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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 22, No. 20
Free COVID-19 Addressing concerns testing opens in Brentwood
May 15, 2020
Lending A Helping Hand
by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
A COVID-19 test site recently opened in Brentwood, offering free testing to anyone regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. The site, set-up in the lobby of the performing arts center (PAC) on the Liberty High School campus, opened May 7 and is currently taking patients on a daily basis via appointment. “They (the state) were looking for something in Brentwood for the far East County, and this was the closest to serve the far, far east county,” said Kim McCarl, Contra Costa Health Services assistant to the director of communications. “We will be on that site for the next three weeks, and then we will try and find a more permanent site in Brentwood.” Liberty is one of three state-provided walk-up locations in the county — the other two are in Pinole and Walnut Creek. Additional county-run sites offer drive-thru testing see Testing page 18
Residents are making a difference as the community comes together during COVID-19 crisis. Page 4
Ready, Willing And Waiting Photo by Tony Kukulich
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rentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen met with downtown business owners in City Park, Friday, May 8. The meeting included concerns over shelter-in-place orders and the possibility of reopening businesses, among other topics. To view a video of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
High schools plan in-person graduations by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
Following a Liberty Union High School District board meeting held May 6, Superintendent Eric Volta announced the district tentatively plans to conduct in-person commencement ceremonies for the nearly 1,900 seniors in the district expected to graduate this year. “Pending shelter-in-place orders, we have pushed back the commencements to June 22, 23 and 24,” he said. “Right now, we’re planning on these commencements being student only. If we cannot hold those ceremonies per the current shelter-inplace orders, then we’ll have a virtual ceremony.” With the school year
“ Pending shelter-in-place orders, we have pushed back the commencements to June 22, 23 and 24. Right now, we’re planning on these commencements being student-only.
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Eric Volta, LUHSD superintendent quickly drawing to a close, school administrators are trying to develop graduation plans that will recognize students’ achievements while adhering to a continuously evolving set of restrictions resulting from the statewide stay-at-home order. “Graduation is the most important event on our campuses each year,” said Carrie Wells, Heritage High School principal.
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“As a district, I feel that we are trying our best to have plans that keep with the spirit of the traditional ceremonies offering an opportunity for families to create positive memories during this unprecedented time.” This week, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) issued graduation guidance that urged school administrators to forego in-person graduations in favor
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of virtual ceremonies. The county did issue guidelines for two types of graduation ceremony options including a drive-thru diploma pickup and an in-person graduation for gatherings of less than 25 graduates. However, even the drive-thru option compels administrators to limit ceremonies to a maximum of 200 cars. With more than 500 graduates each at Liberty, Heritage and Freedom high schools, that cap presents a serious logistical challenge. “We recognize the need for people to connect and celebrate,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County health officer. “However, gatherings like graduation ceremonies are a see Graduations page 18
Rattler Season www.thepress.net/news/webextras
East Bay Regional Park District issues early-season warning for rattlesnake safety.
New LMC campus is slated to open for fall semester if face-toface instruction is allowed. Page 6
Running In A Virtual World
Running club founder launches online program to keep kids motivated during pandemic. Page 14 Adopt A Pet............................8 Cop Logs................................19 Education................................6 Legals.....................................17 Milestones............................13 Opinion..................................12 Sports.....................................14
Virtual Grads
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Health officials are urging schools to hold virtual graduations to avoid COIVD-19.