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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 17, 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
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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
Finding light in the dark by Aly Brown 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 chockfull 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
The leadership team at Freedom High School is hoping to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental-health disorders by coordinating its first Find Your Light Walk, on April 15. Similar to the Out of the Darkness Walk, the event is open to students and the public and will take place at the Freedom campus, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Participants will walk toward a display of lights to represent coming out of the darkness of depression and finding the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel through community support, resources and awareness. There will be booths from multiple school clubs present throughout the walk to encourage involvement, which can lessen the feeling of isolation present among many who suffer with depression or mental illnesses.
A senior team member and commissioner for Freedom for Change, Melissa Loza is one of the students spearheading the event. The topic of mental health deeply hits home for her. She was only 12 years old when her mother passed away in her sleep after a long battle with bipolar disorder. While her mother’s death was not a suicide, watching her mother’s struggle with mental illness gave her the passion to help others. “My mom always told me that (you can see the injury of someone) with a broken leg,” Melissa recounted. “But … mental illness is a pain you can’t see. I just want people to know they’re not alone and for the community to come together and acknowledge one another.” Melissa and her leadership team have sought out the help of Vanessa Perry, board see Light 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.