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Vol. 13, No. 34
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Locals sound off about Walmart by Rick Lemyre
“ Walmart would eat the
Allowing a Walmart store to open in Brentwood would sound the death-knell to the newly revitalized downtown area, residents told the City Council Tuesday, vowing to fight any attempt for the megaretailer to locate in the city. Reacting to word that owners of the Sciortino property at Brentwood Boulevard and Sand Creek Road – the site of last month’s Brentwood CornFest – were conducting talks with Walmart, residents voiced their objections during the public comment period at Tuesday’s council meeting. Chris Flores accused Walmart of a litany of objectionable business practices, ranging from low wages, under-representation of women in management positions, and destroying competitors by undercutting their prices. “This is very concerning,” he said. “Walmart is not a fit for this community.” City manager designate Paul Eldredge said that although no formal application had been received, the property has already been approved for a big-box store, and discussions about possible tenants
downtown alive. It doesn’t make sense.
Staff Writer
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Donna Spencer have included Costco and Target as well as Walmart. According to comments made by current City Manager Donna Landeros at a Chamber of Commerce event last week, however, Costco has opted out of coming to Brentwood so as not to interfere with sales at stores in Antioch and Tracy. Target has shown some renewed interest in coming to Brentwood, although other sites within the city are also being scrutinized. Eldredge confirmed that talks between the property owners and Walmart are ongoing, but added that it’s premature to say it will be Walmart that occupies the location. “Until we see a sign on the building, nothing is for certain,” Eldredge said. Either way, he said, the decision as to which tenant is eventually chosen is not up to
the city. Because the property has already been approved for a big-box retailer, the issue will not need to come back to the City Council unless a modification is needed to the conditions already approved, Eldredge said. If an application is brought forward, it will only need design review approval from the Planning Commission. Any appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision either way, however, would come before the council. Resident Donna Spencer expressed concerned about what a Walmart would do to a downtown area currently in the final stages of a multi-million dollar overhaul that includes a new civic center and downtown streetscape. “Walmart would eat the downtown alive,” Spencer said. “It doesn’t make sense.” The city should be supportive of small businesses, she added, and not approve competition that could turn the city into a “Walmartized leviathan that eats its own.” Representative of the property owners could not be reached for this story. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
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August 26, 2011
Breaking the huddle
Our BVAL Football Preview gives you an insider’s take on the upcoming high school gridiron season. Page 1B
Called to compassion Brentwood elementary students were inspired and challenged by the legacy of an extraordinary girl. Page 8A
Water wizards set their goals
Services set for former Brentwood mayor by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
Longtime Brentwood resident and former mayor Roger Moore passed away Aug. 16 following a lengthy illness. He was 74. The popular politician and local businessman sat on the Brentwood City Council in the 1980’s and served as mayor from 1984-86. He was a member of the Tri-Delta Transit Board and sat on a number of other community boards. “He was an exemplary man who had a real and true concern for Brentwood,” said Mayor Bob Taylor. “He was a kind man and supported me in my endeavors, but he’d
ROGER MOORE AUG. 13, 1937-AUG. 16, 2011 tell you how it was. In other words you had to work for his vote, which I thought was
very fair.” Former councilwoman Barbara Guise remembers Moore as a man who put people and family first. “Roger helped a lot of people over the years and he did it without making a big deal out of it,” said Guise. “He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and a lovely family. He will be missed.” Longtime friend Steve Hendrickson agreed. “Roger was a fine man who dedicated his life to helping others,” said Hendrickson. “He has been a good friend over the years.” For many, it was his compassion and generosity of spirit that many believe will be Moore’s lasting legacy.
“He meant the world to me,” said former Brentwood resident Kevin Atwater, who first met Moore and his family in the late 1990’s when Atwater was launching a music career. “I first met him through his son Jason. One night he walked up to me at the bowling alley and out of the blue offered to help finance my music. He was a very positive, caring person. His passing leaves a big hole in my heart.” Moore leaves behind his wife Pat and son Jason. A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Shadow Lakes Golf Club, 401 West Country Club Drive in Brentwood. To comment, visit www. thepress.net.
Which high school water polo teams will be plying the sweet waters of success? Check out our preview. Pages 23-24A Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds .........................27A Entertainment ................. 22B Football Preview ............... 1B Food .................................... 20B Health & Beauty .............. 18B Milestones ........................20A Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................23A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A