Brentwood Press - Index

Brentwood Press - DiscoveryBayPress_05.02.08 - Index

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PERMIT #48
YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 6, No.18 Including Surrounding Communities www.thepress.net May 2, 2008
Airport
expansion
takes off
by Ruth Roberts
Staff Writer
The fi rst phase of a $7 million jet
center expansion project took fl ight last
week with a groundbreaking ceremony
at the Byron Airport.
Supervisor Mary Piepho, a longtime
proponent of the airport extension, welcomed
county and local offi cials to the
event, praising the cooperative efforts of
many in making the expansion a reality.
“We’re at the end of the cul-de-sac
of East County and we have a lot to offer,”
said Piepho. “The Byron Airport is
a diamond in the rough, and it’s been a
real partnership to make this all happen.
Congratulations to everyone.”
Phase One, at an estimated $5 million
price tag, will include four 100x100foot
aircraft hangers with offi ce space
attached, and two 80x80-foot hangers,
also with compatible offi ce availability.
This fi rst phase has been paid for by private
developers, who will lease the land
and retain responsibility for upkeep and
maintenance. Construction is planned
to begin in the next few months and be
completed later this year.
Phase Two includes the construction
of four 100x100-foot hangers and is
Soggy Sunday
Sophia Baliaev, 9, in black, and Tianna Nelson, 9, of Discovery Bay take
advantage of a warm day and an available garden hose for summertime
fun in the spring last weekend. Things have cooled considerably
this week, but temperatures should be back up to 80 by Sunday.
expected to cost approximately $2 million.
Construction will begin shortly after the
completion of Phase One.
Despite a downturn in the economy
and skyrocketing fuel prices, the new construction
is the fi rst upgrade for countyowned
Byron Airport in nearly 10 years,
Photo by Richard Wisdom
said Keith Freitas, director of airports for
the Byron Airport. And this time around,
added Freitas, the emphasis is on the corporate
customer.
“It’s been amazing. Since 9/11, aviation
see Airport page 29A
Houston, Piepho debate issues
by Dave Roberts
Staff Writer
On March 14, County
Supervisor Mary Piepho and
her challenger for re-election,
Assemblyman Guy Houston,
debated the issues before the
Contra Costa Council. Last
week we published excerpts
from the first half of that debate,
which focused on county
finances. (Go to ThePress.
net to see last week’s installment.)
This report provides
excerpts from the rest of the
debate dealing with campaign
contributions, saving the Delta
and transportation.
Question: From whom
will you accept campaign
HOUSTON
PIEPHO
contributions?
Houston: I have absolutely
no problem with taking
money from most groups.
Why do they give you the
money? They give you money
because they want something
or because they think that
you’re a good public official.
So you have to be able to look
at your so-called supporters
sometimes and say, “When
you’re wrong, you’re wrong.”
I have absolutely no
problem with doing that. So I
have no problem with accepting
these dollars from a variety
of groups. If you look at
my record, you couldn’t find
a group I haven’t taken money
from. Many people give
me money and support my
candidacy because they think
I’m a good elected official.
Piepho: I’m proud to say
that I don’t accept contributions
from homebuilders, refineries,
Indian gaming and
labor. Not that these are bad
people but because the pub-
lic’s perception is that they
are buying a vote, that their
interests become higher priority
than the public’s – and
that’s wrong.
So the only way I have
to stand up and show integrity
and character on this issue
is to say I won’t accept
that contribution. My vote
can’t be bought, but this is
the only way I have to prove
to the public that I am committed
to that philosophy.
Everybody has an equal opportunity.
And it makes it
very difficult to raise funds
in a campaign. But I was suc-
see Debate page 13A
National Award Winning Newspapers
THIS WEEK
Earth Day
is labor day
If you want the beauty, you’ve
got to start with the ugly
– as in hundreds of pounds of
recyclables.
Page 5A
Tattlin’ on
the rattlin’
With malice toward none,
venom for all, this critter deserves
your undivided attention
out on the trail.
Page 22A
Local tennis
on the rise
The Deer Valley, Heritage and
Freedom tennis programs are
poised for breakout seasons
next year.
Page 2B
INSIDE
Calendar ........................31B
Classifieds ......................21B
Community .................... 3A
Education ....................... 8A
Entertainment ..............17B
Food ..............................16B
Health & Beauty ...........11B
Milestones .....................29B
Opinion ........................20A
Public Notices ................24B
Recreation ....................22A