YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 17, No. 50
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Former Roddy Ranch manager pleads guilty to fraud and theft Roddy ready to put past behind him by Aly Brown Staff Writer
Kevin Fitzgerald, former general manager of the Roddy Ranch Golf Club and a man once close to the Roddy family, recently pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and theft after stealing over $300,000 from owner Jack Roddy over the course of two years. Roddy said little about the case – only that he was satisfied the law handled it appropriately. “I just feel that what this man did hurt many, many people and what he did was wrong,” said Roddy. Deputy District Attorney Dodie Katague said Fitzgerald will now serve a sentence of six years, while his co-conspirator in the criminal activity,
Mark Mattson, has an arraignment date of Dec. 20. “(Fitzgerald) was lying the whole time, telling Jack that the business was doing well when it wasn’t, which has hurt Jack and lost him a lot of money,” Katague said. “Jack treated him like a son and was going to give him everything when he died.” Though the sting of betrayal is still fresh, Roddy is taking the time to focus on cattle ranching. “This has always been a cattle ranch. The golf course was once successful, but things happened up there that never should have happened, and Roddy Ranch is still a cattle ranch,” said Roddy, whose home is nestled in prime country off Deer Valley Road. In addition, Roddy has taken steps to help preserve this part of the dwindling Wild West for future generations by selling his land to the East see Roddy page 26
Staff Writer
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Tom Hansen, a 22-year member of the Brentwood Police Department, was recently named chief of police.
Tom Hansen waited nearly 23 years to become Brentwood’s police chief. Now his time has finally come. Hansen, who served as acting chief since April after former Police Chief Mark Evenson went on medical leave, will permanently assume the role on Dec. 16, Brentwood City Manager Gus Vina announced this week. Evenson officially retired in August, citing undisclosed lingering physical ailments and a desire to spend more time with his family. “Tom brings tremendous energy and a vision for the future
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Tunnels of Joy
Local neighborhood celebrates the holidays with memorial to beloved resident. Page 4
Letters To Santa Press file photo
Kevin Fitzgerald, former Roddy Ranch manager, has pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and theft.
Hansen named new Brentwood police chief by Kyle Szymanski
December 15, 2017
of the police department that will serve this city council and the community very well,” Vina said. Hanson has served as a police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and acting chief in 22 years with the Brentwood force. “I am way excited,” Hansen, 51, said Tuesday. “I have been waiting for this for almost 23 years.” The longtime lawman plans to sit down soon with the department’s command staff to create a plan for the future, but he said one of his short-term goals is to address traffic issues through the use of technology, a beefed-up
Children pen their wish lists to Santa. Check out their creative correspondence. Page 16
Lions Roar At Tourney
Liberty Lions squeak out win over Freedom to take third place in Stonebarger Tourney. Page 17
see Hansen page 26
Breaking News......................6 Calendar................................27 Classifieds.............................22 Cop Logs................................25 Health & Beauty....................7 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................16 Pets.........................................10 Sports.....................................17
Crime Lab Grant
New EBRPD Hire
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Sheriff’s forensic crime lab receives a grant for improved technology.
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East Bay Regional Park District hires Anthony Ciaburrow as new safety manager.