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FROM YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 47
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City proclaims Rick Carraher Day He’s a local name in and around town – known for his labors on behalf of the community and its businesses. Last week, in acknowledgement of those efforts, Antioch’s own Rick Carraher was honored by the city council with an official proclamation designating Nov. 17, 2018, as Rick Carraher Day. Mayor Sean Wright read the proclamation aloud during the regular city council meeting, thanking Carraher for his years of service to the city, its residents and local businesses. Best known as the impetus behind the restoration and ongoing success of the El Campanil Theatre and owner of the popular restaurant Rick’s on Second, Carraher was also honored for his work in attracting and bringing businesses to the downtown. A resident since 1970, Carraher has, among other roles, been president of the Rivertown Business Association, president of the Sutter Delta Board, chair of the Antioch Farmers Market and member of the city’s economic development committee. He was also the first resident to receive the Citizen of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. “I am in awe of this recognition,” said
Local icon Rick Carraher was recently honored by the City Of Antioch for his years of service to the city, its residents and local businesses.
Staff Writer
A small group of East County residents urged fire district officials to focus on beefing up the force, even if it means they’ll have to open their wallets, during a town hall meeting last week to discuss the agency’s future priorities. “Of course, we all want to reduce response times, because that is that much sooner that people will get the help they need,” said one resident, who identified himself only as Steve. The input of the 20 or so residents, city and county leaders and district personnel may be incorporated into the organization’s evolving strategic
Carraher of the proclamation. “But most importantly, I wouldn’t be here without (my wife), Janice Carraher … she has been the rock behind El Campanil. I thank you very much.
We appreciate everything the city has done over the years for us … Thank you for honoring me and as such El Campanil Theater.” To comment, visit www.thepress.net
“ This is the very first step in determining what our priorities will be, how we will invest our time.
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Fire Chief Brian Helmick plan that indicates the agency’s hopes to reduce response times, ensure financial stability and sustainability, maintain a highperforming workforce, modernize stations, apparatus and equipment, and develop a community risk-reduction program over the next five years. It’s expected that the document, slated for adoption in December, will include those goals and baseline strategies to achieve each one. In March 2019, an action
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plan will also be adopted to identify precise steps toward each goal’s implementation, along with associated costs and a time line. Crafting of the proposed five-year outline, to be updated every three years, began in April last year and derives from stakeholder interviews, surveys and workshops, fire board retreats and the guidance of a hired consultant. “This is the very first step in determining what our priori-
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A Passion For Princesses
Liberty grad combines her love of Disney and teaching with a new princess venture. Page 11
Team Riding To The Rescue
Press file photo
District seeks input on strategic plan by Kyle Szymanski
November 23, 2018
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ties will be, how we will invest our time,” said Fire Chief Brian Helmick. Aside from homing in on the need for additional resources and an associated tax measure, residents appeared to favor possible plans to double up station crews, to cut down on brick-and-mortar costs; require new development, to contribute increased funds to the district for providing service; going after one-time grant monies; and using two-track planning to shape the district’s future, with and without additional funds. “Even before we go to the public, we need to look at the two-track planning, what the district can live on without new see District page 26
Tunnels Update
Local group, Hold Your Horses, joins the fight to save livestock trapped in Camp fire. Page 4
Heritage Takes Title
Heritage girls’ water polo team defeats College Park to win firstever section title. Page 18 Calendar................................27 Classifieds.............................22 Cop Logs................................25 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Milestones............................12 Pets.........................................13 Sports.....................................18
Fire Grant
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Assemblyman Jim Frazier calls for rejection of DWR’s twin tunnels plan.
Local fire districts receive state grant for vehicle extrication equipment.