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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 20, No. 19
Lone Tree Golf Course reopens Antioch’s Lone Tree Golf Course reopened May 4 with restrictions in place to adhere with the orders of Contra Costa County Health Services. The facility, which closed since late March in accordance with COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders, will reopen with key social-distancing measures in place. • Reservations will be required; no walk-ins allowed. • The driving range will be open with ball purchases available through an on-range attendant or by calling 925-706-4220. Every other mat will be closed. • Social distancing of 6 or more feet must be maintained at all times at the facility. • Golfers are encouraged to walk the course, with only one rider and one bag per cart allowed. Carts will be sanitized. • The putting green will be closed. • The clubhouse and pro shop will remain closed, although phone calls are still welcomed. • Prepayment for all golfers is encouraged to be completed online or by calling 925-7064220 prior to arriving at the facility. • Course bathrooms will be open, but the
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The county’s greenlight for U-pick farms to open this season has caused a stir of controversy within the community, but many local farmers stand firm in their decision to open. The Contra Costa Department of Agriculture issued approval along with guidelines for maintaining a healthy environment on U-pick farms opening for the 2020 cherry season in Brentwood. But the announcement posted on The Press’ Facebook page April 28 elicited a flood of comments, with many wondering why the activity would be allowed with the current shelter-in-place order being extended through the end of May — especially given the number of out-of-town custom-
clubhouse will remain closed. • No ball washers or trash cans will be on the course, and cups will be reversed for easy ball removal. Pins must be left in place. • Face masks will be required in the clubhouse area.
• No congregating is allowed before or after golf rounds, including in the parking lot. The facility is located at 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit www.lonetreegolfcourse.com or call 925-706-4220.
It will be different, no doubt, but I’m hoping the public will read all the information before deciding to visit, so we can keep it as safe as possible.
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Jami Palladino, Mike’s U-Pick Cherries ers the season draws. “So we extended the (shelter-in-place), and folks can’t go to work to support their families but people from the epicenter — Santa Clara County — are OK to come here in mass,” resident David Kramer said. “Either lift the (shelter-in-place) or we tell the folks from out of town to stay home and buy (cherries) at the store this year.” Several others echoed
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Kramer’s sentiment on the Facebook thread. “I don’t think the guidelines are enough,” wrote Shari Ann. “Why are kids allowed to go pick cherries without masks but they can’t go to school? Maybe limit one person per household so there won’t be any groups.” Another resident who expressed concern also weighed the importance of supporting local farmers.
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Sewing For Community
The Lone Tree Golf Course opened this week after closing in late March due to the shelter-in-place orders.
“ So I think we’re ready to start the season.
Staff Writer
Taking A Spin On The Wheel
Oakley resident appears as a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune.” Page 10
Opening of U-pick season causes controversy by Aly Brown
May 8, 2020
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“I’m excited to go pick, but I agree it’s the people from out of town who will spoil it,” Tina Koenig said. “The farmers need to sell their produce though. We can’t deny them that. They’ve put a lot of time and money into this harvest.” When asked if travel restrictions would be applied to those outside the county who are planning to attend U-pick farms, Kim McCarl, Contra Costa Health Services public information officer, said no. “U-pick falls under essential business as a provider of groceries and is most similar to a farmers market,” McCarl wrote in an email to The Press. “Regardless of where a customer might come from, a business is required to ensure that physisee U-Pick page 20
Worker Safety
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Contra Costa Transit Authority creates partnership to keep construction workers safe.
Local organizations make and distribute masks to area senior facitiliies and care units. Page 6
Shining A Virtual Light
Amidst shelter-in-place, schools are using social media to keep the spotlight on athletes. Page 14 Adopt A Pet..........................21 Classifieds.............................18 Cop Logs................................17 Legals.....................................19 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................12 Sports.....................................14
Helping Homeless www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
County shelters 250 homeless residents in hotels during shelter-in-place.
