Brentwood Press 03.24.17

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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Vol. 19, No. 12

Fire relief bill targets park district

March 24, 2017

Walking To Find A Cure

A slam-dunk day

by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer

Two assembly bills designed to alleviate the funding problems plaguing the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) are being introduced by Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D – Discovery Bay), and if passed, would allow for the annual reallocation of $10.5 million from the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to the fire district. AB 898 would enact legislation to allow for the reallocation of property-tax revenue from the EBRPD for fire-protection services in Contra Costa County. The accompanying AB 899 is a safeguard bill, which would allow for a public election should AB 898 not pass. AB 898 would need a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to pass. “We have been looking at agencies that might have the ability to use their discretionary dollars for over a year now,” said Frazier. “We made a list and (EBRPD) is the only one that worked. It’s great to have this agen-

Local business owners turn their son’s tragic death into hope for others. Page 4

Those Who Serve, Protect Photo by Tony Kukulich

W

NBA star and two-time Olympic gold medal winner Ruthie Bolton with students and staff during the recent Unified High School Basketball Clinic, presented by the Golden State Warriors at Freedom High School. Eight schools attended the clinic, including all six Bay Valley Athletic League high schools. To view a video of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia.

see Bill page 30

Welcome! Guide is W here

Gazebo makes a return by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer

ELCOME your gu ide to e ast cou nty

!

2017

The Brentwood Press’ 2017 East County Welcome! Guide has hit the streets. This year’s book is chock-full of useful and helpful information to make your life more fun, efficient and productive. Pick up a copy at your local chamber of commerce; the Brentwood Press office, at 248 Oak St.; from numerous racks throughout East County; or by calling 925-250-1405. If you prefer reading the guide online, you’ll find it there, too. Just hop on to www.eastcountywelcomeguide.net. Hops and Brews

Tapping in on the craft-beer craze

Farm Fres Harvest h

East Count y’s Fertile Ag Lands

Growing Grapes

Local vintne rs crushing the compe tition

After months of mulling over where Brentwood’s trademark gazebo should be rebuilt, city leaders have finally settled on a location. The city council unanimously agreed recently to reconstruct the structure, which is projected to be built behind the rose garden near the farmer statue in City Park. “It will work just fine there,” said Mayor Bob Taylor, who’s collected $7,500 in donations to cover the cost of resurrecting the piece that served as the go-to location for residents’ weddings, graduations and prom photos before being torn down during the 2007 renovation of City Park. Last year, the structure was slated to be rebuilt in the corner of the park between the barbecue area and the water-play feature, but the city’s parks and recreation commission

disagreed with the location. They were concerned about reduced space for park events, park noise interfering with gazebo events and its Victorian facade clashing with the civic center’s modern Spanish style. Vice Mayor Steve Barr suggested the new site late last year, because it would be in a prime position for viewing park events, and the park’s rose garden would fit nicely into pictures as a backdrop. Additionally, the surrounding trees could separate the gazebo from the civic center, alleviating concerns about competing designs. “It belongs in the park,” Barr said. The selected location averts any conflict with irrigation valves and lateral lines and allows for all trees to remain in place, which were issues city staff members were initially concerned about. The only other option in City Park – censee Gazebo page 30

BART News

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BART’s newest station will boost already surging Warm Springs Innovation District.

Get to know a local law-enforcement officer in this week’s edition of Meet The Beat. Page 5

Leaving The Liberty Lions

Liberty football head coach Jeff Walters heads home to coaching spot at Del Oro High. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................16 Food........................................15 Health & Beauty..................20 Milestones............................12 Pets.........................................10 Sports.....................................21

Awareness

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It’s Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month in Contra Costa.


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