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Vol. 18, No. 37
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Rucker named Police Officer of the Year by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The sight of a police officer occasionally prompts people to run, but when Brentwood Police Youth Liaison Officer Mike Rucker arrives, he’s the one being chased. “It’s obviously not a good time to be a cop right now, but I am never a bad guy here,” Rucker said as middle school children crowded around him outside the Brentwood Police Activities League (PAL) Center behind Edna Hill Middle School. “Every time I go on a campus, kids are running up to me with highfives,” he said. The children’s behavior comes
as no surprise to Rucker, who also is executive director of PAL. The school resource officer for the city’s eight elementary and three middle schools is better known for handing out frozen treats than citations and taking children to fun places instead of jail. “Everyone loves him,” said Edna Hill Middle School student Alexis Rodriguez. “He used to give me rides to school and takes us bowling, and he took people to Six Flags. You can’t ask for anything else.” Rucker’s positive impact on area youth recently garnered him the Brentwood Police Officer of the Year award. “He was recommended by see Officer page 34A
Brewing Up Craft Beers
Get familiar with the growing craft beer industry in this week’s special edition. Page 1B
Fantasticks Performance
Press file photo
Brentwood Police Youth Liaison Officer Mike Rucker, seen here with his daughter in a 2014 photo, was recently named the department’s Officer of the Year.
Downtown gazebo could be up by winter by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor’s plan to rebuild the gazebo in City Park has spurred locals to act. Close to $7,500 in donations, including $2,500 from Assemblyman Jim Frazier, has prompted Taylor to proclaim the structure could be up before winter. “People are going to love this,” Taylor said. Plans for the resurrection call for it to be a volunteer project, similar to the one that led to the original construction. That effort included community members gathering the money and working together to assemble the structure. The original gazebo was torn down when the park was reno-
vated in 2007, demolishing the go-to spot for residents’ wedding, graduation and prom photos. “The gazebo was kind of an important part of the park,” resident Jeremy Johnson remembered. “So many people I knew used it for pictures.” The cost of the construction is not known, but no city funds will be used, Taylor said. In just over two months, he’s collected $7,500, a donation of rebar and guarantees from several unions to volunteer their efforts. “I might have 20 guys (to help build it),” Taylor said. “We might be able to build it in three hours.” The city is waiting for an engineer to create structural drawings, said Management Analyst Gail Leech. They then plan to
“ People are going to love this.
”
Mayor Bob Taylor work with local trade unions and set a date for a project kickoff and celebration. “I am really hoping to have the gazebo up before the rains start, but I don’t have a schedule yet,” Leech said. Little has been divulged about the look of the structure, but there are three designs in the running, including one with a bench. The finished product is likely to be located across the street from the library and stand at 12 feet high, excluding the steeple. It’s also ex-
pected to be equipped with Wi-Fi and decorated with lights. “I’m trying to get it done in September,” Taylor said. The day the structure stands again will be a victory for Taylor. He originally brought up the idea for the rebuilding in 2013. The idea was forwarded to the parks and recreation commission later that year, but never materialized. Taylor then reignited the idea by sending it to the city council agenda in June. This time the idea will stick, which excites locals. “It will be nice to have it back,” said resident Robert Rangel. “Everybody loved that thing.” For more information, email gleech@brentwoodca.gov. To comment, visit www. thepress.net.
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September 9, 2016
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Contra Costa Resource Conservation District calls for new board of directors.
Broadway Repertory Theater opens inaugural season with “The Fantasticks.” Page 10A
Heritage At 2-0 In Season
Patriots take 36-26 win over Pacheco, holding onto their undefeated season. Page 23A Calendar.............................35A Classifieds..........................31A Entertainment..................11A Food.....................................10A Health & Beauty................. 8A Milestones.........................13A Opinion...............................22A Pets......................................29A Sports..................................23A
AB 2800
go to news/press releases California’s climate-safe infrastructure bill, AB 2800 passes legislature.