YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 17, No. 41
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Council OK’s A ghoulish good time more license L plate-readers by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The Oakley Police Department will soon utilize additional tools to combat crime. The Oakley City Council recently approved the purchase of automated license plate-reading cameras. The sophisticated tools, which capture images of vehicle license plates that pass the camera locations, will be positioned along Laurel Road, east of Highway 4, and will photograph the plates of eastbound motorists. Other cameras are already installed at the intersection of Main Street and Neroly Road. “We have been setting aside and appropriating funds for cameras on an annual basis for some years now,” said Nancy Marquez-Suarez, human resources manager and assistant to the city manager. “Cameras are in our parks, city hall, other public places and at some intersections. The license plate-reader cameras see License Plate page 30A
exy Stuth, 7, brought her Halloween spirit and costume to the seventh annual Harvest Festival held last year in Oakley. This year’s event takes place Saturday, Oct. 21, at Civic Center Plaza. For all the details, see page 14A.
Teen Bands Rock N’ Roll
RPM Records to host teen bands organized through Police Activities League. Page 4A
Helmick named permanent fire chief
HELMICK
“ I am honored and
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Game, Set And Match
privileged to assume this role … I am honored that the board has placed this trust in me.
” Brian Helmick
ing professionals who provide fire and emergency response in this district every day and every night. “I am honored that the board has placed its trust in me – and in the support my family will provide to me as I take on this role in a permanent capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity, and I do not take the responsibility lightly.
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The Press’ Auto Guide
If it has wheels or floats, then it’s in the pages of this week’s special edition. Page 1B
Press file photo
East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) interim fire chief Brian Helmick is officially onboard. At the ECCFD’s meeting Oct. 2, the board of directors unanimously voted to offer the permanent fire chief position to Helmick, who has been serving as interim fire chief since March 31. Helmick accepted and his new, permanent title is effective immediately. Helmick, 40, started with the district as a firefighter in 2002 and successfully worked through the ranks. He was promoted to battalion chief July 2006, serving as the district’s operations chief leading up to his appointment as interim fire chief. Helmick offered the following statement on the appointment: “I am honored and privileged to assume this role, to serve the board and this community and to lead and work alongside the firefighters and other hard-work-
October 13, 2017
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Girls’ tennis team at Heritage High looking to win seventh league title. Page 21A Calendar............................. 31A Classifieds.......................... 26A Cop Logs............................. 29A Entertainment.................. 11A Food..................................... 10A Milestones......................... 17A Opinion............................... 20A Pets...................................... 18A Sports.................................. 21A
see Helmick page 30A
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Medicare open enrollment is underway. Find out if you need to reassess your plan.
Rate Increase
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U.S. Postal rates, including stamps, are likely to see an increase in 2018.