Oakley Press 07.08.16

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Vol. 16, No. 28

YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Driver in teen’s death released by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer

As family and friends of 15-year-old Roshel Madlangbayan continue to grapple with the sudden and tragic death of the Freedom High School freshman last week, the driver of the car that struck and killed the Oakley teen and seriously injured her 16-year-old friend has been released from the county jail pending charges. “These type of investigations (fatal traffic and criminal involvement) tend to take a lot of time in the testing of blood, along with the inspection and traffic-related investigation,” said Oakley Police Lt. Eric Navarro. “We are hoping to have the investigation done within a month, and the results of the toxicology from the driver back, to bring to the district attorney for review.” Unless they are on parole or probation, California law allows that an individual who is arrested, but not charged with a crime within 72 hours, can be released. Kristina Salvitti, 50, of Walnut Creek, who is suspected of being impaired while

Photo courtesy of Oscar Mendez

Roshel Madlangbayan, 15, was struck and killed by a driver last week along East Cypress Road, in Oakley. She was laid to rest in a private ceremony this week. driving, veered off the roadway and struck the two teens as they walked along East

Cypress Road near Bethel Island Road, at around 2:45 p.m., on June 28. Madlangbayan was pronounced dead at the scene. No updates have been released on the unidentified 16-year-old girl, who, at last report, remained in critical, but stable, condition at UCSF Benioff Hospital. Liberty Union High School District Superintendent Eric Volta expressed the district’s condolences to the families. “It’s a tragic loss for Freedom and our community, he said. “Each time an event like this happens in our schools, it hurts personally. Our thoughts are with the families in their greatest time of need.” Services were held this week for Madlangbayan, described by her uncle, Oscar Mendez, as a soft-spoken young girl who was artistic, well mannered and bright. “She was a very shy girl, caring and very good to her parents,” said Mendez, who lived with the teen and her family, in Oakley. “She was on the principal’s honor roll, she liked art and was a good drawerer. We are all hurting; there is a sadness in the house.” To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

Rash of fires stretch local resources by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer

Photo by Susannah Meyer

A grass fire along Vasco Road, above, kicked off a string of Fourth of July weekend fires, leaving fire crews severely strained.

A series of fires over the Fourth of July weekend left Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) crews severely strained and residents from Oakley to Discovery Bay without coverage for periods of time. Two separate fires burned 13 acres of grass and light brush along Vasco Road, approximately one half mile north of the county line, on Saturday morning, July 3, closing traffic in both directions for hours. Responding companies included Calfire and Alameda County. According to ECCFPD Battalion Chief Brian Helmick, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no injuries were reported. That evening, a suspected fireworks-induced fire caused ap-

proximately $100,000 worth of damage to Town and Country Roofing Inc., on Elkins Way, in Brentwood. The blaze began with a fouracre vegetation fire on both sides of Marsh Creek Road and Hansen Lane and traveled to Elkins Way, where it consumed the supply yard of the company. The blaze took 12 hours to extinguish to ensure all hotspots in the building were subdued. No injuries were reported. For ECCFPD Fire Chief Hugh Henderson, the weekend was a series of difficult, dangerous situations. “It was a tough weekend, but I think the most frustrating call was when I left the fire in Brentwood to respond to a call on a grass fire in Discovery Bay, besee Fires page 22A

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Dr. Peter Makari shares knowledge of Middle East with Contra Costa County residents.

July 8, 2016

A Step Back In Time

The storied history behind Grand Island Mansion still captivates and thrills. Page 6A

Veteran Of The Year 2016

Antioch’s Stephen P. Todd honored for service to his country and community. Page 5A

An Olympic Reunion

Heritage High School trio of swimmers reunite at Olympic Trials. Page 1B Calendar............................. 15B Classifieds............................ 8B Cop Logs............................. 14B Entertainment..................21A Food.....................................20A Health & Beauty...............10A Milestones.........................23A Opinion...............................16A Pets......................................24A Sports ...................................1B

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Landscape expert Joseah Rosales shares details of conservation methods.


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