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Visit Your Hometown Website www.thepress.net
Vol. 10, No. 4 YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER January 27,
2012
FOR MOVIE TIMES
SEE PAGE 5A
Business ............................. 22BCalendar
............................ 23BClassifieds
......................... 17BCop Logs
............................13AEntertainment .................
13BFood .................................... 12BHealth & Beauty
..............21AMilestones ........................20AOpinion
..............................12ASports
.................................23AWedding Planner ..............
1B
Primed forthe big day
Let our Wedding Planner help you sweat the details right now so
you can relax on your wedding day. Page 1B
Residents can learn about the tax measure being considered for
the June ballot.
Fire tax talkgo to news/WebExtras!
Science, tech, engineering, arts and math education take center
stage.
Get STEAMedgo to news/press releases
Niners fans filled local sports bars only to see their heroes go
down in defeat.
Blooper Sundaygo to multimedia/videos
Connect with The Press!Scan QR code with your smart phone.
Online now!WebExtras!
press releasesvideos
www. thepress.netYour Hometown Website
Indy rock star ready for ring
An East County athlete has his rendezvous with immortality on
Super Bowl Sunday in Indianapolis. Page 23A
Islands Time has come Tropical breezes are wafting into town
thanks to a unique apparel and accessories boutique. Page 6A
State hands off Highway 4
Caltrans offi cials on Wednesday transferred control of Highway
4 to Brentwood and Oakley, making the Highway 4 Bypass the offi
cial East County thoroughfare.
The transfer removes the highway distinction from Main Street in
Oakley and Brentwood Boulevard in Brentwood, giving those cities
control over street maintenance and development. What is now known
as the High-way 4 Bypass becomes simply Highway 4. Caltrans will be
re-sponsible for its upkeep.
Its a great feeling to fi nally accomplish this, said Oakley
City Councilman Jim Frazier.
Staff has worked hard, and Ive been pushing and pushing and
pushing, and we fi nally accom-plished the goal.
The celebration might be
subdued, however, due to the states budget crisis. Earlier this
year, the California Supreme Court allowed the state govern-ments
attempt to balance its
budget by ending Redevelop-ment Agencies (RDAs) and reap-ing the
property tax money that cities collected from residents.
Brentwood and Oakley planned to use RDA money to make
improvements to their heavily used thoroughfares.
There are so many ques-tions, and every city right now is trying
to fi gure out what each city is going to do, said Brent-wood Mayor
Bob Taylor. One rule does not fi t all.
Oakley City Manager Brian Montgomery said earlier this month
that his city plans to re-vitalize Main Street, much as Brentwood
did with its down-town sector. Frazier is confi dent
by Justin LaffertyStaff Writer
see Highway 4 page 30A
Vehicles make their way down Highway 4 between Brentwood and
Oakley. Caltrans turned over control of Highway 4 to Brentwood and
Oakley and give the Bypass the of cial highway designation.
Photo by Richard Wisdom
Town celebrates its finestDiscovery Bay residents honored
their
own last weekend at the annual State of the Town gala. Sponsored
by the Chamber of Commerce and held at the Discovery Bay Country
Club, the event featured presenta-tions from state representatives
and local of-fi cials.
The evening celebrated the towns Citi-zen, Business and Teacher
of the Year. This years winners were Kevin Graves (Citizen of the
Year), Sasville Realtors (Business of the Year) and Discovery Bay
Elementary teacher Kristin Ortega (Teacher of the Year). The
semi-formal party included a reception, din-ner and presentations,
followed by a silent auction. The event raises money for local
causes and provides an overview of town gov-ernment and changes
taking place within the community.
For Citizen of the Year Graves a cur-rent CSD board member,
community sup-porter of veterans affairs and founder of the Some
Gave All foundation the evening was
see Finest page 30A
by Rick LemyreStaff Writer
Discovery Bay Citizen of the Year Kevin Graves chats with his
wife Leann at the State of the Town Dinner, where he was honored
last weekend.
Photo by Fosster Gandrup
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2A | THEPRESS.NET JANUARY 27, 2012
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JANUARY 27, 2012 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 3A
Brentwood tightens big box reviews
Large scale retailers will be required to pass another round of
scrutiny if they want to build in Brentwood, the City Council
decided this week.
By unanimous vote, the council Tues-day approved a change to the
citys mu-nicipal code that will require conditional use permits
(CUPs) for all proposed retail stores of 75,000 square feet or
more. Pre-viously, zoning on the seven parcels where such stores
are allowed required develop-ers to undergo a design review
only.
I think its a win, at least for to-night, said Brentwood
resident Kathy Griffi n, one of several speakers at the meeting who
have strenuously objected to the prospect of a big-box store such
as Walmart being built on the 65-acre Sci-ortino Ranch property at
the corner of Brentwood Boulevard and Sand Creek Road. Its another
layer of review for the community.
By adding the CUP requirement, the city will now be able to
better mitigate impacts a project might make on traffi c, urban
decay and public safety. CUPs, which include public hearings, can
add thousands of dollars and several weeks or months to the
approval process, accord-ing to city staff.
But the damage that could be done to Brentwood by a large-scale
retailer in
the wrong place merits the additional re-view, said resident
John Johnson, no mat-ter how much such a store might mean in tax
revenue.
We have an image that we sell thats worth more than what any
big-box store can bring to Brentwood, he said.
Not everyone was happy with the new law. Reed Oate of New Urban
Community Partners (NUCP), owners of Sciortino Ranch, told the
council that the restrictions put a damper on bringing an anchor
tenant to the project, which also includes apartments and other
retail and offi ce uses. In addition to tax revenues it would bring
to the city, Oate said, an an-chor is needed to attract other
stores, res-taurants and businesses to a part of town that has been
long neglected.
Also, he said, the states elimination of redevelopment districts
that helped en-able the citys downtown improvements means that,
without fees from develop-ment, there is no way to fund the
Brent-wood Boulevard Master Plan, which is aimed at improving the
blighted northern entrance to the city.
The possibility that a Walmart super-store might be part of the
plan for Scior-tino Ranch came to light last year, trigger-ing
public outcry. Concern for the impact such a store might make on
the newly overhauled downtown core less than a mile away, as well
as the neighborhoods in the Sciortino Ranch area, resulted in a
special council meeting held late last year.
At that meeting, council members learned that not only was no
CUP re-quired on the Sciortino property, none were required on any
of the other six similarly zoned properties in the city. The
council directed the citys Planning Com-mission to review the
policy on large-scale retailers, but with two commissioners
stepping down due to possible confl icts of interest, that body was
unable to reach a consensus on how to proceed. The mat-ter was sent
back to the council without a recommendation.
The city staffs review divided large-scale retailers into fi ve
groups, including club stores, memberships stores and com-bination
grocery/retail stores. The rec-ommendation from staff was to
require
CUPs on combination stores of 90,000 square feet or larger.
Currently, only three stores in the city are that large: The Home
Depot (140,000 square feet), WinCo (100,000) and Kohls (96,000).
The next largest is the Balfour Road Safeway at 66,000 square
feet.
In the scenario suggested by staff, large retailers not selling
both groceries and other products could still locate in the city
after undergoing a design review only.
The council, however, chose to cut the square footage needed to
trigger a CUP to 75,000 square feet, and to apply the new
regulation to all large retailers, regardless of type.
Prior to the council vote, Brentwood businessman and developer
John Casey voiced his opposition to the new regula-tion, saying
that businesses are already leaving California because of onerous
reg-ulations and high taxes. Adding the CUP step could result in
less interest in Brent-wood, he said, which was like playing
chicken with the citys economic future.
NUCP attorney Ed Schaefer said the reviews the property had
already under-gone, including a detailed environmen-tal impact
report, should be enough. He added that changing the rules after
NUCP had spent thousands of dollars and sev-eral years complying
with the existing
We have an image that we sell thats worth more than what any
big-box store can bring to Brentwood.
John Johnson, resident
by Rick LemyreStaff Writer
see Big box page 30A
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Sassy, classy senior turns 111 in style
When you fi rst meet Opal Thompson, you cant avoid becoming
entranced by the sassy seniors personality. She never leaves her
room without her makeup on and her hair set, and shes happy to talk
about current events or challenge you to a game of cards. With a
warm smile and a twinkle to her eyes, Thomp-son wins over everyone
she meets. And at 111, shes a person youll never forget.
When Mary Kay representative and Oakley resident Kimberly Victor
heard about Thompson and her impressive life, she knew she wanted
to do something to honor Thompsons birthday in style.
I fi rst met Opal when she was 109, said Victor. Shes such a
amazing person, and Id always wanted to do something spe-cial for
her, but I wasnt sure how to go about it. Then she showed me her
collection of ear-rings this past Christmas, and I knew what I had
to do.
During Victors last visit, Thompson dumped her collection of
clip-on earrings on to her bed and showed Victor how many of them
were damaged or missing their mate. Victor told her shed be back
with a surprise. On Monday, after contacting her Mary Kay friends
across the nation, Victor arrived at Thompsons home at the Diamond
Ridge Health Care Center in Pittsburg with a basket of 111 pairs of
earrings.
Opal, I brought you something really
special for your birthday, Victor announced when she walked into
the recreation room.
A car? guessed Thompson, who cel-ebrated her birthday on Jan.
13.
No, silly, Victor replied.Oh, is it a plane? Thompson
guessed
again, showing off her wit and spunky atti-tude.
As Victor placed the basket fi lled with earrings in front of
her, Thompsons face lit up and she immediately began to pick
through her new collection.
Ive never seen this many earrings all together in my life,
Thompson said as she looked at the sparkly accessories. And Ive
been around for quite a while.
Thompson never imagined shed make it to the age of 100, let
alone 111, but she cred-its her longevity to a healthy diet and
lifestyle. According to Thompsons great niece Glenda Coccimiglio,
Thompson is indeed in good health. Aside from some hearing loss and
oc-casional trouble remembering faces, shes spry and maintains a
good temperament. She even has all of her own teeth.
Thompson, who never had her ears pierced, has loved clip-ons all
her life. I just never grew out of them, Thompson said. Coccimiglio
said shes always known her great aunt to be stylish, never leaving
the house without a set or earrings that matched her wardrobe.
While the gift of 111 pairs of earrings was more than Thompson
expected, noth-ing has topped her 105th birthday. That year she
told her family she wanted to meet Dr. Phil McGraw, whose show she
watched ev-ery weekday, so the family took a trip to the show, and
since that fi rst meeting, McGraw has invited Thompson back each
year for her birthday.
The family is currently planning this years trip, but to let
Thompson know hes thinking about her, McGraw sent her two dozen
long-stemmed red roses. Hes such a nice man, full of fun and joy,
Thompson said. I didnt expect him to send me fl ow-ers.
Of course he sent her fl owers. A gal like Thompson is
impossible to forget.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Opal Thompson shows off one of 111 pairs of clip-on earrings she
received this week in celebration of her 111th birthday. Oakley
Mary Kay representative Kimberly Victor collected the earrings,
donated to Opal by Mary Kay reps from across the country.
Photo by Samie Hartley
by Samie HartleyStaff Writer
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JANUARY 27, 2012 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 5A
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Oakleyopposes bass regulation
The Oakley City Council recently sent a letter to the California
Fish and Game Com-mission opposing a piece of legislation that
could threaten the striped bass population in the Delta.
The Fish and Game Commission has proposed to amend Section 1.74
of the Fish and Game Code to relax regulations regard-ing striped
bass. The legislation would allow fi shers to collect up to six
bass per day. The current allowance is two. The amendment would
also reduce the size of a keeper from 18 inches to 12 inches. And
for those fi shing in the south Delta past Discovery Bay, there
would be no striped bass size restrictions and a fi sher could
collect as many as 20 per day. The commission believes that striped
bass are harmful to the Delta as they are non-native to the area,
but local Delta advocates disagree.
Chris Lauritzen, owner of Lauritzen Yacht Harbor, stressed the
need to protect striped bass due to the popularity of fi shing as a
form of tourism in Oakley. Anglers come to East County from all
over the Bay Area to fi sh in the Deltas waters. These anglers also
buy supplies and bait locally and they pur-chase gas in Oakley as
well.
When we no longer have fi sh and tour-ism, we no longer have
business in Oakley, Lauritzen testifi ed before the council at the
Jan. 10 meeting.
He also said local statistics show that there are approximately
39,000 registered boats in
the county and about 850,000 throughout the state, and if the
new regulations were put in place, the striped bass population
would be signifi cantly reduced.
Former councilman and avid Delta ad-vocate Bruce Connelley said
if the striped bass population is reduced, the organizations that
host bass tournaments in the Delta would relocate away from East
County.
Ask anyone going out fi shing, what are you fi shing for? and
odds are they are go-ing to say bass, or if I get lucky, a
sturgeon, Connelley said. Well, when theyre gone, so
are the people.Delta advocate Roger Mammon also
expressed concern about the proposed regula-tion changes and
asked that Oakley take the lead in providing a municipal voice
against the proposal. He hopes that Delta neighbors such as
Brentwood, Pittsburg and Martinez will follow suit.
The California Fish and Game Com-mission is expected to discuss
the proposed changes at its Feb. 2 meeting in Sacramento. For more
information, visit www.fgc.ca.gov.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Andrew Kobayashi, 17, holds up a prize-winning striped bass
caught during a shing tournament last year. Delta advocates are
concerned about possible changes to the law that could threaten the
local shing industry.
File photo courtesy of Andy Kobayashi
by Samie HartleyStaff Writer
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6A | THEPRESS.NET BUSINESS JANUARY 27, 2012
Leisure time means Island Time
Our East County Delta boasts its share of islands, but when you
breeze through the doors of Island Time Ap-parel and Accessories
Boutique in Dis-covery Bay, its clear that the Island in question
has a distinctively tropical fl avor.
Decorated with palm trees and par-rots, Island Time sells
clothing and gifts for island living, all in a comfortable, fun
atmosphere for shopping. We sell clothes that are island-themed,
said Heather Travers, who owns the store with her parents, Dave and
Judy Travers.
The store offers clothing made with high-quality, breathable
fabrics such as linen, which feels light on the body, or a
bamboo-based fabric mixed with silk for a comfortably soft touch.
The stores offerings include attire for both everyday wear and for
dressing up.
Olukai fl ip-fl ops ($65) are one of the most popular items in
the store. Theyre designed to have memory foam over an arch
support, said Heather. They feel like a shoe, but theyre a fl ip-fl
op. She also mentioned the Christine Alexander line as one of her
favorites. Encompass-ing everything from jeans to jackets, the
items sell for between $40 and $120 and are decorated with the
brands signature sparkles. All their crystals are Swarovs-
ki crystals and theyre guaranteed for life.
Tommy Bahama shirts ($130) are another popular seller. We have
one of the largest selections of panel-back Tommy Bahama shirts,
Heather said. The shirts are made of high-quality silk and
embroidered in the back with beau-tiful, elaborate designs. Island
Time tries to have a supply of every design avail-able to stores.
Of course, no trip to the islands is complete without sunglasses,
and Island Time carries a wide range of Oakley, Ray-Ban and Maui
Jim shades.
Open since October of 2007 under the name Discovery on the
Boardwalk, the store is in the process of moving to a new location
on the boardwalk and changing its name to Island Time.
The new locations spacious deck area overlooking the Discovery
Bay ma-rina was especially attractive to Heather and her parents.
Heather intends to set up chairs and tables so that customers can
sit, eat, read the paper and enjoy themselves while other family
members shop. The stores grand re-opening will be held Sunday, Feb.
12 from noon to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
Heather grew up in an environment of business ownership and
entrepre-neurship. Her family owns several com-panies and bought
the store as a way of
Island Time co-owner Heather Travers displays some popular items
in front of the stores beautifully-painted door.
Photo by Amy Claire
by Amy ClaireCorrespondent
see Island Time page 7A
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JANUARY 27, 2012 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 7A
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As Brentwood Relay For Life en-ters its eighth incarnation,
organizers are planning for 2012 to be a milestone year.
Last year, 64 registered teams raised $209,650 in donations for
the American Cancer Society (ACS). If participants raise $182, 201
this year, Brentwood will reach the $2 million mark.
Were so close, and we can do it, said Relay organizer Wanda
Zimmerman at last Tuesdays Relay kickoff event. Brentwood has put
on a phenomenal effort, but we need to keep going. We need to raise
more. Cancer doesnt take a break and neither do we.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Societys national effort
to raise money for cancer research. According to the organizations
website, 44 ACS-spon-sored researchers have gone on to win the
Nobel Prize for scientifi c achievement.
Relay participants form teams that over a 24-hour period keep
one member on the track a symbol that cancer never sleeps.
Brentwoods event is scheduled for
the weekend of June 16 and 17 at Liberty High School.
Brentwood Relay Event Chair Lynn Gursky said the planning
committee has set some lofty goals for this year. She hopes to
register 75 teams (43 teams are currently registered), 250
survivors and raise $250,000.It really takes a village, Gursky
said. Hope is a gift and together we can give that gift.
Brentwood Relays next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 1
at 7 p.m. at Liberty High School, 850 Second St. Organizers are
planning a mini Relay to give new and potential participants a
taste of the Relay experience.
Relay events will also be held in Oakley and Antioch this year.
Oakleys is scheduled for April 28 and 29 at Free-dom High School.
At press time, 96 participants on 32 teams had registered for the
event. Antiochs is scheduled for June 23 and 24 at Los Medanos
College in Pittsburg. Antioch, which co-hosts its Relay with
Pittsburg, holds its kick-off event Feb. 7 at the Pittsburg Elks
Lodge, 200 Marina Blvd.
For more information about Relay For Life, visit
www.relayforlife.org.
Getting ready to Relayby Samie Hartley
Staff Writer
diversifying their businesses. I like the freedom to be creative
and to be able to help the customers fi nd exactly what theyre
looking for, said Heather, who handles most of the day-to-day
business operations, and decorated the store with its tropical
theme.
I want shoppers to come in here and feel relaxed, she said. It
puts peo-ple in a good mood. The stores focus on high-quality
products and service has earned substantial community support. Once
we get people in the door, theyre usually very happy to come back.
We have a lot of loyal customers.
Island Time Apparel and Accessories Boutique, located at 5901
Marina Blvd., Suite 14 in Discovery Bay, is open Mondays through
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Call
925-240-8607 or visit www.islandtimestore.com. Island Time is open
during moving.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Island Time from page 6A
Photo by Amy Claire
A palm tree stands in the window overlooking the new locations
spa-cious deck area.
-
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Congratulations to the following Liberty High School students of
the month for November of 2011:Agriculture: Ashlynn Abbett; AHA:
Monique Andrade, Arben Cortes, Kassidy Gustafson, John Klezner,
Brooke Kobold, Jessica Motta, Mai Pham, Samantha Scott, Kevin
Standridge, DJ Trammel and Erica Veitch; AP Psychology: Audrey
Aanonson, Sam Figueroa, Ashley Griffi n, Brett Harrison, Morgan
Hernandez, Ashley Ramos, Haley Rollins and Joshua Shannon; AP World
History: Rachel Filippelli, Olivia Rothrauff and Bright Test;
Business: Eduardo Rangel; Economics: Daniel Arnott, Brock Bonte,
Brianna Bryne, Sierra Cerny, Samuel Figueroa, Zach Heninger, Trent
Hullen, Megan Marples, Cassandra Osequera, James Sarmento, Coltin
Solari, Brock Strenfel, Jordan Tickner, Logan Trudell, Anthony
Westlake and Joelle Williams; Government: Ashley Martin, Delaney
Gilfoy, Remy Nichols, Joshua Shannon, Erica Veitch and Tyler
Wanden; Home Economics: Gabriela Montiel; Math: Lawson McAdam Bell,
Gianna Giambruno, Grant Joseph Mathias and Vy Phuong Nguyen;
Physical Education: Edgar Ordaz and Zachary Peterson; Psychology in
Society: Natalie DeFrates, Zach Heninger, Wrylee Higbee and Taylor
Miller; U.S. History: Stephanie Calverly, Michelle Fancey, Chelsea
Freeman, Jessie Freitas, Kevin Koenig, Deilyn Nelson and Bryan
Reid; World History: Zach Peterson, Caleb Silver and Heather
Towns.
Liberty Students of the Month
Former Brentwood Idol Jordyn Fol-ey is wowing audiences again
with her vo-cal talent, this time starring in the Bank-head Theater
production of Annie in Livermore. Performances run weekends through
Feb. 5. Performance dates are Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28
at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Clos-ing weekend shows are
scheduled for Fri-day and Saturday, Feb. 3 and 4 at 8 p.m.; and
Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.
For ticket information, visit
www.livermoreperformingarts.org.
Local Idol in Annie
Hospice of the East Bay will be of-fering a series of support
and grief classes for adults, held at 350 John Muir Parkway, Suite
129. The class for Adults Who Have Lost a Parent is scheduled for
Tuesdays, March 6 through April 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Widow and
Widowers Support class meets Mondays, March 5 through April 23 from
5 to 7 p.m. The classes are free, but pre-registration is required.
For information, call 925-887-5681.
Coping classesoffered
-
JANUARY 27, 2012 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 9A
Your lender for
Ragtop & Rooftop
Everyone who lives, works, or attends school in Contra Costa or
Alameda, part of our 12-county area, is eligible to join. Certain
membership requirements may apply. NMLS registered. Equal Housing
Lender
What kind of nancing do you need today?Whether its time to (re)
nance a home or your next set of wheels, Travis Credit Union is
here to meet all of your lending needs. TCU is a real nancial
partner who will help you make smart nancing choices.
Historically low rates on auto and home loansTake advantage of
these low rates and re nance your auto or home loan. Its a smart
choice that could save you money every month. Or, if youre in the
market for a new home or auto purchase, its also a great time to
talk with a lending expert at TCU. Youll get real advice from a
real banking expert who will focus on your individual needs.
Just call, click or stop by to apply:
Call (800) 877-8328
Click www.traviscu.org
Stop by local TCU branches: 2721 Lone Tree Way, or 5819 Lone
Tree Way
DB Lions put fun in fundraiserThe Discovery Bay Lions Club
hosts its annual Crab Feed on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the beautiful
event center at St. Anne Church in Byron.
Every year we sell out, and Im sure this year will be no
exception, said Jim Mattison of the Lions Club. In the past, we
have had to turn people away, but this year we will be able to
accommodate many more at St. Anne.
In addition to crab, pasta and
salad, the evening will feature a DJ and a raffl e.
We are blessed to have such a
strong community that supports our Lions Club so in turn we can
support the many who need our help, added Mattison, from the kids
in all our schools to our elderly.
Tickets are available online at www.discoverybaylions.com, at
Boardwalk Grill at the Discovery Bay Marina, or Elements Salon in
the Safeway shopping center. Those interested in donating raffl e
prizes or in need of more information should call 925-513-9032.
Meditation expert Dr. Marshall Zaslove visits the Brentwood
Senior Center, 193 Griffi th Lane, on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
A certifi ed psychiatrist with 39 years of daily meditation
experience, Zaslove has conducted more than 1,000 workshops on
meditation.
The sessions explore how to leave the stressful and frantic
outer world behind to access the joy, calm and peace that lies
within. How to still the mind can be learned, and everyone can
quickly learn this vital technique during this free, two-hour
program sponsored by the Brentwood Library.
For more information, call 925-516-5290 or visit
www.ccclib.org.
Meditation workshop
The Brentwood Library hosts a fi ve-part beginners hand-quilting
class for kids 10-16 starting Feb. 1. Classes are held on
consecutive Wednesdays through Feb. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored in partnership with the Friends of the Brentwood
Library, the series will be taught by Discovery Bay resident and
long-time quilter Julia Rivera, who recently initiated a childrens
project area at the Guild of Con-tra Costa County Quilt Show.
Rivera learned to quilt at the age of 12, completing the same
project shell teach to class attendees. Most of her fi nished
quilts are donated to those in need, including military patients,
cancer patients and residents of convalescent homes.
Classes are free but space is limited. Reg-ister by calling the
library at 925-516-5290 or stopping by the library at 104 Oak
St.
Participants should plan to bring the following materials: white
100-percent cot-ton thread (avoid polyester or cotton-coat-ed),
white hand-quilting thread, a sharp pair of scissors and a variety
pack of quilting needles. For a list of optional supplies, view the
class listing at www.ccclib.org/programs.
Quilting classes
Award-winning magician Ray An-drews performs at the new
Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St., on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 4
p.m.
Be prepared for dazzling sleight-of-hand and lots of laughs for
the whole family at this free, 45-minute event spon-sored by the
Friends of the Brentwood Library. All ages are welcome. No tickets
or registration are required.
The new Brentwood Community Center, located across from the
Brent-wood Library, is under construction but open for business. To
get to Ray Andrews magic show, park in the garage at City Park Way
and Second Street and enter on the ground fl oor next to the
elevators.
For more information, call 925-516-529 or visit
www.ccclib.org.
Magic in Brentwood
-
10A | THEPRESS.NET ARTS JANUARY 27, 2012
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The Brentwood Concert Band and the Liberty Symphonic Band and
Flute Choir perform Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. at Liberty High
School, 850 Second St. Brentwood. A reception follows. Admission is
free, but donations are encouraged.
Proceeds benefi t the Stuart Music Fund, created to promote
instrumental music by subsidizing the cost of music education for
young musicians. This year, the fund is awarding two $500
scholarships to deserving Liberty High School musicians.
Strike up the band
The Brentwood Teen Theater presents Bye Bye Birdie next weekend
at Resur-rection Ministries Church, 1275 Fairview Ave. in
Brentwood. The legendary 50s musical chronicles the misadventures
of Albert J. Petersen, who represents rock star and impending Army
draftee Conrad Birdie. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Feb.
3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 4 at 3 and 7 p.m. General
admission is $12; $10 for students and seniors. For ticket
reservations, log onto www.brent-woodteentheater.com or call
925-516-9009. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of
the performance.
Say hello toBye Bye
Poetry Out LoudSeven students impressed their
audience as they participated in the recent Poetry Out Loud
competition at Independence High School. Each student successfully
memorized and recited two poems in front of judges, family,
friends, faculty, staff and Lib-erty Union High School District
Board Member Darrin Spears.
Independence teacher Susan Laird expressed pride in each
stu-dent and congratulated them for their composure and courage.
Justine Price, 7, was a hit with the crowd, and all students
received participa-tion awards. Debra Steidle earned
$100 for her winning recitation of Light Shining out of Darkness
by William Cowper and The Childrens Hour by Henry Wadsworth
Long-fellow. Debra will represent LUHSD at the Contra Costa County
compe-tition next month.
Poetry Out Loud is an annual reci-tation contest conducted by
the Na-tional Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The
Contra Costa winner will represent the county in the California
State competition, and that winner will go on to compete at the
na-tional level.
Contributed by Susan Laird
Independence High School Poetry Out Loud competitors, from left,
are Chris Sparks, Chantelle Powelson, Taylor Lynn Stubbert (third
place), Miranda Parcasio, Debra Steidle ( rst place), Lindsay
Galbraith (second place) and Jennifer Jimenez. In front is Justine
Price.
Photo courtesy of Independence High School
-
12A | THEPRESS.NET JANUARY 27, 2012
OPINIONEDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY National
AwardWinning NewspapersHave you got something to say? Visit
www.thepress.net and let your thoughts be known.
The Press Newspapers are adjudicated in the the cities of
Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and the Delta Judicial District
of Contra Costa County.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for commerce or
trade without written permission from the publisher.
BRENTWOOD PRESS & PUBLISHING CORPORATIONNational Award
Winning Newspapers
Founder & President Jimmy ChamouresPublisher & General
Manager Greg Robinson
Executive Editor Rick LemyreProduction Manager & Webmaster
Lonnie de Lambert
Business Manager Heather Reid
Main Office / Brentwood248 Oak St. Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone 925-634-1441 Fax 925-634-1975Web site:
www.thepress.net
Advertising 925-634-1441, ext. 115Classifieds 925-634-1441, ext.
142
Editorial 925-634-1441, ext. 111Circulation 925-250-1405
Editorial e-mail [email protected]
Schools brace for budget impacts
School districts throughout California will not know their
budgets until the voters of California speak next November. This
will be almost halfway through a school districts fi scal year and
assumes that the governor will have garnered enough signatures on
his petition to even get the initiative on the ballot.
Without the funds generated by this temporary tax initiative,
schools will lose $370 per student. For the Oakley Union School
District, this would equate to a
$1.67 million loss of revenue. This is on top of the 20-percent
cut in our revenues since the recession began four years ago.
In short, his initiative would do the following: Millionaires
and high-income earners will pay up to 2-per-cent higher income
taxes for fi ve years. No family making less than $500,000 a year
will see their income taxes rise. There will be a temporary
half-cent increase in sales tax, still lower than it was six months
ago. The funds will be dedicated for only education and public
safety.
If the tax initiative fails to pass, we will be faced with many
tough decisions as we look ahead. However, the governors proposed
budget has made one decision very easy.
Should Almond Grove Elementary be opened in 2012-13? Let me
answer that question with another question: If you thought you
might lose your job next November, would you buy a new house today?
Of course you wouldnt!
As you may be aware, two of our neighboring districts have new
schools that are also currently not open. The Knightsen School
District actually opened its new school for a few years but has
since had to close it. And the Brentwood Union School District has
a new school ready to open but it too has postponed the
opening.
On a positive note, we are the only district out of the three
that has received and continues to receive revenue from its new
school site. Currently, the Lynn Center a center serv-ing
special-needs students is essentially paying the district about
$180,000 per year for the use of nine classrooms. In the past,
these very special children had to be bused all the way into
Pittsburg to an extremely sub-par facility; a facility that has
since been demolished.
Opening a new school is a very costly proposition. In our case
we estimate the cost to be well over $400,000 per year. It would be
fi scally irresponsible to open Almond Grove at this time,
particularly with our fortunes (or lack thereof) resting on a
hoped-for ballot initiative next November.
If you are interested in more information on Almond Grove or the
district, visit our website at www.ouesd.k12.ca.us.
Other key provisions of the governors proposed budget are the
elimination of funds for transportation and the
never-enacted Transitional Kindergarten Program. He is also
proposing a change in the way K-3 class size reduction funds are
allocated. In short, this will offi cially abolish the program as
we once knew it.
While the state is eliminating transportation funding, the
Oakley school district will not. Unfortunately, we will lose
$28,000 annually in funding from the state. This loss will have to
be absorbed by our general fund.
While the funding for the never-implemented Transition-al
Kindergarten Program has been cut, the age for enrollment has not
been withdrawn. Therefore, to enroll in kindergarten for the next
school year, students must be age 5 by Nov. 1. The following year
by Oct. 1 and fi nally in 2014-15, they must be age 5 by Sept. 1.
We estimated that this will impact our enrollment and therefore
revenue by approximately 30 less students each of the next three
years. This will be a loss of about $135,000 per year.
In the broader picture thus far we have managed the budget
crisis well. This is in large part due to the understand-ing and
cooperation we have enjoyed with our community and employees. Next
November has the potential to test our patience one more time.
I continue to be disheartened by the lack of support for public
education by some in Sacramento. Among the 50 states, we currently
rank near the bottom in funding, yet we have the highest standards,
the greatest expectations and the most diverse population of any
state in the union.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
by Dr. Richard RogersSuperintendent, Oakley Union School
District
GUEST COMMENT
LETTERS TO THE EDITORBenevolent bus stop
Editor:I would like to take this opportunity
to publicly thank Rick at the LUSHD bus barn.
My 3-year-old grandson, T.J. Halford, loves school buses along
with fi retrucks and ambulances. He had been asking to see a bus,
and whenever we went by the bus barn the buses were out. Just
before Christ-mas, we stopped by and all the buses were there. Rick
was kind to stop what he was doing and gave T.J a tour of a bus,
letting him sit in the drivers seat, walk through the bus and even
talk on the radio!
He was one happy little boy, and bus number 61 has become his
bus. Thank you, Rick, for making the day for a little boy.
Karon HalfordBrentwood
Employer doesnt have all the factsEditor:
This is in response to Jonathan Silvers letter of Jan. 20
regarding the recent Grand Jury report on ECCFPD.
He is absolutely correct the fi re department and its employees
work for the taxpayers. However, Mr. Silver seems to be misinformed
when raising his questions, particularly when it comes to
alternative funding and other possible solutions for the
district.
First, privatization of the fi re district is not a realistic
option. Just ask the folks in San Carlos, another cash-strapped
city which considered privatizing its fi re service with Wackenhut.
If Wackenhut and other private providers are so great, then why did
they lose their recent bid to take over fi re services at Lawrence
Livermore National Lab?
If LLNL isnt willing to allow one of these private companies to
provide fi re services, then why should the residents of ECCFPD
allow one of these companies to protect their lives and property
with their often undertrained and low-paid workers who arent held
to the same professional standards as their municipal
counterparts?
The companys interest in properly training and paying its
workers is infl u-enced entirely by how that affects the bot-tom
line rather than by how that provides the best possible
service.
The statement regarding reducing staffi ng from three to two per
apparatus as they have done in Pacifi ca is false. The only
department on the Peninsula that operates a two-person fi re
apparatus is South San Francisco, and that is only at minimum
staffi ng levels.
I encourage everyone to read the Na-tional Institute of
Standards and Technol-ogys (NIST) recent residential fi re study on
fi re crew sizes, arrival times, and their infl uence on saving
lives and property. It is the fi rst study to quantify these
effects.
According to the study, four-person crews were able to complete
22 essential fi refi ghting and rescue tasks 2 percent fast-er than
a three-person crew and 30 percent faster than a two-person crew.
Many Bay Area departments already run three-person crews, and Mr.
Silvers recommendation is to cut this further?
NIST is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Commerce Department.
The re-port can be found at www.nist.gov/el/fi
re_research/residential-fi re-report_042810.cfm.
Rather than going with Wackenhut, San Carlos has all of its fi
re administration handled by Redwood City. It is projected to net
San Carlos the same savings it would have gained by going with
Wackenhut, but
allows San Carlos to continue to have its own municipal
department. Daly City has taken a similar approach with Pacifi ca
and Brisbane (North County Fire Authority).
However, ECCFPD is not a direct comparison to what is done on
the Penin-sula. The Peninsula has numerous small departments that
operate in close proxim-ity to each other and have had
boundary-dropping mutual-aid agreements in place for years.
Consolidating and merging isnt a fi x-all approach for every
department.
Why should companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and
Paramedics Plus be making money hand-over-fi st by providing
ambulance service on a contract basis when cities and districts
could pro-vide their own ambulance service and be billing
patients/insurance directly?
Such an arrangement provides great service for the citizens and
puts money right back into the departments/cities. A municipal
ambulance service at the very least will pay for itself, so the fi
nancial risk is low.
Some people scream bloody murder that fi refi ghters and
emergency medical personnel are overpaid and over-funded for what
they do, but thats only until it is their house that is on fi re or
their family member or even themselves who is injured or dying.
Casey KeefeBrentwood
see Letters page 19A
-
JANUARY 27, 2012 THEPRESS.NET | 13A
A sampling of recent law enforcement activity reported by East
County police de-partments.BRENTWOODJan. 11, 5:39 a.m. An
unidentifi ed person pried open the drivers side door of a vehicle
parked on Orchid Drive and stole a stereo, loose change and
jackets. Estimated loss: $1,200; property damage: $500.Jan. 11,
8:36 a.m. An unidentifi ed person forced entry into a vehicle
parked on Ranch-wood Drive and stole a stereo and GPS unit.Jan. 11,
1:46 p.m. On Brentwood Boulevard at Spruce Street, a subject
stopped for mul-tiple vehicle code violations was found to be
driving on a suspended license. He was cited and his vehicle was
stored.Jan. 11, 8:16 p.m. An unidentifi ed person en-tered a
business on Sand Creek Road, bran-dished a weapon and demanded
money. After being given cash, he fl ed on foot.Jan. 11, 9:30 p.m.
A subject contacted on Pas-co Drive at Westpoint Way was observed
dis-carding a loaded handgun. He was arrested and taken to the
Martinez Detention Facility.Jan. 11, 10:53 p.m. On Heritage Drive,
a sub-ject who punched another subject in the face was arrested and
released on a Promise To Appear.Jan. 12, 3:50 a.m. On Brentwood
Boulevard, a subject contacted during a disturbance call was found
to have two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested
and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.Jan. 12, 1:01 p.m. An
unidentifi ed person used the personal information of a resident of
Sycamore Avenue to obtain prescription drugs in another
jurisdiction. Jan. 12, 1:36-2:45 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son cut
and removed copper wire from elec-trical boxes and light poles on
Malbec Lane at Pomerol Circle, and Vineyards Parkway at Miwok
Avenue.Jan. 12, 3:12 p.m. Two unidentifi ed subjects entered the
garage of a residence on Tamal-pais Avenue by using a stolen garage
door opener. They attempted to gain further entry into the
residence but the resident was home and scared them away.Jan. 12,
4:16 p.m. On Pine Street at Brent-wood Boulevard, a subject who
slipped on the sidewalk, causing an injury to her ankle, was
transported to a local hospital.
Jan. 12, 6:12 p.m. Two subjects identifi ed as unwanted guests
at a business on Balfour Road were found to be under the infl uence
of a controlled substance. They were arrested and taken to the
Martinez Detention Facility.Jan. 12, 7:06 p.m. On the Highway 4
Bypass at Balfour Road, a subject caught driving a stolen vehicle
was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.Jan. 12,
8:56 p.m. A subject contacted on Lone Tree Way was found to be
under the in-fl uence of a central nervous system stimulant. He was
arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.Jan. 13, 9:42
a.m. On Brentwood Boulevard, a subject found a rusted rifl e while
helping a friend clean out the storage compartment of a deceased
relative. The rifl e was brought to police headquarters for
destruction.Jan. 13, 11:45 a.m. An unidentifi ed person damaged the
awning of a business on First Street.Jan. 13, 3:57 p.m. A resident
of Altessa Drive reported that she believes she signed a
fraudu-lent lease agreement for the residence. The case is under
investigation.Jan. 13, 4:30 p.m. An unidentifi ed person stole a
cell phone left unattended on Ameri-can Avenue.Jan. 13, 7:32 p.m.
On Brentwood Boulevard, a subject violated a court order by failing
to appear for a child exchange.Jan. 14, 12:38 p.m. An unidentifi ed
person stole a vehicle parked on Redhaven Street.Jan. 14, 3:26 p.m.
An unidentifi ed person put sugar in the gas tank of a vehicle
parked on Heritage Way. The owner of the vehicle expressed
suspicion that a certain party was responsible due to ongoing
disputes between them, and the statement of a witness. The case is
under investigation.Jan. 14, 5 p.m. An unidentifi ed person stole
an unattended purse from a salon on Sand Creek Road.Jan. 14, 5:44
p.m. On the Highway 4 Bypass at Sand Creek Road, a driver who
struck an-other vehicle was found to be driving on a sus-pended
license.Jan. 14, 6 p.m. A two-vehicle rear-end col-lision occurred
on the Highway 4 Bypass at Sand Creek Road.Jan. 14, 8 p.m. On
Virginia Lane at Lone Tree Way, a subject stopped for a vehicle
code vio-
lation was found to be under the infl uence of a central nervous
system stimulant and in pos-session of a controlled substance. A
passenger in the vehicle was found to have an outstand-ing warrant
for his arrest. Both were arrested and taken to the Martinez
Detention Facility.Jan. 14, 10:28 p.m. A subject contacted on
Or-chard Drive at Walnut Boulevard was found to be under the infl
uence of a controlled sub-stance. He was arrested and taken to the
Mar-tinez Detention Facility.Jan. 14, 11:53 p.m. On Brentwood
Boulevard, a subject stopped for a vehicle code violation was found
to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest and be under the infl
uence of a con-trolled substance and in possession of several
controlled substances. He was arrested and taken to the Martinez
Detention Facility.Jan. 15, 12:01 a.m. On Second Street, a sub-ject
stopped for vehicle code violations was found to be driving on a
license suspended for DUI. He was arrested and released on a
No-tice To Appear.Jan. 15, 7:44 a.m. On Sand Creek Road at Fairview
Avenue, a driver who crashed his ve-hicle was found be driving
under the infl uence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to
a local hospital for treatment.Jan. 15, 11:50 a.m. An unidentifi ed
person vandalized a residence on Christenson Street.Jan. 15, 12:32
p.m. A subject caught stealing clothes at a business on Lone Tree
Way was ar-rested and released on a Promise To Appear.Jan. 15, 1:51
p.m. On Minnesota Avenue at Carmel Parkway, a driver made a left
turn, lost control of his vehicle and struck a sound wall. He was
transported to a local hospital and treated for a broken nose.Jan.
15, 3:50 p.m. Two subjects were involved in a verbal dispute on
Mojave Drive.Jan. 15, 6:40 p.m. An unidentifi ed person damaged
property in the restroom of a busi-ness on Balfour Road and fl ed
in a vehicle.Jan. 15, 9:38 p.m. On Stonehaven Drive at Central
Boulevard, a subject stopped for ve-hicle code violations was found
to be driving under the infl uence of alcohol. He was ar-rested and
taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.Jan. 16, 9:04 a.m. On Lone
Tree Way at Fair-view Avenue, a subject stopped for a vehicle code
violation was found to be driving on a suspended license and was
unable to provide
satisfactory identifi cation. He was arrested and released on a
Promise To Appear.Jan. 16, 5:32 p.m. An unidentifi ed person stole
a video surveillance camera on Carey Lane.Jan. 16, 5:57 p.m. An
unidentifi ed subject was observed sitting outside a residence on
Windy Springs Lane at Lemon Street in violation of a restraining
order. The subject fl ed when seen by the victim.Jan. 16, 6:15 p.m.
On Bay Laurel Court at Trinity Drive, a subject observed throwing
knives at a fence was contacted and found to be throwing the knives
in a safe manner at a suitable target.Jan. 16, 8:13 p.m. On Balfour
Road at Sum-merset Drive, a driver who struck a curb and a tree
sustained major injuries and was taken to a local hospital for
treatment.Jan. 16, 11:58 p.m. On Mill Creek Way, four witnesses
reported being harassed by two subjects over the past six years.
The witnesses were given information on obtaining restrain-ing
orders.Jan. 17, 9:15 a.m. A resident of Panorama Way reported that
following a knock on her front door she saw an unidentifi ed person
in her backyard. A search of the area was made but the subject was
not located.Jan. 17, 12:38 p.m. On Pecan Place, a dog was fatally
attacked by other dogs.Jan. 17, 7:16 p.m. Unidentifi ed subjects
tried to steal merchandise from a business on Lone Tree Way and
threatened store employees.Jan. 17, 8:35 p.m. A subject rang the
door-bell of a residence on Picadilly Lane for 15 minutes and
refused to leave. The subject and the resident were involved in a
dating re-lationship involving reports of domestic vio-lence. No
injuries were observed or reported by either party.Jan. 18, 7:49
a.m. An unidentifi ed person forced entry into three homes under
construc-tion on Big Basin Drive.Jan. 18, 11:35 a.m. A vehicle
stolen in Brent-wood was recovered by the San Pablo Police
Department.Jan. 18, 7:23 p.m. A resident of Montrose Court walked
into his backyard and observed an unidentifi ed male jumping over
his fence.
To view the Brentwood Police Depart-ments public logs on the
citys Web site, visit
www.ci.brentwood.ca.us/department/pd/reports/index.cfm.
COP LOGSFROM EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCH LOGS An unidentifi ed
person stole a video surveillance camera on Carey Lane in
Brentwood. Jan. 16, 5:32 p.m.
California Striped Bass AssociationWest Delta Chapter
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To Help Support the 2012 Kids Free Fishing Derby
February 18 at 6:00 p.m.Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building
757 First St., Brentwood
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JANUARY 27, 2012 THEPRESS.NET | 15A
By Ken McIntoshSTAFF WRITER
The American Coin Buyers Guild will be placing ads in newspapers
and on the radio next week, asking people to bring in any old
silver and gold coins made before 1970. Those that do bring in
their coins will be able to speak with specialists one-on-one and
have their coins looked at by a specialist. Offers will be made
based on silver or gold content, the rarity of the coins, and key
dates. All coins made before 1970 will be examined, including gold
coins, silver coins, nickels, pennies, proof sets and uncirculated
mint sets. Those that decide to sell their coins will be paid on
the spot.
If you are like a lot of people, you might have a few old coins
or even a coffee can full of them lying around. If you have ever
wondered what they are worth, now might be your chance to find out
and even sell them if you choose. They could be worth a lot
according to the American Coin Buyers Guild, also known as ACBG.
Collectors will pay a fortune for some coins and currency for their
collections. According to Mark Cooper, coin collector and ACBG
specialist, if they are rare enough, one coin could be worth over
$100,000. One ultra rare coin, an 1894 S Barber dime, sold for a
record $1.9 million to a collector in July of 2007. While that is
an extreme example, many rare and valuable coins are stashed away
in dresser drawers or lock boxes around the country. The ACBG has
organized a traveling event in search of all types of coins and
currency. Even common coins can be worth a significant amount due
to the high price of silver and gold. Cooper explains that, even
Washington quarters and Roosevelt dimes are worth many times their
face value. Recent silver markets have driven the price up on even
common coins made of silver. All half dollars, quarters and dimes
made before 1965 contain 90% silver and are sought after any time
silver prices rise. Right now its a sellers market.
The rarest coins these collectors are looking for include $20,
$10, $5 and $2.5 gold coins and any coin made before 1850. These
coins always bring big premiums, according to the ACBG. Silver
dollars are also very sought after nowadays.
Other types of items the American Coin Buyers Guild will be
purchasing during this event include U.S. paper currency, gold
bullion, investment gold, silver bars, silver rounds, etc. Even
foreign coins are collectible and will be purchased.
Also at this event, anyone can sell their gold jewelry, dental
gold or anything made of gold on the spot. Gold is currently
trading at near record highs and can bring in a good amount of
money. Bring anything you think might be gold and the ACBG
specialists will examine, test and price it for free. If you decide
to sell, you will be paid
on the spotit has been an unknown fact that coin dealers have
always paid more for jewelry and scrap gold than other jewelers and
pawn brokers.
So whether you have one coin you think might be valuable or a
large collection you recently inherited, you can talk to these
specialists for free and if youre lucky, you may have a rarity
worth thousands. Either way, there is nothing to lose and it sounds
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Broken and unwanted jewelry,
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16A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY JANUARY 27, 2012
A local developer has agreed to work with neighbors of the
affordable housing complex on Carol Lane to meet their desires for
privacy protection and increased security.
When the City of Oakley announced earlier this month that its
council would be considering granting a density bonus to
Cor-poration for Better Housing, giving the de-veloper permission
to add an additional 105 units of affordable housing, neighbors
took to the Web to voice their opposition to the plan.
There are currently 360 units at the Commons at Oak Grove
Apartments, and 44 more are under construction. As Carol Lane
residents have been know to vandalize prop-erty when creating short
cuts to get across town, the density bonus would increase the
complexs units to 509, a number that worries neighbors.
The density bonus is guaranteed to the developer by state law,
so the city hosted an informational workshop last week to explain
the situation to residents. Charlie Brumbaugh, representative for
Corporation for Better Housing, was on hand for that meeting, and
after hearing the publics concerns, he vowed to make the effort to
be a good neighbor.
We had a number of very productive meetings with staff, your
city manager and others, and hopefully most, if not all, of
your
concerns have been worked out, Brumbaugh said at Tuesdays
council meeting.
Brumbaugh went on record with a com-mitment to work with
residents and erect a wall along the south end of the property to
serve as a buffer between the apartments and residents of the Oak
Meadow neighborhood. He is leaving the height of the wall up to the
neighbors, who have preliminarily suggested a solid wall between
six to eight feet tall.
Brumbaugh also said hell plant trees to help block sound and
provide Oak Meadow residents with an increased sense of privacy.
The trees will help obscure residents back-yards from apartment
residents in the pro-posed four-story unit.
To deter crime within the apartment complex, Brumbaugh plans to
install a mini-mum of two security cameras per fl oor of each
apartment building and install a camera in the main lobby of each
building.
Councilman Randy Pope commended Brumbaugh for his cooperation
and effort to strike a compromise with the neighbors. As the area
has a history of break-ins, Pope requested that Brumbaugh install
additional cameras in the parking lots. He also recom-mended that
the developer use software with identifi cation capabilities to
provide greater protection to residents.
With no opposing deliberation, the coun-cil accepted the density
bonus application 5-0.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Oakley approves housing density bonus
Summerset residents and fabulous foursome Michael and Linda
Fuller and George and June Henebury recently cleared the water
hazard known as the eastern Paci c in the company of their
Home-town Weekly Newspaper. The group got to read lush greens and
their Brentwood Press at the Kaanapali Golf Courses in Lahaina,
Maui in the balmy state of Hawaii.
Seen in Maui
by Samie HartleyStaff Writer
Congratulations,Kathy Grif n!
Dont forget to Like our facebook page!
www.facebook.com/thepress.net
Delta Valley Athletic Club diligently serves a diverse clientele
in a stress-free, award winning club environment. Top-notch
personal trainers, group tness instructors and massage therapists
provide a well-rounded mind and body experience. Visit them at 120
Guthrie Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513 or www.deltavac.com.
Thank youDelta ValleyAthletic Clubfor sponsoring The Fitness
Revolution Sweepstakes.
Kathy Grif n has won a 3 month membership to Delta Valley
Athletic Club and a 1 hour consultation with their health and
wellness consultant.
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18A | THEPRESS.NET JANUARY 27, 2012
Learn how to use the latest trends and strategies. Register
today!
Online Marketing Success SummitBrought to you by thepress.net
and Brentwood Press & Publishing Corp.
$59 Includes continental breakfast, lunch and training
materialsThurs., Feb. 9, 2012 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Check-in
begins at 9 a.m.Caps Oak Street Bar & Grill
Register online: www.thepress.net/registration or at The Press,
248 Oak St., Brentwood by Tues., Feb. 7.Seating is limited.
Register early!
Well teach you all about: Social Media Blogging Strategies
Search Engine Optimization And More
Great event! Lisa Sherrill, Contra Costa Food Bank
Wow, I learned a lot and came away excited!!! Excellent
speakers, great food, well organized. Angie Rhoades Harper,Tumble
Time Bus
Great information for a small business owner. Very motivating
presentations. Denise Warner,Wigs R Fun
IGNORING online marketingis like opening a businessbut not
telling ANYONE.
MichaelSiemerDigitalMarketingStrategist, Brentwood, CA
JasonSmithDigitalMarketingConsultantSalt Lake City, UT
Michele ChatburnSocial Media ManagerBrentwood, CA
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JANUARY 27, 2012 THEPRESS.NET | 19A
Parenting not a spectator sportI often get asked by concerned
com-
munity members as to what single attention can best advance
education. Its a complex challenge that, truth be told, defi es
single remedy. Actually, education can be likened to a three-legged
stool. Any one unstable leg
student, teacher or parent can cause the stool to wobble.
The student needs to exercise discipline and motiva-tion; the
teacher, effective communication, passion, rigor, relevancy and
classroom management; the parent, guidance and strict
vigilance.
Needless to say, volumes have been written extolling the crucial
role of good teachers. Substantial data, in fact, indicates that a
child having three consecutive years with high-performing teachers
has a virtual lock on succeeding. Given three years with mediocre
or poor teachers, the adverse is also more likely true.
Hence, we place great premium on recruiting, and then peer
training, the best teachers available. The fact remains, though,
that like police offi cers, dentists or landscap-ers, for that
matter, there will always be the
good, the bad and the ugly in the mix. One thing, though, that
rests fi rmly in our per-sonal control is effective parenting.
Every three years the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development examines 15-year-olds in the worlds leading
industrialized nations through the Program for International
Student Assessment (PISA). Reading comprehension and the ability to
use what has been learned in math and science to solve real
problems is tested.
The United States, once among educa-tional world leaders, sadly
now scores in the middle of the pack, right above Cyprus, and far
trailing Finland, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Compelled to fi nd some success de-nominators, in 2009 the PISA
team went beyond the classroom and interviewed 5,000 parents to fi
nd out what they were doing. The conclusion shows that students
whose parents often read to them during their fi rst years of
primary school, performed, regard-less of socio-economic status,
signifi cantly better. The average difference was 25 points or the
equivalent of half a year of schooling.
Little surprise, as competent parent-ing was never, wed agree, a
spectator sport. Spending time with your children by talking,
playing, or sharing a family meal is the most priceless treasure
youth can inherit.
Reading to your child, though now there is true quality time.
Stress, then, the written word by having books and magazines around
the house. Lead by example and read to yourself as well. If you
cant get involved in helping with homework, at least show an
interest and ask what your child is doing.
Check into School Loop, which allows you to computer monitor
your childs at-tendance, homework and grades. Let them know you are
involved and consider educa-tion paramount. Praise and reward their
efforts, for fi lling their bucket of self-esteem ensures it can
never run short.
Know your childs associations and keep them busy. Hanging out
and bore-dom germinate mischief. Contrarily, youth involved in
clubs and organized activi-ties channel their energy with a
positively reinforcing circle of friends. Though I think tiger
parenting can be taken, like anything, to excess, and that some
free time is needed to keep childhood from uber-seriousness, it is
OK to keep expectations high.
Truth be, I am a zealot on parental involvement because I have
been hit by lightning twice on family matters. I grew up in Great
Neck, Long Island in a predomi-nantly Jewish town. The prevailing
ques-tion wasnt if college, but what college. Little wonder,
neighbors routinely entered
professions like accounting, dentistry or law or started profi
table businesses like furrier or jewelry.
I owe gratitude, then, to my blue-collar dad, a chef, for
sacrifi cing so we could move from working-class Queens into a
commu-nity where expectations were unlimited.
I then married a Filippina and, double bingo, again saw the
effects of a parental culture dead set on education. Though the
Academic Performance Index (API) for Antioch is 727 out of a
possible 1,000, with 800 the California goal, the Filippino sub-set
scores 835. Certainly, its not Asian Wheaties the kids are eating
for breakfast that makes such a profound difference. Credit family
values.
Of course, there is no substitute for an inspired teacher. We
cant, though, put all our marbles there. We also need better
par-ents. They will inexorably make our teachers better. As
Shakespeare said, The voice of parents is the voice of god, for to
their chil-dren they are heavens lieutenants.
Teach your children well. After all, isnt it a funny thing how
fortunate parents who have conscientious children usually have
fortunate children who have conscientious parents?
Walter Ruehlig is a trustee for the An-tioch Unifi ed School
District Board.
by Walter Ruehlig
GUEST COMMENT
Behavior not representativeEditor:
As a proponent of the Recall Brian Dawson effort I want to thank
all of the hundreds of community members who have taken time to
participate and offer their encouragement. In a couple of weeks we
will be putting the fi nal petition together to provide to the
elections offi ce for validation.
Some people have suggested that
even though Mr. Dawson has been formally charged with criminal
child endangerment and spousal battery, this should not be the
basis for a recall. That is something of a straw man argument
because his criminal domestic violence issues are only part of the
basis for his recall.
Actually, Mr. Dawson has demon-strated a pattern of violent and
threat-ening behavior as described in this and other media outlets
that cannot be toler-
ated. No matter how much he disagreed with something that was
said at a CSD meeting, there is no excuse for following a member of
the public into the parking lot and challenging him to a fi ght.
Nor is there any excuse for threatening to kick another board
members a#* when he wasnt chosen to be on a committee. And then,
yes, fi nally he was indeed ar-rested and charged with acts of
domestic violence.
He deserves his day in court, and he
will get it. However, serving as a repre-sentative of our
community is a privilege, and because of his actions, both in and
outside of the board meetings, it is one that we no longer feel
should be his.
If you have already signed the peti-tion, thank you. If not,
please come by Safeway on Saturday and join your neigh-bors in
making it clear that this behavior does not represent our
community.
Don FlintDiscovery Bay
Letters from page 12A
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20A | THEPRESS.NET MILESTONES JANUARY 27, 2012
Do You Have Exactly the Life You Want? x Learn to access the
godly part of you that is inherently wise,
confident, enthusiastic and loving. x Free yourself from
self-defeating feelings and being a victim x Find out how to have
all things work for good in your life
Chuck Turner, the workshop leader, taught motivation and social
psychology at UCLA, and leads classes in how to make your life
work. He offers this series without charge to introduce practical
application of some of the insights in his new book, God
Unchained.
For more information call Chuck Turner at 925.684.4604, or
http://inspiredlivingcenter.org/uploads/Chuck.pdf
Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 9 PM, beginning February 7, 2012 Unity
Center, 50 Sand Creek Rd. # 140, Brentwood
Enter Noah
The Ramirez fam-ily is proud to announce their newest arrival.
Noah Michael was born on Dec. 10, 2011 at 8:25 a.m., weighing in at
7 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches. Mommy, Daddy, big
brother Zach and big sister So a are so glad Noah is here!
Patricia Lee LucidoDec. 11, 1942-Jan. 26, 2010
In Loving Memory
Kenneth, Renee, Billy, Stacy, Jose, Tobbie, Courtney, six
grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sister Caroline and
mother Lena.
Thomas, Brittanie and big sister Sophia Baker are proud to
announce that Stella Rose was born Jan. 6, 2012 at 1:33 a.m. She
weighed 8 pounds and 10 ounces and measured 21 inches.
Stella Rose joins the family
At Liberty Adult Educations Career Technical and GED graduation
last December, students were presented with certi cations for
commitment and achievement. The Christmas-themed celebra-tion
featured guest speaker and former student April Gonzalez. Seated,
from left, are Traci Campiotti and Sylvia Novero. Standing are
Debbie Norgaard, Coordinator; Ed Riley, GED instructor; Tristen
Hendrickson, Terry Holtzinger, Willie M. Curry Jr., Joachim Fayani;
Gene Clare, assistant superintendent of administrative services;
Tara Torres, GED instructor; and Elizabeth Sanchez. Certi cate
recipients include Guadalupe Garcia and Darlene Ratto.
Proudly proficient
IN MEMORIAM
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JANUARY 27, 2012 HEALTH & BEAUTY THEPRESS.NET | 21A
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Kaiser Permanente Delta Fair is host-ing classes and workshops
on anger and depression management, plus childbirth preparation.
The sessions are available to members and the general public.
Managing Anger SeriesThis eight-week series helps you
identify your anger triggers, develop com-munication skills and
practice ways to respond instead of letting your emotions overcome
you. The series begins Monday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. To register, call
925-779-5147. The fee is $120 for Kaiser members; $200 for
non-members. (The series does not satisfy court-ordered treatment
re-quired for domestic violence.)
Managing Depression SeriesThis six-week series explores the
causes and effects of depression. Youll learn how to challenge
negative think-ing, reduce stress and manage moods. The series
begins Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. To register, call 925-779-5147. No
fee is charged for Kaiser members; $108 for non-members.
Childbirth Preparation ExpressThis three-day class teaches
you
breathing and relaxation techniques to use during labor. The
class also explores pain management options, a birthing coachs
role, hospital procedures and what to expect before, during and
after delivery. Classes begin Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 5:45 p.m. To
register, call 925-779-5147. The fee is $100 for Kaiser members;
$140 for non-members.
New Kaiser classes
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Visit Your Hometown Website www.thepress.net THEPRESS.NET | 23A
JANUARY 27, 2012
Follow sports on Twitter! Scan QR code with your smart
phone.
The San Francisco 49ers were unable to advance past the NFC
Championship game, but the Super Bowl rosters should still hold an
attraction for East County resi-dents. Sterling Moore, a 2007 Deer
Valley graduate, helped the New England Pa-triots beat the
Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, knocking away a potential game-winning
touchdown pass. Patriots Senior Football Advisor Floyd Reese is
also a Brentwood native and Liberty alumnus. Defensive end Dave
Tollefson, who graduated from Los Medanos College in 2000, is
playing for his second Super Bowl ring with the New York
Giants.
East County natives to square off in Super Bowl
Photo courtesy of Evan Pinkus
Wolverines primed for NCS seniority
Deer Valley Highs girls soccer team has a new vibe. Despite
their talented lineup in years past, the Wolverines havent posted a
sterling record. But the current senior-rich team is hungry to make
a jump to the North Coast Section playoffs.
While they did suffer through a rough preseason, the Wolverines
are off to a successful start in Bay Valley Athlet-ic League play
due largely to the lead-ership of eight seniors eager to reverse
the trend of previous seasons.
Most of the seniors have been play-ing together since their
sophomore year, said senior center/forward Hayley Wig-gins. Were
more motivated than we have been in the past years. Weve beaten
some of the teams that we never thought we would.
One of those teams was Liberty, which hosted the Wolverines in
the BVAL opener. Coming off of a 3-7-1 preseason, there was little
reason for Deer Valley to be optimistic, as their seniors had never
beaten the Lions. But Wiggins buried a goal in each half,
propelling the Wolver-ines to a 2-0 victory.
That game was followed up by wins against Antioch and Pittsburg
by a com-bined score of 9-1. The fi rst league loss came at
Freedom, which is also where the seasons scariest moment
occurred.
Senior goalkeeper Kara Leffl e was inadvertently kicked in the
head by one of the Falcons players while trying to grab a loose
ball. She suffered a concus-
Deer Valley senior Jamie Bonwell tries to get around Freedoms
Gianna DiMercurio during Bay Valley Athletic League play last
week.
Photo by Richard Wisdom
by Michael DixonCorrespondent
see Seniority page 24A
Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots
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24A | THEPRESS.NET SPORTS JANUARY 27, 2012
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sion and was airlifted off the fi eld. Head coach Jesse Zuniga
reported that Leffl e is now OK.
In addition to being a year older, the team is benefi ting from
the addition of assistant coach and trainer Matt Oliveri. Prior to
joining the girls, Oliveri played the same role on the Wolverines
varsity boys team. Hes done a great job with
these girls, Zuniga said.Leading Deer Valley is a quartet
of senior captains: Wiggins, center/mid Samantha Marin, right
defender Jamie Bonwell and left/inside defender Briana Pickens, who
has been on the varsity team since her freshman year.
We pretty much grew up together, Pickens said. I feel like our
chemistrys better than in previous years. We have
the drive to win and get to NCS.Its a goal yet to be fulfi lled
by this
group of Wolverines. Since the teams nucleus was formed two
seasons ago, Deer Valley is 14-23-5 overall; 5-15-4 in league play.
But if the Wolverines are haunted by past frustrations, they dont
let it show in their attitude or play. A full 14 of the teams 21
players are seniors or juniors, so their window for success
is closing. Its a small window, but the players are confi dent
they have the right formula to bust through it.
We have a really good sense of each other, Martin said. We work
really well as a team this year more as a unit than in the past. We
all get along well this year. Not that we didnt in the past but
this year; we just have a really nice fl ow.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Seniority from page 23A
Liberty wrestler realizes potential on mat
As a freshman, Liberty Highs Xavier Johnson pictured the
wrestling mat as a steppingstone to the mixed-martial arts
octagon.
It will probably get him to college.A 134-pound senior on the
Lions
wrestling team, Johnson once dreamt of becoming a mixed-martial
arts fi ghter and fi gured that wrestling was a logical start. But
unlike many of his teammates who came through Libertys youth
pro-gram, Johnson had never grappled before he stepped on
campus.
That fi rst year on the freshman team was rough, but Johnson
stuck with it. By the end of the season, he made his way to Greg
Chappels varsity squad.
It was nothing that I expected, Johnson said. I had never even
watched a real wrestling match before. I actually used to think it
was not a cool sport.
Johnson credited two Liberty alumni David Klingsheim and Anthony
Thur-good, both family friends with motivat-ing him to gut it out.
Both wrestlers went on to compete in college Klingsheim at
Nebraska, Thurgood at Sierra College. This is a goal that Johnson
now shares, and has set schools such as Arizona State and Hofstra
in his sights.
Johnson no longer desires the gory
glory of MMA fi ghting, but rather a de-gree in manufacturing
engineering.
Chappel feels that Johnsons acu-men both in the ring and the
classroom will get him wherever he wants to go after Liberty. Hes
come so far, Chappel said. I still think hes got a big growth curve
if he goes to college, and he wants to.
After learning wrestling techniques in his freshman year,
Johnson excelled in his sophomore season. He placed an impres-sive
seventh in the 125-pound bracket at
the North Coast Section tournament that year, an experience that
made him yearn for more success. It was then that John-son knew hed
be a wrestler throughout his time at Liberty.
Johnson continued to excel in his ju-nior season, turning in a
third-place fi n-ish at NCS. He defeated Dougherty Val-ley senior
Ken Geraldi in the consolation bracket to qualify for the state
tourna-ment.
This year, Johnson doesnt want to
make just an appearance at the Califor-nia Interscholastic
Federation meet he wants to win. So far, hes been battling
opponents in a weight class higher than usual, but Chappel has been
impressed with his effort as he takes on some of the states most
talented wrestlers. Hes a good enough athlete and a good enough
wrestler, Chappel said, that if he can get the right draw, maybe
catch someone whos a little fl at anything like that hap-pens, you
sneak your way in as a medal-ist.
While he has taken some lumps against tough competition, Johnson
has found success this season. Starting the year as a 157-pounder,
he went 5-0 in a meet at Natomas, near Sacramento. He slimmed down
to 145 for Libertys Lou Bronzan Tournament, where he was named the
Most Valuable Wrestler.
Johnson is currently ranked 19th in the state and second in the
section in the 138-pound category, according to The California
Wrestler, a comprehensive high school wrestling website.
I think that Ive put a lot of things together, from my takedowns
to my pin-ning combinations, Johnson said. I defi -nitely want to
win league again, but then I really want to become a North Coast
Sec-tion champion and help our team win a North Coast Section
title.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Liberty wrestler Xavier Johnson tries to take down a Freedom
Falcon during BVAL action last season. Johnson has become a
talented athlete for the Lions.
Photo by Jolly Hanson
by Justin LaffertyStaff Writer
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JANUARY 27, 2012 SPORTS THEPRESS.NET | 25A
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