BROAKLEY.COM

Lawmen Football

2011-03-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Norcal Lawmen Semi Pro Football is back in the East Bay. The Lawmen will be playing out of Los Medanos College for all home games this season. You can find a complete schedule of games at http://www.lawmenfootball.org/

This year the Norcal Lawmen have added a beautifil group of Cheerleaders to entertain the fans during the game and during halftime. They also have performances by the Dancin Diamonds a very talented group of dancers out of Pittsburg/Antioch.

The first game of the regular season begins March 26th at Los Medanos College. Kickoff time is 6:00 PM

This game will be honoring all our Veterans in the Armed Forces. Any Veteran active or retired who shows up to the game in Uniform will get free admission for his/her entire family.

Oakley Disposal Raising their Rates

2010-09-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

Oakley Disposal is in the process of changing from a Quarterly billing system to a Monthly billing system. During this change over your Residential Collection Service will be expanded to now include a 3 Container All-Wheeled System.

You will now have a Brown, Blue and a Green Container to use for your yard clippings, recycled items and household garbage.

This change doesn't come without a price.

Current prices for a 96 Gallons garbage container are $31.11 per month or $93.33 per quarter.
The new prices will be $39.60 per month. Billing will be changed from Quarterly to Monthly. At $39.60 per month your new Quarterly cost would be $118.80 or an increase of $25.47 per Quarter.

Brentwood's Holiday on Ice Returns November 14th

2009-11-05T21:02:00.000-08:00

Season 2 of Brentwood's Holiday on Ice is almost here. For information go here.

http://www.brentwoodholidayonice.com/

Antioch High School Coaches Developing Student Athletes

2009-10-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Schools districts have been cutting funds to high school sports year after year. The cutbacks have caused some sports to completely disappear. With these cutbacks student athletes have been forced to go out and find money themselves to pay for uniforms, bus rides, athletic tape for ankles, and basic safety equipment that fits properly. Student-Athletes commonly have to pay several hundreds of dollars to play just one sport. Multi-sport athletes pay even more. Households with more than one student athlete at times find themselves having to make difficult decisions on whether or not they should let their children play at all.

In years past, sports were encouraged in school. We understood that sports helped developed our children both mentally and physically. Sports such as football would bring communities small and large together every Friday night to cheer on our youth, and show our community spirit. When we are in those stands yelling, cheering, singing, smiling, and listening to our national anthem before each game, all the worries of the economy, are bad days at work, someone cutting us off on the freeway, are boss loading on extra work, or even a long day in school seem to slip away.

The money generated from these games would be turned around and reinvested in the youth of tomorrow by purchasing new equipment and paying for the facilities upkeep that allow these children to play safely. However now the money is given to the district to be used as they see fit and sports doesn't appear to be at the top of their list.

Coaches used to be looked upon to be role models for these athletes. Coaches would volunteer their time to help develop these young minds both on the field and off. Now days it's difficult to fill these positions and have a complete staff.

The JV Football Coaches at Antioch High School understand what these student athletes have to go through to get on the field and have made it their personal goals to not let the High School Sports we all remember be a thing of the past.

Leading the way is Head Coach Mr. James who teaches at Antioch High School when he is not on the field. Anyone who has watched Coach James give a motivational speech to his team at the beginning and end of each practice would know that this Coach emphasizes the word Student-Athlete. Students in the past would receive motivation from their parents, teachers, coaches, family and community to keep their grades up so they could play sports. The athletes tried to live up to these expectations and this resulted in better grades in the classroom, more respectful students, and role models for future generations. This is what Coach James and his staff are trying to bring back.

Coach James and his supporting staff Coach Borelli, Coach Armstrong, Coach Tracy and Coach Cunningham are attempting to bring back the traditions that should have never been lost. The respect that is developed between Coach and Student-Athlete, the motivation to excel in the classroom, the encouragement to go farther than just high school and never to settle for what's handed to you.

Coach James can often be found in the classroom tutoring students and student-athletes in his off time. Parents of athletes that aren't even on his team have sought him out to help tutor their children, or to provide answers on where they can go for help.

Coach Borelli provides his time after working 12 hour shifts at his normal job. However he finds energy working and molding these Student-Athletes.

Coach Tracy smiles from ear to ear the moment he sets foot on the field and sees the team working on the techniques he spent countless hours working on with them.

Coach Armstrong endures personal sacrifices daily to be there on the field. However he never complains. He is there for the enjoyment that seeing these Antioch Panthers winning brings.

Coach Cunningham who can be found staying after most practices working with Student-Athletes who want to push themselves further. Working on their speed in the 40 yard dash. Working with running backs on new moves, linemen on pass blocking, Defensive backs on their back pedal and receivers on their routes.

These coaches aren't on the field to just win. They are there to develop these Student-Athletes. Last night was a perfect example of this. In a game against Freedom High School that was as close as any, the coaches didn't rely on just there starters. They mixed it up giving their first, second and third stringers time on the field.

But that isn't what showed that these Antioch Panthers have picked up what these coaches are trying to teach. What showed that these young men are becoming leaders is when when players came out to the practice field and wanted the coaching staff to know that they got an A, or brought up a grade in a class they weren't doing so well in.

It's when the starting QB stayed after practice and encouraged every player on the team to match him doing extra running when he could have stopped at 50 yards.

It's when the coaches were walking off the field and looked back to see 15 players putting in extra running so they could be better.

It's when at half time one of the defensive players stood up and gave his own inspirational speech after Coach James was done.

It's when a player reminded his coach that he would probably be out running with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble if it wasn't for football.

It's when practices are missed more because of studying and tutoring instead of punishment and skipping.

And it's when the Student-Athletes bring their parents to meet their coaches or when the parents show up on their own to thank them for the changes they see in their children this year.

I hope coaches like this don't disappear completely. I hope the school board realizes what it means to have Student-Athletes and coaches who coach Student-Athletes, not coaches who just want to prove they can coach. I hope money is again reinvested into High School Sports.

Maybe we will have to wait for these future leaders from Antioch High School JV Football squad to force that change.

Surfs Up on Laurel Rd in Oakley

2009-10-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

Surfs Up at this park on Laurel Rd. The park isn't draining fast enough and the water is covering it completely and rising.

Man claims to have predictions in Jaycee Dugard and Hassani Campbell Cases

2009-09-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

Brian Ladd who in no way claims to be phychic says he has dreams which eventually all seem to come true. He has several dreams a night and wakes up and writes down what he saw. He has been posting these dreams which have totaled over 7000 to date on the internet at http://www.briansdreams.com/. Two of his recent dreams involved local cases Jaycee Lee Dugard and Hassani Campbell. Below is the notes he took down after awaking from these dreams. Below each photo is his interpretation of the notes. He doesn't claim to be an artist or to have good handwriting.

Jaycee Lee Dugard Case

"blue tarps dreams in the one - Shoe laces were left behind - 6 attempts buy they only took two children in 1990"

"Kacey Perry 117, will not let her go home, she wanted new father? Perry K--"

"76159 no air in box, stop 300 yards from tarps"

There is a Kacey Perry missing from Portland,Oregon September 14, 1990.

Brian Keith George confessed to Perry's murder in August 1991 and stated that he concealed her body some time after her disappearance. He is a former boyfriend of Perry's mother and had remained close to Perry and her siblings after his relationship with her mother ended. At the time of his confession, he was in police custody in Portland on a charge of bank robbery. He told investigators that he buried her remains in a wooded area outside his hometown of Kelso, Washington, but searches of the area he specified turned up only animal bones.George has since recanted his confession. He is still considered a suspect in Perry's case, however, and had been even before his confession. He had assisted in the initial search for Perry, and he has a criminal record including a manslaughter conviction, for which he served nine years in prison. George told the media in interviews that he believes Perry's father was responsible for her disappearance. There is no evidence to support this allegation. George was later sentenced to ten and a half years for the bank robbery. He has never been charged in connection with Perry's disappearance.Perry was in the fifth grade at the time of her disappearance. Her case remains unsolved, but foul play is suspected.

Hassani Campbell Case

"409 - child was taken by her"

"child trafficking and illegal adoption agency in Mexico - right now San Diego hotel 847 - near marker"

"going to Tijuana Hotel in 1 day"

Antioch Deer Valley High school off lockdown after student shot

2009-09-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

The shooting was reported about 8:30 a.m. on a sidewalk at the eastern entrance of the campus, off Sagebrush Drive near Lone Tree Way. Officers arrived to find a teenage boy with multiple gunshot wounds, police said. The victim was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Bergerhouse said the boy was wounded in the arm and chest, and that he was conscious and responsive when police arrived. He also said the boy was able to call his parents, and was conscious as he was flown to the hospital.

Police said the shooting was preceded by an argument between the group of males the victim was with and another group in a car, who fled.

A student described the shooter's vehicle as a black sedan with tinted windows playing loud music, occupied by a driver and passenger. It was last seen eastbound on Indian Hill Road. The school was put on lockdown shortly after the shooting.

Update: The car was captured on a school security camera a short time before the shooting, Orman said. It is an early 2000 model gold or tan Lexus, Saturn or Chevrolet Impala.

Witnesses also added that the vehicle had tinted windows, oversize rims and tires and a sunroof.

Reality TV Celebrity hits Brentwood Sept 19

2009-09-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Drama aka Chris Pfaff from Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory will be making an appearance Saturday 19, 2009 in Brentwood at Sk8wars skateboarding competition. Per Jeremy Jones one of the organizers “Drama will also be bringing some of his friends with him, so you’ll never know what to expect,” Jones said. “There will be surprises all day.”

If he does bring some of his friends I hope he brings the Rapping Receptionist Chanel. If she can't make it I guess I would settle to meet with Rob Dyrdek.

Concord Auto's International

2009-09-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile you find a company that deserves to get a little credit for the work they do. This past weekend while driving I lost complete control of my truck when a part fell off the front end and my steering wheel began to spin with no response. I was able to stop the vehicle and avoid an accident.

I called Brian Teixeira an employee at Auto's International located at 2201 Commerce Ave Concord, CA 94520 and unfortunately found out they were closed for the holiday weekend. I figured that would be the end of the conversation. However Brian went above and beyond and tried to accomodate me by finding another company they work with that could assist me sooner. I decided to wait until Tuesday when they were open to get the work done by people who actually care.

However Brian didn't stop there. He knew how dangerous it was for me to drive from Oakley/Brentwood to Concord and offered to make arrangements to be towed.

His boss Gary Miller was also in touch with Brian that weekend getting updates on my status as he was quite worried as well.

Thanks to the entire crew of Auto's International for caring. It put my mind at ease as well as my mothers who was in the truck at the time I lost control.

King Mogey

How many registered sex offenders do you live near?

2009-09-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recent news may have you thinking about how many sex offenders you live near.
There is a website you can look up this information. http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/

Currently the City of Oakley has 32 registered sex offenders according to the Megans Law website which I have provided a link to on the right hand sidebar.

Right now there is only 1 that is in violation of their registration requirements.
Any information about their whereabouts should be provided to your local law enforcement agency.

This sex offender has been in Violation of Registration requirements since 3/23/2009

Currently the City of Brentwood has 27 registered sex offenders according to the Megans Law website.
Right now there are 3 that are in violation of their registration requirements.
Any information about their whereabouts should be provided to your local law enforcement agency.

This sex offender has been in Violation of Registration requirements since 8/13/2009

This sex offender has been in Violation of Registration requirements since 9/9/2007

His county is listed as Los Angeles but his zip code and address are in Brentwood, Ca

This sex offender has been in Violation of Registration requirements since 2/26/1996

Currently the City of Antioch has 123 registered sex offenders according to the Megans Law website.
Right now there are 11 that are in violation of their registration requirements.

Any information about their whereabouts should be provided to your local law enforcement agency.

Currently the City of Pittsburg has 92 registered sex offenders according to the Megans Law website.
Right now there are 8 that are in violation of their registration requirements.
Any information about their whereabouts should be provided to your local law enforcement agency.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this web site is made available solely to protect the public. Anyone who uses this information to commit a crime or to harass an offender or his or her family is subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability. Please, if you know this man, or know where he is, then just call the authorities, do not confront him or communicate with him in any way, shape or form.

Week 1 Friday-9-4-09-Football Games

2009-09-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Football scores are posted here.

http://broakleysports.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-1-friday-9409-games-completed.html

Found 2 Dogs near Balfour and Cortona

2009-09-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

These dogs were found near Balfour and Cortona. Please help reunite them with their owners.

You can contact the person that found them at 925.513.9450

Cop who helped solve Dugard kidnap case to be honored by Brentwood

2009-09-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Allyson Jacobs is going to be recognized by her hometown for helping bring Jaycee Dugard back to her family.

Jacobs and Lisa Campbell, patrol officers at UC Berkeley, helped set the wheels in motion that led to the discovery of Dugard 18 years after she was abducted and the arrest of her captors Phillip and Nancy Garrido.

Jacobs, a UC Berkeley patrol officer, will be honored by the Brentwood City Council on Sept. 8 for her role in solving the case.

"She's a hero in our eyes; we want to honor her and do something special for her having enough instincts to catch something that a lot of people had missed," Mayor Bob Taylor said Tuesday. "Brentwood's a family-oriented community where we care for families and kids."

The council meeting will be at 7 p.m. at Brentwood City Hall, 708 Third St.

The city likes to honor its great citizens, Taylor said, and Jacobs is "very thrilled to be honored."

"We want to treat her as part of the family, so hopefully a lot of people come out," he said.

Campbell and Jacobs thought something was odd about Phillip Garrido, who lived in unincorporated Antioch but grew up in Brentwood, when he walked into the UC Berkeley police station three times last week to discuss a permit for an event on campus called "God's Desire."

With information willingly supplied by Garrido, Jacobs looked up his criminal history and found he was on federal parole for kidnapping and rape.

"I thought this could be something way more than we bargained for," said Jacobs, who has two sons ages 4 and 6. She called his parole officer.

Especially disconcerting was the appearance of Garrido's daughters, ages 15 and 11, the next day. Authorities say Garrido fathered the children with Dugard.

"They were so robotic and not like girls of 11 and 15," Jacobs said at a news conference on Friday. "If it wasn't for them, I would have just talked to him and that would have been it."

Jacobs said the parole officer was at first skeptical when she told her that Garrido had two children. But she got a call back two days later.

"He was talking real fast about a kidnapping 20 years ago, the FBI and what a good job I did," Jacobs said. "I couldn't believe this was something so huge."

By Paul Burgarino
Contra Costa Times

Woman arrested after allegedly dragging officer during traffic stop in Antioch

2009-09-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

ANTIOCH — An officer conducting a traffic stop was dragged down the street in the driver's attempt to flee, then ran down the suspect on foot after getting the car to stop, police said.

The officer stopped a vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station at the intersection of 18th and A Streets about 12:40 a.m., police said. The officer saw that the car's registration handed to him did not match the car's description, and attempted to detain the driver.

At this point, the driver sped away with the officer's arm still inside, police said. He was dragged for about 90 feet before he reached in and pulled the emergency brake. The driver then ran away, but the officer chased her down and arrested her.

Amy Fiasconaro, 25, of Antioch, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer, auto theft, possession of stolen property, probation violation and possession of burglary tools.

The officer suffered minor injuries. The vehicle was reported stolen in Concord.

By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times

Videos of Antioch and Clayton Valley Football Scrimmage

2009-08-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Please go here to see the Videos of Antioch vs Clayton Football Scrimmage.

http://broakleysports.blogspot.com/

Fire between Brentwood and Discovery Bay

2009-08-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

At 11:58 today there was a Vegetation Fire in the area of Bixler Road and Balfour Road. East Contra Costa Fire Engine 359 (Disco Bay) arrived on scene and found two separate fires burning. A full wild land response was requested. E494 (Knightsen), E352 (Brentwood), WaterTender 58 (Disco Bay), WT 94 (Knightsen), E388 (ConFire Antioch), E395 (Bethel Island) Battalion Chief 5 were dispatched.

One fire was burning along a strip of the road anout 200 feet long while the other fire (in the 8000 black of Balfour) was one and a half acres threatening a structure. In all that fire grew to 3 acres but the structure was saved. Crews remained on scene until about 14:00 hours mopping up hot spots.

A big thank you to our local fire fighters.

Police, community mourn veteran Oakland officer

2009-08-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

OAKLAND — Murray Hoyle, a hardworking, highly respected 28-year Oakland police department veteran, died Saturday evening in a rural area of eastern Contra Costa County, authorities said. He was 51.

He fatally shot himself, investigators said. Though they declined to give a reason, they said he may have been having some personal problems. Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, he called 911 dispatchers in Contra Costa County to tell them he would do it and where they could find him.
It was the second time in slightly more than a year that an active-duty Oakland police officer took his own life.

In July 2008, Lt. Derrick Norfleet fatally shot himself at his Vallejo home.
To a department still recovering from the March 21 killings of Sgts. Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans and Dan Sakai and Officer John Hege, coupled with Norfleet's death, Hoyle's suicide was a shock, especially since no one had seen any signs it would happen, members of the department said.

Officer Jim Gordon one of his closest friends in the department is among the mourners.
"He was the last person you would expect to do this," Gordon said. "He had a gruff exterior, but he was a very warm person. He would give you the shirt off his back. He was a very dedicated police officer who had a warm heart."

A burly 230-pounder who still had visible scars on his arms and leg from a fiery 1989 car wreck that almost killed him, Hoyle was the epitome of an excellent beat cop, according to fellow officers. They say that was especially true of his service in the Montclair district, where he had worked many years until transferring to another beat this year so he could spend more time with his family.

Jim Dexter, a volunteer block captain with the Montclair Safety and Improvement Council, said he met Hoyle seven or eight years ago and worked with him closely, discovering he was the true definition of a public servant.

"Meeting officers for me is a fairly regular occurrence, but meeting officers like Officer Hoyle is very rare," Dexter said. "He was a superior friend to the community. It's a sad loss and a shock, and I say that with all respect to the trials and tribulations all police go through.

"Officer Hoyle, throughout both the darker times and the lighter times, was always a positive and effective communicator from OPD to the community. He just kept on trucking on."
Hoyle was a training officer for rookies. As a one-time motorcycle officer, he was considered an expert in accident investigations and driving-under-the-influence cases, a subject he taught in the police academy.

Hoyle's brush with death — he was trapped in a burning car for more than 10 seconds before escaping — happened in June 1989 at an all-police Demolition Derby in Placerville. He was driving an 1964 Chrysler Imperial he had rebuilt himself.

Several collisions caused a fuel line to sever, spilling fuel inside his car. Another jolt knocked the battery loose, causing it to fall against a piece of metal and creating an arc that lit the spilled fuel.
Hoyle suffered third-degree burns over about a third of his body and went to the UC Davis burn unit in Sacramento, where in the following 22 days he underwent three major skin graft operations. The grafts, rehabilitation therapy and, according to a doctor, his good attitude and motivation allowed him to return to work as a police officer three months later.

Fire played another major part of Hoyle's life. He met his wife, Kim, a former Oakland firefighter, on Oct. 20, 1991, in the Oakland hills during the East Bay firestorm. They were married Aug. 8, 1992, and had three children.

The police union has made counselors available for officers. Family members and police officials were making arrangements for his memorial Monday.

By Sean Maher and Harry Harriss
Oakland Tribune

Pics of Fire at Pittsburg Piedmont Lumber

2009-08-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Last night there was a 2 alarm fire called to Piedmont Lumber in Pittsburg that fully enveloped the lumber area and threatened Wally Rentals next door. Battalion 8 and 2 were fighting the fire that started around 11 PM. Fire fighters as far as Martinez were called in to fight the fire.

Update: There is conflicting reports on whether the fire broke out at Wally's Rental Center, a commercial property that rents party and constructions equipment and spread to the lumber yard or if it started at te lumber yard and spread to Wally's Rental.

These exceptional pics came from our friend Radar

Highschool Football is Back

2009-08-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Antioch High School Football teams will be hosting its annual Black & Gold Scrimmage.

The Junior Varsity team will hit the field at 6:00 PM, the Varsity will be on the field at 7:15.

Come out and support your local athletics. These student athletes have been working all summer to put on a great game for you.

CBS-5 Interviews Broakley.com

2009-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Julie Watts who is currently a freelance reporter for KPIX CBS-5 in San Francisco came out to Oakley today to do a report on the Chemicals that are being leaked into Oakley's Sloughs.

I first reported on this back in April and there has been no changes in the slough.
http://broakley.blogspot.com/2009/04/blog-post.html

The chemicals and items remain in the water contaminating the water run off which feeds a local farm with livestock.

Julie interviewed me today as I showed her the dead animals that were dumped in the slough along with the hot water heaters, tv's, air conditioners, tires, propane tanks, pesticide containers etc.

Her interview with me should be on the news tonight on channel 5. They eyewitness news starts at 5.

Hopefully we can make a change.

Here is the news report in case you missed it.

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=54228@kpix.dayport.com

Mogey

Update:Toxic Chemicals in Broakley's Public Water Supply and Water Wells?

2009-07-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Update: This article was originally published April 1st. Since then there has been no change to the slough. All the contamination sources are still there. 4 months have passed since the City Council was contacted.

Currently the land is owned by the Lesher Trust who leases the land to Dave Dal Porto who runs cattle on the property. Dal Porto says that the County cleaned this mess up in the past. Owen Poole, who works for KB has been in contact with the Lesher Trust to approve the rental of equipment to clean it up since KB is in the process of trying to purchase the land. Once the approval comes in the City will supply the dumpster, Dal Porto the equipment and it will then be cleaned up.

The question that is on my mind is why the City of Oakley hasn't used their authority to clean the contaminants out of the water and just bill the owners of the land? I'm pretty sure that there is a law on record which states they have this right.

Personally I have never seen any cows out there grazing. But if Dave Dal Porto does have cattle out there I would question what that cattle is being used for.

These photos were taken at the corner of East Cypress and Jersey Island Rd. This water is used for irrigation, farming, well water and live stock has access to it. It's a street width from this sign for the Contra Costa Water Districts canals. However they don't connect.

Update : I received a letter Jim Freshi from the CCWD. He is the Public Information Specialist. Per his letter he confirmed that the slough which is right next to the canals is not maintained or owned by the Contra Costa Water District. Looks like this is now a community issue or possibly we can find out who owns this property. Anyone know which land developer might own this?

In this photo if you look closely you will see Propane tanks rusting away in the water.

This is an A/C unit which would be leaking Freon into the water.

Here is an old Hot Water Heater. One health concern associated with traditional water heaters is Legionnaire's disease, a bacterial respiratory disease similar to pneumonia. Thousands of cases of Legionnaire's disease occur in the U.S. each year, and up to 15% of the cases are fatal. Most often, smokers, the elderly and those with chronic respiratory problems or compromised immune systems.

This is a Dish Washing Machine. Must be some lubricated parts in there.

Here's some items that have been here so long that they have completely rusted apart.

Here is an old TV. Don't they have mercury and heavy metal in them?

This picture shows the construction cones and signs that were left in the water after the repair of the rode.

Here is an old Computer Monitor. Computer monitors that contain cathode ray tubes or CRTs can contain more than 8 pounds of lead.

New Kids On The Block Concord, Ca

2009-07-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight at the Concord Sleep Train Pavillion the New Kids On The Block will be performing.

The New Kids on the Block, who won the hearts of millions in the eighties with the pop hits "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)," have reunited. The NKOTB comeback tour will thrill audiences with a new hit single, "Summertime" and their trademark harmonies and dance moves. Don't miss this supergroup in concert.

They will be joined tonight by Jesse McCartney and Jabbawockeez

Drive-by shooting in Oakley

2009-06-28T16:54:00.001-07:00

I received an e-mail from a Oakley resident about this drive by shooting in Oakley. If anyone has any details please contact me at kingmogey@comcast.net or contact the Oakley Police Department. All information will be held confidential.

Here is a part of the letter I received.

"A "drive-by" shooting happened on Pecan Lane early Saturday morning at
around 4:00 AM. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. However, the victims house
and a community mailbox were damaged. At least eight bullets penetrated
the house, causing minor damage; holes in the inner walls and exterior
of the house."

The persons house that was targeted according to neighbors belongs to someone you would never expect to be a victim of this sort of crime.

Again if you have any details please contact the local authorities or let me know and I will pass the information on.

Mogey

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcet die today!

2009-06-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson, pop music legend, dead at 50

He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center

'Charlie's Angel' Farrah Fawcett dies at 62

Farrah Fawcett, the "Charlie's Angels" star whose feathered blond hair and dazzling smile made her one of the biggest sex symbols of the 1970s, died Thursday after battling cancer. She was 62.

Looking for News Interns

2009-06-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Broakley is currently accepting applications for news blogger interns. All applicants need to be located in the Bay Area. There are multiple positions open. If you are trying to build your resume this is the place to begin. The stories you will be submitting are your choice and there are no deadlines.

Please contact me at kingmogey@comcast.net

Antioch man killed in solo Pittsburg motorcycle accident

2009-06-01T03:10:00.000-07:00

A motorcyclist was killed in Pittsburg on Saturday evening after his motorcycle hit a curb, police said.

Kent Anderson, 34, of Antioch, was riding along Marina Boulevard near Pelican Loop with five other motorcyclists around 7:19 p.m. when he veered to the side of the road near a turn and hit the curb, said Pittsburg police Lt. Jim Calia.

Anderson, who was riding at about the speed limit, was thrown from the motorcycle and hit a tree, Calia said. He was taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek where he was pronounced dead, Calia said.

Police do not know why Anderson veered to the side or whether alcohol was involved, Calia said, but no other vehicles or motorcycles were involved.

Country Music Comes to Bethel Island Saturday May 23rd

2009-05-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Have you been wanting to get out and have some good old fashioned fun.

Well tomorrow night Saturday May 23rd is the night to do it. The Michael Paul band will be performing tomorrow at Tugs in Bethel Island.

They don't just sing Country, they put on a performance.

Best of all this Band got its start locally. They are truly one of our hometown bands.

http://www.themichaelpaulband.com/

Tugs
Address: 6201 Bethel Island Road
City Bethel Island, CA

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Contra Costa

2009-05-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

West Nile Virus has been confirmd in Contra Costa County in mosquitoes. To see if the virus has transferred into birds, horses, cats or dogs citizens in our area need to report when they see dead birds.

Call toll free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473). Crows, ravens, jays, magpies, hawks, sparrows and finches are being tested. Dead squirrels can also be reported to that line.

I have noticed dead crows in the area but they were already attacked by flies and animals and were not good candiates for testing.

Can animals get sick from WNV?
An infected mosquito can bite any animal, but not all animals will become sick. The disease most often affects birds but may occasionally cause disease in other animals.

Wild birds serve as the main source of virus for mosquitoes. Infection has been reported in more than 225 bird species. Although many birds that are infected with WNV will not appear ill, WNV infection can cause serious illness and death in some birds. The most severe illnesses are seen among the corvid birds , which include crows, jays, ravens, and magpies.

Tree squirrels with West Nile virus can develop neurological symptoms such as uncoordinated movement, paralysis, shaking, or circling and may die.

Like people, most horses bitten by mosquitoes will not become sick with WNV. However, of those that do, clinical signs may include stumbling, circling, hind leg weakness, inability to stand, muscle tremors, and death. A vaccine to prevent West Nile virus is available for horses and horse-owners should consult with a veterinarian about WNV vaccine and other vaccines against mosquito-borne viruses, such as western equine encephalitis. For more information on West Nile Virus and horses, please visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture website at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov.

Dogs and cats can be exposed to WNV in the same way as humans. However, these animals are very resistant to WNV and rarely become ill. Concerned pet owners should consult with a veterinarian.

WNV Prevention
Last Updated: Jul 30, 2007
When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease, along with others that mosquitoes can carry. Take the commonsense steps below to reduce your risk:

Avoid bites and illness;
Clean out the mosquitoes from the places where you work and play
Help your community control the disease.

Something to remember: The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a single mosquito bite remains low. The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, although people of all ages can become ill.

1. Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent Containing DEET
(Look for: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide ) to exposed skin when you go outdoors. Even a short time being outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite. For details on when and how to apply repellent, see Mosquito Repellent.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites
When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.

Get double protection: wear long sleeves during peak mosquito biting hours, and spray DEET repellent directly onto your clothes.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning -- or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

2. Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.

Install or Repair Screens

Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors. Offer to help neighbors whose screens might be in bad shape.

3. Help Your Community

Report Dead Birds to Local Authorities

Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die. It's important to remember that birds die from many other causes besides West Nile virus.

By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. Check the Identify and Report Dead Birds page to find information about reporting dead birds in your area

Mosquito Control Programs

To find your local mosquito control agency click here. The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) holds a wealth of knowledge on control and surveillance in California. To contact MVCAC click here. More questions about mosquito control? A source for information about pesticides and repellents is the National Pesticide Information Center, which also operates a toll-free information line: 1-800-858-7378 (check their Web site for hours).

Clean Up

Mosquito breeding sites can be anywhere. Neighborhood clean up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks, and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don't care about fences, so it's important to control breeding sites throughout the neighborhood.

7/11 Tricking Customers to Overpay

2009-05-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

7/11 located on Main street in Oakley at the corner of Empire and Main has come up with a new sales tactic. The discount shown above shows that all 2 Liters are on sale 2 for $3.00. Consumers looking for a good deal will often grab a second 2 liter of soda and go to the checkout stand.

Trick 1. Most likely you have more than just the soda and when you get rung up at the cash register you don't notice that they don't give you the discount.

Trick 2. They no longer have the totals pointing towards the customer so that you don't see the individual items being rung up.

Trick 3. The Credit Card machine doesn't show your final total either when you swipe your card.

Trick 4. If you notice you got overcharged for the soda they tell you that the discount is for the other brand which you didn't purchase.

Trick 5. If you take the time to go back and read the discount sign it does say that it's for All Brands. However the trick was they left the discount sign up after it expired April 30th. I found the above discount posted along with several other ones yesterday that were all expired.

When I questioned the employee about it he agreed that it was underhanded, but as an employee couldn't do anything about it.

Final outcome was they wouldn't honor the advertised price and they wouldn't remove the incorrect advertising because it attracts peoples eyes and makes them purchase more.

In grocery stores if the shown price is different than the price that gets rung up, that item is free. I'm not sure if this is a law or just good business. But this 7/11 store doesn't seem to see the problem with what they are doing.

Oakley man killed by police after standoff

2009-05-10T01:20:00.000-07:00

Oakley police fatally shot a man who got out of his car and pointed a handgun at officers after a tense standoff Saturday night, authorities said.

The shooting of the unidentified man took place about 8 p.m. in the 900 block of Almond Drive in Oakley.

Oakley police initially responded about 5:40 p.m. after a man sounding despondent called emergency dispatchers to say he didn't want to live in town anymore, according to Jimmy Lee, spokesman for the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office, which contracts to provide police services to the city.

The man led officers on a car chase that ended up on Almond Drive, where the man stayed in his car for some time during a standoff, Lee said. After the man left his car and raised a handgun, police shot him, Lee said. The man was transported to Sutter Delta Hospital in Antioch, where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation of the shooting is being conducted by Oakley police, the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office and the district attorney's office, Lee added.

By Denis Cufff
Contra Costa Times

Swine flu symptoms: Checklist to see if you may be infected

2009-04-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

How can you tell if you might have swine flu and should see a doctor? Here's a checklist of symptoms linked to the disease, which is suspected of killing more than 150 people in Mexico and sickening hundreds more around the globe:

Symptoms must include a fever above 100°F or 37.8°C, plus and one or more signs or symptoms including:
Head and body aches
Cough
Sore throat
Chills
Trouble breathing
vomiting and/or diarrhea.

People who experience a fever of 100°F and one or more symptoms should call their doctor or clinic. Plan to provide the following information:

Types of symptoms you are experiencing.
Whether you had any recent travel to Mexico
Whether you had contact with someone who may have influenza.
The incubation period for swine flu, as with other strains of influenza, is two to seven days, according to public health officials.

Bay Area Minor League Football Week 7 Standings and Week 8 Games

2009-04-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

(Click Photos to Enlarge)

Here are the standings for our bay area Minor League Football teams after 7 weeks. Congrats to the Islanders, Barnstormers, Cobras, Buccaneers, Rattlers, Spartans, Rams and Bulldogs.

Below is Week 7 Scores and Week 8 games coming up Saturday May 2nd.

Noni - It's not just for humans!

2009-04-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to Tahitian Noni about 20 years ago. I had a boss that was drinking 1-2 tablespoons a day for arthritic pain in her leg. Before she found Noni she had to walk with a cane. After drinking Noni for about a week she was able to get rid of the cane.

I saw this and decided I wanted to try it on my yellow lab. My lab was about 13 years old and was suffering from arthritis to the point that she could only walk on 3 legs and started to soil herself rather than get up to go to the bathroom. I started to give her 1-2 tablespoons of Noni a day and within a week she started walking on all 4 legs again and acting like a playful puppy.

I now have a German Shepherd who tore her ACL. I tried giving her Noni as well and have had the same results with the decrease in pain.

My most recent test with Noni is on my Rottweiler. We rescued him from going to the Dog Pound and found that he has hip pains. Either from a car hitting him or possibly from hip dysplasia setting in. He was progressively getting worse for the last year. I decided it was time to try Noni. I started adding 1-2 tablespoons to his food which would absorb into the dry food and it took about 3 days for him to start running through the house and even try the stairs that used to give him so much pain.

Bay Area Minor League Football Week 5 Standings and Week 6 Games

2009-04-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

(Click Photos to Enlarge)
Here are the standings for our bay area Minor League Football teams after 5 weeks. Congrats to the Islanders, Barnstormers, Buccaneers, Lawmen, Bulldogs, Rattlers, Cobras and Rams.
This week had the Islanders securing the spot as the only undefeated team in the League.
Below is Week 5 Scores and Week 6 games coming up Saturday April 18th.

Freedom High Teams Up to fight Cancer

2009-04-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

One day. One night. One community. One Fight. Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people- to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer; remember loved ones lost to the disease; and fight back against a disease that takes too much. By participating, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we've lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight cancer here in your community.
Print the Event Flyer

Event Date and TimeMay 2, 2009 10:00AM

Event LocationFreedom High School Basin - Oakley Ca.

Here is the link to the page to help assist Freedom High and the American Cancer Society
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=18984&team_id=442951

Arrest Made in Murder of Sandra Cantu

2009-04-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

Police have arrested a Sunday school teacher on suspicion of kidnapping and killing 8-year-old Sandra Cantu, whose body was found stuffed into the teacher's suitcase in an irrigation pond.

The teacher, Melissa Huckaby, 28, of Tracy, Calif., was Cantu's neighbor, and Huckaby's 5-year-old daughter was one of the girl's playmates.

Huckaby has said in a published interview that Sandra had visited her home March 27, the day she vanished.

Though Huckaby owned a suitcase that she said was stolen after she left it in her driveway -- evidently the same suitcase in which Sandra Cantu's body was found April 6 -- it appears police did not believe her story.

"Ms. Huckaby has been arrested and will be booked at the San Joaquin County Jail for kidnapping and murder," Tracy Police Chief Janet Thiessen said.

Huckaby drove herself to the Tracy police station to submit to questioning Friday night, and was placed under arrest about five hours later, just before midnight.

"She revealed enough information that we had probable cause to arrest her for both kidnapping and murder," Tracy Police Sgt. Tony Sheneman said.

Sheneman added that Huckaby initially took the charges hard.
"She became very emotional," he said. "Then she became relaxed again, then became resigned to what was happening."

Huckaby is a Sunday school teacher in Tracy, a northern California town of about 78,000 people about 60 miles east of San Francisco. She lives in the same trailer park where Sandra Cantu disappeared and is the granddaughter of a local pastor whose Clove Road Baptist Church was the scene of a very intense police search last week.

Huckaby was also scheduled to appear in court April 17 to check in with a county mental health program as part of a 3-year probation sentence for petty theft.

Bay Area Minor League Football Week 4 Standings

2009-04-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

(Click Photos to Enlarge)

Here are the standings for our bay area Minor League Football teams after 4 weeks. Congrats to the Islanders, Barnstormers, Buccaneers, Spartans, Warriors, Rattlers, Outlaws and Gators.

This week had the Outlaws breaking into the win column and the Gators scoring hugh again with 56 points.

Below is Week 4 Scores and Week 5 games coming up Saturday April 11th.

Tracy Missing Girl body found

2009-04-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

The body of missing Tracy girl Sandra Cantu was found approximately 2 miles North of her home up Tracy Blvd on Whitehall Dr. Her body was found in a Black Travel Rolling Luggage case.

The Luggage case floated to the top of a irrigation pond while it was being emptied into the surrounding fields.

Nothing was found in the case to hold it under the water. She was found fully clothed according to the report.

Sandra had been missing for 10 days.

The area had been searched twice already. However it is believed that the case was underwater an not visible.

Sorry for so few Updates this week

2009-04-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to apologize for the lack of news this week. I've been volunteering my time in Tracy trying to find the missing child Sandra Cantu.. It is emotionally draining searching for hours hoping that you find her alive, yet knowing that the places you are searching she would only be if she was dead.

Keep hope alive that she returns home safely.

Mogey

Updated: Art? Or Inappropriate?

2009-04-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Update: The bra has been removed from the statue which is shown in the second photograph. I found another one of these on Main street at a company who sells them which is shown in the third photo. Notice that there is a difference in the third photo from the seller. Possibly they make more than one version?

If you have drove down Cypress in the last 2 months you must have noticed this new piece of art displayed on a homeowners front lot. Prior to the bra being put on it a few days ago the boobs and nipples of this piece were very noticeable. I'm assuming the homeowners put the bra on it as a joke or because of complaints. It's located near the corner of Cypress and Waterford about a street width away from a Elementary School Bus pickup spot.

I'm not for or against this. But your welcome to leave comments about what you think.
(Click Photo to Enlarge)

Update: 3 Police Scanners Now Streaming Online

2009-03-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

On the right bar you will see 3 New Links

Broakley and Surrounding Areas
Contra Costa Police and Fire
Concord and Clayton

It is located under Local Scanners Online

Click the link, wait for it to load and just listen.

If you hear static at times it's because the broadcast is coming from far away from Broakley.

I am loading 3 of them in case 1 goes down or you want more localized Scanning.

The channels that are being scanned are as followed:

Left Channel
Con Fire East
Con Fire Central
Con Fire West (weak reception)
San Ramon Valley Fire (south)

Right Channel ConTac A * ConTac B * Valley Fire Ch. 22
White 1 *
White 2 *
White 3 *
CALCORD *
Antioch/Brentwood Police Ch. 1
Antioch/Brentwood Police Ch. 2
Antioch/Brentwood Police Ch. 3 *

The system is also scanning Contra Costa Sheriff which handles Oakley.

Con Fire East is made up of Battalion 5 (units 51 thru 59 and 93 thru 95) and Battalion 8 (units 81 thru 88)

Con Fire Central is made up of Battalion 1 and 2 (units 1 thru 22)
Con Fire West is made up of Battalion 4 (units 41 thru 45) and Battalion 7 (units 69 thru 79)
San Ramon Valley Fire is made up of Battalion 31 (units 30 thru 39)

Antioch Police dispatches for both Antioch and Brentwood Police. Their numbering system is as follows:

All Antioch units start with the number 2 (identifies the City) and then a letter to identify their shift or rank and then their unit number (1-39). Example: 2x22 or 2y2. Units often leave the off the city identifying number and only say x22.

All Brentwood units start with the number 3 (identifies the City) and then a letter to identify their shift or rank and then their unit number (40-49). Example: 3x42 or 3y44. Units often leave the off the city identifying number and only say x42.

Bay Area Minor League Football Week 3 Standings

2009-03-30T02:07:00.000-07:00

Click Photos to Enlarge

Here are the standings for our bay area Minor League Football teams after 3 weeks. Congrats to the Warriors, Gators, Islanders, Spartans, Bulldogs, Stallions, Cobras and Barnstormers.

This week had 2 Close Overtime Games and a Game that had the Gators scoring 72 points.

Below is this weeks games coming up Saturday April 4th.

Amber Alert from Tracy

2009-03-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

A search is being conducted to find an 8-year-old California girl reported missing Friday about 60 miles east of Sanfrancisco.

Sandra Cantu was last seen in the Orchard Estates Mobile Home Park between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. She is Hispanic, 4 feet tall, and weighs 45 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a pink Hello Kitty T-shirt and black leggings.

The Tracy Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Cantu. Police are being assisted by investigators from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, California Highway Patrol aircraft, the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, Tracy Volunteers in Police Services and Tracy Community Emergency Response Team.
Anyone with helpful information is asked to call the Tracy Police Department at 209-831-4550 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678.

Gardening Forum

2009-03-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Anna

I decided to remove the Planting calendar since it was a little too long and based on the part of the Bay Area you are in in might not be accurate.

What I have done though is create a Gardening Forum link on the left so you can post about your gardens or experience in planting.

That way the information is coming from local sources.

Please consider any of you leftover fruit and vegetables for donation to the food bank.

Mogey

EARTH HOUR'S CALL TO ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE ONLY MINUTES AWAY

2009-03-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

• 2848 cities and towns in 83 countries across all seven continents prepare to unite for Earth Hour

• 829 icons and landmarks around the world to switch off lights in support of climate change action

March 28, 2009: At 8.30pm local time tonight, 2848 cities and towns across 83 countries will switch off their lights for Earth Hour in a moment of global solidarity.

From the small island nations of the South Pacific to the densely populated cities of the Americas, millions of people from all walks of life and corners of the world will participate in Earth Hour, casting their vote in the world’s first global election between Earth and global warming.

66 national capitals and 9 of the10 most populated metropolises on the planet have confirmed their participation in this year’s event, along with some of the world’s most prominent cites

Car Fire on Laurel/Bypass

2009-03-28T18:25:00.001-07:00

If you smell something burning right now, it's a car fire. Fire Department is on scene.

TapOut Founder Dead

2009-03-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

If your a fan of MMA then you probably know who this is. Charles David Lewis Jr AKA "Mask"

NEWPORT BEACH — An Orange County judge has denied a request to reduce bail for a man charged with vehicular manslaughter and other counts in the death of a mixed martial arts promoter and founder of the clothing line TapouT.

Attorneys for Jeffrey David Kirby sought to lower his bail from $500,000 to $100,00 on Friday, but the judge refused.

Prosecutors allege Kirby was drunk when his Porsche collided with Charles David Lewis Jr.'s Ferrari Modena on March 11. The Ferrari hit a cement light post and was sliced in half, trapping Lewis in the front half and ejecting his girlfriend.

Kirby is also charged with gross negligence and driving under the influence causing bodily injury. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of all counts.

Thanks to the associated press for the story.

Whatever

2009-03-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is the place to start new chat threads. Post your ideas and opinions. Leave your comments and suggestions regarding the site. Remember without you contributing to the site and reading the posts, changes can't happen. Please take the time to read some of the other posts and comment on them as well.

Broyhill Furniture in Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood Last 3 days

2009-03-26T10:52:00.001-07:00

Broyhill Inventory Disposal Sale located at 5875 Lone Tree Way next store to Old Navy will be shutting its doors completely Sunday March 29th.

They have factory direct pricing on everything which is well over 50 percent off and they are still offering a little more discount if you can get it out of the store quick.

Tell them Broakley.com sent you when you walk through the door and you are guaranteed to get a discount further on everything.

With economy the way it is let's all save some money and buy when the prices are low.

Mogey

Hwy 4 Drunk or Just Stupid?

2009-03-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

Around 10:30 tonight there was a vehicle traveling East bound on Hwy 4 going about 5 mph in the fast lane. A white truck was behind him with his Hazard lights on because cars were screeching to a stop behind him as they were jumping from the fast lane to the slow lane to pass around him. It looked like he was trying to move his way off the freeway to the right but he would keep swerving back to the fast lane. Eventually after a few miles of this he turned his vehicle to the left and stopped halfway on the freeway and halfway on the service lane. The white truck behind him passed as did all the other backed up cars. He got back on the freeway, pulled over to the slow lane and sped down the freeway at speeds around 100 mph yelling out his window at people as he passed them until he passed the white truck that was following him before with the hazard lights on. He jumped in front of the truck slowed down for a second then sped off again. He continued down the bypass and got off at Sand Creek and continued to Brentwood Blvd where he went South Bound.

You can't miss him he's driving a Blue Dodge with a Lic plate of 6EWD874 with a Huge number 3 in the back window.

Brentwood Crime goes online

2009-03-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

Brentwood Police Department this week introduced crime mapping to the city's Web site, a feature that enables users to see from day-to-day how much crime is occurring as well as what kinds and where.

I have provided a direct link to the site on the sidebar to the right under DAILY POLICE LOGS "BRENTWOOD CRIME MAP"

By using their cursor, residents can define a section of Brentwood that they're particularly interested in and sign up to receive a weekly e-mail summary of what's happened within an approximately half-mile radius of that area.

Police hope that with this additional information now at their fingertips, residents will be more proactive.

The person who knows there's been a recent rash of burglaries in his neighborhood is more apt to keep the house locked and garage door down, Gomes explained.

By the same token, people also are more likely to dial 911 when they see someone behaving suspiciously if they're aware that there's been a problem with trespassing, he said.

Update: I have also provided a link to Oakley Crime Mapping. This service is provided by a different company and can be used for multiple cities including Brentwood and most of the Hwy 4 Corridor.

Fire burning in Oakley

2009-03-23T14:04:00.001-07:00

Near the corner of Fetzer Ln and Jordan Ln in North Oakley there was a fire burning in the marsh. Several fire engines came to assist and they were able to get it under control. There was no witnesses on scene that new why the fire started.

Bay Area Minor League Football Week 2 Standings

2009-03-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

(CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS TO SEE DETAILS)
Here are the standings for our bay area Minor League Football teams.

Congrats to the Vipers, Gators, Rattlers, Lawmen, Islanders, Bucs, Cobras and Rams for your week 2 wins.

Below is this weeks games coming up Saturday the 29th.

Two F-16's Flying Overhead

2009-03-21T13:51:00.001-07:00

If you went outside today you may have noticed F-16's flying low overhead. Below is some pics take by one of our local residents "Martian". Thanks for the pics Martian. Keep the pics coming and I will continue to post them.

CHP Officer Hit during Traffic Stop in Oakley

2009-03-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

If you were wondering why there was so much traffic going down Empire and Laurel this would be the reason. The traffic was being directed off the freeway due to the accident below.

OAKLEY — A California Highway Patrol officer escaped serious injury when an out-of-control car struck his motorcycle, which struck him, as he was walking on a highway off-ramp Friday afternoon.

The crash occurred about 5:30 p.m. on an eastbound Highway 4 bypass road off-ramp onto Laurel Road, CHP Officer Tom Maguire said.

The officer, a nine-year veteran stationed in Martinez, had just completed an enforcement stop and was walking back to his motorcycle, which was stopped on the shoulder of the off-ramp. At the same time, a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm, driven by a 52-year-old Stockton woman, was exiting the bypass road.

For an unknown reason, the woman lost control of her car, which began to rotate clockwise. The driver's side of the car broad-sided the motorcycle, which was thrown 75 feet and into the officer, Maguire said. The Prizm crashed into a dirt embankment, and the driver suffered just cuts to her face.

Witnesses say that saw th women talking on a cellphone while driving.

The officers suffered a possible broken arm. Both were taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

SCAM: It an Emergency!!!!

2009-03-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I received this email today. Please don't fall victim to these scams.

Hello,
How are you doing today? I am sorry i didn't inform you about my traveling to England for a program called "Empowering Youth to Fight Racism, AIDS, Poverty and Lack of Education,It as been a very sad and bad moment for me over here and the present condition that i found myself is very hard for me to explain.I am really stranded in England London because I forgot my little bag in the Taxi where my money, passport,documents and other valuable things were kept on my way to the Hotel am staying, I am facing a hard time here because i have no money on me to clear my Hotel bill, I am now owning a sum $2000 for my Hotel bill.I need you to help me out with a sum of $3000 urgently so that i can arrange and travel back home,I need this help so much and on time because i am in a terrible and tight situation here, I don't even have money to feed myself for a day which means i had been starving so please understand how important and urgent i needed your help.I am sending you this e-mail from the
city Library and I only have 30 min, I will appreciate what so ever you can afford to send me immediately through Western Union or Money Gram and I promise to pay back your money as soon as i return home so please let me know on time so that i can forward you the details you need to transfer the money through Money Gram or Western Union.

John Randolph Engbeck

Did Robbie Ever Catch the Ice Cream Man in Concord

2009-03-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

About 24 years ago there used to be a young boy name Robbie that rode his Mountain bike through the neighborhood I lived in called Canterbury village in Concord. He was always looking for the Ice Cream truck. He would stop and talk and ask if you have seen it. If you had he would take off looking for it. When he caught up to the Ice Cream man sometimes he would get an Ice Cream, and sometimes he would just follow the music of the truck.

Robbie was about 15 years old at that time. He was born with special needs. Sort of an Autism when it came to chasing the Ice Cream man.

One day Robbie was out going from block to block looking for the Ice Cream man. He came down one street in Canterbury and came up to a group of boys playing and like always asked "have you seen the Ice Cream man."

This time the results were a little different though. A few of the boys started to harass Robbie, they tried to knock him down off his bike, they tried to pull it out from under him, and basically mistreat him. It became a mob mentality. One person did something and the others seemed to jump in and do the same.

I remember trying to help Robbie along with my younger brother and a friend from down the street. We got between the boys and Robbie and urged him to ride away. Robbie started to leave and one of the other boys pulled out a knife, he ran down the street after Robbie and punctured his rear tire. We grabbed the boy and pulled him back.

I remember the look on Robbie's face. He was so sad. He loved that bike. He rolled his bike down the street and I never saw Robbie again in the neighborhood. I thought about that day alot.

Fast Forward about 23 years. I ran into the boy who had pulled out the knife that day. We talked about the old neighborhood. I had to bring up what happened and see if he remembered. I recapped the story for him. He remembered, and was reminded about how he acted back then. He said he felt so low for what he had done. Looking in his eyes I believed him.

That was about a year ago that I spoke to him. The thoughts of that day many years ago still go through my mind. I live in Broakley now. I have kids in my neighborhood that I see running around acting like these kids did years ago. There will always be kids out there that need to here the story of Robbie and be taught what is right and wrong week to week. Not just once and forgotten. I hope the parents around Broakley and communities everywhere will take the time to talk to there children, don't be afraid to over parent, and teach them. Also take the time to explain to them how children with special needs sometimes need to be treated differently because they don't always understand.

The reason I wrote this is because 2 days ago after about 24 years has passed I saw Robbie out here in Broakley with his sister and her fiance. I spoke to his sister and told her the story. She said she remembered Robbie coming home pretty shaken up and with the puncture in his tire. But he never really said what happened.

Robbie still lives in Concord. He takes public transportation everyday to his job down 680 to a laundromat that he works at according to his sister. he participates in the Special Olympics in many different events. He still has the bike. But she said he hasn't rode it for the last few years. That takes some worry off her mind since she would see him all over town where really he wasn't suppose to be and he could possibly get hurt.

I hope that if any of you see Robbie in their neighborhood, that you also will watch out for him and make sure he gets home safely like a few young boys did many years ago.

So did Robbie ever catch the Ice Cream man? According to his sister, her dad became a Ice Cream man for a few months and used to take Robbie with him in the truck.

I think back now, and wish I dreamed like Robbie dreamed. That there wasn't anything better than the sound of the Ice Cream mans music and the taste of the cold Ice Cream on a Hot day.

Bay Area Minor League Football Week 1 Standings

2009-03-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here are the standings for our bay area Minor League Football teams.

Congrats to the Gators, Rattlers, Bulldogs, Islanders, Lawmen, Spartans, Barnstormers and Warriors for your week 1 wins.

Below is this weeks games coming up Saturday the 21st.

Support the Cooperative Extension

2009-03-16T14:45:00.001-07:00

Dear King Mogey,

I am asking for your help. Will you please write in your Blogs what the CCC Board of Supervisors plans on doing with the UC Cooperative Extension?

The County Administrator has recommended to the Board of Supervisors to cut 100% of the funding for the UC Cooperative Extension. This affects so many areas and people in our county.

Janet Caprile is the Ag Advisor at the UCCE office. She helps the farmers with pest controls, trains them in new techniques to help their crops grow better, helps with testing of soils other such items that the farmers need help with. They will lose her with the closure.

Marisa Neelon is the Advisor for the Nutrition Program. She and her assistants go to schools to teach the students as well as Low Income Adults to eat healthy, to fight obesity and diabetes. It has made a huge difference with these children and adults. Schools from around the county come to the Mangini Agriculture Classroom for "Farm to Fork" located at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds.

I have volunteered with Marisa teaching Food Safety to adults and youth in our county. The youth of 4-H have taken this information back to their clubs. Parents share the information with other groups they are involved. It is preventative medicine for those who hold potlucks, picnics, camping, and BBQs. It has lowered the outbreaks of Salmonella at these events.

Shelley Murdock – County Director/Youth Development Advisor and the Advisor for the 4-H program. As a volunteer for the last 12 years with the 4-H program I have witnessed the changes in the youth members. The shy quiet ones blossom by learning to speak in front of groups without fear of getting a bad grade; the disorganized learn how to keep records in a neat and orderly fashion; all of the youth learn leadership skills by holding an office, chairing a committee, leading a project, being a counselor at camp, attending leadership conferences at county and state levels. The youth participate in Community Service.CC/Solano Food Bank, VA Hospital, Salmon Walk, Marsh Creek Clean Up, Lion's Club, Warm Coats just to name a few. The youth learn to be responsible for their actions and grow to be responsible adults with skills they will need in their jobs.

I have spent most of my adult like volunteering with youth programs (PTA, Little League, and soccer). I have greatly enjoyed the 4-H program due to the many aspects it offers the youth.

The 4-H Pledge is: I pledge
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service, and
My health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world.

Attached are 2 letters from parents that have been sent to the Board of Supervisors as well as an information flier about how the Cooperative Extension impacts the county. Parents and youth from around the county are bombarding the Supervisors with letters. They will also be present at the Board of Supervisor's meeting tomorrow Tuesday the 17th. The meeting is at 651 Pine street, Martinez, Administration Building, Board Chambers Room 107.

Carla Moore
Volunteer
County 4-H President
California Youth Fair Treasurer

Lawmen Football Saturday Night 3/14/09 7:00 P.M.

2009-03-13T09:51:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow night at 7:00 P.M. the Lawmen Football Team returns to Pittsburg High for their first game of the season. Everyone come out for a intense game of football and fun. Point spread is Lawmwn By 7 1/2

Failed suicide attempt closes highway in Oakley

2009-03-11T01:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the CC times for the information.

In need of information Brentwood Police Department, on March 5th, 2009

2009-03-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

I received the below letter from a concerned citizen in Brentwood. If anyone has details please comment.

Update: I spoke with the Brentwood Police Department and received some information. They were very helpful. The incident started out as a Domestic Dispute. The victim and the two children were able to leave the residence. However the situation turned into a suicide. I am withholding the names out of respect for the family at this time.

To Whom It May Concern:

Our community is still not able to obtain any information from the Brentwood Police Department. On March 5th, 2009 from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM there were four police vehicles standing guard on the two corners of our neighborhood, then around 6:00 PM the street gets blocked off and two SWAT teams arrive, they storm our neighbors home located at 748 Marjoram Drive in Brentwood, CA. Police officers stand guard till nearly 1:00 AM on March 6th, 2009. When we call the Brentwood Police Department the only answer we receive is there will be a press release shortly. Meanwhile we are unaware if there was a killing, home invasion and what was so necessary for the swat team to arrive, evacuate adjoining neighbors, and scare us and our children. Did to they over react and not want to admit it? Is our neighborhood in danger? The Brentwood Police Department does not seem want to relay information / they will not release information. This concerns me after my tax dollars were spent and I live in the community???? Mean while we have only seen the wife of our neighbor at 748 Marjoram Drive in Brentwood, CA

Day of Compassion

2009-03-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

You're invited to a Day of Compassion March 7, 2009 08:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: Harvest Time Church
2201 Ventura Drive
Brentwood, CA 94513

Harvest Time Church invites you to a Day Of Compassion. 8:30 to 11:30 am

Registration beings at 8:30 am.

FREE ! Groceries, Hair Cuts, Dental Exams, Medical Exams, Chiropractic Service. This wonderful event is opened to the Public.

Any one wishing to volunteer, or make a donation, or provide free services may contact the church at 516-1908 for more information.

Donations don't Stop with Fruit in Brentwood

2009-03-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

One of my loyal readers named Anna contacted me urging that I remind the readers of Broakley that food growing on their trees could be donated to local Food Banks and make a difference in other peoples lives.

Have you ever wondered what to do with your excess backyard fruit? Have you seen fruit going to waste on trees around your neighborhood? Why not donate it to feed the hungry? The Food Bank gladly accepts any picked fruit in good condition. Every month, 98,000 people in Contra Costa and Solano counties rely on the Food Bank.

If you can pick the fruit yourself, bring it to the Food Bank in either location (Concord or Fairfield) or to a local agency or program in your area. The food collected through this program provides fresh fruit to people who would otherwise go without. Donations of fresh fruits and vegetables can be taken directly to warehouses:

Food Bank Warehouse in Contra Costa County located at 4010 Nelson Avenue in Concord, California (925) 676-7543.

Food Bank Warehouse in Solano County located at 631 Railroad Avenue in Fairfield, California (707) 421-9777.

If you anticipate donating 500 pounds or more and live in Contra Costa County, please call (925) 676-7543 to arrange for volunteers to pick and pack the fruit for you. (Please call at least a week before your fruit is ready to be harvested.)

There is more information on the Food Bank web site at http://www.ccfb.org/ or http://www.foodbankccs.org/

If you can, help a neighbor in need and if you need help, call 1-800-870-FOOD.

Now in Brentwood we also have another option.

Over the past few years, Harvest Time Church in Brentwood has been reaching out to local communities to help those in need. It started slowly by helping at the Contra Costa Food Bank, and later purchased a van that it used to make food donations and deliveries. Now it is taking its efforts one step further by offering "A Day of Compassion," scheduled at the church on March 7.

"We started recognizing how times were getting harder for everyone, even those who had once been considered affluent and wanted to come up with an idea to help," said Pastor Dennis Reynolds of Harvest Time. "Once we got started, the families of the church really took it to heart."

From there came the idea of making regular trips to two locations, an apartment complex in Brentwood and a mobile home park in Oakley, offering a point where needy families can come and pick up food and supplies. Reynolds said that once the van, or "mobile food bank," was purchased, the church found it a lot easier to get what the community needed to the various locations.

The story doesn't end there, however, because since word got out that the church will be offering the food donations when the truck arrives in Brentwood on March 7, other professionals have been coming out of the woodwork to help.

Reynolds said it started with a dentist who offered to come out and check teeth on this day. "He didn't just offer to come and do an exam, which would have been great, but he also offered to have the patients come back to his office and get fillings or whatever work they needed done for free," Reynolds said.

Reynolds said the list of those willing to donate their time and resources has been multiplying, and it currently has several dentists, doctors and even hair cutters coming out to offer their time on March 7. Sutter Delta and Mt. Diablo medical centers have offered their help and services as well.

The event starts at 9 a.m., but the food donations from Convoy of Hope are coming in on that day, and donations will start once the truck arrives. For more information, call the church at 925-516-1908.

Thank you to Anna and Oakley Councilmen Kevin Romick for input on this story.
Photos Courtesy of Radar.

Update Found: Amber Alert issued for girl kidnapped in Yreka

2009-03-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

"Second picture is NOT with the missing girl."

His home is listed in Hornbrook, CA which is about 15 miles North of Yreka.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a 3-year-old girl who was kidnapped from her home early today during a burglary in Siskiyou County in Northern California.

The suspect in the kidnapping is 22-year-old Kody Lee Kaplon, according to a bulletin issued by the Yreka Police Department. He is believed to have driven off with the girl, Francis Ann Collins, at about 4:30 a.m., police said.

The girl's family met Kaplon over the weekend, police said, but further details were not available.

Francis is described as white, 3 feet tall, weighing 30 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt.

Kaplon is described as white, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has tattoo of an iron cross on his left hand and other tattoos on both arms, including one of a "mud-flap girl," authorities said.

He was last seen driving a 1992, dark green Pontiac Grand Am, with California license plate 3WKA651 or 3WCA651. There was no indication of where he may be going.

Update: Police Lt. Dave Gamache says a California Highway Patrol officer found Frances Ann Collins walking unclothed down a roadway northwest of Yreka on Monday afternoon. Gamache says the girl appeared to be fine and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

An earlier Amber Alert that was expanded to Oregon and Nevada has been canceled.
The alleged abductor, 22-year-old Kody Lee Kaplon, surrendered Monday after calling an Amber Alert hotline. He has denied abducting the girl.

Lawmen 32 Outlaws 2

2009-03-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Last night the NorCal Lawmen football team faced off against the East Bay Outlaws. Hundreds of local fans filled the stadium at Pittsburg H.S. on both sides of the field. The concession stand was sold out by halftime there was so many people.

Don't let the score fool you. This was a fast paced attack by the Lawmen which took place mostly in the first half with lots of exciting plays. The second half found the Lawmen fine tuning each position bringing in their second and third string players to get them some on field experience prior to the league starting in two weeks back here at Pittsburg H.S.

One also needed to make note that there was no less than 5 other league teams there scouting the Lawmen.

Thank you Lawmen and Outlaws for a great game. And thank you especially to the Lawmen for their donations to the Oakland Children's Hospital.

Message from the Ambulance Service

2009-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory.If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call.

Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always Mobile phones with patients but they didn't know which number to call.. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose.

In an emergency situation,
Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE'. *

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.

Update Found: Oakley Amber Alert Amber Alert Missing Child

2009-02-26T08:09:00.001-08:00

Bria Kidd was last seen 2/23/09 You can click the photo above for a better view. She may not meet the criteria for a National Amber Alert. But being missing in our community warrants a Local Amber Alert.

I was contacted by City Council Member Romick who confirmed that Bria Kidd was a runaway that has now been reunited with her family. If you see any of the many flyers that are out there still, please feel free to remove them. These flyers were posted all over Diamond Hills Sports Club.

Whatever

2009-02-26T00:23:00.001-08:00

This is the place to start new chat threads. Post your ideas and opinions. Leave your comments and suggestions regarding the site. Remember without you contributing to the site and reading the posts changes can't happen.

Please take the time to read some of the other posts and comment on them as well.

What is Bijan's?

2009-02-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

I have past Bijan's on the corner of Main Street and Cypress over a hundred times but never new what it was, or what a treasure chest it is. Located next to the Chevron Bijan's place would appear to have tons of traffic and attention. However speaking to the owner that is not the case.

Inside you will find tons of memorabilia for movie stars, athletes and celebrities. You will also find swords, sunglasses, paintings and some hard to find pieces.

The owner moved out to the Oakley/Brentwood area because that is where he noticed most of his business was coming from during the housing increase. However the same thing that created his business, now is hurting it. With the increase in home foreclosures in our area, very few people are looking for his products.

Please take a moment to go inside, say hi to the owner and take a look at all he has to offer inside.

Let's try to keep this business in our community. It would be a shame to see him leave.

Safety Hazzard on the Freeway?

2009-02-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

How would you like to be behind this top heavy vehicle wobbling down Hwy 4?

Videos and Links of Suspect in Concord Car Jacking Case

2009-02-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

This guy really needs to be locked up and the key thrown away.

Matthew Meza 25 born September 5th, an ex student of Clayton Valley Highschool who would have graduated in 2003 is the suspect.

For the complete story of the chase please go to http://claycord.blogspot.com/2009/02/car-jacking-case-just-got-complicated.html

The website that was posting the videos and pics of Matt has been turned to private and is no longer available.

Minor League Football Comes to the Bay Area Starting Saturday February 28th

2009-02-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday Feb 28th Minor League Football comes to the Bay Area. The NorCal Lawmen will be facing the East Bay Outlaws. This promises to be a huge football game with many big plays. All Children under 12 and all high school Students with Student I.D's get in free. Football season is not over in the East Bay. Food and drinks will be available.

Flooded Streets in the East Bay

2009-02-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

With all this rain going on, what is the worst streets when it comes to flooding?

I would have to start with Laurel in Oakley next to the ball fields. Your tires on the ballpark side start to hydroplane while the rest of your car still has traction and it whips you to the right.

Can't we dig a small drainage ditch to the field below?

Next would be Joan Ave in Concord. It was fun when we were kids to hit the puddles on our bikes. But now it's just dangerous at the speeds cars fly down there.

Last would be Port Chicago Hwy in front of the City of Clyde. Get in an accident there and it's possible that no one will no for several hours.

Talk about Schools on Broakley.com

2009-02-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

Use this post to talk about the schools in your area. Good or Bad.

Concord High.... Looks like a prison from the outside?

Oakley P.D. Has the GhettoBird out

2009-02-16T23:09:00.000-08:00

The helicopter is in the air and no less than 6 cop cars are racing down Cypress West Bound.

They were racing to Gamay Cir. They had a BOLO "be on the lookout" for a missing person.

The missing person report was canceled at 11:10 PM as unfounded and suspect returned home.

Broakley Help Page

2009-02-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Broakley help page is here for the community to get information out quickly about Help that is needed in the community.

You can ask me to post information about Lost Dogs or Cats, Fundraisers, Special Events, School Reunions, Charities, City Meetings, School Functions, etc.

Please email me with any information you have along with any fliers or photos that you have scanned in.

The link to the help page is on the right sidebar or you can go to broakleyhelp.blogspot.com

King Mogey

Hwy 4 Accident results in Oakley Resident Death

2009-02-15T11:01:00.001-08:00

ANTIOCH — A man was killed Saturday morning when his car hit the center divide while traveling east on Highway 4, CHP officer Marc Johnston said.

Colin Stoops, 20, of Oakley, was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the solo-vehicle accident. Police were called to the scene at 3:15 a.m. west of the 18th Street interchange in Antioch.

Police found the overturned car in a ditch off the highway. Police said the car hit the center divide, scattering debris across all the lanes. Several other cars were disabled due to the debris in the roadway, but no other injuries were reported.

Buffalo N.Y. Plane Crash with Fatalities

2009-02-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

At 10:17 A Continental Express Plane crashed in Buffalo N.Y.
It appears that all 48 passengers were killed and 1 person from the neighborhood it landed in.
It was in route from Newark, N.J. to Buffalo, N.Y.

This number has been provided for questions regarding the victims. 1 800 621-3263

Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch Broyhill Furniture Liquidation

2009-02-12T15:14:00.000-08:00

Broyhill furniture is having a warehouse liquidation sale and is hosting it in the old Thomasville Furniture store right next store to Old Navy which is at the corner of Brentwood, Oakley, and Antioch borders on Lone Tree. This is president's day week and I went in there to see what kind of deals they had and was amazed by their prices. Since opening just over a week ago they have already emptied out the entire store and brought in several more truck loads. Most people remember the Broyhill brand name from The Price is Right. Well The Price appears to be Right now. Best part about it is you get immediate satisfaction. No waiting for the furniture to be made or brought from the East Coast.

Oakley suspends Planning Commission, adopts furloughs to trim budget

2009-02-12T11:33:00.001-08:00

OAKLEY — The Oakley City Council approved several cuts Tuesday night, including worker furloughs, in an effort to save money on the city's relatively strong balance sheet.

The council adopted several recommendations from city staff to shore up $273,090, including implementing staff furlough days and removing the Planning Commission.

The council said it would assume most of the commission's duties. The commission could return in the future.

In addition, most city employees will be furloughed every third Friday of the month beginning March 20 until June 18, 2010. Employees also will be furloughed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, 2010, for the holidays. Certain police department and limited service employees designated by City Manager Bryan Montgomery will be exempt.

The council also elected to forgo a yearly pay increase in order to preserve community grants for certain events throughout the year.

Nearly $11,000 saved from the raises will go towards donations to the city's annual Almond Festival, FLW fishing tournament, and to sponsor the first "Relay for Life" event by the American Cancer Society in Oakley.

"I think it's important," Councilman Kevin Romick said, "even in financially difficult times, that the city maintains its presence in a number of events that are held annually." The council adopted the recommendations 5-0.

Woman suspected of stealing from barista tip jar leads Oakley police on 7-mile pursuit

2009-02-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

OAKLEY — A woman led police on a 7-mile pursuit after baristas at a drive-thru coffee shop say she stole their tip money Wednesday morning.

The woman and her Ford Focus made a strident entrance to the Caffino store on Main Street in Oakley shortly after 9 a.m. Employees heard honking as she drove in through the drive-thru exit and pulled up to the window.

"She wanted the biggest, largest, blackest coffee we have and she wanted it right now," said Kim Yoda, a store manager. "I said, 'Well, first hon, you're going to have to move your car because it's pointed in the wrong direction.'"

Yoda said the woman, apparently angered by the remarks, reached into the window and grabbed the tip jar, taking about $15 in cash while throwing the jar to the ground, where it smashed. The woman told the baristas she was going to get her coffee and gas elsewhere, offering one of the dollar bills back before she sped off, again in the wrong direction.

"She said she was actually going to come back," Yoda said. "I guess to give us the rest of the tips."

Employees called police, who began pursuing the car as it cruised down Main Street. Oakley police Sgt. Jeff Billeci said the driver refused to pull over.

She never drove much faster than the speed limit, but "she did run some stop signs and some stoplights," Billeci said.

Billeci said the driver, Oakley resident Denise Silva, finally pulled over outside Liberty High School in Brentwood, where she was arrested on charges of petty theft, reckless driving and evading the police. Billeci said she was apologetic, but refused to answer questions about what she was doing.

Thanks to cocotimes for the info.

Adams Middle School in Brentwood Closing?

2009-02-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

Adams Middle School in Brentwood is NOT closing. The Adams Middle School that was referred to in the KTVU report is Adams Middle School in Richmond.

Below is the list of Richmond School District schools slated for closure.

The schools slated for closure this year are El Sobrante, Castro, Lake and Shannon Elementary schools and Adams Middle School. For the 2010 to 2011 school year, the list includes Olinda Elementary, Nystrom or Grant Elementary, Kennedy High School, Gompers and North Campus Continuation schools.

For the full article you can go to the below link.

http://www.ktvu.com/news/18601006/detail.html

Stocks got Hammered Today

2009-02-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

After receiving news regarding the New Economic Stimulus package stocks dropped sharply today.

Some of the biggest declines occurred with Banks. Check your investment portfolio and make sure that you are diversified in stocks that have guaranteed returns.

Bank of America and Sirius radio had huge hits today. BofA was due to the news about the stimulus package.

Sirius Satellite radio was due to rumors of Bankruptcy. There after hours trading dropped their stock from over .11 cents a share to .06 cents a share.

I would definitely look into some insider trading with this stock seeing as just a few days ago they spiked up to .20 a share twice out of nowhere just days before the release of this news.

Los Medanos students suspected in football-recruiting scam

2009-02-10T13:40:00.001-08:00

Los Medanos College is investigating a football-recruiting scam in which players from Florida are accused of pretending to be California residents to pay lower fees.

About a dozen Los Medanos students — most or all of them football players — have been identified in the scam, said a source familiar with the investigation. The school has dismissed a football recruiter believed to have been involved.

Leaders at the 9,000-student Pittsburg community college were tight-lipped about details Monday, but Los Medanos President Peter Garcia said an employee tipped off authorities about a fraud in the fall. Investigators began looking into the case in November, he said.

About 12 students have been disciplined, although Garcia declined to elaborate on the punishment, citing privacy rules. The recruiter, an at-will hourly employee, was dismissed in late December, said Eugene Huff, the human resources director for the Contra Costa Community College District, to which Los Medanos belongs.

"We basically told the person that their services were no longer needed," Huff said.
Although the players were not named, several on the Los Medanos roster are from Florida. Los Medanos finished the fall season with a 2-8 record.

"Are you serious. They scam the system and then go 2-8"

A spokesman for the California Community College Athletic Association said the organization was aware of the allegations and was waiting for the investigation to finish before issuing sanctions.

California residents pay $20 per unit at the state's 110 community colleges, but students from other states and countries pay about 10 times that amount — around $200 per unit. For a full-time student taking 15 units, the difference amounts to about $2,100 per semester.
Asked about the accusations against his players, Los Medanos football coach Van Boschetti declined to comment.

"Currently, it's under investigation," he said. "We're trying to get all the facts together."
Police from the college district are investigating the case, the second major scam to hit the three-college district since 2007. That was the year Diablo Valley College uncovered a six-year-long cash-for-grades plot that led to felony charges against more than 50 former students.
Garcia said he does not know how long the residency scam has been running. After investigators finish looking into the violations that occurred this school year, they will start working back, he said.

"We'll go as far back as makes sense," he said, adding that the case will be sent to prosecutors for consideration of criminal charges.

Time Change for Oakley City Council

2009-02-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

“Many of the Council Meetings were ending late into the evening – often past 11:00 pm; beginning an hour earlier will allow residents to better participate in the meetings. We have many residents who leave early each morning to commute to work and being at a late City Council Meeting isn’t conducive to that work schedule,” explained City Manager Bryan Montgomery.
Agendas for each meeting are found on the City’s website at www.ci.oakley.ca.us and are also posted at City Hall, the “White House” at 204 Second Street and at the Post Office. Residents may also sign up to have the agendas emailed to them by contacting City Clerk Nancy Ortenblad at ortenblad@ci.oakley.ca.us
The Oakley City Council and Redevelopment Agency Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday’s beginning at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall located at 3231 Main Street.

Whatever

2009-02-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

Whatever is here for you to discuss anything you like. IF the Whatever you discuss is worthy it will be turned into a brand new post.

Hwy 4 accident just occurred

2009-02-07T01:28:00.000-08:00

Hwy 4 accident just occurred on the east bound side prior to Lone tree exit. A vehicle went off the road right before the underpass and got his car stuck behind the guard rail. CHP is on scene.

Update: CHP is currently looking for anyone that saw the accident.
If you have any information please contact Office Lowder. 925 646-4980
Remember that the smallest of details sometimes aids the case.

2 Separate Accidents on Hwy 4 just occurred

2009-02-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

There is two accidents currently being cleaned up on Hwy 4 between Hillcrest and Laurel. In one accident the vehicle struck the center medium. In the other accident the vehicle struck another vehicle. No injuries have been reported yet. CHP is on scene.

Stranger asks to take Dublin student out of school

2009-02-05T20:58:00.000-08:00

DUBLIN — Police are asking for the public's help to identify a woman who tried to take a student from a Dublin school last week.
An unidentified middle-age blonde woman wearing a hot pink sweatshirt tried to sign out a 6-year-old girl at about 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Saint Raymond's School on Shannon Avenue. The woman mentioned the child by name, but neither the staff nor the child recognized the woman, who appeared disheveled. After the staff checked to see who has authorization to sign the child out, the woman had left.
Although no crime took place, police would like to identify the woman and find out what her intentions were, said Dublin Police Lt. Glenn Moon.
The woman may have gotten the student's name by looking at the pages of the school's sign-out ledger, which she had been looking through at the time.
There have been no other similar incidents reported in Dublin or in the surrounding area, but police ask anyone with information to call Detective Scott Busby at 925-833-6667.

Homeless Man Saves Women in Pittsburg

2009-02-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

A women was exiting her car in Pittsburg yesterday at the hospital near LMC and had a Hispanic male rush her vehicle as she was exiting it. He started to engage her verbally trying to pick up on her as he got closer and closer to her. She asked him to leave because he was invading her personal space and she was feeling very uncomfortable. At this time he got very angry and started yelling "what you got a problem with Mexicans you stupid white bitch." and got even closer to her. A homeless African American man who was sleeping near by in a sleeping bag heard what was going on and got up to assist the women. He came over and with a very firm voice said "The lady said to get away from her, leave her alone." The other man then turned his attention to the homeless man and said "what are you going to do about it" and started to approach him in a threatening manner. The homeless man said "look, i have nothing in the world to lose, if I kick your ass all that's going to do is put a roof over my head for the next 2 days with food in my belly." The other man realizing the homeless man wasn't going to back down walked off.

Update: Major crash reported in Oakley

2009-02-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

OAKLEY — Emergency personnel are responding to a major crash this morning that has caused one vehicle to overturn and another with occupants needing to be extricated, authorities said.
The collision was reported about 7:55 a.m. at the intersection of Laurel Road and Empire Avenue, the Contra Costa Fire District said. Rescue workers initially called for a helicopter to airlift at least one of the injured parties, but that request was hampered by fog in the area.
Further details were not immediately available.

Thank You to Robert Salonga for the information.

Update: The motorist, a 20-year-old Oakley resident, was taken to a local hospital by ground ambulance after a request for a helicopter was denied because of fog in the area, a dispatcher for the Contra Costa Fire District said. The occupants of the Chevrolet Tahoe that struck him, a 40-year-old Oakley woman and her 10-year-old son, were not injured but the woman was taken to a hospital as a precaution.
The collision occurred about 7:55 a.m. when, according to witnesses, the 20-year-old man rolled his Dodge Neon through a stop sign at Hampton Way and Laurel Avenue, said Deputy Daniel Wedemeyer.
The woman driving the SUV was traveling about 40 mph and swerved to avoid the sedan but struck it on the driver's side door, Wedemeyer said. The Dodge driver suffered injuries to his lower body and is expected to recover.
Wedemeyer said those involved in the crash were wearing seat belts, and that drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been a factor. Police have not determined whether the driver of the Dodge that went through the stop sign will be cited in the collision.

Amber Alert - Missing Children

2009-02-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

January 30th 2009 marked the 20th year that Local girl Ilene Misheloff -- Dublin, CA went missing. With the popularity of Blogging on sites such as Broakley.com and Claycord.com in the California Bay Area I wanted to makes sure that local coverage for missing children continues even after the news ratings say don't talk about it anymore.

For those of you who don't know, Amber Alert is when a child has gone missing and law enforcement issues immediate, up-to-date information that aids in the child's safe recovery.

The AMBER ALERT Program has helped in successfully recovering over one hundred children since it was established statewide in California on July 31, 2002.

The AMBER ALERT Program originated in Texas in 1996 after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted and murdered. Texas organized a system that encouraged law enforcement agencies to alert the media following a confirmed child abduction. California introduced the AMBER ALERT concept in 1999 as a regional program. In 2002 it was adopted statewide after legislation established procedures to assist law enforcement.

The Bay Area has had more than it's share of missing Children.
Antioch, CA Chelsea & Zachary Smith Missing 12/19/1997

Concord, CA Nelssy Gonzalez Missing 9/1/2003
Concord, CA Tara Burke "Found Alive"
Dublin, CA --Ilene Misheloff Missing 1/30/1989
Fairfield, CA -- Amanda Campbell Missing 12/27/1991

Fairfield, CA --Clark Handa Missing 8/23/1984
Hayward, CA -- Michaela Garecht Missing 11/19/1988
Pinole, CA -- Amber Swartz-Garcia Missing 6/3/1988
S.F., CA -- Kevin Collins Missing 2/10/1984
San Pablo, CA -- Tara Cossey Missing 6/6/1979

As shown with the case of Tara Burke who was just under 3 years old when she was abducted and held captive for 10 months in a Van that drove through our neighborhoods and stayed at different locations throughout the Bay Area these children can be found alive with our help.

Also we can't forget the story of Steven Stayner who was abducted from Merced County on December 4th 1972 when he was 7 years old. He was held captive for 7 years until his kidnapper Kenneth Parnell brought home a new child Timothy "Timmy" White that was abducted. Steven hitchhiked with Timmy to Ukiah where they went to the police while their kidnapper was away at work. Kenneth Parnell only served 5 years of his 7 year sentence.

Update: In 2003 Berkeley police took 72-year-old Kenneth Parnell into custody for allegedly trying to buy a 4-year-old child. He was convicted and died in prison January of 2008

Motorcyclist killed in Antioch accident

2009-02-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

If you were traveling west bound on Hwy 4 last night you may have noticed the Antioch P.D. had parts of Larkspur Dr closed just past Hillcrest with lights up.

Unfortunately a motorcyclist identified as Vince Darone was involved in an accident when he hit a vehicle that was turning left onto Larkspur Dr onto Mayflower Dr which claimed his life. He was 36 years old. No one else was reported as injured in the accident.

Brentwood's Holiday on Ice closes tonight.

2009-02-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight we bid a farewell to Brentwood's Holiday on Ice. The tents will be taken down and we will have to hope and pray that Brentwood's Holiday on Ice resumes next winter.

I would like to thank Lynn Roberts and fiancée Dirk Davis for bringing Holiday on Ice to Brentwood.

Personally I would like to see Roller Skating/Roller Blading in the summer and Ice Skating in the winter. Possibly Dirk Davis can create a modular floor so that it can be added in the summer and removed in the winter.

This would continue to provide entertainment possibilities to our communities as well as provide much needed employment for the employees who were only seasonal.

Update: Lynn Roberts responded to a letter I sent her with the following information.

"We needed more Sponsorship-Advertising partnerships. We did not receive more than 15 total this year, and our costs went substantially over budget for this, our first year.

We had 29,800 skaters in total. Over 125 parties, 25 of which were private ice parties. We had over 150 guests attend a Holiday Ice Show, and over 150 students take our Saturday "Learn to Skate" clinics. In many ways it was a success, but fiscally and personally the time involved was enormous for our family. Without any re numeration for ourselves, the fact is we just barely broke even.

Perhaps some community fund raising or City of Brentwood Sponsorship would make this event possible to return next Season!"

Hwy 4 Bypass Congestion

2009-02-01T01:46:00.000-08:00

A Broakley reader notified me today that an accident occurred around 6:00 Pm 1/31/09. Vehicles were stopped and waiting for rescue personnel to arrive.

The Hwy 4 project http://sr4bypass.org/ which to some people has eliminated precious time off their commute has also created safety hazards.

Dale Dennis, project manager for the Route 4 Bypass Authority back in 2007 warned of the headaches that were going to be caused due to Hwy 4 narrowing from 3 lanes just past the Hillcrest exit to two at Laurel Road, and then from two to a single lane at Lone Tree Way as noted by KCBS.

The Yellow safety cones being used between Lone Tree and Sand Creek don't stop drunk drivers, impatient drivers, or drivers who are falling asleep from their long commutes through Vasco in one direction and Hwy 4 from the other direction.

A temporary concrete median is needed and the completion of this project needs to begin.

Better freeways=Higher Home Values=More Tax dollars=Continued Construction and Maintenance

Oakley Zoned for Porn near Elementary School

2009-01-31T23:02:00.000-08:00

Below is a small piece of an article from the Oakley press this week.

Bound by federal laws that prohibit an outright ban on sex shops, peep shows and strip clubs, the City Council this week unanimously approved an ordinance that would permit such establishments about three football fields away from the children attending Orchard Park School.
The ordinance allows so-called “adult businesses” to set up shop in a light-industrial area on either side of Sandy Lane, north of Oakley Road, east of Neroly Road and west of Live Oak Avenue. The businesses cannot be closer than 1,000 feet from the property line of a school, park, church or residential zone.
Orchard Park School is a K-8 school on Live Oak Avenue just north of Oakley Road. The children attending there would be a couple of long blocks away from the possible porn district. That district is also 1,000 feet from Cornerstone Pentecostal Church, located at Live Oak Avenue and Main Street.

For the full story you can follow this link.
http://www.oakleypress.com/article.cfm?articleID=21297

Broyhill Furniture Liquidation

2009-01-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

In the old Thomasville store on Lone Tree next to Old Navy, Broyhill furniture is running a Warehouse liquidation sale for a temporary amount of time. This isn't set to be a permanent location for them. I went in their personally last night and found the quality to be very nice. King Mogey has furniture background and this furniture is up to his standards. I will be returning to purchase a bedroom collection.

Please mention that Broakley.com sent you.

Hwy 4 Bypass Laurel Rd Exit Accidents

2009-01-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

Since the open of they Hyw 4 bypass and the Laurel Exit coming from Brentwood I have personally seen several accidents already. The cars exiting have a no turn on Red sign which is located across the intersection. Vehicle that aren't stopping are exiting so quickly that they are entering the second and third lanes which are the ones dedicated for through traffic coming off the freeway from the other direction. The cars that are already on laurel traveling East bound only get to choose from the middle lane and the far left lane. However these accidents are still occurring from the recklessness of drivers being to impatient to come to a complete stop at the light and see that they have a no turn on Red sign. Now if any of you have taken this exit you will also notice one more obstacle. There is a fence on the overpass. When looking to your left to see if cars have stopped like they should when you do get the Green Light it is very difficult to see because of this chain fence which at an angle appears to be almost solid. Traffic safety control please do us a favor and make a dedicated lane for exiting onto Laurel coming from Brentwood with a protected barrier. This shouldn't be too difficult since East bound traffic doesn't have the choice to choose the right hand lane until after they pass through the intersection.

$1.00 Ice Cream Scoops

2009-01-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

Yes you read the Title correctly. $1.00 ice cream being offered. King Mogey and his family loves ice cream just like everyone else. However with this economy even the King needs to find cheaper solutions for having fun. Problem solved. John's Ice Cream in Brentwood located at 6660 Lone Tree Way Brentwood, CA 94513 Map which is in the Winco shopping center is serving up ice cream at just the right price. It's nice to see in a time of rising prices, someone has come to our rescue in such a sweet way.