YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS SUNDAY
Vol. 19, No. 44
READ THE DAILY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
November 1, 2019
L Multiple fires rage across East County Measure Goes To Polls by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
High winds and red flag conditions roared into East County in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 27, sparking four significant fires in the region and prompting the evacuation of parts of Bethel Island, Oakley, Knightsen and Morgan Territory. A press release issued by the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) Wednesday afternoon placed the blame for two of the fires – the Bethel Island and Oakley incidents – on PG&E. The press release said video evidence and eyewitness statements indicated that malfunctioning transformers were casting sparks into the tinder-dry vegetation below at the location of both of these fires. As of press time, PG&E did not respond to a request for comment regarding the origin of the East County fires. Peak wind gusts were esti-
With the special election looming, voters take a last minute look at Measure L. Page 5
Scarecrows In The Park Photo by Tony Kukulich
High winds and red-flag conditions contributed to the outbreak of four fires in East County, Sunday, Oct. 27. mated at 75 mph, while sustained winds exceeded 30 mph, said ECCFPD) Fire Chief Brian Helmick. Despite the challenging weather and the number of incidents that
occurred over a relatively short time frame, only one minor injury was reported, and minimal property damage occurred. Helmick credited an emergency staff in-
crease and the tactics implemented by fire crews — from multiple agencies that responded to the area — see Fires page 26
The community came out to enter their straw creations. See who won this year’s competition. Page 13
Oakley school board appoints new trustee Game, Set by Deanna Gordon Staff Writer
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Richie Masadas will be sworn in as the newest member of the Oakley Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees during its next meeting Nov. 6.
The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) Board of Trustees appointed Richie Masadas as its new board member Wednesday, Oct. 23. Masadas was chosen during an open interview process during OUESD’s regular board meeting, and will be officially sworn in by Superintendent, Board Secretary Greg Hetrick at the next regular meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 6. Masadas replaces former trustee Mark Jordan, who died Sept. 12. A longtime Oakley resident and product of its school system, Masadas said he looks forward to serving on the school board. Friends and family thought he’d be an ideal candidate for the position. “This opportunity arose, and I said, ‘Okay, I’ll submit an application; see what happens,’” Masadas said. “Here I am, ready to sit on the school board — a whole new ballgame for me.”
SAVE NOW
For six years, Masadas has worked for the Liberty Union High School District as a paraprofessional with the Liberty Adult Education Gateway Program, which serves disabled students aged 18 to 22. Its community-based instruction focuses on vocational training and skills, functional academics, community awareness, independent living skills, and recreation and leisure learning. “I love my job,” he said. “I can’t complain. It’s a different vibe every day, but it’s like the same thing, just teaching life skills and caring for students.” Masadas has a heart for education and hopes to make that evident during his time on the school board. While he cares so much for students, one of his goals is to make sure teachers get the care and support they need, too. “It’s about the students and what they do for the school,” he said. “I think, as a school, you have to look at your front line, and your
10% OFF Any Service
FAIRVIEW HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC. Connect with The Press!
Scan QR code with your mobile device.
Service • Repair • Installation
Contractor’s Lic. #533790 C-20
925-625-4963 • www.fairviewair.com
see Trustee page 26
Shelter Drill
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
18th annual countywide shelter-in-place drill coming to East County.
And Match
Heritage girls’ tennis team has wrapped up another league title. Page 19 Calendar................................27 Classifieds.............................23 Entertainment.....................13 Food........................................12 Milestones............................11 Opinion..................................17 Pets of the Week...................8 Sports.....................................19
Goodguys Show
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Popular Goodguys Car Show is coming to the Alameda Fairgrounds.