Support Our Troops & Vets! \1\f\NVV.thepress.net
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 16, No. 34
Sooners suspend Joe Mixon by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
Former Freedom High School football player Joe Mixon has been suspended by the University of Oklahoma football team for the upcoming season after he was charged with a misdemeanor count of acts resulting in gross injury, stemming from his alleged assault of a 20-year-old woman at an Oklahoma restaurant last month, the University of Oklahoma announced in a statement this week. ''As the university has demonstrated in the past, we are committed to winning the right way," Vice President for Athletics Joe Castiglione and head coach Bob Stoops said in a joint statement. ''As an example to others, OU sets the highest possible standards for its student athletes, coaches and staff." Mixon, who faces up to a year in prison if convicted, pleaded not
guilty to the charge during his arraignment in Cleveland County District Court on Monday. He was booked, but released on his own recognizance with an order to not have any contact with the victim in the case. ''As we have maintained from the beginning, it is our belief that Joe reacted instinctively after being racially slurred and physically assaulted by a highly intoxicated young woman and her male friend; ' said Mixon's attorney Kevin Finlay at the time the charges were announced last Friday. ''We strongly disagree with the series of events as portrayed by Norman PD. Justice knows no gender bias and we do not believe that Joe's actions were criminal in nature." According to the affidavit released by Oeveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburnl last Friday, Norman, Oklahoma Police officers were dispatched to Pickl-
Station 52 makes special house call
to the Norman Regional Hospi-
MIXON eman's Gourmet Cafe on July 25 on reports of an assault. Officers contacted the victim, as well as several witnesses, who stated that during a verbal altercation, an unknown black male, later identified as Mixon by at least two witnesses, punched the victim in the face, knocking her unconscious. The victim was transported
M
Got news? Connect with The Press! Scan QR code with your mobile device.
Got a tip, interesting photo or breaking news story for The Press? E-mail your information, name and contact number to editor@brentwoodpress.com, or call925-634-1441.
fractured jaw, fractured cheekbone, fractured sinus and fractured orbit, which caused a hematoma on the left eye. Police later viewed a surveillance video of the incident, which showed Mixon and the victim in a verbal altercation both outside and then inside of the business, according to the affidavit. After being pushed, Mixon allegedly lunged at the victim in an aggressive manner, leading with his head and with his right fist clenched by his side. The victim reacted by slapping Mixon with an open right hand, near his left ear. He then struck her on the left side of her face with his closed right fist, knocking her into a tabletop and then to the ground where she laid motionless. The victim told officers at the see Mixon page 34
City grant to fund fa~ade makeovers Staff Writer
embers of East Contra Costa Fi re Protection District Station 52 recently paid a visit to the kid s at Best of British Daycare and Preschoo l in Brentwood. The firefighters show ed th e kids how all of their equipment works and discu ssed h ow they protect the community during emergencies. The ch ildren had a blast and even got to try on a real f irefig hter jacket, which was a thrill even though it was a balmy East County summer afternoon.
All that jazz and more
tal where she was found to have a
by Kyle Szymanski
Photo courtesy of Elisabeth White
August 22, 2014
Some of Brentwood's downtown businesses may soon be getting mini makeovers. The city recently brought back its Downtown Fa~ade Improvement Grant Program, offering money to downtown businesses to improve the look of their shop fronts, which in turn spruces up the appearance of downtown. "Improving store fronts is one of the quickest, easiest and most visually dramatic ways to start changing the appearance of your downtown," said Economic Development Manager Alex Greenwood. ''A little bit of paint, a new sign or improvements to your physical fa~ade can make
Cast Your Vote!
a dramatic improvement in the look of your retail store front." Downtown businesses may apply for grants up to $2,500 or matching grants, which call for the city to pay for the first $2,500 in improvements and 67 percent of any additional costs. The city has allocated $5,000 for the 20 142015 fiscal year, but is hopeful more funds will be available in the coming years if enough businesses express interest in the program. Eligible improvements include exterior painting, new doors, windows, signs o r lighting. Businesses will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. "T he city wanted to play a supporting role to support the downtown retailers and restausee Grant page 34
Business smarts go to news/WebExtras! Contra Costa Commission for Women to host Women in Leadership panel.
The Brentwood Art, Wine & Jazz festival returns to The Streets of Brentwood. Page 6
This old house tells a story
The East Contra Costa Historical Society plans to host its annual barbecue in September. Page 5
Presence in the pool ~:;;;~~~~~
Heritage boys water polo players are ready for another stellar BVAL season. Page 21
Calendar .. .. ................... ........33 Classifieds ............. .. ..... ... .. ... 24 Comics .................. ..... .. .......... 16 Cop Logs .. .......... .............. ..... 32 Entertainment ... ... ......... .. ... .. 9 Food .......... .......... ...... .............. .8 Health & Beauty ................. 28 Milestones ............. ......... .. ... 11 Opinion .... .. .............. ............. 12 Sports .. ..... ................ ..... ...... .. 21
Safe and sound go to news/press releases New campaign to educate veterans about identity t heft prevention.