YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 21, No. 1
READ THE DAILY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
City’s finances stable
Getting a running start
January 4, 2019
Biking For A Worthy Cause
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Brentwood is starting 2019 in fine financial health, according to the city’s year-end comprehensive annual report. The city’s general fund ended the year with $28.6 million (a $5.2 million increase over last year) after factoring in $46,550,688 in actual 2017-2018 revenues (about $2 million more than expected) and $48,290,941 in actual expenditures (about $5.5 million less than anticipated). “The general fund had a strong year,” said Christine Andrews, assistant director of finance and information systems. The unbudgeted $2 million revenue see Finances page 22
Bikes and Brews donates 35 bikes through three sold-out events. Page 9
Ringing In The New Year Photo by Tony Kukulich
T
he Rotary Club of Brentwood’s inaugural New Year’s Day 5K run was held in Brentwood, Tuesday, Jan. 1. More than 230 runners braved the cold and breezy weather to participate in the event. To view video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
2019: A new year, some new laws by Aly Brown Staff Writer
“ These perpetrators should not be allowed
Residents of East County and the world over celebrated the shift from 2018 to 2019 this week, and with the new year came some new laws. Below is a sampling of changes California citizens can expect.
to endanger others or evade justice simply because they have a fat wallet at their disposal.
In the workplace
schedule for farm laborers in regard to meals and overtime. Farm hands who work more than 12 hours in one day, for example, will receive no less than twice their regular rate of pay. Sexual misconduct and implementing measures to prevent harassment in the workplace were addressed with Senate Bill (SB) 1300. This bill makes it unlawful for employ-
A schedule set into motion the gradual increase of California’s minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees. Effective Jan. 1 this year, minimum wage earners will now receive $12 per hour. By 2022, they will receive $15. A bill of interest to the agricultural core of East County will be Assembly Bill (AB) 1066, which will implement a
SAVE NOW
ers to require employees sign a nondisparagement agreement – preventing individuals the right to disclose information in regard to unlawful workplace activity, including but not limited to sexual harassment – as a condition of employment or a raise. SB 820 will eliminate confidentiality agreements in sexual harassment cases. “These perpetrators should not be allowed to en-
10% OFF Any Service
FAIRVIEW HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC. Connect with The Press!
Scan QR code with your mobile device.
”
California State Senator Connie M. Leyva
Service • Repair • Installation
Contractor’s Lic. #533790 C-20
925-625-4963 • www.fairviewair.com
danger others or evade justice simply because they have a fat wallet at their disposal,” California State Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) said. “SB 820 will not prevent people from mutually agreeing to settle, but it will simply prevent the perpetrator from requiring the victim to remain silent about the harassment as a condition of settlement.”
On guns
California has answered the call for stricter gun control, implementing bills such as SB 1100 that raises the legal age for an individual to purchase a firearm to 21 from 18. SB 2103 mandates applicants receive at least eight hours of training
Brentwood Senior Citizens Club toasts 2019 and a decade of community service. Page 4
Winning Gold At Jamboree
Heritage High School girls’ basketball team wins West Coast Jamboree Gold Division. Page 15
see Laws page 22
Calendar................................23 Classifieds.............................18 Cop Logs................................21 Entertainment.......................9 Food..........................................8 Milestones............................11 Opinion..................................13 Pets...........................................6 Sports.....................................15
FAIR Act
Rate Changes
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Congressman Jerry McNerney addresses partisan gerrymandering.
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Contra Costa Water District Board considers rate structure change.