Want the newspaper delivered to your home?
Campaign A bounty of pumpkins contributions addressed
by Kyle Szymanski
Staff Writer
BRENTWOOD In the wake of contention following a public forum, the community of Brentwood is taking a closer look at campaign contributions. During the mayoral candidate forum hosted by The Press and the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Oct. 8, the four participants who attended were asked if they’d accepted any contributions from developers or special interest groups. “I have received donations from lots of residents; lots of local business,” said current Vice Mayor Joel Bryant during the event. “I have also been endorsed by the freight unions as well as the fire district. And yes, I have taken some (contributions). I believe the largest check I have received so far is $2,500 at this point in time from one individual.” This statement was what got him into hot water on social media following the event, since a $20,000 contribution from Sierra Pacific Properties Inc. appeared to see Contributions page 22A
Staff Writer
developer impact fees; the city’s reluctance to require the new developments join community facilities districts (CFD); and the city’s failure to abide by the so-called Station 55 Agreement, a contract between the district and the city created to ensure the construction of a fire station near the entrance to the Summer Lake development necessitated after developer Shea Homes backed out of its obligation to do so. The district concluded its letter with a request that the city cease and desist from development practices the district called “detrimental” and a list of specific actions
BRENTWOOD The city is serving up additional outdoor dining furniture grant opportunities to area restaurants, after prior offerings were quickly consumed. Brentwood leaders have approved $75,000 for a citywide endeavor that provides grants of up to $5,000 to restaurants to offset costs of creating new or additional outdoor dining areas. Fifteen restaurants quickly devoured an initial $75,000, approved by the council for the program in July amid COVID-19 regulations that prohibited indoor dining. “The feedback we are getting is that the restaurants appreciate the support from the council and are able to put that money to use for new furniture, where they previously may not have had an outdoor area,” said Brentwood Senior Analyst Joshua Ewen. “It has helped offset some of their losses and keep them somewhat stabilized.” The new funding opportunities — again employing bond refinancing proceeds restricted for economic development use — are available first-come, first-served to all city restaurants that haven’t yet received a grant. As of late Tuesday, two undisclosed businesses, and possibly a third, were already lined up to receive assistance, Ewen said. There are currently about 250 active restaurant licenses in the city. “I think this is a great program,” said Councilmember Kar-
see District page 22A
see Grant page 22A
Photo by Tony Kukulich
E
va Andrade gets a ride in a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins as pumpkin-picking season gets underway at Three Nunns Farm in Brentwood. The popular farm offers a variety of gourds and two corn-mazes for visitors looking for a little adventure. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
District says development fees insufficient “ We’re trying to communicate our
by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
OAKLEY Tensions between the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) and the City of Oakley flared last week when the district made public a wide range of concerns regarding the city’s development practices. The district took this action after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations with the city stalled, asserting that the city’s unmitigated growth impacts the district’s fire and rescue capabilities. A 10-page letter, penned by ECCFPD Board President Brian Oftedal, was sent to the Oakley City Council, City Manager Bryan
challenges, the history that brought us here and the desired outcomes. That’s what we’re trying to do …
”
Brian Helmick, ECCFPD fire chief Montgomery and City Attorney Derek Cole Thursday, Oct. 8. It appeared the following day in an ECCFPD fire board agenda packet issued in advance of the board’s Oct. 14 meeting. “The city’s practice of permitting additional development without ensuring that new development generates sufficient capital and
Adopt-A-Pet........................................7A Classifieds.........................................17A
|
operating revenue to mitigate the costs of increased demand for fire and medical emergency response and fire prevention services hinders the district’s ability to provide such services to the district’s 128,000 residents,” wrote Oftedal. The letter details three primary complaints including: the city’s practice of waiving or discounting
Cop Logs............................................21A Health & Beauty..............................23A
Legals.................................................18A Milestones..........................................9A
To subscribe, visit www.thepress.net/subscribe
SAVE NOW
|
15% OFF ANY REPAIR FAIRVIEW HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC.
Local News ~ On Demand
October 16, 2020
More grant dollars for restaurants coming
by Aly Brown
Get The Press App!
Call or sign up online: 634-1441 www.thepress.net/subscribe
YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS | SERVING EAST COUNTY
Vol. 22, No. 42
www.thepress.net
BECOME A SUBSCRIBER!
Service • Repair • Installation
Contractor’s Lic. #533790 C-20
925-625-4963 • www.fairviewair.com
Opinion..............................................10A Sports.................................................14A
To advertise, call 634-1441
Special Edition: Decision 2020
Changing Lives In South Africa
Page 1B
Page 3A