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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 9, No. 20
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May 20, 2011
The lure of Point Lobos
Mitigation Lido skies funds to be terminated by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer Effective July 1, Discovery Bay – along with other east county municipalities – will no longer receive revenue from the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund (KCMF) to pay for its advisory duties. But while Discovery Bay officials say the development will make little impact on the community, neighboring towns might not be so lucky. “We are fortunate that from a financial standpoint we have another source of revenue (to replace the KCM funds),” said Discovery Bay General Manager Rick Howard. “But it’s certainly going to impact some of the other communities.” see Funding page 19A
The jewel in California’s coastal crown lies within easy striking distance of East County. Page 1B
Paying it forward ress photographer Richard Wisdom captured this striking concoction of sunset-tinged clouds – some disgorging a rose-hued spray of rain – over Lido Bay last week. Although many Discovery Bay residents are itching for more recreation-friendly weather, the spring of 2011 hasn’t lacked for aesthetic appeal.
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A Chamber of Commerce donation gave the town’s schools a big boost. Page 3A
Battle of track titans
Grant could ease student traffic at Heritage by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer
A federal grant, approved, will ease traffic congestion on Heritage High School’s main thoroughfare by paying for a traffic light at American Avenue outside the student parking lot. At a recent meeting of the East County transportation improvement board TRANSPLAN, board members voted in favor of using a $726,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Committee as part of the Caltrans Safe Routes to School Program. The board has until May 26 to submit the project to the committee, which has until the end of the month to give it preliminary approval. If the Federal Highway Administration OKs the plan by Aug. 31, the board can start working
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Photo by Richard Wisdom
Traffic congestion at Heritage High School could be eased soon, as a local transportation improvement board has voted to place a traffic light at the intersection of the student parking lot and American Avenue. on the design to submit to Caltrans – a process with a Feb. 1, 2012 deadline. “It’s been an ongoing, major need,” TRANSPLAN chairman Brian Kalinowski said. “Having signalized lights
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is going to create a better traffic flow.” Installation of a traffic signal will cost roughly $300,000 and take about a year, if everything is approved on time. The grant will also fund the
Club charisma go to news/WebExtras!
Capt. Jon Bloom debunks the elitist connotations of “yacht club.”
replacement of 66 solar-powered crosswalk lights in Brentwood, an $85,000 project, as well as closure of a sidewalk cap adjacent to Marsh Creek Elementary School, which will cost about $50,000. The rest of the $726,000 grant will go toward the 511 Contra Costa East County Bicycle/Pedestrian Program, which improves access for bikes and pedestrians around schools. Measure J money would also contribute to the 511 program, which includes bicycle and pedestrian road safety programs at local middle and elementary schools, as well as safety assemblies. The cash from Measure J would satisfy the 11.47 percent in matching funds necessary for the project’s approval. “It gets very congested in see Traffic page 19A
Heritage and Deer Valley slugged it out in a nail-biting track and field championship meet. Page 23A Business ............................... 5B Calendar ............................ 19B Classifieds ......................... 13B Cop Logs ............................21A East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 9B Food .................................... 10B Health & Beauty ................ 6B Milestones .......................... 8B Opinion ..............................20A Sports .................................23A ravemotionpictures Brentwood 14 +
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FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Water wonderland Towering talent go to news/press releases
The Antioch WaterPark invites you to experience a Tropical Summer.
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Mic Gillette of Tower of Power performed with Liberty High’s jazz band.