100 Years of Honor—Undone by Politics

In 1922, the people of Contra Costa County voted to tax themselves for one noble purpose: to provide a permanent home for their veterans—a sacred space for remembrance, healing, and camaraderie. That promise was fulfilled in 1925, when the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building was completed on land purchased with that special tax under Political Code § 4041f, now reflected in Military and Veterans Code § 1266.

For nearly a century, this building stood as a testament to that commitment. But today, that promise is being quietly broken.

The Conflict

At the heart of the controversy is the County’s decision to divide and reallocate land originally purchased for veterans’ use. In 1929, a fire station was placed on the property with the veterans’ informal consent with compensation. That station operated for 86 years without rent or purchase, occupying land that should have remained under the control of the veterans’ trust. In 2015, Contra Costa County transferred the fire station parcel—739 First Street—to the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD), a move veterans contend was improper and violated the original public trust.

Now, with the construction of a new Fire Station 94 in downtown Brentwood, County officials—led by Supervisor Diane Burgis—have pushed forward a plan to permanently situate the new fire station on land historically designated for veterans. Despite objections from the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building (BVMB) Board and affiliated veterans’ groups, the County finalized a lot line adjustment in 2024, transferring 1,212 square feet of gravel lot space to Con Fire, with only an easement for ADA access left in place.

The Players

• Supervisor Diane Burgis: The face of the County’s fire station campaign. While affirming support for veterans publicly, she has been the lead advocate for placing Fire Station 94 downtown, citing zoning history and emergency response needs. Her February 14, 2025, summary email to veterans downplayed legal concerns and emphasized County investments, but avoided acknowledging the public trust created by the 1922 tax.
• Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator: Communicated with the BVMB Board regarding property improvements and the County’s interpretation of ownership. He sought confirmation on whether the Board wanted to move forward with repairs or maintain their hold position due to unresolved property concerns.
• Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAlister (Contra Costa County Fire): Represented the operational side of the Fire Station 94 plan. At a March 2025 Planning Commission meeting, he argued that the alternative site at Sand Creek Road was unviable—a point veterans dispute, asserting it was not properly evaluated or acquired.
• Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building Board:
  • Daniel R. Duran – Chair
  • Luis E. Torres – Vice Chair
  • Alberto Kralj – Treasurer
  • Donald E. Hester – Secretary
  • Samuel Mathues – Board Member

These leaders, alongside local veterans’ organizations—including VFW Post 10789, American Legion Post 202, Marine Corps League Detachment 1155, American Legion Riders, the Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion—have stood in defense of the hall’s legal and moral legacy.

The Legal Argument

Research into Board of Supervisors minutes, the 1923 deed, and newspaper archives indicates the property was explicitly purchased with taxpayer funds earmarked for veterans’ use. Under California law, including Military and Veterans Code § 1266, local governments have a continuing duty to preserve and protect veterans’ memorial buildings. The County’s position—that veterans have no property rights because the County holds title—misses the point: this is not merely a question of ownership, but obligation.

The County may hold title, but it holds it in trust—on behalf of the people who paid for it and the veterans it was intended to serve.

The Fallout

This fight has divided a community. Firefighters, many of them veterans themselves, feel caught in the middle. County leaders frame the opposition as obstructionist. But the veterans aren’t saying “no to the station.” They’re saying: “Yes to the station—no to the location.” Veterans have even offered to collaborate on finding alternate sites and suggested workable solutions.

Meanwhile, the County continues forward, citing procedural formalities while dismissing decades of informal land use, unpaid occupancy, and the slow erosion of a sacred commitment.

Why This Blog Exists

The Broken Promise was created to expose this betrayal, document the public record, and give voice to those who refuse to let history be rewritten by political expedience. It’s a space to rally support, share evidence, and ask a question too few in power seem willing to answer:

What is a promise to a veteran worth in Contra Costa County?

We believe it should be worth everything.