Happy New Year East County!
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 16, No. 53
NAMI makes Hometown winner progress in East County
December 30, 2016
Choosing The Right Wine
by Heather Brewer Staff Writer
When people in East County are impacted by their own mental health issues – or those of a loved one – and reach out for help, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is making sure they have a place to find support. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. What started as a small group of families, gathered around a kitchen table in 1979, has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, they are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers, who work in see NAMI page 22
Explore the differing varieties of champagne and sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve. Page 8
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Photo courtesy of the City of Oakley
ongratulations to the winner of the City of Oakley’s 2016 Hometown Holiday Decorating Contest – 1876 Concannon Drive. There is still plenty of time before the end of the year to swing by and check out the display, as well as the entries in the holiday contest. Participating houses include: 193 Lavender Way, 302 East Home St., 733 Solitude Drive, 1821 Gateway Drive, 2330 Windsor Lane, 2442 Talaria Drive, 3801 Longhorn Lane, 4706 La Vista Drive, 4870 Dawson Drive, 2030 Rubens Way #101 and 3900 Brown Road.
Leadership academy celebrates graduates The Oakley City Council recently recognized 23 graduates of the 2016 Citizens’ Leadership Academy. The program is designed to provide residents an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the city operations and processes. The sessions are presented by city staff, and address how city funds are allocated, decisions are made, current challenges are handled, future plans are developed and much more. Topics covered community development, development services, public safety and other city services. “I think we accomplished a constructive, two-way dialogue over the course of the academy,” said Bryan Montgomery, city manager. “We anticipate that, as was the experience with the first group of academy graduates, many of these graduates will be inspired and feel prepared to seek out opportunities to continue to serve, including council-appointed committees or other civic and community organizations, ultimately making a stronger community.” Councilmember Kevin Romick said, “I’d like to express my gratitude to the residents for their unselfish commitment of time. Thank
Photo courtesy of the City of Oakley
Oakley recently wrapped up another successful Citizen’s Leadership Academy. Above are some of the graduates of the 2016 academy. The next program will be offered in the fall. you for your example. Learning is the first step to being engaged and effective. I encourage you to all to continue to stay engaged in a manner that’s consistent with your interests and to continue to stay informed regarding the issues.” The city will maintain an email list of graduates and intends to solicit ongoing input
and feedback from participants on city issues, plans and activities. The academy will be offered again in the fall and is limited to the first 25 participants to register. For more information contact Nancy Marquez-Suarez at marquez@ci.oakley.ca.us. – Courtesy of the City of Oakley
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Get to know one of East County’s first responders in this week’s Meet the Beat. Page 7
Patriots Take Down Amador
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California Highway Patrol and PG&E urge safe driving this holiday season.
Heritage defeats Amador Valley at the one-day West Coast Jamboree Challenge. Page 15 Calendar................................23 Classifieds.............................18 Entertainment.......................9 Food..........................................8 Milestones............................11 Pets.........................................13 Sports.....................................15
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The Capital Fellows Programs, announces the availability of applications.