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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 13, No. 31
Fire district to propose new tax by Rick Lemyre Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District is gearing up to go to the voters in June for a parcel tax of about $187-per-year designed to save and improve fire service in far East County. The plan, worked up by the board’s Ad Hoc Committee, would eliminate the district’s $3-plus million annual operating deficit, increase staffing to three firefighters in all district stations (two stations are currently staffed by only two people), increase the number of stations back to the eight that existed prior to last year’s closure of two, and place a paramedic on each of the engines. Paramedic services in the district are currently provided by American Medical Response as part of the company’s contract
“ My goal for the Sept. 12 meeting is for them to say yes, we are putting it on the ballot, and here’s the date.
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Fire Chief Hugh Henderson with Contra Costa County. The total price tag for the plan would be $16.7 million, twice the $8.2 million the district currently brings in. The district’s share of property taxes was established when fire service in the area was provided largely by volunteers. Plummeting property values have also severely impacted revenue. The district currently spends about $12 million per year. The difference is now made up by reserves, but those will run out by the middle of next year.
Fire Chief Hugh Henderson hopes to finalize the precise numbers before the board meets again. “My goal for the Sept. 12 meeting is for them to say yes, we are putting it on the ballot, and here’s the date,” Henderson said. “I’m hoping we can keep the (tax amount) under $200, and then work hard to inform the community and get those services in place as soon as possible.” The board also received a report from its Executive Committee (EC) showing just how bad things
could be if the new tax, which will require a two-thirds majority, doesn’t pass. That committee found that, based only on the money the district now receives, fire service would be drastically impacted. Staffing would drop from 48 personnel to 23, only four stations with two firefighters each would remain open to serve the 250-square mile district, and response times could increase to 10 to 12 minutes from the current eight. That scenario, decried as unworkable by virtually everyone, would probably result in higher fire insurance rates or possibly the cancellation of some policies. A number of speakers at Monday’s meeting noted that insurance increases could easily total more than the proposed parcel tax. see Fire page 15A
Residents get Out for safety’s sake by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer
Hundreds of residents around Brentwood and Antioch performed a rare feat Tuesday night – they went outside and broke bread with their neighbors. As part of National Night Out, a series of block parties held to raise crime awareness and promote neighborhood unity, communities came together in a celebration of safety. National Night Out is also a major promotional event for Neighborhood Watch, as block captains are usually the ones who plan the parties. Safety tips are shared and residents get to know each other so they can develop a keener eye for what belongs and what doesn’t. “I think it went quite well,” said Antioch Crime Prevention Commissioner Hans Ho. “It was as good or better than the last couple of years. People were all doing their part, and I want to see this tradition
Photo by Justin Lafferty
Brentwood residents Rob Clark, left, and Mark Wagner, center, speak with Brentwood Police Chief Mark Evenson during Tuesday’s National Night Out event. police chiefs and officers also made continue.” Brentwood saw 12 neighbor- their rounds, talking with residents hoods participate; Antioch 23. Par- about safety issues and sharing ties ranged from a small gathering ways neighbors can look out for of neighbors to barbecues attract- one another. Antioch City Councilman ing large groups. Dignitaries such as mayors, City Council members, Wade Harper, who bounced around
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to various parties, loved the oldtime feeling of watching neighbors barbecue, eat and talk with each other. “It warms my heart,” Harper said. “It seems like what you used to see on TV – Mayberry. Neighbors just coming out of the house and sharing a burger or sharing a Coke together. This means a lot.” For Randy Strauser, who helped organize the Deer Ridge National Night Out party in the Brentwood neighborhood of Deer Ridge, the event drew about a dozen neighbors and some children who played happily together. This is the second year that Strauser’s neighborhood has held a National Night Out party, and he feels a much closer bond to the people with whom he shares a street. “You have people who have lived on the same street for years and have not really gotten to know each other,” Strauser said. “It’s a great see Out page 15A
Plucky petition
go to news/press releases The city v. state battle over redevelopment bucks is about to hit the streets.
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August 5, 2011
History takes the helm
One special stop on the Delta Discovery Cruise itinerary provides a brush with some venerable vessels. Page 1B
The ransom of resources Two East County cities forked over a wad of cash to prevent the state from confiscating redevelopment funds. Page 3A
Loading the lanes
Harvest Park Bowl participates tomorrow in a nationwide effort to post a record roll. Page 19A Business ............................. 10B Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds ......................... 18B Cop Logs ............................17A East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 7A Food .................................... 12B Health & Beauty .............. 11B Milestones ........................ 15B Opinion ..............................16A Outdoors ............................. 4B Sports .................................19A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Flash dance
go to multimedia/videos Shoppers were treated to a Zumba flash mob that came out of nowhere.