YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
HAPPY September 3
Vol. 20, No. 35
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K-9 officer joins police force by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
The City of Brentwood will soon have a new officer patrolling the streets, one who speaks only Czechoslovakian. Blaq, (pronounced “Block”) a jetblack 15-month-old pure-bred German shepherd from Czechoslovakia, is preparing for his role as a K-9 officer with the Brentwood Police Department. Officer Ed Loss, who was recognized as the 2017 Officer of the Year, was selected in July to be Blaq’s handler, an assignment he’s enthused to take on. “The big reason that I wanted to get into the K-9 program is to bridge the gap between the police department and the community,” he said. “A lot of the time, there are folks who maybe haven’t had the best interaction with law enforcement or have had no interaction with law enforcement. So they’re a little nervous to be around
Living Life To The Fullest
cops. But I think everyone loves a dog. So it’s a great way to bridge that gap by going out to those community events, schools and meeting folks with the dogs and seeing the more human side of law enforcement ... That was a big motivator for me.” Expected to begin his official duties later this fall, Blaq lives with Loss. Together they train daily and will soon start the first of three 30-day intensive training sessions held in San Mateo County. Because Blaq only speaks Czech, Loss said he will learn to give commands in that language, and he’s using a smartphone app to help with the proper pronunciations. Their first session will focus on obedience for two weeks followed by building searches for another two weeks. Upon completion of the class, Blaq will take to the streets as Loss’ partner. “Blaq will be trained to track, do see K-9 page 18A
August 31, 2018
This week’s special edition offers tips, tricks and great ways to enjoy Living 50 Plus. Page 1B
Meet The City Manager
Photo by Tony Kukulich
K-9 officer Blaq is seen here with his partner Brentwood Police Officer Ed Loss. Once he completes his training, Blaq will join the police force as one of two K-9 officers.
Gus Vina, Brentwood’s city manager, shares the inside scoop on working at city hall. Page 7A
The Fire district may charge for certain services Hitting Gridiron by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District may begin charging to provide on-scene help during water rescues, vehicle incidents, hazardous material releases and illegal fires. The proposal, which could be adopted at the agency’s Sept. 10 board meeting, calls for the district to levy fees against individuals or their insurance companies based on working time and complexity. The suggested costs range from $448 an hour (per engine) for folks responsible for starting illegal fires, up to $2,240 an hour for other complex incidents. The prices rise as additional services are provided, and additional fees
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“ This is right in the thread of trying to kick over every rock to ensure we explore every opportunity to bring revenue into the district.
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Fire Chief Brian Helmick could be tacked on if supplemental crews, equipment or an air ambulance are needed. The fees would likely be waived for individuals who have died or demonstrate financial hardship. “This is right in the thread of trying to kick over every rock to ensure we explore every opportunity to bring revenue into the district,” said Fire Chief Brian Helmick. The fees are allowed under
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the Fire Protection District Law of 1987, which allows districts to charge for services they are empowered to perform if they have inadequate revenue to render assistance. The district, which covers 249 square miles and over 114,000 residents, has diminished from eight stations in 2008 to three today. The agency already charges a separate set of fees to provide medical aid.
Last chance! Cast your votes for Brentwood’s 2018 Best! See page 11A. www.thepress.net/bob_ballot
An estimated 20 percent of the district’s over 7,500 yearly calls would fall into the new fee category, garnering the agency less than $100,000 a year. “The chief has talked about turning over every rock (to find additional funds),” said Fire Board President Brian Oftedal. “I think that is what the community has been asking for over and over.” If approved, it’s expected the district would likely enter into an agreement with Fire Recovery USA, regarded as the nation’s leading provider of incident cost recovery. The company serves 971 departments in 42 states. Oftedal, an Oakland Fire see Fire page 18A
Pets Of The Week www.thepress.net/living/adopt_a_pet
PT ADO E P A T
Looking to give a dog or cat their forever home? Check them out this week online.
It was a mixed bag of wins and losses this week for local high school football. Page 13A Breaking News.................10A Calendar............................. 15B Classifieds..........................16A Entertainment.................... 9A Food....................................... 8A Kid Scoop ............................2A Legals..................................17A Milestones.........................12A Sports..................................13A
AUSD Honors www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Antioch Union School District set to honor 16 of its exceptional teachers.