YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 28
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Bill calls for abandoned boat plan
July 12, 2019
Across The Pond Honors
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
New legislation authored by Assemblymember Jim Frazier, D-Discovery Bay, and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, calls for the development of a plan to deal with abandoned and derelict commercial vessels in the Delta. A draft of that plan is now available for review and public comment. Assembly Bill 2441 is a 27page report delivered by the State Lands Commission on July 1, with several objectives, including: developing a risk-based approach to prioritizing vessels; developing the infrastructure to remove vessels; and developing a cost basis for budgeting and providing recommendations to prevent or minimize the future abandonment of commercial vessels. The plan does not provide a plan for funding the effort. The bill initially had a funding component, but it was removed before the final vote.
Young Brentwood resident receives top humanitarian youth award in London. Page 4
Stargazing At Stone House Photo by Tony Kukulich
This large abandoned vessel sits in the Old River, just outside of Holland Riverside Marina in Brentwood. New legislation is in the works to fund the removal and disposal of commercial vessels along the Delta. “I am grateful the State Lands Commission is fulfilling the requirement of AB 2441 on schedule,” Frazier said. “These abandoned, derelict commercial
vessels pose a serious threat to the Delta’s ecosystem and navigation of its waterways. I urge interested parties to read and comment on the draft plan. I look forward to
the final plan so that we can move forward with clearing the Delta of these hazards.” see Abandoned page 30
Wine room may pour into Oakley by Chris Campos Correspondent
The Oakley City Council is considering a proposal by the owner of the Bistro building along Main Street to construct a boutique wine tasting room next to the popular Bistro Punahele Tonnelie restaurant. The proposed project is envisioned for land currently owned by the city. Owner Juli DelBarba appeared before the council at the July 11 meeting to present the concept, which would involve the sale of the two parcels adjacent to the Bistro totaling about 2,500 square feet. The parcels were originally purchased by
the city’s former redevelopment agency as part of the downtown transit project and are located just east of the current restaurant building. A city staff report suggests that if the council supports the project, the city could arrange a sale of the two parcels to DelBarba while suggesting a possible price of $30,000. City Manager Bryan Montgomery told the council the property currently has little value outside of DelBarba’s interest because of its odd triangle shape, access and location. Montgomery endorsed the proposal, saying the wine tasting operation would be a complementary addition to
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the downtown core. He noted the parcels were originally purchased for street improvements, and anyone other than DelBarba would have a difficult time building anything else on the property. The proceeds from any sale of the parcels would have to be distributed among the public agencies that approved the first purchase. DelBarba told the council she hopes to honor the area’s wine-making history with the project. She said she and her contractor are planning to use repurposed materials salvaged from area historic farms and buildings. DelBarba noted the “water
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John Marsh Historic Trust will host Astronomy Night, Monday, July 29. Page 6
B-Ball Coach Steps Down
tower” feature included in the new building’s design as another reflection of the area’s historic farming roots. She told the council she hoped to gain a full liquor license for the property. Mayor Claire Alaura called the proposal a beautiful project and hopes the city can work with DelBarba to “make this a reality.” Kevin Rohani, the city public works director, noted during the meeting that the soonest the project could be built would be next summer due to other nearby projects. The project is subject to further negotiations between DelBarba, city officials and the council.
Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................27 Cop Logs................................24 Education................................5 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................19 Milestones............................15 Opinion..................................20 Sports.....................................21
Dream Wedding
Special Service
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County will host next “Destination Wedding” at John Muir National Historic Site.
Freedom basketball coach Drew Torres leaving after successful career. Page 21
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DA Diana Becton will serve on Judicial Selection Advisory Committee.