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YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS | SERVING EAST COUNTY
Vol. 23, No. 48
Oakley Police chief terminated by Jake Menez Staff Writer
OAKLEY The city of Oakley has announced that Dean Capelletti, the police chief placed on administrative leave in September, has been “separated from employment” as of Nov. 18. “As this was a personnel matter, I cannot comment further about his separation,” City Manager Joshua McMurray said of the decision. “The City’s focus at this time is on searching for a new police chief who will uphold the City’s values and effectively lead the outstanding officers and employees who serve in the City Police Department.” No official reason has been given for the termination of Capelletti’s employment nor for his placement on administrative leave earlier in the year. Mayor Sue Higgins echoed McMurray’s statement, saying the current focus is the search for a new police chief, while City Attorney Derek
Oakley leaders confirmed this week that Police Chief Dean Capelletti has been “separated from employment” as of late last week.
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Cole said McMurray’s statement was the only comment that could be made regarding the situation. Capelletti, an 18-year veteran of law enforcement, joined the Oakley police department in September 2020, having previously served as a captain of the La Habra Police Depart-
ment in Southern California. A Bay Area native, Capelletti cited Oakley’s “Mayberry feel” as one of the main reasons he chose to return to the Bay Area during an interview with The Press shortly after taking the role. However, by September of 2021, Capelletti had been placed
on paid administrative leave following an undisclosed incident, and an investigation was conducted. At that time, both Cole and Higgins declined to provide further information on the matter due to the active investigasee Police Chief page 22
Holiday Parade to wind through downtown Then Santa to light Christmas tree at City Park by Kaitlyn Gleeson Staff Writer
BRENTWOOD Brentwood might not have snowy nights, lakes that freeze over or large surrounding pine forests. But, the lack of these signs of winter doesn’t mean the city’s Christmas experience will be any less magical. On Saturday, Nov. 27, the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce will host the Holiday PaBusiness.................................16 Calendar................................10
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rade “Miracle on Oak Street” at 5 p.m. The parade will begin at Chestnut and First streets, go north on First Street towards Veterans Hall, right on Maple Street to Second Street, coming to an end at the Community Center on Oak Street. Patrons who wish to attend the parade can set up on First, Second or Oak streets, but if they seem too crowded and you want a front row seat, you can set up on Maple Street too. “It should be a lot of fun,” said Jamie Durant, chairman of the Holiday Parade. “We will have a good security presence see Parade page 22
Classifieds.............................19 Cop Logs................................17
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Brentwood’s Holiday Parade, seen here in 2019, returns on Nov. 27 at 5 p.m., beginning at Chestnut and First streets. Entertainment.......................8 Food..........................................8
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Milestones............................11 Opinion..................................23
November 26, 2021
State to improve water supply by Tony Kukulich Correspondent
REGIONAL Advocates for the environment hailed the state’s recent decision to implement updated water-flow standards in the San Joaquin River, but what the move will mean for Sacramento River flows remains to be seen. The action taken by the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) ended the voluntary agreement process for the San Joaquin River watershed. A letter dated Oct. 20 and jointly signed by CNRA Secretary Wade Crowfoot and CNRPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld advised water contractors in the watershed of the state’s decision. “Keeping healthy, unimpaired flows is about protecting groundwater supplies,” said Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta. “It’s about protecting public trust resources, food supplies and wildlife networks. Everything is linked to the health of California rivers, including our drinking water supplies.” “The state team continues to believe that collaboration, adaptive management and voluntary agreements are the best way to ensure water resilience for California’s communities, economy and environment,” said Lisa Lien-Mager, CNRA see Plans page 22
Pets.........................................14 Sports.....................................12
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