YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 17, No. 47
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Eminent domain unsettles residents by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The City of Oakley’s plan to use eminent domain to remove seven homes at 3486 Main St. to make way for roadways, sidewalks and other future projects, has residents living on the property fearful of their futures. Mark Weder, whose family owns the land, said that seven families – some with disabled members – will be forced to relocate. “It will be devastating for certain people to move,” said Weder, who noted that he’ll also be out of a job, since he lives on and manages the property with one-, two- and three-bedroom homes built in the 1930s. City Manager Bryan Montgomery said the Weder family has known about the city’s plans for years but has had no inter-
Photo by Tony Kukulich
The City of Oakley recently proceeded with eminent-domain plans on seven Main Street homes, seen above, to clear way for a number of projects. est in selling the property, which kick-started the eminent-domain procedures. The city council’s recent approval of the eminent-domain declaration came with the directive that city officials continue
to negotiate with the property owner to find a win-win solution for everyone. “The resolution does move forward the process and begins to put the final value paid in the hands of the court,” said Nancy
Marquez-Suarez, assistant to the city manager. “In the meantime, the city will be working diligently with the tenants to assist them in finding other options.” Plans included for the area include extension of O’Hara Avenue to the north and the widening of Main Street, including the installation of sidewalks and the proper location of the O’Hara Avenue traffic-signal poles, and the development of a large parking lot and rear access road. “The council did ask us to include in our discussions with the property owner and tenants a phasing that could take place with the Main Street portion moving ahead first and the extension of O’Hara Avenue coming somewhat later,” Marquez-Suarez said. “That may or may not be a phasing that that property see Residents page 30
Sign-ups for gift basket program down Organizers fear political climate is to blame
Friends of Oakley’s yearly Christmas program that provides needy families with a turkey dinner and toys has seen a shortage of applicants. Board members worry the lack of participation could be a result of families being fearful of sharing personal information.
by Aly Brown Staff Writer
Since 2008, Friends of Oakley has set out to assist needy families during the holidays, but this year, the cry for help has softened. In the past, the organization that offers toys and Christmas dinner to low-income families and individuals hasn’t had trouble finding recipients, but the number of registered applicants has shrunk by one-third this year, and Kevin Romick, co-founder and president, believes it has more to do with fear. “We would love to think that we have low participation because people have less need than they did before,” said Romick, nodding to the turnaround after the recession being one possible reason for the dip. “Economically, it paints a brighter picture. But I suspect it has
Photo courtesy of Friends of Oakley
more to do with people being afraid to share their information.” The community-oriented group’s focus is to offer those less fortunate with the gift of feasting with family and also the gift of giving. The pro-
gram provides recipients with a turkey dinner, complete with fresh produce, nonperishable food items and wrapped presents for children
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Splitting Lanes www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Bay Area Riders Forum offers motorcylists tips for staying safe on the road.
November 24, 2017
Bring On The Bargains
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are here. Find the best local deals and steals. Page 9
Beyond The Terrace
Downtown Brentwood’s newest business offers a variety of services, products. Page 4
Roaring Into Semifinals
Liberty Lions move into historic spot as they prepare for the next round of NCS playoffs. Page 21 Breaking News.....................19 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................26 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................10 Food........................................11 Health & Beauty....................8 Milestones............................15 Pets.........................................18 Sports.....................................21
Halting DUIs
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County is stepping up its efforts to stop high-risk, and repeat DUIoffenders.