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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 17, No. 12
Antioch Citizens, Businesses of the Year Antioch recently celebrated its individuals and businesses that have shown dedication to their community with a formal gala and awards ceremony at the Lone Tree Golf Club, on March 10. Two young ladies, Jocelyn and Jacqueline Villalobos, won for Youth of the Year. The Delta Veterans Group was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year. Small Business of the Year went to Rich McDaniel of McDaniel Financial Services, while Large Business of the Year went to PG&E. The Citizen of the Year in the category of most impactful was Sal Sbranti, and the Citizen of the Year for lifetime achievement went to Leo Fontana. Members of the Antioch school board also received special recognition during this evening of celebration. The nominations are entirely open to the public, according to Richard Pagano, Antioch Chamber of Commerce CEO. Once the nomination period is open, the community is notified through the chamber website, email blasts and press releases in local newspapers. The school district is also notified, so its members may submit their nominations for staff or students. “One of the things we love to see is people getting nominated,” said Pagano, noting that more youths had been nominated this year than in the past. “We want to know if there’s an individual or a business in the community that’s doing great things for Antioch – someone you
Welcome! Guide is W here
Those Who Serve, Protect
Photo courtesy of Christina Lucero
Delta Veteran’s Group founder J.R. Wilson (center) holds the award his business received for Nonprofit of the Year at Antioch’s gala on March 10. feel deserves recognition.” Pagano went on to say that while some names in the community are well known for their contribution, others fly under the radar,
ELCOME
!
2017
The Brentwood Press’ 2017 East County Welcome! Guide has hit the streets. This year’s book is chock-full of useful and helpful information to make your life more fun, efficient and productive. Pick up a copy at your local chamber of commerce; the Brentwood Press office, at 248 Oak St.; from numerous racks throughout East County; or by calling 925-250-1405. If you prefer reading the guide online, you’ll find it there, too. Just hop on to www.eastcountywelcomeguide.net. Hops and Brews
Tapping in on the craft-beer craze
Farm Fres Harvest h
East Count y’s Fertile Ag Lands
Growing Grapes
Local vintne rs crushing the compe tition
serving quietly, and it’s inspiring for others to see the commitment and love they have for Antioch. To view a gallery of photos from the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia.
by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
Two assembly bills designed to alleviate the funding problems plaguing the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) are being introduced by Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D – Discovery Bay), and if passed, would allow for the annual reallocation of $10.5 million from the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to the fire district. AB 898 would enact legislation to allow for the reallocation of property-tax revenue from the EBRPD for fire-protection services in Contra Costa County. The accompanying AB 899 is a safeguard bill, which would allow for a public election should AB 898 not pass. AB 898
would need a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to pass. “We have been looking at agencies that might have the ability to use their discretionary dollars for over a year now,” said Frazier. “We made a list and (EBRPD) is the only one that worked. It’s great to have this agency, and they do great work, but right now, we don’t have the resources to take it from elsewhere. To me, public safety trumps anything else.” The EBRPD has a district-wide annual expenditure budget of $194 million, according to Debra Auker, CFO and acting general manager of finance and management services for the EBRPD. Frazier’s proposal is to take some of those see Frazier page 30
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Walking To Find A Cure
Local business owners turn their son’s tragic death into hope for others. Page 4
Frazier fire relief bill targets park district
your gu ide to e ast cou nty
March 24, 2017
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BART’s newest station will boost already surging Warm Springs Innovation District.
Get to know a local law-enforcement officer in this week’s edition of Meet The Beat. Page 5
Leaving The Liberty Lions
Liberty football head coach Jeff Walters heads home to coaching spot at Del Oro High. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................16 Food........................................15 Health & Beauty..................20 Milestones............................12 Pets.........................................10 Sports.....................................21
Awareness
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It’s Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month in Contra Costa.