YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 7
READ THE DAILY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
NorCal K9 charged in cruelty case
February 15, 2019
Guide To Wedded Bliss
Freedom’s reign
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
The owner and a trainer of an East County dog training and boarding business have been charged by the Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney (DA) with eight felony counts of animal cruelty following the death of a dog left in their care. Garry Frank Reynolds, the 37-year-old owner of NorCal K9, and Devon Benjamin Ashby, a 30-year-old trainer employed by Reynolds, were charged in December 2018, after Antioch police removed seven dogs from an Antioch residence associated with Reynolds and Ashby. Scott Alonso, public information officer for the DA, said that Antioch police were prompted to investigate the business after receiving written complaints see K9 page 18A
This week’s special edition highlights all the ways to make the Big Day one to remember. Page 1B
A Lesson On Inclusiveness Photo by Tony Kukulich
S
ophomore defender Hector Alcaraz, heads the ball during the varsity Freedom vs. Heritage soccer game on Feb. 7. Freedom’s last second 2-1 win over Heritage secured the Falcons’ second Bay Valley Athletic League title in three years. To read the full story, see page 11. To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows
Future ordinance may require homeowners to maintain trees by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The City of Oakley is moving closer to cutting down tree maintenance disputes with an amended ordinance. The new regulations, which could be introduced as soon as the Feb. 26 council meeting, will require property owners to maintain their trees to avoid damage or interference to public rights of way and neighboring land. “Basically, property owners will now be responsible for their trees, from the roots all the way to the very top of the trees,” said City Attorney Derek Cole. “That includes the trunk, the branches, the canopy, the roots, and any manner in which a tree can interfere with public rights of way or neighboring properties.” The new rules are expected to man-
date tree and root maintenance to prevent hazardous conditions or damage to structures, sidewalks or utility lines; require fallen leaves deemed a nuisance to be picked up; establish public liability for injuries caused by failure to comply with maintenance standards; allow property owners to trim city trees or vegetation that creeps onto their property; along with other related requirements.
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City Manager Bryan Montgomery noted that about 95 percent of possible current issues are handled civilly between neighbors, without need for outside intervention. But the agency needs an enforcement mechanism for those outlying property damage cases. “Code enforcement and public works are approached on a regular basis on an assortment of cases involving trees,” said Public Works Director Kevin Rohani, who noted reported complaints include roots or limbs extending onto neighboring properties, and falling leaves. City officials said they don’t expect to patrol the area for violations but will respond to all complaints and initiate contact in noticeably egregious cases. All cases will be evaluated for seversee Trees page 18A
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Library hosts Drag Queen Storytime event at Brentwood Community Center. Page 5A
Liberty Falls in NCS Opener
It was a heartbreaking end to a strong season for Liberty boys’ basketball. Page 11A Calendar.............................17A Classifieds..........................14A Food.......................................9A Health & Beauty.................4A Milestones.........................19A Pets........................................8A Sports..................................11A
Humane Gesture www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
The Delta Humane Society is encouraging donations to their cause.