YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
HAPPY DAY INDEPENDENCE
Wednesday July 4th
Vol. 18, No. 26
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Ukulele club strumming its way to success
Navigating The Market
In appreciation
This week’s special section takes a look at the growing real estate market in East County. Page 1B
by Hayley Finetti Correspondent
Over the last few years, the ukulele has experienced a resurgence in popularity – with minimal instruction, learners can pick up this instrument quickly, regardless of their musical background. The Delta Strummers, a ukulele club based in the Discovery Bay and Brentwood area, is taking East County by storm. The group formed in 2005, when four people – Ward and Dorothy Pinther and Fritz and Joan Dueming – came see Strumming page 26A
Photo by Tony Kukulich
A
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Pilot Mike Norris, program director Paula Russell, flight nurse Gary Mui and flight paramedic Baron Weller stand in front of REACH 3 at their operations base at Buchanan Field in Concord. tion District (ECCFPD) Battalion Chief Ross Macumber. “Most people don’t realize that the nearest trauma center is in Walnut Creek. The medical helicopter system is a crucial and vital aspect of patient care in this county. Their service has saved countless lives over the years.”
Founded in 1987 by Dr. John L. MacDonald Jr., REACH sought to provide air ambulance service to the communities of Northern California. The company expanded into Contra Costa County when REACH 3 was established at Buchanan Field in Concord. REACH
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Fourth Of July Fun
ntioch Police detective Meghan Miller, a cancer survivor, gives Matt Heaston a sash for serving as her caregiver during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of the Delta, at Los Medanos College, Saturday, June 23. The event raised over $100,000 To view a video and a slideshow of the with 70 teams participating. event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
REACH medical teams to the rescue For a patient in need of critical medical care, the sight of a red REACH (Redwood Empire Air Care Helicopter) helicopter touching down on a highway, ballfield or remote hilltop can signal the difference between life and death. The nearest trauma center for most residents of East County is 20 miles or more away. Getting to a hospital often means a long trip over traffic-choked roads. Transportation by air to care centers like John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek or UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland can, however, be made in a fraction of the time. In many critical situations, a patient’s chances for a positive outcome degrade with every minute that treatment is delayed. “Medical helicopters are an invaluable asset to our fire district and East County in general,” said East Contra Costa Fire Protec-
June 29, 2018
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currently has 14 bases in California, though it provides medical transportation across the western U.S. under several different entities using helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and ground vehicles. REACH helicopters provide 9-1-1 response and transport services that are coordinated through the Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center. The same center than dispatches fire resources for East Contra Costa and Contra Costa County fire protection districts. An air ambulance can be dispatched to an incident scene based on protocol for the type of incident or at the request of the responding fire department. Oftentimes, an air ambulance is called only to be canceled after first responders are able to complete a more comprehensive analysis of the patient’s needs. “We would rather be activated early and be on our way and not see REACH page 26A
It’s Fair Time
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The Alameda County Fair is underway with lots of music, rides and fun.
There are plenty of fireworks and celebrations to mark the nation’s birthday. Page 10A
Cruickshank Leaving HHS
Heritage athletic director is leaving to become NCS assistant commissioner. Page 15A Calendar.............................27A Classifieds..........................20A Entertainment..................11A Food.....................................10A Health & Beauty...............12A Kid Scoop.............................9A Milestones.........................13A Opinion...............................19A Pets......................................18A Sports..................................15A
Kaiser Grants
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Kaiser is awarding $868,900 in grants to 34 nonprofit organizations.