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JUNE 11, 2010 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 3A

Donald R. Farrow925-234-0856Rena Acasio925-382-4544

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Officials celebrate highway widening

Good news for harried motorists: gov-ernment offi cials converged at Loveridge Road Monday morning to make speeches and shovel dirt for photo-ops, celebrating the fact that the next phase of the widening of Highway 4 from Loveridge to Somersville roads will begin next month.

Expected to take three years to com-plete, the $165 million Loveridge Project will widen the highway to four lanes in each direction, including one carpool lane. The widening will accommodate an eBART line down the highway median that will be constructed simultaneously. It also includes reconstruction of the Loveridge Road inter-change and auxiliary lanes between the on- and off-ramps.

After a two-year delay in the highway widening due to the need to redesign it to ac-commodate a late decision to add the eBART line, the Loveridge Project is the fi rst of fi ve projects that will be under construction for the next 4 years to widen the highway east to the Highway 4 Bypass.

Congressman John Garamendi feels the pain of East County commuters because he regularly travels Highway 4 from his home in Elk Grove to his district offi ce in Walnut Creek. I love groundbreaking ceremonies, and I love this one because this is my way into the district, he told the packed gath-ering under a large tent near the Loveridge

overpass. And I am tired of counting the daisies alongside the road as I sit there wait-ing for the traffi c to move along. None of this happens without all of you that are here.

Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor, who is also chairman of the Contra Costa Trans-portation Authority and has spent many hours of his life slogging through the High-way 4 congestion, is delighted that the wid-

ened highway will improve access to his city.My expression when I fi rst ran for

offi ce in Brentwood: Once youre in Brent-wood, you cant get out. Once youre out of Brentwood, you cant get back in, said Taylor. Hopefully, this project is going to change that. Every day we sit on the freeway its tough counting those daisies. I did it for like 25 years on this commute. And no matter

what time I left, sometimes I was still late.We do appreciate all the work that has

gone into getting this done. This will affect Oakley, Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay a lot of commuters, a lot of people. Lets move some dirt. This is good for our econ-omy; this is good for jobs. This, as our vice president said and Ill leave one word out this is a big deal. And Im very happy to be part of that big deal.

After Loveridge, the next phase of the highway widening reconfi gures the Somers-ville Road interchange and widens the road to just west of Contra Loma Boulevard. The construction bids for that phase will be advertised this summer, and construction is expected to start later this year.

The Contra Loma/L Street segment of the widening is scheduled to begin next spring and continue through the winter of 2013. In addition to widening the highway to just west of Lone Tree Way, this project will eliminate the G Street on- and off-ramps.

The Lone Tree Way/A Street segment, which is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012 and conclude in the winter of 2014, will widen the highway to just west of Hillcrest Avenue.

The fi nal phase of the project focuses on the Hillcrest Avenue interchange area and widening the highway to the Bypass. Its scheduled to begin in the summer of 2012 and conclude in the winter of 2014. The

by Dave RobertsStaff Writer

see Highway page 22A

Transportation of cials break ground Monday to kick off the next phase of the Highway 4 widening at Loveridge Road.

Photo by Dave Roberts

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Lunch is served at new Oakley address

Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa (LFCC) has been feeding the hungry in Oakley for more than eight years at St. An-thony Catholic Church, but now the pro-gram has a new home.

Due to a renovation project at St. Anthony, Loaves and Fishes needed a new venue for its Oakley operation. The Redman Pocahontas Hall, also in Oakley, seemed like an ideal fi t, according to LFCC Operations Manager Carol Babcock.

As the church was being renovated, we began to look for a new location, and this hall is absolutely wonderful, Babcock said. The members of the hall have been so gracious to invite us here to serve the hun-gry each week, and this facility is gorgeous. We love it here, and so do our guests.

LFCC is run by community volun-teers and donations from Safeway, Lucky, Trader Joes, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, and The Cheesecake Factory. LFCC doesnt offer scraps and stale bread. Every Monday through Friday, the pro-gram offers people warm, nutritious meals complete with fruit salad, bread, green sal-ad, dessert and an entre such as chicken curry, Mexican casserole or creamy pasta primavera with chicken.

We pride ourselves in serving hot, nu-tritious meals fi ve days a week, Babcock said. We serve everyone, but the jobless,

the working poor, seniors and families with children are the ones who are really in need right now. We dont ask for identifi cation or proof of residence. We dont discriminate. We welcome everyone.

And for many of our guests, this may be the only warm meal they have all day, so guests are welcome to seconds and thirds. Its all-you-can-eat from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Guest cant take the leftovers home, but we do offer a free table which is stocked with breads, muffi ns, bagels, cookies and any other overfl ow from the

kitchen that didnt appear on the serving table. People are welcome to take as much as they need. We dont limit them or judge them. We just want to keep people from go-ing hungry.

Oakley LFCC Manager Thurston Brice said that despite announcements of the programs relocation, only about 40 percent of the St. Anthony regulars have followed the program to Main Street.

We average about 30 to 40 people each day, but a lot of our regulars havent followed us yet, Brice said. It could be

a transportation issue. St. Anthonys was imbedded in the community, so a lot of people were able to walk to the church, but this new location is about two and a half miles away, so some people, especially the seniors, may not want to walk that far.

Babcock expects more guests in the next coming weeks since school is out for summer and children who get free lunches at school will need a place to go to fi ll that void.

We see a lot of children during the summer when schools out, Babcock said. We see mothers bringing in their children because they have no way to provide a warm meal for their kids and they have nowhere else to go. But like I said, we dont judge or discriminate. We just want to help.

Added Brice, If youre human, well feed you. Race, gender, religion that doesnt matter here. We just want to make sure you have at least one warm meal to-day.

Redman Pocahontas Hall is located at 1403 Main St., next to Live Oak Church. The site is accessible through the Tri-Delta Transit Route 383 Oakley Loop. The kitch-en is open from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Mon-day through Friday. All meals are free.

Those interested in volunteering to help prepare meals or serve food are in-vited to contact Volunteer Services Man-ager Rodger Jensen at 925-708-4257 or visit www.loavesfi shescc.org.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

Oakley Loaves and Fishes Manager Thurston Brice and volunteer Mary Johnannes offer welcoming smiles and warm nutritious meals at Loaves and Fishes new location at the Redman Pocahontas Hall.

Photo by Samie Hartley

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

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6A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION JUNE 11, 2010

La Paloma graduates fly toward future

La Paloma High Principal Lorenzo Rodriguez began his speech at the June 3 graduation ceremony by discussing how the students had been transformed, but followed it with a slip that made it seem like nothing had changed after all.

Their hard work, determination and perseverance helped them attain their goal tonight. The faculty and staff have done a great job of molding these young men and women into students we are proud of, he said. You all started as young men and women, and leave today as young men and women.

As many in the audience at the Lib-erty Performing Arts Center started to laugh, Rodriguez smiled and said, My bad. Im going to rephrase that. You all started high school as young teens, and leave today as young men and women. That was met with cheers and applause. He wrapped it up by saying, After today you will enter into the next phase of your lives. Congratulations.

In his speech, Jerry Glenn, super-intendent of the Liberty Union High School District, chose to celebrate two other groups in addition to the graduates assembled in several rows on stage.

The fi rst is the staff members and management team at La Paloma, he said. They have dedicated their careers

to working with students who in some places have found school to be diffi cult at this time in their lives and have come to La Paloma to fi nd a safe haven and a com-forting place and a way to get through to get their diploma. I did my masters degree on continuation schools. And I can assure you: I never ran into a staff anywhere else

as good as the one assembled here in our district. The La Paloma teachers, staff and management stood and accepted the applause.

Secondly, theres another important group sitting down here: and thats the parents, the legal guardians, the aunts and uncles, grandmas who stepped in when

times were tough, and anyone else who helped bring these people to this stage to-night, said Glenn, then asking them to stand and receive applause, the strongest of which came from the students.

Finally to the graduates: Your place on the stage is a very important milestone in your life, said Glenn. Even here at the start of the 21st century, over 25 percent of the students who began high school four years ago with these people as ninth-graders are not walking a stage somewhere in the state this month. Theres an infi nite number of roads a young person can take after completing compulsory education. And by meeting here tonight and getting that diploma, a lot of doors to those po-tential paths open to these young people.

Where you go from here is truly up to you. But youve already shown youve got what it takes to get the job done, sometimes overcoming some tremen-dous obstacles. My only word of advice: Dont let this time in high school get in-terrupted. Continue to study and learn in whatever you do, whether college or trade school or going in the military or just pick a career in some fi eld. Continuing to learn and study and expand your mind is going to be the secret to your success. Keep that lifelong learning going. You can achieve your dreams. Go for it. Good luck, Class of 2010.

To view a list of graduates, visit www.thepress.net.


A La Paloma High graduate acknowledges a member of the audience as she advances to receive her diploma.


JUNE 11, 2010 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 7A

RUTH N. BUZZARDAttorney & Counselor at Law

FAMILY LAWDivorce Separation Custody

Child/Spousal Support VisitationModifi cations Property Division

ESTATE PLANNINGLiving Trusts WillsPower of Attorney

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729 First Street #D Brentwood 516-7459

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ANTI-DEFICIENCY RULES IN CAThere is a website (that I wont name,

dont want to give them any free press) pro-moting walking away from your home when you are underwater, and they make it sound so EASY, like a mulligan in golf. To paraphrase from their website, California has laws which bar the lender by law from coming after the borrower for a deficiency judgment.

Time for a fact-check. Their statement about California law is mostly true, except they need to finish the thought. California Civil Code Section 580 does give some anti-deficiency protection, but it only applies to 1-4 unit residential properties, and it only applies in certain circumstances: [Sec. 580(b)] If the loan(s) were used to purchase the property, and they have never been refinanced. This is called Purchase Money. [Sec. 580(d)] If the lender forecloses through a Trustees Sale. (Doesnt matter if loan is Purchase Money or Recourse.)

So if the loan was in place when you bought the home, and/or your lender fore-closes on it through a Trustees Sale, there is no

right for the lender to pursue you after for the deficiency. This means that if your loan has ever been refinanced, or if you put a 2nd loan on the property AFTER you bought it, then the anti-deficiency rules may not protect you.

I can tell you that 80-90% of the people who walk through my doors have either refi-nanced their loan(s), or put a 2nd mortgage on after they bought the property. So, no, most of the time you cant just walk away.

However, the California Senate just approved a bill (SB 1178) that would add anti-deficiency status to loans that have been refi-nanced. The bill now heads to the Assembly, and then to the Governor. If you like this bill, please let your representatives know. Ill update you if it passes.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an attorney. Please seek legal advice for specifics to your situation. 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

Independence gained

All high school students are ea-ger to finally reach graduation day. But the students at Independence High might be more eager than most because they never wanted to be in high school in the first place or at least not the usual high school where you can feel like just another seat in a crowded classroom.

Independence is a little different. One student Elena Myers, 16, of Discovery Bay is currently one of the hottest properties in the world of

motorcycle racing. She had hoped to graduate at last weeks raucous cere-mony in the packed Liberty High gym. But lately she has devoted more time to her career since recently becoming the first female motorcyclist to win a race in the 76-year history of Ameri-can Motorcyclist Association Pro Rac-ing. Shes now being called the Danica Patrick of motorcycles.

Independence is designed for people like Elena, people who do not fit into the regular 8-to-3 mold, said science teacher Paul Lindeman in an

Thomas Mitose is one of Independence Highs many success stories.Photo by Dave Roberts


see Independence page 8A


NECK PAIN AND PINCHED NERVES

I woke up yesterday morning with severe neck pain that radi-ates down my right arm to my hand and I can barely move my neck without producing the shooting arm pain. Or, for the last few months, Ive had this nagging pain in my neck and when I look up, my arm goes numb. Or, Every time I bend my head to the left , my left arm goes numb. Ive noticed when I lift weights, I can only curl 15 lbs with my left arm compared to 35 lbs with the right. Th ese are common histories describing a classic pinched nerve in the neck. So, what is a pinched nerve? To answer this, lets fi rst look at what a nerve is.

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Th ere are two types of conditions that commonly pinch nerves, which generally occur at diff erent times of life those with a herni-ated disk (younger > older patients) and those with arthritis (older > younger patients). A combination of the two conditions producing the pinching eff ect on the nerve can also occur making the diagnosis process a little trickier. Th e following diagram helps explain these conditions:

In the diagram to the left, the nerves come off the spinal cord. Those in the neck region go down the arm and those in the low back go down the legs. The spinal cord is the highway that brings information from the nerves in the arms, legs, trunk, etc., to the brain where information is processed. The bony spine houses and protects the spinal cord and skull protects the brain but there is no bony protection for the nerves. Nerves bring information to the brain allowing us to feel, taste, smell, see, and move our legs and arms to perform complex movements like dancing, running, gymnastics, and so on. Information is constantly going to and from the brain to allow us to function normally. The nerve can get pinched anywhere along its course, including the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome), shoulder (thoracic outlet syndrome), and/or neck (herniated disk and/or arthritis). This results in a slowing down of information transmission to/from the brain and numbness, pain, throbbing, as well as weakness in strength can occur.

The nerves exit the spine through holes that can be narrowed if the jelly central part of the disk herniates outward and into the nerve pushing it against the bone that makes up the hole through which it exits the spine. A bone spur (as shown in the diagram to the left, coming off the left facet joint) pushing into the nerve or the thickening of the ligaments that run inside the spinal canal (eg., ligamentum fl avum) can also crowd these sensitive nerve structures and cause similar symptoms.

interview. Shes working on her professional career. We have had professional ice skat-ers, several professional mo-torcycle riders come through. They are training and traveling a lot. They couldnt do that and go to a traditional school. It gives them an opportunity to learn independently.

One of those who pre-fers learning independently is Thomas Mitose, who told several hundred Independence faithful on June 2 that he had tried Heritage twice, and it didnt work out: I came to Independence at the beginning of my sophomore year. I had earned almost no credits (at Heritage) and was essentially a year behind in all of my sub-jects. I managed to earn back all of my missing credits (at Independence) and transferred back to Heritage my junior year. After a quarter there I re-alized I missed Independence and knew that I could do better here academically than I can do at Heri-tage.

I dont think that comprehen-sive sites are for everyone. Im one of those people who perform better when working to their own schedule. Ive heard that nobody can make me suc-ceed. And it is up to me to graduate

from high school, make it through col-lege and find myself a good job.

Mitose concluded by reading the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley, which ends, I am the mas-ter of my fate/I am the captain of my soul.


Independence from page 7A


An Independence High graduate is clearly happy about her independence.


Brentwood: 3111 Balfour Road, Suite N Antioch: 5819 Lone Tree Way

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Breaking upis easy to do

The East Bay Regional Park District will hold its next board meeting in Brentwood on Wednesday, June 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center, 193 Griffi th Lane.

The public is invited to attend and comments are welcome.

Agenda items include: Byron Vernal Pools Regional Preserve, East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, Delta Science Center Construction Update, 2010/11 Engineers Report for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District.

For more information, call 1-888-327-2757www.EBParks.org

East Bay Regional Park District

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The Friends of Oakley is hosting its second annual summer fundraiser on Sat-urday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at OHara Park. This years event features a car show, a bounce house, police dog demonstrations, a meet-and-greet with local law enforcement, a raffl e, games and activities for the whole family, and a bar-becue lunch showcasing Chili de Frazier made by Oakley Vice Mayor Jim Frazier.

All proceeds are tax deductible and go toward building an auxiliary vehicle coverage structure to protect the Oakley Police Departments motorcycle unit, and toward the creation of an animal deten-tion area at the police station to safely hold animals until county animal control comes to collect them.

The car show runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the registration fee is $15. Awards and trophies will be handed out at 2:30.

Lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m. The menu offers chicken, corn, chili and dessert. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for a couple. Kids meals are $8 each or $15 for two. Water and soft drinks will be available for $1, and beer will be sold for $4.

Tickets are available at Mikes Beef N Brew, 2083 Main St.; Oak Tree Em-broidery, 2049 Main St.; Black Bear Din-

Friends raise funds with fun in the sun

er, 3201 Main St.; and Kit and Caboodle Hobby Shop, 3675 Main St.

Games with prizes will be held from 1 to 2 p.m.

Last year the Friends of Oakley raised approximately $4,600, which the organization used to buy gift cards for teachers of the Oakley School District to purchase instructional supplies.

For more information, call 925-625-5745 or visit www.friendsofoakley.com.

Friends of Oakley found-ers Kevin Romick, Pat Anderson and Jim Frazier dig into a cake at last years Friends event.

Press file photo


Freedom Class of 2010 takes wing

Political commentary and commence-ment ceremonies dont typically go hand-in-hand, but at Freedom High Schools graduation last weekend, LUHSD Super-intendent Jerry Glenn couldnt resist the temptation.

I have a message for Sacramento, Glenn told the audience. And that is that there is nothing wrong with public edu-cation. I say just give us what we need in funding and support and get the heck out of our way.

Glenns comments were met with wild applause by an already enthusiastic crowd of friends, family and supporters assembled to celebrate Freedom High Schools graduating class of 2010.

Freedoms 12th gathering of gradu-ates at Falcon Stadium was a celebration of speeches, well-wishers, fl ying beach balls and a colorful array of bouquets and balloons. But the real proclamation of the morning was a simple message of pride.

This is my fi rst graduation as princi-pal of Freedom High and I can tell you all that you have much to be proud of, said Principal Erik Faulkner. You are one of the highest performing schools in East County and Freedom is a better place because of you. I am more than proud of this class.

Salutatorians Samuel Carey and Eliz-abeth Franco echoed Faulkner, thanking their families, teachers and classmates for what Carey jokingly referred to as Our emancipation from the jailhouse we call Freedom High its fi nally over.

Franco was a little more sentimental.We can look back on this day and not

forget those who have meant so much to us during our high school lives, she said. and look forward to what lies ahead.

Valedictorian Trevor Pel urged his fellow graduates to step outside their sphere of safety, take chances and be true to themselves. In the end, I guess its the valedictorians job to look toward the fu-ture, said Pel, who will attend Stanford in the fall. So make it a great future take out your student ID card and burn it. Take risks and dont be afraid, ever, to be you.

Student speaker Leikin Poppino gave

an emotional speech to the student body, remembering the loss of classmate Aaron Griffi n, who died in 2008.

Aaron always emphasized living life to the fullest, said Poppino. Lets take that lesson and live our lives the best we can make the most of your futures and know that we will always be the class of 2010.


The Freedom High School class of 2010 listens to speakers during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, June 5. Valedictorian Trevor Pels is introduced to the audience by Principal Erik Faulkner.

Photos by Kyndl Buzas

by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

JUNE 11, 2010 THEPRESS.NET | 11A

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DanceBiz CampThis class will educate your child to all the backstage secrets starting with Broadway to Hollywood work. Learn about the MGM Stars to the Disney Stars!!! If you have tap or ballet shoes bring them along. This class is fi lled with high energy movements to keep your feet tapping. Please bring your child a lunch and we will provide a mid-morning snack and a pizza lunch on Friday at no extra cost.Date: June 14 June 18

Rainforest Camp: Join us for a fun week where we will explore one of natures wonders, the rainforest. We will learn about the plants and animals that live there and what we can do to protect our rainforests. A fun nature walk, rock climbing, swimming (on Friday) and art projects are some of our planned activities. Please bring your child a lunch and we will provide a mid-morning snack and a pizza lunch on Friday at no extra cost.Date: June 21 June 25

Sports Conditioning CampCamp will focus on sports conditioning, getting your child ready to play any sport. Children will work on cardio fi tness, strength training, endurance, stretching and balance. They will participate in many activities including, basketball, volleyball, kickboxing, etc. Please bring your child a lunch and we will provide a pizza lunch on Friday at no extra cost.Date: June 28 July 2

Ocean Animals Camp: Join us for a week of fun exploring the animals that live in the ocean. We will also learn about what we can do to protect these wonderful animals. A fun nature walk, rock climbing, swimming (on Friday) and art projects are some of our planned activities. Please bring your child a lunch and we will provide a mid-morning snack and a pizza lunch on Friday at no extra cost.Date: July 5 July 9

Mixed Martial Arts Camp: Your child will learn the basics of karate, kenpo, boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, jiu jitsu, and wrestling in a friendly but strict environment. Days in camp will consist of physical training, stretching, warm ups, technical workouts and sparring. A lesson at the end of the day will stress such topics such as respect, self defense, stranger danger, etc. Tuesday, July 13 we have I.D. cards made for the children by a professional.Date: July 12 July 16

Hawaii Camp: Aloha! Come enjoy and learn about the amazing islands of Hawaii. We will do arts and crafts such as Hawaiian necklaces and fun activities including making a volcano, eating coconut, rock climbing and swimming (on Friday). Please bring your child a lunch and we will provide a mid-morning snack. A pizza luau on Friday will be included at no extra cost. Date: July 19 July 23

Kids Summer Camp

Info & Sign-Up | Delta Valley Kids Front DeskCall to Register | 925-755-9111 ext 250

140 Guthrie Lane, Brentwood

Keep your kids busy and active this Summer at Camp!

SWIM LESSONSAccelerated

Summer SessionsJune 21-July 1

and July 5-July 16

Byron-Delta Lionshonor local Rudy

When Cecelia Kimber and her son emigrated from Africa seven years ago, the Discovery Bay resident hoped to give her only child a chance at a bet-ter life.

My son was born in Africa and I left with him to escape (the war) and that kind of life, said Kimber. And we came to America, where a person can be whatever they want to be. I have always told him that he must do his

best and work hard.Last week, the fruits of Kimbers

labor began to pay off when 14-year-old Saint Peter named for Kimbers father Peter (the Saint added for good luck) was presented with the in-augural Byron Delta Lions Club Rudy Award.

The Rudy Award based on the true story of Notre Dame football play-er Rudy Ruettiger, who overcame nu-merous academic and physical obstacles

Saint Peter Kimber stands with his mother Cecelia after receiving the Byron Delta Lions Club Rudy Award. The Excelsior Middle School eighth-grader was honored for dis-playing the indomi-table spirit depicted by the title char-acter in the movie Rudy.

Photo courtesy of the Byron Delta Lions Club

by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

see Lions page 20A


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Trevors Weekly Mortgage MattersBy Trevor Frey

Mirabilis Jalapa

Advertisement

Otherwise known as the four oclock fl ower tends to open later in the aft er-noon (hence the name) while at the same time omitting a sweet-smelling fragrance. And although this fl ower might not be your favorite or even anything you have in your garden, since 1994 the fl ower has played a huge role in the lifes of those aff ected by cancerbeing considered a symbol of hope for survivors in both the United States and over 100 countries world-wide. With spring 2010 playing host to both Brentwood and Antioch/Pittsburgs respective Relay for Life events why not take a few minutes and smell the purple jasmine.

On June 12-13 in Brentwood, and June 26-27 in Antioch/Pittsburg, teams of 8-15 people will paint the town purple and participate in a 24 hour event with at least one team member on the track at all times because cancer never sleeps in what has become the American Cancer Societys single largest activity. Dating back to 1985 and Dr. Gordon Klatts Tacoma Washington grassroots eff ort, Relay for Life has evolved into this nations largest fundraising event of any kind, raising over 400 million dollars in 2009! Brentwood alone helped to raise $307,657 in funds during the 24 hour event and is looking to make it an even $325,000.00 in 2010.

And while the money donated to the

1946 founded American Cancer Soci-ety helps with patient support, decease prevention/risk reduction, and detection/treatment, it is truly the experience itself that communities as a whole remember. Oft en referred to as 24 hours that youll never forget Relay for Life is much more than the money - both survivors and par-ticipants alike are able to draw strength from one another, while all coming together to help fi ght back against cancer. Celebrate. Remember. Fight back is the motto for the individuals and families involved during this emotional 24 hour fund raiser.

I am honored to say this year I will be participating through team Brent-wood Rotary, and as such welcome any questions regarding Relay for Life or the American Cancer Society in my inbox at [email protected]. While I always try to keep the community up-dated on the latest real estate happenings, sometimes we all have to put ourselves to the side, smell the Mirabilis Jalapa, and realize there are larger things out there. Cancer does not know we are in a recession and does not care that these are tough economic times.

As always, I welcome all questions and or concerns pertaining to real estate lending on my cell phone, 925.726.1444, or via email, [email protected].

Screech is coming to townDustin Diamond, better known as

Screech from Saved By the Bell, will drop by Caps restaurant in Brentwood to deliver a unique comedy show on Friday, June 18.

Diamond, a native of San Jose, has appeared in several fi lms, including Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star and Made. Most recently hes served as a commentator on Smoking Gun Presents: Worlds Dumbest, which airs weekly on truTV.

Tickets for the comedy show are $15. Cocktails will be served at 8 p.m. and the

show starts at 9. Caps Oak Street Bar & Grill is located at 144 Oak St. in downtown Brentwood. For more information or to make a reservation, call 925-634-1025.

The Brentwood Union School District (BUSD) is offering free lunches to all children and teens from now until July 16 at Marsh Creek Elementary School. There will be no lunches on July 5.

The USDA program is open to any child under the age of 18 from our community and surrounding communities, said BUSD Food Services Coordinator Phylllis Thivierge. All

children are given a free lunch no questions asked.

The lunches will be made available Mon-days through Fridays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Marsh Creek Elementary, 601 Grant Ave. There are no enrollment, paperwork or income qualifi cations required to participate.

For more information, call the BUSD Food Service Department at 925-513-6338.

Free summer lunches for kids

The Brentwood Arts Commission will unveil its latest public artwork in a ceremony set for Tuesday, June 15 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road.

Artist Eric Powell designed and fabricated a stainless steel poetry plaque display for the winners of the critter poetry contest. Five metal sculptural displays are anchored securely into the ground. Each display integrates two plaques, each with an engraved poem by the poetry winners in their own written script.

Each will also feature a three-dimensional sculpture of the animal on the top middle platform between the poem plaques.

The displays are made of darkened stainless steel to deter the theft and vandalism suffered after the original bronze versions of the sculptures were installed. Five surveillance cameras have also been installed and will record 24/7.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 925-516-5444.

Poetry plaques poised for placement

JUNE 11, 2010 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 15A

Liberty grads turn the tasselsGraduation is an exciting time for young

adults as they close the chapter of their school days and move into a world of endless possi-bility. Some graduates celebrate this milestone by decorating their mortarboards or wearing leis of colorful fl owers, candy or delicately folded dollar bills, but some members of Lib-erty High Schools Class of 2010 decided to celebrate with tortillas.

Tortillas! a student cheered as he tossed fl ecks of tortillas into the air like confetti. Oth-ers used the tortillas as Frisbees, while other students preferred to launch beach balls or toss water balloons one last chance to leave their mark on Liberty.

Now that the fun is over, graduates are left to contemplate the next step in the journey of life. But before they left high school, some of their peers offered words of encourage-ment and advice before the ceremonial turn-ing of the tassels.

Co-valedictorian Jacqueline Schindler refl ected on her time in high school and what makes the Class of 2010s generation unique, but she said while it might be scary to move into the unknown of the future, its important to remember that high school provides gradu-ates with the tools to build a strong foundation once they get out into the real world. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, Schindler reminded her peers: The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.

Libertys other co-valedictorian, Darya Zmachynskaya, opted to challenge her peers rather than offer sage words of wisdom. In-stead of seeking fame and fortune, Zmachyn-skaya urged her classmates to become active in the community. Go change someones life. Go help someone in a worse situation than you. And dont tell me about your hard life. Weve all had it hard, but there is always someone less fortunate.

Salutatorian Stacy Hamby said she wished her contribution could have been an interpretive dance, but to be more politically

correct, she dished out advice that the Class of 2010 has known for years, such as Look both ways before you cross the street and Never take candy from strangers you dont know where its been. She told her classmates that if the simple advice theyd received as children helped them get this far in life, and if they con-tinue to use common sense and make good decisions, the future is going to be alright.

Felix Navarro, who was joined by Eliza-beth Day for the senior speaker honor, advised his classmates not to watch life pass you by; instead, follow your heart and fi ght for what

you want. Just remember that the architect of your destiny is yourself. It is up to you to make your own trail.

Before the Class of 2010 received diplo-mas, Jenny Lind Vocal Recipient Jake Tick-ner, along with the help of some of his friends, serenaded the crowd with a rendition of Jason Mrazs Make it Mine, taking the audience on a trip to the gratitude caf, where dreams will soon become reality as they march into the next chapter of their lives.

To view a complete list of graduates, visit www.thepress.net.

Liberty High Schools Class of 2010 got creative with cap designs, bidding a fond farewell to high school. Jessica Guerrero, right, races to catch up with her friends following the Liberty High School Class of 2010 graduation ceremony.

Photo by Samie Harley

by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

Patriot grads grow Heritage of their ownAs the newest school in the Liberty

Union High School District, its only natural that the traditions surrounding graduation at Heritage High School are still taking shape. It follows, then, that last weekends commence-ment contained a few unexpected elements as more than 450 students collected their diplo-mas and moved eagerly into the future.

There were also traditional elements: The pomp and ceremony, advice from Prin-cipal Andy Parsons to Get up when you fall, and then move on, and dozens of graduates bedecked with laurels signifying their excep-tional scholastic achievements. There was the changing of tassels, the fl inging of mortar-boards (as well as a few beach balls and tor-tillas) and the stands packed to overfl owing with proud family members.

But there was plenty of off-beat activ-ity as well. It began near the beginning of the ceremony with the arrival of thousands of tiny, airborne spiders that had students and audience members fl ailing about and brush-ing each other off. Salutatorian Fasiha Khan, who said it was her responsibility to provide some advice to the class, drew laughter and applause when she offered Never accept chocolate from a little kid if the kid also happened to have a dog.

Senior Class President Lauren Howard announced that the class gift, rather than self-aggrandizing (as many such gifts are) would be practical: money to improve the parking lot, and cash donations for future graduating

classes. Crossing her forearms in the shape of the Roman numeral X (which stands for 10) she drew cheers by telling her peers that You will always be X-rated.

Senior Spokesperson Brian Kiar drew perhaps the loudest cheer with the proud statement that, for this one day, The world truly revolves around us. Fittingly for this technological age, he added that life was not like a DVD. There is only play, he said. There is no rewind, fast-forward, or even chapter selection.

But perhaps the most lasting of the unique aspects of the day was the debut of the schools new alma mater, featuring text by Elysia Cook and Roxanne Hopkins, and mu-sic by Ross Bronzan:

Hail HeritageHail to HeritageThe vibrant blue and goldAnd all the memoriesThat have yet to be told

The steps we climbed each dayTo end up where we areThe lessons on the wayAre what brought us this far

And from the very startTo graduation dayThe pride stays in our hearts

The goals that we pursue

Refl ect our time spent hereOur love for Heritage Will always remain true

According to Cook, The lines The steps we climbed each day/to end up where we are is a metaphor for the challenges people go through to complete high school, as well as a literal representation of the many fl ights of stairs at Heritage. The song also serves to express pride for Heritage our school is very accomplished after only fi ve years of existence, and we have some of the best test scores, sport teams and educational opportu-nities in the area.


Heritage Valedictorian Danielle Hicks, left, addresses her classmates during the schools graduation ceremony Saturday. Above, students rock to the Natasha Bedding eld song Unwritten performed by Alexa Visconti.

Photo by Rick Lemyre

by Rick LemyreStaff Writer

Cavalcade of ominous communiqusEditor:

As a senior citizen, most of my equity being in my home, its been a discouraging month. Despite a huge drop in property value, my mortgage company informed me I have a shortage in my escrow account and my monthly payment was being increased.

Scrutinizing my 2009-10 tax bill, which arrived at the same time, I discovered the trig-ger for my increased taxes; i.e., an increase in the Delta Diablo sewer charge, an increase in the East Bay Regional Park bond fee, and the Antioch school district facilities improvement bond (which did not exempt senior citizens, although six local school bond measures in other districts did). Audaciously, the AUSD board is again discussing a new district parcel tax measure for the November ballot.

I also received notifi cation in the mail from Allied Waste, which increased rates for 64- and 96-gallon can pickup, a post-card from Delta Diablo Sanitation District informing me about a June 9 public hearing to discuss an increase in sewer service charges for tax year 2010-11, and a postcard from the

City of Antioch in regard to a June 22 hear-ing to discuss potential water and sewer rate increases. (Council has already had discus-sion about a special property tax to be placed on a future ballot, although no hearing has been held in this regard.)

To top it all off, on Sunday, May 23 I spotted in the newspaper a legal announce-ment from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority inviting the public to a workshop in regard to placing a local vehicle registra-tion fee on the Nov. 2 ballot. Note the work-shop was being held on May 24, the day after I spotted the published notifi cation.

Residents not only need to keep an eye on whats going on in Washington, D.C. and in Sacramento; they need to watch whats go-ing on in our own backyard. I wont be vot-ing in favor of any new fee or tax measures nor will I vote for any legislator, supervisor, council or board member who approves any new taxes or fees.

Barbara ZivicaAntioch

DB community center saga revisitedEditor:

For approximately 12 years the Hof-mann Company (the developers of DB) have been obligated by a Condition of Ap-proval to provide land and a portion of the building cost for a community center to be located within the town of DB. Consider-ing the comparatively low development fees to build in DB and minimal developer requirements for infrastructure, in my opinion, Hoffmann was let off easy. Un-fortunately, the town of DB has never been able to execute its responsibilities to make the community center a reality.

The last time the DBCSDs Com-munity Center Committee met publicly was at least 18 months ago. Since that time there have been non-public meetings and through a non-direct disclosure it was learned that Hofmann is proposing to in

some way make the existing offi ce building at 1520 Discovery Bay Blvd. the commu-nity center. This intent was only discovered because it was noted on a drawing that was submitted and then withdrawn, detailing a proposal for high-density housing tract to be built by Hofmann on vacant land in the center of DB.

For several months public inquiries have been made into why all the secrecy surrounding the topic of a DB community center. A common answer supplied by the CSD is that it is a county issue. Yet when the county was asked if it had done the necessary due diligence to determine the fi nancial feasibility of BD operating a community center, the response was that is was not a county responsibility.

At this time I am asking all involved (Hofmann, the county, the DBCSD) to bring the issue of a DB community center completely out into the open and to: Perform the proper level of due diligence to determine the fi nancial feasibility so to not saddle the town with an ongoing fi nancial obligation disproportionate to its utility. Not allow this to become a quid pro quo whereby Hofmann is allowed to use any aspect of the existing obligation to obtain approval for a new housing tract in the center of DB. Establish a new and legitimate commu-nity center steering committee that includes individuals from the community that have real world experience that would aid this project. Determine and state publicly what aspects of this project are town responsibilities and which are county responsibilities.

This quest for a new community center should not become just a new town offi ce building that will foster typical gov-ernment sprawl.

This entire matter is supposed to be on the next CSD agenda and I would suggest

all interested persons attend Wednesday June 16 at 7 p.m. at the town offi ce.

Jeff BarberDiscovery Bay

Oakley soldier traveled The Pathway Home

Editor:The Pathway Home, a residential treat-

ment program for our nations New War-riors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and who suffer from PTSD and traumatic brain injury, has an important connection to Oakley. Billy Hyder, a former resident of Oakley, went through the half-year program at Pathway after serving in Iraq with the National Guard, and he puts it this way: Pathway saved my life! This is a refrain that many other servicemen who have graduated from this program, besides Hyder, have said of The Pathway Home.

Pathway is an independent, privately-funded, nonprofi t organization that has treated nearly 200 warriors from around the country using innovative, state-of-the-art techniques that incorporate interaction with the surrounding community.

But for The Pathway Home to continue doing its job, it needs the support of commu-nities like Oakley and of cities and towns all across the United States.

Pathways operation depends on private donations to fund the clinical staff and treat-ment programs, and making our wounded warriors whole again is everyones responsi-bility.

Donations can be made through the offi cial Web site, www.thepathwayhome.org, where more information about the program can also be found. Donations by check can be made out to and mailed to The Pathway Home, P.O. Box 3930, Yountville, CA 94599.

John DunbarChairperson, The Pathway Home

Napa Valley Advisory Council

16A | THEPRESS.NET JUNE 11, 2010

OPINIONEDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY National

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

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

of Contra Costa County.

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

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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

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Transparency needed when asking for tax hikeAntioch is in a pickle. After slashing $11 million from

last years budget, resulting in layoffs, service cuts, closure of City Hall on Fridays and 73 positions remaining unfi lled including 20 police offi cer positions city offi cials are now looking at cutting millions of dollars more in the coming year.

The casualties have included funding for the Fourth of July fes-tivities, which have been canceled, the citys support for the Delta Blues Festival, which may go on

without that support, support for operating the Antioch Historical Society Museum and limited arts funding, which may close the Lynn House Gallery in January.

With city offi cials considering City Manager Jim Jakels doomsday scenario of providing only the city services mandated by law, there is the potential for cuts in funding for the animal shelter, recreation programs, Prewett Water Park

and elimination of the Holiday DeLites and Veterans Day parades, among other events. City Hall is likely to continue to remain closed on Fridays.

Because most of the General Fund budget goes for police and public works, there is potential for further cuts in those areas as well, which could affect public safety and lead to deterioration of streets and parks.

The City Council is, understandably, reluctant to make such drastic cuts affecting the quality of life in Antioch. So the council members are discussing the possibility of asking residents to support a tax hike. A survey might be conducted to determine residents support for a range of tax hikes, based on the level of city services they would provide.

A tax hike might be necessary, and residents might be willing to support some level of extra taxation, particularly if it fi lls the 20 vacant police offi cer positions.

But residents have already been hit hard by the reces-sion, by last years state tax hike and by a recent city trash

rate hike on the large containers that is transferring an extra $1 million into city coffers over the next two years. And too many Antioch residents remain unemployed and are strug-gling to hold onto their homes.

Before residents are asked to make an additional sacrifi ce, they should know exactly where their money would be going. To provide full transparency, city offi cials should post on the city Web site a listing of the salary and benefi ts for each city position (including an itemization of the cost of each benefi t) from top management down.

There has been justifi able concern from many in the pri-vate sector that public sector employees salary/benefi t pack-ages have become overly generous, especially in comparison with what most employees receive outside of government. If city offi cials do not provide that openness and transparency, residents might justifi ably wonder what they are hiding and why, and thats a tough climate in which to ask for more.


EDITORIAL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


A sampling of recent law enforcement activity reported by East County police de-partments.BRENTWOODJune 2, 12:23 p.m. A resident of Valdry Court purchased a vehicle online, only to discover that the vehicle was reported as stolen.June 4, 1:35 p.m. An unidentifi ed person cut electrical wires to a light pole on Presidio Drive at Capilano Drive.June 4, 6:19 p.m. During a road rage incident on Lone Tree Way at Empire Avenue, an un-identifi ed driver threw a hammer through the front windshield of another vehicle.June 4, 7:25 p.m. A probation search con-ducted at a residence on Sycamore Avenue discovered suspected methamphetamine on premises. The resident was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.June 4, 10:33 p.m. On OHara Avenue at Grant Street, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations was found in possession of a loaded revolver. The subject resisted arrest, and he and a passenger admitted to being gang members. Another passenger provided false identifi cation to offi cers. All were ar-rested.June 4, 11:15 p.m. On Brentwood Boulevard at Sand Creek Road, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations was found to be driv-ing under the infl uence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility. June 5, 12:50 a.m. On Sand Creek Road at Fairview Avenue, a subject contacted during a traffi c stop was found in possession of brass knuckles. He was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.June 5, 6:30 p.m. A subject contacted during an investigation on Grovewood Loop was found to be too intoxicated to care for her own safety. She was arrested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility. June 6, 3:13 a.m. On Balfour Road at John Muir Parkway, a subject contacted during a traffi c stop was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.June 6, 9:24 p.m. On Brentwood Boulevard at Village Drive, a subject stopped for vehicle code violations was found to be in possession of methamphetamine for sale. A probation search of his residence revealed an additional 11 grams of methamphetamine. He was ar-

rested and taken to the Martinez Detention Facility.

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.ANTIOCHJune 4, 8:38 p.m. Offi cers of the Antioch Police Department arrived at a residence on Rockspring Way on the report of a 2-year-old child who had fallen into a swimming pool during a family barbecue and drowned. Offi -cers and medical personnel made all efforts to resuscitate the victim, who was transported to Sutter Delta Medical Center and pronounced dead. At this point it is unknown how long the child was out of sight, but it is believed to be only a short period of time. The case is still under investigation.June 8, 4:37 a.m. Offi cers were dispatched to the 1300 block Aster Drive on the report of a home break-in. Upon arrival, offi cers found the homeowner detaining one suspect at gun-point. A juvenile male suspect was taken into custody by offi cers and is being interviewed by investigators. Offi cers discovered that the ho-meowner, his wife and a 15-year-old male sus-pect had been shot. All three were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The juvenile suspect died and the homeowners are listed in critical condition. Offi cers found evidence of a third suspect, who fl ed from a rear window and might have been injured. SWAT offi cers and Police K-9 units are in the process of con-ducting a neighborhood yard-to-yard search for the remaining suspect. Offi cers found a marijuana growing operation inside two bed-rooms of the home, which provides a motive for the home invasion. A confrontation be-tween the suspects and homeowners might have occurred after the suspects entered the residence through a rear bedroom window, leading to an exchange of gunfi re. One of the suspects did shoot the female resident as she fl ed down the hallway. The exact circum-stances of the shooting and who was armed has yet to be determined. A 2-year-old child and 10-month-old child in the home at the time escaped injury. The children have been turned over to their grandparents.

For information on law enforcement in Antioch, visit www.ci.antioch.ca.us/city-gov/police.

OAKLEYMay 27 A subject was found under the in-fl uence of drugs on the 2400 block of Main Street.May 27 An adult was reported as missing from the 4900 block of Gardenia Avenue.May 27 A vehicle accident with property damage occurred on Wildcat Way at Wildcat Court.May 27 Arrest warrants were served on East Cypress Road at Main Street and on Main Street at Vintage Parkway.May 27 On Carol Lane at Main Street and on the 2400 block of Main Street, subjects were arrested for DUI.May 27 An incident of battery was reported on the 100 block of Carol Lane.May 27 At a business on the 2500 block of Main Street, a subject was arrested for shop-lifting.May 28 A subject was found in possession of dangerous drugs on the 1500 block of Port Way.May 28 Subjects were arrested for DUI on East Cypress Road at Main Street and on the 400 block of Hazelnut Drive.May 28 A commercial burglary occurred on the 5500 block of Bridgehead Road.May 28 An illegal entry was reported on the 2100 block of Megan Drive.May 29 A vehicle was stolen from the 4800 block of Big Bear Road.May 29 Vehicles were towed from Big Break Road and Vintage Parkway, and from the 400 block of Hazelnut Drive.May 29 A suspicious circumstance was re-ported on the 500 block of OHara Avenue.May 29 Death by an unknown cause oc-curred on the 1100 block of Deer Park Road.May 29 Subjects were arrested for DUI on Saddleback Drive at Solitude Drive, on Alder Drive at Port Way, and on the 400 block of Hazelnut Drive.May 29 Residential burglaries were reported on the 100 block of Monet Drive and the 100 block of Concannon Court.May 29 Petty thefts were reported on Main Street at OHara Avenue and the 100 block of Monet Drive.May 30 A hazardous materials incident oc-curred on Brown Road at Jasmine Circle.May 30 A child was abandoned on Empire Avenue at Main Street.

DISCOVERY BAYMay 5 On the 1700 block of Willow Lake Road, a subject was found in violation of a court order.May 6 Burglaries were reported on the 6900 block of New Melones Circle and the 1500 block of Discovery Bay Boulevard.May 6 Fraudulent computer data access oc-curred on the 5700 block of Salmon Court.May 8 Vandalism occurred on the 3600 block of Sailboat Drive.May 10 A residential burglary was reported on the 5000 block of Double Point Way.May 13 An arrest warrant was served at Double Point Way and Riverlake Road.May 14 An adult was reported missing from the 2400 block of Aberdeen Lane.May 14 A residential burglary was reported on the 700 block of Beaver Lane.May 15 A subject was found in possession of dangerous drugs at Highway 4 and Port-hole Drive.May 15 Petty theft from a vehicle occurred on the 5200 block of Laguna Court.May 17 A vehicle was towed from the 4500 block of Discovery Point.May 20 Credit card fraud was reported on the 3000 block of Castle Rock Loop.May 21 An assault with a deadly weapon occurred at Sailboat Drive and Yacht Drive.May 22 Grand theft was reported on the 3300 block of Lookout Point Loop.May 23 Trespassing occurred on the 2100 block of Bridgeport Loop.May 26 An arrest warrant was served at Dis-covery Bay Boulevard and Highway 4.May 27 On the 1800 block of Surfside Court, a subject was arrested for public intoxication.May 28 A non-criminal death was reported on the 100 block of Discovery Bay Boule-vard.May 30 Grand theft of a boat was reported from the 5900 block of Marina Road.May 31 Vehicles were towed from the 4900 block of South Point and from Porthole Drive at Sailboat Drive.May 31 On the 5400 block of Emerald Court, a subject was found in violation of a custody order.May 31 A residential burglary occurred on the 200 block of Tahoe Court.May 31 A case of felony vandalism was re-ported on the 900 block of Lido Circle.

COP LOGSFROM EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCH LOGS A resident of Valdry Court purchased a vehicle online, only to discover that the vehicle was reported as stolen.June 2, 12:23 p.m. in Brentwood


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Flight, Hotel and some Meals included: Only $3,000Call for more information 925-209-0789 or email [email protected]

The Summerset dancing/singing group Dahlin Divas wowed the crowd at a recent Trilogy at the Vineyards afternoon Tea Party event. The Divas performed routines to two ABBA songs Danc-ing Queen and Money, Money, Money. After a costume change, Cathy and Gloria took center stage, backed up by the group, in a rendi-tion of Downtown. The nal song was Sisters, Sisters from the movie White Christmas. All numbers were choreographed by Cathy Ashland and Marilyn Miguel. The Divas were grati ed by the tumultuous applause and standing ovation.

Contributed by Linda Stanley

Tea Party Divas

Call me Dr. Doolittle. For some odd reason our house has become a magnet for wayward pets. I have enough pets. They outnumber my five children: three cats, one dog, two parakeets, one fish and a partridge

in a pear tree. They are all cute, sometimes, but the last thing I need is another animal. Apparently fate has other plans for me.

My daughter Mary came home with her boyfriend T.J. two weeks ago on a cold and

windy night. A big storm was coming in. They were in the garage for a long time and I finally peeked in to see what was going on, not wishing to in-terrupt any heavy petting. Petting was going on, but not the kind I expected.

They had found a brown kitten cowering under our old van parked outside. It was a female, about three months old and very hungry. It ate an entire bowl of food, lapped down half a bowl of water, spied our litter box a few feet away and promptly hopped in and made a donation. I immediately began protesting what I knew would be a plea to keep it.

No, Mary. No more pets! I said firmly. The kitten purred loudly, weaving her skinny little body be-tween all of our legs, really pouring on the charm. I offered an open door to our backyard, hoping she might leave and head home after her rest stop, but instead she spotted our cat door and scurried through it into our house, sending our dog, Napoleon into a psychotic frenzy.

This attracted my husbands at-tention, who, up until this point had no idea what we were doing in the ga-rage. He saw the kitten but didnt say a thing. Perhaps the poor man has fi-nally been beaten down. The kids and animals just keep multiplying around here, so I think hes just given up.

Mary said good-bye to T.J., but not before I begged him to take the kitten home with him. He told me we should wait a couple of days in case the owner came looking for her.

No one came looking for her, even though Mary posted signs all around the neighborhood. I now believe she was dumped! What kind of person abandons a defenseless little kitten on the street on a stormy night? I guess she was meant to join our family because all the animals in the house accepted Mu-Shu immedi-ately. Yes, I named her after a Chinese entre. Hey, I was hungry when I named her! She cuddled with all the kids, used the litter box faithfully and entertained us all with her spastic kit-ten behavior.

A few days later I rounded the

corner of our street to see a golden retriever wandering around the neigh-borhood. He looked lost but happy. Golden retrievers always look like theyre smiling, dont they? I slowed down to see if he had a collar. A woman outside her house said hed been hanging around all day. She called the phone number on his tag but it was disconnected. I couldnt be-lieve it. Could someone have dumped him, too? What is the world com-ing to? My 7-year-old daughter fell in love with him instantly. Oh no,

Haley! We are not keeping this dog!But Mom! We cant leave him on

the street!I stopped my truck in the middle

of the street and opened the passen-ger door. He hopped right in! He sat there like a kid in the back seat smil-ing at us. Haley giggled. I drove him to our house and fed him two bowls of dog food and some water. Napo-leon looked on from the living room window baring his little terrier teeth, yelping and scratching at the glass. Just then my husband drove up. This

was the end of his rope.Ill drive him to the pound! he

said, not even getting out of his car or asking any questions as to where Old Yeller came from.

Just then an old woman came hobbling up the street waving her arms. Chico! she called. Thank God. The dog recognized her and took off down the street.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Perhaps Ill come home to find a push-me-pull-you in my backyard



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Should You File Bankruptcy?by Joan Grimes, Esq.

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A common question people ask me is whether they should fi le for bankruptcy. Th ey dont want to fi le, but they also know that they cannot continue with the status quo. Here is what I ask them:

1. Can you pay your bills as they come due and owing?

2. Can you pay off your credit card bills in full in the next 12 months?

3. If you own a house, do you have a fi xed rate mortgage that you can payoff by the time you retire? Is your house worth what you owe against it?

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A fresh start has been provided to the Banks, the Investment Companies, and the Insurance Companies and a fresh start is available to consumers. Most home loan made between 2001-2007 could not be paid off on a person income. More than anyone, the banks knew that a person can only pay off in home loan debt of 2-21/2 times their gross household income in this lifetime and save for retirement and raise a child or two.

A fresh start for a consumer is usually a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. 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 that the Chapter 7 Trustee cannot reach include 401k, IRA, Annuity, retirement plan, equity in a car up to $3,525, most household goods and furnishing, life insurance, most personal injury actions, and then $23,250 in other assets such as motorcycles, boats, RV or

additional equity in cars or other items.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. Th ere are serious personal liability and tax consequence of a short sale and foreclosure. Make sure you understand your legal rights prior to undertaking either a short sale or allowing your property to be foreclosed. Do not lose sleep and your sanity worrying about fi nancial problems. Help is available to you just like it was to the Bank, Investment Companies and the Insurance Companies.

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 ANY 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

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

Antioch High School is in the run-ning to receive a $250,000 grant from PepsiCo, Inc. as part of Pepsis Refresh Project, a program that invites the public to choose which foundations will receive more than $1 million in grants.

Antioch was ranked 42 out of more than 250 projects at press time, but only the top two causes will receive a grant. The city is seeking a half-million dollar grant to improve its track, which isnt up to California Interscholastic Federation

regulations. Every month, Pepsi selects worthy community projects, puts each cause on its Web site and asks the public to vote for its favorites. Voting is open for the entire month of June. The June win-ners will be announced July 1.

Voting is free, and those registered at www.refresheverything.com may vote once a day for the cause of their choice. To vote for Antioch High School, visit www.refresheverything.com/antiochhigh-schooltrack.

Vote for Antioch track

to achieve his dream of playing for the legendary institution is awarded to the student in grades fi ve through eight who has displayed the same diligence, perse-verance and teamwork as Ruettinger.

For Excelsior Middle School Prin-cipal Charles Miller, who nominated Saint Peter for the award the choice was obvious. When I was approached by the Delta Lions, they asked me to identify a student who had overcome obstacles to achieve their best, and Saint Peter has done that, said Miller.

We (staff) all agree that he is the most improved of all our students. He has turned himself around academically and is focused, works well with others and has come a long way. We appreciate the Lions Club supporting such positive student behavior and we look forward to this being an annual award.

Byron Delta Lions President Joyce Sutay called the award presentation One of the highlights of my Lions ca-reer. The honors were augmented by a trophy and a $50 cash award.

For Kimber, the event was one of the highlights of her life; the reward for her own hard work and perseverance on behalf of Saint Peter. I sat with my son after we got home (from the awards presentation) and explained to him what that award is and I told him why I was so happy, said Kimber.

He said that he saw me crying at the program and asked me why I was crying. I told him that I am not the only one who believes in him. And since then we always say something about the award before the day ends. I want to thank everyone for helping me make my son see himself in a new way.


Lions from page 12A


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NOTICE OF TRUSTEES SALETS No. 09-0157382 Title Order No. 09-8-478469 Investor/Insurer No. 601789962 APN No. 073-270-052-1 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 03/21/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROP-ERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by: CLAUDIA MAR-TINEZ, A MARRIED WOMAN, AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY., dat-ed 03/21/2006 and recorded 03/28/06, as Instrument No. 2006-0093954-00, in

Book , Page ), of Of cial Records in the of ce of the County Recorder of Contra Costa County, State of California, will sell on 07/09/2010 at 10:00AM, At the Court Street entrance to the County Courthouse (corner of Main and Court Street), 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2041 NEWPORT DRIVE, PITTSBURG,

CA, 94565. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrect-ness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the ob-ligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $432,780.33. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will ac-cept cashiers checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association,

or savings bank speci ed in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and autho-rized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an AS IS condi-tion, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, pos-session or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charg-es and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. DATED: 01/22/2010 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone: (800) 281 8219, Sale Information

(626) 927-4399 By: Trustees Sale Of- cer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ASAP# 3603602 06/11/2010, 06/18/2010, 06/25/2010 An-tioch Press No. 06-1617 Publish Dates: June 11, 18, 25, 2010

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File #F-0003554-00 The name of the business (es): Kitchens Unlimited Located at: 51 Sunnyview Court In: Oakley, CA 94561 Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tiffany Po-ciecha, 51 Sunnyview Court, Oakley, CA 94561 This business is conducted by: an Individual The registrant com-

menced to transact business under the ctitious business name or names listed above on: N/A. Signature of reg-istrant: Tiffany Pociecha This state-ment was led with Stephen L Weir, County Clerk Of Contra Costa County on: May 12, 2010 By: C. Garcia, Deputy Expires: May 12, 2015 Brentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 2010

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (the Dis-trict) will hold a public hearing on the adoption of its nal budget for scal year 2010-2011.The time, date and place of the hearing

shall be as follows:TIME: 6:30 P.M.DATE: June 29, 2010PLACE: 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 A copy of the proposed budget will be available for inspection at the of ces of the District at 134 Oak Street, Brent-wood, CA 3 days prior to the public hearingAny person who wishes to be heard re-garding the proposed nal budget may appear at the public hearing or may send written comments to the under-signed at the District of ce.Hugh Henderson Clerk of the DistrictBrentwood Press No. 02-1273 Publish Dates: June 11, 18, 2010

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES

eBART line, with stations in the highway median at Railroad and Hillcrest avenues, is scheduled to be completed around the same time.

While funding has been secured for the highway widening and eBART line, the fi nancial pipeline is drying up for future transportation projects, according to Gara-

mendi.We have a real problem at the federal

level, he said. We need to re-authorize the Surface Transportation Act. Not easily done. Were going to have to fi nd the money to pay for these improvements. We can still borrow from China a little while longer, perhaps. But those days are going to be over. So were going to need to really move forward. All of

us have to think about these next steps; how were going to get these things done.

Its critically important. If you cant move, you cant move your economy, you cant create jobs. So these infrastructure proj-ects are critical. Im delighted to see this one move along. Im looking forward to the next phase. We are moving closer and closer to closing the gap and moving transportation

through this area. It cant be done without all of us working together. For those of you who have worked on these projects: a very, very big thank you from a Highway 4 com-muter thats looking forward to the relief.

For more information, call the highway widening project hotline at 925-756-0721 or go online to www.widensr4.org.


Highway from page 3A

we serve at risk by making the drastic deci-sion to close stations without considering other options, and especially without allow-ing the public the opportunity to support a revenue enhancement.

Because district funding was established when far East County fi re protection was provided largely by paid-on-call volunteers, and because the current recession has deci-mated property tax revenues, the district is operating at a defi cit. Over the last two years, revenue has fallen nearly 25 percent, and an-other 10-percent drop is expected next year. This year the shortfall amounts to $1.7 mil-lion; next years is expected to be $2.3 mil-lion. Before the 2012-13 fi scal year ends, cash reserves being used to make up the shortfall will be exhausted and the district could face bankruptcy.

The 48 fi refi ghter/six station plan would save the district $814,000 in personnel costs. Dropping a contract with CalFire to staff an additional station on Marsh Creek Road (CalFire pays to keep the station open dur-ing the fi re season) saves $366,000, and shut-tering two stations cuts $70,000 from the op-erations budget. The total savings in the plan are $1.25 million.

Acting Fire Chief Hugh Henderson told the board that cuts alone cannot solve the districts fi nancial woes. Even the most severe option examined eliminating six fi refi ghters and three stations would stave off the potential bankruptcy only one year longer.

A number of possible actions were bro

brentwood press_06.11.10

Documents

widening of highway

highway east

highway median

lieu of foreclosure

loveridge project

loveridge overpass

highway wideninggood

loveridge road interchange