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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 10, No. 42
Library looking for more Friends by Samie Hartley Staff Writer In honor of National Friends of Libraries Week, Oakley Mayor Pat Anderson proclaimed at this week’s council meeting that the city will also recognize Oct. 17 through Oct. 23 as a special week. Although the Oakley Library has many supportive friends, it could always use a few more to assist in maintaining its quality services and programs. Oakley Managing Librarian Liz Fuller addressed the council on Tuesday to inform the public about how the library is faring during the recession. While the library is holding its own, furlough days have been implemented and some programs have been reduced due to budget cuts. Luckily with the support of the Friends of the Oakley Library, Fuller has been able to continue
helping the library grow, even if it’s taking baby steps. “The Friends chipped in and gave us some extra money this year,” Fuller told the council. “Our materials budget went down by $5,000, so all the Friends groups (in Contra Costa County) were asked to donate a little extra, so they gave us $500.” The modest donation helped the library expand its children’s book selection. The library also recently received a $5,000 grant from Delta First Five to acquire the Lego & Listen program. Through the program, which debuts this weekend, kids get to explore their imaginations by building with Legos while listening to an audio book. Children get to work their auditory and kinetic skills during this fun hour-long program, which will see Friends page 22A
Empire restored
Photo by Richard Wisdom
fter months of construction and renovation, the stretch of Empire Avenue between Carpenter Road and Laurel Avenue is nearly complete. Margarito Uribe of Maniglia Landscaping is seen above, adjusting the watering system to maintain the newly installed median landscaping. The project was delayed by inclement weather earlier this year, but according to Oakley Project Manager Jason Kabalin, it should be completed by the end of the month. The bump removal and widening, he said, will make for a smoother ride and help alleviate traffic congestion.
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by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer
Julie Vierra, right, a therapist with People Who Care, leads a group discussion about how teenagers can make positive choices. PWC student Jorge Bravo, left, reads a difficult situation, deciding on the best way to respond to it.
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www.thepress.net Your Hometown Web Site
October 15, 2010
This Week Creep-out calendar
You’ll find our lineup of East County Halloween events a real scream. Page 4A
Gang Summit puts focus on families
Photo by Justin Lafferty
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Had proper structure reached Gaby Rodriguez earlier, the Deer Valley High School junior’s story might be different. Rodriguez was on a panel of former gang members who spoke at Saturday’s East County Gang Summit, organized by Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover and held on Rodriguez’s campus. She moved from Nicaragua to the United States at the age of 7 and got involved in gangs
Canine casket
go to news/WebExtras! One of life’s tragedies is that we sometimes outlive our best friends.
shortly thereafter because it was what her cousins and friends were doing. She thought it was the norm. Rodriguez started dissociating with gangs at age 13 because she just got tired of the lifestyle. She credited the East Countybased nonprofit One Day at a Time, which also held presentations at the summit, for helping her turn things around. Her grades have improved since she escaped from gang life. “I was so young, but then I see Summit page 22A
Bucks for buyers go to news/press releases
Meritage Homes’ 25th anniversary bash puts $25K in the pockets of 25 homebuyers.
Wowed by the West Oakley Scout Troop 152 took a whirlwind tour of some magnificent scenery. Page 18A
Gridiron set to sizzle
The BVAL football championship is at stake as local teams head into the home stretch. Page 1B
Plus: Arts .....................................15A Business .............................21A Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds ......................... 16B Cop Logs ............................17A Entertainment ................. 10B Food .................................... 12B Health & Beauty ................ 8B Milestones ........................ 14B Opinion ..............................16A Outdoors ............................. 6A Sports ................................... 1B
FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Flea market
go to multimedia/videos The Brentwood Lions Club raised money for high school scholarships.