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Vol. 10, No. 41 YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER October 8, 2010

This Week

FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A

Plus: Business .............................21ACalendar ............................ 23BClassifieds ......................... 15BCop Logs ............................17AEntertainment ................. 11BFood .................................... 12BHealth & Beauty ................ 8BMilestones ........................ 10BOpinion ..............................16AOutdoors .............................6ASports ................................... 1B

Database gives foster kids ongoing care

Next year, an estimated 6,000 California foster-care youths will be emancipated from the state-run system. For many of these 18-year olds, new-found freedom is often fraught with fear and uncertainty. But now, thanks to a bill signed into law last week, California foster youth will be offered a helping hand into their futures.

Its great, a great thing, said Oakley resident Sue Hobbs, who is completing her doctoral degree in psychology at the Center for Public Policy Research at UC Davis. We (supporters of the bill) believe that if foster youth can stay in the sys-tem with families for longer, they will have more time to mature and transition. It will be a lot less fearful for them.

For many of the adolescents in the foster-care system, being forced out on their own when they turn 18 leaves them without a support net-

work, few life skills and fewer pros-pects. Its the hope of proponents of the bill that the extend time in the care of the foster system will make

their eventual transition smoother.The voluntary extension pro-

gram slated to begin in 2012 will be offered to youth who are not mentally or physically disabled and are in school or working at least 80 hours per month. The new law will allow the state to draw on federal funds to replace the more-than $52 million of state money now being used to place foster children with relatives. And while participants will still be in contact with social work-ers and the juvenile court, their re-lationship will be less stringent and more fl exible.

Many of these foster youths come out of the system without the basic skills such as how to bal-ance a checkbook, how to pay bills and how to apply for college or fi nd a job, said Hobbs. Many foster

Oakley resident Sue Hobbs, front row right, is part of a team of researchers at the Center for Public Policy Research at UC Davis. The Center is helping to assemble the National Youth in Transition Database, which is aimed at improving foster care through a survey of youth preparing to leave the system.

Photo courtesy of Sue Hobbs

see Foster page 22A

by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

Local gas lines on watch list

In response to the September pipeline explosion in San Bruno, Pacifi c Gas & Electric has released a list of 100 pipeline segments throughout the state that the com-pany is watching for possible repairs two of which are located in East Contra Costa County.

PG&E is evaluating 2,066 feet of underwater natural gas pipe near Sherman Island Levee Road and the north side of the Antioch Bridge to make sure it can with-stand earthquakes or soil erosion. PG&E spokesman Joe Molica isnt sure when the engineering evalua-tion process begun within the past year will conclude, but according to Molica, We regularly check the river crossing and have found no liq-

uid accumulation.The utility company is also

monitoring fi ve segments totaling 7,777 feet between Jersey Island Road and Taylor Road on Bethel Island for possible corrosion, but no work has been planned yet.

Molica said the Antioch Bridge and Bethel Island segments were not included in the companys top 100 list in 2007 or 2008, but their potential for problems has merited their inclusion in the 2009 list. He stressed that neither pipeline is cur-rently displaying any problems, but are being monitored to see if any work needs to be done in the near future.

PG&E spokeswoman Katie Romans said the natural gas pipe-line segments on the list are in no im-

see Pipelines page 22A

by Justin LaffertyStaff Writer

Deer Valley High Homecoming Queen Jenna Hawkins hoists Homecoming King Justin Sin in a moment of fun at halftime of last weeks foot-ball game. Hawkins plays volleyball for the Wolverines, but her main focus has been on theater. Sin is a member of the Deer Valley marching band and has been a part of the California Scholarship Federation throughout his time in high school.

Elevated event

Photo by Curtis EvansCity ofDevils Los Angeles has become a locus of drug activity and Mexico is bearing the brunt. Page 9A

Doubling their fun

The Panther golf squad fields players as comfortable on fairway as the diamond. Page 3B

Community boosts troops

An effort to raise funds for a veterans recreation center was led by a full frontal assault of support. Page 3A

Online Now!

www.thepress.netYour Hometown Web Site

Towering trees mark one of the worlds great sanctuaries for the spirit.

Magnificent Muirgo to news/WebExtras!

The countys Aviation Advisory Committee is looking for a crew member.

Take a seatgo to news/press releases

A car and bike show highlighted a bash thrown in support of vets and their families.

Troop Festgo to multimedia/videos

OCTOBER 8, 2010 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 3A

Troops honored, supported in Antioch

It wasnt so much a surge as it was a constant fl ow, as motorcycles, cars, trucks and people fl owed into Antiochs Straw Hat Pizza last weekend in support of combat veterans.

I was worried about not having enough cars and bikes in the show, won-dering if people would come, said orga-nizer Josie Monaghan of East County Military Families and Friends. I was so elated the whole day, watching car after car with groups of people fall in line. Ev-erything ran as smooth as can be and the atmosphere was delightful.

The event was part of an effort to raise $10,000 for a Veterans Peer to Peer Resource recreation center, run for and by veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Members of the Warriors Watch Riders and Blue Star Families helped put on the event, which included a bake sale, raffl e, music from DJ Mo and live enter-tainment by Strumming Veterans. Straw Hat owner Sal Listek donated a portion of his stores proceeds for the day to the cause as well.

In the car and bike show, top hon-ors the Peoples Choice Award went to Denise Aragon and her 2010 Camaro, purchased in memory of her son Sgt. John D. Aragon, who was killed in ac-

tion in Iraq in 2008. Mayor Jim Davis award went to James and Lucy Sanchezs 950 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. The Best Bike trophy was awarded to Ron Baci-walupa and his 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide.

In the Veterans/First Responders categories (judged by Antiochs Chief of Police Jim Hyde, retired Alameda Coun-ty Sheriff Dennis Jeglum and Veteran of OIF Brian Rodriguez) awards went to Will and Sue Fraser for their 1931 Ford

Model A pickup, and Ernie Ameral for his 2003 Chevy Silverado Truck.

Best Bike in that category were Da-vid Wahl and his 2005 Harley Davidson Soft Tail, and Bill Putmans 2005 Honda Rune.

The parking lot at Antiochs Straw Hat Pizza was packed with cars and bikes on display for the rst Troop Fest fundraiser, held in support of combat veterans and their families. People attending Troop Fest last weekend had a chance to jot down their messages of support for in-clusion in care packages to troops overseas.

Photos by Rick Lemyre

by Rick LemyreStaff Writer

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This 5 bdrm 3 ba home is in Garin Ranch close to schools. Has open floor plan and inground pool with automatic cover. Backyard set up for entertaining. $319,000

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4A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY OCTOBER 8, 2010

On sale: A years worth of memories

After a successful venture into the cal-endar business last year, the East Contra Costa Historical Society is now distributing its 2011 compilation of local photos, trivia and milestones.

Last years effort raised more than $1,000 for the organization, which uses the funds to maintain its museum and grounds on Sellers Avenue. This year, historian Kathy Leighton decided to make the calendar even more fun for East County residents by in-cluding more rare photos from Brentwood, Oakley, Byron, Bethel Island and Knightsen, plus little-known fun facts about the area, such as the date of Contra Costas establish-ment as a county: Feb. 18, 1850. Calendar owners might also be surprised to know that 12 inches of snow fell on East County on Jan. 6, 1883 and that Byron Methodist Church was dedicated on June 3, 1884. By fl ipping through the new calendar, residents will learn all kinds of details about the area they call home.

Weve got a better-quality calendar this year, Leighton said. We learned a lot from our fi rst go-round, and with more time to plan it out than last year, weve ended up with a great calendar that offers a lot more history. Im really pleased with it. Each page has a photo and a story explaining the pic-ture. This time weve included more trivia and weve expanded the calendar and made

it a 13-month calendar, so you can hang it up as soon as this December.

Leighton said the calendar, now avail-able for purchase, makes a perfect gift for that new East County resident on your holi-day shopping list. In fact, many old-timers

are unaware of the history of their region.For example, Lone Tree Way was

named by Joseph G. Prewett in 1905. He chose the name because a solemn sycamore tree grew in the plain between Brentwood and Antioch where the road connecting the

two towns was to be constructed. The cal-endar features an image of a crew of more than 30 men who helped pave the road with gravel collected from Marsh Creek. The cal-endar also showcases photos of downtown Brentwood, the Marsh House and the Oak-ley Hotel.

One of Leightons favorite pages in the calendar, created with the help of John Gonzales and Shirley McCall, is the month of August. It features Farrar Park, a local swimming hole that the people of Bethel Island used to enjoy. The park featured picnic tables, a caf, a public campground, a motorcycle racetrack and a general store, among other amenities.

Leighton said when she debuted the calendar at the East Contra Costa Histori-cal Societys annual barbecue last month, attendees fl ipped through the calendar and began to reminisce about their summers at Farrar Park.

People were looking at that picture and sharing their memories of swimming there by the bridge in the summer, Leigh-ton said. Its amazing how a photo can bring back so many memories.

The 2011 East Contra Costa Histori-cal Society Calendar costs $10 and may be purchased at the Brentwood Press offi ce, 248 Oak St., or at the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce offi ce, 8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C. For more information, call Leigh-ton at 925-634-0917.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

Formerly known as Brentwood Grove, City Park in Brentwood is currently be-ing re-vamped to include an arched entry reminiscent of the one in this 1929 photo. The picture is included in the East Contra Costa Historical Societys 2011 calendar, now on sale.

Photo courtesy of the East Contra Costa Historical Society


More than 100 people laced up their walking shoes and hit the Marsh Creek trail Sept. 25 for the rst Strides Walk for Diabetes Awareness sponsored by the Brentwood Lions Club and Sutter Delta Heath.

I was encouraged that so many people recognized the need to focus their energy for this cause, said organizer Fred Ginsler of the Lions. Family and friends showed up to support loved ones with diabetes. The team spirit and ex-pression of concern gave these kids a feeling of hope that they may live their lives with a certain degree of normality. We saw families participate as a gesture of love.

The event raised more than $3,000 for the Diabetes Society, which runs a summer education camp in Santa Cruz where children can learn about how to cope with their illness.

Were psyched to make it even bigger and better next year, Ginsler said.

A walk for awareness

Photos courtesy of Rod Linn

Members of the Byron Delta Lions, above, lend their support on the trail. Brentwood City Councilman Chris Becnel, right, welcomes the crowd to the Lions Strides Walk for Diabetes Awareness and presents a city proclamation pro-moting awareness of the disease.

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Tryst with the mythic tricksterThere was nothing ominous about that

morning. No warning signs. It began like most of my adventures at Round Valley: I stretched out at the trailhead Achilles, hip fl exor, lunge and fi red up my GPS. In two hours, 6 miles and 1,760 feet of elevation

gain Id be standing on the sandstone ledge off Morgan Territorys Prairie Falcon Trail, gazing at Mt. Diablo veiled in the hot haze of distance.

The Miwok Trail westbound ushered me beneath the shadows of blue oaks anchoring the lower lobes of ridges rippling toward

the valley. The shade was welcome; the forecast called for the mercury to hit 98 F. I was hauling all the water I could cram into my pack.

Water would be the least of my concerns.

I came to the familiar Miwok/Hardy Canyon split. Not the least bit unnerving. A mile and a half south towered the hunter-green oak and chaparral of Bob Walker Ridge: my up-staircase to scenic splendor. I lowered my gaze and heard the valleys tall, dry grasses seethe in a southeast breeze like shale hissing in the retreating surf.

A mile later, just short of the Los Vaqueros gate, and still oblivious, I saw him: a solo coyote loping toward the arroyo

skirting my trail. He was about 200 yards left and moving with a purpose, probably to trade the withering light for the darkness beneath valley oaks and arroyo willows. Since he kept coming, it was clear he hadnt seen me (every coyote Ive come across has steered the other way). Id also gotten lucky the southeast breeze kept me upwind of his nose and ears.

The moment he disappeared behind

a stand of buckeye, now about a hundred yards distant, I bounded off the trail toward a large oak on the arroyos east bank and set up my shooting zone. Out came the camera. On. Exposure: minus two clicks. White balance: shade. Mode: scenery. Zoom: full. I trained the lens on the only open area across the arroyo: a rock spattered with white lichen and dormant brown mosses. Then I scanned the scene for my quarry.

Animals are infuriatingly un- cooperative photo subjects. My dog and cats, for cryin out loud, rarely hold a pose. Out in the wild, Im lucky to get close enough to a coyote, bobcat or turkey vulture and be quick enough with my equipment to bag a single respectable snapshot.

But lo and behold, this Round Valley coyote trotted out from behind the bramble, hopped up onto the rock and into a photogenically optimal dappling of sunlight and shade and just stood there while my shutter went ka-CHEE, ka-CHEE, ka-CHEE.

As if he knew the last shot was as good as it was gonna get, and the photo-op was over, the creature hopped off the rock and disappeared behind the foliage. I reviewed my shots for a minute, all the while shaking my head at the colossal blindness of my luck.

Time to go. I turned on my heel to high-step it through the thistle back to the trail and jumped straight back. YOW! The shock lasted only a moment, but it was a moment of heightened electrifi cation, a single synaptic fl ash short of panic. The next moment, crouched in a defensive pose, I heard myself laughing at myself.

Some guy was standing right behind me. Arms-length behind me.

God Almighty! You scared the crap out of me!

God Almighty?! Ha! He raised

Coyote-man Ohltteh (oh-let-tay), the Native American Miwoks mythic cre-ator and trickster, consents to a photo-op at Round Valley Regional Preserve.

Photo by Ger Erickson

see Outside page 7A

TAKE ITOUTSIDE

GERERICKSON

OCTOBER 8, 2010 OUTDOORS THEPRESS.NET | 7A

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THANKS, ARNIEI told you a few months ago about a bill

pending before the California legislature called SB 1178 that I was hoping was going to pass. Here is the background info: In California, purchase-money loans have some special legal protections. In general, if you get a loan to purchase a principal residence, the lender can only pursue the property in the event of non-payment. This means they cant pursue you personally for any deficiency. This even applies to junior mortgages IF they were truly used to purchase the property. The problem lies in that once you refinance a purchase-money loan, it loses that special legal protection and becomes whats called a recourse loan. This means the lender CAN now pursue you via judicial foreclosure, or a junior lender who gets wiped out after the 1st lender forecloses can pursue you in the courts. Many (if not most people) were not aware that they were losing this legal protection when they were refinancing their loans.

SB 1178 would have changed this to where purchase-money loans would have retained this legal protection, even after a refinance. (It would not have covered any equity money that you had

pulled out of the property, which seems fair.) What was especially interesting is that was going to apply to loans currently on the books, not just new loans made after it passed. One of the big sticking points to many loan mods, short sales and foreclosures is whether the loan is purchase-money or recourse. Many lenders will negotiate more on purchase-money loans, because they have fewer options to pursue the borrower after. If a borrower tries to walk away from a recourse loan, their lender may be able to pursue them later, so the lender tends to take a harder line in negotiating on those loans.

Well, unfortunately, our Governor vetoed the bill as he felt this new law was amending a prior contract after the fact. I have to grudgingly admit that he is technically correct. I was still hoping it was going to pass because it would have helped so many people.

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his eyebrows and nodded, lips pursed, suppressing a smile.

He was tall and spindly, as if hed skipped a few meals. The ravines in his face were chiseled deep. A scraggly, rust-brown mustache fl ared across his cheeks. His long face was leather. But the eyes: the eyes were narrow and grey and something else, something that sent an icy current up my spine and into my scalp. I took a step back. In all my wanderings Id never seen anything as terrible as those gaunt and hungry eyes. They were not human.

So I blurted out at random, Nice scenery.

He paused and the corner of his mouth twitched. I believe I did a pretty good job, he said in a tone as smooth as cream but expressionless.

So fi xated was I on his eyes that it took a moment to register a disturbing fact: the hills behind him were undulating like a desert background blurred by heat ripples. The anomaly formed an oval just behind his head, like the halo in an Eastern Orthodox icon.

He must have registered my

disorientation. I have that effect on people, he said.

I resolved to not admit that this was happening. It was simple: Id keep the conversation mundane and dispel this bad dream through sheer tedium.

Did you see the coyote? I asked.Did I see him? Hm. I would not put it

that way. Are you seeing yourself right now?Geez, this guy was hard to distract.

Ger Erickson, I said, extending my hand.I stood there, my arm obstinately

outstretched in empty space. Hey, this was my dream and I could survive the most awkward posture.

The guy looked at my hand as if it were radioactive, raised his arm and pinched the wide brim of his hat, the crown of which was tapered upward to form two pointed wings, leaves, ears? Defi nitely not a Stetson.

Ohltteh, he replied, returning the introduction. You stole my image with that black box, he said, his eyes boring a hole through my camera. Well done. Now give it back.

Uh-oh. Ohltteh: Coyote deity of the Native American Miwok. Creator of the world. Trickster. I am so screwed.

Continued next week.

Outside from page 6A

8A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION OCTOBER 8, 2010

GOOD MORNING BRENTWOODBrentwood Chamber Office 8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste CCome Experience the New Microsoft 2010Guest Speaker Carole Hatch Lead Microsoft instructor at Liberty Adult Education and Excellence in Teaching Award Winner for 2009Chamber Members $10, Non- Chamber Members $15Please R.S.V.P. (925) 634-3344 or [email protected]

HOMETOWN HALLOWEENSponsored by Sutter Delta Medical Center and John Muir HealthLet all the Ghosts and Goblins Get to know you and your BusinessCome Join the Chamber for a night of Fun. Decorate your booth!Cost to set up a booth at this event: Chamber Members - $30.00 for a booth $100.00 Corner booth Non-Members - $60.00 for a booth $150.00 corner Food Vendors - $100 Chamber Members; $150 Non-MembersCall Jilda at the Chamber office to have an application sent out to you call the chamber office at 925 634-3344 or email her [email protected]

TASTE OF BRENTWOOD RESTAURANT TOURHosted by the Brentwood Chamber Of Commerce and the Brentwood Kiwanis Club . The Tour will take place at the Streets of Brentwood! Information on the participating restaurants to follow. For more information please call the chamber office at 634-3344.

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Tiki Too sets sail for Fleet Week

Some girls enjoy shopping while others like getting their nails done, but for the girls of the Sea Scout Ship Tiki Too, nothing beats sail-ing. The 11-member crew features eight Oakley teens who are preparing to close out their fall vacation on a high note by showcasing their skills at this weekends Fleet Week in San Fran-cisco.

The crews vessel, PTF-26, also known as Liberty, was the last boat of its kind to serve in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and now Liberty is a training base for the Sea Scout crew. But that doesnt mean she doesnt get out on the water for some fun. This Saturday, the Tiki Too crew will help maneuver Liberty through Fleet Weeks Parade of Ships. On Sunday, the girls will be available to chat with visitors about their program and the ship they train on.

This weekends Fleet Week will be really exciting, said Sierra Baca, a Freedom High School student and crew member for a year. Our boat, the Liberty, will be docked at Pier 45 and people can come see it and learn all about it. The Blue Angels will also be there, so it should be an exciting time. I hope to see lots of people there.

The crew consists of Baca, Allegra Buch, Sabrina Caster, Jessica Curiel, Kayla Dela-Torre, Selina Martin, Katie McCrummen, Liz Morine, Sam Morine, Cierra Stevens and Anna Subias. Mary Eldridge, Kalia Kaddoura, Brit-nee Panell and Alicia Turner are also members

of the crew, but theyre off at college and dont train regularly with the crew, which meets twice a week to practice.

Captain Jim West, who is both the direc-tor of the Liberty Maritime Museum and the Tiki Too skipper, said the girls have been hard at work preparing Liberty for her voyage to the Bay, cleaning, painting and managing engineer-ing preparations for the weekend. When theyre not polishing the ship, the girls are preparing for regattas sea scout competitions that include events such as rowing, sailing, rope climbing and knot tying.

True to Libertys spirit, the girls must also know historic maritime skills such as breeches buoy and hoisting the scuttlebutt. West said Tiki Too is the most successful Sea Scout group in Northern California, taking 14 fi rst-place awards last season.

Liz Morine, a Freedom High School stu-dent, said she enjoys being a part of the crew because of all the activities she gets to partici-pate in with the team, whether its cruising to the Channel Islands or preparing the ship for events such as Fleet Week. Even the regatta competitions are fun because theyre working together.

West hopes to recruit four new active mem-bers for next season. Girls between the ages of 13 and 17 who are interested in learning more about the sea scout program should call crew member Katie McCrummen at 925-978-7082. For more information about Liberty, visit www.libertymaritime.org.


Members of the Tiki Too sea scout crew will participate in Fleet Week this weekend. The Tiki Too crew trains on the Vietnam-War-era vessel PTF-26, below, which will be featured in the Parade of Ships on Saturday.

Photos courtesy of the Liberty Maritime Museum


This is the third in a series of stories by Brentwood resident Corey Hunt tracing the plague of illicit drugs from Mexico to East Contra Costa County. For the previous installments, visit www.thepress.net.

Each year, American drug consumers give billions of dollars to the drug cartels that have plunged Mexico into civil unrest. According to the United States Govern-ment Accountability offi ce, the Mexican cartels take in as much as $23 billion in revenue every year.

In many ways, the American popu-lations refusal to give up illicit drugs a 2008 World Health Organization report concluded that the United States has the highest levels of illegal drug use in the world bears direct responsibility for the beheadings and the massacres that now take place on a daily basis, because the cartels would be unable to operate without a reliable and eager customer north of the border. But there are other factors in play as well.

Los Angeles has been a breeding ground for gang activity since the days of alcohol prohibition. Today, its location be-tween the drug routes originating from Ti-juana and Ciudad Juarez make it a prime destination for drug dispersal throughout the southwest. The Los Angeles metro-politan area of 10 million residents guar-antees local drug dealers, street gangs and the drug cartels who set the illicit trade in motion an abundant population of cus-tomers.

The city of Los Angeles, however, has played a far greater role in the crisis that has entrenched itself in Mexico and Latin America, knocking on Americas door. Some of the roots of todays increasingly grisly confl ict can be traced back the City of Angels.

The roots of the crisis date back de-cades. Offi cer Alfredo Aguayo of the LAPDs Gang Enforcement Unit explained that the 1980s and early 90s saw the rise of brutal street gangs that brought chaos to the streets of Los Angeles, the most infa-mous being MS-13, the Mara Salvatrucha and its rival, M-18, also known as 18th Street.

MS-13 and M-18 are funded by criminal activity robbery, extortion, hu-man traffi cking and street-level narcotics sales, said Aguayo. Just recently, these gangs have been implicated in three or four murders in the Hollywood area.

According to Aguayo, because the gangs consist largely of illegal residents from Central America, the government has tried to keep them off the streets by means of mass deportations after arrests are made. In 2009, nearly 130,000 crimi-nals were removed from the United States, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. About a third of them were reportedly arrested for drug-related crimes.

This has been happening since the 1980s and 90s. Criminals do their state

time and then are handed over to the feds and deported deported felons, as they are called, said Aguayo. However, Cen-tral America a region made up of fragile governments and traumatized populations emerging from years of war and dictator-ship has not been able to handle the brutal-ity of the hardened criminals, and the result has been staggering. An area known as the northern triangle, consisting of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, now has some of the highest murder rates in the world.

An article in the Latin American Her-ald Tribune, published at the beginning of the year, showed that El Salvador recorded more than 4,300 murders in 2009 the

highest in more than a decade in a na-tion of only 6 million. Crime is rampant, and the deteriorating security has allowed Mexicos drug cartels to gain a foothold on the streets of national capitals and in the lawless jungles.

In June, Guatemalan National Police pointed its fi nger at the ferocious drug cartel Los Zetas after four people were de-capitated one of the severed heads placed near the steps of the Guatemalan Con-gress. The gruesome discovery proved that Americas southern border is not the only boundary that Mexicos spiraling drug vio-


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see Habit page 15A

10A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Pioneer pride was on display as teachers, from left, Arlene Gusto, Debbie Burns, Juliet Simens, Karen Sowder and Erica Horan served students at Pioneers seventh annual Spaghetti Dinner. According to Parents Club member Kris Simone, the event is a back-to-school tra-dition that helps build the Colt community. The dinner raised approxi-mately $1,000, which was donated to the Parents Club General Fund to support future school events and programs. The staff and students of Pioneer Elementary expressed gratitude to Bridgehead Caf owners Heather and Murray Sexton for the wonderful meal.

The pride and the pasta

Amazing CelebrationCelebration Christian Preschools

fourth annual Amazing Race was held on Sept. 11, and had a red, white and blue, American theme in honor of Patriot Day. Participants spent the day going from loca-tion to location, comleting challenges and deciphering clues to the whereabouts of the next clue.

Among the challenges were bowling three strikes, playing American history trivia, solving math problems to unlock combination lockers, piecing together

puzzles, solving crossword puzzles, taking part in a blind tasting, dressing up as prom queens, building fruit bouquets and run-ning the gauntlet of an obstacle course.

Sponsoring businesses and volun-teers included Harvest Park Bowl; Tony DeRusso Farmers Insurance; Liberty High School Leadership; MJs Downtown Caf; Diamond Hills Sports Club; Good-will; Sharp Realty; Edible Arrangements; Brentwood Hand Car Wash; and Gursky Ranch.

Participants in Celebration Christian Preschools Amazing Race took up challeng-es such as building a fruit bouquet at Edible Arrangements in Brentwood.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Olsen

Photo courtesy of Kris Simone

OCTOBER 8, 2010 THEPRESS.NET | 11A

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A new spiritual path at Kaleidoscope

True to its motto, Lifes Changing Patterns, the Kaleidoscope cancer support group is broadening itself to include a new pattern, and share it with everyone.

We live in such a chaotic time, said Gloria Good, who spearheaded the installa-tion of a new labyrinth dedicated last week-end at the Byron United Methodist Church (BUMC). We all need a place where we can be quiet, walk, meditate, pray, heal and grow.

Labyrinths are spiritual walking paths that have been in use around the world for 5,000 years, Good told the assembly gath-ered at the church Sunday, and have enjoyed a major resurgence in the last 20 years. There is no correct way to use one, she said, but most methods are designed to reduce stress, quiet the mind and allow body and spirit to interact.

The BUMC labyrinth is wrought of red brick and sand, replete with symbols such as the stand of water in the center. Water is nourishing, sustaining, cleansing and com-forting, she said. Blessing stones, available at the paths entrance, can be inscribed with custom messages, carried to the center and left in the water there. Still to come is a planned grove of trees surrounding the path, giving the labyrinth experience a dimension of serenity, shade and the soothing sound of breezes through leaves.

Kaleidoscope founder Jan Page said the labyrinth augments the groups repertoire of ways to help cancer patients and their fami-lies. Its signature Bags of Hope (fi lled with small gifts and delivered for free by someone who cares), meal assistance, support groups and childrens activities have already helped

hundreds treat body, mind and spirit.The BUMC labyrinth is open to any-

one who would like to use it. A special laby-rinth workshop will be held next weekend for those who would like some guidance. The free workshop is set for Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The Byron United Methodist Church is located at 14671 Byron Highway in By-ron, and the labyrinth is located in the rear of the church building. To learn more about Kaleidoscope or the free workshop, call 925-634-1411.


by Rick LemyreStaff Writer

Right, parishioners gather around a labyrinth dedicated last weekend at the Byron United Methodist Church. The spiritual walking path is open to

anyone who desires to use it.

Left, a walker uses the new labyrinth during last weekends dedi-cation ceremony.

Photos by Rick Lemyre

OOAKLEYOAKLEYPRESS

2 02010


City finds new ways to stay connected

Some residents dont have time to at-tend Oakley City Council meetings, but now there are new ways to keep in touch with whats new in the city and its just a click away.

Oakley recently launched its renovat-ed website, www.oakleyinfo.com, with a brand-new interface that makes accessing information easier. Reggie Decker, pub-lic information coordinator, said the new site has been enhanced to make navigating simpler so residents and potential Oakley visitors can effortlessly fi nd the informa-tion theyre looking for.

The new site features a welcom-ing photo montage of Oakley highlights. Navigation buttons on the left plus drop down menus at the top right connect users with department, services and recreation links. While the site is more user friendly, the city is taking online communication a step further by dabbling in online network communities such as Facebook and Twit-ter. According to Decker, Facebook has surpassed Google as the most-visited site on the planet, managing 7 percent of all Web traffi c.

We wanted to improve the website so that we have a way to get the latest in-formation out to our residents as soon as possible, Decker said. We redid the sites design to improve navigation, but

weve also entered the online social net-works by creating Twitter and Facebook accounts. Its easy and its free, so we can get updates out to the public quickly so our residents know whats going on in their community.

Oakleys Facebook page, City of Oakley, is a fan page that offers the lat-est in local and regional news. Since the launch of the new website, Decker said the fan page will be updated at least once a week and eventually, as the fan base grows, the page will be refreshed daily.

For a more informal update center, Oakley has created a second Facebook page for Oakley mascot Val E. Oak. By friending Val E. Oak, Facebook users will fi nd city updates as well as information about special events, recreation opportuni-ties and other fun facts about the city. Val E. Oak is also available to take your ques-tions and share his decades of knowledge with the community.

Decker said Val E. Oak is a kid-friendly persona who will crop up at Oak-ley events in the future, but for now, the community can get to know the beloved cartoon oak tree online. We wanted to create a fun way to spread news about Oakley. Now that the oakleyinfo.com has been updated, information is easier to fi nd, but people wont necessarily check the site daily. Val E. Oak is a way to get the infor-mation out, because once you become his Facebook friend, updates will regularly ap-

pear on your Facebook homepage.Twitter is an alternative to friending a

tree while still getting informal splashes of information that are easy to digest. Oak-leys Twitter account, CityofOakley, fea-tures city information in 140 characters or less and provides direct links to oakleyinfo.com for specifi c information. Twitter and Facebook are also easily accessible through smart phone applications, so people can get the latest as soon as its posted.

By being a part of the Twitter or Face-book communities, you can connect and network with those who live and work in

Oakley. But if you dont want to partici-pate in the social networks, links on Oak-leys homepage will directly connect you to the Twitter and Facebook pages without requiring you to log in.

Decker said creating accounts on these social networks allows for the city to connect with its younger residents and reach out to the tech-savvy generation. But for those who arent computer literate, the citys quarterly community newsletter, The Oak Leaf, will still be delivered to mailbox-es throughout the city.


The City of Oakley recently launched its remodeled, user-friendly website. The new site features links to Twitter and Facebook to help residents stay up to date on the citys latest news.


Photo courtesy of City of Oakley

We need Martha on the Antioch City Council -

Martha has the right vision for our future!Local Rancher and Businessman Jack Roddy

ELECTMartha Parsons

Antioch City Council!I was born, raised and live in Antioch as do my children and grandchildren. For the past 20 months I have served as your representative on the Antioch City Council. I am running to continue my service on the Antioch City Council to build a stronger Antioch that balances future growth with the preservation of our character, lifestyle, and local values. While we may come from diff erent places and cultures and have diff erent stories to tell, we all hold common values our strong sense of community, our love for the beauty of our location on San Joaquin River, and our high quality of life. We also share the hope for a better future for our children and grandchildren!

I am dedicated to these issues that will preserve our quality of life:

Maintaining Antioch as a safe place for us all to live, work and play Creating and retaining jobs for a strong and diverse economy Building on our public transportation system Promoting - Shop Antioch Promoting Community Pride and Involvement such as Keep Antioch Beautiful and Neighborhood Watch groups.

I will continue to listen, evaluate, discuss, and make decisions based on what is reasonable. By being reasonable, professional and acting in the best interest of our community, we can reach the common goals to continue to improve our Quality of Life. If you have any comments, concerns, or would like to contact me, email me at [email protected], call me on my cell 925-890-2665 or visit www.marthaparsons.com As a voice for ALL Antioch and your full-time representative, I would be honored to have your vote!

Martha

Martha has my endorsement for Antioch City Council! Martha continues to work

hard with me for our entire community.Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha

Martha is the right person to help lead Antioch and the East Contra Costa Region.

Supervisor and Assembly Candidate Susan Bonilla

Martha has my vote for Antioch City Council!Former Councilman and Businessman Leo Fontana

I endorse and continue to work with Mar-tha on local and regional issues important to Antioch and East County.Senator Mark DeSaulnier

Paid for by Martha Parsons for Antioch City Council ID#13238133710 Lone Tree Way # 134, Antioch, CA 94509


Trevors Weekly Mortgage MattersBy Trevor Frey

Its MGIC

Advertisement

Below is a previous article based on the Federal Housing Administrations (FHA) re-cent increase in monthly mortgage insurance. Private mortgage insurance now makes even more sense for those who qualify

Okay, not David Copperfi eld type magic but in the Tri City sales area (Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley) inven-tory sure is disappearing. In March and April of 2009 alone over 850 homes were sold between the three cities, compared to only 516 homes for March and April 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 March, and an 8.7% jump in April. 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: Eff ective May 1, 2010 MGIC is mov-ing 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 posi-tives; 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 in-

creases 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 be time to rethink your approach. Now that private mortgage insurance is available at 95% with a 680 FICO score, if youre able, you should magically convert yourself into a conventional buyer!

If you have any real estate lending related questions or concerns, dont hesi-tate to write me at [email protected] or call me directly on my cell phone, (925) 726-1444.

Ready to recycleThe Oakley Library hosts a special pro-

gram Reduce, Re-use and Recycle in Oak-ley on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. The presentation is designed to help Oakley residents get a better understanding of the citys newly instated recycling program.

Representatives from Oakley Disposal Services will educate guests on the 4 Rs: Respect the Earth: Reduce, Re-use and Re-

cycle. Participants will play an interactive sorting game and discuss the new, accept-able recyclable material that can go into the new blue 64-gallon container Oakley resi-dents will be receiving this year.

The Oakley Library is located on the Freedom High School campus at 1050 Ner-oly Road. For more information, call 925-625-2400 or visit www.oakleydisposal.com.

Foor shares latest workAntiochs First Congregational Church

hosts a performance by the East Bay Festi-val Chorus, under the direction of compos-er and founder Clayton J. Foor, on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.

The Chorus will perform Kyrie, Pi Jesu Christe and Agnus Dei from Foors recently completed Requiem. A Pleasant

Hill resident, Foor has received the Ameri-can Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Plus Award for composition for the past three years. For more details about Foors works, visit www.claytonjfoor.com.

First Congregational Church is located at 620 E. Tregallas Road. For more infor-mation, call 925-757-4094.

The Brentwood Library will spon-sor a free 45-minute yoga class for kids 4 to 7 on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. at the Delta First Five Center, 760 First St. in Brentwood.

Contra Costa County Child Care Council Associate Ange Burnett, who is also a consultant for John Muir Hos-pital in Concord, where she provides

services for rehabilitating special-needs patients, will conduct the class. To sign up, call 925-516-5290 or visit the library at 104 Oak St.

Due to class size limitations, only children 4-7 will be accepted. Mats will be provided. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing. For more information, visit www.ccclib.org.

Yoga for youngsters


lence and those perpetuating it are willing to cross.

Unfortunately, the deportations provide little, if any, silver lining for the United States. MS-13 and other street gangs have maintained their presence in Los Angeles and expanded their opera-tions across the country as far away as Virginia, New England and Alaska. The FBI estimates that their membership across North America is well into the tens of thousands.

They are all over the USA there is MS-13 activity at a city, state and fed-eral level, said Aguayo, adding that the problem extends to the San Francisco Bay Area. As for me personally, I have had contact with MS members in San Jose.

According to a report by the Center for Immigration Studies published in Sep-tember of 2008, the group is involved in traffi cking drugs, weapons and people over the border, and is unifying at a continen-tal level, making it far more disciplined, effi cient and dangerous. The report goes on to say that the northern triangle is the epicenter for transnational gang violence, suggesting that the need for international cooperation from the United States and Mexico to the rest of Latin America is more important than ever.

Some of that much-needed coop-eration is already taking place. As the violence crosses borders, the LAPD and police departments from Central America have put together an exchange program, giving police offi cials the chance to see the

situation from an international level.There are offi cers from Guatemala

doing ride-alongs with the LAPD, while our offi cers are going down to Central America, said Aguayo. Its clear they dont do things the same way we do, al-luding to the struggles police in Central America are trying to overcome. At the beginning of 2010, Guatemalas National Police chief and top anti-narcotics offi cial were arrested for cocaine traffi cking, high-lighting how serious the drug traffi ckers hold over Central American governments and security forces has become.

While the ride-along program gives North American law enforcement a chance to work together, Aguayo stresses that the LAPDs primary function is to protect the streets of Los Angeles, not assess whether or not an incarcerated criminal could pose a threat to the secu-rity situation in Central America.

We dont evaluate whether or not we should deport someone, he said. As far as we are concerned, this is a matter for the feds to decide.

As the federal governments atten-tion shifts to the remote tribal areas of Pakistan and Yemen, it seems unlikely that serious action will soon be taken to help alleviate the ills that threaten to defi ne the future of Latin America, a re-gion once high on Americas priority list when threatened by the Soviet Union. The communist empire is long gone, but the drug cartels that rose from the ashes of war and instability have slipped in through Americas back door.


Habit from page 9A

In an effort to prevent an incipient lo-cal gang problem from growing into a major one, East County leaders will hold a summit this weekend, educating teens and parents on making smart choices.

District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, along with members of local police depart-ments and the District Attorneys offi ce, are holding a gang summit emphasizing the dangers of aligning with street gangs on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. at Deer Valley High School. The event is free and open to the public

There are alternatives to getting in-volved in gangs, Glover said. I think that throughout the nation, we start to see more as we continue to grow. Its like anything else. Some things come along with the growth.

Glover said he wants to work with other agencies to prevent teens and young people from joining gangs, since they are the most susceptible to temptation. He last held a gang summit in 2007 in Pittsburg, but wanted to organize another one now for the fresh crop of high school students. While the earlier summit informed the public about gangs, the upcoming summit will focus on early prevention.

Ed Diokno, a policy analyst in Glovers offi ce, said that while the problem isnt as bad

as in other parts of the Bay Area, gang ac-tivity has increased over the past few years. While groups align themselves primarily with Norteos and Sureos, gangs affi liated with the Crips, Bloods and MS-13, as well as smaller groups, are also active in the area.

The ties between local gangs and their affi liates are getting stronger with gangs from other areas, he said. Were focusing in on parents and students, and the main message we want to tell them is that theres help out here. There are choices you can make to ad-dress your needs without going into gangs, without resorting to criminal activities.

The Antioch Police Department will lead a Gangs 101 class at the summit, teach-ing parents the early signs of gang recruit-ment and how to address them. The event also features presentations by other police departments and the District Attorneys of-fi ce, showing the consequences of bad deci-sions. A panel of former gang members will talk with students and parents about the ugly realities of gang life. Glover said he is also working heavily with faith-based organiza-tions for this years event.

Gangs themselves are only the symp-toms of whats wrong in peoples lives, Dio-kno said. It could be alienation, drug abuse; it could come from dysfunctional families. The need for protection, the need to belong all these factors contribute.


Gang summit tofocus on prevention

by Justin LaffertyStaff Writer

16A | THEPRESS.NET OCTOBER 8, 2010

OPINIONEDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY National

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

Vote Moore outEditor:

How can Reggie Moores slogan be Stronger Together when all his actions try to divide the community?

He refuses to meet with community groups like United Citizens for Better Neigh-borhoods and Friday Morning Breakfast Club. He has refused to appear at two candi-dates forums and refused to participate in the Quality of Life Forum.

He doesnt use his monthly stipend for his phone and Internet so he doesnt have to answer to his constituents. Seems to me he doesnt want any coming together.

Vote smart. Vote out Moore.Martin Fernandez

Antioch

Deceptive ballot statementEditor:

In my preparation to vote for the No-vember election, I recently had the pleasure of reading the ballot statement of candidate and current Councilman Reggie Moore, which states, I led the way on building the Prewett Park Community Center, which will provide a safe place for our children to study and play, and increase library access to Antioch residents. Intrigued by Councilman Moores claim to fame statement, I decided to research this matter to assist me and my family in casting our votes for City Council.

According to the City of Antiochs website, a City Council subcomittee was formed in 1989 to establish a master plan for the community park funded through Mello Roos bonds in the amount of $50 million. The park master plan, approved by the council in 1991, included the new community center to be completed in Phase 2 of the project. Further investigation revealed that in 2006 Mayor Don Freitas and City Manager Jim Jakel brought Lonnie Karste on board to act as project manager to move forward with building the community center.

After concluding that Councilman Moores ballot statement was purposely and inherently deceptive, I contacted Moore by

e-mail and asked him to please explain how you led the way in implementing the Prewett Ranch Community Center project, given the fact that planning for this development began 17 years ago before your election to the City Council and records clearly indicate that Don Freitas and Jim Jakel, respectively, were the driving force in moving the project forward to completion.

Furthermore, I asked Mr. Moore to please explain why you are attempting to take personal credit for a MAJOR commu-nity development project (during an election year) of which you played no part in its creation yet decided to place this fraudulent claim on your ballot statement in order to deceive Antioch voters.

In light of a recent poll that indicated 63 percent of Antioch residents are dissatis-fi ed with the performance of our current elected offi cials, I passed this information on to several members of our community and collectively we contacted Councilman Moore and asked him to explain his actions. As he has done throughout his four-year term on the Antioch City Council, Moore refused to respond to our questions.

Given the current state of the fi nancial crisis affecting our city and the severe crime issues negatively impacting our neighbor-hoods, do you really want someone like Reggie Moore, who fi les deceptive ballot statements and refuses to meet with or com-municate with concerned citizens, represent-ing our community?

Gary GilbertAntioch

Vote Yes on Measure P Editor:

Its time for everyone who cares about the City of Antioch to literally Put your money where your mouth is. And frankly, I cant believe I just said that. These are hard fi nancial times for all of us, my family includ-ed, but I cant in good conscience ignore the fact that if we dont vote for Measure P, were going to lose even more than were going to gain by saving a few cents on the dollar.

Do I want to vote for yet another tax? Of course not! The real question is: do I want to see the city Ive lived in for almost 30 years slide deeper into debt with nothing to show for the sacrifi ces made by so many who used to work for all of us and are no longer here because revenues from parcel taxes, home sales and funds from the state have dropped to a bare minimum?

Enough is enough! Its time to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done: protect what we still have and fi ght to keep the few police and personnel left that keep our city safe and running smoothly. I dont want to pick up the phone one day and call for help and fi nd out that theres no one left to answer the phone.

You can believe me when I say this isnt an easy decision for me to make, but its the only choice on the ballot we have that can help stabilize the city budget.

If Measure P passes, theres no doubt in my mind that I, along with every other taxpayer, will be watching over the shoulders of the City Council to make sure the money goes where most needed to protect and serve the residents of Antioch.

Barbara HerendeenAntioch

A better vision for OakleyEditor:

Id like to address frustrated Oakley residents who feel their council doesnt pay attention. Time and again we have gone be-fore them, voicing our dissatisfaction with the direction in which they are taking our city.

The current City Council believes it is acceptable to heap more and more high-density housing projects springing up like weeds, and pleading with big-box stores and developers to pave over every last inch of ag-ricultural land and cover it with concrete. Do we want our city to become just another East County Shopping Center with traffi c, air and noise pollution even worse than it is now?

I agree with candidates Rodger McKe-on, Paul Seger and even Bruce Connelly that Oakley should be a destination not only for shopping, but for its inherent characteristics. For example, the citys entrance at Highway 4 and Main Street has a vineyard boasting the oldest vines in the state of California still producing delicious wine. Surely we dont need to bulldoze the whole lot!

Our city is comprised of many semi-rural areas with farms, vineyards, equestrian activities, and superb bass fi shing. In fact, the local bass fi shing tournaments attract anglers from all over the world.

So why cant we make Oakley become a better version of itself? How about having a wine-tasting room on some of our vineyards with picnic areas, charming bed-and-break-fasts and nice restaurants on site so visitors could plan to spend a couple of days here and enjoy our heritage? Lets share the bass tournaments equally among Oakleys two marinas so anglers can fi sh, eat locally, taste local wines and stay over a night or two.

Oakleys residents have a unique oppor-tunity here to craft our city they way wed like it to be: a city whose council and residents can work together for its future growth yet still retain its semi-rural charm.

Oakley is still small enough that, with reasonable compromises, it could encompass all the things we hold dear: rich agricultural farmland producing a plethora of locally grown fruits, nuts, vegetables and outstand-ing wine grapes; aim for medium-density housing with gardens and trails contributing to a stress-free environment; small, locally owned businesses not only in an attrac-tive, revitalized downtown, but throughout Oakley as well.

Oakland has a goal of growing at least 5 percent of their produce locally, and their redevelopment agency is committing to that goal. A new report entitled Cultivating the Commons: An Assessment of the Potential

for Urban Agriculture on Oaklands Public Land released in 2009 identifi es 1,200 acres of vacant and underutilized public land in Oakland that could potentially be used for food production (www.oaklandfood.org/home).

Oakley has the means and resources to do exactly the same, yet the council sees fi t to destroy our agricultural heritage by selling our farmland and building on it. If we want change, then we must do it now! Dont forget to vote on Nov. 2.

Eve DiamondOakley

Act with determination and focusEditor:

This November, America will speak up by way of casting their vote, and those voices must be heard, from the city to the federal level. Being a citizen of Antioch, I have been victimized over the last few years by the poor choices, ineffectiveness and non-engagement of two Antioch council members, namely Reggie Moore and Martha Parsons.

We victims have the opportunity to oust these two in November. It will not be easy, having recently heard that Reggie Moore will have union backing.

Councilman Moores exploits regarding the following: the $40,000 he requested for the Halloween Carnival; refusal to meet with law-abiding citizens without attorney ap-proval; refusal to participate in City Council candidates forum; voted against the teen curfew; pushed to settle the Section 8 lawsuit; tried to force the council into creating a Civilian Police Oversight Committee to help bolster the plaintiffs Section 8 lawsuit; and sympathizing with the Oakland cop killer. And most recent: lying on his ballot state-ment that he led the way on the community center project.

Councilman Moore has been toxic and harmful to our community. Reggie Moores continued presence on the City Council for the next four years will destroy our quality of life.

Now is the time to act and to act with determination and focus. If citizens do not work together, collectively, to defeat Reggie Moores re-election campaign, Antioch will be stuck with him for another four years.

This Novembers candidates will feature Arne Simonson, Gary Agopian and Wade Harper, all of whom truly emphasize the integrity, compassion and focus necessary to guide Antioch into the future.

Lastly, some of us have children that will vote for the fi rst time in their lives this November. Be a parent ensure that they are indeed registered to vote, walk them through the voting process and spend time with them explaining the importance of their privilege to vote and what it means to their future.

Mac McIlvennaAntioch

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

see Letters page 18A

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

BRENTWOODSept. 24, 2:43 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son stole a bicycle from a school on Shady Willow Lane. Another subject returned the bicycle and attempted to steal a sec-ond bicycle but was detained by school staff.Sept. 25, 5:15 a.m. On Berry Lane, a sub-ject found too intoxicated to care for him-self was arrested and taken to the Marti-nez Detention Facility.Sept. 25, 9:50 a.m. During an argument at a residence on East Country Club Drive, a subject punched a wall, damaging the drywall. The subject was arrested and re-leased on a Juvenile Affi davit.Sept. 25, 10:58 a.m. An unidentifi ed per-son attempted to rent a house on Nicholas Court over the Internet.Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m. On Sunset Road, a driver struck another vehicle and a light pole. Both drivers were transported to Sutter Delta Medical Center.Sept. 25, 8:50 p.m. A driver struck a curb on Wildfl ower Loop at Petunia Court. The vehicle sustained minor damage.Sept. 26, 12:55 a.m. On Second Street at Brentwood Boulevard, a subject stopped for a vehicle code violation was arrested for DUI.Sept. 26, 1:30 a.m. On Oak Street, a sub-ject who punched another subject in the face was apprehended and found to be intoxicated. He was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility. The vic-tim was transported to Kaiser Hospital.Sept. 26, 4:53 a.m. On the Highway 4 By-pass at Balfour Road, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations was cited for driving without a license.Sept. 26, 6:52 a.m. An unidentifi ed person threw a glass bottle at a residence on Hud-son Drive, shattering an upstairs window.Sept. 26, 8:33 a.m. At a residence on Ar-lington Way, an unidentifi ed person left a garden hose running for several hours.Sept. 26, 9:14 a.m. On Spruce Street at Brentwood Boulevard, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations was found to be

driving under the infl uence of alcohol. He was on court probation for DUI and was driving on a license suspended for DUI. He was arrested and taken to the Marti-nez Detention Facility.Sept. 26, 1:06 p.m. An unidentifi ed person stole a vehicle parked outside a business on Balfour Road.Sept. 26, 2:21 p.m. A subject placed under citizens arrest for shoplifting from a busi-ness on Lone Tree Way was released on a Juvenile Affi davit.Sept. 26, 8:29 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son stole bicycles at a park on Lawrence Lane.Sept. 27, 9:44 a.m. A subject contacted on Brentwood Boulevard at Broderick Drive was found to have two warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.Sept. 27, 9:11 a.m. On the Highway 4 By-pass at Lone Tree Way, a subject stopped for expired registration and false registra-tion tabs was found to be driving on a sus-pended license. He was arrested and re-leased on a Notice To Appear. The vehicle was towed for a 30-day impound.Sept. 27, 1 p.m. A subject arrested for stealing clothing at a business on Lone Tree Way was released on a Promise To Appear.Sept. 28, 4:30 p.m. A citizen surrendered a fi rearm at police headquarters in compli-ance with a restraining order.Sept. 28, 6:24 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son used the debit card of a resident of Burghley Lane to make fraudulent trans-actions.Sept. 28, 11:47 p.m. An unidentifi ed per-son entered a residence on Mill Creek Way and stole three TVs and a video game system.Sept. 29, 2:30 a.m. On Brentwood Boule-vard at Delta Road, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations, and his passenger, were found in possession of cocaine. The driver also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Compton on narcotic violations. Both were arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.Sept. 29, 1:15 p.m. An abandoned boat and trailer were removed from Toulouse Lane.

Sept. 29, 4:04 p.m. On Village Drive at Barbara Street, two unidentifi ed sub-jects approached a pizza delivery vehicle stopped at a stop sign and stole three piz-zas and two pizza warmers.Sept. 30, 2:03 a.m. A driver who struck a pole on Garin Parkway at Boltzen Drive was transported by helicopter to John Muir Medical Center. It was discovered that he had been driving under the infl u-ence of alcohol.Sept. 30, 2:36 a.m. An unidentifi ed person attempted to enter a residence on Sher-wood Drive through an open window.Sept. 30, 9:23 a.m. An unidentifi ed per-son stole the rear license plate of a vehicle parked on Darby Drive.Sept. 30, 5 p.m. A resident of Capilano Drive found cash in front of his resi-dence.

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.

ANTIOCHOct. 4, 11:04 a.m. Offi cers of the An-tioch Police Department were fl agged down by a citizen, who reported that he had seen a dead body at the waterfront. Upon arrival at the scene, offi cers found an unidentifi ed male dead inside a tent in a homeless encampment west of McEl-heny Road. The decomposition of the body suggested that the man had been dead for several days.

OAKLEYSept. 20 On the 200 block of Spindrift Court, a subject was found in possession of dangerous drugs.Sept. 20 A vehicle accident with prop-erty damage occurred on West Cypress Road at Empire Avenue.Sept. 20 A misdemeanor hit-and-run oc-curred on Acorn Drive at Solitude Drive.Sept. 20 Domestic battery was reported on the 14500 block of Byron Highway.Sept. 20 A residence on the 500 block of Soda Rock Place was burglarized.Sept. 21 Vehicles were towed from the 1100 block of Mills Place, the 800 block of Almond Drive, the 1500 block of

Gamay Circle and the 300 block of Big Bear Court.Sept. 21 Arrest warrants were served on the 3200 block of Main Street and on Bridgehead Road at Main Street.Sept. 21 Credit card fraud occurred on the 100 block of Honey Lane.Sept. 21 Identity theft was reported on the 400 block of Star Street.Sept. 22 On Main Street at OHara Av-enue and on OHara Avenue at East Ruby Street, subjects were cited for driving without a license.Sept. 22 On the 2100 block of Main Street, a subject was arrested for driving under the infl uence of alcohol.Sept. 22 On the 100 block of East Cy-press Road, a subject was found in posses-sion of a counterfeit bill.Sept. 22 On Main Street at Malicoat Av-enue, a subject was charged with receipt of stolen property.Sept. 23 On 100 Morning Glory Court, a subject was found in violation of a court order.Sept. 23 An abandoned vehicle was towed from the 100 block of Vella Circle.Sept. 23 On Live Oak Avenue at Neroly Road, a subject was charged with reckless driving.Sept. 23 Vandalism was reported on the 4700 block of La Vista Drive.Sept. 24 A vehicle accident with fi re oc-curred on the 3600 block of Main Street.Sept. 24 Hit-and-run incidents were re-ported on Delta Ranch Drive at Vintage Parkway and on Main Street at Teak-wood Drive.Sept. 24 Grand theft was reported on the 3900 block of Creekside Way.Sept. 25 An armed robbery occurred on OHara Avenue at West Ruby Avenue.Sept. 25 On Main Street at Simoni Ranch Road, a subject was arrested for DUI.Sept. 25 Trespassing was reported on the 100 block of Red Barn Court.Sept. 26 On Delta Road at Main Street and on Main Street at OHara Avenue, subjects were arrested for DUI.Sept. 26 Incidents of battery were re-ported on the 5600 block of Main Street and on the 2900 block of Oakley Road.

COP LOGSFROM EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCH LOGS An unidentifi ed person attempted to rent a house on Nicholas Court over the Internet.Sept. 25, 10:58 a.m., Brentwood

18A | THEPRESS.NET OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Supporting Dawson, Graves and Steele

Editor:I am writing this letter to support three

candidates for the Town of Discovery Bay Community Services District. Each of these three candidates offers something unique and important to our community, and I know they will each work diligently for our town:

Both Kevin Graves and Brian Dawson were appointed to the board last year, and in the time they have served as appointees, they have accomplished much:

Kevin Graves is the sitting board presi-dent, and under his leadership, the board has worked productively and effi ciently to get the towns business done. CSD meetings are often shorter than they have been in recent years, which audience members appreciate. Kevin helped to focus the board on key issues and worked collaboratively with all directors as well as staff to ensure that progress was made on areas of concern to the community, including landscaping, water and wastewater planning, fi scal planning and more.

Brian Dawson is both a CSD director as well as the treasurer of the Discovery Bay Elementary PTA. He vigorously advocated against shuttering fi re stations and helped bring the issue out to the community at large. He contributed to the formation of the P6 Committee, and advocated for improved parks, including the forthcoming basket-ball court at Regatta Park. Brian has urged greater transparency with the community via a professional website with posted agendas

as well as offi cial e-mail addresses that are subject to public records requests.

Both Kevin and Brian urge fi scal responsibility, understanding that the cur-rent economy as well as the community as a whole demand that the district run lean while still providing necessary services. They also contributed to the board actions that are leading to the development of a new long-range plan for water and wastewater services.

I am also supporting Chris Steele, who will bring another dimension to the board:

Chris is a local small-business owner and an active member of the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce, serving as CEO/president of the chamber in 2009. In this capacity, he has already demonstrated his commitment to the town, but also represents a key audience that has not been served well by the CSD in recent years local businesses. As a business owner myself, I think it impor-tant that our local governing board consider the needs of both residents and businesses, and know that Chris will help to ensure that happens.

As an active member of the Discovery Bay community, I frequently attend our CSD meetings and understand the dynamics of our town, and know that all three of these candidates will take a proactive approach to all issues.

For all of these reasons, I am support-ing Kevin Graves, Brian Dawson and Chris Steele in their candidacy for CSD director. I know that if they are elected, each will build on the good work of this years CSD board, and the community will continue to progress

Letters from page 16A

see Letters page 19A

as a result of their efforts.Jennifer FinettiDiscovery Bay

Oakleys agricultural legacy threatened

Editor:Oakleys General Plan (GP) requires the

city to Continue to implement (and refi ne as necessary) a Right to Farm Ordinance, which protects ranchers and farmers within an historically agricultural district from nuisance complaints and unreasonable restrictions and regulations on farm structures or farming practices (GP, Conservation Element 6.1.E).

I believe that Oakley is out of compli-ance with the spirit and intent of the GP and many of its residents, in its transparent quest to attract big-box retail by maximizing our population. Their arguments are paper thin in dismissing those wanting a full GP review.

The council is relentless in its pursuit to change residents perception of traditional Oakley, honoring it in concept only. They are visibly hostile toward those wishing to change to our General Plan. It doesnt re-ally matter if they get 100 or 500 people to applaud another high-density project; they are not acting in an honorable manner when they dismiss us.

As evidenced by their continued stalling in the East Cypress Corridor lawsuit, where two separate rulings require adequate mitigation for signifi cant impacts to agricul-tural resources. Greenbelt Alliance failed attempts at reasoning with Oakley suggests, when farmland is converted to urban use, a requirement that conservation easements be obtained on other land will not replace the converted land.

However, conservation easements can diminish the development pressures created by the conversion of farmland and can pro-vide important assistance to the public and private sectors in preserving other farmland against the danger of the domino effect cre-ated by the project.

Setting aside acreage or establishing fees to maintain farmland will enhance Oakleys character when the city fi nally fulfi lls its legal obligation. I would contend they are deliberately tying up the plaintiffs resources while development consumes farmland without mitigation, and have no intention of complying until its too late. Unfortunately, in the meantime, nearly all of Oakleys aging farmers are instead vulnerable and sell their lands to prospecting developers to aid in their retirements.

Oakley politicians abuse the concept of traditional Oakley when marketing the country feel and country charm sentiment but they dont care, and it shows. Meanwhile they charge unabashed toward complete urbanization without committing to the merging of urbanization and, as ob-ligated, Allow agriculture to continue as a vi-able use of land that refl ects the communitys origins (GP, Goal 6.1).

We need action: Oakleys Right to Farm Ordinance, residential and commercial design guidelines and the GP all need revision or soon to develop Oakley more wisely; Oakley developers choose guidelines compatible with profi t maximization, not character.

With the assistance of local 4-H clubs and sustainable-growth advocates, I will

promote community gardens near high-density developments and within new neighborhoods to satisfy desires to urbanize while maintaining the historical character of Oakley, and satisfying the courts.

By planning near low-income neigh-borhoods, we can provide a greater sense of community, increase purchasing power by providing food. Redevelopment funds eliminate blight, grow food and guard our General Funds for city services.

Paul SegerOakley

No more puppetsEditor:

By now Im sure that you readers have received a mailer from Jerry McNerney this last week claiming that he is an Independent

Voice For Us.That statement couldnt be further than

the truth. He is An Independent Voice From Us. Look at his voting record since he has been in offi ce and you will see that he votes in lockstep with Queen Pelosi 95.2 percent of the time and gets 15 percent from Pelosis Donor Network.

He does not work for us constituents but relies totally on maintaining his offi ce by hanging onto Pelosis skirt. He voted for the Healthcare bill that will not only bankrupt the country; it will bankrupt most of us also.

Read the fi ne print. We cant afford any more puppets in Congress.

Robert SchwenkeDiscovery Bay


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