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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 10, No. 46
City government, cops face cuts Volunteers turn out to pitch in
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November 12, 2010
This Week Get away from it all
by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer Following the failure of Measure P, a proposed half-cent sales tax increase ticketed for Antioch’s general fund, the city will need to make tough cuts to balance the budget. One of the major recipients of Measure P money was to be the Antioch Police Department, currently at a 35-percent vacancy rate. Capt. Allan Cantando said to counteract a deficit of roughly $450,000, the department will be forced to make changes. According to Cantando, between five and 10 Antioch officers might be laid off, but he doesn’t know when that decision will be made. The department would likely re-assign some investigations officers to patrol and scale back the investigation of property and narcotics crimes, focusing instead on violent crimes. As it stands now, reports of grand theft of less than $1,000 involving no leads are not sufficient to set an investigation in motion. Cantando said that the department might raise that threshold.
Our Delta affords a brand of recreation guaranteed to relieve suburban stress. Page 19A Photo courtesy of Dena Jeglum
Dennis Jeglum, left, and Antioch City Councilman-elect Wade Harper were part of the volunteer effort to continue a community cleanup program cut by the Antioch Police Department in order to save money. At an October City Council meeting, Police Chief Jim Hyde went through a list of programs that had already been cut, such as School Resource Officers and the Police and Citizens Togetherness Team. “It’s extremely unfortunate, but the public will see noticeable changes within the police department,” Cantando said. “It’s totally based on a lack of staffing.” So far this month, the department has cut
its front desk payroll in half. Its current hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The department has also eliminated its monthly neighborhood cleanup program, staffed mainly by volunteers. Hyde and two patrol cars customarily attended the event. Despite the cancellation, Antioch resident Dena Jeglum and her husband, Dennis
Back in business A local fire protection district recently reopened a rural station. Page 4A
Not uptight over uprights
see Cuts page 22A
New park plan runs into roadblocks by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer State and local park officials have drafted a general plan for a state historic park south of Brentwood, but funding problems could make it hard for the park to open anytime soon. The area for the Cowell Ranch/John Marsh State Historic Park is located near the Highway 4 Bypass and Marsh Creek Road. Officials from the California State Parks’ Diablo Vista District and the City of Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department held a third public meeting recently to review the general plan and environmental impact. The first two meetings
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“ The plan will benefit not only Brentwood residents, but all Californians who visit the park. They will have a chance to experience great recreational activities and learn about a true California pioneer.
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Alexandra Ghiozzi, John Marsh Historic Trust were held in 2007 and 2006. Roland Gaebert, a sector superintendent for the Diablo Vista District, said the public was satisfied with the overall plan for the park and excited about what it could bring to the community. About 35 to 40 people
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showed up at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center to examine the documents and ask questions. “It was a very good, engaging meeting with the public,” Gaebert said. “The general feeling was very positive, very for-
Glacial glutes
go to news/WebExtras! A display of daring derrieres takes place on the waters of Bethel Island.
ward looking. Especially given these times when the financial times are so difficult, it was nice to see a community coming together and having a very positive outlook.” The preliminary general plan for the park provides for roughly 3,600 acres in an area north of Round Valley Regional Park and the Los Vaqueros Watershed. About 60 acres, Gaebert said, are within Brentwood city limits. If approved, the park could feature a rehabilitated John Marsh House, trails, parking, restrooms, campsites, a visitor center, picnic facilities, a ranger station and several other amenities. see Marsh page 22A
Super sanitary
go to news/press releases A local sanitation district won a national award for its excellence in procurement.
The rosters of Antioch and Freedom are graced by athletes who find the pressure of their positions a real kick. Page 4B
Plus: Business .............................20A Calendar ............................ 19B Classifieds ......................... 14B Cop Logs ............................17A Entertainment ................. 10B Health & Beauty ................ 8B Milestones .......................... 9B Opinion ..............................16A Outdoors ...........................19A Sports ................................... 1B
FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Corps lore
go to multimedia/videos Locals gave the 235th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps a hearty hooah!