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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 11, No. 50
Romick takes over as mayor by Samie Hartley Staff Writer
In keeping with Oakley tradition, the City Council voted this week to promote the current vice mayor – in this case, Kevin Romick – to the role of mayor in 2012. Councilwoman Carol Rios was selected to replace Romick as vice mayor. Oakley City Council members are elected to four-year terms, but the mayoralty operates on an annual rotation. Newly appointed Mayor Romick said he plans to build on the previous year’s successful programs led by outgoing Mayor Jim Frazier. Romick’s plan for 2012 is to continue moving the Downtown Specific Plan forward, starting with the revitalization of Oakley Plaza. The new Oakley Council,
led by Romick, voted on Tuesday to approve a redesign of the CentroMart building and the chain of stores located to the rear of the shopping center. Signs recently went up downtown to promote the construction of the new Carpaccio’s Italian restaurant, scheduled to break ground early next year at the corner of Oakley Plaza. Romick, who is serving his second term as mayor, also plans to continue to move the Oakley First campaign forward, encouraging residents to shop locally so that city services benefit from the sales tax revenue. Another goal for 2012 is to finally take over Main Street. In his outgoing comments, Frazier said Oakley is scheduled to gain control of Main Street in Febru-
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December 16, 2011
Come help the Friends Modifying the monikers
A new book traces how the names of East County towns and terrain have changed over the years. Page 1B
Photo by Richard Wisdom
akley resident Norma Marin adds a donated bike to a pile of toys collected for children in need. Toys and food will be donated to 300 Oakley families as part of the Friends of Oakley Christmas Basket program on Sunday, Dec. 18 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at O’Hara Park Middle School, 1100 O’Hara Ave. Volunteers are needed for sorting at the school on Saturday at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www. friendsofoakley.com.
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Furry friends find rescue Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization has set up shop in the former Oakley fire station on Second Street. Page 3A
Checklist for launch
see Mayor page 17A
District begins fire tax meetings by Rick Lemyre Staff Writer
Photo by Jennifer Connelley
East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Chief Hugh Henderson discusses the need for a new fire tax at the first of a series of public meetings planned for throughout the district. The meeting took place in Discovery Bay.
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The first in a series of public meetings aimed at informing residents of the need for a new tax for fire service drew a small but inquisitive crowd in Discovery Bay on Monday. About 30 district residents turned out to hear a presentation from the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Chief Hugh Henderson, along with ECCFPD Board President Kevin Romick, board member Bob Kenny and Discovery Bay resident Bob Mankin. The session began with some sobering realities. Plummeting property values and a tax-sharing formula established in 1978 has prevented the district from keeping
Lay of the land go to news/WebExtras!
A study of local ecology – with maps and photos – is now available for purchase.
up with the increased demand for services. Two of the district’s eight stations were closed last year, and funds were eliminated for replacement engines, fire station maintenance, weed abatement programs and other preventative operations. Nevertheless, the district spent $2.8 million more than it took in last year, making up the difference with reserves. Those reserves, however, are about to run out. If additional revenue is not found, next July the district will be forced to close three more stations and lay off half its 48 firefighters, leaving three stations (one each in Brentwood, Discovery Bay and Oakley) and 24 firefighters to protect the 250square-mile district’s 105,000 resisee Fire page 17A
Cyber security
go to news/press releases Burglars can now monitor social media sites for signs you’re not at home.
A Freedom soccer player’s vision of an aerospace engineering career is on a countdown to liftoff. Page 19A Arts ....................................... 8A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ........................... 9B Cop Logs ............................ 14B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 5B Food ...................................... 6B Milestones .......................... 4B Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................19A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Glittering glide go to multimedia/videos
The Bethel Island Lighted Boat Parade put serious dazzle into the Delta.