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Delays hit COVID-19 testing
by Kyle Szymanski
Staff Writer
REGIONAL As the saga of COVID-19 unfolds, Contra Costa residents are once again finding difficulty in securing a test. Karl Fischer, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) public information officer, offered a behind-the-scenes look. “At the very beginning of the pandemic in March, the FDA had only approved certain pieces of medical equipment for testing — a particular brand of nose swab or a particular brand vial to put the nose swab in — so because of that, those resources became very scarce immediately,” Fischer said. “Since then, a whole bunch of compatible equipment has been approved, so having the material to test was no longer an issue. The issue became about building up the capacity (for
Staff Writer
fender, the equities at play aptly demonstrate that this wasn’t the right case, or Mr. Reynolds the right offender.” Singh recommended a sixyear sentence for Reynolds, while the defence sought probation. The four-count conviction carried a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Singh argued that Reynolds’ two prior violent felony convictions — second-degree robbery in 2002 and shooting at an inhabited dwelling in 2001 — should be considered in the sentencing. Had that been the case, the presence of two prior strikes would
OAKLEY City leaders recently approved a balanced fiscal year budget that maintains normal operations amid some expected COVID-19 impacts. “As always, we have developed the budget with restraint and a focus on core services,” Oakley City Manager Bryan Montgomery said. Citywide projected 20202021 fiscal year revenues are actually projected to jump up around $2 million, to about $43 million, while expenditures are slated to rise around $1 million, to about $42 million. COVID-19-related impacts, however, are evident in the city’s projected general fund that helps pay for key services, including police, public works and recreation. Although those services are not expected to be affected, general fund revenues are expected to dip by over $1.4 million, to $20.7 million, largely due to a COVID-19-related decline in sales taxes, franchise fees and developer fees, among other sources. General fund expenditures are expected to drop by about $2.1 million, to $21.3 million, with a $1.35 million slash in funds transferred out compared to last year. Despite the changes, the city expects to maintain at least
see K9 page 23
see Budget page 23
Photo by Tony Kukulich
K
atherine Mund, Osvaldo Vega, Kalee Dutra and Jasmine Chuey enjoyed their meal in City Park as Liberty High School hosted “A Graduate’s Dinner” for the Class of 2020. Students used money from their senior ball funds, which they were not able to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions, and created a picnic-style dinner with food and drink ordered from local businesses. Meals were first distributed in drive-thru fashion at Liberty. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
see Testing page 23
NorCal K9 owner sentenced to two years “ This case should serve as a wake-up
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
REGIONAL Garry Reynolds, the owner of NorCal K9 who was convicted on four counts of felony animal cruelty in March, was sentenced last week to two years in state prison on each of the four charges with his sentences to be served concurrently. “I am satisfied the defendant will serve time in state prison due to his extreme negligence and disregard for the animals under his company’s care,” said Arsh Singh, the deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case. “This case should serve as a wake-up call for any dog train-
call for any dog training company in our community. Animals deserve to be protected and treated well. Our office will not tolerate the abuse of any animal.
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Arsh Singh, deputy district attorney ing company in our community. Animals deserve to be protected and treated well. Our office will not tolerate the abuse of any animal.” Reynolds was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing.
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“I believe that personal animus and political posturing replaced justice and fairness,” said Matthew Fregi, Reynolds’ defense attorney. “And while I have no problem with our courts making an example in this type of case with this type of of-
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July 17, 2020
Council approves balanced budget
Graduation picnic-style
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