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Vol. 16, No. 45
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Rec center Birds of a feather plans moving forward
Meet Those Who Serve
by Kyle Szymanski
Get to know your local first responders in The Press’ new column, Meet The Beat. Page 7A
Staff Writer
A recreation center on O’Hara Avenue in Oakley just came another step closer to reality. The city council unanimously approved a $189,000 design contract, to be paid by grant funding, for key parts of the project, including a multi-purpose sports field, additional parking and a new traffic signal. “We are really excited to move forward with this project,” said Recreation Manager Lindsey Bruno. The recreation center, slated for the 6.22-acre Moura Property, at 1250 see Center page 26A
November 4, 2016
A Rocker’s Truest Wish Photo by Tony Kukulich
T
his flock of black birds swoops over Big Break Trail on a recent evening in Oakley. Traditionally known for banding together, particularly as winter approaches, these flocks of a feather can often number in the thousands. The general belief is that there is safety in numbers, especially as the winter cold sets in and the birds become targets of larger predators.
Local student meets her favorite rock star, thanks to the Make-AWish Foundation. Page 5A
Land purchase expands future regional park Total Tennis by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The future Deer Valley Regional Park between Brentwood and Antioch is now 76 acres bigger, thanks to the East Bay Regional Park District’s recent purchase of a former ranch on the east side of Mount Diablo. The Hanson Hills property will be combined with 3,087 acres thus far, to create a regional park with a trail connecting Black Diamond Mines to Deer Valley, Round Valley and points south. An opening date for the park has not been set. “This beautiful property will be a tremendous asset for generations of East Bay residents,” said Diane Burgis, an East Bay Regional Park District director. “It’s also a criti-
Photo courtesy of Scott Hein
The East Bay Regional Park District recently purchased the Hanson Hills property on the eastern side of Mount Diablo in hopes of adding it to the future Deer Valley Regional Park. cal part of the Marsh Creek watershed. We’re thrilled to be able to protect this ecologically
sensitive area forever.” The Hanson Hills property was purchased for $730,000
from the nonprofit Save Mount Diablo, which strives to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills and watersheds. The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy kicked in $547,000 with the remainder coming from Measure WW, approved by voters in 2008 to help the district meet the increasing demand to preserve open space for recreation and wildlife habitat. “It’s an important one, because it continues the habitat corridor that we are working on from Black Diamond Mines to Los Vaqueros watershed,” said Meredith Hendricks, director of Save Mount Diablo’s land programs. “It’s essential that we keep corridors for the movement of wildlife intact.” see Park page 26A
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Freedom High School’s Alexis Matabuena wins Bay Valley Athletic League tennis title. Page 1B Calendar............................... 7B Classifieds..........................11A Cop Logs............................... 6B Entertainment..................21A Food.....................................20A Health & Beauty...............10A Milestones.........................22A Opinion...............................17A Pets......................................12A Sports.................................... 1B
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