YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 18
READ THE DAILY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
Urban limit line debate grows by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Brentwood residents turned out en masse last week to voice concerns about a proposed large residential development that would require voters to approve an expansion to the city’s urban limit line. The proposed 815-acre, 2,400 residential-unit project, which also includes community recreation, commercial and civic spaces, as well as open-space elements, targets the area north of Balfour Road, east of Deer Valley Road, and west of the Shadow Lakes and Brentwood Hills neighborhoods, on Ginochio family land used for the last 150 years for cattle grazing and dryland farming. Many of the 65 or more meeting attendees expressed a range of worries that the project
could adversely affect area police, fire and medical services, traffic, schools, hospitals, air pollution, noise and a host of other qualityof-life factors. One meeting attendee stated that one could go to each California Environmental Quality Act category “and find something significantly wrong” with the proposed project. The public comments were gathered as the city prepares to complete the project’s environmental impact report (EIR) – a portion of which will analyze the proposal’s potential effects on the area’s population and housing, public services, traffic, utilities, service systems and many other components — well in advance of even considering the development proposal. see Debate page 30
Chalking it up to artistic vision
Staff Writer
The California Geological Survey (CGS) recently released two additional maps identifying areas in East Contra Costa County that may be prone to seismic hazards, in the event of an earthquake. “The purpose of the hazard zone maps is to trigger site-specific investigations, to make sure that any geological or earthquake hazards that are found to exist are mitigated before new structures are built,” explained Tim McCrink, supervising geologist for the seismic hazards program at CGS. “The new (maps) in Contra Costa County are for liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides.” Liquefaction is the process through which loose, sandy soils — such as those common in East
Local Favorite Expands Photo by Tony Kukulich
N
athan Pratt was hard at work on his entry in the City of Oakley’s “Rock the Chalk” contest at City Hall, Saturday, April 27. Nathan, along with Abraham Rodriguez, earned the group prize in the contest. To view more photos of the event, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia/slideshows
“ These maps designate areas where, during
the planning stage, construction might have to incorporate design elements to protect life and property in the event of a large earthquake.
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before construction permits can be issued. If a hazard is found to exist, the developer must provide the city or county proof that mitigation measures will be taken to address the hazard. “These maps designate areas where, during the planning stage, construction might have to incorporate design elements to protect life and property in the event of a large earthquake,” said Dr. John Parrish, state geologist of Califor-
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Dr. John Parrish, state geologist of California County — are transformed into quicksand by an earthquake. When liquefaction occurs, the ground loses its ability to support the weight above it, and structures can fail quickly and dramatically. Much of the damage resulting from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake was attributed to liquefaction. With the release of the maps, developers in areas identified as having seismic hazard potential must complete a geotechnical study
Community Support
New chapter of national organization, Helping One Woman, works to support women. Page 6
Seismic hazard zones identified by Tony Kukulich
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nia and head of CGS. “We know that sometime in the future, large, damaging earthquakes will strike in a populated area. The hope is that the hazard information contained in these maps and zones will lead to newly built structures being better prepared to withstand those earthquakes than they would have been otherwise.” In addition to new development, real estate transactions for existing properties must also address the potential seismic hazards in areas covered by the maps. “Every transaction in California has to have a natural hazards report,” said Realtor John Fink. “Every single person involved in the transaction signs this so they understand what the hazards are ... In my opinion, it’s going to require see Seismic page 30
Get Vaccinated www.thepress.net/news/webextras
International travelers urged to get measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Chianti’s in Brentwood has opened a new location and is adding to their popular menu. Page 10
Falcons Take Cheer Title
Freedom stunt cheer wins second consecutive NCS championship. Page 21 Breaking News .....................8 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................26 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................13 Pets.........................................15 Sports.....................................21
ECSM Has Talent www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
East County Shared Ministry holding benefit concert for community outreach.