TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF THE PRINTED PRESS NEWSPAPERS. READ DETAILS PAGE 5A.
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Vol. 20, No. 13
East County Sign of the times schools closed until May
March 27, 2020
Gearing Up For Spring
by Aly Brown Staff Writer
Contra Costa County Office of Education announced Wednesday that students will not return to the classroom until May 1, meaning East County schools are adjusting to digital learning for longer than planned. When Contra Costa health officials, alongside those from five neighboring counties, announced a shelter-inplace order March 16, school administrators realized their students would be out of school until April 7. But when that shelter-in-place turned into a stay-at-home order for the entire state from Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 20, the time line for homeschooling became muddied. That time line is now more clear. And even though superintendents report their education model is not built for virtual learning, they’re working to meet their own moment to prepare for the weeks ahead. “For Oakley, our district leadership team has been communicating remotely and will continue to do so as see Closed page 18A
This week’s Auto Guide offers ways to get your wheels ready to roll this season. Page 1B
Harry Potter To The Rescue Photo by Tony Kukulich
I
t was difficult to tell if the skies threatening rain or concerns over the novel coronavirus pandemic kept most people away from Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, Tuesday, March 24. The park is closed, but the trails remain open, and visitors are reminded to maintain appropriate social distancing.
Superintendent Dana Eaton reaches out to students with daily virtual doses of Harry Potter. Page 4A
Of Welcome! Guide First responders prepare Freshman The Year for impact of COVID-19 is here
T
his year’s edition of the East County Welcome! Guide has arrived. The 2020 magazine celebrates the beauty and diversity of East County while offering useful and helpful information to make your life more fun, efficient and productive. Pick up a copy at the Brentwood Press office, at 248 Oak St., or from numerous racks throughout East County. For a complete list of locations, visit www. thepress.net/site/newsstand_locations. html. If you prefer reading the guide online, you’ll find it there, too. Just hop on to www. eastcountywelcomeguide.net
SAVE NOW www.ebparks.org/activities/rin/default.htm
Activity Guide INSIDE
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
Police officers and firefighters on the frontline of the novel coronavirus pandemic face an increased workload, increased incident hazards and a potential reduction in force if COVID-19 takes hold in their ranks, and leaders of East County law enforcement and firefighting agencies are working to stay one step ahead of these challenges. “Our main focus is keeping our first responders healthy,” said Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen. “Second is keeping our communities calm and making sure that they’re being serviced and being protected. We have reprioritized calls for service to make sure that people don’t come to
our town to jump on an opportunity to commit crime in our city. We’re not going to allow that.” The risk to first responders was underscored when the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire) reported Wednesday, March 25, that four firefighters tested positive for the virus. Another 12 were tested after they displayed symptoms associated with COVID-19, but their results were negative. ConFire is still waiting on the results for two remaining tests. Steve Hill, ConFire public information officer, said that it will likely never be known with certainty where the four contracted the virus. However, he believes that, given the safety protocols
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see Responders page 18A
Health Updates www.thepress.net/news/webextras
What seniors need to know about Medicare and the coronavirus.
Former Heritage hoops star Ezra Manjon is Big West Conference Freshman of Year. Page 13A Classifieds..........................15A Education ............................4A Entertainment.................... 8A Food....................................... 9A Health & Beauty...............19A Opinion...............................12A Adopt a Pet........................10A Sports..................................13A
Counting Census www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
2020 Census count is underway, and all residents are urged to participate.