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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 16, No. 42
October, 14, 2016
Hwy. 4 A brilliant sunset upgrades A will ease congestion by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Motorists are used to hitting their brakes as they approach the intersection of Balfour Road and Highway 4, but that could soon change. Later this month, the Contra Costa Transit Authority is slated to approve a $36.9 million bid on work to add a bridge over Balfour Road along Highway 4. This will allow one lane each of eastbound and westbound traffic to bypass the Balfour signal en route to Byron and Discovery Bay. Work on the project could begin as early as this year and be completed by summer 2019. “The great benefit of this project is safety,” said Construction Manager Ivan Ramirez. “We are going see Project page 30
Fire Uncovers Grow House
rare clouded sky in East County provided a brilliant backdrop for the setting sun over Mt. Diablo, seen here near Trilogy, in Brentwood. If you have a photo you would like to share and perhaps see in The Press, send submissions to editor@ brentwoodpress. com.
Firefighters in Antioch discover marijuana grow operation in garage of burning home. Page 6
Perfect Gala For New Play
Parents of Playmakers host fundraiser for spring production of “Mary Poppins.” Page 10 Photo by Tony Kukulich
Finance complaint filed against candidate by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is reviewing a complaint that Contra Costa County District III Supervisor candidate and current Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr failed to report $19,457 in large donor contributions by a required deadline. The complaint, filed by Barr’s opponent, Diane Burgis, alleges he waited until his quarterly report, on Sept. 28, to report at least 10 contributions, despite state law requiring candidates to report monetary contributions of $1,000 or more within 24 hours of receipt, or within 48 hours for non-monetary, in-kind contributions. The contributions, which range from $1,000 to $5,000,
BARR were one day to 41 days past due, the complaint alleges. “I think the complaint speaks
for itself …” Burgis said. “I know that the voters have expectations of candidates to be responsible and transparent in their campaign reporting. I will let the FPPC determine whether he was being responsible and transparent.” Barr said he made a mistake and takes full responsibility for missing the deadline. “I regret this happening,” he said. “I will adhere to any remedies they (the Fair Political Practices Commission) see fit.” The FPPC is expected to make a ruling on the complaint in the next two weeks, Barr said. Jay Wierenga, communication director for the FPPC, declined to discuss Barr’s case, but said the commission receives about 2,000 complaints a year.
“ I regret this happening. I will adhere to any remedies they see fit.
”
Steve Barr “When we get a complaint, we take it under review to determine its merit,” Wierenga said. “We don’t automatically open an investigation. If it has merit, then we open an investigation. If not, the complaint is dismissed.” If the violations are confirmed, Barr could be fined $10 for each overdue day, plus up to $5,000 per see Complaint page 30
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Falcons Take Down Antioch
Local agencies present panel discussion featuring Bay Area small business owners.
Freedom High School crushes visiting Antioch High School 6528. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................27 Cop Logs................................26 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................18 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................20 Pets.........................................12 Sports.....................................21
Energy Aware
go to news/press releases October is National Energy Awareness Month - spread the word.