A Sacred Promise Broken: Stand With Veterans on September 8

BVMB Board
Sep 5
3 min read

On September 8, 2025, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Diane Burgis, Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and the Fire Union will gather at 739 1st Street, Brentwood to celebrate the groundbreaking of Fire Station 94.

At first glance, this might appear to be a day of progress, but for local Veterans it is something far different. It is a day of mourning.

The Broken Promise

In 1922, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors approved a special tax under Political Code §4041f (now Military & Veterans Code §1266) to purchase land and build memorial halls dedicated exclusively for Veterans’ use. In 1923, the land at 757 1st Street, Brentwood was purchased with those funds, and in 1925, the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building was constructed.

The law and the deed were clear: this land was to remain for the benefit of Veterans—unless substitute facilities were provided, Veterans’ organizations consented, or the facilities were abandoned. None of these conditions has ever been met. Don't celebrate their betrayal of the Veterans.

Yet, in 2015 the County transferred part of this land to the East Contra Costa Fire District, and in 2023, further adjustments were made for the Fire Station. Now, in 2025, County officials are celebrating the groundbreaking of a new station on land that was never theirs to give away.

This is not progress. This is a sacred promise broken.

Two Events, Two Stories

On September 8, there will be two gatherings.

Event 1: County Groundbreaking

📍 739 1st Street, Brentwood, CA

🕚 11:00 AM

The County invites the public to join them for the official groundbreaking of Fire Station 94, calling it a “critical community resource.”

Event 2: Veterans’ Gathering

📍 Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building 757 1st Street, Brentwood, CA 94513

🕥 10:30 AM

While the County and Fire District celebrate, Veterans and supporters will gather at the Veterans Hall to mourn the loss of land promised to them for 100 years.

✦ A light lunch will be served at 11:30 AM.

✦ Veterans ask all supporters to join them in standing together, holding signs, and making it clear: we will not forget.

Why It Matters

This is about more than a building or a piece of land. It is about trust, history, and respect.

When promises made to Veterans are broken, it dishonors not just those who served but every citizen who trusted their government to uphold the law.

We cannot allow this moment to pass quietly. By standing together, we remind our leaders that Veterans matter, promises matter, and history matters.

How You Can Help

Join us on September 8 at 10:30 AM at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building.
Bring a sign showing your support for Veterans and calling out the broken promise. (We have signs if you need them)
Stand in solidarity as the County celebrates next door.
Share the story with friends, family, and neighbors.