HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Get 3 months FREE!
Give the gift of news! Subscribe today! Call or sign up online: 634-1441 www.thepress.net/subscribe
YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS | SERVING EAST COUNTY
Vol. 22, No. 50
County set to receive vaccines
Council members sworn in
Changing of the guard
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
local high school sports scene as a talented wrestler who, despite only taking up the sport as a freshman, accomplished many of his goals, including capturing a Bay Valley Athletic League title; placing in state freestyle and Greco tournaments; and qualifying for the North Coast Section tournament. It was his personal traits, however, that blazed a trail into the hearts of many, friends said this week. The charismatic, lighthearted jokester was never short on smiles, and he had a knack for spreading cheer, said teammate Elijah Sanchez.
OAKLEY The installation of the city’s new mayor and city councilmembers this week was also the end of an era. Newly elected councilmembers Aaron Meadows, George Fuller and Anissa Williams took their oaths of office, while outgoing members Kevin Romick, Claire Alaura and Michael Krieg were showered with gifts and praise before saying goodbye. Alaura and Romick finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in November’s election to fill three council seats. Krieg did not seek reelection. “Oakley has been very lucky to have their representation on the city council,” said Congressman Jerry McNerney, one of many virtual and inperson meeting attendees who commended the outgoing trio for their work. “I have personally seen over several years how dedicated they are to the city.” The council’s yearly reorganization also saw the newly installed council tap Sue Higgins for mayor and Randy Pope as vice mayor in the city’s rotating mayor system, where councilmembers are selected yearly to serve as mayor and vice mayor. “It’s an honor to represent us as we emerge from COVID in 2021,” said Higgins, who noted just a handful of upcoming endeavors, including exploring the possible return of the city’s planning commission; the ar-
see Heritage page 19A
see Council page 18A
by Aly Brown Staff Writer
REGIONAL Contra Costa County health officials this week announced the arrival of the region’s first COVID-19 vaccines. In a Dec. 8 Board of Supervisors meeting, Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) health officer, and Anna Roth, CCHS director, shared the news with the board members. Farnitano said the CCHS expects the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve and dispense the first vaccine as soon as the end of this week, with the first shipment to roll out next
Photo by Tony Kukulich
N
ewly elected Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant and councilmembers Susannah Meyer, left, and Jovita Mendoza, right, attend the Oath of Office ceremony in City Park, Wednesday, Dec. 9. The event was held outdoors with a limited number of attendees in accordance with COVID-19 requirements.
see Vaccines page 18A
Heritage community reeling from tragedies “ It’s been kind of a brutal stretch,
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
BRENTWOOD The Heritage High community has been rocked by a pair of recent auto accidents that killed one former student and left another in a coma. Caesar Borela, a former wrestler and 2019 graduate, died after he collided with an oncoming truck when crossing over solid double yellow lines on Vasco Road, south of Walnut Boulevard, at about 3:45 a.m. on Dec. 1, according to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) news release. He was 19. The CHP reported that the accident investigation remains underway.
especially with all of our alums.
www.thepress.net
|
”
Heritage Athletic Director Nate Smith A family friend confirmed Borela was on his way to his job at Amazon. Borela’s family did not respond to requests for comment. As the community mourns Borela’s death, it clings to hope for the recovery of Lyndsey Burrow, a 2020 Patriots grad, who remains in a medically induced coma in UAMS Medical Center in Arkansas more than four weeks after she collided with an 18-wheel delivery
Adopt-A-Pet......................................19A Classifieds.........................................16A
truck that allegedly turned left into her vehicle’s path in Searcy, Arkansas. Searcy is the home of Harding University, where she’s enrolled and was set to play for the school’s softball team, said Burrow family friend Mike Maglalang. “It’s been kind of a brutal stretch, especially with all of our alums,” said Heritage Athletic Director Nate Smith. “There have been a lot of unfortunate incidents.” Borela was known around the
Food......................................................9A Home And Garden........... ��������������20A
Legals.................................. ��������������17A Opinion..............................................12A
To subscribe, visit www.thepress.net/subscribe
SAVE NOW
|
Local News ~ On Demand
Service • Repair • Installation
Contractor’s Lic. #533790 C-20
925-625-4963 • www.fairviewair.com
‘Tis The Season................... �������������� 1B Sports.................................................13A
To advertise, call 634-1441
15% OFF ANY REPAIR FAIRVIEW HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC.
Get The Press App!
December 11, 2020
Discovery Bay’s Parade Of Lights
Contra Costa Court Closures
Page 9A
Page 8A