Yes to the Station, NO to the Location
Check back for the latest updates on the Veterans Land and Fire Station 94
First Street is the wrong location for a fire station.
Key Issues with the Proposed Fire Station
Violation of Special Tax Restrictions
The land was purchased using a special tax, approved in 1922, specifically for veterans’ memorials and meeting places.
Using the land for a fire station directly violates the legal restrictions placed on its use.
Land Dedicated for Veterans' Use
This property was set aside exclusively for veterans, ensuring a space for their community and services.
Allowing another use, especially one unrelated to veterans, breaks the promise made to taxpayers and veterans alike.
Not the Best Location for Brentwood
A fire station here limits future expansion and is not the most strategic location for Brentwood’s growing needs.
Better, more suitable locations are available that would better serve public safety and city planning.
Lack of Local Input
The County is making this decision without Brentwood’s residents and leaders having a say.
No public discussion, no veteran consultation, and no transparency—this is a decision being forced upon the community.
The links below provide a detailed history of our fight to protect the Brentwood Veterans Memorial property, outlining the legal, historical, and community-based arguments against its misuse. They offer in-depth information, documented evidence, and updates on our efforts to ensure the land remains dedicated to its rightful purpose.
Letter to Supervisor Burgis Mar 10, 2025
Slides from the Feb 16, 2025 Community Meeting
FAQs
Myth 1 The county only has to provide a meeting place for veterans.
Myth 2 This is about Veterans parking spaces and storage.
Myth 3 There was a fire station there before so a new station is ok.
Myth 4 This is a fight between veterans and the fire fighters.
Myth 5 It is just 10 feet of gravel that nobody is using.
Myth 6 The Proposed Station would not result in significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water.
Myth 7 Who Cares, It's Just an Old Building.
Myth 8 First Street is the best location for a Brentwood fire station.
Myth 9 The fire station will have no impact on downtown businesses.
FAQ 1 Why is the source of the funding that purchased the property important?
Detailed Documentation
Planning Commission Meeting 18 MAR 25 LINK
Planning Commission delays fire station decision, Commissioners want more information 20 MAR 2025 (The Press)
Correct the wrong done to a veterans Mar 5, 2025 Updated Mar 6, 2025 (The Press)
Rebuttal to Supervisor Burgis’ Op-Ed: Setting the Record Straight LINK
Brentwood City Council Meeting – Veterans Continue to Speak Out LINK
Downtown Brentwood fire station will return life-saving services. County to upgrade the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building next door. Feb 27, 2025 The Press (Diane Burgis OpEd)
Legal Precedents Supporting the Veterans' Position LINK
Fire Station 94 – where is the right location? The Press (Feb 20, 2025)
Veterans Unite to Oppose Fire Station 94 Location and Defend Memorial Property LINK
Expert: Why 1st Street is the Wrong Location for a Fire Station LINK
Veterans Speak Out at Brentwood City Council Meeting – January 28, 2025 LINK
Former fire commissioner: new fire station downtown is wrong location, The Press (25 JAN 2025)
Who Owns the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Land Now? LINK (28 JAN 2025)
Here’s why veterans don’t want new fire station in downtown Brentwood, The Press (23 JAN 2025)
Honoring Sacred Ground: Upholding Veterans' Rights and Restoring Integrity LINK
This post presents a chain of evidence linking the original legislation that authorized the special tax to the purchase of the property and the legal protections that prohibit its misuse. It clearly demonstrates how the County’s actions violate both the intent of the tax and the laws safeguarding veterans' memorial lands.
21 JAN 2025 Board of Supervisors (BOS) Meeting LINK
Brentwood veterans unhappy with county over downtown fire station plan. Mercury News (25 JAN 2025)
Brentwood Veterans Advocate for Land Use Restrictions at Planning Commission Meeting LINK
Submission to California Attorney General (21 JAN 2025) LINK
Brentwood Planning Commission, Fire Station 94 email (21 JAN 2025) LINK
State Controller’s Office email (21 JAN 2025) LINK
Email to Board of Supervisors, Fire Station 94 (21 JAN 2025) LINK
Letter To Brentwood City Council (3 OCT 2024)
BVMB Strategic Plan (4 APR 2024)
Response to Article in Contra Costa News (27 Oct 2023)
Letter from Eric Angstadt Chief Assistant County Administrator (19 OCT 2023)
https://www.bvmb.org/post/letter-from-eric-angstadt-chief-assistant-county-administrator-19-oct-2023
Press Coverage of the Community Meeting (12 OCT 2023)
Email to County Administrator Monica Nino and Assistant Administrator Eric Angstadt (11 OCT 2023)
Oct 10, 2023, Community Meet Summary (10 OCT 2023)
Reply from County Administrator Monica Nino (10 OCT 2023)
Email From Council Member Mendoza (10 OCT 2023)
Letter and Community Meeting 10/10/2023 7:00 pm (6 OCT 2023)
Plans for new downtown fire station advance (The Press)
Guardians of Legacy - Honoring Veterans Through the Ages (17 AUG 2023)
Echoes of the Past: Unmasking the Source of Veterans Halls Funding (17 AUG 2023)
Public Comments to Board of Supervisors (15 AUG 2023)
August 2023 Board Meeting
Gratitude to The Press and Comments (28 July 2023)
County, veterans clash over downtown property Sean Tongson, Correspondent (27 July 2023) https://www.thepress.net/news/county-veterans-clash-over-downtown-property/article_a6228d34-2c95-11ee-a0be-bbe70c01b592.html
Letter to Supervisor Burgis from Chaplain Lewis (26 July 2023)
Veterans Offer Assistance to the County (24 July 2023)
What is the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, Inc. (BVMB)? (11 July 2023)
Chamber of Commerce Letter (7 July 2023)
Letter to Brentwood City Council (7 July 2023)
Letter to Supervisor Burgis (6 July 2023)
Supervisor Burgis Reply (28 June 2023)
Property Line History (27 June 2023)
Setting the Record Straight (26 June 2023)
Update From County on Property Line (21 June 2023)
Email to County about BVMB Property Line (20 June 2023)
Reach Out
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
Diane Burgis
Supervisor, District 3
3361 Walnut Boulevard
Suite 140
Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: 925-655-2330
John Gioia
District 1 Supervisor
510-942-2220
Candace Andersen
Supervisor, District 2
925-655-2300
Ken Carlson
District 4, Supervisor
(925) 655-2350
Shanelle Scales-Preston
Supervisor, District 5
925-608-4200
External County Auditor
MGO (Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP)
2121 N California Blvd Ste 750, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 274-0190
Internal Auditor
Contra Costa Auditor-controller
625 Court St Ste 103, Martinez, Ca 94553
(925) 646-2181
Brentwood
Brentwood Planning Commission
Planning Commission
150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
925-516-5405
925-516-5407 (fax)
Brentwood City Council
City Hall, 150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 516-5440
State Government
California State Senate
Christopher Cabaldon
California State Senate - District 03
1021 O Street
Suite #7320
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4003
California State Assembly
Anamarie Ávila Farías
California Assemblymember - District 15
Capitol Office:
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0015
Phone: (916) 319-2015
Fax: (916) 319-2115
District Office:
2151 Salvio Street, Suite P
Concord, CA 94520
Phone: (925) 521-1511
Federal Government
House of Representatives
Representative DeSaulnier, Mark
House: 2015-Present
2134 Rayburn House Office Building
(202) 225-2095
Senators
Senator Padilla, Alex
Senate: 2021-Present
331 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3553
Senator Schiff, Adam B.
House: 2001-2024
Senate: 2024-Present
B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3841
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