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Vol. 10, No. 45
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Rios returns, Pope joins council by Samie Hartley Staff Writer Voters in Tuesday’s election selected newcomer Randy Pope and incumbent Carol Rios to serve four-year terms on the City Council. In his first run for office, Pope dominated the competition, earning 30 percent of the 8,110 votes cast. The father of two boys – wife Kristi is expecting their daughter in December – is an 18-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department, serving as a sergeant at the emergency dispatch center. Pope said he is humbled and honored by the strong support from Oakley voters, and looks forward to serving on the council. “You know, you always hope and pray that all your hard work will produce a positive result, but this really overwhelmed me,” Pope wrote in an e-mail to the Press on Wednesday. “I want to thank everyone that believed
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in me and came out in support. I am going to put the same amount of energy and commitment into being a council member as I did running my campaign. I will give it my all, and hope I can be as successful as a council member as I was as a candidate.” Pope and his family moved to Oakley for the community’s small-town charm, and as council member, he hopes to promote
the city’s agricultural heritage and small-town character while expanding Oakley’s business sector by renovating the downtown area, making economic development a top priority. “We have to make Oakley an attractive place for businesses to locate,” Pope said. “We need that for Oakley to be competitive in the regional marketplace. I want to partner with the Chamber
of Commerce on a ‘Shop Oakley’ campaign to encourage our residents to support our local businesses with their patronage. This will help our small-business owners and keep Oakley sales tax dollars in Oakley. I believe that with these components in place, we can attract businesses and retailers with regional draw that will create jobs and bring people to Oakley from a wide radius.” Rios, who garnered 20 percent of the vote, will add another four years to her 11-year tenure on the council. She and Mayor Pat Anderson have been on the council since the city incorporated in 1999. Rios served as mayor in 2004 and 2009, and she has always been a supporter of Team Oakley, dedicating her service to promote community, neighborhood parks and family-oriented recreation and city events. Rios was pleasantly sur-
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November 5, 2010
This Week Fifteen grim minutes
The consequences of drunk driving were driven home at Freedom High. Page 12A
School board election tally Tuesday’s vote will usher in both fresh and familiar faces on your local school board. Page 10A
Serving up a fantastic first
see Council page 22A
Holiday happenings are upon us The holidays are just around the corner, and East County is gearing up for a season of sensational events. From small-town parades to tree lightings, holiday fairs, boutiques and fun-filled activities, there’s something for everyone looking for a little holiday cheer. Here’s a sampling of some upcoming events:
Saturday, Nov. 6 St. Anthony Columbiettes Shop with more than 20 vendors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall, 971 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley. Admission is free. For more information, e-mail columbiette10414@ aol.com. Press file photo
Oakley’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4, is just one of many fun events planned for this holiday season.
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oupons To Go! SHOP LOCAL. SAVE MONEY.
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Discovery Bay Yacht Club Boutique The Discovery Bay Yacht Club hosts its annual Holiday Boutique,
NEW coupons inside!
featuring numerous unique vendors. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Appetizers will be served throughout the evening. For more information, call 925-216-4411. Super Holiday Boutique The boutique runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Church gym, 1313 A St. in Antioch. Come and shop for that perfect gift. Featured items include The Pampered Chef, Arbonne International and Eco Couture. For more information, call 925-497-4054. Fundraiser for Liberty HS Choir The Liberty Holiday Boutique, showcasing unique holiday gifts, gour-
Derring-doggie-do go to news/WebExtras!
Graduates of a local canine obedience school strutted their stuff.
see Happenings page 22A
All Star Rents
go to news/press releases Construction, remodeling and landscaping rentals are a snap with this oufit.
A tenacious team gave Freedom High School its first-ever tennis title. Page 1B
Plus: Business .............................20A Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds ......................... 18B Cop Logs ............................17A Entertainment ................. 14B Food .................................... 12B Health & Beauty .............. 10B Milestones ........................ 15B Opinion ..............................16A Sports ................................... 1B
FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Street scream
go to multimedia/videos Halloweeners hit The Streets of Brentwood for a bewitching variety of fun.