The Press 04.02.2021

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HAPPY SUNDAY

YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS | SERVING EAST COUNTY

Vol. 23, No. 14

City finalizes housing denial

by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer

Staff Writer

BRENTWOOD The City Council has formally adopted a resolution denying the hotly debated Bridle Gate development, a proposed project of up to 315 homes, west of Sand Creek Road and the State Route 4 interchange. Senior City Planner Debbie Hill said the resolution, formally adopted last week, is the council’s final action on the project application that touched off a 6.5hour discussion and public comment period in early March that ended with the

Photo by Tony Kukulich

E

ngineer Bill Scott (fourth from the left) of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) paused for a photo with the crews from Engines 52, 53 and 59 and Battalion Chief Craig Auzenne as he neared the end of his final shift as an active ECCFPD firefighter. Scott was one of the first full-time firefighters hired by the ECCFPD when it formed in 2002. The staff of The Press wishes him the best in his retirement.

see Housing page 22

Delta tunnel project leader steps down “ There’s a perception out there that

by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer

REGIONAL The Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority (DCA) announced earlier this month that Executive Director Kathryn Mallon has stepped down from that role and will now serve as a senior advisor “I’m immensely proud of the work that we have accomplished at the DCA,” said Mallon. “However, the nature of the upcoming work is shifting, and it feels like a good time to return to my roots in design and construction of major infrastruc-

we’re trying to buy off the Delta, and I can understand why people have the perspective. That’s a natural perspective. But that is not the route of this program.

ture projects while the proposed project undergoes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis. I appreciate the confidence this board has placed in me and I look forward

to continuing to serve the DCA as a senior advisor going forward.” Formed in 2018, the DCA was assigned the responsibility to staff, design, contract,

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see Leader page 22

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see Labor page 22

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Arson case opened

Groups rally for child in need

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BRENTWOOD City leaders have directed staff to continue crafting a citywide project labor agreement (PLA) with local unions to be used on at least some future public construction projects. Project labor agreements are pre-hire arrangements between an entity and local labor organizations. Proponents say the agreements provide a high level of skilled workers, reduce labor disruptions caused by strikes, lockouts and labor shortages, and provide greater coordination for large, complex city projects. The Brentwood Council directed city staff to continue building the agreement with local unions and requested that the agreement feature stipulations that benefit local businesses and workers. The governing body requested additional information before deciding on the agreement’s length and the projects it will be used for. “I think we all agree the PLA moving forward is a good thing,” said City Councilmember Susannah Meyer “I support unions myself, but it needs to be a benefit to everyone.” Public Works Director Miki Tsubota, who noted that the city has only used PLA’s twice, said that most recent city projects

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construct and finance the nowdefunct California WaterFix project by a joint exercise of powers agreement between the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the DCA. When Gov. Gavin Newsom pulled the plug on WaterFix’s twin-tunnel plan in April 2019 and replaced it with the single-tunnel Delta Conveyance Project, DCA’s authority transitioned to the new project. DWR is responsible for overseeing the DCA’s work. Mallon joined the DCA as executive director in January 2019, shortly before New-

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Kathyrn Mallon former DCA executive director

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April 2, 2021

Leaders seek labor deal

A proud retirement

by Kyle Szymanski

www.thepress.net

April 4, 2021


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