Y UR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
4th Feb. 1
Vol. 16, No. 6
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Equestrian star headed for Fresno State by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
When Discovery Bay teen Alexis Steele first jumped on a horse for riding lessons at age 4, it was only supposed to be a short ride. But she got hooked for life. That introductory jaunt marked the start of a lengthy journey that will soon take a new and significant turn. Alexis, the winner of numerous awards in recognition of her technical skills, recently signed her letter of intent to join Fresno State’s equestrian team. “I have wanted to go to
Fresno State since my freshman year,” she said. (When I went to visit the campus) I was like, ‘This is home; this is where I want to be.’” Alexis beat a path to Fresno State on the back of her own determination, and by now it is a path well-dotted with key victories, including the 2016 Appaloosa Horsemanship and Showmanship World Championships in Texas, and the European Appaloosa Bareback Championship in Germany. She is also a seven-time youth high-point champion. In scaling a succession of new heights in the sport, she has
February 9, 2018
Here Comes The Bride
Planning a wedding? We’ve got you covered in this week’s special edition. Page 1B
Press file photo
Alexis Steele of Discovery Bay is preparing to take her championship equestrian skills to Fresno State, which has the sixth-ranked team in the nation. also banked valuable experience to draw on in the new arena of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition. As a member of the Fresno State equestrian team, she’ll compete head-to-head against opponents with each getting 5
Peace Corps Legislation
minutes to acclimatize to a specific horse before showing it and putting it through unique maneuvers, under the watchful eye of judges evaluating how the competitors sit their mounts. see Equestrian page 26A
Bill named after Liberty grad Nick Castle offers protections for Peace Corps volunteers. Page 5A
Fire district projects budget savings Still Number “ The district’s projected
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District is on track to save $664,000 this year, said Fire Chief Brian Helmick at this week’s budget update. The bulk of the savings ($365,000) is the result of retirements and attrition. The district had budgeted for 39 personnel but saw a couple of members retire or move to other agencies, reducing the number to 35. “We are on course, and it looks like at year-end we will be under budget,” said Helmick, who indicated that the district’s staffing levels will remain at 35 for the foreseeable future. Another chunk of the savings ($240,000) stems from the long fire season, which reduced the cost of the district’s contract with Cal Fire to cover the Marsh Creek-Morgan Territory area. The state covers the cost of the Cal Fire station during fire season.
revenue for the year – $15 million – is expected to remain steady.
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Fire Chief Brian Helmick “The district’s projected revenue for the year – $15 million – is expected to remain steady,” Helmick said. An estimated $9.9 million will be spent on salary and benefits, while $2.4 million will be used on services and supplies in conjunction with covering city and county charges. The city and county charges include human resources and accounting services provided by the City of Brentwood; legal services provided by the law firm Hanson Bridgett LLP; and dispatch, fire inspection, permit approval and investigation services
provided by the neighboring Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Additionally, the district will put $800,000 toward a capital equipment fund, and $65,000 in a capital facilities account. The two accounts are used to pre-fund major facility maintenance and equipment replacement costs. The district will also pay $330,000 on one-time costs, including an expected $200,000 on a March election to determine if the ECCFPD Board of Directors should switch from nine members to five; $100,000 on special projects; and $20,000 on an other post-employment benefit (OPEB) actuarial study. OPEB benefits are received by an employee upon retirement, including health care and life-insurance premiums and deferred compensation. The budgeted special projects include strategic planning and funding studies and
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Activity Guide
see Fire District page 26A
One
Heritage High boys’ basketball team holds onto top spot after win over Pittsburg. Page 19A Calendar.............................27A Classifieds..........................22A Cop Logs.............................25A Entertainment..................10A Food.....................................11A Health & Beauty...............17A Milestones.........................12A Opinion...............................18A Pets......................................14A Sports..................................19A
Fresh Water Plan
New President
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Antioch plans to build a brackish water desalination plant on the San Joaquin River.
County Board of Education selects Fatima Alleyne, Ph.D., as new president.