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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 10, No. 9
District sends 10-year fire tax to voters by Rick Lemyre Staff Writer The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) Board voted unanimously Monday to add a 10-year sunset clause to its proposed $197 annual parcel tax, and send it to the voters on June 5. The decision reverses a 6-3 straw vote on Feb. 6 to continue the tax indefinitely. Directors who had previously voted in favor of the openended tax said Monday that they still preferred a permanent fix to the district’s $2.8 million annual budget shortfall, but that feed-
back from the public clearly supported a sunset. “When I first took office, I made a promise to myself that I would not be like public officials who don’t listen to the public,” said ECCFPD Director and Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr. “My opinion is going to take second seat to that.” The tax will require a two-thirds majority to pass, and directors agreed with members of the public who spoke at the meeting that it would be difficult to reach that threshold even with
Big year for TOY
As Earth Day approaches, towns and communities around the globe are gearing up to get their green on. In Discovery Bay the process is already underway. “We are in the planning stages and the excitement and momentum is amazing,” said Discovery Bay General Manager Rick Howard. “This is a great event that will show the community how to be energy efficient,
conserve natural resources and do it in a way that is fun and educational.”
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Carriage return A local historical society aims to restore the treasured relic of a golden age. Pages 4A
Grappling with glory Photo by Fosster Gandrup
ristin Ortega, Byron Union School District’s Teacher of the Year, accepts her award Tuesday night from the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce. Read more on the first-grade teacher and 49er cheerleading coach on page 10A.
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Community prepares for Earth Day Staff Writer
March 2, 2012
The digital revolution has inspired throngs of writers to attain author status through self-publishing. Page 1B
see Fire Tax page 15A
by Ruth Roberts
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Held the day before the official commemoration on April 22, the Earth Day 2012 Town of Discovery Bay Family Festival is slated for April 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Slifer Park. The inaugural event – hosted in conjunction with the town and the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce – is free to the public and offers an abundance of opportunities for residents to celebrate the environment while paying it forward for future generations. Festivities include the plant-
Adams accolades go to news/WebExtras!
Find your favorite Adams middle schooler named to the Honor Society.
ing of 100 trees (donated by developer D.R. Horton) at various locations throughout the community, opportunities to work on the town’s groundbreaking wetlands project, a variety of kids activities such as crafts and games, and vendor booths featuring organic fruits and vegetables. Kids can also test their green thumbs by planting seeds in clay pots to take home – courtesy of the Discovery Bay Garden Club. see Earth Day page 15A
Foster care law go to news/press releases
New legislation aims to provide foster care youth with educational stability.
Five Liberty wrestlers compete under the bright lights of this weekend’s state tournament in Bakersfield. Page 18A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ........................... 9B Cop Logs ............................ 14B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 6B Food ...................................... 4B Health & Beauty ................ 5B Milestones .......................... 7B Opinion ..............................14A Sports .................................17A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Vetting Emily
go to news/WebExtras! Columnist Slim Randles documents high drama at the Mule Barn.