YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
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Wednesday July 4th
Vol. 20, No. 26
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Recycled Relay for Life of the Delta water plan in the works by Kyle Szymanski
see Water page 26A
Fourth Of July Fun Photo by Tony Kukulich
K
ylee Zahn, Emily Lichlyter and Katie Walker pose in front of their team tent at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of the Delta, at Los Medanos College, on Saturday, June 23. The event raised over $100,000 with 70 teams participating. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
REACH medical teams to the rescue by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
For a patient in need of critical medical care, the sight of a red REACH (Redwood Empire Air Care Helicopter) helicopter touching down on a highway, ballfield or remote hilltop can signal the difference between life and death. The nearest trauma center for most residents of East County is 20 miles or more away. Getting to a hospital often means a long trip over traffic-choked roads. Transportation by air to care centers like John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek or UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland can, however, be made in a fraction of the time. In many critical situations, a patient’s chances for a positive outcome degrade with every minute that treatment is delayed. “Medical helicopters are an invaluable asset to our fire district and East County in general,” said East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) Battalion Chief Ross Macumber. “Most people don’t real-
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Pilot Mike Norris, program director Paula Russell, flight nurse Gary Mui and flight paramedic Baron Weller stand in front of REACH 3 at their operations base at Buchanan Field in Concord. ize that the nearest trauma center is in Walnut Creek. The medical helicopter system is a crucial and vital aspect of patient care in this county. Their service has saved countless
lives over the years.” Founded in 1987 by Dr. John L. Mac-
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There are plenty of fireworks and celebrations to mark the nation’s birthday. Page 10A
Cruickshank Leaving HHS
Heritage athletic director is leaving to become NCS assistant commissioner. Page 15A
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Navigating The Market
This week’s special section takes a look at the growing real estate market in East County. Page 1B
Staff Writer
The City of Brentwood plans to increase its recycled water use. The municipality plans to build up to two recycled water storage tanks, booster pumps and an expanded distribution system to increase recycled water availability to users, which include the city, Brentwood Union School District and some commercial customers. “Construction of nonpotable water storage and distribution infrastructure is consistent with the state and city’s effort to promote water recycling for a more sustainable and resilient future,” said
June 29, 2018
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see REACH page 26A
It’s Fair Time
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
The Alameda County Fair is underway with lots of music, rides and fun.
Calendar.............................27A Classifieds..........................20A Entertainment..................11A Food.....................................10A Health & Beauty...............12A Kid Scoop.............................9A Milestones.........................13A Opinion...............................19A Pets......................................18A Sports..................................15A
Kaiser Grants
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Kaiser is awarding $868,900 in grants to 34 nonprofit organizations.