YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 4
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WaterFix hearings delayed over claims of secret meetings by Tony Kukulich Correspondent
The California WaterFix project may be in jeopardy, thanks in large part to the Discovery Bay-based Save the California Delta Alliance (STCDA), whose recent efforts have uncovered possible ex parte communications between the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the California State Water Board. The DWR is petitioning the water board for a permit to build the tunnels and other operating mechanisms that comprise the WaterFix project, formerly known as the Delta tunnels project. The issuance of that permit by the State Water Board is a critical step in the implementation of the California WaterFix. A series of public hearings have taken place over the span of
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Jan McCleery, president of the Save the California Delta Alliance (STCDA), discussed allegations of improper contact between the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Board during California WaterFix hearings. two years to discuss how implementation of the project could impact the environment, local
economies, wildlife, recreation and other aspects of the Delta. Part II of these meetings was
scheduled to begin Jan. 18. A petition filed by STCDA attorney Michael Brodsky requested a 90-day delay in the start of the Part II hearings because, the STCDA alleges nine secret meetings were held over 13 months between the DWR and state board. That petition states that the meetings were about “preparing DWR’s evidence in a manner that would allow the petition to be approved by the board.” On Jan. 17, the water board announced that the start of the Part II hearings would be delayed two weeks while it investigates the allegations of the ex parte communications. Those hearings are now scheduled to begin Feb. 2. California State Assemblymember Jim Frazier has been a
January 26, 2018
Financial Wellness
Check out this week’s Money Matters section for financial tips in the new year. Page 1B
A Miracle On The Way
Oakley’s Ally Jenkins has received approval for a rare third lung transplant. Page 5A
Crosstown Relay for Life Delta groups ready for 2018 Match-up Offshoot group set to work with Kaleidoscope by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer The American Cancer Society’s popular fundraiser, Relay for Life, got a makeover this year. The four East County cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg, which previously operated independent events, are joining forces under one umbrella called Relay for Life of the Delta. The 2018 event will be held June 23 and 24 at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. “The combined event will support the efforts of Relay for Life by allowing more
“ We are excited to have a full committee to plan and host the event.
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Tina Hannon, Relay for Life of the Delta event lead money to go back to fighting cancer,” said Tina Hannon, an event lead. “We are excited to have a full committee to plan and host the event. The energy for the merge has been very positive overall as evidenced by the huge turnout for our season opening event.” Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society (ACS) supporting cancer research, early detection and support resources. With the support of Relay For Life,
there has been a 23 percent decline in cancer deaths since 1991 – which means more than 1.7 million lives were saved. According to Eric Beikmann, vice president of regional communications and marketing for the American Cancer Society, several hundred American Cancer Society Relay events are merging nationwide to ensure that the organization is being a good steward of donor dollars. “The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life movement has been part of the fight against cancer for more than 30 years, so we are constantly reviewing ways to keep Relay innovative, vibrant and engaging for volunteers, participants and cancer survivors and caregivers,” said Beikmann, who noted the organization evaluates level of community engagement, customer experi-
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Mobility Matters www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Non-profit group helps seniors, the disabled and lowincome residents stay mobile.
Liberty Lions boys’ basketball team falls to league rival Heritage. Page 16A Calendar.............................23A Classifieds..........................19A Education ............................4A Entertainment..................12A Food.....................................13A Milestones.........................10A Opinion...............................14A Pets......................................11A Sports..................................16A
Family Feud Time www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
The Family Feud is coming to San Francisco area for auditions in March.