Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day
Vol. 17, No. 46
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Freedom grad named Marine of the Year by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
While watching an episode of “Transformers” almost 10 years ago, Miranda Bell told her father she wanted to join the Army. He told her she’d never make it. But today she’s proving him wrong. Bell, now a 21-year-old Marine, recently beat out over 23,000 other candidates to win the 1st Marine Division Marine of the Year award. “I had no idea it would ever go this far,” said Bell, a 2014 Freedom graduate. “It’s not like I strived to win this or that award, but I am extremely passionate about the Marine Corps and my job.” Candidates for the award
are judged on a variety of criteria, including their physical fitness, marksmanship with a rifle and job performance. In just three years with the Marines, Bell is set to receive her fourth promotion – to sergeant. She has become one of only a few females ever to complete special operations training in anticipation of eventually becoming a Marine Raider – similar to a Navy Seal – and she has racked up a variety of awards. “I just know what I have to do, and I am going to get it done,” said Bell, who declined to specify her specific job. “I will do whatever I need to do to be the best Marine I can be.” see Marine page 26A
Holly, Jolly Pet Holiday
Gift ideas, healthy guidelines and more to make this season a pet perfect one. Page 1B
Recognizing Their Own
Photo courtesy of Miranda Bell
Miranda Bell, a 2014 Freedom graduate, recently beat out 23,000 other Marines to win the 1st Marine Division Marine of the Year award.
Couple to turn historic building into French-Hawaiian restaurant by Aly Brown Staff Writer
Photo by Aly Brown
The Tonnelier family recently received a loan to renovate an historic building in downtown Oakley and create a FrenchHawaiian restaurant.
While not many would think to pair Hawaiian and French cuisine, for Sydney and Stephane Tonnelier, the combination represents who they are, which is why they plan to open a restaurant showcasing these flavors in downtown Oakley. French native Stephane and his wife, Sydney, from Hawaii, stood before the Oakley City Council at its Oct. 24 meeting to ask for a loan that would change their lives – $75,000 to renovate an historic building along Main Street and open a farm-to-table restaurant with French and Hawaiian dishes. After the council deliberated the
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November 17, 2017
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details and reviewed the Bistro Punahele Tonnelier menu, it ultimately granted the loan – the first of its kind from the Downtown Revitalization Program funds. “This is the first time since I’ve been on the council that a significant amount of those funds (from the program) have been requested to be used – ever,” said Councilmember Claire Alaura, before making a motion to approve the loan. “Everything they’re asking us to fund falls under what we agreed we could provide for the revitalization of downtown Oakley.” As a chef for nearly 20 years, Stephane spent half of that time see Historic page 26A
BAC Awards
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Bank of Agriculture recently honored for excellence in customer service.
Brentwood school administrators recognized for outstanding work by their peers. Page 4A
NCS Playoff Victory
Heritage Patriots win first round of NCS Division I playoffs against Monte Vista. Page 19A Breaking News.................12A Calendar.............................27A Classifieds..........................23A Cop Logs.............................25A Holiday Happenings.........6A Milestones.........................11A Opinion...............................18A Pets........................................ 8B Sports..................................19A
Pot Tax Coming
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Anyone planning to sell marijuana after Jan. 1, will have to register for seller’s permit.