YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 20
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District’s fire marshal sworn in by Tony Kukulich
May 17, 2019
Bring On The Cherries
Staff Writer
When Steve Aubert was sworn in as the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) fire marshal during a recent fire board meeting, he became the first person in the district’s 17-year history to hold that spot. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity,” said Aubert. “I love our area out here. I consider it a fantastic opportunity, really, to come home. Like I said the other night, it’s very easy to do my job when I’m doing it to protect family, friends and neighbors that I’ve been living with for the last 17 years.” While Aubert is new to his ECCFPD role, he is no stranger to the area. A longtime resident of Brentwood, he spent 10 of his last 11 years as the Contra Costa see Fire Marshal page 30
East County’s popular cherry season is officially underway. See where to pick and buy. Page 4
Heading To The Fair Photo by Tony Kukulich
A large crowd of family, friends and colleagues gathered for a photo after Steve Aubert was sworn in as the fire marshal/public information officer (PIO) of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District during a ceremony at city hall in Brentwood, Wednesday, May 8. Fire Marshal Aubert brings to the district 20 years of fire service experience, most recently with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District where he served as a fire prevention captain and PIO.
Lions receive state championship rings by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
As the Liberty High School football team gathered at Harvest Park Bowl last week, many members couldn’t help but look down for long periods of time. It was for good reason. Their eyes were fixated on the sparkling new state championship rings gracing their fingers. The Lions, 2018 California Interscholastic Federation Division 1A state champions, picked up their commemorative jewelry last week — five months after winning the team’s first state title in its 116-year history. “I’m amazed,” said senior Reese Watkins-Nelson moments after receiving his ring. “I saw the size of it and was like ‘Oh, my God.’ It’s way bigger than the NCS championship ring. It’s beautiful, it’s absolutely amazing.” Harvest Park Bowl owner
Reese WatkinsNelson, Isaiah Dortch and Ethan Slaughter show off their championship rings Harvest Park Bowl in Brentwood, Saturday, May 11. Photo by Tony Kukulich
Jim Wangeman and longtime Knightsen resident Andy Dreifort paid the estimated $15,000 for the glistening gold mementos, inscribed on the front with the squad’s logo situated prominently over an out-
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line of California, and encircled by the words “State Champions.” “We had just watched them win the state championship, and I looked at Andy and said, ‘That school is 100 years old and they
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have never won a state football championship,’” Wangeman recalled Saturday. “I said, ‘Let’s buy them rings.’ He said, ‘OK.’” see Rings page 30
Vasco Delays
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Look for roadwork on Vasco Road from May 28 - 30 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Contra Costa County Fair in Antioch is here and runs through Sunday. Page 11
Sports Stars Making Tracks
BVAL track and field stars advance to Meet of Champions. Page 19 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty....................6 Milestones............................12 Opinion..................................18 Pets.........................................14 Sports.....................................19
Kirker Pass Work www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Public Works will soon begin construction on the Kirker Pass Road.