YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
HAPPY September 3
Vol. 18, No. 35
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Running to save lives, stop abuse by Aly Brown Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Rob Fraser
New Hope Community Church is gearing up for its third annual 5K race to benefit Shepherd’s Gate, a shelter for women and children. Seen here from last year is a race-day participant, and organizers hope more will register this year to bolster the cause.
In an event going on three years, runners will once again gather at the starting line this September to raise funds for abused women and children. Rob Fraser, New Hope Church Community Church pastor, organized a 5K race to benefit Shepherd’s Gate three years ago, and it has now become part of their annual calendar of events. “I’ve been here for five years at the church, and we’re encouraged and coached to be in the community, serving the community,” said Fraser, who was a volunteer cross-country coach at a high school in Templeton, California. “We really see it as a part of what we’re called to do to be relevant to the community.” Shepherd’s Gate helps women and children escape cycles of homelessness, addiction and abuse while they obtain counseling, rehabilitation and guidance on becom-
ing independent. “I think what people need to know about (Shepherd’s Gate), is that it’s not just a shelter,” said Fraser. “They do an amazing job where the women will stay there up to a year. They get life skills, care for their kids, they have people to help with job interviews, substance-abuse counseling or legal protection from someone who’s a danger to them.” The race will take place Saturday, Sept. 22, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. at the organization’s residence on 605 Sycamore Ave., in Brentwood. The race will start at 8 a.m., and the course will begin at the Shepherd’s Gate Brentwood residence, loop around Heron Park to the trail alongside the orchard, down toward Sunset Road, around the dog park and back to the residence. Stephanie Fischer, Shepherd’s Gate director of development and marketing, said the race is signifisee Abuse page 18A
Fire district may charge for services by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District may begin charging to provide on-scene help during water rescues, vehicle incidents, hazardous material releases and illegal fires. The proposal, which could be adopted at the agency’s Sept. 10 board meeting, calls for the district to levy fees against individuals or their insurance companies based on working time and complexity. The suggested costs range from $448 an hour (per engine) for folks responsible for starting illegal fires, up to $2,240 an hour for other complex incidents. The prices rise as additional services are provided, and additional fees
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“ This is right in the thread of trying to kick
over every rock to ensure we explore every opportunity to bring revenue into the district.
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Fire Chief Brian Helmick could be tacked on if supplemental crews, equipment or an air ambulance are needed. The fees would likely be waived for individuals who have died or demonstrate financial hardship. “This is right in the thread of trying to kick over every rock to ensure we explore every opportunity to bring revenue into the district,” said Fire Chief Brian Helmick. The fees are allowed under
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the Fire Protection District Law of 1987, which allows districts to charge for services they are empowered to perform if they have inadequate revenue to render assistance. The district, which covers 249 square miles and over 114,000 residents, has diminished from eight stations in 2008 to three today. The agency already charges a separate set of fees to provide medical aid.
Last chance! Cast your votes for Brentwood’s 2018 Best! See page 11A. www.thepress.net/bob_ballot
An estimated 20 percent of the district’s over 7,500 yearly calls would fall into the new fee category, garnering the agency less than $100,000 a year. “The chief has talked about turning over every rock (to find additional funds),” said Fire Board President Brian Oftedal. “I think that is what the community has been asking for over and over.” If approved, it’s expected the district would likely enter into an agreement with Fire Recovery USA, regarded as the nation’s leading provider of incident cost recovery. The company serves 971 departments in 42 states. Oftedal, an Oakland Fire Department captain, said his forsee Fire page 18A
Pets Of The Week www.thepress.net/living/adopt_a_pet
PT ADO E P A T
Looking to give a dog or cat their forever home? Check them out this week online.
August 31, 2018
Living Life To The Fullest
This week’s special edition offers tips, tricks and great ways to enjoy Living 50 Plus. Page 1B
Meet The City Manager
Gus Vina, Brentwood’s city manager, shares the inside scoop on working at city hall. Page 7A
Hitting The Gridiron
It was a mixed bag of wins and losses this week for local high school football. Page 13A Breaking News.................10A Calendar............................. 15B Classifieds..........................16A Entertainment.................... 9A Food....................................... 8A Kid Scoop ............................2A Legals..................................17A Milestones.........................12A Sports..................................13A
AUSD Honors www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Antioch Union School District set to honor 16 of its exceptional teachers.