YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 20, No. 43
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Fire district proposes action plan
October 26, 2018
More Than A Cup Of Joe
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
It’s a haven of swirling aromas, but Big House Beans is about more than coffee. Page 8
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District aims to reduce response times amid a variety of other goals in the next five years, according to recently released details of the agency’s draft specific plan. The document, released last week in hopes of garnering public feedback at a Nov. 14 community workshop, outlines the district’s proposed goals, strategies, vision, values and mission. “We want everyone to be actively engaged and understand exactly where we are as an agency,” said Fire Chief Brian Helmick. The five preliminary goals are to reduce response times; ensure financial stability and sustainability; maintain a high-performing
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Celebrating a rich heritage
F
rom left, filmmaker Todd Myers, John Marsh Historic Trust Executive Director Rick Lemyre, Carmen Murrieta, descendent of Joaquin Murrietta, and John Marsh, 5-times great-grandson of Dr. John Marsh, at the fifth annual Heritage Day held at the John Marsh House in Brentwood, Oct. 20. The event featured hikes on the property, a petting zoo and a presentation by Myers who is developing a movie about Joaquin Murrieta. The event was part of an ongoing effort to raise funds to restore the historic John Marsh Stone House. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
see Fire page 34
New downtown building first in 15 years by Kyle Szymanski
A new 6,000 square-foot building is being constructed at 609 First St., in Brentwood. It’s the first new structure built in downtown in about 15 years. JFM Development LLC, which owns the building, is still seeking a tenant.
Staff Writer
The First Street corridor in Brentwood’s downtown is adding a commercial element, the first of its kind in an estimated 15 years. Crews are in the process of constructing a 6,000-square-foot building at 609 First St., between Brentwood Cleaners and Zephyr Grill. “I think it’s a nice addition to downtown Brentwood,” said Manny Vierra of JFM Development LLC, which will own the building. “It’s going to be a nice-looking building.” Vierra said no tenant or tenants have been identified, but he’s fielded about a dozen calls since drawing attention to the site last week. The partly completed structure, slated for completion in the first quarter of next year, sits in the Downtown Core District Zone, meaning that it will be put to one of
Photo by Tony Kukulich
a variety of acceptable uses, including retail sales and services, an eating and drinking establishment, entertainment and recreation, and business or personal services, according to city documents. It’s the first new building downtown
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since 613 First St., currently occupied by Zephyr Grill. Vierra would like one tenant to occupy the entire one-story building, but it’s designed
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see Building page 34
Halloween Fun www.thepress.net/news/webextras
The Pleasanton Harvest Festival will ring in the Halloween weekend on Oct. 26.
Officials hope to eradicate the prodigious nutria wreaking havoc along the Delta. Page 6
Historic Win For Liberty
Liberty football team defeats Pittsburg 24-21 to secure first league title since 1985. Page 23 Calendar................................35 Classifieds.............................29 Cop Logs................................33 Elections..................................9 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................28 Opinion..................................22 Pets.........................................15 Sports.....................................23
For The Troops
www.thepress.net/news/press_releases
Congressman McNerney kicks off Holiday Cards For The Troops program.