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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 10
Helmick named interim fire chief by Kyle Szymanski
March 10, 2017
Pottery With A Purpose
Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) tapped one of its own to serve as interim fire chief, as the district’s board unanimously chose current Battalion Chief Brian Helmick and formally approved his contract at the board’s meeting this week. Helmick, 40, will replace Hugh Henderson, who announced his retirement in January after 12 years with the district. Helmick is expected to begin on March 31. “It’s not only exciting, it’s incredibly humbling,” Helmick said. “It’s a tremendous responsibility; one I welcome with open arms.” The board chose Helmick after interviewing him and one other undisclosed external contender last Friday. Helmick is slated to make up to $11,758.07 a month, plus benefits. His up-to-one-year contract is expected to include an evaluation in October. Joel Bryant, ECCFPD board president called the job of finding Henderson’s
East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Brian Helmick has been chosen to serve as the district’s interim fire chief.
replacement the most important decision he’s had to make for the community. “Battalion Chief Helmick was the clear choice,” Bryant said. “This wasn’t just because he was part of our system al-
ready; this is because he earned this position. He is the most qualified person we interviewed.” see Chief page 30
by Heather Brewer Staff Writer
Two half-sisters, separated by circumstance and distance, have been united after 60 years – but in many ways, it is as if they have known each other their whole lives. Linda Burns, 66, of Discovery Bay, grew up without her father, Brones Yakavonis, in her life. Her parents had split up after World War II, but Burns reconnected with him years later in 1972. “I contacted my father while I was on vacation in Florida,” said Burns. “He was shocked to hear from me, but happy. I didn’t know exactly how happy until three days later. After I had returned to California, my dad knocked on my door at midnight. We remained close until he died in 1999. While I was visiting him in Florida (before his death), there was a picture of a little girl. I asked his girlfriend at the time who she was, but she didn’t know for sure.” Consensus was that the little girl might be a
Photo courtesy of Don Burns
From left, Evamaria Kinner and Linda Burns meet for the first time since finding out they were sisters a year ago.
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Deer Valley Academy of Performing Arts retells “The Princess and the Pea.” Page 10
Heritage Falls At Playoffs
Carondelet knocks off Heritage 54-31 in NCS Division I championship game. Page 21
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Once Upon A Mattress
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Long-lost sisters meet after 60 years
see Sisters page 30
Heritage High School’s Clay Club creating plates, bowls for new local restaurant. Page 4
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Contra Costa County has closed a $99,810,000 lease revenue bond transaction.
Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Education................................6 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Milestones............................15 Opinion..................................20 Pets.........................................12 Sports.....................................21
Flood Response
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Rep. McNerney introduces H.R. 1233 to empower local response to flood disasters.