YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 3
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Guide dogs changing lives for all involved
Bend It In Brentwood
Manchester United game ball makes its way to Brentwood and one local fan. Page 4
by Aly Brown Staff Writer
When life became stagnant for East County resident Annie Martin four years ago, one decision to help change lives changed her own. Inspired by her mother, Gail Martin, whose work with guide dogs 20 years earlier left them both with fond memories, Annie had an idea. “I was stagnant at work and felt like I wanted to do something for my community,” said Annie. “So I asked my mom, ‘What do you think about raising (guide dogs) again?’” The two attended classes and met with industry insiders like Lois Caldwell, and soon Annie see Dogs page 26
Local Artists Honored Photo by Aly Brown
Guide Dogs for the Blind provides trained dogs to people with low or no vision, and it’s the volunteer puppy raisers who help make the program a success. Seen from left are Romper, Raffie, Cove and Faye with their humans, Patti Baker, Mary Kay and Annie Martin. The yellow Lab, Cove, is a breeder for Guide Dogs for the Blind and mother to the black Labs seen in the photo.
Five-year contract for fire chief by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board recently approved a five-year contract with Fire Chief Brian Helmick. Helmick will earn $15,750 a month ($189,000 a year) for about the next year and a half and will be eligible for 5 percent raises each July, beginning 2019, contingent upon him receiving satisfactory performance reviews. If the raises are granted, Helmick will earn $229,746 a year at the height of the contract, beginning July 2022. He previously received $11,758.07 a month, plus benefits, since being named interim chief in March. He took over the permanent position in October. Former Chief Hugh Henderson was earning $11,637 a month when he retired in early 2017 after 12 years with the district. “I am excited that the district has decided to invest in me as the next fire chief,” Helmick said. “I am the fifth fire chief of
“ I am the fifth fire chief of
East Contra Costa, and I do not take this opportunity or privilege lightly.
”
Fire Chief Brian Helmick East Contra Costa, and I do not take this opportunity or privilege lightly … Obviously, it’s a huge honor and privilege, but it comes with a ton of responsibility.” Joe Young, chair of the district board’s finance subcommittee, said that even with Helmick’s salary increase, his pay is currently only the 10th highest among 15 agencies in and out of the county, according to a recent fire chief salary survey. The salaries ranged from $13,737 to $20,417 a month, Young said. “This does represent a good salary increase,” Young said. “However, we are no-
where near the top of the 15 agencies … Chief Helmick is very deserving of this, based on the excellent performance he has offered us since he took over as chief.” Helmick will guide the organization during a precarious time. The district’s long-term budget is sound, but it allows only three stations serving over 114,000 residents over 249 square miles to be staffed. An independent 2016 deployment performance and headquarters staffing adequacy study recommended the district have nine stations. Despite the staffing shortage, Helmick has moved the district forward since he took the reins of the department in April. He helped uncover $6.2 million in an account that was erroneously left behind when the district transferred its funds and financial operations from the county to the district; he jump-started an effort to complete 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 budget
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January 19, 2018
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see Contract page 26
Seismic Zones
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The California Geological Survey has released the first seismic hazard zone maps.
Brentwood Theater Company artists recognized at Shellie Awards gala. Page 11
Tipping Off BVAL Season
Start of league play results in split wins for Freedom and Heritage basketball teams. Page 17 Calendar................................27 Classifieds.............................21 Cop Logs................................25 Entertainment.....................11 Health & Beauty....................7 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................16 Pets.........................................10 Sports.....................................17
Ending Abuse
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Alliance to End Abuse, is helping with campaign focused on human trafficking.