YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 5
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Delta Blues Festival calls it quits
February 2, 2018
Calling All Guys, Dolls
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
For nearly two decades, Frank Giovanni and his team of volunteers endeavored to bring the best local, regional and national blues performers to Antioch as part of the Delta Blues Festival, but that streak has come to an end. Giovanni decided to end the popular outdoor concert held every September for the last 19 years in Waldie Plaza but will continue with the winter benefit concert held in March at El Campanil Theatre. “We have transitioned both festivals into one festival,” said Giovanni. “The benefit concert started because sponsorship got lean and it was time to raise money ourselves for the event. Last year was our last fall concert, and we are going in a different direction.” Giovanni did not come to the decision see Festival page 30
Brentwood Teen Theater offers rendition of the iconic musical “Guys and Dolls.” Page 10
New Bilingual Content Photo by Tony Kukulich
After 19 years, the popular Delta Blues Festival held in September, is coming to a close, but the winter benefit concert will continue as a source of local music scholarships.
Farmers allege railway spraying damaged crops
Heading To The Top
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
A group of grape and almond farmers in Oakley is suing BNSF Railway, alleging that the company used herbicides along its tracks to eradicate weeds and vegetation that ended up damaging their crops. Mulehead Growers LLC states that the chemical application caused the group to suffer unspecified losses to its trees and crops at various spots around the city, including a 5.67 acres site near 3231 Main St. and on 88.76 acres near Bridgehead Road. BNSF, one of North America’s largest freight railroad network operators, owns or utilizes railroad property and rights of way abutting the farmers’ property. Mulehead Growers LLC first noticed symptoms of damage in March 2016. Stephen Snider, attorney for Mulehead Growers LLC, had not returned requests for comment as of press time. “While the full extent of the resulting see Farmers page 30
Freedom soccer girls score on Pittsburg High School to stay on top of BVAL standings. Page 21
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Mulehead Growers LLC, a group of Oakley grape and almond growers, has filed a lawsuit against BNSF Railway, alleging the company’s use of herbicides to kill weeds and vegetation damaged crops.
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Local Oakley teen shares feature story in both English and Spanish. Page 14
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Trail Challenge www.thepress.net/news/webextras
East Bay Regional Park District celebrates 25 years with a free trail challenge.
Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................26 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................12 Health & Beauty....................8 Milestones............................15 Opinion..................................20 Pets.........................................18 Sports.....................................21
Fire Update
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ECCFPD Chief Brian Helmick outlines district’s recent accomplishments.