Happy YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 21
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Deer Valley names top students by Aly Brown Staff Writer
As yet another school year comes to a close, Deer Valley High School has named its highest ranking students, the valedictorian and salutatorian, for the class of 2018. The valedictorian is Rameez Mughal, while Michelle Yin claimed the rank of salutatorian. The two were nearly tied to become co-valedictorians, as their GPAs were both 4.3617 on their transcripts, but Rameez’s was higher past the fourth decimal. Rameez enjoyed playing golf casually throughout high school and was an active participant in Robotics Club through which he was able to attend various competitions at UC Davis. Also an advocate for helping the planet and others, Rameez volunteered often for coastal cleanup events and was a tutor for other students.
MUGHAL
YIN
He noted three particular teachers as having the biggest impact on his high school career – Jeff Adkins, Terry Palmer and Maria McClain. “It’s a blessing that he (was named the valedictorian), but it’s his own hard work,” said his father Tavarak Mughal. “He has been very dedicated from the beginning. He’s very humble and always focused. I’m just thank-
ful to God that He has been very kind to us.” Rameez’s mother Synary Be seconded those thoughts on her son, noting he has always focused on his education and strives for success. “I am very proud of his accomplishment to receive the highest award of valedictorian from Deer Valley High School. He is a humble person and holds
a high standard of integrity,” said Synary. “I wish him the best on his journey in college and his future career. Rameez will shine like a star and brighten the world. He is an exceptional role model for his younger siblings. Rameez is a son that every parent wishes to have.” Awarded prestigious scholarships to attend UC San Diego in the fall, Rameez plans to pursue computer engineering. He expressed gratitude to those who helped him rise to the top. “I credit my parents for my success and especially my mom,” said Rameez. “My mom works very hard, and she’s an inspiration – she went through college (when my siblings and I were) kids.” Michelle ran for the varsity cross-country team for her junior and senior years. In addition, she has been a team memsee Students page 30A
Commission approves care facility by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The Brentwood Planning Commission has approved plans for a nearly 130,000-square-foot residential care center on a 6.7acre site on Summerset Drive. The two-story Merrill Gardens facility – south of Balfour Road between Summerset Drive and State Route 4 – will offer light acuity care among its estimated 121 residential units, 18 of which will be dedicated to memory care. The building meets a previously approved use for the area, which meant that it only needed design approval for the site, said Brentwood Associate Planner Tim Nielsen. Other possible uses could have included integrated business
“ I think the design is very nice ... It will fit well. The project is laid out nicely, and I think it fits a need that is here ...
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Dirk Zeigler, planning commission vice chair and research parks, large individual corporate establishments, professional and administrative office centers, and light industrial complexes. “I think the design is very nice,” said Dirk Zeigler, vice chairperson of the planning commission. “It will fit well. The project is laid out very nicely, and I think it fits a need that is here and will continue to grow in our area.” Around 105 units will be open to residents seeking various
levels of care, from independent living to an intermediate level of care through assisted living. The remaining 17 or so rooms will be dedicated to memory care, according to project plans. Services offered will include medication management and bathing and dressing assistance, said architect and project spokesperson Chad Lorenz during a recent meeting. “(Building officials) promote social interaction among the resi-
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dents,” he said, noting the average resident age will likely be between 80 and 83 with 65 percent being independent seniors and 35 percent requiring assistance. “There have been a lot of studies done on the quality of life, keeping people engaged in the community and socialized at that age.” Although the project design was approved by the planning commission, at least one resident is concerned that additional development could further strain the fire district that already struggles to handle its call load with only three stations to serve 114,000 residents and 249 square miles. “This project degrades the already excessive response times for current Brentwood residents see Facility page 30A
Legacy Honors www.thepress.net/news/webextras
East Bay Regional Park District has been named the 2018 Legacy Award Winner.
May 25, 2018
Read All About Pets
This week’s special section features all the things we love about our furry friends. Page 1B
Ally Receives Third Miracle
Former Freedom cheerleader Ally Jenkins receives third lung transplant. Page 6A
Moving On To Next Round
Heritage baseball team defeats Liberty in first round of North Coast Section playoffs. Page 21A Calendar.............................31A Classifieds..........................25A Cop Logs............................. 29B Entertainment..................10A Food.....................................11A Kid Scoop............................. 9A Opinion...............................20A Pets........................................ 8B Sports..................................21A
Video Storytime www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
The Contra Costa County Library launches Video Storytime for kids and families.