YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 29
READ THE DAILY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
July 19, 2019
State reconsiders changes in Franks Tract Best Version landscape architecture for the University of California, Davis, who is serving as a consultant on CDFW’s initiative. “We are starting over on our alternatives, and that’s based on the feedback we got through the feasibility study, where there was an initial plan that was very good at meeting the ecological, technical and water-quality performance criteria. But that was before people were really aware of the local interests such as the many marinas, the recreational economy there and so forth.” The initial objectives of the restoration project were to: improve habitat for the Delta smelt, reduce saltwater intrusion into the central and south Delta, reduce submerged aquatic weeds and reduce invasive non-native
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
More than 100 people crowded into Scout Hall on Bethel Island last week as the California Division of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) held a meeting to collect public input on efforts to make changes to nearby Franks Tract. Just over a year ago, CDFW presented the final draft of the Franks Tract Futures Feasibility Study to the Delta Stewardship Council. The study concluded that the project to modify Franks Tract — as it was envisioned at the time — was viable, but local opposition to the plan has prompted a return to the drawing board. “We are pretty much starting from scratch,” said Brett Milligan, associate professor of
see Franks Tract page 22A
Of Yourself
This week’s special edition offers advice on staying healthy, happy and looking your best. Page 1B
Urban Limit Line Meeting Photo by Tony Kukulich
With Franks Tract in the background, boaters motor down Piper Slough as the San Joaquin Yacht Club held the Opening Day Parade on Bethel Island this past spring. The California Division of Fish and Wildlife hosted a meeting last week seeking public input on potential changes to Franks Tract.
Brentwood city manager announces retirement by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Brentwood City Manager Gus Vina plans to retire at the end of the year, after a 39-year-long public service career — the last five for the city. But he’ll still have plenty to do. Vina recently stated that he’s compiled a list of 40 aspirations to achieve after leaving, and he plans to check them off one-byone. “These are not little things like ‘go read a book,’” said Vina, whose career has also included stints with the state and cities of Sacramento, Stockton and Encinitas. “I have about 40 things on a list. I am going to start picking one at a time and having a little fun.” Crossing off his retirement pursuits will resemble Vina’s Brentwood working life, wherein he frequently checked off projects that moved the city forward. Under Vina’s leadership, Brentwood established its own police dispatch center, built a new library, constructed a new municipal service center, updated its parks
VINA master plan, crafted a development plan for a key piece of real estate in the northwest portion of the city and ushered in a variety of other changes, with — as Vina asserts —
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plenty of help from city employees and the council’s vision. “Gus has been an extraordinary fit for the city,” said Mayor Bob Taylor, who confirmed a recruitment effort to find Vina’s replacement is ongoing. “He’s kept us on track and the city is still in good financial shape. All is good with him. I am going to be sad to see him leave.” The city’s next manager will step into the role that Vina considered the best of his career, a byproduct of residents’ sincere interest in the city’s quality of life, and a progressive council that’s willing to continually craft two-year strategic plans to maintain the organization’s focus on the council’s highest priorities — a tool Vina spearheaded upon his Brentwood arrival in 2015. “(The job) was not what I expected it to be,” Vina said. “It was so much better. It’s clearly the best assignment I have had in my career.” Although Vina has announced his retirement, he still has unfinished city goals. In fact, his office whiteboard is full with lists
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see Vina page 22A
School Lunches www.thepress.net/news/webextras
School districts announce policy for free and reduced-price meals for children.
Brentwood council holding meeting on the impacts of a proposed urban limit line expansion. Page 6A
Local Olympic Hopeful
Former Freedom trampolinist Ruben Padilla bouncing his way to a future Olympics. Page 14A Calendar.............................23A Classifieds..........................18A Cop Logs.............................20A Health & Beauty................. 4B Milestones.........................11A Opinion...............................13A Adopt a Pet.......................... 8A Sports..................................14A
Road Project
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County has begun work on San Pablo Dam Road Sidewalk project.