Oakley Press_07.01.11

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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Vol. 11, No. 26

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July 1, 2011

Interchange gets green light by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer

Though Highway 4 Bypass officials were hoping for $33 million from the state to build an interchange at Sand Creek Road, they’re pleased with the $25 million in Corridor Mobility Improvement Account money they were able to take home for the project. As members of the Highway 4 Bypass Authority and other local officials headed down to a California Department of Transportation meeting in Long Beach recently, they were optimistic that they could secure $33 million to turn the intersection at Sand Creek Road in Brentwood into a gridlock-eliminating interchange similar to those at Laurel Road and Lone Tree Way. The intersection of the Bypass and Sand Creek Road is currently managed by traffic signals.

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The Highway 4 Bypass has received a $25 millionboost in state funding, enough to turn the Sand Creek Road intersection, above, into an interchange. The project was at the top of the list of many Northern California highway improvements under consideration for state funds at that meeting. However, according to Oakley Mayor Jim Frazier, CalTrans decided to

spread the wealth more evenly. Despite the lower sum, officials are excited to begin work and soon clear up a major bottleneck in East County. They believe that this project will reduce, if not eradicate, the traffic prob-

lem at that intersection. “No one wishes to be sitting on a freeway in traffic when they could be at home with their families,” Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor said. “This is really, in a way, a godsend. All the stars are aligning and the alignment is a good thing, with a full moon.” Frazier said that a project for bridges on Highway 101 through Petaluma was entered late, and also taken into consideration when CalTrans was divvying up money for highway improvements. The Bypass Authority will be able to use savings from the widening of Highway 4 to bridge the gap for the Sand Creek interchange. Other than that, Frazier noted that other costs could be covered by East Contra Costa Regional Fee and Financing Authority funds, a virtual musee Bypass page 22A

Foremost facilitator A man who normally works behind the scenes for military honorees was named Veteran of the Year. Page 3A

Strikefest wows crowds

Christian school plans fresh start by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer

As the last of the boxes and office supplies were loaded onto moving trucks this week, Trinity Christian School Principal Linda Miller was simultaneously preparing for a move of her own. Beginning in August, Miller will be opening the California Christian Academy, a faith-based, tuition-driven school operating facilities on 18th Street in Antioch and Harvest Park Drive in Brentwood. Under the auspices of the Antioch Church Family, the new school will be many things to a variety of people. But what it won’t be, Miller insists, is an extension of the troubled Mountain View Christian Center (MVCC) and Trinity School. “I’m very excited and I’m very

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“ I’m excited to be able to have a more hands-on independent school and to be able to see my vision empower people who are seeking a Christian education.

California Christian Academy Principal Linda Miller passionate,” said Miller of the new venture. “I’m excited to be able to have a more hands-on independent school and to be able to see my vision empower people who are seeking a Christian education.” On the heels of a tumultuous and scandal-rocked year that culminated in the suicide of Pastor Jerry Hanoum in May and the subsequent dissolution of MVCC and Trinity School, which leased its site from the Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD),

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Miller said the California Christian Academy offers a fresh start. The new school will continue Miller’s original dream of a shared church community with the common goal of educating children – academically and spiritually – in an atmosphere of support, faith and love. “My vision is to develop a network of schools where there is not a competition but rather a shared use of resources and support, similar to the public school

Touch of class

go to news/WebExtras! Meet Liberty High School’s best and brightest this spring.

system,” said Miller. “The school districts have it right … I want our students to be independent thinkers empowered and equipped in a holistic manner.” And while the specifics have yet to be worked out – Miller said three former Trinity teachers are on board as well as a number of new students – California Christian Academy “will be opening our doors no matter how many students we have,” said Miller. Hanoum was under investigation for fraud in both Brentwood and Rio Vista for financial dealings related to MVCC and Trinity Christian School, and MVCC still owes more than $70,000 in back rent to the Oakley school district per their lease agreement. The original lease contract with OUESD is

The din of plummeting pins filled Harvest Park as a PBA Senior tourney came to a spectacular climax. Page 17A Business ............................... 5B Calendar ............................ 19B Classifieds ......................... 13B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 9B Food .................................... 10B Health & Beauty ................ 6B Milestones .......................... 8B Opinion ..............................14A Sports .................................17A ravemotionpictures Brentwood 14 +

see School page 22A

Big Break buildout go to news/press releases

Construction will soon begin on an interpretive center at Big Break in Oakley.

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FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A

Vets venerated go to multimedia/videos

Veterans’ service and sacrifices were honored at an event in Cortona Park.


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