YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 21, No. 36
READ THE DAILY NEWS AT WWW.THEPRESS.NET
Marsh Creek Trail extension in the works by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is looking at options to enhance recreational opportunities in East County by extending the popular Marsh Creek Regional Trail. Passing through Oakley, Brentwood and Contra Costa County, the trail currently runs for 9.2 miles from Big Break Regional Shoreline south to Concord Avenue. The EBRPD plan will extend the trail south from the intersection of Vineyards Parkway and Miwok Avenue to Round Valley Regional
Preserve, a distance of about 3 miles. According to Sean Dougan, trails development program manager with EBRPD, Shea Builders will provide a mile-long trail link from Concord Avenue to Miwok Avenue. “The intent of this project is to identify the preferred route for a regional trail from Vineyards Parkway in Brentwood, through or next to John Marsh State Historic Park and all the way to the Round Valley Regional Preserve to the south,” said Dougan. “That leads into Round Valley, and eventually see Trail page 30
What’s the score?
Staff Writer
Brentwood residents may not realize just how smart the city’s police dispatch center is. The system uses the free Smart911 service, which allows residents to create personalized information profiles that enhance emergency response, should they ever need it. Residents are able to enter a vast array of information points, such as medical conditions and allergies, emergency contacts, photos, property layout and vehicle descriptions. “It’s kind of 9-1-1 on steroids,” said Sasha Vargas, community marketing manager for Rave Mobile Safety, which provides the service. “You are preparing 9-1-1 takers for the emergencies.”
Ready For The New Year Photo by Tony Kukulich
T
he Ohmstede Field scoreboard is taken down at Liberty High School in Brentwood, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. The new scoreboard is part of renovations to the stadium funded by Measure U. To view a video of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
“ It’s kind of 9-1-1 on steroids. You are
preparing 9-1-1 takers for the emergencies.
SAVE NOW
codes can prepare first responders to expedite property access. The service also offers enhanced RapidSOS technology, which can be more accurate than conventional cell phone tower capabilities, Vargas said. “It’s a great tool to have,” said Miller, who noted that BPD subscribed to the service when it opened its dispatch center in early 2017. Users can upload information and pictures to their profile via a website or app, or they can use telephone service if they don’t use email, Vargas said. The current service, which
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Sasha Vargas, Rave Mobile Safety When signed-up users dial 9-1-1 from associated numbers, the information pops up on the dispatcher’s screen, giving first responders a jumpstart, said Katie Miller, a Brentwood Police Department (BPD) dispatch supervisor. For example, users can upload photos of their children, which will be immediately passed on to responding officers if they go missing; people with known medical conditions can give enroute medics a clue to possible problems if they become incapacitated; and those with tricky property configurations or special gate
The View From Above
The Press’ own Kyle Szymanski shares an up-close look at his first skydiving adventure. Page 6
Police dispatch system is Smart911 by Kyle Szymanski
September 6, 2019
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has been around for at least 10 years, is embraced by at least 1,500 nationwide municipalities, including the East Bay cities of Brentwood, Concord and San Ramon. The profiles are connected to associated phone numbers and can only be accessed by participating agencies when users dial 9-1-1. Vargas said, in many instances, the information could be a lifesaver. One user’s profile instantly alerted authorities to a possible diabetic emergency when a fouryear-old dialed 9-1-1 for their suddenly incapacitated mother. Another member’s information portal alerted first responders to an associated vehicle type and possible location, after the car see Smart page 30
BART Signs
www.thepress.net/news/webextras
BART riders will soon see improved features to digital platform signs systemwide.
Local group of residents donates backpacks and supplies for students. Page 7
New Stolen Bases Record
Former Heritage baseball star Gio Diaz breaks summer league stolen bases record. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Education................................7 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................14 Opinion..................................20 Pets of the week...................8 Sports.....................................21
Weather Page
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
PG&E has launched a new weather page for localized, detailed forecasts.