YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ward Winning News al A pa
Vol. 7, No. 34
Including Surrounding Communities
Resident donates ID system to town
www.thepress.net
A blessing of abundance
by Ruth Roberts
August 21, 2009
THIS WEEK
Pulverized by the pros
It looked like chaos, but the demolition of a local building was an expression of cold, hard science.
Staff Writer
Since his return to Discovery Bay as the town’s crime-prevention specialist, Tony Fontenot has continued to be amazed by the outpouring of resident support and appreciation. “I am so humbled by this community,” said Fontenot, who left Discovery Bay last year because of budgetary cuts, but was rehired with P6 funds in June. “They have done so much to make us feel welcome here. I just can’t thank everyone enough.” Last week Fontenot had yet another opportunity to thank the community when Diane Stevens, a resident of The Lakes development, purchased a $5,000 child-identification system and donated it to the Discovery Bay
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Beginning of an era Photo courtesy of Robert Sanoki
ather Ron Schmit of St. Anne Catholic Church in Byron bestows a blessing on the parish’s community garden during the Feast of Assumption on Aug. 16. The purpose of the gardens is to provide for the needy as well as educate adults and children in the science and basics of gardening. Half of each plot’s proceeds will be donated to outreach programs throughout the community.
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see ID page 18A
Excitement builds as East County’s first-ever winery prepares to open its doors and pop its corks.
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At home in Rome
Association candidate pool shallow by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
Four seats are available for the new twoyear term on the Discovery Bay Property Owners Association (DBPOA) board beginning in October. But only three applications – two from incumbents – were received by the deadline this month, leaving some to wonder what will become of the beleaguered and often controversial homeowners association. “That’s too bad. I was hoping more people would apply,” said Membership Chair Omar Hindiyeh of the low candidate turnout. “People here (in Discovery Bay) just aren’t active and involved, and I don’t know why.” Current Vice President Jack Parker and Hindiyeh have reapplied for board positions, and newcomer Bobbi Nugent has also thrown her hat into the ring. But directors Janeane Corallo and Ray Tomlinson have declined another run, and it is unclear what will happen to the remaining open position. “Probably (the open position) it will just
“ I believe we all have the common goal of wanting our property values to go up, not down, but I think there needs to be a different sort of (governing) system in place.
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Bobbi Nugent get absorbed,” said Tomlinson, who spent just two months on the DBPOA before deciding “It was not my bag.” Nugent is hoping a board position will be her bag, and said she is interested in a spot in the hope of facilitating change in her neighborhood and on the board. “You can sit back and complain all you want (about the DBPOA) but at some point you have to be willing to get involved,” said
Nugent, who is also the president of the Discovery Bay Elementary PTA. “I think there needs to be more transparency within the DBPOA to the people they serve. I believe we all have the common goal of wanting our property values to go up, not down, but I think there needs to be a different sort of (governing) system in place. Turnover on the board has been huge, and I think you have to ask why.” The most recent example of the turnover occurred in March of this year, when the association’s president and treasurer resigned within two days of each other. Each cited personal and professional reasons for the abrupt departure, but the particulars behind those reasons is open to interpretation. “We’re still trying to figure out why they did it,” said DBPOA member Sandee Visintin in previous interview with the Press. “They’re probably just tired of the mess – and who can blame them?” The three prospective candidates will see Association page 18A
Save a bundle!
A local swimming sensation posted her personal best time at the recent the World Aquatics Championships.
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