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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 9, No. 23
Liberty Lions roar into the future by Ruth Roberts
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June 10, 2011
Waging war on cancer
Staff Writer
The conversation was meant to focus on academics, accomplishment and success, but for many at Ohmstede Field Friday night, the topic du jour was meteorological. “I’m trying to keep things brief because my goal is to finish before it rains,” said Liberty High School Principal Patrick Walsh. LUHSD Superintendent Jerry Glenn was on the same wavelength. “I’m going to speak quickly so we can beat the rain,” added Glenn. “But I will say that there is nothing wrong with public education, and to Sacramento I say: stabilize the economics and get the heck out of the way … As CEO of this organization, we are very proud of our product.” Despite the threatening clouds, Liberty’s class of 2011 got its ceremony, making it the school’s 109th grad group to carry diplomas off the stage. Amid the color and chaos of balloons and streamers, the graduates’ parents, family and friends celebrated with plenty of cheers, whistles and obligatory horns. In a nod to the entire student body, graduates who had participated in sports, drama
REMEMBER This weekend’s Relay For Life event will inspire us to celebrate, remember and fight back. Page 1B
Fire district answers call Photo by Kevin Bartram
Graduating Liberty High School senior Ashley Lucas marches onto Ohmstede Field sporting some eye-popping accessories. or multi-media classes – to name a few – were asked by Walsh to stand up and take a bow. And it wasn’t just the immediate grads who were honored. Alumni sitting in the audience
were acknowledged as part of Liberty’s illustrious history. see Lions page 17A
Longtime police chief prepares to say farewell by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
Press file photo
Discovery Bay’s popular police chief, Lt. Mike Burton, will be leaving July 1 for an assignment in Martinez. Blackhawk Chief of Police Lt. Alan Johnson will be Burton’s replacement.
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For five years he’s been the friendly cop on the beat. An often calming, sometimes imposing but always reassuring presence throughout Discovery Bay. So when news of Lt. Mike Burton’s impending transfer hit the streets this week, community reaction was understandably mixed. “Lt. Burton has been stellar in his service to Discovery Bay,” said CSD President Kevin Graves. “His quick wit is surpassed only by his quick response to our needs out here in East County. It has been a pleasure working with Mike. He will be missed by the citizens of Discovery Bay.” Beginning July 1, Burton will become the assistant investigations division commander for field operations in Martinez. His
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primary duties will be to oversee the day-today running of the investigations division, which includes – among other things – homicide and domestic violence cases. He will also maintain the part-time role he has held for the past 13 years as SWAT commander for the Sheriff’s Office. “Now I’ll be on call for a bunch of different things,” laughed Burton of his new position. “But this is a very good assignment and I was lucky to be chosen. The investigations people are the cream of the crop, really motivated, hard-working people. It’s a spot you have to earn and it’s going to be a new and challenging assignment.” During his tenure in Discovery Bay, Burton has dealt with a variety of policing and crime issues, but one of his biggest contribu-
Green thumb
go to news/WebExtras! A partnership between school and community has put down firm roots.
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District took steps to save itself from insolvency. Page 3A
Capacity for tenacity
A gritty comeback kept the Patriots’ hopes alive, but their playoff run struck out in extra innings. Page 21A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ......................... 10B Cop Logs ............................19A East County Life ................ 1B Food ...................................... 8B Health & Beauty ................ 6B Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................21A ravemotionpictures Brentwood 14 +
see Police page 17A
Dangerous days go to news/press releases
Parents are urged to help reduce teen roadway fatalities this summer.
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FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Tassel time
go to multimedia/videos Caps soared and crowds cheered as grads strode off the stage and into the future.