oakley press_10.29.10

Natio

nalAwardWinning Newspapers

Your Hometown Web Site www.thepress.net

Vol. 10, No. 44 YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER October 29, 2010

This Week

FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A

Spine-chilling schedule

Youll find our Halloween lineup of creepy occurrences a real scream. Page 10B

Deflating development

A penalty and an errant kick prevented the Falcons from pulling off a remarkable comeback. Page 1B

Plus: Calendar ............................ 19BClassifieds ......................... 13BEntertainment ................. 10BFood ...................................... 9BHealth & Beauty ................ 8BOpinion ..............................16ASports ................................... 1B

Endorsedby the Press Weve covered the issues and hawked the campaigns. Now its time to pick the prime contenders. Page 16A

Harvesting funCloudy skies didnt keep Oak-

ley residents away from pre-Hallow-een fun at the second annual Har-vest Festival.

The city-sponsored event, held last Saturday, offered activities rang-ing from a pie-eating competition to the costume parade and pump-kin carving contest. Raindrops did force the festival to close down ear-lier than anticipated, but more than 600 people passed through the event during the fi rst three precipitation-free hours.

Im really pleased with the turnout, said event organizer and Recreation Supervisor Cindy Coel-ho. We werent sure if people would come out because the weather was so gloomy, but I thought the chill in the air was perfect. It feels more like Halloween with a little autumn chill in the air.

This years event featured more activities and games all of which were free. Coelho said thats why festival attendees are turning the Harvest Festival into an Oakley tradition. The Harvest Festival was

initially planned as part of the citys decennial celebration series last year, but after the city received such positive feedback from the public, offi cials decided to do it again, and Coelho said the festival is on its way to being a permanent fi xture on Oakleys calendar.

Witches, butterfl ies, nin-jas, superheroes and many other creatures took a lap around Civic Center Park, waving to cars as they walked along Main Street, and 18 hungry contestants took part in a pie-eating contest while other guests watched a search-dog demonstration, navigated the hay maze or got their faces painted. Some kids were even bold enough to sport spooky temporary tattoos, while others took a break from all the action to make a harvest wreath at the craft station.

I think the Harvest Festival has been so popular because it is completely free for anyone who stops by, Coelho said. Theres no admission or fees to enter any of the contests or to take part in any of the activities. We have a lot of kid activi-

Freedom High School Homecoming King Mar-queise Williams and Queen Emma Molenhauer celebrate their victory while posing for a bevy of camera-wielding family and friends at the Homecoming game. Despite the immense pride showcased by the Fal-cons, they lost their Homecoming game to Deer Valley 28-25. For more details about Freedoms Homecoming festivities, turn to page 10A.

Falcon royalty

Photo by Kyndl Buzas

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

see Fun page 15A

Community mourns passing of icon

Generations of Brentwood residents lost a beloved matriarch and icon last week with the passing of Jeanne Adams. Adams died on Oct. 18 at the age of 89.

Jeanne was a fabulous and amazing wom-an, said Gail Crockett, who worked for Adams son, former Brentwood school district superin-tendent Doug Adams. She brought sunshine into the room and was involved in everything. Its a great loss to her family and to the community.

Born Ruth Jeanne Weitze in Nora Springs, Iowa on Feb. 7, 1921, Adams was raised on a farm in Corning, Calif. along with her six sib-lings. She met her husband, Jack, while a student at UC Davis, but World War II interrupted their college educations when the campus closed for

the remainder of the war. During that time she worked in area hospitals, serving meals to state-side soldiers while Jack served in the Army Air Corps. Adams later completed her science degree at UC Berkeley, but when she and Jack married in 1944 and moved to Brentwood, she was forced to switch careers.

When she came here (Brentwood) there were no hospitals in the area, so she turned to teaching and had no regrets, said her son, Doug. Mom was very good at balancing her career with family, not to mention her community ser-vice, and that was unusual in her generation. She believed that no matter what you do, no matter what challenges you face, you have a responsibil-ity to take them on, and she did with relish.

Adams taught in the Brentwood Union

by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

see Icon page 15ARUTH JEANNE ADAMS

Feb. 7, 1921-Oct. 18, 2010

Online Now!

www.thepress.netYour Hometown Web Site

Preschoolers moseyed through a maze, hoofed a hoedown and secured squash.

Fall farm fungo to news/WebExtras!

Civilians get to show their appreciation for veterans at an upcoming bash.

Salute our vetsgo to news/press releases

Hometown Halloween trick-or-treaters found downtown a sweet spot.

Town treatsgo to multimedia/videos

4A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY OCTOBER 29, 2010

Churches work together to feed hungry

Oh, what a difference a year makes. When Deanna Masterman, Karen Randle and KC Cook came up with the idea for a faith-based community food pantry last fall, the women had no idea how far their vision would take them.

Well, we certainly realized there was a great need, and we knew that the exist-ing food banks just couldnt handle every-thing, said Randle. Were in the farming belt of the communities, and people need help and will continue to need help. I know that St. Vincent De Paul distributes food in Brentwood three times a week, but people eat more often than that. We were just try-ing to come up with a way to fi ll in the gaps.

The three women met as part of an outreach program among St. Anne Catho-lic, Delta Community Presbyterian and By-ron United Methodist churches created to fi nd ways to avoid overlapping their charity work within the neighboring communi-ties. Figuring that their coordinated efforts would be more effective, the churches de-cided to pool their resources, and the result was the Delta Christian Community Food Pantry.

Offi cially blessed by ministers from the each of the three churches on Oct. 19 at the Methodist church, where onsite dis-

tribution will take place, the pantry is now into its second week of the food giveaway, and Masterman said shes thrilled with the response.

Its going fantastic, said Masterman, a mission elder at Delta Community Pres-byterian Church. Each week weve had a few more families come and now its just a matter of getting the word out. Were so

grateful for all the help from volunteers and the community. Its just been amazing.

Those who arrive at the food pantry each Tuesday morning will receive a bag fi lled with perishable and non-perishable food items such as dried beans, pasta, tuna and peanut butter.

This week we had the usual canned, dry items but we also had milk, eggs and

cottage cheese, said Randle. It changes each time, but were just grateful to have the help. Anything we can avoid buying from the grocery store is good.

Although food sources and other de-tails are still being worked out, the food pantry is currently operating under the aus-pices of St. Vincent De Paul and is staffed by local volunteers from the churches and nearby communities. Included in the bags of groceries, recipients will also fi nd spiri-tual information in Spanish and Eng-lish along with housing information for homeless and low-income families, plus other informational literature.

We want to fi nd out what their situ-ation is and help them any way we can, said Masterman. Wed eventually like to see 100 families a week. I would also like to fi nd a way to bring food to people who cant get out and pick it up themselves. Theres a lot we want to do, but for now, were just concentrating on getting the word out and helping the most people we can.

The Delta Community Food Pantry will be giving away food Tuesday morn-ings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Byron United Methodist Church, 14671 Byron Highway. Donation barrels are also being distributed throughout the communities for food drop-off. For additional information, volunteer opportunities or barrel locations, call 925-634-0184.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

Kathleen Cook and her daughter Andie, 3, sort food at the newly established Delta Christian Community Food Pantry. The effort is an alliance between a trio of far East County churches aimed at providing food for 100 families per week.

Photo by Richard Wisdom

OCTOBER 29, 2010 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 5A

no-linebifocals

only $30more per pair!**

*All upgrades must be used in conjunction with the 2 for $8899 package. Both pair must be for same prescription and customer. **Lined bifocals orInstinctive No-Line bifocals available for a $30 upgrade for each pair. Bifocals and/or progressives, specialty lenses, and lens options are additional.Additional charge may be applied for strong Rx. Some special orders excluded. See optician for details. Cannot be combined with any other offer, visioncare plan, package pricing or prior orders. Frame selection may vary by store location. Void where prohibited by law. Participating storesonly. Eye exams performed by independent state licensed Doctors of Optometry. Offer ends December 4, 2010.

Try-on frames at& JCPenneyOptical.com

CALL 1-877-JCPEYES

JCPenney Optical

MKT CODE: NP

we accept thousands of vision care plans. call today for your eye exam or bring in your Rx.

with single vision, clear scratch-resistantlenses and any frame up to $120

2PAIRS OFEYEGLASSES$8899

FOR *

biggest contact lens saleof the year!

all brands on sale-November 15th-November 30th!

use your vision benefits or flex spending by 12/31!

FIND US on and

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

At Freedom High Schools recent Every 15 Minutes program, motivational speaker Austin Whitney dis-cussed his near-fatal decision to drink and drive when he was 18. Behind him is Freedom senior Matt McKeen, who portrayed a driver convicted of driving under the in uence following a mock-crash scene, and an image of Whitneys car after the accident.

Urged to make the right choice

Photo by Justin Lafferty


The Summerset Veterans Club will welcome Lt. Commander Ted Robinson, U.S.N.R. retired, at Summerset I for a special Veterans Day pre-sentation on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.

Robinson will deliver a personal account de-tailing the rescue of John F. Kennedy after PT 109 was sunk in the Pacifi c in August of 1943 during World War II. Robinson and Kennedy were friends during the war, and he helped save Kennedy from the Solomon Islands, where Ken-nedy and the rest of the crew had been stranded for a week.

A well-known writer and lecturer, Robinson will discuss the rescue effort and the events of the era, including the involvement of PT boats that brought supplies to the Marines at Guadal-canal. His book JFK and PT 109: An Eyewit-ness Account will be available for purchase, and a book signing will follow the presentation. Light refreshments will be served at the event, which is open to the public.

Remembering a WWII hero

In honor of Veterans Day, Vietnam veteran Phil Ehrhorn will share his war experiences dur-ing a special presentation sponsored by the Brent-wood Library on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

Ehrhorn conducted electronic surveillance for the Air Force, and the stories and pictures of his experiences include his survival of a crash in a spy plane. Program participants will see photo-graphs of the crash site and other visuals, includ-ing Ehrhorns Purple Heart.

The 45-minute presentation will take place at 4 p.m. in the Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffi th Lane. The event is appropriate for ages 8 and older. No registration is required.

For more information about library pro-grams, visit www.ccclib.org or call 925-516-5290.

Tales of a spy in the sky

Help for local war widowVeterans, residents and business

people are coming together to help a lo-cal Gold Star wife and mother left in the lurch by a landscape contractor.

Sean Langevin, a member of the Armys 503rd Airborne Infantry Regi-ment, was killed in a roadside ambush in Afghanistan in 2007 as his wife, Jessica, was seven months pregnant with their daughter, Zoe.

Jessica used her husbands death benefi t to purchase a home in Pittsburg, where she planned to open a day care. A landscaper hired to stabilize a hill in the back yard left the job unfi nished, however, preventing Jessica from obtaining a day care license for her business, Little Bless-ings Childcare, and posing a landslide threat to the house as wet winter weather approached.

When Oakleys Spike Schau, state coordinator for the Warrior Watch Rid-ers, learned of Jessicas problem, he swung into action. The WWR usually provides motorcycle escorts for military funerals and to welcome military members home. The groups membership includes a wide range of crafts and professions, and they answered Schaus call for help in over-whelming fashion.

Pacifi c Coast Landscaping, Califor-nia Retaining Walls and a company that prefers to remain anonymous pitched in to move tons of dirt and build a retaining wall to hold back the hill. Others stepped forward to cover the cost of playground matting, but the effort still needs about 40 yards of concrete for the back and side yards.

Concrete thats our biggest deal right now, said Schau. Pass the word around. A donation of the concrete or a total of about $5,000 in cash is needed.

The only thing she should have to worry about is whats for lunch and when to change a diaper, said Schau. We need to take care of that Gold Star.

A fundraising pancake breakfast has been set for this Saturday, Oct. 30, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The breakfast, which will cost $7 for adults and $3 for children, is being sponsored by East County Military Family and Friends and the Contra Costa Blue Star Moms.

To donate concrete, call Schau at 925-628-2201 or Ed McClelland at 925-260-5423. Cash donations may be made to a special account set up for the effort.Checks should be made out to Jessica Langevin, Project Labor of Love, Ac-count No. 6479252253 at Wells Fargo, 902 Main St., Martinez, CA 94553. Be sure to include the account number on your check.


Discovery Bay contractor Ed McClelland prepares for wet weather in the backyard of Jessica Langevin. McClelland is helping to spearhead the ef-fort to stabilize the hill and enable Langevin, whose husband Sean was killed in Afghanistan in 2007, to open a day care.

Photo by Spike Schau

by Rick LemyreStaff Writer

CPL. SEAN LANGEVINAUG. 17, 1984-NOV. 9, 2007


Advertisement

FREE HOMES FOR ALL!....If you read some of the nonsense news

floating around by supposed experts, we are all about to get free and clear homes! Dont believe it. Here is what is true: Most lenders are coming under a great deal of scrutiny right now for their improper foreclosure practices. (Incorrect nota-ries, cant find the original note, not reviewing the documents thoroughly, etc.) Bank of America quickly called a moratorium on ALL foreclo-sures, then quickly called it off, saying they had reviewed all their foreclosures and everything is perfectly fine, no problems here. Politicians, consumer groups, attorney generals, and the Fed dont believe this for a second and you can bet there will be reviews, lawsuits and demonstra-tions galore to further delay foreclosures until all lenders are following the rule of law.

Here is what I DONT believe is true: That any of the above will result in all of us getting our mortgages wiped clean and getting to stay in a free and clear home. I am NOT saying that the above problems are not legitimate or serious. And Im sure that a few judges here and there will take the Robin Hood approach to this and

void out the mortgages for a lucky few. But I do NOT believe we are about to see wholesale void-ing of mortgages across the nation. If you arent paying your mortgage, eventually your lender WILL get their paperwork straightened out and they WILL foreclose.

What this DOES give us is TIME. Time to work out a loan mod or short sale if you are in trouble on your mortgage. My belief is that lenders now have one more BIG reason to work something out with you in order to avoid a foreclosure. If they foreclose, they may have to face you fighting them in court, or even trying to get the foreclosure reversed later. But if you both agree on a loan mod or short sale, its a win-win. Im seeing banks get MUCH better at short sales in just the last few month, and that was before this foreclosure mess happened. Need help? Let me know.

If you have questions on this or any other real estate topic, call me at (925) 240-MOVE (6683). To search the MLS for free and view virtual tours of homes for sale, go to: www.SharpHomesOnline.com. Sharp Realty

A recent article in the Press should have stated that the rates for dent-removal services of Dent King, a Brentwood business owned by Tim Helms, are approximately 25 percent of conventional body shop prices.

Correction

Time to think about thinking things through

One of my biggest faults, Ive fi -nally admitted, is that I dont think things through. Take for instance the fact that Im now offi cially a cat lady because I allowed a wayward cat into my already pet-popu-lated home and she turned up pregnant.

Let me just say that I did have an appointment scheduled to get her spayed, but then I noticed these pecu-liar bumps popping up on her stomach. They turned out to be nipples. I postponed the appointment. We all watched as her stomach grew and

grew. My kids were ecstatic. We had never watched kittens born before. I imagined cozy fall nights with these furry little felines snuggling up in our laps.

On the same night my dog got skunked for the fi fth yes fi fth time, Mu-shu decided to have her kittens behind our living room couch. It was a busy night. She had three tiny kittens, and sadly the fourth one did not make it. Mu-shu must have realized that something just wasnt right. She placed him in the corner, away from her three remaining offspring. I removed the poor little guy before my kids could see him, and tried to fi nd a delicate way to explain what had happened.

For the fi rst few weeks they really were no trouble, but then came the daily scavenger hunts for their little gifts they began depositing all over the house and in my plants. I began spending more and more of my grocery money on kitten chow and cat treats. Of course, we were the envy of all the neighborhood kids, who asked us repeatedly when we were going to give them away. My husband also listened intently for that answer, but it never came because we I mean I decided to keep them.

Our house is now a kitten circus. They run crazily all over the place, swing from the curtains with wild looks in their eyes, and attack our feet. They eat all day and they never snuggle with us. I defi nitely did not think this through.

How about my decision to have a fi fth baby at the tender age of 42? I defi nitely did not think that one through. All I could think about was baby booties, rubber duckies and lullabies. My entire family groaned when I told them, but I didnt care. Having a fi fth baby also meant that

our current house was too small. I hadnt thought about that, either. We immedi-ately started looking for a larger residence, which of course came with a larger mort-gage.

Now, eight years later, I fi nd myself somewhat isolated. My friends with whom Id had so much in common, because we had kids the same ages, are now enjoying their newfound freedom. Their kids are all in college or almost there. Meanwhile, Im still playing Barbies with my 8-year-old!

I suppose I could try hanging out with moms that have young children, but I wouldnt like being the oldest Mom in the group. We probably wouldnt have that much in common besides the kids, anyway. Im sure they dont want to hear about my failing eyesight and arthritic knees, and they probably still like their husbands which brings up another example of the importance of thinking things through.

I certainly dont regret having my fi fth child. Haley is a human fi recracker and she keeps me young. There is an upside to hav-ing a baby after 40, by the way. My doctor told me that research has proven that you have a greater chance of living to 100 if you do! Wait a minute. That sounds good, but do I really want to live to 100? Maybe I should think that through.


HANGIN INTHERE

VICKI MCKENNA


Antiochs Delta Youth Soccer League got a boost recently when it received a $500 donation from Winter Chevrolet. Its good for the community as a whole, said league President Roy Immekus, who praised Winter Chevrolet for supplying the kind of support that keeps the organization running. It tells you that the Winter Family is interested in youth sports, and it doesnt get better than that. Seen here with a bevy of the youthful bene ciaries are, from left, Winter Chevrolet owner Rose Winter, Immekus and Winter Sales Manager Ed Small.

Super soccer support

Photo by Rick Lemyre

Songs of the seasonThe Liberty High School

Choral Department wants to help enhance holiday festivities this year with a visit from its popular Rent-A-Carolers.

For a donation of $100, select members of the LHS choir will sing some of the most treasured Christmas carols at any holiday gathering. Dressed in Victorian costumes, the Rent-A-Carolers joyfully spread the spirit of the holiday season through their sen-sational sound and traditional carols.

The Rent-A-Carol calendar fi lls up fast, so to make sure your holiday party is fi lled with the sounds of the season. Arrange a date by calling Liberty Choral Director Sue Stuart at 925-634-3411.

Citizen, business awardsIs there a resident in town you feel

should be honored for community service and commitment to Discovery Bay? How about a local business with a reputation for providing outstanding products and/or services to its customers? If so, nows the time to fi ll out your ballot and cast your vote for the Discovery Bay Cham-

ber of Commerces Citizen and Business of the Year awards. The fi ve nominees in each category will be announced Dec. 1 and the winners will be honored at the State of the Town gala in January.

The nomination deadline is Nov. 30. To vote, visit www.discoverybaychamber.com or call 925-240-6608.


During the month of November, Shea Homes will pay to reduce your interest on a Fixed Rate 30 Year Mortgage. No gimmicks. The rst year is at 1 7/8 %, the second 27/8 % and from years three to thirty, only 3 7/8 % interest. There may never be a betteropportunity to own the home of your dreams. For more information, contact one of our sales offices below.

*Rate and APR are based on a FHA 30 year xed rate mortgage for a home with a purchase price of $450,000 and a 3.5% down payment from the buyer. Offer only valid to well qualied borrowers and nanced through Shea Mortgage. APR includes a 1% origination fee. Not all buyers will qualify, and buyer may be responsible for some closing cost.

Program only applies to select homes in each community. To nd out which homes this applies to, please contact the Community and speak with a Shea Homes Sales Representative. Interest rates as of 10/22/10, and are subject to change without notice. Rate/Program based on buyer having a minimum co score of 620. Program only offered to qualied buyers when obtaining nancing with Shea Mortgage Inc., an independent member of the Shea family of companies. Shea Mortgage Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate License, License No. 01197403. Not available with all loan programs. Additional conditions, restrictions and limitations may apply. Rates are subject to change. See your Shea Mortgage Loan Originator for additional details. Purchase Agreement must be written no later than 11/15/10 and home must close escrow no later than 12/30/2010. **Brokers must accompany prospects on their rst visit to register.

Its Fixed.

NoTricks.Year 2Year 1 Years 3 - 30 4 APR

Brokers Welcome**twitter.com/SheaHomesNoCalfacebook.com/SheaHomesNoCal

Summer Lakein Oakley2 Remaining1,458-2,540 sq.ft.From the mid $200s(888) 515-4107Montagein Livermore1,138-2,196 sq.ft.From the mid $300s(888) 517-3731

Antigua, Campaniaand Esplanadein Mountain House1 Remaining2,137-3,664 sq.ft.From the high $300s(888) 515-4110Waters End Northin Benicia1 Remaining2,689-4,377 sq.ft.From the $500s(888) 515-4106

Boulevardin Santa Clara1,435-1,637 sq.ft.From the low $500s(888) 204-3770Mondrianin Mountain View2 Remaining1,410-1,637 sq.ft.From the $600s(888) 204-4016

Shadow Creekat Fiddyment Farmin Roseville2,007-3,256sq.ft.From the $300s(866) 696-7432Sierra Skyat Whitney Ranchin Rocklin 2,236-3,289 sq.ft.From the low $300s(866) 696-7432

Hideaway IIat Bridgeway Lakesin West Sacramento2,209-3,040 sq.ft.From the high $200s(888) 517-8395

Input on Marsh park plan soughtA preliminary General Plan and draft

Environmental Impact Report for the John Marsh State Historic Park will be reviewed during a workshop on Thursday, Nov. 4.

The workshop will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffi th Lane. The draft EIR is being circulated for public review and comment for a 45-day period which concludes on Dec. 9. Comments and concerns are welcome during the workshop, which will cover the projects preferred alternative, General Plan elements and environmental analysis.

Representatives of California State Parks and the City of Brentwood will be present at this meeting and will be available to discuss the project proposal, its potential environmental effects and proposed mitiga-tion.

For more information, e-mail Steve Bachman, acting district superintendent of the California Department of Parks and Rec-reation, at [email protected]. The plan may be viewed online at www.parks.ca.gov.

Muslims, Jews work together

Congregation Bnai Torah of the East Bay is hosting and co-sponsoring a commemoration of the third annual Global Weekend of Twinning of Mosques and Synagogues. The event engages the community in an open dialogue regarding understanding and reconciliation through face-to-face sharing of values, beliefs and cultures.

A brief service will be held Friday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Bnai Torah, 301 E. 13th St. in Antioch (Congregation Bnai Torah shares facilities with St. Georges Episcopal Church). Following the service, representatives from the Jewish, Islamic, Episcopalian and other faiths will participate in a panel discussion.

Panelists will include Rabbi Ira Book Congregation Bnai Torah; Abdur Rahman Islamic Center of the East Bay; and the Rev. Amber Sturgess St. Georges Episcopal Church.

The annual Weekend of Twinning, an event aimed at strengthening Muslim-Jewish relations in the United States and Canada, originated in 2008. More than 40 mosques and 40 synagogues across the continent participated, coordinated by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. In 2009, the event grew to include more than 110 mosques and 110 synagogues, and this years event is expected to extend its reach to many more.

The free event is open to the public; all members of the community who support the goals of the Global Weekend of Twinning are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit www.bnaitoraheastbay.org.

The centerpiece of the John Marsh State Historical Park will be Marshs stone house, which is undergoing stabilization prior to its eventual restoration.

Photo by Richard Wisdom

10A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION OCTOBER 29, 2010

Falcons get into Homecoming spirit

Freedom High Schools Falcons were fl ying high on Homecoming pride last week as they prepared to face off against the Deer Valley Wolverines. While most schools spend their rallies inventing clever chants to intimidate their Homecoming opponents, Freedoms Homecoming was a celebration of school spirit not an animosity generator.

Even the Homecoming Parade fl oats were about showcasing student creativ-ity rather than cooking up Wolverine stew or other Deer Valley drivel. This years theme was vacation destinations, and during the rally each class tried to woo the judges with their travelers guide to locations such as Ha-waii and New York.

The freshmen partnered with King and Queen nominees Jake Burton and Emma Molenhauer to welcome the judges to the jun-gle with a visit to Kenya. Burton and Molen-hauer danced to The Lion Sleeps Tonight while the freshmen served as backup dancers in a wacky and wild showcase.

Marqueise Williams and Aubrey Ocam-po were supported by the sophomores in their Hollywood skit, in which Williams and Ocampo went scouting for celebrities, culmi-nating their adventure with a dance-off.

C.T. McGhee and Jessica Jones hula danced with the juniors to suggest the judges take a trip to tropical Hawaii, while the seniors teamed up with Mathew McKeen and Tariah

Cheney to perform their own rendition of Glee, singing and dancing all over New York City.

With the support of the faculty, Travis Belton and Kirsten Hulsey rounded out the skits as they toured San Francisco in a sketch that included an escape from Alcatraz, a mob of Pier 39 seals, a tie-dyed group of hippies and a gaggle of unique characters fi shing near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Once the fun was over and the music stopped, the tension in the Falcon gym was magnifi ed by the silence as students and

families waited for the announcement of Homecoming King and Queen. Williams, a basketball player who is also involved in school leadership and drama club, was named King, and Molenhauer, a varsity tennis player and vice president of the class of 2011, was crowned Queen.

When Principal Faulkner called my name, I was in complete shock, Molenhauer said. I thought, No way! Im really grateful for the freshmens help. I absolutely adore them for all the effort they put into the Kenya skit.

I still cant believe it happened. Being in

the parade was so much fun. I felt just like a princess, just like the ones you see in the Dis-neyland parades. It was an amazing feeling.

Although the Falcons were pumped up and ready to boost their Bay Valley Athletic League standings to 2-0, the Deer Valley Wol-verines bested Freedom 28-25.

Oakley Mayor Pat Anderson applaud-ed the students Homecoming celebration at Tuesdays council meeting as a wonder-ful Oakley tradition: Good evening, tough game, great kids I love that school.


The Class of 2011 won the best oat award for its New York-themed creation, which traveled through the streets of Oakley during the Homecoming parade. The varsity football team enjoys the skits and festivities at the Freedom High School Homecoming rally.

Photo by Samie Hartley

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

Photo by Justin Lafferty

OCTOBER 29, 2010 THEPRESS.NET | 11A


Ironhouse Sanitary District Has Problems Residents dont know how their money is spent

Local small businesses worry that theyre being overcharged

No senior discount

No break for families that conserve water

Residents and businesses are kept in the dark about how rates are set

Rates up 39% in just six years without a vote of the people

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

$600

$550

$500

$450

$400

$350

Paid for by Gagliardi for Sanitary District 2010 #1330323 and David Huerta for Sanitary District 2010 #1331479

Vital info in Vial of Life

When a stroke, heart attack, fall or other home emergency occurs, where can the correct response be found? In your re-frigerator, of course.

A national program called Vial of Life provides instructions on how to com-municate with medical response person-nel when worst comes to worst. Vial of Life participants prepare a form describ-ing their medical condition, medications and other information medical response personnel need to know, insert the form in a medication vial (or plastic bag) and place it inside their refrigerator. A sticker indicating the location of the vial is af-

fi xed to the outside of the fridge, alerting medical personnel to its location.

The Vial of Life program was the focus of a recent meeting attended by representatives of American Medical Re-sponse, the East Contra Costa Fire Pro-tection District and Brentwood Police Department. The meeting was sponsored by Summerset Vista Kare Bears, an orga-nization of volunteers dedicated to help-ing neighbors deal with illness, surgery and other crises.

American Medical Response Com-munity Outreach Coordinator Joanne Leide told attendees how to complete the Vial of Life form and emphasized the im-

A recent Vial of Life meeting was attended,

from left, by Summerset Kare Bears President Donna Bokman; re-

ghters Ryan Pesonen, Dave Sosine and Bob

May; Brentwood Police Of cer Michele Keady;

American Medical Response Outreach

Coordinator Joanne Leide; and Kare Bears

Treasurer Barbara Crandell.

Photo by Ray Carter

by Ray CarterCorrespondent

see Vial page 13A

411 on Bankruptcyby Joan Grimes, Esq.

Advertisement

When people come in for an initial consultation, they want to know three things. First, is bankruptcy appropriate for their fi nancial problems? Second, what options are available under Bankruptcy Code? And third, how will bankruptcy aff ect their lives aft er the bankruptcy is done.

Bankruptcy may be the appropriate remedy if a person is having diffi culty paying their bills as they come due and owing, have credit card debt they have been unable to pay off or have long term debt such as home loans which they are having diffi culty paying.

Th e most common form of bankruptcy is a Chapter 7. A Chapter 7 is a straight bankruptcy also known as a liquidation case. In a Chapter 7 case, all assets and liabilities are included and the Chapter 7 Trustee will have the right to liquidate non-exempt assets for the benefi t of creditors. In exchange for including all assets and liabilities, an individuals promise to pay on most debts are forgiven through a discharge.

In most cases, there are no assets available to creditors because all of the assets are exempt or encumbered by liens to the full extent of their value. Exempt assets include IRA or retirement plans, equity in a car up to $3,525, most household goods and furnishing, life insurance and then $23,250 in other assets such as balances in bank accounts or additional equity in cars or other items.

A Chapter 13 is a Consumer Reorganization which is usually used when a borrower needs one of the special bells and whistles provided by the Code. Th e most common bells and whistles are that the Debtor has non-exempt assets that they want to keep or they have a junior lien on a primary residence that does not attach to any equity which could be avoided in a Chapter 13 or maybe they have a car loan which is older than 910 days which they can reduce to the current fair market value.

Th e Chapter 7 process usually takes approximately 4 months from the date of fi ling to closing of the case.

While a bankruptcy can stay on a persons credit for a maximum of 10 years, Fannie Maes guidelines provide that a person will be eligible to purchase with a FHA loan product in as little as 2 years aft er the closing of the bankruptcy. New credit is usually granted within 1 year, but at lower limits and higher interest rates. Th e Chapter 13 process takes between 3-5 years, but provides greater relief in many situations.

Most people who are having problems paying their bills qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy either because their income is low or because their mortgage payments and other secured loans such as car loans are too high in relation to their income. However, a person should not delay in seeking legal advice. Th e loss of a home prior to a bankruptcy fi ling either through a short sale or foreclosure may make an individuals income too high for a Chapter 7 and the only option will be Chapter 13 repayment plan which will last between 3-5 years. In addition, there may be personal liability and tax consequences which could have been eliminated in a bankruptcy.

In conclusion, if you are having fi nancial problems, seek legal counsel. You did not make this real estate and credit card meltdown. Do not lose sleep and your sanity worrying about fi nancial problems.

WE ARE A DEBT RELIEF AGENCY. WE HELP PEOPLE FILE BANKRUPTCY RELIEF UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY CODE. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT PROVIDED AS LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON IN MAKING A DECISION REGARDING A VOLUNTARY DEFAULT, SHORT SALE, FORECLOSURE OR BANKRUPTCY. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR OBTAINING TAX & LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING AN INDIVIDUAL SITUATION. 2010

Law Offi ce of Joan M. Grimes. 8660 Brentwood Blvd., Suite B, Brentwood, California 94513 (925) 323-7772

16A | THEPRESS.NET ENDORSEMENTS OCTOBER 29, 2010

Becnel plus Cushing or Barr in BrentwoodIn the midst of a lingering recession, residents

of Brentwood will go to the polls with an advantage. The city has a balanced budget, 30-percent reserves, a fully funded police force and decreasing crime statistics, all of which allow voters to cast their ballots with an eye toward building for the future instead

of digging out of the fi scal hole others fi nd themselves in. To make the most of the situation, The Press

recommends voting for Chris Becnel and either Jim Cushing or Steve Barr for City Council.

Becnel, an attorney and accountant, has served four years on the council. He has played an important role in maintaining the citys viability and in enabling it to build a new civic center in a favorable construc-tion climate, saving 36 percent $18 million of the

expected cost. His service on the citys Neighborhood Improvement Committee helped overhaul arcane code-enforcement rules and begin a program to put pressure on banks to maintain foreclosed homes or face increasingly steep fi nes.

In June he backed Measure F, which would have expanded the citys borders and allowed more hous-ing. He took some heat when the measure lost, but its important to note that 43 percent of the voters not a majority, but still a signifi cant number agreed with his position and voted in favor of Measure F. Whether or not hes in agreement with everyone on any particular issue, his solid record on the council has earned him a second term.

Jim Cushing is a commercial real estate broker who has worked with investors to build new busi-nesses. He believes Brentwood is an ideal place for alternative-energy jobs and would like to see the city

assist small businesses by helping expose them to new markets over the Internet. He would capitalize on the citys heritage and surroundings by encouraging sustainable agriculture, and glean ideas from other American cities located on the fi ne line between farmland and suburbia about how to nurture the success of both.

Cushing is also a former planning commissioner in Brentwood, and as such has a strong foundation in how things get done here. For ideas about economic development and the experience to help bring those ideas to fruition, we believe Cushing is the best choice.

Steve Barr, however, brings a lot to the table as well. He has devoted decades of community service for various nonprofi ts, including a year as chairman of the CornFest. His willingness to serve the com-munity was further demonstrated when he was elected to the Liberty Union High School Board of Trustees,

where he helped maintain a balanced budget while improving student performance. When his construc-tion business was caught in the real estate collapse, Barr showed fl exibility and foresight by launching a new small business aimed at energy conservation.

Many people came to Brentwood for its com-munity spirit. If you want to maintain the small-town heart and soul of Brentwood while at the same time acquiring the fl exibility, skills and hard work required to face the future, we recommend a vote for Steve Barr.

The other candidates in the race, Joel Bryant, Kim McIntosh and Scott Davis, should be com-mended for bringing their unique perspectives to the race. But we believe Becnel, along with either Cushing or Barr, are the best choices for Brentwood this November.


EDITORIAL

Dawson, Graves and MacVittie in DBThe town of Discovery Bay is a maturing

community, transitioning into the next decade with plans for a community center, more family-oriented recreation and other amenities to increase the quality

of life for the towns 10,000 residents.

During this transitional period, we believe that the Com-

munity Services District Board of Directors needs strong leaders who share a vision for Discovery Bays future. We endorse incumbents Brian Dawson and Kevin Graves, both of whom have displayed leader-ship in their fi rst 10 months on the board. Dawson and

Graves have only just gotten their feet wet in Discovery Bays political waters, but wed like to see what fresh ideas theyll bring in the future.

Discovery Bay also needs a connection to its history, so were endorsing Walter MacVittie, a former member of the Discovery Bay Municipal Advisory Council, whose knowledge about the community spans decades. We believe MacVittie will help move the town forward.

Dawson is a proven community advocate, serv-ing an infl uential role in the expansion of local parks, and if elected would encourage the development of a series of youth programs. While Dawson wants to bring more positive change to Discovery Bay, hes also

aware of the weary economic climate and believes that fi scally responsible measures must be taken to eliminate government waste and create a budget that supports the water, sewer and landscaping needs of the town.

Graves, who also advocates smart growth and a fi scally responsible CSD, has shown courage by taking over the role of board president, uniting a formerly divisive group and keeping the board on task, running meetings with effi ciency. He marries local and bigger-scale issues when he says the CSD should fi nish install-ing water meters as soon as possible, if only because water conservation and the Delta preservation are criti-cal, and Discovery Bay should consume less water.

Having lived in Discovery Bay for 22 years, MacVitties knowledge of the community will be valuable in guiding the town into the future. He has attended CSD meetings regularly to stay on top of the issues, and his community service record, which includes 10 years on the East County Regional Plan-ning Commission, allows him to better understand the regional agencies that interact with Discovery Bay.

We commend candidates Jonathan Silver and Chris Steele for their interest in serving their com-munity and expressing passion for their hometown, and we hope theyll continue to stay involved in local politics.


EDITORIAL

Simonsen, Agopian for Antioch CouncilOn the leading edge when real estate and the

overall economy boomed, Antioch has suffered just as prominently when it all came tumbling down. Blighted, foreclosed homes dot every neighborhood;

empty storefronts haunt every shopping center. The number of police is down; crime is up. The city

is nearly broke, and faces harsher, deeper cuts to the already-skeletal staff if solutions arent found now.

Digging out of the hole wont be easy, and it will take all the energy and experience the City Coun-cil can muster to do it. There are two open seats, and we believe Gary Agopian and Arne Simonsen should fi ll them.

Agopians ideas are well integrated and forward looking. His desire to partner more with schools and focus on youth would not only reduce crime; it would help prepare the civic leaders, business owners and skilled labor that will ultimately be Antiochs solution

for the future.Agopian also offers fresh energy, enthusiasm

and a positive outlook critical to morale inside and outside City Hall. He is also willing to stand tough when bargaining with unions or making further service cuts, if needed.

Simonsen is also willing to be tough when it comes to fi scal matters. During his previous council term, he led the way in addressing employee retire-ment benefi ts, a subject that must come up again soon. He has also proven his ability to work on a regional level by helping secure money to widen Highway 4 and working with Contra Costa Housing Authority to improve the Section 8 housing program in Antioch.

Like all the candidates in this race, Agopian and Simonsen understand the importance of eco-nomic development, and both bring practical experi-ence that will be useful. Simonsen previously helped bring Macys, Lowes and many other businesses along the Lone Tree corridor to town; Agopian

has nearly three decades experience as a business manager, and has worked on the citys Economic Development Commission. And both say Antioch must work closely with Brentwood, Oakley and Pitts-burg to take advantage of regional populations and resources in working out its own plan for the future.

Its much easier to be a leader during the boom times. The fact that fi ve people were willing to stand up and ask for the job of helping Antioch recover is most commendable. Martha Parsons, Wade Harper and Reggie Moore have brought their own voices to the conversation, and should be thanked for their contribution. Parsons should also be thanked for jumping into a full-blown crisis and fi lling a two-year seat, a tough job under any circumstances.

All the candidates have points to recommend them, but we believe the mix of skills and outlook best suited for Antioch today are found in Gary Ago-pian and Arne Simonsen.


EDITORIALThe 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.

BRENTWOOD PRESS & PUBLISHING CORPORATIONNational Award Winning Newspapers

Founder & President Jimmy ChamouresPublisher & General Manager Greg Robinson

Executive Editor Rick LemyreProduction Manager & Webmaster Lonnie de Lambert

Business Manager Heather ReidAdvertising Manager Ed Feldman

Main Office / Brentwood248 Oak St. Brentwood, CA 94513

Phone 925-634-1441 Fax 925-634-1975Web site: www.thepress.net

Advertising 925-634-1441, ext. 115Classifieds 925-634-1441, ext. 142

Editorial 925-634-1441, ext. 111Circulation 925-250-1405

Editorial e-mail [email protected]

Connelley and Pope best for OakleyOakley turned 11 this year, and the city with the

small-town aura will be facing some big decisions in the coming years decisions that hinge largely on Oakleys growth and infrastructure and how the city amends its

general plan. Oakley will need leaders with the vision, heart and determination to guide it toward the future,

and The Press believes Bruce Connelley and Randy Pope are the best candidates to do that.

Connelley, a member of the City Council since 2005, is a tireless advocate and supporter of the commu-

nity. He served as the chairman of the Almond Festival for 10 years, is a former Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and past president of the Delta Lions Club.

A man of his convictions, Connelley doesnt hesitate to disagree with the majority when necessary, as evidenced in his recent objection to the Contra Costa Fire Protection Districts move to close two fi re stations in East County. He has a keen understanding of and affection for the Delta and how current issues such as 2-Gates and water conservation affect our lives locally and regionally.

A new but welcome face on the Oakley political scene is Randy Pope, a candidate with strong ties to

public safety and a clear vision for Oakleys future. A police sergeant with the Oakland Police Department and the married father of two young boys with a daughter on the way Pope embraces the citys agricul-tural history and small-town feel, but is also committed to creating local jobs and attracting quality businesses to town to help pay for Oakleys roads, parks and other infrastructure.

He also supports the expansion and development of the 55-acre park on the old Emerson property as an attractive destination not only for Oakley, but all of East County.

Oakley is a community with a big heart, located

in the heart of the Delta, and as such needs leaders who will guide with a heartfelt sense of Oakleys past and a modern approach to its future. We believe Connelley and Pope offer both.

Oakley Councilwoman Carol Rios should be commended for her long and diligent service to the community and her ongoing support of Oakley and its residents. Candidates Joseph Klinge, Rodger McKeon and Paul Seger should also be thanked for their interest in serving the community, but we believe Bruce Connel-ley and Randy Pope are the best choices for the Oakley City Council.


EDITORIAL


Parsons good for AntiochEditor:

As a resident of Antioch for 13 years and of Rivertown, Antioch for nearly half that time (yes, we have a river) I have learned to care for my town like a wayward teenager she has so much potential, but has not had the right kind of infl uences and not enough care.

In an era of do-little city councils and underwhelming leadership, one of our council members and current City Council candidates stands out Martha Parsons. In addition to her being an exemplar of respon-sive city government (thats how it is supposed to be), she understands that she, and the city she helps direct, works for U.S., the citizens.

When our neighborhood has an issue, she will not only look into the problem, but she will also help solve the problem, even if it means she does it herself. Martha Parsons gets her hands dirty. Of the many formal and informal city cleanups, Martha is there. Martha Parsons is good for Antioch.

Martha has done what no one else on the council has done, which is to get and keep the interest of the Water Emergency Trans-portation Authority, and to secure state funds in hopes of obtaining a ferry boat station for Antioch, a project that could help revive downtown (Rivertown) Antioch.

If you want someone who will actu-ally get things done for our city and who genuinely cares for our city and will work for us, vote for Martha Parsons, Antioch council. She has already worked hard to earn my vote.

John DodsonRivertown, Antioch

No on PEditor:

Times are not easy in East County and nothing is more valuable than a job.

But wait, now, Antioch has the chance to make things even worse. Just when we hope that things might get better, Measure P will allow us to strike another blow against businesses in Antioch.

Measure P will only raise sales tax in An-tioch; it will remain the same elsewhere in East County. Other cities will be more than happy to welcome our businesses. Why would a busi-ness in its right mind even consider locating in Antioch? The future jobs and tax base will grow more outside of Antioch due to our own foolishness unless we Vote no on P.

Antioch is the only city in our region

that refuses to deal with the crisis in a responsible way. I urge you to vote No on P. Then, vote for grownup leadership with Arne Simonsen and Gary Agopian. This will give our city the best chance to get back on a posi-tive track toward a realistic future. We have done this in our own homes. Now we expect the City of Antioch to deal with it.

Dont fall for the scare tactics. Yes, the public sector also needs to make adjustments to the new reality, just as each of our families adjusts.

Agopian and Simonsen are committed to a safe Antioch. No on P will allow us to improve our jobs and tax base to support public safety.

Terry RamusAntioch

P is a slick trickEditor:

Antiochs Measure P is a slick trick on voters. Vote No on the unnecessary Trans-actions and Use Tax.

Elected offi cials, city staff and other select employees have much to personally gain by its passage. Measure P is nothing more than more taxes paid that only go into the General Fund, with no required funding for anything (Section 3-5.415). The council-picked Citizens Oversight Committee cannot enforce where the money goes, nor is able to punish anyone who spends the money elsewhere.

Antioch public safety and manpower is-sues can also be pointed out as contributed to by certain greedy employee groups primarily looking out for themselves and their pocket-books. The publics safety hasnt been at the forefront. Ive complained for many years that our citys public safety was being jeopardized by certain self-serving employee groups. They preferred increases in their own existing members wages and overall benefi ts, not the money instead paying for more manpower.

The Antioch Police Offi cers Association in particular, when given the choice of more manpower or increases in wages and benefi ts, chose only for themselves. The APOAs recent postcard mailed to you is therefore very hypocritical. I almost had to laugh at their obvious twisting of the facts, if it werent so underhanded what they were claiming. Its the same old self-serving use of public safety as a shield against really telling the public the reasons involved.

The APOA had a very good previous retirement plan, for which they paid none

of their traditional 9-percent share (the city paid it for them, at great expense). Then their retirement plan was enhanced to the even costlier 3 percent at 50 retirement plan, with the city once again fully paying for the additional greater costs. Still the APOA chose for themselves, not for more manpower.

And, lets not even debate into their six-year contract, guaranteed being second highest paid, other additional costly increased benefi ts, etc. Their support for passage of Measure P also is so that they will receive their deferred raise(s), as agreed, as other top-level employees also expect to receive soon. If they each paid their share of their retirement costs alone, thered be more than enough money for more manpower and programs, and no tax increases.

Ask them about the above. Check out their contracts. Dont be fooled. Vote No on Antiochs Measure P tax increases.

Ralph A. HernandezAntioch

No on Prop 19Editor:

As the director of a community coalition committed to reducing drugs and alcohol with our teens, I am asking the voters to oppose Proposition 19: the legalization of marijuana.

Legalizing marijuana will give our kids the impression that using drugs and mari-juana in particular is OK. Under federal law, using marijuana is an illicit drug. In addition, I do not believe that the street dealers will diminish, due to the simple fact that their business will increase since people under the age of 21 cannot buy it legally.

If Prop 19 passes, it would allow licensed marijuana dealers to advertise and sell without any restrictions, including moving in wherever they want. How do you feel about this business moving into your neighborhood or next to your childs school?

Medicinal marijuana use has already created havoc in our communities, as I have seen it used in an illegal manner. Allowing it to be legalized for personal use will just create more problems for everyone.

Please vote No on Proposition 19!Traci Cross

Antioch

Yes on Bethel Islands Measure XEditor:

A yes vote on the Bethel Island Measure X will ensure that our levee and homes will

be protected. A no vote could result in losing local control and having either the county or the state take charge.

Based on how neglected this island has been in the past, God help us if that were to occur. In these tough times, no one wants to see cost increases. However, the cost to individual parcel owners is very reasonable when considering the alternatives. $252.29 per year per parcel is cheap insurance to secure the protection we so desperately need.

Until recently, there has been no formal opposition to the measure and the measure has won the endorsement of the Contra Costa Times. However, in the last few days, billboard-size bright yellow banners have been placed throughout the community op-posing Measure X.

This opposition is coming from one of the islands largest land and business owners, whose tax burden will obviously increase dis-proportionately compared to the individual parcel owner. Even though this individual would stand to lose much more that anyone else on the island, he has decided, obvious for economic reasons, to spend a considerable sum on signs to oppose this measure.

If you received and read the most recent newsletter from B.I.M.I.D. explaining all the issues surrounding this measure, you understand the importance to the island that it pass. If you for some reason did not receive the newsletter, extra copies are available at the B.I.M.I.D. offi ce. Please Vote Yes on X.

Joe StokleyBethel Island

Backing BarrEditor:

We have been in Brentwood since 2002 but have been around long enough to know our city needs the expertise and enthusiasm of a longtime citizen with a history of com-munity service and leadership.

Mr. Steve Barr has been exemplary of the kind of elected offi cial we can depend upon to bring sage advice and hard work to the offi ce of Brentwood city councilman. He is very smart, hard working, an untiring volunteer and he knows how to work with others to bring a consensus among his peers. He is known for his long-term contributions of skill and labor to make Brentwood a better place to live.

Recently he was instrumental in the resounding success of the summer musical

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

see Letters page 18A

18A | THEPRESS.NET OCTOBER 29, 2010

theater Broadway Under the Stars, and the Brentwood Art, Wine & Jazz Festival. These are just two examples of his giving contribu-tions to our citys art and cultural life. He believes in raising the standard through bet-terment of the community.

As a business owner, he knows how to help develop a vibrant business community and will devote himself wholeheartedly in getting good business expansion and employ-ment to Brentwood. His record as a trustee and as president of the Liberty Union High School District demonstrates the kind of leader we need on the City Council.

It is no wonder that so many leaders and outstanding citizens of Brentwood support Steve for City Council. Please join me and vote for Steve Barr at the election for Brent-wood City Council.

Jack GaughanBrentwood

McNerney takes actionEditor:

Hes not the stereotypical politician. Hes one of us.

Jerry McNerney is not a career politi-cian. He has faced the same challenges we face, and knows what its like to run a small business and have to make ends meet.

Congressman McNerney is visible, ap-proachable, willing to listen and wants to hear from his constituents. Within weeks of his election, Congressman McNerney began holding Congress at Your Corner events here in Brentwood, allowing those interested to meet with him one-on-one to express con-

cerns or ask for assistance.When he asked members of the Brent-

wood Chamber of Commerce what local businesses needed from their congressman, he was told more information on resources available to small businesses. He responded by organizing an Economic Task Force meet-ing in Brentwood, bringing together local, state and federal offi cials who were able to answer questions and offer guidance to help small businesses address the impact of the declining economy.

On a personal note, Congressman McNerneys staff helped my daughter navi-gate the mortgage crisis maze to successfully modify her existing loan and avoid foreclo-sure, allowing her to keep her home here in Brentwood.

Jerry McNerney has a track record of delivering for the communities he repre-sents. He brought a new veterans medical center to the area, creating 900 new jobs. He helped pass laws to provide tax relief to small businesses and wrote a bill to close tax loopholes that big corporations use to send jobs overseas.

Jerry McNerney is also standing up to Washington, D.C. politicians who want to increase their own salaries. Hes fought to stop automatic pay raises for members of Congress.

His track record regarding veterans issues is outstanding. There is no stronger advocate in Congress for our veterans. In addition to the new veterans medical center in our area, Congressman McNerney drafted legislation that has since been signed into law to improve care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries. Thanks to Jerry McNerney,

veterans will now receive the medical care theyve earned.

Hes visible, approachable, willing to listen and takes action. Im voting for Jerry McNerney on Nov. 2. I encourage you to join me in allowing Congressman McNerney to continue to support our community.

Kathi ReedBrentwood

Barr is best for BrentwoodEditor:

If Brentwood residents only knew Steve Barr like I do, they would have no doubt in their mind who will best serve us on the Brentwood City Council.

I have known Steve since the fi fth grade, and there is no one I know who works as hard as he does, and it doesnt make a differ-ence if he is working in his own business or volunteering in the community. He is always the fi rst to arrive and the last to go home. If you have ever worked side by side with Steve, you know what I mean.

I cannot start to list all the projects Steve has been asked to help with here in Brent-wood, everything from pouring the concrete for Soroptomist Square and the gazebo to using his Bobcat to pick up garbage in the middle of the night after the 96 and 97 CornFest, or driving a carload of Liberty wrestlers to San Diego for a tournament to making sure we had a snack bar at Liberty after the old one burned down. Thats right: after the old snack bar was lost, Liberty Athletic Boosters President Steve Barr raised the funds for the purchase of the trailer now being used at the LHS football fi eld.

Your vote for Steve will ensure that we

have someone on the council who has a sense of history and is not afraid of a little hard work. You may have talked with Steve in the last few weeks as he walked your neighbor-hood, talking to voters. Lets put somebody on the City Council who knows the issues we face in Brentwood, who at the same time has already worked to make it better.

A vote for Steve Barr guarantees educa-tion will remain a top priority for Brentwood residents, while also making sure the local business community has a seat at the table over the next four years.

Mike TagueBrentwood

Bryant and Davis for councilEditor:

In our city of Brentwood, our local elec-tion for two City Council seats is key.

The apparent 80-percent disconnect between our current council and the residents of Brentwood was evident in the outcome of the June elections Measure F. If you look at online campaign-fi nance reports, we see incumbent Becnel and challenger Cushing have received dubious campaign contribu-tions from local homebuilders and their affi liates, developers and architects that could create a confl ict of interest in what should be their independent decision-making role as a councilmember.

Conversely, we see Scott Davis, who at fi rst fi ling didnt have contributions to report, has received backing from residents and even returned a $1,000 contribution from an entity in which he could not support their activities;

Letters from page 17A



and Joel Bryant, pre-school owner and police chaplain, whose contributions are from individuals in the community and endorsed by police and fi re.

In the Oct. 13 Candidates Forum, both Davis and Bryant displayed forceful convic-tions to listening to the residents of Brent-wood and to work to market our bountiful resources to future job-producing businesses. This is who we need to govern as we move forward in Brentwood: representatives who are smart, honest, have common sense, produce novel ideas and who are non-biased and objective in their analysis of the items brought forth to council for their consider-ation.

We look forward to residents ideas and concerns being sought and weighed in shap-ing Brentwoods future as we continue our monitored growth in a prolonged uncertain economic climate. Lets cut the puppet strings, shall we? Vote Davis and Bryant onto Brentwoods City Council on Nov. 2.

Kathy Griffi nBrentwood

Elect Kim McIntoshEditor:

Despite many of our weary pleas for change, its looking a lot like politics as usual. The airwaves are clogged with mud; our mailboxes are stuffed with shiny mislead-ing propaganda. Even at the local level, the landscape is literally littered with obnoxious campaign signs touting empty slogans.

In the race for Brentwood City Council there is one candidate who stands out as refreshingly different. That candidate is Kim McIntosh.

You might be quick to dismiss me as biased simply because I was smart enough to marry her a decade and a half ago. Whatever. I say: who better to attest to her character and capabilities? Kim has a quiet strength. She is wise, dedicated, loyal, talented, creative. In every endeavor, she rises to leadership with the respect and admiration of those around her. Since we moved to Brentwood, her pri-mary endeavor has been the formative years of our three sons. She is at least 51 percent responsible for how amazing they are!

Kim gets the job done without a lot of fanfare. Thats how shes run her campaign, and thats how she will serve on the Brent-wood City Council. Its that simple. You can vote for the guy with the most cardboard on the vacant lots, or you can vote for the one candidate whos been quietly building mo-mentum among the extraordinary everyday people of Brentwood.

As we keep commuting on Vasco and Highway 4 because we love our families and want to keep our homes, Kim will represent us. At the store, school and sports fi eld, she will continue to know the real pulse of Brentwood and speak up on behalf of our frustrations, hopes and ideas.

In this election, dont miss the oppor-tunity to vote for the one candidate who will bring common sense and collaboration with the community back to the Brentwood City Council. Elect Kim McIntosh.

Jeff McIntoshBrentwood

Moral hazard and voter apathyEditor:

Earlier this year we were notifi ed of a

discrepancy in our water service level and the associated fees charged by the City of Brentwood. We, like 630 other Brentwood households, were overcharged due to a mis-take made by a city employee. For us it was nearly 11 years and approximately $1,100.

In response to my public-records request for documents related to this matter, I was notifi ed that no records exist and that California Civil Procedure Code Section 338 let the city set a time limit of three years in which a customer may seek relief from a billing error. Due to the fact that it was a billing error, the matter was handled admin-istratively and a staff report, resolution or minutes were never prepared. It took multiple departments, several city employees time and 10 days to notify me that no records exist on the matter.

We received a small credit and poof without a trace, upwards of $300,000 disap-pears within the citys coffers. There is no recourse; there is no paper trail. It was a simple administrative error, an annoyance. There is no record of anyone thinking of refunding the money to the citizens. The money was already in the bank. It is not an issue of whether or not the city has the money; it does. At all levels of government the public sectors feelings of entitlement is out of control.

Where is the government of the people, by the people and for the people? Moral hazard arises because an individual or institu-tion does not take the full consequences and responsibilities of its actions, and therefore has a tendency to act less carefully than it otherwise would, leaving another party

to hold some responsibility for the conse-quences of those actions. It is rewarding bad behavior. We see it from Wall Street and corporate boardrooms to city halls and state capitals to the Washington, D.C.

Regardless of where you stand on the is-sues, a democracy needs participation. Please take time to vote. Study the voter guide, check out the candidates and vote to the best of your knowledge. It is a privilege and an honor to vote. Exercising your right to vote is one of the best ways I know to honor our veterans and past generations of Americans. All gave some; some gave all. Please give of yourself this week and vote.

Jeff SchultsBrentwood


Own for about as much as youre paying in rent.A home you can make your own, with plenty of breathing room and monthly payments that are surprisingly within reach. Thats what youve been waiting for, so why wait to experience all that Centex has to offer? Dont miss the opportunity to pick your perfect home. Hurry to our new neighborhood today!

Act fast and receive a backyard landscaping package worth up to $6,000!*

*Closing cost offer available through participation in the Preferred Buyer Rewards Program and nancing though Pulte Mortgage LLC. Buyers participating in the Preferred Buyer Rewards Program receive a credit at closing in an amount that is up to 3% of the purchase price of the home for payment of approved closing costs and prepaids. Any unused amount of this credit is the property of Centex Homes, and may not be applied to purchase price. Loans must be for a primary residence. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Borrowers must qualify for an FHA loan. All loans are subject to underwriting and loan qualications of the

lender. Pulte Mortgage LLC is an Equal Opportunity Lender and licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. The backyard landscape package is available on select homes in select communities and includes features selected by Centex Homes. Approximate retail value of the landscape package is $6,000.00. The landscape package offer may not be redeemed for cash or equivalent, and no substitutions or credits are permitted. This incentive may affect the amount of loan for which a buyer may be eligible, check with your lender for details. These offers are limited to contracts accepted by Centex Homes in Centexs Bay Area communities after 10/1/2010 and before 12/31/2010, may not be combined with other promotions or discounts, and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. Additional conditions, limitations, and restrictions apply; see a sales associate for details. Prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or options and are subject to change without notice. Square footages listed are approximate. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registra-tion is required or if void by law. Contact a sales associate for details. Pulte Home Corporation is a licensed California real estate broker (lic. #00876003) 2010 Centex Homes. Equal Housing Opportunity. All rights reserved. 10/5/2010

say goodbye to rentsales event

all your own.say hello to a place

Map Not To ScaleN

4

160 OAKLEY

LAUREL RD

CARPENTER RD

NEROLY RD

LONE TREE WAY

EM

PIR

E A

VE

OH

AR

A A

VE

SALES GALLERY6085 Tazetta DriveOakley, CA 94561

(866) 300-43936 NEW MODEL HOMES Open daily, 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday, 2 pm to 5 pm

/bayarea

act now and save

up to 3%at closing!*

MAGNOLIA PARK AMENITIES: 3 Community Parks, Playground, Close To Area Amenities

Including: Shopping, Fine Dining, Services

GRAND OPENING!The Greens at Magnolia Park, Oakleypriced from the $300,000s Single-family homes from

2,612 to 2,846 sq. ft. 4 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 3 baths

NOW SELLING!Meadows at Magnolia Park, Oakley priced from the $270,000s Single-family homes from

1,490 to 2,157 sq. ft. 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 3 baths



OOAKLEYOAKLEYPRESS

2 02010

Priorities at the polling placeEditor:

Like all voters, I have a list of priorities when I consider candidates for offi ce. Those priorities include: a sense of integrity, a con-cern for those struggling fi nancially, a concern for the environment, a determination to im-prove public schools and a pledge to maintain a risk-free social security system.

Congressional candidate Jerry McNer-ney meets all of my priority expectations. He has served us well in the past four years and will undoubtedly serve us well the next four years.

Carole A. MainBrentwood

Becnel fiscal responsibility,foresight

Editor:In this very pivotal election, it is crucial

for voters to cut through the rhetoric and noise and get to the issues and facts.

Four years ago, one of the important is-sues that Chris Becnel ran on was cutting the crime associated with Section 8 housing and the quality of life issues that come along with it. Becnel met frequently with concerned and frustrated homeowners and led the council to adopt measures to make Brentwood less desirable to out-of-town landlords.

In the worst economy this country has seen in 70 years, Brentwood has been able to avoid the crippling layoffs impacting other cit-ies and, in fact, has a surplus thanks in part to Becnels fi scal responsibility and foresight.

Chris Becnel has earned another term.David Roche

Brentwood

Barr will make Brentwood the bestEditor:

Next week, Brentwood voters are going to have an opportunity to bring a fresh voice to the City Council. I view this as an impor-tant opportunity for Brentwood to take a step forward, by electing a representative who has proven his care and devotion to our town by coaching Little League, volunteering his time and money to beautify our downtown and most important, helping support and manage our local schools by serving as a school board member.

Steve Barr is one of us: a small busi-ness owner, a longtime taxpayer and a real advocate for Brentwood s small-business community. This is nothing new; Steve has been helping Brentwood since the early 80s.

We share the same vision for Brentwood: making our city the best place to do business in East County. We need a councilmember who shares the same values as us, who will fi ght for our interests for the long term. Steve is that guy.

Donna SpencerDirector, Brentwood Chamber of

CommerceExecutive Director, Cortona Park

Senior Living at Brentwood

Oppose developer influenceEditor:

As reported recently, developer advocate Tom Kochs group has bestowed cash or inde-pendent expenditures on Brian Dawson and

Kevin Graves in our little CSD election.Koch has advocated on behalf of his

developer friends for years in our county, and we have more homes than the market will support, foreclosures, and dangerously poor infrastructure to show for it. He and his friends (Mary and David Piepho, developers like Hofmann, and some local area politi-cians who supported the failed Measure F in Brentwood) have led us down a path that has closed two of our local fi re stations.

This should be no surprise, since the Piephos led the way for Dawson and Graves to be appointed to the DB CSD last year. Both are now clearly in the developers corner.

We have already seen Graves hold private meetings with the developer Hofmann over the community center this year. I am afraid that Graves will do whatever he can to please the Hofmann Company and that will not bode well for Discovery Bay.

We have a looming confl ict over whether or not there is water/sewer capacity to serve Hofmanns 600 vacant lots in the lakes de-velopment. Hofmann will argue they already paid for this capacity but there is a real issue regarding the Hofmann-supplied assump-tions and variables used back when the capac-ity was increased.

This will not begin to play out until next year but it is clear to me that this sort of po-litical special-interest money only comes into obscure elections such as this one when there is something specifi c to be gained by those paying. I believe electing Graves and Dawson will end up costing every resident of this community by refusing to stand up against developer issues.

Developer special interests are not good

for the residents of this community. This kind of issue also emerged in the last DB CSD election, and the Piepho-supported candidate who was the direct recipient of special-inter-est (developer) support was defeated. If the voters of DB know who is supporting the candidates I am confi dent they will act in the best interest of the community and look to-ward the candidates who are not beholding to those seeking to profi t from further exploiting the town of DB.

A vote for Graves and Dawson is a vote for developer advocates (Koch, Hofmann, Piepho) and against the people of Discovery Bay. We need to elect leaders who will protect our homes and community against these infl uences.

Don FlintDiscovery Bay

Vote for less babysittingEditor:

My name is John Craig and I am run-ning for one of the open positions on the Byron Union School Board. I have lived in the area for over eight years, and have had two children go through the Byron district and one currently attending Discovery Bay Elementary. I am married and manage a tire facility in Stockton.

I believe school uniforms would benefi t the district and students, noting that the An-tioch school district will switch to uniforms in January 2011. I would like to see the schools return more to teaching and spend less time babysitting. The goal is to have parents become more involved in their childrens




Trevors Weekly Mortgage MattersBy Trevor Frey

Asepsis for Assessments

Advertisement

To have an aseptic operating room is, according to Dictionary.com, to have an operating room that is free or freed from having pathogenic microorganisms. In other words sterile, or clean. And although the operating room and the real estate market are two very diff erent places, parallels can still be drawn between the two: A patient needs to know what to expect both before and aft er surgery just as a home buyer needs to know what to expect both before and aft er purchasing a home. In both cases it is the professionals job to handle both the prep work and the follow-ups.

A Realtor, or lenders, prep work should begin with pulling property tax records for any potential home their buyer is eying to purchase. Th is will ensure there are no mi-croorganisms, or special assessments, hiding in plain sight and the buyer is fully aware of their projected property tax bill. As an unsterile operating table would wreak havoc on a patients attempt to recover, an undis-closed special assessment would wreak havoc on a new homeowners budget. Undisclosed property taxes are a buyers worst nightmare and can easily be avoided from the start with the right conversation between buyer and trusted professional.

You would never sit-down with your surgeon (or doctor), with plans of going under the knife, and only review half of the procedure that lay ahead of you. Before

allowing someone to operate youd make sure you reviewed chart, tracked every step of the procedure, and more than likely youd then go home and do your own research online. Why should it be any diff erent when attempting to purchase a home, every possible rock should be uncovered. Ask your Realtor or lender about the projected property taxes, make sure they break down the amount that will be due and when this amount will be due, and then go home and click on https://taxcolp.co.contra-costa.ca.us/taxpaymentrev3/summary/account_lookup.jsp. By simply entering the address in question youll be able to instantly view the last three years worth of property taxes for that specifi c address. From there you can diagnose whether or not that property carries any special assessments that are not part of the properties upfront price tag.

Although you pay your doctor, Realtor, and lender, to protect your best interests at the end of the day everyone is human. Oper-ating rooms arent always aseptic just as spe-cial assessments are sometimes overlooked. Do your own prep work to ensure a smooth operation, check for each property for special assessments.

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

school work and activities. We can continue to improve our schools together, even with looming budget constraints.

Having met all of the candidates, everyone of them are good, capable people who would do their best for what is right for the district. However, I would appreciate your support and vote for one of the open positions, and vow to do my best for your children.

John CraigDiscovery Bay

Connelley most qualifiedEditor:

Im a little bit confused. We have six people running for the Oakley City Council, and four of them Roger McKeon, Randy Pope, Paul Seger and Joseph Klinge accord-ing to their candidates statement, have never been involved in Oakley.

They havent volunteered for anything. They dont belong to any community groups in Oakley nor have they in any way given of themselves to the betterment of Oakley. I have to ask why they think theyre qualifi ed to run for City Council. Its like applying for a job when you dont have any experience and asking for the managers position. It doesnt make sense.

Then you have Carol Rios, who has been on the council since the city incorporated and has been involved in the community in the past. Maybe it is time for her to retire after 10 years, but at least she is qualifi ed. The other incumbent, Bruce Connelley, has been con-tributing to the community for over 20 years.

Hes been on the council for fi ve years

and has brought new light to the old regime. Hes has been president of the Oakley Lions Club three times, a show of leadership. He has also participated on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and chaired the Oakley Almond Festival for many years. Hes been proactive in protecting our shoreline and the Delta as a whole. He has also had the experience of putting his kids through the Oakley School system.

If you ask me, Bruce is the most quali-fi ed of all. As for the four newbies, maybe they ought to get more engaged in Oakley before they make uneducated, empty prom-ises for who-knows-what reason just to get elected. I recommend Bruce Connelley for Oakley City Council.

Mark MedinaOakley

Apology owedEditor:

I havent written about my wifes Area 5 County Board of Education campaign pre-cisely because Cynthia Ruehlig is a resolutely independent personality standing on her own merits.

I am compelled, though, to answer a denigrating misfact. Cynthia was accused in an Oct. 20 (Contra Costa) Times editorial of misrepresenting herself as a Nonprofi t Administrator. Cynthias designation is transparent. She completed a two-year study in Nonprofi t Management at the California State University East Bay and fi led her cre-dential with the County Elections Offi ce.

My wife proudly acknowledged herself




as a due diligence clerk (County Child Protective Services) in a June, 2010 letter to the editor; as working class employee on her website, www.cynthiaruehlig.com; and as a clerk in her Times recorded interview. Why tabloid journalism?

The editorial conveniently ignores the election manual, which states a candidate may elect occupation or vocation. Webster defi nes vocation as a calling, pursuit, passion. Cynthia pointedly defi nes her vocation.

Former computer teacher, business-woman, church webmaster, fi ve-time foster parent and co-founder of the Antioch Music Foundation, Cynthia writes grants resulting in thousands of dollars for school instru-ments, fi eld trips and community concerts.

Unfazed by neither fear nor favor, Cyn-thia is owed an apology.

Walter RuehligAntioch

City shouldget down to business

Editor:To irresponsible pet owners: I have lived

in Brentwood for fi ve years. I used to reside in San Ramon. Currently, I am having issues with my neighbors pets, specifi cally his two very large dogs. The dogs seem to be people friendly; however, they defecate on my lawn and my surrounding neighbors properties as well.

This activity has gone on for four years now and it is an ongoing problem. These pets continue to do their business because their owner is irresponsible and obviously does not have any respect for his neighbors and their properties. I have made several inquiries to the city and they inform me that there is no current code to enforce pet owners to pick up after their pets. This is absolutely ridiculous. There should be a code drawn up by the City Council and written into Brentwoods code enforcement violations.

I am quite tired of waking up every morning and noticing a giant pile of fresh dog business on my lawn. The city needs to step up to the plate and take action on irre-sponsible pet owners. People like my arrogant neighbor should be fi ned for their inactions, just as people are fi ned for not keeping up their properties or leaving an inoperable car in their driveways.

I am sure that I am not the only indi-vidual who has this problem in the city of Brentwood. At the same time, I have left sev-eral notices on my neighbors door, informing him of his dogs business on my lawn. The notices either get ignored or thrown away because his animals continue to defecate on my lawn.

Every morning like clockwork, these animals do their business and the problem is ongoing. Until enough people call the city of Brentwood and complain like I do every month, this problem will continue to exist.

Mike DeFazioBrentwood

Champions of chili charityEditor:

On Oct. 9, the Byron Community Li-brary Club held its third annual Chili Cook-Off. The Bluegrass music was great and the 12 different chilis were interesting and tasty, as was the tri-tip dinner.

We wish to thank the community and our sponsors for their support! They are as follows: Wild Idol, Drill Tech, Unimin, Houstan Orchard, Janessa White, Suzi at Bon Guustos, Scrumdillyumptious, MJs Caf, Byron Caf, Valeros, Border Junction, Leighton Construction, Subway, Discovery Bay Chiropractic, Kinders, Crme de l

oakley press_10.29.10

Documents

harvest festival

festival attendees

homecoming game

event organizer

years event

annual harvest festival

harvest wreath

citysponsored event