YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 20, No. 49
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City urged to address homeless
December 7, 2018
To Dreaming of a white Christmas Heading Disney World
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The Brentwood City Council faces increasing pressure from homeless advocates and county officials to declare a homeless crisis within the city boundaries to ensure city residents are eligible to receive state aid anticipated to be allocated to the county to address the problem. The formal declaration is required by the state in all jurisdictions where potential funding will be expended. Some months ago, the council opted not to adopt the resolution, instead directing City Manager Gus Vina to prepare a letter of support for the county and any cities seeking funds. That decision, in part, came as one homeless count estimated Brentwood’s 2018 homeless population at 35, a number councilmembers didn’t perceive as a crisis. The move, however, has drawn the ire of the county’s homeless advocates, who say see Homeless page 30
One local little girl got the gift of a lifetime thanks to the Make-AWish Foundation. Page 5
Documenting City’s Growth Photo by Tony Kukulich
T
he City of Brentwood celebrated the season with the annual tree lighting at city hall, Nov. 30. The festive event featured a visit from Santa, dancing, music and even some snow. “The Brentwood Christmas Tree Lighting was a magical experience with one of the largest crowds we have ever had in attendance,” said Bruce Mulder, director of parks and recreation for the City of Brentwood. “This event truly showcases how wonderful it is to live in this amazing city.” For more photos, see page 20. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
Liberty High art students depict Brentwood’s growth and change with new mural project. Page 4
Taking It To The Finals
Changing responses to school threats by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
Early this year, 19-year-old Oakley resident Tristan Amir Curl made a series of threats against students and staff at Freedom High, and while he was arrested without incident, the potential for violence underscored the need for training and preparation to deal with activeshooter or intruder circumstances on school grounds. At the same time, the Brentwood Police Department (BPD) was working with the Liberty Union High School Dis-
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“ ALICE is option-based. In the past, teachers have been taught basically one thing, and that’s lockdown: turn off the lights, shut the door, lock the door and, sometimes, get under a desk. We need to do more things with how we’re training our teachers to react.
”
Brentwood Police Officer Mitch Brouillette trict and the Brentwood Union School District to implement a program called ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) intended to teach
school personnel the latest strategies for responding to a deadly threat on campus. “ALICE is option-based,” explained BPD Officer Mitch
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Brouillette. “In the past, teachers have been taught basically one thing, and that’s lockdown: turn off the lights, shut the door, lock the door and, sometimes, get under a desk. We need to do more things with how we’re training our teachers to react.” Brouillette, a school resource officer (SRO) at Heritage High School, said that on his first day as an SRO he began planning how he would respond to a threat on campus. However, he soon realized that the school staff did not know how to face
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Activity Guide INSIDE
Check out this year’s candy map to see each state’s favorite holiday treat.
Freedom defeats Cal High to advance to third straight NCS championship game. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................26 Cop Logs................................29 Education ..............................6 Entertainment.....................13 Food........................................12 Health & Beauty..................16 Milestones............................14 Pets...........................................8 Sports.....................................21
Rail Conflict
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Assemblymember Jim Frazier releases statement on High Speed Rail Authority.