Discovery Bay Press_02.15.13

Visit Your Hometown Website www.thepress.net

YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Vol. 11, No. 7

Community center free this month

February 15, 2013

stuff Candyman takes stage Green scrutinized

by Ruth Roberts

From investments to tax tips, our Money Matters section keeps you in the black. Page 1B

Staff Writer The ink is barely dry on the escrow papers, but the official – and symbolic – transfer of the town’s Athletic Club to the new Discovery Bay Community Center is already underway.

Now through the end of February, prior customers and new users can visit the community center – formerly the Discovery Bay Athletic Club – and enjoy a workout for free.

“All residents of Discovery Bay are invited to visit their new community center in February and use the facilities free of charge,” said General Manager Rick Howard. “We’re trying to encourage and welcome residents to the center.”

Then, beginning in March and running through the end of June, current customers and new users can enjoy the amenities of the club such as the tennis courts and weight room per the rates of the previous Athletic Club. When the new fiscal year begins in July, the town will establish a new rate schedule featuring an à la carte approach to the community center programs. Some classes and programs will also be offered free of charge.

“We respect their loyalty,” said Howard of the current

rs

Na t

ward Winning News al A pa

pe

ion

Crustacean sensation

Photo courtesy of Helen Dixon

D

iscovery Bay residents Nick Teixeira and Shelby Rinehart play the lead characters Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket, respectively, in the Liberty High School Playmakers upcoming presentation of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Performances are slated for Feb. 22, 23 and March 1, 2 ,7 and 8 at 7 p.m.; March 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale online at www.libertyunion.schoolwires.net/playmakers and will be available at the door 45 minutes before showtime.

The Discovery Bay Lions Club throws its Crab Feed blowout next weekend. Page 6A

Gender bias gets thrown

see Free page 22A

LUHSD names Graduates of Distinction Craig Bronzan, director of the Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department, was recently selected as a Liberty Union High School District Graduate of Distinction.

Photo courtesy of the Liberty Union High School District

Three Liberty Union High School District (LUHSD) graduates have been selected by the LUHSD Graduates of Distinction Committee to receive recognition for leading lives that remain true to the core values taught at their schools. As 2013 Graduates of Distinction honorees, J. Douglas Adams, Craig Bronzan and Capt. Nicholas M. Eslinger will be honored at a reception held April 26 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill, 144 Oak St. in Brentwood. Members of the community are encouraged to attend the reception to honor these individuals.

Dr. J. Douglas Adams Dr. J. Douglas Adams graduated

Jobs for vets Connect with The Press!

Scan QR code with your mobile device.

from Liberty High School in 1968 and has received many honors as an excellent educator and community leader.

After graduating from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of California and Doctor of Education degree from the University of La Verne. Adams rose through the ranks in education and in 1991 succeeded Bill Bristow to become the Superintendent of the Brentwood Union School District – at the time one of the fastest-growing school districts in California.

go to news/press releases A government program helps unemployed veterans rejoin the workforce.

see Graduates page 22A

Franchise player go to news/WebExtras!

A free session explores the ambitious world of business ownership.

A Liberty wrestler is proving that grappling with a girl is no small challenge. Page 17A Arts ....................................... 8A Calendar ............................ 11B Classifieds ........................... 7B Cop Logs ............................ 10B Entertainment ................... 9A Food ....................................12A Health & Beauty ..............10A Milestones ........................15A Money Matters .................. 1B Opinion ..............................14A Sports .................................17A

Grant savvy go to news/press releases Learn how to create an evaluation plan for an effective grant proposal.

10A

|

THEPRESS.NET

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Unraveling the mysteries of Medicare Being a daughter of a senior parent is a great joy, but one of the most confusing things is the ins and outs of Medicare.

I called an expert and this is what I learned: The basics SENIOR are broken down into four categories. Part ORNER A covers hospital services. If you paid into Social Security through your working career, were in a government job or teaching, this plan is usually free and covMARLA ers 80 percent of the LUCKHARDT approved Medicare amount of inpatient services such as hospital and rehabilitation home stays.

Part B covers outpatient services such as doctor visits plus physical and occu-

C

pational therapy requiring no overnight stays. Part B costs $104.90 per month (the new rate as of Jan. 1) and is deducted from your Social Security check. That covers 80 percent of the approved Medicare costs.

Part C includes Medicare Advantage plans. This is a follow-the-bouncing-ball story, so I’ll try to keep it simple. In Plan C, you can assign your Medicare benefits to someone such as Kaiser, SCAN or Secure Horizon, which becomes your Medicare provider. Your Medicare payment of $104.90 is still taken out of your Social Security, but an additional payment is assessed to cover other benefits. These plans can be purchased through an agent or online. Your Advantage plan puts you in the driver’s seat – you can choose your medical group and/or doctor.

Part C works like an HMO in the sense that your primary-care physician refers

you to specialists. Now here comes another bouncing-ball detail: In order to enroll for Part C, you must belong to A and B. The newest Medicare category, Part D, covers your medicines. It can be used in conjunction with Part C – as log as you belong to A and B. Leah McIntosh, who has been working for HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) since 1999, is my source of information. HICAP is a volunteer-based Medicare counseling program that (in addition to many other services to seniors) conducts a 2½-hour presentation that explores the basics of Medicare and related coverage.

You needn’t be 65 to participate in Leah’s classes. If you’re responsible for a senior or simply wish to educate yourself on the ins and outs of the Medicare system, this is perfect for you … and apparently me!

The free program is offered usually on the third Wednesday of the month from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Liberty Adult Education Center, 929 Second St. Classes are free of charge but preregistration is required. Call 925-634-2565. A minimum of eight must attend for Leah to hold the class. More program information can be found by calling 800-510-2020 or visiting www.cchicap.org.

I plan on attending one of Leah’s classes, not only to learn more about how I can help my mom but to be prepared for myself. I’m not that far from applying for Medicare, and Leah makes something that sounds like alphabet soup understandable as well as interesting – and even fun.

Marla Luckhardt is a Discovery Bay resident and member of the East Contra Costa Senior Coalition. She works with several local senior care and advocacy groups.

To contact her, e-mail marla2054@aol.com.

Shape up with exercise for your best year ever

by Kiki Powers Natural Health Solutions What if you learned, as you embrace this promising new year, that you never needed to diet again? Imagine being moderate in your intake of greasy foods and sticky desserts and becoming more fit and energized by doing only one other thing. Well, that one thing is exercise.

The good news is that once you become consistent in some type of daily fitness, you’ll see your resolve strengthen right along with your muscles.

Don’t leave it to chance Like many worthwhile endeavors, exercise should be scheduled. Treat it like a valuable appointment that you calendar each week, even if it’s 20 minutes of crunches and squats at home.

FEBRUARY MIXER February 26 6:00 pm at Aladino’s Pizza 1555 Riverlake Road Hosted by

Discovery Bay Lions Bring your business cards to meet your neighbors and business prospects!

DBCOC President - Chris Middleton 478-0929 For info on Mixers - Ruvini Arseculeratne (310) 291-3929 Info on joining our great Chamber - Nic Mutulo 684-1001 New Hotline phone number! - (925) 235-0987 www.DiscoveryBayChamber.com our corporate sponsor

Thank you for your support in our local community and remember: SHOP LOCAL!

Mix it up You’ll get better results by combining a range of activities, such as weightlifting, stretching and multiple forms of cardio such as biking, jogging, hiking or swimming.

Weave it in During busy times, when you can’t make it to the gym or a favorite class, you can still incorporate fitness. Simply taking the stairs, parking at the far end of the lot or doing a

few sit-ups while you watch the news add up in your favor.

Keep it fun Yes, fitness can be fun. The trick is determining what will best engage you. If you enjoy peace and solitude, then walking, running or exercise DVDs at home might work well.

If you prefer company, fitness outings with friends or group classes might appeal to you.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

22A

|

THEPRESS.NET

FEBRUARY 15, 2013

COMMUNITY

Antioch crime rate stirs concern over staffing

by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer The need for more cops became glaringly clear to the Antioch City Council Tuesday night following Antioch Police Chief Alan Cantando’s presentation on the state of the department and crime statistics in the city.

Violent crime cases increased 30 percent in 2012, from 818 in 2011 to 1068 in 2012, while total property crimes jumped 23 percent (by 884 cases) for a total of 4,757 last year. Arson cases were the only type to decline, dropping by five in 2012 to 51.

“To look at the data you provided is scary,” said City Councilman Tony Tiscareno. “We need to do something about this.”

Meanwhile, staffing levels – due to budget cuts – continue to plague the department, which stands currently at 1995 levels.

Although the department is authorized to employ 122 sworn positions, it’s working with a staff of 89 – one more than the department employed in 1995 when Antioch’s population was 29,000, requiring

Free from page 1A and new customers. “And as we move ahead with our plans, we want them to be a part of it.”

In the interim, the longtime facility is getting a little TLC, including acid and power washing to the outside of the building, plus general housekeeping and clean-

Graduates from page 1A In 2003 he was selected as Superintendent of the Year for Northern California by his colleagues.

Adams served the Brentwood Union School District and community until his retirement in 2006. In July of that year, the BUSD Board of Education opened the J. Douglas Adams Middle School. Since his retirement, Adams has served as a mentor to new superintendents and as an advisor to California school districts. He is also enjoying his retirement by spending time with his wife, Jackie, and their family.

Craig Bronzan Craig Bronzan graduated from Liberty High School in 1974, and is currently the director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Brentwood.

Craig has spent more than 35 years in

34,000 fewer responses to calls for service annually.

“I don’t think people realize how much we have lost,” said City Councilmember Mary Rocha, who has served in the city’s government for more than 30 years.

In comparison, the cities of Concord, Fairfield and Richmond, all similar in size to Antioch, staff 151, 119, and 185 officers, respectively.

The effects of the staffing shortage were felt far and wide in 2012. The department made 652 fewer arrests last year than in 2011, a decrease of 13 percent, and response times increased across the board.

In 2012, it took officers an average of 11 minutes, four seconds from the time a high-priority call was received to the time they arrived, an increase of two minutes from 2011 and three minutes from 2010.

The time it took an officer to arrive to a call once it was dispatched also increased by 33 seconds to five minutes, 40 seconds in 2012.

“Eleven minutes isn’t long if you’re taking a coffee break, but if there’s a fight or something, you’re going to want officers there right away,” Cantando said.

All the while, the number of level-one calls, which the department classifies as the highest priority, increased by 11 percent to 8,805 last year compared to 7,906 the year before. The total number of calls, however, increased only 0.8 percent.

“What I’m hearing,” said Cantando, “is that people are calling but not getting the assistance they need.”

In a sign of how difficult it is to attract officers to the force, Cantando revealed that the department examined an average of 92 lateral/academy graduate applicants and 464 trainee applicants for every one hired in each category in 2012. In total, the department hired two lateral officers, two academy graduates and one trainee last year.

“This shows the public just how many people have to go through the process to get someone at the other end,” Cantando said.

The general consensus among the council and members of the public in attendance Tuesday was that the council and residents need to work together to bring officers to the force. “It’s time to start thinking outside the box,” said resident Mary Smith.

In response to the rising crime rate,

Cantando unveiled separate staffing wish lists if the department were to increase sworn staff levels to the status-quo number of 123 or 144 – the number recommended by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Under both plans, Cantando intends to bring back the school resource program and traffic division, and dedicate sworn staff to handle problem solving and crime prevention in the community, plus homicide investigations, professional standards and other administrative duties.

The question left unanswered, however, was how the city would pay to beef up the force. It would cost $6.8 million to bring it back up to 144 sworn officers, and $3.6 million to bring it back to the status quo of 123.

“None of this is really new,” said City Councilman Gary Agopian. “This is what keeps us up at night.”

A community forum to discuss crime in the community is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. in Beede Auditorium at Antioch High School.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

up to the interior. The swimming pool is also getting a makeover: new pumps, filters and a heating system are being installed.

Howard expects the pool to be ready for the swim season in a few months.

The first scheduled event at the community center will be an Earth Day celebration on April 20. The annual gather-

ing will feature local vendors, food and activities for residents of all ages, capped off with a concert in the park.

“We’re anticipating many fun activities,” said Community Center Committee Member Jim Mattison. “From free music, games, vendors and a farmers’ market outdoors to a variety of great classes and in-

struction indoors.”

The Community Center Committee meets regularly and is open to the public.

The next scheduled meeting is Monday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the town offices, 1800 Willow Lake Road. For more information, call 925-634-1131.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

the parks and recreation profession. He was recognized by the California Park and Recreation Society as the District V Outstanding Professional in 1993, and received a Professional Citation Award in 2003. He also received the Outstanding Professional Award by the California Association of Park and Recreation Board and Commission Members in 2007.

Bronzan has served on statewide governing boards for the California Park and Recreation Society, the League of California Cities, and is an emeritus board member of the Pacific Southwest Maintenance Management School. He has authored several articles and manuals in Parks and Recreation, and is an invited speaker at professional trainings and conferences.

He considers himself fortunate to be hired as the City of Brentwood’s first Parks and Recreation director and is

proud of his work in the community, including securing the Joint Use Agreements between the City of Brentwood and local school districts, which provide for common use of pools, gyms and sport fields. His professional life is dedicated to making Brentwood a good place to live, and his contributions are evident throughout the community.

determination” and “incredible bravery” when he threw himself on a live grenade while on patrol in Iraq. His action saved six soldiers under his command from injury or death.

Eslinger is the first Freedom High graduate to receive the Silver Star (in 2008), the third highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to any person serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces. He received the Nininger Award in 2009 for displaying a selfless act of heroism in combat.

Eslinger also served as platoon leader with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan, and is currently Commander of C Company, 1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment in Fort Hood, Texas.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

Capt. Nicholas M. Eslinger U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas M. Eslinger was named the Jack Ferrill Athlete of the Year when he graduated from Freedom High School in 2002, but no one at the time could have imagined his potential.

In 2007 he graduated from West Point as an infantry officer, and in 2008 demonstrated what has been described as “exceptional gallantry,” “unsurpassed

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 2208, Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 622-4970 Date of Filing Application: February 5, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: The Name(s) of the Applicant(s) is/are: Vibhati Foods Corp The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to sell alcoholic beverages at: 1555 Riverlake Rd Ste G Discovery Bay, CA, 94505 Type of license(s) Applied for: 41-OnSale Beer And Wine - Eating Place Brentwood Press No. 02-1273/57542 Publish Date(s): February 15, 2013.

YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On February 22, 2013, at 10:00 AM, AT THE COURT STREET ENTRANCE TO THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 725 COURT STREET CORNER OF MAIN and COURT STREET, in the City of MARTINEZ, County of CONTRA COSTA, State of CALIFORNIA, REGIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION, a California corporation, as duly appointed Trustee under that certain Deed of Trust executed by NICK RODRIQUEZ AND CARMEN A RODRIQUEZ, HUSBAND AND WIFE, as Trustors, recorded on 8/8/2006, as Instrument No. 2006-0250766-00, of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of CONTRA COSTA County, State of CALIFORNIA, under the power of sale therein con-

tained, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, for cash, or cashier’s check (payable at the time of sale in lawful money of the United States) without warranty express or implied as to title, use, possession or encumbrances, all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it as such Trustee, in and to the following described property situated in the aforesaid County and State, to-wit: TAX PARCEL NO. 035-323-023-8 From information which the Trustee deems reliable, but for which Trustee makes no representation or warranty, the street address or other common designation of the above described property is purported to be 4914 EDGEWOOD COURT, OAKLEY, CA 94561. Said property is being sold for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, including fees and expenses of sale. The total amount of the unpaid

principal balance, interest thereon, together with reasonably estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale is $309,850.06. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding

liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800-542-2550 for informa-

tion regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this Internet Web site www.rtrustee. com, using the file number assigned to this case. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c), the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one or more of the following methods: by telephone,

by United States mail; either 1st class

or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by e-mail; by face to face meeting or the borrower has surrendered the property to the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent and that the compliance with Civil Code Section 2923.5 was made at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of this Notice of Sale. Dated: 1/25/2013 REGIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION, Trustee By: MARILEE HAKKINEN, AUTHORIZED AGENT Agent for Trustee: AGENCY SALES AND POSTING 3210 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92602 Telephone Number: (800) 5422550 Sale Information: (714) 730-2727 or http://www.rtrustee.com A-4354791 02/01/2013, 02/08/2013, 02/15/2013 The Oakley Press No:03-0477/57356 Publish Dates: February 1, 8, 15, 2013.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee’s Sale No. 05-FWA- 122878 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 8/1/2006. UNLESS