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FATHER’S DAY
June 20, 2021
YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS | SERVING EAST COUNTY
Vol. 23, No. 25
Most pandemic restrictions lifted by Tim Epperson
Shannon Jackson, right, gives a haircut to a customer without wearing a mask at the Rake Salon on Oak Street Tuesday, the day most pandemic restrictions were lifted in the state of California.
Staff Writer
REGIONAL California reached a turning point in the global pandemic Tuesday as most restrictions were lifted statewide. The state implemented an honor system allowing fully vaccinated people to forgo masks and social distancing at restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and grocery stores, even as employees will still be required to abide by California’s COVID-19 restrictions pending a decision later this week by a state safety board. However, some businesses and counties may still require them. Local health officials, citing state guidance, announced that most places may return to prepandemic operations. In East Contra Costa County, many patrons of local businesses celebrated their recent lifting of restrictions after 15 months. “Our shop is big enough for a small amount of people to be
Staff Writer
REGIONAL Pressure is mounting on the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) to find a solution after funding for the Delta Independent Science Board (DISB) was slashed with little explanation and less notice. “In a year of a robust state budget, there is absolutely no excuse for the DSC to starve the Delta Independent Science Board of necessary funding to maintain the ability to conduct scientific reviews,” said Osha Meserve, a Sacramento-based environmental lawyer. “With-
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as well as follow what the schools say,” he said. “If school is requiring masks in class, we will require masks in lessons, unless the parents say otherwise.” Health care providers will continue with COVID-19 restrictions.
out a properly funded DISB, the Delta will have no reprieve from interest-based or ‘combat” science.’” The Delta Reform Act of 2009 created the DSC, and it was tasked with advancing the state’s coequal goals for the Delta – a more reliable statewide water supply and a healthy and protected ecosystem, both achieved in a manner that protects and enhances the unique characteristics of the Delta as an evolving place. A critical responsibility of the DSC is the exercise of its regulatory authority. It determines if Delta-related projects like
WaterFix and the Dutch Slough Restoration are consistent with the Delta Plan. A project deemed inconsistent with the plan cannot move forward. In 2018, the Department of Water Resources withdrew its application for a certificate of consistency for the WaterFix project after it became evident that the DSC would not approve the project. The project’s inability to obtain a certificate of consistency likely played a factor in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to kill WaterFix in favor of a singletunnel project that is currently in development – the Delta Conveyance Project.
The DISB is a 10-member board of nationally and internationally recognized independent scientists who are experts in matters related to management of the Delta. Reports and recommendations completed by the DISB are intended to support DSC’s efforts to achieve the coequal goals of the Delta Plan. Jay Lund, DISB past chair, explained that since the board’s inception in 2010, members were paid by contract at a professional rate of $200 per hour, commensurate with the knowledge and expertise members brought to the board. see DISB page 22
see Districts page 22
Classifieds........................................... 19 Cop Logs.............................................. 17
see Restrictions page 22
Milestones.......................................... 10 Opinion................................................ 11
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health care and indoor school classes. “We are not requiring masks, just giving the option,” said Denise Gleeson of Calvary Community Church. “We respect if someone wants a social distancing option available.” John Kontgianis from Geddes Music said he will abide by his customers’ wishes. “We will respect parents’ wishes
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inside with no masks and safe distancing,” said Rake Salon employee Shannon Jackson. Businesses have three choices: operate on an honor system; require customers to show proof of vaccination, or they can still require everyone to wear a mask. For now, masks will still be required in places like public transit, airports,
Photo by Kaitlyn Gleeson
Business............................................... 23 Calendar................................................ 8
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City eyes boundary options BRENTWOOD City leaders will use a retired judge to choose members of a new commission charged with determining updated City Council district boundary options. Brentwood leaders in 2019 replaced the former City Council at-large election process with a system in which all council members will eventually be elected by a district that each represents. The mayor will still be elected at-large. With the new census recently completed, the city’s representative district boundaries must now be updated to align with new population data — a task that will in part be undertaken by an independent commission, whose members will be chosen by the retired judge. Per state law, the council is prohibited from choosing the commission members but can choose the selection process. “The hybrid model selected creates an independent body to run the redistricting process,” said City Attorney Damien Brower. Once formed, the fivemember commission (one member from each existing district and one at-large member) are expected to hold at least four public meetings, leading to the recommendation of two or maps for City Council consideration. The council would then choose one. The council opted to re-
Delta science board’s funding slashed by Tony Kukulich
June 18, 2021
High school all stars named
Oakley to levy firework fines
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