YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 19, No. 43
READ NEWS YOU CAN TRUST AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
Seniors protest rent increases by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
A passionate group of angry seniors lined the sidewalk in front of Oakley’s Summer Creek Place this week to decry what they feel are unfair rent increases. Carrying homemade signs with phrases such as “Save our seniors,” “We need help,” “Unfair rent increases,” and “Senior abuse,” the estimated 40-member group — some using walkers, canes or motorized scooters — chanted peacefully at passing motorists, or anyone who would listen. “We want to roll our rent back to what it was in March, which is $150 to $180 less than it is now,” said one senior who identified herself as Margaret
Photo by Kyle Szymanski
Residents of Oakley’s Summer Creek Place, many in their 70s, 80s or 90s, are protesting what they feel are unfair rent hikes. F. “That would relieve a lot of people and make it possible for them to stay.” Residents, many in their
70s, 80s or 90s, say rent at the 80-unit, one- and two-bedroom complex on Empire Avenue has steadily risen from around $770
last year, to $970 this month for one-bedroom units, and from the mid-$700s to $1,095 for twobedroom spaces. The facility is part of the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which restricts tenant income and rent. The facility’s monthly rent — dictated by the county’s average median income — can be as high as $1,302 for a studio apartment, $1,395 for a one-bedroom space and $1,674 for a twobedroom establishment, said Bill Ainsworth of the California State Treasurer’s Office. But the vocal seniors say those figures are way too high. “They are really grouching
Staff Writer
As decision day for Brentwood’s Measure L draws closer, The Press is taking a comprehensive look at the decisive issues that could determine the initiative’s fate. The measure – spearheaded by a group of local developers, including longtime Brentwood farmer and developer Ron Nunn – would move the mark at which urban development must stop, clearing the way for a proposed 815-acre project of up to 2,400 residential units (at least 80% age-restricted, active adult-specific), along with other elements, situated north of Balfour Road, east of Deer Valley Road and west of the Shadow Lakes and Brentwood Hills neighborhoods. The special election is set for Nov. 5. Fire service
“ It does not solve the current underfunding ... It does address the situation that will occur several years out as the homes are built.
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Stephen Smith, ECCFPD Fire Board East Contra Costa Fire Protection District leaders confirmed in September that the project’s effect on the already resource-stretched district will be mitigated through an $11 million memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the development group and district, which includes funding for a new fire station, equipment and personnel, if the initiative is approved. The deal binds the development group to construct and deed to the district an estimated $6.5 million engine station at the start of the 601st home’s
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construction — either on a two-acre plot within the development, or at another districtchosen location — and also pay the agency $1 million at the start of the project. A $2,333 fee would also be assessed on the project’s first 1,500 homes, and would cover equipment, training and other associated needs to deploy the new station. An additional $1.5 million in district funds would be generated annually through a community facility district fee of no less than $650 per household, along with $2.5 million expected to roll in yearly through
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Team Hulken Battling Back
Colten Guerra, 9, is fighting the recurrence of cancer, and the community is rallying in support. Page 4A
Spirited Tours Spooky Sights
see Rent page 30A
A comprehensive Measure L wrap-up by Kyle Szymanski
October 25, 2019
property taxes — both of which combined are expected to cover the new station’s estimated $4 million a year operating costs. “All the tortured logic, misrepresentations, and unrealistic expectations put forth by Measure L opponents does not change one plain fact: the Memorandum of Understanding with GBN Partners represents a significant step forward for the fire district,” said Stephen Smith, vice president of the fire board. “It does not solve the current underfunding; the board and staff continue to address that, and more will be forthcoming. It does address the situation that will occur several years out as the homes are built.” Project opponents have previously expressed concern that the large project will see Measure L page 30A
BART App
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BART is expanding its pay-by-app carpool program to make it easier for riders to pay.
Press reporter discovers firsthand there are plenty of things that go bump in the night. Page 6A
Lions Fall To Pittsburg
Liberty Lions lose an epic clash of football titans in overtime homecoming game. Page 18A Calendar.............................31A Classifieds..........................27A Cop Logs.............................26A Entertainment..................11A Food.....................................10A Health & Beauty...............23A Milestones.........................24A Opinion...............................12A Pets......................................14A Sports..................................18A
PG&E Outage
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During PG&E’s recent outage, wind gusts exceeded 40 mph in 22 counties.