YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 16, No. 29
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Blue-green algae returns
July 20, 2018
Becoming Your Best Self
Winning smiles
by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are once again blooming in the waters of Discovery Bay. On June 27, the County Environmental Health Department (CEHD) took water samples from 12 locations in Discovery Bay. All tested positive for microcystin, a harmful toxin released by blue-green algae. When results indicated that 75 percent of the samples were above the caution level, the county provided the Discovery Bay harbor master with the appropriate signs. The Town of Discovery Bay was notified of the sample results on July 17 in response to an inquiry made by town staff and prompted by resident’s questions. Harbor Master Dan Gay said the signs have been posted and his staff is aware of the problem. “The county brought the signs at the end of last week,” Gay said. “The signs are posted and up according to the county specifications. We are telling people that once they get out of the bays, the water should be clear.”
The Press’ special section is filled with tips for staying healthy, fit and looking your best. Page 1B
2018’s Artist Of The Year Photo by Dawnmarie Fehr
G
ino Rigoni, Siena Rigoni, Jonathan Fehr and Scotty MacDonald of the Discovery Bay River Otters mixed 6-and-under freestyle relay team smiled for the camera before placing first in their race. Last week, the River Otters took on the Mavericks in Modesto, where both swimmers and parents sweated it out under the sun to run a successful meet. The River Otters will be in Tracy this weekend to compete in the Mid Valley Swim League Championships to close out the recreational swim season.
see Algae page 22A
Father of murder suspect shares story by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
Tracy Redmond couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling on the morning of July 3, and when text messages to his wife, Marta, and adult son, Matthew, went unanswered, his apprehension grew. The previous night had been a difficult one for the Redmond family. Matthew, 29, showed up on a neighbor’s property saying he was looking for someone. The neighbors were not close with the Redmonds, and they did not recognize Matthew as being from the neighborhood. No one knew the person for whom he was looking. Matthew was asked to leave and did so without incident. Around 9 p.m., he returned, and this time neighbors called
Photo courtesy of Tracy Redmond
Tracy and Marta Redmond, seen in an undated photo. Marta was found murdered in her home on July 3. Her son Matthew is in custody and has been charged in her murder. the police. Just before 1 a.m., the same neighbors observed Mat-
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time. “It was just an odd string of events and certainly unsettling to have him at my door at 1 o’clock in the morning,” said neighbor Rochelle Wagner. “When I told him through the window to leave, he did. And we followed the instructions we had been given (by the police).” Lt. Walter O’Grodnick of the Brentwood Police Department said officers investigated the disturbances involving Matthew and determined they did not rise to the level of a criminal complaint or arrest. During their first visit to the Redmond home that night, officers from the Brentwood Police Department told Matthew to stay away from the neighbors, and that see Murder page 22A
West Nile Virus www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Mosquito & Vector Control reports West Nile virus found on Holland Tract.
Oakley artist Nancy Roberts receives Brentwood Art Society’s top honor. Page 11A
Major League Debut
Liberty High School graduate gets the call from the New York Mets. Page 15A Breaking News...................7A Calendar.............................23A Classifieds..........................20A Cop Logs.............................19A Entertainment..................11A Food.....................................10A Kid Scoop ............................9A Milestones.........................12A Pets........................................ 8A Sports..................................15A
Health Officer
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Dr. Christopher Farnitano is the new Contra Costa County health officer.