YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 16, No. 33
READ FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET!
Blue-green algae blooms spreading
August 17, 2018
Women In Business
Shining Starlets
by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Last week, the county informed the Town of Discovery Bay that cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are now blooming in Willow Lake. Prompted by a phone call from a resident who noticed algal blooms floating on the water, the Contra Costa County Department of Environment Health collected three samples from the lake July 24. “The (person who called) noticed algal blooms and was concerned that it might be the same type of algae detected in the general Discovery Bay waters,” explained Joe Doser, Contra Costa County Supervising Environmental Health Specialist. “Two of the three samples showed the presence of the potentially harmful cyanotoxins. (The county) recommends humans and pets avoid ingesting or contacting the water.”
Meet the women making a difference while making their mark in business. Page 1B
Overcoming, Giving Back Photo by Mike Oria
T
he Starlets performed favorites from the ‘50s and ‘60s Friday, Aug. 10, at the Concert in the Park in downtown Brentwood. This Friday, Aug. 17, come enjoy the Starry Nights Concert in the Park and dance to the sounds of Rachel Steele & Road 88, a country music band. The free show begins at 7 p.m.
see Algae page 22A
Midterm election candidates file papers, throw hats into the ring by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The filing deadline for applicants running in the midterm elections was Aug. 15, and candidates across East County and beyond have set their sights on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 6. The following is a complete list of candidates and the offices they are running for as of press time. Brentwood City Council As of press time, only one of two incumbents, Joel Bryant, had committed to running. Bryant will be joined by realtor John Fink, commercial property manager Mike Jones, Brentwood Union School District Board member Johnny Rodriguez and Brentwood businesswoman and realtor Olga Vidriales. Incumbent Bailey Grewal had not filed for reelection as of press time.
NOW HIRING
Oakley City Council Both incumbents, Sue Higgins and Randy Pope, will vie to hold their seats against retired engineering associate Mike Dupray and electrician Dezi Pina. Discovery Bay Community Services District Of the three incumbents – Kevin Graves, Robert Leete and Christopher Steele – only Graves and Leete had filed for re-election as of press time. Realtor Bryon Gutow and private pilot Brian Roger Lax Jr. have also tossed their names into the race. Antioch City Council Incumbents Tony Tiscareno and Lori Ogorchock will be challenged by community volunteer Caroleve Prudence Capelle, businesswoman and nonprofit executive Joy Motts, wholesale sales representative Rodney W. McClelland and child welfare worker Nora Foster. Brentwood Union School District Board Three seats will be available on the board,
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with only two incumbents, Emil Geddes and Scott S. Dudek, filing for re-election. Geddes and Dudek will be challenged by professor and PTA Treasurer Thuy DaoJensen, realtor and farmer Steve Gursky and local business owner Anthony Penso. Incumbent Johnny Rodriguez will instead vie for a seat on the Brentwood City Council. Liberty Union High School District Only two of three incumbents, Pauline Allred and Roy J. Ghiggeri, will attempt to retain their seats, with incumbent Joanne Byer not seeking re-election as of press time. Allred and Ghiggeri will be joined in the race by private pilot Brian Roger Lax Jr. and farmer and parent Erick Stonebarger. Oakley Union Elementary School District Two of three incumbents, Mark Jordan and Kim Beede, have filed for re-election with Gloria
Time to Vote! Cast your votes for Brentwood’s 2018 Best! See page 13A. www.thepress.net/bob_ballot
see Election page 22A
A Rosie Wedding www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Couples now have the chance to get married at the Rosie the Riveter and WWII Park.
Local woman participates in stair climb to honor firefighters who saved her life. Page 5A
Soccer Club Champions
West Coast Wildkatz take all in the prestigious San Diego Surf Cup. Page 14A Calendar.............................23A Classifieds..........................17A Cop Logs.............................21A Entertainment..................11A Food.....................................10A Health & Beauty................. 6A Kid Scoop.............................9A Milestones........................... 7A Pets........................................ 8A Sports..................................14A
Pot Committee
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
A Cannabis insurance group has been set up to assist with new industry.