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Vol. 20, No. 19
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Chamber shutters operation
Driving through graduation
by Tony Kukulich
Sewing For Community Photo by Tony Kukulich
P
see Chamber page 20
arents, teachers and administrators distributed caps and gowns for graduating seniors at Freedom High School in Oakley, Friday, April 30. Due to the current shelter-in-place restrictions, students drove up to receive their graduation-related items. The Liberty Union High School District has not yet determined what graduation will look like this year. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
U-pick season causes controversy by Aly Brown Staff Writer
The county’s greenlight for Upick farms to open this season has caused a stir of controversy within the community, but many local farmers stand firm in their decision to open. The Contra Costa Department of Agriculture issued approval along with guidelines for maintaining a healthy environment on U-pick farms opening for the 2020 cherry season in Brentwood. But the announcement posted on The Press’ Facebook page April 28 elicited a flood of comments, with many wondering why the activity would be allowed with the current shelter-in-place order being extended through the end of May — especially given the number of
“ So I think we’re ready to start the season. It will be different, no doubt, but I’m hoping the public will read all the information before deciding to visit, so we can keep it as safe as possible.
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Jami Palladino, Mike’s U-Pick Cherries out-of-town customers the season draws. “So we extended the (shelter-in-place), and folks can’t go to work to support their families but people from the epicenter — Santa Clara County — are OK to come here in mass,” resident David Kramer said. “Either lift the (shelter-in-place) or we tell the folks from out of town to stay home and buy (cherries) at the store this
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year.” Several others echoed Kramer’s sentiment on the Facebook thread. “I don’t think the guidelines are enough,” wrote Shari Ann. “Why are kids allowed to go pick cherries without masks but they can’t go to school? Maybe limit one person per household so there won’t be any groups.” Another resident who ex-
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Taking A Spin On The Wheel
Oakley resident appears as a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune.” Page 10
Staff Writer
The Oakley Chamber of Commerce announced last week its intention to discontinue operations. The chamber’s board of directors made the announcement in an email to chamber members stating, “The Oakley Chamber of Commerce is saddened to announce, in light of recent events, we will be ceasing operations May 1, 2020. As many of you know, the chamber has brought many fun events to the local community over the years such as the Oakley Almond Festival, Oakley Wine & Whiskey Soirée, along with trying to be a voice for the business community. In recent
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pressed concern also weighed the importance of supporting local farmers. “I’m excited to go pick, but I agree it’s the people from out of town who will spoil it,” Tina Koenig said. “The farmers need to sell their produce though. We can’t deny them that. They’ve put a lot of time and money into this harvest.” When asked if travel restrictions would be applied to those outside the county who are planning to attend U-pick farms, Kim McCarl, Contra Costa Health Services public information officer, said no. “U-pick falls under essential business as a provider of groceries and is most similar to a farmsee U-Pick page 20
Worker Safety
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Contra Costa Transit Authority creates partnership to keep construction workers safe.
Local organizations make and distribute masks to area senior facitiliies and care units. Page 6
Shining A Virtual Light
Amidst shelter-in-place, schools are using social media to keep the spotlight on athletes. Page 14 Adopt A Pet..........................21 Classifieds.............................18 Cop Logs................................17 Legals.....................................19 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................12 Sports.....................................14
Helping Homeless www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
County shelters 250 homeless residents in hotels during shelter-in-place.
