Y UR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
4th Feb. 1
Vol. 20, No. 6
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Goodwill store raises concerns
February 9, 2018
Here Comes The Bride
A glancing blow
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The Brentwood Planning Commission will take a second look at plans for a Goodwill store near Balfour Road and Armstrong Way after residents objected to the project during a design review this week. Speakers raised a variety of concerns related to traffic issues, safety, crime and litter, prompting the commission to ask city staff to take a second look at aspects of the project. “If we are just looking at design, then yes, it checks the boxes. But it’s a hard location for me to see it in,” said Planning Commissioner Jodi Marfia. Project plans call for Goodwill Industries to build a 25,000-square-foot building that incorporates a retail store, donation processing area and a job-training facility on an undeveloped 3.61-acre see Goodwill page 26A
Planning a wedding? We’ve got you covered in this week’s special edition. Page 1B
Peace Corps Legislation Photo by Tony Kukulich
F
reedom’s Jackie Macedo attempts to deflect a ball off Nicole Schaffer’s foot during Liberty’s 6-0 win over the Falcons on Tuesday. The Lions got 2 goals from senior midfielder Kylie Zentner and a goal each from freshman Alexis Gutierrez, senior Aveena Cline, junior Savannah Boone and sophomore Gabby Colmenares. The win puts Liberty in prime position to at least share the Bay Valley Athletic League title. For a complete recap of the game, see page 19. To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/sideshows
Fire district projects budget savings by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District is on track to save $664,000 this year, said Fire Chief Brian Helmick at this week’s budget update. The bulk of the savings ($365,000) is the result of retirements and attrition. The district had budgeted for 39 personnel but saw a couple of members retire or move to other agencies, reducing the number to 35. “We are on course, and it looks like at year-end we will be under budget,” said Helmick, who indicated that the district’s staffing levels will remain at 35 for the foreseeable future. Another chunk of the savings ($240,000) stems from the
“ The district’s projected revenue for the year – $15 million – is expected to remain steady.
long fire season, which reduced the cost of the district’s contract with Cal Fire to cover the Marsh Creek-Morgan Territory area. The state covers the cost of the Cal Fire station during fire season. “The district’s projected revenue for the year – $15 million – is expected to remain steady,” Helmick said. An estimated $9.9 million will be spent on salary and benefits, while $2.4 million will be used on services and supplies in
conjunction with covering city and county charges. The city and county charges include human resources and accounting services provided by the City of Brentwood; legal services provided by the law firm Hanson Bridgett LLP; and dispatch, fire inspection, permit approval and investigation services provided by the neighboring Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Additionally, the district will put $800,000 toward a capi-
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tal equipment fund, and $65,000 in a capital facilities account. The two accounts are used to pre-fund major facility maintenance and equipment replacement costs. The district will also pay $330,000 on one-time costs, including an expected $200,000 on a March election to determine if the ECCFPD Board of Directors should switch from nine members to five; $100,000 on special projects; and $20,000 on an other post-employment benefit (OPEB) actuarial study. OPEB benefits are received by an employee upon retirement, including health care and life-insurance premiums and deferred compensation. see Fire District page 26A
Bill named after Liberty grad Nick Castle offers protections for Peace Corps volunteers. Page 5A
Still Number One
Heritage High boys’ basketball team holds onto top spot after win over Pittsburg. Page 19A Calendar.............................27A Classifieds..........................22A Cop Logs.............................25A Entertainment..................10A Food.....................................11A Health & Beauty...............17A Milestones.........................12A Opinion...............................18A Pets......................................14A Sports..................................19A
Fresh Water Plan
New President
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Antioch plans to build a brackish water desalination plant on the San Joaquin River.
County Board of Education selects Fatima Alleyne, Ph.D., as new president.