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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 22, No. 19
May 8, 2020
A Spin U-pick season causes controversy Taking On The Wheel by Aly Brown Staff Writer
The county’s greenlight for U-pick farms to open this season has caused a stir of controversy within the community, but many local farmers stand firm in their decision to open. The Contra Costa Department of Agriculture issued approval along with guidelines for maintaining a healthy environment on U-pick farms opening for the 2020 cherry season in Brentwood. But the announcement posted on The Press’ Facebook page April 28 elicited a flood of comments, with many wondering why the activity would be allowed with the current shelter-in-place order being extended through the end of May — especially given the number of out-of-town customers the season draws. “So we extended the (shel-
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Along with an abundance of cherries, frequent reminders to maintain social distancing are evident as U-pick season gets going at Nunn Better Farms in Brentwood, Wednesday, May 6. ter-in-place), and folks can’t go to work to support their families but people from the epicenter — Santa Clara County — are OK to come here in mass,” resident
David Kramer said. “Either lift the (shelter-in-place) or we tell the folks from out of town to stay home and buy (cherries) at the store this year.”
Several others echoed Kramer’s sentiment on the Facebook thread. “I don’t think the guidelines are enough,” wrote Shari Ann. “Why are kids allowed to go pick cherries without masks but they can’t go to school? Maybe limit one person per household so there won’t be any groups.” Another resident who expressed concern also weighed the importance of supporting local farmers. “I’m excited to go pick, but I agree it’s the people from out of town who will spoil it,” Tina Koenig said. “The farmers need to sell their produce though. We can’t deny them that. They’ve put a lot of time and money into this harvest.” When asked if travel restrictions would be applied to those outside the county who are plansee U-Pick page 20
City settles police officer assault suit “ While we are disappointed in the entire
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The City of Brentwood will pay $1 million to settle a city police officer’s lawsuit that alleged her supervisor sexually assaulted her at a work-related, out-of-state training conference in 2017 and then pressured her to lie during what she claims was a mishandled Brentwood Police Department investigation designed to cover up the alleged incidents. The alleged victim, a 17year member of the force whose identity will not be revealed, per the policy of this newspaper, claimed that now-retired Brentwood Police Lt. Sal DiMercurio forced her to engage in sex acts in his hotel room and then persuaded her to lie about
situation, we believe the city council decision to settle saved the taxpayers significant resources compared to a lengthy legal battle …
”
Tim Ogden, Brentwood city manager the events during a subsequent Brentwood Police Department review; and that a fellow senior police department official asked her a series of yes-or-no questions designed to confirm DiMercurio’s account that “there had been no sexual intercourse and any contact was consensual.” In return for the $1 million settlement, the accuser has dismissed the case, said her at-
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torney, Jayme L. Walker, with the law firm of Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli and Brewer. “My client wants nothing more than to put this whole thing behind her and move on with her life,” Walker said this week. “This is a horribly traumatic, unfortunate event that occurred … the city acknowledged its poor handling of it and the fact it happened, by paying so much money in the case.”
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Attorney Shane R. Larsen, who represented DiMercurio, said his client maintains his innocence. “Mr. DiMercurio understands the city resolved the lawsuit,” Larsen said. “Mr. DiMercurio has always adamantly denied the allegations against him and continues to do so. He retired from the city after 31 years of service with no findings against him.” Brentwood City Manager Tim Ogden said the council’s decision to settle the case limits the strain on the city. “While we are disappointed in the entire situation, we believe the city council decision to settle saved the taxpayers significant resources compared to a see Suit page 20
Worker Safety
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Contra Costa Transit Authority creates partnership to keep construction workers safe.
Oakley resident appears as a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune.” Page 10
Sewing For Community
Local organizations make and distribute masks to area senior facitiliies and care units. Page 6
Shining A Virtual Light
Amidst shelter-in-place, schools are using social media to keep the spotlight on athletes. Page 14 Adopt A Pet..........................21 Classifieds.............................18 Cop Logs................................17 Legals.....................................19 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................12 Sports.....................................14
Helping Homeless www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
County shelters 250 homeless residents in hotels during shelter-in-place.
