WWW.THEPRESS.NET
Vol. 18, No. 14
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Teachers on parade raise spirits by Dawnmarie Fehr
April 3, 2020
Going On A Bear Hunt
Correspondent
Teachers from the Byron Unified School District took to the streets on Monday, March 30, to visit their students and families — from a safe distance of six feet or more. “This is our first day back, and we just want to show that we value our students and say hello as best we can,” said Discovery Bay Elementary Principal Pierre Laleau. “If that means driving in a caravan, then yes, we are doing it.” Teachers from all three schools in the Byron district wound their way through the streets of town in festively decorated cars during two different parades. The first parade was from Discovery Bay Elementary School and the second came from Timber Point Elementary School. Teachsee Parade page 22
Brentwood residents big and small are connecting in unique ways during COVID-19. Page 5
U-Pick Season Still On Track Photo by Tony Kukulich
Tina and Olivia Koenig were among the students and parents who waved from their yards as teachers and administrators from the Byron Union School District paraded in their cars through Discovery Bay, Monday, March 30.
Town, city changes amid shelter-in-place The cities of Oakley and Brentwood and the town of Discovery Bay have modified their daily operations amid the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order. DISCOVERY BAY Discovery Bay’s water and wastewater services are continuing uninterrupted, but recreational programs and facility rentals are currently suspended. Residents can start and stop water service, make payments, resolve account issues and report problems by calling 925-634-1131. Parks Currently, the community center, dog park and Slifer and Regatta parks are closed, as is the tot lot. A variety of other recreational amenity changes are also in place. The Cornell and Ravenswood
“ We’ll get through it. We provide essential services, water and wastewater … we take great pride in ensuring that those services will go uninterrupted.
”
Mike Davies, Town of Discovery Bay general manager Parks’ play structures, picnic areas (including tables and benches), water fountains and bathrooms are closed. The community center’s tennis courts, walking paths, open green space and community garden are open, although social distancing and gathering guidelines should be followed. Ravenswood Park’s walking path and open green space, along
SAVE NOW
with Cornell Park’s baseball field, walking paths, green space and basketball, pickleball and bocce courts, all remain open, but social distancing and gathering guidelines should be followed. Town meetings Board and committee meetings are continuing to be held but are closed to the public — although teleconference attendance and public comments are permit-
20% OFF ANY REPAIR FAIRVIEW HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC.
Connect with The Press!
Scan QR code with your mobile device.
Service • Repair • Installation
Contractor’s Lic. #533790 C-20
925-625-4963 • www.fairviewair.com
ted. The dial-in number will be posted on the meeting agenda at https://www.todb.ca.gov/. Internal operations Only one of 18 town employees is working from home, although safeguards are in place to keep in-office employees safe, said General Manager Michael Davies. Currently, public doors are locked and social-distancing requirements are being followed, with each employee at their respective working space. Increased in-office sanitation measures have also been implemented, Davies said. “We’ll get through it,” Davies said, referring to the ongoing crisis. “We provide essential services, water and wastewater, and people are not going to be happy if they don’t see Changes page 22
COVID Update
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
John Muir Health releases details about COVID-19 testing.
East County farmers say it’s business as usual despite the current shelter-in-place orders. Page 4
Gymnast Not Grounded
Olympic hopeful Ruben Padilla is home after his Utah training facility closed due to COVID-19. Page 16 Classifieds.............................19 Cop Logs................................15 Food ......................................12 Health & Beauty....................8 Milestones..............................6 Opinion..................................14 Pet of the Week...................10 Sports.....................................16
Courts Closed
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Contra Costa County continues court closures through April 30.