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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 18, No. 19
Making masks, creating joy by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Whether you believe in their efficacy or not, face masks have become a part of our daily lives. An internet search will show that most manufacturers are sold out of masks for weeks. Even entrepreneurial-minded individuals who have begun making and selling masks are having trouble filling orders as local stores run out of fabric and elastic. But one woman in Discovery Bay has been turning out 35 to 45 masks per day and can’t seem to stop the supplies from showing up. Each mask she makes is donated to anyone who asks for one. “I’m not asking for this, people are just bringing me fabric,” Toni Hill said of her new day job. “I have a case of beautiful fabric
from different people, the community has just given me so much fabric.” Hill never intended to make masks, and when the shelter-inplace orders initially came through in March, she swore she wouldn’t get out her sewing machine. Instead, the group exercise trainer set up a Facebook page where she could continue to offer classes to anyone who tuned in. According to Hill, God had another plan for her talents. “I was doing all my live Facebook workouts, and that’s what I was pouring all my time and energy into,” she said. “Then I got to a point where I couldn’t do that.” Near the end of March, Hill hurt her back. She tried resting it but could not get enough range of see Masks page 20
Sewing For Community Photo courtesy of Toni Hil
Discovery Bay resident Toni Hill has been making face masks to donate to those in need. The fabric for the masks has been donated from members of the community.
by Aly Brown Staff Writer
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Along with an abundance of cherries, frequent reminders to maintain social distancing are evident as U-pick season gets going at Nunn Better Farms in Brentwood, Wednesday, May 6. from the epicenter — Santa Clara County — are OK to come here in mass,” resident David Kramer said. “Either lift the (shelter-in-place) or we tell the folks from out of town to
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stay home and buy (cherries) at the store this year.” Several others echoed Kramer’s sentiment on the Facebook thread. “I don’t think the guidelines are
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Taking A Spin On The Wheel
Oakley resident appears as a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune.” Page 10
U-pick season causes controversy The county’s greenlight for Upick farms to open this season has caused a stir of controversy within the community, but many local farmers stand firm in their decision to open. The Contra Costa Department of Agriculture issued approval along with guidelines for maintaining a healthy environment on U-pick farms opening for the 2020 cherry season in Brentwood. But the announcement posted on The Press’ Facebook page April 28 elicited a flood of comments, with many wondering why the activity would be allowed with the current shelter-inplace order being extended through the end of May — especially given the number of out-of-town customers the season draws. “So we extended the (shelterin-place), and folks can’t go to work to support their families but people
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enough,” wrote Shari Ann. “Why are kids allowed to go pick cherries without masks but they can’t go to school? Maybe limit one person per household so there won’t be any groups.” Another resident who expressed concern also weighed the importance of supporting local farmers. “I’m excited to go pick, but I agree it’s the people from out of town who will spoil it,” Tina Koenig said. “The farmers need to sell their produce though. We can’t deny them that. They’ve put a lot of time and money into this harvest.” When asked if travel restrictions would be applied to those outside the county who are planning to attend U-pick farms, Kim McCarl, Contra Costa Health Services public information officer, said no. “U-pick falls under essential business as a provider of groceries see U-Pick page 20
Worker Safety
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Contra Costa Transit Authority creates partnership to keep construction workers safe.
Local organizations make and distribute masks to area senior facitiliies and care units. Page 6
Shining A Virtual Light
Amidst shelter-in-place, schools are using social media to keep the spotlight on athletes. Page 14 Adopt A Pet..........................21 Classifieds.............................18 Cop Logs................................17 Legals.....................................19 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................12 Sports.....................................14
Helping Homeless www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
County shelters 250 homeless residents in hotels during shelter-in-place.