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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 13, No. 50
District begins fire tax meetings by Rick Lemyre
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December 16, 2011
Modifying the monikers
Staff Writer
The first in a series of public meetings aimed at informing residents of the need for a new tax for fire service drew a small but inquisitive crowd in Discovery Bay on Monday. About 30 district residents turned out to hear a presentation from the East Contra Costa Fire Protection Chief Hugh Henderson, along with ECCFPD Board President Kevin Romick, board member Bob Kenny and Discovery Bay resident Bob Mankin. The session began with some sobering realities. Plummeting property values and a tax-sharing formula established in 1978 has prevented the district from keeping up with the increased demand for services. Two of the district’s eight stations were closed last year, and funds were eliminated for replacement engines, fire station maintenance, weed abatement programs and other preventative operations. Nevertheless, the district spent $2.8 million more than it took in last year, making up the difference with reserves. Those reserves, however, are about to
A new book traces how the names of East County towns and terrain have changed over the years. Page 1B
Fond farewell Photo by Richard Wisdom
East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Chief Hugh Henderson discusses the need for a new fire tax at the first of a series of public meetings planned for throughout the district. The meeting took place in Discovery Bay. run out. If additional revenue is not found, next July the district will be forced to close three more stations and lay off half its 48 firefighters, leaving three stations (one each in Brentwood, Discovery Bay and Oakley)
and 24 firefighters to protect the 250-squaremile district’s 105,000 residents. Following Henderson’s state-of-the-dis-
Brentwood is mourning the passing of a friend and former Chamber of Commerce manager. Page 7A
Putting their game face on
see Fire page 17A
Vasco Road improvements moving along by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer The first phase of improvements to one of East County’s most vital commuter routes has been completed, as local politicians recently celebrated the new safer drive on Vasco Road. Workers in November completed the installation of a concrete median barrier on a one-mile stretch of Vasco north of the Contra Costa County line. Work was also finished on the widened of southbound Vasco to provide a truck-climbing lane, eliminating the gap in existing truck climbing lanes along the road. Local officials feel that these improvements – one of three proposed stages of improvements on Vasco Road – will make for a safer commute between Brentwood and
Photo courtesy of Warren Lai
Workers have finished safety improvements on a one-mile stretch of Vasco Road just north of the Contra Costa/Alameda County line. Livermore. According to a press Piepho, roughly 20,000 cars utilize release from the office of Contra Vasco Road every day. “Anything we can do to imCosta County Supervisor Mary
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Lay of the land go to news/WebExtras!
A study of local ecology – with maps and photos – is now available for purchase.
prove quality of life in a safety environment for East County is quite a tribute,” said Brentwood Mayor and Contra Costa Transportation Authority commissioner Bob Taylor. “That is such an important artery to many East County residents.” Taylor was one of many dignitaries on hand for a recent grand-opening ceremony. Also in attendance were Piepho, Pittsburg Mayor Ben Johnson and representatives from the offices of Congressman Jerry McNerney, Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and Supervisor Federal Glover. “The installation of the concrete median barrier, in the section of road where the worst accidents see Vasco page 17A
Cyber security
go to news/press releases Burglars can now monitor social media sites for signs you’re not at home.
A youth football league cofounder’s battle against cancer has become a classic team effort. Page 19A Arts ....................................... 8A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ........................... 9B Cop Logs ............................ 14B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 5B Food ...................................... 6B Milestones .......................... 4B Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................19A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Glittering glide go to multimedia/videos
The Bethel Island Lighted Boat Parade put serious dazzle into the Delta.