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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 11, No. 46
Quick action saves Oakley teen by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
At one time or another we’ve all wondered: how would I react in an emergency? Would I hold up under the pressure? Would I know what to do? Would my efforts even make a difference? Vicki Simmons and Patrick James recently had the chance to find out, and an Oakley teenager is alive as a result. On Oct. 27, approximately 200 yards into a four-minute run, James – a P.E. teacher at O’Hara Park Middle School in Oakley – was watching his students when he noticed something strange. “I looked up and saw the class standing around in a circle looking at something on the ground,” said James. “I didn’t know if it was an animal or what, so I jogged on out to the field.” What he saw was 13-yearold Ignacio Pena lying motionless, face down on the grass. As James knelt beside Ignacio, he realized the boy wasn’t breathing, and immediately turned Ig-
Photo by Ruth Roberts
O’Hara Park teachers Vicki Simmons and Patrick James, far right, receive plaques from Principal Roger MacDonald in recognition of their recent efforts in administering CPR on a student who collapsed on campus. Simmons and James were expected to be formally honored Wednesday night by the Oakley School Board.
nacio onto his back. After gently shaking him and repeatedly calling his name yet receiving
no response, James called 911. He then told one of his students to go get Simmons, the school’s
other P.E. teacher – and the rescue effort began. “When I got out there I opened Ignacio’s airway, and at that point he gasped, and then nothing,” said Simmons. “So I began CPR, did four rounds, and when the paramedics arrived they said to continue the CPR while they prepared to take him in the ambulance. He was revived on the way to the hospital.” O’Hara Park Principal Roger MacDonald credits Simmons and James’ quick reactions with saving Ignacio’s life. “When I got out there, Vicki was totally ready to get to work,” said MacDonald. “It was a totally serene, quiet atmosphere. There was no fear, it was just ‘let’s get it done.’ Everyone handled themselves perfectly and professionally.” Once the crisis had passed, the reality of the situation sunk in. “I didn’t even really think about it or get emotional at the time,” said Simmons.
Staff Writer
Proliferation of the ergia densa weed has been significantly reduced in the waters of Discovery Bay since the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) began efforts to eradicate the Delta pests late last spring. But in neighboring Bethel Island, where the weeds continue to run amok, the situation is less rosy. “We’re feeling a little neglected out here,” said Clark Fratus, who owns property on Dutch Slough. “And in the past six months it’s only got-
ten worse. The vines grow up from the bottom, crawl up the sides of the levies and wrap themselves around the boat props. It feels like a never-ending battle.” Fratus is only one of an increasing number of frustrated Bethel Islanders struggling to keep the weeds – which include the egeria densa, water hyacinths and other persistent plants – at bay while lobbying to grab the attention of anyone who will listen. Last spring, Supervisor Mary Piepho held a town meeting on Bethel Island in which see Weeds page 17A
Photo courtesy of Clark Fratus
Delta weeds such as these along a property owner’s dock on Dutch Slough are taking over portions of Bethel Island. Residents are lobbying to get the Department of Boating and Waterways and other local agencies to help eradicate the weeds, as was the case in Discovery Bay last spring.
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Two East County churches are celebrating the anniversary of their merger.
November 18, 2011
Magnetic personality
Brentwood’s downtown makeover is complete, and businesses are primed to attract serious traffic. Page 1B
Residents’ renderings The city is welcoming ideas for the new plaza across from City Hall. Page 3A
Hoarding the hardware
see Saves page 17A
Diehard weeds still flourish in Delta by Ruth Roberts
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Freedom’s gridiron warriors weren’t in the mood to let their Bell Game trophy migrate over to Liberty. Page 19A Arts .....................................11A Business ............................... 8B Calendar ............................ 27B Classifieds ......................... 19B Cop Logs ............................ 26B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................. 12B Food .................................... 10B Health & Beauty .............. 14B Milestones ........................ 16B Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................19A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Turkey retaliation Proud procession go to news/press releases
A fitness boot camp is offering free workouts that take off holiday pounds.
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Antioch’s Veterans Day parade showcased our nation’s heroes.