YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 15, No. 29
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When life gives you a sour lemon by Aly Brown Staff Writer
A curbside lemonade stand in Discovery Bay recently became the focus of national headlines when the community rallied together to support a child who was bullied by an adult. Due to medical issues that could not be properly tended to in public school, 13-year-old Jasmine LaRoche left Edna Hill Middle School during her sixth-grade year to become a homeschool student. The transition was one that helped raise her grades, but once summer hit, it was also a little lonely. Instead of sitting inside, she decided to get out into her neighborhood with the hope of sparking new friendships and earning extra cash. She asked her father Richard LaRoche if she could set up a lemonade stand. With a toddler to care for and he and his wife on opposite nursing shifts, he conceded that Jasmine could go on her own, as long as she set up the stand near their gated community’s guard shack – a
place he deemed as safe. “I told her she could go for an hour, but she came back within 30 minutes, crying,” Richard said. “She said, ‘I don’t want to go to jail.’” During her time at the stand, a man had approached her and asked to see her business permit. When she was unable to produce one, he lifted his phone to his ear and told her he was calling the police, in what Richard deemed was only an attempt to intimidate his young daughter. Furious, he turned to social media to vent. The community responded with outrage and also support, encouraging Jasmine to open another stand the next day. “I don’t know if he had a bone to pick or just wanted to pick on her in general,” Richard said. “But we just got such a positive response from everyone.” Seeing the response lifted Jasmine’s spirits, and she and her mother see Lemon page 34
July 21, 2017
Arrest Made In Murder
A teen suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of local resident Allie Sweitzer. Page 9
Bringing Awareness
Photo courtesy of Richard LaRoche
When 13-year-old Jasmine LaRoche set up a lemonade stand, a man approached her and demanded a permit, pretending to call the police. Her community – including the police – responded by lining up for lemonade.
Toxic algae confirmed by county
Famous author, autism expert Temple Grandin speaking at Campos event. Page 4
Gymnast Back On Track
by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
County health officials have confirmed the presence of toxic blue-green algae blooms in parts of Discovery Bay, and residents and pets are urged to avoid contact with local bodies of water until further notice. “We are advising residents to stay out of the water and keep their pets out of the water in the southwestern portion of Discovery Bay,” said Dr. Marilyn Underwood, director of the Contra Costa Environmental Health Division (CCEH). “However, water circulates throughout the community, so the algae can also move and spread, and therefore, it is prudent to be cautious and to stay out of the water if you see scum or algae blooms.” Only recreational waters have been affected, according to the CCEH. Tap water is deemed safe for see Algae page 34
Olympic hopeful Ruben Padilla is back training after a series of debilitating injuries. Page 23
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Algae blooms are seen here in the water near Windward Point in Discovery Bay. The area has received a danger advisory from the county following toxicity tests late last month.
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Road Work
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County public works is repairing Marsh Creek Road from Deer Valley Road to Gill Drive.
Calendar................................35 Classifieds.............................30 Cop Logs................................33 Education................................8 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................21 Milestones............................13 Pets.........................................17 Sports.....................................23
School Supplies
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Local school supply lists are now available online at www. teacherlists.com.