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Vol. 13, No. 34 YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER August 26, 2011
FOR MOVIE TIMES
SEE PAGE 5A
Calendar ............................ 23BClassifieds .........................27AEntertainment ................. 22BFootball Preview ............... 1BFood .................................... 20BHealth & Beauty .............. 18BMilestones ........................20AOpinion ..............................18ASports .................................23A
Called tocompassion Brentwood elementary students were inspired and challenged by the legacy of an extraordinary girl. Page 8A
Breakingthe huddle
Our BVAL Football Preview gives you an insiders take on the upcoming high school gridiron season. Page 1B
Water wizards set their goals
Which high school water polo teams will be plying the sweet waters of success? Check out our preview. Pages 23-24A
Locals sound off about WalmartAllowing a Walmart store to open in
Brentwood would sound the death-knell to the newly revitalized downtown area, residents told the City Council Tuesday, vowing to fight any attempt for the mega-retailer to locate in the city.
Reacting to word that owners of the Sciortino property at Brentwood Boule-vard and Sand Creek Road the site of last months Brentwood CornFest were conducting talks with Walmart, residents voiced their objections during the pub-lic comment period at Tuesdays council meeting. Chris Flores accused Walmart of a litany of objectionable business prac-tices, ranging from low wages, under-rep-resentation of women in management positions, and destroying competitors by undercutting their prices.
This is very concerning, he said. Walmart is not a fit for this community.
City manager designate Paul Eldredge said that although no formal application had been received, the property has al-ready been approved for a big-box store, and discussions about possible tenants
have included Costco and Target as well as Walmart. According to comments made by current City Manager Donna Lander-os at a Chamber of Commerce event last week, however, Costco has opted out of coming to Brentwood so as not to inter-fere with sales at stores in Antioch and Tracy. Target has shown some renewed in-terest in coming to Brentwood, although other sites within the city are also being scrutinized.
Eldredge confirmed that talks be-tween the property owners and Walmart are ongoing, but added that its premature to say it will be Walmart that occupies the location.
Until we see a sign on the building, nothing is for certain, Eldredge said. Ei-ther way, he said, the decision as to which tenant is eventually chosen is not up to
the city.Because the property has already been
approved for a big-box retailer, the issue will not need to come back to the City Council unless a modification is needed to the conditions already approved, El-dredge said. If an application is brought forward, it will only need design review approval from the Planning Commission. Any appeal of the Planning Commissions decision either way, however, would come before the council.
Resident Donna Spencer expressed concerned about what a Walmart would do to a downtown area currently in the final stages of a multi-million dollar over-haul that includes a new civic center and downtown streetscape.
Walmart would eat the downtown alive, Spencer said. It doesnt make sense.
The city should be supportive of small businesses, she added, and not ap-prove competition that could turn the city into a Walmartized leviathan that eats its own.
Representative of the property owners could not be reached for this story.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
by Rick LemyreStaff Writer Walmart would eat the
downtown alive. It doesnt make sense.
Donna Spencer
Services set for former Brentwood mayor
Longtime Brentwood res-ident and former mayor Roger Moore passed away Aug. 16 following a lengthy illness. He was 74.
The popular politician and local businessman sat on the Brentwood City Council in the 1980s and served as mayor from 1984-86. He was a member of the Tri-Delta Transit Board and sat on a number of other community boards.
He was an exemplary man who had a real and true concern for Brentwood, said Mayor Bob Taylor. He was a kind man and supported me in my endeavors, but hed
tell you how it was. In other words you had to work for his vote, which I thought was
very fair.Former councilwoman
Barbara Guise remembers Moore as a man who put peo-ple and family first.
Roger helped a lot of people over the years and he did it without making a big deal out of it, said Guise. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and a lovely family. He will be missed.
Longtime friend Steve Hendrickson agreed.
Roger was a fi ne man who dedicated his life to helping others, said Hendrickson. He has been a good friend over the years. For many, it was his compassion and generosity of spirit that many believe will be Moores lasting legacy.
He meant the world to me, said former Brentwood resident Kevin Atwater, who first met Moore and his family in the late 1990s when Atwa-ter was launching a music ca-reer. I first met him through his son Jason. One night he walked up to me at the bowl-ing alley and out of the blue offered to help finance my music. He was a very positive, caring person. His passing leaves a big hole in my heart.
Moore leaves behind his wife Pat and son Jason. A me-morial service and reception will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Shadow Lakes Golf Club, 401 West Country Club Drive in Brentwood.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
ROGER MOOREAUG. 13, 1937-AUG. 16, 2011
by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer
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AUGUST 26, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 3A
The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) is suing three of the trustees of the former Mountain View Christian Center (MVCC) and Trinity Christian School for breach of contract.
The suit, fi led in Contra Costa County Superior Court on Aug. 17, names Jerry Dellinger, Dustin Ha-noum and the estate of the late Pas-tor Jerry Hanoum as defendants in the complaint. The OUESD is asking for payment of $87,074 in outstanding lease payments owed by MVCC for the districts Almond Grove school site.
This is a regrettable action, said OUESD Superintendent Rick Rogers. However, the three leaders of MVCC made personal promises to make the district whole, and I believe it is our obligation to hold them accountable and to their word.
The lawsuit is the latest in a long and diffi cult history between the OUESD and MVCC. In June of 2008, the OUESD entered into an agreement with Mountain View Christian Center to lease the school as a church site and
private school, but the group continu-ally fell behind in its payments to the district and failed to make good on its fi nancial commitments despite on-going assurances that the money was forthcoming.
We have made repeated attempts to allow the defendants to make good on their fi nancial obligations to the dis-trict, and in the past we were told if we gave them a little more time, they would do so, said Rogers. Our patience and understanding have been exhausted.
In January, Dellinger and the two Hanoums each signed personal guar-antees to the OUESD in exchange for a promise to continue the contract through the original date of June of 2011 and for a reduction in the month-ly rent. The district agreed to the new terms, but MVCC never made anoth-er payment after December of 2010. The suit seeks restitution for the back rent as well as attorney fees and court costs.
Calls to Dellinger were not re-turned and a previous phone number for Dustin Hanoum is no longer in ser-vice.
OUESD sues church officials for back rent
Oakley killings spurcommunity workshop
In response to the recent gang-re-lated shootings and deaths in Oak-ley, the city will host an informational workshop to address residents concerns and educate the community about how to work with local law enforcement to curtail future incidents.
The workshop, scheduled for Tues-day, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 3231 Main St., will feature a presenta-tion by a representative by the County Sheriff s Offi ce and information about ways to set up Neighborhood Watch programs.
The meeting was spurred by the number of residents who showed up at the Aug. 9 City Council meeting expecting an informational workshop regarding the increase in violence in Oakley. Since no such workshop was on the agenda and therefore could not be addressed by the council under the state open meeting laws many attend-ees left. Not wanting to disappoint the crowd of more than 40 who attended the council meeting expecting a discus-sion to take place, Councilman Randy Pope proposed that city staff organize a meeting to address residents concerns
and reassure them that measures are be-ing taken to maintain peace and safety in Oakley.
We need to let people know that Oakley is a place for families, Pope said. Its not a place for gang members. We need to send a message that this gang culture will not be accepted in our community.
During the public comment period of the council meeting, a resident said Oakley is getting a bad reputation due to the recent shootings and something
by Samie HartleyStaff Writer
see Killings page 14A
We need to let people know that Oakley is a place for families. Its not a place for gang members. We need to send a message that this gang culture will not be accepted in our community.
City Councilman Randy Pope
by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer
see Church page 14A
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4A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY AUGUST 26, 2011
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American Legion gets new commander
The remodeling of Veterans Hall under its belt, American Legion Post 202 in Brentwood plans to ramp up its service to veterans and the community under the direction one of that projects leaders, Mike Clement.
At its August general meeting this week, the post installed Clement as post commander for fi scal year 2012. Other offi cers installed were David Martinez, 1st vice commander; Jose Arroyo, 2nd vice commander; Ken Barry, 3rd vice commander; Drew Hanson adjutant/fi nance offi cer; Dr. M. Elliott, judge advocate; Roger M. Cocksedge, sergeant at arms; and Johnny Johnson as service offi cer.
Graduating from Liberty High in 1984, Clement joined the Army in 1986 and served in the Gulf War. Upon leaving military service in 1991, he earned a bachelors degree in business management from St. Marys College. He lives in Brentwood, where he and his wife, Jorgelina, own Brentwood Embroidery. They have three children, ages 11 through 22.
Clement praised the outgoing commander, Dave Martinez: Under Daves leadership and the hard work of Legionnaires George Martinez, John Hofstadt and the Board of Trustees we were able
to obtain the needed grants to upgrade and modernize the front entrance, bathrooms and front kitchen areas of the Veterans Hall to current ADA standards.
Clement is enthusiastic about Post 202s upcoming community involvement: We have been asked to provide the fl ag detail at Brentwoods Arts and Wine Festival on Aug. 28, as well as the Sept. 11 ceremonies at The Rock Church and the East Contra Costa Historical Society barbecue.
The project Clement most looks forward to, however, is Operation Out Reach, aimed at supporting wounded veterans. On Sept. 18, post members
will visit the Veterans In-Patient Care Facility in Martinez to distribute care kits and possibly a new TV for service members currently receiving surgeries and rehabilitation there. Donations are still being accepted to help defray those costs.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Out Reach, call Clement at 925-634-5268, or stop by Brentwood Embroidery, 410 Beatrice Court.
The American Legion Post 202 next meets Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Hall, 757 First St. in Brentwood. All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.
Army veteran Mike Clement is the new commander for American Legion Post 202 in Brentwood.
Photo courtesy of American Legion Post 202
Rari ed airAirman Apprentice Steven J. Wise graduated from Na-
val Station Great Lakes Recruit Training Command in Illi-nois following eight weeks of intense training. He is currently stationed in Pensacola, Fla., where hes training in aviation mechanic safety equipment. Wise is the son of proud parents Martin and Judy Wise of Oakley.
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AUGUST 26, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 5A
Entry Fee before 9/1: $35 includes t-shirtEntry Fee after 9/1: $45 does not include t-shirt
Sponsors: City of Oakley, Ironhouse Sanitary District, Oakley Disposal, Oakley PressBank of the West, Black Bear Diner, John Muir Health, King Cobra Tattoo, Les Schwab,
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625-1035
Volunteers hit the trail; creek nextYoung people from Brentwoods
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints participated in a recent weekend retreat as volunteers for a restoration project of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FOMCW).
A total of 206 volunteers, most between the ages of 14 and 18, came out to work at the 21,000-square-foot project located on the corner of OHara Avenue and Sand Creek Road in Brentwood. The volunteers braved the heat and pulled weeds, cleared brush, covered the area with weed barrier paper and spread 100 cubic yards of mulch.
Future plans for the site include the
planting of additional native plants and trees, painting watershed-themed murals on the entrances of the tunnels along the trail, and eventually installing benches and/or picnic tables for a pleasant resting spot along the popular promenade.
Such FOMCW restoration projects serve as a showcase for how to utilize native and drought-resistant plants and trees to create beautiful ecological environments. Volunteers and visitors learn to recognize the beauty of California native plants, how they can be used in the home garden and how the plants attract wildlife and benefi cial insects. Native plants introduced to the demonstration gardens need no fertilizers or
pesticides, and typically less water than their non-native counterparts, which contributes to a cleaner environment and is less costly to maintain. In the process of educating and improving the environment FOMCW contributes to the beautifi cation of East Countys popular community trail system.
FOMCW was able to organize the event with grants from REI and the Contra Costa County Watershed Coordinator Grant. For more information on the project and others, e-mail Diane Burgis at [email protected] or call 925-325-2908.
The Marsh Creek Cleanup will be held Sept. 17. For more information, visit www.fomcw.org/creekcleanup.
More than 200 volunteers recently helped the Friends of the Marsh Creek Watershed spruce up a portion of the Marsh Creek Trail. A creek cleanup is set for Sept. 17.
Photo courtesy of FOMCW
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Blue showtimes denote 2D show. Red showtimes denote RealD 3D show.Transformers: Dark of the Moon - PG13An IMAX 3D Experience12:10p 6:40p 10:05p Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - PG13 An IMAX 3D Experience3:35p*Columbiana - PG1311:15a 2:00p 4:45p 7:30p 10:15p*Don't Be Afraid of the Dark - R12:15p 2:55p 5:35p 8:15p 10:55p*Our Idiot Brother - R12:45p 3:25p 5:55p 8:30p 11:00p*Spy Kids 4 - PG11:25a 2:10p 4:35p 7:15p 9:35p*Fright Night - R11:35a 2:40p 5:20p 8:05p 10:50p*Conan the Barbarian - R11:40a 2:30p 5:30p 8:20p 11:05p*One Day - PG1311:05a 1:45p 4:25p 7:05p 9:45p Final Destination 5 in RealD 3D - R11:55a 2:25p 4:50p 7:25p 9:50p 30 Minutes or Less - R 1:05p 3:20p 5:45p 8:10p 10:35pThe Help - PG12:00p 3:30p 7:00p 10:25p Rise of the Planet of the Apes - PG1311:30a 2:15p 5:00p 7:45p 10:20pThe Change Up - R11:20a 2:20p 5:05p 7:50p 10:45pThe Smurfs - PG11:00a 1:35p 4:10p 6:50pCowboys and Aliens - PG139:30p *The Debt - R10:50a 1:40p 4:30p 7:20p 10:10p Opens Wednesday, August 30 *Shark Night in RealD 3D - PG13, *Apollo 18 - PG13 12:01a (Friday, Sept. 2 Premiere Show)The Metropolitan Opera 2011-2012 SeriesStarts October 14 (Tickets on sale this Monday)
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6A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY AUGUST 26, 2011
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Antioch: The Orchard at Slatten Ranch (925) 779-1844
Cancer patient Malayni Wilkinson shows some style dur-ing Team Beat Its Bowling for Boobies July fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure event. The 60-mile walkathon will be held Sept. 9-11. By popular de-mand, the team is holding a second Bowling for Boobies event at Harvest Park Bowl on Aug. 31. The $20 entry donation in-cludes two hours of unlimited bowling plus shoes, popcorn and soda, as well as a chance to brie y wear the Striking our breast cancer bra Wilkinson is sporting above by rolling a strike during the event a reward popular with even the men at the rst event. The inspiration for team Just Beat It, Wilkinson lives in Discovery Bay with her 5-year-old daughter. Call 925-550-3478 to reserve your spot.
Contributed by Jennifer Eissner
Bowling for Boobies
The City of Brentwood is currently seeking adults to serve in the volunteer capacity of Adult Advisor for the Brentwood Youth Commission. Ap-plicants must reside in the city limits of Brentwood.
The Brentwood Youth Commission is an ad-visory body to the City Council and dedicated to promoting the voice of youth in local government. Founded in 1999, the Youth Commission is made up of 10 students of diverse backgrounds who care about the Brentwood community and have a drive to make our community the best possible place for youth.
Advisors of the Brentwood Youth Commis-sion work with students from Brentwood middle and high schools, as well as city leaders and staff, to
implement policies and programs that positively im-pact the youth of our community. Advisors have the opportunity to share their life experiences with com-missioners and help shape the future of Brentwoods youth. Advisors mentor the students as they work with them on subcommittees, special projects and meetings.
Applications are available at the City of Brent-wood Parks and Recreation Department offi ce or online at www.ci.brentwood.ca.us (click on the link for Youth Commission).
For additional information, call the City of Brentwood Parks & Recreation Department at 925-516-5444.
Adult advisor soughtfor Youth Commission
The City of Brentwood is accepting applica-tions for citizens to represent the City on a pair of local commissions.
One opening is on the Contra Costa Mosqui-to and Vector Control Districts Board of Trustees. The Trustee will be appointed for a two-year term and serve without compensation, but are allowed limited expenses for actual travel in connection with meetings or business of the Board.
The Board meets bi-monthly on the second Monday night each month, and occasionally it may be necessary to hold a special board meeting. Trustees also serve on committees which regularly meet between board meetings. All meetings are held in the District offi ce at 155 Mason Circle, in Concord.
The City is also accepting applications for a seat on the Advisory Council on Aging. The Coun-cil on Aging advises the Area Agency on all mat-ters related to the development and administration of senior programs. Membership requires regular attendance at Council and committee meetings.
The Advisory Council meets monthly on the third Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in Martinez. Mileage expenses to and from meetings are reimbursable.
Applications for both positions are available at City Hall, 708 Third St. in Brentwood. Com-pleted applications must be fi led no later than Fri-day, Sept. 30. For additional information, call the City Clerks offi ce at 925-516-5400 or visit the citys website www.ci.brentwood.ca.us.
Citizen commissioners wanted
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AUGUST 26, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 7A
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*When purchased at least 1 day before game day. $18 if purchased on the bus on game day. Youth age 6-15 $10 per game.Kids under 5 free with paying adult. Limit one free child per paying adult.
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PRINCIPAL REDUCTION UPDATEIve mentioned the program Keep Your
Home California several times this year in this article. This program is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency and they received a large infusion of cash from the federal government to help keep Californians in their homes. They have many programs available, from giving you a loan to make your payments, to principal reduc-tion, to relocation assistance if you do have to move. You have to apply for these, and there are no guarantee of approval for any program.
Most people are most interested in the principal reduction plan, obviously. The program provides up to $50,000 in principal reduction if the mortgage lender matches the reduction dollar for dollar, for a total reduc-tion of up to $100,000. However, this is the program that was having the most trouble getting off the ground because the big banks werent getting involved. The banks have been pretty reluctant to drop principal, his-torically. Without the big banks cooperation,
the principal reduction program wouldnt apply to many borrowers.
Well, it was recently announced that Bank of America is now part of the principal-reduction program. They are by far the larg-est mortgage loan servicer that is now part of the program, so that is welcome news! Bank of America services nearly 2 million loans in California alone. Other servicers involved are the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Housing Finance Agency, Community Trust/Self Help, GMAC, Guild Mortgage Company and Vericrest Financial. And the list grows every month.
For more information, call 888.954.KEEP (5337) or KeepYourHomeCalifornia.org. If you have any success with the pro-gram, please let me know.
If you have questions on this or any other real estate topic, call me at (925) 240-MOVE (6683). To search the MLS for free and view virtual tours of homes for sale, go to: www.SharpHomesOnline.com. Sharp Realty
Quail Lodge resident Lari Drendell strolls along the row of ne vintage automobiles at the Quail Lodge Classic Car show, held recently at the Antioch retirement community. The cars parked
at the Quail Lodge lot came courtesy of East County-based car club Bou-levard Knights. Automobiles from throughout the early part of the 20th century were featured.
Cruisin the classics
Photo by Justin Lafferty
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8A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY AUGUST 26, 2011
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After a successful introduction at Brentwood middle schools last year, Rachels Challenge has been warmly re-ceived by all of the Brentwood Union Elementary School Districts campuses,
including its seven elementary schools.Rachels Challenge is a program that
encourages students to be compassion-ate and kind to others. The programs inspiration is Rachel Scott, who at the age of 17 became the fi rst victim of the
by Samie HartleyStaff Writer
see Challenge page 11A
Rachels Challenge returns
Pioneer Elementary Principal Rusty Ehrlich discusses Rachels Challenge during the programs kick-off event on Tuesday.
Photo by Samie Hartley
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AUGUST 26, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 9A
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The City of Oakley website offers a new feature that conveys residents com-ments to the City Council.
The City Council Meeting Comment Form is now available on the citys home page (www.ci.oakley.ca.us) under City Council Meetings. It allows users to sub-mit comments online for council agenda items, beginning the Friday before each council meeting until 5 p.m. the day of the meeting.
Were pleased to add yet one more way for residents to communicate with the City Council, Mayor Jim Frazier
said. We want and need your input.Oakley City Council meetings are
held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, except in August, November and December, when the council meets only on the second Tuesday of the month.
Residents may convey comments or questions to city staff or council members by calling 925-625-7000 or post them at the citys online service, Oakley on De-mand, a 24/7 service and information site accessible through www.oakleyinfo.com. To e-mail concerns to any member of the council, use [email protected].
Oakley now offering online comment form
Locals planning to head overseas can get started by first heading over to Oakley City Hall.
As a U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility, the City of Oakley offers conve-nient, one-stop service for passport needs, in-cluding pho-tos. Passport appl icat ion p r o c e s s i n g hours are between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Mon-day through Friday, at Oakley City Hall, 3231 Main St. Appointments are required. For more information or to make an appointment, call 925-625-7000.
A passport book is required for air travel, but the State Department now offers a passport card a wallet-size card that can be used only for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card is a less ex-pensive, smaller and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea.
Customers submitting routine ap-plications should receive their passports within six weeks if all documentation is complete. Expedited service, which re-quires an additional fee, assures receipt of a passport within two weeks. If you are traveling within 14 days and require a passport, you may need to go to the San Francisco Passport Agency. For more information, call 877-487-2778 or visit www.travel.state.gov/passport.
Passportservicesin Oakley
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10A | THEPRESS.NET AUGUST 26, 2011
Spare Time Clubs is a high-quality club management company that owns and operates upscale multi-purpose family racquet and fi tness clubs in the Sacramento region. We presently have 10 facilities and are growing. Our facilities off er tennis, swim, fi tness, group exercise, spa services, and many other recreational activities for our members.
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Trevors Weekly Mortgage MattersBy Trevor Frey
Th e Number 78
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The number 78 can be great news for a golfer, depending on where they are playing and the conditions theyre playing in. That said, it is only right to examine what Sports Illustrated has dubbed the worlds most dangerous golf course. Located in South Korea, and built back in 1972, the golf course at U.S. Army Camp Bonifas was the only form of entertainment and emotional outlet for some 700 troops once stationed at the otherwise slow paced post that is now manned by 50 or so troops. The links are as challenging as it comes; natural hazards such as water and sand have been replaced with military bunkers on the left and 18-foot high barbed-wire security fences on your right. Fairways are only 40 yards wide, and, to earn the title of the most dangerous golf course, a 192 yard Par 3 comes with the warning, Danger. Do not retrieve balls from the rough. Live mine fields.
The number 78, as in a 78 percent loan-to-value, can also be great news for homeowners that used Federal Housing
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Once both of the above qualifications have been met, contrary to what you might hear, you do not need to refinance in order to remove your mortgage insurance. In a case like this, the homeowner would simply contact their current lender, request an appraisal be completed in order to verify the loan-to-value is 78 percent or less, then have the lender send the needed documentation directly to the FHA.
If you have any real estate lending related questions or concerns, dont hesitate to write me at [email protected] or call me directly on my cell phone, (925) 726-1444.
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AUGUST 26, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 11A
Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Prior to her death, Rachel wrote an essay in which she described her theory that if one person performs a random act of kindness, the act will start a chain reaction of good will. While the middle school students learn about Rachel and the Columbine tragedy, the elementary school students learn about Rachels be-liefs and not about her fate. The presen-tation emphasizes kindness, acceptance and forgiveness.
Rachels Challenge is a very inspir-ing program, but the connection to Col-umbine is too much for our students at the elementary level, so our students were given an age-appropriate presenta-tion that focused on the idea of paying it forward, said Marsh Creek Elementary School Principal Teresa DAlfonsi. The program presents a powerful message, but even our youngest students were able to understand the importance of kindness. Following our presentation, our kinder-garteners were coming up to staff during lunch to tell them about a good deed they did or a kind thing someone else was do-ing. The message is defi nitely sinking in.
According to Garin Elementary Prin-cipal Stacy Joslin, Rachels Challenge has been the talk of the playground. Garin students will be forming a Kindness and Compassion Club in which theyll brain-storm ways to demonstrate kindness on campus and in the community. The students have really embraced Rachels Challenge, Joslin said. Rachels story has touched the hearts and minds of our students.
Loma Vista Elementary Principal Lauri James also noticed a change in her students following the presentation. Loma Vista students already review life skills as part of the regular curriculum, but Rachels Challenge has inspired them to go out of their way to be kind to their peers. James credits Rachels Challenge representative Neil McIntyre for present-ing the material in a fun and engaging way, using hip-hop and beat boxing to encourage student participation.
Neil is quite the entertainer, and he had the students engaged in the presen-tation, James said. The kids are really responding to the message of Rachels Challenge. They are gung-ho about it, so Im excited about looking for more ways to keep the programs message going throughout the school year.
As many students heard about the program from their older siblings last year, James said shes glad that all stu-dents in the district are a part of Rachels Challenge this year. The program was extended to the entire district after the Brentwood Education Foundation se-cured the funds to bring the program to all 10 schools. The district hopes to host Rachels Challenge again in the future to reinforce the positive message of kind-ness and compassion.
Edna Hill Middle School has hosted Rachels Challenge twice, and according to Principal Kirsten Jobb, the inspira-tion hasnt worn off. The school launched the Friends of Rachel Club at the begin-ning of the school year and prior to the
Challenge from page 8Apresentation last week, 40 students had signed up to participate. Jobb said she ex-pects that number to grow.
As part of Rachels Challenge, stu-dents are encouraged to be kind and respectful to those around them. As evi-dence of their positive actions, students write down their good deeds on a piece of paper, which is folded and linked to the good deeds of other students, creat-ing a paper chain. Jobb and James plan to hang the links in their multipurpose rooms as a reminder to students to keep up the good work.
For more information about Rachels Challenge, visit www.rachelschallenge.org.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
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12A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION AUGUST 26, 2011
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New era at La Paloma
Theres no question about it: the new La Paloma High School campus is a huge improvement over the collection of modular buildings the students once called home.
As guests toured the campus on Ghig-geri Drive during last weeks dedication cer-emony, the consensus response was joy and pride. Can you believe this? This campus is gorgeous, said one guest as she walked the quad. This is phenomenal, said another guest. Im so happy for the students. No matter whom you talked to, the reaction was the same: the six-year journey that led to the opening of the campus was worth the wait.
It took a long time, but it was worth it, said Brentwood Vice Mayor Steve Barr, a former Liberty Union High School Dis-trict trustee. The students and the staff
have been so patient, and we (the school board and district staff) worked really hard to create a campus that would improve the education experience and foster success, and I think thats what the students are fi nding here.
The new La Paloma campus, 4,000 square feet larger than the old Lone Tree campus, includes a gym, kitchen facility, basketball court, recreation fi eld and track; art, science and media labs; and classrooms equipped with the latest technology. The desk design allows them to be formed into a circle to create a collaborative learning environ-ment. And classrooms utilize LCD screens and smart boards to enhance learning.
While the upgrade has infl uenced the educational atmosphere around campus, District Director of Project Development Wayne Reeves told the crowd of more than
Liberty Union High School District Superintendent Eric Volta welcomes guests to the La Paloma High School dedication ceremony last week.
Photo by Samie Hartley
by Samie HartleyStaff Writer
see La Paloma page13A
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AUGUST 26, 2011 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 13A
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150 students and local dignitaries that the campus has also boosted La Paloma morale. I had a student come up to me on the fi rst day and tap me on the shoulder. He said, Now I know the school board believes in us. Well, it wasnt done by me or the board. It was done by a lot of sweat from the stu-dents and faculty working as a team to get this school built.
Student Roy Neilson addressed the crowd and expressed the thanks of the en-tire student body. For many students, the new campus has made the continuation high school feel like a real school, moti-vating students more than ever to strive for success.
Principal Regina Greene is counting on
that. Now that the school district and com-munity have done their part, its up to stu-dents to make the most of their new home. The tools are here for each and everyone one of you to take hold and continue to build a good bridge toward your success, Greene said. Students, this is your time to take ownership of your education. This is your campus. Let learning be your vehicle to success.
Superintendent Eric Volta encouraged students to ride the exciting momentum of the fi rst few weeks of the school year and create a new legacy for La Paloma while building on the schools traditions. Based on the students applause, they intend to do that and more.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
La Paloma from page 12A
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14A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY AUGUST 26, 2011
The OUESD lawsuit is only one chapter in the MVCCs tragic story. In May, Jerry Hanoum, founder and former pastor of MVCC, committed suicide amid mounting allegations of fi nancial mis-dealings, including a number of lawsuits, liens and bankruptcies. At the time of his death, Hanoum was being investigated for fraud in both Brentwood and Rio Vista.
MVCC has since disbanded, as has Trin-ity Christian School, and under the law, Hanoums estate is now responsible for the pastors fi nancial obligations.
We have fi led the action and were now in the process of serving them, said district legal counsel Michael McKeeman. We fully expect them to honor their per-sonal guarantees on behalf of MVCC.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Church from page 3A
needs to be done before people start to associate Oakley with violence.
Police Chief Bani Kollo was sur-prised to see so many people attend the council meeting. As chief, he receives numerous calls from the public, but un-til the recent council meeting, he hadnt received any calls about the recent violence in Oakley. While he wouldnt specify measures being employed by the police department to manage the recent violence, he did say that the situation is under control. Well get through it, Kollo said. It may not be over, but well get through it.
Oakley resident Omar Martinez, 22, was shot and killed on July 23. David Vargas, 21, also of Oakley, was arrest-ed on July 24 on charges of homicide, assault with a fi rearm and shooting at vehicles. The incident occurred just a month after Dameon Zesati, 19, alleg-edly shot and killed James Di Dio, 21, near the same area on OHara Avenue. Zesati is facing charges of murder and
participating in a street gang. People who live near the sites of
the two shootings have been rattled, but theyre not the only ones concerned. Residents in other parts of the city are also expressing concern, and Mayor Jim Frazier hopes the Tuesday workshop will answer questions and calm fears.
Our police department is on top of the situation, Frazier said. I can hon-estly say Ive never felt safer in this city.
City Manager Bryan Montgomery believes an informed community makes potential criminals think twice. I like to think of the analogy of the roaches in the kitchen, Montgomery said at the Aug. 9 meeting. When you turn on the light, the roaches scatter. So every single effort by every single police offi cer since that day (July 23) has been to shine the light on people who are doing things they shouldnt be doing in our commu-nity. And we believe they are scurrying and we see it.
For more information about the workshop, call 925-625-7000.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Killings from page 3A
Brooke Sperrer, a senior at Liberty High School, takes her dog River for a walk every morning in Discovery Bay before school. Were sure River enjoys the outings, but its the mid-stroll tummy scratch that appears to really hit the spot.
Rolling River
Photo by Stacey Chance
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AUGUST 26, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 15A
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On a recent trip out on the Delta, avid outdoorsman Bob Hansen and his son, Alex, came across a brown pelican in trouble. The bird was entangled in hooks and shing line, and couldnt walk, y or open his beak, Bob writes. Alex and I got off the boat, wrangled him up, freed the hooks and lines, and set him free. The grateful bird seemed to know the Hansens were there to help, Bob said, and proceed-ed to follow their boat for about 30 minutes until they gave up some of their catch to their hungry new friend.
Submitted by Barb Hansen
Pelican patrol
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16A | THEPRESS.NET AUGUST 26, 2011
OFFICIAL BALLOT: PICK THE BEST OF BRENTWOOD
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In defense of school dress codes
At church service this past weekend I saw a young lady who appeared to be auditioning for a scantily clad sojourn to the French Riviera. Seems modesty and restraint have fl own the coop in our wildly permissive society. Americas blessing is assuredly
personal freedom, but sadly it comes imbalanced and with the price tag
of run-amok social irresponsibility.Yes, there is growing credence to the
fear that America has more than a debt crisis but a discipline crisis. Our youth are falling behind the emerging Asian countries as we decline in math and science competitiveness, attention span, respect for elders, diet, exercise, dress and manners.
Of course, the building blocks start at home. In the end, though, the schools are asked to pick up the pieces. That said, the Antioch Unifi ed School District is fi ghting the good fi ght. We have to start somewhere, and dress is, we feel, a fundamental. We want our students to see school as their job at this point in their life. Our defi ned mission, in fact, is to prepare students for college, career and life, and last time I looked there seemed to be a work uniform at most establishments.
Beyond encouraging a Dress 4 Success
model, we also see disciplined dress as helping safety through easier campus identifi cation; aiding the fi ght against gangs; building a sense of esprit de corps; buffeting the keeping up with the Joneses attitude; and minimizing campus distractions of provocative dress.
Where, then, is Antioch now? We are, admittedly, still a work of art in progress but we stand tall as a regional leader. We are certainly giving it the proverbial college try.
All our elementary and middle schools have adopted uniforms. At the high school level, our fi ve career-based pathway schools have instituted them as well. Each academy elects their option(s) with student, parent and teacher input. For example, the Dozier-Libbey Medical School students choose scrubs.
Our two comprehensive high schools are in varying stages of implementation toward the ultimate goal of consistency. At Antioch High, the Engineering Academy has uniforms. AHS is targeting wall-to-wall academies with all students eventually wearing a uniform. The caveat is that the parents can legally opt out, which is allowed by California Ed Code.
At Antioch High, those not in an academy are asked to wear spirit wear, which are school colors or club or team wear. Last year only 60 students opted out of uniform or spirit wear a tribute, in my book, to Antioch High School cohesiveness and site and parental leadership.
At Deer Valley High, the Law and
Criminal Justice Academy and Delta Performing Arts have their own outfi ts. The remaining general ed students are encouraged to wear spirit wear. For better or worse, more students opted out than joined in last year, causing a Deer Valley enforcement nightmare. Life, like a football game, is all about making sensible adjustments and retweaking strategy so the site administration will try different motivations as we move along toward academy buildouts.
The crucial thing is that all schools, districtwide, will do double time this year to make sure every student adheres to our dress code, whether they are in uniform, spirit wear or opted out. We cant stop what kids do after school but on campus we do not accept sagging pants and grossly exposed fl esh.
Parents, most of our kids are well behaved but some bad apples can cause major disruption. We all want the same thing for our kids: that teachers can concentrate their energies on teaching and not on the likes of defi ance, foul language, truancy, tardiness, bare midriffs and exposed underwear.
Now I know that there are those in the community that I could never convince on the boards 5-0 voted dress policy. I respect their divergent opinions, as that is what makes this a great country. In fact, I fi nd particular merit in one opposing argument that youth learn by making good choices. That said, I fi nd preponderant enough
practical reasons in this oft helter-skelter society to still elect a dress code.
A few parting observations Our uniform policy stresses more the theme of general consistency than a draconian one-shoe-fi ts-all mode. We are not talking military khakis or even private school blazers and ties. In fact, there are dress choices within the policy that allow for shirts, sweatshirts and jackets (for example, Miliken High in L.A. has some 68 spirit wear options). Antioch schools, as well, have free dress days to mix it up a bit for the kids.
It is also well understood by those who have had the privilege of world travel that this debate is really patently American. Uniforms are, in fact, the norm worldwide. I have seen them in places as disparate as Mexico, the Carribean, Europe, Turkey, Lebanon, India, the Philippines and Japan.
As to the argument that we are stifl ing creativity, I would really hope that we are teaching our youth that creativity inherently comes from personality and ideas, not from a choice of slacks. I, for one, dont see myself as a repressive type. In fact, I am fi ercely independent and respect free thinkers. I dont feel that a tie makes me a stiff, non-earthy person or that my wearing a pink shirt, which I did the other day, takes away my masculinity.
My wife is a product of Catholic school uniforms and hasnt lost her creativity or spunk. Frankly, she doesnt seem the worse for wear.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
by Walter RuehligAntioch Unified School District
Board Trustee
GUEST COMMENT
Updating the fire tax formulaEditor:
My compliments to Mr. Towns for his well reasoned comments (Old formula insuffi cient for new reality, Brentwood Press, Aug. 19, 2011) suggesting the East County fi re tax formula is out of date and needs
revision. The East County growth since 1970 has been truly phenomenal, and has been subjected to constantly escalated fi re and building codes (my house even has fi re sprinklers built into it a code requirement, I understand).
These constantly escalated codes have greatly increased builders costs and have resulted in greatly increased tax revenue realized from each building permit and from each new structure. At the same time, the escalated codes have resulted in greatly reduced fi re hazards and frequency. This has no doubt resulted in a shift from fi refi ghting calls to EMT calls, yet fi re trucks still roll to EMT calls.
Mr. Towns suggested that compensation inequities exist between the local district and many Bay Area cities. A growing public scandal has resulted from government offi cials at all levels granting compensation, pension, and benefi t increases to public employee unions without obtaining voter approval for such increases, which amount to illegal tax increases. I hope correction of the inequities Mr. Towns suggests is not
the real reason for the proposed fi re tax increase.
Tom CossBrentwood
Slow down, enjoy lifeEditor:
On the way to work in Livermore this morning I witnessed yet another tragic accident on Vasco Road. A young man passed me on his motorcycle going way too fast and plowed into the back of a fully loaded cement truck that was only doing around 15 mph. His bike literally shattered into pieces right before my eyes and his broken body tumbled to the side of the road.
Over the next hour, as several mo-torists provided assistance and the emer-gency crews arrived and worked on the downed motorcyclist, several thoughts occurred to me that I have decided to share with others.
First, I want to express my thanks to the San Jose fi reman who pulled over on his way to work to help save the young man. So, lets not be too quick to bash our public employees, especially police
and fi remen who help save lives even when not on the job!
Second, ask yourself if you are ready to kill or to be killed. If so, go join the armed forces, get a gun and deploy over-seas; dont use your vehicle as your weapon of choice! Why are we in such a hurry? Why are we so angry? Life is short, fragile. Slow down and enjoy it a little!
Last, I struggle to understand why it took 25 minutes for the fi rst respond-ers to arrive at the scene. It appears that all of the emergency vehicles came from the Contra Costa County side (commute direction) and had to fi ght miles of bum-per-to-bumper traffi c as the lanes were blocked by the accident. It would have made much more sense to dispatch the CHP and fi remen from Alameda County (non-commute direction), especially since the accident was less than two miles from the county line. The protocol for dis-patching emergency responders on Vasco Road needs to be reviewed, as it must consider the commute traffi c as well as location of the accident.
Homer WilliamsonBrentwood
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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AUGUST 26, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 19A
Oakley mayor takes personal approach
Oakley Mayor Jim Frazier wants to be accessible to the residents he represents. His cell phone number and personal e-mail ad-dress are posted on the Oakley website, and his activities and thoughts can be viewed on Facebook. But Frazier has decided to take his outreach a step further by initiating the Walk and Talk with the Mayor program.
On the fi rst and third Saturdays of the month, Frazier meets with residents at the Marsh Creek Trail entrance on East Cypress Road, next to the Kragens parking lot. At 7:30 a.m., the mayor and his guests take off for a casual three-mile walk along the creek and discuss issues facing the community.
Frazier got the idea from State Su-perintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, who hosted walks when he was a state senator. Frazier appreciates the per-sonal approach, so when he began walking the trail on a daily basis as part of a new exercise regimen, he decided to invite fellow Oakleyites to join him.
We dont get a huge turnout at the City Council meetings, so I wanted to offer another venue for residents to voice their concerns, Frazier said during Saturdays walk. And this is a great way to meet other people in your community. Come out for a walk. Its good exercise and well chat about things happening in Oakley.
Susan Morgan has taken a recent in-terest in local politics and joined the mayor for both of the August walks. An Oakley resident of two years, Morgan showed up to get a better understanding of whats going on in Oakley, and plans to attend the event regularly.
This is a really nice thing the mayor is doing, Morgan said. How many mayors are willing to come out and walk and talk with community? Its just another thing that makes Oakley really special. Mayor Frazier is out here in a shirt and shorts walking his dog like any other member of the commu-nity. Its reassuring to know that our local representatives are so accessible and truly want to hear whats on our minds.
During Saturdays walk, Frazier was joined by his wife, Janet, their dog Rocky, Vice Mayor Kevin Romick and his dog, and a group of eight residents. He said about 10 to 12 people typically show up for each walk, which isnt bad since he launched the program in July.
Frazier believes the small-group format lends itself to more personal and detailed
conversation about whats going on in Oak-ley matters such as the Neighborhood Watch workshop (scheduled for Aug. 30), an update on the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Frazier is a board mem-ber), economic development plans associat-ed with the downtown revitalization project, and the Oakley Police Departments plans to acquire a second K-9 unit.
Oakley resident Reginald Guillory went on his fi rst walk with the mayor on Saturday and said he appreciated the opportunity to connect with other members of the commu-nity while getting the chance to talk with the mayor and vice mayor. Ana Marie Bustos, also a fi rst-timer, said she enjoyed the walk and will likely attend more in the future.
Frazier plans to continue the program through the rest of his term, which con-cludes in December. Hes currently looking for an alternative meeting place to host the
event should one of the walks get rained out.
I want the community to know that I care, Frazier said. I want to address their concerns. After each walk, I make a list of
the things that were discussed and I take them to the city manager. I want the com-munity to know that we appreciate their input.
To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Oakley Mayor Jim Frazier, right, talks with residents during his Walk and Talk with the Mayor program on Saturday.
Photo by Samie Hartley
by Samie HartleyStaff Writer
LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESNOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE
AND OF INTENTION TO TRANSFER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE(S)
(UCC Sec. 6101 et seq. and B & P Sec. 24073 et seq.) Escrow No. 011460-KL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a bulk sale of assets and a transfer of alco-holic beverage license is about to be made. The name(s) Social Security or Federal Tax Numbers and business address of the seller(s)/licensee(s) are: DEL VALLE PRODUCE II, INC, 1725 CAVALLO RD, ANTIOCH, CA 94509 Do-ing business as: DEL VALLE PRODUCE II The name(s) Social Security or Federal Tax Numbers and address of the buyer(s)/applicant(s) is/are: SAIF SALEH MUFLIHI, 7030 BRENTWOOD BLVD, BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 All oth-er business names(s) and address(es) used by the seller(s)/- licensee(s) with-in the past three years, as stated by the seller(s)/licensee(s), is/are: NONE The assets being sold are generally described as: FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT
AND GOODWILL and is/- are located at: 1725 CAVALLO RD, ANTIOCH, CA 94509 The kind of license to be transferred is: Type: 20 - OFF-SALE BEER AND WINE, now issued for the premises located at: 1725 CAVALLO RD, ANTIOCH, CA 94509 The anticipated sale/transfer date is SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 at the of ce of: GREEN ESCROW SERVICES, INC 5776 STONERIDGE MALL RD, #376, PLEAS-ANTON, CA 94588. The amount of the purchase price or consideration in connection with the transfer of the li-cense and business, including estimat-ed inventory, is the sum of $80,000.00 which consists of the following: It has been agreed between the seller(s)/- licensee(s) and the intended buyer(s)/- transferee(s), as required by Sec. 24073 of the Business and Professions code, that the consideration for transfer of the business and license is to be paid only after the transfer has been ap-proved by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Dated: JULY 29, 2011
SAIF SALEH MUFLIHI LA1041528 AN-TIOCH PRESS 8/26/11 Antioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish dates: August 26, 2011
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMESTATEMENT File No. F-0005122-00 The name of the business (es): Superior Home Realty Located at: 2465 Discov-ery Bay Blvd In: Discovery Bay, CA, 94505, Mailing: 5639 Star sh Place, Discovery Bay, CA 94505 Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Donna L Mattingly 5639 Star sh Place, Discovery Bay, CA, 94505. This busi-ness is conducted by: an individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the ctitious business name or names listed above on N/A. Signature of registrant: Donna L Mat-tingly This statement was led with Stephen L Weir, County Clerk Of Contra Costa County on: 7/26/11 By L. Barajas, Deputy Expires 07/26/16 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish dates: Au-gust 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNotice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Brentwood will, at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the normal course of business permits on September 6, 2011, hold a public hear-ing to consider the following:An amendment to Chapter 17.850 of the Brentwood Municipal Code (Temporary Use Permit), to establish criteria for a minor temporary use permit process which would allow a simpli ed appli-cation for temporary speci ed activities within developed commercial shopping centers citywide.Applicant: City of Brentwood Said hearing will be held at the City Council Chambers, 101B Sand Creek Road, Brentwood, California.Further information may be obtained from Associate Planner Debbie Hill [(925) 516-5135 or [email protected]] in the Community Development Depart-ment of the City of Brentwood, 118 Oak Street, Brentwood, California 94513.
Before any court challenge of Planning Commission decisions, you are required to appeal the decision to the City Coun-cil no later than the time period provided under the Citys Municipal Code. In ad-dition you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Brentwood Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish dates: August 26, 2011
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNotice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Brentwood will, at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the normal course of business per-mits on September 6, 2011, hold a public hearing to consider the following:An application for a one year time ex-tension for a temporary use permit (TUP 09-08-A2) to allow the soccer elds located at The Streets of Brentwood
development at 2575 Sand Creek Road (APN 019-110-067).Applicant: East Diablo Youth Soccer League Said hearing will be held at the City Council Chambers, 101B Sand Creek Road, Brentwood, California.Further information may be obtained from Associate Planner Debbie Hill [(925) 516-5135 or [email protected]] in the Community Development Department of the City of Brentwood, 118 Oak Street, Brentwood, California 94513.Before any court challenge of Planning Commission decisions, you are required to appeal the decision to the City Coun-cil no later than the time period provided under the Citys Municipal Code. In ad-dition you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Brentwood Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public
hearing. Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish dates: August 26, 2011
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMESTATEMENT File No. F-0005205-00 The name of the business (es): Blue Print Wealth Partners, LLC Located at: 2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 422 In: San Ramon, Ca, 94583, Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Blue Print Wealth Partners, LLC 2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 422, San Ramon, CA 94583 California. This business is conducted by: a Limited LIability Co.l The registrant commenced to transact business under the ctitious busi-ness name or names listed above on 7/29/2011. Signature of registrant: Joe R. Duca CEO This statement was led with Stephen L Weir, County Clerk Of Contra Costa County on: 7/29/11 By Sue What-ford, Deputy Expires 7/29/16 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish dates: August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2011
As part of the Highway 4 widen-ing project in Antioch, all lanes on eastbound Highway 4 at Loveridge Road will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. and Thursday, Sept. 1 from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.
The closures are intended to safe-guard construction crews and motor-ists while crews work on the bridge
columns at Loveridge Road.Eastbound motorists will detour
at the Loveridge Road off-ramp and immediately back on at the eastbound on-ramp from Loveridge Road.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their commute. For the most current infor-mation on all SR-4 corridor closures, visit www.widensr4.org.
Highway 4 to close
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20A | THEPRESS.NET MILESTONES AUGUST 26, 2011
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Katie Scharmann and Brian RamseyKatie Scharmann and Brian Ramsey have
proudly announced their engagement.The bride-to-be is the daughter of Chuck
and Anita Scharmann of Discovery Bay and of Don and Linda Bartolo of Palm Springs. She is a paralegal student at Humphreys College in Stockton and employed as a legal secretary at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in San Francisco.
The groom-to-be is the son of Michael and Carol Ramsey of Visalia. He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis and the CEO/co-founder of LightWave Mobile, which specializes in mobile marketing.
The couple is planning a Sept. 10 wedding in Sunol.
Edward Clinton PedigoJuly 27, 1943-Aug. 12, 2011
It is with heavy hearts and deep sor-row that we announce the passing of Ed-ward C. Pedigo, 68, on Aug. 12, 2011 at his home in Brentwood; surrounded by family.
Ed was born on July 27, 1943 in Oakland to Rus-sell and Grace Pedigo. He graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1960, and later that year enlisted in the Unit-ed States Air Force, where he served his country for four years. He married Diane Regnier in 1969 in San Leandro and they began their life together, remaining in the community for the next 27 years until moving to Brentwood in 1997.
Ed is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diane; daughter and son-in-law Dana (Pedigo) and Chris Van Hatten; daughter Denise Pedigo; and adored grandchildren Jordyn, Gracie, Jeremy and Hailey.
He was preceded in death by his brother David, and parents Russell and Grace; however, in his passing he leaves behind beloved brothers and sisters Caro-lyn Couser of Oroville, Retha Pedigo of San Leandro, Kenneth Pedigo of Oro-ville, Nyla De Long of Pinole and Rusty Pedigo of Arizona, as well as numerous
nieces and nephews.A private Celebration of Life is
planned at his daughters home in Brent-wood on Saturday, Aug. 27.
William Paul Feigel Jan. 21, 1949-Aug. 14, 2011
Discovery Bay resident William Paul Feigel, 62, passed away quietly at the Kaiser Per-manente Hos-pital in South S a c ra m e n t o on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Bill was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the youngest son of Elise and Erich Werner Feigel.
He was a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1967-71, and worked for IBM before returning to college at Stanford University. He re-ceived a bachelor of science degree, went on to medical school and practiced po-diatry in the Bay Area.
Bill is survived by his loving partner, Sharon Berry; brother, Erich Feigel; sis-ter-in-law, Linda; nephew, Kurt Feigel; niece, Elise Feigel and their families; and cousins, Inge Wagner and Norman Held.
A memorial gathering to honor his life was held Tuesday, Aug. 16 at his home in Discovery Bay.
Winery wedding
Rachel McConvey and Rob-ert Cloutier were married on June 4 at The Crooked Vine/Stoney Ridge Winery in Liver-more. The couple, Liberty High School and Livermore High School graduates, met about six years ago through friends and were engaged on New Years 2011 as the ball dropped!
Since Rachel is from the wine country in Livermore and Robert has family here in Oakley who have a passion for the grapes and make their own wine, the couple thought
being married in a winery was per-fect. Joined by all their family and friends, the bridal party consisting of six bridesmaids and six grooms-men, and the night was lled with love, happiness, and fun.
Robert and Rachel spent their nearly two-week honeymoon in Maui. The Cloutiers reside in Oakley.
ENGAGEMENT
OBITUARIES
BIRTHSJuly 6McDonnell, Joel and NatashaOakley BoyJuly 7Caldwell, SamanthaBrentwood BoyJuly 8Davis, Jan Walter and SandraAntioch BoyRodriguez, Miguel and PiaAntioch GirlJuly 10Roberson IV, James and Hilton, Daiquri
Oakley BoyCelestine, ShakaunaBrentwood GirlJuly 11Armstrong, Kyle and BrittanyOakley BoyYoung, Jonathon and Rolley, AshleyAntioch GirlJuly 13LaRosa, Donald and Megoloff, JennyDiscovery Bay BoyJuly 14Gomez, Oscar and Adriana
Oakley GirlJuly 15Mello, Mark and JenniferOakley GirlJuly 20Gonzalez, Luis and MirandaAntioch BoyPedroso, CarolinaAntioch BoyJuly 23Ehresman, Brandon and Milne, JenniferAntioch BoyJuly 25Hale, Phillip and Anderson, Jesika
Antioch GirlJuly 27Murph III, LaRoy and MaBon, DominiqueBrentwood BoySaucedo, Gilbert and Atwater, EricaAntioch BoyFields, Duane and Livingston, ShannonAntioch GirlJuly 28Sanders Jr., Gregory and SherryOakley GirlJuly 31
Jones, Stevie and Roberson, AieshaAntioch GirlAug. 1Wyman, Miles and PaolaAntioch GirlCruz, Marc and DenisaAntioch Boy
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AUGUST 26, 2011 THEPRESS.NET | 21A
s Motorcycle Poker Runs U.S. Special Forces Fitness Challenges Local Vendor Boothss BBQ 11 AM 1 PMs Music by DJ Shaft
s Bounce House for the Kidss Fitness Demoss Complimentary Chair Massagess Half off All Spa Services
Fun For The Whole Family!OPEN HOUSE | Saturday August 27 10 AM 3PM | Open to the Public
BEST MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL OF THE YEAR!
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Visit Your Hometown Website www.thepress.net THEPRESS.NET | 23A AUGUST 26, 2011
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sports on twitter.
Falcons, Lions raise own expectations
Former Patriot answers last-minute call from OSU
LibertyThe Lions girls water polo team was one of three Bay Val-
ley Athletic League squads that qualifi ed for the North Coast Section playoffs in 2010. They split their two matches against Freedom and ran the table for the rest of the league season as did Freedom. The Lions won the tiebreaker, earning them the higher playoff seed, by virtue of beating Freedom in the teams second confrontation.
Libertys season screeched to an abrupt halt in the fi rst round of the playoffs in a 20-6 loss to Mission San Jose. Gone from that team is leading scorer and two-time league MVP Lindsay Hull and defensive specialist Jessica Rodriguez. Re-placing them are captains Paige Lange, Rebecca Day and Ashton Lunger all in their fourth year on head coach Chris Roses varsity team.
They know the system and know expectations for the team, Rose said. Theyre doing an excellent job providing leadership. Im excited about the team and impressed with their work ethic and dedication. Theyre shooting for the com-mon goal of winning the league title.
While Lange, Day, and Lunger are the most experienced players, theyre not the only ones who know Roses system. Nine of the teams 14 players are seniors. One of them, goalie Megan Abreu, will share time with junior goalie Morgan Richey.
Our goal is to contend for league title again, said Rose. We have as good a shot as any. We have experienced senior girls coming back on the team, as well as a good group of ju-niors and sophomores.Freedom
Freedoms co-BVAL championship team was loaded with seniors, the most notable being senior Taylor Henry, the Falcons leading scorer and co-league MVP with Hull. The 2010 team lost its playoff game 9-7 to Clayton Valley.
This year, the Falcons only senior will be Emily Pels. Head coach Lindsay Bell expects strong play from juniors Anna Carter, Adrianna Subias and Maddie Ridl, plus sopho-more Jamie Roeder. Another key departure is goalie Amanda Jennings. Replacing her is sophomore J.J. Matous.
We should do OK, Bell said. Its defi nitely not going to be the huge success that we had last year, but it wont be
disappointing. Were looking to get these girls more experience at the varsity level.
Bell believes the competitiveness throughout the league will be as good as shes seen in her four years as Freedoms coach. Many of her players participated in the inaugural sea-son of the Oakwood water polo program open to players throughout East County and other winter and summer club teams.
The likely impact of Henrys departure will be a lower-scoring Falcon team. Still, Bell likes her squads overall look, especially on defense. Defensively we should do well, she said. Offensively we may struggle a bit trying to fi nd someone who can step up and fi ll those shoes.Heritage
As only two players from the 2010 roster were lost to graduation, the Patriots team that Foothill eliminated in the fi rst round of the postseason is largely intact. Head coach Carol Bronzan is optimistic about this season.
Senior Caitlyn Freeman and junior Caitlin Cook were the squads two leading scorers, and both return. Also returning is junior Emma Formato, who earned All-League Honorable Mention status in 2010. All three players are also strong de-
fenders. Junior Goalie Caitlin Bronzan also returns from last year. Freeman, Cook, and Bronzan received team MVP hon-ors. Freeman was a fi rst team All-League player, while Bron-zan and Cook were named to the second team.
We have a lot of strong returning players, Carol Bron-zan wrote in an e-mail. We are looking forward to a strong season, probably the strongest the Heritage girls have seen in recent years.
As with many local teams, the Patriots offseason featured increased club play, which should bolster their quest to return to the playoffs. We have many returning varsity players, Bronzan said. Many of the girls played for club teams dur-ing the winter and summer, so are returning to the high school season much improved.Deer Valley
Despite the 2010 Wolverines lack of depth, the team re-corded a respectable season. The 2011 team will be led by All-League senior Dana Stormes and sophomore twins Vicki and Tricia Talens. Seniors Stormes and Cami Chica will captain the girls team. Head coach Kiel Olff is excited about the more
by Michael DixonCorrespondent
Ryan Howell was getting ready for classes at Chabot College when his baseball coach told him to get his high school transcripts together. Oregon State had an opening on its roster and wanted the former Heritage High rightfi elder to fi ll it.
Howell recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the Beavers, ranked No. 25 nationally.
The Bay Valley Athletic League offensive player of the year in his junior season, Howell hit for a .466 average as a senior. He earned fi rst-team all-BVAL honors this past year, driving in nine runs and scoring 25. In his junior year, Howell batted .435 with 27 runs scored.
It just felt like all my hard work has fi nally paid off, Howell said.
Heritage manager Kevin Brannan said that hed miss Howells leadership, along with his arm and bat. Brannan said that Howell was the guy who always delivered in the
clutch for the Patriots. Hes excited to see what the outfi elder can do in a top program like Oregon State, which won the NCAA Championship in 2006 and 2007.
Im fairly surprised I wasnt getting a few more inqui-ries, Brannan said. I fi rmly feel that of all the kids weve
sent to Division I (schools), this kid has the most possibility to excel there but possibly go on and get paid to play this game.
Howell had no idea that the Beavers were interested in him until he heard about the scholarship offer. After the Atlanta Braves drafted centerfi elder Brian Stamps, Oregon State had a spot open on its roster. After Stamps signed his pro contract, the Beavers contacted Chabot Colleges manag-er, Steve Friend, who texted Howell to tell him of the news.
Last week, with his friends and relatives by his side, Howell offi cially signed on to attend Oregon State. Likely, he will play the corner outfi eld positions for the Beavers, but could also see time at fi rst or third base.
Its always been one of my dreams to play in the Pac-12, so Im pretty excited about that, Howell said. It was a big surprise.
Howell is the second Patriots baseball player to be con-nected to the Pac-12 Conference. Senior pitcher Paul Black-burn, the reigning league MVP, has committed verbally to Arizona State.
by Justin LaffertyStaff Writer
see Expectations page 26A
Freedom senior Emily Pels defends a Liberty water polo player in BVAL action last season. The Falcons and Lions tied for the 2010-11 league title.
Press file photo
Former Heritage High baseball player Ryan Howell, seen with his sister Samantha and father Vince, recent-ly signed his letter of intent to attend Oregon State.
Photo by Justin Lafferty
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24A | THEPRESS.NET SPORTS AUGUST 26, 2011
Lions aim to restore the roar in the pool
LibertyThe Lions boys water polo team went
undefeated in league play a season ago. Its season ended in the fi rst round of the North Coast Section playoffs in a 7-2 defeat at the hands of Monte Vista.
Gone from that team are stalwart play-ers Leo Colbert, Jase Rosseler and Alex So-derberg. Head coach Kurt Roessler was most concerned about replacing Colbert, a stalwart goalie who rarely played a bad game. Replac-ing him is senior Tom Dywer.
I was worried because we didnt have anyone to replace Leo, Roessler said. In the offseason, he (Dwyer) really stepped up, worked hard and is looking very good in goal. Hes the starting goalie and still working hard. Im excited at the way hes been playing.
As for the rest of the team, the cupboard isnt bare. Returning senior J.T. Sarmento, last seasons leagues MVP, is the object of Divi-sion I schools interest. Joining him are seniors Logan Trudell and Jake Flint, as well as Kevin Koenig and Chad Russick, who the coach be-lieves owns the best shot on the team.
Weve got some really good players to fi ll in, Roessler said. Our starters from last year stepped up; were looking really good. If these guys can come together as a team, there wont be a weakness. Last year we played against a lot of teams that were man-for-man better, but we played as a team and beat them.
HeritageThe Patriots second-place, 13-11 record
a season ago was good enough for a berth in the NCS playoffs. Their season ended in the fi rst round against San Ramon Valley.
While Nick Araujo is in his fi rst year as head coach, he isnt new to the program, hav-ing watched most of the matches over the last several seas