Oakley Press 09.09.16

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& NATIONAL DAY OF

REMEMBRANCE

YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Vol. 16, No. 37

Community mourns loss of teen by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer

Kaleb Vancil, holding the ball, was a student at Delta Vista Middle School and enthusiastic water polo player. He died Monday, Sept. 5, following a collision with a car while bicycling on Big Break Road in Oakley.

As friends and family mourn the loss of 14-year-old Kaleb Vancil, who was killed by a car while riding his bike along Big Break Road in Oakley over Labor Day weekend, the school district and community at large remember and reflect on the well-known, outgoing, Delta Vista Middle School student. “Kaleb was a very popular student here at Delta Vista, with deep ties to the Oakley community,” said Delta Vista Principal Harvey Yurkovich. “He had a great smile and enjoyed making others laugh along with him. He will be greatly, greatly missed.” Kaleb was struck by a vehicle at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4, while traveling northbound on the sidewalk. Reports indicate Kaleb left the sidewalk to go around pedestrian traffic and was

Photo courtesy of Gina Vancil

Reptile rescuer wrapped up in work by Amy Schrader Correspondent

Snakes are known to make some people squirm, but Rylee Stafford, a senior at Freedom High School in Oakley, is not among those fearful of slithering reptiles. In fact, the 16-year-old student has been rescuing them from the streets where they have been abandoned, as well as from owners who no longer wish to care for them. After rescuing them, she works to tame more aggressive animals and rehome them with a new owner who is prepared to properly care for them. “It’s not necessarily getting the animals that makes me happy,”

said Stafford. “What makes me happy is when the animals get a new home after we’ve taken care of them.” According to the The Humane Society of the U.S., the majority of reptile owners keep their pets for less then a year. Some animals die due to poor care, others may be intentionally released outdoors and others are dropped off at shelters, where many are euthanized. Stafford, who first learned about reptiles during a zoology class at Freedom High School, is trying to break that cycle. She has the support of her advanced placement biology teacher and previous see Reptile page 34A

struck by an automobile. He was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Oakland, where he died from his injuries the following day. The driver has been cooperating with authorities and drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor, according to the Oakley Police Department report. Kaleb was a water polo player and a regular fixture at Freedom High School, where his mom, Gina, is a varsity and junior varsity boys’ water polo coach. Kaleb was suffering from kidney failure and was scheduled to undergo a transplant next month, with his mom as the donor. “We appreciate everyone’s kind words for our family,” said Kaleb’s mother, Gina Vancil, of the community outpouring and support. see Mourns page 34A

Rylee Stafford, a senior at Freedom High School in Oakley, rescues reptiles, including April, a red tail boa constrictor. Stafford not only finds new homes for the unwanted reptiles, but also works to educate the public and break down stereotypes associated with snakes and reptiles. Photo courtesy of Rylee Stafford

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Contra Costa Resource Conservation District calls for new board of directors.

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Get familiar with the growing craft beer industry in this week’s special edition. Page 1B

Fantasticks Performance

Broadway Repertory Theater opens inaugural season with “The Fantasticks.” Page 10A

Heritage At 2-0 In Season

Patriots take 36-26 win over Pacheco, holding onto their undefeated season. Page 23A Calendar.............................35A Classifieds..........................31A Entertainment..................11A Food.....................................10A Health & Beauty................. 8A Milestones.........................13A Opinion...............................22A Pets......................................29A Sports..................................23A

AB 2800

go to news/press releases California’s climate-safe infrastructure bill, AB 2800 passes legislature.


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