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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 11, No. 23
Falcons fly off with wet wings by Ruth Roberts
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June 10, 2011
Waging war on cancer
Staff Writer They entered the stadium to the traditional strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” but a chorus of “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” would have been equally appropriate. Despite the pounding rain and increasing wind and cold, nothing could dampen the jubilant spirits of Freedom High School’s graduating class of 2011 – or the enthusiasm of the standing-room-only crowd. “I came out today to support my nephew,” said Marie Munoz, who was huddled under one of the dozens of pop-up canopies scattered around the stadium. “It would have been nicer if they could have postponed it, but if you can sit outside in the rain for a football game, you can do it for a graduation.” The rain-or-shine ceremony – held June 4 at Falcon Stadium – was the Oakley high school’s 13th commencement event, and the first wet one in the school’s history. “It was a first for us,” laughed Freedom High School Principal Erik Faulkner. “But I think that given the circumstances it all went very well. If this happens only every hundred years or so, I think we’re OK.” see Falcons page 17A
REMEMBER This weekend’s Relay For Life event will inspire us to celebrate, remember and fight back. Page 1B
Fire district answers call The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District took steps to save itself from insolvency. Page 3A
Photo by Kyndl Buzas
Putting the mojo in moto
Wet weather did nothing to deter Freedom High School’s graduates from celebrating their commencement last weekend at Falcon Stadium.
Oakley homicide suspect arrested by Ruth Roberts
Mourners left flowers and remembrances outside O’Hara School Park, where 21year-old James Didio was shot to death last weekend. A suspect was taken into custody this week in connection with the crime.
Staff Writer A suspect has been arrested in connection with the weekend shooting death of a 21-year-old Oakley man. Dameon Zesati, 19, of Oakley, was booked into the Martinez Detention Center on charges of homicide and criminal gang activity related to the death of 21-year-old James Didio. Zesati’s bail has been set at $1.13 million. On Saturday, June 4 at around 4 a.m., Oakley police dispatch received the report of a shooting at the O’Hara Park Mid-
An Oakley motocross racer is overcoming obstacles of injury and fundraising to keep his dreams in high gear. Page 22A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ......................... 10B Cop Logs ............................19A East County Life ................ 1B Food ...................................... 8B Health & Beauty ................ 6B Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................21A
ravemotionpictures Brentwood 14 +
Photo by Samie Hartley
Online Now!
see Homicide page 17A
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Green thumb
go to news/WebExtras! A partnership between school and community has put down firm roots.
Dangerous days go to news/press releases
Parents are urged to help reduce teen roadway fatalities this summer.
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FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Tassel time
go to multimedia/videos Caps soared and crowds cheered as grads strode off the stage and into the future.