Helen Myers, the 2007 Brentwood Citizen of the Year, is justifiably proud these days. Her grandson, Charlie Baggett, was honored by his home town of Concord on Sept. 17, which was proclaimed Charlie Baggett Day – and happened to coincide with his 15th birthday and the release of his first CD, “I Only Dream of You,” seen here. Charlie works with the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), and is donating a portion of the proceeds from his CD to ARF. Charlie’s got a rich, powerful voice that belies his age, and you can hear a sample (or order a CD) by logging on to www.charliebaggett.com.

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If you insist on violating the parking ordinances, you might as well get your money’s worth. On Brentwood’s O’Hara Avenue recently, an ambitious driver parked a trailer 1) in front of a driveway; 2) in a posted No Parking area; 3) partially in the driving lane; and 4) blocking the bike lane. Happily for the hapless trailer, the very next place it was parked – Vehicle Purgatory – imposed no such restrictions.

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Hundreds of volunteers helped collect more than 2,000 pounds of trash from local waterways during the Marsh Creek Cleanup last month. Thousands of volunteers throughout California collected more than a million pounds of trash as part of the 25th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. Thanks to everyone who participated to keep our waterways pollution free.

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The Friends of Oakley will host their inaugural Wine, Cheese & Children’s Art fundraising event on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hanoum Estates. Donated art from local children will be available for purchase to help raise money for the Oakley Community Christmas Basket Program, which will provide food for 250 local families this holiday season. Guests will be treated to a wine and cheese tasting as they browse the children’s artwork. Advance tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 925-625-5745.

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Spookin’ for a cause … The Red Men and Pocahontas of Oakley are gearing up for their annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 16 and 17 at 1403 Main St. The event will feature crafts, face painting, a kid-friendly haunted house, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Martinez Veterans Hospital. Admission is $1.50. For more information, call Irene at 925-625-1102.

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The word is out: Since June, when the Brentwood Library opened its doors at its new 104 Oak St. location, circulation has increased substantially. Circulation in August saw a 43 percent increase over August of 2008, 90 percent of which is attributed to the use of self-checkout machines. County Librarian Anne Cain said that this is a fabulous use of the new library. This and other information about goings-on in the city can be found in City Manager Donna Landeros’ City Update in the news/government section of our Web site.