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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 13, No. 38
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September 23, 2011
2011 CornFest yields cash crop Shoppers get snippy by Samie Hartley
CornFest Chairman Dirk Zeigler has a hug, a smile and a check for Lill Pierce of the Soroptimists of the Delta during Sunday’s CornFest wrap-up barbecue. The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce distributed $50,000 to the 21 nonprofit groups that helped put on this year’s event.
Staff Writer Now that the dust has settled, CornFest organizers and volunteers have reason to celebrate. This year’s festival was one of the most profitable in the event’s 20-year history. Between parking fees, sponsorships and ticket and token sales, the event, sponsored by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, brought in approximately $600,000 – a significant increase over last year’s less-than-stellar total. The 2010 event left the Chamber with nothing to share with volunteer groups that traditionally receive monetary thank-yous for their services. Last Sunday, the Chamber hosted a CornFest wrap-up barbecue for the 21 nonprofits that helped out at this year’s event. CornFest chairman Dirk Zeigler informed the crowd that after all the bills were paid, the Chamber was left with $100,000 – half of which would go to the nonprofits. The crowd of nearly 100 guests erupted in cheers and applause. “The Chamber was in a real bind last year, and they did the best they could, but in the end,
Photo by Samie Hartley
there wasn’t any money to give back to the volunteers,” said Delta Community Services Director Barbara Guise. “I’m glad we didn’t back out like some of the other groups did. We’ve been with the CornFest for years, and we want to support the Chamber. Of course, we were hoping there’d be money for the volunteer groups
this year, so I’m delighted that we got some money that we can use for our organization.” Other volunteer groups honored at Sunday’s event were Brentwood Neighborhood Church, Boy Scout Troop 90, All Out Sports see CornFest page 15A
An effective way to cut household expenses is to whip out the scissors and practice the art of couponing. Page 1B
Wings earned A Liberty High graduate recently finished his U.S. Air Force undergraduate pilot training. Page 3A
Leading by example
Local heroes honored for bravery by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
Sometimes the most ordinary days turn out to be the most extraordinary. Such was the case for Samantha Sunburst and Fredrick Reed, Oakley residents whose heroic actions turned a regular day into an unforgettable experience. Last May as Sunburst and Reed were walking along the stretch of road between Main Street and Rose Avenue in Oakley, the pair watched in horror as a driver lost control of her car, jumped the sidewalk and careened over the cement wall into the canal below. “I just looked at Samantha and said, ‘Did you see that?’” said Reed, who hadn’t met Sunburst prior to the accident. “She nodded and was already on the phone calling 911.”
Photo by Ruth Roberts
Fredrick Reed and Samantha Sunburst received commendations from the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District for rescuing three people from a car that had driven into a canal in Oakley. Reed and Sunburst, along with two other passersby – Jessica Visonhader and Christopher Mar-
tin – jumped into the canal and got to work. “We were together as a team
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pulling everyone out of the car and dragging them up the hill,” said Reed. “I don’t think we really thought about it,” said Sunburst. “We just did it.” Inside the car – which was rapidly filling with water – was an elderly woman and her two schoolage grandchildren. By the time Reed, Sunburst and the others got to the vehicle, the passengers were crying and screaming for help. “The kids were holding their heads up as high as they could trying to get enough air, and everyone was crying,” said Reed. “We just grabbed them one at a time and got them out of there.” Soon afterward, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) – Station 93 – arrived on the scene. But Capt. see Heroes page 15A
Harness hints
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Newly acquired property near Mt. Diablo will preserve a volcanic dome.
Child car-seat safety involves more than just strapping in and buckling up.
Olympians inspired local swimmers at a recent clinic. Video of the action can be viewed at www.thepress.net. Page 18A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ......................... 11B Cop Logs ............................17A East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 8B Food ...................................... 7B Health & Beauty ................ 6B Milestones .......................... 5B Opinion ..............................16A Sports .................................18A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Rousing Run
go to multimedia/videos The inaugural Harvest Run raised heart rates and funds for food banks.