antioch press_03.11.11

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2A | THEPRESS.NET MARCH 11, 2011

MARCH 11, 2011 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 3A

Fire district moves toward assessmentIn a sometimes contentious, 3-hour workshop Mon-

day, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District pared a long list of needs down to what it hopes voters will agree to pay for later this year.

On a 6-2 vote, the district board zeroed in on the goals of staffi ng its six current stations with three fi refi ghters each (two stations, Knightsen and Bethel Island, currently staff only two fi refi ghters); establishing a paramedic program at two as-yet unnamed stations; partially funding a new communication system and other equipment needs; and eliminating a $2.8 million annual operating defi cit that threatens the district with insolvency next year.

The improvements and defi cit elimination would cost about $4 million per year, which a new benefi t assessment district levy of about $96 for the average single-family home would provide. A recent poll shows that 55 percent of the districts residents would be willing to support that much, but no more.

The plan left signifi cant holes in what residents would like to see. For example, it does not include re-opening either the Discovery Bay or Byron stations that were closed last year due to a lack of funding. Discovery Bay residents forcefully informed the board during the workshop that re-opening the stations would be needed to win votes there.

If you really want their support, you have to commit in advance and say youre going to re-open those stations, said Jeff Barber.

That option, which would cost about $1.2 million per sta-tion, did not make the list, however. ECCFPD Board Chair Erick Stonebarger of Brentwood said that according to the most recent tax fi gures, Discovery Bay pays $1.4 million per year to the district for its single station, and he felt he could not sell the assessment to Brentwood voters if it included

spending more money there.Stonebarger went on to say that Discovery Bay currently

has the best service in the district, per capita. The one station there serves a community of 15,000, while Brentwoods two stations serve a population of 56,000 (28,000 people per sta-tion), and Oakleys one station serves 35,000.

Stonebargers comments brought an angry response from Discovery Bay CSD board member Brian Dawson, who ac-cused Stonebarger of thinking about Brentwood rather than the district as a whole. I have a list of 3,500 e-mail addresses, and Im going to tell them all what you just said, Dawson said during one of three public comment periods at the work-shop. I dont think you know how loud we are (in Discovery Bay), he added.

Others at the meeting felt the district should ask for enough to meet all the districts needs, including addition-al pay for fi refi ghters. Director Robert Kenny of Bethel Island said the district should ask for what it needs one time, and make a major public relations effort to sell the public on it.

If were going to raise taxes, we ought to do it at one time and do it right, he said. We should go for what we need.

Although the total needed to do that has not been cal-culated, the consultants advising the board strongly advised against exceeding the psychological barrier of $100 per sin-gle-family home if they wanted voters to approve the assess-ment.

And while all the board members said they wanted the best for their residents and employees, it was clear that should the assessment fail, so would the district. The consensus was reached that the most important thing was to keep the district afl oat.

Were in survival mode, said Director Kevin Romick of Oakley. People have to understand that if this fails, we will shut down two more stations and lay off 12 more fi refi ghters. Do we want to survive or do we ask for the moon at this time? My concern is that we survive, and continue to fi ght the battle another day.

All the directors agreed that informing the public of the districts needs and the consequences of failure would be key to getting a measure passed. The efforts timeline was adjusted to allow a maximum amount of time to reach out to the pub-lic before sending out ballots for the mail-in election on June 1. At the request of Director Jim Frazier of Oakley, the board agreed to obtain proposals from public relations fi rms that might help pass the measure, in addition to the $25,000 worth of guidance the district has already paid for.

The election must be successfully completed before Aug. 10 in order to begin generating tax revenue in December. If the deadline is missed, it will be December of 2012 before tax dollars from another measure could begin fl owing to the dis-trict, about six months after the reserves currently fl oating the district run out.

The board ordered the completion of the detailed engi-neers report the assessment would be based on, and asked that it be brought back to them for a fi nal decision on April 4. Minor adjustments could be made at that point, or the board could decide against any assessment at all.

Stonebarger, Robert Brockman, Steve Barr and Joel Bry-ant of Brentwood, plus Oakleys Romick and Pat Anderson voted to proceed at the $96 level and the $4 million for im-provements. Director Frazier of Oakley and Kenny voted no.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

by Rick LemyreStaff Writer

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4A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY MARCH 11, 2011

Teen chases her dreams in NashvilleWhile most 18-year-old high school graduates are gear-

ing up for another round of college midterms, Jessica Caylyn is preparing to launch a career.

The Antioch teen recently returned from a three-week trip to Nashville, where she recorded her fi rst EP (extended play) album, and after years of singing cover tunes by coun-try musics biggest stars, Caylyn will be unleashing her own original material later this month.

Nashville was amazing, Jessica said. The whole ex-perience was really fun. I was really nervous about going on my own, but I got to meet a lot of great people. Nashville is full of writers, producers, musicians and all of these people who have a deep love for music. Music is their passion, and it is inspiring to be surrounded by so many people who love music the way I do.

Jessica and her mother, Lori Bunting, traveled to Nash-ville last year to meet with an independent producer. After their fi rst meeting, Bunting knew Jessica would be in good hands, so in January, Caylyn fl ew to Nashville for a musi-cal journey. The experience was a whirlwind of songwriting meetings, networking parties and recording sessions, and although Jessica was nervous about her fi rst big trip on her own, she said it was an inspiring experience and she looks forward to going back and doing it all over again.

Jessicas determination to succeed in the country music business, paired with her passion for music, is a combination her producer Steffon Hamulak considers a winning blend.

The best advice I can give to an aspiring artist is to not have a backup plan, Hamulak said. If you do, youll use it. This is all you should want to do, and if you have a backup plan say accounting then youre going to fall back on account-ing. Its not an easy business, but if you want it bad enough, youll stop at nothing until you get where youre going.

You need to make a commitment to the craft and be the best you can be if you are going to succeed. You dont have to be better than everyone else, but you need to be the best you if youre going to make this happen. If you keep at it, youll get a shot, but you have to keep going and dont look back. You have to be fearless, and thats Jessica.

Hamulak said hearing about Jessica on MySpace, a dy-ing social media, was a twist of fate. He hardly ever checks his MySpace account, but when he did last September, he

found a message from Jessicas manager inquiring about a potential partnership. When Jessica and her mother met up with Hamulak the following month, he saw something in her, but it wasnt until Jessica stepped into the recording studio that he fully realized what a talent he had in his hands.

I see a lot of talent pass through here, but Jessica is gen-uine, Hamulak said. She is really talented. She has such a

Antioch resident Jessica Caylyn recently returned from a trip to Nashville, where she worked with pro-ducer Steffon Hamulak. Jessica will release her rst original single later this month.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Caylyn

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

see Nashville page 7A

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Antioch: The Orchard at Slatten Ranch (925) 779-1844

Antioch Riverview Garden Clubs pick for Garden of the Month belongs to Romano and Carol Marchetti, whose front yard alcove is located at 4 Jeanne Court. The lush plantings surround a brick patio area perfect for a candlelit dinner on a summer evening. The Garden Club is holding a plant and craft sale, along with a library book sale, outside the Antioch Public Library on Saturday, April 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Contributed by Patricia Prejza

Lush alcoveFamily GrantsFirst 5 Contra Costa is offering Family-Friendly Com-

munity Grants of up to $10,000 for local community im-provement, health and literacy projects that benefi t children 5 and younger.

Funded projects include neighborhood clean-ups, new or improved playgrounds, parent education and training, health fairs and projects that promote optimal child health and de-velopment. Family-Friendly Community Grants are available for nonprofi t organizations, small community groups, city agencies, public adult schools and public libraries.

Applicants must attend one of the following mandatory information workshops in order to apply: Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Prewett Family Wa-ter Park, 4701 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at West County First 5 Center, 2707 Dover Ave. in San Pablo. Thursday, March 31 at 1 p.m. at First 5 Contra Costa, 1485 Enea Court, Suite 1200 in Concord.

Spanish translation and childcare will be offered at all workshops. In addition, First 5 staff will provide extra assis-tance to interested applicants. More information about this opportunity will be available at the information workshops.

To register for workshops, call 925-771-7343. The appli-cation may be downloaded on www.fi rstfi vecc.org.

About First 5 Contra CostaFirst 5 Contra Costa makes a difference in the lives of

children, from the prenatal stage through age 5 when a childs brain development is so critical, and the most impor-tant time to establish healthy relationships with parents and caregivers. For nearly a decade, First 5 Contra Costa has used tobacco tax funds to help children from the prenatal stage to age 5 grow up healthy, learning and supported in safe, nurtur-ing families and communities. Last year, First 5 Contra Costa invested more than $10 million to help our countys children get the best possible start.


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big voice boy can she sing her tail off. After that day in the recording studio, I was sold. I will be her champion. Shes got a sound that music lovers are going to want to hear.

During her fi rst week in Nashville, Jes-sica focused all her energy into song writing. Through the work sessions, she co-wrote three of the four songs that will appear on her EP.

One of her collaborators, Greg Friia, said Jessica is a rare talent who brings a soul-ful touch to the songs she writes. Her unique style will be an exciting addition to the world of country music. Its very rare to fi nd God-given talent, let alone have it appear in some-one so young, Friia said. She is a writer way beyond her years. She knows what she wants to say and how she wants it to be said. She has a great melodic sense and its easy to fall in love with the sound of her voice. She brings the goose bumps to the surface.

While in Nashville, Jessica was con-stantly feeling goose bumps, but nothing was more thrilling than spending a day at Ocean Way Studios, one of the most famous studios on Music Row, where artists such as George Strait, Toby Keith and Faith Hill have record-ed albums. Once Jessica assembled a set of songs she wanted to record, she and Hamluak went to the studio to get the tracks laid out by a band and she added her vocals later.

Her fi rst single, Just Cant Help Myself, is perfect for country radio, which is Jessicas current target. After performing at local ven-ues with her group, The Jessica Caylyn Band, shes ready to get her voice on the airwaves. Jessica and her manager will be submitting the

single to local stations and then cast their net to all California radio stations before branch-ing out across the country.

Jessica describes herself as a country artist with a blend of soul and rock, but the masses will decide what they think of Jessica a process bound to be nerve-wracking but educational.

Im looking forward to getting feed-back, Jessica said. This is the fi rst time Ive recorded my own material, so I want to see what people think of it. Ill integrate the songs into my shows and get an idea of how my fans feel about them, and then when I go to Nash-ville for another songwriting session, Ill have a better idea of where I want to go.

Since Nashville is the country music capi-tal of the world, shes contemplating moving there. But she understands how being a Cali-fornia country artist can help her move for-ward in the business.

Nashville is the center of country music, and if youre in Nashville with every other as-piring artist, you might get lost in the crowd, Jessica said. So if I can make a name for my-self out here in California and grow a fan base, then Nashville might take notice. It shows that you have drive and talent. Its a business, and Im trying to be smart about this because this is all I want to do. I love to perform.

This summer Jessica plans to continue her fan outreach by performing at local ven-ues and festivals and other outdoor concert events this summer to get as much exposure as possible. Jessica hasnt set an offi cial date to release her EP or her fi rst single, but check her website at www.jessicacaylyn.com for updates and a list of performance dates.


Nashville from page 4A

8A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION MARCH 11, 2011

RAAMP Charter Academy of Math & Science is currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year.

RAAMP will host a Kindergarten Readiness Open House for all interested incoming Kindergarten Parents on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 from 6:30-8:00 pm.

This open house will be held on the Fremont Elementary school campus multi-purpose room, 1413 F St., Antioch.

Kindergarten Readiness Open House

For more info please call 754-9800

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Timber Point takes Environmental Action

Timber Point Elementary School has re-cently been certifi ed in the Environmental Ac-tion Program for Schools (EAPS). The school was recognized at the recent meeting of the By-ron Union School District Board and presented with a Certifi cate of Completion and Summary of Actions by Contra Costa County staff.

EAPS is a county program that encour-ages students, teachers, administration and staff to partake in environmentally benefi cial Ac-tion Areas involving activities such as recycling, waste prevention, composting, and environmen-tal curriculum.

RECYCLINGEach classroom is equipped with a recy-

cling container for mixed paper. The paper is collected weekly by custodians and brought to

the recycling toters for collection by Mt. Diablo Recycling. Plastic bottles and aluminum cans are also collected once a month by the student council and PTA.

WASTE PREVENTIONTimber Point has reduced its monthly gar-

bage bill by more than 70 percent. The amount of garbage produced during lunch has dropped from eight 32-gallon bags per day to two.

COMPOSTINGTimber Points two composting bins are

put out at lunch times for compostable lunch items and green waste. The compost is used in the schools gardens.

Environmental Action Program for Schools Coordinator Lorna Thomson presents Timber Point Elementary School Principal Brian Burnight with a certi cate for completing the program.

Photo courtesy of Lorna Thomson

see Action page 10A

MARCH 11, 2011 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 9A

Yes. You can join. (800) 877-8328 www.traviscu.org

Antioch: 5819 Lone Tree Way, Suite AClayton Valley: 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 10

Concord: 1257 Willow Pass Road

Mon.Fri., 10 am5:30 pm; Sat. 10 am2 pm

NCUAYour savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.Everyone who lives, works, or attends school in Contra Costa County is eligible to join. Certain membership requirements may apply.

Free Checkingthats still free!

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SPRING BREAK AT HARVEST PARK BOWL

Brentwood RocksMarch 15, 16 & 18

and March 22-March 251pm-3pm

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Harvest Park Bowl5000 Balfour Rd., Brentwood

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Come join the fun!

A story in the Feb. 18 issue of the Press should have mentioned that dogs are allowed at Mt. Diablo State Park only in camping areas, not on trails. Additional restrictions apply to dogs in camping areas. For informa-tion, visit www.parks.ca.gov.

A story in March 4 edition about earth-quake relief efforts in New Zealand listed an incorrect phone number for donations. The toll-free number is 855-243-2242.

Also on March 4, the article Role re-versal leads to learning, laughs featured an incorrect name. The student who served as mayor at the Youth in Government mock meeting was Heritage High School senior Amanda Greene.

Corrections

Kids fiddle around at lunchEvery Tuesday when the lunch bell

rings, a dozen or so students at Timber Point Elementary make a mad dash to Room D9 lunch boxes fl ying and violin cases colliding as they descend on Amy Brossard for a half hour of musical refi nement.

These students are the Lunch Bunch, an energetic group of second- and third-graders who are learning what it means to rosin up the bow and hold their violins in resting po-sition, thanks to the efforts of Brossard, the schools music docent. The only requirements for admission to the noontime group are a willingness to learn and a violin.

My background is the violin, so when some of the students began expressing an interest in it, my principal suggested maybe I could hold a lunchtime class, said Brossard. So I did, and its been great. They are doing a very good job. The violin is a diffi cult instru-ment to learn.

It is kind of hard, because you have to press down so hard on the strings, admitted third grader Raegan Purkey. But its a lot of fun.

It is fun, added Cassidy Kimble. I practice a lot at home and Im getting good.

So far the young musicians have mas-tered the D and A strings, which allows them to play such masterpieces as Mary Had a Little Lamb and Hot Cross Buns. This weeks repertoire includes learning the open-ing strains of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, but when theyre ready, Brossard is looking forward to picking up the pace.

I really love to fi ddle, and Im looking forward to teaching the kids, said Brossard. Fiddling is really just about tempo. Some ex-amples of fi ddling songs would be The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Irish jigs and folk songs. But theyve got some practicing to do before that.

And practice they do. Many of Bros-sards students musical education extends beyond the lunch bell. Some take private les-sons from Brossard who lives in Discovery Bay while others are learning and practicing on their own with the aid of sheet music Bros-sard hands out at the end of each class. Either way, if Brossards students walk away with an increased love of the violin, she considers her effort a success.

I started playing violin when I was in el-

ementary school and I always loved it, said Brossard. I also played the piano, but as soon as I found the violin, I just left the piano in the dust.

My hope is that the students, or at least some of them, will come away with a basic love and understand-ing of the violin and a desire to continue. If they do, and I know some of them will, then Ill be happy.


by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

Isabel Mooney concentrates on her technique with the rest of the lunchtime violin group.

Photos by Ruth Roberts

10A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION MARCH 11, 2011

The Byron Union School Board unanimously voted last week to cut 15 certifi cated and approximately six classifi ed posi-tions from the 2011-12 school budget in anticipation of a possible $800,000 district-wide defi cit.

Byron Union School District Superintendent Ken Jacopetti said the board made the reductions based on the assumption that Gov. Jerry Browns proposed legislation to extend the states cur-rent sales, vehicle and income taxes wont pass.

The extension of the taxes, which were approved in 2009 but are set to expire this year, would stave off additional cuts to the education budget for the coming year. But because the deadline for issuing layoff notices to teachers and staff is March 15 and the outcome of the possible tax extension wont be known until June at the earliest the district must build its budget based on the assumption that cuts will need to be made.

The county has asked us to look at the worst possible sce-nario, which is that the tax extensions dont pass, and then build our budgets accordingly, said Jacopetti. So thats what weve done. Either way, well be making cuts. But if the tax is extended, there is the possibility we wont have to cut as many positions.

If voters nix Browns tax-extension, its likely that funding from Proposition 98 (requiring a minimum amount of the states budget be spent on K-12 education) will subsequently be reduced.

Based on those two scenarios, Jacopetti said the defi cit to the Byron school district could hover around $800,000 an enor-mous number for such a small operation. Weve just gotten to the point where we cant really take anymore hits, said Jacopetti. As we look historically over the past 25 jobs weve cut in the last three years, and as our revenues continue to drop, its a little gloomy.

Elaine Landro, president of the Byron school board, agreed the situation is serious, but believes the district will continue to do its best. Our concerns are that if the tax extensions dont pass, we are going to be in a lot of trouble, said Landro. So were trying to get the message out there that this is not a new tax; its some-thing that we are already paying for Everyone is out there try-ing to help, and we are not going to give up.

The school districts loss of 15 staff from the current 85 cer-tifi cated members would include teachers and related employees such as psychologists, mentor coaches and English language sup-port, as well as Spanish, music and technology staff.

Cuts to the 6.5 classifi ed positions out of the current 40 em-ployees would include aides, custodians and district offi ce staff. Jacopetti added that last week he informed all pink-slipped em-ployees of their status.

We have such amazing staff and theyve been so great, but emotionally this has been very diffi cult for me, said Jacopetti. But were all hanging in there and trying to look ahead. The PTA has been great in offering their support, as have our school fami-lies. Weve got to continue to operate by driving on the optimism that we can turn this thing around, and were all looking toward that goal.


Byron schools to issue pink slips

ENVIRONMENTAL CURRICULUMByron Unifi ed School District uses the California Adopted

Science Curriculum that contains a unit of environmental studies for each grade level. The school also runs a Junior Achievement program in which students in each grade level learn about caring for the environment and eco-smart practices.

The California Integrated Waste Management Act (also known as AB939) requires that all cities and counties divert 50 percent of materials from landfi lls. The Conservation and De-velopment Department develops and implements programs to achieve waste diversion goals, and one such program is the EAPS, which encourages faculty and students to take proactive steps to help the environment, and provides recognition for their efforts.

For more information, call Lorna Thomson at 925-335-1231 or e-mail [email protected].

Action from page 8A


MARCH 11, 2011 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 11A

Loma Vista salutes students

Congratulations to the following Loma Vista Elementary School students for being named to the Golden Circle (straight As) and Honor Roll (As and Bs) for the second trimester:

GOLDEN CIRCLEFourth Grade

Mark Adly, Quinn Amber, Alexis Bosler, Olivia Bustos, Isabella Carpenetti, Sandra Cook, Giavonna Crupi, Nesta Dugbartey, Varon Joseph Fajardo, Arianna Farinas, Emma Finn, Jack Flanery, Bryce Fountain, Sophia Ghiozzi, William Haynes, Lexi Harlow, Dalilah Annotti Izumi, Hunter Karbowski, Cameron Kirk, Emily MacDonald, Emma Marquez, Kendyll McHenry, Jesse Mendoza, Alexis Misquez, Amanda Nelson, Sarah Packer, Garrett Pratt, Mathew Teague, Briana Vierra, Jennevieve Walton, Faith Williams and Juliana Zepeda Lopez.Fifth Grade

Emily Andrews, Teodora Barnes, Emily Bernamonti, Morgan Blume, Riley Bosler, Neko Capsaliaris, Jordon Carrillo, Christina Cooksey, Maya Davies, Riley Ehlen, Jordyn Foley, Elizabeth Friedmann, Gabriel Gleeson, Caitlyn Graves, Mason Hamblin, Shaylee Hanson, Claire Huang, Kelsi Holt, Makena Horne, Timothy Kein, Madeline Koontz, Katerina Korzhov, Ashlyn Lane, Samantha Leitch, Jordan McIntosh, Lindsey Murnane, Ryan Nabas, Claire Neumeuer, Hector Ochoa Aragon, Charles Palmer, Kaley Pastor, Vanessa Pico, Hannah Pollymeyer, Jessica Ramey, Leighanna Sanchez, Adrienne Martinez Sanders and Matthew Tolero.

HONOR ROLLFourth Grade

Dominic Aceves, Christian Alfsen, Jacob Alves, Christopher Azevedo, Xiana Beshears, Isabella Brooks, Ashley Cervantes, Isabella Cristobal, Jared Cruce, Alexis Cruz, Devyn Douglas, Colin Elm, Jacob Estigoy, Claire Finn, Alexis Garcia, Bryant Garcia, Jennifer Gleeson, Ian Gravatt, Christian Hanson, Maarya Haq, Joshua Hartman, Katey Hartwig, Adam Heston, Cade Ignatov, Zackary Kennedy, Tammy Kim, Jamie Symkowick Lange, Ilyiana Linares, Allison Maritz, Justin Mazzola, Alijah Meija, Jordan Misquez, Jeremy Montalvo, Jacob Nabas, Sarah Niemeier, Ian Panela, Katharina Park, Sean Pasamonte, Tre Pedreira, Alyssa Ramirez, Dakota Reed, Alec Rivera, Emily Roberts, Nelson Salguero, Gian Sanghera, Elijah Sanchez, Paige Sasser, Aidan Schoch, Yordanos Solomon, Chasen Tiller, Aerielle Ulip, Amanda Vers, David Villegas and Randolf Gabriell Uy.Fifth Grade

Jordan Alcantar, Natalie Alvarado, Nikolas Basa, Travis Baxter, Kyle BeBeau, Morganne Bethea, Jeremiah Botros, Cecilia Castellanos, Jettiene Charvet, Trevor Clements, Marcus Dawal, Christopher Fazzio, Heather Gordon, Molly Glavich, Skylar Henry, Zackary Henry, Taylor Hopkins, Cameron Jamison, Lindsay Keller, Reece Lewis, Lauren Marquez, Tatiana Martinez, Kiara Matthews, Lia Milam, Mason Moser, Christina Oyebade, Madelyn Riddle, Jaden Rodriguez, Samantha Sacco, Sydney Schaefer, Sadaf Sharifi, Audrey Nolan Smith, Grady Spencer, Dominic Stenger, Devin Stone and Amelia Towse.

Leopards ofthe month

Congratulations to the following Loma Vista Elementary students of the month:Kindergarten

Howard Barefield, Carmen Cortes, Hannah Dodson, Isabella Elness, Ethan Ikeoka, Dylan Johnson, Trent Kuivinen, James Martinez, Justin McIntosh, Dalia Mendoza, Jillian Mo-lina, Alexandrea Munoz, Alexa Olivan, Garrett Sampson, Alysianna Soto and Jacob Vreeland.First Grade

Zarah Abatcha, Amarissa Aceves, Jeremy Bantola, Ella Bowles, Dominic Bustos, Jayden Erks, Morgan Gillem, Aidan Holt, Mia Hurtado, Rollie Nearhood, Abram Pereira, Madelyn Riggs, Devon Rivers, Angel Ruelas, Cole Tastard and Justin Teeples.Second Grade

Peter Botros, Jasmine Brandy, Devon Cardoza, Shane Davis, Olivia Gibaut, Taylor Jamison, Martin Jarquin, George Leitch, Holden Lenthe, Bret Mena, Makayla Petty, Jordan Ramey, Natalie Ray, Sanam Sharifi, Hanna Venezia, Aidan Walton and Wade Woodruff.Third Grade

Antonio Aceves, Alyssa Aubert, Rachel Cruz, Daniel Daligcon, Katie DAmico, Mitch-ell Deffebach, Chris Huynh, Michael Lane, Matthew Murnane, Paul Neumeuer, Gianna Papini, Nicholas Poulson, Donnell Tate, Jonathan Teeples, Nicholas Vo and Keegan Vogan.Fourth Grade

Harrison Atencio, Andrew Baptista, Dwane Belluno, Jayla Boyle, Amanda Chavez, Josephine Dalldorf, Andrew Davis, Devyn Douglas, Justin Grima, Christian Hanson, Cade Ignatov, Sami Kernan, Jordan Misquez, Arianna Pereira, Shane Poulsen, Amber Ramirez, Emily Roberts, Alyssa Sanchez, Stacey Sandoval, Aidan Schoch and Jenna Walton.Fifth Grade

Briana Arredondo, Morgan Bethea, Neko Capsaliaris, George Claibourne, Jordyn Foley, Jacob Frazier, Elizabeth Friedmann, Justin Gonzalez, Heather Gordon, Emily Kameny, Madeline Koontz, Damon Lynch, Alyssa OToole, Dominic Papini, Eric Schrader and Amelia Towse.

12A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY MARCH 11, 2011

Delta weeds on the chopping block

Its too soon to call it a done deal, but local supporters and public offi cials remain cautiously optimistic that the tenacious wa-ter weed that wrecked havoc in the backyard bays of Discovery Bay last year will fi nally get the heave-ho on the states dime.

Im feeling pretty good, said Jeff Conway, district manager of Reclamation District 800. Every year they (the state) say, No, not this year, but I have to say Im shooting about 80 percent that this is the year they will do something.

Egeria densa, the robust and fast-grow-ing weed commonly found in pet stores and home aquariums, has been a regular uninvit-ed guest in the Delta for years. But last years perfect storm of temperature, water and sunlight caused the prolifi c weed to expand its reach, clogging area bays and waterways up and down the Delta, including Discovery Bay and Bethel Island. And though a treat-ment for the weed is available, its expensive (approximately $2,000 per acre) and requires a permit, making it unavailable to residents.

But last week, in a follow-up meeting to last falls discussion with the Department of Boating and Waterways, County Supervi-sor Mary Piepho and local offi cials, includ-ing representatives from the Department of Boating and Waterways, Reclamation Dis-trict 800 and members of Discovery Bays CSD, met for an update on the possibility of

the state-run agency footing the bill for treat-ing egeria densa in Discovery Bay and Bethel Island.

I think were all very hopeful, said Piepho. Last fall we had a commitment that they would spray Bethel Island and Discov-ery Bay, and that is still holding I believe the Department of Boating and Waterways sees this as a Delta threat with state impacts,

not just a community issue. The tone of the meeting was very positive.

Gloria Sandoval, public information of-fi cer for the California Department of Boat-ing and Waterways, agreed. The meeting did go very well, and were going to continue to work with Discovery Bay and Bethel Is-land on a plan, said Sandoval. Were look-ing at our treatment site lists, and its looking

pretty positive.According to Sandoval, the egeria den-

sa is treated with a non-toxic chemical called Fluridone. The cost of $2,000 per acre cov-ers equipment and staffi ng as well as the sub-stance. Its unclear at this time how large an area will require treatment, but according to Piepho, the states annual budget for invasive weed treatment comes to slightly more than $6 million.

Discovery Bay CSD President Kevin Graves estimated the cost to treat Discovery Bay at around $600,000. We have 600 acres in Discovery Bay but only about 300 (acres) need to be treated, said Graves. Were pleased with the response were getting from the state and local agencies, and were coor-dinating as best we can to help.

If all goes as planned, and the state bud-get continues to allow for the spraying of the weeds, the process is tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-April, before boating season opens. Before then, according to Piepho, there are plans to hold community town hall meetings in early April in Bethel Island and Discovery Bay.

Well begin working on public educa-tion and outreach, and the town hall meet-ings will tell the community about the pro-cess, what to expect and what not to expect, said Piepho. I think they (Department of Boating and Waterways) are cautiously opti-mistic and we are, too. Were moving forward as though we have a yes on this.


The Department of Boating and Waterways is considering a plan to eradicate the egeria densa water weed in areas of Discovery Bay, above, and Bethel Island.

Press file photo


MARCH 11, 2011 THEPRESS.NET | 13A

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this country, are not in the fi nancial crisis theyre in today because working people make too much money, because working people have labor unions, because police offi cers or the public works crews or secre-taries have decent pensions. We are in this mess because of the fi nancial crisis which was caused by the greed of the wealthiest people in this country.

At a Monday press conference an-nouncing his groups objection to the deal, Katz blamed city offi cials for not being tougher on police in the face of a major budget crisis. Katz emphasized that he is not angry at the offi cers, but rather the City Council, which he said promised

fair cuts across the board.Jakel pointed out that while other

unions negotiating with the city have been subject to layoffs, Local 1 has not. Jakel felt that negotiations have been fair and that no one group has been placed above another. Although the citys contract with Local 1 ends Sept. 30, Jakel is confi dent that further talks will result in a longer agreement.

Theres ups and downs, but I dont have any reason to think that we wont be able to reach an agreement, Jakel said. Every unit has a different term of con-tracts. Different benefi ts are being con-ceded. It hasnt been the same, but all of our employees have been stepping up.


Cops from page 1A

groups website, the skate park was chosen because it has been ravaged by blight and crime in the past few years.

Gougeon said the pizza party would also help promote the groups next Qual-ity of Community forum, to be held Sat-urday, April 9 at the El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St.

The Antioch Police Department will also serve pizza in its second round of the Tip-A-Cop event, benefi ting Special Olympics Northern California. Antioch police offi cers will serve as celebrity wait-ers on Thursday, March 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Uno Chicago Grill, 4827 Lone Tree Way.

The police department fi rst participat-ed in Tip-A-Cop on Feb. 17, where offi cers

waited on tables at Chilis, raising $1,686 for Special Olympics Northern California. It was the most that Antioch has raised during the Tip-A-Cop event, and offi cers are hoping for a similar turnout this time.

Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando said hes not sure how many offi cers would be on hand for the March 24 event, but he encouraged the public to come out, eat and support the worthy cause.

Obviously, were there for the cause, but we also like the component that were actually out there meeting the public, Cantando said. A lot of time, the publics giving us money but theres a lot of per-sonal interaction that happens. We talk to them, they ask us questions and its a good back-and-forth with them.


Party from page 1A

Energy commissioners return to Oakley

Oakley residents next week will get one last chance to weigh in on a power plant proposed for the former DuPont property on Bridgehead Road.

The 22-acre plant proposed by Rad-back Energy would provide a 620-mega-watt, state-of-the-art natural-gas-fi red gen-erating facility supplying power to 600,000 households. Next weeks hearing in front of the California Energy Commission (CEC) will include public testimony and establish the facts the commission will use to make its fi nal decision on the power plant.

The hearing is scheduled for Tues-day, March 15, in the Oakley City Council Chambers. It will be the publics last op-portunity to formally address the CEC commissioners, who opened the fact-fi nd-ing phase for the project in Oakley in No-vember of 2009.

Oakley resident Donna Lagano told the CEC in a letter sent in December that Oakley needs the project to help restart the local economy: Im sure youre aware of the economic impact this project will have on Oakley is unprecedented: millions in sales tax revenue, millions in property tax revenue, a community grant program to support the local nonprofi t community, hundreds and hundreds of jobs, the ancil-lary jobs and income created for businesses and vendors servicing the plant. We dont

have the luxury of passing up this type of revenue; there isnt another Oakley Gener-ating Station.

While the project has gained much support from the public and elected offi -cials (it would reportedly create as many as 730 union jobs during the construction process and more than 20 permanent po-sitions needed to run the fi nished plant), some Oakley residents are troubled by the permanent impacts the project might make on the environment.

Oakley resident and activist Paul Seger is concerned about pollution pro-duced from burning natural gas, which could be hazardous to the environment as well as the publics health. He said in a letter to the Press that the proposed power plant would ceaselessly litter our neighborhoods, parks, schools, waterways, lungs and bodies with tons of this matter (pollution). While this is the same natural gas burned to heat your home and water as well as to cook your food the massive

plants will deliver much higher concentra-tions constantly.

Radback Senior Vice President and Project Manager Greg Lambert said he and his team have done their best to an-swer questions and calm fears since the cer-tifi cation process began. An environmental study declared the proposed plant in com-pliance with California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. The plant would use General Electrics latest lower-emis-sion, higher-effi ciency technology known as 7FA Fleet, and would be the fi rst in the world to use this new technology.

This wont be the same old power plant, Lambert said. We are taking every step to build a state-of-the-art facility. It will be the fi rst of its kind, producing energy through an environmentally effi cient pro-cess. Some people dont want that in their backyard, but hopefully by continuing to educate the public, they will understand what a benefi t this is to the community.

The pioneering technology, Lambert said, is likely to evolve into an industry standard. People all over the world will hear of Oakley when were done.

The CEC is expected to vote on the project in May. If approved, construction will begin in June. For more information, visit www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/oakley.

The Oakley City Council Chambers are located at 3231 Main St. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m.


An artists rendering of the proposed Radback power plant that will be the focus of a public hearing in Oakley next week.

File photo

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer


The Press Newspapers are adjudicated in the the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and the Delta Judicial District

of Contra Costa County.

No part of this publication may be reproduced for commerce or trade without written permission from the publisher.

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OPINIONEDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY National

AwardWinning NewspapersHave you got something to say? Visit www.thepress.net and let your thoughts be known.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORTax extension unpleasant

but necessaryEditor:

As a conservative whose pay has been frozen for three years, I am against any more taxes. We live in an ungovernable state, deep in debt, run by fi scally irre-sponsible offi cials, controlled by special interests. Were in the midst of a budget crisis that threatens to gut our schools even more.

Numerous problems abound: In the last decade the California Teachers Union has donated $12 million to political causes. We are one of the highest-taxed states in the country, but at the bottom in both student funding and return for our tax dollar.

California spends about $9,500 per student and $43,000 per prisoner per year. Reforming state employee unions and reeling in out-of-control spending is our only hope. This being said, we desper-ately need this fi ve-year tax extension. We cannot afford to underfund the schools anymore.

If you have children or relatives in school, do you not want them to have the full spectrum of opportunity before them? When teachers and staff are cut, and elective programs like the arts, theater and sports are cut, the effects will be devastat-ing.

While there are many problems that need to be addressed, this is the only quick fi x for the immediate future. It is the least we can do for our children. They deserve so much more, and this crisis is not their fault.

John CraigBrentwood

Brentwood should be proudEditor:

It has been my pleasure and awe to work with many community orga-nizations, nonprofi ts and so very many

civic-minded citizens over the last three years. I have been witness to a commu-nity that realizes that by working together, every part of the community can be made stronger and more prosperous.

Businesses and organizations all have been supporting each other through the interesting worldwide economic times we live in now. By continuing to support each other locally, every aspect of the community has been strengthened. So be very proud of your city, Brentwood! As the downtown revitalization continues, new and existing businesses and events keep increasing the reasons why more and more people in the Bay Area are discover-ing Brentwood and the Delta as the place to visit, live and play.

You can go to farms, vineyards, olive groves, health spas, great restaurants, stores, movie theaters and soon the only IMAX theater in Contra Costa County. I feel fortunate to have been associated, and hopefully to have assisted, a great com-munity moving forward.

Tracey NobilWalnut Creek

Crab credit from KreyEditor:

The students of Krey Elementary School would like to thank the following businesses who supported our Krey Crab Feed Fundraiser:

Grazie! Grille, Shadow Lakes Golf Courses, Craig Cauwels Brewmaster at Schooners, Premier Designs Jewelry, Cover Ups Rentals, Code Brew Coffee and More, C&R Memorabilia, Sanya Hill Maxion Arbonne Consultant, Bristow Middle School Leadership, Goodbye Pay TV, Bricks 4 Kidz, SF 49ers, Elaine Furtado Hair Razors Salon, The Classy Cottage, Stacy Caligari Vibe Salon, Black Diamond Gymnastics, Harvest Park Bowl, Ali Popovich Junior Jazzer-cise, Art Inspired Studios, Sonia Bennett-Nava, Heather Sandberg Studio 26, Steve Viss AV Images, and SawaSpa at Trilogy.

Your generous donations helped make our event a huge success!

Krey Elementary School Parents ClubBrentwood

Eagle project hits homerEditor:

I recently fi nished my Eagle Scout project. I wanted to extend a huge thank-you to our community. This community helped to make my Eagle project a huge success.

I collected new and used baseball equipment to be donated to children in third-world countries. With the help and encouragement of many people I was able to collect almost 700 pieces of baseball equipment. Again, thank you for your donations, time, and most of all, your support.

Brad SwisherBrentwood

Compassionate communityEditor:

We would like to thank The Press for running an article about our daugh-ter Sydney and her journey battling an undiagnosed illness. Since the article ran on Dec. 23, 2010, we have been blessed so much by the outpouring of support from the community.

When you are in a battle with any ill-ness over a long period of time, it can feel very lonely. Being in and out of hospitals and doctors appointments for the major-ity of your days makes connecting with others very challenging. We have been blessed with having Nana and Papa living close by and being so very involved in our lives and all three of our childrens educa-tion and some friends that have stood by us through all of this.

But since the article ran and the com-munity has become aware of our journey, we have received so much support from some families in the same situation to families that couldnt even imagine this happening to them. This added support

has truly blessed us and let us know that the community is behind us and others like us. We are looking forward to the day that we can turn this around and help others as well.

For now, we are still working toward answers for our daughter. She has had a very challenging month, and as a chronic illness goes up and down with good and bad periods of time, it is hard to watch her in a bad time. We have many great doctors working to fi nd the answer but we still have to manage the symptoms along the way.

We are so excited about the offers from many business owners and com-munity members to continue the ability to have more fundraisers for the ongo-ing expenses our family faces. Willys Bagels in Brentwood is having a Sydneys Journey day on March 12 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds from that day will go to Sydneys fund at US Bank and we will be there all day to meet the community and make some new friends.

We have several other events penciled in and are looking forward to them as well. Please come by Willys to have a bite to eat and a chance for us to get to know you a bit and extend our thanks for all the support.

We truly believe that Prayer Cour-age Support is the only way we can travel down this journey. Sydney is the Courage and we surround her with Prayer and Support every day. Thank you for blessing us with your prayer and support. You have lightened our burden and helped us push forward in helping our daughter obtain the quality of life most of us take for granted on a daily basis. Thanks to The Press for getting our story out there.

If you are interested in following Sydneys progress, you can go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/sydneystone or check out her website at www.helpsydney.info for upcoming events.

From our family to yours, we send you our heartfelt thanks.

The StonesBrentwood

City of Brentwood City Manager and City Council City Hall181 Sand Creek Road, Suite LBrentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-516-5440www.ci.brentwood.ca.us

City of Antioch City Manager and City Council City HallThird and H streetsAntioch, CA 94509Phone: 925-779-7000www.ci.antioch.ca.us

City of Oakley City Manager and City Council City Hall3231 Main St.Oakley, CA 94561Phone: 925-625-7000www.ci.oakley.ca.us

Town of Discovery BayTown Manager and Community Services District 1800 Willow Lake RoadDiscovery Bay, CA 94505Phone: 925-634-1131www.todb.ca.gov

County Supervisor, Dist. III Mary N. Piepho181 Sand Creek Road, Suite L.Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-240-7260 [email protected]

County Supervisor, Dist. VFederal Glover315 E. Leland Ave.Pittsburg, CA 94565Phone: [email protected]

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

MARCH 11, 2011 THEPRESS.NET | 19A

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A sampling of recent law enforcement activity reported by East County police de-partments.

BRENTWOODFeb. 25, 9:48 a.m. A subject involved in a physical altercation on San Jose Avenue sustained minor injuries. The other was arrested and released on a Juvenile Affi -davit.Feb. 25, 5:44 p.m. A subject drove his ve-hicle onto property on Balfour Road at American Avenue, causing damage. When another subject attempted to approach the driver on foot, the driver revved his engine and drove toward the other sub-ject, who dodged the vehicle. The driver was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.Feb. 25, 11:44 p.m. On Brentwood Bou-levard at Delta Road, a subject stopped for a vehicle code violation was found in possession of four shurikens (ninja stars). He was arrested and taken to the Marti-nez Detention Facility.Feb. 26, 6:29 a.m. An unidentifi ed person stole tools from a vehicle parked on Or-chid Drive.Feb. 26, 6:29 p.m. An unidentifi ed person stole a vehicle parked at a residence on Twinbridge Court.Feb. 27, 1:07 a.m. On Brentwood Boule-vard at Second Street, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations was found to be driving under the infl uence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken to the Marti-nez Detention Facility.Feb. 27, 6:50 a.m. An unidentifi ed driver struck a fi re hydrant on Cashew Place and fl ed the scene.Feb. 27, 9:59 a.m. The chimney of a resi-dence on Briarwood Court overheated and caught fi re.Feb. 27, 3:04 p.m. On Brentwood Bou-levard at Central Boulevard, a subject stopped for a vehicle code violation was found to be driving without a license.Feb. 27, 4:15 p.m. An unidentifi ed person stole a bicycle from the driveway of a resi-dence on Lone Oak Court.Feb. 27, 5:48 p.m. On Brentwood Bou-levard at Sand Creek Road, a subject stopped for a vehicle code violation was

found to be driving on a license suspend-ed for DUI. He was arrested and released on a Notice To Appear.Feb. 28, 2:57 p.m. Stolen construction equipment was recovered on Brentwood Boulevard.Feb. 28, 3:25 p.m. An unidentifi ed person entered the backyard of a residence on Dunedin Drive and stole a wallet, a De-Walt boom box and an iPod Nano.March 1, 7:46 a.m. A resident of Minne-sota Avenue reported that another subject violated an agreement by allowing main-tenance crews to begin mowing the lawn before 8 a.m.March 1, 12:45 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son stole a wallet from an unlocked ve-hicle parked on Serene Court.March 1, 4:26 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son operating out of Southern California removed $1,818.85 from the bank account of a resident of Hawthorne Drive.March 1, 6:10 p.m. On Hanson Lane at Brentwood Boulevard, the passenger of a subject stopped for vehicle code viola-tions was found to have an outstanding no-bail warrant for his arrest. He was ar-rested and taken to the Martinez Deten-tion Facility.March 1, 7:39 p.m. On Brentwood Bou-levard at Balfour Road, a subject stopped for a code violation was found to be driv-ing on vehicle registration expired for more than six months. The vehicle was towed and stored.March 2, 1:43 a.m. A subject contacted on Brentwood Boulevard was found in possession of an unloaded pistol con-cealed in his vehicle. He was cited and re-leased on a Promise To Appear.March 2, 3:03 a.m. On Balfour Road at McViking Way, a subject contacted dur-ing a traffi c stop was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber Taurus handgun magazine, which he stated he found at a party in Antioch.March 2, 5:15 p.m. On Village Drive, a subject was arrested for public intoxica-tion and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.March 2, 5:54 p.m. The tenant of a resi-dence on Rutherford Circle was suspected of stealing property from the residence

prior to moving out.March 2, 7:13 p.m. On Pasco Drive, a subject was arrested for violation of a domestic violence restraining order and public intoxication.March 2, 9:17 p.m. Three subjects were caught stealing cardboard from the rear of a business on Brentwood Boulevard. Loss-prevention personnel placed them under citizens arrest, and they were taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.March 3, 12:25 p.m. On American Av-enue, a subject was found in possession of marijuana. He was arrested and released on a Juvenile Affi davit.March 3, 9:32 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son threw a rock through the front bed-room window of a residence on Keepsake Way. Estimated damage: $600.March 3, 12:03 a.m. On Brentwood Boulevard at Technology Way, a subject stopped for a vehicle code violation was found to be driving under the infl uence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.March 4, 8:30 a.m. A check was stolen from the mailbox of a residence on Del Monte Court.March 4, 11:30 a.m. A resident of Man-zanillo Court who purchased a car engine online reported that he had not received the engine.March 4, 2 p.m. The credit card of a resi-dent of Camelback Drive was used out of state by an unidentifi ed person.March 4, 6:07 p.m. On Summerset Drive at Balfour Road, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations was found in pos-session of Vicodin. He was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.March 5, 3:27 p.m. A subject who entered a residence on Pasco Drive in violation of a court order fl ed before police arrival.March 5, 4:38 p.m. A resident of Cypress Street reported that he was victimized on-line.March 6, 2:32 p.m. A resident of Sand Creek Road surrendered a rifl e for de-struction at police headquarters.March 6, 9:38 p.m. On Sand Creek Road at the Highway 4 Bypass, a driver lost control of his vehicle, spun into the center divider, struck a tree and another vehicle.

The driver was transported to Kaiser for medical treatment.

To view the Brentwood Police Depart-ments public logs on the citys Web site, visit www.ci.brentwood.ca.us/department/pd/reports/index.cfm.OAKLEYFeb. 21 Vehicle accidents with property damage occurred on Honey Lane at Main Street and on Bernard Road at Big Break Road.Feb. 21 Arrest warrants were served on the 1400 block of Main Street, the 200 block of Spindrift Court and the 400 block of Mockingbird Lane.Feb. 21 On Hampton Way at Laurel Road, a subject was arrested for driving under the infl uence of alcohol.Feb. 21 A residence on the 1700 block of Port Way was burglarized.Feb. 21 A residence on the 500 block of Mockingbird Lane was vandalized.Feb. 22 A subject was found in posses-sion of narcotics on the 1000 block of Neroly Road.Feb. 22 On the 1000 block of Neroly Road, a subject was found in possession marijuana at school.Feb. 22 A juvenile on the 5000 block of Fernwood Circle was reported as a run-away.Feb. 22 An arrest warrant was served on Laurel Road at OHara Avenue.Feb. 22 On East Cypress Road at Main Street, a subject was arrested for DUI.Feb. 22 On the 1100 block of OHara Avenue, a subject was found in possession of a weapon on school grounds.Feb. 23 Vehicles were towed from the 300 block of Big Bear Court and from the 4100 block of Blossom Court.Feb. 24 On the 100 block of West Cy-press Place, a subject was arrested for DUI.Feb. 24 A business on the 100 block of Big Break Road was vandalized.Feb. 24 Credit card fraud was reported on the 4300 block of Bordeaux Drive.Feb. 24 Grand theft occurred on the 100 block of Carol Lane.Feb. 24 On East Cypress Road at Mach-ado Lane, a subject was arrested for pub-lic intoxication.

COP LOGSFROM EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCH LOGS A subject contacted during a traffi c stop was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber Taurus handgun magazine, which he stated he found at a party in Antioch. March 2, 3:03 a.m. in Brentwood


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Most Common Taxpayer MisconceptionsIn 2011, the most common misconception may be

that taxes are due on April 15. Due to the Emancipation Day holiday that is celebrated in Washington, DC, all taxpayers have an extra few days this year. Taxes must be filed by April 18, 2011.

Another big source of confusion is filing exten-sions for tax returns. When an extension is filed, it is just an extension on the time to file; it is not an exten-sion on the time to pay! If a taxpayer owes $1,000 on a personal return and files an extension, he or she has until October 15 to file the return. But, if the $1,000 is still owed on April 18, interest and penalties start to accrue. It was also reported that many taxpayers believe that filing an extension increases their chances of being auditednot so.

Reporting state refunds on federal returns seems unnecessary to a lot of taxpayers who dont understand the connection between the two. The reason this reporting is necessary is that taxpayers who itemize their deductions are allowed to deduct all state taxes paid or withheld on their federal return. A refund from the state changes the tax liability for the year the deduc-tion was claimed. That refund is included as income for federal purposes if the taxpayer itemized deductions in the prior year. Taxpayers may find it odd that they are paying tax on a refund, but they are correcting an over-deduction from the previous year.

The inherited IRA is plagued by misconcep-

tions, including, The IRA I inherited has to be taken out all at once, Inherited IRAs are not taxable, and I can convert it to a Roth IRA. Heirs without expert tax guidance can wind up paying a lot more than is necessary.

Social Security is yet another hot spot of miscon-ception! Seniors have been told that once they have reached full retirement age they will receive full Social Security benefits, regardless of how much they earn. Many are unaware that their benefits may be taxable, depending on the amount of income received from all sources.

There may be enough misconceptions about taxes to fill the Internet, but taxpayers who want to avoid the pitfalls resulting from misinformation and take full advantage of all of the credits and deductions to which they are entitled should contact an enrolled agent. Enrolled agents (EAs) are the only federally-licensed tax experts and must undergo a background check and pass a stringent three-part exam in order to qualify. To keep the license, EAs must complete annual continuing education requirements that are reported to IRS and adhere to a code of ethics.

Should you have questions about this or any other tax matter feel free to contact our office. www.jettax.org, [email protected], or call (925)778-0281. One of our enrolled agents will be happy to assist you.

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www.thepress.net Your Hometown Website THEPRESS.NET | 21A MARCH 11, 2011

Patriots title plans going swimmingly

As temperatures slowly begin to creep upward, swimmers and divers of the Bay Valley Athletic League are set to begin the 2011 campaign. Last year, the Heritage High boys and girls squads took home the league title. This season, fi elding their largest group of swimmers and divers ever, the Patriots are primed to be a top contender once again. As the other teams have set their sights on making noise in the BVAL, this should be an exciting season.

The defending champions boast not only a talented group of swimmers and div-ers, but at 100 strong, the deepest squad in the league. Heritage head coach Craig Car-son is excited to see if his team is up to the challenge of repeating as league champion.

This season is shaping up to be a prom-ising one, Carson said. We begin the sea-son with 110 swimmers and divers, our larg-est group ever. Our boys and girls teams are both defending BVAL champions, and with our strong group of incoming freshmen, we hope to contend again in 2011.

The varsity girls are led by Madison Applegate, an All-American in the 100-meter butterfl y, and Haley Rose Love, a two-event fi nalist at last years North Coast Section championships. For the boys, Car-

son expects returning NCS qualifi ers Kurt Holzmuller (backstroke and 500-meter free-style), Ryan Barsanti (freestyle) and Carter Haines (freestyle and butterfl y) to make big contributions.

Deer ValleyThe Wolverines appear to be in prime

shape to make a serious run at the league title. Their boys and girls squads return most of their swimmers from last year. Head coach

Kiel Olff is confi dent that the team will show a marked improvement from last year.

Our boys team is much improved and stronger, as we only lost one swimmer from the year before, Olff said. Andrew Wayne will be looking to improve on his third-place (individual medley) fi nish last year. Alex Bilderback and Anthony Coppo are strong breaststrokers and senior captain TJ Martell is a strong butterfl yer.

For the girls, senior captain Krystle Tal-ens hopes to return to NCS in the 100 fl y, and Laura Christensen is a strong 500 swimmer.

We are really excited about our divers, Olff said. Senior captain Rachel Cadwal-laders goal is to win a BVAL title and im-prove on her 17th-place fi nish at NCS last year. And Isabella Navarro is working on a 2 summersault this year.

AntiochThree years ago, the Antioch swimming

program was in shambles and in danger of being scrapped altogether. Although it has taken time to put the pieces back together, and theres still a way to go, the Panthers promise to provide stiff competition for the rest of the league.

Our team is coming back stronger than we have the past three years, head coach Keri Miles said. We have double the kids

Heritage swimmer Ryan Barsanti competes in the 200-meter freestyle race last week against Livermore. Barsanti and the Patriots are taking aim on another BVAL championship.

Photo by Richard Wisdom

by Dennis BilesCorrespondent

see Plans page 23A

Deer Valleys big season ends in tough loss

In many ways, Deer Valley Highs girls varsity bas-ketball season can be viewed as successful. Including the playoffs, the Wolverines notched a 20-8 record and won a fi fth consecutive Bay Valley Athletic League title, going a perfect 10-0 in league play, more stellar when considering that the BVAL sent three other teams to the playoffs and the Wolverines beat all of them by at least 14 points.

What Deer Valley failed to do this year however, was reach the North Coast Section fi nal game, which would have been good enough to put them in the state tourna-ment. The Wolverines season ended in a 65-39 loss to Carondelet, their second loss to the Cougars this sea-son.

Its hard to win when you cant make any baskets, said head coach Mark Anger. It was a good season; it wasnt a great season. A great season would have meant a win tonight.

Deer Valley did hold the fi rst lead of the game at 1-0 when senior forward Kayla Alexander split free throws. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, they wouldnt score again until late in the fi rst quarter. As Carondelet was dealing with its own struggles, it looked for a while like Deer Valley could absorb the cold offensive performance. But the Cougars fi nished the fi rst quarter strong, open-ing up a 14-3 lead. The Wolverines never got any closer.

As Anger pointed out, Deer Valleys lack of scoring was a result of poor shooting. The Wolverines missed

12 free throws alone. Some struggles, particularly in the opening quarter, can be chalked up to bad luck, as sev-eral shots appeared good before bouncing away from the hoop. The rest can be attributed to a smothering Caron-delet defense that rarely gave Deer Valley shooters much room.

After the fi rst quarter, the Wolverines point total increased every quarter. The problem was that the Cou-gars matched that trend, scoring 19 points in each of the middle two quarters.

Sophomore guard Sabrea Coleman came off the bench to lead Deer Valley in scoring with 11. Senior guard Raven Fox, bound for Fresno State, was right be-hind her with 10. Carondelet was paced by senior for-ward Erica Payne and junior guard Hannah Huffman, each of whom netted 18.

Its been good, said Fox of her time at Deer Val-ley. As a freshman, I didnt have that starting spot, so I worked hard. I got it as a sophomore and continued to work hard.

The Wolverines will not get a chance for revenge against a Berkeley team that defeated them in the NCS fi nal game in 2008 and 2010. Still, the Wolverines run of success cant be dismissed. From the time the current senior class were freshmen through this season, Deer Valleys record in league play has been 54-2.

The loss to Carondelet was the fi nal game in a Wol-verine uniform for seven seniors, including the starting fi ve of Alexander, Fox, Nyaa Davis, Imana Samuels and Darnela Jenkins.

It ended abruptly, said Alexander. We didnt want it to end so quickly after we came so far, but I think we played hard. I have no regrets.


Deer Valley sophomore guard Kai Butler, defended by Carondelets Hannah Huffman, looks to make a pass to a teammate.

Photo by Curtis Evans

by Michael DixonCorrespondent

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of last year, but were still small, with only 23 swimmers. Were not quite there, but Im looking forward to being together. We have a very strong foundation.

Despite the limited number of swim-mers, Miles expects some them to make an impact this season. She pointed to Tan-ner Fuhrman, one of the teams better all-around swimmers.

He has hidden potential, but he doesnt like to show it, Miles said. If he pushes himself, hes an incredible swimmer. I think hes going to do really well this year.

LibertyFor the fi rst time in 13 years, the Lions

will be coached by somebody other than Erica Pantle, who stepped down from the program after last season. In comes Cindi Coats, who has put a renewed focus on stick-ing together as a team.

Team unity is the biggest difference. Last year we had some kids who had indi-vidual goals, which is fi ne, but they werent focused on the team. Were working a lot more on that this year, Coats said.

Coats coaches a largely inexperienced girls squad, but is confi dent the boys team will be able to make its presence felt in the BVAL this season.

We graduated 10 swimmers from the girls team last year, so were very young on varsity, Coats said. For the boys, itll be interested to see how it plays out. It really comes down to the dual meets. It should be a fun year.

Coats expects a strong season from se-nior Joey Cecchini, whom she described as

a technically sound and strong swimmer in all strokes.

FreedomThe Falcons appear on the right track

early on, as the girls Medley Relay team has already posted an NCS Consideration time. The Falcons are one of the most consistent programs in the league and are usually in the running for the league title.

The diving team will be led by fi rst-year head coach Krista Plumlee, and shes excited to see what her squad is capable of.

Be on the lookout for Kate Clark, Taylor Morrow, Kirsten Hulsey and Patrina Smart, Plumlee said. They are returning divers from last year and know what it takes to be successful. They are also constantly striving for improvement.

PittsburgThe Pirates might lack the recognition

accorded other BVAL swimmers what they dont lack is talent and passion. Athletic di-rector Al Hurtado expressed his admiration for head coach Nicole Dennis and assistant coach Susie Farmer, both in their fourth year at Pittsburg.

Both are very fi ne coaches. This is their fourth year with us, and theyve really built the program up, said Hurtado. The year before they got here, we only had 10 swim-mers.

Despite the lack of recent success, the Pirates are hoping that continuity will breed success. Our hope is that after four years of having them here, Hurtado add-ed, were going to be more competitive this season.


Plans from page 21A

24A | THEPRESS.NET SPORTS MARCH 11, 2011

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Since the moment the current senior vol-leyball players at Deer Valley High School stepped onto the campus as freshmen, league championships are all they have known.

Still, as the Wolverine boys look to hoist a fi fth consecutive league championship ban-ner, head coach Lou Panzella is hesitant to put too much stock in past success.

Last year is meaningless when it comes to what we will do this year, said Panzella of the 2010 campaign, in which the Wolverines went 27-8 overall, 15-0 in league and made it to the North Coast Section semifi nals. But the kids have a tradition of playing well and winning. Winning can breed winning just like losing can breed losing.

As Deer Valleys lineup features a player measuring 6 feet 7 inches and another 6-4, the team should be as tall as any in the Bay Valley Athletic League. The taller of those athletes is senior outside hitter Jason Agopian, who re-cently committed to UC Irvine.

But the Wolverines impressive altitude will mean nothing if they cant pass the ball well. The only regular starter from last sea-sons squad not returning is setter Kurt Kline, who graduated. If Deer Valley does pass well, its height should provide a tremendous ad-vantage both on offense and defense.

We should be as good or better than last year, Panzella added. But thats all spec-ulation until you perform on the court. The other variable is that we anticipate some of the other programs improving. And really, I hope they do.Antioch

Other than Deer Valley, Antioch was the only BVAL team to post an overall winning record in 2010, going 17-13, 10-5 in league play. While the Panthers were 0-3 against Deer Valley, they did manage to steal a game in two of their three matches against the Wolverines two of the three matches that Deer Valley

dropped in league play.This is head coach Steve Evans fi rst year

as skipper of the varsity squad, but his time as junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant makes him no stranger to the program or the current roster. Greeting Evans is a quartet of senior leaders: outside hitters Tyler Evans and Dane Crabtree, right-side hitter Nick Sanders and setter D.J. Morales.

This is an experienced group. Ive been with them for four years. said Evans. Were looking better. He identifi es hitting as the Panthers strength, while their passing and blocking are areas in need of improvement.Heritage

Janet Hannigan is in her fi rst year as the coach of the boys team. Despite that, she is far from a stranger to Heritage volleyball. In the fall, Hannigan leads the girls team, the reigning league champions.

While the Patriots fi eld seven seniors on the roster, only outside hitter Matt Maderos and middle blocker Phillip Benotti logged any time on last seasons varsity team that went 11-12 overall, 9-6 in league. Most of the others

are athletes from other sports who are fans of the girls team and know Hannigan well.

Theyre interesting and new, said Han-nigan of her team. As the team features fi ve sophomores, she hopes this year will put Heri-tage on the map: Were expecting a tough go of it. But I wouldnt put them there if I didnt think they had skill and maturity to handle it.

Last weekend, Heritage played in the Deer Valley Jamboree, facing the Wolverines and 2010 NCS champion Foothill. Hannigan didnt attend the matches, but her assistants told her the team is far are ahead of where it was last year at this time.Freedom

The only players returning from the 2010 team (8-12 overall and 7-7 in league) are se-nior outside inset Dalton Weger, senior out-side hitter Jake Ubrick and junior opposite hitter Behzod Kahn. And yet head coach Kellie Goldberg, who took over early last season, is pleased with the progress her team has made thus far, especially in achieved good chemistry.

Things are looking pretty good. We

have only three returning players, and thats an obstacle, but I have been really impressed with how quick theyve adjusted, Goldberg said. They all get along really well and do a great job of learning from each other, as well as me.

She also noted that while last years team was full of seniors, many with little or no past volleyball experience, this team is younger but ahead of last years squad in terms of funda-mentals.Pittsburg

The bad news for Pittsburg fans is that last years Pirates team featured 12 seniors. The good news is that their roster was 17 strong, so a few of those players return to build off last season, when the team went 3-11.

Pittsburg beat Liberty in all three of last seasons clashes but thats where the Pirates league success ended. This year, their rivals are expecting stronger things from Pittsburg.Liberty

The Lions failed to win a game in Nich-olas Pridmores fi rst year as the head coach. This year, Pridmore is expecting his big, se-nior-laden team to improve. We have a good number of guys, said Pridmore. Were go-ing to have only a varsity team this year. We have a few returning athletes and quite a few seniors. Were also expecting a competitive league.

Pridmore said hes open to see which players step up to leadership roles. Despite that, hes expecting leadership and strong play from senior setter Dylan Dutra, a big part of last seasons team.

Hes also excited to watch the develop-ment of junior middle blocker Brock Bronte, who stands well over six feet tall and is still learning the game. Pridmore identifi ed Bronte as a player with a good attitude and a lot of potential.

Liberty recently played a scrimmage in Cupertino that gave the Lions their fi rst taste of league play.


Wolverines look to hoist another bannerby Michael Dixon

Correspondent

Deer Valley junior outside hitter Noah Labonte spikes a ball against Freedom last season. Labonte and the Wolverines expect to be the aces of the BVAL again this year.

Press file photo

MARCH 11, 2011 SPORTS THEPRESS.NET | 25A

Trevors Weekly Mortgage MattersBy Trevor Frey

Its MGIC

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Okay, not David Copperfi eld type magic but in the Tri City sales area (Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley) inventory sure is disappearing. In January and February of 2010 alone over 850 homes were sold between the three cities, compared to only 516 homes for January and February of this year. What this has created is a substantial increase in the actual sales price based on the substantial lack of actual inventory; a 16.7% increase in January, and an 8.7% jump in February. Th e amount of potential buyers has increased, while the amount of inventory has decreasednot magic, statistics.

Statistically speaking, the private mortgage insurance company MGIC has noticed the median increase in sales price, and adjusted their guidelines accordingly. If you are an FHA buyer, and you have a credit score above 680, youll want to hear this: MGIC is moving seven California regions up from their Tier 2 risk level to their Tier 1 risk level. Th is HUGE change in guidelines will allow would be buyers with a 680 score, versus the previous Tier 2 score of 720 many positives; they can purchase a home using 95% conventional fi nancing, versus 96.5% FHA fi nancing; there is no upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that only increases your loan amount, and debt, from the start; buyers are able to take advantage of any home improvements

or appreciation as most lenders allow for a new appraisal to cancel MGICs mortgage insurance, versus FHA where you either need to refi nance or wait fi ve years to remove the mortgage insurance; a substantial overall savings in both three and fi ve year periods. Assuming a purchase price of $250,000, and an interest rate of 5.00%, MGICs private mortgage insurance costs over a three year period would be $3,308, versus FHA at $8,438. Again, there is no upfront MIP to deal with and the actual coverage rates are lower than those of FHA. Now thats truly MGIC!

With the spring and summer real estate markets right around the corner it is important to arm yourself with as much information as possible. Th e beginning of this article touched on the dramatically low inventory our market has to off er, and if you are an FHA buyer continually being turned down because of either cash, or conventional off ers, it might b

antioch press_03.11.11

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