YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 16, No. 22
READ THE DAILY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
Learning Byron on fire how to save lives
June 1, 2018
Welcome To U-pick Season
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and American Medical Response medical transportation company responded to the community’s need to learn lifesaving skills during National Emergency Medical Services Week in late May. During free, hands-on lessons at Fire Station 53 in Oakley, the professional first responders taught attendees cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator operation and how to stop bleeding. “The average citizen plays a critical component in the chain of survival,” said fire board President Brian Oftedal, an Oakland Fire Department captain. “Irreversible brain
The advent of U-pick season showcases some colorful characters and fruitful stories. Page 10
Riding The eBART Rails Photo by Tony Kukulich
C
amino Diablo east of the Byron Highway, above, was the site of one of multiple vegetation and brush fires that ignited throughout East County Wednesday afternoon, around 1:30 p.m. East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) reported at least seven blazes in the area at press time with the heaviest in the Byron area. The fires reached from Camino Diablo to the Byron Airport, Mountain House and beyond. No cause of the fires was available as of press time. For the complete story and slideshows, visit www.thepress.net
see Lives page 30
Town to kick off summer with swim, fun “ With this heat, (I’ll be at) open swim and
by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
The Town of Discovery Bay is gearing up for a busy summer full of activities. The parks and recreation department, housed at the town’s community center, has filled its calendar with family-friendly activities to help residents cool off, relax and have fun. “There’s a lot going on at the community center with the Summer Jam Concerts and the swim team in full swing,” said Chris Steele, a member of the standing parks and recreation committee. “I think we are off to a great summer season. The dog park and tennis courts continue to be high-demand activities. We are also looking forward to the town’s 20th anniversary
Movies in the Park for my grandson. It’s a great family environment.
celebration this month.” The Discovery Bay activity guide, mailed to residents last month, contains all the information residents need to have fun right here in town. From free concerts and movies in the park to food truck events, fun classes and recreational swim hours, there’s no reason to be bored this summer. And it all centers around the 20th anniversary celebration to be held June 23, when the town has planned a day of festivities to celebrate two
decades as a community services district. The pool will be open for free swim, there will be historical displays, food, drink and family activities. Cindy Richey is a Discovery Bay resident looking forward to taking advantage of all the community center has to offer. “(I’m excited about) all of the above,” Richey said. “With this heat, (I’ll be at) open swim and Movies in the Park for my grandson. It’s a great family en-
Celebrate Share your happy news in your hometown newspaper!
Connect with The Press!
Scan QR code with your mobile device.
”
Cindy Richey, Discovery Bay resident
www.thepress.net/announcements
vironment.” Mac Kaiser, recreation supervisor, hopes that residents are looking forward to summer in town. His department has been working to create a list of classes with something to tempt everyone. “The town is offering a variety of special interest classes from youth tennis, soccer and archery to our very popular Learn to Swim Program, providing a little something for everyone,” Kaiser said. “We hope to see all our Discovery Bay residents out enjoying our wonderful community facilities, activities and programs this summer.” For more information on events, call 925-392-4575, stop by the community center at 1601 Discovery Bay Boulevard or visit www. todb.ca.gov. To comment, visit www.thepress.net
Recycling Camp www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Kids can learn about recycling and the environment at free summer camp.
Officials cut the ribbon on the new eBART rail system from Pittsburg to Antioch. Page 7
On To State Competition
Several BVAL track athletes qualify for prestigious state meet this weekend. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................10 Food........................................11 Health & Beauty..................19 Milestones............................12 Opinion..................................20 Pets...........................................8 Sports.....................................21
Park Events
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
East Bay Regional Park District hosts variety of familyfriendly summer events.