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YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS | SERVING EAST COUNTY
Vol. 23, No. 26
June 25, 2021
Community honors car crash victim Oakley By Kaitlyn Gleeson
Matías Rogers, a 16-yearold Liberty High School student, was memorialized this week. He died June 16 in a head-on motor vehicle collision on Sellers Avenue between Delta and Sunset roads.
Staff Writer
BRENTWOOD On June 16, a head-on motor vehicle collision on Sellers Avenue between Delta and Sunset roads claimed the life of 16-year-old Matías Rogers, a phenomenal student and accomplished track and crosscountry athlete. The news shocked the community, as Rogers’ personality and friendliness had touched the hearts of many. According to a California Highway Patrol press release, the young man was proclaimed deceased at the scene. The two other individuals involved in the accident were transported to John Muir with critical injuries. News of the death of Rogers impacted the lives of an innumerable amount of people. Outside of his family, Rogers had a positive impact on the lives of his coach, teammates and educators that had him in
Photo courtesy of Eric Morford
their classes. The incredible influence that Rogers had created was made obvious on June 21, at Liberty High School’s Ohmstede Field, during a candlelight vigil hosted in his honor. Hundreds lined the stands as various individuals who were related to or well associated with the young
athlete each took part in the vigil by speaking of all the ways in which Rogers had been a blessing to the community. Coach Eric Morford began the ceremony with heartfelt and somber words, saying, “Tonight is about sharing the story of Matías Elijah Rogers, a brilliant and hardworking young man
that has left us far too soon.” It would be with these words that the vigil would go forth, giving the community a chance to pause and remember the life of a young man lost at an age that was far too young. The first people to speak on see Victim page 27
Roddy Ranch property plans under review by Tony Kukulich Correspondent
REGIONAL It’s been three years since Jack Roddy sold the 230-acre Roddy Ranch Golf Club, and area residents will soon have a chance to review the East Bay Regional Park District’s (EBRPD) plans for the property. “We’re at the phase of the planning where we’re presenting the draft alternative park designs,” said Eddie Willis, EBRPD planner.” These are concept maps that show trail alignments, habitat restoration areas, picnic sites and all the features that you would expect from a regional park. We’re looking for pub-
lic input. The public meeting will be a chance for live interaction for folks to ask questions and really go into depth with our design consultants.” A Zoom meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 1 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., will give the public an opportunity to examine drafts of three alternatives for the development of a new park. “I am excited to see another outdoor passive recreational opportunity so close to Brentwood becoming available,” said Tim Odgen, Brentwood city manager. “The historical significance of the site and the restorative effort underway is a treasure our residents can enjoy.” see Ranch page 27
Calendar.............................................. 12 Classifieds........................................... 23
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Press file photo
East Bay Regional Park District Ward 7 Director Colin Coffey, EBRPD Supervisor Rex Caufield and Keith Haydon, East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy board member, overlook the Roddy Ranch Golf Club property in 2018.
Cop Logs.............................................. 10 Entertainment................................... 26
Food........................................................ 9 Opinion................................................ 11
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planning entity returns by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
OAKLEY Oakley city leaders have decided to bring back a separate planning commission. The city had a detached planning body from its 1999 incorporation until development activity slowed in early 2009, when the council absorbed the commission’s responsibilities. A planning commission’s role is to aid in a municipality’s development, using established documents and codes to ensure that applications and projects are in alignment. “We have all been waiting a long time for this,” said City Councilmember George Fuller. The council has been considering the commission’s reestablishment for about five months, believing that its resurrection could increase overall citizen engagement and solicit project feedback earlier in the development process. The council held a public workshop on the commission’s potential return in January and again in April, after a community survey was conducted. Among the survey results, 87.3% of the 134 respondents noted that they are not in support of the city council serving as the planning commission; and 88.8% were in favor of the commission’s rebirth. “The thought of a planning commission is there will be an additional set of eyes,” said City see Planning page 27
Pets......................................................... 7 Sports................................................... 19
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Wedding season on the horizon Page 13
Town gala an ‘80s hit Page 5