YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 21, No. 2
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Raising awareness, saving lives
January 11, 2019
Friends Aid Fire Victims
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
There is a quote about the fickle nature of life written by journalist Mary Schmich in a 1997 column for the Chicago Tribune. “Don’t worry about the future,” wrote Schmich. “Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.” Brentwood resident Cynthia Loredo was blindsided by her troubles around 4 p.m., though it was an idle Monday in November 2017 when a phone call delivered devastating news. A social worker from a hospital told her that her husband had been admitted after a serious auto accident. see Awareness page 22A
Furry Friends Pet Relief continues its commitment to aid fire victims’ pets. Page 5A
Let The Crab Feeds Begin Photo by Tony Kukulich
Cynthia Loredo displays a blanket with photos of her husband Castulo Loredo Jr. who was killed in an auto accident on Vasco Road in November 2017. Cynthia is working to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving in the wake of that tragedy.
Liberty senior heads to airsoft nationals by Aly Brown Staff Writer
Brandyn Wu, an 18-yearold Liberty High School senior, and his cousin, Jonathan Salamanca, have been avid airsoft players at Gamepod Combat Zone since shortly after it opened in Antioch about seven years ago. This week the cousins made the trip to compete in Georgia for the national BattleArena finals hosted at SS Airsoft on Jan. 12, and if they are successful the duo will represent the U.S. for the International Airsoft Championships in Finland. Though they say the sport was predominantly under-
ground until recent years, the boys have come to know the airsoft arena as a place that offers community and camaraderie. Over the years, they’ve honed their skills as a duo that’s become known as “Raptor 1” and “Raptor 2” for the way they move together through the field. But when the boys were asked to participate in the NorCal finals, which were held at Gamepod earlier this month – as it’s the largest indoor airsoft facility in the nation – Brandyn and Jonathan didn’t take the request seriously. “We thought it was a joke, but when we got a text Sunday, asking where we were, we realsee Airsoft page 22A
SAVE NOW
Championship Keepsake
Check out The Press’ commemorative Liberty High football state championship section. Page 1B
Photo by Tony Kukulich
An underdog team from Gamepod Combat Zone in Antioch recently earned its chance to compete at a national level in Georgia. Seen here are four of the five team members of Friday Night Operators – from left, Jeremy Lafrades, Jonathan Salamanca, Liberty High School senior Brandyn Wu and Lance Quevillon. Not pictured is Peter Foo.
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Youth Job Fair
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East Bay Regional Park District will host two Youth Job Fairs in the East Bay.
Calendar................................23A Classifieds.............................17A Cop Logs................................21A Education..............................15A Entertainment....................... 9A Food.......................................... 8A Health & Beauty.................... 7A Milestones............................10A Pets..........................................16A
New Leadership
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Lynn Mackey has been sworn in as the new Superintendent of Schools.