YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 4
READ NEWS YOU CAN TRUST AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
Multiple arrests made in boat thefts
King tide at Big Break
by Tony Kukulich
see Thefts page 22A
A Ceremonial Boat Launch Photo by Tony Kukulich
D
ocent Kitty Carton helped explain the king tide at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley on Saturday, Jan. 19. king tides occur when the sun, earth and moon come into alignment resulting in higher than normal tides. To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/ slideshows
Rules for Oakley sidewalk vendors by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
On the heels of recent state legislation, officials will allow sidewalk vending along the streets of Oakley but with stipulations that preserve residential privacy, city rights of way and other everyday conveniences. Senate Bill 946, which took effect earlier this month, decriminalizes sidewalk vending but allows cities to impose health and safety regulations. Planning Manager Josh McMurray said the city might see some sidewalk vendors pop up, but he expects that number to be larger in urban areas. “Street vendors need high volumes of foot traffic on city sidewalks, and Oakley does not pro-
“ Street vendors need high volumes of foot traffic on city sidewalks, and Oakley does not provide that mass. So I don’t expect to see street vendors lining up in front of city hall asking for permits.
” Oakley City Councilman Kevin Romick
vide that mass,” said Oakley City Councilman Kevin Romick. “So I don’t expect to see street vendors lining up in front of city hall asking for permits. It was a large city problem that Sacramento decided needed to be solved for the entire state.” To obtain an annual permit, a vendor must pay a fee, obtain a business license, provide detailed
SAVE NOW
information about their prospective operation, evidence of any required insurance, among other possible requirements. Some key city regulations, scheduled to take effect in early February, mandate that sidewalk vendors obtain permits and business licenses. Vendors are also prohibited from being in front of or within 20
10% OFF Any Service
FAIRVIEW HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC. Connect with The Press!
Scan QR code with your mobile device.
Get Financially Savvy in 2019
The Press’ special edition offers a look at finances, taxes, mortgages and more. Page 1B
Staff Writer
After issuing an advisory warning East County boaters about a spike in boat thefts, Lt. David Cook of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Marine Services Unit told The Press this week that five arrests have been made in the case. “Our investigation is ongoing,” said Cook. “We are working closely with our investigators and other agencies and five total arrests have been made so far. We’re not identifying any of the suspects involved right now because of the fact that the investigation is ongoing and we still have some outstanding arrest warrants. We don’t want to interfere with our investigators being able to do their job.” Since October there have been 11 reported boat thefts in Contra Costa County and another dozen thefts have been reported in neighboring counties. Cook called the increase over the normal number of boat thefts significant and said that no particular mari-
January 25, 2019
Service • Repair • Installation
Contractor’s Lic. #533790 C-20
925-625-4963 • www.fairviewair.com
feet of a building’s entrance or exit, in roadway medians, pedestrian islands, bikeways or within 500 feet of city-permitted activities, including construction-related lane or street closures, special events, swap meets, festivals or farmers markets. Stationary sidewalk vendors are also banned from residential zones but state law requires mobile vendors be allowed. All other county, state and federal laws also apply. City officials say the regulations aim to preserve residents’ health and safety, access to rights of way and the peace and enjoyment of residential zones and recreation areas. “The law does state you can add regulations, but those regulasee Vendors page 22A
DA Classes
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Diana Becton announces the launch of a second Community Academy class this March.
The Deputy Gary Campbell was christened in a recent Marine Services Unit dedication. Page 4A
Beating The Buzzer
Liberty boys’ basketball team defeats Freedom with a lastsecond shot. Page 14A Calendar.............................23A Classifieds..........................17A Cop Logs.............................21A Entertainment.................... 8A Food....................................... 9A Health & Beauty................. 7A Milestones.........................10A Opinion...............................11A Pets......................................12A Sports..................................14A
A No WIIN
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Assemblyman Frazier applauds Sen. Feinstein’s withdrawal of WIIN support.