YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 20, No. 18
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Heritage High recognizes 2018 valedictorians, salutatorian
May 4, 2018
Roddy Ranch Sold To EBRPD
by Aly Brown Staff Writer
As the school year comes to a close, schools in East County are honoring their highest ranking students. This year, Heritage High School has named two valedictorians and one salutatorian – Erika de Guia, Zak Benjamin Rubio and Aorzala Atmar. Erika and Zak tied for valedictorian with a cumulative GPA of 4.33 while Aorzala claimed the title of salutatorian with a 4.30 GPA. “As principal, I am extremely proud to be awarding these students the prestigious honors of valedictorian and salutatorian based on their academic achievements,” said Heritage Principal Carrie Wells. “However, I am as equally proud of these students in their representation of Heritage High School showcased in their well-rounded character and extracurricular accomplishments. They truly embody the best Heritage High School has to offer in a graduating senior.” Not to be buried in books and study work alone, Erika has been
East Bay Regional Park District has purchased Roddy Ranch Golf Course property. Page 5A
Cop Rock 2018 Concert
Photo by Tony Kukulich
From left: Aorzala Atmar, Zak Benjamin Rubio and Erika de Guia, were named Heritage High School’s salutatorian and valedictorians, respectively. actively involved in leadership, drama and church youth group in addition to serving as class president. For her hard work and community involvement, she received a rare full UCLA Achievement Scholarship. Erika couldn’t name just one favor-
ite teacher, mentioning instructors such as Ms. Sanders, Ms. Favalora, Mr. Allen, Mrs. V, Mr. Byer and Mr. Bonnie – and even Mr. Baker, her fifth-grade teacher who was an advocate she won’t forget. “It was my goal to be vale-
dictorian since I knew what it was,” she said, noting the vigorous course load of the AP classes to be a welcomed challenge. Her parents, May and Fer-
Police Activities League benefit concert coming to The Streets of Brentwood. Page 10A
A Perfect Season
see Heritage page 26A
Goodwill to appeal commission’s denial by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Goodwill has appealed a Brentwood Planning Commission decision denying the design of a proposed store near Balfour Road and Armstrong Way. The commission officially denied the design in April mainly over concerns that increased traffic would have a negative effect on surrounding neighborhoods. The appeal will be considered by the Brentwood City Council during a future meeting. “We were surprised and disappointed
(by the planning commission’s decision),” said Jim Caponigro, president and CEO at Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay. “The process of the planning commission is to approve a facility if it’s zoned for that use, which we are. We went through everything the commission has asked us for.” Project plans called for Goodwill to build a 25,000-square-foot building that incorporates a retail store, a donation processing area and a job-training facility on the undeveloped 3.61-acre lot south of Balfour Road, between Armstrong Way and the Union Pacific Railroad right of way. The proposed store is for retail use,
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which is permitted in the area, but the commission is concerned about traffic flow to and from the location. “I don’t see it working harmoniously in the neighborhood,” said Planning Commission Chairperson John Fink, who likened the project to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The commission sent the project design back to city staff and Goodwill officials in February to address the concerns, but the commission still felt uncomfortable about the design after three revised traffic plans were explored in April. see Goodwill page 26A
Host Families
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International Education Student Exchange is looking for volunteer host families.
The Heritage boys’ golf team completes its regular season undefeated. Page 1B Calendar.............................27A Classifieds..........................21A Cop Logs.............................25A Entertainment..................10A Food.....................................11A Health & Beauty................. 6A Milestones.........................16A Opinion...............................20A Pets........................................ 6B Sports.................................... 1B
Patients First
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John Muir Health’s Medical Centers receive an ‘A’ for patient safety.