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Vol. 16, No. 52
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
December 23, 2016
Finding The Artist Inside
From our family to yours
I
t’s that time of year again when we at The Press get to say thank you to our loyal readers and customers, who support our efforts to bring you the stories that shape and reflect East County, reminding us why this is such a special place to live. Wishing you and yours all the blessings of the season, a merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year!
Delta Gallery kicks off a new year of fun and creative art classes. Page 11
Cause Behind Deaths Found
Photo by Generations Photography
Fire board changing prior to 2017 election by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The passage of Measure N will usher in an elected board for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) next December, but Brentwood’s current appointments could be changing before then. The Brentwood City Council recently reappointed Vice Mayor Joel Bryant to the board, but the long-term fates of current members Joe Young and Erick Stonebarger remain in question. Young’s appointment expires this month, but he could retain his seat after going through the city’s formal interview and selection process in January. Stonebarger, whose city council term recently ended, has said he welcomes the chance to continue serving on the board,
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… the discussion has always been that, at some point, this board needs to move forward, be on its own two feet and be an elected board.
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ECCFPD Chief Hugh Henderson but wants the new city council to make that decision. “I’ll serve at the pleasure of the council,” he said. “I think that should be the next council’s perogative.” Regardless of who is chosen to fill the positions, all nine district board members – four from Brentwood, three from Oakley and two from the unincorporated county area – will need to run for their positions leading up to a November vote, when an elected board will be chosen.
“As the cities and the county have appointed different directors, the discussion has always been that, at some point, this board needs to move forward, be on its own two feet and be an elected board,” said ECCFPD Fire Chief Hugh Henderson. Until an elected board takes over, Brentwood officials are focusing on filling its appointed seats. “Folks know that term has come up, so we have had inquires into when we will open
it, when to apply (and) how to apply,” said Brentwood City Manager Gus Vina. The board members, who are not paid, will face some steep challenges going forward. Voters’ rejection of Brentwood’s Measure Z and Oakley’s Measure E last month means, absent any new revenue by June, the fire district will drop to three stations, with Knightsen Station 94 closing. “I don’t know how many other people realize what risk they are taking in this community,” said Brentwood resident Robert Sharps, a 33-year-member of the fire service and former fire chief of the department in Glendale, Arizona and Petaluma and Santa Clara. “You see a fire truck going down the street, and you assume you have coverage. You don’t.” see Fire page 26
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BART Board of Directors recently selected new president and vice president.
Authorities determine cause of three deaths and 25 illnesses after Thanksgiving event. Page 5
Victory At Invitational
Freedom High School’s boys’ basketball team wins Roy Ghiggeri Invitational. Page 17 Calendar................................27 Classifieds.............................21 Cop Logs................................25 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................12 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................16 Pets...........................................8 Sports.....................................17
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