YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 17
April 27, 2018
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Students show off coding skills
There’s no place like home
This week’s special edition has the lowdown on activities for summertime fun. Page 1B
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The 20 people leading the Kids’ Coding Symposium at Oakley Elementary School last week looked like ordinary fifth-graders. But it didn’t take long for attendees to realize that they are also powerhouse tech leaders. The female technology wizards taught about 140 of their peers the latest coding skills, while dismantling the myth that robots, technology and computer science are reserved for boys. “I am teaching boys that girls can do anything that boys can do,” said fifth-grader Bianca Chavez, as she assisted a fellow stusee Coding page 30A
Triplets One Year Later Photo by Tony Kukulich
D
orothy and crew set sail for the Emerald City during the San Joaquin Yacht Club’s annual Opening Day Boat Parade on April 21. Entrants in the parade decorated their boats to reflect their favorite movie. To view photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows
Midterm elections around the corner by Aly Brown Staff Writer
With the candidate nomination period now closed, California gears up for the June 5 midterm primary election, and deadlines for Contra Costa County residents to register and submit mail-in ballots are right around the corner. The vote-by-mail mailing will commence May 7. The walkin voter registration deadline is May 21, with the last day to submit mail-in ballots on May 29. While offices for state governor, secretary of state and treasurer are open, on a local level, East County residents will also consider new candidates for the 9th Congressional District and the 11th Assembly District – cur-
Summer Fun In The Sun
Regional Measure 3 Bay Area Traffic Relief Plan aims to reduce vehicular traffic, relieve crowding on BART, improve bus service and more with toll increases by increments of $1 effective 2019, 2022 and 2025. rently held by Rep. Jerry McNerney and Assemblymember Jim Frazier, respectively. Both are seeking re-election. “Californians deserve comprehensive 21st century watermanagement solutions in light of climate change and more frequent and devastating droughts – not a decades old plan that creates no benefit and picks the pockets of hard-working people,” Frazier wrote in a press release in
regard to one of his touchstone campaign issues, the twin tunnels plan that would send Delta water to Southern California. Listed on his website among many issues – including water, energy, education, immigration and more – McNerney notes agriculture and farm families as the backbone of the nation. “I have met with numerous farmers, ranchers and growers from across our area. Many of
the people I’ve met want to pass their businesses to their children but are worried that the estate tax could make that dream impossible,” McNerney wrote. “That’s why I introduced a bill to lessen the burden of the estate tax on family farms and small businesses so that they stay in family hands.” McNerney’s opponents include Marla Livengood, (republican) agriculture policy advisor, and Mike A. Tsarnas, (American independent) rancher and business owner. Candidates running against Frazier are Lisa Romero, (republican) nurse and educator, and Diane Stewart, (democratic) current Byron Union School District Board of Trustees vice
The Allen triplets are taking life by storm as they celebrate their first year. Page 5A
Throwing A Perfect Game
Heritage softball pitcher throws a perfect game and helps defeat Liberty 13-0. Page 21A
see Elections page 30A
Calendar.............................31A Classifieds..........................25A Cop Logs............................. 29A Entertainment..................10A Food.....................................11A Health & Beauty...............14A Milestones.........................15A Opinion...............................20A Pets........................................ 9A Sports..................................21A
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getting ready to cut the ribbon on East County’s newest ride.
You’ve heardIndividual of a pride of needed lions and a herd of cattle animals have funny toreally serve onnames. Do the math to d fire protection district’s advisory fire commission. A _____ A ____________ of sharks. 17 + 2 + 5
15 +