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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 1
Marina under new ownership
January 3, 2020
Dispensary Opens
by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
The Discovery Bay Marina and Yacht Harbor has changed hands. Local residents Joseph and Denise Eldam officially took ownership of the property on Thursday, Dec. 26 following negotiations with longtime owners, the Hofmann Company. The Hofmann Company has owned the marina since the community’s inception in 1968. The Eldams had explored other marina opportunities throughout Stockton and Alameda, but eventually decided upon a destination that allowed them to work where they live – and play. “The property was not officially on the market, but we approached the Hofmann Company and worked out a deal,” said Joseph. “They are very nice people, and it’s worked out nicely.” The Eldams have owned and operated a family business for over 33 years and moved to Discovery Bay 15 years ago from Alamo. The couple has six grown children, three of whom went to Excelsior Middle School and Liberty see Marina page 18
Antioch’s CoCo Farms recreational cannibis dispensary opens to the public. Page 5
New Year, New Laws
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Joseph and Denise Eldam are the new owners of the Discovery Bay Marina and Yacht Harbor. The Discovery Bay residents officially took over the business Dec. 26 from longtime owners the Hofmann Company.
Fire board reelects president, vice president by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) Board has reelected President Brian Oftedal and Vice President Stephen Smith to their officer positions for another one-year term. The unanimous vote was made during the board’s last meeting of the year, held on Dec. 11. “As the fire chief, I have had the privilege to work with President Oftedal and Vice President Smith for the past two years,” said ECCFPD Fire Chief Brian Helmick. “It’s good to see they both have the continued support from the other board members to maintain their positions as president and vice president. I believe with their leadership, the district will continue to advance as we work to address
“ As the fire chief, I have had the privilege to work with President Oftedal and Vice President Smith for the past two years. It’s good to see they both have the continued support from the other board members to maintain their positions as president and vice president.
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ECCFPD Fire Chief Brian Helmick our revenue and service level challenges.” Measure N, passed in November 2016, shifted the board’s composition from nine appointed members to the current makeup of five elected members. Only five candidates filed papers for the board’s first election that was scheduled for November 2018. All five were ap-
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pointed to the board negating the need for an election. “I am humbled and honored to once again be nominated, to serve as the East Contra Costa Fire Protection Board president,” Oftedal said. “I appreciate the trust and confidence that my fellow elected directors have placed in me. We have made some tremendous
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progress over this last year and it is exciting to start seeing some of the fruits of our labor. I am excited to continue working to improve public safety in East Contra Costa.” Securing an additional revenue stream for the perpetually underfunded district will likely be the board’s biggest challenge in the upcoming year. The district operates three stations to provide fire, rescue and emergency medical services for approximately 115,000 residents spread over 249 square miles of East Contra Costa County including Brentwood,Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Bethel Island, Knightsen and Morgan Territory. However, the district’s strategic plan, completed one year ago identifies the need for six stations to
2020 is ushering in some notable new laws dealing with rent, employment and more. Page 4
Jamboree Gold Winners
Heritage girls basketball wins West Coast Jamboree gold for second straight year. Page 11
see Board page 18
Calendar................................19 Classifieds.............................14 Cop Logs..................................9 Health & Beauty....................6 Legals ....................................15 Milestones..............................8 Adopt a Pet.............................7 Sports.....................................11
Service Day
Vasco Roadwork
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City of Antioch is offering Day of Service options for Martin Luther King Day.
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County Public Works will be working on Vasco and Camino Diablo roads.