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Vol. 16, No. 31
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Highway 4 cameras to deter violence by Corey Hunt Correspondent
A new surveillance program has local police officers stepping out of their traditional roles in a fight to keep commuters safe from dangers on the freeways. These expanded efforts are being made possible by more than a dozen state-of-the-art cameras and license plate readers, which came online earlier this month along a swathe of Highway 4 in Pittsburg. They are all operating under the control of that city’s police department, after state authorities backed the proposal and relinquished some of their jurisdiction. It is hoped that the cameras can locate evidence relating
to fatalities and other gang-related incidents on the freeway in recent months. So far, they appear to be paying dividends. While the results fall outside of the gang showdown and its trail of victims, police officials say they have already netted several arrests, recovered multiple stolen vehicles and obtained critical information, thanks to the license plate reading devices. “It’s proving to be very helpful,” said Capt. Ron Raman, a Pittsburg police spokesman. “When a wanted vehicle is identified on the freeway … it’s sent to our computer screens within seconds.” The reason for installing the cameras was two-pronged. see Cameras page 30
Smooth landing
Correspondent
Public schools in Contra Costa County and the state are one step closer to adding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) curriculum into the classrooms. On July 14, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, announced that the State Board of Education voted to approve the history and social sciences framework for California Public Schools, which will update and upgrade history and socialscience instruction in California. The framework adds information about civic learning; financial literacy; voter education; genocide;
Harvesting A Healthy Life
Photo by Tony Kukulich
J
ordan Stern drifts in for a soft landing following a Sunday afternoon jump at the Byron Airport. The airport is a popular spot for hang gliding enthusiasts who enjoy a bird’s eye view of East County.
“ It will give our students access to the latest
historical research and help them learn about the diversity of our state and the contributions of people and groups who may not have received the appropriate recognition in the past.
”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson and the contributions of LGBT Americans and people with disabilities to the history of California and the U.S. “This is a big win for our students,” said Torlakson. “It will give our students access to the latest
historical research and help them learn about the diversity of our state and the contributions of people and groups who may not have received the appropriate recognition in the past.” The framework provides guid-
ance to teachers, administrators and publishers, as well as necessary curriculum changes, including references to LGBT Americans, which will be woven throughout history and social science curriculum. According to curriculum framework prepared for the State Board of Education meeting on July 13 and 14, when second-grade students study the history of a family and work on family trees, they will study the stories of a diverse collection of families, some of which may include immigrant families, families with lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender parents see LGBT page 30
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A New Hero Among Us
Former Brentwood resident Brandon Gruber honored by “People”magazine. Page 4
Districts to teach LGBT curriculum by Amy Schrader
July 29, 2016
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Last chance to donate school supplies to military families approaches.
Healthy, organic and delicious food options are available right here in East County. Page 12
Off To The Little Leagues
Oakley umpire Roger Buhlis tapped for Little League World Series. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................19 Milestones..............................8 Opinion..................................20 Pets.........................................18 Sports.....................................21
AB 2654
go to news/press releases Sen. Bonilla’s AB 2654 was recently signed into law by the Governor Brown.