Board of Supervisors
Contra Costa County
Dear Members of the Board of Supervisors,
We write to you today as concerned veterans, taxpayers, and community members, deeply troubled by the planned construction of Fire Station 94 in downtown Brentwood on land that has historically and legally been dedicated to veterans’ use. Additionally, we are disheartened by the continued disregard of our concerns by County staff and Supervisor Burgis.
The property in question was purchased using funds approved at the March 20, 1922, Board of Supervisors meeting. These funds, collected through a special tax under Section 4041f of the Political Code of the State of California (1921), were explicitly designated for the creation of veterans' meeting places. This commitment was made to honor the service of veterans and provide them with a dedicated space to gather and serve their community. All other uses of the property are strictly prohibited under the terms of this tax.
The presence of a fire station on this land originated with the veterans, who established a volunteer fire station to serve the Brentwood community. Over time, the county through various districts assumed control of this station and began expanding its presence on the property, encroaching further on land funded solely for veterans' use. Each subsequent expansion has violated the original intent and legal restrictions placed on this property.
The placement of a new fire station on this land, along with the transfer of title to the fire district, not only disregards the original purpose of the special tax but also wrongs taxpayers and veterans alike. The veterans of Brentwood have never abandoned this property, nor relinquished their rightful claim to its use.
We implore the Board of Supervisors to honor its commitment and uphold the law by returning this property to its rightful purpose. Additionally, we ask that the fire district conduct its due diligence and select a more suitable location for Fire Station 94—one with adequate space for future expansion and better alignment with the needs of Brentwood. There are ample properties nearby that can accommodate these requirements without violating the trust placed in the county by its taxpayers and veterans.
As veterans, we have fought to protect the freedoms and principles that make our nation great. We now ask the county to uphold those principles by rectifying this situation and honoring the commitments made to its veterans. Our voices deserve to be heard, and our sacrifices deserve respect.
We urge you to do what is right. Return this property to its original and intended purpose: a place for Brentwood veterans to gather, support one another, and serve the community they love.
Respectfully,
Board Members, Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building
Commander VFW Post 10789
Commander American legion Post 202
Commandant Marine Corps League Detachment 1155
cc
Malia M. Cohen, California State Controller’s Office
Rob Bonta, California Attorney General
Brentwood City Council
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