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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 8, No. 47
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November 19, 2010
This Week Rinehart tapped for cemetery board Guidelines by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer Former Knightsen School Superintendent Vickey Rinehart has been recommended by an independent panel to fill the empty seat on the three-member ByronBrentwood-Knightsen Cemetery Board – an appointment originally expected to go to David Piepho, the husband of Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Piepho. Brentwood resident Bailey Neff was identified as the panel’s second choice. “I was very pleased and honored to have been chosen because I know there were some very good candidates,” said Rinehart, who was selected from among eight applicants. “If confirmed, I look forward very much to serving.” The Board of Supervisors called for a panel of board members from out-of-county cemetery districts last month to
RINEHART interview applicants and make a recommendation to the Contra Costa board for the cemetery seat. The appointment of David Piepho was delayed in September following public complaints and charges of nepotism. David Piepho serves on the Discovery Bay Community
Services District (CSD) board as well as the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), which oversees land boundary and annexation issues. His term on the CSD expires in a few weeks and if he does not hold a position with another special district – such as the cemetery board – by Dec. 7, he will lose his seat on LAFCO. He declined to comment on the panel’s recommendation for this story, saying “It probably wouldn’t be appropriate at this time, as the process is still evolving.” Supervisor Mary Piepho usually appoints directors to the independent special district, but recused herself from the process when her husband applied for the cemetery seat. Board of Supervisors Chairman John Gioia took over the review of the original two applicants – David Piepho and Brentwood resident John Quinn – and was set to
recommend Piepho for the post. Gioia however, withdrew the recommendation at the last minute, saying he wanted to ensure that the proper procedural protocols had been followed during the appointment process. “The intent was to avoid the appearance of favoring one candidate over another, and in this case, it was the right decision,” said Gioia in an earlier Press interview. When the recommendation was pulled, it was discovered that the office of the clerk of the Board of Supervisors had not given proper notice of the available seat on the cemetery board, and the application process was reopened. Once the new applications were received and the independent panel formed, interviews were held and a recommendation made. “We followed the process set see Cemetery page 30A
Rain breaks for Hospice Tree ceremony by Rick Lemyre Staff Writer
Photo by Richard Wisdom
Jewel Scrimger, right, and her daughter, Judy Scrimger, share smiles during the Hospice Tree of Lights ceremony. Both women are Brentwood residents, and both lost their husbands – Glenn and Don Scrimger, respectively – to cancer.
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It looked like it would be a water-logged ceremony, but as people gathered in Brentwood’s Veterans Park to illuminate the Hospice of East Bay Tree of Lights, the rain stopped, the clouds parted and a setting sun splashed a spectacular rainbow across the skies. “What a perfect time for a rainbow,” said one observer to nods of agreement from the 50 or so in attendance on Nov. 6. Established in 1977, Hospice is a not-for-profit agency that helps people cope with lifelimiting illnesses by providing medical, emotional, spiritual and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their
Historic sortie go to news/WebExtras!
The first transPacific flight went wheels-up in the Bay Area 75 years ago.
ability to pay. Many of those in attendance had benefited from Hospice’s assistance with medical problems, transportation, food and moral support as their loved one spent their last hours. This was Hospice’s 24th annual Tree of Lights ceremony, and the fifth year it’s been held in Brentwood. Purchased by locals in memory of their loved ones, each light on the tree is symbolic of a life. There are 15 Trees of Lights in Contra Costa County. In Brentwood, the Summerset singers provided musical ambience, while organizer Jeff Schults made sure warm drinks and snacks were available for everyone in attendance. There are actually four Trees of Lights in see Hospice page 30A
Cyber cycling
go to news/press releases A new online bike routing application is making for smooth sailing.
for gifting
Hoping to wrap up your holiday shopping swiftly and smoothly? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide. Page 1B
Precious property For the first time in four generations, the Taylor Ranch in Byron is up for sale. Page 5A
Screeching to a halt
The Liberty volleyball team brought a 7-3 league record to the playoffs, but was dismissed in the first round. Page 21A
Plus: Calendar ............................ 19B Classifieds ......................... 13B Cop Logs ............................13A Entertainment ................. 10B Food .................................... 12B Holiday Gift Guide............ 1B Opinion ..............................12A Sports .................................21A
FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
High on health go to multimedia/videos
The recent Healthy Families Expo exposed locals to a world of well-being.