

Thank you for helping build a welcoming, connected, and caring community. We appreciate you, and we look forward to all we'll accomplish together in the year ahead.

C I T Y O F B R E N T W O O D

N E W S L E T T E R

HIGHLIGHTS

Interim Assistant City Manager Appointment

Brentwood Continues to Attract Retail Interest and Investment

Traffic Safety Enhancement at Empire Avenue and Amber Lane

A Quick Look Back on 2025 in Human Resources

City Manager G. Harold Duffey has appointed Kerry D. Breen to serve as Interim Assistant City Manager for the City of Brentwood. Mr. Breen's appointment will support the City Council and executive leadership team as the organization begins strategic planning and focuses on core service delivery in the first quarter of 2026.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Construction plans have been submitted for La Quinta hotel at The Streets of Brentwood, with City approval anticipated in spring 2026. Lone Tree Plaza remains a leading regional shopping destination and the highest-grossing center between Pittsburg and Brentwood. The continued success of Costco is also helping draw national brands to nearby shopping centers, including Miniso, which will be opening a 5,000-square-foot location next to Trader Joe's.

• Huanchaco Peruvian Restaurant; Restaurant; 609 1st Street Unit B

• Kadaz & Associates, LLC; Leadership Training, Marketing Consulting & Business Strategy; 605 Harvest Park Drive

• Structure Groups; Civil Engineering Services; Building Inspection And Materials Testing Services; 8580 Brentwood Blvd Suite C

• Z Substance, LLC, Youth Mentorship, Training For Leadership And Business; 605 Harvest Park Drive

The 2025 Turkey Trot for Schools was a huge success, with participants of all ages coming together in support of a great cause. Whether you were running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, there's no doubt the Turkey Trot for Schools has become a beloved annual tradition.

All proceeds from this year's Turkey Trot will benefit the athletic programs of the Brentwood Union and Liberty Union School Districts.

The City of Brentwood supports this community event through our Economic Development Grant Program.

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

The City of Brentwood has installed new flashing LED stop signs at Empire Avenue and Amber Lane to improve visibility and enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Funded by a Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant, the project supports the City's ongoing traffic safety efforts, particularly near local schools.

Ahead of the installation, the Public Works Street Maintenance team refreshed crosswalk striping and added red reflective bands to stop sign posts to boost nighttime visibility. Located near Pioneer Elementary School, the intersection's wider roadway makes pedestrian safety especially important. The City will continue monitoring traffic conditions to evaluate the improvements and consider any additional measures if needed.

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The Human Resources Department is reflecting on a productive 2025 marked by team growth, strong recruitment activity, expanded employee engagement efforts, and continued investments in wellness and safety. Highlights include adding new HR staff, onboarding new employees and interns, supporting internal promotions, recognizing employee contributions through City award programs, and hosting the City's largest Benefits, Safety, and Wellness Fair to date. Additional updates included new AED deployments, an updated ID badging process, and a variety of wellness opportunities offered throughout the year.

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

On December 13, the Brentwood Police Activities League (PAL) hosted its annual Shop with a Cop event, bringing holiday cheer to local children and families. The day kicked off with breakfast at the Brentwood Café, followed by a special shopping trip to Target, where each child was paired with a Brentwood police officer for a festive spree. Afterward, Edna Hill Middle School Leadership students helped wrap gifts to complete the celebration.

Shop with a Cop is made possible through the Tamale Fest fundraiser, Brentwood PAL, our dedicated officers, and generous community partners.

Grinch Cocoa Night at Chill Tea & Coffee at The Streets of Brentwood brought the community together for an evening of cocoa and holiday fun with the Brentwood Police Department. This family-friendly tradition gave residents of all ages a chance to connect with officers in a warm, welcoming setting, share conversation, and celebrate the season together.

The Brentwood Police Department is providing guidance to help community members purchase and operate e-bikes safely. The information highlights key differences between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes, including speed limits, where each class may be ridden, and applicable age and helmet requirements.

The guidance also notes that some high-powered devices marketed as "e-bikes" may meet the definition of electric motorcycles. These vehicles may require DMV registration, insurance, and a motorcycle-endorsed license, and are generally limited to on-road use rather than sidewalks, trails, or multi-use paths.

Additional details, including an E-Bikes and E-Motorcycles fact sheet, are available on the City's E-Bikes webpage.

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PARKS AND RECREATION

On Saturday, November 22, the City honored heroes at the Military Veteran Banner Recognition Ceremony. Banners were presented to veterans and their families, recognizing each individual's service, sacrifice, and lasting commitment, and celebrating the example they set for future generations.

Following the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade on November 29, the community gathered at City Park for a festive Community Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony led by Mayor Meyer. The evening also marked the debut of the City's new 23-foot Christmas tree, decorated with more than 1,600 LED lights to brighten the park throughout the season.

Mayor Meyer and the Brentwood City Council led the countdown as the tree was illuminated for the first time, kicking off the holiday season in City Park.

The Mayor's Challenge brought #TeamBrentwood and #TeamOakley together in a friendly competition that rallied local businesses, organizations, and residents around a shared goal: showing community spirit and helping make the season brighter for local families. Whether donated in Brentwood or Oakley, every contribution supported the effort and made a difference.

On December 5 (Collection Day), Brentwood received a strong turnout of non-perishable food donations, all of which were delivered to the Brentwood Regional Community Chest. Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, served as a collection site, or helped spread the word and support this community-wide event.

Parks and Recreation hosted its annual Limited Service Staff Training, bringing together more than 150 year-round limited service employees from across all divisions. While staff train throughout the year in smaller groups, this event is the one opportunity for everyone to gather for larger training topics, interactive sessions, team-building activities, and recognition of the great work they do every day.

Our limited service staff support nearly every part of recreation operations, from lifeguarding and front desk service to facility rentals, sports field maintenance, scorekeeping, classes (dance, gymnastics, preschool, sports, and fitness), special events, and behind-the-scenes support that keeps programs running smoothly year round.

This year, the City of Brentwood partnered with Brentwood Strong for another strong year of the Adopt a Senior program, serving 257 seniors, 30 more than last year.

Participating seniors created personalized wish lists, and community members supported the effort through Eventbrite by donating or adopting a senior and purchasing gifts. Donors provided at least $50 in gifts plus a $25 grocery gift card, with many giving beyond the minimum and adopting multiple seniors.

After gifts were collected, volunteers and City staff spent the week wrapping and preparing them for distribution, ensuring every gift was ready for delivery.

Seventy two Deck the Parktrees are on display at City Park through January 4. Visit during the day to see the creative decorations designed by City departments, local businesses, community organizations, and neighbors. Then come back in the evening to enjoy the trees illuminated with twinkling lights. Stop by, enjoy the sparkle, and see which displays stand out to you.

PUBLIC WORKS

PREVENT FIRES: DISPOSE OF BATTERIES PROPERLY

Batteries can pose a serious fire risk when they are thrown in the trash or placed in curbside carts. Residents are encouraged to store used batteries safely, tape the terminals on 9V batteries, keep damaged lithium batteries separate, and take all batteries to the Delta Diablo Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center for proper disposal. A recent fire in Oakley, reported to have started after a battery was improperly placed in a recycling cart, underscores the importance of keeping batteries and other hazardous materials out of the brown, blue, and green carts.

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When it comes to protecting the environment, students can be some of the community's strongest partners. That's why the City's Solid Waste team offers onsite presentations at local schools. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students learn how to sort everyday items into the correct carts and build a better understanding of recycling and environmental stewardship.

These lessons often extend beyond the classroom. When students learn how to sort correctly, they frequently share that knowledge at home, helping families improve recycling habits and creating a positive ripple effect throughout the community.

Learn more

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