YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 20, No. 16
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Mayor projects bright future for the city by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Mayor Bob Taylor used his 11th State of the City address to give a window into the town’s future. “The past is behind us,” said Taylor at the April 11 event. “The future is in front of us.” The hour-long speech divulged intentions to improve regional and economic development, public safety, transportation, water resources and downtown attractions. “When we plan something, it’s going to be nice,” said Taylor, who noted the BART-to-Antioch extension is set to open on Memorial Day, the library in September and the Balfour interchange in Novem-
ber or December. In line with the recently approved two-year strategic plan, Taylor also briefly touched on efforts to bring a full-scale hospital to the area, build a next-generation business park, increase fire district resources, prepare a 373-acre property in the northwest portion of the city for prospective businesses, create a vision for a vibrant downtown, and join in the Contra Costa Water District’s effort to expand Los Vaqueros Reservoir. “We have to really be prepared, so we have formed an alliance with Los Vaqueros Reservoir,” he said. “We hope to be stakeholders there so we will have a supply of water for Brentwood for years to come.” In the shadow of the depleted
April 20, 2018
Clearing Out The Camp
Residents of Antioch homeless camp evicted after city receives numerous complaints. Page 5
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Keeping The Ghostlight On
Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor during his 11th State of the City address to local residents and officials at the Brentwood Community Center, April 11. three-station fire district, which is tasked with serving 249 square miles and over 114,000 residents, Taylor announced that the city anticipates funding a two-person rapid-response vehicle for the fire district, primarily to handle the medical calls that account for most of the district’s activity. The city
also intends to build a fire station, possibly near Shady Willow. Other public safety enhancements include: equipping police cars with fire extinguishers; holding community CPR, first-aid and automated external defibrillator see City page 30
New bills offer hope for immigrants
New theater company is dedicated to East County performing arts. Page 10
Dominating On The Links
by Aly Brown Staff Writer
With termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 200,000 refugees from El Salvador set for September 2019, impacted Contra Costa County families – along with those across the nation – are working tirelessly to garner support for bills that could provide a pathway to residency. “The type of legislation we need is for folks who have been here for over two decades the right to become a legal resident,” said Yanira Alias, Alianza Americas national campaigns manager and TPS holder from El Salvador. On a local level, TPS holders and allies in Contra Costa are standing behind a handful of bills on the table – some of which would provide a path to naturalization after an individual obtains status of lawfully admitted for permanent residence (LPR). Of the bills, the American Promise Act of 2017 (HR 4253) has
Yanira Alias is a Contra Costa County resident and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holder from El Salvador. She currently serves as the national campaign’s manager for Alianza Americas. Photo by Aly Brown
gathered the most support from co-sponsors and would provide TPS holders the opportunity to apply for naturalization five years after adjusting to LPR status along with deportation relief while the application process is pending. San Francisco-based immigrant advocacy
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group CARECEN SF, under the umbrella of Alianza Americas, organizes ongoing efforts to speak with elected officials and will soon bring concerns surrounding immigration to the capisee Bills page 30
Realtor Awards www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Weichert, Realtors - HH and Associates announce 2017 Office Award Winners.
Heritage boys’ golf team on a 27-win streak against league opponents. Page 19 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................10 Food........................................11 Health & Beauty..................14 Milestones............................18 Opinion..................................23 Pets.........................................15 Sports.....................................19
Special Praise
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Assemblymember Jim Frazier recognizes the Special Olympics.