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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 14, No. 5
Honoring Brentwood’s best by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce rolled out the red carpet last weekend to celebrate the city’s 2011 Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year. The annual event, held this year at Trilogy at The Vineyards’ Club Los Meganos, feted the town’s finest with wine, food, song and shared stories of the recipient’s successes, compassion and commitment. Citizen of the Year Karen Rarey was honored for her tireless efforts on behalf of the community, including her work with the Liberty Union High School Education Foundation, Contra Costa County Transit Authority, Kiwanis Club, Relay for Life, John Marsh Historic Trust, and as a Parks and Recreation commissioner, to name a few. Past Chamber President Fred Ehler read notes sent by former Citizens of the Year, calling Rarey a “tireless worker with a great heart … If she’s involved, you can be sure it’s a worthy cause … she’s always there.” Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor echoed the
Brentwood’s 2012 Citizen of the Year Karen Rarey enjoys a moment with her husband, Paul, during the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Saturday. Photo by Richard Wisdom
praise. “What an honor” said Taylor. “If you look around the room at the past recipients, you see they are all unique, that they all stand out … They are all deserving and so are you. Congratulations.” But one of the most touching moments of the evening came from Paul Rarey, Karen’s husband. Surrounded by their family, Paul con-
gratulated his wife. “You have made me a better man just by being who you are,” he said. “It just touches my heart,” said Karen. “And I thank you all for coming out here and supporting me.” The semi-formal evening included cocksee Best page 15A
Holocaust survivor to speak in Brentwood by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer In l939, 7-year old Ralph Samuel’s parents kissed their son goodbye, put him on a transport plane to England – and saved his life. It would be the last time the German Jew would see his father and many months before the young boy would be reunited with his mother. But for the now 80year-old Samuel, his tale of inexpressible tragedy and loss is a testament to hope, courage and the resilience of the human spirit. “I was one of the lucky ones; I know that,” said Samuel in a recent interview with the Press. “It’s not something that I think about every day, but it’s something that is important to remember. And by talking about it, it helps to keep me sane.” Samuel will next be talking about his experience on Feb. 10
Photo courtesy of Ralph Samuel
A photo of Samuel, front row second from right, taken in 1935. The Holocaust survivor was part of Great Britain’s Kindertransport program during World War II. in Brentwood, when he will speak at a traditional Shabbat dinner at Chabad of the Delta. The public is welcome to attend.
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Born in 1931 in Dresden, Germany, the only child of Jewish parents, Samuel was forbidden by Nazi decree to attend regular
Mozart mania
go to news/WebExtras! A local orchestra is tuning up for an evening of classical perfection.
school. As anti-Semitism in Germany became increasingly blatant, Samuel’s parents began searching for a safe haven for their son. They found it in Great Britain. “During that time, there were many Jews who wanted to leave Germany, Austria and other European countries, but much of the world closed its doors,” said Samuel. “England was one of the only countries that welcomed us.” And so in January of 1939, Samuel became one of the tens of thousands of young refugees – “Kinders,” as they would later be called – to benefit from the humanitarian relief effort called the Kindertransport. The program placed predominately Jewish children in foster homes throughout Britain, and while it was supported by the British Parliament, host families were required to take full see Survivor page 15A
Kiddie lit.
go to news/press releases A children’s book author and illustrator will share the secrets of her craft.
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February 3, 2012
Streets-savvy sweepstakes
Valentine’s Day is the occasion and The Streets of Brentwood is the venue for an exciting online contest. Page 1B
Monumental park permit East County will be home to California’s newest historic park, anchored by its prime pioneer’s house. Page 3A
Sibling harmony
Liberty’s twin-sister soccer stars are rivals only against their opponents on the field. Page 17A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ........................... 9B Cop Logs ............................ 14B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 6B Food ...................................... 4B Milestones ........................12A Opinion ..............................14A Sports .................................17A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Green garb
go to multimedia/videos Fashion show models flaunted organic and recycle-based apparel.