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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 11, No. 50
Police investigate Good will grannies Walmart robberies by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer As Antioch officers investigate two armed robberies outside an Antioch store, police warn residents to take extra care when shopping this holiday season. According to Antioch Police Detective Santiago Castillo, two incidents of armed robbery have been reported outside the Walmart on Lone Tree Way. On Nov. 27 at about 8:30 p.m., two men ordered two women to give up their purses at gunpoint in the Walmart parking lot. The robbers then fled west toward Jack in the Box. Two days later, at around 9:30 p.m., two more women were robbed as they walked into the store. Castillo described the
suspects in the two robberies as two young African-American men, roughly 18 years old. One stands about 5 feet, 6 inches and the other 5-8. They were both seen wearing dark clothes and dark hooded sweatshirts. He noted that physical descriptions of the two men are similar: both are thinly built and armed with black handguns. “We do have video surveillance, so the case is still open,” Castillo said. “It’s still an active investigation. In either of these incidences, nobody was hurt.” In response to the crimes, Walmart assistant manager Roger Anderson said that the store has increased its security. An inquiry to the company’s public relations office was not returned prior to deadline. Robbery victim Jessica
Photo courtesy of Catherine Arthur
enevieve Beagle, Trudy Marcelli, Berna Gabrielli and Terrice Hughes – residents of Quail Lodge – craft homemade Christmas cards for troops overseas. The cards were picked up by Jack’s Snack Packs, a nonprofit organization founded by a boy in the Central Valley who provides care packages for soldiers.
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Walton of Bethel Island described the incident in an email to The Press, and other women have posted on Facebook warnings against shopping alone at Walmart. Walton claimed that two men snatched her mother’s purse and put a gun to her face.
When Walton followed the men, she said they fired three shots at her. Walton was also critical of the store’s management and security firm, which she felt did nothing to stop the crime.
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December 16, 2011
Modifying the monikers
A new book traces how the names of East County towns and terrain have changed over the years. Page 1B
Holiday happenings Hook up with seasonal charities and entertainment by checking out our lineup of December events. Page 12A
Putting their game face on
see Walmart page 17A
Vasco Road improvements moving along by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer The first phase of improvements to one of East County’s most vital commuter routes has been completed, as local politicians recently celebrated the new safer drive on Vasco Road. Workers in November completed the installation of a concrete median barrier on a one-mile stretch of Vasco north of the Contra Costa County line. Work was also finished on the widened of southbound Vasco to provide a truck-climbing lane, eliminating the gap in existing truck climbing lanes along the road. Local officials feel that these improvements – one of three proposed stages of improvements on Vasco Road – will make for a safer commute between Brentwood and
Photo courtesy of Warren Lai
Workers have finished safety improvements on a one-mile stretch of Vasco Road just north of the Contra Costa/Alameda County line. Livermore. According to a press Piepho, roughly 20,000 cars utilize release from the office of Contra Vasco Road every day. “Anything we can do to imCosta County Supervisor Mary
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Lay of the land go to news/WebExtras!
A study of local ecology – with maps and photos – is now available for purchase.
prove quality of life in a safety environment for East County is quite a tribute,” said Brentwood Mayor and Contra Costa Transportation Authority commissioner Bob Taylor. “That is such an important artery to many East County residents.” Taylor was one of many dignitaries on hand for a recent grand-opening ceremony. Also in attendance were Piepho, Pittsburg Mayor Ben Johnson and representatives from the offices of Congressman Jerry McNerney, Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and Supervisor Federal Glover. “The installation of the concrete median barrier, in the section of road where the worst accidents have occurred, was a much needed see Vasco page 17A
Cyber security
go to news/press releases Burglars can now monitor social media sites for signs you’re not at home.
A youth football league cofounder’s battle against cancer has become a classic team effort. Page 19A Arts ....................................... 8A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ........................... 9B Cop Logs ............................ 14B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 5B Food ...................................... 6B Milestones .......................... 4B Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................19A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Glittering glide go to multimedia/videos
The Bethel Island Lighted Boat Parade put serious dazzle into the Delta.